Diana's Name Kept chast Court-Madams chast the City-Dame ' Mongst these Exemplars a fair Lady dwelt With whom kind Fates auspiciously had dealt She and her Spouse so eminent a Pair That all the City their Admirers were When seven fill'd Circles brought their Holiday The last of seven in perpetual May On which they yearly kept the Wedding Feast Their Friends and Kindred still invited Guests They in their Garden walking Arm in Arm The Spring in all her Gaiety and warm Changing his Note he in a sadder Tone Than ever they discours'd in thus begun My onely Happiness my dearest Wife More lov'd than Day than Joys of Health or Life Who would not leave the Hopes of Heaven to be As you and I so blest on Earth as we Since our seventh Stage so happily we reach Without one Cloud the smallest Flaw or Breach More than the Gods can boast though stil'd the Blest Them anxious Fears and Jealousies molest That some suppose the Stars are all but Spies And Constellations Guards with watching Eyes But now sad Fancies harbor in my Breast And Melancholy ne're before a Guest Why vex I thus my self with idle Fear Startle at that I ne're shall see nor hear I 'll tell the Love my Happiness is such That the Felicity I Princes grutch Though Fate did as your Servant me employ Thou art too good for any to enjoy I fear that you and I e're long must part Something I feel sits heavy at my Heart To die not grieves me but to leave thee here What signifies Elizium thou not there For your own sake then live a Single Life And let my Dust be proud you were my Wife Though Stories I suspect and idle Talk That in the Night our troubled Spirits walk Which if they should my angry Ghost I fear Thee from th' Embraces of a King would tear Take this my last Will which doth thee declare My sole Executrix and onely Heir Nor are you bound by loss of Part to be My Relict no Dear I have left you Free But as my last Request I onely sue As you my Wife are be my Widow too She weeping ready to make large Replies And Protestations Oh! I 'm sick he cries A dire Distemper shoots through every Part My Head my Back my Stomach ah my Heart Over my Eyes Nights sable Curtains spread Dearest farewel keep chast our Marriage-bed She shrieking out streight Friends about them swarm Finding the Dead and Living Arm in Arm The sad News flies invited Guests depart And leave high Treatments with a heavy Heart SECT II. THis dire Disaster routing such a Feast A Face of Sorrow not to be exprest Fill'd the sad House thence carried up and down By woful Friends returning through the Town Such were his Merits so concern'd they were Who not for him contributed a Tear But she sate mourning in a dismal Room Dark as that Night shuts up the Day of Doom When o're Sun Moon and Stars no hope of Dawn Foul Chaos hath eternal Curtains drawn Whilst for his Funerals they seek whate're For Shew and Pompous Sorrow fitting were First into Blacks they Tyrian Scarlets dy'd From Aegypt and Arabia provide To make the Corps Pomander Nard and Spice And odoriferous Gums at any Price Which done when Tears a short Cessation gave She drest th' embalmed Corps in Garments brave Then his pale Cheeks with tinct'ring Vermil dyes Corrals his Lips sets Jewels o're his Eyes And on a Pillow as his Marriage-Bed Curling his Tresses bolsters up his Head Her Friends mean while got Consecrated Ground Without the City Trench'd and Pal'd in round Amidst digg'd deep then arch'd a gloomy Vault Which Sun nor Stars nor Winds could e're assault And o're a Lodge with all Convenience made Where her old Servant if they could persuade There to attend their Lady as at home Where she truce took with Sorrow up might come And leave sometimes the Herse the better so To spin out Grief and prosecute long Wo For she resolv'd one Year ne're to adjourn But in the Tomb o're her dead Husband mourn And now Solemnities expected come The Corps to follow to its latest Home All march as they by Heralds Order'd were The Magistrates and the whole Senate there After the Herse she comes with Shrieks and Cries Forc'd Tears from Kindred Friends nay Strangers Eyes Sense of her Loss now more than e're she felt Cursing the Stars so hardly with her dealt But as the Corps descended to the Vault Her tender Bosom giving an Assault Tearing her Hair she leaps into the Cave And there resolv'd to dig her self a Grave Shrieks from beneath above a general Cry Like Thunder volleys through the echoing Sky Thence all dispersing to their Homes retreat And leave the Mourner in a doleful Seat SECT III. AFter the noising Concourse were return'd Both sad Beholders their Friends that mourn'd When conquering Night Days Standard down haâ— hurl'd And drove the Sun into another World Then setled in her solitary Vault New-muster'd Sorrows her afresh assault The Herse before her and a glimmering Lamp Infolded Arms the sad Cave cold and damp She triumphs in her Grief her Woes seem brave With Misery surrounded and the Grave The Novelty of such a dismal Place Put Majesty in Melancholies Face Then kneeling by the Coarse in such a Shade She smiling at her new Condition said How blest am I that shall within this Cell With thee a Year perhaps for ever dwell Thus said she weeping and unveils his Face Which when she had beheld a little space She stood her Hands and Eyes erected calm As if some God had given her healing Balm With a full Deluge then and Sighs more loud Thus raves she thundring rom the broken Clod Ah! that when first I came into this World A Storm had me on barren Mountains hurl'd Seâ— 3 There to have starv'd or been to Beasts a Prey Or made my Cradle in the swallowing Sea Then I had never seen this woful Hour And thee cut off lie like a faded Flower Cold as a Rock wash'd at the Mountains feet Nothing of what thou wert but onely Sweet â—â—eak then my Dear come rise and let us walk Of Love ah me and former Pleasures talk â—n such a Place we never were before Rocks all above an Adamantine Floor Here comes no Sun no South-winds sultry Breath These are the pleasant Shades of quiet Death How couldst thou die that always hadst thy Health Friends and fair Houses Happiness and Wealth Whate're for Use or Pleasure in this Life Nay more than all hadst Me thy loving Wife What will you speak no more now you are dead Them your last Words Keep Chast our Marriage-Bed To be Exemplar therefore here I stay Else I with thee had gone that woful Day And now I long to seek thee under Ground Mongst Regions ne're by lying Mortals found Then we 'll not part till you are soundly chid What Follies ah my raving Fancy feed â—e still in peace thy Spirit never
a Covenanting Kirk The fond Bird snapp'd thus in a Fleecie Gin The more he labors sticks the faster in The Wooll like Quick-sands working deeper drew About his Claws the intricated Clew A Swain observing his ambitious Flight A Gowned Lawyer now turn'd Errant Knight Thus smiling said Welcom from Inns of Court Since you take pleasure in Wars cruel Sport I 'll bring you to a Regiment of Wags Who from the Fair mounted on Hobby-Nags With Treble Fiddle Tabers Pipes and Drums All Merry Boys and each his Rattle comes He gives him to the Childish Troop this said They lay by Nifels and their trifling Trade And streight the Fondlings seizing pull and hale His Wings they clip and mutilate his Tail And thronging round they question ask his Name His Nation Parents Age and whence he came VVho sighing thus reply'd I now your Sport VVas bred a Lawyer at the Inns of Court Thence like the soaring Eagle thought to flie From Chamber-work to Practise in the Skie But I now finding how I was mistook Confess my self a Temple-garden Rook. MORAL Those who Experience Strength or Courage lack Taking a Tartar may themselves attack But to be Sport for Boys and loytering Jacks Little of an Infernal Torture lacks FAB XXXVII Of the Tyger and the Fox WHen Hunting Nimrods first began to shoot And at strange distance aiming execute Before in Squadrons able Bow-men stood Dimming Noon Sun-beams with a Feather'd Wood Against Wild Beasts they practice new-found Skill And Quadrupeds felt onely biting Steel When in the Forest this dire Work began What God they knew not or more cruel Man Them thus afflicted out they could not start But here a Heifer drops and there a Hart. No Foe in sight but loe th' Infernal Hag Tisiphone or else some direr Plague Brought a Destruction not to be controll'd None sparing neither Sex nor Young nor Old So durst they not from sheltring Coverts draw But there lay pining with an empty Maw When a bold Tyger thus inquir'd the Cause You Forest-Rangers now who know no Laws But your own Wills who Pleasure onely serve What makes you thus pent up to lie and sterve Or what Scorbutick Humor stops your Blood That thus you languish here and seek no Food 37 When one reply'd We dare not take the Field Unless protected with a Tortoise Shield Clouds that with Jove's Artillery assail Lightning and Thunder Wind Snow Rain and Hail Ne're us surpriz'd shelter'd in Dens and Holes Now not a black Patch seen 'twixt either Poles Some God from clear Expansions Bolts lets flie Unwing'd with warning Tempest so we die Or if we scape hurt by unseen Serenes The Wound not mortal perish of Gangrenes And if we fall where shot the Lords of Lands Make us their Prize and seize for Deodands So we resolve to spend here latest Breath Since of all Death 's the worst is sudden Death Then said the Tyger Man o're Beasts hath odds As much as over Men Immortal Gods But be it Humane Heavenly Power or Hells That kills at once and works such Miracles I 'll venture a Discovery to make And good or bad whate're my Fortune take This said the Bold and Nimble waves Disputes And Reason baffled from the Covert shoots No sooner forth an Archer him discern'd Stalking and gazing as not much concern'd His Tackle ready close in Ambuscade Drawing his Shaft thus he to Phoebus pray'd Grant that you Monster with the haughty Garb May receive Sentence from this deadly Barb Give Pride a fall this Arrow in his Breast Make me the Master of his curious Vest Which prizing next to Royal Ermin shall Hang a gay Trophic up in Skinners Hall Whilst he at Fears and Vulgar Errors laught Apollo grants and he dismist the Shaft Making no obstacle a Rib it broke And through his Bowels fixt upon an Oke He felt strange Agonies through every Part And Deaths Convulsions shake his trembling Hear Strikes tears and flings till almost out of breath Th' arrested Patient falls expecting Death At his last gasp whilst yielding up his Soul Spake thus slie Reynard peeping from his Hole You that but now to venture were so hot What Sink you at a Privateer's first Shot A close Back-biter that can well defame You ne're shall see and he ne're miss his Aim You are a Courtier in the Lion's Woods There you may find many such Robin Hoods That from the King 's own Ear their Aim shall take And though in Favor an Example make MORAL Back-biters oft infuse such lasting Stains That blemish Heirs in after Princes Reigns A stand rous Tongue although upon no ground For ever may fair Reputation wound 38 FAB XXXVIII Of the Eagle and other Birds ATyrant Eagle that had dispossest His Royal Master and enjoy'd his Nest Which more to Feather he a thousand ways And griping Counsel studies how to raise His pack'â— up Parliaments gave what he would Enough to build him Forts and Ships of Gold Yet though all sorts of Birds were plum'd and pill'd His Clemm'd Exchequers Belly never fill'd Loan Taxes Pole his Custom and Excise Lost in their Riâ—â—â—s yield scarce no Supplies Collectors and Receivers Rooks and Kites Snip Pounds to Pence and Shillings into Mites The Tyrant by Necessity put to 't Monopolies and Projects sets afoot At last Religion cloaks his impious Aims So he an Annual Holy-day Proclaims To Aquila his Grandsire who now bears Joves punishing Thunder in his hooked Sears At last the Day of Solemnization came From all Parts gathering Birds both Wild and Tame Peacocks and Geese Turkies Wild-ducks and Cranes The Decoy-Temple throng with several Trains They look'd that Griffons there they should behold And Flying Horses Wing'd with Angel-Gold There Birds of Paradise There would appear Phoenix scarce seen once in five hundred year But ah In stead of Gaudy Armed Birds Bed-Chamber Harpies Kites and Craven Lords A Guard with griping Tallons ready stood Those fatal Vespers to conclude in Blood Whilst all with sudden Consternations shake Thus the Usurper in rough Language spake We with our urgent Wants and rising Charge Oft mildly have acquainted you at large Supposing well Our Aims you understood Not Private seeking but the Publick Good But be it what it will no more now shall Our Will and Pleasure question'd be at all Since Fate hath put me in the Royal Chair Of blasted Reputation I 'll beware No more I 'll wheedle now cajole or beg Make my own Subjects for my Right a Leg But those who boldly oft did me oppose Proscrib'd shall all now suffer here as Foes I 'll make this day prime Offerings of their Blood To Aquilla Our Grandsire and Our God This said his Guard at once upon them falls Turning expected Feasts to Funerals In Heaps lay Massacred the Fat and Tame The Rich were Criminals and most to blame The Eagle glad his cruel Project took Unto his bloody Murtherers thus spoke Who would be Absolute a Real King By Fear must down Seditious Subjects bring Who
fear â—e raging from a second Spouse should tear â—hould Jove himself descending from the Sky Nuptials propose and lay his Juno by Thunder in one Heavens Crown in th' other Hand â—ll bid him fire and though a God withstand Here in this Bosom dead thou shalt survive Or else let Earth first swallow me alive Let me with changing Thoughts sink down to Hell And there ' mongst Fiends in endless Tortures dwell Then ran she all the Keys of Sorrow ore Till she could Weep nor Sigh nor say no more When Somnus gliding softly from the Pole Smooth'd the swoln Passions of her troubled Soul Sprinkling her Temples with Lethaean Drops Infus'd a Golden Dream all Joy and Hopes Down in her Chair close by the Herse she sate And Woes as if they never were forgot Sect. 5 SECT IV. THe night that rose with Constellations crown'd Her Purple Robe with Seed-Pearls broider'd round Suddenly Boreas husk'd in sullen Clouds And all her great and lesser Glories shrowds With Rain Hail Snow drawn up in three Brigades He the fair Issue of the Spring invades Large Sheets of Snow in Pennance hides all o're The like not seen in many Years before The Morning past on the adjacent Plains A Malefactor they had hung in Chains The Martial there a Place of Eminence Lest that his friends should steal his Corps from thence On pain of Death attended by Command This foul Night hapning long he kept his Stand Till Numbness seiz'd his Bosom Lifes warm Hold At last he shrinks o're-power'd with eager Cold. When thus he said How shall I live till Day Who in this Storm the Corps can hence convey â—or past Service better may deserve â—ill rather suffer than stay here and starve â—ut whither shall I fly where shelter find â—or there 's no running though before the Wind The Gates are shut all miserable dark â—o Glimpse appearing nor the smallest Spark When like a Gloworm through th' opacous Night He from the Lodge perceives a glimmering Light Thither he hastes there he his Life must save His last Redemption in a dead Man's Grave When knocking gently thus he shivering spake Ah! save a Life if e're now pity take My Spirits fail quite almost out of breath Else on your Threshold I shall freeze to death The Maid reply'd No more I pray Sir knock So late I dare not for the World unlock My Lady to disturb who this foul Night Took first possession of her dire Delight Who trembling said Pity without Reply Oh take me in or else I here shall die Your Lady mourns her Sorrow will be more To find one dead to morrow at her Door SECT V. WHispers and growling Tempests like a Bell Alarum'd Vaults of the resounding Cell Waking the Mourner from a pleasing Dream A second Spouse new Marriages the Theme She thought her Husband rising from the Dead Scrowded all o're pale standing by her Bed â—old her his Pass to Bliss would not be sign'd Till he revok'd what her he last enjoyn'd â—id her forsake that melancholy Tomb â—ake for another Lord and Children Room Deny'd them seven glad Years by spiteful Fate That should inherit their improv'd Estate The Shade with Tears imploring earnest seem'd That he from suffering so may be redeem'd Awak'd she felt all swelling Passions calm Her Breast as if some God had thrown in Balm And at the Lodge she heard a Man complain â—oft Thoughts her tender Bosom entertain Lest he might suffer or be ruin'd quite In such Condition in that woful Night She calls her Maid commands streight let him in â—ot those to help in Want what greater Sin Let him sit there and shelter from the Storm â—tir up the Fire that he himself may warm She who Compassion took on him before Commission'd thus glad opens soon the Door A goodly Person almost starv'd with Cold Entring in Arms amaz'd her to behold Then by the Fire a Chair for him she sets And with a Manchet and a Bottle treats Her Mistress to accustom'd Grief returns And like sad Philomel her Losses mourns Her Nest new ransack'd by a prying Swain Whilst thus old Lessons she runs o're in vain Her wandring Fancy hankers oft and stops At her late Golden Dream so full of Hopes And something wispers still That Stranger see Thus Weather-beaten whatsoe're he be When hasting down her Servant thus began Oh Madam Madam here 's the bravest Man E're Eyes beheld tall streight and Shoulders broad Who looks recovering Spirits like a God Quick burns the Fire and you must needs be cold This Person of some Quality behold A Wonder see Come up dear Madam come Take Truce with Tears and leave this dampy Tomb Your self refresh your Cheeks look pale and land I scarce remember when you Eat or Drank Sparks long in Embers sleeping she awakes Soon she resolves as soon the Cell forsakes Following the Light trips softly up the Stairs And him surpriz'd there sitting unawares Up starts he and a while did gazing stand Then in most humble posture kist her Hand And thus begun Blest Lady may the Gods Bring Comfort to these forrowful Aboads And you for Hospitality repay What best may please you and with least delay That me in such Necessity reliev'd And from inevitable Death repriev'd If e're you need a Heart a Sword or Hand And Life you granted they 're at your Command SECT VI. WHen thus she modestly with cast-down Eyes In a sad Tone suting her Dress replies Condemn'd to Solitude and little Room My first Night in my hapless Husband's Tomb Though drown'd in Woes though buried in a Grave I 'm glad Sir such Relief for you I have This said the Table her old Servant spread Set a cold Bak'd-meat on brings Wine and Bread Down opposite in prospect full they sate Where on stoln Glances Love might hang his Bait She now refresh'd though close drest all in Black Did with a budding Blush her Guest attack Her Mourning seem'd a Foil a Sable Ground That best sets off the sparkling Diamond And now and then a short Survey she stole Which made no small Impression in her Soul So much his Miene and Person her surpriz'd That she with irksom Sorrow less advis'd But what most rais'd in her a fair esteem She thought that she had seen him in her Dream Soon as her Husband 's Shadow did depart Warm Comfort shooting first into her Heart A while both sate nor interchang'd a Word And active Cupid Flames new kindled stirr'd At last she boldly makes the first Attack And calling for a Glass of Wine thus spake Paying the God's Libation on the Board It seems Sir that your Business is the Sword And my dear Husband of the Civil List Though much esteem'd perhaps your Ear hath mist Seven Years we liv'd in a continual Calm Each Word we chang'd to other healing Balm And though he left me all his fair Estate Yet I my Life and all Lifes Comforts hate I but this Duty to his Memory pay Only twelve Months with
goes about a Crimson Deed by Ha'ves If one ' mongst thousands his sond Mercy saves That proves his Ruin by imperfect Work Off the Prime Heads at once of Poppies jerk Then Rule alone Howe're a Tyrant's brave Descending all in Scarlet to the Grave MORAL Kings as inclin'd on several Hinges move This scorns the Peoples Hate that courts their Love But who with general liking quiet Reigns A skilful Riders Reputation gains FAB XXXIX Of the Pedlar and his Ass MUst I be always at this heavy pass Still the Sides tawing of a stubborn Ass Will you not mend your Pace so light your Load Such pleasant Weather and so fair a Road Thus to his restie Beast the Master said Whilst tabring on his Coat the Cudgel plaid But he the Storm with surly patience stood As if a Sea-wash'd Rock or made of Wood Nor more would from his Resolution budge Then the severest Sentence-passing Judge Since Blows could not his tender Conscience force He thus assaies him with a milder Course Jog Assinego step by step make proof Of this smooth Tract with your imprinting Hoof Here are no Plashes Clods nor lumpy Clay Here had we time us two at Dice might play No more I 'll wreak my Anger on thy Ribs But my self feed thee at replenish'd Cribs And like a Lord although an Ass attend And Filly-foal shall be thy Bosom-friend Not so the Polish Chapman and his Mag Rais'd vast Estates a Callowray their Nag 39 Still chearful bore his Wealth-encreasing Pack Till he march'd forth a General from a Jack When thus grown desperate spake the moody Beast Thee and thy Fairs and Markets I detest After so many Stripes that me wouldst sooth To settle early in thy Cheating Booth Last night your Guz'ling got into your Pate And I must suffer cause you rose so late My Father told me dying whom you made Like me your Slave like me your Pack-horse Jade You more by favoring of that Rebel Scot Than by your Pedling this your Fortune got You with seditious Pamphlets stuff'd your Load Long e're Mercuriusses appear'd abroad Before Fame plum'd on Paper Wings could flie Plain Truth trod under by proud Madam Lie Fill'd the illiterate Dorps and Country Towns With Cleaver's works with Subtcliff's Dod's Brown's On every Shelf and Cup-boards-head they lay Opening to grand Rebellion the way My hapless Father at his latest Breath Laid to your Loads and Cruelty his Death I suffering thus like him resolve so too And dying here my Murther lay on you This said no longer he sustains his Load But stretch'd himself athwart the beaten Road. When to the Desperate thus thâ— Inrag'd replies Wilt thou lye here not do thy Work nor rise If to the Devil thou intend'st to go I 'll find thee Tortures worse than those below Thy endless Beatings shall fill all Parts with din I 'll in twelve Tabers cantle out thy Skin At Childrens Feasts at Puppet-plays and Fairs Those restless Furies Puddings Apes and Hares Shall Taw thy Hide and with perpetual noise Call to lewd Shews light Girls and loytring Boys Perpetual Bastings always to be slamm'd If thou so well approv'st Die and be damn'd The Ass then in a melanenoly vein Splenetick fumes suggesting Hell and Pain Dire Tortures after Death began to think No lucid Intervals no Meat nor Drink But always Furies labouring on his Pelt Better that Hell wherein he living dwelt Where he ' mongst Toil and blows might rest and feed Then rising he out-went an Asses speed MORAL Such Criminals whom soft nor threatning Words Will make confess cock'd Pistols nor drawn Swords Tell them of Tortures and Infernal Flames That brings all out and greatest Monsters tames 40. FAB XL. Of Jupiter and the Ape TRansform'd to Wolves by Jove Lycaon's Race Once more themselves transform to Babes of Grace The brisly Beast a Sheep-skin Tunick clouds And they though living walk in Woollen Shrouds Thus carrying on a damnable Design Not Heaven to take by Storm but undermine Monarchick Power up Root and Branch they 'l grub Thundring from Hell the Pulpit and the Tub Heavens Gates not battering thus they will unhinge To satiate both their Avarice and Revenge And Lords of the Ascendant swallow down Bright Constellations Jewels of the Crown Level Revenues share his Starry Robes Joyning Coelestial and Terrestrial Globes Which Jove perceiving soon remembred well How on his Palace Earth-born Bumkins fell Those ranting Tytanois in hurley-burley Like ruder Sea-men after Pay grown surley Strove Heavens Twelve Houses down at once to tear Crying They all Light Venus Mansions were Then said Great Jove Wolves threaten my Aboads Their Faction powerful grown ' mongst favoring Gods What shall I do And Man 's deceitful Stock Though me with loaden Altars they invoke Yet in the Giants War not one did list Nor Us in that great Exigence assist Well I with Beasts will fight the Bestial Foe Commissioning our Quadrupeds below This said he musters up both Wild and Tame All free from this so dire Infection came ' Mongst these the King of Apeland did engage Attended with a Gallick Equipage Trunk-hos'd Baboons and Livery'd Drills Lacqueis Which Jove himself took pleasure on to gaze When drawing neer with John-an-Apes his Son Thrice Congeing to the Thunderer thus begun Though in our Kingdom Pulpit Wolves we have Hyena's such as make the Vulgar rave Yet by our Care not far their Poyson taints Within our Walls preach no dissembling Saints Free from the Witchcraft of their powerful Charms I 'll forty thousand thee present in Arms ' Gainst all the World my Army I 'll maintain To march up Hill and so come down again But for this Service one small Boon I beg Behold my Son thus mounted on one Leg Which if that Miracles not yet are ceas'd Stands th' onely Wonder betwixt Man and Beast Should I his Qualities but reckon they Would take up the whole Business of the day Therefore great King of Kings on him bestow Some Grant that may your signal Favors show Then Jove reply'd To give shall be my task And you to find what 's worth your while to ask Present me your desires what you would have As ready I 'm to grant as you to crave Nor long consulting th' Apeland Monarch stays But thus upon his Knee Jove humbly prays Since you are pleas'd my Off-spring to advance Make him a King a good King John of France E're Rolls of Fate some say are quite unfurl'd An Apish Prince may Rule the VVestern VVorld I beg this Sir upon our Injuries score Forces to Land upon the British Shore My Brother and his Uncle to redeem From Paris-garden one I much esteem VVhom now at Pension amongst nasty Bears A guarded Jerkin without Breeches wears There making Pastime on a gall'd Horse back And though a Prince at home they call him Jack To be the King of France said angry Jove On such a high Concern no further move The French King might have past he not unfit To Rule that
quench'd Whilst weak my pond'rous Scepter I not wield Nor one for me declaring in the Field In vain you Solemn Leagues and Cov'nants joyn When I 'm resolv'd what-e're you Ask to Sign My Hand and Seal receive in ready Blanks And in my Name give Both the Houses Thanks Your Grievances let Reams of Paper fill And when Engrost and Past I 'll Sign the Bill Cease then these Tumults of Our Grace accept The King this said pausing extremely wept SECT V. THis softning Speech concluded with a Tear In salvage Factions they divided were Some cry The King is Pious Meek and Just Others Beware Kings Promises not Trust When changing Times and fickle Fortune frowns What will not Monarchs to preserve their Crowns But when the gather'd Storm is over blown A Scepter'd Prince who questions in the Throne The Lion them thus finding at a stand A sign for Silence beckned with his Hand When noising Parties Murmurs were allay'd Thus in a sad and weaker Tone he said My Lords and gentle Beasts assembled here Who whilst I had a Sword my Subjects were If you strike deeper have a further Drift And me from my acquir'd Throne would lift If present Juncto's and revolving Fates That States to Kingdoms turn Kingdoms to States Finish in me a single Person 's Sway I the Decree shall willingly obey Why should I prop what or it self would fall Approaching Death will soon surrender all Which will the Peoples Majesty receive As glad as they 'll accept it I shall leave Then I this woful Life now near an end In Prayers for your Prosperity may spend But Sirs let me advise the best I may By your Election let one Person sway To a new Prince to one still make Appeals Fly giddy Rota's Meagrim'd Common-Weals No good the Goverment of many brings Parliament Members sitting all are Kings Yet ' mongst those Monarchs one or other still Gets Supreme Power and orders what he will Kepublicks vain when'er put to a stand Must put their Power into a single Hand But since I am not able to walk down So please you I 'll surrender here my Crown With my Phang-Tooth the Abdication Sign So my whole Right in Publick I 'll resign At these his unexpected Proffers all Change Resolution to fresh Councils fall Th' inticing bait of sacred Power a Crown Greedy to Govern straight they swallow down No sooner they near to the Lion draw Within the compass of his ready Paw But like himself he ' mongst the thickest slew And most of the Commission'd Cattel slew Amaz'd to see their Monarch's Force and Rage So dire a Scene and such a bloody Stage They all dispers'd and struck with Panick Fear Outstripp'd the Winds flying they knew not where The Lion to Androcleus retreats Well furnish'd now with several sorts of Cates. SECT VI. THe Rebels Rout each-where divulg'd by Fame To Court from all Parts no small Concourâ—â— came His flattering Lords Buffoons and slie Jackalls Again replenish desolated Halls For many Fav'rites by the King advanc'd First to the Lilt of Reformation danc'd And Friends amongst the Godly Party made Acquainting them with what he did or said Others whom he no longer could Protect To their own well-stuff'd several Mansions sneak'd Expecting there what the Event might prove And as things fall accordingly to move All these return'd stand round their Gracious Liege And with obsequious Fawnings him Besieg'd Whose Palace now with all Provisions stor'd Sets up once more his late neglected Board His Table furnish'd at the upper end His Huishers he Andrecleus bids attend Whom when the Lion kindly had embrac'd Much Honoring at his Royal Elbow plac'd All set at several Boards to Meat they fall Unlading freighted Dishes through the Hall Whilst by the King his Friend but sadly sits Nothing he saw his queasie Stomach fits An se 6 To Kid or Lamb to Beef or Mutton raw Swimming in Gore he had but little Maw The Lion as Androcleus he observ'd At such a Treatment sitting almost sterv'd Comes Mounsieur King of Apes drest like a Page Presenting him a Hash and French Potage Then at his Elbow diligently waits Supplies him with rich Wine and shifts his Plates Androcleus pleas'd then plentifully sups Mixing with savorie Morsels sparkling Cups When thus the King to his brisk Waiter spoke Whoe're thou art that didst these Dishes Cook So well have pleas'd my Friend from Us receive What 's fit for thee to ask or me to give If it be Freedom Ransomless depart Or what-e're else may answer thy Desert SECT VII THen said th' officious Waiter stooping low I am a Prince Sir in my Country know But by a Roman Consul Pris'ner took In Gaule attending him I learnt to Cook For him Ragoos Bisks Oleos I drest And still my Seasoning pleas'd his Pallat best I with the best of those Que ditez vous Their Boxes could and several Spices use Would with an Ounce of Beef of Mutton less For Gallick Monsieurs make a gallant Mess But after that condemn'd unto a Clog Hugging to Death my Ladys foysting-Dog And some suspecting that a Prank I play'd For my Release with Madams Chamber-Maid 'T is true she squeak'd not and I boarded straight And for a nine Months Voyage her did fraight Nay our great Mistris once but little miss'd When my sweet Breath commending me she kiss'd Who growing kind I had her in the Hug But then the Consul entring startl'd Pug. Question'd for driving such a subtle Trade Private Escape I to Marseiles made To Carthage in a Vessel got from thence Where I from Apeland had Intelligence An sect 7 A second Macedon was drawing down Would soon devest me of my Realm and Crown If I my self in Person not assist Deriv'd from that renowned Martialist My Ancestor who bravely kept his Post ' Gaiâ—st Alexander and his Conquering Host Whom when the Worlds Subduer then beheld Draw glittering Phalanxes into the Field The pointed Wedge extending Ranks and Files Shields lining Shields bright Javelins threatning Piles Admiring from Hostility did cease And join'd with us in everlasting Peace Me in my Way your Troops did intercept And for a Dish your Stomach queasie kept To whom I hinting this your mighty Feast Not one Dish had to please a Humane Guest They let me these prepare nor shall he want So please you to confirm your Royal Grant My Liberty Great Sir I only crave That I my Country may and People save The King consents Androcleus and all The Passage pleas'd sat Feasting in the Hall SECT VIII THe grateful King well pleas'd to see his Guest Rellish those Dishes in such manner drest Thus smiling said I 'm wondrous glad that you To this strange Fare so handsomly fall to I once abhorr'd raw Treatments mixt with Gore Then Wine not Water swell'd my Goblet o're I had What had I not A Princely House Attendants Nobles and a beauteous Spouse A Humane Prince not in a shady Den Commanding Beasts once was I King of Men Where I
XIX THere Toiling hard yet plentifully fed Taller I shot by th' Shoulders and the Head When callow Down first Marks proclaiming Man Upon my Chin and ruddy Cheeks began At Exercises active grown and strong Me at the Cest none could or Wrestling wrong Out-run out-leap Vault higher few could far Break Ground beyond me with a Stone or Bar My Joynts then knitting Breast and Shoulders broad I much as two could carry at a Load The Steward who on all the rest look'd grim Oft smil'd on me and held in fair Esteem Our Grand Patrone would still as passing by Cast me both Money and a favouring Eye Madam Patroness a high-going Dame Whose Honesty had but a scanty Fame Her Lord grown old of Business full and Cares About the Publick or his own Affairs Too soon of me had inkling by her Pimps And at her Window then by chance a Glimpse Whilst nimbly up the Steps I bore a Sack As if a Fly had sate upon my Back Nor rested she feeling a kindled Flame But down ' mongst us with one Attendant came The Palace empty and for me she asks Then ' mongst my Fellows busie at our Tasks A Work dispatching must with speed be done I would have Wash'd and put fresh Garments on When she far off me thus consulting spy'd Come naked as you are aloud she cry'd So up I march'd and her Commands obey'd Who thus in gentle Language smiling said Of your good Parts Androcleus I have heard Merits where-ever plac'd we should regard Though you your Fortune to such Toil condemns Jewels though set in Lead yet still are Gems I hear that you carry from all the Prize At Youthful Sports and Manly Exercise Since I am present I would gladly see A Proof or so of your Activity Then made she me first Run then Leap and Vault So gave her self a general Assault I saw her Bosom beat with loose Alarms Viewing my Shoulders Breast and Muscley Arms Then she departing kindly threw her Purse Which I look'd on no better than a Curse SECT XX. NO sooner gone but all about me throng To see what Largess bounteous Madam flung Which op'ning soon bright Ceasars they behold All cry At Night to Wine convert the Gold She wants your help and you your Freedom lack The Wealthy Fort courageously attack Good use make of your Time whilst kind Stars wait Women inconstant else turn Love to hate Thus hinted they whilst I my self deplore Contracted to a Virgin late before Our Steward's Daughter and his only Heir Her Mother lately dead she young and Fair Me long with Signs and silent Rhetorick woo'd And by her conquering Eyes at last subdu'd I not at Riches nor my Freedom aim'd Her Vertue more than Beauty me inflam'd Her sweet Simplicity stirr'd gentle Fires From Wanton free and turbulent Desires When her soft Passion once she had reveal'd With Tears and Kisses we Affection seal'd Vows interchanging just at breaking Gold A while said she e'r we go further hold I am a Christian and so must be you Else here we separate and once more are two Since such Dissentings may in Marriage-life Commotions raise and a perpetual Strife Light Venus Drunken Bacchus Hect'ring Mars Trepanning Hermes look on as a Farse Th' whole List abolish of these Stones and Stocks Once Bosoms of the Grove and Wombs of Rocks I not Marina but Maria am Androcleus to Andreas change your Name She soon prevailing easie Conquest made What could not she and her fair Eyes perswade Besides I saw them daily at the Stake And Persecutions still more Converts make I knew our Gods Exemplars were of Sin And we on Wood and Stone Petitions pin So I consenting me she kindly kist Contracted we each other streight dismist Upon a private Meeting next agreed Where no Occasion might Suspicion breed SECT XXI SOon after going at th' appointed time To meet where chast Embraces were no Crime With my Maria her there to acquaint With what did much my troubled Spirits daunt And to consult together how to wave Approaching Lust insatiate as the Grave The House all clear gone forth to hear a Cause Till Night would puzzle Lawyers and the Laws A little Girl from a straight Envoy came And beckning to me call'd me by my Name I thought that my dear Mistress her had sent Of Plots but little dreaming after went Who in a lower Chamber turns me straight And clapping fast the Door leaves there to wait Then I began the Business to suspect And from a dangerous Cause a dire Effect When entring on the other side appear'd Our Madams Confident who me thus cheer'd Androcleus welcom though you are betray'd The Plot is much for your Advantage laid Wealth Honor Beauty Love on you attend A Great a Kind and Everlasting Friend Such as the Emperor's Self the Worlds great Head Might pride in the Enjoyments of her Bed Nay start not back nor proffer'd Fortunes wave Possess a Paradise or else a Grave Death or a Happy Life one you must chuse Take heed so high a Favor to refuse Thus now confirm'd of what I first did doubt I straight resolv'd whate'r to see it out And though I saw a Sword hung o'r my Head Each Step I trod upon a Serpent's Bed I follow'd her thence up a private Stairs A close Conveyance for the like Affairs Whence me she first into a Wardrobe brought Hung with rich Garments Gowns and Mantles wrought Upon the Table lay a gorgeous Vest Fit for a Prince bid to a Marriage Feast When thus she said You in so high Respect Thus suting your Preferment must be deckt None to our Ladys privacy must come Nor enter worser clad her Golden Room And here for you as if her Lord she hath Order'd rich Unguents and a chearing Bath This said my slavish Habit off I slipt And down in warm and perfum'd Water leapt My Arms and Bosom cleans'd from Sweat and Soil ' Nointing my Limbs with odoriferous Oyl My self then dressing sprucely A-la-mode I entred like a Heroe or a God For looking in the Mirror as I past I at my Transformation stood agast Viewing my supple Limbs and noble Face The Room then treading with Majestick Pace When me she saw thus handsomly Array'd I now you are a Prince indeed she said You no Androcleus now no Bond-slave are But some Ambassador late come from far Move in a Royal Sphere and fitting State You must forget whate're you were of late This said she me through several Rooms conducts And all the way with Learned Smiles instructs SECT XXII AT last she brought me to a darkned Room Where shut-out Phoebus beams could never comâ— Which yet out-shin'd the Day and stain'd the Skies With Tapers bright in branching Gallaxies Here none of all the Houshold durst presume So to prophane as once look in the Room Onely one Woman this she kept distinct At which her Husband glad to please her wink'd There looking round rare Tapstry I beheld Which far my Master's Furniture excell'd With
that we have kindled in that Pile Perhaps may shrink the Wonder to an Isle A Populous City and a frequent Court Chast Madams all no Waggery no Sport Here Wive for Propagation will or so After like Beasts the Males no more will know These our late Conquests once divulg'd by Fame Down Continence and up goes Venus Name They o're the Monument for me shall build A Temple and erect my Conquering Shield Diana's Fane and wealthy Shrine destroy'd Her Virgins courting then to be enjoy'd Ephesus shall like other Cities look No green-sick Damsels veil'd with Stole and Heucke But Beauties in their Hair drest fresh and trim He making Court to her and she to him Whilst thus she spake Cupid on Wings display'd Gently alighting to his Mother said Boreas your Will hath done but lays a Claim On your late Promise a fair Paphian Dame â—â—at him grown old might comfort on her Lap â—â—o forc'd to forage lately got a Clap â—â—d well recover'd vows no more to roam 〈◊〉 keep contented with your Gift at home I will said she streight send him one that shall â—eep warm his Bed and well become his Hall This said she Cupid gives especial Charge â—nd takes her own Commission out at large SECT X. MEan while the Knight and Lady under ground Take up all Diffâ—rences and soon compound Ceremonious Rites as Superstitious wav'd And like a Wedded Pair themselves behav'd Huddl'd up Promises and hasty Vows Then one another kindly did Espouse No Place convenient for Loves sweet Commerce Her self she settles on her Husbands Herse While thus they busie were the mouthing Storm Grew silent and the Sky serene and warm The Danger then came fresh into his Head And bold Adventure when to her he said I beg your leave some Business to dispatch My Charge to visit and relieve the Watch Then I 'll return and further Homage pay Nor shall one Minute lavish in delay Him mixing Tears a thousand times she kist And softly opening the Lodge Door dismist Her drowsie Woman though not slept so fast But she heard stir about a Measuring Cast Knowing the Party gone up streight she gets And thus vpon her musing Mistress sets Oh Madam I the pleasant'st Dream have had Me thought in Marriage-Garments you were clad â—â—ing to Church with a brave second Mate With Friends attended in all Pomp and State â—nd that this melancholy Place forsook â—â—o never in your Life did better look â—â—ith Madam leave these sad and dampie Rooms â—o tarry till some Fiend to tempt you comes â—ho like a Satyr or Hyena dwells 〈◊〉 Charnel-houses and such duskie Cells â—â—ere I as you before I 'd tarry here â—eep such a puther o're a Dead Man's Bier â—â—wed a Bear or with a Boar would lie â—â—d suckle Pigs up in a nasty Stie â—adam I know what 's what and would advise â—nd take my Counsel Lady if y' are wise â—omorrow morning whilst the Work is warm â—alk to the Temple with him Arm in Arm â—road each where both Court and City Dame â—ight Censure Gossips Prate and gagling Fame 〈◊〉 ply their Works as varying Fancy leads â—ame not in Streets forbids them open Beds â—â—t that still those that do the Match survey Would finding fault teach Gamesters how to Play Then she reply'd Thou my old Servant art â—e careful left my Reputation smart We must tread wary through this winding Maze â—nd I for ever will thy Fortune raise This her so kind Expression pleas'd her well â—â—t more to leave that melancholy Cell â—hen up she stirs the Fire the Candle tops â—oth full of various Fancies Fears and Hopes SECT XI WHen at the Door they heard the Party tap Who entring streight his Face shew'd likâ— Mâ— Of dire Mischance a dismal Horoscope Not any Aspect of the smallest Hope When thus he said I who this horrid Night Did with the Gods and Lords of Tempests fight Stood like a Cedar ' gainst all Winds that blow My Shoulders like a Mountain hid in Snow Scarce warm by this your charitable Fire Obtaining Favors what I could desire Am fall'n from All from such a Heaven of Bliss To utter Ruin in a deep Abyss My Office no contemptible Estate And Life which but for you I should not rate Are all snatch'd from me like a Golden Dream Which were not you concern'd I should contemn For if the Kindness that you shew you have Ynu'll grieve to hear that I 'm deny'd a Grave The Corps his Kindred in my absence stole And I must die but what more racks my Soul I nothing to your Merits can bequeath The Senates Sword once drawn they never sheath My forfeit Life not all the World can save My Place and all falls theirs whate're I have Relations for my Office soon will sue Being of Profit and of Honor too What will not be by Friends and Bribes procur'd Ah that I had that bitter Storm endur'd There stood a frozen Statue wanting Breath Than suffer such an ignominious Death Not onely Die I must supply his Room And fleeting Air suspended me Intomb Forever dearest Madam now farewell When after Ages shall my Story tell The varied Joys and Woes of one short Night Will say Cross Fortune did her utmost spite Then she whilst Tears distill'd in Pearly drops No way to scape no Eye of Help no Hopes Then you shall see what for your sake I 'll do â— ll save you and untwine this knotty Clew Let us not trifling precious Minutes spend â—ut down with me into the Vault descend First of our tender Sex I pardon ask A Woman must perform no Womans Task But to a Wolf transformed rob the Grave Who would not such a Life as yours to save â—er Maid and he much wondring what she meant Down with her to the gloomy Arches went SECT XII NO sooner entred she without remorse Rends off the Sear-cloth from her Husband's Coarse And laid the Body out both sweet and hard Preserv'd with Spices and perfuming Nard Then thus to him in Desperation spake From me your Cure this dreadful Cordial take Which Fortunes Forfeit and your Life regains Supply it with the Malefactor's Chains Then he reply'd So fair a Corps as this No where disfigur'd not resembles his The Change will be perspicuously too plain And this your Condescension prove in vain Sentenc'd by Law his Right Hand off was lopt His Nose slit Lips cut off his Ears close cropt Then she reply'd What I present thus take What Maims you please and Mutilations make You that in Wars and Bloody Works have been Mow'd down like standing Corn whole Squadrons seen And no small part in such dire Business shar'd To mangle one defunct will not be hard When thus he sigh'd Though Soldiers rugged are They with the Dead keep Truce and never War I who so oft in many a bloody Strife Have lopt off Legs and Arms Life after Life And from the Battel come besmear'd all o're With Enemies and my own recent Gore For all the World which