Optick Tubes the Moons scant sace Vast Tubes which like long Cedars mounted lie Attract through Glasses to so near a space As if they came not to survey but prie 17. Nine hastie Centuries are now fulfill'd Since Opticks first were known to Astragon By whom the Moderns are become so skill'd They dream of seeing to the Maker's Throne 18. And wisely Astragon thus busie grew To seek the Stars remote societies And judge the walks of th' old by finding new For Nature's law in correspondence lies 19. Man's pride grown to Religion he abates By moving our lov'd Earth which we think fix'd Think all to it and it to none relates With others motion scorn to have it mix'd 20. As if 't were great and stately to stand still Whilst other Orbs dance on or else think all Those vast bright Globes to shew God's needless skill Were made but to attend our little Ball. 21. Now near a sever'd Building they discern'd Which seem'd as in a pleasant shade retir'd A Throng by whose glad diligence they learn'd They came frome Toils which their own choice desir'd 22. This they approch and as they enter it Their Eyes were stay'd by reading ore the Gate Great Natures Office in large letters writ And next they mark'd who there in office saâ—â— 23. Old busie Men yet much for wisdom fam'd Hastie to know though not by haste beguild These fitly Natures Registers were nam'd The Throng were their Intelligencers styl'd 24. Who stop by snares and by their chace oretake All hidden Beasts the closser Forrest yields All that by secret sence their rescue make Or trust their force or swiftness in the Fields 25. And of this Throng some their imployment have In fleeting Rivers some fixed Lakes beset Where Nature's self by shifts can nothing save From trifling Angles or the swall'wing Net 26. Some in the spacious Ayr their Prey oretake Cos'ning with hunger Faulcons of their wings Whilst all their patient observations make Which each to Natures Office duely brings 27. And there of ev'ry Fish and Foul and Beast The wilâ—s those learned Registers record Courage and fears their motion and their rest Which they prepare for their more learned Lord. 28. From hence to Nature's Nurserie they go Where seems to grow all that in Eden grew And more if Art her mingled Species show Thaâ— th'Hebrew King Nature's Historian knew 29. Impatient Simplers climb for Blossoms here When Dews Heav'n's secret milk in unseen showrs First feed the early Childhood of the year And in ripe Summer stoop for Hearbs and Flowers 30. In Autumn Seed and Berries they provide Where Nature a remaining force preserves In Winter dig for Roots where she does hide That stock which if consum'd the next Spring stervs 31. From hence fresh Nature's flowrishing Estate They to her wither'd Receptacle come Where she appears the loathsome Slave of Fate For here her various Dead possess the Room 32. This dismall Gall'ry lofty long and wide Was hung with Sâ—â—litons of ev'ry kind Humane and all that learned humane pride Thinks made t' obey Man's high immortal Mind 33. Yet on that Wall hangs he too who so thought And she dry'd by him whom that He obay'd By her an El'phant that with Heards had fought Of which the smallest Beast made her afraid 34. Next it a Whale is high in Cables ty'd VVhose strength might Herds of Elephants controul Then all in payres of ev'ry kind they spyd VVhich Death's wrack leaves of Fishes Beasts Fowl 35. These Astragon to watch with curious Eie The diff'rent Tenements of living breath Collects with what far Travailers supplie And this was call'd The Cabinet of Death 36. VVhich some the Monument of Bodies name The Ark which saves from Graves all dying kinds This to a structure led long known to Fame And call'd The Monument of vanish'd Minds 37. VVhere when they thought they saw in well sought Books Th' assembled souls of all that Men held wise It bred such awful rev'rence in their looks As if they saw the buryd writers rise 38. Such heaps of written thoughts Gold of the Dead VVhich Time does still disperse but not devour Made them presume all was from Deluge free'd Which long-liv'd Authours writ ere Noah's Showr 39. They saw Egyptian Roles which vastly great Did like faln Pillars lie and did display The tale of Natures life from her first hear Till by the Flood o're-cool'd she felt decay 40. And large as these for Pens were Pencils then Others that Egypts chiefest Science show'd VVhose River forc'd Geometry on Men VVhich did distinguish what the Nyle o're-flow'd 41. Near them in Piles Chaldean Cos'ners lie Who the hid bus'ness of the Stars relate Who make a Trade of worshipp'd Prophesie And seem to pick the Cabinet of Fate 42. There Persian Magi stand for wisdom prais'd Long since wise States-men now Magicians thought Altars and Arts are sooâ— to fiction rais'd And both would have that miracles are wrought 43. In a dark Text these States-men left their Minds For well they knew that Monarch's Misterie Like that of Priests but little rev'rence finds When they the Curtain ope to ev'ry Eye 44. Behind this Throng the talking Greeks had place Who Nature turn'd to Art and Truth disguise As skill does native beautie oft deface With Terms they charm the weak and pose the wise 45. Now they the Hebrew Greek and Roman spie Who for the Peoples ease yoak'd them with Law Whom else ungovern'd lusts would drive awrie And each his own way frowardly would draw 46. In little Tomes these grave first Lawyers lie In Volumes their Interpreters below Who first made Law an Art than Misterie So clearest springs when troubled cloudie grow 47. But here the Souls chief Book did all precede Our Map tow'rds heav'n to common Crowds deny'd VVho proudly aym to teach ere they can read And all must stray where each will be a Guide 48. About this sacred little Book did stand Unwieldy Volumes and in number great And long it was since any Readers hand Had reach'd them from their unfrequented Seat 49. For a deep Dust which Time does softly shed Where onely Time does come their Covers bear On which grave Spiders streets of webs have spred Subtle and slight as the grave Writers were 50. In these Heav'ns holy fire does vainly burn Nor warms nor lights but is in sparkles spent Where froward Authours with disputes have torn The Garment seamless as the Firmament 51. These are the old Polemicks long since read And shut by Astragon who thought it just They like the Authours Truth 's Tormentors dead Should lie unvisited and lost in dust 52. Here the Arabian's Gospel open lay Men injure Truth who Fiction nicely hide Where they the Monk's audacious stealth survay From the World's first and greater second Guide 53. The Curious much perus'd this then new Book As if some secret ways to Heav'n it taught For straying from the old men newer look And prise the found not finding those they sought
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
we are in there are none of those indiscretions to be found that tended to subversion or disturbance of the Common-wealths wherein they lived But why a Christian should think it an ornament to his Poem either to profane the true God or invoke a false one I can imagin no cause but a reasonless imitation of Custom of a foolish custom by which a man enabled to speak wisely from the principles of nature and his own meditation loves rather to be thought to speak by inspiration like a Bag-pipe Time and Education begets Experience Experience begets Memorie Memorie begets Judgement and Fancie Judgement begets the Strength and Structure and Fancie begets the Ornaments of a Poem The Ancients therefore fabled not absurdly in making Memorie the Mother of the Muses For Memorie is the World though not really yet so as in a Looking-glass in which the Judgement the severer Sister busieth her self in a grave and rigid examination of all the parts of Nature and in registering by Letters their order causes uses differences and resemblances Whereby the Fancie when any work of Art is to be performed finding her materials at hand and prepared for use and needs no more than a swift motion over them that what she wants and is there to be had may not lie too long unespied So that when she seemeth to fly from one Indies to the other and from Heaven to Earth and to penetrate into the hardest matter and obscurest places into the future and into her self and all this in a point of time the voyage is not very great her self being all she seeks and her wonderfull celeritie consisteth not so much in motion as in copious Imagerie discreetly ordered and perfectly registered in the Memorie which most men under the name of Philosophie have a glimpss of and is pretended to by many that grosly mistaking her embrace contention in her place But so far forth as the Fancie of man has traced the ways of true Philosophie so far it hath produced very marvellous effects to the benefit of mankind All that is beautifull or defensible in building or marvellous in Engines and Instruments of motion whatsoever commoditie men receive from the observations of the Heavens from the description of the Earth from the account of Time from walking on the Seas and whatsoever distinguisheth the Civilitie of Europe from the Barbaritie of the American savages is the workmanship of Fancy but guided by the Precepts of true Philosophie But where these precepts fail as they have hitherto failed in the doctrine of moral Virtue there the Architect Fancy must take the Philosophers part upon her self He therefore that undertakes an Heroick Poem which is to exhibit a venerable and amiable Image of Heroick virtue must not onely be the Poet to place and connect but also the Philosopher to furnish and square his matter that is to make both Body and Soul colour and shadow of his Poem out of his own Store Which how well you have performed I am now considering Observing how few the persons be you introduce in the beginning and how in the course of the actions of these the number increasing after several confluences they run all at last into the two principal streams of your Poem Gondibert and Oswald me thinks the Fable is not much unlike the Theater For so from several and far distant Sources do the lesser Brooks of Lombardy flowing into one another fall all at last into the two main Rivers the Po and the Adite It hath the same resemblance also with a mans veins which proceeding from different parts after the like concourse insert themselves at last into the two principal veins of the body But when I considered that also the actions of men which singly are inconsiderable after many conjunctures grow at last either into one great protecting power or into destroying factions I could not but approve the structure of your Poem which ought to be no other than such as an imitation of humane life requireth In the Streams themselves I find nothing but setled Valour clean Honour calm Counsel learned Diversion and pure Love save onely a torrent or two of Ambition which though a fault has somewhat Heroick in it and therefore must have place in an Heroick Poem To shew the Reader in what place he shall find every excellent picture of Virtue you have drawn is too long And to shew him one is to prejudice the rest yet I cannot forbear to point him to the Description of Love in the person of Birtha in the seventh Canto of the second Book There has nothing been said of that Subject neither by the Ancient nor Modern Poets comparable to it Poets are painters I would fain see another painter draw so true perfect and natural a Love to the Life and make use of nothing but pure Lines without the help of any the least uncomely shadow as you have done But let it be read as a piece by it self for in the almost equal height of the whole the eminence of parts is Lost. There are some that are not pleased with fiction unless it be bold not onely to exceed the work but also the possibility of Nature they would have impenetrable Armours Inchanted Castles Invulnerable Bodies Iron Men Flying Horses and a thousand other such things which are easily feigned by them that dare Against such I defend you without assenting to those that condemn either Homer or Virgil by dissenting onely from those that think the Beauty of a Poem consisteth in the exorbitancy of the fiction For as truth is the bound of Historical so the Resemblance of truth is the utmost limit of Poetical Liberty In old time amongst the Heathen such strange fictions and Metamorphoses were not so remoâ—e from the Articles of their Faith as they are now from ours and therefore were not so unpleasant Beyond the actual works of Nature a Poet may now go but beyond the conceived possibility of Nature never I can allow a Geographer to make in the Sea a Fish or a Ship which by the scale of his Map would be two or three hundred mile long and think it done for ornament because it is done without the precincts of his undertaking but when he paints an Elephant so I presently apprehend it as ignorance and a plain confession of Terra incognita As the description of Great Men and Great Actions is the constant design of a Poet so the descriptions of worthy circumstances are necessary accessions to a Poem and being well performed are the Jewels and most precious ornaments of Poesie Such in Virgil are the Funeral games of Anchises The duel of Aeneas and Turnus c. and such in yours are The Hunting The Battel The Citie Mourning The Funeral The House of Astragon The Library and the Temple equal to his or those of Homer whom he imitated There remains now no more to be considered but the Expression in which consisteth the countenance and colour of a beautifull Muse and is
his own deeds which doing were admir'd 18. This Arribert with outward patience hears Though wounded by the cause for which they fought With mod'rate joy the death of Oswald bears Yet justly to extreams it inward wrought 19. Tybalt he now with peacefull looks discharg'd And then his thoughts imprison'd in his breast He straight by libertie of Tongue inlarg'd Which thus unto his Councel he addrest 20. With what a diff'rence Nature's pallate tasts The sweetest draught which Art provides her Pow'r Since Pow'r Pride's Wine but high in relish last Whilst fuming new for Time does turn it sow'r 21. Yet Pow'r Earth's tempting Fruit Heav'n first did plant From Mans first Serpent safe Ambition's reach Else Eden could not serve Ambition's want Whom no command can rule nor precept teach 22. Pow'r is that luscious wine which does the bold The wise and noble most Intoxicate Ads time to Youth and takes it from the Old Yet I by surfeit this Elixer hate 23. I curse those Wars that make my glory last For which the Tuscan Widows curse me more Tâ—e barren Fields where I in Arms did fast That I might furfeit on Iuxurious pow'r 24. Thou Hermegild who art for valour Crown'd For honour trusted and for wisdom heard And you whom Counsel has no less renown'd Observe how virtue against peace has err'd 25. Still I have fought as if in Beauty's sight Out-suffer'd patience bred in Captives Breasts Taught fasts till Bodies like our Souls grew light Out-watch'd the jealous and out-labour'd Beasâ—â— 26. These were my merits my reward is Pow'r An outward Trifle bought with inward peace Got in an Age and rifled in an hour When feav'rish love the People's Fit shall cease 27. For did not Pow'r on their frail love depend Prince Oswald had not treated with that love Whose glory did in hastie darkness end A spark which vanish'd as it upward strove 28. By scorn of dangers and of ease he sought The Lombards hearts my Rhodalind and Crown And much his youth had by his practice wrought Had Gondibert not levell'd his renown 29. Had Gondibert not staid the Peoples Eyes Whose virtue stept 'twixt Oswald and their sight Who knows but Rhodalind had been his Prise Or war must have secur'd Paternal right 30. Sad and uneasie is a long-kept Throne Not that the People think long pow'r unjust But that for change they wish best Monarchs gone Fond change the People's soon repented lust 31. I did advance though with some jealous pain A forward virtue to my subjects love Lest one less temp'rat should their favour gain Whom their unstudy'd choice would more approve 32. To thee sage Hermegild my self I leave My fame and pow'r Thee action cannot waste Caution retard nor promptitude deceave Slowness belate nor Hope drive on too fast 33. Think Hubert Heir to Oswald's bold pretence To whom the Camp at Brescia is inclin'd The Duke at Bergamo will seek defence And these are seeds of war for Rhodalind 34. This said his Councel he dismiss'd who spy'd A growing rage which he would fain conceal They durst but nicely search what he would hide Lest they inflame the wound that else might heal 35. They haste to sev'ral Cares some to allay Court's hectick Feaver Faction which does reign Where Luxury the Syre of Want does sway Some to appease th' Alliance of the slain 36. But Order now bids us again pursue Th' unweary'd Motion of unhappie Fame From Fields to Streets from Streets to Court she flew Where first she to the Kings Apartment came 37. Thence through the Palace she her wings did air And as her Wings her Tongue too never ceas'd Like restless Swallows in an Evening fair At last does on a peacefull dwelling rest 38. Where Sleep does yet that gentle Sex possess Who ne'r should more of Care 's rude wakings know But what may help sad Lovers to success Or imp Loves wings when Hymen thinks them slow 39. There Lovers seek the Royal Rhodalind Whose secret breast was sick for Gondibert And Orna who had more in publick pin'd For Hurgonil the Monarch of her heart 40. And there the killing Laura did reside See of whose Eyes the Lombard Youth Complain Yet often she for noble Arnold di'd And knew not now her Murderer was slain 41. Nor Hugo who was all with love indu'd Whom still with tears the Lombard Ladies name Esteeming Modern Lovers false and rude And Poets falser when they sing their fame 42. These Beauties who could soften Tyrant Kings Sleep now conceal'd within there Curtains shade Till rudely Fame by shaking loud her wings Disturb'd their Eyes and their wak'd hearts dismay'd 43. They heard in parcels by imperfect sound A tale too dismal to be understood That all their Lovers lay in hallow'd ground Temples their Bodies hid the Fields their bloud 44. That this dire Morn to sad Verona brought The Duke and Oswald of lov'd life depriv'd And that of all who their fierce battel fought Onely the mangled Hurgonil surviv'd 45. This Tale Fam's course officious Friends convey'd Which are attendant Slaves and Palace Grooms Who by the Lover of some busie Maid From outward Courts sent it to inward Rooms 46. Such horrour brought where love had onely us'd Did yet breed more amazement than belief Whilst Orna now and Laura flie confus'd To Râ—odalind Truth 's Altar for relief 47. There with disorder'd voyces they compare And then derive what each has loosly learn'd Each hope applies where others most despair As doubting all but where her self's concern'd 48. This weeping conf'rence had not lasted long When Tybalt free from Aribert's commands Scapes the assembling Court 's inquiring Throng And enters here where first he doubtfull stands 49. For Pitie when he ruin'd Laura spi'de Bids his discretion artfully complain And shew far off what Truth not long can hide Death at a distance seen may ease fears pain 50. Their bus'ness now he can no more forbear For who on their urg'd patience can prevail Whose expectation is provok'd with fear He therefore thus their patience did assail 51. Kind Heav'n that gave you virtue give you peace Delightfull as your Beauties be your Minds Still may your Lovers your renown increase Though he who honour seeks first danger finds 52 Still may your beauty bear that ancient rate Which beautie was chaste Honours Merchandice When Valor was chief Factor in Love's State Danger Love's stamp and Beautie 's currant price 53. Renown'd be Oswald who in high belief Of Rhodalind her love with danger sought In Love's Records be Gondibert the chief Who for her right not for his own has sought 54. Though these for mighty minds deserve Fame's voice Yet Orna needs must boast of Hurgonil Whose dangers well have justifi'd her choice And might alone Fame's publick Trumpet fill 55. Enlarg'd be Honor's Throne that Arnold there And Hugo may for ever sit and rest Free from their Valor 's toyls and Laura's fear Which more than wounds disorder'd eithers Breast 56. This said he paws'd finds
thy griefs of jealousie begin A cause which does thy sorrow vainly move Since 't is thy noble fate and not thy Sin 30. This vain and voluntary Load of grief For Fate sent Love thy will does sorrow bear Thou to the Temple carry'st for relief And so to Heav'n art guided by thy fear 31. Wild Fear Which has a Common-wealth devis'd In Heav'n's old Realm and Saints in Senates fram'd Such as by which were Beasts well civilliz'd They would suspect their Tamer Man untam'd 32. Wild Fear Which has the Indian worship made Where each unletter'd Priest the Godhead draws In such a form as makes himself afraid Disguising Mercy 's shape in Teeth and Claws 33. This false Guide Fear which does thy Reason sway And turns thy valiant virtue to despair Has brought thee here to offer and to pray But Temples were not built for Cowards pray'r 34. For when by Fear thy noble Reason's led Reason not Shape gives us so great degree Above our Subjects Beasts then Beasts may plead A right in Temples helps as well as we 35. And here with absent Reason thou dost weep To beg success in love that Rhodalind May lose what she as much does beg to keep And may at least an equal audience find 36. Mark Birtha this unrighteous war of prayer Like wrangling States you ask a Monarch's aid When you are weak that you may better dare Lay claim to what your passion would invade 37. Long has th' ambitious World rudely preferr'd Their quarrels which they call their pray'rs to Heav'n And thought that Heav'n would like themselves have err'd Depriving some of what 's to others giv'n 38. Thence Modern Faith becomes so weak and blind Thinks Heav'n in ruling other Worlds employ'd And is not mindfull of our abject Kind Because all Sutes are not by all enjoy'd 39. How firm was Faith when humbly Sutes for need Not choice were made then free from all despair As mod'rate Birds who sing for daily seed Like Birds our Songs of praise included pray'r 40. Thy Hopes are by thy Rivals virtue aw'd Thy Rival Rhodalind whose virtue shines On Hills when brightest Planets are abroad Thine privately like Miners Lamps in Mines 41. The Court where single Patterns are disgrac'd Where glorious Vice weak Eyes admire And Virtue 's plainness is by Art out-fac'd She makes a Temple by her Vestal Fire 42. Though there Vice sweetly dress'd does tempt like bliss Even Cautious Saints and single Virtue seem Fantastick where brave Vice in fashion is Yet she has brought plain Virtue in esteem 43. Yours is a virtue of inferiour rate Herein the dark a Pattern where 't is barr'd From all your Sex that should her imitate And of that pomp which should her Foes reward 44. Retir'd as weak Monasticks flie from care Or devout Cowards steal to Forts their Cells From pleasures which the worlds chief dangers are Hers passes yours as Valour Fear excels 45. This is your Rival in your suit to Heav'n But Heav'n is partial if it give to you What to her bolder Virtue should be giv'n Since yours pomps Virtue 's dangers never knew 46. Your suit would have your love with love repay'd To which Arts conquests when all science flows Compar'd are Students dreams and triumphs made By glorious Courts and Camps but painted shows 47. Even Art 's Dictators who give Laws to Schools Are but dead Heads States-men who Empire move But prosp'rous Spies and Victors fighting Fools When they their Trophies rank with those of Love 48. And when against your fears I thus declame Yet make your danger more whilst I decry Your worth to hers then wisely fear I blame For fears are hurtfull'st when attempts are high 49. And you should think your noble dangers less When most my praise does her renown prefer For that takes off your hasty hope 's excess And when we little hope we nothing fear 50. Now you are taught your sickness learn your cure You shall to Court and there serve Rhodalind Trie if her virtue's force you can endure In the same Sphear without eclipse of mind 51. Your Lord may there your Souls compare for we Though Souls like stars make not their greatnes known May find which greater than the other be The Stars are measur'd by Comparison 52. Your plighted Lord shall you ere long prefer To near attendance on this royal Maid Quit then officious Fear The Jealous fear They are not fearfull when to death afraid 53. These words he clos'd with kindness and retir'd In which her quick Ey'd Hope three blessings spy'd With joy of being near her Lord inspir'd With seeing Courts ' and having Virtue try'd 54. She now with jealous questions utter'd fast Fils Orgo's Ear which there unmark'd are gon As Throngs through guarded Gates when all make haste Not giving Warders time t' examine one 55. She ask'd if Fame had render'd Rhodalind With favour or in Truth 's impartial shape If Orna were to humble Virtue kind And beauty could from Gartha's envy scape 56. If Laura whose faire Eyes those but invites Who to her wit ascribe the Victory In conquest of a speechless Mayd delights And ere to this prompt Orgo could reply 57. She ask'd in what consist the Charms of Court Whether those pleasures so resistless were As common Country Travailers report And such as innocence had cause to fear 58. What kind of Angels shape young Fav'rites take And being Angels how they can be bad Or why delight so cruelly to make Fair Country Mayds return from Court so sad 59. More had she ask'd for study warm'd her brow With thinking how her love might prosp'rous be But that young ulfinore approach'd her now And Goltho warmer with designe than she 60. Though Goltho's hope in Indian Feathers clad Was light and gay as if he meant to flie Yet he no farther than his Rival had Advanc'd in promise from her Tongue or Eye 61. When distant talk'd as if he plighted were For hope in Love like Cowards in the War Talks bravely till the enterprise be near But then discretion dares not venture far 62. He never durst approch her watchfull Eye With studious gazing nor with sighs her Ear But still seem'd frolick like a States-man's Spie As if his thoughtfull bus'ness were not there 63. Still Superstitious Lovers Beauty paint Thinking themselves but Devils so divine As if the thing belov'd were all a Saint And ev'ry place she enter'd were a Shrine 64. And though last Night were the auspitious time When they resolv'd to quit their bashfull fears Yet soon as to the Sun when Eaglets climbe They stoop'd And quench'd their daring Eyes in tears 65. And now for Hope that formal Câ—ntry stands All Winds and Showrs though there but vainly plac'd They to Verona beg her dear commands And look to be with parting kindness grac'd 66. Both dayly journies meant 'twixt this and Court For taking leave is twice Love's sweet Repast In being sweet and then in being short Like Manna ready still but
no less a rate Had not the Duke dispatch'd with those he sought And found his aid must flie or come too late 34. For he advancing saw which much him griev'd That in the fairest Region of the Face He two wide wounds from Borgio had receiv'd His beauties blemish but his valours grace 35. Now cry'd the Duke strive timely for renown Thy Age will kiss those wounds thy Youth may loath Be not dismaid to see thy beautie gone My Sister 's thine who has enough for both 36. Then soon the Youth Death as an honour gave To one that Strove to rescue Borgio's life Yet Borgio had dispatch'd him to his grave Had Gondibert stood neutral in the Strife 37. Who with his sword disdaining now to stay And see the bloud he lov'd so rudely spilt Pierc't a bold Lombard who imbarr'd his way Even till his heart did beat against his Hilt 38. Timely old Vasco came to Borgio's aid Whose long experienc'd Arm wrought sure and fast His rising oppositions level laid And miss'd no execution by his haste 39. And timely where the bleeding Count now fought And where the Duke with Number was opprest Resistless Tybalt came who Borgio sought But here with many Borgios did contest 40. As Tides that from their sev'ral Channels haste Assemble rudely in th' Ubâ—an Bay And meeting there to indistinction waste Strive to proceed and force each others stay 41. So here the valiant who with swift force come With as resistless valour are ingag'd Are hid in angers undistinguish'd Fome And make less way by meeting so inrag'd 42. But room for Goltho now Whose valour 's fire Like lightning did unlikely passage make Whose swift effects like lightnings they admire And even the harms it wrought with rev'rence take 43. Vasco he seeks who had his Youth disdain'd And in that search he with irreverend rage Revengefully from younger Foes abstain'd And deadly grew where he encounterd Age. 44. And Vasco now had felt his Gothick steel But that Duke Gondibert through Helm and Head The last dire stroke which Vasco ere shall feel Did give and sent him to adorn the dead 45. Here Borgio too had faln but bravely then The Count so much reveng'd the wounds he gave As Gondibert the Prop of falling Men Such sinking greatness could not chuse but save 46. When Vasco was remov'd the Count declin'd His bashfull Eyes the Duke thought suddain shame From sence of luckless wounds possess'd his mind Which thus he did reform and gently blame 47. Now thy complexion lasting is and good As when the Sun sets red his Morning Eyes In glory wake so now thou setst in bloud Thy parting beautie will in honour rise 48. These scars thou needst not from my Sister hide For as our Father in brave battel lost She first did name with sorrow then with pride Thy beauties loss she 'l mourn and after boast 49. Mine are but Love's false wounds said Hurgonil To what you Vasco gave for I must grieve My strength of honour could not Vasco kill That honour lost yet I have strength to live 50. But now behold vex'd Hubert who in all This battel was by ready conduct known And though unarm'd and his spent force so small He could to none bring death yet sought his own 51. And ev'ry where where Rallies made a Gross He charg'd and now with last reserves he try'd His too slow fate from Gondibert to force Where he was Victor and where Vasco dy'd 52. The Duke in Honours School exactly bred Would not that this defenceless Prince should be Involv'd with those whom he to dying led Therefore ordain'd him still from slaughter free 53. And now his pow'r did gently make him know That he must keep his life and quit the cause More Pris'ner to him self than to his Foe For life within himself in Prison was 54. His fierce Assistance did not quit the Field Till forward marks declar'd they fairly fought And then they all with sullen slowness yield Vex'd they had found what vain Revenge had sought 55. In the renown'd destruction of this day Four hundred Leaders were by valours pride Led to blest shades by an uncertain way Where lowliness is held the surest Guide 56. And twice the Tierce of these consists of those Who for Prince Oswald's love of Empire bled The Duke does thus with thanks and praise dispose Both of the worthy living and the dead 57. Bind all your wounds and shed not that brave life Which did in all by great demeanor past Teaching your Foes a wiser choise of strife Deserve a Lease of Nature that may last 58. Love warm'd you with those hints which kindled me And form'd Ideas in each lovers thought Of the distress of some beloved she Who then inspir'd and prais'd you whilst you fought 59. You nobly prompt my passion to desire That the rude Crowd who Lovers softness scorn Might in fair field meet those who love admire To trie which side must after Battel mourn 60. O that those rights which should the good advance And justly are to painfull valour due How ere misplac'd by the swift hand of Chance Were from that Crowd defended by those few 61. With this great Spectacle we should refresh Those Chiefs who though preferr'd by being dead Would kindly wish to fight again in flesh So all that lov'd by Hurgonil were led 62. This gracious mention from so great a Lord Bow'd Hurgonil with dutious homage down Where at his feet he laid his rescn'd Sword Which he accepts but he returns his own 63. By this and thine said gentle Gondibert In all distress of various Courts and war We interpledge and bind each others heart To strive who shall possess griefs greatest share 64. Now to Verona hast and timely bring Thy wounds unto my tender Sister's care This Days sad story to our dreaded King And watch what veng'ance Oswald's Friends prepare 65. Brave Arnold and his Rival streight remove Where Laura shall bestrew their hallow'd Ground Protectours both and Ornaments of Love This said his Eyes out-weep'd his widest wound 66. Tell her now these Love's faithful Saints are gon The beautie they ador'd she ought to hide For vainly will Love's Miracles be shown Since Lovers faith with these brave Rivals dy'd 67. Say little Hugo never more shall mourn In noble Numbers her unkind disdain Who now not seeing beautie feels no scorn And wanting pleasure is exempt from pain 68. When she with Flowrs Lord Arnold's Grave shall strew And hears why Hugo's life was thrown away She on that Rival's Hearse will drop a few Which merits all that April gives to May. 69. Let us forsake for safety of our Eyes Our other loss which I will straight inter And raise a Trophy where each Body lies Vain marks how those alive the Dead prefer 70. If my full Breast my wounds that empty be And this Days toil by which my strength is gon Forbid me not I Bergamo will see Ere it beholds the next succeeding Sun 71.
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