supplies By beaming softer Language from her eyes While each as Love does this Expression use Have equal hopes and fears which Prince she 'll chuse Who now could wish some other Princess were Her Rival made in virtue and more fair By Heaven to one of these devoted too That she may seem to neithers love untrue And thus perceiving these Heroick hearts Felt with her own Loves equal wounding darts Fears that his flames though gently fann'd may raise Excess of passions rage and fury blaze Then chides her heart that did admit Loves spies To keep discover'd watches in her eyes While she might inward burn and yet conceal The flames her love too rashly does reveal Who knows alass she must not both enjoy Yet cannot either by neglect destroy But hopeless fears a Lover to remain Of both these Princes and yet neither gain And now delay ev'n wisdoms cold despair Does beg of Heav'n to ease this mighty care Which though Times slow and silent feet it use Meets Lovers hearts oft with decrees they 'd chuse And as she had Loves high concern declin'd With thoughts of Empire seems to fill her mind Hnd how of Monarchs they most happy raign While all their Crowns one friendly Power maintain Next stately Pastimes in her Court prepares Thus to delude their anxious hopes and fears With those most fam'd diversions Brittains boast Were then their Courts magnificence and cost But these great Heroes who from Love did bear Too jealous eyes as deeply pierce her care Grieving with theirs her virtues did conspire To wound her Breast with a divided fire Disdaining thus in one despair to live Since death to both or either cure might give And what becomes their Souls and Greatness too Relief upon the Queens Extremes bestow And now some Nights had sad companions spent Weighing fit means to perfect this intent That to the Queen may accidental seem Or as Fate did this Act in kindness deem Yet hope that Heav'n from death will one reprieve Lest dying both the Queen should cease to live And Love a glorious Triumph loose in her That can't else one unto her heart prefer While they as if no stormy passions brought Their souls to shipwrack on these rocks of thought Like bravest Pilots unconcern'd appear And in their looks the calms of Summer wear Thus as they meet in presence of the Queen In strict Endearments and Embrace are seen And as Love slept in Cradles of her eyes Mention no accent his soft rest surprise While she did both their passions weight endure To Heav'n and Time remits her hearts high cure Though love when hope as sparing diet needs Scarce cools the Fever but his flame more feeds And thus with gracious Eloquence does speak 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Princes since my Court you make A Scene where you wore happy victors Bayes Must flourish should Time feel the age of dayes Who now to give his Calends glory calls For warlike Arthurs high Memorials Who fell the last of Brittains Royal Line And with our Foes did fifty Battels joyn For which Fames Trump does an Attendant wait This said In great magnificence and state To Fortitudes admired Fane repair His dust intomb'd with Princes great in warr And where for wonder their vast Spears were plac'd Bold Picts pursu'd or hardy Romans chac'd With Bowes no other might like theirs e'r drew And Armour that Men now would Dwarfish show While Choristers in stately measures sing The Martial Glory of each mighty King With Arthur's Deeds scarce Stories this day blaze That by Times Guilt lose wonders of his Praise Which done to Honor Fortitudes high Name With these brave Relicks Heroes past did Fame In solemne state Devote unto this Fane Their Mighty Spears had fierce Alvatrix slain And warlike Ennius which in Shrines they place That from the Queens Gift Precious Gems did Grace And next to spacious Fields a Progress lead VVere kept devoted to these Glories dead In which they use of Armes and Pastimes held Brittains so far all Nations else excell'd Where they behold how some for Garlands run Swift as Time made them Footmen to the Sun With nimble Wrestlers that most useful show How strengths rough force to skil should conduct owe. And here the Bowmen shoot with dext'rous aimes Whence Ages past this Isle such Prowess claimes Whose force in Guns black use though now laid by Gave Deaths where their fierce Thunders useless fly Some next the Race on Brittish Coursers take More swift than those Epyrus Glories speak Or such the Barbes neat kind at this Day Fame Or the Arabick generous Horse can claime Of these the Victors Browes with Palmes are spread Pleas'd with the Glory to be Conqu'rors led And lest Fames Trump should not their Praises bear Exulting Neigh shrill Joyes find wings of Ayre And thus for wonder some on backs of Steeds They here enforce unto their utmost speeds Pierce Marks with Arrows or as Chariots glide Their swift Carreers as happy Shafts do guide To whom the Queen does Silver Quivers give And that the use of Bowes more fam'd might live Invites the Princes with her self to try Which Shaft of theirs with happy'st Aime shall fly And thus a Jewel from her Breast she takes For their Bright Marke at which her Arrow makes Such dext'rous wing as it the Ring of Gold Pierces this object to their aimes did hold Which done these mighty Heroes Shafts take Flight Dubious which to the Gemm most near does light But Albianus's did chance to rest Nearest the Queens Loves measure judgeth best Which the Great Vortiger resenteth so As Love with theirs had bent his Partial Bow Scarcely concealing those resolves of Fate Their Hearts in this high Cause decreed so late But Fate that had occasion duely chose Gives to his Flames an outward seem'd repose And as the Queen a grievous Part must bear Makes her spectator of Loves danger here Who with a longing Glory to behold The stately Tournments Brittains held of old Gladly the Princes with their Chiefs does see Renowning thus Great Arthur's Memory While in a Marble Throne her Person 's plac'd That with his Mighty Warlike Figure 's grac'd Beneath whom these in costly Arms sit round Tables like those in Arthur's Court were found When his bold Knights and Heroes Triumphs made For Conquests or such stately Pastimes had Or else in Honor of Fam'd George held Feasts To entertain such valiant Brittains Guests And hence in shining Armes the Princes rise To lead the way to these Solemnities While after they had strict Embracings past The Queen nor any thought were meant their last Albianus does to Vortiger convey This fatal Whisper If both fall this day 'T is but Loves Justice or if one survive May then Loves Mercy him Bonduca give At which great Vortigers stout heart does melt That Wars deep wounds had unconcern'd still felt And now his Eyes permits to shed some Tears Wishing his Death may end this Princes Cares Thus Mounted with their Chiefs and Brittish Knights Select
Fame None Lives so Great as Mighty Arthur's Name Whose Noble Deeds to Wonder did Compleat All Virtues which in Best of Princes meet Though Sage Historians Griev'd they cannot know How much this Isle does to his Virtues owe But small Remaines of his Past Acts Relate Charging the rest on Guilty Time and Fate Or else to Fame whose Rolls his Glories fill Have left his Praise above their search and skill Victorious Rome that Brittain had Compell'd To own Her Rule from Him fear'd what she held Proving his Armes her Greatness Ballanc'd more Than all the World she had oppos'd before Many the Battels were Fame tells he Fought Unequal Number'd yet his Foes still sought Till Fate his Life unto Death's Pow'r betrayes And Brittaines Mourn the wonder of their Dayes To all the Glories of so great a Name He left a Son Heir to his Worth and Fame A Happiness not in all Monarchs known Who worthless oft succeed a Virt'ous Throne And like the Vulgar Issue of Mankind Beget their Mighty Race unlike in Mind Whence such vast Structures they for Empire lay In their less Glor'ous Successors decay And as it were too much for Mortal State Seldome are seen ' like Prosperous and Great While here for Brittain's Glory Heaven does give A Son in whom his Fathers Virtues Live Fam'd Albianus in whose Mighty Soul Met all the Glories of Great Arthur's Rule In War Approv'd and in his Councels Wise Steps by which Princes best to Thrones do Rise VVho o'r the West of Brittains Fertile soile His Fathers Sword Preserv'd and his brave Toyle Did then extend his Empire while the rest By other Famous Princes was Possest With him three Monarchs fertile Brittain own'd The East of which had fair Bonduca Crown'd While Royal Vortigers the North does Bound Where Scots Repining till their fruitless Ground From Mighty Britttish Kings Time long Deriv'd Their High Descents who best Examples Liv'd Of Royal Greatness nor did thirst of Power Which in Ambitious Princes men deplore Their Scepters happy Concord Dis-unite Who held it Impious to Invade a Right Espousing here one mutual Peace or War Which must their Councels and their Conducts share Oh happy Rule where Monarchs thus maintain Their Peoples Rights and like just Neighbors Reign Whose Power to Subjects from their Laws was known Like Heavens Prerogative from order shown That in their several Sphaeres they seem'd to move With Harmony resembling those Above With these Bonduca Reign'd whose Matchless Story Fame must for ever speak with highest Glory Perfect in Virtue with best Prudence Joyn'd That from her Soul her State did Greatness find Nor did her Beauties less Perfection show That Nature summ'd in her what she could do Whose Graces through the World scarce fame had spread But greatest Princes did their Courtships speed Ambitious of Alliance with her Crown Or in her Beauties to Espouse a Throne Whose Bright Attractions with her Virtues joyn'd To highest wonder ev'n her Foes inclin'd Wishing above all Conquest they might gain Her Loves Dominion as their noblest Reign While for her State she takes assiduous care How to prevent the sad effects of War Which but too lately this Rich Isle did waste And to the Princes does wise Counsels haste Now Albianus Court the Scene must be For this so high Concern of Brittany VVith whom the Sages of each Crown did meet This deep Affair most Prudently to Treat VVhere Vortiger with Royal Glory came A Prince so early made the Pride of Fame That Natures Master-piece in him alone Had been Compleated if to Fame unknown VVere Albianus Praise which gives her Story From both these wonder and yet equal Glory Their Persons like two Plants the early Spring With best Perfection did to Ripeness bring Comely as Youth and Beauty met could show And no less Great in Princely Virtues too The outward Complements Perform'd of State They deep Intregues of Wars Rough Power Debate The High Concern of Crownes whence Kings receive Their Noblest safety nor can Monarchs live Mighty in Name whom Mars does not Renown And Subjects from their Armes Protection own Who soon will Judge they Scepters weakly sway Except their Martial Power their Foes obey Which Glorious End these Princes did Pursue Joyning the greatness of their Councels now While thus to Vortiger Albianus speaks Plac'd in due State Oh dearest Prince what makes Foes thus Conspire or can Heaven think it good War longer should consume our Countryes blood What do'st Import Great Battels to have wonn Gainst Scots alass who Fight us for the Sun Inforc'd by Nature and their Colder soile To Sacrifice themselves to Wars fierce Toil. Or that more Lustful Power of Rome we see Wasted though long our Fatal Enemy While its Bold Consul Ennius now yields T'Encamp in utmost Kent and Quit close Fields If like a Tiger forc'd unto a Den With Rage Recruited he dares Prey agen What else does meane that Num'rous Warlike Power From Gaules now Landing on our Kentish shore How will Bonduca's Soul these Tydings hear If her Rich Province Kent they seize by War And her most Glorious City London be The next Attempt of their bold Tyranny Can Martianus with our Armes oppose The Romans joyn'd with our fierce Gallick Foes Who like an Island plac'd in th' Oceans way May break strong Billowes but not stop a Sea To which great Vortiger does thus Reply Wee 'l soon Martianus with our Ayds supply And make it more our Glory still to Fight Romes Power Assisted with a Borrow'd might Five dreadful Ages Brittains Armes have stood Its Bold Attempts with dear expence of Blood Since Mighty Julius first her Eagles led Though here but hover'd when the World they spread As that great Soul of Honor Blush'd to see His Armes did it subdue e'r Brittany And more its Mistress Proud Rome Conquer'd too Made next his Slave that first the World made so Dares then despised Ennius hope to Live And this Isle Lawes from Roman Conquest Give Or with his Armes here Glory to Maintain The smallest Relicks Caesars Sword did gain What though Alvatrix with his Gaules dos joyn T' Assist their Eagles our Prov'd Armes decline Effeminate Creatures form'd by Clothes and Words But soon will Fly the Language of our Swords Or does Alvatrix hope thus to Improve His late Addresses for Bonduca's Love Or thinks her Virtues e'r can shaken be Though Rome to him should Pander Victory But we delay our Active Armes too long Time calls our warlike troops in Camps should throng With our Arm'd Chariots that will Mow their way Through boldest Legions Rome dares here Array Thus Vortiger with great and sprightly Grace With this brave Prince does Wars design embrace So fierce Achilles added to the Flame Of Greeks Incens'd when to their Camp he came Nor did the Virtues in these Princes met Which Nature did with highest care compleat More her Delight than her vast Treasure show Who does on Mankind Graces so bestow That her Perfections still must different be
bright Whose shining seates the antient Royal Race Of Brittish Kings in their past glories grace Which as this presence with due wonder saw A Cloud-like Curtain did before it draw As oft the setting-Suns bright face does wear Made by his Art of some such matter here Then shapes of Heroes represents to view The Queen from her late dreadful vision knew To be of that sterne Nations mighty Race Succeeding time did Saxon Monarchs place Whose Visage look'd as if compos'd they were Of Natures Roughest Elements for War Each in a Martial Cassock clad of blew The Armes of Nobles blaze or Princes shew While Warlike Hengist with a brandish't Spear And furious Horsa foremost do appear Those fatal Brothers first trod Brittish shore To lead through Seas of blood fierce Saxon power Next these passe Scepter'd Kings of this high line With Alfred must in story ever shine For all such virtues Subjects Reverence draw And gave this Isle first English Name and Law Who no less fam'd in War his mighty state The Conquer'd Trophies of fierce Danes does wait Whose bloody onsets this Isle long withstood Before they Raign'd or mix'd with Native blood And here Great Edmund who vast Battels fought With Danish Knute are to sole Combat brought As this day Story enterpriz'd does fame Where Severne Banks are wash'd by his rough stream But pardon Reader if my Muse hence spare To fing these Nations long divided War Or how from Blood and Arms their Kings did raign Which must thy toyles and tears together gain While with this wondrous vision I descend To Royal Edward Saxon Kings does end Nature Divinely Issue did deny Since few succeeding match'd his Piety And briefly from this Artists deeds relate How Norman Kings possest this mighty State Since their first William Rul'd by Conquests claim And left its Throne at once rough Laws and Fame On whom attending here those Heroes stand First serv'd his Arms and planted in this Land Whence so much of our Noble Blood since streams And speaks the honor of their Acts and Names Next to Great William Rufus does appear Who dy'd his Successor without an Heir While Henry younger does usurp the Throne And Robert to both elder sadly shown His eyes put out by that ambitious Fate Made Henry younger seise his Royal state Who clouded thus his hands to heaven does spread T' invoke their crimes should thence be punished Nor did remain a Male Prince of his Line Leaving his Crown in beaut'ous Maud to shine Whose glorious love Plantagenet inthron'd Whom France at such dear cost of Arms renown'd Descending thence their eyes were entertain'd With all of that high Lineage here since raign'd Of which the first unhappy Prince was John If evil Kings from Subjects hate are known And here with troubled looks he seems to view Those first bold Charters Englands Freedom shew Which to this day supremest Law has stood But speaks that Ages Crime since got with blood Near whom the mighty Barons sternly wait Who made his Power by Arms legitimate From which black Vail too late Rebellion springs And Treason seems but now past Acts of Kings His Son succeeding Lion-like next sought To rend that knotty toyl forc'd Law had brought But finds his Subjects made too boldly free E'r to resign their ill-got Liberty Three Edwards then inthrone this Royal Race The first of which both Peace and warre did grace Whose valour Impious Saracons did rue And hardy Scots save his ne'r Conquest knew But soon alass in his luxurious Son Declin'd that glory did his Armes renown Until his Grandson did revive his Fame And in France trophy'd a like Edwards Name And had his mighty First-born next him reign'd What Empire might not Brittish Armes have gain'd Whose like not Greece or Rome Produc'd in warre And had of all been greatest Conquerer But he a Princely Son less happy left In his youths flower of Crown and Life bereft When Lancasters bold Line possest his Throne And rais'd a Royal warre so bloody known Of whom Fifth Henry is most glorious seen Who conquer'd France and its fair Heir made Queen Leaving that Realms possession to his Son Whose zeal to heaven lost there what he had won And here with heavenly looks as Angels shew That humane Figures represent to view Beholds that cruel hand and bloody stroke His Life too good for mortal Rule had took Next whom in dismal Images are shown Such Princes fell in warre each Line to crown VVhile Lancasters the fatal Red Rose bear And Yorks the white not guiltless though right Heir Which Vision pass'd a joyfull glorious sight Presents here objects vary'd with delight Where Marriage Rites each Royal Lineage joyn And Lancasters high Blood with Yorks does shine In that fair Princess fam'd fourth Edward left His young unhappy Males of life bereft Whose tender Glories their fierce Unckle seiz'd And from a false Protector King was rais'd Thus was Great Tenders mighty Reign here seen Espous'd a Soveraign in Yorks Heiress Queen VVhile Ages warre to love does Trophies yield Who crowns in this great Bride His Bosworth Field No less in Peace his Conduct sage appears Whence Kings too oft indulge their Thrones high cares Whose active Prudence swayes each Royal State That crave his wise allowance to be Great Some he more near endears unto his Crown In his fair Princely Daughters-Matches known Who court his Blood to give their Crowns wise Kings And all Great Brittain since one Scepter brings Next here 's display'd his wondrous Treasures sight That speaks his Royal Thrift and Monarchs might Though some this Avarice call not Princely Care Whilst he too much his Subjects griev'd to spare From which high Juncture that eight Henry springs VVho had in one soul many mighty Kings Though his great Copy bears some marks of ill Since Law he made less Powerful than his will And here his several Queens too sadly known His frailer Loves advanc'd unto his Throne In mourning Vails this profound Bard does show VVho from their Fates is call'd Loves Tyrant too To whom succeeds a Son in years though young That reign'd small time as his fierce Rule was long Wise before man and as for men too good Dy'd Flower of Princes in an early Bud. Next whom appears his elder Sisters Raign Whose zeal our Stories more than Rule complain Which pious Crime her Subjects did deplore Since Faith her guilty made of cruel power Shewing that zeal when it too furious grows Promotes not Faith but 'gainst it raises Foes And as her Fathers Consorts deaths did leave A Curse his Lawless bed must thence receive His great begotten issueless were seen Ending his Lyneage in a Virgin-Queen Though more in Soul than Nature could convey Teaching Men Rule and Women to obey And had she not been guilty of that stroke Her fair allyanc'd blood so spotless took Her virgin Robes had been far brighter wore And she the wonder dy'd of Soveraign power While Heaven that scarcely could her loss repair Preserv'd for
Best pleas'd to Glory in variety In Vortiger her Compositions were Adorn'd with Graces and a Soul of War In on-sets fierce as Courage can express Quickn'd by Virtue and its own Excess But Albianus youthful heates less sway Whose sage Resolves still guide brave Honors way Though in their Execution Lightnings fly Too slow to keep his fierce Darts company While he with Warlike Vortiger Revolves The Martial Conduct of their high Resolves Fates swift Decree which does even time surprise And oft prevents the Councels of the wise Unlook'd for Tidings to these Princes speeds Nor shall Favonius thy great Name and Deeds Be less Renown'd though to the pride of fate Thou didst Inglorious Deeds of it relate Who does so variously Decrees dispence That Fortune seemes the sport of Providence Swift had he Run through Plains and Pathless woods And almost breathless swam Thames silver floods To scape pursuers Like the Hart that tries Most uncouth Tracts when from the Chace he flies Thus he arrives unto these Heroes sight His Vesture pierc'd with Piles as oft in fight He did such glorious markes Receive from foes Nor did his flight his safety less expose Passing through showers of Piles Romes Legion threw Whom as these Princes did with wonder view Unto their anxious thoughts a Respite take Before their Souls could give them leave to speak Too sadly Judging that he now did come T' express some fatal Loss by Powers of Rome To whom Favonius panting did express Great is the Cause Fam'd Princes my access Does now surprise you nor can fate decree A peril I 'l not joy my Destiny If in Bouduca's cause my death it give Though fame now tell I flying her Foes live Heav'n witness and you Stars who late did see Romes stoutest Eagles by my Conduct flye Thrice e'r the Sun did his Meridian gain But I speak Conquest past Alass in vain Since great Bonduca's high Concern and aid Requir'd this dang'rous flight I now have made Of whom I Crav'd that mighty trust to bear Unto you Princes which your Warlike Care Must soon imploy But happy had I fell By Gaules and Romans e'r these Tydings tell Or from my Lips an Accent witness be Of this most famous Queens Calamity Whose Armes though Warlike Martianns led Then whom no Brittish Chief gave Rome more dread In vain their Legions fought R'enforc'd from Gaul Who soon alass her Person may enthral Witness this day when with its early dawn I saw our num'rous Foes 'bout London drawn Who did like thickest Woods at distance show While gentle Thames in fear did seem to flow His Stream beset and every Pass possest Which Londons danger sadly have increast O! think brave Princes what must be the Fate Of this Black Day or What may Night compleat Approaching now If in her dismal houres Our Foes assault this City with their Powers And thus its Queen and Glories should possess To grace Rome's Triumph and Gaules hop'd success Whil'st but to Heaven and to your Warlike Power Onely remaines their safeties to Restore Thus he Relates But Who can judge the fire That did these Hero's noble hearts inspire To aid this beaut'ous Queen whose Person they Fear with her Kingdom may become a Prey And to Favonius make this brave Reply 'T is time to Fight if Martianus fly And thou so great a Cheife inforc'd to come Thus to relate success of Gaul and Rome But while the name of Brittain shall endure With its choice Deeds Fame shall thy worth secure Since for Bonduca's cause thou yield'st to live That we her Armes distress'd relief might give Then Albianus does on him bestow A stately Vest and Richest Armour too While Vortiger presents him with a Steed Swift as the Wind stout as the North did breed Next Arthur's Son does his choice Captains call Corinus Torringer Androgeus all Fam'd in his Syres great Camp for Wonders done And glory now to serve his Warlike Son But Vortiger who thought each minute slow Time now does wing until he fights this Foe Commands his Warlike Cheifs a March to speed Of his brave Powers Whom most approv'd did Lead Clarinus Troylus with Darander prais'd For Deeds in War Fame with Renown had blaz'd These soon Campaign a Num'rous Warlike Power Of Troops and Chariots guided by the Flower Of Brittish-Nobles in which glorious Sphear The Princes like Auspicious Stars appear And now their Armies March shrill Trumpets sound That Ecchoe o'r th' Horizons utmost bound Which being done they lead their Martial way And view great London the succeeding day The End of the First Canto The Second Canto FAme soon prepar'd her num'rous tongues and eyes To blaze this March the Worlds industrious spies Who for her Glory Mighty Deeds proclaime Nor is there Humane wonder exceeds fame With Men She lives yet to Mankind unknown Though all Her Voices from his Breath are blown Sometimes as loud as Vulgar Clamors speaks As soon from Whispers busie Rumors makes Various in Tongue as Mankind is in thought Whose Secrets to her bold dispose are brought Watches she sets on Kings and Peoples Deeds Nor blushes when inlarg'd their Acts she spreads Falsehood and Truth she mingles in a breath And claimes Prerogative o'r Time and Death A mighty Prodigy her self creates And by her Power as soon annihilates The Worlds Deceiver and its glory too Vertue can Raise and it depress as low Too pronely Evil whence she beares the name Of that far-spreading mischief Men call Fame Thus does my Muse in this her story find Fames highest Glories with fates evils joyn'd While fate Bonduca's Vertues did oppose In Gaule and Romes success her mighty Foes By Warlike Ennius and Alvatrix led Who round great London had their Ensignes spread Whose furious Expedition thither came As it surpriz'd the hasty flight of Fame Having Martianus Powers enforc'd to flight As he their Legions over-power'd did fight Until his stoutest numbers breathless lye T' oppose the Course of this stern Enemy And thus through Lanes of dead had led their pow'rs Resolv'd t' assault great London when nights houres Should Midnight Count and to both Poles extend Her Sable Curtain whose dark throne attend Stars that like Ushers move to light her way While in the East as if too early day Had now surpriz'd her or the Mornings Sphear By Phoebus into flames converted were In which he 'd rise to threaten this bold Night When there prodigiously apear'd to sight Vast Armies moving on the smooth-fac'd-Skye Where flaming-Darts did seem from Foes to fly And brandisht Spears against Spears Fight maintain But What 's Heavens Sign Can Warring Powers restrain Dr furious Mens Ambition All things dare Who Heaven too distant think for them to fear Dr that the strong had right enough to take What could not be defended by the weak Which mighty evil Antient Mankind saw Before they had acknowledg'd Rule or Law But what the stronger to the weak would give When every Man to Man a Foe did live Till their Disorder'd
Where woods and gloomy tracts their dangers hide And thus arriv'd their Camp in furious hast As Phaebus morning Beams salute the East This Camp long stood a Fortress of Romes fame And from Great Julius bore Rhutupia's Name VVhen first in blood he waded to this shoar And gave Kent glory to oppose his Power Hither the Princes soon direct their course Circling these mighty Ramparts with their force VVhile now their Foes by Arms no further dare But in this Fortress would prolong despair VVhich vast defence Albianus next surveys And Vortiger inflam'd to onset stayes Bidding him see as their success now stood 'T will be compleated with small loss of blood Nor needs their force to win what Foes must yield If we but as Besiegers keep the Field And make the wanton Gauls and Romans feel Famine their Riots hate in stead of steel This sage resolve the Brittish Chiefes imbrace And next the Princes Martianus grace With supream Conduct bidding him pursue The streights of War and Foes that way subdue VVhich great Command with joy his soul receives Blessing Heaven now his aged hours reprieves To see Rome thus reduc'd in shame of Fate That his brave Arms perversly did defeat And next they grace their warlike Chiefs bold toyles Rewarding their high deeds with bounteous spoyles Their valours from Romes pompous Powers had won Which being with loud Acclamations done Tow'rds London then a stately March they lead Their Arms from Foes with its fair Queen thus freed And with her gracious Councils there decree How to improve this mighty Victory The End of the Fifth Canto The Sixth Canto AS this fam'd Progress these great Hero's take Blaz'd by the hasty flights that rumours make Who thus to London with swift joyes resort And fair Bonduca with glad tydings court To whom our Princes now their Journey hast Grieving its stately order time should wast Each wishing first their joyes and deeds to tell That gladly would to her in worth excel Whose Grace and Beauty they discourse the while Times tedious minutes softly to beguile And so concern'd her bright attractions name As if they burn'd e'r they approach'd the flame Not long the Sun left his Meridian line His Ev'ning Hemisphaeres bright course to shine But these great Heroes London Towers behold That out-shin'd Parian works adorn'd with Gold Such Architects if Fames Records speak true Did then this Cities stately Structures shew Which by times hand in ruines lie forgot VVhose choicest Copies its own Pencils blot More near approach'd they Glor'ous Troops descry That soon declare Bonduca's Presence nigh Which the choice Flower of Brittish youth compleat In whom the Charms of Mars and Venus meet Favonius does their shining Leader come Glorious in Londons late Conflicts with Rome Where he by dangers did the Queen relieve For which high praise to him the Princes give Next Brittish Nobles of Illustrious Race In War renown'd or Publick Councils grace Here to the Queen their great Attendance pay While she the glory of this mighty Day Rides on a Snow-white Steed Nature design'd The lovely wonder of his beauteous kind Whom richest Trappings to his feet adorn More pleas'd by him this glorious Guide is borne Raising his lofty Crest with stately pride Each step he takes her gentle hand does guide And next the Virgin Beauties of her Crown As Waiting Graces circle near her own Who like some Gemm in studs of Jewels set Does their bright lusters from her own compleat Whose Robes though splendent shew their frail excess Whom Nature in her choice Attires did dress That Art her Beauties fruitlesly adorn As what can deck the glorious Spring or Morn And thus appears the Presence of this Queen With such amazement by the Princes seen As they a while by deepest wonders speak How much her lusters their impressions make Who now as guilty of a beauteous fear That Love from her bright charms should darts prepare Stayes with a blush before she can express How much she joyes their Presence and success And thus with gracious modesty begins What Heaven inflicts on our Foes impious sins The means great Princes in your valour 's shown Which Brittain must eternally renown What! but your Conduct Romans could subdue Who made the World their fatal Conquests rue And harrass'd long our Countrey by Wars toyles Triumphing with our captive Kings and spoyles Or what could eager Gauls we more abhorre Have thus reduc'd but that you led our war To which my Crown and more my self I owe Redeem'd from Ennius and Alvatrix too This said the Princes by apt words declare How much they joy their Conduct in this warr Reliev'd her City and what 's valu'd more Oblig'd her Virtues they so much adore Which must for ever live upon her Name And from her Glory give her Sex a Fame VVhom Foes unconquer'd by their Armes did prove And what is more their Fate despiz'd their Love And as great Victors to some Shrine address The Spoils and Trophies of their fam'd success Thus to the Queen they conquer'd Glories vow And make Loves Zeal Faiths sacred Rival too Here Gums Arabick Trees in drops distill As common liquors vastest measures fill With heaps of Silk of choicest Tyrian Dye That deck'd their Tents and Beds of Ivory Next these huge Carkanets of Gems betray The Jewel'd Tributes which the East did pay Who as Romes Slaves their bowell'd wealth explore And drown for Pearls that pav'd their conquer'd Shoar Which as if Nature had her Treasures glean'd Or else the Earth alone for Rome maintain'd Threatn'd to ruine her luxurious store And with the subdu'd world her self keep poor The Queen with wonder having view'd these spoils Highly renowns the Princes matchless toils And thinks this present at their valours price Too much the glory of her Sacrifice Then from her Steed with gracious ease descends And to each Prince a hand first kiss'd extends By whom she's to her stately Chariot brought That curious hands with labour'd cost had wrought Her seat betwixt these Heroes there she takes And with her lusters such impression makes As if Lights Orbe contracted in her face And this the Chariot of the Suns bright Race T'wards London thus she with these Glories Rides 'Twixt whom her grace and words she so divides As if even Natures Power she could out-doe And with one Soul supply'd the gifts of Two Sometimes the Princes gently does Intreat Their wondrous deeds and dangers to relate As if she 'd Honor give Perpetual Themes Or yield Love glorious means to charm his Flames And thus arrives her City where no State Is wanting can magnificence compleat Whose stately Orders solemn duties pay To speak the joy and splendor of this day Pass'd through these streets with Flowers Garlands hung Where eyes in windows croud and People throng This Royal Presence with glad hearts to view Wishing some one of these their Queen may woo Then with these Hero's she ascends a Throne Her Royal Predecessors long did own Which wond'rous
Frame in pollish'd stone is wrought As Parian work might hence have Copies sought Whose Bottom shin'd as clear as Mirrors doe Circled with Pillars bright reflections show And through each space stood noblest creatures carv'd Some think the same that Noahs Ark preserv'd Nor were its Mediums less for beauty prais'd VVhile in such order each Ascent is rais'd As best skill'd Architects must hence admire Those hands that could so happily conspire The Royal Cov'ring which this Frame did bear Is story'd by the artful Painters care Where antient Heroes in vast Figures lie VVith Atlas said t' uphold the falling Sky Hence they behold Great Londons vast Contents The Seat of Natures choice Emoluments VVhich wise Antiquity had planted here That times succeeding might renown their care And hence they view the silver Flood of Thames Brighter than Zanthus or fam'd Symois streams In which the Gods their limbs were said to save And visit Thetis in a chrystal wave To Neptunes bosome thus it gently glides Returning thence inricht with pregnant Tides By secret sympathy or Cinthia's power That streams can swell without the help of shower While stately Vessels swift as winds here steer Some fraught with Traffique others built for Warr As if that Age heroickly foresaw This supreme Isle should to the main give law And hence they wond'rous Aqueducts survey That this Great City useful streams convey While works in water Engins raise so high As if they 'd Meteors place above the Sky And now as Rome would add a glory too Or Gauls repent their crimes in being a Foe Their Legats from Martianus convoy'd come Who of these Princes crave a Peace from Rome This Embassy a Gaul of subtile brain Does manage that deceit could wilely feign Who knew the Brittish hearts too great to be Suspecters ev'n in Foes of treachery And to this glorious presence has access Cloath'd in the soft Attyres of Gallick dress Whose Vests as various forms and colours show As if they pattern'd from Thaumantius Bow On this a Perriwig more long he wears Than the dishevel'd locks of Virgins hairs And thus with suppliant knees and fawning face The mode of Gaul his Errand hopes to grace Then first relates how Rome and Gaul conspire To make a lasting Peace their joynt desire Since they behold what wonders Heaven had wrought For Brittish Powers while theirs opposing fought And next does magnifie the Princes Arms Whose valour gives their Foes such pow'rful charms That their great Chiefs submit to sue for Peace And call the Brittains friend if Arms they 'l cease Though Rome with succours soon can them supply Or Great Alvatrix from his Gauls more nigh Whose Arms did but neglect of Love pursue Yet to the Queen that guilt repenteth too By me pronouncing how his soul relents His late Hostilities and dire Intents In which her City more her self did share His Love and Arms made guilty of her fear For which if I with offer'd Peace return He 'll soon to Gaul retire this crime to mourn Nor does Great Ennius design to be With you fam'd Princes hence at enmity Who by your virtues more than Arms o'rcome Would make you ally'd friends of Mighty Rome Leaving your Country and this Beauteous Queen To give her love as best to Heaven is seen This said the Princes serious councel take How safe Replies this Embassy to make Who though they Gallick Arts and Romes distrust Conclude in faith these dare not be unjust Since thus reduc'd by a victor'ous Fate But this so high concern of Arms and State These Hero's joyntly to the Queen referre Whose Cause they own the glory of this warre While she though willing to embrace a Theme In which their warlike deeds such merits claim Yet gently wishes they 'd her tongue now spare Too soft to accent the rough Laws of warre And thus her ruby lips contain a space Each look first speaking Majesty and Grace As if like Stats they could her sense convey Through the bright insluence of a beam or ray Then to this Embassy in brief replies What with these Royal Princes she decreas Whose valours have oblig'd her cause so far That for their sakes 't were sin to wish more war If as he sayes Great Ennius does repent And more Alvatrix does his rage relent Which threatn'd ev'n her City and her Name With Fire and Arms and more unwelcome Flame Yet thus incens'd her vote shall mercy show To this Legation of a cruel Foe On whom their Arms might utmost vengeance take Who beat in field their Camp a refuge make But if that Rome and Gaul no more will be To Britains or their Country Enemy She 'll with the Princes grant they Truce obtain On Faith giv'n ne'r t' invade this Isle again To which this Legat guilefully consents Vowing his Masters peaceful fair intents By all the Gods that Rome and Gaul revere Prophaning Faith at once and Heav'ns just Ear. Then to Martianus these great Chiefs express That he with Rome and Gaul his Arms should cease If on their plighted faith this Isle they leave In forty dayes till when a Truce must have With feign'd Congratulations then departs This cringing Legat full of Gauls smooth Arts The Mimicks in whom Nature forms deceit And whence the world does pattern modes to cheat Which as an impious President foreshows That Gauls would still be Britains faithless Foes Who by feign'd Treaties more our Arms deceiv'd Than e'r their Swords by victory repriev'd And now the Queen descends this stately Throne Their joyes with all magnificence to own In Court and City while they first express Their Thanks to heav'n for their fam'd Arms success The End of the First Book THE Brittish Princes AN Heroick Poem BOOK II. The First Canto THe Gen'rous Victor to renown his Bayes Devotes to Peace some glory of his dayes Pleas'd that his Armes her gentle Thrones restore Fit to partake the case of mighty Power Though oft great Monarchs artful Treaties make Which by vile stratagems of Faith they break And by perfidious leasure respite warre More Engins of destruct'on to prepare While these Great Brittish Princes having rais'd Trophies of war Fame through the world had blaz'd No less Heroick grant their Foes a Peace The Noble End just Arms must guide and cease Nor did these Hero's Roman Arts distrust Or Gauls in faith reputed more unjust Since from their conqu'ring mercy Truce they gain Less imp'ous held than plighted faith to feign Or tempt their Arms a Conquest to pursue And heav'n oblige to joyn in vengeance too From whence the great devoutly wise must own All high atchievments of the Sword or Throne That Power by Sacred Tyes may Mankind awe Too rough alone to guide with humane Law Thus from the world Heav'ens legislative book Of Providence Domin'on Copies took Lest Chance or Guilt entitle Scepters here And like tam'd Beasts Men without conscience fear Whence first industr'ous Rulers vulgars taught How Order Heav'ns Great Works divinely wrought While Power then
calls their flights ignoble innocence While these that did him Sov'raign duties owe Consult their safeties and decline his now Like some base vulgars that for ends or fear Desert their Prince lest they his dangers share With frowns then curles his brow and shakes his head As if he 'd speak revenge to all that fled But he alass is but a Prince of Deer Whom Nature chiefly arms with flight and fear And thus forlorn in stately hast does flye Scorning such vassals dare not with him dye As some great Chief distress'd by Fate and Foes Safety by slight unwillingly had chose And as he is the mightiest of his kind In such proportion does his speed now find Yet so magnanimous designs his hast That Lyon-like unseen he runs most fast While Hounds the swiftest of the Brittish Race As if their heels were wing'd pursue his Chace To whose glad cries the Huntsmen wind recheats Which Eccho's wounded ear as shrill repeats Next these the Horse of Brittains Northern kind Fleeter than Jennets issues of the wind Their dext'rous Riders speed to chace this Deer As when for Palms they swift contenders are And now this Glory of the Herd perceives His breath impairs in which lifes essence lives Wond'ring that Nature should for life prepare Breath and yet want it while the world has air Or that so weak a substance should betray The Bodies frame to deaths inglorious sway To Woods the Shades of Nature then does fly The soft Apartments of his Monarchy Where he had often cool'd more mighty flames Among the nimble Hindes his am'rous Dames And thence did these a stately Progress lead To sport in Streams or fertile Vales to feed Now finds his shady Palaces beset And Men and Dogs for his destruction met Whose tracts though intricate as Lab'rinths are But easie problems to the Hounds appear While he laments his fate that Nature gave To make his life thus to their treasons slave Then leavs these Groves Woods with weary heels And ev'ry limb a frail supporter feels While thus emboss'd he takes his long-lov'd Thames That oft refresht Harts wearied limbs and flames And first with sighs he bids these streams adieu Then takes his thirsty farewel draught here too Which done he faster swims than Vessels glide Or into Neptune's bosom flowes the Tide And here the Queen that with her nimble Steed Did Horse and Hounds and ev'n the wind out-speed First to this Streame pursu'd this mighty Deere Next whom the Princes and their train appear Filling the Shoar t' observe this famous Chace While Thames rejoyc'd to see their pastimes grace His pleasing billows Curles his gentle brow Bidding his stream no further now to flow Until his Waves their homage here did pay To their great Persons gladly they obey Each Billow bowing with its Chrystal head Which done their gentle Current joyful speed And with their pleasing murmurs as they glide Encrease the constant Musick of their Tide While Thames now wish'd he might his Banks o'rflow And with them on his waves this Chace pursue Now this cool Flood and Glory of all Streams Begot by Isis smooth embrace with Thames This mighty Deer with some refreshment leaves As if his flames were Julip'd from these waves But when he finds no Element or Art Can Men and Hounds escape he chides his Heart That with his winged heels conspir'd to fly And thinks now of some glorious way to dye Not far from hence he views a Camp of Fame Great Julius rais'd to war upon this Stream Where first that Conqu'ror had him tamely bred And from his glorious hand and Table fed Thither with a Majestick grace he flies VVhile like small riv'lets tears flow from his eyes To miss his mighty Master who did give Him a bold Power in spight of Foes to live And now at this Camps Avennue does stand Where he had oft been stroak'd and lick'd his hand That did with glorious Chaplets wreath his Brow Circling his Neck with Jewell'd Collars too VVhere thus distress'd and weary'd by long flight Must all his Foes without protection fight Though here resolves like Caesars Stag to dye And with bold rage on Men and Dogs does flye Some with his Spear-like head he gores till life Impair'd by wounds did breathless end his strife VVhich into air a mingled flight does take No more discern'd than Tracts soft winds do make Thus fell this mighty Deer the Herds renown While his pursuers now a pity own Wishing they could his vanquish'd life restore That Dy'd more brave than e'r did Hart before Whose bulk and beam as they with wonder view A golden Ring upon his Neck does shew Him to have liv'd compleat five hundred year If Fame have credit since call'd Caesar's Deer The Queen and Princes to renown this Chace Resolve his Figure stately carv'd to place In their bright Courts that both his life and fate Might with their Glories bear perpetual date While as the Huntsmens Horns now wind his death And Fame that wing'd this chace a while took breath Fate does allarum her to take swift flight And blaze on crimson wings a bloody fight For as Romes Chief and Gauls this Hunting knew Design'd for the Queens sport and Princes too Resolve their plighted Faith and Truce to break And with bold Arms them here surpriz'd to take Thus with fierce hast their num'rous Troops they lead Which hot allarums to the Princes speed Who swiftly range their Guards of Spears and Bows And with the Trusti'st the fair Queen enclose Invoking Heav'ns just Pow'r to aid their might As the Truce-breaking Gauls and Romans fight That Ennius with Alvatrix thence may see Some dismal Fate on their joynt-treachery But oh the guilt of Pow'r imploy'd unjust To serve the ends of Empire or of lust Which highest Mortals impiously pursue Yet all Crimes but their own dare punish too The End of the Second Canto The Third Canto Romes Consul thus and Gauls fierce Prince array'd To act the Faithless Truce their Legate made Where Ambuscado's subt'ly they had drawn T'infest the VVoods and the adjoyning Lawn Where now the Princes their bold Forces drew In heart all daring though in numbers few Who disadvantag'd more must now oppose The force and treach'ry of their num'rous Foes And thus does Ennius to Alvatrix speak The time is come that Rome and Gaul shall take A full revenge on Brittains Pow'r and Pride That durst our Conquests with their Arms deride What though th' advantage breach of Truce obtains While ev'ry Monarch ev'n as guilty Raigns Making their Leagues wise respits unto warr Till they in Pow'r and Armes recruited are Nor will the World a prosperous Guilt condemne When Virtue does its bright Companion seem Who on success like Sun-shine cast their eyes Forgetting the Black Cloud did with it rise Nor is it more a Sin in War than State Disadvantageous Faith to violate VVhich Princes never meant should give them Law When onely feeble Faith their Power does awe See how our Leg'ons compass
conjoyn'd they fought For which the Sun shall ne'r consume a Day But I devoted thankes to Heaven will pay That can no Merit great enough allow To you as Princes and as Lovers too For which 't is my unhappiness to live Except at once I had two Souls to give Yet must your Passions blame that did decree A Death of both or either without me That could have been contented first to dye And Pay Loves Debt with my sad destiny Then to each Prince a gentle hand does give Which humbly kiss'd they on their knees receive Whose Lilly-white best Orient-Pearl did stain And out-shin'd Saphyrs blew in every vein Thus leads them with her to a Royal seat Where soon Merlinus did attend to Greet The happy Cures his wondrous art had done Which they with highest thanks and presents own 〈◊〉 to his Person great endearments give Admiring his deep meanes by which they live Whence they in such short time o'rcame their griefs And Nature furnish'd with such strange reliefes To whom Merlinus thus does humbly speak Since Nature her bright handmaid Art did make Few of her Counsels and admir'd effects But profound Science wondrously Inspects Else her large Providence that guides things here Must prove to Mortals but a niggard Care If she producing Creatures by her Power Did fail of meanes their Glories might restore Hence through the Universe her healthful Lawes With every being show a Divine cause While Stars no more her operations cost Than Plants and Herbs that humbly spring may boast Nor does this Mistress of the World deny To disclose secrets in her bosome lie If Mans frail Sense she does sublimely teach Can the deep Process of her wonders reach Hence Med'cins sets apart and joyes the Cure That makes her Individuals long endure Which in her most lov'd sympathies consist Or such Antipathies Disease resist Thus by my skill and fervent Prayers I sought That Soul to Inform'd matter first she brought Which has from Elements distinct essence Yet is of all things one best Quintessence And this our Lives Infirmities Restores Beyond the aid of Natures common Powers Assisting life with life the self same way That first in Bodies she did Souls convey This said a Vial of a substance too His Art next precious to th' Elixar knew Presents the Queen and Princes which contain'd This sublime worke by his deep Science gain'd At Natures richest cost whose value could Purchase the World and next transmute to Gold All kind of mettals that if Treasure fail This endless wealth might Brittains Foes assaile And here admiring they a while it view Which does in colour far more beaut'ous show Than Iris various Arch and seemes like beames Of Sun and Stars or more Coelestial Flames And to Merlinus with one voice reply Most mighty Bard since in thy skill doth lie Such sublime knowledge ne'r to Man was known May future Ages ever it Renown Not suffering time whose hand doth often raze His choicest glories ever thine deface Or from forgotten truth make Fictions Fame The bold oblivion of thy sacred Name Which said resolve this matchless work shall be Preserv'd as Natures highest Mystery And in that Temple kept where Brittains pay Devotion to her mighty Power each day And now the Queen whose mind unusual cares Did apprehend in her late sad despaires Acquaints him how her Soul a Voyage took In that deep Trance as it lifes Fetters broke Whence to her seem'd that warlike Nations spread Banners throughout this Isle with horror led Whose manners they before did never know With Images beheld of Princes too That should mix blood with Brittains Royal Line And thence succeeding Ages fruitful shine Changing Complexion of our Lawes and Speech Say wond'rous Bard if thy deep Science reach To future things What do these Visions speak Or are they but such Fantasmes vain Dreams make To which this Learned Sage does thus express Illustrious Queen though 't is most hard to guess Succeeding Acts of Time wrapt in the Lawes Of Providence the Worlds great hidden cause While in our Bodies Souls commix with Sence That does obstruct their Divine Praescience Else might their Vision without sensual eyes Take highest Prospect of her Mysteries Since Nature to the World and all things live In different Bodies a-like Soul does give And is diffus'd from her Internal mind Where every cause does actual fore-sight find Which since our Souls cannot in Bodies reach By glorious Mediums she our Sence does teach Nor must we think the Orbes and Starry-Sphaere But as Nights Tapers Heaven has kindled there Or that Ecclipses of the Sun and Moon Defects of Nature show and not our own Though it must dazel Humane sence to read The Text of Heaven in such bright causes spread Hence oft Mutations follow Crowns and States Which ignorant minds allot to Chance and Fates While nothing to us Mortals 〈◊〉 insues But she in some Prophetick Cause foreshewes And what the restless studies of my Art To you great Queen and Princes can impart I humbly offer in this hour to show That strikes my Soul with some amazement too Craving this Royal Presence a short space Some learned Products of his skill to grace And may for Brittains sake be useful seen Which said the Princes with the beauteous Queen Remove in State and thus by him are brought To an Appartment vast and wond'rous wrought From Archytects taught by his deep survey Which none but he e'r enter'd to this day Wherein this Sage long Contemplation took T' instruct the World in Natures profound Book Or else the Muses sublime Raptures writ That Poets call Heavens best inspired wit A Science graces all yet taught by none In Schooles Pedantick Tearmes and Precepts known Where Faith could not it self from Tutors free While this remains untaught Divinity And Natures best Exchequer has for store Spending profusely thence yet never Poor Though oft like virtue meets Inglorious Fate Since more than Human Soul its worth must rate Nor did that Age the Muses less esteem Than Sacred Raptures Men Prophetick deeme From whence the wise Castalian Cliffs aspir'd And with Heavens zeal this Divine gift admir'd The End of the Sixth Canto The Seventh Canto ANd now this Royal Presence duely plac'd Wonder to see how this Appartment's grac'd Whose Globulous roofe seems like a moving Sphaere Where Stars in Aspects shine as Heaven was there Nor were the Walls and Pillars less bright fam'd By his great skill of hardn'd Chrystal fram'd That none e'r malleable had made before And which all shapes of Creatures figur'd bore Then entertains their Royal Eares and sight With Bodies wond'rous organ'd for delight While some in Birdlike shapes best Musick sing And thus about this Roofe are seen to wing Next which in various Postures did appear Gygantick figur'd-Men and what 's as rare The shapes of Pigmyes Natures Dwarfish crew That Dialogue speak and make strangè exits too A Crystal wall then severs whence to sight A Scene appeares than Evenings Sky more