THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE PRESERVATION OF King Henry the vij. when he was but Earle of Richmond, Grandfather to the Queenes maiesty; Compiled in english rythmicall Hexameters.

Viuit in eternum post funera viuida virtus.
Vertue remaineth aliue after death liuely for euer.
Quo magis difficilior, copulchrior▪
Hoc opus, hic labor est.

¶Imprinted at London, by R. B. and are to be solde in Paules Church-yard, at the signe of the Bible. 1599.

To the Printer.

PRint with a good letter, this booke, and carefuly Printer:
Print each word legibill, not a word nor a sillabil alter:
Keepe points, and commas, periodes, the parenthesis obserue;
My credit and thy reporte to defend, bothe safely to conserue.

To the Right honorabel, worshipfull, gentel, and learned Readers, whosoeuer; that are bothe trew fauorits of poetry, and of right ancient Heroicke Hexameters.

RIght honored, worshipfull, and gentell Reader, these Hexame­ters and Pentameters in Englishe, are misliked of many, because they are not yet come to their full perfection: and specially of some, that are accounted and knowne to be Doctors and singular­ly well learned and great Linguistes: but especially of the plaine Rythmer, that scarce knowes the footed quantitie or metricall scanning thereof; much lesse to reade them with a grace according to the same. But for him, I say thus; Scientia nullum habet inimicum, praeter ignorantem. Whose bookes are stuft with lines of prose, with a rythme in the end; which euery [Page] fidler, or piper, can make vpon a theame giuen. Neuerthelesse, I confesse and acknowledge that we haue many excellent and singular good Poets in this our age, as Maister Spencer, that was, Maister Gowlding, Doctor Phayer, Maister Harrington, Daniell, and diuers others whom I reuerence in that kinde of prose-rythme: wherein Spencer (without offence spoken) hath surpassed them all. I would to God they had done so well in trew Hexameters: for they had then beau­tified our language. For the Greekes and Latines did in a manner abolish quite that kinde of rythme-prose: And why should not we doe the like in Englishe? But the ignorant and aduerse part will say, our speach is not copious enough: But I say that it is: and besides it would be the more inriched, adorned, and more eloquent, if they would make triall thereof, or could compose them artificially and elo­quently to delight the Readers, to resound with a grace in their eares. Nam ni­hil difficile volenti. But this is the trew cause why they doe not so; Hoc opus, hic labor est: which the chiefe Doctors and best learned of them all, cannot de­ny; [Page] And perhappes some of the best of them, that are curious carpers and re­prehenders of this trew metrified verse, though skilfull in other arts, cannot for­mally compose the like as Fraunce did; who obserued a better Prosodia then Stani­hurst. For Tully was not so good a Poetician as he was an Orator. God bestow­eth his gifts seuerally, and more bountifully on some then on others. For Homer in Greeke, and Virgill in Latine, surpassed all that euer were before or since, in trew footed Hexameters; but not in prose. Neither were Homer and Virgill the first that versifyed in their naturall language: But others did attempt to Po­etize afore them, in the like verse; or else in truth I suppose they could not haue done so well. Euery thing hath a beginning, which at first cannot be made so per­fect. Those verses which Ennius made, before Virgill made any, were not so well liked: as for example; Vnus homo nobis cunctando restituit rem: Yet Vir­gill most commonly had his booke about him. Therefore I reuerence Stanihurst; who being but an Irish man, did first attempt to translate those foure bookes of E­neados, [Page] which (if he be liuing) I desire him to refile them ouer againe; and thus haue written in verse:

If the Poet Stanihurst yet liue and feedeth on ay-er,
I do request him (as one that wisheth a grace to the meter)
With wordes significant to refile and finely to polishe
Those fower Aenëis, that he late translated in English.
I doe the man reuerence, as a fine, as an exquisit Author:
For that he first did atempt, to translate verse as a Doctor.

For at the first, Maister Askam had much ado to make two or three verses in English: but now euery scholler can make some. What language so hard, harsh, or barbarous, that time and art will not amend? As I haue written in an other place, thus;

[Page]
Naught can at once be begonne, or present made, to be perfect.
By trauel, all hard thinges are brought to singular effect.
Yet that Apelles could Cytheraeas beawty depolish;
Had not he time to delyne, hir picture finely to finnysh?

This trew kinde of Hexametred and Pentametred verse, well bring vnto vs foure commodities. First it will enrich our speach with good and significant wordes: Secondly it will bring a delight and pleasure to the skilfull Reader, when he seeth them formally compyled: And thirdly it will incourage and learne the good & godly Students, that affect Poetry, and are naturally enclyned therunto, to make the like: Fourthly it will direct a trew Idioma, and will teach trew Or­thography. For as gould surpasseth leade: so the Hexameters surpasse rythme prose. And as concerning the same, this haue I written:

[Page]
As yelo gould purified doth surmount euery mettell:
So fine verse metrifyed, this rythme-prose greatly doth excell.
With wordes significant, such rurall rythmery confound,
And metricall verses with a new rythme lawraly compound.
For sily Muse feare not: since euery paltery Rythmor
With wordes vnmetrifyed would seeme to be counted a Doctor:
Whose workes seeme to be good, representing Tantalus appels,
Which did apeare to be gold; but toucht were, turned in ashes.

And in another place.

Clowde not your Orient fyne skyll, with dregges of a drowzy
Conterfaited prose: This Romane verse hath a glory.
As redolent Gilyflowers perfumes a delight to the senses;
Mens memories to refresh: So scanning Rythmery verses
Bringes a delight to the mindes, &c.

For these rybaud and baudy Poets be but the diuels agents, and are to be detes­ted; but the vertuous and godly Poets are to be both reuerenced and regarded: as I haue here written;

As domiport slug-y snayle, his passage plainly to disclose,
Leaueth a print as he goes, but a shining slyme to no purpose:
So doth a bawdy Poet (his brainesicke folly to publish)
Write amorous madrigals; some lewd loue-toy to recognise.
Aime at a trew Period, Christ Iesus: flee from al euil:
Roaue not aside to detract his praise: learne rightly to leauell.
VVits misabus'd will apeare as a goulden ring in a swines snowte.
Gods worde such reprobate lewde wits doth worthily confute.
Shew me the tree by the fruite: so saith Saint Luke that Euangel,
Do men gather grapes of thornes, or fygges of a thystel?
Saint Luke, ca. 6. verse. 45.
[Page]
Saint Mathew ca. 13. verse. 30.37.38.
Christ shewes by parables, who be tares and who be the good seede:
Th'one by the diuell sowen, and th'other sowne by the goddhead:
Bothe to be reapt at a time, and both to be parted asonder:
Bothe to be bound in sheaues, and bothe to be laid from another:
Th'one to be laid in a barne, th'other to be throwne by Iehoua,
Into that burning lake, that burning fyry Gehenna.

And wee, that professe Christianity, should not vse any paganisme, to detract gods glorie, as the paganis'd Poets did, in the time of ignorance. For this I haue written of them: I meane, of Homer, Virgill, and others;

Only the fault was this; they liu'd in a time then of error,
And to the Pagan goddes most of them yeelded an honnor.
Those secular sages, which gods trew worde did abandon,
[Page]
Wilfully lost them selues, and others left at a randon.
But should we Christians (confessing one God Imortall,
Trinity, Vnity, one, deifyed with glory coequall)
Call to the Pagan gods; to detract praise from the Redeemer,
Our soules sole-sauiour? Should we such blasphemy suffer?

In truthe, all they that professe trew Poetry should seeke to further the ad­uancement of gods glory what they may (which I pray God they may doe, to ban­nish all these fond fantasticall and Veneriall Poets) and also to doe their best en­deauour in trew Hexameters, to abolish this plaine rythme-prose; that wee may imitate and follow the best learned, and auncient Poets: as Homer, Virgill, and Lucan in Chronicles. For that an heroicall verse composed in Hexameters, is most correspondent to a right honorable nature: as appeared by Alexander the great: as I haue composed in Hexameters following.

[Page]
When that Alexander did come to the Tombe of Acbilles,
That monument to behold; he pronounced these very speaches,
And with a sigh thus said: Thrice Larissaeus is happy,
For that he greek Homer had, to record his glory so worthy.
* And when he had conquerd great spoyles from king Darius,
There was a chest of gould, that, he said, was fit for Homerus
Bookes, to be safely repos'd. For he kept them safe, as a Iewell,
Vnder his owne beads-head: whose worke diuinely doth excell.
And Maro laurigerent, in verse most glorious enrold
Venturous Aeneas exployts, and worthines extold.
Which brought Rome in a muse, with a grace so loftily slowing.
Whose praise still wil abide, while seas or earthe ar abiding.

And that we may imitate them as neere as we may, in poetizing of verified Chronicles, I haue elsewhere written thus;

[Page]
Learne of Maeonides; who writeth of Hector, Achilles,
Of Troilus, Diomede, of craft-contriuer Vlisses.
If so be that Chronicles had not bin skilfuly written,
Kinges valiant exployts, lordes fame, and knightes valor had bin
Drowned in obliuion. For time (fames greedy deuowrer)
Leaues fame vnmemoriz'd; as a tree consum'd with a canker.
You fine metricians, that verses skilfully compile
(As fine artificers hard Iron do refile on an Anuile)
This verse irregular, this rustick rythmery bannish:
Which doth abase Poetry: such verse such meter abolish.
For lily milke-white swannes flote on streames cleare as a crystall.
And in a fowle mud-y lake, donguehill duckes striue for an offall.
Both Greekes and Latinists such verselesse verse did abandon:
Whose verse is purifi'd, as gould is try'd by the touchstone.
[Page]
As vineger doth aford, no pleasant taste to the palate:
So wordes vnmetrifi'd, which rythmers rudely promulgate,
Bringe no delight to the wits, nor sound with a grace in a mans eare.
Euery worthie Poet will such rude rythmery forbeare.

Surely this kinde of scanning verse is not to be discommended: and who so doth, hath no warrant so to doe. And who so doth discommend Stanihurst, or Fraunce, let them make so many verses. For many will dispraise their bookes, that cannot whiles they liue make the like. For it is more easie for euery man to finde a fault, then to make so many: as I haue written, thus;

For curious cauilist but a small mote easily will see,
Sooner in each strangers eysight, then a beame in his owne eye.
Hardly he will such bookes in a trew verse notably perfect.
[Page]
For many men ready be to finde faults, hasty to correct.
Such Sycophant humorists, like quayles feede chiefly by poyson:
Whose Stoicall censures and selfe-mindes stand for a reason.

And whosoeuer shall discommend mine, I would request him to make so many as I meane to make in fiue bookes, in rythming Hexameters. For, as I thinke, the rythme doth giue thē a grace in our english tongue especially, aboue other tongues; so it be good rythme, though they be the harder to make. The best verse that Fraunce made, was in rythming Hexameters, of the natiuitie of Christ. And if he make so many better, I will reuerence him: If so many, & not better (so that he raile not) I will commend him. I discommend no mans workes; for that I know none haue more defects then myne owne. For it is the enriching & beautifying of our language, and the credit and glory of the verse, that I regarde. For I am no mercinary man, nor write with an hyred penne, nor expect vaine glorie. [Page] But who so doth slander these verses, and cannot amend them, nor make so many, let him keepe his winde to coole his potage. For my answere shall be silence. As Diogenes answered one that asked him a foolish question; saying that silence was an answere fit for such a fond demaund. And in respect of them I will say, as the bird said to Caesar: Operam & laborem perdidi. But as for you, that are trew fauorits both of Poetry, and of this trew metricall and scanning verse; I wholly submit and referre my selfe to your fauorable censures and assistance: to see if we can yet once againe, set on foote this footed verse; that it may runne smoothe­ly, with a grace and credit. I would I were but as Ennius to a fine Maronist, or to a skilfull Maeonides. And also I request you to take in good part these simpel ver­ses of mine: wherin, at idel times, I haue both taken pleasure & paines. For al those that professe learning (and especially such as are descended of honor or of trew gentilitie) should chiefely like of this kinde of heroicke Hexameters: as Alexander did, of Homers; or Augustus, of Virgils. And if these shall like you, I shall be [Page] glad: and do purpose (God willing) yer that a yeare come about, to set forth ano­ther booke.

I doe not vtterly discommend or condemne this prose-rythme; but do only prefer this Romane verse farre aboue it. And I know, most of them that be learned wil so thinke; and especially when it is brought to perfection: vnlesse they be some carping Cauilists paradoxically captius, or preiudicius. For I know, plaine song is good; but pricke song is knowne to be better: and there is great difference be­twixt an Orient pearle, and a blacke simpel bugel. If you finde any faults in my booke, I would request you to amend them, and to send them in a priuie note to the Stationer. But now least I should be too tedious, wishing to you all as to my selfe, in our Lord and Sauiour Christ Iesus; I most humbly take my leaue: resting yours, in all loue and duetie to commmand.

A Briefe rule or prosodie, for the vnderstand­ing of the quantitie of some peculiar wordes in this booke; vntill I haue set forth a Verball, or littel Dictionarie, with a Prosodia requisite for Poetry.

THis monasillabel, on, being an adiectiue, is indifferent, either long or short: but being an aduerbe, alwaies short.

Also mee, thee, yee, hee, and shee, are long or short.

All words ending in O, are indifferent.

Pre and pro, in dissyllabels are indifferent: in trisyllabels, likewise indifferent; ex­cept it be in an Anapaest: as, preminence, president, preualent, and the like. In some [Page] quadrisyllabels, long: as premeditàte, predominant, precogitate, and the like. And in some quadrisyllabels, long, or short: as for exampel; preposterus presump­tuus, and the like. The Latin & the English quantitie in some wordes are not a­like, but are meerely dissonant. And we are to follow our naturall prenuntiation and accent in words: Yet following the latin as neare as we may; obseruing the right Euphonia: as for exampel; we say in Latin, orâtor long in ra: but in En­glish we make ra, in orator, short.

De, in dissyllabels and trisyllabels is alwaies short. In some quadrissyllabels it is long: as; demerited, depopulate, demonicall, and such like: And againe in other­some it is either long or short: as; denunciate, determinate, denominate. And in words of fiue syllabels it is short: as; dedication, deprehension: And in words of six syllabels it is long: as; determination, delapidation; and such like.

My, why, thy, and by, are indifferent.

Besides; there are some wordes, which sometimes by pronunciation we make but monasyllabels: as; ayre, fire, flowre, powre, showre: which as dissyllabels, are [Page] written thus; ay-er, fy-er, flow-er, pow-er, show-er.

And likewise sometime we make dissyllabels, trisyllabels: as; desire, de-si-er. re­quire, re-qui-er; aad such like.

And wordes hauing doubel consonants in the middel of dissyllabels (as; account, attend, applause, afford, and the like) by figure are made short, by the detraction of a letter: as; acount, atend, aplause, aford: and so in polysyllabels likewise. Lastly some words are indifferent: as cre, in credit: co, in comet: pee, in peepel: & ci, in ciuil; and such like. Which I will, God willing, in my Verball and Prosodia set forth more at large. In the meane while gentel Reader, haue patience. For I meane not to compose these Hexametred verses irregularly.

The Author to his booke.

STay bisie booke for a while. What rage constraines thee to wander,
Like fugitiue vacabond, into the world to be seene?
Poste not in haste, so deform'd: let faultes be reform'd by thy master:
Art not asham'd to repaire vnto the Court of a Queene?
Vnpolished to repaire, to the regall throne of an Empresse,
Our Queene Elizabeth? onely the worldes Diamonde,
Crown'd with an eternall Diademe: whose glorious Highnesse
Treasures of Poetry, chiefe in all arts doth abounde.
Thou art scarce purifi'd, to be seene of her exquisit Highnesse.
Better I thinke it, at home safe in a chest to remaine;
Then to depart so deform'd, poore cloath'd, and plaine as an hermit.
Selfe loue, selfe arogance, makes many fooles to be faine.
If that I leaue thee so rude, hir Grace may worthily blame mee.
What wil a Prince, think'st thou, of so renowned a Lande,
When thou com'st to the Court so defaste, vouchsafe to peruse thee?
Thy reuerent Soueraigne greater afaires hath in hand.
Go not away gadding, from mee that lou'd thee so dearely:
But com againe, that I may once yet againe thee peruse,
Quickly returne to thy freend, with me to remaine in a safety:
Com to thy maister againe, com to me, com to thy Muse.
Manes, that Diogens seruant, ran away in a fury:
Some wished Diogen for to go fetch him againe:
Not so said Diogen, but laught, and thought it a folly:
But prety booke I do seeke; how that I might thee retaine.
What shal I do? For alas, my booke runs hastily gadding,
In metrifi'd poetry, not poetiz'd as I meant.
Some faultes you learned tolerate: fooles loue to be scoffing.
Since that I thee manupend, now I to late do repent.
If that he chaunce to repaire to the Court; I the Courtier exhort,
Not cauiling to deface this prety booke that I pend:
Though that he comes not adorn'd with robes; yet friendly to support
And to reforme his faultes, if that he can them amend.
No body shal thy report, with a glosing distichon extoll;
Like popular parasite, or Thraso grandiloquent.
Let thy desert be thy praise: seeke not to be prais'd as an Idole.
Better I had thee refil'd, if that I were eloquent.
Since that I plainely do see, thou wilt goe from mee so simpel,
Therefore I leaue thee my booke, friendles alone to depart:
Like Peregrine pilgrime traueling but meane in aparel,
And with a name vnknowen: which is a griefe to my heart;
For that I see many faultes, and haue no time to reforme them.
Runne not away from me so: thy sily state I do rew.
For many will disalow, and will thee shamefuly condemne.
Zoilus is but a doult. My prety libel, adieu.

A farewell to his booke.

MY prety book farewell: God send thee prosperus accesse
Vnto the Court: to the Queene vouchsafe my name to be namelesse.
Thy soueraigne Patronesse (if please her grace to defend thee)
Can patronize thy defectes. Whom God preserue, as a bay tree,
Long to be predominant, with Lords of her priuie Counsail:
Namely the Lord Keeper, with learned lawes who doth excell:
That Metropolitan eake, whom I think my selfe to be bound to;
Th'Archbishop, at Lambeth: that wise Lord Treasurer also:
And Senator Cecill; that apeares to the Realme a defender:
Sonne to the Lord Burleigh late deade, his wise witie father,
That sapient Nestor: which did by pollicy compasse
Much quiet vnto the Realme. For like as Caelifer Atlas,
On large broad shoulders sore pressed, propped vp heauen:
So with his experience, this noble Realme was vpholden.
For why? The state of a Prince consisteth chiefly by counsel
Of witie graue Senators, whose witte with vertue doth excel.
And I beseech God blesse that noble pillar of highnesse,
Glorius Earle, Talbot, stout Earle of Shrewsbury; doubtlesse
Vertues trew president: of al humane curtesy mirror:
Mirror of armipotence. Whose nobel name was a terror
Vnto the Frenche Regiment: to the Crowne still knowne to be constant:
Worthy to be credited with a Prince, as a faithfull atendant:
And to be chiefly preferd; that he may with bounty the better
Stand a defense to the Prince, to the Publick weale as a pillar.
And God graunt to that Earle of Oxford, mirror of highnes,
Happines in this world: God blesse his Ladie the Countesse,
Elizabeth Trentam, that right trew Maiden of honnor,
Immaculat Virgin: whose house and name I doe fauor,
With reuerence as I should. For I came my selfe of a Trentam,
Aunt to thee, Lady renoun'd: yet I am not knowne to thee Madame.
Loth I am yet to be knowne. For I should be knowne to the best sort:
Knowne to that Earle Deuereux: whom I pray God daily to comfort.
Vere, Deuereux, Talbot, three nobel principal howses,
Ar to be greatly renoun'd, for their nobilitie peerelesse.
Quae supra nos nihil ad nos.
And I do charge thee my book, with things not rashly to meddel,
Which ar aboue our reach, that concerne vs but a littel:
Nor to detract any fame, from Peeres or States that are highest.
For littel meddling, of most is thought to be wisest.
Ouid. Viue ti­bi, & longèno­mina magna fuge.
As the Poet poetiz'd, that Naso Poetical Author;
Frugaly liue to thy selfe: flee far from great men of honnor.
For many men that atend some Lords, or daily do follow,
Do but as Aesops dogge, that a substance lost for a shaddow.
Yet many men be preferd, by the meanes of great men of honnor;
Such speciall persons which they most dearely do fauor.
Farewel againe prety book: be dutiful vnto thy betters:
Humbly with al reuerence, submit thy selfe to thy Rulers.

The Dedication of the booke to the Queenes Maiestie.

VNto the magnipotent, the renowned princes of Europ,
Emperes Elizabeth, this petie libel I giue.
Which I present to thy Grace, as a prime Primirose or a Couslop,
Onely the flow-er of all our Chronicles, I beleeue:
Skilfuly pend by the knight Sir Thomas Moore then a Courtie'r,
Learned in arts: who delin'd that, that he knew to be trew,
Grounded on experience: requisite to be read of a Ruler.
This donatiue, Soueraigne, deigne to receiue to thy view.
Giue but a grace to my verse, it mounts, O Queene, in a moment,
Vp to the spang'd Element, vp to that ayry Lion:
Giue but a check to the same, it falles downe (throwne with a contempt)
Downe to the Tartarian riuer of hell, Phlegeton.

A prayer.

O My God, O God of hostes, God of Abraham, and God of Isack,
And the God of Iacob (thou that didst regaly ransack
Tartarus infernal: who gaue himselfe as a raunsome)
And here was crucifi'd, to redeeme our soules from a thraldom)
Sanctifie thy creature, inspire thy grace to my spirit:
Stand my defence, guide me with thy celestial eyesight.
O my God, O Sauiour, vouchsafe me grace to my speaches:
Then wil I magnifie thee, my mouth shal sing to thee praises
Vnto thee only, my God, my voice shall stil be resounding
Perpetuall praises, while breath and life are abiding.

The Epistel to the Queenes most excellent Maiesty, my renowned Soueraigne and Prin­cesse, Elizabeth, Queene of England, Fraunce, and Ir­land, &c.

SO, I the man that am he, that afourds small praise to the Muses:
And yet in Hexameters, I meane to metrifie verses,
Vnto the worldes Diamond, to the Phoenix rare; that doth excell
In pre'minence as a Prince. Whose praise my wits ar vnabel
Here to record, as I should: as a worke to large, or a matter
Fit for a Maeonian fine skilfull penne to decypher.
Whose stout progenitours great fame, her glory doth aduance.
Which if I could Poetize, is a worke yet worthie remembrance:
Graunt to me no learning, Muses, thou Pagan Apollo,
Cynthia, with Charites, thou blandiloquent mery Pytho,
Mercury, with Sappho, Pallas nam'd also Minerua,
A contradic­tory to the Pa­ganiz'd inuo­cation.
Graunt to me no fauour: But thou, thou mightie Iehoua,
Thou, Lord Emmanuel, Lord of celestial heauen,
Only God imperiall, to mee wretch terrestrial harken.
Since litel helpe they graunt, and cannot aford any fauor;
To those Idolatrous Pagan goddes, yeald not an honnor.
Yeald reuerence to the Lord; who is the creator of all vs:
And do not here atribute any praise, but wholy to Iesus.
[...]hall we gods anger, by wilful blasphemie kindel?
When Iohn kneeled afore that blessed glorius Angell,
Do not so, said he: for I am but thy felo seruant.
Reuel. 22. verse. 8.9.
Giue thou praise to the Lord, to the Lord, that is only triumphant:
Vnto whom only belongs all praise, and glory for euer.
Shall we, his creatures, then adore and inuocat other?
24. of Leuit. v. 14. & 23.
That sonne of Shelomith, which gods name wilfuly blaspheam'd,
Was not he ston'd to death, by the Lord God rightfuly condemn'd?
Sorcerer hight Elimas was iustly depriu'd of his eysight;
Act. 13. ver. 8. &c.
For that he by speaches did deputy Sergius excite
For to renounce our God: whom Paul and Barnabas also
Taught him afore to beleeue. We should such blasphemie forgoe.
Barnabas (in Synagogues) and Paul (that faithfull Apostel)
Act. 14. v. 12.13 14.
Preached at Iconium: by faith, Paul healed a crippel.
VVhen the peepel saw it, they would haue done to them honnor,
And brought them sacrifice, not praising God the creator.
Barnabas, of the peepel, was called Iupiter; and Paule,
Mercury: But they gaue praise to the Lord God imortal.
Act. 14. ver. 12. & 13.
And in amongst them went, and rent their clothes in an anger:
Wee are but creatures as you, gods glory to further.
Shall we detract any praise, from Christ, our Lord God of heauen;
Like bisy-snowted swine, which vproote hearbes from a garden?
Similie.
Let paganiz'd parasites, that purpose smoothly to flatter,
Call to the Pagan Gods, their goddes, to reforge vp a matter.
Right reuerent Soueraigne, the renowned Princes of England,
Glorious Elizabeth, Queene of Fraunce, Queene of al Irland;
I (he that am too too bould) this simpel gift, but a trifel,
Vnto thy Grace dedicate; my simpel skill to disabel.
If that I could poetize thy deserts, to thy glory coherent,
Might not I greatly reioyce? But I want arte, and skil is absent.
Your luculent eyesight, to my rude Muse regaly distill.
For radiant sunnebeames displai'd, will shine on a dounghill.
Similie. Exampel.
If that I were Chorilus, yet a faithfull minde of a Subiect
Deigne to receiue Soueraigne, with a princelike bountiful aspect:
Plutarke, in Regum Apo.
Like Artaxerxes, stout king: whose gracius Highnes
Thankfuly dranke water, from palmes of silly Zinetes:
And in a cuppe of gold, he sent to the poore man a thousand
Goulden massy darecks; yet he was but a poore sily peasant:
Like that princely Philippe, King of Macedonian Empire,
Who great curtesie shew'd, when a poore man gaue him a dinner.
And Christ our Sauiour, vouchsafte to receiue of a woman,
4. cha. of Iohn vers. 6.7.8.
Which was a Samaritan, water drawne forth of a fountaine,
Named Iacobs well: and Christ said; If she the perfitte
Gift of God did know, and him that did so demaund it,
She would haue asked Christ Iesus freely the water
Of life eternall: who could that water aford her.
Deigne then an eare to my Muse, thou Queene, whom mighty Iehoua
Regaly doth beatize, as a fortunate Elizabetha.
Whose very magnificence to the type of glory doth ascend:
Which to the world al abroad, thy regall vertue doth extend.
As Phoebe with radiant bright beames, this world doth ilustrate:
Similie.
So to thy Realme (O Prince) thou do' [...] thy mercy promulgate.
All pretious Diamondes, and pearles do not equaly glister:
Similies.
Some starres more glitering: one Prince surmounteth another:
So my benigne Soueraigne, thou Queene (our gratious Empresse)
Art as a trew period, of trew perfection endlesse:
Like to the starres in sky, to the sand inbountabel, in sea:
Similie
So be the Lords benefits to thy selfe, O Queene, to thy Country.
For why? The Lord God of Hostes preserues thy prosperus estate,
Gainst forraine enemies: whose drifts he decrees to be frustrate.
Sentence.
For men on earth purpose: but God that ruleth in heauen,
Ruleth on earth as a God. Iust God disposeth of all men.
Gods prouidence hiden is. What man can possibly foreshew,
What future age wil afourd? God alone mans destiny doth know.
That God aboue, god alone, preserue thy Grace as a Patterne
Long to be Septriferent, this stout Realme wisely to gouerne.
And for al his benefits, let vs all to the Lord God of Hosts graunt
Perpetuall praises: who to thee still stands as a Gardaunt:
Rightfuly crowned a Queene, as a rightfull Queene, as a right heire
Vnto the regal Crowne, and lawfuly knowne to be daughter,
Of King Henry that eight, late King: wo rul'd as a puisant
Conquerer of kingdomes, with fame and glory triumphant.
Grafton.
His father Henry the seau'nth, thy wise stout grandfather, obtain'd
Th'imperiall diademe: who vice and tyrany disdain'd;
As Chronicles do report. This King, by the States priuie consent,
Elizabeth maried, promised by former agreement:
Which was a Plantagenet, first and eld'st daughter of Edward,
Namely the fourth: who slew at Bosworth field bludy Richard,
That tyranus cruel hogge, most worthily plagu'd for ofences.
He, by the said mariage, did vnite those notabel houses,
Yorke and Lancaster: whose long contentius enuy
Caus'd ciuil intestine warfare. This conquerus Henry,
Venturus and valiant, was asygn'd by the Lord to be ruler.
Euery King hath a time. Thus this worlds glory doth alter.
Virg. Sic trāsit gloria mundi.
I he that once could not, nor meant, in heroical english
Rythmecal Hexameters, any book so timely to publish:
Yet when I knew that I could compose new rythmery verses,
Lately become metricall, which are right verses of Antike;
Then did I wish, that I could dedicate such bookes to thy person,
Worthy so great a Regent; thy deserued glory to blazon:
Which fro the East, to the West, doth spread Whose fame to decypher,
More praise demeriteth, then I can now possibil vtter.
Similie.
Like as a Crystall spring transparent vnto the bottome,
Flowes with a siluer streame: So (puisant Prince) to thy kingdome,
And to thy Common weale, thou shew'st thy selfe as a Princesse
Mercifull, and liberall thy good life vertue doth expresse.
God to thee gaue many gifts; [...] brethen my minde can imagine:
Which do atract to thy selfe most hearts with a force A [...]amantine.
I he the same man afore, as a man scarce knowne to the Muses,
Boldly presume to present foote-scanning rythmery verses.
Vnto thee, worlds Soueraigne: vouchsafe, O Queene, to peruse them:
Stand as a Princely Patrone, nor (ofensiue) iustly me condemne.
If tonitr'ant bisie Ioue should alwaies strike in his anger,
Poeticè Si quoties peccant, &c.
Euery man that ofends, with lightning flame of a thunder,
Should not he then be bereft or despoild quite of his armor?
So if I haue many faults, yet good Queene stand my protector.
And I with all reuerence, do beseech your gratious Highnes,
Though many things at amisse, yet pardon graunt to my rudenesse.
Though that I, Maeonides (who writeth of Hector, Achilles,
Of Troilus, Diomede, of craft-contriuer Vlisses)
Nor Maro Laureat am (who the laurel crowne to the Romans
Wanne, as a Princely Poet: who recorded fame to the Troians)
Yet, for a zeale that I haue, these primor fruites of a Subiect
(Lately beseem'd a Poet) with a regall friendlines accept:
For why? My pipe is of Ote, not Apollos, skilfuly compact:
Poeticè.
Nor Ciceroes eloquence I retaine; for a worke that is exact.
Truly thy Princely benigne acceptance of my beginnings,
Shall my minde animate, to record some greater atemptinge.
For my delight (O Queene) my drift and only my purpose,
Is to record Chronicles; metricall verse fitly to compose,
And to refyne our speach, to procure our natural english,
Far to be more elegant; that verse may skilfuly florish.
Which when it is re'difi'd, eloquent, and knowne to be perfit;
Vnto thee, and to thy Realme (O puisant Prince) what a credit?
Hexameters will amend our speach (thou sacred Eliza)
Publish an Orthography, and teach vs a trew Idioma.
Stories are requisite to be read of States that are highest,
As Kings imperial, thron'd in regalitie chiefest.
If so be that Chronicles had not bin skilfuly written;
Kinges valiant exployts, lordes fame, and knightes valor had bin
Drowned in obliuion. For time (fames greedy deuowrer)
Similie.
Leaues fame vnmemoriz'd; as a tree consum'd with a canker.
Historicall Chronicles well penn'd by the learn'd (as aforesaid.)
Doth manifest represent (as a Comedy shewes, on a stage plaid)
Mens vice, and vertues:
Similie. Similie.
as a trew glasse visibly doth shew
Mens face, and fauor; their faults in visnomy to viewe.
For by the great diligence of men, mans memorie (chiefest
Treasurer of knowledge; with learning skilfuly furnisht)
Enroules in Chronicles the renowned deeds of heroick
And valiant Worthies, their fame and victorie warlike.
For Chronicles do recite faults, and falles, of many Princes,
Horribly that tyraniz'd, sore plagu'd for their sory vices.
Was not lofty Babel, first built by proude sory Nimrod?
Whose arogance had a fall:
Genesis ch. 10. & 11.
and was not merciles Herod
[...]t. 12 v 21.23 [...]tonius fol. [...]. cha. 49. Chro. ch. 13. [...]s. 20 [...]f kings ch. [...]er. 24.
By greedy vermin spoild, that murdred so many children.
And Nero that tyrrant, the detested monster of all men,
Stab'd himselfe with a knife. That wicked King Ieroboam
Plagu'd by the Lord, that he di'd. And lewd vngodly Iehoram
Was by godly Iehu, through shoulders shot with an arrow,
Which through pearced his heart, that he languisht for very sorrow.
When that a Prince hath a will, whose will doth stand for a reason,
Lulled in errors lappe; that will infectes, as a poyson
Both to the King, and Realme. For wherein proud sory Princes
[...]race. Quic­ [...]d delirant [...]ges plectun [...] Achiui. [...]milie.
Fondly delyre, pitiles Subiects ar plagu'd with a witnesse.
Thankes be to God, our Queene doth rule with singuler aduice:
And with mercy benigne, as a Prince dotb quallifie iustice.
Our Soueraigne doth apeare, as goulden Cynthia shining
Glides by the firme Element, her bright beames cheerefuly shewing
Vnto this earthly Chaos: So her grace (glorius extant)
Shines to the common wealth, with loue, and mercy regardant:
Similie.
Whose speciall rare gifts, and vertues daintily lusture,
Like Orient Diamonds, or splendent pearles on a vesture.
All you princely Regents, you Kings (well knowne to be Rulers)
Learne to refraine from sinne. Our Lord God terribly sinners
Impenitent doth plague: not a King, nor an Emperor he spares:
All estates are alike. Who with gods dignitie compares?
Cast downe your Diadems, your Crownes and dignity despise:
Meere vanities count them, but seeke to do good, to do iustice.
Yeald reuerence to the Lord, to the Lord your duty to performe,
You are Christes Subiects, your Subiects peaceably gouerne.
Your pre'minence but a charge, your life but a blob, but a blossom.
When death strikes with a dart, what auaileth a King or a Kingdom?
[...]mus in [...]a. de mor­ [...]
That Platonist, Socrates, did afirme, that a mans bodie liuing,
Was but a graue to the soule; which to felicitie lasting,
Should by deserts demigrade: most diuine speach of an heathen.
For by the faith in Christ, we come to the kingdome of heauen,
[...]ilie.
As radiant rud-y Phoebe exhales his vapory moysture
Vnto the firme Element, with his ardent hote sun-y lusture:
So the God omnipotent, our soules with sinnes heuie loden,
Freely by mercy benigne, extolles to the kingdom of heauen.
[...]ilie.
Death bringes euery thing to decay. For like as a fresh flower
Springs for a time redolent; but can not possibil endure:
So doth a king for a while reigne with great dignitie present;
Whose great glorie decaies, whose prowde pompe dures but a moment,
Like as a man doth in yeares wax ould, so should he be wiser:
And as he groweth in age, so should his life be the beter.
Thinke this world to be vaine, and thinke this life to be mortal:
And to the King of Kings, let vs yeald out selues to be loyal.
Who to redeeme our soules, ordained his only begotten,
Only beloued sonne, to be sent downe freely from heauen,
And to be here crucifi'd (as a sinlesse man for a sinner)
To mitigate Gods wrath, t'appease his infinit anger.
Who by the death that he di'd, hath cleans'd vs freely from euill:
For that he conquered hath sinne, death, and also the Diuel.
Whiles we do liue, let vs al liue wel. Time stailes away leapes,
Similies.
Like as a cloud vanisheth. For as euery steppe that a mans steppes,
Is but a steppe to the graue: so plodding age, pedetentim
Stouping, creepes on a pase. Age is to death as a pilgrim,
Which for a time dothabroad wander; but in end he returnes home:
Similie.
So for a time we do liue, but in end death will be the bridegroome.
[...]tence. [...]ilie.
No body can stay time. Time staies for no body. Time swift
Flyeth away on apase, as a bird that flyes from a mans sight.
Therefore Princely Regents both vice and tyrranny forgoe.
[...]k. ch. 8. [...]. 36.
For what auaileth a King, what auaileth an Emperor also,
If that he lose his soule, to liue here fortunat alway?
As patient Iob said, each mortall King to thy selfe say;
[...]. ch. 1, ver.
Naked I came to the world, fro the world hence naked I shall go:
Formed of earth was I first, to the earth yet againe shall I turne to.
[...]lesiastes. 1.
That sapient Salomon naught here, but vanitie, could finde,
With manyfould miseries, with great vexation of minde.
What man aliue can afourd (as gods word plainly doth expresse)
[...]t. 6.27. [...]rouerbe.
One cubit vnto his height, by carking eares that ar endlesse?
Let not a man be to bolde, though God be mercifull, and staies.
For when he strikes, his stroke is a stroke importabil alwaies:
And then he plagues, when he strikes. For where th'almighty Iehoua
Rightfuly plagues for ofense, what auaileth a mans cataplasma?
For with a slouthfull pase gods anger goes to reuengement:
But when he comes, he rewards eternall paines for a torment.
Here I wil end, O Queen. O Lord our only creator,
(Our Lord Emmanuel, our Christ and sole mediator)
Adde to thy life many yeares, as he did to the King Ezechias:
2. of Kings. ch. 20. ver. 6.
Safely defend thee from harme, as he safely preserued Elias:
And that he graunt to thy Grace, after this life (as a chosen
Vessel of his, purify'd) ioyes in Celestiall heauen;
Ioyfuly there to remaine with Iesus Christ the Redeemer,
Imparadiz'd as a Saint, with Saints in glory for euer.
As two Greeke letters in Grecian Alphabet, Alpha,
First letter plaste is; but placed last is Omega:
So wil I continuall, first and last, praise thee for euer;
If that I could Poetize, as I would; thy glory to further.
Your Graces Subiect, in faith, loue, duty to commaund:

THE FIRST BOOKE OF The preseruation of King Henry the vij. when he was but Earle of Richmond.

O Father Omnipotent, our Lord and only Redeemer,
(Which on a throne, deifi'd, there sits, and shines as a Iasper,
And as a Sardine stone, incompast round with a Raine-bow,
The first part of the Reue­lation of Saint Iohn in effect, verbatim.
Like to the bright Emeraud) with thy grace my spirit endow.
From which throne, lightnings, voices, with lowde flashy thunders
Duly proceed. Where fowre and twenty colaudabil Elders
Seated in as many seats, all cloth'd with a white lily garment,
Crown'd with Crownes of gould, on their heads stately refulgent.
Seauen Lampes of fire, ar there eternaly burning:
Gods very godly spirits, on God there faithful atending.
Neare to the throne is a sea of glasse, which shin'd as a Crystal.
There fowre beasts ful of eyes ar about that stately Tribunal:
First was like a Lyon, next seemed a calfe to resembel,
Third had a face of a man, fourth beast was form'd as an eagel.
Euery beast of them, six wings had them to belonging:
And ful of eyes ar within, day and night ioyfuly singing
Three times, holy be God th'almightie, that euer is holy:
Holy before which was, which is, which shal be God only.
And when those fowre beasts gaue praise to the Lord God Iesus,
Which on that throne sate (who for euer liu'd, who redeem'd vs)
Those reuerent Elders their Crownes commendably threw downe,
And fell flatly before that Lord, that sate on a Tribune:
Worshiped him that liu'd, and liues with glory for euer.
For thou glory deseru'st, that made all things by thy power.
Vnto whom Archangels, and Angels greatly reioycing,
With Cherubins, Seraphins, are there eternaly singing.
Thou father only my God, which art, wast, shalt be for euer:
Gen. ch. 1. ver. 1.2. &c.
Who the terestriall Orbe (which staies it selfe by the Center)
Quadruply partiting; fire, ayre, earth, watery substance,
Out of an vgly Chaos did'st frame, and store with abundance
Of seuerall creatures, and made man last (as an image
Like to thy selfe) vpright, to behold this globe with a visage:
Gen. ch. 1. v. [...] &. [...]7.
Placed him in Paradice, in a sacred garden, in Eden:
Where, by the fondnes of Eue, they lost those ioyes then of heauen:
Thou Lord only for aye, whose power and glory supernall
Genesis ca. 2. vers. 2.
This star-y spang'd Element, and this whole world vniuersal
Made (as a mightie Monarche) n six daies; only the seauenth
Day he reseru'd to be kept, as a sacred day, as a Saboth:
Which God by Moyses did apoint and consecrat holy:
And that day to be kept (by the cou'nant) from labor, only.
Thou, he the same very God, three persons, one God in essence,
Exod. ca. 20. ver. 8.9.10.
Raise vp aloft to thy selfe, my weake spirit hale to thy presence.
Leauy the lines that I write, let thy law still be my load-starre;
Still to direct mee my course, here trewly to write; that I differ,
No not a word, fro thy word; that I may in minde as a Christi'an
Glorify Christ crucifi'd; to detest that sect of a Pagan.
Sanctify me, my Iehoue, in Christ I repose al afiance:
Therefore I humbly beseech, of thee my Lord, an asistance:
Grant that I may Poetize that credibil history, written
By Sir Thomas Moore; of an english story the maiden.
For why? The learned knight wrote that, that he knew to be certaine;
Trouth, with his art to deline, credit of both safely to maintaine.
For that he was then aliue in Court, in prime of his young yeares:
And by that experience, that he knew and learned of others
By good inteligence, he reseru'd for his historie faultlesse;
Thereby the truthe to deline; quite voide of flattery doubtlesse.
Which when he had manupend, in briefe prose skilfuly finnisht,
Streight he the same (to be knowne) in print did apoint to be publish [...].
In which book I do meane, by the grace of God, to deliuer
Nothing els but a trouthe; gods name and glory to further:
Nor with a penne that is hyr'd, I write; verse smoothly to compile,
Similie
Like glauering parasite; with a veile, lewde states to depensile.
If so that enuy repine, and slaundring tongues do calmunize
Trouth wil in end be my praise, and shame the reward to the diuelish.
Feare not at all, sil-y Muse, to report so thankles an errant:
Boldly declare to the best, their faults: trouth shal be thy warrant.
This Knight Sir Thomas, was made Lord Chaunceler after:
Who was knowne to be learn'd,, of a chiefe assembly the speaker:
Grafton.
He both lost his life, of his office made a refusall,
For that he would not agree to the Kings supremacy regal.
My Muse incouraged (first praising God as a giuer
Of all good benefits) these words she began to deliuer:
North Soueraigne Phoenix, thou stout Queene, famus Eliza,
Of grace and sapience (peerelesse Prince) sacred Idea,
Deigne with a gratius eye, to peruse (O Christian Empresse)
This prety booke manupend, manumiz'd to thy gratius Highnesse.
Al you earthly Kings, you Kings aduenturus, hearken:
You States pontificall, with atentiue eares to me listen:
You Lords imperiall, of her Highnesse wise priuie Counsel,
(Whose sapient wisdomes to record, my wits are vnabel)
You Lords, in generall, that atend in Court on a Princesse
(Only the worlds Soueraigne) lend listning eares to my verses:
You Catholike Diuines, graduat diuinity Doctors,
Which be the sauory salt, of Gods word liuely professors:
You sapient Senators of Innes of Court, that are ordain'd
To minister Iustice, by the Queenes authoritie constrain'd:
Arts reuerent amatists, of both
Figure.
Vniuersity famus
(Whose Orient fine wits, of Romane verse be desirus)
Deigne to beholde this verse, although it seeme but a trifel.
For many times you see, that a pearle is found in a Muskel.
Similie.
Here I do meane to recite, how our Queenes Grandfather, Henry,
That King magnanimus, with a stout and conquerus armie,
With valerus chiuisance, did a tyrrant manfuly conquer,
Richard, lately the King, that vile, and shameful vsurper:
Henries fame to report, in scanning verse, as I purpose:
Prince Edward stratagiz'd, and Richards tyrrany disclose.
Grafton.
When stout King Edward, at a field neere Teuxbury gotten,
Where Queene Marg'ret was, with her eld'st sonne, forcibly taken,
Nam'd to be Prince Edward: which was there bluddily murdred
By tyranus Richard,
And she sent prisoner to London: where she remained
Till that her owne father had, (that french Duke nam'd to be Reiner,
Of Sicyl also the King) with a raunsome kindely redeem'd her.
When Iasper (stout Earle of Pembrooke) natural vncle
Vnto this Earle Richmond, when he knew how stoutly the battel
Was fought and manupriz'd, and saw all things to go backward:
How stout Earle Warwick, was slaine by conquerus Edward,
And how Henry the sixt in Towre safe kept was abiding:
How London citizens disdain'd him, now to be their King:
How his confederates, and frieends grew weaker on each side:
And how King Edward, himselfe and his cosen enui'd;
Wittily considering (as a wise Earle) sought to preuent it,
Both their liues to preserue, where they might safer inhabit.
In peril ambiguus, that course is best to be taken,
Sentence.
Which shal auaile to do good. In time priuy danger is holpen:
As by the sequel apeares.
Mindfuly Muse memorize, first how this vertuus Henry
(Saued aliue many times, by the Lords protection only)
Came to the Crowne as a King, here sent by the Lord his apointment:
Sent to the Realme as a Prince, that should here make an atonement.
Exampels in diuers places of the Bibel.
For Gods sacred elect are straungely preseru'd by the Lord God.
Our Lord and Sauiour was sau'd from murtherus Herod:
From the Lyons, Daniel: from strength of mighty Golias,
Holy Dauid: Ioseph, from brethren: faithful Elias,
From wicked Iesabel: that younger godly Tobias
Sau'd by the Lords Angell: and was not trustily Ionas
Kept in a whales bely safe, three nights? God sau'd Machabeus:
Noe with his owne families, was sau'd from destiny grieuus:
Exod. ch. 2. v. 6.7.8.9.
Moses throwne in a flagge, to be drown'd, was sau'd by the daughter
Of tyranus Pharaoh, manumiz'd to be nurst by the mother:
Israel, and Shadrach, Meshach with Abednego likewise.
Grafton. fol. 712. Edw, 4.
Gods diuine prouidence his blessed will wil acomplish.
First when he was but an Earle, he being then but of young yeares,
Was by the Lords prouidence preserued from many dangers
And peril of losing his life, and life of his vncle
Martial Earle Pembrocke: who behau'd himselfe as a nobel
And valiant Chiuali'r, when they were like to be taken
By Roger hight Vaghan; whose craft was speedily foreseene:
And he the said Vaghan, who thought them surely to murder,
Grafton. fol. eodem.
Rightly receiued a death, that he purpos'd falsely for other.
Those fraudulent Iudges, that acused falsly Susanna,
Rightfuly were condemn'd, by the Prophet sent by Iehoua;
Worthily ston'd to death, as they had wrongfuly iudged
Godly Susanna to die: thus God th'vngodly rewarded.
History of Su­sanna. Ester.
And on a Gallow tree, that proud presumptuus Hamon
Rightly was hang'd, that aledg'd to guiltlesse Mardoche treason,
This foresaid Vaughan was charg'd, by the King his apointment,
For to aprehend those Earles; but he therein mist of his intent.
Each self-will of a King, or commaund, is not a godly
Thing to be done. For a Prince enraged fiercely with enuy,
Seekes to do wrong causelesse; which God will auenge in his anger.
(For God on high, God aboue, knowes all) for he plagues an ofender.
Marke what a chaunce foloed. These Earles fled thence to the Castel.
Grafton.
Of Pembrooke: who were eftsoones pursu'd by the subtil
Fierce Morgan Thomas, who the Castel strongly besieged,
Enuironed with a trench: yet they were safely preserued
By Dauid ap Tbomas, who the siege rais'd; yet very brother
Vnto the said Morgan. Can men gods purposes alter?
1. Sam. ch. 20. ver. 35, &c.
Was not godly Dauid, by the meanes and faithful atonement
Of Ionathan, preseru'd from King Saules murderus intent?
Henry the sixt propheci'd (who this Earles state & very fauor
View'd for a while; noting his Princelike witty behaui'or:)
Lo this is he, for a trouth, that in end shall surely by wisdome,
Grafton fol. 692. Edw, 4.
By valor of Knighthood, and stoutnes ataine to the Kingdome.
This good King (as a Prince inspir'd) did prophecy trewly,
For what he told, proou'd trew, by gods reuelation only.
For God alowes his elect, seuerall gifts. Euery perfit
Good gift comes fro the Lord, by the gift of gods very spirit.
Iam, 1.17.
For the Prophets propheci'd of Christ: God gaue his Apostels
Maruelus and strange gifts, as he gaue his glorius Angels.
1. Pet. 1. v. 10.11.
Now to my matter againe.
These Earles, safely preseru'd, durst not stay there any longer;
But got away, in al hast, from thence, for feare of a danger.
Like as a light foote Roe, from quick-sent houndes to the greene wood,
Similie.
Lustily bounceth away, to saue life, skips on a maine scud:
So these Earles got away from thence, to Timby, that hauen
Towne in Wales: to the which by constraint luckily driuen,
They made prouision for shippes. And like as a Swallow
Similies.
Quickly the skyes doth sheare; or rather like as an arrow
Flies from a strong mans bow: So they from thence with a Nauie
Grafton fol. 713. Edw. 4.
Sail'd to the Duke Francis; who receiued them both very friendly:
Faithfuly them promising, that they should haue his asistance
For to do them pleasure, and what they wanted, alowance.
Where these fortunate Earles, in great security liuing,
Safely remained a while, King Edwards anger auoiding:
Ioyfuly there passing their time, where he with his vncle
Highly regarded at Armes, at Tylt, and Turnee did excell.
Tempora mu­tantur, &c.
Euery time hath a chaunge: we in times mutabil alter.
Gods will prescîent prescribes a determinate order,
His great glory to raise.
Can mindes associat to kingdomes, amity foster?
Or perfit louers, can they riuality suffer?
In Lucan.
Caesar could not abide to be submisse, or to be loyall
To valiant Pompey, that acounted no man his equall.
Euery King hath his heyre, or next to the Crowne, in a suspect:
For that he thinks, that he will not proue so trew, as a subiect.
Loue to be Kings and Kings breed brothers mutual hatred,
Sentence.
No faith obseruing, like tyrrants set by no kindred.
Can faith and falshoode, in selfe same seat be resiaunt?
Sentence.
Such contrarieties are placed flatly repugnant.
Marke what a chaunce hapned, that counter-checkt, in a moment,
All their Courtly delights, to their cleane contrary Iudgement:
For when as Edvvard namely the fourth, did know for a certaine,
That these venturus Earles were sailed safely to Brittaine,
Vnto the foresaid Duke, and there liu'd friendly together;
Highly regarded of him, nor at all did feare any danger.
Grafton fol. 715. Edw. 4.
These sory new tydings, did aflict his minde not a littel:
For that he thought those Earles, might bring him quickly to trubbel.
Embassadors therefore to the Duke he sent of a purpose,
With graue discretion, his message wisely to disclose:
Who did acomplish his heasts, like wise States made many proffers
Vnto the Duke, promising large gifts, and bountiful offers:
So that he would vouchsafe, those English Lords to deliuer.
Vnto whom immediate, this Duke thus framed an answere:
So to do, it were not requisite, nor stood with his honnor.
But least that those Lords, should seeke elswhere any succor,
To preiudice their King, he deuis'd to seclude them asunder,
With vigilant persons to be safe kept, one from another:
And from them to remoue each Page, and euery seruant,
Which was an English man, that there were on them atendant.
Answered in this sort, they toke their leaue with obeisance:
And so return'd to the King, to shew their faithful atendance.
Who when he heard these newes, he beleeu'd that he stoode in a safety:
His minde was quieted, quite freed from factius enuy.
Therewithal, he to the Duke forthwith then wrote in a letter,
How that he would him yearely reward; with thankes for his answer:
Friendly requesting him, that he would those words but acomplish,
Which of his owne free will, he did so faithfuly promise.
See what a suspitius minde works: how greedines of gould
Princelike mindes doth ataint, by force of flattery contrould.
Like as a sulphurus heate (encompast round) lyeth hollow,
Similie.
Clos'd in a vapory clowd, there struggling striues for an issue;
Which with a straunge rattling, with a rumbilo lowd flashy thunder,
Filles th'element with a noyse, and center of earth with a wonder:
So priuy suspition, conceiued in heart with a fury,
Breedes great displeasure, and raging cankerus enuie.
Ouid. Principijs obsta Scrò medicina pa­ratur, &c.
For when King Edward had better pondered all things,
He (that had experience) sought first to preuent the beginnings,
Least that he might be depos'd. When a wound with mallady festreth,
And growes inueterate, that sore what surgery cureth?
When nature vanisheth, which cannot worke any longer,
What medicine can auaile, mans former health to recouer?
Flexibil at first is young tender tree to be bowed:
Growne by continuance very bigge, disdeignes to be moued.
For when he considered, that rightly this Earle fro the lynage
Sprouted of Henry the sixt, then he sought for a further auantage.
Grafton. fol 73 [...]. Edw 4.
For that he knew wel inough, if that there were any liuing
Righteus heire to the Crowne, that lin'aly came from his ofspring,
Might bring his Diademe, and regal scepter in hazard.
Therefore againe to the Duke he charg'd graue men to go forward,
Doctor Stillinton with two more, sent with a treasure
Once yet againe to present, his Grace more largely to pleasure;
If that he would but alow and permit curteus Henry
(Nam'd Earle of Richmond) with them to returne in a safety,
For speciall causes; that their King, bountiful Edward,
Would ioyne in mariage (wherein then he seem'd to be forward)
Elizabeth to this Earle; which was wel knowne to be daughter
To their liege Soueraigne: which luckily fortuned after.
Thereby this Earle might haue those landes that he claim'd in asurance,
If that he were maried so nere to the King in alyance.
And so the King stood sure, that none might make any tytel
Vnto the Crowne, but he might all forraine faction expel.
They in al hast get away their message wisely to transpose:
Who to the Duke at large, each particularity disclose.
When that he their message did know, he paus'd for a good while,
What was best to be done, since th'Earle liu'd there but in exile:
But when he considered that he should be matcht with a Virgin,
Their owne Kings daughter, to be linktin league with his owne kinne:
Where that he might be prefer'd to some great dignity present,
There as an Earle, or a Duke, to rule by the King his apointment;
First he began to deny: but pleas'd with treasurie giuen,
What with soliciting, and gould so gainfuly gotten,
Kindly this answer he gaue; that he was content to deliuer
Henry that Earle, not a sheepe to the wolfe, but a sonne to the father.
Similie.
And in a letter he wrote, how th'Earle was much had in honor,
Both for his owne wisdome, valiaunce, and witty behaui'our.
They then seiz'd of a prey, which they had greatly desired,
Thankfuly tooke their leaue, and from thence quickly departed
Vnto the towne of Saint Malo, bord'ring neare to the sea shore:
Minding thence to depart, when ships were made ready. Wherefore
Th'Earle when he knew that he should be return'd home, for very sorrow
Since that he was so betrai'd, he fell sore sicke of an ague:
Imagining that he should, as soone as he landed in England,
Be stratagiz'd; but see: who can Gods dignity withstand?
Gods diuine prouidence, and sacred dignity supreame
Ruleth al humane cause; though humane causes ar extreame.
Sentence.
Marke gods omnipotence: whose workes ar wonderus, extant
Still to be seene: who preseru'd this venturus Earle at an instant,
Sau'd (as a strange miracle) by the faithfull loue of a stranger,
For many times men ar helpt, and sau'd by the meanes of another,
Like as a Physition doth seeke mans health to recouer:
So wil a friend, for a friend, in trubbels stand a defender.
Vulcan against Troy was: but Troians friend was Apollo,
And Venus indiferent, Pallas not: mortaly Iuno
Malliced Aeneas, as alyed wholy to Turnus;
Yet was he by Venus helpe, preseru'd from her enmitie grieuus,
Vndubitate Pylades was a friend to woful Orestes:
To Damon, Pythias: Patrocles friended Achilles:
Diuers exam­ples. Virg.
Alcyde ayded Hylas, Aeneas friend was Acbates:
Eurialus, Nisus: Diomedes friended Vlisses:
And to be chiefe memoriz'd, that firme and trusty Zopirus,
*Who cut his owne eares off, Babilon to procure Darius.
Darius stout King in his hand faire Pomegranat hauing,
Pl [...]tarch. in A­po.
One of his especial friends askt him (merrily iesting)
What things especiall (if he might haue that that he wished)
Would he request for his owne? As there were graines to be counted,
So many friendly Zopyres (as a wise King) wisely did answer.
For what more pretius, then a friend that friendeth another?
Pluta. in A­po.
As fire and heate both, cannot be parted asonder:
So loue and friendship cannot be without one another.
For when on Iohn Chewlet (that was for a Courtier, only
Counted a stout man at armes) who lou'd this gratius Henry,
Heard that he was very sick, and from thence like to be conueigh'd,
Grafton. fol. 738. Edw. 4.
Shortly to King Edward, he (therewith wofuly dismaid)
Posted amaine to the Court, and present stept to the Kings Grace,
Heauily perplexed: who looking sad with a pale face,
Stood as amased afore this Duke, with a stearne heuy count'nance,
And not a word did speake: as a man that wanted his vttrance,
Therewithal astonied, to behold so feareful an obiect
(Like as a Prince vigilant) he did some treachery suspect:
Yet when he considered this Knights state, chearefuly thus spake;
Shew me the cause (good Iohn) that thou so monefuly dost looke.
Therewithal he, to the Duke reuerent, with an humbel obeysance,
Boldly declar'd what he meant, and spake with a treatibel vttrance;
Sentence.
Pardon I craue, Soueraigne, if I speake: Truth verily neuer
Shameth his owne master. What auailes then fondly to flatter?
Heare then a truth, O Duke, for like as Cynthia shining,
Inueloped with a clowde, obscures her selfe from ilustring:
Similie.
Semblably truth for a time obscur'd, many times lieth hidden;
Truth yet in end wil apeare: truth neuer permaneth vnknowne.
O my renowned Duke, wilt thou now falsify promisse,
Firmely betroth'd to this Earle? What a fault is this, what a blemmish?
O that I were buried. Shal I liue to know thy dishonor?
Truly my minde (O Duke) is vext with an infinit honor,
Similie.
For that I greatly do grieue, that this stout Earle to the slaughter
Should (as a lambe) be betrai'd, and there to be slaine of a Butcher.
This wil bring thy renowne, O Prince (which euery mans mouth
Extols vp to the clowdes) to decay. For (plainely to tell trouth)
If so be (my Soueraigne) thou wilt so shamefuly suffer
Henry this Earle to depart, thou stain'st thy glory for euer:
Thy former valiance, and fame that shine to the worlds end,
Shall as a smoake pas away. Shal a Prince such craftines intend?
Similie
Peace good Iohn (quoth the Duke) peace, peace: I pray thee beleeue mee:
For these Embasadors do protest and say that he shal be
Grafton. fol. [...]38. Edw. 4.
Spows'd to the Kings daughter (which their King faithfuly promist)
And to be next to the King, plaste in authority chiefest.
Well, said Iohn to the Duke, in whom shall shame be reputed,
If that he dye by the way, or in English Realme be beheaded?
For that I dare venture my life, that it is but a practice
This sily soule to deceiue, this sicke Earles life to relinquish:
If that he shal be beguil'd in such sort, let me no longer
Liue to repaire to thy Court: if he should dye, dye had I rather.
Laertius. lib. 4 chap. 2.
When Dionise the tyrant, would needes haue Plato beheaded,
Zenocrates answer'd; not afore that mine be depriued.
But many say, that a King that knowes not how to disembel,
Knowes not at all to rule: such sleights be deuis'd by the Diuell.
If that I may be so bould to speake but a word in his absence,
O my benigne Soueraigne, lend eare and giue to me credence.
For why? This Earle of a truth lyes sick, and likely to perish.
Similie.
If fro thy Realme he depart, what Prince will trust to thy promise?
Nothing more perilus, then a compound poysonus honny:
No body more trecherus, then a foe, that seemes to be friendly.
With tunes harmonicall sweete singing merrily Meremaides
Similie.
Falsly betray Mariners: So these men sent, as aforesaid,
Smoothly deceiue your Grace, with faire speach, and mony giuen.
Vnder a cloake of loue, lies concea'ld craftines hidden.
Sentences.
O fond discrecion, on faire wordes wholly relying.
Experiment best is, where wordes, and deedes are agreeing.
Craft hath a godly pretence; but a murderus end.
Similie.
For a fowler
Merrily playes on a pipe, when he craftily taketh a plouer.
Iscariot Iudas, that false and wicked Apostel,
Falsely betrai'd with a kisse, and sould our Lord for a trifel.
Laomedons falshood ( Priamus father, and son of Ilus)
Caused his owne bludy death, and losse of Troy, city famus.
1 Macha. ch. 11
Was not Alexander, by craft of King Ptolemaeus,
His false fath'r in law, depriu'd of his Empery famus?
Bluddy Polymnestor (which of gould was so desirus)
Beastly did obtruncate Priamus sonne, young Polidorus.
Virg.
More to recite, what auailes?
Therefor I humbly beseech your Grace (O Duke) to remember
Grafton fol. 739. Edw, 4.
This disconsolate Earle, that lyes neare dead of a feauer:
Send that he may be retain'd. Let not thy glory be blemmisht:
Keepe faith inuiolate, let a prince performe what he promist.
Thus this Knight, to the Duke, his whole minde (wofuly distrest)
Plainely without any guile, or dissimulation, exprest.
Lastly, by perswasions, this wise Duke (rul'd by the Counsell
Of good Iohn Chewlet; who this Earles state knew to be feebel)
Sent Peter Landoyse, chiefe Treasurer, only the foresaid
Embassadors to delay; that th'Earle might safely be conuai'd
Vnto the Sanct'ary there: which was with speede then efected.
Which so delighted his heart, that his health there quickly reuiued.
Like as an Hart in a chace, that is hurt or pincht with a greyhound,
Similie.
Bounceth away on a maine, and runnes most swiftly, to get ground:
Yer that he should b'imbost, fro the greyhound speedily doth get,
And priuy lewnes in a brake, imbaies himselfe in a thicket;
There to recouer his hurt: So this Earle (escapte from a daunger)
Liu'd in a place priuiledg'd, his former health to recouer.
Would to God euery Prince, that ruleth in euery Kingdome,
Would be so rul'd by the good wise counsell, and by the wisdome
Of plaine trouth-speakers, and also that euery Courti'er
Would not aledge any lyes to the Prince, to defame on another.
Now to my matter againe.
When these Embasadors perceiu'd they were so deluded,
Grafton. fol. 739. Edw 4.
Both of an Earle, their prey, and of gould freely deliuer'd;
Tould Peter Landoyse, their king would take it in ill part,
They to retorne so deceiu'd, of their Earle and mony homeward.
But Peter Landoyse assured them, that he should be
Safe in a sanct'ary kept (which they would warily foresee)
Or to be streightly detein'd, in a safer custody forthwith;
So they neede not at all, to doubt or feare any mischiefe.
They pacifi'd by the meanes of Landoyse curteus answere,
Thought it a folly to stay in Brittain Realme any longer:
But willed Landoyse (to the Duke their duty remembring)
Those promises to be kept, their leaue there then fuly taking:
Who promised that he would.
So these Embasadors sail'd thence, and landed in England.
Grafton. fol. 755. Edw. 4.
And there tould to the King each chiefest point of his arrand.
Who when he heard their speach, perswaded partly by reason,
How that he should be detein'd there safe, or safe in a prison
(He not at all fearing th'intendment of fory persons)
Shew'd himselfe as a Prince, more bountiful vnto the Commons,
And liberal to the poore.
But time his course hath: time staylesse daiely doth happen,
Sentences.
With swift breach curelesse, with gould not againe to be gotten.
O wauering fortune, when thou seem'st most to be smiling,
Poeticè.
Mutabil intendment meanest, and mischievus ending.
Euery time hath an end, O worldly varietie, neuer
Knowne to remaine constant! What is here that permaneth euer?
For stout king Edward, when he found himselfe to be sore sick,
And when he thought that he was (in a manner) past any physick,
Streight to the Queenes kindred, did send on away in a poste-hast;
Grafton fol. 760. & fol. 761. Edw. 5.
Vnto the Lord Riuers (whom he knew to be firme, to be stedfast)
And to the Lord Hastings (Lord Chamberlaine then of England)
And to the Lord Marquesse (whom she first had by her husband
Named Sir Iohn Gray, which was made knight in a battell
Fought at Saint Albons, and there was slaine: who did excell
In valor of Knighthood)
Willing them to repaire to the Court, with speedines, eftsoones,
And to resort to the King, for diuers and many reasons.
VVho to the Court in al hast did come: who courtly saluting
Were resaluted againe, on another semblably greeting.
Euery Lord that came to the Courte, by the King his apointment
VVent to the Kings presence. When he saw them there to be present,
He took them by the handes (though inward panges with a sorrow
Greatly molested his hart) and, vnderset with a pillow,
Spake to them, as foloeth:
My Lordes, and kynsmen, your presence hartily welcom:
King Edwards last will or ad­monition to the Queene, his children, and Nobility.
Whose frendshippes I found more sure to me, than a kingdom.
My life is but a blast, I feele death woful aproching:
And I reioyce, that I haue my freendes here at my departing.
My body wasteth away, I fynd my self to be feebel,
Also my blud to decay: I feele my self but vnabel
For to pronounce many wordes. Therefore, my Lordes, to me listen.
Concord in friendship, be faythfull vnto my chyldren:
And to my Sonne, your Prince, I charge you for to be loyall,
Safe to preserue his Grace, to defend this Realme vniuersall.
For the Cicil tyrrants could find no greater a torment,
Then cruel enuy, that hagge, which fosters deadly reuengement.
Seneca in Epist. lib. 14.
Marcus Agrippa declar'd that small thinges daily, by concord,
Eftsoones grow to be great: and great thinges, fondly by discord,
Quickly declyne to ruine.
Plutark in reg. Apo. theg. & Stob. ser. 82.
That graue ould sapient Scyllurus, nam'd Chironensis
(Fowre score sonnes who begate) when he lay sick, thus did he publish:
Euery one, deare sonnes, in his hand here take but an arrow,
And break them forthwith. Which they did speedily. But now
Each on a sheafe of shaftes, my sonnes, take, forcibly break them,
Which to do, each did asay; but could not. Then with a solemne
Similie.
Speach thus he spake; As you could not them break: So, my children,
Trew fyrme and constant coniunction of many brethren
No body can dissolue. Therefore liue frendly together.
If so be you seperate your selues each one from an other,
Then shall your enemies (as a prey snatcht vp of a Tyger)
You (disagreeing so) with a small force easily conquer.
So my beloued Lordes, if you, by malicius enuy,
Shall fall at variaunce, which of you standes in a safety?
Prosperus are Kingdomes, publick weales statefuly florish,
Sentence.
Where States concording do perfect amity stablish:
But when a Realme disagrees, that Realme is seene very seldom
Long to remaine a Monarche. For certaine euery Kingdome
Hatefuly disseuered (fayth and tranquillity wanting)
Turned is vp side downe, ruinus disconsolat ending.
Hate doth a Realme ruinate. Therefore my Lordes, I beseech you,
Euery one to be frendes, my precepts duly to follow.
Euery Lord, by the hand, there present tooke on an other
(Who did apeare to be frendes) though their heartes were far asunder.
And then he spake to the Queene sore greev'd: who mournefuly looking,
Teares from hir eyes gusht forth, as bubbling blobbes from a welspring.
Farewell dearly belov'd: your children charily cherish,
See them well to be bred with good and singular aduise.
And you, my children, be dutiful vnto the mother:
Vse these your kinsmens counsayle, in stead of a father.
For litel yong children should wisely be rul'd, by the counsayle
Of wity graue Senators, whose fame and vertue doth excell.
And, with a sorroful hart his children sadly beholding,
Stretched his hand to them all, these same wordes faintily speaking;
God blesse you children, farewell Lordes dearly beloued:
Who with trickling teares (sad sighing) wofully mourned.
And then he held vp his handes to the Lord, his mercy beseeching,
And to receiue his soule, to the ioyes that ar euer abiding.
Therewithal he faynting, in a swoune grewe straight to be speachlesse,
Gasping breath who did yeald, with a pale face and body senselesse.
Whose soule imparadiz'd, I belieue is with the Creator,
Our Lord Emmanuell, our Christ, and sole mediator.
Who when he had regaliz'd 3. yeares and credibly twenty,
Tomb'd in a faire monument, at Windsore lies, in an abbey.
How that he dy'd, many men did doubt. For he dy'd on a suddayn.
Sundry, by surfet, afirm'd: which no body knew to be certayn:
But many thought, that he was put away, by the vile priuy treason
Of tyranus Richard, by the meanes of some sory poyson:
As Sir Thomas More, in his owne book skilfuly penned,
Thought (by the speach that he learn'd) that he was sure priuily poysned.
And not a thing vnlyke. For he spared no body, whose life
Might dominire as a King, whose life might work him a mischiefe.
He was a vile Machauile, and still tooke time at a vauntage.
To work such stratagemes, his lew'd mind gaue him a courage.
Similie.
As wax is molify'd, and clay made hard, by the sun-shine:
So to the word of God, good mens hearts daily wil enclyne:
But lewd are hardned by the word. Such obstinat error
Permaneth in reprobates: whose end is damnable horror.
Description of Edward the fowerth.
This valiaunt Edward was a Prince, of a beawtiful aspect:
Whose face shyn'd with a faire sanguine complexion indeckt:
Whose yelo burnished haire did shyne, like glorius amber:
Similies.
Whose gray eyes twinkling, like starres, did cheerefuly glister,
Comelines of person, very tall of bodily stature:
Exquisit euery part was featured: and of a nature
Merciful and liberal: whose stout hart (bouldly by wisedom
And politick valiaunce) of right did atayn to the kingdom.
He was a Prince patient, in great prosperity pleasant,
And not at all arogant, in great aduersity constant,
Not timorus wauering: to steadfast friend very faithfull:
To fra'dulent enemyes, se [...]ere, implacabel, hatefull:
Fortunat in warfare: but somewhat gi-uen (in excesse)
To womanish daliaunce, as his hystorie plainly doth expresse.
This stout king Edward many times would say, that he lov'd well
Three speciall paragons, in seu'ral gifts who did excell:
First was wily by kind: but an other seem'd to be godly:
Shores wife was meriest, as a woman void of al enuy.

The iust and lawfull title, that Richard Duke of Yorke, father to king Edward, made to the Crowne of England.

RIchard Plantagenet, Duke of Yorke, rightly the garland
Sought by law to regaine; his right to the Crowne then of England:
And he preferred a byll, to the nobil common asembly,
Grafton fo. 757. et 758.
Held at Westminster. Where after merciful Henry
(Namely the sixth) his death, they all (there iointly together)
Graunted by parliament.
Gaue this Realme to the Duke, his right heires in the remainder.
But this stout Richards stout lucklesse mynd was vnabel,
For to prolong so long: but in end was slaine in a battell,
Neare to the towne Wakefield (and left here these many children;
Edward, George, Richard: all three well knowne to be brethren)
And yet he sware many times by solemne othes,
Stow. fol. 944. & fol. 972.
that he neuer
Would any treason atempt, or against him raise any power.
His three sonnes, whom I nam'd, were like three Martial Hectors,
All of a stoutnes alike, on anothers glory detractors.
This foresaid Richard, to the foresaid fortunat Edward,
Was father vndubitate: sonne and heire namely to Richard,
Stout Earle of Cambridge;
Who maried Dame Anne, sole heire and daughter of Edmund
Mortimer, Earle of March, Richards neece, namely the second.
So that he was, by the lawes, right lawfull heire to the Kingdome:
Which Edward did ataine by force, and partly by wisdome.
Henry the fourth did vsurpe, and put downe wrongfuly Richard,
Second King by name, at Pomfort slaine, by the coward
Sir Pierce of Exton: who strake him downe, as a butcher
Striketh an ox, on his heade. Wo worth so shameful a monster.
This trecherus bludy Duke did bring eight tal men in harnesse,
Grafton fol. 412. Henry. 4.
Each man a bill in his hand, like thieues, to murder his Highnesse:
Who with a bill that he got by force, did manfuly withstand
Those Machauile hypocrites (for he kild foure men with his owne hand)
Till that he was struck downe by the Knight: who leapt in a chay-er
Like crauenus coward, to repose him selfe from a daunger.

The Second booke of the tyranny and vsur­pation of king Richard: and how king Henry the seauenth, when he was Earle of Richmond, was preserued in his time.

A praier.

I (He, that here doth a peale to the sacred seate of a Kingly,
Kingly tribunall throne, of a King celestial only,
Only the King of Kings, the triumphant Lord God imortall.
Three persons, one God, deifi'd with glory coequall)
Humbly before thee my God, that King, & Lord God of heauen,
Wholly my selfe prostrate giue eare, O Lord to me listen:
Ephe. 2.5, 8.
Sanctify me by thy grace, and iustify me by thy mercy,
For by the grace of God, comes our saluation only.
Graunt that I may paraphrase, stout Henries glory to publish,
And to promulgat abroad King Richards tyrrany diuelish.
I He, that only before (in Romane rythmery verses)
Did modulate, with a thinne oten pype, fortunat Henries
Flight that he made to the Duke, with his vncle; there in, a safety
Both to remaine for a time, till time should prooue to be friendly.
Which was a worke of thanks: But now, now, murtherus horror,
And Machauile stratagemes I record of a lewde malefactor,
That did vsurpe as a king, that killed his owne very brethren,
Murdered his Nephues wife, and many [...]ores, or a sudden,
Mournefuly Muse manifest the detested deedes of a tyrrant,
Monster of all mankinde; whose sinnes to the world ar aparant:
With salt watery teares, this wofull tragedy pensill:
Teares, from a sabel penne of direfull Ebony, distill.
I to the clowdes seeke not to mount, like Icarus in sky:
Ouid. poeticè.
Nor like proud Phaëton, with a minde presume to be lofty.
Witty Thales maiden, that saw him looke vp on heauen,
And in a ditch to decline; he is wel seru'd, quoth the maiden,
For that he looked aloft, when he should haue lookt on his owne feete.
Looke not aloft sily Muse: but shew thy selfe to be discreet.
Here I do meane to declare (O Queene) how shamefuly Richard,
That Duke of Gloster (but a younger brother of Edward,
Lately the King) did ataine to the Crowne, and dignity regal.
Trewly my minde doth abhorre that I should here make the recitall,
What Machauile policies, what shifts, what crafty deuises,
What tyranus stratagemes he deuis'd, to crucifie Princes.
First of al, here to beginne; he stab'd and kill'd with a dagger
Grafton fol. 713. Edw, 4.
Henry the sixt, when he was safe kept (as a prisoner) in Tower.
For that he considered King Henries life was an hind'rance,
Both to the King, and him: by the which they wanted asurance.
Therefore he did this fact, his brother firmly to settel
In throne of Regiment (whose state he knew to be fickel)
For that he knew that he might, when a sure foundation is laide,
Build, as he would himselfe. Can a building stand that is vnstaid?
Similie.
Like as an hungry Lyon (ramping) will seeke to deuow-er
Euery beast that he meetes, til he hath ful apeased his hunger:
Sentence. Nulla fides, regni socijs. c &.
So this vile bludy Duke their deathes did wilfuly conspire,
Which did opose themselues, that he might not ataine to this Empire.
For greedy thirst of gould, and feruent loue of a Kingdome,
All felo mates doth abhor: there faith is found very seldome.
Like as a weak patient, that lyes sore sick of a dropsy,
Similie
Drinkes, yet is alwaies dry; so that no liquor, his hasty
Or greedy thirst, can alay:
Grafton. fol. 781. & fol. 719. Edw. 5.
So mindes that proudly desi-er
Imperiall regiment, still thirst, and long for an Empyre.
Next he, the Duke Clarence (his brother) caus'd in a malmsey
Butte to be drown'd, as a Duke (though guiltlesse) found to be guilty:
Immagining that he might, then sooner ataine to the Kingdom,
When that he was put away. For he diu'd each drift to the bottom.
Like Auroras birde, that fluttereth vp to the welkin,
Similie.
Soareth aloft higher, then a grosse mans sight can imagine:
So this proud greedy Duke (whose minde so lofty did aspire)
Reached a thought higher, than meane wits thought, to this Empire.
O what a vile perilus serpent,
Sentence.
what a cormoran helhound
Is cruell ambition! which seekes mans glory to confound.
For mindes insatiate wil atempt still, still, to be highest:
First to be greatly preferd; next, equall; then to be chiefest.
See Iames. 3. v. 16 17.
Ambitius wisdome comes not from aboue; but is earthly,
Sensual, and diuelish, contentius, and ful of enuy:
But sapience from aboue, is gentel, merciful, harmelesse,
Wrongfuly not iudging, but void of hypocrisie doubtlesse.
Now to proceede, as I meant.
King Edward, when he knew that he was so spitefuly drowned,
His sory misfortune, and lewd luck, greatly repented.
For when as other Lords would speake for a lewde sory person
(Humbly beseaching him, that he would vouchsafe him a parson)
Sadly the King would say, many times, O brother vnhappy!
For whom, no body would once seeme to request any mercy.
But many men do repent, when it is too late to redresse it.
That priuy vile bludy fact, that he did so shamefuly permit,
Strake a remorse in his hart.
Surely the more that a mind is clogd with a grevius offense,
More dolor and anguish doth torment daily the consci'ence.
Sundry report diuers reasons of their priuy mallice,
Fiercely reuiued againe; each cause yet prou'd but a surmise.
Grafton fol. 741. Edw. 4.
For why? The King and Queene suspected a prophecie fore-tould,
Which they immagined would proue to be true; that a G should
(Thought to be George Clarence) their nobil progeny supplant.
Which soone was verify'd, and prov'd to be true by the tyrrant,
That Duke of Gloster; when he was proclam'd a Pro [...]ector:
Who to the Kings children, did proue their sole malefactor.
O fond suspitions of mindes? Who can the characters
Of futur happes foretell, set downe by celestial orders?
Similie.
Like as a cockes crowing, or crackling flame of a fy-er,
Daunteth a lusty Lyon, which flies for feare of a daunger:
So doth a suspition, conceiu'd by the bruit of a rumor,
Breed in a Princes mind, but an inward feare, but a terror.
Grafton fol. 742. Edw. 4.
Some did afirme, this Duke should match with Mary, the daughter
Of Charles Duke Burgon: which Edward daily did hinder.
Similie.
Which was a grief to the Duke, as a sore that festereth inward,
For that his owne brother so dealt, that apeard to be for-ward.
Thirdly, the cause was aledg'd, that this Duke, George, had a seruant
Wrongfuly condemned, that should as a Sorcerer enchant
Their regall persons, and their posterity. Wherefore,
This Duke complayning to the King, was araign'd as a Traytour:
With sory wordes who reuyl'd, and still did murmur against them.
Whereby the king, in a rage, this Duke did speedily condemne.
There is a time, for a man, both where and when to do wisely:
As did apeare by the Duke, who prou'd too daungerus hasty.
Silence seldom ofendes: large speach oft stirreth vp anger.
Sentence.
That wity graue Socrates his schollers charg'd to remember,
Maxim. Serm.
Three speciall documents; to be shamefast, wise, to be silent:
Most requisite for them, that they may proue to be prudent.
For let a man see much, let him heare, and say but a littel.
Prouerbes.
For littel meddling doth seldom bring any troubel.
As litel hoat sparkels many times do kindel a fy-er
Similie.
Great, fierce, and violent: So lew'd speech stirreth vp anger,
Sore, sharpe, and vehement. And as fire forcibly great streames
Vpflaming spreadeth: So lewd wordes enmitie by meanes
Endamaging disperse. And as fire quenched is hardly,
Similie.
Till that it hath burned to the full, and that very fiercely:
Whose force doth ruinate, burne and consumeth in ashes
Great, large, huge tenements, faire, fine, and sumptuus houses:
Semblabel (in like sort) is an anger merciles ardent,
Continuing vehement: whose madde rage and fury feruent
Doth townes depopulate, subuerteth flatly the citties,
Vpturneth castels, murdreth Kinges, and many Princes
Stout, wise, and valiaunt. What is it, but mischeuus Enuy
Cankereth vp in her hart? To do wrong, she practiceth only:
Which she delights most in. With pride she iettes, as a copesmate,
Immagining vengeance. Wo worth so spiteful: brewbate.
Similie.
Better a staf that bendes, than a staf that breaketh asunder:
Sentence.
Better a man patient, than a man that stirreth vp anger.
Sentence.
No wrath so vehement, as brothers enmity: whose rage
Fiercely reuiued againe, what man may possibil asswage.
As for an exampel; fierce Typhon killed Osyris:
Romulus also Remus: Cambises wrongfuly Smerdis.

To her Maiestie.

Here I desist for a time, O Queene. For like an abortiue:
Droupeth afore he be ripe: so my booke may proue but ofensiue,
Similie.
If that he passe to the print, yet my poore skill hath adornist
That, that I meane to deline. Soft fyre makes malt to be sweetest.
Prouerbe.
And God graunt thee to rule, as a ioyful Prince to thy p [...]p [...]l,
Princely so long to liue, as an Hart, as an oke, or a woo [...]l:
If so be your Highnes this verse and history fancy.
Then will I gladly procead; els not. For I count it a folly.
Here is a Book that I made which Pagan Ioue in his anger,
Iam opus exegi &c.
Nor steele shall out weare, nor time authentical, euer.

The Author to his Muse.

Here let vs harbor a while: thinges ar to be done in a measure.
Euery tyde hath an ebbe: paines past to recount, is a pleasure.
Glory to God, God aboue: which was God from the beginning,
Which is, which shal be our Lord eternal abiding.
Senerissimae Reginae.
En meliorae canam, si placant carmina Princeps:
Sin tibi displiceant, hic marus aheneus esto:

Certain Latine verses, that were made long since by one Doctor Buste a phisitian, in commendation of the Queenes Maiesty, when she came to Oxford.

IVno, Minerua, Venus, nemerosae in vallibus Idae,
Iudicium formae dum subiere suae,
Iuno iactat opes. Quid tum? Prudentior illis
Est Pallas; Pallas haud opulenta tamen.
Inter formosas, si tu Dea fortè fuisses,
Vicisti reliquas. O Dea, quarta Deas.
Quam Iuno iaeiuna foret! Quam pallida Pallas!
Quam dea vana Venus! Quam dea sola fores!
Sit Venus alma viris; regni virtutis egena est.
Omnia sunt tua: in Iuno, Minerua, Venus.

Translated into English Hexameters, and Pentameters, verse for verse.

Iuno, Minerua, Venus, in vales of wodded hil Ida,
Whyles, which was fayrest, they did agree to be try'd,
Iuno she bragd of wealth. What then? Then thought to be wisest,
Was Pallas; Pallas was not a wealthy godesse.
If that among those faire godeses, thou faire godes hadst ben,
Thou hadst surpast them (there, as a fourth Godes) all.
Iuno, she how ieiune? Now pale had Pallas apeared?
And Venus how vainelike? Thou then an only godesse.
Let Venus all men please, yet throne of vertue she wanteth.
All thinges are thine: thou Iuno, Minerua, Venus.

And Saphickes in English, I haue made thus:

Godly Queene Princesse president remayneth
Only our fortresse resident apeareth,
Duly like Empresse pre'minent requireth
All vs apointed,
Stoutly with bouldnes prouident, to venter
Bouldly foes fiercenes violent to con [...]uer,
Manly with stoutnes diligent defend her,
Which is anoynted.
[...]
[...]

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