busie without noise 10. Whilst her great Mistress Nature thus she tends The busie Houshold waits no less on her By secret law each to her beauty bends Though all her lowly Mind to that prefer 11. Gracious and free she breaks upon them all With Morning looks and they when she does rise Devoutly at her dawn in homage fall And droop like Flow'rs when Evening shuts her Eyes 12. The sooty Chymist who his sight does waste Attending lesser Fires she passing by Broke his lov'd Lymbick through enamour'd haste And let like common Dew th' Elixar flie 13. And here the grey Philosophers resort Who all to her like crafty Courtiers bow Hoping for secrets now in Nature's Court Which onely she her fav'rite Maid can know 14. These as the Lords of Science she respects And with famillar beams their age she chears Yet all those civil forms seem but neglecâ—s To what she shews when Astragon appears 15. For as she once from him her being took She hourly takes her Lawâ— reads with swift sight His will even at the op'ning of his look And shews by haste obedience her delight 16. She makes when she at distance to him bows His int'rest in her Mother's beauty known For that 's th' Orig'nal whence her Copy ' grows And near Orig'nals Copies are not shown 17. And he with dear regard her gifts does wear Of Flow'rs which she in mystick order ties And with the sacrifice of many a tear Salutes her loyal Mother in her Eyes 18. The just Historians Birtha thus express And tell how by her Syres Example taught She serv'd the wounded Duke in Life's distress And his fled Spirits back by Cordials brought 19. Black melancholy Mists that fed despair Through wounds long rage with sprinkled Vervin cleer'd Strew'd Leaves of Willow to refresh the air And with rich Fumes his sullen sences cheer'd 20. He that had serv'd great Love with rev'rend heart In these old wounds worse wounds from him endures For Love makes Birtha shift with Death his Dart And she kills faster than her Father cures 21. Her heedless innocence as little knew The wounds she gave as those from Love she took And Love lifts high each secret Shaâ—t he drew Which at their Stars he first in triumph shook 22. Love he had lik'd yet never loâ—g'd before But finds him now a bold unquier Guest Who climbs to windows when we shut the Door And enterâ—d never lets the Master rest 23. So strange disorder now he pines for health Makes him conceal this Revelleâ— with shame She not the Robber knows yet feels the stealth And never but in Songs had heard his name 24. Yet then it was when she did smile at Hearts Which Countrey Lovers weaâ— in bleeding Seals Ask'd where his pretty Godhead found such Daâ—â—s As make those wounds that onely Hymen heals 25. And this her ancient Maid with sharp complaintâ— Heard and rebuk'd shook her experienc'd Head With tears â—osought her not to jest at Saints Nor mock those Martyrs Love had Captive led 26. Nor think the pions Poets ere would waste So many tears in Ink to make Maids mourn Iâ— injur'd Lovers had in ages past The lucky Mirtle more than Willow worn 27. This grave rebuke Officious Memory Presents to Birtha's thought who now believ'd Such sighing Songs as tell why Lovers die And prais'd their faith who wept when Poets griev ' 28. She full of inward questions walks alone To take her heart aside in secret Shade But knocking at her breast it seem'd or gone Or by confed'racie was useless made 29. Or else some stranger did usurp its room One so remote and new in ev'ry thought As his behaviour shews him not at home Nor the Guide sober that him thither brought 30. Yet with this forreign Heart she does begin To treat of Love her most unstudy'd Theam And like young conscienc'd Casuists thinks that sin Which will by talk and practise lawfull seem 31. With open Ears and ever-waking Eyes And flying Feet Love's fire she from the sight Of all her Maids does carry as from Spies Jealous that what burns her might give them light 32. Beneath a Mirtle Covert now does spend In Maids weak wishes her whole stock of thought Fond Maids who Love with Minds fine stuff would mend Which Nature purposely of Bodies wrought 33. She fashions him she lov'd of Angels kind Such as in holy Story were employ'd To the first Fathers from th' Eternal Mind And in short vision onely are enjoy'd 34. As Eagles then when nearest Heav'n they flie Of wild impossibles soon weary grow Feeling their bodies find no rest so high And therefore peaâ—ch on Earthly things below 35. So now she yields him she an Angel deem'd Shall be a Man the Name which Virgins fear Yet the most harmless to a Maid he seem'd That ever yet that fatal name did beat 36. Soon her opinion of his hurtless heart Affection turns to faith and then Loves fire To Heav'n though bashfully she does impart And to her Mother in the Heav'nly Quire 37. If I do love said she that love O Heav'n Your own Disciple Nature bred in me Why should I hide the passion you have given Or blush to shew effects which you decree 38. And you my alter'd Mother grown above Great Nature which you read and rev'renc'd here Chide not such kindness as you once call'd Love When you as mortal as my Father were 39. This said her Soul into her breasts retires With Love's vain diligence of heart she dreams Her self into possession of desires And trusts unanchor'd Hope in fleeting Streams 40. Already thinks the Duke her own spous'd Lord Cur'd and again from bloody battel brought Where all false Lovers perish'd by his sword The true to her for his protection sought 41. She thinks how her imagin'd Spouse and she So much from Heav'n may by her virtues gain That they by Time shall ne'r oretaken be No more than Time himself is overta'ne 42. Or should he touch them as he by does pass Heav'ns favour may repay their Summers gone And he so mix their sand in a slow Glass That they shall live and not as Two but One. 43. She thinks of Eden-life and no rough wind In their pacifique Sea shall wrinkles make That still her lowliness shall keep him kind Her cares keep him asleep her voice awake 44. She thinks if ever anger in him sway The Youthfull Warriours most excus'd disease Such chance her Tears shall calm as showres allay The accidental rage of Winds and Seas 45. She thinks that Babes proceed from mingling Eyes Or Heav'n from Neighbourhood increase allows As Palm and the Mamora fructifies Or they are got by closs exchanging vows 46. But come they as she hears from Mothers pain Which by th' unlucky first-Maids longing proves A lasting curse yet that she will sustain So they be like this Heav'nly Man she loves 47. Thus to her self in day-dreams Birtha talks The Duke whose wounds of war are healthfull grown To cure
GONDIBERT AN HEROICK POEM WRITTEN BY Sir WILLIAM D'AVENANT LONDON Printed for John Holden and are to be sold at his Shop at the sign of the Anchor in the New-Exchange 1651. ERRATA IN the PREFACE pag. 23. line 22. for seven r. six Page Stanza Line Errata Mend. 2 9 1 for Lusty Lasting 5 28 1 for Trine Time 58 76 3 for Thirds Thrids 64 34 2 for this His. 70 80 1 for cease Seise 153 8 3 for Beedles Needles 161 67 3 for how whom 172 34 4 for morn Moon 219 96 4 for lose Loose 226 41 â— for weak ourweaker THE AUTHOUR'S PREFACE To his much honour'd Friend Mr HOBS SIR SInce you have done me the honour to allow this Poem a daily examination as it was writing I will presume now it hath attain'd more length to give you a longer trouble that you may yield me as great advantages by censuring the Method as by judging the Numbers and the Matter And because you shall pass through this New Building with more ease to your disquisition I will acquaint you what care I took of my materials ere I began to work But first give me leave remembering with what difficulty the world can shew any Heroick Poem that in a perfect glass of Nature gives us a familiar and easie view of our selves to take notice of those quarrels which the Living have with the Dead and I will according as all times have applied their reverence begin with Homer who though he seems to me standing upon the Poets famous hill like the eminent Sea-mark by which they have in former Ages steer'd and though he ought not to be removed from that eminence lest Posterity should presumptuously mistake their course yet some sharply observing how his Successours have proceeded no farther than a perfection of imitating him say that as Sea-marks are chiefly usefull to Coasters and serve not those who have the ambition of Discoverers that love to sayl in untry'd Seas so he hath rather prov'd a Guide for those whose satisfied Wit will not venture beyond the track of others than to them who affect a new and remote way of thinking who esteem it a deficiency and meaness of mind to stay and depend upon the authority of example Some there are that object that even in the likelyhoods of Story and Story where ever it seems most likely grows most pleasant he doth too frequently inteâ—mixe such Fables as are objects listed above the Eyes of Nature and as he often interrogates his Muse not as his rational Spirit but as a Familiar separated from his body so her replies bring him where he spends time in immortal conversation whilest supernaturally he doth often advance his men to the quality of Gods and depose his Gods to the condition of men His Successour to fame and consequently to censure is Virgil whose toyls nor virtue cannot free him from the peevishness or rather curiosity of divers Readers He is upbraided by some who perhaps are affected Antiquaries and make priority of time the measure of excellence for gaining his renown by the imitation of Homâ—r Whilest others no less bold with that ancient Guide say He hath so often led him into Heaven and Hell till by conversation with Gods and Ghosts he sometimes deprives us of those natural probabilities in Story which are instructive to humane life And others affirm if it be not irreverence to record their opinion That even in Wit he seems deficient by many omissions as if he had design'd a penance of gravity to himself and to posterity And by their observing that continued gravity me thinks they look upon him as on a Musitian composing of Anthems whose excellence consists more in the solemness than in the fancy and upon the body of his Work as on the body of a Giant whose force hath more of strength than quickness and of patience than activity But these bold Censurers are in danger of so many Enemies as I shall wiseâ—y shrink from them and onely observe That if any Disciples of unimitable Virgil can prove so formal as to esteem Wit as if it were levity an imputation to the Heroick Muse by which malevolent word Wit they would disgrace her extraordinary heights yet if those grave Judges will be held wise they must endure the fate of Wise men who always have but few of their society for many more than consist of their number perhaps not having the sullenness to be of it are taken with those bold flights and think 't is with the Muse whose noble Quarry is men as with the Eagle who when he soars high stoops more prosperously and is most certain of his prey And surely Poets whose business should represent the Worlds true image often to our view are not less prudent than Painters who when they draw Landschaps entertain not the Eye wholly with even Prospect and a continued Flat but for variety terminate the sight with lofty Hills whose obscure heads are sometimes in the clouds Lucan who chose to write the greatest actions that ever were allowed to be true which for fear of contemporary witnesses oblig'd him to a very close attendance upon Fame did not observe that such an enterprize rather beseem'd an Historian than a Poet for wise Poets think it more worthy to seek out truth in the Passions than to record the truth of Actions and practise to describe Mankind just as we are perswaded or guided by instinct not particular persons as they are lifted or levell'd by the force of Fate it being nobler to contemplate the general History of Nature than a selected Diary of Fortune And Painters are no more than Historians when they draw eminent persons though they term that drawing to the life but when by assembling divers figures in a larger volume they draw Passions though they term it but Story then they increase in dignity and become Poets I have been thus hardy to call him to account for the choice of his Argument not meerly as it was Story but because the actions he recorded were so eminent and so near his time that he could not assist Truth with such ornaments as Poets for usefull pleasure have allowed her leâ—t the â—ained complection might render the true suspected And now I will leave to others the presumption of measuring his Hyperboles by whose space and height they maliciously take the dimension of wit and so mistake him in his boyling Youth which had marvellous forces as we disrelish Wine when fuming in the Lee. Statius with whom we may conclude the old Heroicks is as accomptable to some for his obligations to Virgil as Virgil is to others for what he owes to Homer and more closely than Virgil waits on Homer doth Statius attend Virgil and follows him there also where Nature never comes even into Heaven and Hell and therefore he cannot escape such as approve the wisdom of the best Dramaticks who in representation of examples believe they prevail most on our manners when they lay the
rage unite 6. Yet since on all War never needfull was Wise Aribert did keep the People sure By Laws from lesser dangers for the Laws Them from themselves and not from pow'r secure 7. Else Conquerours by making Laws orecome Their own gain'd pow'r and leave mens furie free Who growing deaf to pow'r the Laws grow dumb Since none can plead where all may Judges be 8. Prais'd was this King for war the Laws broad shield And for acknowledg'd Laws the art of Peace Happy in all which Heav'n to Kings does yield But a successour when his cares shall cease 9. For no Male Pledge to give a lustie name Sprung from his bed yet Heav'n to him allow'd One of the gentler sex whose Storie Fame Has made my Song to make the Lombards proud 10. Recorded Rhodalind whose high renown Who miss in Books not luckily have read Or vex'd by living beauties of their own Have shunn'd the wise Records of Lovers dead 11. Her Fathers prosp'rous Palace was the Sphear Where she to all with Heav'nly order mov'd Made rigid virtue so benign appear That 't was without Religion's help belov'd 12. Her looks like Empire shew'd great above pride Since pride ill counterfeits excessive height But Nature publish'd what she fain would hide Who for her deeds not beautie lov'd the light 13. To make her lowly minds appearance less She us'd some outward greatness for disguise Esteem'd as pride the Cloist'ral lowliness And thought them proud who even the proud despise 14. Her Father in the winter of his age Was like that stormie season froward grown Whom so her springs fresh presence did asswage That he her sweetness tasted as his own 15. The pow'r that with his stooping age declin'd In her transplanted by remove increas'd Which doubly back in homage she resign'd Till pow'rs decay the Thrones worst sickness ceas'd 16. Oppressours big with pride when she appear'd Blush'd and believ'd their greatness counterfeit The lowly thought they them in vain had fear'd Found virtue harmless and nought else so great 17. Her mind scarce to her feeble sex of kin Did as her birth her right to Empire show Seem'd careless outward when imploy'd within Her speech like lovers watch'd was kind and low 18. She shew'd that her soft sex contains strong minds Such as evap'rates through the courser Male As through course stone Elixar passage finds Which scarce through finer Christal can exhale 19. Her beautie not her own but Natures pride Should I describe from every Lovers eye All Beauties this original must hide Or like scorn'd Copies be themselves laid by 20. Be by their Poets Shunn'd whom beautie feeds Who beautie like hyr'd witnesses protect Officiously averring more than needs And make us so the needfull truth suspect 21. And since fond Lovers who disciples be To Poets think in their own loves they find More beautie than yet Time did ever see Time's Curtain I will draw ore Rhodalind 22. Lest shewing her each see how much he errs Doubt since their own have less that they have none Believe their Poets perjur'd Flatterers And then all Modern Maids would be undone 23. In pitie thus her beauty 's just renown I wave for publick Peace and will declare To whom the King design'd her with his Crown Which is his last and most unquiet care 24. If in alliance he does greatness prise His Mind grown wearie need not travel far If greatness he compos'd of Victories He has at home many that Victors are 25. Many whom blest success did often grace In Fields where they have seeds of Empire sown And hope to make since born of princely race Even her the harvest of those toyls their own 26. And of those Victors Two are chiefly fam'd To whom the rest their proudest hopes resign Though young were in there Fathers battels nam'd And both are of the Lombards Royal Line 27. Oswald the great and greater Gondibert Both from successfull conqu'ring Fathers sprung Whom both examples made of War's high art And far out-wrought their patterns being young 28. Yet for full fame as Trine Fam's Judge reports Much to Duke Gondibert Prince Oswald yields Was less in mightie mysteries of Courts In peacefull Cities and in fighting Fields 29. In Court Prince Oswald costly was and gay Finer than near vain Kings their Fav'rites are Out-shin'd bright Fav'rites on their Nuptial day Yet were his Eyes dark with ambitious care 30. Duke Gondibert was still more gravely clad But yet his looks familiar were and clear As if with ill to others never sad Nor tow'rds himself could others practise fear 31. The Prince could Porpoise-like in Tempests play And in Court-storms on ship-wrack'd Greatness seed Not frighted with their fate when cast away But to their glorious hazzards durst succeed 32. The Duke would lasting calms to Courts assure As pleasant Gardens we defend from winds For he who bus'ness would from Storms procure Soon his affairs above his mannage finds 33. Oswald in Throngs the abject People sought With humble looks who still too late will know They are Ambitious Quarrie and soon caught When the aspiring Eagle stoops so low 34. The Duke did these by stedie Virtue gain Which they in action more than precept tast Deeds shew the Good and those who goodness feign By such even through their vizards are out-fac't 35. Oswald in war was worthily renown'd Though gay in Courts coursly in Camps could live Judg'd danger soon and first was in it found Could toil to gain what he with ease did give 36. Yet toils and dangers through ambition lov'd Which does in war the name of Virtue own But quits that name when from the war remov'd As Rivers theirs when from their Channels gon 37. The Duke as restless as his fame in war With martial toil could Oswald wearie make And calmly do what he with rage did dare And give so much as he might deign to take 38. Him as their Founder Cities did adore The Court he knew to steer in storms of State In Field a Battel lost he could restore And after force the Victors to their Fate 39. In Camps now chiefly liv'd where he did aim At graver glory than Ambition breeds Designs that yet this story must not name Which with our Lombard Authours pace proceeds 40. The King adopts this Duke in secret thought To wed the Nations wealth his onely child Whom Oswald as reward of merit sought With Hope Ambition's common bait beguild 41. This as his souls chief secret was unknown Lest Oswald that his proudest Army led Should force possession ere his hopes were gone Who could not rest but in the royal bed 42. The Duke discern'd not that the King design'd To chuse him Heir of all his victories Nor guess'd that for his love fair Rhodalind Made sleep of late a stranger to her Eyes 43. Yet sadly it is sung that she in shades Mildly as mourning Doves love's sorrows felt Whilst in her secret tears her freshness fades As Roses silently in Lymbecks melt 44. But
aid of action he obedience taught And silent patience for afflictions cure He prais'd my courage when I boldly fought But said They conquer most that most endure 25. The toyls of diligence as much approv'd As Valour 's self or th' Arts her practise gains The care of Men more than of glory lov'd Success rewarded and successless pains 26. To joyfull Victors quenching water sent Delightfull wine to their lamenting slaves For Feasts have more brave lives than Famine spent And Temp'rance more than Trench or Armour saves 27. Valour his Mistress Caution was his Friend Both to their diff'rent seasons he appli'd The first he lov'd on th' other did depend The first made worth uneasie by her pride 28. He to submiss devotion more was given After a battel gain'd than ere 't was fought As if it nobler were to thank high Heav'n For favours past than bow for bounty sought 29. And thus through smarting heat and aking cold Till Heav'ns perpetual Traveller had more Than thirty journeys through the Zodiack told I serv'd thy Grandsire whom I now adore 30. For Heav'n in his too ripe and weary age Call'd him where peacefully he rules a Star Free'd from the lower El'ments ceaseless rage Which last like Monarchs pow'r by needfull war 31. Strait thy lamented Father did succeed To his high place by Aribert's consent Our Ensigns through remoter Lands to lead Him too I follow'd till he upward went 32. Till that black day on which the Hunns may boast Their own defeat and we our conquest hide For though we gain'd and they the battel lost Yet then thy brave victorious Father dy'd 33. And I am stay'd unwillingly behind Not caught with wealth Life's most intangling snare Though both my Masters were in giving kind As joyfull Victors after Battel are 34. Whilst thus this aged Leader does express His and their Story whom this bounty feeds His hands the Duke 's worst order'd wounds undress And gently bind then strait he thus proceeds 35. West from those Hills till you Cremona reach With an unmingled right I gather rent By their great Gift who did such precepts teach In giving as their wealth is ne'r misspent 36. For as their plenteous pity fills my thought So their example was not read in vain A Thousand who for them in battel fought And now distress'd with Maims I entertain 37. Not giving like to those whose gifts though scant Pain them as if they gave with gowty hand Such vex themselves and ease not others want But we alike enjoy a like command 38. Most spaciously we dwell where we possess All smless pleasures Nature did ordain And who that all may have yet will have less Wiser than Nature thinks her kindness vain 39. A sad resolve which is a wise-mans vow From Cities noise and Couâ—â—s unpity'd care Did so divorce me it would scarce allow I ere should take one League of distâ—â—â— aiâ— 40. But that Alarms from each adjacent part Which borders my abode disturb'd my rest With dreadfull news that gracious Gondibert By Oswald's Faction was in fight opprest 41. Then it had given your wonder cause to last To see the vex'd mistakes this summons wrought In all my Maim'd Domesticks by their haste For some tie on the Limbs which others sought 42. Just such mistakes audacious Ethnicks say Will happen where the Righteous busie are Through glad and earnest haste in the last day Whilst others slowly to their doom prepare 43. And this had Anger anger noise had bred And Noise the Enemy of usefull Thought Had them to more mistakes than blindness led But that our awfull Camps had silence taught 44. Silence did Mem'ry Mem'ry order make Order to each did his mist wood restore For some who once were stedfast Fooâ— mistake And snatch those limbs which onely Horse-men wore 45. Like swift Pursuers on Arabian Horse These with their needfull Instruments of hold Which give their strange adapted weapons force I mounted strait Five Hundred fully told 46. These from the Lombards highly have deserv'd In Conquests where thy Father did command Whom they for Science and affection serv'd And lost their Limbs to gain our Scepter Land 47. Which yet are noble though unsightly signs That each in active courage much abounds And many a widow'd Mother now repines They cannot shew the Men who gave those wounds 48. For dearly did the Huns for honour pay When they deform'd them in a fatal fight Since though they strongly struggled for the day Yet all they got was everlasting Night 49. And Oswald's Friends were they not timely gone Though all the Faction in one Army were Should mourn this act against their Gen'ral's Son Who was to Souldiers more than Triumph dear 50. For these to Conquest us'd Retreats dislike Thy beauty want to others Beauty's cost With envious rage still at the Face they strike And punish Youth for what in youth they lost 51. Thus though the Duke's amazement be remov'd It now returns gladly on him to gaze Who feeds those Fighters whom his Father lov'd A gratitude would Virtue 's self amaze 52. Thou art said he then melted whilst he spake So ripe in what nice Heav'n does dearly love That Heav'ns remorse for Earth we should mistake To think it will forbear thee long above 53. As if thy sent for Soul already were Upon her Wings so much I give thee gon And wish thee left in some Successor here That might receive the kindness thou hast shown 54. Old Ulfin now but meltingly as he T' inrich him gives the Jewell of his sight For strait with Father's grave authoritie He bids his son young Ulfinor alight 55. Take him said he whose duty I release In whom all Heav'ns rewards included are For all my Justice in corrupted peace And for my mercy in revengeful war 56. The fruit Heav'ns sent me by my loyal wife In age the gloomy Eve of endless night Which eas'd in me the pain of latter life And frustrates death by fresh succession's sight 57. The Duke with passion did this Youth embrace Then luckie Goltho he call'd forth in view Who was this day in Fortun 's special grace For though no blood he lost yet much he drew 58. Him he with Ulfinor does strait unite Bids neither strive the other to precede Unless when danger doth them both invite But be even in nice Rivalship agreed 59. Bids both their Breasts be eithers open book Where nought is writ too hard for sodain Eies But â—ought's plain Text grows easie by a look Study breeds doubt where reading should suffice 60. But these to joyn Nature no Counsel needs Whom Sympathy her secret Priest does wed Much fam'd will be their loves and Martial Deeds Which fill all Books that are of Lombards read 61. With gracious Eyes and Bodie loâ—ly bent The Duke his Fathers rev'rend Troops salutes To Bergamo He holds his first intent Which to oppose old Ulfin thus disputes 62. Thou seest my Prince the faint decays of Light How hastily the
Suns hot Steeds begin To mend their pace as if their longing sight Had newly spy'd their usual Western Inn. 63. Too far is pleasant Bergamo from hence Since Day has reach'd so near his journeys end Days strength and yours are at their last expence Do not whilst both are wasting both misspend 64. You and Your wounded must with Nature strive Till all whose few hours sway to day excels Their elder Foes long reign in Camps arrive Where Astragon the wise and wealthy dwels 65. Rich is that Lord and rich in learnings wealth Art flies his test he all Art's test endures Our Cities send their sick to him for health Our Camps the wounded for their certain cures 66. Though cautious Nature check'd by Destinie Has many secrets she would ne'r impart This fam'd Philosopher is Natures Spie And hireless gives th' intelligence to Art 67. The Duke with virtue antiquated now Did rev'rence Counsel and to Age did bend His first Course alters and does this allow Then Ulfin as their Guide they all attend 68. Soon they the Pallace reach'd of Astragon Which had its beauty hid by envious Night Whose Cypress Curtain drawn before the Sun Seem'd to perform the Obsequies of light 69. Yet Light 's last rays were not intirely spent For they discern'd their passage through a Gate Whose height and space shew'd ancient ornament And Ancients there in carefull Office sate 70. Who by their Weights and Measures did record Such num'rous Burdens as were thither brought From distant Regions to their learned Lord On which his Chymicks and Distillers wrought 71. But now their common bus'ness they refrain When they observe a quiet fullenness And bloody marks in such a civil Train Which shew'd at once their worth and their distress 72. The voice of ulfin they with gladness knew Whom to this house long neighbourhood indeer'd Approaching Torches perfected their view And taught the way till Astragon appear'd 73. Who soon did Ulfin chearfully embrace The visits cause by whispers he receiv'd Which first he hop'd was meant him as a grace But being known with manly silence griev'd 74. And then with gestures full of grave respect The Duke he to his own apartment led To each distinct retirements did direct And all the wounded he ordain'd to Bed 75. Then thin digestive food he did provide More to enable fleeting strength to stay To wounds well search'd he cleansing wines apply'd And so prepar'd his rip'ning Balsoms way 76. Balm of the Warriour's herb Hypericon To warriour's as in use in form decreed For through the leaves transparent wounds are shown And rudely touch'd the Golden Flower does bleed 77. For sleep they juice of pale Nymphaea took Which grows to shew that it for sleep is good Near sleep's abode in the soft murm'ring Brook This cools the yellow Flow'r restrains the Bloud 78. And now the wearie world's great Med'cin Sleep This learned Host dispenc'd to ev'ry Guest Which shuts those wounds where injur'd Lovers weep And flies Oppressours to relieve th' Opprest 79. It loves the Corrage and from Court abstains It stills the Sea man though the Storm be high Frees the griev'd Captive in his closest Chains Stops wants loud Mouth blinds the treach'rous Spie 80. Kind Sleep Night's welcome Officer does cease All whom this House contains till day return And me Grief's Chronicler does gently ease Who have behind so great a taâ—k to mourn The end of the First Book GONDIBERT The Second Book CANTO the First The ARGUMENT VERONA by the Poet's Pencil drawn Where HURGONIL did meet the early dawn Her wealth shown by each Dwellers early'r care Which soon by others peace she reap'd by war The slain whose life her safetie was and pride Are now in death their Fun'ral Rites deny'd 1. SUnk near his Evening Region was the Sun When Hurgonil with his lamented Load And faithfull Tybalt their sad march begun To Fair Verona where the Court aboad 2. They slowly rode till Night's dominion ceast When infant Morn her scarce wak'd beams display'd With a scant face peepâ— shylie through the East And seem'd as yet of the black world afraid 3. But by increase of swift expansive light The lost Horizon was apparent grown And many Tow'rs salute at once their sight The distant boasts of an Imperial Town 4. Verona sprâ—â—g from â—oble Vera's 〈◊〉 Whom careless Time still 〈◊〉 old Records Where they are loosly gather'd up by â—ame Proclaims the chief of ancient Tuscan Lords 5. Verona borders on that fatal Plain Whose barren thirst was quench'd with valiant blood When the rough Cyâ—â—brians by â—ierce Mariâ—â— slain Left Hills of Bodies where their Ensigns stood 6. So safely proud this Town did now appear As if it but immortal Dwellers lack'd As if Theodorick had ne'r been there Nor Attila her wealth and beauty sack'd 7. Here Hurgonil might follow with his Eye As with deep stream it through the City pass'd The fruitfull and the frighted Adice Which thence from noise and nets to sea does haste 8. And on her peopled Bank they might behold The toyls of conquest paid with works of pride The Palace of King Agilulf the old Or Monument for ere 't was built he dy'd 9. To it that Temple joyns whose lofty Head The prospect of a swelling Hill commands In whose cool womb the City springs are bred On Dorique Pillars this tall Temple stands 10. This to sooth Heav'n the bloody Clephes built As if Heav'ns King so soft and easie were So meanly hous'd in Heav'n and kind to guilt That he would be a Tyrant's Tenant here 11. And now they might arrest their waâ—d'ring â—ight With that which makes all other Objects lost Makes Lombard greatness â—â—aâ— to 〈◊〉 height And Modern Builders blâ—â—â— that else would â—oast 12. An Amphy theater which has controll'd Unheeded conquests of advancing Age Winds which have made the trembling world look old And the uncivil Goth's malicious rage 13. This great Flaminius did in youth erect Where Cities sat to see whole Armies play Death's serious part but this we may neglect To mark the bus'ness which begins with day 14. As Day now op'ning fils the Hemisphear And all at once so quickly ev'ry street Does by an instant op'ning full appear When from their dwellings busie Dwellers meet 15. From wider Gates Oppressours sally there Here creeps th' afflicted through a narrow Door Groans under wrongs he has not strength to bear Yet seeks for wealth to injure others more 16. And here the early Lawyer mends his pace For whom the earlier Cliant waiâ—ed long Here greedy Creditours their Debtours chace Who scape by herding in th' indebted Throng 17. Th' advent'rous Merchant whom a Storm did wake His Ships on Adriatick Billows â—ost Does hope of Eastern winds from Steeples take And hastens there a Currier to the Coast. 18. Here through a secret Postern issues out The skar'd Adult'rer who out-slept his time Day and the Husbands Spie alike does doubt And with a half hid face would-hide his crime 19.
gain And thus the Peoples Oratour reclaim 57. Most usefull Fathers some trace secret things Even to his Closet who is hid in Heav'n Vainly as Nilus to his hidden springs And not enjoy but censure what is giv'n 58. You with such temper their intemp'rance bear To shew your solid science does rely So on it self as you no trial fear For Arts are weak that are of Scepticks shie 59. Though in your Office humane safety lies Which opes that Hell the vicious vulgar fear Yet never can the People Priesthood prise As if from Heav'n your daily errands were 60. Not that your message Truth they disesteem Or think it comes from any other way But that they Taxes hate and Truth does seem Brought as a Tax when they the Bringers pay 61. Thus we to Beasts fall from our noble kind Making our Pastur'd Bodies all our care Allowing no subsistence to the Mind For Truth we grudge her as a costly fare 62. But if they fear since daily you renew Disputes your Oracles are doubtfull still As those of old yet more reward is due To pains where so uneasie is the skill 63. Or if no skill they think it but suppose 'T is Faith Faith ne'r thinks Heav'n's height too high Yet Faith 's so sev'ral be that few are those Can chuse right wings when they to Heav'n would flie 64. Or if they think Faith humane help transcends And to your Science is so strict a bound As Death to Valour is where daring ends And none are farthest in that Progress found 65. Yet in our walk to our last home design'd 'T is safe by all the study'd Guides to go Lest we in death too late the knowledge find Of what in life 't was possible to know 66. Your Pomp by which your Pow'r in count'nance dures Though costly costs much less than Camps or Laws And more than both Religion us secures Since Hell your Prison more than dying aws 67. For though the plain Judge Conscience makes no show But silently to her dark Session comes Not as red Law does to arraignment go Or War to Execution with loud Drums 68. Though she on Hills sets not her Gibbets high Where frightfull Law sets hers nor bloody seems Like War in Colours spred yet secretly She does her work and many a Man condemns 69. Chokes in the seed what Law till ripe ne'r sees What Law would punish Conscience can prevent And so the world from many Mischiefs â—â—ees Known by her Cures as Law by punishment 70. The weaker sighted ever look too nigh But their disputes have made your Charter good As doubted Tenures which long pleadings trie Authentick grow by being much withstood 71. These Chiefs for whom we holy Rites desire By well fought Fields begot this Cities peace Oft with their blood have quench'd intestine fire And oft our famines chang'd to glad excess 72. Their Rites let not the people be deâ—iy'd Though by untutor'd kindness rudely fought Nor think they have in private Combaâ— dy'd Where Gondibert and mighty Oswald fought 73. Both Princes of the Lombards royal blood For whom full Thrice Three Hundred number'd are Whose anger strove to make their anger good Number gives strife th'authentick name of War 74. This said Wars cause these Priests no more debate They knew War's Justice none could ere decide At that more specious name they open strait And sacred Rites of Fun'ral they provide 75. How vain is Custom and how guilty Pow'r Slaughter is lawfull made by the excess Earth's partial Laws just Heav'n must needs abhor Which greater crimes allow and damn the less CANTO the Second The ARGUMENT Fame's progress through Verona when she brings Ill news enlarg'd as her extended wings The Combat's cause shakes ARIBERT'S great mind And the effects more conquers RHODALIND Meek ORNA'S fears proud GARTHA'S bold disdain And LAURA kindly dying for the Slain 1. To Streets the Peoples Region early Fame First brought this grief which all more tragick make And next to the triumphant Court she came Where prosp'rous Pow'r sleeps long though Sutors wake 2. But yet the early King from Childhood bred To dangers toyls and courser wants of war Rose up to rule and left soft Love in bed Could conquer Lands and Love but stoopt to Care 3. Care that in Cloysters onely seals her Eies Which Youth thinks folly Age as wisdom owns Fools by not knowing her out live the wise She Visits Cities but she dwells in Thrones 4. Care which King Aribert with Conquest gain'd And is more sure to him than Realms intail'd Wak'd him to know why Rumor thus complain'd Or who in battail bled or who prevail'd 5. Young Hurgonil who does his wounds conceal Yet knew it did his dutious care import That some just witness should his cause reveal Sent Tybalt to appease and tast the Court. 6. To that proud Palace which once low did lie In Parian Quarries now on Columes stands Ionique Props that bear their Arches high Which conquer'd treasure rais'd with Tuscan Hands 7. So vast of heighth to which such space did fit As if it were o're-cyz'd for Modern Men The ancient Giants might inhabit it And there walk free as winds that pass unseen 8. The Monarch's wealth this shew'd in all the parts But the attendant Guards denote him wise Who on the weather of his Peoples hearts For a short Course not voyages relies 9. Through many Guards all watchful calm and bold Tybalt did pass the first magnifick Square And through ascents does enter to behold Where the States Head and Eies assembled are 10. There saâ— the King on whose consid'rate Brow Sixtie experienc'd Summers he discern'd Which made him ripe and all of Conduct know That from success is own'd from losses learn'd 11. Near him the Empire 's strict Surveyors sate whose universal fight no object lose Who see not crimes too soon nor worth too late Find dangers seed and choke it ere it grows 12. He wealth nor birth preferr'd to Councels place For Counsel is for use not ornament Souls are alike of rich and ancient Race Though Bodies claim distinctions by descent 13. Here boyling Youth nor frozen Age can sit It would in Subjects scorn of ruling Breed If that great work should such small ayds admit And make them hope that they no rulers need 14. Nature too oft by birth-right does prefer Less perfect Monarchs to a busie Throne Yet more than her Courts by weak Counc'lers err In adding Cyphers where she made but one 15. To this wise King sage Tybalt did relate The Combats cause with truth's severe extent Reveals that fire which kindl'd Oswald's hate For which such precious valour was misspent 16. Gives Gondibert a just record of praise First how unwilling then how bold in fight And crowns the Conquer'd with the Victor's Baies When Manhood bids him do their valour right 17. At last recounts the wounded and the slain And how Prince Hubert and the Duke retir'd From nothing brave or great he did refrain But
54. We in Tradition Heav'ns dark Map descrie Heav'n worse than ancient Maps far Indian show Therefore in new we search where Heav'n does lie The Minds sought Ophir which we long to know 55. Or as a Planter though good Land he spies Seeks new and when no more so good he finds Doubly esteems the first so Truth men prise Truth the discov'ry made by trav'ling Minds 56. And this false Book till truly understood By Astragon was openly display'd As counterfeit false Princes rather shou'd Be shewn abroad than in closs Prison laid 57. Now to the old Philosophers they come Who follow'd Nature with such just despair As some do Kings far off and when at home Like Courtiers boast that they deep secret share 58. Near them are grave dull Moralists who give Counsel to such as still in publick dwell At seâ— at Courts in Camps and Cities live And scorn experience from th'unpractis'd Cell 59. Aesop with these stands high and they below His pleasant wisdom mocks their gravitie Who Virtue like a tedious Matron show He dresses Nature to invite the Eye 60. High skill their Ethicks seems whilst he stoops down To make the People wise their learned pride Makes all obscure that Men may prise the Gown With ease lie teaches what with pain they hide 61. And next as if their bus'ness rul'd Mankind Historians stand big as their living looks Who thought swift Time they could in fetters bind Till his Confessions they had ta'ne in books 62. But Time oft scap'd them in the shades of Night And was in Princes Closets oft conceal'd And hid in Battels smoke so what they write Of Courts and Camps is oft by guess reveal'd 63. Near these Physitians stood who but reprieve Life like a Judge whom greater pow'r doeâ— aw And cannot an Almighty pardon give So much yields Subject Art to Nature's Law 64. And not weak Art but Nature we upbraid When our frail essence proudly we take ill Think we are rob'd when first we are decay'd And those were murder'd whom her law did kill 65. Now they refresh after this long survay With pleasant Poets who the Soul sublime Fame's Her auids in whose Triumphs they make way And place all those whom Honour helps to climb 66. And he who seem'd to lead this ravish'd Race Was Heav'ns lov'd Laâ—reat that in Jewry writ Whose Harp approach'd Gods Ear though none his Face Durst see and first made inspiration wit 67. And his Attendants such blest Poets are As make unblemish'd Love Courts best delight And sing the prosp'rous Battels of just War By these the loving Love and valiant fight 68. O hireless Science and of all alone The liberal Meanly the rest each State In pension treats but this depends on none Whose worth they rev'rendly forbear to rate CANTO the Sixth The ARGUMENT How ASTRAGON to Heav'n his duty pays In Pray'r and Penitence but most in Praise To these he sev'ral Temples dedicates And ULFIN their distinguish'd use relates Religion's Rites seem here in Reasons sway Though Reason must Religion's Laws obay 1. THe noble Youths reclaim'd by what they saw Would here unquiet war as pride for sake And study quiet Nature's pleasant Law Which Schools through pride by Art uneasie make 2. But now a sudden Shout their thoughts diverts So chearfull general and loud it was As pass'd through all their Ears and fill'd their Hearts Which lik'd the joy before they knew the cause 3. This Ulfin by his long Domestick skill Does thus explain The Wise I here observe Are wise tow'rds God in whose great service still More than in that of Kings themselves they serve 4. He who this Building 's Builder did create As an Apartment here Triangular Where Astragon Three Fanes did dedicate To days of Praise of Penitence and Pray'r 5. To these from diff'rent motives all proceed For when discov'ries they on Nature gain They praise high Heav'n which makes their work succe 〈…〉 But when it falls in Penitence complain 6. â—f after Praise new blessings are not giv'n Nor mourning Penitence can ills repair Like practis'd Beggers they solicite Heav'n And will prevail by violence of Pray'r 7. The Temple built for Pray'r can neither boast The Builder's curious Art nor does declare By choice Materials he intended cost To shew that nought should need to tempt to Pray'r 8. No Bells are here Unhing'd are all the Gates Since craving in distress is natural All lies so ope that none for ent'rance waits And those whom Faith invites can need no call 9. The Great have by distinction here no name For all so cover'd come in grave disguise To shew none come for decency or fame That all are strangers to each others Eyes 10. But Penitence appears unnatural For we repent what Nature did perswade And we lamenting Men's continu'd fall Accuse what Nature necessary made 11. Since the requir'd extream of Penitence Seems so severe this Temple was design'd â—olemn and strange without to catch the sense And dismal shew'd within to aw the mind 12. Of sad black Marble was the outward Frame A mourning Monument to distant sight â—ut by the largeness when you near it came It seem'd the Palace of Eternal Night 13. Black beauty which black Meroens had prais'd Above their own gravely adorn'd each part In Stone from Nyle's head Quarries slowly rais'd And slowlyer polish'd by Numidi an Art 14. Hither a loud Bells tole rather commands Than seems t' invite the persecured Ear A summons Nature hardly understands For few and flow are those who enter here 15. Within a dismal Majesty they find All gloomy great all silent does appear As Chaos was ere th' Elements were design'd Man 's evil fate seems hid and fashion'd here 16. Here all the Ornament is rev'rend black Here the check'd Sun his universal Face Stops bashfully and will no enterance make As if he spy'd Night naked through the Glass 17. Black Curtains hide the Glass whilst from on high A winking Lamp still threatens all the Room As if the lazy flame just now would die Such will the Sun's last light appear at Doom 18. This Lamp was all that here inform'd all Eyes And by refléx did on a Picture gain Some few false Beams that thence from Sodom rise Where Pencils seign the fire which Heav'n did rain 19. This on another Tablet did reflect Where twice was drawn the am'rous Magdaline Whilst beauty was her care then her neglect And brightest through her Tears she seem'd to shine 20. Near her seem'd crncifi'd that lucky Thief In Heav'ns dark Lot'ry prosp'rous more than wife Who groap'd at last by chance for Heav'ns relief And Throngs undoes with Hope by one drawn Prize 21. In many Figures by reflex were sent Through this black Vault instructive to the mind That early and this tardy Penitent For with Obsidian stone 't was chiefly lin'd 22. The Seats were made of Ethiops swarthy wood Abstersive Ebony but thinly fill'd For none this place by nature understood And practise when
unpleasant makes few skill'd 23. Yet these whom Heav'ns mysterious choice fetch'd in Quickly attain Devotion 's utmost scope For having softly mourn'd away their sin They grow so certain as to need no Hope 24. At a low Door they enter'd but depart Through a large Gate and to fair Fields proceed Where Astragon makes Nature last by Art And such long Summers shews as ask no seed 25. Whilst Ulfin this black Temple thus exprest To these kind Youths whom equal soul endeers Goltho and Ulfinore in friendship blest A second gen'ral shout salutes their Ears 26. To the glad House of Praise this shout does call To Pray'r said he no Summons us invites Because distress does thither summon all As the loud tole to Penitence excites 27. But since dull Men to gratitude are slow And joy'd consent of Hearts is high Heav'ns choice To this of Praise shouts summon us to go Of Hearts assembled the unfeigned Voice 28. And since wise Astragon with due applause Kind Heav'n for his success on Nature pays This day Victorious Art has given him cause Much to augment Heav'ns lov'd reward of praise 29. For this effectual day his Art reveal'd What has so oft made Nature's spies to pine The Load-stones mystick use so long conceal'd In closs allyance with the courser Mine 30. And this in sleepy Vision he was bid To register in Characters unknown Which Heav'n will have from Navigators hid Till Saturn's walk be twenty Circuits grown 31. For as Religion in the warm East bred And Arts which next to it most needfull were From Vices sprung from their corruption fled And thence vouchsaf'd a cold Plantation here 32. So when they here again corrupted be For Man can even his Antidotes insect Heav'ns reserv'd world they in the West shall see To which this stone 's hid virtue will direct 33. Religion then whose Age this world upbraids As scorn'd deformitie will thither steer Serv'd at fit distance by the Arts her Maids Which grow too bold when they attend too neer 34. And some whom Traffick thither tempts shall thence In her exchange though they did grudge her shrines And poorly banish'd her to save expence Bring home the Idol Gold from new-found Mines 35. Till then sad Pilots must be often lost VVhilst from the Ocean's dreaded Face they shrink And seeking safetie near the cos'ning Coast VVith winds surpris'd by Rockie Ambush sink 36 Or if success rewards what they endure The VVorlds chief Jewel Time they then ingage And forfeit trusting long the Cynosure To bring home nought but wretched Gold and Age. 37. Yet when this plague of ignorance shall end Dire ignorance with which God plagues us most Whilst we not feeling it him most offend Then lower'd Sayls no more shall tie the Coast. 38. They with new Tops to Fore-masts and the Main And Misens new shall th' Ocean's Breast invade Stretch new sayls out as Arms to entertain Those winds of which their Fathers were afraid 39. Then sure of either Pole they will with pride In ev'ry storm salute this constant Stone And scorn that Star which ev'ry Cloud could hide The Sea-men's spark which soon as seen is gone 40. 'T is sung the Ocean shall his bonds untie And Earth in half a Globe be pent no more Typhis shall sail till Thube he discrie But a domestick step to distant Shore 41. This Astragon had read and what the Greek Old â—râ—tiâ—s in Egyptian Books had found By which his travail'd soul new Worlds did seek And div'd to find the old Atlantis drown'd 42. Grave Ulfin thus discours'd and now he brings The Youths to view the Temple built for Praise Where Olive for th' Olimpian Victor Springs Mirtle for Love's and for War's triumph Bays 43. These as rewards of praise about it grew For lib'ral praise from an aboundant Mind Does even the Conqueror of Fate subdue Since Heav'n's good King is Captive to the Kind 44. Dark are all Thrones to what this Temple seem'd Whose Marble veins out-shin'd Heav'n's various Bow And would eclipsing all proud Rome esteem'd To Northern Eies like Eastern Mornings show 45. From Paros Iâ—le was brought the milkie white From Sparta came the Green which cheers the view From Araby the blushing â—niâ—hite And from the Misnian Hills the deeper Blew 46. The arched Front did on Vast Pillars fall Where all harmonious Instruments they spie Drawn out in Boss which from the Astrigall To the flat Eâ—ise in apt resemblance lie 47. Toss'd Cymbals which the sullen Jews admir'd Were figur'd here with all of ancient choice That joy did ere invent or breath inspir'd Or flying Fingers touch'd into a voice 48. In Statue o're the Gate God's Fav'rite-King The author of Celestial praise did stand His Quire that did his sonnets set and Sing In Niches rang'd attended either Hand 49. From these old Greeks sweet Musick did improve The Solemn Dorian did in Temples charm The softer Lydian sooth'd to Bridal Love And warlick Phrygian did to Battail warm 50. They enter now and with glad rev'rence saw Glory too solid great to taste of pride So sacred pleasant as preserves an awe Though jealous Priests it neither praise nor hide 51. Tapers and Lamps are not admitted here Those but with shadows give false beauty grace And this victorious glory can appear Unvayl'd before the Sun's Meridian Face 52. Whose Eastern lusture rashly enters now Where it his own mean Infancy displays Where it does Man's chief obligation show In what does most adorn the House of Praise 53. The great Creation by â—old Pencils drawn Where a feign'd Curtain does our Eies forbid Till the Sun's Parent Light first seem to dawn From quiet Chaos which that Curtain hid 54. Then this all-rev'renc'd Sun God's hasty Spark Struck out of Chaos when he first struck Light Flies to the Sphears where first he found all dark And kindled there th'unkindled Lamps of Night 55. Then Motion Nature's great Preservative Tun'd order in this World Life's restless Inn Gave Tydes to Seas and caus'd stretch'd Plants to live Else Plants but Seeds and Seas but Lakes had bin 56 But this Fourth Fiat warming what was made For Light ne'r warm'd till it did motion get The Picture fills the World with woodie shade To shew how Nature thrives by Motion's heat 57. Then to those Woods the next quick Fiat brings The Feather'd kind where merrily they fed As if their Hearts were lighter than their Wings For yet no Cage was fram'd nor Net was spred 58. The same Fifth voice does Seas and Rivers Store Then into Rivers Brooks the Painter powres And Rivers into Seas which rich before Return their gifts to both exhal'd in Showrs 59. This voice whose swift dispatch in all it wrought Seems to denote the Speaker was in haste As if more Worlds were framing in his thought Ads to this World one Fiat as the last 60. Then straight an universal Herd appears First gazing on each other in the shade Wond'ring with levell'd Eyes and lifted Ears Then play
whilst yet their Tyrant is unmade 61. And Man the Painter now presents to view Haughtie without and busie still within Whom when his Furr'd and Horned Subjects knew Their sport is ended and there fears begin 62. But here to cure this Tyrant's sullenness The Painter has a new false Curtain drawn Where Beauty 's hid Creation to express From thence harmless as light he makes it dawn 63. From thence breaks lovely forth the Worlds first Maid Her Breast Love's Cradle where Love quiet lies Nought yet had seen so soul to grow afraid Nor gay to make it crie with longing Eyes 64. And thence from stupid sleep her Monarch steals She wonders till so vain his wonder grows That it his feeble sov'reigntie reveals Her Beautie then his Manhood does depose 65. Deep into shades the Painter leads them now To hide their future deeds then storms does raise Ore Heav'n's smooth face because their life does grow Too black a storie for the House of Praise 66. A noble painted Vision next appears Where all Heav'ns Frowns in distant prospect waste And nought remains but a short showre of Tears Shed by its pitie for Revenges past 67. The Worlds one Ship from th old to a new World bound Fraighted with Life chief of uncertain Trades After Five Moons at driâ—t lies now aground Where her frail Stowage she in haste unlades 68. On Persian Caucasus the Eight descend And seem their trivial essence to deplore Griev'd to begin this World in th' others end And to behold wrack'd Nations on the Shore 69. Each humbled thus his Beasts led from aboard As fellow-Passengers and Heirs to breath Joynt Tenants to the VVorld he not their Lord Such likeness have we in the Glass of Death 70. Yet this humilitie begets their joy And taught that Heav'n which fully sin survays VVas partial where it did not quite destroy So made the whole VVorld's Dirge their song of praise 71. This first redemption to another led Kinder in deeds and nobler in effects That but a few did respit from the Dead This all the Dead from second Death protects 72. And know lost Nature this resemblance was Thy frank Redeemer in ascension shown VVhen Hell he conquer'd in thy desp'rate cause Hell which before Man's common Grave was grown 73. By an Imperial Pencil this was wrought Ronnded in all the Curious would behold VVhere life Came out and Met the Painters thought The Force was tender though the strokes were bold 74. The holy Mourners who this Lord of Life Ascending saw did seem with him to rise So well the Painter drew their Passions strife To follow him with Bodies as with Eyes 75. This was the chief which in this Temple did By Pencils Rhethorick to praise perswade Yet to the living here compar'd seems hid VVho shine all painted Glory into shade 76. Lord Astragon a Purple Mantle wore Where Nature's storie was in Colours wrought And though her ancient Text seem'd dark before 'T is in this pleasant Comment clearly taught 77. Such various Flowrie Wreaths th' Assembly wear As shew'd them wisely proud of Natures pride Which so adorn'd them that the courâ—est here Did seem a prosp'rous Bride-groom or a Bride 78. All shew'd as fresh and â—all and innocent As Virgins to their Lovers first survay Joy'd as the Spring when March his sighs has spent And April's sweet rash Tears are dry'd by May. 79. And this confed'rate joy so swell'd each Breast That joy would turn to pain without a vent Therefore their voices Heav'n's renown exprest Though Tongues ne'r reach what minds so nobly ment 80. Yet Musick here shew'd all her Art 's high worth Whilst Virgin-Trebbles â—eem'd with bashfull grace To call the bolder marry'd Tenor forth Whose Manly voice challeng'd the Giant Base 81. To these the swift soft Instruments reply Whisp'ring for help to those whom winds inspire Whose louder Notes to Neighb'ring Forrests flie And summon Nature's Voluntarie Quire 82. These Astragon by secret skill had taught To help as if in artfull Consort bred Who sung as if by chance on him they thought Whose care their careless merry Fathers Fed. 83. Hither with borrow'd strength Duke Gondibert Was brought which now his rip'ning wounds allow And high Heav'ns praise in musick of the heart He inward sings to pay a Victor's vow 84. Praise is devotion fit for mightie Minds The diff'ring World's agreeing Sacrifice VVhere Heav'n divided Faiths united finds But Pray'r in various discord upward flies 85. For Pray'r the Ocean is where diversly Men steer their Course each to a sev'ral Coast VVhere all our int'rests so discordant be That half beg winds by which the rest are lost 86. By Penitence when we our selves forsake 'T is but in wise design on pitious Heav'n In Praise we nobly give what God may take And are without a Beggers blush forgiv'n 87. It s utmost force like Powder 's is unknown And though weak Kings excess of Praise may fear Yet when 't is here like Powder dang'rous grown Heav'ns Vault receives what would the Palace tear CANTO the Seventh The ARGUMENT The Duke 's wish'd health in doubtfull wounds assur'd Who gets new wounds before the old are cur'd Nature in BIRTHA Art's weak help derides Which strives to mend what it at best but hides Shews Nature's courser works so hid more course As Sin conceal'd and unconâ—esâ—'d grows worse 1. LEt none our Lombard Authour rudely blame Who from the Story has thus long digrest But for his righteous pains may his fair Fame For ever travel whilst his ashes rest 2. Ill could he leave Art's Shop of Nature's Store Where she the hidden Soul would make more known Though common Faith seeks Souls which is no more Than long Opinion to Religion grown 3. A while then let this sage Historian stay With Astragon till he new wounds reveals And such though now the old are worn away As Balm nor juice of Pyrâ—l never heals 4. To Astragon Heav'n for succession gave One onely Pledge and Birtha was her name Whose Mother slept where Flowers grew on her Grave And she succeeded her in Face and Fame 5. Her beauty Princes durst not hope to use Unless like Poets for their Morning Theam And her Minds beauty they would rather chuse Which did the light in Beautie 's Lanthorn seem 6. She ne'r saw Courts yet Courts could have undone With untaught looks and an unpractis'd heart Her Nets the most prepar'd could never shun For Nature spred them in the scorn of Art 7. She never had in busie Cities bin Ne'r warm'd with hopes nor ere allay'd with fears Not seeing punishment could guess no Sin And Sin not seeing ne'r had use of tears 8. But here her Father's precepts gave her skill Which with incessant bus'ness fill'd the Hours In spring she gather'd Blossoms for the Still In Autumn Berries and in Summer Flow'rs 9. And as kind Nature with calm diligence Her own free virtue silently employs Whilst she unheard does rip'ning growth dispence So were her virtues
Let not the Mind thus freed from Errour 's Night Since you repriev'd my Body from the Grave Perish for being how in love with light But let your Virtue Virtue 's Lover save 86. Birtha I love and who loves wisely so Steps far tow'rds all which Virtue can attain But if we perish when tow'rds Heav'n we go Then have I learnt that Virtue is in vain 87. And now his Heart extracted through his Eyes In Love's Elixar Tears does soon subdue Old Astragon whose pitie though made wise With Love's false Essences likes these as true 88. The Duke he to a secret Bowr does lead Where he his Youths first Storie may attend To guesse ere he will let his love proceed By such a dawning how his day will end 89. For Virtue though a rarely planted Flow'r Was in the seed now by this Florist known Who could foretel even in springing hour What colours she shall wear when fully blown CANTO the Eighth The ARGUMENT BIRTHA her first unpractis'd Love bewails Whilst GONDIBERT on ASTRAGON prevails By shewing high Ambition is of use And Glory in the Good needs no excuse GOLTHO a grief to ULFINORE reveals Whilst he a greater of his own conceals 1. BIrtha her griefs to her Apartment brought Where all her Maids to Heav'n were us'd to raâ—â—â— Their voices whilst their busie Fingers wrought To deck the Altar of the House of Praise 2. But now she finds their Musick turn'd to care Their looks allay'd like beautie over-worn Silent and sad as with ring Fav'rites are Who for their sick indulgent Monarch mourn 3. Thula the eldest of this silenc'd Quire When Birtha at this change astonish'd was With hastie whisper begg'd her to retire And on her knees thus tells their sorrows cause 4. Forgive me such experience as too soon Shew'd me unluckie Love by which I guess How Maids are by their innocence undone And trace those sorrows that them first oppress 5. Forgive such Passion as to Speech perswades And to my Tongue my observation brought And then forgive my Tongue which to your Maids Too rashly carry'd what Experience taught 6. For since I saw this wounded stranger here Your inward musick still untun'd has been You who could need no hope have learnt to feat And practis'd grief ere you did know to Sin 7. This being Love to Agatha I told Did on her Tongue as on still Death reliâ— But winged Love she was too young to hold And wanton-like let it to others flie 8. Love who in whisper scap'd did publick grow Which makes them now their time in silence waste Makes their neglected Beedles move so slow And through their Eyes their Hearts dissolve so fast 9. For oft dire tales of Love has fill'd their Heads And while they doubt you in that Tyrant's pow'r The Spring they think may visit Woods and Meads But scarce shall hear a Bird or see a Flow'r 10. Ah how said Birtha shall I dare confess My griefs to thee Love's rash impatient Spie Thou Thula who didst râ—â— to tell thy guess With secrets known wilt to confession flie 11. But if I love this Prince and have in Heav'n Made any Friends by vows you need not fear He will make good the feature Heav'n has given And be as harmless â—s his looks appear 12. Yet I have heard that Men whom Maids think kind Calm as forgiven Saints at their last Hour Oft prove like Seas inrag'd by ev'ry wind And all who to their Bosoms trust devour 26. Howere Heav'n knows the witness of the Mind My hearâ—bears Men nomalice nor esteems Young Princes of the common cruel kind Nor Love so foul as it in Story seems 27. Yet if this Prince brought Love what ere it be I must suspect though I accuse it not For since he came my medâ—'nal Huswiserie Confections and my Stils are all forgot 28. Blossoms in winds Berries in Frosts may fall And Flow'rs sink down in Rain For I no more Shall Maids to woods for early gath'rings call Noâ— haste to Gardens to prevent a showre 29. This said retires and now a lovely shame That she reveal'd so much possess'd her Cheeks In a dark Lanthorn she would bear Love's flame To hide her self whilst she her Lover seeks 30. And to that Lover let our Song return Whose Tale so well was to her Father told As the Philosopher did seem to mourn That Youth had reach'd such worth and he so old 31. Yet Birtha was so precious in his Eyes Her vanish'd Mother still so near his mind That farther yet he thus his prudence tries Ere such a Pledge he to his trust resign'd 32. Whoere said he in thy first story looks Shall praise thy wise conversing with the Dead For with the Dead he lives who is with Books And in the Camp Death's moving Palace bred 20. Wise Youth in books and battels early finds What thoughtless lazy Men perceive too late Books shew the utmost conquests of our Minds Battels the best of our lov'd Bodies fate 21. Yet this great breeding joyn'd with Kings high blood Whose blood Ambition's feaver over-heats May spoil digestion which would else be good As stomachs are deprav'd with highest Meats 22. For though Books serve as Diet of the Mind If knowledge early got self-value breeds By false digestion it is turn'd to wind And what should nourish on the Eater feeds 23. Though Wars great shape best educates the sight And makes small soft'ning objects less our care Yet War when urg'd for glory more than right Shews Victors but authentick Murd'rers are 24. And I may fear that your last victories Where Glory's Toyls and you will ill abide Since with new Trophies still you fed your Eyes Those little objects which in Shades we hide 25. Could you in Fortunes smiles foretel her frowns Our old Foes slain you would not hunt for new But Victors after wreaths pretend at Crowns And such think Rhodalind their Valour 's due 26. To this the gentle Gondibert replies Think not Ambition can my duty sway look on Rhodalin'd with Subjects Eyes Whom he that conquers must in right obay 27. And though I humanely have heretofore All beauty lik'd I never lov'd till now Nor think a Crown can raise his value more To whom already Heav'n does Love allow 28. Though since I gave the Hunns their last defeat I have the Lombards Ensigns outward led Ambition kindled not this Victors heat But 't is a warmth my Fathers prudence bred 29. Who cast on more than Wolvish Man his Eye Man's necessary hunger judg'd and saw That caus'd not his devouring Maladie But like a wanton whelp he loves to gnaw 30. Man still is sick for pow'r yet that disease Nature whose Law is Temp'rance ne'r inspires But 't is a humour does his Manship please A luxury fruition onely tires 31. And as in persons so in publick States The lust of Pow'r provokes to cruel war For wisest Senates it intoxicates And makes them vain as single persons are 32. Men into Nations it did
thy griefs of jealousie begin A cause which does thy sorrow vainly move Since 't is thy noble fate and not thy Sin 30. This vain and voluntary Load of grief For Fate sent Love thy will does sorrow bear Thou to the Temple carry'st for relief And so to Heav'n art guided by thy fear 31. Wild Fear Which has a Common-wealth devis'd In Heav'n's old Realm and Saints in Senates fram'd Such as by which were Beasts well civilliz'd They would suspect their Tamer Man untam'd 32. Wild Fear Which has the Indian worship made Where each unletter'd Priest the Godhead draws In such a form as makes himself afraid Disguising Mercy 's shape in Teeth and Claws 33. This false Guide Fear which does thy Reason sway And turns thy valiant virtue to despair Has brought thee here to offer and to pray But Temples were not built for Cowards pray'r 34. For when by Fear thy noble Reason's led Reason not Shape gives us so great degree Above our Subjects Beasts then Beasts may plead A right in Temples helps as well as we 35. And here with absent Reason thou dost weep To beg success in love that Rhodalind May lose what she as much does beg to keep And may at least an equal audience find 36. Mark Birtha this unrighteous war of prayer Like wrangling States you ask a Monarch's aid When you are weak that you may better dare Lay claim to what your passion would invade 37. Long has th' ambitious World rudely preferr'd Their quarrels which they call their pray'rs to Heav'n And thought that Heav'n would like themselves have err'd Depriving some of what 's to others giv'n 38. Thence Modern Faith becomes so weak and blind Thinks Heav'n in ruling other Worlds employ'd And is not mindfull of our abject Kind Because all Sutes are not by all enjoy'd 39. How firm was Faith when humbly Sutes for need Not choice were made then free from all despair As mod'rate Birds who sing for daily seed Like Birds our Songs of praise included pray'r 40. Thy Hopes are by thy Rivals virtue aw'd Thy Rival Rhodalind whose virtue shines On Hills when brightest Planets are abroad Thine privately like Miners Lamps in Mines 41. The Court where single Patterns are disgrac'd Where glorious Vice weak Eyes admire And Virtue 's plainness is by Art out-fac'd She makes a Temple by her Vestal Fire 42. Though there Vice sweetly dress'd does tempt like bliss Even Cautious Saints and single Virtue seem Fantastick where brave Vice in fashion is Yet she has brought plain Virtue in esteem 43. Yours is a virtue of inferiour rate Herein the dark a Pattern where 't is barr'd From all your Sex that should her imitate And of that pomp which should her Foes reward 44. Retir'd as weak Monasticks flie from care Or devout Cowards steal to Forts their Cells From pleasures which the worlds chief dangers are Hers passes yours as Valour Fear excels 45. This is your Rival in your suit to Heav'n But Heav'n is partial if it give to you What to her bolder Virtue should be giv'n Since yours pomps Virtue 's dangers never knew 46. Your suit would have your love with love repay'd To which Arts conquests when all science flows Compar'd are Students dreams and triumphs made By glorious Courts and Camps but painted shows 47. Even Art 's Dictators who give Laws to Schools Are but dead Heads States-men who Empire move But prosp'rous Spies and Victors fighting Fools When they their Trophies rank with those of Love 48. And when against your fears I thus declame Yet make your danger more whilst I decry Your worth to hers then wisely fear I blame For fears are hurtfull'st when attempts are high 49. And you should think your noble dangers less When most my praise does her renown prefer For that takes off your hasty hope 's excess And when we little hope we nothing fear 50. Now you are taught your sickness learn your cure You shall to Court and there serve Rhodalind Trie if her virtue's force you can endure In the same Sphear without eclipse of mind 51. Your Lord may there your Souls compare for we Though Souls like stars make not their greatnes known May find which greater than the other be The Stars are measur'd by Comparison 52. Your plighted Lord shall you ere long prefer To near attendance on this royal Maid Quit then officious Fear The Jealous fear They are not fearfull when to death afraid 53. These words he clos'd with kindness and retir'd In which her quick Ey'd Hope three blessings spy'd With joy of being near her Lord inspir'd With seeing Courts ' and having Virtue try'd 54. She now with jealous questions utter'd fast Fils Orgo's Ear which there unmark'd are gon As Throngs through guarded Gates when all make haste Not giving Warders time t' examine one 55. She ask'd if Fame had render'd Rhodalind With favour or in Truth 's impartial shape If Orna were to humble Virtue kind And beauty could from Gartha's envy scape 56. If Laura whose faire Eyes those but invites Who to her wit ascribe the Victory In conquest of a speechless Mayd delights And ere to this prompt Orgo could reply 57. She ask'd in what consist the Charms of Court Whether those pleasures so resistless were As common Country Travailers report And such as innocence had cause to fear 58. What kind of Angels shape young Fav'rites take And being Angels how they can be bad Or why delight so cruelly to make Fair Country Mayds return from Court so sad 59. More had she ask'd for study warm'd her brow With thinking how her love might prosp'rous be But that young ulfinore approach'd her now And Goltho warmer with designe than she 60. Though Goltho's hope in Indian Feathers clad Was light and gay as if he meant to flie Yet he no farther than his Rival had Advanc'd in promise from her Tongue or Eye 61. When distant talk'd as if he plighted were For hope in Love like Cowards in the War Talks bravely till the enterprise be near But then discretion dares not venture far 62. He never durst approch her watchfull Eye With studious gazing nor with sighs her Ear But still seem'd frolick like a States-man's Spie As if his thoughtfull bus'ness were not there 63. Still Superstitious Lovers Beauty paint Thinking themselves but Devils so divine As if the thing belov'd were all a Saint And ev'ry place she enter'd were a Shrine 64. And though last Night were the auspitious time When they resolv'd to quit their bashfull fears Yet soon as to the Sun when Eaglets climbe They stoop'd And quench'd their daring Eyes in tears 65. And now for Hope that formal Câ—ntry stands All Winds and Showrs though there but vainly plac'd They to Verona beg her dear commands And look to be with parting kindness grac'd 66. Both dayly journies meant 'twixt this and Court For taking leave is twice Love's sweet Repast In being sweet and then in being short Like Manna ready still but