Treasure lay Arriv'd and enter'd there he fed his sight A while with objects of no mean delight Servants all clad in livery a free Full house yet void of fulsome luxury A fire amidst the hall most apt to show Pure charity that did like Vesta's glow All things i' th' old worlds fashion plain but neat So regular substantial and compleat That sure he thought that happy Houshould could Not look with envy upon th' age of gold Coming at last to th' presenâ—e of that rare Lady whose beauty clear'd the circling aire Whose eye-light breath virgin-blush did show How starres do shine Balme smells Roses glow As wonder-struck he stood scarce could use His vocal faculty so stands my Muse And words doth want sufficiently to praise A beauty that transcends Hyperbole's Whiâ—h so attempt to reach with lofty strains Her lowly mind forbids and saves my pains He found her with fine needle curiously Working Susanna's famous history In silk and gold whose vernal beauty clear And the hoary Elders wintry faces were So artfully enlyv'd that well they might Lead into errour a Beholders sight But he a livelier and a lovelier Piece Admiring more than Troy that Dame of Greece His courtship thus began Fair Governess Of all the pow'rs your Servant doth possess Lady Angellical most fit to move And rule the Orb and influenâ—e of love I that to find your home have travelled Farther than all that searcht for Nilus head From hardest exigents on Sea and Land Come now to kiss your soft Ambrosial hand And to demand as hardly earned Hire Your true affections treasure love entire The Magnetisme that in your vertues lies Drew me to this laborious enterprize Fame having far divulg'd your courtesy Noble beneficence rare modesty Meekness veracity and many more High notes of excellence which I adore And with your person must the same possess Or fall full far short of long'd-for happiness Fair Sir said she if of my vertues you Be so desirous that you them pursue Then if you can those dear endowments take As yours but use them nobly for my sake Take those quaint jewels for your wondrous pains But leave the cabinet that them contains I shall not be disfurnisht for we so Fetcht flames from fire which ner'theless will glow Perchance I make it my ambitious strife To imitate Diana's single life Will you perst then to solicite me And like Orion tempt my chastity What if my heart drawn forth by such a charm As your soft speech anothers breast doth warm To whom I promis'd love then without fruit You labour spend and frustrate is your suit For sooner shall some harsh collision crack The whirling Spheres and to a general wrack Hurry the world than any force of Fate Shall cause me my vow'd faith to violate Fortune may smile and frown and oft estrange Her looks but must not look my mind to change Madam said he your temper 's not so hard That into it all entrance is debarr'd For as you spake from my dilated heart I did perceive some spirits to depart And fly int' yours whence now they back retire To work in us an unitive desire My breast 's inflam'd yet my desire do I Disdain to follow with the common cry To pull for love or come with poor intent To beg a smile or shew my languishment But to your beauties as bold claim to lay As Venus to the Doves that draw her may Sith to unite our hearts the stars combin'd And to our Match the Destinies consign'd I saw you in a dream too whence drew Fair hopes that sometime I should sleep with you You little dream said she what envy I Should draw upon you should I not deny What you desire For many Knights whom arts And arms ennobled have from forraign parts Repair'd and su'd to me as Pilgrims go On holier visits and devotion show But I have either fled them as they say Daphne did Phoebus or else sent away Them with their suits and caus'd them to depart Sorely opprest with heaviness of heart Or into a passion chaf't as flouds are more Enrag'd when meeting with a rocky shore But now that you more loveliness present I feel my rigid temper to relent And sith indeed you urge the will and law Of mighty Fate you needs must over-awe My pow'r and I must of my modesty Crave leave to say I love you fervently Not think it levity in me to say So much for I have learn'd my words to weigh Plain truth to tell loud Fame has blown your worth So far and trumpeted your merits forth That you in your Atlantis to have seen I purpos'd as that Amazonian Queen Thalestris though with more impure intent Than mine to'th Macedonian Monarch went Love Theseâ—s-like a noted part did play Did through a Labyrinth it self convey Found passage through mine ear though in at th' eye More slippery far it slides most frequently However to the centre of my breast With happy speed it went and there shall rest Time that will break strong-hearted Oake shall nere Crack that affection which to you I bear After this sweet accord this harmony Of voice and vote they further did agree By Hymens hallowed lights all doubts to clear And make their loves more sensible appear Haste was requir'd nor many dayes did passe Before what they desir'd accomplish't was With fairest auspice every rite and dress That aptly symboliz'd their happiness And as when Peleus was to take his deare Thetis to wife the Gods invited were To th' marriage-feast so persons eminent Whom Fame had Heaven-ward in high praises sent For loyalty in love must onely be The welcome Guests to this solemnity Yet such true hearts these Islanders did bear That faithful Lovers like to culvers there In â—locks did meet who as their cups did flow Turn'd Prophets and full fortunes did fore-show To th' married Pair while the air with musick rung And nuptial hymnes inspired Poets sung Thus now these worthy Lovers reacht the joyes That long had hover'd in their phantasies Ioyn'd their loves forces that as gummes in fire With spices mixt more sweetly did conspire And blest their fates that on them had bestow'd Such ample favours as to few were show'd High was their happiness and scarce to be Reacht with the lines of loftiest poetry The End
THE HEROICAL LOVER OR ANTHEON FIDELTA A POEM Written by THOMAS BANCROFT {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Byon Smyrnaeus May Love the Ladies skill'd in song Invite and they bring Love along LONDON Printed by WILLIAM GODBID 1658. TO The Right HONOURABLE The Lord ROSSE My Lord THis Poem though compos'd in a Peak-like country has yet no cause to be proud of its high birth unless more worthy it were of your Lordships perusal more suitable to the gallantry of your flourishing condition Yet as the ancient Muses delighted to climb Mountains Parnassus Helicon and others so has mine been moved with a pleasing ambition to ascend to the eminency of your presence It was your servant and my Kinsman Mr. Henry Wright that occasionally rais'd her to this boldness whilst he highly commended your most hopeful endowments and mentioned with much honour your singular love to learning It is I confess a superfluous service to present to your Lordship a phansied pattern you being really conformed to your truly-noble Father as he to more ancient Worthies of your Family that heightned their Honours by heaping benefits on their countrey and made their houses seem palaces by their royal hospitality I am therfore in good hope that you will be pleased to entertain this Heroical Lover and that as the rising Sunne that celestial Archer seem'd to shoot life into Memnons statue so your affulgent favour will quicken this dull composure and discloud withal the Authors forehead that he may more clearly exhibite himself Your Lordships most humble Servant Tho. Bancroft To his learned Friend Mr. THOMAS BANCROFT ON HIS POEM Entituled THE Heroicall Lover FRom your retir'd abode in Bradley town Welcome my friend abroad to fair renown Noâ—â— Atlantis and Eutopia you Again expose unto the publique view By your heroick Piece unknown before T' all mankind save to Bâ—con and to More To the tripartite world Colâ—mbus erst The westerne India did discover first Yet after that his perfecter survey Vesputius much on 's glory tooke away By giving it his name so though those two Most learned Lords did first those countryes shew Yet by your Antheon and his fair Delight Farre-sought Fidelta does your skill unite Eutopia and Atlantis what these two Ow'd singly to their pen they both owe you Nor Belgium Italy nor France nor Spain Nor Graecia nor Sicilia could constrain With their most tempting objects your brave Knight To yield submission to a false delight Although Sir Antheon did refrain to run The monstrous courses of the Knight o' th' Sun Whose Fablers so strange tales of him reherse That such untruths never appear'd in verse Those countryes Beauties he despis'd and pelfe Some others do orecome but he himself And of all victories it is the best To keep our own wild appetites represt Hereby his prowesse he did most discover And hence you tâ—rme him the Heroick Lover Your faire Fidelta did not range about Eutopian cities to find Suitors out A free well-order'd house she kept and there Sir Antheon found her out and married her Joy or long life I need not wish them either They in your lines shall happy live for ever And you for penning their high Epick song With Laurel crown'd shall live i' th' Poets throng Aston Cokaine Bart. Upon Mr. Bancrofts POEM THE HEROICAL LOVER VVHo're bound to th' true Atlantis cannot faile If by your Kinsmans your Charts they saile 'T is by these means we really descry What 's in Sir Francis but Sciograpy Your neighbour hills in joyful ecchoes tell 'T is Haddon where those happy Parents dwell That nurst Sir Antheon and time will discover Th' illustrious Rose Sir your Heroick Lover There there live sweetly wedded Great and Good The brave Supporters of illustrious blood Whose waiters shew you by their courteous eye The King and Queen of hospitality From this brave Paire Sir Antheon tooke his Armes Proofe 'gainst Aselgia's and Sordezza's charmes Whose generous temper extract with his birth Shall scorne and discipline those sonnes of earth Whose brutish valour wine and sloth would rust But for caprichioes rapine pride and lust Whilst injur'd vertue honour longing stand To see their triumph purchas'd by his hand Your Lovers might I venture at your skill Are that Melentus this a Claracil Or if I miss in one I have descry'd At least th' Propheticke of the reall Bride For our Atlantis truly doth afford A race of young Fidelta's but one Lord The brave Sir Antheon whose illustrious fame Eutopia shall translate b'y another name To stately Belvoir where his gallant story Shall out-doe all that Fame has yet of glory Me thinkes I see approch a glorious dawn When all the ferall birds and beasts withdrawn To the darke cavernes of eternall night From this blest region forc't to take their flight Shall give admission to the Prince of day In a triumphant chariot drawn this way Welcom'd with thousand Graces waited on To faire Fidelta and Sir Antheon Our floting Delos fixt then men shall say Haddon's Atlantis Belvoir Eutopia And then your Muse crown'd with deserved Bayes Shall sing of Epithl'mes and Halcyon dayes Anth. Harwood THE HEROICAL LOVER CANTO I. The Argument Of honour'd parents Antheon bred And in green years well seasoned Is loth his lineage to belie But aimes at true nobility GReat Fate that a kingdome here did throw The chance of war afflicts us still with woe Yet some impulsion stirres me up to sing Daigne me ye Muses from your purest spring A flow of bounty that my tongue may be Sweetly embath'd and sound true harmony In new Atlantis Charidem and fair Olympia lately dwelt a noble pair Warm'd with a love as equal as the heat That Chymists use th' Elixar to beget The bright Celestials slide not from the skies More calmely to perform their embassies Than these went through all passages of life At no time troubled with domestick strife Wealth flow'd upon them like a high Spring-tide Yet neither by intemperance nor pride Vices that on great forrunes most attend 'Gainst well-known morals did they much offend They oft reflected on this humble sphere Whence their â—rail morral parts desumed were Yet minding that their soules to heavenly fires Were near ally'd they scorn'd all base desires A Son they had the tender fruit of love Whom sith propitious Planets Sol and love Welcom'd into the world some Artists wel Taught by clear Heaven dark matters to fore-tel As formerly the Delphick God had from His golden Tripod utter'd things to come Were askt what fortunes should the child betide In course of years whereto it was reply'd That as he was illustrious by descent So for his acts he should be eminent Should seek as treasure faire Fidelta's love And richly blest iâ—its fruition prove Now as when Philip saw his son bestride Bucephalus he was so highly joy'd That his dilated spirits down his face Made tears to run as each did other chase So were the Parents of young Antheon so Their son
regâ—late its acts and teach his Will To yield obedience to its dictates still Hence famous for his wisdome he became And justly sith enlightned by the same All vertues are which in his gentle breast Meeting with much content their centre blest Such was his valour that he knew not how To fear invasive danger nor to bow Under afflictions weight but upright stood With heart unconquer'd and unchilled blood In the foul gulfs of luxury he nere Emplunged himself but a fair course did sâ—eere In Seas of plenty and what ere he took In hand did fixtly at fair justice look Nor so much as his Poniards breadth would pass Beyond the way that right and level was His courteous sweetness humbly seem'd to show That from high Ancestry his blood did flow His bounty free as heavenly influence Made good the style of brave magnificence And all his vertues were wrought up so high So full of lustre strength and dignity That nothing could be added save the sound Of mighty Fame to make them more renown'd THE HEROICAL LOVER CANTO 2. The Argument The young Knight of Fidelta hears And thinks her praises tune the spheres Seeks her through Italy in vaine But finds Aselgia with her train WHen at the beam of youth this matchless Knight Now weigh'd himself sound his spirits light And felt more fervent blood he thought to prove The sweet endearements of desertful love And call'd to mind what Beauty he had seen Fit to be took for his affections Queen As minded some brave Heroine to wed Or never else to warm a Genial bed Mean while comes Fame than thinnest sume more light Or wings of insects shining in their flight And tells him in a busy panting hast Of a renowned Lady richly grac'â— With all endowments Nature can bestow By name Fidelta who her self would snow Most worthy of his love although it were A treasure of affection nere so dear But was so wondrous modest so retir'd So sweetly humble that she much desir'd Her beauties though as sparks of heaven beheld Might yet encloud their beams and be conceal'd So much her precious vertue fear'd to be Allaid by th' mixture of much company And for this reason as some birds do flit From coast to coast she did so often quit The place she honour'd from resort to go That where to find her very few did know As sure now said Sir Antheon as I draw A trusty sword I such a Lady saw In my last dream who having at me cast Some smiling glances vanisht at the last And left my heart on fire t' is surely she That must be mine by Destinies decree This to confirme I now remember well What oft to me my chary Nurse did tell To wit that great Astrologers once said That I a Lady of this name should wed I 'le travel through this Globe to seek her out Where'ere she hidden lyes and should not doubt But to discloud her though her beauty bright Were maskt in shadowes of Cimmerian night The Stygian Prince that Proserpine did steale Should not this Lady from my sight conceal In 's inmost cell though it with clouds were hung And 'bout her bed redoubled darkness flung But with a deep device I would orethrow His shady palace and her beauties show To th' upper world that would admiring stand And offer service what she should command This said he call'd for gentle Eubulus A man mature discreet and vertuous And thus bespake him Friend I now must try The strength and temper of your amity So long profest by all fair promises Of friendly aide all vowes of services Heâ—ted with zeale and yet I know your heart 's So firme that needless are perswasive arts I must intreat you readily to goe With me and help my skilless youth to wooe For I must travel who can tell how farre To seek a bright though sublunary starre A Lady whom all beauty doth embeam Though never by me seene save in a dream But so we do adore the Powers on high Though not expos'd to view of mortal eye And we admire the Phoenix though there be Few that did ere that winged wonder see The place of her retirement I no more Know then I do the Oceans utmost shore Yet shall I finde her to my wisht content My Genius tells me so if you 'l assent To my desires and cause my paines to be More short through your long-lov'd society To make a question Eubulâ—s reply'd Of service is to make our friendship void As cancell'd were its bond command me t' go On bare feet through the Hyperbâ—rean snow Or through dry parched Desarts seek my way 'Mongst poisonous Serpents and without delay I 'le run those hazards the sweet style of Friend Is charme enough to cause me to attend Your motions through the world and to despise The frowns of Fortune strokes of Destinies These words made musick in St. Anthâ—ons eare Who for th' affection he profest to beare Return'd him thanks and further did devise How to atchive his amorous enterprize But as a Sea-man ready to launch out O' th' Harbour when the winds do shift about From point to point well knows not how to set His hoised sailes that he may forward get So did this noble Lover doubtful stand Whither he should direct his course what land He should â—ill with his fame what region see To make therein blind loves discovery But having heard how Italy was grac't Sometime with Ladyes of renown as chast Lucretia Arria and Paulina deare To Seneca he now resolv'd to sâ—eere A straight course thither hoping there to find Fidelta th' honour of all woman-kinde And to observe with some delight what breed Of beauties now those Ladyes did succeed So like the Trojan Knight attended by Faithful Achates full of hope and joy Went he with Eubulus by land and Sea Juâ—iled with roâ—ky dangers in his way And at a hard rate did experience buy Yet came at last in ken of Italy And saw the smoke of Rhegium where t' is said That famous land was sometime severed From Sicily the force of waves and wind Driving asunder what had been joyn'd Having arriv'd where Harbour did invite And chear'd his worthy friend his dear delight Of that fair coast a greedy view he tooke More pleas'd therewith than Jason was to looke On Colchis strand th' one for a golden â—leece Sail'd farre this other a faâ—re richer piece Of beauty sought Like Mercury he mov'd And truth of history by tryal prov'd Apt to take notice and to give account Of every wood and river Plaine and Mount In the whole region One day as he came Near to Vesuvius when it belcht a flame Out of its horrid moâ—th and sent a smoke Therewith that threatned half the world to choke O Hell said he thy happiness is great That hast no feeling of that fervent heat Within thy bowells nor art rapt along By force thereof but restest on a strong And fixed Base whereas in my sick heart
with her came On a mishapen Jade both lean and lame Rode as forelorn a person all along Grumbling rolling his distempeâ—'d â—onguâ— His clothes had been like flow'rs but now were grown Poor wither'd weeds and looking oft thereon Sorely he sighed and his browes did knit As one both weak in fortune and in wit Of him the Knight enquir'd what Lady 't was That in illustrious state that way did pass Like some great Princess Sir said he to tell The truth this Lady do I know too well Her name is Alazonia high at Court Has she been bred but who fares better for 't I 've serv'd her almost as old Poets say Hard-taskt Aloides did Queen Omphale A fair thred have I spun spent many pounds Consum'd my patrimony sold whole townes To buy her love who mounts of gold to me Promis'd though not a Mole-hil do I see Of kind performance Yet as one bewitcht Or for true service sure to be enricht I still wait on her though I may as soon Vault from this Centre to the silver Moon And bring down treasure as her love regain Who now beholds her servant with disdain Much less recover what I erst have lost Through fond profusion and excessive cost For though I now attend in mean array Yet have I serv'd her when I shone like Day Was the Top-gallant of the Town and gave Lawes as it were to all that would be brave Such must they be that on this Lady wait Who studies most quaint fashions to create And boasts more in an â—our than in an age She will make good howere she does engage More had he utter'd in that eager vein But that the Lady bad drive back again For she descrying as she passed by In the young Knight some sparks of gallantry Felt her affection kindled thence to glow With such an ardour that she needs must go Back to th' attractive object of her love And with these melting words his metal prove Sir if enfeebling â—eat or tedious length Of travel chancet have tired out your strength Rest in your servants chariot here lo I Dispread mine armest ' imbrace your company And shall as with a bowl of Nectar deep Waken your spirits lay your cares asleep In those bright eyes I something read above Th' ascent and region of a common love And that I might with fuller view discern What warm'd my heart I made this quick return Where ever you intend your worth to show Your pleasure I 'le attend and with you go And if at Court a Stage for you most fit You will keep up your fashion and your wit I 'le see your way to lofty honour clear'd Nor leave you till in happiness inspher'd There like the radiant Day-God shall you shine And wear the value of a precious Mine Upon your back nor shall you need to fear Harsh envies storms I like a Halcyon there Shall keep all calm then dear Sir come aboard More love to you no Lady shall afford Madam said he as fire makes fewel flame So love the like affections force may claim In the beloved but yours runs so high It quite orewhelms my grateful quality And brings me under yet get up I must And gallop in contempt of heat and dust My business rapts me hence nor can I stay A formal leave to take but must away Forthwith he mounts and rides as if in fear O' th' Gorgons head or th' uglier Fiend he were With greedy hast the way as 't were devoures And soon beholds the proud Parisian towers Coming whereto he much admires to see Such numerous troopes and quaint variety Of fashions there but could not fashion well Himself to stay where fatal pride did dwel Strait tries he other Qâ—arters but doth find To the same Falling-evill all inclin'd Whence he concludes his Lady that was sound In mind and manners was not there t' be found THE HEROICAL LOVER CANTO IV. The Argument Sir Antheon at his next remove Goes into Spain to seek his Love Contemnes the wealth Sor'dezza showes And stickles 'twixt engaged foes NO force of envious Fortune can divert From his fair aim a worthy Lovers heart Resolv'd in 's course all crosses to abide With patience working 'gainst both wind tide Such a true undertaker was our Knight So firme in 's purpose that he did unite All his endeavours to the point of love And towards that sweet cenâ—re still did move The Sea-mans Needle varies and declines But 't is not so with brave heroick minds Toucht by pure love these steadily direct Their motions to their marks and nere defect A due respect to faith and honour dear To Worthies cau'sd this noble Cavalier Still to indulge his amours to devise How to atchive his ardent enterprize And think where next he should the name resound Of his Fidelta nere enough renown'd At last he did resolve to see what Spain Of worth and excellency did contain Whether the women of that western coast Have orient beauties as some men do boast And whether their endowments be as rare And precious as they rich in treasure are Betwixt the potent realmes of Spain and France The Pyrenean hills are bold t' advance Their heads so hoary as they took much care To keep the treasures safe that hoorded are In their deep entralls Over these they say The Gaules too populous did once make way And by Iberus side new seats did find And over these Sir Antheon now design'd To pass into Iberia 'T was not long Before they did ascend those high and strong Rock-ribbed mountains when to 's friend he said Some-where I now remember I have read That once these hills took fire whose mighty heat Dissolv'd their minerals and poured great Currents of treasure down though now through snow And a sharp penetrative air we goe But a true Lovers breast that much doth hold O' th torrid Zone defies all force of cold Will fight with it at sharp and whatsoere To his designes shall opposite appear Great Spain whose strength is now in monarchy United was divided anciently Into twelve kingdomes through all which the Knight Whom nothing can dismay much less affright Intends with speed to travel and to try The fortunes of a fresh discovery When he had pass't those haughty mountains more Did heat insest him than the cold before But his surmounting courage did despise Both Earths and Aires more threatning injuries And like a River went that without stay Though with some windings seeks the wealthy sea Still was he sounding sweet Fideltâ—'s name And did her worth in every place proclaim Making in wealthy Corduba more stay To heâ—r what people could of Lucan say And th' Seneca's As there he walkt along And saw a house all moâ—s't but mainely strong More like a Prison than a Palace there Fixing his view and drawing somewhat neare Forth comes a woman well in years but ill In fashion seeming as some Hellish skill She did pâ—ofess so fiend-like her aspect Mixing with carefulness a rude
into the flame and breath'd his last Thus stealing out o' th' world to seeme to be Deathless and honour'd as some Deity This mov'd the Knights inseparable friend To fall int' a discourse o' th' fatal end Of blindly-bold ambition and to tell With how great danger it doth upward swell How like to smoke it doth obliquely rise But falls directly from high dignities How Giant-like it 'gainst the Gods doth go And under proud feet layes Religion low Stickes not to violate with impious hands Of blood or amity the strictest bands Subverts well-founded governments with Fate As 't were conspiring all to ruinate When now 'bout objects much to be admir'd They rather had their limbs than senses tir'd Down went they from the Mountain to the Plain Whose bounteous soile glads Italy and Spain Malta and Barbary with rich supplies Of graine the welcom'st of commodities Led on by sweet Affects the way they found To Syracuse a City much renown'd By Maro's Muse who thither did reâ—ort Preferring it sometimes to Caesars court It was against great Romes ambitious wrong By God-like Archimed defended long Who seem'd at threatning ships to hurle at once Fierce lightning-flames and fulminary stones So that th' astonisht Victor gave command That none should 'gainst that Artist heave his hand Who yet i' th' tumult 'mongst his figures found VVas soone disfigur'd by a deadly wound This caus'd Sir Antheon his sepulchral stone With teare-shot eyes to view and look thereon For the Cylinder and the Sphere he made Desiring oft ere Natures debt he paid To have them figur'd on his tombe to show VVhat to his industry the world did owe The Knight now having seene what worthy was Of observation there did forwards pass Minded to see the place where Poets say The Stygian Monarch pluckt Proserpina Into his iron coach and hurrying fast A veile of shades about her beauties cast Seiz'd neare to Enna was this gallant prize VVhere the fair Islands very navell lyes A medow stor'd with flowers so odorous That snuffing Hounds do in its bosome lose The sents of beasts pursu'd about it round Tufted with neat trees is the rising ground And nourisht with coole waters gather'd nigh As 't were t' admire a gaping vastity In rockes adjoyning into which they say Pluto in triumph rode yet lost the day Black night advancing from her drowsy seat To welcome him and on his Queen to wait Nat far beyond these wonderments that might Retard his motion travell'd had the Knight But that as if lusts wild-fires fatally Rag'd in that coast a wronged Ladies Cry Sent from the Concave of a valley neare Did with amazement strike his listning eare She being fresh as May of lineage high And wealth beyond the most in Sicily Had oft been seen attended by her Maid Alone to walke there in the pleasing shade And as it were the Wood-Nymphs steps to trace Into a mossy Cave a pretty space From her high-seated Mansion That had mov'd A bruitish Don that wealth and woman lov'd B'ove fame or honesty in wait to lye To win her by surprize and forcibly Take her to wife that so enjoy he might A beauty rare a fortune infinite That this rude wickedness might then be wrought Three Ruffians wild as Boreas sons he brought With him and now they had the trembling Prey Amongst them and were forcing her away But brave Sir Antheon having got a view 'Mongst shady bushes of that salvage crew Cast where t' assaile them with his bâ—andisht blade And that so closely as they did invade The noble Lady whom he either wou'd Rescue out of their hands or spend his blood And Eubulus although more fit to give Grave counsels and instruction how to live Than deadly tooles to wield did yet advance Bravely with sword in hand and forward prance These suddenly as from an ambush met Those worst of Thieves where ere they well could set The Lady down their champion to the ground VVas brought engoared with a gastly wound The Knights keen weapon soon asunder shred The sinews of his neck and laid his head Upon his shoulder there a sleep to take Than night more heavy never more to wake The like did Eubulus his sword ore-took Another as he turn'd his head to look At 's gasping Mate the steel stook in his jaw And being forced thence did rudely draw His shâ—tter'd teeth so fell he likewise down From his chaf't Steed and dasâ—t his hairy crown 'Gainst the hard earth Those other two that saw Such deadly slashing quickly did withdraw And fled Sir Autheons force who them a while Pursu'd but thought it fitter to recoil To a fair Lady than foul varlets chace VVhose brutish courses mankind did disgrace He found her almost where he left her so Empalsied with affrights she scarce could go Her blood being like to Niobe's when grown Stone-cold she was scarce from marble known But his warm hand who was all love all fire Gently embalming hers did soon inspire Her veins with heaâ— and made her spirits from Their sad Retreat with lively motion come His softer language too her inward pain Much eas'd and rosy tinctures fetcht again Into her cheeks as when dim clouds away Are blown clear Heaven more beauties doth displayâ— Thus comforted he usher'd her along Unto her home and â—et her safe among Her dearest friends who hearing what was done Shed tears for joy like rain by th' shining Sun Fairely embrighten'd striving to express To her all love to him all thankfulness And as Aetolian Achâ—lous flow'd VVith bounty towards some that had bestow'd Their paines to chace the Calydonian Beast Perithous Lelex Theseus at the least So strove thiâ— noble Ladyes worthy fâ—iends To make the Knight and Eubulus amends VVith royall entertainment for their high Merit and most obliging courtesy The bounty of the house was full and free Yet could not work upon the constancy Of brave Sir Antheon there to fix his mind For that another Lady though disjoyn'd In place was linkt to him with lines of love Which howsoere extended firme would prove To seek that sweetning Object of desire Which finde he would or finally expire Thence hasts he to Palermo that a thin Phoenician Colonie had sometime bin But by additions grew so stately great And populous that 't is a princely seat A City of such eminence and fame As may some soveraignty o're others claime Faire streets brave structures rich magnificence Of Temples give the place preeminence Which yet had worthier been its head to reare With honour if Fidelta had been there But none there knew her noâ— had winged Fame Wasted the pleasing sweetness of her name Into those parts which caus'd the pensive Knight To look on Beauties there with small delight But â—ull to travel on in mind to try The close of a true Lovers destiny The next place where he did some dayes reside Messina was whose gates stood open wide As in derision of the Turks proud threats Who oft for prizes near that
bottled up Her bagging cheeks so low And trebble chinne did hang that little show Her neck did make although no little charge Maintain'd a thorow-fare a gulf so large Her palsied arms and hands could scarcely own Themselves by shape they were so over-grown Like a foul ruffled pillow either breast Appear'd whereon Silenus well might rest His seldome-sober head Her belly soft VVas like a mossy mount with laughter oft As with an earth-quake shook And in such sort Those Limbs that should her weighty bulk support Were swolne with Dropsy that they did appear Not legs but logs such monstrous props they were Not could she eas'ly move them when to bed She willing was to go and must be led On one side of her stood a Cask repleat VVith lusty wine on th' other side a great Nicotian boxe which duly she did ply Smoking and quaffing still alternately That so being moist and dry by turnes she might Tast her Delights with greater appetite Sir Antheon smil'd when such a Rout he saw And knew not whether he should straight withdraw Out from that mad-brain'd Company or stay To see the Humorists some tricks to play At length the guzzling Gossip he bespake Thus may we not be bold awhile to make Our randevouz amongst you and to be Merry with this light-hearted Company At least be furnisht with things requisite For Travellers who with the morning-light Arose and since have journyed without stay Though our vext stomachs chid the tedious way For we upon an urgent business go Of love like arrows sent from Cupids how And on the sweets of hope may seem to feed Yet yield perforce we must to Natures need And that our worse parts may do service to Our better eat and drink as others do Sir if you come to drink said she sit down Here 's liquor soon will take you by the Crown Will make those sober looks of yours to stare Like to a Comet conjure down your care Make all your fears to vanish like my smoke And arm you 'gainst encountring dangers stroke You shall not need to wear here by your side A threatning sword to shew your valours pride My Caske's a Magazine and you may hence Be strongly furnisht for secure defence Then lay that dandling weapon by sith fooles And onely such will so expose their tooles And take you rather what our house presents Full pots and pipes the chief of implements Then â—aught then belcht she then tooke a cup And drank to him but slowly heav'd it up That taking a long dâ—aught she might thereby Morefully what she dearly lov'd enjoy Meane while slept forth two Roarers fierce and bold As fire-drakes who the Knight too plainely told That he must singe a merry Catch or two And what their Mistris had enjoyn'd him do Or theâ—e â—e should not quench his thirst not be Honour'd to mixe with that Society He thus provokt to shew his metal more Than Meleager when the sylvane Boare 〈◊〉 him 〈◊〉 his hand vpon his blade And â—â—ming with high indignation said Feed still ye nasty Hoggs each at his trough I scorne what you deny aâ—d have enough To see you swill and guzzle at this raâ—e Who onely staid to view the more to haâ—e Your Bucchanalian freakes and all those vile Impurities that your loath'd lives defile As much do I disdain to quaffe and sing Those ribauld rhimes wherewith your rooms do ring As from faire humane dignity to throw My self and like a groveling beast to go Then with a threatning look as straight he wou'd Have mixt delicious wine with Drunkards blood And dampt their frantick mirth he left the den Of those wild beastly Revellers But then Did the plumpe Daâ—e begin her voice to strain And call'd to him to stay and call'd again Inviting him with promises that might Work on a green and frolicke appetite When she perceiv'd her words were like a gale To drive him on and nought they could prevaile She after him those jolly Champions sent That lately gave him so much discontent And bade them melt their language in to faire In treaties that he would with them repaire Backe to her house They hasted reel'd and fell Yet to him came and did their message tell Courting him fairely at their first assay But when they saw he still would keep his way They call'd him Lout and Beast to have staid His Errantry bold hands upon him laid He quickly shooke them off and train'd them on Till out o' th' view of others they were gone Then as the King of beasts that hunted burnes With wrath at last on his Pursuers turnes So did he face about to fall on those That follow'd him 'twixt them dealt his blowes Then having with stiffe gagges distended wide Their chaps their rude hands behind them tyde The next part that most workeman-like he plaid Was that a small arch in the bridge he made Of eithers nose and both together wyâ—'d Saying Now you that busily conspir'd Against me may with heads together laid Plot your Release but hardly call for aide Stand billing there like Doves spend your blood With comfort 't is for your dear countries good Rather like Swine for Mast or other fruit Stand gaping but forbear awhile to root Be taught ye Sots to drink more sparingly And Strangers treat with more civility This having spoke he left them to bespue Each others breast and their ill manners rue Never did Bee on top of Hybla high Or faire Hymettus with more industry Search the sweet cells of every vernant flow'r From the Dayes entrance to the Evening hour Then he with care perform'd the great inquest Of Love that carelesty disturb'd his rest VVhen he had view'd each City every Port And almost every place of great resort Yet was unsatisfy'd in his desire It was his purpose to have marc'ht up higher T' have seen the neighb'ring nation o're whose heads His shady â—wings the Austrian Eagle spreads But when being certify'd by sundry Posts And Legates sent into those lower coasts To take up newes that sure there could not be Any such Lady found in Germany As he enquired for sith Fame no where Is busier with her hundred tongues than there And quickly would such excellence discloud Although wrapt up in a Cimmerian shroud He paus'd a while and like a Student far'd VVho reading sentences obscure and hard Is shrewly puzzled yet will truth pursue Through misty walkes and seek a clearer view He could not but give way to discontent Yet scorned neretheless to slack the bent Of his Resolve or any signe to show That his high courage did dejected grow THE HEROICAL LOVER CANTO VIII The Argument Our worthy Lover takâ—s his way Towards farre-fam'd Eutopia Finds there Fidelta claimes his prize And triumphs in connubial joyes IN all assayes the courage of our Knight Shew'd like his sword a temper exquisite Bearing so true an edge as hardest fate That ere encountr'd it could nere rebate This rais'd his thoughts adapted him
for high Atchievements form'd him for great dignity Quickn'd his hopes and wrought upon his mind Further to seek what most he wisht to finde But as a Sapling on a mountaine pight When the rude winds tumultuously doe fight Bends several wayes as surly blasts impell So tost with passions was the Knight nor well What course in 's business might be taken knew Nor in what 〈◊〉 he should his questâ—renew Some thoughts he had great Britain to have seen An Isle onâ—e famous for a Fairy Qâ—een But hearing then as who now does not heare That Rapine Fraud Treachery were there Acting their Hellish plots in peace and war As common as high wayes but deeper far He could not hope Fidelta there to finde Where people were to falshood most inclin'd Nor could he think it safe for him to tread Where Trappes Snares so covertly were laid Some other nations ment he to assay But Fame unwilling seem'd to give him way Reproching them with manners so impure As no fair noble Lady could endure Amidst the Puzzle of designes his friend Who on him cheerefully did still attend Thus spake Small reason have we to complain That our great labours have been spent in vain For we have seen what made Vlysses wise Manners and Cities differing in their guise And government But haply had we show'd At first lesse rashness more time bestow'd In consultations we had better sped And our desire long since accomplished There is discover'd by an English Knight Much-honour'd More a land Eutopia hight Not far from our Atlantis though in wrath Beyond it far a land that bringeth forth As Fame reports a brave and noble race Of people that account all vices base Maintain fair rights and love to peace profess Alike detesting war and wickedness Now lately have some thoughts possest my mind That there we shall your long sought Lady find That land being less with vicious customs stain'd Than those whereof we have the knowledg gain'd If then you please that proofe hereof be made We will retire like Planets retrograde Towards our native coast and so no doubt Shall finde ere long that famous country out Hereat Sir Antheon smil'd and said in jest Perhaps if Apollonius who profest Strange sounds t' interpret had but chanc'd to hear How Huntsmen in these parts their Hounds doe chear He would have told us that their Hoâ—â—es did say At every blast Euto Eutopia But if this fair and happy region be Not far from our Atlantis certainely 'T is such a â—loting Island as 't is said That Delos was till fixt and stablished For sometime if my judgment do not faile It border'd upon Plato's Common-weale Famous in Greece so far from us that well How great the distance is I cannot tell However your desire imports to me A just command besides an aâ—gury Of good success I your counsel weigh As much as what a Senate-house can say Nor having found you credible in all Reports can I your words in question call Your riper age that has the world explor'd Much more than mine more knowledge doth afford Then let us cheerfully our selves address As at the first to th' earnest business Of ardent love to seek that happy land And her that greater service may command These speeches ended to a Port they went And for their own Atlantick vessel sent A Ship that oft had wrastled with the Seas And born up bravely in long voyages When they had trimm'd it up in every joynt Had seen it firm complete in every point And furnisht with provisions plenteous store They boldly put off from the lazy shore Into the working Floud that smil'd with â—ome And proudly swell'd to see the vessel come Through wildest vastities torrid'st Climes They past sometimes bestorm'd becalm'd sometimes Sometimes with unseen rocks that seem'd to bear A secret spight to them they threatned were Somtimes with swallowing gulfs sometimes with sands Up-cast and oft with Rovers from strange lands Yet as great Caesars fortune they along Had with them took they safely past among All dangers safely to the largest Plain In Neptunes Empire came the Southern Main It was not long before they rack't the sand Of their Atlantis with their Keele yet land They would not there lest they too long should stay Ere they arriv'd at fair Eutopia Having at last procur'd anabler Guide And sail'd by his direction they descry'd Somewhat that lookt as if a cloud had lain Upon the Sea but soon appear'd more plain To be an Isle the same that they had sought And with hard paines a sight thereof had bought The countrey seem'd of figure spherical Embost with hills more beautiful than tall Whose browes fresh woods engirt the shadow'd vales Were here there with brooks like silver Trails Enbrightned the rich soiles well-cultur'd state Render'd it chief of Islands Fortunate They safely landing greatly joy'd to see A people form'd to fair civility That shew'd themselves in mind and body sound And had much knowledge with more vertue crown'd Hating the names of injury strife As bitter enemies to the sweetest life So that good laws amongst them did indeed Scarce seem from evill manners to proceed Buâ— rather from a wise forecast They were Like those of famous Sparta so severe That such as dar'd t' offend were never spar'd Nor was Desert ere cheated of reward Hence liv'd they in such quietness that they Might wel be neighbours to th' Pacificke-Sea And happy were in such a high degree That next to Heaven was their felicity The Knight whose sparkling courage clear'd his way Went on with his design without delay And as those motions which from Nature flow Do towards their cessation swifter grow So he now drawing nearer to his Love With more alacrity did forward move Under a hill with Olive-arbours green Amongst whose sprases was store of Turtles seen Did stand an ancient Edifice not gay Nor vast but strong and usefull every way Such as whose very structure wrought th' effect In all beholders of a fair respect Humility had rais'd it and there â—ate Full-handed Bounty smiling at the gate Whilst fair Civility in every room Took care of what might dignity become It had for Prospect an extended Plain Towards the East where Flora seem'd to reign In richest state through this Sir Antheon drew Up towards the Fabrick which he had in view When meeting with a Passenger by th' way An aged Sire all Pilgrime-like in gray He gently wisht him if he could to tell What person at that pleasant Seat did dwell Truly said he there shines in yonder place A starlike Beauty the great joy and grace Of this whole coast Fidelta is 〈◊〉 Whose worth would weary many-tongued Fame Fully to sound it her poor Bâ—ad-man I Profess my self and will do till I dye The Knight now rapt with joy grown as light As Nisus felt himself when first in flight He stretcht his wings no more to hear would stay But thither hasted where his