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
Thy subjects Enemy And more through wantonness than need or hate From whom the winged to their Coverts flie And to their Dens even those that lay in wait 39. So this the most successfull of his kind Whose Foreheads force oft his Opposers prest Whose swiftness left Pursuers shafts behind Is now of all the Forrest most distrest 40. The Herd deny him shelter as if taught To know their safety is to yield him lost Which shews they want not the results of thought But speech by which we ours for reason boast 41. We blush to see our politicks in Beasts Who Many sav'd by this one Sacrifice And since through blood they follow interests Like us when cruel should be counted wise 42. His Rivals that his fury us'd to fear For his lov'd Female now his faintness shun But were his season hot and she but near O mighty Love his Hunters were undone 43. From thence well blown he comes to the Relay Where Man 's fam'd reason proves but Cowardise And onely serves him meanly to betray Even for the flying Man in ambush lies 44. But now as his last remedy to live For ev'ry shift for life kind Nature makes Since life the utmost is which she can give Cool Adice from the swoln Bank he takes 45. But this fresh Bath the Dogs will make him leave Whom he sure nos'd as fasting Tygers found Their scent no North-east wind could e're deceave Which dries the air nor Flocks that foyl the Ground 46. Swift here the Flyers and Pursuers seem The frighted Fish swim from their Adice The Dogs pursue the Deer he the fleet stream And that hastes swiftly to the Adrian Sea 47. Refresh'd thus in this fleeting Element He up the stedfast Shore did boldly rise And soon escap'd their view but not their scent That faithfull Guide which even conducts their Eyes 48. This frail relief was like short gales of breath Which oft at Sea a long dead calm prepare Or like our Curtains drawn at point of death When all our Lungs are spent to give us ayr 49. For on the Shore the Hunters him attend And whilst the Chace grew warm as is the day Which now from the hot Zenith does descend He is imbos'd and weary'd to a Bay 50. The Jewel Life he must surrender here Which the world's Mistris Nature does not give But like dropp'd Favours suffers us to wear Such as by which pleas'd Lovers think they live 51. Yet life he so esteems that he allows It all defence his force and rage can make And to the Regian Race such furie shows As their last bloud some unreveng'd forsake 52. But now the Monarch Murderer comes in Destructive Man whom Nature would not arm As when in madness mischief is fore-seen We leave it weaponless for fear of harm 53. For she defenceless made him that he might Less readily offend but Art arms all From single strife makes us in Numbers fight And by such art this Royal Stag did fall 54. Now weeps till grief does even his Murd'rers pierce Grief which so nobly through his anger strove That it deserv'd the dignitie of Verse And had it words as humanly would move 55. Thrice from the ground his vanquish'd Head he rear'd And with last looks his Forrest walks did view Where sixtie Summers he had rul'd the Heard And where sharp Dittanie now vainly grew 56. Whose hoarie Leaves no more his wounds shall heal For with a Sigh a blast of all his breath That viewless thing call'd Life did from him steal And with their Bugle Horns they wind his death 57. Then with their annual wanton sacrifice Taught by old custom whose decrees are vain And we like hum'rous Antiquaries prise Age though deform'd they hasten to the Plain 58. Thence homeward bend as Westward as the Sun Where Gondibert's allies proud Feasts prepare That day to honour which his Grand-fire won Though Feasts the Eves to Fun'rals often are 59. One from the Forrest now approach'd their sight Who them did swiftly on the Spur pursue One there still resident as Day and Night And known as th' eldest Oak which in it grew 60. Who with his utmost breath advancing cries And such a vehemence no Art could feign Away happie the Man that fastest flies Flie famous Duke flie with thy noble Train 61. The Duke reply'd though with thy fears disguis'd Thou do'st my Sires old Rangers Image bear And for thy kindness shalt not be despis'd Though Counsels are but weak which come from fear 62. Were Dangers here great as thy love can shape And love with fear can danger multiply Yet when by flight thou bidst us meanly scape Bid Trees take wings and rooted Forrests flie 63. Then said the Ranger you are bravely lost And like high anger his complexion rose As little know I fear as how to boast But shall attend you through your many Foes 64. See where in ambush mighty Oswald lay And see from yonder Lawn he moves apace With Launces arm'd to intercept thy way Now thy sure Steeds are weary'd with the Chace 65. His purple Banners you may there behold Which proudly spred the fatal Raven bear And full five hundred I by Rank have told Who in their guilded Helms his Colours wear 66. The Duke this falling storm does now discern Bids little Hugo flie but 't is to view The Foe and timely their first count'nance learn Whilst firm he in a square his Hunters drew 67. And Hugo soon light as his Coursers Heels Was in their Faces troublesom as wind And like to it so wingedly he wheels No one could catch what all with trouble find 68. But ev'ry where the Leaders and the Led He temp'rately observ'd with a slow sight Judg'd by their looks how hopes and fears were fed And by their order their success in fight 69. Their Number ' mounting to the Rangers guess In three Divisions evenly was dispos'd And that their Enemies might judge it less It seem'd one Gross with all the Spaces clos'd 70. The Van fierce Oswald led where Paradine And Manly Dargonet both of his blood Out-shin'd the Noon and their Minds stock within Promis'd to make that outward glory good 71. The next bold but unlucky Hubert led Brother to Oswald and no less ally'd To the ambitions which his Soul did wed Lowly without but lin'd with costly Pride 72. Most to himself his valour fatal was Whose glories oft to others dreadfull were So Commets though suppos'd Destructions cause But waste themselves to make their Gazers â—eâ—r 73. And though his valour seldom did succeed His speech was such as could in Storms perswade Sweet as the Hopes on which starv'd Lovers feed Breath'd in the whispers of a yielding Maid 74. The bloudy Borgio did conduct the Rere Whom sullen Vasco heedfully attends To all but to themselves they cruel were And to themselves chiefly by mischief Friends 75. War the worlds Art Nature to them became In Camps begot born and in anger bred The living vex'd till Death and then their
68. Hubert whose princely quality more frees Him than the rest from all command unless He find it such as with his will agrees Did nobly thus his firm resolve express 69. All greatness bred in blood be now abas'd Instinct the inward Image which is wrought And given with Life be like thaw'd wax defac'd Though that bred better honour than is taught 70. And may impressions of the common ill Which from street Parents the most low derives Blot all my minds fair book if I stand still Whilst Oswald singly for the Publick strives 71. A Brothers love all that obedience stays Which Oswald else might as my Leader claim Whom as my love my honour disobays And bids me serve our greater Leader Fame 72. With gentle looks Oswald to Hubert bows And said I then must yield that Hubert shall Since from the same bright Sun our lustre grows Rise with my Morns and with my Ev'nings fall 73. Bold Paradine and Dargonet reviv'd Their suit and cry'd We are Astolpho's sons Who from your highest spring his blood deriv'd Though now it down in lower Channels runs 74. Such lucky seasons to attain renown We must not lose who are to you ally'd Others usurp who would your dangers own And what our duty is in them is pride 75. Then as his last Decree thus Oswald spake You that vouchsafe to glory in my blood Shall share my doom which for your merits sake Fate were it bad would alter into good 76. If any others disobedient rage Shall with uncivil love intrude his aid And by degrees our distant Troops ingage Be it his Curss still to be disobey'd 77. Wars Orders may he by the slow convey To such as onely shall dispute them long An ill peace make when none will him obey And be for that when old judg'd by the young 78. This said he calmly bid the Duke provide Such of his bloud as with those chosen Three Whilst their adoption they on foot decide May in brave life or death fit Partners be 79. Though here reply'd the Duke I find not now Such as my bloud with their alliance grace Yet Three I see to whom your stock may bow If love may be esteem'd of heav'nly Race 80. And much to me these are by love ally'd Then Hugo Arnold and the Count drew near Count Hurgonil woo'd Orna for his Bride The other Two in Laura Rivals were 81. But Tybalt cry'd and swiftly as his voice Approch'd the Duke forgive me mightie Chief If justly I envie thy noble choice And disobey thee in wrong'd Love's relief 82. If rev'renc'd love be sacred Myst'rie deem'd And mysteries when hid to value grow Why am I less for hidden love esteem'd To unknown God-head wise Religions bow 83. A Maid of thy high linage much I love And hide her name till I can merit boast But shall I here where I may worth improve For prising her above my self be lost 84. The Duke 's firm bosome kindly seem'd to melt At Tybalt's grief that he omitted was Who lately had Love's secret conquest felt And hop'd for publick triumph in this cause 85. Then he decreed Hugo though chose before To share in this great work should equally With Tybalt be expos'd to Fortune's pow'r And by drawn Lots their wish'd election trie 86. Hugo his dreaded Lord with chearfull aw Us'd to obey and with implicit love But now he must for certain honour draw Uncertain Lots seems heavily to move 87. And here they trembling reach'd at honour so As if they gath'ring Flow'rs a Snake discern'd Yet fear'd Love onely whose rewards then grow To Lovers sweetest when with danger earn'd 88. From this brave fear lest they should danger scape Was little Hugo eas'd and when he drew The Champion's lot his joy inlarg'd his shape And with his lifted mind he taller grew 89. But Tybalt stoop'd beneath his sorrows waight Goltho and him kindly the Duke imbrac'd Then to their station sent and Oswald straight His so injoyn'd and with like kindness grac'd 90. When cruel Borgio does from Tybalt part Vasco from Goltho many a look they cast Backward in sullen message from the heart And through their eyes their threatning anger waste CANTO the Fourth The ARGUMENT The Duel where all rules of artfull strife To rescue or endanger Darling-life Are by reserves of strength and courage shown For killing was long since a Science grown Th' event by which the Troops engaged are As private rage too often turn to war 1. BY what bold passion am I rudely led Like Fame's too curious and officious Spie Where I these Rolls in her dark Closet read Where Worthies wrapt in Time's disguises lie 2. Why should we now their shady Curtains draw Who by a wise retirement hence are â—reed And gone to Lands exempt from Nature's Law Where love no more can mourn nor valour bleed 3. Why to this stormy world from their long rest Are these recall'd to be again displeas'd Where during Natures reign we are opprest Till we by Deaths high priviledge are eas'd 4. Is it to boast that Verse has Chymick pow'r And that its rage which is productive heat Can these revive as Chymists raise a Flower Whose scatter'd parts their Glass presents compleat 5. Though in these Worthies gone valour and love Did chastely as in sacred Temples meet Such reviv'd Patterns us no more improve Than Flowers so rais'd by Chymists make us sweet 6. Yet when the souls disease we desp'rate find Poets the old renown'd Physitians are Who for the sickly habits of the mind Examples as the ancient cure prepare 7. And bravely then Physitians hononr gain When to the world diseases cureless seem And they in Science valiant ne'r refrain Arts war with Nature till they life redeem 8. But Poets their accustom'd task have long Forborn who for Examples did disperse The Heroes virtues in Heroick Song And now think virtue sick past cure of verse 9. Yet to this desp'rate cure I will proceed Such patterns shew as shall not fail to move Shall teach the valiant patience when they bleed And hapless Lovers constancy in love 10. Now Honour's chance the Duke with Oswald takes The Count his great Stake Life to Hubert sets Whilst his to Paradin's Lord Arnold stakes And little Hugo throws at Dargonets 11. These Four on equal ground those Four oppose Who wants in strength supples it with his skill So valiant that they make no haste to close They not apace but handsomly would kill 12. And as they more each others courage found Each did their force more civilly express To make so manly and so fair a wound As loyal Ladies might be proud to dress 13. But vain though wondrous seems the short event Of what with pomp and Noise we long prepare One hour of battel oft that force hath spent Which Kings whole lives have gather'd for a war 14. As Rivers to their ruin hastie be So life still earnest loud and swift runs post To the vaste Gulf of death as they to
Sea And vainly travels to be quickly lost 15. And now the Fates who punctually take care We not escape their sentence at our birth Writ Arnold down where those inroled are Who must in Youth abruptly leave the Earth 16. Him Paradine into the Brow had pierc't From whence his bloud so overflow'd his Eyes He grew too blind to watch and guard his breast Where wounded twice to Deaths cold Court he hies 17. And Love by which Life's name does value find As Altars even subsist by ornament Is now as to the Owner quite resign'd And in a sigh to his dear Laura sent 18. Yet Fates so civil were in cruelty As not to yield that he who conquer'd all The Tuscan Vale should unartended die They therefore doom that Dargonet must fall 19. Whom little Hugo dext'rously did vex With many wounds in unexpected place Which yet not kill but killingly perplex Because he held their number a disgrace 20. For Dargonet in force did much exceed The most of Men in valour equall'd all And was asham'd thus diversly to bleed As if he stood where showrs of Arrows fall 21. At once he ventures his remaining strength To Hugo's nimble skill who did desire To draw this little war out into length By motions quick as Heav'ns fantastick fire 22. This fury now is grown too high at last In Dargonet who does disorder all The strengths of temp'rance by unruly haste Then down to Deaths low Calm does breathless fall 23. When with his own Storm sunk his Foe did spie Lord Arnold dead and Paradine prepare To help Prince Oswald to that victory Of which the Duke had yet an equal share 24. Vain Conquerour said Hugo then return In stead of Laurel which the Victor wears Go gather Cypress for thy Brothers Urn And learn of me to water it with Tears 25. Thy Brother lost his life attempting mine Which cannot for Lord Arnold's loss suffice I must revenge unlucky Paradine The blood his death will draw from Laura's Eyes 26. We Rivals were in Laura but though she My griefs derided his with sighs approv'd Yet I in Loves exact integritie Must take thy life for killing him She lov'd 27. These quick alike and artfully as fierce At one sad instant give and take that wound Which does through both their vital Closets pierce Where Life 's small Lord doth warmly sit enthron'd 28. And then they fell and now near upper Heaven Heav'ns better part of them is hov'ring still To watch what end is to their Princes given And to brave Hubert and to Hurgonil 29. In progress thus to their eternal home Some method is observ'd by Destinie Which at their Princes setting out did doom These as their leading Harbingers to die 30. And fatal Hubert we must next attend Whom Hurgonil had brought to such distress That though Life's stock he did not fully spend His glory that maintain'd it is grown less 31. Long had they strove who first should be destroy'd And wounds the Marks of Manhood gave and took Which though like honour'd Age we would avoid Yet make us when possess'd for rev'rence look 32. O Honour Frail as Life thy sellow Flower Cherish'd and watch'd and humr'ously esteem'd Then worn for short adornments of an hour And is when lost no more than life redeem'd 33. This fatal Hubert finds if honour be As much in Princes lost when it grows less As when it dies in men of next degree Princes are onely Princes by excess 34. For having twice with his firm Opposite Exchang'd a wound yet none that reach'd at life The adverse sword his Arms best sinew hit Which holds that strength which should uphold their strife 35. When thus his dear defence had left his Hand Thy life said Hurgonil rejoyce to wear As Orna's favour and at her command Who taught the mercy I will practise here 36. To which defenceless Hubert did reply My life a worthless Blank I so despise Since Fortune laid it in her Lotary That I 'm asham'd thou draw'st it as a Prize 37. His grief made noble Hurgonil to melt Who mourn'd in this a Warriours various fate For though a Victor now he timely felt That change which pains us most by coming late 38. But Orna ever present in his thought Prompts him to know with what success for fame And Empire Gondibert and Oswald fought Whilst Hubert seeks out death and shrinks from shame 39. Valour and all that practice torns to art Alike the Princes had and understood For Oswald now is cool as Gondibert Such temper he has got by losing blood 40. Calmly their temper did their art obay Their stretch'd Arms regular in motion prove And force with as unseen a stealth convay As noiseless hours by hands of Dials move 41. By this new temper Hurgonil believ'd That Oswald's elder virtues might prevail To think his own help needfull much he griev'd But yet prepar'd it leâ—t the Duke should fail 42. Small wounds they had where as in Casements â—ate Disorder'd Life who seem'd to look about And fain would be abroad but that a Gate She wants so wide at once to â—ally out 43. When Gondibert saw Hurgonil draw near And doubly arm'd at conquer'd Huberts cost He then who never fear'd began to fear Lest by his help his honour should be lost 44. Retire said he for if thou hop'st to win My Sisters love by aiding in this strife May Heav'n to make her think thy love a sâ—n Eclipse that beauty which did give it life 45. Count Hurgonil did doubtfully retire Fain would assist yet durst not disobay The Duke would rather instantly expire Than hazard Honour's death by death's delay 46. Alike did Oswald for dispatch prepare And cries Since Hubert knew not to subdue Glory farewel that art the Souldiers care More lov'd than Woman less than Woman true 47. And now they strive with all their sudden force To storm Life's Citâ—adil each others Brest At which could Heav'ns chief Eye have felt remorse It would have wink'd or hast'ned to the West 48. But sure the Heav'nly Movers little care Whether our motion here be false or true For we proceed whilst they are regular As if we Dice for all our actions threw 49. We seem surrender'd to indiff'rent Chance Even Deaths grave work looks like fantastick play That Sword which oft did Oswald's fame advance In publick war fails in a private fray 50. For when because he ebbes of bloud did feel He levell'd all his strength at Gondibert It clash'd and broke against the adverse steel Which travell'd onward till it reach'd his heart 51. Now he that like a stedfast statue stood In many Battels registerd by Fames Does fall depriv'd of language as of blood Whilst high the Hunters send their Victors name 52. Some shout aloud and others wind the Horn They mix the Cities with the Field's applause Which Borgio soon interprets as their scorn And will revenge it ere he mourn the cause 53. This the cold Evening warm'd of Vasco's age He
shin'd like scorching Noon in Borgio's looks Who kindled all about him with his rage And worse the Triumph than the Conquest brooks 54. The Troops astonish'd with their Leaders fate The horrour first with silence entertain With loud impatience than for Borgio wait And next with one confusion all complain 55. Whom thus he urg'd Prince Oswald did command We should remove far from the Combat's list And there like unconcern'd Spectatours stand Justly restrain'd to hinder or assist 56. This Patient Friends we dully have obay'd A temp'rance which he never taught before But though alive he could forbid our aid Yet dead he leaves revenge within our pow'r CANTO the Fifth The ARGUMENT The Battel in exact though little shape Where none by flight and few by fortune scape Where even the vanquish'd so themselves behave The Victors mourn for all they could not save And fear so soon is Fortune's fullness wain'd To lose in one all that by all they gain'd 1. NOw Hubert's Page assists his wounded Lord To mount that Steed he scarce had force to guide And wept to see his hand without that Sword Which was so oft in busie Battel try'd 2. Those who with Borgio saw his want of blood Cry'd out If of thy strength enough remain Though not to charge to make thy conduct good Lead us to adde their living to our slain 3. Hubert reply'd Now you may justly boast You Sons of War that Oswald was your Sire Who got in you the honour I have lost And taught those deeds our Ladies songs admire 4. But he Wars Ancestour who gave it birth The Father of those Fights we Lombards fought Lies there embracing but his length of Earth Who for your use the world's vast Empire sought 5. And cold as he lies noble Dargonet And Paradine who wore the Victors Crown Both swift to Charge and lame in a Retreat Brothers in bloud and Rivals in renown 6. This said their Trumpets sound Revenge's praise The Hunters Horns though terrour of the wood Reply'd so meanly they could scarcely raise Eccho so loud as might be understood 7. The Duke his fit of fury being spent Which onely wounds and opposition bred Does weep on faded Oswald and lament What was so great in life is nothing dead 8. But cry'd when he the speechless Rivals spy'd O worth above the ancient price of Love Lost are the living for with these love dy'd Or if immortal fled with them above 9. In these we the intrinsick value know By which first Lovers did love currant deem But Love's false Coyners will allay it now Till men suspect what next they must contemn 10. Not less young Hurgonil resents their chance Though no fit time to practise his remorse For now he cries finding the Foe advance Let Death give way to life to horse to horse 11. This sorrow is too soft for deeds behind Which I a mortal Lover would sustain So as to make your Sister wisely kind And praise me living not lament me slain 12. Swift as Armenians in the Panthers chace They flie to reach where now their Hunters are Who sought out danger with too bold a pace Till thus the Duke did them aloud prepare 13. Impatient Friends stand that your strength may last Burn not in blaze rage that should warm you long I wish to Foes the weaknesses of haste To you such slowness as may keep you strong 14. Not their scorns force should your fixt patience move Though scorn does more thā boads free minds provoke Their flashy rage shall harmless lightning prove Which but fore-runs our Thunder's fatal stroke 15. For when their fury 's spent how weak they are With the dull weight of antique Vandal 〈◊〉 Their work but short and little is in war Whom rage within and Armour outward warms 16. When you have us'd those arts your patience yields Try to avoid their couched Launces force By dext'rous practise of Croation Fields Which turns to lazy Elephants their Horse 17. When false retreat shall scatter you in flight As if you back to Elements were fled And no less faith can you again unite Than recollects from Elements the dead 18. Make Chasers seem by your swift Rallies slow Whilst they your swifter change of figures fear Like that in Battels which t' amuse the Foe My Grand-sire taught as Wars Philosopher 19. Think now your Valour enters on the Stage Think Fame th' Eternal Choru◠to declare Your mighty minds to each succeeding age And that your Ladies the Spectatours are 20. This utter'd was with so supream a grace That ev'ry heart it empty'd and did raise Life's chiefest blood in valour to the Face Which made such beauty as the Foe did praise 21. Yet 't was Ambition's praise which but approves Those whom through envy it would fain subdue Likes others honour but her own so loves She thinks all others Trophies are her due 22. For Hubert now though void of strength as fear Advanc'd the first Division fast and far Bold Borgio with the next attends his Rear The Third was left to Vasco's steddy care 23. The Duke still watch'd when each Divisions space Grew wide that he might his more open spred His own brave conduct did the foremost grace The next the Count the third true Tybalt led 24. A forward fashion he did wear a while As if the Charge he would with fury meet That he their forward fury might beguil And urge them past redemption by retreat 25. But when with Launces couch'd they ready were And their thick Front which added Files in large With their ply'd spurs kept time in a Career Those soon were vanish'd whom they meant to charge 26. The Duke by flight his Manhood thus and force Reserv'd and to his skill made Valour yield Did seem to blush that he must lead his Horse To lose a little ground to gain the Field 27. Yet soon with Ralleys he reviv'd the war Hubert pursues the Rear of Hurgonil And Borgio's Rear with Chace so loos'ned are That them the Count does with close order kill 28. And that which was erewhile the Dukes firm Van Before old Vasco's Front vouchsafe to flie Till with Croation Ralleys they began In small Divisions hidden strength to trie 29. Then cursing Borgio cry'd Whence comes his skill Who men so scatter'd can so firmly mix The living Metal held so volatile By thy dull word this Chymick Lord can fix 30. He press'd where Hurgonil his fury spends As if he now in Orna's presence fought And with respect his brave approach attends To give him all the dangers which he sought 31. So bloody was th' event of this new strife That we may here applauded valour blame Which oft too easily abandons Life Whilst Death is Parent made of noble Fame 32. For many now belov'd by both forsake In their pursuit of flying Fame their breath And through the world their Valour currant make By giving it the ancient stamp of death 33. Young Hurgonil's renowned self had bought Honour of Borgio at
Thither convey thy souls consid'rate thought How in this cause the Court and Camp 's inclin'd What Oswald's Faction with the King has wrought And how his loss prevails with Rhodalind 72. The Count and Tybalt take their lowly leaves Their slain they sadly with consuming hearts Bear tow'rds Verona whilst the Duke perceives Prince Hubert's grief and thus his tears diverts 73. Afflicted Prince in an unpleasant hour You and your living by blind valour led Are captives made to such an easie pow'r Shall you as little vex as Death your dead 74. The Dead can ne'r by living help return From that dark Land which life could ne'r diselese But these alive for whom the Victors mourn To thee I give thee to thine own dispose 75. Be not with honours guilded Baits beguild Nor think Ambition wife because 't is brave For though we like it as a forward Child 'T is so unsound her Cradle is her Grave 76. Study the mighty Oswald vainly gone Fierce Paradine and Dargonet the stout Whos 's Thirds by patient Parcae slowly spun Ambition's haste has rashly ravell'd out 77. But Hubert's grief no precept could reform For great grief counsell'd does to anger grow And he provided now a future Storm Which did with black revenge orecast his Brow 78. Borgio and he from this dire Region haste Shame makes them sightless to themselves and dumb Their thoughts flie swift as Time from what is past And would like him demolish all to come 79. Strait they interre th' inferiour of their slain Their nobler Tragick load their grief attends Tow'rds Brescia where the Camp they hope to gain Then force the Court by faction of their Friends 80. To Bergamo the gentle Duke does turn With his surviving Lovers who in kind Remembrance every step look back and mourn Their fellow Lovers Death has staid behind 81. Some lost their quiet Rivals some their dear Love's Brother who their hopes with help approv'd Some such joy'd Friends as even tomorrow were To take from Hymen those they dearest lov'd 82. But now to Gondibert they forward look Whose wounds ere he could waste three league of way So waste him that his speech him quite forsook And Nature calls for Art to make Life stay 83. His Friends in torment lest they should forsake Delightfull him for whom alone they live Urge Heav'n uncivilly for calling back So soon such worth it does so seldom give CANTO the Sixth The ARGUMENT The Victor is when with his wounds subdu'd By such deform'd and dismal Troops pursu'd That he thinks Death than which they uglier seem No ill expedient to escape from them But ULFIN guids him to sage ASTRAGON By the last Rays of the descending Sun 1. SCarce on their Duke their fears kind fit was spent When strait a thick arm'd Squadron clouds their sight Which cast so dark a shade as if it meant Without the Suns slow leave to bring in night 2. This threatning Squadron did consist of Horse And by old Ulfin they were gravely led Whose mind was sound nor wants his Body force Though many Winters Snow had coold his head 3. The sad remainder who with Hubert went Did miss his reach when they to Brescia turn'd And now as if his haste destruction meant He chac'd these who the Dukes spent valour mourn'd 4. Whose posture being loose their number few His Scouts grow scornfull as they forward come He makes his Squadron halt and near he drew Then asks aloud what are you and for whom 5. The noble Goltho whose great deeds to day Prevented Manhood in his early youth Believ'd him Oswald's Friend yet scorn'd the way To shelter life behind abandon'd Truth 6. For he to Ulfin boldly thus reply'd This second Ambush finds us here in vain We have no treasure left that we would hide Since Gondibert is reckon'd with the slain 7. Duke Gondibert we vouch to be our Lord To whose high virtues Sov'raignty we bow Oswald sunk low as death beneath his Sword Though him superiour Fate will vanquish now 8. Scarce empty Eagles stooping to their prey Could be more swift than Ulfin to alight And come where Gondibert expiring lay Now pleasing those whom he did newly fright 9. For scarce that rev'rence which a Monarch draws Who seldom will be seen though often sought Who spends his carefull age in making Laws To rule those lands for which in youth he fought 10. Nor that respect which People pay those Kings Whose peace makes rich whom civil war made wise Can equal this which aged Ulfin brings The gentle Duke to whom he prostrate lies 11. His Eyes not us'd to tears bathe ev'ry wound Which he salutes as things he chiefly lov'd And when expence of spirits he had found To gain him air his Mourners he remov'd 12. Make way said he and give Experience room The Confident of age though Youth 's scorn'd guide My wounds though past out number yours to come You can but hope the knowledge I have try'd 13. His Hilts round Pommel he did then unskrew And thence which he from ancient Precept wore In a small Chrystal he a Cordial drew That weary life could to her walks restore 14. This care amazing all it does delight His ruins which so reverend appear With wonder not so much surprise their sight As a strange object now his Troops draw near 15. In whom such death and want of limbs they find As each were lately call'd out of his Tomb And left some members hastily behind Or came when born abortive from the Womb. 16. Yet this defect of Legs or Arms or Hands Did wondring valour not disturb but please To see what divers weapons each commands With arts hard shifts till custom gave them ease 17. But the uncomely absence of an Eye And larger wants which ev'ry visage mourn'd Where black did over-vail or ill supply Was that which wonder into horrid turn'd 18. And Ulfin might be thought when the rude wind Lifting their Curtains left their ruins bare A formal Antiquary gravely kind To Statues which he now drew out to air 19. The Duke whose absent knowledge was call'd back By Cordials pow'r his wonder did increase So much that he agen did knowledge lack Till thus old Ulfin made his wonder cease 20. Auspicious Prince recorded be this day And sung by Priests of each ensuing Age On which thou may'st receive and I may pay Some debts of duty as thy Grandsires Page 21. That mighty Chief I serv'd in youth's first strength Who our short Scepter meant to stretch so far Till Eastern Kings might grieve theirs wanted length Whose Maps scarce teach where all their Subjects are 22. Full many stormy winters we have seen When kindled Valour 's heat was all our fire Else we in stupid Frosts had fetter'd been By which soft sinews are congeal'd to wire 23. And many scorching Summers we have felt Where Death relieves all whom the sword invades And kindly thence where we should toyling melt Leads us to rest beneath eternal shades 24. For
There from sick mirth neglectful Feasters â—eel Who cares of want in wine's false Lâ—the sleep There anxious empty Gamsters homeward steal And fear to wake ere they begin to sleep 20. Here stooping Lab'rers slowly moving are Beasts to the Rich whose strength grows rude with case And would usurp did not their Rulers care With toile and tax their furious strength appease 21. There th' Aged walk whose needless carefulness Infects them past the Mindes best med'cin sleep There some to Temples early vows address And for th'ore busie world most wisely weep 22. To this vast Inn where Tydes of strangers flow The Morn and Hurgonil together came The Morn whose Dewy wings appear'd but slow When Men the motion mark'd of swifter Fame 23. For Fame whose journeys are through waies unknown Trâ—celess and swift and changing as the wind The Morn and Hurgonil had much out-gone Whilst temp'rate Truth mov'd patiently behind 24 For some the Combat to a Batail grown Did apprehend in such prodigious shape As if their living to the Dead were gone And onely Fame did by her Wings escape 25. Some said this Hunting falsely was design'd That by pretence both Factions might prepare Their Armies to contest for Rhodalind The Crown 's chief Jewel and Reward of War 26. And some report so far they range from Truth Who for intelligence must follow Fame That then from Bergamo th'encamped Youth With Gondibert to this dire Hunting came 27. And some that Oswald had enlarg'd his Train With the old Troops by his bold Father led And that of these the nobler half were slain The rest were to their Camp at Brescia fled 28. And as dire Thunder rowling ore Heav'ns vault By murmure threatens ere it kills aloud So was this fatal news in whisper brought Which menac'd ere it struck the list'ning Croud 29. But Rumour soon to high extreams does move For first it Oswald nam'd with dreadfull voice Then said that Death had widow'd Truth and Love By making Gondibert the second choice 30. And to all hearts so dear was Gondibert So much did Pitie Oswald's Valour prise That strait their early bus'ness they desert And fix on wounded Hurgonil their Eyes 31. Him when by perfect day they sadly knew Through hiddeÌ„ wounds whose blood his beauty stain'd Even from the Temples Angels soon withdrew So sawcely th' afflicted there complain'd 32. The People straight united clamour gave Shriek'd loud like Sea-men split on a strange Coast As if those Pow'rs were deaf who should them save And Pray'rs no louder than the winds were lost 33. Now with impatience urg'd he does declare Whom he so mournfully in Fun'ral brought The publick losses of a private war Who living love and valour dying taught 34. For he does Hugo and Arnoldo name To these said he Verâ—ra Cradles gave And since in forreign Fields they rais'd her Fame They challenge here though much too soon a Grave 35. Bring sprinklings Lamps and th'Altar's precious breath All Rites which Priests have prudently devis'd Who gratefully a rev'rence teach to death Because they most by dying men are pris'd 36. But though our loss we justly may complain Though even by Priests authority we grieve Yet Heav'n's first bounty Life let none disdain Since Gondibert our chief Delight does live 37. Thâ—â—eard as Sea-men near a Shore unknown Who their North Guide lose in a Stormy night His absence with distracted silence moan And loudly welcome his return to sight 38. So when their great Conductor seem'd to be Retir'd to endless shades amongst the slain With silent grief they seem'd as dead as he But with new life welcom'd his life again 39. And now that cold remainder Valour left Of these whom Love had lost and Fate forsook The Two that were of all but Fame berefr From Hurgonil the weeping People took 40. Whilst of them both sad Hurgonil takes leave Till th' universal meeting Faith provides The Day when all shall publickly receave Those Bodies Death does not destroy but Hides 41. Then to his Palace he retires by stealth His wounds from his lov'd Mistress to conceal On whose dear joys so much depends his health The wounds her Tears should touch would never heal 42. To the chief Temple straight the People bear The valiant Rivals who for love were slain Whom all he peacefull Priests behold with fear And griev'd such Guests they durst not entertain 43. For soon the Prior of their Brotherhood Who long serv'd Heav'n with praise the world with pray'r Cry'd out this holy House is shut to blood To all that die in combat or despair 44. These by their bloody marks in Compar dy'd Through anger the disease of Beasts untam'd Whose wrath is hunger but in Men 't is pride Yet theirs is cruelty ours courage nam'd 45. Here the neglected Lord of peace does live Who taught the wrangling world the rules of love Should we his dwelling to the wrathfull give Our Sainted Dead would rise and he remove 46. Well by his precepts may we punish strife Whose pitie knew that Famine Plague and Time Are Enemies enough to humane life None need ore-charge Death's Quiver with a crime 47. To unfrequented Fields bear then your slain Where neither Dirge nor Requiem shall be giv'n To those who by usurp'd Revenge disdain To take from Men neglects they put on Heav'n 48. But now the People's passions run too far Their untaught love artless extreams does wed Of times they like the past and since they are Opprest still by the living love the Dead 49. And now resolve these Rivals shall not lose The Rites of Sprinkling Incense Lights and Song Then as the voice of all their Minds they chuse An Oratour of rude but ready Tongue 50. Who at the Temple Gate thus pleads aloud We know though Priests are Pensioners of Heav'n Your Flock which yields best rent is this dull Croud The learn'd examine why their Fleece is giv'n 51. Though by the Rich first shorn to you they bear A second tribute and by zeal support Temples which Kings for glory raise and where The Rich for fame the Learn'd as Spies resort 52. Temples are yours not God's lov'd Palaces Where Off'rings make not his but your own Feasts Where you most wisely live because at ease And entertain your Founders as your Guests 53. With ease you take what we provide with care And we who your Legation must maintain Find all your Tribe in the Commission are And none but Heav'n could send so large a Train 54. But being all Ambassadours from thence The growing charge will soon exceed our rent Unless you please to treat at his expence Who sent you not at ours where you are sent 55. The ancient Laws liv'd in the Peoples voice Rites you from Custom not from Canon draw They are but fashions of a graver choice Which yield to Laws and now our voice is Law 56. This Tybalt heard with sorrow and disdain Who here with Hurgonil a Mourner came And strait the peacefull Fathers strives to
believe the strong are still unjust Never to armed Sutors yield remorse And where they see the pow'r the right distrust 45. Assault their pitie as the weakest part Which the first Plaintiff never fails to move They search but in the face to find the heart And grief in Princes more than triumph love 46. And to prepare their pitie Gartha now Should in her sorrows height with me return For since their Eyes at all distresses flow How will they at afflicted beauty mourn 47. Much such a pledge of Peace will with the King Urg'd by my int'rest here my pow'r improve And much my power will to your int'rest bring If from the watchfull Court you hide my Love 48. If Gartha deigns to love our love must grow Unseen like Mandrakes weeded under ground That I still seeming unconcern'd may know The Kings new depths which length of trust may sound 49. Thus Hermegild his study'd thoughts declar'd Whilst Hubert who believ'd discover'd love A solid Pledge for hidden faith prepar'd To stay the Camp so furious to remove 50. And now their rage by correspondence spred Borgio allays that else like sparks of fire Which drops at first might drown by matter fed At last to quench the flame may seas require 51. As with the Sun they rose in wrath their wrath So with his heat increas'd but now he hastes Down Heav'ns steep Hill to his Atlantick Bath Where he refreshes till his Feaver wastes 52. With his by Borgin's help their heat declin'd So soon lov'd Eloquence does Throngs fubdue The common Mistress to each private Mind Painted and dress'd to all to no Man true 53. To Court his Gartha Hermegild attends And with old Lovers vain poetick Eyes Marks how her beauty when the Sun descends His pity'd Evening poverty supplies 54. The Army now to Neighb'ring Brescia bear With dismal pomp the slain In hallow'd ground They Paradine and Dargonet interr And Vasco much in painfull war renown'd 55. To Oswald whose illustrious Roman mind Shin'd out in life though now in dying hid Hubert these Roman fun'ral rites assign'd Which yet the world's last law had not forbid 56. Thrice is his Body clean by bathing made And when with Victor's Oyl anointed ore 'T is in the Palace Gate devoutly laid Clad in that Vest which he in Battel wore 57. Whilst seven succeeding Suns pass sadly by The Palace seems all hid in Cypress Boughs From ancient Lore of Man's mortalitie The Type for where 't is lopp'd it never grows 58. The publick fun'ral voice till these expire Cries out Here greatness tir'd with honour rests Come see what Bodies are when Souls retire And visit death ere you become his Guests 59. Now on a purple Bed the Corps they raise Whilst Trumpets summon all the common Quire In tune to mourn him and disperse his praise And then move slowly tow'rds the Fun'ral fire 60. They bear before him Spoils they gain'd in war And his great Ancestours in Sculpture wrought And now arrive where Hubert does declare How oft and well he for the Lombards fought 61. Here in an Altar's form a Pile is made Of Unctious Fir and Sleepers fatal Yew On which the Body is by Mourners laid Who there sweet Gums their last kind Tribute threw 62. Hubert his Arm Westward aversly stretch'd Whilst to the hopefull East his Eyes were turn'd And with a hallow'd Torch the Pyle he reach'd VVhich seen they all with utmost clamour mourn'd 63. VVhilst the full Flame aspires Oswald they crie Farewell we follow swiftly as the Hours For with Time's wings tow'rds Death even Cripples flie This said the hungrie Flame its food devours 64. Now Priests with VVine the Ashes quench and hide The Rev'renc'd Reliques in a Marble Urn. The old dismissive Ilicet is cry'd By the Town voice and all to Feasts return 65. Thus Urns may Bodies shew but the fled Mind The Learn'd seek vainly for whose Quest we pay VVith such success as cosen'd Shepherds find VVho seek to VVizards when their Cattel stray CANTO the Fifth The ARGUMENT The house of ASTRAGON where in distress Of Nature GONDIBERT for Art's redress Was by old ULFIN brought where Arts hard strife In studying Nature for the ayd of Life Is by full wealth and conduct easie made And Truth much visited though in her shade 1. FRom Brescia swiftly ore the bord'ring Plain Return we to the House of Astragon Where Gondibert and his succesfull Train Kindly lament the Victorie they won 2. But though I Fame's great Book shall open now Expect a while till she that Decad reads Which does this Dukes eternal Story show And aged Ulfin cites for special deeds 3. Where Friendship is renown'd in Ulfinore Where th' ancient musick of delightfull verse Does it no less in Goltho's Breast adore And th' union of their equal hearts rehearse 4. These wearie Victors the descending Sun Led hither where swift Night did them surprise And where for vatiant toils wise Astragon With sweet rewards of sleep did fill their Eyes 5. When to the needâ—e World Day did appear And freely op'd her Treasurie of light His house where Art and Nature Tenants were The pleasure grew and bus'ness of their sight 6. Where Ulfin who an old Domestick seems And rules as Master in the Owners Breast Leads Goltho to admire what he esteems And thus what he had long observ'd exprest 7. Here Art by such a diligence is serv'd As does th' unwearied Planets imitate Whose motion life of Nature has preserv'd The world which God vouchsaf'd but to create 8. Those heights which else Dwarf-life could never reach Here by the wings of Diligence they climb Truth skar'd with Terms froÌ„ Canting Schools they teach And buy it with their best sav'd Treasure Time 9. Here all Men seem Recov'rers of time past As busie as intentive Emmets are As alarm'd Armies that intrench in haste Or Cities whom unlook'd-for Sieges skare 10. Much it delights the wise observers Eye That all these toils direct to sev'ral skils Some from the Mine to the hot Fornace hie And some from flowrie Fields to weeping Stils. 11. The first to hopefull Chymicks matter bring Where Med'cine they extract for instant cure These bear the sweeter burthens of the Spring Whose virtues longer known though slow are sure 12. See there wet Divers from Fossone sent Who of the Seas deep Dwellers knowledge give Which more unquiet than their Element By hungrie war upon each other live 13. Pearl to their Lord and Cordial Coral these Present which must in sharpest liquids melt He with Nigella cures that dull disease They get who long with stupid Fish have dwelt 14. Others through Quarries dig deeply below Where Desart Rivers cold and private run Where Bodies conservation best they know And Mines long growth and how their veins begun 15. He shews them now Tow'rs of prodigious height Where Nature's Friends Philosophers remain To censure Meteors in their cause and flight And watch the Wind 's authoritie on Rain 16. Others with
whilst yet their Tyrant is unmade 61. And Man the Painter now presents to view Haughtie without and busie still within Whom when his Furr'd and Horned Subjects knew Their sport is ended and there fears begin 62. But here to cure this Tyrant's sullenness The Painter has a new false Curtain drawn Where Beauty 's hid Creation to express From thence harmless as light he makes it dawn 63. From thence breaks lovely forth the Worlds first Maid Her Breast Love's Cradle where Love quiet lies Nought yet had seen so soul to grow afraid Nor gay to make it crie with longing Eyes 64. And thence from stupid sleep her Monarch steals She wonders till so vain his wonder grows That it his feeble sov'reigntie reveals Her Beautie then his Manhood does depose 65. Deep into shades the Painter leads them now To hide their future deeds then storms does raise Ore Heav'n's smooth face because their life does grow Too black a storie for the House of Praise 66. A noble painted Vision next appears Where all Heav'ns Frowns in distant prospect waste And nought remains but a short showre of Tears Shed by its pitie for Revenges past 67. The Worlds one Ship from th old to a new World bound Fraighted with Life chief of uncertain Trades After Five Moons at driâ—t lies now aground Where her frail Stowage she in haste unlades 68. On Persian Caucasus the Eight descend And seem their trivial essence to deplore Griev'd to begin this World in th' others end And to behold wrack'd Nations on the Shore 69. Each humbled thus his Beasts led from aboard As fellow-Passengers and Heirs to breath Joynt Tenants to the VVorld he not their Lord Such likeness have we in the Glass of Death 70. Yet this humilitie begets their joy And taught that Heav'n which fully sin survays VVas partial where it did not quite destroy So made the whole VVorld's Dirge their song of praise 71. This first redemption to another led Kinder in deeds and nobler in effects That but a few did respit from the Dead This all the Dead from second Death protects 72. And know lost Nature this resemblance was Thy frank Redeemer in ascension shown VVhen Hell he conquer'd in thy desp'rate cause Hell which before Man's common Grave was grown 73. By an Imperial Pencil this was wrought Ronnded in all the Curious would behold VVhere life Came out and Met the Painters thought The Force was tender though the strokes were bold 74. The holy Mourners who this Lord of Life Ascending saw did seem with him to rise So well the Painter drew their Passions strife To follow him with Bodies as with Eyes 75. This was the chief which in this Temple did By Pencils Rhethorick to praise perswade Yet to the living here compar'd seems hid VVho shine all painted Glory into shade 76. Lord Astragon a Purple Mantle wore Where Nature's storie was in Colours wrought And though her ancient Text seem'd dark before 'T is in this pleasant Comment clearly taught 77. Such various Flowrie Wreaths th' Assembly wear As shew'd them wisely proud of Natures pride Which so adorn'd them that the courâ—est here Did seem a prosp'rous Bride-groom or a Bride 78. All shew'd as fresh and â—all and innocent As Virgins to their Lovers first survay Joy'd as the Spring when March his sighs has spent And April's sweet rash Tears are dry'd by May. 79. And this confed'rate joy so swell'd each Breast That joy would turn to pain without a vent Therefore their voices Heav'n's renown exprest Though Tongues ne'r reach what minds so nobly ment 80. Yet Musick here shew'd all her Art 's high worth Whilst Virgin-Trebbles â—eem'd with bashfull grace To call the bolder marry'd Tenor forth Whose Manly voice challeng'd the Giant Base 81. To these the swift soft Instruments reply Whisp'ring for help to those whom winds inspire Whose louder Notes to Neighb'ring Forrests flie And summon Nature's Voluntarie Quire 82. These Astragon by secret skill had taught To help as if in artfull Consort bred Who sung as if by chance on him they thought Whose care their careless merry Fathers Fed. 83. Hither with borrow'd strength Duke Gondibert Was brought which now his rip'ning wounds allow And high Heav'ns praise in musick of the heart He inward sings to pay a Victor's vow 84. Praise is devotion fit for mightie Minds The diff'ring World's agreeing Sacrifice VVhere Heav'n divided Faiths united finds But Pray'r in various discord upward flies 85. For Pray'r the Ocean is where diversly Men steer their Course each to a sev'ral Coast VVhere all our int'rests so discordant be That half beg winds by which the rest are lost 86. By Penitence when we our selves forsake 'T is but in wise design on pitious Heav'n In Praise we nobly give what God may take And are without a Beggers blush forgiv'n 87. It s utmost force like Powder 's is unknown And though weak Kings excess of Praise may fear Yet when 't is here like Powder dang'rous grown Heav'ns Vault receives what would the Palace tear CANTO the Seventh The ARGUMENT The Duke 's wish'd health in doubtfull wounds assur'd Who gets new wounds before the old are cur'd Nature in BIRTHA Art's weak help derides Which strives to mend what it at best but hides Shews Nature's courser works so hid more course As Sin conceal'd and unconâ—esâ—'d grows worse 1. LEt none our Lombard Authour rudely blame Who from the Story has thus long digrest But for his righteous pains may his fair Fame For ever travel whilst his ashes rest 2. Ill could he leave Art's Shop of Nature's Store Where she the hidden Soul would make more known Though common Faith seeks Souls which is no more Than long Opinion to Religion grown 3. A while then let this sage Historian stay With Astragon till he new wounds reveals And such though now the old are worn away As Balm nor juice of Pyrâ—l never heals 4. To Astragon Heav'n for succession gave One onely Pledge and Birtha was her name Whose Mother slept where Flowers grew on her Grave And she succeeded her in Face and Fame 5. Her beauty Princes durst not hope to use Unless like Poets for their Morning Theam And her Minds beauty they would rather chuse Which did the light in Beautie 's Lanthorn seem 6. She ne'r saw Courts yet Courts could have undone With untaught looks and an unpractis'd heart Her Nets the most prepar'd could never shun For Nature spred them in the scorn of Art 7. She never had in busie Cities bin Ne'r warm'd with hopes nor ere allay'd with fears Not seeing punishment could guess no Sin And Sin not seeing ne'r had use of tears 8. But here her Father's precepts gave her skill Which with incessant bus'ness fill'd the Hours In spring she gather'd Blossoms for the Still In Autumn Berries and in Summer Flow'rs 9. And as kind Nature with calm diligence Her own free virtue silently employs Whilst she unheard does rip'ning growth dispence So were her virtues
busie without noise 10. Whilst her great Mistress Nature thus she tends The busie Houshold waits no less on her By secret law each to her beauty bends Though all her lowly Mind to that prefer 11. Gracious and free she breaks upon them all With Morning looks and they when she does rise Devoutly at her dawn in homage fall And droop like Flow'rs when Evening shuts her Eyes 12. The sooty Chymist who his sight does waste Attending lesser Fires she passing by Broke his lov'd Lymbick through enamour'd haste And let like common Dew th' Elixar flie 13. And here the grey Philosophers resort Who all to her like crafty Courtiers bow Hoping for secrets now in Nature's Court Which onely she her fav'rite Maid can know 14. These as the Lords of Science she respects And with famillar beams their age she chears Yet all those civil forms seem but neglecâ—s To what she shews when Astragon appears 15. For as she once from him her being took She hourly takes her Lawâ— reads with swift sight His will even at the op'ning of his look And shews by haste obedience her delight 16. She makes when she at distance to him bows His int'rest in her Mother's beauty known For that 's th' Orig'nal whence her Copy ' grows And near Orig'nals Copies are not shown 17. And he with dear regard her gifts does wear Of Flow'rs which she in mystick order ties And with the sacrifice of many a tear Salutes her loyal Mother in her Eyes 18. The just Historians Birtha thus express And tell how by her Syres Example taught She serv'd the wounded Duke in Life's distress And his fled Spirits back by Cordials brought 19. Black melancholy Mists that fed despair Through wounds long rage with sprinkled Vervin cleer'd Strew'd Leaves of Willow to refresh the air And with rich Fumes his sullen sences cheer'd 20. He that had serv'd great Love with rev'rend heart In these old wounds worse wounds from him endures For Love makes Birtha shift with Death his Dart And she kills faster than her Father cures 21. Her heedless innocence as little knew The wounds she gave as those from Love she took And Love lifts high each secret Shaâ—t he drew Which at their Stars he first in triumph shook 22. Love he had lik'd yet never loâ—g'd before But finds him now a bold unquier Guest Who climbs to windows when we shut the Door And enterâ—d never lets the Master rest 23. So strange disorder now he pines for health Makes him conceal this Revelleâ— with shame She not the Robber knows yet feels the stealth And never but in Songs had heard his name 24. Yet then it was when she did smile at Hearts Which Countrey Lovers weaâ— in bleeding Seals Ask'd where his pretty Godhead found such Daâ—â—s As make those wounds that onely Hymen heals 25. And this her ancient Maid with sharp complaintâ— Heard and rebuk'd shook her experienc'd Head With tears â—osought her not to jest at Saints Nor mock those Martyrs Love had Captive led 26. Nor think the pions Poets ere would waste So many tears in Ink to make Maids mourn Iâ— injur'd Lovers had in ages past The lucky Mirtle more than Willow worn 27. This grave rebuke Officious Memory Presents to Birtha's thought who now believ'd Such sighing Songs as tell why Lovers die And prais'd their faith who wept when Poets griev ' 28. She full of inward questions walks alone To take her heart aside in secret Shade But knocking at her breast it seem'd or gone Or by confed'racie was useless made 29. Or else some stranger did usurp its room One so remote and new in ev'ry thought As his behaviour shews him not at home Nor the Guide sober that him thither brought 30. Yet with this forreign Heart she does begin To treat of Love her most unstudy'd Theam And like young conscienc'd Casuists thinks that sin Which will by talk and practise lawfull seem 31. With open Ears and ever-waking Eyes And flying Feet Love's fire she from the sight Of all her Maids does carry as from Spies Jealous that what burns her might give them light 32. Beneath a Mirtle Covert now does spend In Maids weak wishes her whole stock of thought Fond Maids who Love with Minds fine stuff would mend Which Nature purposely of Bodies wrought 33. She fashions him she lov'd of Angels kind Such as in holy Story were employ'd To the first Fathers from th' Eternal Mind And in short vision onely are enjoy'd 34. As Eagles then when nearest Heav'n they flie Of wild impossibles soon weary grow Feeling their bodies find no rest so high And therefore peaâ—ch on Earthly things below 35. So now she yields him she an Angel deem'd Shall be a Man the Name which Virgins fear Yet the most harmless to a Maid he seem'd That ever yet that fatal name did beat 36. Soon her opinion of his hurtless heart Affection turns to faith and then Loves fire To Heav'n though bashfully she does impart And to her Mother in the Heav'nly Quire 37. If I do love said she that love O Heav'n Your own Disciple Nature bred in me Why should I hide the passion you have given Or blush to shew effects which you decree 38. And you my alter'd Mother grown above Great Nature which you read and rev'renc'd here Chide not such kindness as you once call'd Love When you as mortal as my Father were 39. This said her Soul into her breasts retires With Love's vain diligence of heart she dreams Her self into possession of desires And trusts unanchor'd Hope in fleeting Streams 40. Already thinks the Duke her own spous'd Lord Cur'd and again from bloody battel brought Where all false Lovers perish'd by his sword The true to her for his protection sought 41. She thinks how her imagin'd Spouse and she So much from Heav'n may by her virtues gain That they by Time shall ne'r oretaken be No more than Time himself is overta'ne 42. Or should he touch them as he by does pass Heav'ns favour may repay their Summers gone And he so mix their sand in a slow Glass That they shall live and not as Two but One. 43. She thinks of Eden-life and no rough wind In their pacifique Sea shall wrinkles make That still her lowliness shall keep him kind Her cares keep him asleep her voice awake 44. She thinks if ever anger in him sway The Youthfull Warriours most excus'd disease Such chance her Tears shall calm as showres allay The accidental rage of Winds and Seas 45. She thinks that Babes proceed from mingling Eyes Or Heav'n from Neighbourhood increase allows As Palm and the Mamora fructifies Or they are got by closs exchanging vows 46. But come they as she hears from Mothers pain Which by th' unlucky first-Maids longing proves A lasting curse yet that she will sustain So they be like this Heav'nly Man she loves 47. Thus to her self in day-dreams Birtha talks The Duke whose wounds of war are healthfull grown To cure
Love's wounds seeks Birtha where she walks Whose wandring Soul seeks him to cure her own 48. Yet when her solitude he did invade Shame which in Maids is unexperienc'd fear Taught her to wish Night's help to make more shade That Love which Maids think guilt might not appear 49. And she had fled him now but that he came So like an aw'd and conquer'd Enemy That he did seem offenceless as her shame As if he but advanc'd for leave to flie 50. First with a longing Sea-mans look he gaz'd Who would ken Land when Seas would him devour Or like a fearfull Scout who stands amaz'd To view the Foe and multiplies their pow'r 51. Then all her knowledge which her Father had He dreams in her through purer Organs wrought Whose Soul since there more delicately clad By lesser weight more active was in thought 52. And to that Soul thus spake with trembling voice The world will-be O thou the whole world's Maid Since now 't is old enough to make wise choice Taught by thy mind and by thy beauty sway'd 53. And I a needless part of it unless You 'd think me for the whole a Delegate To treat for what they want of yâ—â—â— excess Virtue to serve the universal State 54. Nature our first example and our Queen Whose Court this is and you her Minion Maid The World thinks now is in her sickness seen And that her noble influence is decay'd 55. And the Records so worn of her first Law That Men with Art's hard shifts read what is good Because your beautie many never saw The Text by which your Mind is understood 56. And I with the apostate world should grow From sov'reign Nature a revolted Slave But that my luckie wounds brought me to know How with their cure my sicker mind to save 57. A mind still dwelling idly in mine Eyes Where it from outward pomp could ne'r abstain But even in beautie cost of Courts did prise And Nature unassisted thought too plain 58. Yet by your beautie now reform'd I find All other onely currant by false light Or but vain Visions of a feav'rish mind Too slight to stand the test of waking sight 59. And for my healthfull Mind diseas'd before My love I pay a gift you may disdain Since Love to you Men give not but restore As Rivers to the Sea restore the Rain 60. Yet Eastern Kings who all by birth possess Take gifts as gifts from Vassals of the Crown So think in love your propertie not less By my kind giving what was first your own 61. Lifted with Love thus he with Lovers grace And Love's wild wonder spake and he was rais'd So much with rev'rence of this learned place That still he fear'd to injure all he prais'd 62. And she in love unpractis'd and unread But for some hints her Mistress Nature taught Had it till now like grief with silence fed For Love and grief are nourish'd best with thought 63. But this closs Diet Love endures not long He must in sighs or speech take ayr abroad And thus with his Interpreter her Tongue He ventures forth though like a stranger aw'd 64. She said those virtues now she highly needs Which he so pow'rfully does in her praise To check since vanitie on praises feed That pride which his authentick words may raise 65. That if her Pray'rs or care did ought restore Of absent health in his bemoan'd distress She beg'd he would approve her duty more And so commend her feeble virtue less 66. That she the payment he of love would make Less understood than yet the debt she knew But coyns unknown suspitiously we take And debts till manifest are never due 67. With bashfull Looks besought him to retire Lest the sharp Ayr should his new health invade And as she spake she saw her reverend Syre Approach to seek her in her usual shade 68. To whom with filial homage she does how The Duke did first at distant duty stand But soon imbrac'd his knees whilst he more low Does bend to him and then reach'd Birtha's hand 69. Her Face o recast with thought does soobâ— tray Th' assembled spirits which his Eies detect â—y her pale look as by the Milkie way Men first did the assembled Stars suspect 70. â—r as a Pris'ner that in Prison pines Still at the utmost window grieving lies Even so her Soul imprison'd sadly shines As if it watch'd for freedom at her Eys 71. This guides him to her Pâ—lse th' Alarum Bell Which waits the insurrections of desire And rings so fast as if the Cittadell Her newly conquer'd Breast were all one fire 72. Then on the Duke he casts a short survay Whose Veins his Temples with deep purple grace Then Love's dispair gives them a pale allay And shifts the whole complexion of his Face 73. Nature's wise Spie does outward with them walk And finds each in the midst of thinking starts Breath'd short and swiftly in disoder'd talk To cool beneath Love's Torrid Zone their hearts 74. When all these Symptones he observ'd he knows From Alga which is rooted deep in Seas To the high Cedar that on Mountains grows No sov'raign hearb is found for their disease 75. He would not Nature's eldest Law resist As if wise Nature's Law could be impure But Birtha with indulgent Looks dismist And means to counsel what he cannot cure 76. With mourning Gondibert he walks apart To watch his Passions force who seems to bear By silent grief Two Tyrants ore his Heart Great Love and his inferiour Tyrant Fear 77. But Astragon such kind inquiries made Of all which to his Art 's wise cares belong As his sick silence he does now disswade And midst Love's fears give courage to his Tongue 78. Then thus he spake with Love's humilitie Have pitie Father and since first so kind You would not let this worthless Bodie die Vouchasafe more nobly to preserve my Mind 79. A Mind so lately luckie as it here Has Virtue 's Mirrour found which does reflect Such blemishes as Custom made it wear But more authentick Nature does detect 80. A Mind long sick of Monarchs vain disease Not to be fill'd because with glorie fed So busie it condemn'd even War of Ease And for their useless rest despis'd the Dead 81. But since it here has Virtue quiet sound It thinks though Storms were wish'd by it before All sick at least at Sea that scape undrown'd Whom Glory serves as wind to leave the shore 82. All Virtue is to yours but fashion now Religion Art Internals are all gone Or outward turn'd to satisfie with show Not God but his inferiour Eye the Sun 83. And yet though Virtue be as fashion sought And now Religion rules by Art's prais'd skill Fashion is Virtue 's Mimmick falsly taught And Art but Nature's Ape which plays her ill 84. To this blest House great Nature's Court all Courts Compar'd are but dark Closets for retreat Of private Minds Battels but Childrens sports And onely simple good is solid Great 85.
Let not the Mind thus freed from Errour 's Night Since you repriev'd my Body from the Grave Perish for being how in love with light But let your Virtue Virtue 's Lover save 86. Birtha I love and who loves wisely so Steps far tow'rds all which Virtue can attain But if we perish when tow'rds Heav'n we go Then have I learnt that Virtue is in vain 87. And now his Heart extracted through his Eyes In Love's Elixar Tears does soon subdue Old Astragon whose pitie though made wise With Love's false Essences likes these as true 88. The Duke he to a secret Bowr does lead Where he his Youths first Storie may attend To guesse ere he will let his love proceed By such a dawning how his day will end 89. For Virtue though a rarely planted Flow'r Was in the seed now by this Florist known Who could foretel even in springing hour What colours she shall wear when fully blown CANTO the Eighth The ARGUMENT BIRTHA her first unpractis'd Love bewails Whilst GONDIBERT on ASTRAGON prevails By shewing high Ambition is of use And Glory in the Good needs no excuse GOLTHO a grief to ULFINORE reveals Whilst he a greater of his own conceals 1. BIrtha her griefs to her Apartment brought Where all her Maids to Heav'n were us'd to raâ—â—â— Their voices whilst their busie Fingers wrought To deck the Altar of the House of Praise 2. But now she finds their Musick turn'd to care Their looks allay'd like beautie over-worn Silent and sad as with ring Fav'rites are Who for their sick indulgent Monarch mourn 3. Thula the eldest of this silenc'd Quire When Birtha at this change astonish'd was With hastie whisper begg'd her to retire And on her knees thus tells their sorrows cause 4. Forgive me such experience as too soon Shew'd me unluckie Love by which I guess How Maids are by their innocence undone And trace those sorrows that them first oppress 5. Forgive such Passion as to Speech perswades And to my Tongue my observation brought And then forgive my Tongue which to your Maids Too rashly carry'd what Experience taught 6. For since I saw this wounded stranger here Your inward musick still untun'd has been You who could need no hope have learnt to feat And practis'd grief ere you did know to Sin 7. This being Love to Agatha I told Did on her Tongue as on still Death reliâ— But winged Love she was too young to hold And wanton-like let it to others flie 8. Love who in whisper scap'd did publick grow Which makes them now their time in silence waste Makes their neglected Beedles move so slow And through their Eyes their Hearts dissolve so fast 9. For oft dire tales of Love has fill'd their Heads And while they doubt you in that Tyrant's pow'r The Spring they think may visit Woods and Meads But scarce shall hear a Bird or see a Flow'r 10. Ah how said Birtha shall I dare confess My griefs to thee Love's rash impatient Spie Thou Thula who didst râ—â— to tell thy guess With secrets known wilt to confession flie 11. But if I love this Prince and have in Heav'n Made any Friends by vows you need not fear He will make good the feature Heav'n has given And be as harmless â—s his looks appear 12. Yet I have heard that Men whom Maids think kind Calm as forgiven Saints at their last Hour Oft prove like Seas inrag'd by ev'ry wind And all who to their Bosoms trust devour 26. Howere Heav'n knows the witness of the Mind My hearâ—bears Men nomalice nor esteems Young Princes of the common cruel kind Nor Love so foul as it in Story seems 27. Yet if this Prince brought Love what ere it be I must suspect though I accuse it not For since he came my medâ—'nal Huswiserie Confections and my Stils are all forgot 28. Blossoms in winds Berries in Frosts may fall And Flow'rs sink down in Rain For I no more Shall Maids to woods for early gath'rings call Noâ— haste to Gardens to prevent a showre 29. This said retires and now a lovely shame That she reveal'd so much possess'd her Cheeks In a dark Lanthorn she would bear Love's flame To hide her self whilst she her Lover seeks 30. And to that Lover let our Song return Whose Tale so well was to her Father told As the Philosopher did seem to mourn That Youth had reach'd such worth and he so old 31. Yet Birtha was so precious in his Eyes Her vanish'd Mother still so near his mind That farther yet he thus his prudence tries Ere such a Pledge he to his trust resign'd 32. Whoere said he in thy first story looks Shall praise thy wise conversing with the Dead For with the Dead he lives who is with Books And in the Camp Death's moving Palace bred 20. Wise Youth in books and battels early finds What thoughtless lazy Men perceive too late Books shew the utmost conquests of our Minds Battels the best of our lov'd Bodies fate 21. Yet this great breeding joyn'd with Kings high blood Whose blood Ambition's feaver over-heats May spoil digestion which would else be good As stomachs are deprav'd with highest Meats 22. For though Books serve as Diet of the Mind If knowledge early got self-value breeds By false digestion it is turn'd to wind And what should nourish on the Eater feeds 23. Though Wars great shape best educates the sight And makes small soft'ning objects less our care Yet War when urg'd for glory more than right Shews Victors but authentick Murd'rers are 24. And I may fear that your last victories Where Glory's Toyls and you will ill abide Since with new Trophies still you fed your Eyes Those little objects which in Shades we hide 25. Could you in Fortunes smiles foretel her frowns Our old Foes slain you would not hunt for new But Victors after wreaths pretend at Crowns And such think Rhodalind their Valour 's due 26. To this the gentle Gondibert replies Think not Ambition can my duty sway look on Rhodalin'd with Subjects Eyes Whom he that conquers must in right obay 27. And though I humanely have heretofore All beauty lik'd I never lov'd till now Nor think a Crown can raise his value more To whom already Heav'n does Love allow 28. Though since I gave the Hunns their last defeat I have the Lombards Ensigns outward led Ambition kindled not this Victors heat But 't is a warmth my Fathers prudence bred 29. Who cast on more than Wolvish Man his Eye Man's necessary hunger judg'd and saw That caus'd not his devouring Maladie But like a wanton whelp he loves to gnaw 30. Man still is sick for pow'r yet that disease Nature whose Law is Temp'rance ne'r inspires But 't is a humour does his Manship please A luxury fruition onely tires 31. And as in persons so in publick States The lust of Pow'r provokes to cruel war For wisest Senates it intoxicates And makes them vain as single persons are 32. Men into Nations it did
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-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
where still intrenched were Those Youth whom first his Father's Army bred Who ill the rumour of his wounds did bear Though he that gave them of his own be dead 4. And worse those haughtie threat'nings they abhor Which Fame from Brescia's ancient Fighters brought Vain Fame the Peoples trusted Orator Whose speech too fluent their mistakes has wrought 5. Oft Goltho with his temp'rate Counsels went To quench whom Fame to dang'rous furie warm'd Till temp'rately his dangers they resent And think him safest in their patience arm'd 6. And safe now is his love as love could be If all the World like old Arcadia were Honour the Monarch and all Lovers free From jealosie as safetie is from fear 7. And Birtha's heart does to his civil Breast As much for ease and peace as safetie come For there 't is serv'd and treated as a Guest But watch'd and taught and often chid at home 8. Like great and good Confed'rates whose design Invades not others but secures their own So they in just and virtuous hopes combine And are like new Confed'rates busie grown 9. With whisper earnest and now grave with thought They walk consulting standing they debate And then seek shades where they in vain are sought By servants who intrude and think they wait 10. In this great League their most important care Was to dispatch their Rites Yet so provide That all the Court might think them free as air When fast as faith they were by Hymen ty'd 11. For if the King said he our love surprise His stormie rage will it Rebellion call Who claims to chuse the Brides of his Allies And in that storm our joys in blossom fall 12. Our love your cautious Father onely knows On whose safe prudence Senates may depend And Golthâ— who to time few reck'nings ows Yet can discharge all duties of a Friend 13. Such was his mind and hers more busie shows That bonds of love does make her longer fast Than Hymen's knot as plain Religion does Longer than Rites Religion's fashions last 14. That her discretion somewhat does appear Since she can Love her minds chief beautie hide Which never farther went than Thula's Ear Who had alass but for that secret dy'd 15. That she alreadie had disguises fram'd And sought out Caves where she might closs reside As being nor unwilling nor asham'd To live his Captive so she die his Bride 16. Full of themselves delight them onward leads Where in the Front was to remoter view Exalted Hills and nearer prostrate Meads With Forrests flanck'd where shade to darkness grew 17. Beneath that shade Two Rivers slily steal Through narrow walks to wider Adice Who swallows both till she does proudly swel And hasts to shew her beautie to the Sea 18. And here whilst forth he sends his raging Eye Orgo he spies who plies the spur so fast As if with news of Vict'rie he would flie To leave swift Fame behind him by his haste 19. If said the Duke because the Boy is come I second gladness shew do not suppose I spread my Breast to give new Comforts room That were to welcome rain where Nilus flows 20. Though the unripe appearance of a Page For weightie trust may render him too weak Yet this is he who more than cautious Age Or like calm Death will bury what we speak 21. This Birtha is the Boy whose skilless face Is safe from jealousie of oldest spies In whom by whisper we from distant place May meet or wink our meaning to his Eyes 22. More had he said to gain him her esteem But Orgo enters speechless with his Speed And by his looks more full of haste did seem Than when his spurs provok'd his flying Steed 23. And with his first recover'd breath he cries Hail my lov'd Lord whom Fame does value so That when she swift with your successes â—â—ies She fears to wrong the World in being flow 24. I bring you more than tasts of Fortune's love Yet am afraid I err in haâ—ing dar'd To think her favours could your gladness move Who have more worth than Fortune can reward 25. The Duke with smiles forewarns his hastie Tongue As loth he should proceed in telling more Kindly afraid to do his kindness wrong By hearing what he thought he knew before 26. Thy diligence said he is high desert It does in Youth supply defects of skill And is of dutie the most usefull part Yet art thou now but slow to Hurgonil 27. Who hither by the Moons imperfect light Came and return'd without the help of day To tell me he has Orna's Virgin plight And that their Nuptials for my presence stay 28. Orgo reply'd though that a triumph be Where all false Lovers are like savage Kings Led Captive after Love's great Victorie It does but promise what your triumph brings 29. It was the Eve to this your Holy-day And now Verona Mishess does appear Of Lombardy and all the Flow'rs which May Ere wore does as the Countrie 's favours wear 30. The wearie Eccho from the Hills makes hastes Vex'd that the Bells still calls for her replies When they so many are and ring so fast Yet oft are â—ilenc'd by the Peoples cries 31. Who send to Heav'n the name of Rhâ—dalind And then Duke Gondibert as high they raise To both with all their publick passion kind If kindness shine in wishes and in praise 32. The King this day made your adoption known Proclaim'd you to the Empire next ally'd As heir to all his Conquests and his Crown For royal Rhodalind must be your Bride 33. Not all the dangeâ—s valour finds in war Love meets in Courts or pride to Courts procures When sick with Peace the hot in Faction are Can make such fears as now the Duke endures 34. Nor all those fears which ev'ry Maid has found On whose first Guards Love by surprises steals Whose sightless Arrow makes a câ—reless wound Are like to this which doubtfull Birtha feels 35. He from his looks wild wonder strives to chace Strives more to teach his Manhood to resist Death in her Eyes and then with all the grace Of seeming pleasure Orgo he dismist 36. And Orgo being gone low as her knees Could fall she fell and soon he bends as low With weight of heart griev'd that no Grave he sees To sink where love no more can sorrow know 37. Her sighs as show'rs lay winds are calm'd with tears And parting life seems stay'd awhile to take A civil leave whilst her pale visage wears A clearie Skie and thus she weeping spake 38. Since such a Prince has forfeited his pow'r Heav'n give me leave to make my dutie less Let me my vows as sudden oaths abhor Which did my passion not my truth express 39. Yet yours I would not think were counterfeit But rather ill and rashly understood For 't is impossible I can forget So soon that once you fatally were good 40. Though cruel now as Beasts where they have pow'r Chusing like them to make the weakest bleed For weakness soon
invites you to devour And a submission gives you ease to feed 41. To fighting Fields send all your honour back To Courts your dang'rous Tongue and civil shape That Country Maids may Men no more mistake Nor seek dark Death that they may Love escape 42. Now soon to Heav'n her Soul had found the way For there it oâ—t had been in pray'r and praise But that his vows did life with loudness stay And life's warm help did soon her Body raise 43. And now he gently leads her for no more He lets th'unhallow'd Ground a falâ— Flow'â— wear Sweeter than Nature's Bosom ever wore And now these vows sends kindly to her Eâ—r 44. If Birtha I am false think none too blame For thinking Truth by which the Soul subsists No farther to be found than in the name Think humane kind betraid ev'n by their Priests 45. Think all my Sex so vile that you may chide Those Maids who to your Mothers Nuptials ran And praise your Mother who so early dy'd Remembring whom she marry'd was a Man 46. This great Court miracle you strait receive From Orgo and your faith the whole allows Why since you Orgo's words so soon believe Will you less civilly suspect my vows 47. My Vows which want the Temples seal will bind Though private kept surer than publick Laws For Laws but sorce the Body but my Mind Your Virtue Counsels whilst your beauty draws 48. Thus spake he but his mourning looks did more Attest his grief and fear does hers renew Now losing were he lost more than before For then she fear'd him false now thinks him true 49. As sick Physicians seldom their own Art Dare trust to cure their own disease so these Were to themselves quite useless when apart Yet by consult each can the other ease 50. But from themselves they now diverted stood For Orgo's News which need not borrow wings Since Orgo for his Lord believ'd it good To Astragon the joyfull Houshold brings 51. But Astragon with a judicious thought This days glad news took in the dire portent A day which mourning Nights to Birtha brought And with that fear in search of Birtha went 52. And here he finds her in her Lovers Eyes And him in hers both more afflicted grown At his approach for each his sorrow spies Who thus would counsel theirs and hide his own 53. Though much this fatal joy to anger moves Yet reason's aids shall anger's force subdue I will not chide you for your hasty Loves Nor ever doubt great Prince that yours is true 54. In chiding Love because he hasty was Or urging errours which his swiftness brings I find effects but dare not tax the cause For Poets were inspir'd who gave him wings 55. When low I dig where desart-Rivers run Dive deep in Seas through Forrests follow winds Or reach with Optick Tubes the ragged Moon My sight no cause of Love's swift motion finds 56. Love's fatal haste in yours I will not blame Because I know not why his wings were giv'n Nor doubt him true not knowing whence he came Nor Birtha chide who thought you came from Heav'n 57. If you lay snares we erre when we escape Since evil practise learns Men to suspect Where falshood is and in your noble shape We should by finding it our skill detect 58. Yet both your griefs I 'le chide as ignorance Call you unthankfull for your great griefs show That Heav'n has never us'd you to mischance Yet rudely you repine to feel it now 59. If your contextures be so weak and nice Weep that this windy world you ever knew You are not in those Calms of Paradice Where slender Flow'rs as safe as Cedars grew 60. This which your Youth calls grief was frowardness In flatter'd Infancy and as you bear Unkindly now amidst Youth's joys distress So then unless still rock'd you froward were 61. Griefs conflicts gave these Hairs their silver shine Torn Ensigns which victorious Age adorn Youth is a Dress too garish and too fine To be in foul tempestuous weather worn 62. Grief's want of use does dang'rous weakness make But we by use of Burdens are made strong And in our practis'd Age can calmly take Those sorrows which like Feavers vex the young 63. When you in Love's fair Books which Poets keep Read what they hide his Tragick History You will rejoyce that half your time is sleep And smile at Love when Nature bids you die 64. Learn then that Love's diseases common are Do not in sickness known though new to you Whilst vital hear does last of cure despair Love's vital heat does last whilst Love is true 65. Thus spake the kind and prudent Astragon And much their kind impatience he appeas'd For of his griefs which heavier than their own Were born by both their duteous fears are eas'd 66. She begs that he would pardon her distress Thought that even sin which did her sorrows move And then with all her Mothers lowliness His pardon craves for asking leave to love 67. The Duke who saw fair Truth so undisguis'd And love in all but love so unconcern'd Pity'd the studious world and all despis'd Who did not here unlearn what they had learn'd 68. I am reform'd said he not that before I wanted love or that my love was ill But I have learnt to perfect Nature more By giving innocence a little skill 69. For 't is some skill in innocence to bear With temper the distempers of our Stars Not doubting griefs already come by fear Of more for fears but hasten threat'ned Wars 70. But we will bravely suffer to inure Our strength to weights against the new are laid That when 't is known how much we can endure Our sufferings may make our Foes afraid 71. This Comet Glory shines but in portent Which from the Court does send her threatning Beams And looks as if it were by malice meant To hasten Oswald's Faction to extreams 72. Since Hurgonil who just fore-ran the Boy Could not instruct us we as much may know Of the first Light as of these fires of joy Which is that both did out of darkness grow 73. Yet this the King might hide in Kingly skill Wisely to make his bounty more his own Kings stoop for Counsel who impart their will His Acts like Heav'ns make not their Causes known 74. Yet with as plain a heart as love untaught In Birtha wears I here to Birtha make A vow that Rhodalind I never sought Nor now would with her love her greatness take 75. Love's bonds are for her greatness made too straight And me Ambition's pleasures cannot please Ev'n Priests who on the higher Altar wait Think a continu'd rev'rence loss of ease 76. Let us with secrecy our love protect Hiding such precious wealth from publick view The proffer'd glory I will first suspect As false and shun it when I find it true 77. They now retire because they Goltho saw Who hither came to watch with Ulfinore If much the Duke 's woo'd Mistress did him aw
Since love woo'd him and in the shape of Pow'r 78. But when he mark'd that he did from them move With sudden shyness he suppos'd it shame Of being seen in chase of Birtha's love As if above it grown since Orgo came 79. Goltho by nature was of Musick made Chearfull as Victors warm in their success He seem'd like Birds created to be glad And nought but love could make him taste distress 80. Hope which our cautious Age scarce entertains Or as a Flatt'rer gives her cold respect He runs to meet invites her and complains Of one hours absence as a years neglect 81. Hope the world 's welcome and his standing Guest Fed by the Rich but feasted by the Poor Hope that did come in triumph to his breast He thus presents in boast to Ulfinore 82. Well may I Friend auspicious Love adore Seeing my mighty Rival takes no pride To be with Birtha seen and he before Thou knowst enjoyn'd that I his love should hide 83. Nor do I break his trust when 't is reveal'd To thee since we are now so much the same That when from thee it is from me conceal'd For we admit no diff'rence but in name 84. But be it still from ev'ry other Ear Preserv'd and strictly by our mutual vow His Laws are still to my obedience dear Who was my Gen'ral though my Rival now 85. And well thou knowst how much mine Eyes did melt When our great Leader they did first perceive Love's Captive led whose sorrows then I felt Though now for greater of mine own I grieve 86. Nor do I now by love in duty erre For if I get what he would fain possess Then he a Monarch is and I preferre Him who undoes the world in being less 87. When Heav'n which hath preferr'd me to thy brest Where Friendship is inthron'd shall make it known That I am worth thy love which is exprest By making Heav'nly Birtha all mine own 88. Then at this quiet Eden thou wilt call And stay a while to mark if Love 's prais'd Plant Have after Spring a ripeness and a Fall Or never of the first abundance want 89. And I shall tell thee then if Poets are In using Beauty's Pencil false or blind For they have Birtha drawn but sweet and fair Stiles of her Face the Curtain of her Mind 90. And thou at parting shalt her picture wear For Nature's honour not to shew my pride Try if like her the teeming World does bear Then bring that Copy hither for thy Bride 91. And they shall love as quietly as we Their Beauty's pow'r no civil War will raise But flourish and like neighb'ring Flow'rs agree Unless they kindly quarrel in our praise 92. Then we for change will leave such luscious peace In Camps their Favours shall our Helms adorn For we can no way else our joys increase But by beholding theirs at our return 93. Thus cloath'd in Feathers heâ—on Steeples walks Not guessing yet that silent Ulfinore Had study'd her of whom he loosly talks And what he likes did solidly adore 94. But Ulfinore with cold discretion aw'd His passion and did grave with Love become Though youthfully he sent his Eyes abroad Yet kept with manly care his Tongue at home 95. These Rival's hopes he did with patience hear His count'nance not uneasie seem'd nor strange Yet meant his cares should more like Love appear If in the Duke Ambition bred a change 96. But as the Duke shun'd them for secrecy So now they from approaching Orgâ— move Made by Discretion Love's strict Tutor shy Which is to Lovers painfull as their Love 97. But Orgo they did ill suspect whose Youth And nature yielded Lovers no offence Us'd by his Lord for kindness and for truth Both native in him as his innocence 98. And here pass'd by in haste to Court employ'd That Birtha may no more have cause to mourn Full was his little Breast and over-joy'd That much depended on his quick return 99. Many like Orgo in their Manhoods Morn As Pages did the Noble Duke attend The Sons of Chiess whom beauty did adorn And fairer Virtue did that beauty mend 100. These in his Heroe's Schools he bred which were In Peace his Palace and in War his Tent As if Time's self had read sage Lecture there How he would have his hours Life's Treasure spent 101. No action though to shorten dreaded war Nor needfull Counsels though to lengthen Peace Nor Love of which wise Nature takes such care Could from this usefull work his cares release 102. But with the early Sun he rose and taught These Youths by growing virtue to grow great Shew'd greatness is without it blindly sought A desp'rate charge which ends in base retreat 103. He taught them shame the sudden sence of ill Shame Nature's hasty Conscience which forbids Weak inclination ere it grow to will And stays rash will before it grow to deeds 104. He taught them Honour Virtue 's bashfulness A Fort so yieldless that it fears to treat Like Pow'r it grows to nothing growing less Honour the moral Conscience of the Great 105. He taught them kindness Souls civilitie In which nor Courts nor Cities have a part For theirs is fashion this from falshood free Where Love and pleasure know no Lust nor Art 106. And Love he taught the Soul 's stoln Visit made Though froward Age watch hard and Law forbid Her walks no Spie has trac'd nor mountain staid Her friendship's cause is as the Loadstone's hid 107. He taught them love of Toyl Toyl which does keep Obstructions from the Mind and quench the bloud Ease but belongs to us like sleep and sleep Like Opium is our Med'cine not our Food 108. To dangers us'd them which Death's Visards are More uglie than himself and often chace From Battel Coward-life but when we dare His Vizard see we never fear his face CANTO the Third The ARGUMENT The Poet takes the Wise aside to prove Ev'n them concern'd in all he writes of Love The duteous ORGO from the Court returns With joys at which again fair BIRTHA mourns The Duke with open Arms does entertain Those Guests whom he receives with secret pain 1. THou whom some Ages hence these Roles dost read Kept as Records by Lovers of Love's pow'r Thou who dost live when I have long been dead And feed'st from Earth when Earth does me devour 2. Who liv'st perhaps amidst some Cities joys Where they would fall asleep with Lazie peace But that their triumphs make so great a noise And their loud Bells cannot for Nuptials cease 3. Thou who perhaps proudly thy bloomie Bride Lead'st to some Temple where I withered lie Proudly as if she Age's Frosts desy'd And that thy springing self could never die 4. Thou to whom then the chearfull Quire will sing Whilst hallow'd Lamps and Tapers brave the Sun As a Lay-Light and Bells in triumph ring As when from sallies the Besiegers run 5. Then when the Priest has ended if thine Eyes Can but a little space her Eyes
forbear To shew her where my Marble Coâ—â—in lies Her Virgin Garlands she will offer there 6. Confess that reading me she learnt to Love That all the good behaviour of her heart Even tow'rds thy self my doctrine did improve Where Love by Nature is forewarn'd of Art 7. She will confess that to her Maiden state This Storie shew'd such Patterns of great Life As though she then could those but imitate They an Example make her now a Wife 8. And thy lif 's fire could she a while out-live Which were though lawfull neither kind nor good Then even her sorrows would examples give And shine to others through dark widowhood 9. And she will boast how spite of Cynick Age Of bus'ness which does Pow'r uncivil make Of ruder Cells where they Love's Fire asswage By studying Death and Fear for Virtue take 10. And spite of Courts where loving now is made An Art as dying is in Cells my Laws Did teach her how by Nature to perswade And hold by virtue whom her beautie draws 11. Thus when by knowing me thou know'st to whom Love ows his Eyes who has too long been blind Then in the Temple leave my Bodies Tomb To seek this Book the Mon'ment of my Mind 12. Where thou may'st read who with impatient Eyes For Orgo on the guilded Tarras stay Which high and golden shews and open lies As the Morn's Window when she lets out Day 13. Whose heighth Two rising Forrests over-looks And on Pine-tops the Eye-sight downward cast Where distant Rivers seem bestrided Brooks Churches but Anchor'd Ships their Steeples Masts 14. Hence by his little Regian Courser brought Orgo they spie with diligence indu'd As if he would oretake fore-running Thought And he by many swiftly seem'd pursu'd 15. But his light speed left those awhile behind Whilst with rais'd Dust their swiftness hide the way Yet Birtha will too soon by Orgo find What she by distance lost in this survay 16. Orgo a precious Casket did present To his dear Lord of Podian Saphyr wrought For which unknown to Birtha he was sent And a more precious Pledge was in it brought 17. Then thus proclaim'd his joy Long may I live Sent still with blessings from the Heav'nly Powers And may their bounties shew what they can give And full as fast as long expected Showers 18. Behold the King with such a shining Train As dazles sight yet can inform the Blind But there the Rich and Beauteous shine in vain Unless they dâ—stance keep from Rhodalind 19. Mâ— thinks they through the Middle Region come Their Chariots hid in Clouds of Dust below And ore their Heads their Coursers scatter'd Fome Does seem to cover them like falling Snow 20. This Birtha heard and she on Orgo cast A pitious look for she no anger knew But griev d he knows not that he brings too fast Such joys as fain she faster would eschew 21. So Gondibert this Gust of glorie took As Men whose Sayls are full more weather take And she so gaz'd on him as Sea-men look On long sought shore when Tempests drive them back 22. But now these glories more apparent be And justly all their observation claim'd Great as in greatest Courts less Princes see When entertain'd to be eclips'd and sham'd 23. West from Verona's Road through pleasant Meads Their Chariots cross and to the Palace steer And Aribert this winged triumph leads Which like the Planets Progress did appear 24. So shin'd they and so noiseless seem'd their speed Like Spartans touching but the silken Reins Was all the conduct which their Coursers need And proudly to sit still was all their pains 25. With Aribert sat royal Rhodalind Calm Orna by the Count by Hermegild Silver'd with time the Golden Gartha shin'd And Tybalt's Eyes were full by Laura fill'd 26. The lesser Beauties numberless as Stars Shew'd â—ickly and far off to this Noon-day And lagg'd like Baggage Treasure in the Wars Or onely seem'd another Milkie-way 27. The Duke perceiv'd the King design'd to make This visit more familiar by surprise And with Court art he would no notice take Of that which Kings are willing to disguise 28. But as in heedless sleep the House shall seem New wak'd with this Alarm and Vlfin strait Whose â—ame was precious in the Courts esteem Must as with casual sight their entrance wait 29. To Astragon he doubles all his Vows To Birtha through his Eies his Heart reveal'd And by some civil jealousies he shows Her beauty from the Court must be conceal'd 30. Prays her from Envy's danger to retire The Palace war which there can never cease Till Beauty's force in age or death expire A War disguis'd in civil shapes of Peace 31. Still he the precious Pledge kept from her view Who guess'd not by the Casket his intent And was so willing not to fear him true That she did fear to question what it ment 32. Now hasts she to be hid and being gon Her Lover thinks the Planet of the day So leaves the mourning World to give the Moon Whose Train is mark'd but for their number way 33. And entring in her Closet which took light Full in the Palace Front she finds her Maids Gather'd to see this gay unusuall sight Which Commet-like their wondring Eyes invades 34. Where Thula would by climbing highest be Though ancient grown and was in Stature short Yet did protest she came not there to see But to be hid from dangers of the Court. 35. Their curious longing Birtha durst not blame Boldness which but to seeing did aspire Since she her self provok'd with Courts great Fame Would fain a little see what all admire 36. Then through the Casement ventur'd so much Face As Kings depos'd shew when through Grates they peep To see Deposers in their Crowding pass But strait shrink back and at the triumph weep 37. Soon so her Eyes did too much glory find For ev'n the first she saw was all for she No more would view since that was Rhodalind And so much beauty could none others be 38. Which with her Virtue weigh'd no less renown'd Afflicts her that such worth must fatal prove And be in tears of the Possessor drown'd Or she depose her Lover by her love 39. But Thula wildly earnest in the view Of such gay sights as she did ne'r behold Mark'd not when Birtha her sad Eyes withdrew But dreamt the world was turn'd again to Gold 40. Each Lady most till more appear'd ador'd Then with rude liking prais'd them all aloud Yet thought them foul and course to ev'ry Lord And civilly to ev'ry Page she bow'd 41. The objects past out-sigh'd ev'n those that woo And strait her Mistris at the Window mist Then finding her in grief out-sigh'd her too And her fair Hands with parting passion kist 42. Did with a Servants usual art profess That all she saw was to her beauty black Confess'd their Maids well bred and knew to dress But said those Courts are poor which painting lack 43. Thy praise said Birtha poyson'd
Court if I deserve to die By making this to fade and you lament 53. Had now an artfull Pencil Birtha drawn With grief all dark then straight with joy all light He must have â—ancy'd first in early dawn A sudden break of beautie out of Night 54. Or first he must have mark'd what Paleness Fear Like nipping Frost did to her visage bring Then think he sees in a cold backward year A Rosie Morn begin a sudden Spring 55. Her joys too vast to be contain'd in speech Thus she a little spake Why stoop you down My plighted Lord to lowly Birtha's reach Since Rhodalind would lift you to a Crown 56. Or why do I when I this plight imbrace Boldly aspire to take what you have given But that your virtue has with Angels place And 't is a virtue to aspire at Heav'n 57. And as tow'rds Heav'n all travel on their Knees So I tow'rds you though Love aspire will move And were you Crown'd what could you better please Than aw'd obedience led by bolder Love 58. If I forget the depth from whence I rise Far from your bosom banish'd be my heart Or claim a right by beautie to your Eyes Or proudly think my chastitie desert 59. But thus ascending from your humble Maid To be your plighted Bride and then your Wife Will be a Debt that shall be hourly paid Till Time my dutie cancel with my life 60. And fruitfully if Heav'n ere make me bring Your Image to the World you then my pride No more shall blame than you can tax the Spring for boasting of those Flowr's she cannot hide 61. Orgo I so receive as I am taught By dutie to esteem what ere you love And hope the joy he in this Jewel brought Will luckier than his former triumphs prove 62. For though but Twice he has approach'd my â—ight He Twice made haste to drown me in my Tears But now I am above his Planets spite And as for sin beg pardon for my fears 63. Thus spake she and with fix'd continu'd sight The Duke did all her bashfull beauties view Then they with kisses seal'd their sacred plight Like Flowr's still sweeter as they thicker grew 64. Yet must these pleasures feel though innocent The sickness of extreams and cannot last For Pow'r Love's shun'd Impediment has sent To tell the Duke his Monarch is in hast 65. And calls him to that triumph which he fears So as a Saint forgiven whose Breast does all Heav'n's joys contain wisely lov'd Pomp for bears Lest tempted Nature should from blessings fall 66. He often takes his leave with Love's delay And bids her hope he with the King shall find By now appearing forward to obay A means to serve him less in Rhodalind 67. She weeping to her Closet-window hies Where she with tears does Rhodalind survay As dying Men who grieve that they have Eyes When they through Curtains spie the rising Day 68. The King has now his curious sight suffic'd With all lost Arts in their revival view'd Which when restor'd our pride thinks new devis'd Fashions of Minds call'd new when but renew'd 69. The busie Court prepares to move on whom Their sad offended Eyes the Countrey cast Who never see enough where Monarchs come And nothing so uncivil seems as haste 70. As Men move slow who know they lose their way Ev'n so the Duke tow'rd Rhodalind does move Yet he does duteous fears and wonder pay Which are the first and dang'rous signs of Love 71. All his addresses much by Goltho were And Ulfinore observ'd who distant stand Not daring to approch his presence near But shun his Eyes to scape from his command 72. Lest to Verona he should both require For by remaining here both hope to light Their Hymen's Torches at his parting fire And not despair to kindle them to night 73. The King his Golden Chariot now ascends Which near fair Rhodalind the Duke contains Though to excuse that grace he lowly bends But honour so refus'd more honour gains 74. And now their Chariots readie to take wing Are ev'n by weakest breath a whisper stay'd And but such whisper as a Page does bring To Laura's Woman from a Houshold Maid 75. But this low voice did raise in Laura's Ear An Eccho which from all redoubled soon Proclaiming such a Countrey beautie here As makes them look like Ev'ning to her Noon 76. And Laura of her own high beautie proud Yet not to others cruel softly prays She may appear but Gartha bold and loud With Eyes impatient as for conquest stays 77. Though Astragon now owns her and excus'd Her presence as a Maid but rudely taught Infirm in health and not to greatness us'd Yet Gartha still calls out to have her brought 78. But Rhodalind in whose relenting Breast Compassion's self might sit at School and learn Knew bashfull Maids with publick view distrest And in their Glass themselves with fear discern 79. She stopt this Challenge which Court Beautie made To Countrey shape not knowing Nature's hand Had Birtha dress'd nor that her self obay'd In vain whom conqu'ring Birtha did command 80. The Duke whom virtuous kindness soon subdues Though him his Bonds from Birtha highly please Yet seems to think that luckie he who sues To wear this royal Maid's will walk at ease 81. Of these a brief survey sad Birtha takes And Orgo's help directs her Eye to all Shews her for whom grave Tybalt nightly wakes Then at whose feet wise Hermegild does fall 82. And when calm Orna with the Count she saw Hope who though weak a willing Painter is And busily does ev'ry Pattern draw By that example could not work amiss 83. For soon she shap'd her Lord and her so kind So all of love till fancie wrought no more When she perceiv'd him sit with Rhodalind But froward-Painter-like the Copie tore 84. And now they move and she thus robb'd believes Since with such haste they bear her wealth away That they at best are but judicious Thieves And know the noble value of their prey 85. And then she thus complain'd Why royal Maid Injurious Greatness Did you hither come Where Pow'r's strong Nets of Wire were never laid But childish Love took Cradle as at home 86. Where can we safe our harmless blessings keep Since glorious Courts our solitude invade Bells which ring out when th' unconcern'd would sleep Faise lights to scare poor Birds in Countrey shade 87. Or if our joys their own discov'rie make Envie whose Tongue first kills whom she devours Calls it our Pride Envie The poys'nous snake Whose breath blasts Maids as innocent as Flow'rs 88. Forgive me beautious Greatness if I grow Distemper'd with my fears and rudely long To be secure or praise your beautie so As to believe that it may do me wrong 89. And you my plighted Lord forgive me too If since your worth and my defects I find I fear what you in justice ought to do And praise your judgement when I doubt you kind 90. Now suddain fear ore all her
beauty wrought The pale appearance of a killing Frost And carefull Orgo when she started thought She had her Pledge the precions Emrauld lost 91. But that kind Heart as constant as her own She did not miss 't was from a suddain sence Lest in her Lover's heart some change was grown And it grew pale with that intelligence 92. Soon from her bosom she this Emrauld took If now said she my Lord my Heart deceives This Stone will by dead paleness make me look Pale as the Snowy skin of Lilly Leaves 93. But such a chearfull green the Gem did sling Where she oppos'd the Rays as if she had Been dy'd in the complexion of the Spring Or were by Nimphs of Brittain Valleys clad 94. Soon she with earnest passion kist the Stone Which ne'r till then had suffer'd an eclips But then the Rays retir'd as if it shone In vain so near the Rubies of her Lips 95. Yet thence remov'd with publick glory shines She Orgo blest who had this Relique brought And kept it like those Reliques lock'd in shrines By which the latest Miracles were wrought 96. For soon respect was up to rev'rence grown Which fear to Superstition would sublime But that her Father took Fear 's Ladder down Lose steps by which distress to Heav'n would climbe 97. He knew when Fear shapes Heav'nly Pow'r so just And terrible parts of that shape drawn true It vails Heav'n's beauty Love which when we trust Our courage honours him to whom we sue CANTO the Fifth The ARGUMENT The deep Designs of BIRTHA in distress Her Emrauld's virtue shews her Love's success Wise ASTRAGON with reason cures despair And the Afflicted chides for partial Pray'r With grief the secret Rivals take their leave And but dark hope for hidden love receive 1. TO shew the Morn her passage to the East Now Birtha's dawn the Lover's Day appears So soon Love beats Revellies in her Breast And like the Dewy Morn she rose in tears 2. So much she did her jealous dreams dislike Her Maids straight kindle by her light their Eyes Which when to hers compar'd Poets would strike Such sparks to light their Lamps ere Day does rise 3. But O vain Jealousie why dost thou haste To find those evils which too soon are brought Love's frantick Valour which so rashly fast Seeks dangers as if none would come unsought 4. As often fairest Moâ—â—s soon cover'd be So she with dark'ning thoughts is clouded now Looks so as weaker Eyes small objects see Or studious States-men who contract the Brow 5. Or like some thinking Sybill that would find The sence of mystick words by Angels giv'n And this fair Politick bred in her mind Restless as Seas a deep designe on Heav'n 6. To Pray'rs plain Temple she does hast unseen Which though not grac'd with curious cost for show Was nicely kept and now must be as clean As Tears make those who thence forgiven go 7. For her own Hands by which best Painter drew The Hands of Innocence will make it shine Penance which newly from her terrors grew And was alas part of her deep designe 8. And when this holy huswifry was past Her vows she sends to Heav'n which thither fly Intire not broken by unthinking hast Like Sinners Sparks that in ascending dye 9. Thence she departs but at this Temple Gate A needy Crowd call'd by her Summons there With such assurance for her bounty waite As if ne'r failing Heav'n their Debtor were 10. To these she store of Antique Treasure gave For she no Money knew Medals of Gold Which curious Gath'rers did in travell save And at high worth were to her Mother sold. 11. Figures of fighting Chiefs born to orecome Those who without their leave would all destroy Chiefs who had brought renown to Athens Rome To Carthage Tyre and to lamented Troy 12. Such was her wealth her Mothers Legacy And well she knew it was of special price But she has begg'd what Heav'n must not deny So would not make a common Sacrifice 13. To the black Temple she her Sorrow bears Where she out-begg'd the tardy begging Thief Made weeping Magdaline but poor in Tears Yet Silent as their Pictures was her Grief 14. Her purpos'd penance she did here fulfill Those Pictures dress'd and the spent Lamp reliev'd With fragrant Oyls dropp'd from her Silver Still And now for those that there sat mourning griev'd 15. Those Penitients who knew her innocence Wonder what Parents sin she did bemoan And venture though they go unpardon'd thence More sighs for her redress than for their own 16. Now jealousie no more benights her face Her courage beauteous grows and grief decays And with such joy as shipwrack'd Men imbrace The Shore she hastens to the House of Praise 17. And there the Gem she from her bosom took With which till now she trembled to advise So far from pale that Gondibert would look Pale if he saw how it out-shin'd her Eyes 18. These Rays she to a Miracle prefers And lustre that such beauty so defies Had Poets seen Love's partial Jewellers Who count nought precious but their Mistress Eyes 19. They would with grief a miracle confess She enters straight to pay her gratitude And could not think her beauty in distress Whilst to her Love her Lord is still subdu'd 20. The Altar she with Imag'ry array'd Where Needles boldly as a Pencil wrought The Story of that humble Syrian Mayd Who Pitchers bore yet Kings to Juda brought 21. And there she of that precious Linnen spreds Which in the consecrated Moneth is spun By Lombard Brides for whom in empty Beds Their Bridegrooms sigh till the succeeding Moon 22. 'T is in that Moon bleach'd by her fuller Light And wash'd in Suds of Amber till it grow Clean as this spreaders Hands and those were white As rising Lilies or as falling Snow 23. The voluntary Quire of Birds she feeds Which oft had here the Virgin-Consort fill'd She diets them with Aromatick seeds And quench'd their Thirst with Rainbowe-Dew distill'd 24. Lord Astragon whose tender care did wait Her progress since her Morn so cloudy broke Arrests her passage at this Temple Gate And thus he with a Father's license spoke 25. Why art thou now who hast so joyfull liv'd Ere love thou knewst become with Love so sad If thou hast lost fair Virtue then be griev'd Else shew thou know'st her worth by being glad 26. Thy love 's high soaring cannot be a crime Nor can we if a Spinster loves a King Say that her love ambitiously does climb Love seeks no honour but does honour bring 27. Mounts others value and her own lets fall Kings honour is but little till made much By Subjects Tongues elixar-Elixar-Love turns all To pow'rfull Gold where it does onely touch 28. Thou lov'st a Prince above thine own degree Degree is Monarch's Art Love Nature's Law In Love's free State all Pow'rs so levell'd be That there affection governs more than aw 29. But thou dost love where Rhodalind does love And thence