invites you to devour And a submission gives you ease to feed 41. To fighting Fields send all your honour back To Courts your dang'rous Tongue and civil shape That Country Maids may Men no more mistake Nor seek dark Death that they may Love escape 42. Now soon to Heav'n her Soul had found the way For there it oâ—t had been in pray'r and praise But that his vows did life with loudness stay And life's warm help did soon her Body raise 43. And now he gently leads her for no more He lets th'unhallow'd Ground a falâ— Flow'â— wear Sweeter than Nature's Bosom ever wore And now these vows sends kindly to her Eâ—r 44. If Birtha I am false think none too blame For thinking Truth by which the Soul subsists No farther to be found than in the name Think humane kind betraid ev'n by their Priests 45. Think all my Sex so vile that you may chide Those Maids who to your Mothers Nuptials ran And praise your Mother who so early dy'd Remembring whom she marry'd was a Man 46. This great Court miracle you strait receive From Orgo and your faith the whole allows Why since you Orgo's words so soon believe Will you less civilly suspect my vows 47. My Vows which want the Temples seal will bind Though private kept surer than publick Laws For Laws but sorce the Body but my Mind Your Virtue Counsels whilst your beauty draws 48. Thus spake he but his mourning looks did more Attest his grief and fear does hers renew Now losing were he lost more than before For then she fear'd him false now thinks him true 49. As sick Physicians seldom their own Art Dare trust to cure their own disease so these Were to themselves quite useless when apart Yet by consult each can the other ease 50. But from themselves they now diverted stood For Orgo's News which need not borrow wings Since Orgo for his Lord believ'd it good To Astragon the joyfull Houshold brings 51. But Astragon with a judicious thought This days glad news took in the dire portent A day which mourning Nights to Birtha brought And with that fear in search of Birtha went 52. And here he finds her in her Lovers Eyes And him in hers both more afflicted grown At his approach for each his sorrow spies Who thus would counsel theirs and hide his own 53. Though much this fatal joy to anger moves Yet reason's aids shall anger's force subdue I will not chide you for your hasty Loves Nor ever doubt great Prince that yours is true 54. In chiding Love because he hasty was Or urging errours which his swiftness brings I find effects but dare not tax the cause For Poets were inspir'd who gave him wings 55. When low I dig where desart-Rivers run Dive deep in Seas through Forrests follow winds Or reach with Optick Tubes the ragged Moon My sight no cause of Love's swift motion finds 56. Love's fatal haste in yours I will not blame Because I know not why his wings were giv'n Nor doubt him true not knowing whence he came Nor Birtha chide who thought you came from Heav'n 57. If you lay snares we erre when we escape Since evil practise learns Men to suspect Where falshood is and in your noble shape We should by finding it our skill detect 58. Yet both your griefs I 'le chide as ignorance Call you unthankfull for your great griefs show That Heav'n has never us'd you to mischance Yet rudely you repine to feel it now 59. If your contextures be so weak and nice Weep that this windy world you ever knew You are not in those Calms of Paradice Where slender Flow'rs as safe as Cedars grew 60. This which your Youth calls grief was frowardness In flatter'd Infancy and as you bear Unkindly now amidst Youth's joys distress So then unless still rock'd you froward were 61. Griefs conflicts gave these Hairs their silver shine Torn Ensigns which victorious Age adorn Youth is a Dress too garish and too fine To be in foul tempestuous weather worn 62. Grief's want of use does dang'rous weakness make But we by use of Burdens are made strong And in our practis'd Age can calmly take Those sorrows which like Feavers vex the young 63. When you in Love's fair Books which Poets keep Read what they hide his Tragick History You will rejoyce that half your time is sleep And smile at Love when Nature bids you die 64. Learn then that Love's diseases common are Do not in sickness known though new to you Whilst vital hear does last of cure despair Love's vital heat does last whilst Love is true 65. Thus spake the kind and prudent Astragon And much their kind impatience he appeas'd For of his griefs which heavier than their own Were born by both their duteous fears are eas'd 66. She begs that he would pardon her distress Thought that even sin which did her sorrows move And then with all her Mothers lowliness His pardon craves for asking leave to love 67. The Duke who saw fair Truth so undisguis'd And love in all but love so unconcern'd Pity'd the studious world and all despis'd Who did not here unlearn what they had learn'd 68. I am reform'd said he not that before I wanted love or that my love was ill But I have learnt to perfect Nature more By giving innocence a little skill 69. For 't is some skill in innocence to bear With temper the distempers of our Stars Not doubting griefs already come by fear Of more for fears but hasten threat'ned Wars 70. But we will bravely suffer to inure Our strength to weights against the new are laid That when 't is known how much we can endure Our sufferings may make our Foes afraid 71. This Comet Glory shines but in portent Which from the Court does send her threatning Beams And looks as if it were by malice meant To hasten Oswald's Faction to extreams 72. Since Hurgonil who just fore-ran the Boy Could not instruct us we as much may know Of the first Light as of these fires of joy Which is that both did out of darkness grow 73. Yet this the King might hide in Kingly skill Wisely to make his bounty more his own Kings stoop for Counsel who impart their will His Acts like Heav'ns make not their Causes known 74. Yet with as plain a heart as love untaught In Birtha wears I here to Birtha make A vow that Rhodalind I never sought Nor now would with her love her greatness take 75. Love's bonds are for her greatness made too straight And me Ambition's pleasures cannot please Ev'n Priests who on the higher Altar wait Think a continu'd rev'rence loss of ease 76. Let us with secrecy our love protect Hiding such precious wealth from publick view The proffer'd glory I will first suspect As false and shun it when I find it true 77. They now retire because they Goltho saw Who hither came to watch with Ulfinore If much the Duke 's woo'd Mistress did him aw
no less a rate Had not the Duke dispatch'd with those he sought And found his aid must flie or come too late 34. For he advancing saw which much him griev'd That in the fairest Region of the Face He two wide wounds from Borgio had receiv'd His beauties blemish but his valours grace 35. Now cry'd the Duke strive timely for renown Thy Age will kiss those wounds thy Youth may loath Be not dismaid to see thy beautie gone My Sister 's thine who has enough for both 36. Then soon the Youth Death as an honour gave To one that Strove to rescue Borgio's life Yet Borgio had dispatch'd him to his grave Had Gondibert stood neutral in the Strife 37. Who with his sword disdaining now to stay And see the bloud he lov'd so rudely spilt Pierc't a bold Lombard who imbarr'd his way Even till his heart did beat against his Hilt 38. Timely old Vasco came to Borgio's aid Whose long experienc'd Arm wrought sure and fast His rising oppositions level laid And miss'd no execution by his haste 39. And timely where the bleeding Count now fought And where the Duke with Number was opprest Resistless Tybalt came who Borgio sought But here with many Borgios did contest 40. As Tides that from their sev'ral Channels haste Assemble rudely in th' Ubâ—an Bay And meeting there to indistinction waste Strive to proceed and force each others stay 41. So here the valiant who with swift force come With as resistless valour are ingag'd Are hid in angers undistinguish'd Fome And make less way by meeting so inrag'd 42. But room for Goltho now Whose valour 's fire Like lightning did unlikely passage make Whose swift effects like lightnings they admire And even the harms it wrought with rev'rence take 43. Vasco he seeks who had his Youth disdain'd And in that search he with irreverend rage Revengefully from younger Foes abstain'd And deadly grew where he encounterd Age. 44. And Vasco now had felt his Gothick steel But that Duke Gondibert through Helm and Head The last dire stroke which Vasco ere shall feel Did give and sent him to adorn the dead 45. Here Borgio too had faln but bravely then The Count so much reveng'd the wounds he gave As Gondibert the Prop of falling Men Such sinking greatness could not chuse but save 46. When Vasco was remov'd the Count declin'd His bashfull Eyes the Duke thought suddain shame From sence of luckless wounds possess'd his mind Which thus he did reform and gently blame 47. Now thy complexion lasting is and good As when the Sun sets red his Morning Eyes In glory wake so now thou setst in bloud Thy parting beautie will in honour rise 48. These scars thou needst not from my Sister hide For as our Father in brave battel lost She first did name with sorrow then with pride Thy beauties loss she 'l mourn and after boast 49. Mine are but Love's false wounds said Hurgonil To what you Vasco gave for I must grieve My strength of honour could not Vasco kill That honour lost yet I have strength to live 50. But now behold vex'd Hubert who in all This battel was by ready conduct known And though unarm'd and his spent force so small He could to none bring death yet sought his own 51. And ev'ry where where Rallies made a Gross He charg'd and now with last reserves he try'd His too slow fate from Gondibert to force Where he was Victor and where Vasco dy'd 52. The Duke in Honours School exactly bred Would not that this defenceless Prince should be Involv'd with those whom he to dying led Therefore ordain'd him still from slaughter free 53. And now his pow'r did gently make him know That he must keep his life and quit the cause More Pris'ner to him self than to his Foe For life within himself in Prison was 54. His fierce Assistance did not quit the Field Till forward marks declar'd they fairly fought And then they all with sullen slowness yield Vex'd they had found what vain Revenge had sought 55. In the renown'd destruction of this day Four hundred Leaders were by valours pride Led to blest shades by an uncertain way Where lowliness is held the surest Guide 56. And twice the Tierce of these consists of those Who for Prince Oswald's love of Empire bled The Duke does thus with thanks and praise dispose Both of the worthy living and the dead 57. Bind all your wounds and shed not that brave life Which did in all by great demeanor past Teaching your Foes a wiser choise of strife Deserve a Lease of Nature that may last 58. Love warm'd you with those hints which kindled me And form'd Ideas in each lovers thought Of the distress of some beloved she Who then inspir'd and prais'd you whilst you fought 59. You nobly prompt my passion to desire That the rude Crowd who Lovers softness scorn Might in fair field meet those who love admire To trie which side must after Battel mourn 60. O that those rights which should the good advance And justly are to painfull valour due How ere misplac'd by the swift hand of Chance Were from that Crowd defended by those few 61. With this great Spectacle we should refresh Those Chiefs who though preferr'd by being dead Would kindly wish to fight again in flesh So all that lov'd by Hurgonil were led 62. This gracious mention from so great a Lord Bow'd Hurgonil with dutious homage down Where at his feet he laid his rescn'd Sword Which he accepts but he returns his own 63. By this and thine said gentle Gondibert In all distress of various Courts and war We interpledge and bind each others heart To strive who shall possess griefs greatest share 64. Now to Verona hast and timely bring Thy wounds unto my tender Sister's care This Days sad story to our dreaded King And watch what veng'ance Oswald's Friends prepare 65. Brave Arnold and his Rival streight remove Where Laura shall bestrew their hallow'd Ground Protectours both and Ornaments of Love This said his Eyes out-weep'd his widest wound 66. Tell her now these Love's faithful Saints are gon The beautie they ador'd she ought to hide For vainly will Love's Miracles be shown Since Lovers faith with these brave Rivals dy'd 67. Say little Hugo never more shall mourn In noble Numbers her unkind disdain Who now not seeing beautie feels no scorn And wanting pleasure is exempt from pain 68. When she with Flowrs Lord Arnold's Grave shall strew And hears why Hugo's life was thrown away She on that Rival's Hearse will drop a few Which merits all that April gives to May. 69. Let us forsake for safety of our Eyes Our other loss which I will straight inter And raise a Trophy where each Body lies Vain marks how those alive the Dead prefer 70. If my full Breast my wounds that empty be And this Days toil by which my strength is gon Forbid me not I Bergamo will see Ere it beholds the next succeeding Sun 71.
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
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
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
70. Birtha he loves and I from Birtha fear Death that in rougher Figure I despise This Ulfinore did with distemper hear Yet with dissembled temp'rance thus replies 71. Ah Goltho who Love's Feaver can asswage For though familiar seems that old disease Yet like Religion's fit when Peoples rage Few cure those evils which the Patient please 72. Natures Religion Love is still perverse And no commerce with cold discretion hath For if Discretion speak when Love is fierce 'T is wav'd by Love as Reason is by Faith 73. As Gondibert left Goltho when he heard His Saint profan'd as if some Plague were nigh So Goltho now leaves Ulfinore and fear'd To share such veng'ance if he did not flie 74. How each at home ore-rates his miserie And thinks that all are musical abroad Unfetter'd as the Winds whilst onely he Of all the glad and licenc'd world is aw'd 75. And as Cag'd Birds are by the Fowler set To call in more whilst those that taken be May think though they are Pris'ners in the Net Th'incag'd because they ne'r complain are free 76. So Goltho who by Ulfinore was brought Here where he first Love's dangers did perceive In Beautie 's Field thinks though himself was caught Th' inviter safe because not heard to grieve 77. But Ulfinore whom neighbourhood led here Impressions took before from Birtha's sight Ideas which in silence hidden were As Heav'n's designs before the birth of Light 78. This from his Father Ulfin he did hide Who strict to Youth would not permit the best Reward of worth the Bosom of a Bride Should be but after Virtuous toils possest 79. For Ulfinore in blooming honour yet Though he had learnt the count'nance of the Foe And though his courage could dull Armies whet The care ore Crouds nor Conduct could not know 80. Nor varie Battels shapes in the Foes view But now in forreign Fields means to improve His early Arts to what his Father knew That merit â—o might get him leave to love 81. Till then check'd passion shall not venture forth And now retires with a disorder'd Heart Griev'd lest his Rival should by early'r worth Get Love's reward ere he can gain desert 82. But stop we here like those who day-light lack Or as misguided Travellers that rove Oft find their way by going somewhat back So let 's return thou ill Conductour Love 83. Thy little Grecian Godhead as my Guide I have attended many a Winter night To seek whom Time for honour's sake would hide Since in mine age sought by a wasted light 84. But ere my remnant of Life's Lamp be spent Whilst I in Lab'rinths stray amongst the Dead I mean to recollect the paths I went And judge from thence the steps I am to tread 85. Thy walk though as a common Deitie The Croud does follow thee misterious grows For Rhodalind may now closs Mourner die Since Gondibert too late her sorrow knows 86. Young Hurgonil above dear light prefers Calm Orna who his highest Love out-loves Yet envious Clouds in Lombard Registers Orecast their Morn what ere their Evening proves 87. For fatal Laura trustie Tybalt pines For haughtie Gartha â—ubtle Hermegild Whilst she her beautie youth and birth declines And as to Fate does to Ambition yield 88. Great Gondibert to bashfull Birtha bends Whom she adores like Virtue in a Throne Whilst Ulfinore and Goltho late vow'd Friends By him are now his Rivals and their own 89. Through ways thus intricate to Lovers Urns Thou lead'st me Love to shew thy Trophies past Where time less cruel than thy Godhead mourns In ruins which thy pride would have to last 90. Where I on Lombard Monuments have read Old Lovers names and their fam'd Ashes spy'd But less can learn by knowing they are dead And such their Tombes than how they liv'd and dy'd 91. To Paphos flie and leave me sullen here This Lamp shall light me to Records which give To future Youth so just a cause of fear That it will Valour seem to dare to live The End of the Second Book GONDIBERT The Third Book Written by the Authour during his Imprisonment CANTO the First The ARGUMENT The People left by GARTHA leave to mourn And worship HERMEGILD for her return The wounded HURGONIL by ORNA cur'd Their loyal loves by marriage plight assur'd In LAURA'S hasty change Love's pow'r appears And TYBALT seeks the kindness which he fears 1. WHen sad Verona saw in Gartha's shape prais'd Departed Peace brought back the Court they And seem'd so joy'd as Cities which escape A Siege even by their own brave Sallys rais'd 2. And Hermegild to make her triumph long Through all the streets his Chariot slowly drove Whilst she endures the kindness of the Throng Though rude as was their rage is now their love 3. On Hermegild so longingly desir'd From Hubert's Camp with Childish Eyes they gaze They worship now what late they but admir'd And all his Arts to mightie Magick raise 4. On both they such a 〈…〉 t Blâ—â—â—ings throw As if those num'rous Priests who here reside Loath to out-live this joy assembled now In haste to bless the â—aytiâ— e'râ— they â—yd 5. Thus dignify'd and â—rown'd through all the Streets To Court they come where them wiâ—e Aribert Not weakly with a publick passion meets But in his open'd Face conceal'd his heart 6. With mod'rate joy he took this Pledge of Peace Because great joys infer to judging Eys The mind distress'd before and in distress Thrones which are jealous Forts think all are Spies 7. Yet by degrees a Soul delighted shows To Gartha whom he leads to Rhodalind And soon to Hermegild as artless grows As Maids and like succesfull Lovers kind 8. And Rhodalind though bred to daily sight Of Courts feign'd Faces and pretended hearts In which disguises Courts take no delight But little mischiefs shun by little Arts. 9. She when she Garthaâ—aw â—aw no kindness faign'd But faithfully her former rage excus'd For now she others sorrows entertain'd As if to love a Maid's first sorrow us'd 10. Yet did her first with cautious gladness meet Then soon from grave respect to fondness grew To kisses in their taste and odour sweet As Hybla Hony or Arabian Dew 11. And Gartha like an Eastern Monarch's Bride This publick love with bashfull homage took For she had learn'd from Hermegild to hide A rising Heart behind a falling Look 12. Thus mask'd with meekness she does much intreat A pardon for that Storm her sorrow rais'd Which Rhodalind more fues she would forget Unless to have so just a sorrow prais'd 13. Soon is this joy through all the Court dispers'd So high they vallue peace who daily are In Prides invasions private faction vers'd The small but fruitfull seed of publick war 14. Whilst thus sweet Peace had others joys assur'd Orna with hopes of sweeter Love was pleas'd For of war's wounds brave Hurgonil was cur'd And those of love which deeper reach'd were â—as'd 15. In both these cures her Sov'raign help appears
was clearer taught His enter'd Slaves place at her rev'renc'd Feet A spacious Cabinet with all things fraught Which seem'd for wearing artfull rich and sweet 54. With leisurely delight she by degrees Lifts ev'ry Till does ev'ry Drawer draw But nought which to her Sex belongs she sees And for the Male all nice adornments saw 55. This seem'd to breed some strangeness in her Eyes Which like a wanton wonder there began But straight she in the lower Closet spies Th'accomplish'd dress and Garments of a Man 56. Then starting she her Hand shrunk nicely back As if she had been stung or that she fear'd This Garment was the skin of that old Snake Which at the fatal Tree like Man appear'd 57. Th' ambitious Maid at scornfull distance stood And bravely seem'd of Love's low vices free Though vicious in her mind not in her blood Ambition is the Minds immodestie 58. He knew great minds disorder'd by mistake Defend through pride the errours they repent And with a Lovers fearfulness he spake Thus humbly that extreams he might prevent 59. How ill delightfull Maid shall I deserve My Life's last flame fed by your beauty's fire If I shall vex your virtues that preserve Others weak virtues which would else expire 60. How more than death shall I my life despise When your fear'd srowns make me your service fear When I scarce dare to say that the disguise You shrink to see you must vouchsafe to wear 61. So rude a Law your int'rest will impose And solid int'rest must not yield to shame Vain shame which fears you should such honour lose As lasts but by intelligence with Fame 62. Number which makes opinion Law can turn This shape to fashion which you scorn to use Because not by your Sex as fashion worn And fashion is but that which Numbers chuse 63. If you approve what Numbers lawfull think Be bold for Number cancels bashfulness Extreams from which a King would blushing shrink Unblushing Senates act as no excess 64. Thus he his thoughts the picture of his mind By a dark Vayl to sudden sight deny'd That she might prise what seem'd so hard to find For Curtains promise worth in what they hide 65. He said her Manhood would not strange appear In Court where all the fashion is disguise Where Masquerades are serious all the year None known but strangers nor secure but Spies 66. All rules he reads of living great in Courts Which some the Art of wise dissembling call For Pow'r born to have Foes much weight supports By their false strength who thrust to make it fall 67. He bids her wear her beauty free as light By Ears as open be to all endeer'd For the unthinking Croud judge by their sight And seem half eas'd when they are fully heard 68. He shuts her breast even from familiar Eyes For he who secrets Pow'rs chief Treasure spends To purchase Friendship friendship dearly buys Since Pow'r seeks great Confed'rates more than friends 69. And now with Counsels more particular He taught her how to wear tow'rds Rhodalind Her looks which of the Mind false pictures are And then how Orna may believe her kind 70. How Laura too may be whose practis'd Eyes Can more detect the shape of forward love By treaty caught though not by a surprize Whose aid would precious to her faction prove 71. But here he ends his Lecture for he spy'd Adorn'd as if to grace Magnifick Feasts Bright Rhodalind with the elected Bride And with the Bride all her selected Guests 72. They Gartha in their civil pitie sought Whom they in midst of triumphs mis'd and fear Lest her full breast with Huberts sorrows fraught She like a Mourner came to empty here 73. But she and Hermegild are wild with haste As Traitors are whom Visitants surprise Decyphring that which searfully they cast In some dark place where worser Treason lies 74. So open they the fatal Cabinet To shut things slighter with the Consequent Then soon their rally'd looks in posture set And boldly with them to their triumphs went 75. Tybalt who Laura gravely ever led With ceaseless whispers laggs behind the Train Tries since her wary Governour is dead How the fair Fort he may by Treaty gain 76. For now unhappy Arnold she forsakes Yet he is blest that she does various prove When his spent heart for no unkindness akes Since from the Light as sever'd as from Love 77. Yet as in storms and sickness newly gone Some Clouds a while and strokes of faintness last So in her brow so much of grief is shown As shews a Tempest or a sickness past 78. But him no more with such sad Eyes she seeks As even at Feasts would make old Tyrants weep Nor more attempts to wake him with such shreekâ— As threatned all where Death's deaf Pris'ners 〈…〉 79. Hugo and him as Leaders 〈…〉 Not much as Lovers does their â—ame approve Nor her own fate but chance of battel blames As if they dy'd for honour not for love 80. This Tybalt saw and finds that the turn'd Stream Came fairly flowing to refresh his heart Yet could he not forget the kind esteem She lately had of Arnold's high desert 81. Nor does it often scape his memorie How gravely he had vow'd that if her Eyes After such Show'rs of Love were quickly drie He would them more than Lamps in Tombs despise 82. And Whilst he watch'd like an industrious Spie Her Sexes changes and revolt of Youth He still reviv'd this vow as solemnly As Senates Count'nance Laws or Synods Truth 83. But men are frail more Glass than Women are Tybalt who with a stay'd judicious heart Would love grows vain amidst his gravest care Love free by nature scorns the Bonds of Art 84. Laura whose Fort he by approch would gain With a weak sigh blows up his Mine and Smiles Gives fire but with her Eye and he is slain Or treats and with a whisper him beguiles 85. Nor force of Arms or Arts O Love endures Thy mightiness and since we must discern Diseases fully ere we studie cures And our own force by othes weakness learn 86. Let me to Courts and Camps thy Agent be Where all their weakness and diseases spring From their not knowing and not honouring thee In those who Nature in thy triumphs sing CANTO the Second The ARGUMENT Whilst BIRTHA and the Duke their joyes pursue In conqu'ring Love Fate doth them both subdue With triumphs which from Court young ORGO brought And have in GOLTHO greater triumphs wrought Whose hopes the quiet ULFINORE does bear With patience feigne'd and with a hidden fear 1. THe prosp'rous Gondibert from Birtha gains All bashfull plights a Maids first bounties give Fast vows which bind Love's Captives more than chains Yet free Love's Saints in chosen bondage live 2. Few were the days and swiftly seem'd to waste Which thus he in his minds â—tuition spent And lest some envious Cloud should overcast His Lov 's fair Morn oft to his Camp he sent 3. To Bergamo
where still intrenched were Those Youth whom first his Father's Army bred Who ill the rumour of his wounds did bear Though he that gave them of his own be dead 4. And worse those haughtie threat'nings they abhor Which Fame from Brescia's ancient Fighters brought Vain Fame the Peoples trusted Orator Whose speech too fluent their mistakes has wrought 5. Oft Goltho with his temp'rate Counsels went To quench whom Fame to dang'rous furie warm'd Till temp'rately his dangers they resent And think him safest in their patience arm'd 6. And safe now is his love as love could be If all the World like old Arcadia were Honour the Monarch and all Lovers free From jealosie as safetie is from fear 7. And Birtha's heart does to his civil Breast As much for ease and peace as safetie come For there 't is serv'd and treated as a Guest But watch'd and taught and often chid at home 8. Like great and good Confed'rates whose design Invades not others but secures their own So they in just and virtuous hopes combine And are like new Confed'rates busie grown 9. With whisper earnest and now grave with thought They walk consulting standing they debate And then seek shades where they in vain are sought By servants who intrude and think they wait 10. In this great League their most important care Was to dispatch their Rites Yet so provide That all the Court might think them free as air When fast as faith they were by Hymen ty'd 11. For if the King said he our love surprise His stormie rage will it Rebellion call Who claims to chuse the Brides of his Allies And in that storm our joys in blossom fall 12. Our love your cautious Father onely knows On whose safe prudence Senates may depend And Golthâ— who to time few reck'nings ows Yet can discharge all duties of a Friend 13. Such was his mind and hers more busie shows That bonds of love does make her longer fast Than Hymen's knot as plain Religion does Longer than Rites Religion's fashions last 14. That her discretion somewhat does appear Since she can Love her minds chief beautie hide Which never farther went than Thula's Ear Who had alass but for that secret dy'd 15. That she alreadie had disguises fram'd And sought out Caves where she might closs reside As being nor unwilling nor asham'd To live his Captive so she die his Bride 16. Full of themselves delight them onward leads Where in the Front was to remoter view Exalted Hills and nearer prostrate Meads With Forrests flanck'd where shade to darkness grew 17. Beneath that shade Two Rivers slily steal Through narrow walks to wider Adice Who swallows both till she does proudly swel And hasts to shew her beautie to the Sea 18. And here whilst forth he sends his raging Eye Orgo he spies who plies the spur so fast As if with news of Vict'rie he would flie To leave swift Fame behind him by his haste 19. If said the Duke because the Boy is come I second gladness shew do not suppose I spread my Breast to give new Comforts room That were to welcome rain where Nilus flows 20. Though the unripe appearance of a Page For weightie trust may render him too weak Yet this is he who more than cautious Age Or like calm Death will bury what we speak 21. This Birtha is the Boy whose skilless face Is safe from jealousie of oldest spies In whom by whisper we from distant place May meet or wink our meaning to his Eyes 22. More had he said to gain him her esteem But Orgo enters speechless with his Speed And by his looks more full of haste did seem Than when his spurs provok'd his flying Steed 23. And with his first recover'd breath he cries Hail my lov'd Lord whom Fame does value so That when she swift with your successes â—â—ies She fears to wrong the World in being flow 24. I bring you more than tasts of Fortune's love Yet am afraid I err in haâ—ing dar'd To think her favours could your gladness move Who have more worth than Fortune can reward 25. The Duke with smiles forewarns his hastie Tongue As loth he should proceed in telling more Kindly afraid to do his kindness wrong By hearing what he thought he knew before 26. Thy diligence said he is high desert It does in Youth supply defects of skill And is of dutie the most usefull part Yet art thou now but slow to Hurgonil 27. Who hither by the Moons imperfect light Came and return'd without the help of day To tell me he has Orna's Virgin plight And that their Nuptials for my presence stay 28. Orgo reply'd though that a triumph be Where all false Lovers are like savage Kings Led Captive after Love's great Victorie It does but promise what your triumph brings 29. It was the Eve to this your Holy-day And now Verona Mishess does appear Of Lombardy and all the Flow'rs which May Ere wore does as the Countrie 's favours wear 30. The wearie Eccho from the Hills makes hastes Vex'd that the Bells still calls for her replies When they so many are and ring so fast Yet oft are â—ilenc'd by the Peoples cries 31. Who send to Heav'n the name of Rhâ—dalind And then Duke Gondibert as high they raise To both with all their publick passion kind If kindness shine in wishes and in praise 32. The King this day made your adoption known Proclaim'd you to the Empire next ally'd As heir to all his Conquests and his Crown For royal Rhodalind must be your Bride 33. Not all the dangeâ—s valour finds in war Love meets in Courts or pride to Courts procures When sick with Peace the hot in Faction are Can make such fears as now the Duke endures 34. Nor all those fears which ev'ry Maid has found On whose first Guards Love by surprises steals Whose sightless Arrow makes a câ—reless wound Are like to this which doubtfull Birtha feels 35. He from his looks wild wonder strives to chace Strives more to teach his Manhood to resist Death in her Eyes and then with all the grace Of seeming pleasure Orgo he dismist 36. And Orgo being gone low as her knees Could fall she fell and soon he bends as low With weight of heart griev'd that no Grave he sees To sink where love no more can sorrow know 37. Her sighs as show'rs lay winds are calm'd with tears And parting life seems stay'd awhile to take A civil leave whilst her pale visage wears A clearie Skie and thus she weeping spake 38. Since such a Prince has forfeited his pow'r Heav'n give me leave to make my dutie less Let me my vows as sudden oaths abhor Which did my passion not my truth express 39. Yet yours I would not think were counterfeit But rather ill and rashly understood For 't is impossible I can forget So soon that once you fatally were good 40. Though cruel now as Beasts where they have pow'r Chusing like them to make the weakest bleed For weakness soon
hope joy and other Passions for we may descend to compare the deceptions in Poesie to those of them that profess dexteritie of Hand which resembles Conjuring and to such we come not with the intention of Lawyers to examine the evidence of Facts but are content if we like the carriage of their feigned motion to pay for being well deceiv'd As in the choise of time so of place I have comply'd with the weakness of the generalitie of men who think the best objects of their own countrey so little to the size of those abroad as if they were shew'd them by the wrong end of a Prospective For man continuing the appetites of his first Childhood till he arrive at his second which is more froward must be quieted with something that he thinks excellent which he may call his own but when he sees the like in other places not staying to compare them wrangles at all he has This leads us to observe the craftiness of the Comicks who are onely willing when they describe humour and humour is the drunkness of a Nation which no sleep can cure to lay the Scaene in their own countrey as knowing we are like the Son of Noah so little distasted to behold each others shame that we delight to see even that of a Father yet when they would set forth greatness and excellent virtue which is the Theme of Tragedie publickly to the people they wisely to avoid the quarrels of neighbourly envie remove the Scaene from home And by their example I travell'd too and Italie which was once the Stage of the World I have made the Theatre where I shew in either Sex some patterns of humane life that are perhaps fit to be follow'd Having told you why I took the actions that should be my Argument from men of our own Religion and given you reasons for the choyce of the time and place design'd for those actions I must next acquaint you with the Schools where they were bred not meaning the Schools where they took their Religion but Moralitie for I know Religion is universally rather inherited than taught and the most effectual Schools of Moralitie are Courts and Camps Yet towards the first the people are unquiet through envie and towards the other through fear and always jealous of both for Injustice which is the natural scandal cast upon authoritie and great force They look upon the outward glory or blaze of Courts as wild Beasts in dark nights stare on their Hunters Torches but though the expences of Courts whereby they shine is that consuming glory in which the people think their libertie is wasted for wealth is their libertie and lov'd by them even to jealousie being themselves a courser sort of Princes apter to take than to pay yet Courts I mean all abstracts of the multitude either by King or Assemblies are not the Schools where men are bred to oppression but the Temples where sometimes Oppressours take sanctuarie a safetie which our reason must allow them For the ancient laws of Sanctuarie derived from God provided chiefly for actions that proceeded from necessitie and who can imagine less than a necessitie of oppressing the people since they are never willing either to buy their Peace or to pay for War Nor are Camps the Schools of wicked Destroyers more than the Inns of Court being the Nurserie of Judges are the Schools of Murderers for as Judges are avengers of private men against private Robbers so are Armies the avengers of the Publick against publick Invaders either civil or forreign and Invaders are Robbers though more in countenance than those of the High way because of their number Nor is there other difference between Armies when they move towards Sieges or Battel and Judges moving in their Circuit during the danger of extraordinarie malefactors with the guards of the Countie but that the latter is a less Army and of less Discipline If any man can yet doubt of the necessarie use of Armies let him studie that which was anciently call'd a Monster the Multitude for Wolves are commonly harmless when they are met alone but very uncivil in Herds and he will not find that all his kindred by Adam are so tame and gentle as those Lovers that were bred in Arcadia or to reform his opinion let him ask why during the utmost age of Historie Cities have been at the charge of defensive Walls and why Fortification hath been practic'd so long till it is grown an Art I may now believe I have usefully taken from Courts and Camps the patterns of such as will be fit to be imitated by the most necessary men and the most necessary men are those who become principal by prerogative of bloud which is seldom unassisted with education or by greatness of mind which in exact definition is Virtue The common Crowd of whom we are hopeless we desert being rather to be corrected by laws where precept is accompanied with punishment than to be taught by Poesie for few have arriv'd at the skill of Orpheus or at his good fortune whom we may suppose to have met with extraordinarie Grecian Beasts when so succesfully he reclaim'd them with his Harp Nor is it needfull that Heroick Poesie should be levell'd to the reach of Common men for if the examples it presents prevail upon their Chiefs the delight of Imitation which we hope we have prov'd to be as effectual to good as to evil will rectifie by the rules which those Chiefs establish of their own lives the lives of all that behold them for the example of life doth as much surpass the force of Precept as Life doth exceed Death In the choice of these Objects which are as Sea-marks to direct the dangerous voyage of life I thought fit to follow the rule of Coasting Maps where the Shelves and Rocks are describ'd as well as the safe Channel the care being equal how to avoid as to proceed and the Characters of men whose passions are to be eschew'd I have deriv'd from the distempers of Love or Ambition for Love and Ambition are too often the raging Feavers of great minds Yet Ambition if the vulgar acception of the word were corrected would signifie no more than an extraordinary lifting of the feet in the rough ways of Honour over the impediments of Fortune and hath a warmth till it be chaf'd into a Fever which is necessary for every virtuous breast for good men are guiltie of too little appetite to greatness and it either proceeds from that they call contentedness but contentedness when examin'd doth mean something of Lasiness as well as Moderation or from some melancholy precept of the Cloyster where they would make life for which the world was onely made more unpleasant than Death as if Nature the Vicegerent of God who in providing delightfull varieties which virtuous greatness can best possess or assure peaceably to others implicitly commanded the use of them should in the necessaries of life life being her chief business though
Poesie on our Stage or the Heroick in Musick for so the latter was anciently us'd is prejudicial to a State as begetting Levity and giving the people too great a diversion by pleasure and mirth To these if they be worthy of satisfaction I reply That whoever in Government endeavours to make the people serious and grave which are attributes that may become the peoples Representatives but not the people doth practise a new way to enlarge the State by making every Subject a States-man and he that means to govern so mournfully as it were without any Musick in his Dominion must lay but light burdens on his Subjects or else he wants the ordinary wisdom of those who to their Beasts that are much loaden whistle all the day to encourage their Travel For that supream Power which expects a firm obedience in those who are not us'd to rejoycing but live sadly as if they were still preparing for the funeral of Peace hath little skill in contriving the lastingness of Government which is the principal work of Art And less hath that Power consider'd Nature as if such new austeritie did seem to tax even her for want of gravity in bringing in the Spring so merrily with a musical variety of Birds And such sullen power doth forget that Battels the most solemn and serious business of Death are begun with Trumpets and Fifes and anciently were continu'd with more diversity of Musicks And that the Grecian Laws Laws being the gravest endeavour of humane Councels for the ease of Life were long before the days of Lycurgus to make them more pleasant to memory publish'd in Verse And that the wise Athenians dividing into three Parts the publick Revenue expended one in Plays and Shows to divert the people from meeting to consult of their Rulers merit and the defects of Government And that the Romans had not so long continu'd their Empire but for the same diversions at a vaster charge Again it may be objected that the Precepts of Christian Religion are sufficient towards our regulation by appointment of manners and towards the ease of Life by imposing obedience so that the moral assistance of Poesie is but vainly intruded To this I may answer That as no man should suspect the sufficiency of Religion by its insuccessfulness so if the insuccessfulness be confess'd we shall as little disparage Religion by bringing in more aids when 't is in action as a General dishonours himself by endeavouring with more of his own Forces to make sure an attempt that hath a while miscarried For Poesie which like contracted Essences seems the utmost strength and activity of Nature is as all good Arts subservient to Religion all marching under the same Banner though of less discipline and esteem And as Poesie is the best Expositor of Nature Nature being mysterious to such as use not to consider so Nature is the best Interpreter of God and more cannot be said of Religion And when the Judges of Religion which are the Chiefs of the Church neglect the help of Moralists in reforming the people and Poets are of all Moralists the most usefull they give a sentence against the Law of Nature For Nature performs all things by correspondent aids and harmony And 't is injurious not to think Poets the most usefull Moralists for as Poesie is adorn'd and sublim'd by Musick which makes it more pleasant and acceptable so morality is sweetned and made more amiable by Poesie And the Austerity of some Divines may be the cause why Religion hath not more prevail'd upon the manners of Men for great Doctours should rather comply with things that please as the wise Apostle did with Ceremonies than lose a Proselyte And even Honour taught by moral Philosophers but more delightfully infus'd by Poets will appear notwithstanding the sad severity of some latter Divines no unfase Guid towards Piety for it is as wary and nice as Conscience though more chearfull and couragious And however Honour be more pleasing to flesh and bloud because in this World it finds applause yet 't is not so mercenarie as Piety for Piety being of all her expectations inwardly assur'd expects a reward in Heaven to which all earthly payments compar'd are but Shaddows and Sand. And it appears that Poesie hath for its natural prevailings over the Understandings of Men sometimes making her conquests with easie plainness like Native countrey Beauty been very successfull in the most grave and important occasions that the necessities of States or Mankind have produc'd For it may be said that Demosthenes sav'd the Athenians by the Fable or Parable of the Dogs and Wolves in answer to King Philip's Proposition And that Menenius Agrippa sav'd the Senate if not Rome by that of the Belly and the Hands and that even our Saviour was pleas'd as the most prevalent way of Doctrine wholly to use such kind of Parables in his converting or saving of Souls it being written Wâ—hout a Parable spake he not to them And had not the learned Apostle thought the wisdom of Poets worthy his remembrance and instructive not onely to Heathens but to Christians he had not cited Epimenides to the Cretans as well as Aratus to the Athenians I cannot also be ignorant that divers whose conscientious Melancholy amazes and discourages others Devotion will accuse Poets as the admirers of Beauty and Inventors or Provokers of that which by way of aspersion they call Love But such in their first accusation seem to look carelesly and unthankfully upon the wonderful works of God or else through low education or age become incompetent Judges of what is the chief of his works upon Earth And Poets when they praise Beauty are at least as lawfully thankfull to God as when they praise Seas Woods Rivers or any other parts that make up a prospect of the world Nor can it be imagin'd but that Poets in praising them praise wholly the Maker and so in praising Beauty For that Woman who believes she is prais'd when her beauty is commended may as well suppose that Poets thinks she created her self And he that praises the inward beauty of Women which is their Virtue doth more perform his duty than before for our envious silence in not approving and so encouraging what is good is the cause that vice is more in fashion and countenance than Virtue But when Poets praise that which is not beauty or the mind which is not virtuous they erre through their mistake or by flattery and flattery is a crime so much prosperous in others who are companions to greatness that it may be held in Poets rather kindness than design They who accuse Poets as provokers of Love are Enemies to Nature and all affronts to Nature are offences to God as insolencies to all subordinate officers of the Crown are rudenesses to the King Love in the most obnoxious interpretation is Natures Preparative to her greatest work which is the making of Life And since the severest Divines of these latter times
children weary of the controulment of their parents masters and other admonitours Secondly the dotage and childishness they ascribe to Age is never the effect of Time but sometimes of the excesses of youth and not a returning to but a continual stay with childhood For they that wanting the curiosity of furnishing their memories with the rarities of Nature in their youth and pass their time in making provision onely for their ease and sensual delight are children still at what years soever as they that coming into a populous Citie never going out of their Inn are strangers still how long soever they have been there Thirdly there is no reason for any man to think himself wiser to day than yesterday which does not equally convince he shall be wiser tomorrow than today Fourthly you will be forced to change your opinion hereafter when you are old and in the mean time you discredit all I have said before in your commendation because I am old already But no more of this I believe Sir you have seen a curious kind of perspective where he that looks through a short hollow pipe upon a picture containing divers figures sees none of those that are there painted but some one person made up of their parts conveyed to the eye by the artificial cutting of a glass I find in my imagination an effect not unlike it from your Poem The virtues you distribute there amongst so many noble persons represent in the reading the image but of one mans virtue to my fancy which is your own and that so deeply imprinted as to stay for ever there and govern all the rest of my thoughts and affections in the way of honouring and serving you to the utmost of my power that am Paris January 10. 1650. SIR Your most humble and obedient Servant THO. HOBS TO S r WILL. D'AVENANT Upon his two first Books of GONDIBERT Finish'd before his Voyage to AMERICA THus the wise Nightingale that leaves her home Her native Wood when Storms and Winter come Pursuing constantly the chearfull Spring To forreign Groves does her old Musick bring The drooping Hebrews banish'd Harps unstrung At Babylon upon the Willows hung Yours sounds aloud and tells us you excell No less in Courage than in Singing well Whilst unconcern'd you let your Countrey know They have impov'rished themselves not you Who with the Muses help can mock those Fates Which threaten Kingdoms and disorder States So Ovid when from Caesar's rage he fled The Roman Muse to Pontus with him led Where he so sung that We through Pitie's Glass See Nero milder than Augustus was Hereafter such in thy behalf shall be Th'indulgent censure of Posteritie To banish those who with such art can sing Is a rude crime which its own Curse does bring Ages to come shall ne'r know how they fought Nor how to Love their present Youth be taught This to thyself Now to thy matchless Book Wherein those few that can with Judgement look May find old Love in pure fresh Language told Like new stampt Coyn made out of Angel gold Such truth in Love as th'antique world did know In such a style as Courts may boast of now Which no bold tales of Gods or Monsters swell But humane Passions such as with us dwell Man is thy theam his Virtue or his Rage Drawn to the life in each elaborate Page Mars nor Bellona are not named here But such a Gondibert as both might fear Venus had here and Hebe been out-shin'd By thy bright Birtha and thy Rhodalind Such is thy happy skill and such the odds Betwixt thy Worthies and the Grecian Gods Whose Deities in vain had here come down Where Mortal Beautie wears the Sovereign Crown Such as of flesh compos'd by flesh and bloud Though not resisted may be understood ED. WALLER TO Sr WIL. D'AVENANT Upon his two first Books of GONDIBERT Finish'd before his Voyage to AMERICA ME thinks Heroick Poesie till now Like some fantastick Fairy-land did show Gods Devils Nymphs Witches and Giants race And all but Man in Mans best Work had place Thou like some worthy Knight with sacred Arms Dost drive the Monsters thence and end the Charms In stead of those dost Men and Manners plant The things which that rich Soyl did chiefly want But even thy Mortals do their Gods excell Taught by thy Muse to Fight and Love so well By fatal hands whilest present Empires fall Thine from the grave past Monarchies recal So much more thanks from humane kind does merit The Poets fury than the Zelots Spirit And from the grave thou mak'st this Empire rise Not like some dreadfull Ghost t' affright our Eyes But with more beauty and triumphant state Than when it crown'd at proud Verona sate So will our God re-build Mans perish'd frame And raise him up much better yet the same So God-like Pâ—eâ—s do past things rehearse Not change but heighten Nature with their Verse With shame me thinks great Italie must see Her Conqu'rors call'd to life again by thee Call'd by such powerfull Arts that ancient Rome May blush â—o less to see her Wit orecome Some men their Fancies like their Faiths derive And count all ill but that which Rome does give The marks of Old and Catholick would find To the same Chair would Truth and Fiction bind Thou in these beaten paths disdain'st to tread And scorn'st to live by robbing of the Dead Since Time does all things change thou think'st not fit This latter Age should see all new but Wit Thy Fancie like a Flame her way does make And leaves bright tracks for following Pens to take Sure 't was this noble boldness of the Muse Did thy desire to seek new Worlds infuse And ne'r did Heaven so much a Voyage bless If thou canst Plant but there with like success AB COWLEY GONDIBERT The First Book CANTO the First The ARGUMENT Old ARIBERT'S great race and greater mind Is sung with the renown of RHODALIND Prince OSWALD is compar'd to GONDIBERT And justly each distinguish'd by desert Whose Armies are in Fame's fair Field drawn forth To shew by discipline their Leaders worth 1. OF all the Lombards by their Trophies known Who sought Fame soon and had her favour long King Aribert best seem'd to fill the Throne And bred most bus'ness for Heroick Song 2. From early Childhoods promising estate Up to performing Manhood till he grew To failing Age he Agent was to Fate And did to Nations Peace or War renew 3. War was his studi'd Art War which the bad Condemn because even then it does them aw When with their number lin'd and purple clad And to the good more needfull is than Law 4. To conquer Tumult Nature's suddain force War Arts delib'rate strength was first devis'd Cruel to those whose rage has no remorse Lest civil pow'r should be by Throngs surpris'd 5. The feeble Law rescues but doubtfully From the Oppressours single Arm our right Till to its pow'r the wise wars help apply Which soberly does Mans loose
Fame Because even Fame some life is to the Dead 76. Cities wise States-men's Folds for civil Sheep They sack'd as painfull Sheerers of the wise For they like carefull Wolves would lose their sleep When others prosp'rous toyls might be their prise 77. Hugo amongst theâ—â— Troops spy'd many more Who had as brave Destroyers got renown And many forward wounds in boast they wore Which if not well reveng'd had ne'r been shown 78. Such the bold Leaders of these Launceers were Which of the Brescian Vet'rans did consist Whose practis'd age might charge of Armies bear And claim some ranck in Fame's eternal List. 79. Back to his Duke the dextr'rous Hugo flies What he observ'd he chearfully declares With noble Pride did what he lik'd despise For wounds he threatned whilst he prais'd their skars 80. Lord Arnold cry'd vain is the Bugle Horn Where Trumpets Men to Manly work invite That distant summons seems to say in scorn We Hunters may be hunted hard ere night 81. Those Beasts are hunted hard that hard can flie Reply'd aloud the noble Hurgonil But we not us'd to flight know best to die And those who know to die know how to kill 82. Victors through number never gain'd applause If they exceed our count in Arms and Men It is not just to think that ods because One Lover equals any other Ten. CANTO the Third The ARGUMENT The Ambush is become an inter-view And the Surpriser proves to honour true For what had first ere words his furie spent Been murder now is but brave killing meant A Duel form'd where Princes Seconds are And urg'd by Honour each to kill his share 1. THe Duke observ'd whilst safe in his firm Square Whether their form did change whom Oswald led That thence he shifts of figure might prepare Divide or make more depth or loosly spred 2. Though in their posture close the Prince might guess The Duke 's to his not much in number yield And they were leading Youth who would possess This Ground in Graves rather than quit the Field 3. Thus timely certain of a standing Foe His form'd Divisions yet reveal'd no space Through haste to charge but as they nearer grow The more divide and move with slower pace 4. On these the Duke attends with watchfull eye Shap'd all his Forces to their Triple strength And that their Launces might pass harmless by Widens his Ranks and gives his Files more length 5. At distance Oswald does him sharply view Whom but in Fame he met till this sad hour But his fair fame Virtues known Image knew For Virtue spreads the Owner more than Pow'r 6. In Fields far sever'd both had reap'd renown And now his envie does to surfet feed On what he wish'd his Eyes had never known For he begins to check his purpos'd deed 7. And though Ambition did his rage renew Yet much he griev'd mov'd with the Youthfull Train That Plants which so much promis'd as they grew Should in the Bud be ere performance slain 8. With these remorsefull thoughts he a fair space Advanc'd alone then did his Troops command To halt the Duke th' example did embrace And gives like order by his lifted hand 9. Then when in easie reach of eithers voice Thus Oswald spake I wish brave Gondibert Those wrongs which make thee now my angers choice Like my last fate were hidden from my heart 10. But since great Glory does allow small rest And bids us jealously to honour wake Why at alarms given hot even at my brest Should I not arm but thinks my Scouts mistake 11. 'T is loud in Camps in Cities and in Court Where the important part of Mankind meets That my adoption is thy Faction's sport Scorn'd by hoarse Rhymers in Verona Streets 12. Who is renown'd enough but you or I And think not when you visit Fame she less Will welcome you for mine known Company To hope for Empire at our Kings decease 13. The Crown he with his Daughter has design'd His favour which to me does frozen prove Grows warm to you as th' Eyes of Rhodalind And she gives sacred Empire with her love 14. Whilst you usurp thus and my claim deride If you admire the veng'ance I intend I more shall wonder where you got the pride To think me one you safely may offend 15. Nor judge is strange I have this Ambush laid Since you my Rival wrong'd me by surprise Whose darker vigilance my love betraid And so your ill example made me wise 16. But in the School of glory we are taught That greatness and success should measure deeds Then not my great revenge nor your great fault Can be accus'd when eithers act succeeds 17. Opinions stamp does virtue currant make But such small Money though the Peoples Gold With which they trade great Dealers scorn to take And we are greater than one world can hold 18. Now Oswald paws'd as if he curious were Ere this his Foe the Peoples Fav'rite dy'd To know him as with Eyes so with his Ear And to his speech thus Gondibert reply'd 19. Successfull Prince since I was never taught To court a Threating Foe I will not pay For all the Trophies you from war have brought A single wreath though all these woods were Bâ—y 20. Nor would I by a total silence yield My honour ta'ne though I were pris'ner made Lest you should think we may be justly kill'd And sacred justice by mistake invade 21. You might perceive had not a distant war Hindred our Breasts the use of being known My small ambition hardly worth your care Unless by it you would correct your own 22. The King 's objected love is but your dream As false as that I strive for Rhodalind As Valour 's hire these sickly visions seem Which in Ambitions Feaver vex your mind 23. Nor wonder if I vouch that 't is not brave To seek war's hire though war we still pursue Nor censure this a proud excuse to save These who no safety know but to subdue 24. Your misbelief my hireless valour scorns But your hir'd valour were your faith reclaim'd For faith reclaim'd to highest virtue turns Will be of bravest salary asham'd 25. Onely with fame Valour of old was hir'd And love was so suffic'd with its own taste That those intemp'rate seem'd who more desir'd For loves reward than that it self should last 26. If love or lust of Empire breed your pain Take what my prudent hope hath still declin'd And my weak virtue never could sustain The Crown which is the worst of Rhodalind 27. 'T is she who taught you to increase renown By sowing Honours Field with noble deeds Which yields no harvest when 't is over-grown With wild Ambition the most rank of weeds 28. Go reconcile the winds faln out at Sea With these â—ame precepts Oswald did reply But since thou dost bequeath thy hopes to me Know Legacies are vain till Givers die 29. And here his rage ascended to his Eyes From his close breast which hid till then the flame
68. Hubert whose princely quality more frees Him than the rest from all command unless He find it such as with his will agrees Did nobly thus his firm resolve express 69. All greatness bred in blood be now abas'd Instinct the inward Image which is wrought And given with Life be like thaw'd wax defac'd Though that bred better honour than is taught 70. And may impressions of the common ill Which from street Parents the most low derives Blot all my minds fair book if I stand still Whilst Oswald singly for the Publick strives 71. A Brothers love all that obedience stays Which Oswald else might as my Leader claim Whom as my love my honour disobays And bids me serve our greater Leader Fame 72. With gentle looks Oswald to Hubert bows And said I then must yield that Hubert shall Since from the same bright Sun our lustre grows Rise with my Morns and with my Ev'nings fall 73. Bold Paradine and Dargonet reviv'd Their suit and cry'd We are Astolpho's sons Who from your highest spring his blood deriv'd Though now it down in lower Channels runs 74. Such lucky seasons to attain renown We must not lose who are to you ally'd Others usurp who would your dangers own And what our duty is in them is pride 75. Then as his last Decree thus Oswald spake You that vouchsafe to glory in my blood Shall share my doom which for your merits sake Fate were it bad would alter into good 76. If any others disobedient rage Shall with uncivil love intrude his aid And by degrees our distant Troops ingage Be it his Curss still to be disobey'd 77. Wars Orders may he by the slow convey To such as onely shall dispute them long An ill peace make when none will him obey And be for that when old judg'd by the young 78. This said he calmly bid the Duke provide Such of his bloud as with those chosen Three Whilst their adoption they on foot decide May in brave life or death fit Partners be 79. Though here reply'd the Duke I find not now Such as my bloud with their alliance grace Yet Three I see to whom your stock may bow If love may be esteem'd of heav'nly Race 80. And much to me these are by love ally'd Then Hugo Arnold and the Count drew near Count Hurgonil woo'd Orna for his Bride The other Two in Laura Rivals were 81. But Tybalt cry'd and swiftly as his voice Approch'd the Duke forgive me mightie Chief If justly I envie thy noble choice And disobey thee in wrong'd Love's relief 82. If rev'renc'd love be sacred Myst'rie deem'd And mysteries when hid to value grow Why am I less for hidden love esteem'd To unknown God-head wise Religions bow 83. A Maid of thy high linage much I love And hide her name till I can merit boast But shall I here where I may worth improve For prising her above my self be lost 84. The Duke 's firm bosome kindly seem'd to melt At Tybalt's grief that he omitted was Who lately had Love's secret conquest felt And hop'd for publick triumph in this cause 85. Then he decreed Hugo though chose before To share in this great work should equally With Tybalt be expos'd to Fortune's pow'r And by drawn Lots their wish'd election trie 86. Hugo his dreaded Lord with chearfull aw Us'd to obey and with implicit love But now he must for certain honour draw Uncertain Lots seems heavily to move 87. And here they trembling reach'd at honour so As if they gath'ring Flow'rs a Snake discern'd Yet fear'd Love onely whose rewards then grow To Lovers sweetest when with danger earn'd 88. From this brave fear lest they should danger scape Was little Hugo eas'd and when he drew The Champion's lot his joy inlarg'd his shape And with his lifted mind he taller grew 89. But Tybalt stoop'd beneath his sorrows waight Goltho and him kindly the Duke imbrac'd Then to their station sent and Oswald straight His so injoyn'd and with like kindness grac'd 90. When cruel Borgio does from Tybalt part Vasco from Goltho many a look they cast Backward in sullen message from the heart And through their eyes their threatning anger waste CANTO the Fourth The ARGUMENT The Duel where all rules of artfull strife To rescue or endanger Darling-life Are by reserves of strength and courage shown For killing was long since a Science grown Th' event by which the Troops engaged are As private rage too often turn to war 1. BY what bold passion am I rudely led Like Fame's too curious and officious Spie Where I these Rolls in her dark Closet read Where Worthies wrapt in Time's disguises lie 2. Why should we now their shady Curtains draw Who by a wise retirement hence are â—reed And gone to Lands exempt from Nature's Law Where love no more can mourn nor valour bleed 3. Why to this stormy world from their long rest Are these recall'd to be again displeas'd Where during Natures reign we are opprest Till we by Deaths high priviledge are eas'd 4. Is it to boast that Verse has Chymick pow'r And that its rage which is productive heat Can these revive as Chymists raise a Flower Whose scatter'd parts their Glass presents compleat 5. Though in these Worthies gone valour and love Did chastely as in sacred Temples meet Such reviv'd Patterns us no more improve Than Flowers so rais'd by Chymists make us sweet 6. Yet when the souls disease we desp'rate find Poets the old renown'd Physitians are Who for the sickly habits of the mind Examples as the ancient cure prepare 7. And bravely then Physitians hononr gain When to the world diseases cureless seem And they in Science valiant ne'r refrain Arts war with Nature till they life redeem 8. But Poets their accustom'd task have long Forborn who for Examples did disperse The Heroes virtues in Heroick Song And now think virtue sick past cure of verse 9. Yet to this desp'rate cure I will proceed Such patterns shew as shall not fail to move Shall teach the valiant patience when they bleed And hapless Lovers constancy in love 10. Now Honour's chance the Duke with Oswald takes The Count his great Stake Life to Hubert sets Whilst his to Paradin's Lord Arnold stakes And little Hugo throws at Dargonets 11. These Four on equal ground those Four oppose Who wants in strength supples it with his skill So valiant that they make no haste to close They not apace but handsomly would kill 12. And as they more each others courage found Each did their force more civilly express To make so manly and so fair a wound As loyal Ladies might be proud to dress 13. But vain though wondrous seems the short event Of what with pomp and Noise we long prepare One hour of battel oft that force hath spent Which Kings whole lives have gather'd for a war 14. As Rivers to their ruin hastie be So life still earnest loud and swift runs post To the vaste Gulf of death as they to
There from sick mirth neglectful Feasters â—eel Who cares of want in wine's false Lâ—the sleep There anxious empty Gamsters homeward steal And fear to wake ere they begin to sleep 20. Here stooping Lab'rers slowly moving are Beasts to the Rich whose strength grows rude with case And would usurp did not their Rulers care With toile and tax their furious strength appease 21. There th' Aged walk whose needless carefulness Infects them past the Mindes best med'cin sleep There some to Temples early vows address And for th'ore busie world most wisely weep 22. To this vast Inn where Tydes of strangers flow The Morn and Hurgonil together came The Morn whose Dewy wings appear'd but slow When Men the motion mark'd of swifter Fame 23. For Fame whose journeys are through waies unknown Trâ—celess and swift and changing as the wind The Morn and Hurgonil had much out-gone Whilst temp'rate Truth mov'd patiently behind 24 For some the Combat to a Batail grown Did apprehend in such prodigious shape As if their living to the Dead were gone And onely Fame did by her Wings escape 25. Some said this Hunting falsely was design'd That by pretence both Factions might prepare Their Armies to contest for Rhodalind The Crown 's chief Jewel and Reward of War 26. And some report so far they range from Truth Who for intelligence must follow Fame That then from Bergamo th'encamped Youth With Gondibert to this dire Hunting came 27. And some that Oswald had enlarg'd his Train With the old Troops by his bold Father led And that of these the nobler half were slain The rest were to their Camp at Brescia fled 28. And as dire Thunder rowling ore Heav'ns vault By murmure threatens ere it kills aloud So was this fatal news in whisper brought Which menac'd ere it struck the list'ning Croud 29. But Rumour soon to high extreams does move For first it Oswald nam'd with dreadfull voice Then said that Death had widow'd Truth and Love By making Gondibert the second choice 30. And to all hearts so dear was Gondibert So much did Pitie Oswald's Valour prise That strait their early bus'ness they desert And fix on wounded Hurgonil their Eyes 31. Him when by perfect day they sadly knew Through hiddeÌ„ wounds whose blood his beauty stain'd Even from the Temples Angels soon withdrew So sawcely th' afflicted there complain'd 32. The People straight united clamour gave Shriek'd loud like Sea-men split on a strange Coast As if those Pow'rs were deaf who should them save And Pray'rs no louder than the winds were lost 33. Now with impatience urg'd he does declare Whom he so mournfully in Fun'ral brought The publick losses of a private war Who living love and valour dying taught 34. For he does Hugo and Arnoldo name To these said he Verâ—ra Cradles gave And since in forreign Fields they rais'd her Fame They challenge here though much too soon a Grave 35. Bring sprinklings Lamps and th'Altar's precious breath All Rites which Priests have prudently devis'd Who gratefully a rev'rence teach to death Because they most by dying men are pris'd 36. But though our loss we justly may complain Though even by Priests authority we grieve Yet Heav'n's first bounty Life let none disdain Since Gondibert our chief Delight does live 37. Thâ—â—eard as Sea-men near a Shore unknown Who their North Guide lose in a Stormy night His absence with distracted silence moan And loudly welcome his return to sight 38. So when their great Conductor seem'd to be Retir'd to endless shades amongst the slain With silent grief they seem'd as dead as he But with new life welcom'd his life again 39. And now that cold remainder Valour left Of these whom Love had lost and Fate forsook The Two that were of all but Fame berefr From Hurgonil the weeping People took 40. Whilst of them both sad Hurgonil takes leave Till th' universal meeting Faith provides The Day when all shall publickly receave Those Bodies Death does not destroy but Hides 41. Then to his Palace he retires by stealth His wounds from his lov'd Mistress to conceal On whose dear joys so much depends his health The wounds her Tears should touch would never heal 42. To the chief Temple straight the People bear The valiant Rivals who for love were slain Whom all he peacefull Priests behold with fear And griev'd such Guests they durst not entertain 43. For soon the Prior of their Brotherhood Who long serv'd Heav'n with praise the world with pray'r Cry'd out this holy House is shut to blood To all that die in combat or despair 44. These by their bloody marks in Compar dy'd Through anger the disease of Beasts untam'd Whose wrath is hunger but in Men 't is pride Yet theirs is cruelty ours courage nam'd 45. Here the neglected Lord of peace does live Who taught the wrangling world the rules of love Should we his dwelling to the wrathfull give Our Sainted Dead would rise and he remove 46. Well by his precepts may we punish strife Whose pitie knew that Famine Plague and Time Are Enemies enough to humane life None need ore-charge Death's Quiver with a crime 47. To unfrequented Fields bear then your slain Where neither Dirge nor Requiem shall be giv'n To those who by usurp'd Revenge disdain To take from Men neglects they put on Heav'n 48. But now the People's passions run too far Their untaught love artless extreams does wed Of times they like the past and since they are Opprest still by the living love the Dead 49. And now resolve these Rivals shall not lose The Rites of Sprinkling Incense Lights and Song Then as the voice of all their Minds they chuse An Oratour of rude but ready Tongue 50. Who at the Temple Gate thus pleads aloud We know though Priests are Pensioners of Heav'n Your Flock which yields best rent is this dull Croud The learn'd examine why their Fleece is giv'n 51. Though by the Rich first shorn to you they bear A second tribute and by zeal support Temples which Kings for glory raise and where The Rich for fame the Learn'd as Spies resort 52. Temples are yours not God's lov'd Palaces Where Off'rings make not his but your own Feasts Where you most wisely live because at ease And entertain your Founders as your Guests 53. With ease you take what we provide with care And we who your Legation must maintain Find all your Tribe in the Commission are And none but Heav'n could send so large a Train 54. But being all Ambassadours from thence The growing charge will soon exceed our rent Unless you please to treat at his expence Who sent you not at ours where you are sent 55. The ancient Laws liv'd in the Peoples voice Rites you from Custom not from Canon draw They are but fashions of a graver choice Which yield to Laws and now our voice is Law 56. This Tybalt heard with sorrow and disdain Who here with Hurgonil a Mourner came And strait the peacefull Fathers strives to
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
his own deeds which doing were admir'd 18. This Arribert with outward patience hears Though wounded by the cause for which they fought With mod'rate joy the death of Oswald bears Yet justly to extreams it inward wrought 19. Tybalt he now with peacefull looks discharg'd And then his thoughts imprison'd in his breast He straight by libertie of Tongue inlarg'd Which thus unto his Councel he addrest 20. With what a diff'rence Nature's pallate tasts The sweetest draught which Art provides her Pow'r Since Pow'r Pride's Wine but high in relish last Whilst fuming new for Time does turn it sow'r 21. Yet Pow'r Earth's tempting Fruit Heav'n first did plant From Mans first Serpent safe Ambition's reach Else Eden could not serve Ambition's want Whom no command can rule nor precept teach 22. Pow'r is that luscious wine which does the bold The wise and noble most Intoxicate Ads time to Youth and takes it from the Old Yet I by surfeit this Elixer hate 23. I curse those Wars that make my glory last For which the Tuscan Widows curse me more Tâ—e barren Fields where I in Arms did fast That I might furfeit on Iuxurious pow'r 24. Thou Hermegild who art for valour Crown'd For honour trusted and for wisdom heard And you whom Counsel has no less renown'd Observe how virtue against peace has err'd 25. Still I have fought as if in Beauty's sight Out-suffer'd patience bred in Captives Breasts Taught fasts till Bodies like our Souls grew light Out-watch'd the jealous and out-labour'd Beasâ—â— 26. These were my merits my reward is Pow'r An outward Trifle bought with inward peace Got in an Age and rifled in an hour When feav'rish love the People's Fit shall cease 27. For did not Pow'r on their frail love depend Prince Oswald had not treated with that love Whose glory did in hastie darkness end A spark which vanish'd as it upward strove 28. By scorn of dangers and of ease he sought The Lombards hearts my Rhodalind and Crown And much his youth had by his practice wrought Had Gondibert not levell'd his renown 29. Had Gondibert not staid the Peoples Eyes Whose virtue stept 'twixt Oswald and their sight Who knows but Rhodalind had been his Prise Or war must have secur'd Paternal right 30. Sad and uneasie is a long-kept Throne Not that the People think long pow'r unjust But that for change they wish best Monarchs gone Fond change the People's soon repented lust 31. I did advance though with some jealous pain A forward virtue to my subjects love Lest one less temp'rat should their favour gain Whom their unstudy'd choice would more approve 32. To thee sage Hermegild my self I leave My fame and pow'r Thee action cannot waste Caution retard nor promptitude deceave Slowness belate nor Hope drive on too fast 33. Think Hubert Heir to Oswald's bold pretence To whom the Camp at Brescia is inclin'd The Duke at Bergamo will seek defence And these are seeds of war for Rhodalind 34. This said his Councel he dismiss'd who spy'd A growing rage which he would fain conceal They durst but nicely search what he would hide Lest they inflame the wound that else might heal 35. They haste to sev'ral Cares some to allay Court's hectick Feaver Faction which does reign Where Luxury the Syre of Want does sway Some to appease th' Alliance of the slain 36. But Order now bids us again pursue Th' unweary'd Motion of unhappie Fame From Fields to Streets from Streets to Court she flew Where first she to the Kings Apartment came 37. Thence through the Palace she her wings did air And as her Wings her Tongue too never ceas'd Like restless Swallows in an Evening fair At last does on a peacefull dwelling rest 38. Where Sleep does yet that gentle Sex possess Who ne'r should more of Care 's rude wakings know But what may help sad Lovers to success Or imp Loves wings when Hymen thinks them slow 39. There Lovers seek the Royal Rhodalind Whose secret breast was sick for Gondibert And Orna who had more in publick pin'd For Hurgonil the Monarch of her heart 40. And there the killing Laura did reside See of whose Eyes the Lombard Youth Complain Yet often she for noble Arnold di'd And knew not now her Murderer was slain 41. Nor Hugo who was all with love indu'd Whom still with tears the Lombard Ladies name Esteeming Modern Lovers false and rude And Poets falser when they sing their fame 42. These Beauties who could soften Tyrant Kings Sleep now conceal'd within there Curtains shade Till rudely Fame by shaking loud her wings Disturb'd their Eyes and their wak'd hearts dismay'd 43. They heard in parcels by imperfect sound A tale too dismal to be understood That all their Lovers lay in hallow'd ground Temples their Bodies hid the Fields their bloud 44. That this dire Morn to sad Verona brought The Duke and Oswald of lov'd life depriv'd And that of all who their fierce battel fought Onely the mangled Hurgonil surviv'd 45. This Tale Fam's course officious Friends convey'd Which are attendant Slaves and Palace Grooms Who by the Lover of some busie Maid From outward Courts sent it to inward Rooms 46. Such horrour brought where love had onely us'd Did yet breed more amazement than belief Whilst Orna now and Laura flie confus'd To Râ—odalind Truth 's Altar for relief 47. There with disorder'd voyces they compare And then derive what each has loosly learn'd Each hope applies where others most despair As doubting all but where her self's concern'd 48. This weeping conf'rence had not lasted long When Tybalt free from Aribert's commands Scapes the assembling Court 's inquiring Throng And enters here where first he doubtfull stands 49. For Pitie when he ruin'd Laura spi'de Bids his discretion artfully complain And shew far off what Truth not long can hide Death at a distance seen may ease fears pain 50. Their bus'ness now he can no more forbear For who on their urg'd patience can prevail Whose expectation is provok'd with fear He therefore thus their patience did assail 51. Kind Heav'n that gave you virtue give you peace Delightfull as your Beauties be your Minds Still may your Lovers your renown increase Though he who honour seeks first danger finds 52 Still may your beauty bear that ancient rate Which beautie was chaste Honours Merchandice When Valor was chief Factor in Love's State Danger Love's stamp and Beautie 's currant price 53. Renown'd be Oswald who in high belief Of Rhodalind her love with danger sought In Love's Records be Gondibert the chief Who for her right not for his own has sought 54. Though these for mighty minds deserve Fame's voice Yet Orna needs must boast of Hurgonil Whose dangers well have justifi'd her choice And might alone Fame's publick Trumpet fill 55. Enlarg'd be Honor's Throne that Arnold there And Hugo may for ever sit and rest Free from their Valor 's toyls and Laura's fear Which more than wounds disorder'd eithers Breast 56. This said he paws'd finds
each distrusts his art For Hope and Doubt came and return'd apace In chang'd Complexion from th' uncertain heart Like frighted Scowts for Tidings to the Face 57. His Eie seem'd most imploy'd on Rhodalind Whose love above her bashful caution sways For naming Gondibert he soon did find Her secret Soul shew'd pleasure at his praise 58. Yet when she found her comforts did not last And that as Oracles the future taught He hid Truth 's Face and darkned what was past Thus Truth through all her mourning Vails she sought 59. Why in these Ladies do you lengthen pain By giving them Grief 's common med'cin Doubt Ease those with death whose Lovers now are slain Life's fire a Feaver is when Love's is out 60. Yet think not that my cares peculiar are Perhaps I from religious pitie learn'd In Virtue 's publick loss to take some share For there all but the vicious are concern'd 61. Your Prudence Royal Maid he straight replies More than your birth may claim the Lombards Crown Who'ere in conquest of your favour dies For life's lost Inch shall find a long renown 62. Then happy Oswald who is sure to gain Even by Ambition that undoes the wise Great was th' attempt for which he 's nobly slain And gets him praise though he has mist the Prize 63. But happier Gondibert who does survive To beg your Mercy that he thus hath dar'd To own that cause for which the world might strive And conq'ring takes his wounds for his reward 64. Be Hurgonil long distant from his Grave Whose life was so important in this cause Who for each wound he took a wider gave And liveâ—t ' enjoy the pleasure of applause 65. To say how Hugo and Lord Arnold strove For victory and mention their event Were to provide such fun'ral rites for Love As Death would be closs Mourner and repent 66. Now Laura's blood back to her livâ—â— fled True Beautie 's Mint For by her Heart Lâ—ve's Throne Beautie 's call'd in like Coyn when Kings are dead As if not currant now her Lover's gone 67. And like her beauty she had darkned life But that with sprinkled water they restore By sudden cold with sudden heat aâ—strife Her spirits to those walks they us'd before 68. She Arnold calls then lost that â—â—â—e again Which Rhodalind and Orna's tears â—eâ—one Who busily would her spent strength sustain Though Hope has scarcely yet brought back their own 69. Now they her Temples chaf'd and straight prepare Hot Eastern Fumes to reach her Brains cool'd sence With Wine 's â—â—erce spirits these extracted are Which warm but slowly though of swift expence 70. Yet now again she breath'd Lord Arnold's name Which her apt Tongue through custom best exprest Then to stay Life that so unwilling came With Cordial Epithems they bath'd her breast 71. Th' attendant Maids by Tyhalt's ready aid To stop her Mourners tears convey her now Where she may ease in her own Curtain 's shade Her weary heart and grief more Tongue allow 72. No sooner was this pity'd Laura gone But Oswald's sister Gartha the renown'd Enters as if the world were overthrown Or in the tears of the afflicted drown'd 73. Unconquer'd as her beauty was her mind Which wanted not a spark of Oswald's fire Ambition lov'd but ne'r to Love was kind Vex'd Thrones did more than quiet shades desire 74. Her Garments now in loose neglect she wore As sured to her wild dis-shevell'd hair Men in her shape might Nature's work adore Yet ask why Art 's nice dress was absent there 75. But soon they found what made this change appear For meeting Truth which slowly follows Fame Rage would not give her leasure for a Tear To quench ere he thus spake her passions flame 76. Blasted be all your beauties Rhodalind Till you a shame and terrour be to light Unwing'd be Love and slow as he is blind Who with your Looks poyson'd my Brothers sight 77. Low and neglected be your Father's Throne Which like your beauty Oswald did ore-rate Let luckless war take Lands from his light Crown Till those high cares he want that give it weight 78. Let Pow'rs consumption be his long disease Heav'ns vexing curb which makes wild Monarchs â—am And be he forc'd in froward age to please His Favour 's Monster who devours his Fame 79. May you soon feel though secret in your love As if your love were Sin the publick scorn May Gondibert who is your glory move Your pitie when none else but you shall mourn 80. To the dark Inn where weary Valour free From thankless dangers rests brave Oswald's gone But Hubert may though vanquish'd live to see Your Victor with his victory undone 81. This said she mounts with a tempestuous Brow The Chariot her Calabrian Coursers drew Lifted by Slaves who still about her bow As if with wings of swift Revenge she flew 82. To Brescia's Camp her course she had design'd And bids her Tuscan Chaâ—â—ioter drive on As if his Steeds were dieted with wind Slow seems their speed whose thoughts before them 〈◊〉 83. The pav'd Streets kindle with her Chariot wheels The Omen of wars fire the Citie spies Which with those sparks struck by her Coursers heels Shine not so much as rage does in her Eyes 84. Those that observ'd her anger grief and haste With ancient Roman melancholy mourn She seem'd their Cities Genius as she pass'd Who by their Sins expell'd would ne'r return 85. The gentle Ladies she has left in tears Who no example need nor cause to melt For soon even grief's Alarms our foremost tears Kill those whose pain by Love's quick sence is felt 86. And Rhodalind her fatal love does blame Because she finds it now by Gartha spy'd And does lament Love's fire which bashfull shame Cannotreveal nor her discretion hide 87. She would not have it waste nor publick grow But last conceal'd like that in Tullia's Urn Or that which prosp'rous Chymists nicely show Which as it thrives must more in private burn 88. Yet straight grown valiant with her Victors fate She would have Hymen hold his Torches high And Love's fire priz'd as Vestals theirs did rate Which none durst quench though free to ev'ry eye 89. Resolves her love whilst this new valour lasts Shall undisguis'd her Father's sight endure And Orna now to her dear Lover hastes Whose outward wounds stay for her inward cure 90. But here a wonder may arrest our thought Why Tybalt of his usual pity void To such sost Ears these direfull sorrows brought Since to the King he onely was employ'd 91. But these are Ridles of mysterious Love Tybalt in private long for Laura pin'd And try'd how Arnold would her passion move In death who living ever fill'd her mind 92. And by this trial how she Arnold us'd He gravely meant to urge or stay his heart But much by Love the Cautions are abus'd Who his wild Ridles would reduce to Art CANTO the Third The ARGUMENT Dead OSWALD to his Camp by HUBERT brought The Camp
much the Lombards to his conduct ow And this preserv'd him for the very Crowd Felt Honour here and did to valour bow 7. Vain Wrath Deform'd unquiet Child of Pride Which in a few the People madness call But when by Number they grew dignify'd What 's rage in one is liberty in all 8. Through dangers of this lawless liberty He like authentick Pow'r does boldly pass And with a quiet and experienc'd Eye Through Death's foul Vizard does despise his face 9. At Hubert's Tent alights where Hubert now With Gartha of this Torrent does advise Which he believes does at the highest flow And must like Tides sink when it cannot rise 10. When Hermegild he saw he did disperse Those cares assembled in his looks and strove Though to his Master and the Court perverse To shew him all the civil signs of Love 11. For him in stormy war he glorious knew Nor in calm Counsels was he less renown'd And held him now to Oswald's Faction true As by his love the world's first Tenure bound 12. For he though wasted in the ebb of blood When Man's Meridian tow'rds his Evening turns Makes against Nature's Law Lov 's Charter good And as in raging Youth for Gartha burns 13. Who did his suit not onely disapprove Because the summer of his life was past And she fresh blown but that even highest love Grows tasteless to Ambition's higher taste 14. Yet now in such a great and single cause With nice Ambition nicer Loves complies And she since to revenge he usefull was Perswades his hope with Rhet'rick of her Eyes 15. A closs division of the Tent they straight By outward Guards secure from all resort Then Hermegild does thus the cause relate Which to the Camp dispatch'd him from the Court. 16. Important Prince who justly dost succeed To Oswald's hopes and all my loyal aid Virtue as much in all thy wounds does bleed As love in me since wounded by that Maid 17. Long have I sayl'd through Times vexatious sea And first set out with all that Youth is worth The Tropicks pass'd of bloods hot bravery With all the Sayls gay Flags and Streamers forth 18. But as in hotter voyages Ships most Decay their trim yet then they chiefly gain By inward stowage what is outward lost So Men decays of youth repair in brain 19. If I experience boast when youth decays Such vanity may Gartha's pitie move Since so I seek your service by self-praise Rather than seem unusefull where I love 20. And never will I though by Time supply'd With such discretion as does Man improve To shew discretion wiser Nature hide By seeming now asham'd to say I love 21. For Love his pow'r has in grey Senates shown Where he as to green Courts does freely come And though loud youth his visits makes more known With graver Age he 's poivately at home 22. Scarce Oreece or greater Rome a Victor shows Whom more victorious Love did not subdue Then blame not me who am so weak to those Whilst Gartha all exceeds that ere they knew 23. Hope Love's first food I ne'r till now did know Which Love as yet but temp'rately devours And claims not love for love since Gartha so For Autumn Leaves should barter Summer Flowers 24. I dare not vainly wish her to be kind Till for her love my Arâ—s and Pow'r bestow The Crown on thee â—dorâ—'d with Rhodalind Which yet for Gartha is a price too low 25. This said he paws'd and now the hectick heat Of Oswald's blood doubled their Pulâ—es pace Which high as if they would be heard did beat And hot Ambition shin'd in eithers face 26. For Hermegild they knew could much out-doe His words and did possess great Aribert Not in the Courts cheap Glass of civil show But by a study'd Tenure of the heart 27. Whilst this try'd truth does make their wishes sure Hubert on Gartha looks with suing Eyes For Hermegild whose love she will endure And make Ambition yield what Youth denies 28. Yet in this bargain of her self she knows Not how to treat but all her chief desires Bids Hubert as the Twins of his dispose To glory and revenge and then retires 29. But with such blushes Hermegild she leaves As the unclouded Evening's Face adorn Nor much he for her parting glory grieves Since such an Evening bodes a happy Morn 30. Now Hermegild by vows does Hubert binde Vows by their fate in Lombard Story known He Gartha makes the price of Rhodalind And Aribert his Tenant to the Crown 31. He bids him now the Armies rage allay By rage said he onely they Masters are Of those they chuse when temp'rate to obay Against themselves th'impatient chiefly war 32. We are the Peoples Pilots they our winds To change by Nature prone but Art Laveers And rules them till they rise with Stormy Minds Then Art with danger against Nature Steers 33. Where calms have first amuz'd Storms most prevail Close first with calms the Courts suspicious Eyes That whilst with all their â—rim they sleeping sail A sudden Gust may wrack them by surprize 34. Your Army will though high in all esteem That ever rev'renc'd Age to action gave But a small Party to Verona seem Which yearly to such Numbers yields a Grave 35. Nor is our vast Metropolis like those Tame Towns which peace has soft'ned into fears But Death deform'd in all his Dangers knows Dangers which he like frightfull Vizards wears 36. From many Camps who forreign winters felt Verona has her conqu'ring Dwellers ta'ne In War's great Trade with richest Nations dealt And did their Gold and Fame with Iron gain 37. Yet to the mighty Aribert it bows A King out-doing all the Lombards Line Whose Court in Iron clad by courseness shows A growing pow'r which fades when Courts grow fine 38. Scorn not the Youthfull Camp at Bergamo For they are Victors though in years but young The war does them they it by action know And have obedient Minds in bodies strong 39. Be slow and stay for aids which haste forsakes For though Occasion still does Sloth out-go The rash who run from help she ne'r ore-takes Whose haste thinks Time the Post of Nature slow 40. This is a cause which our Ambition fills A cause in which our strength we should not waste Vainly like Giants who did heave at Hills 'T is too unwildy for the force of haste 41. A cause for graver Minds that learned are In mistick Man a cause which we must gain By surer methods than depend on war And respite Valour to employ the brain 42. In the King's Scale your merits are too light Who with the Duke weighs his own partial heart Make then the gift of Empire publick right And get in Rhodalind the Peoples part 43. But this rough side the meeting Multitude If we oppose we make our voyage long Yet when we with it row it is subdu'd And we are wise where Men in vain are strong 44. Then to the People sue but hide your force For they
believe the strong are still unjust Never to armed Sutors yield remorse And where they see the pow'r the right distrust 45. Assault their pitie as the weakest part Which the first Plaintiff never fails to move They search but in the face to find the heart And grief in Princes more than triumph love 46. And to prepare their pitie Gartha now Should in her sorrows height with me return For since their Eyes at all distresses flow How will they at afflicted beauty mourn 47. Much such a pledge of Peace will with the King Urg'd by my int'rest here my pow'r improve And much my power will to your int'rest bring If from the watchfull Court you hide my Love 48. If Gartha deigns to love our love must grow Unseen like Mandrakes weeded under ground That I still seeming unconcern'd may know The Kings new depths which length of trust may sound 49. Thus Hermegild his study'd thoughts declar'd Whilst Hubert who believ'd discover'd love A solid Pledge for hidden faith prepar'd To stay the Camp so furious to remove 50. And now their rage by correspondence spred Borgio allays that else like sparks of fire Which drops at first might drown by matter fed At last to quench the flame may seas require 51. As with the Sun they rose in wrath their wrath So with his heat increas'd but now he hastes Down Heav'ns steep Hill to his Atlantick Bath Where he refreshes till his Feaver wastes 52. With his by Borgin's help their heat declin'd So soon lov'd Eloquence does Throngs fubdue The common Mistress to each private Mind Painted and dress'd to all to no Man true 53. To Court his Gartha Hermegild attends And with old Lovers vain poetick Eyes Marks how her beauty when the Sun descends His pity'd Evening poverty supplies 54. The Army now to Neighb'ring Brescia bear With dismal pomp the slain In hallow'd ground They Paradine and Dargonet interr And Vasco much in painfull war renown'd 55. To Oswald whose illustrious Roman mind Shin'd out in life though now in dying hid Hubert these Roman fun'ral rites assign'd Which yet the world's last law had not forbid 56. Thrice is his Body clean by bathing made And when with Victor's Oyl anointed ore 'T is in the Palace Gate devoutly laid Clad in that Vest which he in Battel wore 57. Whilst seven succeeding Suns pass sadly by The Palace seems all hid in Cypress Boughs From ancient Lore of Man's mortalitie The Type for where 't is lopp'd it never grows 58. The publick fun'ral voice till these expire Cries out Here greatness tir'd with honour rests Come see what Bodies are when Souls retire And visit death ere you become his Guests 59. Now on a purple Bed the Corps they raise Whilst Trumpets summon all the common Quire In tune to mourn him and disperse his praise And then move slowly tow'rds the Fun'ral fire 60. They bear before him Spoils they gain'd in war And his great Ancestours in Sculpture wrought And now arrive where Hubert does declare How oft and well he for the Lombards fought 61. Here in an Altar's form a Pile is made Of Unctious Fir and Sleepers fatal Yew On which the Body is by Mourners laid Who there sweet Gums their last kind Tribute threw 62. Hubert his Arm Westward aversly stretch'd Whilst to the hopefull East his Eyes were turn'd And with a hallow'd Torch the Pyle he reach'd VVhich seen they all with utmost clamour mourn'd 63. VVhilst the full Flame aspires Oswald they crie Farewell we follow swiftly as the Hours For with Time's wings tow'rds Death even Cripples flie This said the hungrie Flame its food devours 64. Now Priests with VVine the Ashes quench and hide The Rev'renc'd Reliques in a Marble Urn. The old dismissive Ilicet is cry'd By the Town voice and all to Feasts return 65. Thus Urns may Bodies shew but the fled Mind The Learn'd seek vainly for whose Quest we pay VVith such success as cosen'd Shepherds find VVho seek to VVizards when their Cattel stray CANTO the Fifth The ARGUMENT The house of ASTRAGON where in distress Of Nature GONDIBERT for Art's redress Was by old ULFIN brought where Arts hard strife In studying Nature for the ayd of Life Is by full wealth and conduct easie made And Truth much visited though in her shade 1. FRom Brescia swiftly ore the bord'ring Plain Return we to the House of Astragon Where Gondibert and his succesfull Train Kindly lament the Victorie they won 2. But though I Fame's great Book shall open now Expect a while till she that Decad reads Which does this Dukes eternal Story show And aged Ulfin cites for special deeds 3. Where Friendship is renown'd in Ulfinore Where th' ancient musick of delightfull verse Does it no less in Goltho's Breast adore And th' union of their equal hearts rehearse 4. These wearie Victors the descending Sun Led hither where swift Night did them surprise And where for vatiant toils wise Astragon With sweet rewards of sleep did fill their Eyes 5. When to the needâ—e World Day did appear And freely op'd her Treasurie of light His house where Art and Nature Tenants were The pleasure grew and bus'ness of their sight 6. Where Ulfin who an old Domestick seems And rules as Master in the Owners Breast Leads Goltho to admire what he esteems And thus what he had long observ'd exprest 7. Here Art by such a diligence is serv'd As does th' unwearied Planets imitate Whose motion life of Nature has preserv'd The world which God vouchsaf'd but to create 8. Those heights which else Dwarf-life could never reach Here by the wings of Diligence they climb Truth skar'd with Terms froÌ„ Canting Schools they teach And buy it with their best sav'd Treasure Time 9. Here all Men seem Recov'rers of time past As busie as intentive Emmets are As alarm'd Armies that intrench in haste Or Cities whom unlook'd-for Sieges skare 10. Much it delights the wise observers Eye That all these toils direct to sev'ral skils Some from the Mine to the hot Fornace hie And some from flowrie Fields to weeping Stils. 11. The first to hopefull Chymicks matter bring Where Med'cine they extract for instant cure These bear the sweeter burthens of the Spring Whose virtues longer known though slow are sure 12. See there wet Divers from Fossone sent Who of the Seas deep Dwellers knowledge give Which more unquiet than their Element By hungrie war upon each other live 13. Pearl to their Lord and Cordial Coral these Present which must in sharpest liquids melt He with Nigella cures that dull disease They get who long with stupid Fish have dwelt 14. Others through Quarries dig deeply below Where Desart Rivers cold and private run Where Bodies conservation best they know And Mines long growth and how their veins begun 15. He shews them now Tow'rs of prodigious height Where Nature's Friends Philosophers remain To censure Meteors in their cause and flight And watch the Wind 's authoritie on Rain 16. Others with
first divide Whilst place scarce distant gives them diff'rent stiles Rivers whose breadth Inhabiâ—ants may stride Parts them as much as Continents and Isles 33. On equal smooth and undistinguish'd Ground The lust of pow'r does liberty impair And limits by a border and a bound What was before as passable as Air. 34. Whilst change of Languages oft breeds a war A change which Fashion does as oft obtrude As womens dress and oft Complexions are And diff'rent names no less a cause of fouâ— 35. Since Men so causelesly themselves devour And hast'ning still their else too hasty Fates Act but continu'd Massacres for pow'r My Father meant to chastise Kings and States 36. To overcome the world till but one Crown And universal Neighbourhood he saw Till all were rich by that alliance grown And want no more should be the cause of Law 37. One family the world was first design'd And though some fighting Kings so sever'd are That they must meet by help of Seas and wind Yet when they fight 't is but a civil war 38. Nor could Religions heat if one rul'd all To bloody war the unconcern'd allure And hasten us from Earth ere Age does call Who are alas of Heav'n so little sure 39. Religion ne'r till divers Monarchies Taught that almighty Heav'n needs Armies aid But with contentious Kings she now complies Who seem for their own cause of God's afraid 40. To joyn all sever'd Pow'rs which is to end The cause of War my Father onward fought By war the Lombard Scepter to extend Till peace were forc'd where it was slowly sought 41. He lost in this attempt his last dear blood And I whom no remoteness can deterre If what seems difficult be great and good Thought his Example could not make me erre 42. No place I merit in the Book of Fame Whose leaves are by the Greeks and Romans fill'd Yet I presume to boast she knows my name And she has heard to whom the Hunns did yield 43. But let not what so needfully was done Though still pursu'd make you ambition fear For could I force all Monarchies to one That Universal Crown I would not wear 44. He who does blindly â—oar at Rhodalind Mounts like feel'd Doves still higher from his ease And in the lust of Empire he may find High Hope does better than Fruition please 45. The Victor's solid recompence is rest And 't is unjust that Chiefs who pleasure shun Toyling in Youth should be in Age opprest With greater Toyls by ruling what they won 46. Here all reward of conquest I would find Leave shining Thrones for Birtha in a shade With Nature's quiet wonders fill my mind And praise her most because she Birtha made 47. Now Astragon with joy suffic'd perceiv'd How nobly Heav'n for Birtha did provide Oâ—t had he for her vanish'd Mother griev'd â—ut â—an this joy less than that sorrow hide 48. With tears bids Gondibert to Heav'ns Eye make All good within as to the World he seems And in gain'd Birtha then from Hymen take All youth can wish and all his age esteems 49. Straight to his lov'd Philosophers he hies Who now at Nature's Counsel busie are To trace new Lights which some old Gazer spies Whilst the Duke seeks more busily his Star 50. But in her search he is by Goltho stay'd Who in a closs dark Covert folds his Arms His Eyes with thought grow darker than that shade Such thought as brow and breast with study warms 51. Fix'd to unheeded object is his Eye His sences he calls in as if t' improve By outward absence inward extasie Such as makes Prophets or is made by Love 52. Awake said Gondibert for now in vain Thou dream'st of sov'reignty and War's success Hope nought has left which Worth should wish to gain And all Ambition is but Hope's excess 53. Bid all our Worthies to unarm and rest For they have nought to conquer worth their care I have a Father's right in Birtha's breast And that 's the peace for which the wise make war 54. At this starts Goltho like some Armie 's Chief Whom unintrench'd a midnight Larum wakes By pawse then gave disorder'd sence relief And this reply with kindled passion makes 55. What means my Prince to learn so low a boast Whose merit may aspire to Rhodalind For who could Birtha miss if she were lost That shall by worth the others treasure find 56. When your high blood and conquests shall submit To such mean joys in this unminded shade Let Courts without Heav'ns Lamps in darkness sit And war become the lowly Shepheard's Trade 57. Birtha a harmless Cottage Ornament May be his Bride that 's born himself to serve But you must pay that blood your Anny spent And wed that Empire which our wounds deserve 58. This brought the Dukes swiâ—t anger to his Eyes Which his consid'rate Heart rebuk'd as fast He Goltho chid in that he nought replies Leaves him and Birtha seeks with Lovers haste 59. Now Goltho mourns yet not that Birtha's fair Or that the Duke shuns Empire for a Bride But that himself must joyn love to despair Himself who loves her and his love must hide 60. He curs'd that him the wounded hither brought From Oswald's field where though he wounds did scape In tempting Death and here no danger sought Yet here met worse than Death in Beauty's shape 61. He was unus'd to love as bred in wars And not till now for beâ—uty leasure had Yet bore Love's load as Youth beaâ—s other Câ—res Till now despair makes Love's old weight too â—ad 62. But Ulfinore does hither aptly come His second breast in whom his griefs excess He may ebb out when they ore-flow at home Such griefs as thus in Throngs for utt'rance press 63. Forgive me that so falsly am thy Friend No more our Hearts for kindness shall contest Since mine I hourly on another spend And now imbrace thee with an empty brest 64. Yet pard'ning me you cancel Nature's fault Who walks with her first force in Birtha's shape And when she spreads the Net to have us caught It were in youth presumption to escape 65. When Birtha's grief so comly did appear Whilst she beheld our wounded Duke's distress Then first my alter'd Heart began to fear Lest too much Love should friendship dispossess 66. But this whilst Ulfinore with sorrow hears Him Goltho's busier sorrow little heeds And though he could reply in sighs and tears Yet governs both and Goltho thus proceeds 67. To Love's new dangers I have gone unarm'd I lack'd experience why to be afraid Was too unlearn'd to read how Love had harm'd But have his will as Nature's law obay'd 68. Th'obedient and defenceless sure no law Afflicts for law is their defence and pow'r Yet me Loves sheep whom rigour needs not aw Wolf-Love because defenceless does devour 69. Gives me not time to perish by degrees But with despair does me at once destroy For none who Gondibert a Lover sees Thinks he would love but where he may enjoy
Since love woo'd him and in the shape of Pow'r 78. But when he mark'd that he did from them move With sudden shyness he suppos'd it shame Of being seen in chase of Birtha's love As if above it grown since Orgo came 79. Goltho by nature was of Musick made Chearfull as Victors warm in their success He seem'd like Birds created to be glad And nought but love could make him taste distress 80. Hope which our cautious Age scarce entertains Or as a Flatt'rer gives her cold respect He runs to meet invites her and complains Of one hours absence as a years neglect 81. Hope the world 's welcome and his standing Guest Fed by the Rich but feasted by the Poor Hope that did come in triumph to his breast He thus presents in boast to Ulfinore 82. Well may I Friend auspicious Love adore Seeing my mighty Rival takes no pride To be with Birtha seen and he before Thou knowst enjoyn'd that I his love should hide 83. Nor do I break his trust when 't is reveal'd To thee since we are now so much the same That when from thee it is from me conceal'd For we admit no diff'rence but in name 84. But be it still from ev'ry other Ear Preserv'd and strictly by our mutual vow His Laws are still to my obedience dear Who was my Gen'ral though my Rival now 85. And well thou knowst how much mine Eyes did melt When our great Leader they did first perceive Love's Captive led whose sorrows then I felt Though now for greater of mine own I grieve 86. Nor do I now by love in duty erre For if I get what he would fain possess Then he a Monarch is and I preferre Him who undoes the world in being less 87. When Heav'n which hath preferr'd me to thy brest Where Friendship is inthron'd shall make it known That I am worth thy love which is exprest By making Heav'nly Birtha all mine own 88. Then at this quiet Eden thou wilt call And stay a while to mark if Love 's prais'd Plant Have after Spring a ripeness and a Fall Or never of the first abundance want 89. And I shall tell thee then if Poets are In using Beauty's Pencil false or blind For they have Birtha drawn but sweet and fair Stiles of her Face the Curtain of her Mind 90. And thou at parting shalt her picture wear For Nature's honour not to shew my pride Try if like her the teeming World does bear Then bring that Copy hither for thy Bride 91. And they shall love as quietly as we Their Beauty's pow'r no civil War will raise But flourish and like neighb'ring Flow'rs agree Unless they kindly quarrel in our praise 92. Then we for change will leave such luscious peace In Camps their Favours shall our Helms adorn For we can no way else our joys increase But by beholding theirs at our return 93. Thus cloath'd in Feathers heâ—on Steeples walks Not guessing yet that silent Ulfinore Had study'd her of whom he loosly talks And what he likes did solidly adore 94. But Ulfinore with cold discretion aw'd His passion and did grave with Love become Though youthfully he sent his Eyes abroad Yet kept with manly care his Tongue at home 95. These Rival's hopes he did with patience hear His count'nance not uneasie seem'd nor strange Yet meant his cares should more like Love appear If in the Duke Ambition bred a change 96. But as the Duke shun'd them for secrecy So now they from approaching Orgâ— move Made by Discretion Love's strict Tutor shy Which is to Lovers painfull as their Love 97. But Orgo they did ill suspect whose Youth And nature yielded Lovers no offence Us'd by his Lord for kindness and for truth Both native in him as his innocence 98. And here pass'd by in haste to Court employ'd That Birtha may no more have cause to mourn Full was his little Breast and over-joy'd That much depended on his quick return 99. Many like Orgo in their Manhoods Morn As Pages did the Noble Duke attend The Sons of Chiess whom beauty did adorn And fairer Virtue did that beauty mend 100. These in his Heroe's Schools he bred which were In Peace his Palace and in War his Tent As if Time's self had read sage Lecture there How he would have his hours Life's Treasure spent 101. No action though to shorten dreaded war Nor needfull Counsels though to lengthen Peace Nor Love of which wise Nature takes such care Could from this usefull work his cares release 102. But with the early Sun he rose and taught These Youths by growing virtue to grow great Shew'd greatness is without it blindly sought A desp'rate charge which ends in base retreat 103. He taught them shame the sudden sence of ill Shame Nature's hasty Conscience which forbids Weak inclination ere it grow to will And stays rash will before it grow to deeds 104. He taught them Honour Virtue 's bashfulness A Fort so yieldless that it fears to treat Like Pow'r it grows to nothing growing less Honour the moral Conscience of the Great 105. He taught them kindness Souls civilitie In which nor Courts nor Cities have a part For theirs is fashion this from falshood free Where Love and pleasure know no Lust nor Art 106. And Love he taught the Soul 's stoln Visit made Though froward Age watch hard and Law forbid Her walks no Spie has trac'd nor mountain staid Her friendship's cause is as the Loadstone's hid 107. He taught them love of Toyl Toyl which does keep Obstructions from the Mind and quench the bloud Ease but belongs to us like sleep and sleep Like Opium is our Med'cine not our Food 108. To dangers us'd them which Death's Visards are More uglie than himself and often chace From Battel Coward-life but when we dare His Vizard see we never fear his face CANTO the Third The ARGUMENT The Poet takes the Wise aside to prove Ev'n them concern'd in all he writes of Love The duteous ORGO from the Court returns With joys at which again fair BIRTHA mourns The Duke with open Arms does entertain Those Guests whom he receives with secret pain 1. THou whom some Ages hence these Roles dost read Kept as Records by Lovers of Love's pow'r Thou who dost live when I have long been dead And feed'st from Earth when Earth does me devour 2. Who liv'st perhaps amidst some Cities joys Where they would fall asleep with Lazie peace But that their triumphs make so great a noise And their loud Bells cannot for Nuptials cease 3. Thou who perhaps proudly thy bloomie Bride Lead'st to some Temple where I withered lie Proudly as if she Age's Frosts desy'd And that thy springing self could never die 4. Thou to whom then the chearfull Quire will sing Whilst hallow'd Lamps and Tapers brave the Sun As a Lay-Light and Bells in triumph ring As when from sallies the Besiegers run 5. Then when the Priest has ended if thine Eyes Can but a little space her Eyes
forbear To shew her where my Marble Coâ—â—in lies Her Virgin Garlands she will offer there 6. Confess that reading me she learnt to Love That all the good behaviour of her heart Even tow'rds thy self my doctrine did improve Where Love by Nature is forewarn'd of Art 7. She will confess that to her Maiden state This Storie shew'd such Patterns of great Life As though she then could those but imitate They an Example make her now a Wife 8. And thy lif 's fire could she a while out-live Which were though lawfull neither kind nor good Then even her sorrows would examples give And shine to others through dark widowhood 9. And she will boast how spite of Cynick Age Of bus'ness which does Pow'r uncivil make Of ruder Cells where they Love's Fire asswage By studying Death and Fear for Virtue take 10. And spite of Courts where loving now is made An Art as dying is in Cells my Laws Did teach her how by Nature to perswade And hold by virtue whom her beautie draws 11. Thus when by knowing me thou know'st to whom Love ows his Eyes who has too long been blind Then in the Temple leave my Bodies Tomb To seek this Book the Mon'ment of my Mind 12. Where thou may'st read who with impatient Eyes For Orgo on the guilded Tarras stay Which high and golden shews and open lies As the Morn's Window when she lets out Day 13. Whose heighth Two rising Forrests over-looks And on Pine-tops the Eye-sight downward cast Where distant Rivers seem bestrided Brooks Churches but Anchor'd Ships their Steeples Masts 14. Hence by his little Regian Courser brought Orgo they spie with diligence indu'd As if he would oretake fore-running Thought And he by many swiftly seem'd pursu'd 15. But his light speed left those awhile behind Whilst with rais'd Dust their swiftness hide the way Yet Birtha will too soon by Orgo find What she by distance lost in this survay 16. Orgo a precious Casket did present To his dear Lord of Podian Saphyr wrought For which unknown to Birtha he was sent And a more precious Pledge was in it brought 17. Then thus proclaim'd his joy Long may I live Sent still with blessings from the Heav'nly Powers And may their bounties shew what they can give And full as fast as long expected Showers 18. Behold the King with such a shining Train As dazles sight yet can inform the Blind But there the Rich and Beauteous shine in vain Unless they dâ—stance keep from Rhodalind 19. Mâ— thinks they through the Middle Region come Their Chariots hid in Clouds of Dust below And ore their Heads their Coursers scatter'd Fome Does seem to cover them like falling Snow 20. This Birtha heard and she on Orgo cast A pitious look for she no anger knew But griev d he knows not that he brings too fast Such joys as fain she faster would eschew 21. So Gondibert this Gust of glorie took As Men whose Sayls are full more weather take And she so gaz'd on him as Sea-men look On long sought shore when Tempests drive them back 22. But now these glories more apparent be And justly all their observation claim'd Great as in greatest Courts less Princes see When entertain'd to be eclips'd and sham'd 23. West from Verona's Road through pleasant Meads Their Chariots cross and to the Palace steer And Aribert this winged triumph leads Which like the Planets Progress did appear 24. So shin'd they and so noiseless seem'd their speed Like Spartans touching but the silken Reins Was all the conduct which their Coursers need And proudly to sit still was all their pains 25. With Aribert sat royal Rhodalind Calm Orna by the Count by Hermegild Silver'd with time the Golden Gartha shin'd And Tybalt's Eyes were full by Laura fill'd 26. The lesser Beauties numberless as Stars Shew'd â—ickly and far off to this Noon-day And lagg'd like Baggage Treasure in the Wars Or onely seem'd another Milkie-way 27. The Duke perceiv'd the King design'd to make This visit more familiar by surprise And with Court art he would no notice take Of that which Kings are willing to disguise 28. But as in heedless sleep the House shall seem New wak'd with this Alarm and Vlfin strait Whose â—ame was precious in the Courts esteem Must as with casual sight their entrance wait 29. To Astragon he doubles all his Vows To Birtha through his Eies his Heart reveal'd And by some civil jealousies he shows Her beauty from the Court must be conceal'd 30. Prays her from Envy's danger to retire The Palace war which there can never cease Till Beauty's force in age or death expire A War disguis'd in civil shapes of Peace 31. Still he the precious Pledge kept from her view Who guess'd not by the Casket his intent And was so willing not to fear him true That she did fear to question what it ment 32. Now hasts she to be hid and being gon Her Lover thinks the Planet of the day So leaves the mourning World to give the Moon Whose Train is mark'd but for their number way 33. And entring in her Closet which took light Full in the Palace Front she finds her Maids Gather'd to see this gay unusuall sight Which Commet-like their wondring Eyes invades 34. Where Thula would by climbing highest be Though ancient grown and was in Stature short Yet did protest she came not there to see But to be hid from dangers of the Court. 35. Their curious longing Birtha durst not blame Boldness which but to seeing did aspire Since she her self provok'd with Courts great Fame Would fain a little see what all admire 36. Then through the Casement ventur'd so much Face As Kings depos'd shew when through Grates they peep To see Deposers in their Crowding pass But strait shrink back and at the triumph weep 37. Soon so her Eyes did too much glory find For ev'n the first she saw was all for she No more would view since that was Rhodalind And so much beauty could none others be 38. Which with her Virtue weigh'd no less renown'd Afflicts her that such worth must fatal prove And be in tears of the Possessor drown'd Or she depose her Lover by her love 39. But Thula wildly earnest in the view Of such gay sights as she did ne'r behold Mark'd not when Birtha her sad Eyes withdrew But dreamt the world was turn'd again to Gold 40. Each Lady most till more appear'd ador'd Then with rude liking prais'd them all aloud Yet thought them foul and course to ev'ry Lord And civilly to ev'ry Page she bow'd 41. The objects past out-sigh'd ev'n those that woo And strait her Mistris at the Window mist Then finding her in grief out-sigh'd her too And her fair Hands with parting passion kist 42. Did with a Servants usual art profess That all she saw was to her beauty black Confess'd their Maids well bred and knew to dress But said those Courts are poor which painting lack 43. Thy praise said Birtha poyson'd
15. For she is yours as your adoption free And in that gift my remnant Life I give But 't is to you brave Youth Who now are she And she that Heav'n where secondly I live 16. And richer than that Crown which shall be thine When Life's long Progress I am gone with Fame Take all her love which scarce forbears to shine And own thee through her Virgin-Curtain Shame 17. Thus spake the King and Rhodalind appear'd Through publish'd Love with so much bashfulness As young Kings shew when by surprize ore-heard Moaning to Fav'rite Ears a deep distress 18. For Love is a distress and would be hid Like Monarchs grief by which they bashfull grow And in that shame beholders they forbid Since those blush most who must their blushes show 19. And Gondibert with dying Eyes did grieve At her vail'd love a wound he cannot heal As great Minds mourn who cannot then relieve The virtuous when through shame they want conceal 20. And now cold Birtha's rosie looks decay Who in Fear 's Frost had like her beauty dy'd But that Attendant Hope perswades her stay A while to hear her Duke who thus reply'd 21. Victorious King Abroad your Subjects are Like Legats safe at home like Altars free Ev'n by your fame they conquer as by war And by your Laws safe from each other be 22. A King you are ore Subjects so as wise And noble Husbands seem ore Loyal Wives Who claim not yet confess their liberties And brag to strangers of their happy lives 23. To Foes a winter storm whilst your Friends how Like Summer Trees beneath your bounty's load To me next him whom your great self with low And chearfull duty serves a giving God 24. Since this is you and Rhodalind the Light By which her Sex fled virtue find is yours Your Diamond which tests of jealous sight The stroke and fire and Oisel's juice endures 25. Since she so precious is I shall appear All counterfeit of Art's disguises made And never dare approach her Lustre near Who can scarce hold my value in the shade 26. Forgive me that I am not what I seem But falsly have dissembled an excess Of all such virtues as you most esteem And now grow good but as I ills confess 27. Far in Ambition's Feaver am I gone Like raging Flame aspiring is my Love Like flame destructive too and like the Sun Does round the world tow'rds change of Objects 28. Nor is this now through virtuous shame confess'd But Rhodalind does force my conjur'd fear As Men whom evil spirits have possess'd Tell all when saintly Votaries appear 29. When she will grace the Bridal dignitie It will be soon to all young Monarchs known Who then by posting through the World will trie Who first can at her Feet present his Crown 30. Then will Verona seem the Inn of Kings And Rhodalind shall at her Palace Gate Smile when great Love these royal Sutors brings Who for that smile would as for Empire wait 31. Amongst this ruling Race she choice may take For warmth of Valour coolness of the mind Eyes that in Empires drowsie Calms can wake In storms look out in darkness dangers find 32. A Prince who more inlarges pow'r than lands Whose greatness is not what his Map contains But thinks that his where he at full commands Not where his Coyn does pass but pow'r remains 33. Who knows that Pow'r can never be too high When by the Good possest foâ— 't is in them The swelling Nyle from which though people flie They prosper most by rising of the stream 34. Thus Princess you should chuse and you will find Even he since Men are Wolves must civilize As light does â—ame some Beasts of savage kind Himself yet more by dwelling in your Eyes 35. Such was the Duk 's reply which did produce Thoughts of a divers shape through sev'ral Ears His jealous Rivals mourn at his excuse But Astragon it cures of all his fears 36. Birtha his praise of Rhodalind bewails And now her hope a weak Physician seems For Hope the common Comforter prevails Like common Med'cines slowly in extreams 37. The King secure in off'rd Empire takes This forc'd excuse as troubled bashfulness And a disguise which suddain passion makes To hide more joy than prudence should express 38. And Rhodalind who never lov'd before Nor could suspect his love was giv'n away Thought not the treasure of his Breast so poor But that it might his debts of honour pay 39. To hasten the rewards of his desert The King does to Verona him command And kindness so impos'd not all his Art Can now instruct his dutie to withstand 40. Yet whilst the King does now his time dispose In seeing wonders in this Palace shown He would a parting kindness pay to those Who of their wounds are yet not perfect grown 41. And by this fair pretence whilst on the King Lord Astragon through all the house attends Young Orgo does the Duke to Birtha bring Who thus her sorrows to his bosom sends 42. Why should my Storm your Life 's calm voyage vex Destroying wholly Virtues Race in one So by the first of my unluckie Sex All in a single ruin were undone 43. Make Heav'nly Rhodalind your Bride Whilst I Your once lov'd Maid excuse you since I know That virtuous Men forsake so willingly Long cherish'd life because to Heav'n they go 44. Let me her servant be A dignitie Which if your pitie in my fall procures I still shall value the advancement high Not as the Crown is hers but she is yours 45. Ere this high sorrow up to dying grew The Duke the Casket op'ned and from thence Form'd like a Heart a chearfull Emrauld drew Chearfull as if the lively stone had sence 46. The Thirti'th Charract it had doubled Twice Not taken from the Atâ—ick silver Mine Nor from the Brass though such of nobler price Did on the Necks of Parthian Ladies shine 47. Nor yet of those which make the Ethiop proud Nor taken from those Rocks where Bactrians climb But from the Scithian and without a Cloud Not sick at fire nor languishing with time 48. Then thus he spake This Birtha from my Male Progenitours was to the loyal she On whose kind Heart they did in love prevail The Nuptial Pledge and this I give to thee 49. Seven Centuries have pass'd since it from Bride To Bride did first succeed and though 't is known From ancient lore that Gems much virtue hide And that the Emrauld is the Bridal Stone 50. Though much renown'd because it chastens loves And will when worn by the neglected wife Shew when her absent Lord disloyal proves By faintness and a pale decay of life 51. Though Emraulds serve as Spies to jealous Brides Yet each compar'd to this does counsel keep Like a false Stone the Husbands falshood hides Or seems born blind or feigns a dying sleep 52. With this take Orgo as a better Spy Who may in all your kinder fears be sent To watch at
beauty wrought The pale appearance of a killing Frost And carefull Orgo when she started thought She had her Pledge the precions Emrauld lost 91. But that kind Heart as constant as her own She did not miss 't was from a suddain sence Lest in her Lover's heart some change was grown And it grew pale with that intelligence 92. Soon from her bosom she this Emrauld took If now said she my Lord my Heart deceives This Stone will by dead paleness make me look Pale as the Snowy skin of Lilly Leaves 93. But such a chearfull green the Gem did sling Where she oppos'd the Rays as if she had Been dy'd in the complexion of the Spring Or were by Nimphs of Brittain Valleys clad 94. Soon she with earnest passion kist the Stone Which ne'r till then had suffer'd an eclips But then the Rays retir'd as if it shone In vain so near the Rubies of her Lips 95. Yet thence remov'd with publick glory shines She Orgo blest who had this Relique brought And kept it like those Reliques lock'd in shrines By which the latest Miracles were wrought 96. For soon respect was up to rev'rence grown Which fear to Superstition would sublime But that her Father took Fear 's Ladder down Lose steps by which distress to Heav'n would climbe 97. He knew when Fear shapes Heav'nly Pow'r so just And terrible parts of that shape drawn true It vails Heav'n's beauty Love which when we trust Our courage honours him to whom we sue CANTO the Fifth The ARGUMENT The deep Designs of BIRTHA in distress Her Emrauld's virtue shews her Love's success Wise ASTRAGON with reason cures despair And the Afflicted chides for partial Pray'r With grief the secret Rivals take their leave And but dark hope for hidden love receive 1. TO shew the Morn her passage to the East Now Birtha's dawn the Lover's Day appears So soon Love beats Revellies in her Breast And like the Dewy Morn she rose in tears 2. So much she did her jealous dreams dislike Her Maids straight kindle by her light their Eyes Which when to hers compar'd Poets would strike Such sparks to light their Lamps ere Day does rise 3. But O vain Jealousie why dost thou haste To find those evils which too soon are brought Love's frantick Valour which so rashly fast Seeks dangers as if none would come unsought 4. As often fairest Moâ—â—s soon cover'd be So she with dark'ning thoughts is clouded now Looks so as weaker Eyes small objects see Or studious States-men who contract the Brow 5. Or like some thinking Sybill that would find The sence of mystick words by Angels giv'n And this fair Politick bred in her mind Restless as Seas a deep designe on Heav'n 6. To Pray'rs plain Temple she does hast unseen Which though not grac'd with curious cost for show Was nicely kept and now must be as clean As Tears make those who thence forgiven go 7. For her own Hands by which best Painter drew The Hands of Innocence will make it shine Penance which newly from her terrors grew And was alas part of her deep designe 8. And when this holy huswifry was past Her vows she sends to Heav'n which thither fly Intire not broken by unthinking hast Like Sinners Sparks that in ascending dye 9. Thence she departs but at this Temple Gate A needy Crowd call'd by her Summons there With such assurance for her bounty waite As if ne'r failing Heav'n their Debtor were 10. To these she store of Antique Treasure gave For she no Money knew Medals of Gold Which curious Gath'rers did in travell save And at high worth were to her Mother sold. 11. Figures of fighting Chiefs born to orecome Those who without their leave would all destroy Chiefs who had brought renown to Athens Rome To Carthage Tyre and to lamented Troy 12. Such was her wealth her Mothers Legacy And well she knew it was of special price But she has begg'd what Heav'n must not deny So would not make a common Sacrifice 13. To the black Temple she her Sorrow bears Where she out-begg'd the tardy begging Thief Made weeping Magdaline but poor in Tears Yet Silent as their Pictures was her Grief 14. Her purpos'd penance she did here fulfill Those Pictures dress'd and the spent Lamp reliev'd With fragrant Oyls dropp'd from her Silver Still And now for those that there sat mourning griev'd 15. Those Penitients who knew her innocence Wonder what Parents sin she did bemoan And venture though they go unpardon'd thence More sighs for her redress than for their own 16. Now jealousie no more benights her face Her courage beauteous grows and grief decays And with such joy as shipwrack'd Men imbrace The Shore she hastens to the House of Praise 17. And there the Gem she from her bosom took With which till now she trembled to advise So far from pale that Gondibert would look Pale if he saw how it out-shin'd her Eyes 18. These Rays she to a Miracle prefers And lustre that such beauty so defies Had Poets seen Love's partial Jewellers Who count nought precious but their Mistress Eyes 19. They would with grief a miracle confess She enters straight to pay her gratitude And could not think her beauty in distress Whilst to her Love her Lord is still subdu'd 20. The Altar she with Imag'ry array'd Where Needles boldly as a Pencil wrought The Story of that humble Syrian Mayd Who Pitchers bore yet Kings to Juda brought 21. And there she of that precious Linnen spreds Which in the consecrated Moneth is spun By Lombard Brides for whom in empty Beds Their Bridegrooms sigh till the succeeding Moon 22. 'T is in that Moon bleach'd by her fuller Light And wash'd in Suds of Amber till it grow Clean as this spreaders Hands and those were white As rising Lilies or as falling Snow 23. The voluntary Quire of Birds she feeds Which oft had here the Virgin-Consort fill'd She diets them with Aromatick seeds And quench'd their Thirst with Rainbowe-Dew distill'd 24. Lord Astragon whose tender care did wait Her progress since her Morn so cloudy broke Arrests her passage at this Temple Gate And thus he with a Father's license spoke 25. Why art thou now who hast so joyfull liv'd Ere love thou knewst become with Love so sad If thou hast lost fair Virtue then be griev'd Else shew thou know'st her worth by being glad 26. Thy love 's high soaring cannot be a crime Nor can we if a Spinster loves a King Say that her love ambitiously does climb Love seeks no honour but does honour bring 27. Mounts others value and her own lets fall Kings honour is but little till made much By Subjects Tongues elixar-Elixar-Love turns all To pow'rfull Gold where it does onely touch 28. Thou lov'st a Prince above thine own degree Degree is Monarch's Art Love Nature's Law In Love's free State all Pow'rs so levell'd be That there affection governs more than aw 29. But thou dost love where Rhodalind does love And thence
And still increase where e're their Eyes they cast Of lazy Pag'ant-Greatness moving slow And angry bus'ness rushing on in haste 29. All strange to them as they to all appear Yet less like strangers gaz'd than those they see Who this glad Day the Duke's Spectatours were To mark how with his fame his looks agree 30. And guess that these are of his fighting Train Renown'd in Youth who by their wonder stay'd And by their own but slowly passage gain But now much more their progress is delay'd 31. For a black Beauty did her pride display Through a large Window and in Jewels shoâ— As if to please the World weeping for day Night had put all her Starry Jewels on 32. This Beauty gaz'd on both and Ulfinore Hung down his Head but yet did lift his Eyes As if he fain would see a little more For much though bashful he did beauty prise 33. Goltho did like a blushless Statue stare Boldly her practis'd boldness did out-look And even for fear she would mistrust her snare Was ready to cry out That he was took 34. She with a wicked Woman's prosp'rous Art A seeming modesty the Window clos'd Wisely delay'd his Eyes since of his Heart She thought she had sufficiently dispos'd 35. And he thus straight complain'd Ah Ulfinore How vainly Glory has our Youth misled The Wind which blows us from the happy Shore And drives us from the Living to the Dead 36. To bloudy slaughters and perhaps of those Who might beget such Beauties as this Maid The Sleepy here are never wak'd with Foes Nor are of ought but Ladies frowns afraid 37. Ere he could more lament a little Page Clean and perfum'd one whom this Dame did breed To guess at ills too manly for his age Steps swiftly to him and arrests his sâ—eed 38. With civil whisper cries My Lady Siâ— At this Goltho alights as swiftly post As Posters mount by ling'ring loath to erre As Wind-bound Men whose sloth their first Wind lost 39. And when his Friend advis'd him to take care He gravely as a Man new potent grown Protests he shall in all his Fortunes share And to the House invites him as his own 40. And with a Rival's wisdom Ulfinore Does hope since thus blind Love leads him astray Where a false Saint he can so soon adore That he to Birtha ne'r will find the way 41. They enter and ascend and enter then Where Dalga with black eyes does Sinners draw And with her voice holds fast repenting Men To whose warm Jett light Goltho is but Straw 42. Nicely as Bridegrooms was her Chamber drest Her Bed as Brides and richer than a Throne And sweeter seem'd than the Circania's Nest Though built in Eastern Groves of Cinamon 43. The price of Princes pleasure who her love Though but false ware at rates so costly bought The wealth of many but may hourly prove Spoils to some one by whom her self is caught 44. She sway'd by sinfull Beauties destiny Finds her Tyrannick Pow'r must now expire Who meant to kindle Goltho in her Eye But to her breast has brought the raging fire 45. Yet ev'n in simple Love she uses Art Though weepings are from looser Eyes but Leaks Yet eldest Lovers scarce would doubt her heart So well she weeps and thus to Goltho speaks 46. I might if I would ask your pardon Sir Suspect that pitie which the noble feel When women fail but since in this I erre To all my Sex I would to women kneel 47. Yet happy were our Sex could they excuse All breach of Modestie as I can mine Since 't is from passion which a Saint might use And not appear less worthy of a shrine 48. For my brave brother you resemble so Throughout your shape who late in Combat fell As you in that an inward Virtue show By which to me you all the world excell 49. All was he which the Good of greatness see Or Love can like in Judgement match'd by none Unless it fail'd in being kind to me A crime forbid to all since he is gone 50. For though I send my Eyes abroad in hope Amongst the Streams of Men still slowing here To find which is my passion 's utmost scope Some one that does his noble Image bear 51. Yet still I live recluse unless it seem A liberty too rude that I in you His likeness at so high a rate esteem As to believe your heart is kind and true 52. She casts on Ulfinore a sudden look Starts like a Mountebank who had forgot His Viol and the cursed poison took By dire mistake before his Antidote 53. Pray'd Goltho that his friend may straight forbear Her presence whom she said resembled so Her noble Brother's cruel Murtherer As she must now expire unless he go 54. Goltho still gravely vain with formal Face Bids Ulfinore retire and does pretend Almost to know her Parents and the place And ev'n to swear her brother was his friend 55. But warie Ulfinore who beauteous Truth Did never but in plainest Dress behold Smiles and remembers Tales to forward Youth In winter Nights by Countrey Matrons told 56. Of Witches Towns where â—eeming Beauties dwell All hair and black within Maids that can flie Whose Palaces at night are smoaky Hell And in their beds their slaughter'd Lovers lie 57. And though the Sun now setting he no Lights Saw burning blue nor Steam of Sulphur smelt Nor took her two black Merâ—on Maids for Sp'rites Yet he a secret touch of Honour felt 58. For not the craft of Rivalship though more Than States wise Rivals study interest Can make him leave his friend till he restore Some cold Discretion to his burning breast 59. Though to his fears this cause now serious shows Yet smiles heat his solemn loving Eye For lust in reading Beautie seldom grows As old Physitians in Anatomie 60. Goltho said he 't is easie to discern That you are grave and think you should be so Since you have bus'ness here of great concern And think that you this House and Lady know 61. You 'l stay and have your Sleep with Musick fed But little think to wake with Mandrakes groans And by a Ghost be to a Garden led At midnight strew'd with simple Lovers bones 62. This Goltho is enchantment and so strange So subt'ly false that whilst I tell it you I fear the Spell will my opinion change And make me think the pleasant vision true 63. Her dire black Eyes are like the Oxes Eye Which in the Indian Ocean Tempests brings Let 's go before our Horses learn to â—lie Ere she shew â—loven Feet and they get wings 64. But high rebellious Love when counsell'd soon As sullen as rebuk'd Ambition grows And Goltho would pursue what he should shun But that his happier faâ—e did interpose 65. For at the Garden gate a Summons loud Enough to shew authority and haste Brought cares to Dalga's Brow which like a Cloud Did soon her shining Beauty over cast 66. Like Thieves surpriz'd whilst they divide