aid of action he obedience taught And silent patience for afflictions cure He prais'd my courage when I boldly fought But said They conquer most that most endure 25. The toyls of diligence as much approv'd As Valour 's self or th' Arts her practise gains The care of Men more than of glory lov'd Success rewarded and successless pains 26. To joyfull Victors quenching water sent Delightfull wine to their lamenting slaves For Feasts have more brave lives than Famine spent And Temp'rance more than Trench or Armour saves 27. Valour his Mistress Caution was his Friend Both to their diff'rent seasons he appli'd The first he lov'd on th' other did depend The first made worth uneasie by her pride 28. He to submiss devotion more was given After a battel gain'd than ere 't was fought As if it nobler were to thank high Heav'n For favours past than bow for bounty sought 29. And thus through smarting heat and aking cold Till Heav'ns perpetual Traveller had more Than thirty journeys through the Zodiack told I serv'd thy Grandsire whom I now adore 30. For Heav'n in his too ripe and weary age Call'd him where peacefully he rules a Star Free'd from the lower El'ments ceaseless rage Which last like Monarchs pow'r by needfull war 31. Strait thy lamented Father did succeed To his high place by Aribert's consent Our Ensigns through remoter Lands to lead Him too I follow'd till he upward went 32. Till that black day on which the Hunns may boast Their own defeat and we our conquest hide For though we gain'd and they the battel lost Yet then thy brave victorious Father dy'd 33. And I am stay'd unwillingly behind Not caught with wealth Life's most intangling snare Though both my Masters were in giving kind As joyfull Victors after Battel are 34. Whilst thus this aged Leader does express His and their Story whom this bounty feeds His hands the Duke 's worst order'd wounds undress And gently bind then strait he thus proceeds 35. West from those Hills till you Cremona reach With an unmingled right I gather rent By their great Gift who did such precepts teach In giving as their wealth is ne'r misspent 36. For as their plenteous pity fills my thought So their example was not read in vain A Thousand who for them in battel fought And now distress'd with Maims I entertain 37. Not giving like to those whose gifts though scant Pain them as if they gave with gowty hand Such vex themselves and ease not others want But we alike enjoy a like command 38. Most spaciously we dwell where we possess All smless pleasures Nature did ordain And who that all may have yet will have less Wiser than Nature thinks her kindness vain 39. A sad resolve which is a wise-mans vow From Cities noise and Couâ—â—s unpity'd care Did so divorce me it would scarce allow I ere should take one League of distâ—â—â— aiâ— 40. But that Alarms from each adjacent part Which borders my abode disturb'd my rest With dreadfull news that gracious Gondibert By Oswald's Faction was in fight opprest 41. Then it had given your wonder cause to last To see the vex'd mistakes this summons wrought In all my Maim'd Domesticks by their haste For some tie on the Limbs which others sought 42. Just such mistakes audacious Ethnicks say Will happen where the Righteous busie are Through glad and earnest haste in the last day Whilst others slowly to their doom prepare 43. And this had Anger anger noise had bred And Noise the Enemy of usefull Thought Had them to more mistakes than blindness led But that our awfull Camps had silence taught 44. Silence did Mem'ry Mem'ry order make Order to each did his mist wood restore For some who once were stedfast Fooâ— mistake And snatch those limbs which onely Horse-men wore 45. Like swift Pursuers on Arabian Horse These with their needfull Instruments of hold Which give their strange adapted weapons force I mounted strait Five Hundred fully told 46. These from the Lombards highly have deserv'd In Conquests where thy Father did command Whom they for Science and affection serv'd And lost their Limbs to gain our Scepter Land 47. Which yet are noble though unsightly signs That each in active courage much abounds And many a widow'd Mother now repines They cannot shew the Men who gave those wounds 48. For dearly did the Huns for honour pay When they deform'd them in a fatal fight Since though they strongly struggled for the day Yet all they got was everlasting Night 49. And Oswald's Friends were they not timely gone Though all the Faction in one Army were Should mourn this act against their Gen'ral's Son Who was to Souldiers more than Triumph dear 50. For these to Conquest us'd Retreats dislike Thy beauty want to others Beauty's cost With envious rage still at the Face they strike And punish Youth for what in youth they lost 51. Thus though the Duke's amazement be remov'd It now returns gladly on him to gaze Who feeds those Fighters whom his Father lov'd A gratitude would Virtue 's self amaze 52. Thou art said he then melted whilst he spake So ripe in what nice Heav'n does dearly love That Heav'ns remorse for Earth we should mistake To think it will forbear thee long above 53. As if thy sent for Soul already were Upon her Wings so much I give thee gon And wish thee left in some Successor here That might receive the kindness thou hast shown 54. Old Ulfin now but meltingly as he T' inrich him gives the Jewell of his sight For strait with Father's grave authoritie He bids his son young Ulfinor alight 55. Take him said he whose duty I release In whom all Heav'ns rewards included are For all my Justice in corrupted peace And for my mercy in revengeful war 56. The fruit Heav'ns sent me by my loyal wife In age the gloomy Eve of endless night Which eas'd in me the pain of latter life And frustrates death by fresh succession's sight 57. The Duke with passion did this Youth embrace Then luckie Goltho he call'd forth in view Who was this day in Fortun 's special grace For though no blood he lost yet much he drew 58. Him he with Ulfinor does strait unite Bids neither strive the other to precede Unless when danger doth them both invite But be even in nice Rivalship agreed 59. Bids both their Breasts be eithers open book Where nought is writ too hard for sodain Eies But â—ought's plain Text grows easie by a look Study breeds doubt where reading should suffice 60. But these to joyn Nature no Counsel needs Whom Sympathy her secret Priest does wed Much fam'd will be their loves and Martial Deeds Which fill all Books that are of Lombards read 61. With gracious Eyes and Bodie loâ—ly bent The Duke his Fathers rev'rend Troops salutes To Bergamo He holds his first intent Which to oppose old Ulfin thus disputes 62. Thou seest my Prince the faint decays of Light How hastily the
rage unite 6. Yet since on all War never needfull was Wise Aribert did keep the People sure By Laws from lesser dangers for the Laws Them from themselves and not from pow'r secure 7. Else Conquerours by making Laws orecome Their own gain'd pow'r and leave mens furie free Who growing deaf to pow'r the Laws grow dumb Since none can plead where all may Judges be 8. Prais'd was this King for war the Laws broad shield And for acknowledg'd Laws the art of Peace Happy in all which Heav'n to Kings does yield But a successour when his cares shall cease 9. For no Male Pledge to give a lustie name Sprung from his bed yet Heav'n to him allow'd One of the gentler sex whose Storie Fame Has made my Song to make the Lombards proud 10. Recorded Rhodalind whose high renown Who miss in Books not luckily have read Or vex'd by living beauties of their own Have shunn'd the wise Records of Lovers dead 11. Her Fathers prosp'rous Palace was the Sphear Where she to all with Heav'nly order mov'd Made rigid virtue so benign appear That 't was without Religion's help belov'd 12. Her looks like Empire shew'd great above pride Since pride ill counterfeits excessive height But Nature publish'd what she fain would hide Who for her deeds not beautie lov'd the light 13. To make her lowly minds appearance less She us'd some outward greatness for disguise Esteem'd as pride the Cloist'ral lowliness And thought them proud who even the proud despise 14. Her Father in the winter of his age Was like that stormie season froward grown Whom so her springs fresh presence did asswage That he her sweetness tasted as his own 15. The pow'r that with his stooping age declin'd In her transplanted by remove increas'd Which doubly back in homage she resign'd Till pow'rs decay the Thrones worst sickness ceas'd 16. Oppressours big with pride when she appear'd Blush'd and believ'd their greatness counterfeit The lowly thought they them in vain had fear'd Found virtue harmless and nought else so great 17. Her mind scarce to her feeble sex of kin Did as her birth her right to Empire show Seem'd careless outward when imploy'd within Her speech like lovers watch'd was kind and low 18. She shew'd that her soft sex contains strong minds Such as evap'rates through the courser Male As through course stone Elixar passage finds Which scarce through finer Christal can exhale 19. Her beautie not her own but Natures pride Should I describe from every Lovers eye All Beauties this original must hide Or like scorn'd Copies be themselves laid by 20. Be by their Poets Shunn'd whom beautie feeds Who beautie like hyr'd witnesses protect Officiously averring more than needs And make us so the needfull truth suspect 21. And since fond Lovers who disciples be To Poets think in their own loves they find More beautie than yet Time did ever see Time's Curtain I will draw ore Rhodalind 22. Lest shewing her each see how much he errs Doubt since their own have less that they have none Believe their Poets perjur'd Flatterers And then all Modern Maids would be undone 23. In pitie thus her beauty 's just renown I wave for publick Peace and will declare To whom the King design'd her with his Crown Which is his last and most unquiet care 24. If in alliance he does greatness prise His Mind grown wearie need not travel far If greatness he compos'd of Victories He has at home many that Victors are 25. Many whom blest success did often grace In Fields where they have seeds of Empire sown And hope to make since born of princely race Even her the harvest of those toyls their own 26. And of those Victors Two are chiefly fam'd To whom the rest their proudest hopes resign Though young were in there Fathers battels nam'd And both are of the Lombards Royal Line 27. Oswald the great and greater Gondibert Both from successfull conqu'ring Fathers sprung Whom both examples made of War's high art And far out-wrought their patterns being young 28. Yet for full fame as Trine Fam's Judge reports Much to Duke Gondibert Prince Oswald yields Was less in mightie mysteries of Courts In peacefull Cities and in fighting Fields 29. In Court Prince Oswald costly was and gay Finer than near vain Kings their Fav'rites are Out-shin'd bright Fav'rites on their Nuptial day Yet were his Eyes dark with ambitious care 30. Duke Gondibert was still more gravely clad But yet his looks familiar were and clear As if with ill to others never sad Nor tow'rds himself could others practise fear 31. The Prince could Porpoise-like in Tempests play And in Court-storms on ship-wrack'd Greatness seed Not frighted with their fate when cast away But to their glorious hazzards durst succeed 32. The Duke would lasting calms to Courts assure As pleasant Gardens we defend from winds For he who bus'ness would from Storms procure Soon his affairs above his mannage finds 33. Oswald in Throngs the abject People sought With humble looks who still too late will know They are Ambitious Quarrie and soon caught When the aspiring Eagle stoops so low 34. The Duke did these by stedie Virtue gain Which they in action more than precept tast Deeds shew the Good and those who goodness feign By such even through their vizards are out-fac't 35. Oswald in war was worthily renown'd Though gay in Courts coursly in Camps could live Judg'd danger soon and first was in it found Could toil to gain what he with ease did give 36. Yet toils and dangers through ambition lov'd Which does in war the name of Virtue own But quits that name when from the war remov'd As Rivers theirs when from their Channels gon 37. The Duke as restless as his fame in war With martial toil could Oswald wearie make And calmly do what he with rage did dare And give so much as he might deign to take 38. Him as their Founder Cities did adore The Court he knew to steer in storms of State In Field a Battel lost he could restore And after force the Victors to their Fate 39. In Camps now chiefly liv'd where he did aim At graver glory than Ambition breeds Designs that yet this story must not name Which with our Lombard Authours pace proceeds 40. The King adopts this Duke in secret thought To wed the Nations wealth his onely child Whom Oswald as reward of merit sought With Hope Ambition's common bait beguild 41. This as his souls chief secret was unknown Lest Oswald that his proudest Army led Should force possession ere his hopes were gone Who could not rest but in the royal bed 42. The Duke discern'd not that the King design'd To chuse him Heir of all his victories Nor guess'd that for his love fair Rhodalind Made sleep of late a stranger to her Eyes 43. Yet sadly it is sung that she in shades Mildly as mourning Doves love's sorrows felt Whilst in her secret tears her freshness fades As Roses silently in Lymbecks melt 44. But
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
54. We in Tradition Heav'ns dark Map descrie Heav'n worse than ancient Maps far Indian show Therefore in new we search where Heav'n does lie The Minds sought Ophir which we long to know 55. Or as a Planter though good Land he spies Seeks new and when no more so good he finds Doubly esteems the first so Truth men prise Truth the discov'ry made by trav'ling Minds 56. And this false Book till truly understood By Astragon was openly display'd As counterfeit false Princes rather shou'd Be shewn abroad than in closs Prison laid 57. Now to the old Philosophers they come Who follow'd Nature with such just despair As some do Kings far off and when at home Like Courtiers boast that they deep secret share 58. Near them are grave dull Moralists who give Counsel to such as still in publick dwell At seâ— at Courts in Camps and Cities live And scorn experience from th'unpractis'd Cell 59. Aesop with these stands high and they below His pleasant wisdom mocks their gravitie Who Virtue like a tedious Matron show He dresses Nature to invite the Eye 60. High skill their Ethicks seems whilst he stoops down To make the People wise their learned pride Makes all obscure that Men may prise the Gown With ease lie teaches what with pain they hide 61. And next as if their bus'ness rul'd Mankind Historians stand big as their living looks Who thought swift Time they could in fetters bind Till his Confessions they had ta'ne in books 62. But Time oft scap'd them in the shades of Night And was in Princes Closets oft conceal'd And hid in Battels smoke so what they write Of Courts and Camps is oft by guess reveal'd 63. Near these Physitians stood who but reprieve Life like a Judge whom greater pow'r doeâ— aw And cannot an Almighty pardon give So much yields Subject Art to Nature's Law 64. And not weak Art but Nature we upbraid When our frail essence proudly we take ill Think we are rob'd when first we are decay'd And those were murder'd whom her law did kill 65. Now they refresh after this long survay With pleasant Poets who the Soul sublime Fame's Her auids in whose Triumphs they make way And place all those whom Honour helps to climb 66. And he who seem'd to lead this ravish'd Race Was Heav'ns lov'd Laâ—reat that in Jewry writ Whose Harp approach'd Gods Ear though none his Face Durst see and first made inspiration wit 67. And his Attendants such blest Poets are As make unblemish'd Love Courts best delight And sing the prosp'rous Battels of just War By these the loving Love and valiant fight 68. O hireless Science and of all alone The liberal Meanly the rest each State In pension treats but this depends on none Whose worth they rev'rendly forbear to rate CANTO the Sixth The ARGUMENT How ASTRAGON to Heav'n his duty pays In Pray'r and Penitence but most in Praise To these he sev'ral Temples dedicates And ULFIN their distinguish'd use relates Religion's Rites seem here in Reasons sway Though Reason must Religion's Laws obay 1. THe noble Youths reclaim'd by what they saw Would here unquiet war as pride for sake And study quiet Nature's pleasant Law Which Schools through pride by Art uneasie make 2. But now a sudden Shout their thoughts diverts So chearfull general and loud it was As pass'd through all their Ears and fill'd their Hearts Which lik'd the joy before they knew the cause 3. This Ulfin by his long Domestick skill Does thus explain The Wise I here observe Are wise tow'rds God in whose great service still More than in that of Kings themselves they serve 4. He who this Building 's Builder did create As an Apartment here Triangular Where Astragon Three Fanes did dedicate To days of Praise of Penitence and Pray'r 5. To these from diff'rent motives all proceed For when discov'ries they on Nature gain They praise high Heav'n which makes their work succe 〈…〉 But when it falls in Penitence complain 6. â—f after Praise new blessings are not giv'n Nor mourning Penitence can ills repair Like practis'd Beggers they solicite Heav'n And will prevail by violence of Pray'r 7. The Temple built for Pray'r can neither boast The Builder's curious Art nor does declare By choice Materials he intended cost To shew that nought should need to tempt to Pray'r 8. No Bells are here Unhing'd are all the Gates Since craving in distress is natural All lies so ope that none for ent'rance waits And those whom Faith invites can need no call 9. The Great have by distinction here no name For all so cover'd come in grave disguise To shew none come for decency or fame That all are strangers to each others Eyes 10. But Penitence appears unnatural For we repent what Nature did perswade And we lamenting Men's continu'd fall Accuse what Nature necessary made 11. Since the requir'd extream of Penitence Seems so severe this Temple was design'd â—olemn and strange without to catch the sense And dismal shew'd within to aw the mind 12. Of sad black Marble was the outward Frame A mourning Monument to distant sight â—ut by the largeness when you near it came It seem'd the Palace of Eternal Night 13. Black beauty which black Meroens had prais'd Above their own gravely adorn'd each part In Stone from Nyle's head Quarries slowly rais'd And slowlyer polish'd by Numidi an Art 14. Hither a loud Bells tole rather commands Than seems t' invite the persecured Ear A summons Nature hardly understands For few and flow are those who enter here 15. Within a dismal Majesty they find All gloomy great all silent does appear As Chaos was ere th' Elements were design'd Man 's evil fate seems hid and fashion'd here 16. Here all the Ornament is rev'rend black Here the check'd Sun his universal Face Stops bashfully and will no enterance make As if he spy'd Night naked through the Glass 17. Black Curtains hide the Glass whilst from on high A winking Lamp still threatens all the Room As if the lazy flame just now would die Such will the Sun's last light appear at Doom 18. This Lamp was all that here inform'd all Eyes And by refléx did on a Picture gain Some few false Beams that thence from Sodom rise Where Pencils seign the fire which Heav'n did rain 19. This on another Tablet did reflect Where twice was drawn the am'rous Magdaline Whilst beauty was her care then her neglect And brightest through her Tears she seem'd to shine 20. Near her seem'd crncifi'd that lucky Thief In Heav'ns dark Lot'ry prosp'rous more than wife Who groap'd at last by chance for Heav'ns relief And Throngs undoes with Hope by one drawn Prize 21. In many Figures by reflex were sent Through this black Vault instructive to the mind That early and this tardy Penitent For with Obsidian stone 't was chiefly lin'd 22. The Seats were made of Ethiops swarthy wood Abstersive Ebony but thinly fill'd For none this place by nature understood And practise when
first divide Whilst place scarce distant gives them diff'rent stiles Rivers whose breadth Inhabiâ—ants may stride Parts them as much as Continents and Isles 33. On equal smooth and undistinguish'd Ground The lust of pow'r does liberty impair And limits by a border and a bound What was before as passable as Air. 34. Whilst change of Languages oft breeds a war A change which Fashion does as oft obtrude As womens dress and oft Complexions are And diff'rent names no less a cause of fouâ— 35. Since Men so causelesly themselves devour And hast'ning still their else too hasty Fates Act but continu'd Massacres for pow'r My Father meant to chastise Kings and States 36. To overcome the world till but one Crown And universal Neighbourhood he saw Till all were rich by that alliance grown And want no more should be the cause of Law 37. One family the world was first design'd And though some fighting Kings so sever'd are That they must meet by help of Seas and wind Yet when they fight 't is but a civil war 38. Nor could Religions heat if one rul'd all To bloody war the unconcern'd allure And hasten us from Earth ere Age does call Who are alas of Heav'n so little sure 39. Religion ne'r till divers Monarchies Taught that almighty Heav'n needs Armies aid But with contentious Kings she now complies Who seem for their own cause of God's afraid 40. To joyn all sever'd Pow'rs which is to end The cause of War my Father onward fought By war the Lombard Scepter to extend Till peace were forc'd where it was slowly sought 41. He lost in this attempt his last dear blood And I whom no remoteness can deterre If what seems difficult be great and good Thought his Example could not make me erre 42. No place I merit in the Book of Fame Whose leaves are by the Greeks and Romans fill'd Yet I presume to boast she knows my name And she has heard to whom the Hunns did yield 43. But let not what so needfully was done Though still pursu'd make you ambition fear For could I force all Monarchies to one That Universal Crown I would not wear 44. He who does blindly â—oar at Rhodalind Mounts like feel'd Doves still higher from his ease And in the lust of Empire he may find High Hope does better than Fruition please 45. The Victor's solid recompence is rest And 't is unjust that Chiefs who pleasure shun Toyling in Youth should be in Age opprest With greater Toyls by ruling what they won 46. Here all reward of conquest I would find Leave shining Thrones for Birtha in a shade With Nature's quiet wonders fill my mind And praise her most because she Birtha made 47. Now Astragon with joy suffic'd perceiv'd How nobly Heav'n for Birtha did provide Oâ—t had he for her vanish'd Mother griev'd â—ut â—an this joy less than that sorrow hide 48. With tears bids Gondibert to Heav'ns Eye make All good within as to the World he seems And in gain'd Birtha then from Hymen take All youth can wish and all his age esteems 49. Straight to his lov'd Philosophers he hies Who now at Nature's Counsel busie are To trace new Lights which some old Gazer spies Whilst the Duke seeks more busily his Star 50. But in her search he is by Goltho stay'd Who in a closs dark Covert folds his Arms His Eyes with thought grow darker than that shade Such thought as brow and breast with study warms 51. Fix'd to unheeded object is his Eye His sences he calls in as if t' improve By outward absence inward extasie Such as makes Prophets or is made by Love 52. Awake said Gondibert for now in vain Thou dream'st of sov'reignty and War's success Hope nought has left which Worth should wish to gain And all Ambition is but Hope's excess 53. Bid all our Worthies to unarm and rest For they have nought to conquer worth their care I have a Father's right in Birtha's breast And that 's the peace for which the wise make war 54. At this starts Goltho like some Armie 's Chief Whom unintrench'd a midnight Larum wakes By pawse then gave disorder'd sence relief And this reply with kindled passion makes 55. What means my Prince to learn so low a boast Whose merit may aspire to Rhodalind For who could Birtha miss if she were lost That shall by worth the others treasure find 56. When your high blood and conquests shall submit To such mean joys in this unminded shade Let Courts without Heav'ns Lamps in darkness sit And war become the lowly Shepheard's Trade 57. Birtha a harmless Cottage Ornament May be his Bride that 's born himself to serve But you must pay that blood your Anny spent And wed that Empire which our wounds deserve 58. This brought the Dukes swiâ—t anger to his Eyes Which his consid'rate Heart rebuk'd as fast He Goltho chid in that he nought replies Leaves him and Birtha seeks with Lovers haste 59. Now Goltho mourns yet not that Birtha's fair Or that the Duke shuns Empire for a Bride But that himself must joyn love to despair Himself who loves her and his love must hide 60. He curs'd that him the wounded hither brought From Oswald's field where though he wounds did scape In tempting Death and here no danger sought Yet here met worse than Death in Beauty's shape 61. He was unus'd to love as bred in wars And not till now for beâ—uty leasure had Yet bore Love's load as Youth beaâ—s other Câ—res Till now despair makes Love's old weight too â—ad 62. But Ulfinore does hither aptly come His second breast in whom his griefs excess He may ebb out when they ore-flow at home Such griefs as thus in Throngs for utt'rance press 63. Forgive me that so falsly am thy Friend No more our Hearts for kindness shall contest Since mine I hourly on another spend And now imbrace thee with an empty brest 64. Yet pard'ning me you cancel Nature's fault Who walks with her first force in Birtha's shape And when she spreads the Net to have us caught It were in youth presumption to escape 65. When Birtha's grief so comly did appear Whilst she beheld our wounded Duke's distress Then first my alter'd Heart began to fear Lest too much Love should friendship dispossess 66. But this whilst Ulfinore with sorrow hears Him Goltho's busier sorrow little heeds And though he could reply in sighs and tears Yet governs both and Goltho thus proceeds 67. To Love's new dangers I have gone unarm'd I lack'd experience why to be afraid Was too unlearn'd to read how Love had harm'd But have his will as Nature's law obay'd 68. Th'obedient and defenceless sure no law Afflicts for law is their defence and pow'r Yet me Loves sheep whom rigour needs not aw Wolf-Love because defenceless does devour 69. Gives me not time to perish by degrees But with despair does me at once destroy For none who Gondibert a Lover sees Thinks he would love but where he may enjoy
70. Birtha he loves and I from Birtha fear Death that in rougher Figure I despise This Ulfinore did with distemper hear Yet with dissembled temp'rance thus replies 71. Ah Goltho who Love's Feaver can asswage For though familiar seems that old disease Yet like Religion's fit when Peoples rage Few cure those evils which the Patient please 72. Natures Religion Love is still perverse And no commerce with cold discretion hath For if Discretion speak when Love is fierce 'T is wav'd by Love as Reason is by Faith 73. As Gondibert left Goltho when he heard His Saint profan'd as if some Plague were nigh So Goltho now leaves Ulfinore and fear'd To share such veng'ance if he did not flie 74. How each at home ore-rates his miserie And thinks that all are musical abroad Unfetter'd as the Winds whilst onely he Of all the glad and licenc'd world is aw'd 75. And as Cag'd Birds are by the Fowler set To call in more whilst those that taken be May think though they are Pris'ners in the Net Th'incag'd because they ne'r complain are free 76. So Goltho who by Ulfinore was brought Here where he first Love's dangers did perceive In Beautie 's Field thinks though himself was caught Th' inviter safe because not heard to grieve 77. But Ulfinore whom neighbourhood led here Impressions took before from Birtha's sight Ideas which in silence hidden were As Heav'n's designs before the birth of Light 78. This from his Father Ulfin he did hide Who strict to Youth would not permit the best Reward of worth the Bosom of a Bride Should be but after Virtuous toils possest 79. For Ulfinore in blooming honour yet Though he had learnt the count'nance of the Foe And though his courage could dull Armies whet The care ore Crouds nor Conduct could not know 80. Nor varie Battels shapes in the Foes view But now in forreign Fields means to improve His early Arts to what his Father knew That merit â—o might get him leave to love 81. Till then check'd passion shall not venture forth And now retires with a disorder'd Heart Griev'd lest his Rival should by early'r worth Get Love's reward ere he can gain desert 82. But stop we here like those who day-light lack Or as misguided Travellers that rove Oft find their way by going somewhat back So let 's return thou ill Conductour Love 83. Thy little Grecian Godhead as my Guide I have attended many a Winter night To seek whom Time for honour's sake would hide Since in mine age sought by a wasted light 84. But ere my remnant of Life's Lamp be spent Whilst I in Lab'rinths stray amongst the Dead I mean to recollect the paths I went And judge from thence the steps I am to tread 85. Thy walk though as a common Deitie The Croud does follow thee misterious grows For Rhodalind may now closs Mourner die Since Gondibert too late her sorrow knows 86. Young Hurgonil above dear light prefers Calm Orna who his highest Love out-loves Yet envious Clouds in Lombard Registers Orecast their Morn what ere their Evening proves 87. For fatal Laura trustie Tybalt pines For haughtie Gartha â—ubtle Hermegild Whilst she her beautie youth and birth declines And as to Fate does to Ambition yield 88. Great Gondibert to bashfull Birtha bends Whom she adores like Virtue in a Throne Whilst Ulfinore and Goltho late vow'd Friends By him are now his Rivals and their own 89. Through ways thus intricate to Lovers Urns Thou lead'st me Love to shew thy Trophies past Where time less cruel than thy Godhead mourns In ruins which thy pride would have to last 90. Where I on Lombard Monuments have read Old Lovers names and their fam'd Ashes spy'd But less can learn by knowing they are dead And such their Tombes than how they liv'd and dy'd 91. To Paphos flie and leave me sullen here This Lamp shall light me to Records which give To future Youth so just a cause of fear That it will Valour seem to dare to live The End of the Second Book GONDIBERT The Third Book Written by the Authour during his Imprisonment CANTO the First The ARGUMENT The People left by GARTHA leave to mourn And worship HERMEGILD for her return The wounded HURGONIL by ORNA cur'd Their loyal loves by marriage plight assur'd In LAURA'S hasty change Love's pow'r appears And TYBALT seeks the kindness which he fears 1. WHen sad Verona saw in Gartha's shape prais'd Departed Peace brought back the Court they And seem'd so joy'd as Cities which escape A Siege even by their own brave Sallys rais'd 2. And Hermegild to make her triumph long Through all the streets his Chariot slowly drove Whilst she endures the kindness of the Throng Though rude as was their rage is now their love 3. On Hermegild so longingly desir'd From Hubert's Camp with Childish Eyes they gaze They worship now what late they but admir'd And all his Arts to mightie Magick raise 4. On both they such a 〈…〉 t Blâ—â—â—ings throw As if those num'rous Priests who here reside Loath to out-live this joy assembled now In haste to bless the â—aytiâ— e'râ— they â—yd 5. Thus dignify'd and â—rown'd through all the Streets To Court they come where them wiâ—e Aribert Not weakly with a publick passion meets But in his open'd Face conceal'd his heart 6. With mod'rate joy he took this Pledge of Peace Because great joys infer to judging Eys The mind distress'd before and in distress Thrones which are jealous Forts think all are Spies 7. Yet by degrees a Soul delighted shows To Gartha whom he leads to Rhodalind And soon to Hermegild as artless grows As Maids and like succesfull Lovers kind 8. And Rhodalind though bred to daily sight Of Courts feign'd Faces and pretended hearts In which disguises Courts take no delight But little mischiefs shun by little Arts. 9. She when she Garthaâ—aw â—aw no kindness faign'd But faithfully her former rage excus'd For now she others sorrows entertain'd As if to love a Maid's first sorrow us'd 10. Yet did her first with cautious gladness meet Then soon from grave respect to fondness grew To kisses in their taste and odour sweet As Hybla Hony or Arabian Dew 11. And Gartha like an Eastern Monarch's Bride This publick love with bashfull homage took For she had learn'd from Hermegild to hide A rising Heart behind a falling Look 12. Thus mask'd with meekness she does much intreat A pardon for that Storm her sorrow rais'd Which Rhodalind more fues she would forget Unless to have so just a sorrow prais'd 13. Soon is this joy through all the Court dispers'd So high they vallue peace who daily are In Prides invasions private faction vers'd The small but fruitfull seed of publick war 14. Whilst thus sweet Peace had others joys assur'd Orna with hopes of sweeter Love was pleas'd For of war's wounds brave Hurgonil was cur'd And those of love which deeper reach'd were â—as'd 15. In both these cures her Sov'raign help appears
is with spite May blisters seiz on thy uncivil Tongue Which strives so wickedly to do me right By doing Rhodalind and Orna wrong 44. False Fame thy Mistris tutor'd thee amiss Who teaches School in streets where Crowds resort Fame false as that their beauty painted is The common Country slander on the Court. 45. With this rebuke Tâ—ula takes gravely leave Pretends she 'll better judge ere they be gon At least see more though they her sight deceive Whilst Birtha finds wilde Fear feeds best alone 46. Ulfin receives and through Art's Palace guides The King who owns him with familiar grace Though Twice seven Years from first observance hides Those Marks of valour which adorn'd his Face 47. Then Astragon with hasty homage bows And says when thus his Beams he does dispence In lowly visits like the Sun he shows Kings made for universal influence 48. Him with renown the King for Science pays And Virtue which Gods likest pictures bee Drawn by the Soul whose onely hire is praise And from such Salary not Heav'n is free 49. Then kindly he inquires for Gondibert When and how far his wounds in danger were And does the cautious progress of his Art Alike with wonder and with pleasure hear 50. Now Gongibert advanc'd but with delay As fetter'd by his love for he would fain Dissembled weakness might procure his stay Here where his Soul does as in Heav'n remain 51. Him Creature like the King did boldly use With publick love to have it understood That Kings like God may chuse whom they will chuse And what they make judge with their own Eyes good 52. This grace the Duke at bashfull distance takes And Rhodalind so much concern'd is grown That his surprisal she her trouble makes Blushing as if his blushes were her own 53. Now the bright Train with Astragon ascend Whilst Hermegild with Gartha moves behind Whom much this gracious visit did offend But thus he practis'd to appease her mind 54. Judge not you strangely in this visit show As well in Courts think wise disembling new Nor think the kindness strange though to your Foe Till all in Courts where they are kind are true 55. Why should your closser mourning more be worn Poor Priests invented Blacks for lesser cost Kings for their Syres in Regal Purple mourn Which shews what they have got not what they lost 56. Though rough the way to Empire be and steep You look that I should level it so plain As Babes might walk it barefoot in their sleep But Pow'r is the reward of patient pain 57. This high Hill Pow'r whose Bowels are of Gold Shews near to greedy and unpractis'd sight But many grow in travel to it old And have mistook the distance by the height 58. If those old Travellers may thither be Your trusted Guides they will your haste reform And give you fears of Voyages by Sea Which are not often made without a storm 59. Yet short our Course shall prove our passage fair If in the Steerage you will quiet stand And not make storms of ev'ry sigh of Air But think the Helm safe in the Pilots hand 60. You like some fatal King who all Men hears Yet trusts entirely none your trust mistake As too much weight for one One Pillar bears Weight that would make a thousand shoulders ake 61. Your Brothers storm I to a calm have turn'd Who lets this guilded Sacrifice proceed To Hymen's Altar by the King adorn'd As Priests give Victims Garlands ere they bleed 62. Hubert to triumph would not move so fast Yet you though but a kind Spectator mean To give his triumph Laws and make more haste To see it pass than he does to be seen 63. With patience lay this Tempest of your heart For you ere long this Angels form shall turn To fatal Man's and for that shape of Art Some may as I for yours of Nature mourn 64. Thus by her Love-sick States-men she was taught And smil'd with joy of wearing Manly shape Then smil'd that such a smile his Heart had caught Whose Nets camps break not through nor Senates scape CANTO the Fourth The ARGUMENT The King to GONDIBERT is grown so kind That he prevents the bounteous RHODALIND In giving of her love and GONDIBERT Laments his Breast holds but a single heart Which BIRTHA grieves her beauty did subdue Since he undoes the world in being true 1. FUll grows the Presence now as when all know Some stranger Prince must be receiv'd with state When Courts shew those who come to see the Show And all gay Subjects like Domesticks wait 2. Nor Vlfinore nor Goltho absent were Whose hopes expect what lift'ning Birtha hid In the adjoyning Closet fears to hear And begs kind Heav'n in pitie would forbid 3. The King who never time nor pow'r mispent In Subjects bashfulness whiling great deeds Like Coward Councels who too late consent Thus to his secret Will aloud proceeds 4. If to thy same brave Youth I could adde wings Or make her Trumpet louder by my voice I would as an example drawn for Kings Proclaim the cause why thou art now my choice 5. But this were to suspect the world asleep Or all our Lombards with their envy blind Or that the Hunns so much for bondage weep As their drown'd Eyes cannot thy Trophies find 6. When this is heard none dare of what I give Presume their equal merit might have shar'd And to say more might make thy Foes believe Thy dang'rous worth is grown above reward 7. Reward even of a Crown and such a Crown As by Heav'n's Model ancient Victors wore When they as by their Coyn by Laws were known For Laws but made more currant Victors pow'r 8. A Crown soon taught by whom Pow'r first was given When Victors of Dominion cautious made By hearing of that old revolt in Heaven Kept Pow'r too high for Subjects to invade 9. A Crown which ends by Armies their debate Who question height of Pow'r who by the Law Till plain obedience they make intricate Would not the People but their Rulers aw 10. To Pow'r adoption makes thy Title good Preferring worth as birth gives Princes place And Virtue 's claim exceeds the right of blood As Souls extraction does the Bodies Race 11. Yet for thy Bloods long walk through Princes veins Thou maist with any Lombard measure time Though he his hidden house in Illium feigns And not step short when Hubert self would climb 12. And Hubert is of highest Victors Breed Whose worth I shall for distant Empire chuse If he will learn that you by Fate precede And what he never had he cannot lose 13. His Valour shall the Gothick Conquest keep And would to Heav'n that all your mighty Minds As soon were pleas'd as Infants are with sleep And you had Musick common as the winds 14. That all the Year your Seasons were like Spring All joy'd as Birds and all as Lovers kind That ev'ry famous Fighter were a King And each like you could have a Rhodalind
who could know her love whose jealous shame Deny'd her Eyes the knowledge of her glass Who blushing thought Nature her self too blame By whom Men guess of Maids more than the face 45. Yet judge not that this Duke though from his sight With Maids first fears she did her passion hide Did need love's flame for his directing light But rather wants Ambition for his Guide 46. Love's fire he carry'd but no more in view Than vital heat which kept his heart still warm This Maids in Oswald as love's Beacon knew The publick flame to bid them flie from harm 47. Yet since this Duke could love we may admire Why love ne'r rais'd his thoughts to Rhodalind But those forget that earthly flames aspire Whilst Heavenly beams which purer are descend 48. As yet to none could he peculiar prove But like an universal Influence For such and so sufficient was his love To all the Sex he did his heart dispence 49. But Oswald never knew love's ancient Laws The aw that Beauty does in lovers breed Those short-breath'd fears and paleness it does cause When in a doubtfull Brow their doom they read 50. Not Rhodalind whom then all Men as one Did celebrate as with confed'rate Eyes Could he affect but shining in her Throne Blindly a Throne did more than beauty prise 51. He by his Sister did his hopes prefer A beauteous pleader who victorious was O're Rhodalind and could subdue her Ear In all requests but this unpleasant cause 52. Gartha whose bolder beauty was in strength And fulness plac'd but such as all must like Her spreading stature talness was noâ— length And whilst sharp beauties pierce hers seem'd to strike 53. Such goodly presence ancient Poets grace Whose songs the worlds first manliness declare To Princes Beds teach carefulness of Bace Which now store Courts that us'd to store the war 54. Such was the palace of her Mind a Prince Who proudly there and still unquier lives And sleep domestick ev'ry where from thence To make Ambition room unwisely drives 55. Of manly force was this her watchfull mind And fit in Empire to direct and sway If she the temper had of Rhodalind Who knew that Gold is currant with allay 56. As Kings oft slaves to others hopes and skill Are urg'd to war to load their slaves with spoyls So Oswald was push'd up Ambition's hill And so some urg'd the Duke to martial toyls 57. And these who for their own great cause so high Would lift their Lords Two prosp'rous Armies are Return'd from far to fruitfull Lombardy And paid with rest the best reward of War 58. The old near Brescia lay scarce warm'd with Tents For though from danger safe yet Armies then Their posture kept 'gainst warring Elements And hardness learn'd against more warring Men. 59. Near Bergamo encamp'd the younger were Whom to the Franks distress the Duke had led The other Oswald's lucky Ensigns bear Which lately stood when proud Ovenna fled 60. These that attend Duke Gondibert's renown Where Youth whom from his Fathers Camp he chose And them betimes transplanted to his own Where each the Planters care and judgement shows 61. All hardy Youth from valiant Fathers sprung Whom perfect honour he so highly taught That th' Aged fetch'd examples from the young And hid the vain experience which they brought 62. They danger met diverted less with fears Than now the dead would be if here again After they know the price brave dying bears And by their sinless rest find life was vain 63. Temp'rate in what does needy life preserve As those whose Bodies wait upon their Minds Chaste as those Minds which not their Bodies serve Ready as Pilots wak'd with sudden Winds 64. Speechless in diligence as if they were Nightly to close surprize and Ambush bred Their wounds yet smarting mercifull they are And soon from victory to pitie led 65. When a great Captive they in fight had ta'ne Whom in a Filial duty some fair Maid Visits and would by tears his Freedom gain How soon his Victors were his Captives made 66. For though the Duke taught rigid Discipline He let them beauty thus at distance know As Priests discover some especial Shrine Which none must touch yet all may to it bow 67. When thus as Suitors mourning Virgins pass Through their clean camp themselves in form they draw That they with Martial reverence may grace Beauty the Stranger which they seldom saw 68. They vayl'd their Ensigns as it by did move Whilst inward as from Native Conscience all Worship'd the Poets Darling Godhead Love Which grave Philosophers did Nature call 69. Nor there could Maids of Captive Syres despair But made all Captives by their beauty free Beauty and Valour native Jewels are And as each others onely price agree 70. Such was the Duke's young Camp near Bergamo But these near Brescia whom fierce Oswald led Their Science to his famous Father owe And have his Son though now their Leader bred 71. This rev'rend Army was for age renown'd Which long through frequent dangers follow'd Time Their many Trophies gain'd with many a wound And Fames last Hill did with first vigour climb 72. But here the learned Lombard whom I trace My forward Pen by flower Method stays Lest I should them less heeding time and place Than common Poets out of season praise 73. Think onely then couldst thou both Camps discern That these would seem grave Authours of the war Met civily to teach who e're will learn And those their young and civil Students are 74. But painful virtue of the war ne'r pays Itself with consciousness of being good Though Cloyster-virtue may believe even praise A sallary which there should be withstood 75. For many here whose virtues active heat Concurs not with cold virtue which does dwell In lazy Cells are virtuous to be great And as in pains so would in pow'r excell 76. And Oswald's Faction urg'd him to aspire That by his height they higher might ascend The Dukes to glorious Thrones access desire But at more awfull distance did attend 77. The royal Rhodalind is now the Prize By which these Camps would make their merit known And think their Gen'rals but their Deputies Who must for them by Proxy wed the Crown 78. From forreign Fields with toyling conquest tyr'd And groaning under spoyls came home to rest But now they are with emulation fir'd And for that pow'r they should obey contest 79. Ah how perverse and froward is Mankind Faction in Courts does us to rage excite The Rich in Cities we litigious find And in the Field th' Ambitious make us fight 80. And fatally as if even souls were made Of warring Elements as Bodies are Our Reason our Religion does invade Till from the Schools to Camps it carry war CANTO the Second The ARGUMENT The hunting which did yearly celebrate The LOMBARDS glory and the VANDALES Fate The Hunters prais'd how true to love they are How calm in Peace and Tempest-like in war The Stag is by the num'rous
Chace subdu'd And strait his Hunters are as hard pursu'd 1. SMALL are the seeds Fate does unheeded sow Of slight beginnings to important ends Whilst wonder which does best our rev'rence show To Heav'n all Reason's sight in gazing spends 2. For from a Days brief pleasure did proceed A day grown black in Lombard Histories Such lasting griefs as thou shalt weep to read Though even thine own sad love had drain'd thine eyes 3. In a fair Forrest near Verona's Plain Fresh as if Natures Youth chose there a shade The Duke with many Lovers in his Train Loyal and young a solemn hunting made 4. Much was his Train enlarg'd by their resort Who much his Grandsire lov'd and hither came To celebrate this Day with annual sport On which by battel here he earn'd his Fame 5. And many of these noble Hunters bore Command amongst the Youth at Bergamo Whose Fathers gather'd here the wreath they wore When in this Forrest they interr'd the Foe 6. Count Hurgonil a Youth of high descent Was listed here and in the Story great He follow'd Honour when tow'rd's Death it went Fierce in a charge but temp'rate in retreat 7. His wondrous beauty which the world approv'd He blushing hid and now no more would own Since he the Dukes unequal'd Sister lov'd Than an old wreath when newly overthrown 8. And she Orna the shy Did seem in life So bashfull too to have her beauty shown As I may doubt her shade with Fame at strife That in these vicious times would make it known 9. Not less in publick voice was Arnold here He that on Tuscan Tombs his Trophies rais'd And now loves pow'r so willingly did bear That even his arbitrary reign he prais'd 10. Laura the Duke 's fair Niece inthrall'd his heart Who was in Court the publick morning Glass Where those who would reduce Nature to art Practis'd by dress the conquests of the Face 11. And here was Hugo whom Duke Gondibert For stout and stedfast kindness did approve Of stature small but was all over heart And though unhappy all that heart was love 12. In gentle sonnets he for Laura pin'd Soft as the murmures of a weeping spring Which ruthless she did as those murmures mind So ere their death sick Swans unheeded sing 13. Yet whilst she Arnold favour'd he so griev'd As loyal Subjects quietly bemoan Their Yoke but raise no war to be reliev'd Nor through the envy'd Fav'rite wound the Throne 14. Young Goltho next these Rivals we may name Whose manhood dawn'd early as Summer light As sure and soon did his fair day proclaim And was no less the joy of publick sight 15. If Loves just pow'r he did not early see Some small excuse we may his errour give Since few though learn'd know yet blest Love to be That secret vital heat by which we live 16. But such it is and though we may be thought To have in Childhood life ere Love we know Yet life is useless till by reason taught And Love and Reason up together grow 17. Nor more the Old shew they out-live their Love If when their Love 's decay'd some signs they give Of life because we see them pain'd and move Then Snakes long cut by torment shew they live 18. If we call living Life when Love is gone We then to Souls Gods coyn vain rev'rence pay Since Reason which is Love and his best known And currant Image Age has worn away 19. And I that Love and Reason thus unite May if I old Philosophers controul Confirm the new by some new Poets light Who finding Love thinks he has found the Soul 20. From Goltho to whom Love yet tasteless seem'd We to ripe Tybalt are by order led Tybalt who Love and Valour both esteem'd And he alike from eithers wounds had bled 21. Publick his valour was but not his love One fill'd the world the other he contain'd Yet quietly alike in both did move Of that ne'r boasted nor of this complain'd 22. With these whose special names Verse shall preserve Many to this recorded hunting came Whose worth authentick mention did deserve But from Time's deluge few are sav'd by Fame 23. Now like a Giant Lover rose the Sun From th' Ocean Queen fine in his fires and great Seem'd all the Morn for shew for strength at Noon As if last Night she had not quench'd his heat 24. And the Sun's Servants who his rising wait His Pensioners for so all Lovers are And all maintain'd by him at a high rate With daily Fire now for the Chace prepare 25. All were like Hunters clad in chearfull green Young Natures Livery and each at strife Who most adorn'd in favours should be seen Wrought kindly by the Lady of his life 26. These Martial Favours on their Wasts they wear On which for now they Conquest celebrate In an imbroider'd History appear Like life the vanquish'd in their fears and fate 27. And on these Belts wrought with their Ladies care Hung Semyâ—ers of Akons trusty steel Goodly to see and he who durst compare Those Ladies Eyes might soon their temper feel 28. Cheerd as the woods where new wak'd Qâ—ires they meet Are all and now dispose their choice Relays Of Horse and Hounds each like each other fleet Which best when with themseves compar'd we praise 29. To them old Forrests Spies the Harbourers With haste approach wet as still weeping Night Or Deer that mourn their growth of head with tears When the defenceless weight does hinder flight 30. And Dogs such whose cold secrecy was ment By Nature for surprize on these attend Wise temp'rate Lime Hounds that proclaim no scent Nor harb'ring will their Mouths in boasting spend 31. Yet vainlier far than Traitours boast their prize On which their vehemence vast rates does lay Since in that worth their treasons credit lies These Harb'rers praise that which they now betray 32. Boast they have lodg'd a Stag that all the Race Out-runs of Crâ—ton Horse or Regian Hounds A Stag made long since Royal in the Chace If Kings can honour give by giving wounds 33. For Aribert had pierc'd him at a Bay Yet scap'd he by the vigour of his Head And many a Summer since has won the day And often left his Regian Foll'wrs dead 34. His spacious Beam that even the Rights out-grew From Antlar to his Troch had all allow'd By which his age the aged Woodmen knew Who more than he were of that beauty proud 35. Now each Relay a sev'ral Station finds Ere the triumphant Train the Cops surrounds Relays of Horse long breath'd as winter winds And their deep Cannon Mouth'd experienc'd Hounds 36. The Hunts-men Busily concern'd in show As if the world were by this Beast undone And they against him hir'd as Natures Foe In haste uncouple and their Hounds out-run 37. Now wind they a Recheat the rows'd Deers knell And through the Forrest all the Beasts are aw'd Alarmd by Eccho Natures Sentinel Which shews that murdrous Man is come abroad 38. Tyrannick Man