The Peasant History of Albino and Bellama, Poem 1 · Floating text 1 – Floating text 6

The Peasant History of Albino and Bellama · Poem 1 · Floating text 1 – Floating text 6

p. 33To his Companion in prayſe of BELLAMA.

DO'ſt ſee you towring hills, you ſpreading trees,

Which wrap their lofty heads in clouds? doſt ſee:

Yon houſe of little worth, and leſſer height?

Doſt thinke a Iewell of ten thouſand weight

Can dwell within that ſootie Carkanet?

Doſt think the gawdie Sun each night does ſet

And riſeth from yon roofe? Doſt think the Moone

With double horne, and glittring tapers, ſoone,

Will iſſue thence? Didſt ever ſee an eye

Which checkt the beames of awfull Majeſty?

Doſt thinke an earth-borne beauty can be found,

Which darts forth luſtre from the ſullen ground,

To kiſſe the glorious skies? or canſt thou thinke

The Queene of beautie dwells in ſuch a chinke?

Doſt thinke? tis poore, why doe I queſtion ſo?

Thou dar'ſt confirme all this by oath, I know,

Since my Bellama's there, all life, all breath,

Whoſe preſence can enlive the ſoule of death,

Deſpight of ſickly Nature: ſhe is all faire

And truly meriteth Bellezza's chaire.

All thoſe faire treaſures which diſperſed lye

'Twixt Poles and Parallels pay to her eye

And, with her ſpan, contracted in her meet,

As radiant, red, white, ſmooth, ſoft, rich, and ſweet,

She is the worlds Epitomy and ſoule,

And with her inch of earth, out-worths the whole▪

Shee's beauties Archy-fount: as riv'lets ſmall

Borrow from greater currents, and they all

Pay tribute to the Ocean, juſt ſo

The dimmer ſhafts of winged Cupids Bow,

p. 34Borrow from brighter, the brighteſt pay

Homage unto Bellama, beauties day.

I tell thee, there's not one ſmall worth of hers,

But loudly ſayes, that foppiſh nature erres

In other beauties: nor is this all, for why?

Her thoughts pluck ſtarres, and dark th'imperiall skie.

Vertue and Beautie both: why 'tis as rare

As froſts in Iune, or Comets in the aire,

As Crowes in Africk, Ae…lus want puffes,

Or ſhe-preciſians want Geneva ruffes.

Yet my Bellam' alone, and one unites

The beauteous colours, noble red and whites,

With heavens iſſue, Vertue: dar'ſt then deny,

If not divine, her halfe a Deitie?

Tip Cynthia's hornes with wonder, winde al…ud,

And mount the ſaddle of a wi…ged cloud:

Then circle earth, and ſee if thou canſt finde

Halfe ſuch a feature with ſo rare a minde.

I know when thou returnſt thou'lt ſay with me,

Bellama's beautie is a A percee.

Thus he to rockes and buſhes did diſcover,

The ſecret flames which ſcorcht his heated breaſt,

Though he as yet was not a vocall lover,

But ſhrowded his cloſe love in ſmiles and jeſt;

Yet Fortune ftentimes does Venus grace

Hee got lip-freedome in an eye-leſſe place.

p. 35For there a Turkes Elyzium was the ſtage

Whereon the Virgines acted parts of mirth,

Which Nature did with nobler gifts engage,

And decked more than other parts of earth:

And Bellam's breath was ſuch a powerfull thing,

It here did keepe an everlaſting ſpring.

The angry puffings of congealing Eaſt,

And ſturdy North, cold Winters ſtouteſt royſters,

Durſt ne're o… curled lockes the trees deveſt,

Nor e're were heard to whiſtle in their cloyſters.

Such vernall blaſts came from Bellama's mouth,

Kept here Favonius, and the dropping ſouth.

And if ſharp froſts did in her abſence ſteale

Into this place, and glaz'd the tatling ſtreames,

Then into chryſtall would the ſprings congeale,

And ev'ry flower was rayd with ſilver beames:

Yet if Bellama did but glance her eye,

The chryſtall and the ſilver thence did flye.

Nay, ſtrange it was to heare the purling wet,

The ſawcie froſt with angry murmures chide,

And with its conſtant jarres and ſtruglings fret,

Then thaw to teares, and on the Venice ſlide.

Yet oft Bellama would call in her rayes,

To view the ſilver purles, and chryſtall wayes.

Into this garden once Albino got;

Yet ah, but once, and met his ſoveraigne faire,

Hoping their hearts ſhould ty the Gordian knot,

He fand her beauty with ſuch courting aire:

For though he was a Monk, love did inſtruct him;

And to Loves pallace Fortune did conduct him.

p. 36He oftentimes with trembling thombe would preſſe

Her dauncing veine, way to her heart to finde,

Whilſt conſcious ſhe her looks with red wold dreſſe,

Fearing her pulſe was traytor to her minde:

For 'tis entruth'd by ſome, that by this vaine

We may the knowledge of affections gaine.

Such knowledge gaind, he by her pulſes touch,

Which leapt to meet, not chide his buſie thombes,

That he deſir'd a kiſſe, and found it ſuch,

Whoſe ſweetneſſe far out-ſweets Hybla's combes:

Then cryd, give for each lip a cherry-ſweet,

And then a third, in which they two may meet.

Such quickning heat was from thoſe kiſſes lent,

That thawd his voyce, and did unfreeze his tongue,

Packt thence deſpaire, exiled diſcontent,

And made him vent what was concealed long:

For though deſire and love each minute bid him,

Yet feare, his habit, and her beauty chid him.

Madam, quoth he, vouchſafe a courteous eare

VntoUnto my words, ſent from an amorous heart,

Which hath long time bin wrackt with hope & fear▪

Griſely deſpaire, and Cupids awfull dart:

And till this time (reſtrain'd by black diſaſters)

Could ne're apply lip-love, or vowell-plaſters.

Be pleas'd to know (yet ſure you needs muſt know it

A beauty ſo divine, muſt needs divine,

Though I ſhould want heart, hand, or voyce to ſhow (it)

When firſt your beauty in mine eyes did ſhine,

They ſlipt into my breaſt, and told my heart,

The god of love by them had ſent adart▪

p. 37My heart made quick reply, (if hearts have voyce)

You ever have ſuch faithfull ſervants been,

That what you like, I'le freely call my choyce,

For beauty brought by you, does fires teen;

Carry this meſſage back, tell her 'tis beſt

That hers ſhould heat my boſome, I her breaſt.

Peace, peace, quoth ſhe, ſpeak not a word oflove,

For feare my anger, ſcornes, and folly writes,

Eagles love Eagles, and the Dove the Dove:

Hankes brook not Buzzards; or the Pheaſant Kites,

Equals love equals: but un-equall flame

Is teen'd wi…hfolly, and expires with ſhame.

True, quoth he, likeneſſe does the heart encline,

Greatneſſe loves greatneſſe, without farther ſearch,

Yet crawling Ivies loftie Elmes en-twine,

And gall-leſſe Turtles with the Eagles pearch.

I baulk your greatneſſe; for as good, not great,

I homage pay, and loves alarums beat.

Thoſe airy titles, which ambition ſwell,

And puffe like bladders, or like bladders burſt,

The worldlings goddeſſe, which in cheſts does dwel,

Is gnawne with ruſt, and makes the cheſters curſt,

Honour is ty'd unto the Princes eye,

And wealth to Fortunes mutability.

I have not wealth (nor doe I want) what then▪

Muſt Hymen ſtoope unto the nods ofgold?

Muſt I vaile Bonnet unto Ermin men?

And Vertue by the Herauld be controlde?

No, love does blaze the nobleſt armes: and ſhe,

That can maintaine herſelfe, in love can me.

p. 38Stay, ſtay, quoth ſhe, you will be out of winde,

Me thinkes the voyce of greatneſſe ſpeakes delight:

Our Poets onelyonly then faigne Cupid blinde,

When children of the Sun doe dote on Night.

Or folly mounted on Icarian wings,

Courts Queens affections, & does gaze on Kings.

No, ſayes Albino, 'tis the contrary,

Love never is more purblinde then when earth

Joynes houſe to houſe, and pedigrees doe tye

Scutcheons to Scutcheons in pure vertues dearth,

For Regall flames bleſt goodneſſe onelyonly teenes,

And vertue ought to court the love of Queenes.

We all are borne for publique good: 'tis vaine

With torch-light to embelliſh Titans rayes,

Or caſt our ſtock of water in the maine;

Such love from lawes of love and nature ſtrayes:

But thoſe that Fortune hath enricht with goods,

Should darne up natures wants, by mixing bloods

Was I the Caeſar of the Romane ſtemmes,

(Once onelyonly darling to the King of skies)

Did both the Indies pay me tribute-Gemmes,

I'de not unite a double Majeſtie.

For being no diſtinction in degree,

She would aſſume that honour due to me.

Shee'd chide me ſooner than I durſt check her,

And as the proverbe, quarrell for the breeches,

On ſome choyce meane that honour I'de conferre,

Should ſue with humble Sirs, and low beſeeches.

Thus was ſhe tyde to payment of reſpects,

I licenc'd with ſtate-love to mixe neglects.

p. 39Where beauty does indite, and vertues ſeale,

Greatneſſe is not requir'd to ſet his hand:

Though greatneſſe here may vertues acts repeale;

Yet vertues acts in Cupids courts muſt ſtand.

Then where I finde grace, feature, vertues dwell,

I've greatneſſe, wealth, and honour: tole the bell.

Then with kinde aires, life of my wiſhes ſpeake,

Bid honour know his diſtance, wealth depart,

And let the day of true contentment break

From thy cleare lips, to cheare my miſted heart.

O with owne circle, let my armes enfold

The ſoule of honour, and the heart of gold.

Sir, quoth Bellama, wealth is not my aime,

Nor does the gales of honour heave my ſoule,

I higher prize an action than a name,

And value more a pamphlet than a roule.

Where I with come lineſſe finde vertue mixt,

My love, eyes, thoughts, are on that object fixt:

I ſpeake not much of love, leſt you preſume;

And ſpeak a little, leſt you ſhould deſpaire,

I would not have my words your hopes deplume,

Nor feather them to reach the higheſt aire,

I ſumme up all in this, when as I ſay,

I will not with diſdaines thy ſervice pay.

Oh happy words! oh more than ſacred breath!

Albino live, Bellama ſayes thou muſt:

Confront dire Fate, and challenge meagre death,

'Tis not in them to moulder thee to duſt:

Yet be advis'd, let not proud folly in,

The conqueſt is as great to hold as win.

p. 40Our Anchoriſt with all the words that joy

Hearting a lover, was acquainted with,

Accoſts his Saint, rewards the winged boy,

And congies to the Queene of heate and pith,

Smiled and glanc'd, payd thanks, deſir'd a kiſſe,

And prayd time give an age unto his bliſſe.

But when dayes lamp had wan the weſterne clyme,

And wrapt his head in Sea-greene Thetis lap,

Our lover muſt obſerve the chaunting time,

And bids his Saint adiew: oh hard miſhap!

Oh tis a hell to think what helliſh paine

True lovers by unkinde divorcement gaine!

Yet by that time the hoary headed Syre

Had ſum'd twelve ſixty minutes, he againe

Returnd t'his Lady, when bright Tytans fire

Was newly riſen from the brackiſh maine,

And common greetings paſt amidſt their pleaſures,

He, in his Ladies hands theſe lines entreaſures.

VponUpon Bellama's walking in the Garden, and with him.

MY teeming phanſie ſtrives (choyce fair) to chain

Eternity to time, that nere ſhall waine;

And make thoſe garden minutes ſee the Sun

Entombd in darkneſſe, and the earth un-ſpun

Ere they expire, that all ſucceding times

May know and tell the ſubject of theſe rimes.

Aſſiſt me Flora, that I may with grace

Worthy its honour, ſhadow forth that place▪

Of ſpreading trees, ſweet hearbs, and fragrant Flowres▪

Enricht with pleaſing walkes, and ſhady Bowres.

p. 41Each twigge with amorous touch embrac't his Mate,

Like Bacchus ſacred tree his propping ſtate;

Or Ivie, Elme, that neither Sun nor Winde

To his retired conclaves paſſage finde.

Within whoſe walles a halfe-nights darkneſſe dwelles,

Which Satyrs growing pallaces excelles,

Or Anchorets ſecluding Hermitage.

Here, like a common Theater, or Stage,

Each ſpiced childe of earth in Summer robe,

And Iris mantle, opes his cloſed globe,

Knowes his appearing cue, and freely playes

Oth' wiſht-for preſence of your quickning rayes:

Such perfect vivifying influence

Dwells in your lookes, Lights Chariot driven hence,

That your ſole preſence can create a Spring,

From Winters frozen bands can looſe each thing,

From Earths entombing Sepulchre can raiſe

Each ſleeping Flowre to chaunt forth Maia's prayſe:

This made amazement ſeize my minde to view

Halfe-aged Winter bid ſo ſoone adiew

To this Elyzium of the Pagans joy,

And Chloris with ber new-bruſht clothes ſo coy

Before, and hardly to be wonne, come forth

Crownd with the glory of her ſpringing worth,

To court our eyes: nay more, the bare-fac'd Earth,

Coverd with Carpets greene, befringed round

With ſmiling Roſie trees, with glorious ſtore

Of Dazies, Suckles, Cow-ſlips, ſtudded ore

Like hunting Veſtes of Satoniſco greene,

Emboſt with Gems, by Fawns and wood-nymphs Queen

Worne, when the tuſhed Boare, Beare, panting Hart

Th'unkennell, rouze, diſ-franke with nimble art.

And leſt your ſpotleſſe ſoles ſhould ſuffer ill,

Ayres fleeting tuns C…ryſtalline ſtreames diſtill

p. 42To waſh the graſſie-tufted tapeſtry,

Which whiſtling windes with murm'rings haſle to dry.

Andev'ry tender branch whereon you tread,

To make your traci…g, pacing, moves its head.

Alcinous Orchard, or that precious root,

Which bore old Atlas daughters golden fruit:

Th' Idalian mount, where Cytherea ſtrayd,

Or that where Ceres luckleſſe daughter playd,

When as the King of ſhades ſurprized her.

Nor may the Romanes pride with this confer,

For here all Maia's treaſures are united,

Which doe, which ſhall, or ſences e're delighted,

Yet ſummer'd by your eye, each Flower does bud,

Bl…ſſomes, ſprouts, opens, bloomes and chewes the cud.

Your preſence hearts them all: O be as kinde

As unto them, to me! ſhoot through my rinde.

Shine through my heart with one, one ſmiling ray,

So ſhall it open, bloſſome, ſprout as they,

Spic't with the choyceſt ſweets e're Venus bad,

In all the poſtures of true ſervice clad,

Trimd with the beauties of the richeſt ſpring.

All fertile too, all ſtore of fruit ſhall bring:

This, choyce affection; that, chaſte loyaltie;

This, vowes; that, ſervice; and that, conſtancie,

Made up into a noſe-gay, circled in

With twiſts of love, which youth and vertue ſpin.

Then Breath and Ray, make and accept the Poſie,

And ſeale a contract twixt the Lil…' and Roſie.

p. 43En-ſpheared thus with virgines, oft he would

Tell pretty tales, fraught with conceited mirth,

Diſcourſe of forraigne ſtates: ſometimes unfold

A ſudden jeſt, may give to laughter birth:

Thus to beguile the time he oft would doe,

And unſuſpected did his Lady wooe.

Then privately ſometimes with her would walke

Along a paved way, where lofty trees

Bore onelyonly witneſſe of their am'rous talke,

Plaiting their branched pride, that none might ſee,

And leſt quick envie ſhould their dalliance ſpy.

Themſelves about the trees the brambles tye.

Here in ſoft whiſpers did he court her love,

And ſtrove by oath their loves to ratifie.

Madam, ſayes he, this reaſon may you move,

That day and malice have too many eyes,

When my lips are ſeald, and I attempt in vaine,

To ſend the children of my teeming braine.

Not halfe ſo vigilant the Dragon was,

Which Colchos treaſure watcht, as is your Dame,

So that they muſt through Argus head-peece paſſe,

Which ſeeke here to enkindle Cupids flame.

I know your jealous Matrone does diſcover

How my faint heart about your breaſt does hover.

Sir, ſayes Bellama, there is no ſuch haſte,

Time will appoint our loves ſome fitter ſeaſons,

My father muſt ungirdle firſt my waſte,

Love will not be repeld by force, but reaſons▪

And more, you know it is in vaine to ſtrive,

Heres no eſcaping this Monaſtick hive.

p. 44When as the third dayes Sun, three houres or more,

Our Zenith has behinde him left, hither

Returne, and I will meet thee; not before:

My thoughts (quoth he) doe in your abſence wither,

Pincht with the ſharpeſt blaſts cold winter breathes

But your, your looks my heart with bloſſoms wreathes

That fooliſh glaſſe which meaſures time with ſand,

Enough of gravell has to meet a yeare,

With leſſer trouble I could Hermes wand,

Than the ſad torture of your abſence beare:

Change then thoſe houres to minutes; dayes, to day,

If you ſay 't ſhall be ſo, time muſt obay.

Alas! quoth ſhe, my faith is not ſo ſtrong,

To thinke reality with language dwells,

Nor can I think you count thoſe minutes long,

When you'r employed with your Beads and Bells.

Ye… t' has the face of truth, Ile therefore try

If time will pay ſuch duty to mine eye.

Theſe words have lent my body a new ſoule,

And ſhot (quoth ſhe) a fire through every veyne,

Doubt not, your voyce times circle can controule,

And make the Sunne his haſty Iennets reyne.

Nay more, me thinks m'enlightned eyes, diſcover

'Bout you the gods with vailed bonnets hover.

I'm halfe perſwaded, 'twas not blaſphemy

For me to ſay your nod can ravell Fate,

Thaw into Chaos this firme globe of dry,

Beck…n the planets, and their towres un-ſlate.

Me thinkes I ſee the Sun naild to his sky,

Vn-nath his Carre, and throw his whip-ſtaffe by

p. 45Peace, peace, quoth ſhe, Albino, thou doſt rave,

Why dwels ſuch language on thy wretching tongue?

Wilt thou juſt vengeance force to dig thy grave?

Thinkſt thou ſterne Fate will ſuffer ſuch a wrong?

Pinnion thy words, let them not ſoare ſo high,

Leſt they ſhould gaſh the clouds, and ope the sky.

We muſt not play with ſharpes, nor kiſſe the flame,

Dally with heaven, or up-braid the gods,

Leſt their juſt anger make their powers tame

Such ſawcie ſcandals with their plagues and rods.

Then wing no more Bellama's name, but let

The Pearle be called Pearle, the Iet but Iet.

Goe home in clouds, leſt Envy ſee thy face,

And come not till thoſe minutes taske the watch.

Madam, ſayes he, Ile bid them mend their pace,

Tis juſt with lovers every haire ro catch,

That dights occaſions brow▪ change date for date,

Entrench ſometimes upon the rights of Fate.

Yet your command ſhall ſtand, Ile not tranſgreſſe,

But watch the hand untill it joynt the houre,

And all my paths with gloomy ſhades will dreſſe,

That undiſcoverd I may win this boure:

May all the bleſſings which a lovers voyce

Breathes on his Lady▪ wait on you my choyce.

Here did they meet to rivet faſt their heart,

Where not a breath their private joyes diſturbe;

They thought no eye a ſawcie ray durſt dart,

Or any voyce had power their loves to curbe.

So credulous are lovers, and ſo faine

To their conjectures would concluſum's chaine:

p. 46But this bright Sun of joy eclypſed was,

And pitchy clouds their glorious sky did ſmutch,

Then Venus joyes were like to Venice glaſſe,

Poore glaſſe-like toyes, that periſh with a touch,

A Guardians anger, or a parents frowne,

Nips loves freſh bloſſomes, and a wiſh uncrowne.

The jealous matrone from her to wring loft,

O're-look… th' ambitious trees which hem'd them in

Or'e-heard their vows, their ſighs, & language ſoft,

And ſaw how Cupid leapt from skin to skin.

The traffique of their lips, and how thin balmes,

Did glue and cement faſt their melting palmes.

When ſhe perceiv'd the progreſſe of their love,

Religious care impanneld ſtraight a Iury

Of thoughts and plots, this ſtranger to remove,

Soothed with profit, and enflam'd with fury,

Vſh'ring her language with a threatning frowne,

She ask'd her buſines with that ſhaved crowne.

Why was that ſickly voyce, whoſe feeble gales

Can raiſe no ecchoes, hand, and elbow chat,

Eye-dialogues diſcourſe, and wanton tales

That way of am'rouſneſſe, and this, and that?

Speak truth Bellama, has thy heart, as voyce,

Decreed that youthfull monk thine only choyce?

Bellama ſtartled at this ſudden newes,

Yet did her anſwers all conſiſt of noes,

But yet, alas! her hloud obſerv'd the cues,

And call'd by guilt, her Lilly bankes ore-flowes:

So that though ſhe with ſetled vowes denyde,

Yet to the eye her bluſhes guilty cryde.

p. 4When as the matrones buſie eyes had read

Love on her cheekes in bloudy letters writ,

She askt her why blind folly thus had lead

Her reaſon, 'gainſt religion, ſtate or wit?

Or if ſhe needs muſt love, why did ſhe ſcowle

VponUpon ſtate-ſattens, and embrace a cowle?

Bellama to excuſes tun'd her aire,

Framing pretences for her amorous ſaith,

But yet alas, ſuch was Pazzella's care,

From her excuſes ſhe with-held her faith.

And with a voyce ſhrill and as fierce as thunder,

Sware ſhe would knap their ſilly loves in ſunder.

Thoſe ſcarlet gowns, which doom-offenders, death,

Or the proſcriptions of the Romane ſtate,

Had not the tithe of that affrighting breath,

Although they weakned hell, and threatned Fate,

As had theſe words which feeble love did ſhiver,

Snap his weak ſtrings, & crack his empty'd quiver

But all this while, Albino ſate with pleaſure,

And on his trencher joy and mirth attend,

Nor to delight will he allow a meaſure,

As, at one ſitting, he his ſtock would ſpend.

Nay, if he ſlept, he dream'd of nought but rings,

Gloves, fans, masks, monkies, & ſuch prety things.

And when the time of his approach, approach't,

His eye did travell with the Dyals hand,

Then ſtarted up to ſee Don Phoebus coach't,

Bad him make haſte, and at that minute ſtand,

That this bleſt day may count more moments flight

Than could the ſtout Alcides geniall night.

p. 48But oft we ſee before a ſudden daſh,

The Sunſalutes the earth with hotteſt gleames:

So here before misfortunes harſheſt laſh,

Ioy on Albino ſhot his choyceſt beames.

That evety thought was crowned with a ſtarre,

And rid with Venus in her ſilver Carre.

Roſe out oth'vault, with love and hope aduſt,

And in conceit fed on his future ſweet,

Thinking what moſt may pleaſe, not what's moſt juſt.

And with what phraſe he ſhould his Lady gree…

Vowing in this full heat of luſt and pride,

To try how faſt Bellama's girdle's tyde.

But as our Alchymiſts doe ſtudy much,

Spend all their wits and wealth to finde that ſtone,

Which baſer metals doth en-gold with touch,

(As he which once did awe the Phrygian throne)

And when they long have dreamed of a maſſe,

Their ſilvers's turnd to tin, their gold to braſſe.

Iuſt ſo our Amoriſt ſtuft full with hope,

Came to this walke for his expected treaſure,

The chryſtall caſements of his ſoule did ope,

To letin th'object of his joy and pleaſure;

But when he thought t'have found hi… lovely laſſe,

His love was Lady-ſmocks, his Lady graſſe.

He ſearcht with ſtricter care, each buſh and bowre,

Then did the Fairy King, and Hob his man,

Throwing his eyes into each branched towre,

And midſt the ſharpned pikes of brambles ran.

Prickt forward with deſire, enrag'd with ſpite,

And venteth here what love and hate endite.

p. 49Upon his Bellama uſing and forſaking the Walke.

WHen walking I ſentforth my watchfulleyes▪

To fetch in objects, like Bellona's ſpies,

Along this ſwelling way, which checkerd was

With ſmooth-fac't pebbles, not with piked graſſe,

Bellama Pac't, whoſe onelyonly pacing ſet

VponUpon the paved walke a Coronet

Of Flora's pride, Carnations, Tulips, Lillies,

Panſies, Pinkes, Roſes, Daffa-down-dillies:

Nay more, me thought I ſaw the rubbiſh way,

Saphirs, Pearles, Rubies, Onix-ſtones, out-ray

The very channell proud of her bleſt weight,

Sweld up with pride unto the ridge's height

To kiſſe her feet, and made the way an alley,

With this choyce Faire mine eyes (ah) once did dalle… ▪

Natures Epitomy, whoſe curious brow

Was like a ſmoothed mount of bleached ſnow,

At whoſe cleare foot Nature divine did place

Two Diamonds, which did enlighten all her face:

So that twas like thoſe orbes wherein doe ſtray

The planet-lampes, or Cupids ſucking way,

And from theſe gemmes ſuch ſilver rayes were ſent▪

Which hatched o're her light accoutrement.

So that dull fancies would have thought ſhe had

In Cambricke, Holland, or pure Lawne been clad▪

Nay I, at firſt, thought it had Cynthia bin

Deckt in her brothers ſun-ſhine Ermilin.

She ſhot ſuch glorious beames: but now alas!

Shee's gone, ſhee's fled, and lo, the mournirg graſſe

Is hayd already, and th'ungemd ſtone

At feathers catch to fly where ſhe is gone.

p. 50The branched Beech, the Oke, and towring Aſh,

Bend both their browes and boughes my face to laſh:

The angry thornes, my hands, though armed, ſcratch,

And teſty brambles at my veſtures catch:

(Which was before the curſe of humane ſin,

But now, by her, out-ſmeld the Eglantine)

I wonder-ſtrucken, askt a holy Thiſtle

Which with his ſharpned-pikes began to briſtle:

(But know, at firſt twas but an homely weed,

Her preſence made it holy, not its ſeed)

Why all with irefull lookes thus threatned me?

It is ſuppos'd Bellama faire (quoth he)

The goddeſſe of this walke, was for…'t by you

To this benighted path to bid adiew.

Alas! quoth I, (mean while the thiſtle paus'd)

Their wrath is undeſerv'd, I never caus'd

By any ill demeanes that Saint to leave

This place, and widow every branch and greave,

VntoUnto your teſtates I my ſelfe refer▪

How choycely I have ever honourd her,

Have payd my tribute-complements, and gave

Reſpects as much as due, or ſhe would have.

But people (worſe than thoſe that people ſlewes)

Whoſe onelyonly joy conſiſts in telling newes,

Or Pazzell elſe with ber envenomdlips

Your glory and my comfort doe eclypſe,

Tis them they ought to chide, ſor onelyonly thay

Compell her to forſake this gloomy way.

Yet ſpight of all diſaſters, Fate and Hell,

Albino's heart ſhall with Bellama dwell,

And though chill winter nip both you and me,

We ſhall ere long our Suns and Summers ſee.

p. 51This ſayd, he ſtraight forſooke his ſilent grove,

Trimming his lookes which paſſion did untrim,

And haſtes to finde the object of his love,

But ſuch an eye the matron caſt on him,

That fury on her lookes did ſeem to dwell

And envy to her face tranſplanted hell.

Heartleſſe Albino with much pain did view

How on her lookes madneſſe and anger rang'd,

And on Bellam he private glances threw,

To bring him word if that ſhe ſtood unchang'd,

If ſhe continu'd ſquare deſpight of them,

Whoſe jealous eyes did all their actions hem▪

Bellama knew the language oſ his eye,

But could not give reſpect to Cupids law,

For Piazella to her eyes did tye

A conſtant watch, which kept her eyes in awe,

That ſhe was forc't to peep within her vaile▪

For there the matrone did her eyes en-jayle.

The ragged crue which are en-wrapt in chaines,

Throgh grates more freedom have of ſight than ſhe,

Which in them both produc'd ſuch griefes and pains

Too ſharpe and lowd to be expreſt by me.

Albino now does judge his abſence better,

And choſe a proxee to preſent a letter.

One of his order, (deemd a truſty friend

Endeard to him by favours, oath and vow)

Was his Talthibius, ordaind to ſend

To her, whoſe beauty makes ſtiffe Atlas bow.

The Monke embrac't the office, and did ſware

By all our ſcarlet oathes, faith, truth, and care.

p. 52Albino now to every Santo prayes,

And for ſucceſſe his hands with zeale does reare,

Courting his Lady in ſome Iriſh Layes,

And robd his finger of its golden ſpheare

En-neald, (I live in hope) and ſure griefs waves

If Anchorleſſe, had been t'is wiſhes graves.

To mee's faire Metres, Vandebrad Iſlile of te fine towne of Vaſcheſter▪

ICk predee metres be not coy,

But intertaune mee's love vit joy:

For me be not a ſnottee boy.

Vat tough me ruſſell not in ſilke,

And keep mee's ſervaunts vit capes ilke,

Yet me be not a ſop of milke.

Vat tough me vil not ſtautly ſtret,

And ilke de Peacock poudely jet;

Yet me be vary pruce and neat.

Vat tough me vil not lye vit pimpes,

And pend me's coyne on light-teale ſhrimpes,

Yet me can hug, buſſe prettee nymphes.

Vat tough me hauehave Hauke ne Hound,

And vil not ſuare begot, idzound,

Yet faith mee's frolique, plumpe and ſound.

Vat tough me cannot Maudam ſay,

And vil ty Fan an Monkee play,

Yet me con…latter vel as thay.

p. 53Vat tough me cannot honour tee

Vit titles laudee C or D,

Yet tou ſault a good Metreſs bee.

Vat tough, vat tough, Ick ſay, vat tough,

Ick ſay, udſnigs, in feck I trough,

Yet Ick drive not te Caurt and Plough.

Then pretee, pretee, Buxome faire,

Let me not launguiſh in depaire,

But ſay me's ſutes all gaunted are.

Let ne mee's Iriſh Borrell ſpeach,

In tyne affection mauke o breach,

For me con better ſay ſo teach.

And me can be as blyth and free

As auny puſh or ſaunten hee,

Ten ſay, and ved, and bed vit me.

Tyne faytfull friend and good ſervaune, Patrick Applous, te fine, te …ave, te gallaun Iriſh-mon▪

Upon the Ring ſent to his Bellama.

GVpid oft-times diſdaines to dwell

In loftie pallace, but does ſhell

Himſelfe in ſtraw-thatcht roofe; and choyce

For novell, a September roſe

Before a Diamond to preſent

Or time in ſilver ſeilings pent▪

p. 54Great gifts enforce, but ſmall ones wooe,

And forc't reſpects will never doe.

He queſtions his owne worth, that feares

To whiſper in his miſtreſſe eares

With ſmalleſt gifts, ſince true worth hates

A boune which for him lowdly prates,

And female worths may juſtly ſlight

Thoſe that, but with guilt ſwords, dare fight.

Theſe make me ſend this little ring,

(An Embleme of a greater thing)

'Tis bruis'd, hence repreſenteth true

My heart bruis'd, bent and bowd for you▪

Anatomiſts conclude by art,

A veine is ſtretched to the heart

Froth' ſmalleſt finger of the left,

From veine and finger comes this geft:

Hence merits better, ſince we finde

Many ſend preſents, few their minde.

VPONUPON THE POESIE I live in hope▪

TIs hope that makes me live, and when

My hope's transfer'd to other men,

Divorc't from me, health cannot give

A ſtrength to make my rent heart live,

A rented heart tis truly call'd,

For love of vertues you enthrall'd

Tenant at will to you, and payes

Large rents of ſighes each howre and dayes,

But to what number they amount,

Puzzles Arithmetick to count.

Then courteous Land-lady be pleaſe

To ſeale my heart a life-long leaſe.

p. 55Elſe ev'ry ſlight and frowne of yours,

Will turne your tenant out of doores,

Yet hope perſwades me not to doubt

My heart ſhall not be turned out:

For you have promiſed to come

An live with it, or exchange home,

So I be Land-lord unto thine,

And you be Land-lady to mine.

Say I to this, and onelyonly Fate

Shall change the tenor of our ſtate.

Bardino from the Coven poſts with ſpeed

VntoUnto Albino's onelyonly Polar ſtar,

Loaden with bleſſings, and beware, take heed,

As the great grand-dames ſonne prepar'd for war,

Or as a widowes ſonne, whoſe onelyonly joy

Hangs on the nuptials of her luſty boy.

Like as a Pilot to ſome floating keele,

When as the buſtlers from old Aeol's cave,

On Neptunes furrowd back make it to reele,

And at his death ſhoot billow after wave:

So toſt in ſeas of griefe Albino tyde,

His loves choyce pinnace to Bardino's guide.

But Biſhop Guts, tun-belly'd, all-pancht Fryer,

In ſight of Lesbia's towres ſplit his faire Galley,

Prov'd a diſſembling and perfidious lyer,

From his foule breaſt deceit and hate did ſalley.

The ſeeds of every ſin in him did bud,

Nothing did wither but this one thing, Good.

p. 56For to win credit with the Lady-mother,

And raiſe a liking of himſelfe in her,

He prov'd a traytor to his Abbey-brother,

With Abbateſſe in private does confer,

And unto her imparts his amorous newes,

She, not Bellam' his vowed ſervice viewes.

But to Albino he returnd with faith,

(Yet 'twas an oath) I importun'd thy Saint,

Preſt her t'unlock thy ſecrets; but ſhe ſaith,

What pur-blinde folly does thy heart attaint?

Thou knowſt what offers I refus'd, and thou'le

Confine my love unto a ſtarved coule.

Away flings ſhe, and leaves me diſconſolate,

Nor after dain'd to me a wonted look:

Now is Albino pincht with cruell Fate,

Which is the better, Cupid, or thy book?

Hadſt viewd her beauty with a ſcornfull eye,

Thou hadſt not taſted of her pride and fie.

Hapleſſe Albin', and hapleſſe ſo much more,

Becauſe Albin', reſt quiet with thy lot,

If Nilus over-flow his ſandy floore

Above twelve cubits, it procures a rot.

When at too high a pitch affections towre,

Fate with misfortunes oft their hopes doth ſowre.

Wound not the harmleſſe aire with mournful hoots

Steere not 'gainſt Volgo's ſtreame thy feeble keele,

Be not like him who 'gainſt a whirle-wind ſhoots,

Or like the Cockatrice in pecking ſteele,

For acts 'gainſt nature wrougt, deſpight do gaine,

And love o're-looking Fortune, reapes diſdaine.

p. 57But let us ſee what ſtrange effect this newes

Writes in his breaſt (diſaſters fatall booke)

What ſtronger plot his working phanſie brewes,

If's loftie thoughts be at this anſwer ſhooke,

Alas! they are, ſo weake a thing is man,

Craſht into Atomes with a ſlighting fan.

His bloud retires unto his throbbing heart,

His wanned cheekes with lawne were over-ſpread▪

An aſpin trembling looſned every part,

His ſpirits fainted, and his vitals fled,

And his quick hart with ſuch ſtrong motions beate… ▪

That it, though chil'd with feare, his body heated.

Entring his chamber, ſtrewed o're with rue,

He lean'd his head upon his ſwelling pillow,

And ſighing, cryde, Bellama is this true,

Muſt I be doomed to the barren willow?

I thought, exempted from my pedants art,

I ſhould no more have felt the willows ſmart.

Thy eyes ſpake love, and every glance you ſent,

Writ on my heart, Albino is approv'd,

Whenſo'ere my eyes unto thy feature went,

And met with thine, they brought me word you lov'd

Then can Bellama not Bellama be?

She may Bellama be, but not to me.

Bleſt heavens! how have men deſerv'd your ire,

That made you frame this curſe, this thing cald Woman,

So comely and ſo uſefull? giving fire

To ſeare us men, and yet diſdaine to know man?

Why on their faces have you plac'd ſuch charmes,

To make us court with ſighs the worſt of harms?

p. 58Pandora's box of woes was opened then,

When firſt they took in hand to make a woman,

And all the Furies joynd to torture men;

Yet women firſt were rare, but now grown common,

And miſchiefs high, when once they comon grow.

Entombe great ſtates, and commons overthrow.

Thou Love, (what ſhould I call thee?) doeſt entice,

Nay checkſt rebellion in the awfull gods,

Women thy weapons are, of ſuch high price,

That beat with them, they humbly kiſſe the rods.

No life, no joy, no ſweete, without a laſſe,

And yet no ſweet nor joy ſince woman was.

Our eyes doe ne're miſtake the day for night,

Nor can the pale-hewd pinkes for roſes paſſe,

But when on womens colours they doe light,

Then (brib'd) they look as through a painted glaſſe,

So that what women are we never ſee,

But what we wiſh and phanſie them to be.

'Mongſt thouſand virgines which doe ſuck this ayre,

I never knew but one, but one—one good,

Whom I ſuppoſed full as good as faire,

And ſhe was making e're Deucalions flood:

But ſhe alas! what ſhould I ſay? but ſhe

Is woe to man, a woman unto me.

Thus in his heightned fury he condemnes,

Both Fate and Fortune, honour, wealth and worth,

Raileth on virgines and their beauteous gemmes,

And curſeth nature, that did bring herforth,

But above all, his ſharp incenſed Muſe,

In wrathfull Odes Don Cupid does accuſe.

p. 59An Invective againſt CVPID.

THou love, if thou wilt ſuffer this, be blinde,

Deafe, dumbe, and ſtupid, and unwiſely kinde,

More unto ſlights than merits, and reward

Reſpects and negligence with ſame regard.

If Sattens difference, and maides adorne,

Then nature has with beauty, more with ſcorne,

That they muſt fligger, ſcoffe, deride and jeere,

Appoynt their ſervants certaine houres t'appeare,

Affoord by number, kiſſes, ſights by tale,

Command a certaine diſtance, and empale

Loves game from taſte or touch, and if at all

Men doe tranſgreſſe, ſteepe all their words in gall:

Check but the leaſt preſumption, and with frown…

Strike as much terrour unto us, as crownes;

Love, if thou'lt ſuffer this, and wink at them,

Make us eſteeme a pebble for a gem,

Stoope, crindge, adore, ſue, flatter, and admire,

And in our boſomes teenſt thy amorous fire,

May all the haggiſh Furies ſoundly laſh

And with their ſnaky whips thy ſinewes gaſh:

May all the tortures Hell encloſeth, fall

On thee, if not enough, and, more then all;

But we—we men will be no more thy ſlaves,

And womens too, wee'l pack unto our graves:

And in our ſilent beds of earth will court

The ſlender-waſted wormes, and with them ſport,

Dally, hug, toy, and vow their wimbling buſſe

Is full as ſweet as womens was to us.

En-wall'd with duſt wee'l lye, till nature ſhall

Perceive thy malice (Cupid) and her fall,

And wooes with ſighes and teares in loving guiſe,

For a replantage of the world, to riſe,

Then ſhall our wils un-god thee, and thy mother,

And Cupids be our ſelves one to another.

Then in thy Temples ſhall no voyce be heard,

But Scriech-owles, Dors, aad Dawes, no Altarreard

Whereon to ſacrifice true lovers hearts,

Scalded with ſighes, and galled with thy darts.

For we our ſelves, our ſelves will temples call,

And make our boſomes Altars, whereon ſhall

From fourteen to fourſcore the females faires

Burne Frankinſence of love with ſighes and praires,

And change the cuſtome ſo, that maidens then

Shall court, admire, adore and wooe us men.

This ſayd, he ſtrove t'unbillow all with ſlumbers,

But th'more he ſtrove to reſt, leſſe reſt he takes,

His watchful thoughts each tatling minut numbers,

Bellama's wakening beautie him awakes.

And having purchas'd ſleepe, though they were dim,

Bellama's beauty darted rayes at him▪

Then ſtarting up, her ſubſtance faire to catch,

He loſt the ſhadow, and did rave againe,

Can groveling Brambles loftie Cedars ſcratch?

Or wadling Duckes o're-top the towring Crane?

Yet vertues imp'd with perſon, reach a sky,

And to an higher pitch then Fortune flye.

There is a tree, (as our Hiſtorians write)

Alpina hight, of faire and glorious gle… ▪

p. 61With branches fine, and glorious bloſſomes dight,

But never taſted by the witty Bee,

Fearing death lodgeth there, and this he feares,

Cauſe to the eye ſo glorious it appeares.

Not much unlike to theſe our women are

Whom Nature has in daintie colours dreſt,

And of our women likeſt are the faire,

For with much beauty vertues ſeldome reſt.

Would Iove all women I had judg'd to be

Alpina-like, or if not all, yet ſhe.

The Queen of beautie ſtrumpet was to Mars,

Officious Bawd unto laſcivious Iove,

A patroneſſe of thoſe that ride in Carres,

And in her Court nor vertue reignes, nor love,

But luſt and vanity with wily traines,

That he repentance buyes, which beauty gaines.

Sh' as many trulls, like Menelaus wife,

And ſhe ſuch light-skirt things for chaſte ones ſels,

With whom diſſembling and deceits are rife,

Smiles, tears, ſighs, looks, with ſuch inchanting ſpels.

If they but bend their brows, & ſhoot out frowns,

They crack a ſcepter, and diſtemple crownes.

Yet ſtay: but by the ſowre we know not ſweet,

White's ſilver hue adjoynd to black, ſhines beſt,

How ſhould we know our hands, but by our feet?

Healths onelyonly priz'd, when ſickneſſe doth arreſt.

This principle perhaps Bellama holds,

Summer is known by Winters chilling colds.

Perchance Bellama did not breath that woe

Which by Bardino was conveyd to me:

p. 62Nor dwelt upon her lips that ſcornfull No,

'Twas onelyonly forged by her Dame and he.

But—why ſhould ſuſpition ſteale into my bre

Suſpect a friend, deceit with friendſhip reſt?

No: Phaeton baſe ſonne to dayes bright blaze,

Daring his Chariot felt Ioves thunder fire.

Aſtronomers, whileſt on the ſtarres they gaze,

Oft-times do ſinke into the durty mire:

OnelyOnly the Eagle without purblinde dampes,

Can fixe his eyes upon the prince of lampes.

The ſonne of Daedalus ſoar'd up ſo high,

That Phoebus pluckt his waxen joynted wings;

It was her pride checkt my ambitious eye,

True love to hatred chang'd by ſlights has ſtings.

Ile write invectives: no, Ile onelyonly try

What vertue dwels in ſlighting Poeſie

To his Bellama ſlighting him.

Ile bore the heavens, pierce the clouds a vaine,

Make them full torrents weepe of brackiſh raine,

To ſecond my laments, me thinkes the Sun

Knowing my clue is raveld and undone,

That my Bellama ſlights, ſhould vext reſigne

T'his ſiſters Chariot his Ecliptick line.

Bid Phoebe run horn mad, and lowdly cry,

Froth, howle, as in a fit of lunacie,

Nay, throw a poyſon on Endimions lips,

Threaten to drowne the world, the Sun eclypſe,

Keepe the ſtarres order ſtill? or can they ſtirre,

And not digreſſe? Know they how not to erre?

p. 63Sure no: I ſaw bright Paphos ſnuffe her lampe,

Yet vowd to quench it with eternall dampe,

Hurle all away, if that her ſervants love

Be had in no regard, and awfull Iove

Hurry along the milkie way to finde

That ſnifling deity, that winged, blinde—

And vowd to clip his wings as ſhort as Munkes,

Their ſtubbed beards more ſhort than pained runkes▪

Vnleſſe he ſhot a dart with more than ſpeed,

To make Bellama's heart affections bleed.

Bold Ocean foames with ſpight, his neb-tides roare,

His billowes top and top-maſt high doe ſoare.

Nature herſelfe is ſullen, keepes her bed,

And will not riſe ſo much as dreſſe her head,

Regardleſſe of the ſeaſons, will not ſee

Loude windes deplume the buſh and to wring tree.

The Ploughman furrows earth, ſowes ſeedith'tides,

But nature weepes for me, his paines derides

Copernicus his t…net's verify'd,

The maſſie Globe does 'bout its center ride.

All things diſ-rankt, nothing obſerves it ſtate,

Change time and tide, or poſt or ante-date

But thou Bellam' art deafe to me and blinde,

Steelſt thine affections, flintſt thy hardened minde,

And ſtrik'ſt fire thence t'enflame my tinder heart,

Thou oyl'ſt the flame, but I endure the ſmart.

How oft have I, when others eyes have ſlept,

Like ſentinels to armies, watchings kept?

And when the thoght oth'ſaints thrice blisful home

(which ah! too ſeldom) mongſt my thoghts did come

Then ſpight of goodneſſe bleſſed E was loſt

And you the haven of me tempeſt-toſt:

Have I made envious art admire thy worth,

Toucht the Ela of praiſe, t'emhlazon't forth?

p. 64Bid ſleepe good night, quiet and reſt adiew,

Made my ſelfe no ſelfe to entitle you.

And after this ſad purgatory, muſt

My hopes be laydith' duſt for want of duſt?

Then know Bellama, ſince thou aimſt at wealth,

Where Fortune has beſtowd her largeſt dealth,

That wealth may puffe a clod of earth like leaven,

But vertuous want alone enſouleth heaven.

Know more, I ſcornd thy fortune, 'twas thy ſelfe

I courted, not thy ſlight adored pelfe,

And had not Mortals curſe bleſt thee and I

Had ſweld with honour and nobility.

My love once fixt on vertue, parents hate

In both, might ſhake, but ne're everts loves ſtate.

I aime at vertues bliſſe, and if I finde

The heart and boſome good, I ſlight the rinde.

But ſince Bellama, thou regardſt not me,

I ſcorne to cringe, adore, and flatter thee.

For he that rules his thoughts, has a nobler ſoule,

Than he that awes the world from Pole to Pole.

Thus, Faire, adiew, with love theſe meaſures ſcan,

And know my love was but a fit of man.

Wee'l leave Albino in this phrentick mood,

And view Bellama parged ore with feare,

Asking a member of her ſiſter-hood,

(For love and vertves unto her moſt deare)

Amongſt their ſportings, and their chaſte delights,

Wherefore Albino did refraine their ſights.

p. 65Barraba (her the Font thoſe letters gave)

Sayd, I preſume, I rightly gueſſe the cauſe,

Bellama urg'd (thankes to the pur-blinde knave)

'Twas thus, quoth ſhe, yet made a two-dayes pauſe,

At length with importunings over-come,

She told her why Albino kept at home.

Bardino did deceive his truſt, quoth ſhe,

Told all, yet ſung another ſong to him,

His love came laptin paper unto thee,

He with quaint words did his affections lim,

Vowd ſervice, but Bardino (ah tho ſhame▪)

Vnclaſpt his ſecrets to our jealous dame.

Am I an Infidell? or dare I tye,

Quoth faire Bellama, unto this, beliefe?

Shall juſt revenge in my ſoft boſome dye?

And ſhall I melt my heart with ſecret griefe?

Ile ſcold with him, Sayes chaſte Barraba, no:

For by that, others will your wiſhes know.

What ſhe ſhould doe (plung'd in this depth of woe)

Bellama knew not, nor durſt counſell aske,

More dangers wait her, if ſhe ſend or goe,

Than if ſhe under went Alcides taske▪

Diſtracted were her thoughts in ſilence tyde,

Till love and honour buzzled, then ſhe cryde,

Ah falſe Bardino! ſhame of holy Orders!

Whither, ah! whither didſt thouſend thy troth?

To be grand factor in the frozen borders,

For them whoſe deckes doe make old Ocean froth?

And truthleſſe thou, locktin this gloomy Cell,

Plotſt baſeneſſe to enlarge the crowne of hel.

p. 66Vnjuſt Bardin', unworthy of a cope,

Or (whoſe employments holy) other veſt,

Didſt, oh didſt thy conſcience ſcoure with ſope?

And waſht all faith from off thy glazed breaſt?

And faithleſſe thou eſteemeſt leſſe of vow,

Than clowniſh whiſtlers, which do ſteer the plow

Where didſt incage thine eyes? durſt thou behold

(Acting this crime) the caſtle of the ſtarres?

How ſtopſt thine ears? didſt heare the heavens ſcold,

And chide in winde and thunder, threatning warres?

Durſt touch the hallowd water, ſpittle, ſalt,

The Croſſe or Pax, and yet attempt this fault?

Thoſe ſacred Bagno's wherein Pagans waſh

Their ſullyd limbes for their Moſchea's dore,

The pottage-penance, and repentant laſh,

The hair-cloth ſhirt, skin-ſhooes, & thouſand more,

Th' Arch-vicars pardon, and the purging flame,

Can ne're abſolve thy crime, or cleare thy fame.

Pack then from humane eyes, and ſhrowd thy ſin

VnderUnder the curtaines of eternall night;

Perfidiouſneſſe does make thee neare of kin

To hels black fiends, with robes of horrour dight:

Pack, pack, be gone, the Ferry-man does ſtay,

To waft thy paunch o're th' Acherontick Bay.

But peace Bellama, doſt thou think it fit

To value at ſo mean a price thy pearle?

Applaud thy ſelfe' count it a poynt of wit,

To take a Cowliſt, and refuſe an Earle.

The world ſhall be un-centerd, ere 'tbe ſayd,

Beauty takes lodging in an humble mayd.

p. 67What the…? ſhall every faſhion faſhion me?

As in religion, by the Churches eye,

So by the worlds, muſt I in loving ſee?

No, I the worlds ſupremacie deny.

Hence with thoſe loves, which profit only meaſures

I hate that hea…t which onelyonly ſhoots at treaſures.

The Cyprian goddeſſe is not fed with ploughes,

Nor Cupids arrow guided is with acres:

Vulcan permitted was to ſhake the boughes;

But Mars ſuckt in the ſweets without partakers.

Youth youth purſues, for with Autumnall lookes

Cupid does ſeldome bait his eighteen hookes.

Who in pleuretick paſſions does deny

To open veynes, to ſhut death out oth' dores?

Who will notin ſharp Fevers Galen try,

To weaken humours, and unſtop the pores?

The quickeſt eye does want the quickning Sun,

And to the Sea the drilling cadents run.

Who, when Sir Cupid enters at the eye,

With pride and coy diſdaine ſhuts comfort forth?

Ile make ambition ſtoope, now love ſayes I,

And ſatten thoughts ſhall vaile to Tammey worth:

By lovely maides, the lovely loved are,

And by the faire moſt favourd are the faire.

Thus did ſhe rage, her reſolution love,

Which ſpight of all diſaſtets ſhe will harbour,

Hoping bleſt fate will ſo propitious prove,

T'encloſe her Monk and her in Cupids Arbour:

But leave her ſurfeting with hope, and view

When to Monaſtick vowes ſhee'l bid adiew.

p. 68Till Cynthia twice twelve times repaired had

Her ſilver hornes, ſhe was in cloyſterd here,

When ſome kinde planet mov'd her loving Dad

To fetch her thence, his froſty'd age to cheare;

Hence virgine vow, away black veſtments hurld,

Bellama's borne againe into the world.

He with his Lady mounted on his Ien.

Net, to the Nunnery, with haſte does ride,

Accompany'd with troopes of harneſ… men,

And vowd a ſiege, if Piazzell' denyde,

To batter downe the holy walles with guns,

And fright the Hag with all her ſimpring Nuns.

He in an ambuſh plac't his iron crue,

Bad them prepare when as the trumpe did call,

Diſmounting then, the Ianitor him knew,

And lead the Lordly couple through the hall,

Parlours and chambers, to the conclave, where

The pious Nuns their branched Lillies reare.

Bellama crav'd a bleſſing, they it gave:

Then Rivelezzo he did ſoftly aske

If the Monaſticke roofe ſhould be her grave?

If now ſhe grieved for Don Fuco's taske?

If after two yeares bondage now ſhe would

Anſwer more kindly to the voyce of gold?

My Lord, quoth ſhe, with humble knee and voyce,

I am not tyred with my nicer vow,

Nor hate I Hymen, might my eyes make choyce,

Aske when Ile marry? and Ile anſwer now.

A man (quoth he) for face and vertue chuſe,

And on mine honour, I will not refuſe.

p. 69P…azzella fearing that their whiſpring would

Preſage no good unto her huffing waſte,

Broke off their parle, and Rivelezzo told

That his faire daughter zealous was and chaſte:

And that her minde no evill did attaint,

She almoſt has attaind to be a Saint.

Such high-priz'd comforts, joyes, rewards and glory

Our happy walles en-ſeele and curtain in,

That we alone ſurvive all prayſe and ſtory,

Are call'd Hels tortures, and the whips of ſin.

The locall motion of our ſoules in heaven,

We hate blinde Turciſme, and the Iewiſh leaven.

Madam, quoth Don, you need no advocate,

Since you your ſelfe can plead your cauſe ſo well,

But that my ſexe does interdict this ſtate,

What your words might effect, I cannot tell;

But ſure it does unſcrue a virgines hart,

To heare of love, and never fecle his dart.

Madam, for ſooth, quoth Lady Arda, I

Ne're found ſuch comfort ith'innupted life,

Nor think the bleſſings of virginity

Can equall the contentments of a wife.

My voyce ſhould not aſſent unto her vow,

To wreath with willow ſprigs her melting brow.

Quoth Piazzella, I am grieved ſore

To heare ſuch ſcandals thrown upon our vow,

To heare Diana, whom all ought t' adore,

And her chaſte votaries depraved now.

I know not what contents attend a wife,

But ſure they equall not th'innupted life.

p. 70Again, your honours you doe much impeach,

To force your daughter from this happy ſtate;

Twixt her and happineſſe you make a breach,

And pull upon your heads a curſed Fate.

Heavens un-buckle will their clowds of raine,

Death or diſeaſes, if you part our traine.

The body's better than the ſheathing skin,

And ought with greater care to be maintain'd,

The gueſt is farre more worthy than the Inne,

And ought with greater ſtudy to be traind.

The ſoule mounts heaven, when earrhs aged womb

The Skeleton (her iſſue) does entombe.

Away with arguments, in vain you plead,

Our vow (quoth they) lockt not her girdle ever,

I (quoth Pazzella) doe abjure the Tede,

Hymen ſhall ne're my holy orders ſever:

But ſpite of all the trickes the world does nurſe,

Ile keepe my virgines from the bridall curſe.

Without demurres, Don Rivelezzo then

With ſhrill-voyc't trumpet made an eccho ſpeake,

Straight was the houſe environed with men,

Which with their leaden gloabes an entrance break▪

The aire was frighted with the powder-thunder,

The bellowing noyſe did ſplit the rocks in ſunder

Affrighted thus, the Matrone bid them gang,

And to Bellama gave a ſad adiew:

Yet in her heart ſhe grypt with Envies fang,

And o're her lookes a vaile of ſorrow drew.

The joyfull parents having got their daughter,

Gave a farewell unto the houſe with laughter.

p. 71Leaving the Coach and Cloyſter, wee'l take part

With poore Albino in his woe and griefe,

Who ſeeing Fortune his deſignes did thwart,

And Neptunes grand-child brought him no reliefe:

Did think to win her preſence in diſguiſe:

He that but one way tries is hardly wiſe.

He plotted to inveſt himſelfe with robe

Might ſpeak him nobly borne, and gallant haire,

To ſome vaſte meaſures of this wealthy globe,

Seated aloft in honours Ovall chaire:

Procure him then ſome ſtore of laced capes,

To wait on him with ſervile garbes and ſhapes

Pretending to be one oth' Spaniſh court,

Giving ſtrange accents to our moderne ſpeech,

And hither came, his wandring minde to ſport,

But that he faces lackt to tune each breech.

Beſides, he knew the Matrones care was ſuch,

She love untwiſted in the eye or touch.

Then a new project did he get on's braine,

And ſheard the downy moſſe from his ſmooth chin,

Intending to be one oth' Virgine-traine,,

Like Iupiter huskt in a female skin▪

But that he feard religion could not bridle,

His active heate twixt linnen to be idle.

He thought his breaking voyce would him betray,

Vnleſſe he ſaid, he ever had a cold:

He feard the curte fie and the female play,

Or that his face would make him ſeeme too old:

But above all, he feard he ſhould not lock

His legges within the compaſſe of a ſmock.

p. 72In coſtly veſtures he would be arrayde,

Of high diſcent, and fearing leſt his Sire

Would force him to an hated pillow, ſtrayd

With them to teene the holy veſtall fire.

He would be nobly borne, not out of pride,

But to be ſheeted by Bellama's ſide.

He had no treaſure, but would promiſe faire,

That ſetled there, he ſhould be fed in ſtate,

Hoping to win the porter with kinde aire,

That with Bellama he might thread the gate.

He all would venture, and upon this plot,

Would place his fortunes, and the Go…dian knot.

In ſuch accoutrement he vailed was,

That to himſelfe Albino was not knowne,

He looked for Albino's faceith' glaſſe,

But nothing of himſelfe t'himſelfe was ſhowne:

Each way a mayd enricht with ſpeciall grace,

As though he had unflowr'd Adonis face.

He ſtil'd himſelfe Phaeliche, onelyonly childe

To him, who at that time was Folco's Duke,

And was ſo like to her whom he was ſtil'd,

That ſhe could ſcarcely ſay twas not her look:

For what's of Iſſa and her picture writ,

Was found in them, they taskt the Poets wit.

VntoUnto this Virgine-cage ſhe faſt did pace,

And knocking at the gate, the Porter came,

Who ſeeing riches on her back and face,

With humble voyce deſir'd to know her name.

My name (good friend) quoth ſhe, Phaeliche is,

I come to taſte your choyce Monaſtick bliſſe.

p. 73Madam, Avaro ſayd, our rubbiſh ſtone

With cement joynd ſhall pretious ſtraight be made▪

In that they ſhall enſpheare ſo faire an one.

Phaeliche ſmiling at the porter, ſayd,

Hath time with Iron jawes eate out this pare,

Which now theſe Maſons do repaire by Art▪

And truth it was, Phoeliche (Folco's heire)

Flying the diſaſter of an hated Tede,

Coucht in diſguiſes at a cottage bare▪

(But how? when? where? task not my amorous lede]

So that Pazzella's faith writ on her brow,

The noble treaſures of Phoeliches vow.

Not time it was, but an unhappy houre,

The porter ſayd, we had a vertuous faire,

Daughter unto a man of mighty power,

Begirt our holy walles with ſulphure fire,

And ſummond harneſt men which cloſe did lye▪

They with their leaden worlds at us did play,

And frighted (as you ſee) theſe ſtones away.

Phaeliche knowing that her Adamant,

Th'impulſive cauſe of this her virgin-vow,

Was vaniſht thence, and gleames of joy did want,

And wanning ſorrow reveld on her brow▪

Scarce could ſhe ſpeak, & every joynting trembled,

Yet fear'd the Porter, and her feare diſlembled.

p. 74Pazzella and the virgines her eſteem'd,

Seeing her feature, and un-equald grace,

Before they knew his parentage, or deem'd

He was deſcended from high Folco's race;

But knowing that, their joyes did ſwell ſo high

That griefe for ſorrow ſlinkt aſide to cry.

But ere the next dayes Sun, to let out day

Nights Ebon box unlockt, ſhe did not brook

To heare their private whiſpers, talke, and pray,

Erect the hoſt, and kiſſe a guilded booke:

For, her, Bellama has poſſeſſed ſolely,

So that their water could not make her holy.

Inſtead of Virgin-mother, ſhe would ſay,

My deareſt Lady, heare my ſad complaint,

Nor to ſhe-Saints would ſhe devoutly pray,

'Cauſe none but her Bellama was a Saint

VntoUnto Loretta, as Bellam' ſhe ſweares,

And calls their holy water but her teares.

She wondred oft how her Bellama did

Two yeares continue in this hated cell;

And in her thoughts ſhe often-times her chid,

For dwelling where but formall good does dwell,

Since in her abſence ſhe could ſcarce abide

To ſojorne here a double eventide.

Her braines acquainted was no whit with ſloath,

But plotted how ſhe might eſcape that Iayle,

And to this end ſhe vowd her virgin-oath

Should for her quick returning put in bayle:

She thought her breach of virgin-oath no ſin,

Becauſe ſhe onelyonly wore the formall skin.

p. 75She miſt, in ranſacking her Cabbinet,

A pretious jewell farre exceeding rare,

Which on her brow the Lady Dutcheſſe ſet,

As a true pledge of her indulgent care,

Far richer than that pearle which Egypts Queene,

Quaft to her marke diſſolv'd in liquor keene.

But for all this, a curious fit of man,

Did force her, for aſſay, to enter in,

To ſee if faſting did their Roſies wan,

Or folly led not in the Paphian ſin,

Thinking her wit could manumiſſe her ſtreight,

From that lank cloyſter, by ſome nimble ſleight.

This ſhe pretended to have loſt, as ſhe

(Fainted with feares, and with her travailes tyred)

In the coole ſhade of a well-haired tree,

Threw water on her joynts with labour fired:

For heavens parch the ayre with hotter rayes,

When with his flaming tongue the dog-ſtar bayes

Madam, quoth ſhe, with feigned teares and ſigh,

Grant me your licence to go ſeek my Gem,

The place of my repoſure is but nigh,

Swore by thoſe fires that did enlighten them.

By her virginitie and virgin-vow

Returne ere time could pace a triple now.

Quoth Piazzella, I will ſend a maid

To ſeek your jewell out with ſtudied care,

Direct her to the ſhade, wherein you ſtayd,

For you forbidden are the common ayre;

Our gardens beautifide with Maya's glee▪

Your fartheſt journey muſt and ought to bee.

p. 76She urg'd again, but all in vaine ſhe askt,

The Prioreſſe remembred ſtill the Earle,

And feard Phoeliche his departure maskt

VnderUnder pretence of ſeeking for a pearle:

And more ſuſpicious thoughts unto her came,

'Cauſe ſhe ſo often kiſt Bellama's name.

She ſeeing that this plot did want a ſtampe

To make it currant paſſe, like lawfull coynes,

Fear'd her departure from this lanky came,

And vowd to try the virgines skill at foynes:

Yet ere ſhe would attempt that amorous play,

She would attempt eſcapes ſome other way.

She veiwd the caſements, and did boldly wrench

With courage maſculine, the ſquared barres,

But they did ſcorne the vigour of a wench,

Like ſturdy Okes which ſlight the windy jarres.

Nay more, deepe waters did begirt them round,

That from the glaſſe he could not ſee the ground

Then on the porter did ſhe kindly ſmile,

And by full tale gave free reſpects to him,

Thinking to gull Avaro by this wile,

Ioyned with language, oyld, perfum'd and trim,

Quoth ſhe thy truſt and skill I muſt employ,

And for thy paines thou ſhalt have treaſures boy.

The greedy Porter like a Goſhauke ſeaz'd

With griping tallons on this Pheaſant Cock:

Madam, ſayes he, my skill …s not diſeas'd,

Nor dwels diſſembling with the honeſt frock▪

Diſcloſe your ſecrets, and be ſure, if man

Can doe you ſervice, then Avaro can.

p. 77Phoeliche then, as prologue to her ſuit,

Gave him a purſe full fraught with pſeudo-gold,

Told him her bounty brought no worſer fruit,

If in th'atchievement hee'd be true and bold.

Thou muſt ſome evening let me paſſe the gates,

And ſtraggle halfe a mile to gather dates.

Madam, Ile do't, it is a ſmall requeſt,

Since you doe merit better at my hand;

If fortune be propitious to my heſt,

You on the common ſhore this night Ile land:

My hands have eyes, and onelyonly what they ſee

Will they beleeve: give me my minted fee.

Phoeliche then pluckt out a ſilken purſe,

Great, and as muſicall as th'other was,

Pretending it was ſtuft with metall curſe,

When't onelyonly was with circled ragges of glaſſe;

Which purpoſely ſhe did with Dimonds cut,

To gull the Porters hopes, and fill his gut.

Heavens augment your ſtore, Madam, quoth he,

Ile wait you at the middle age of nighr;

Come to my lodge, and ſoftly cal… for me:

This handſome cheat Phoeliche did delight.

To couzen the deceivers is no fraud,

To uſe a Pimpe, and cheat a ruſty Baud:

She ſcarcely knew what letters ſpelled griefe,

For all her thoghts with regal crowns were wreath'd

Yet 'mongſt them all, Bellama rul'd as chiefe:

At time of reſt her body ſhe unſheath'd,

And hous'd within the linnen walles her lims,

Till night and ſleepe did their quick tapers dim:

p. 78Avaro (when dayes ſiſters miſtie fog

Had popped out Apollo's ſearching eye,

And gen'rall ſilence humane tongues did clog,

Locking all ſences up with Lethargie)

Stept to his purſes, and began to thinke

How he ſhould order his beloved chinke.

Hee'd hang his lodge with Arras, weav'd with gold,

That his ſucceſſour there might ſleepe in ſtate,

Or elſe, if ſome revenues would be ſold,

Hee'd give them Darwey bought at any rate,

That all the Nuns with prayers and holy names,

Might fetch his ſoule from out the purging flames.

Ile mend high-wayes, or hoſpitalls repaire,

Elſe build a Colledge, and endow't with mines.

Thus did he build his caſtles in the aire:

For all's not caſh that gingles, gold that ſhines,

His glaſſie coyne leap out of the mint,

Ere on his brow the ſtamp did currant print.

Thus was he guld, as once a king of France

Payd a French Mounſieur for a prauncing ſteed,

Gave him a purſe whoſe richneſſe did enhance

Th'incloſed gem, ſuppos'd a noble meed;

But when for golden mountaines he did gape,

He op't the purſe, and onelyonly found a rape.

Oh what full anger redded ore his lookes!

What tides of rage and fury ſweld his ſpleene!

He curſeth her with candles, belles, and bookes,

And vowd ere long on her to wreak his teen.

Ah me! quoth he, ſuch brittle things are laſſes,

Which one poore letter changeth unto glaſſes.

p. 79Phaeliche now perceiving all was quiet,

Hearing no noyſe, unleſſe a belly-blaſt,

Which might proceed from an un wholeſome dyet,

Tyde her apparell on with nimble haſte;

And comming to the lodge with knuckle knock,

She ſtrove to ſummon out the lazie frock.

But the grim Tartar was ſo ſoundly luld

Without a dram of Opium ſteept in Ale,

Tyred with vexing that he was ſo guld,

That all Phaeliches rappings nought availe,

Till vexed with demurres ſhe knockt ſo lowd,

It rais'd a thunder like a breaking clowd.

Iuſt at that inſtant did Pazz…ll awake

From an affrighting dreame, wherein ſhe ſaw

A dreadfull Lion her Phaeliche take,

And teare her body with his ſharpned paw:

And hearing this ſhrill noyſe, feare ſayd twas true,

Danger did threaten her Monaſtick crue.

Her froſtied limbes ſhe heaved out of bed,

And ſheld her body in her night apparell,

Arming her hands with piſtols ſtuft with lead,

Which anger firing, with the aire did quarrell:

And g…oping in the dark, her foot did ſlip,

Which out oth' barrels made the bullets skip.

Phaeliche at that thunder-clap amaz'd,

With haſte retired from the Porters cell,

And meeting her, on one another gaz'd,

The Porter ſtarting up, did ring the bell;

The virgins ſhreekt, which all made murmures ſhrill

Like Iriſh hubbubs in purſuite of ill.

p. 80When reaſon ſomewhat had becalmd their rage,

The Abbateſſe Phoeliche ſharply checkt:

Madam, ſayes ſhe, I onelyonly came t'aſſwage

Inteſtine heates, which all my body deckt

In ſcarlet dye, and being much appald,

With frisking Fairies I the Porter cald.

Goe, goe, you are a wanton girle quoth ſhe,

That fain would tempt my Porter unto folly,

Madam, Phoeliche ſayd, you injure me,

Sure, if laſcivious I had been ſo jolly,

I might have met with many men more able,

Before I did inveſt my ſelfe with ſable.

Oh madam, madam, mad Avaro cryde,

Why, do you think ſhe could o'recome your frock?

I ne're did yeeld, yet have been often tryde,

My courage hath withſtood a greater ſhock.

Yet ſure ſhe would—ſhe would have paſt the gates,

Th… reaſon why? forſooth to gather dates.

I am afraid your dukedome, girle does long,

Not for the Porter, he is out of date;

But for an oylie Cavalier that's ſtrong,

May teach her virginſhip a mothers fate.

Madam, look well, ſee if you miſſe no glaſſe,

I'me ſure with brittle coyne ſhe guld an Aſſe.

Then told the ſtory▪ Piazzella fretted,

This is the Iewell which you would have ſought,

When in all haſte from hence you would have jetted

What your intendments were, my wiſdome thought,

Ile have no gadders; and t'allay your heat,

I have a dyet will prevent a ſweat.

p. 81In a retyred roome ſhe lockt her up,

Devoyd of luſtfull mates with her to play;

Allowd her pulſe, and juice of clouds to ſup,

And bad her ſcores of Ave Maries ſay.

Three artificial dayes ſhe lodged there,

Where every day to her did ſeeme a yeare.

When ſhe had paid this penance for her crime,

Which in her judgement was accounted bad,

She was again amongſt the virgines prime,

On promiſe that ſhe would not henceforth gad▪

Ye… ſtill ſhe plotted, but where ere ſhe went,

The angry deſtines thwarted her intent

Then from Bellam' ſince walls did her en-cell,

She thought t'employ her talent to the beſt:

One of the vitgines had ſome vogliarell,

And earneſtly deſir'd with her to reſt.

Who ere the morne did P…ac…o ſing,

And wore her bluſhes on her ruby'dring.

Next night ſhe choſe another, then another;

Her curious palat ſo to novels ſtood.

That every one had hope to be a mother,

And neare of kin, united in one blood▪

But yet, alas! this pleaſure laſted no…,

Their virgine girdles could not keepe … ▪

Not many fort…nights after they had …

Theſe phyſick potions from their …

One told her folly by her meag…e …

Another had more blew than …

Others were qualmiſh, and …

All ſpake their pleaſures▪ …

p. 82One long'd for Citrons, and another grapes

That grew on Alps ſteep height, others for peaches▪

One ſtrangely did deſire the tayles of Apes

Steeped in juyce of Mirtles, holmes and beaches.

Some palats muſt be fed with implum'd Quailes,

And nothing muſt approach this tongue but rayls.

Some long'd for Creeviſh, ſhrimps, Cods, Plaice and oyſters,

One for a Limmond that doth grow on tho…nes,

Another longeth for ſome blood of Royſters,

Spic't with the ſcrapings of pale Cynthia's hornes,

One on the boſome of the Matrone skips,

And ſpight of her full noſe did gnaw her lips.

One bad them fill an Orke of Bacchus water,

Her thirſty ſoule ſhe ſayd would dreane a tun,

One from her window bids a poore tranſlater

Cut her a cantell of the gawdie Sun:

But above all, I like that witty gi…le,

Which long'd to feed upon a glorrah Earle.

The jealous matrone with ſuſpitious eye,

Did read their common ill in every face,

Eſpyde the breach of their virginity,

And fear'd a plantage with an infant race.

Yet ſtill ſupp…eſt her knowledge, till at laſt

Their heaving bellies kiſt their thickned waſte▪

She then with friendly ſummonings did call

The grave Lord Abbot, and his ſmooth-chin race,

Who coached came unto the virgin-hall,

But all the rabble through the vault did pace:

Arrived here, ſhe cooked dainty cates,

To pleaſe the Abbot, and his Tempo-pates,

p. 83So call'd a counſell 'bout her quondam maids,

Each one admiring who durſt be ſo bold,

Since none had entrance, nor the virgines ſtrayd,

And for the Porter he was known too cold:

The Pryor feard leſt one of his ſquare caps

Should guilty be of thoſe up-heaving laps.

It was decreed that they all ſhould be

Shreev'd, being ſejoyned from each others ken,

But ere that time the teemers did decree,

What anſwer to return the ſhreeving men:

Phaeliche did inſtruct them to deny.

That ſhe gave birth unto their pregnancie.

But they ſhould ſay, and to that ſaying ſeale,

With ſtrong aſſeverations, that into

Our faſt-lockt roome a youthfull blade did ſteale,

And with the beſt of wooing did us wooe:

Our caſes are the ſame with Merlins mother,

W…e think our lover was his fathers brother.

Twas one mans act, or cloath'd with humane ſhape,

He was Angelicall, and this we thought,

Becauſe there was no ſemblance of a rape:

We gave him our aſſent as ſoone as ſought.

We judg'd un-maiding better in the darke,

Than Daphne-like, an husking ore with bark.

The ſhreevers to their Lord… returne with ſmiles,

And on their lookes a joy ovall chhriots had,

Sayd, they confeſſed them with zeale and wiles,

And by a plain narration knew the dad:

One of thoſe ever-youthfuls came from heav…n,

And in the virgins wombes did lay a leaven.

p. 84The Abbot at this newes did much rejoyce,

Since with a kinde aſpect the virgine Ladee,

Viewing this Nunry, did ordaine this choyce,

And for the iſſue did appoint this dadee,

They ſhall be Prophets, Prieſts, of high renowne,

And Virgins which ſhall keep their bellies down.

Provide them child-bed linnen, mantles, ſwadles,

Rockers and Nurſes, all officious ſhees,

With Rattles, Corals, little Carres and Cradles,

And give them beads to wait upon their knees,

Romes high Arch-vicar ſhall a teſtate bee,

To the firſt borne whom nature makes a hee.

Take pens, & ſmooth-ſtrain Anthems write in bayes,

Make new Orizons unto all the Saints,

And to Lucina chaunt …nvoking layes,

To move her pitty theſe young mothers plaints

Say, her faire temple need not feare the flame,

Whilſt here ſhe wins her an eternall fame.

Phoeliche ſmil'd to ſee their ſtudied care

To foſter whom ſhe at her pleaſure got▪

But Piazz…lla ſtarting from her chaire,

Called Phoeliche to ſurvey her knot,

And finding it as at the firſt 'twas tyde,

How ſcaped you this Goddy Sire ſhe cryde?

Madam, quoth He-Phoeliche, I confeſſe,

I was a party in thoſe ſpruce delights;

But nature curſeth ſome with barrenneſſe,

As I have heard Albertus Magnus writes.

So that though my deſires were full as bigge,

I was not heaved with that curtaine jigge.

p. 85Reaſon fortaſſe's on her words did ſtampe,

Which did en-truth thē (thogh they were but ſquibs)

This done, the Prior did remove his campe,

And all the Friers with hemp-girdled ribs,

All great with expectation, and as faine

Would be deliverd as the full-flankt traine.

They ſung Canzone's ere the Sun could riſe,

And Ave-Maries out of number ſayd,

Lucina wondred at this ſtrange diſguiſe,

That Nuns and Monkes to her devoutly prayd:

All Beades were ratled, and all Saints invoked,

Some ſqueald, ſome tenourd, and ſome hoarſly croked.

With this conceit Phoeliche frolique grew,

And ſported bravely in the ſilent houres,

Her bed-mates calld her Angell, yet none knew

That 'twas Albino which had cropt their flowres:

But though they reveld in the night, the day

Threw hail-ſtorms on their luſt, to chill their play.

Yet had their pleaſure not a grand-ſire life:

For tatling ſlumbers did their joyes untone,

You vowd Phoeliche, I ſhould be your wife,

Sayes Cloe, ere you loos'd my virgine-zone:

But ah! ſo wak't, and feard her vocall ſlumber,

Would from her eye-lids force a Trent & Humber▪

Sayes Phill', Phoeliche, had I knowne at firſt,

You onelyonly wore the name of Folco's daughter,

I would have ſuffred an untamed thirſt,

Ere luſt had brought mine honour unto ſlaughter:

But oh! and ſtarting up, ſhe fear'd her dreame,

Would ere twas long, obſcure joyes mirthful gleam▪

p. 86Well, well, ſayes Floris, tis an happy change,

To looſe mine honour for an Angell-mate,

But Angels will not houſe in ſuch a grange,

This is the off-ſpring of Phaeliches pate:

But ah! ſo ſigh't, and ſighing cauſed feares,

Leſt her plump Roſies ſhould be plowd with tears

Yet you muſt know the virgins did not uſe

To blab their private actions in a dreame,

But that the cunning Matrone did infuſe

Some atomes of the Quiris into creame,

And ere they were inclos'd in Somnus armes,

She drencht their phanſies in theſe liquid charmes.

Then with un-ſealed eyes ſhe made her eares

Keep privie watch to intercept their talke,

Yet would have waſht her knowledge out with tears

And wiſht it written in her minde with chalke:

One while ſhe thankt the God of ſlumber, then,

Her curſes threw him downe to Pluto's den.

But when Aurora in her Tiſſue veſte,

Mantled with bluſhes, roſe from Tithons ſide,

And through a caſement of th'adored Eaſt,

Sent Phoſphorus to uſher in her pride,

Ere Phoebus our horizon did array,

With ſilver glitter of the blooming day.

She ſnatcht her termers from the ſweet embrace

And golden fetters of deaths elder brother,

Bidding them hence thoſe deadding ſlumbers chaſe,

T'implore the favour of the Virgin-mother.

They ſtarting up with more than common ſpeed,

Each ſheld her body in her modeſt weed.

p. 87So cal'd to chappell thoſe whoſe pregnant wombes

The Angels pills had heav'd above their waſtes,

Like to a ſurfet taine of Hybla's combes,

When we are too indulgent to our taſtes:

But left Phoeliche out to cut or ſue,

Or to embroider with the lankee crue.

Which made a ſudden faintneſſe looſe each part,

And every joynt was like an Aſpin leafe,

Her roſie twins retired to her heart,

Her lookes were colourd like a Sun-burnt ſheafe,

As the ſtiffe briſtles of an aged Boare,

Were her ſmooth lockes which ore her cheeks ſhe wore.

And juſter cauſe had none than ſhe to feare,

For as from quiet ſlumber ſ…e awoke,

She heard the ptiſick pick Pazzella's eare,

That ſhe had knowledge of what Floris ſpoke,

And now ſhe doubted all wold come toth'ſcanning

Their longing, ſwelling, and their ſudden wanning.

The Virgines wondred at Phaeliches change,

To ſee her eyes fixt in a white-lim'd wall,

Each feard herſelfe, and each conceiv'd twas ſtrange.

Leſt the diſeaſe was Epidemicall,

'That Merlins unkle chang'd Phaeliches hue,

And ſtreakt their temples with a purple blew.

But leave her ſighing with theſe ſterile Dames,

Wee'l crowd into the houſe of ſacred vowes,

Where conſciouſneſſe begetting female ſhames,

Spred ſcarlet carpets on their cheekes and browes,

They lookt and bluſht, & glanc't on one another,

Each curſt the minute which did dub her, Mother.

p. 88The holy brethren through the mouldy pipe

At that ſame time did unexpected come,

To know if th'goddy iſſue yet was ripe,

To give adiew unto their skin-ſeeld home.

But viewing ſtill their wombs wirh zealous hands,

They prayd Lucina to unty their bands.

Their chauntings dead, the Abbateſſe began,

Brethren, you ſee what ſad misfortune haps

VntoUnto my virgines by the oyle of man;

Witneſſe the heaving of their ſpongie paps:

We of an Angel dream'd; but if he was,

He ſhall hereafter for an evill paſſe.

I made their ſlumbers vocall, ſo they told

T was Folco's Dukes ſuppoſed daughters worke,

Larv'd with that name, it ſeemes ſome Royſter bold

Them to un-virgin cunningly did lurke

But ſince tis ſo, the proverbe ſhall ſtand good,

Tart ſawces muſt be mixt with luſhious food.

I knew him to be wanton, and to chill

The raging heat of his unbridled luſt,

I doom'd him three dayes penance, judg'd an ill▪

Would make him ſapleſſe, as the Summers duſt.

But ſince that faild, dayes ſhal be chang'd to years,

Minutes to months, till payd his tribute teares.

Ile try if griefe will drean his melting reines,

And hang a crutch upon his able back:

If ſorrow will unbloud his ſwelling veines,

And make his ſinewes, ſhr…nke with famine, crack.

Ile make a purgatory, where, with hunger,

Froſt, flame, & ſnow, Ile tame my virgin-monger.

p. 89…e give command, a dungeon ſhall be made,

To whoſe cloſe wombe the Sun ſhall never pry,

Nor Cynthia dare to peepe: for gloomy ſhade

Like clowdy night ſhall purblinde every eye:

Bare meaſure foure-foot broad, and for the height

'Tſhall make him by conſtraint, not, court lye ſleight.

A bed-ſtead hewn out of the craggie rock,

Not archt with Cedar waineſcoat, knobd with gold,

His bed no ſhrinker, but a ſturdy flock:

Swans ſhall not be dplum'd his limbes t'infold:

Nor curtaind with the travails of the loome

Of poore Arachne ere ſhe had her doome.

I will not ſpend the ranſome of a crowne

For curious dainties to delight his taſte:

Ile fetch no fowles from off the Parthian downe,

Or Phaenicopter for luxurious waſte.

I will no Mullet from Corſica take,

Oyſters from Circes, or the Lucrine lake.

I will allow him pottage thickt with bran,

Of barley meale a chenix every day:

A ſoveraigne diet for a frolique man

That is affected with the Paphian play:

And leſt his ſtomack ſhould too cholricke grow,

I will affoord him ſome congealed ſnow.

The bald-pate crew this penance well approov'd,

And in a trice all things ſhe ready got:

So well ſhe ſtird her ſtumps (as it behoov'd)

She being hatcher of this ſtarving plot,

This done, with friendly words and courteous aire,

She cal'd Phoeliche to her houſe of prayer.

p. 90It ſutes not with your greatneſſe, Madam faire,

Being ſole daughter to ſo great a man,

To lodge with thoſe which your inferiours are,

As much as is an inch unto a ſpan,

And I'me afraid the Duke will fume and ſweare,

Should but your lodging ſtep into his eare.

Madam, quoth ſhe, you harbour needleſſe feares,

Goodneſſe, not greatneſſe, differenceth maids,

My father's no Tobacconiſt, and ſweares

In poynt of honour, like our ſcarlet blades:

And, by my faith, it more contenteth me,

To ſheet with maidens, though of mean degree.

I am ſurcharged with the black-hew'd cholar,

Which ſtrikes my phanſie with moſt ugly ſhapes,

I durſt not reſt a darkneſſe for a dollar,

Without a pillow-friend to ſcare thoſe Apes:

Let Cloe with conceits my ſpirits wing,

Or melancholy will my Requiem ſing.

You ſhall ſayes ſhe, have Seſamoideſſe,

For all intreats are of too dull a print,

We muſt reſpect your fathers worthineſſe,

His honour muſt your love and paſſions ſtint.

And your owne worth muſt highly be regarded,

How ſhall I elſe expect to be rewarded?

Then did ſhe take her by the tender hand,

And led her to her grot in princely ſtate,

She feard not much, nor did her will withſtand,

Iudging divorcement was her harſheſt fate:

But when ſhe ſaw the entrance was ſo narrow,

A ſudden feare did eat up all her marrow.

p. 91Pazzella viewing her ſuppoſed Laſſe,

Repented her of her intended ills;

But injuries engraven are on braſſe,

And womens joynters are to have their wils.

And leſt remorſe ſhould chill her angry mood,

Fewell was added by the brother-hood.

Then, ſayes ſhe, Madam you behold the cage

Which I prepared for your honours good,

Where you may ſpend the Autumne of your age,

Till age and winter have congeal'd your blood.

You may retire to eaſe, for envy can

Nor dares to ſay, you'r not an able man.

When twice ten circled ſnakes are crawld away.

You ſhall enjoy companions maſculine,

To give inſtructions in that youthfull play

Is fed with Ceres and the god of wine:

And if my virgines ſhall hereafter be

Laſcivious given, I will ſend for thee.

Into this Coven was Phoeliche thruſt,

With bars and locks the entrance ſealed faſt,

Now muſt he pay a deare rate for his luſt,

His Curtain-vezzo, and the Corrall taſte.

Sure, his repentance will be full as deare,

As the Philoſophers non tanti were.

Ah foppiſh Monke! did not Bellama's no,

Give thee a warning-peece, preſaging danger,

But thou muſt headlong ruſh upon thy woe?

Happy's that man which is to luſt a ſtranger:

If this of dalliance is the conſtant fee,

Let them d—dally that doe lift for me.

p. 92Here, when the barking ſtar his ſcepter wav'd,

When in our clyme we feele an Aethiope's heat,

An under-vault the ſubtile matrone pav'd,

With fire and flame to force a conſtant ſweat;

That as from flowres, hot Limbecks water ſtill,

So by this ſtove from him ſweat-currents drill.

Then for the winter ſeaſon ſhe provided

A melting cloud full fraught with feathred raine,

(Whoſe curious art the aire-borne clouds derided)

Which through ſome oylet holes might paſſage gain▪

His cabine ſhould have been like Alps cold hight

Mantled and ſtrewed ore with winters white.

And twas ſo darke I cannot ſee to write:

Nay, at a non-plus it all pencils ſets;

Twas helles epitomy, the cage of night,

Wal'd in with pitch, and roofed ore with jets.

The Linx at mid-day here would wiſh for day,

And Cats without a torch, muſt grope their way.

But leave him labyrinth'd, and thus diſtreſt,

And ſee Bellama, and examine how

She brookes the abſence of her boſome-gueſt;

If diſcontent does revell on her brow;

It does: for why ſhe dreames, and never ſleepes:

She feeds, and fats not; laughes, but ever weepes.

Diſaſter hangs upon Albino gyves,

Sayes ſhe, elſe Envy keeps him priſoner,

Or a new Bull does interdict them wives,

So ſeales the lips of my petitioner;

Elſe the ſmirke knave is ſo devout in pray'r,

He has no time to kiſſe the common aire.

p. 93But does he love? or is't a fit of mirth?

Which like to childrens fanſies ſoone expire,

Ere language or employment give them birth,

Flaſhing affections, ag'd like thunder-fire:

His eyes ſhot Cupids at my yeelding heart,

But his firme breaſt repeld my feeble dart.

Perchance he judg'd my forwardneſſe to love,

By too much curtſie and my frequent glances,

So thought in jeſt my willingneſſe to prove,

Not with that ſober paſſion which entrances:

But with lip-love, which to the heart ne…e ſinkes,

And paper-vowes which take their birth from inkes.

But ſtay: does greatneſſe uſe to be deny'd?

Beauty and bravery command a graunt;

Yet might my lookes and carriage plum'd with pride

His humble and untowring Spirit daunt,

Daunt? no… his ſoule's a temper moſt divine,

Dares ſoare aloft to kiſſe the Suns neare ſhine.

Then love he does: but muſt this action, Wooe,

Be tyde by patent onelyonly unto men?

Some unſrequented paths of love Ile goe,

And in ſome riddles court him by my pen:

Yet firſt to th' Abbey Ile diſpatch a poſt,

To make enquiry where my Monke doth hoſt.

The Merchant is not with deſires ſo bigge▪

When as he plowes the Seas for Indian mines,

With ſlower ſteps the ſonnes of Bacchus trigge

To Sack-ſhops for the French and Spaniſh wines.

Then ſhe to Tagus bids her ſervant goe

To Croftſull Abbey where her wiſhes grow,

p. 94Gone is the meſſenger, but ſmall ſucceſſe

Waites on his travailes, for he back returnes,

With Madam, where Albino's none can gueſſe,

They thinke his aſhes are inclos'd in urnes:

For time, ſay they, has counted forthnights many,

Since his choyce feature object was to any.

This anſwer ſhot an hail-ſtorme at her heart,

Whoſe ſudden chilneſſe jelly'd all her blood,

Sh'applyed Holco to unſcrue the dart,

But her aſſayments brought her little good:

For but Albino none can cure …er ill,

Not Phyſick potions, or the druggards skill.

Ah me! Has Fate my deare Albino tane?

Then farewell Muſick, and you ſprucing trade,

Either my teares ſhall body him againe,

Or ſend my ghoſt to wayt upon his ſhade:

For ſhe is judg'd a light unconſtant lover,

Whoſe flame the aſhes of neglect can cover.

Have you beheld how, when the moores and marſh

Belch vapours to blemiſh bright Titans eye,

They with his rayes wage conflicts long and harſh,

Confining them unto their proper sky,

(Bribed perchance by envious night to wrap

Day and his champion in his ſooty lap.)

So that to us appeares nor Sun nor day,

And onelyonly faith perſwades us there is both,

Till day and Sun call in each ſtraggling ray,

And force a paſſage ſpight of fume and froth;

Yet then the day but newly ſeemes to dawne,

And ore che Sun a vaile of Cypreſſe drawn….

p. 95Iuſt ſo diſeaſing ſorrow, arm'd with teares,

Sighes and black melancholy vaild her face,

So that no ray of lovelineſſe appeares,

And onelyonly faith perſwades us ſhe has grace:

Her eyes retyr'd, her double bluſh was wan'd,

Her lockes diſſever'd, and her Lillies tan'd.

And as in her which arted lookes does ware,

Men looke for natures ſteps, and cannot trace her,

Since ſhe by nature nothing leſſe than faire,

Hath purchas'd from the ſhops ſuch worth to grace her,

Though foule, now faire & ſleek, thogh age did plow

And made long furrowes in her cheek a…d brow.

So knowledge here was in a maze, the eye,

That knew Bellama, did Bellama ſeek,

And looking on her, nothing could deſcry,

Spake her Bellama or in eye or cheeke.

To loves harſh lawes ſhe gave ſuch conſtant duty,

Sh'ad onelyonly left an Anagram of beauty.

She threw her ſelfe upon her couch of eaſe,

And marſhald all her thoughts in juſt arayes,

This brought ſmall comfort, that did ha…dly pleaſe,

And in that thought deſpaire the ſcepter ſwayes,

Yet thought ſhe not death could a period ſet,

Vnleſſe he did ſome ſtrange advantage get.

Hee's young and luſty, everv veine does ſwell

With Aqua-vitae, corrall juyce of life,

His skill in Magick elſe can frame a ſpell,

To diſtance meagre death and Atrops knife:

Yet love gives birth to feare, Ile ſend to ſearch

The Lions flinty bed, and Vultures pearch.

p. 96I and my woman will attend the queſt,

Vaild in diſguiſes oſ ſome country Laſſes▪

No ſtate-diſtinction, for my humble breaſt

Shall leave all pride with ſilks, perfumes and glaſſes;

And if with non inventus we returne,

Ile Venus witchcraft hate, and Cupid ſpurne.

When as the ſoveraigne of the day had drawne

A vaile of brightneſſe ore the twinkling lampes,

And threw on Cynthia's brow a double lawne,

Clearing the welkin from benighting dampes,

They in the habits of a milking maid,

(All but skin-linnen) did their beauties ſhade.

And in theſe courſe attires they haſted out

To ſeeke Albino, through each wood and plaine,

Whom we will leave to pace the world about,

And ſee Phaeliche wet with eye-lid raine,

Whoſe bondage was the greater, ſince deſpaire

Blaſted all hopes which promis'd her the aire.

The brazen Bull, Strappado, or the rack,

The Faggot-torture, and the piked barrell,

Ballanc't with his, degrees of ſorrow lack,

Tis with a bull-ruſh to decide a quarrell:

The famine where withall the Thracian knight

Was ſent to Pluto wants a little weight.

He that ſtole ſire fro th' Chariot of the Sun,

Whoſe liver's vulture gnawne at Caucaſus:

He that the counſels of the gods un-ſpun,

Like wantons eyes ſtone-rowling Sy…phus,

Hold beſt proportion with theſe ſharpned woes,

Which ſterne misfortune on Phoeliche throwes.

p. 97She that was glutted with moſt curious cates,

Had every pleaſure to content her luſt,

Who had command ore Fortune, and the Fates,

Now ſups up pulſe, and gnawes a fleeced cruſt.

She that had many girles, is now alone,

And of ſo many cannot compaſſe one.

Had I a fanſie ſteept in ſorrowes brine,

Invention witty in the threnes of woe,

Could ſad experience dictate every line,

A dearth of words would to my muſe ſay no.

I may as well go fathome all the ſpheares,

As meaſure her diſaſters, count her teares.

Oft on remembrance of that harmleſſe bliſſe,

Which (coaped) ſhe enjoyd, her thoughts wold feed

Of on Bellama's beauty, touch and kiſſe,

Till ſtrucken dead with thought of preſent need.

Then would ſhe raiſe her thoughts, & hope for day,

And ſtarting up from ſilence, boldly ſay,

Deſpite of Envies vipers, trickes and wiles,

My cradle-play-mate, Mirth, Ile nere forſake,

But taſte Sardinian hearbs ſhall raiſe up ſmiles,

Though I was wafting ore the Stygian lake:

Tortures ſhall nere un-man me, but Ile be

Albino, malice, ſpite of her and thee.

Delayes oft-times from times ſecluded parts

Bring helpe to helpleſſe not expecting aid,

Some of the gods will pitty theſe my ſmarts,

Not ſuffer them to whet the Sextons Spade.

Or if the gods midſt flames then ſcorpion-like,

Ile g…e my breaſt, and fall on mine owne pike.

p. 98Yet had I ſuffred for a courteous one,

Theſe woes ſhold ne're had power t'have rais'd a ſorrow

But when mine eyes did in my breaſt enthronc

Her—her of whom, hell cruelty may borrow.

This is the height of woe, death and diſeaſes,

Nay, hell it ſelfe, to this compared, pleaſes▪

Yet ſtay, ſay Neptunes pallace ſhall be land,

And this firme ball of earth a liquid brack:

Say the North-pole with Phoebus ſhall be tand,

And to the South the Lillies ſhall be black.

Say this, and more, before thou dare to ſay

Bellama is Màboun or Mà bellà.

No more of this, wee'l for her freedome plot,

A pious Monke perceiving well her ſmart,

With diligence aſſayd to purge each ſpot,

With holy Creuſe from her diviner part.

But ſtill her anſwer was, nor man nor lover,

Nor ſhe, the virgines ankles did diſcover.

Alas! my brother, I am not a male,

But a weake Sience of the weaker ſex

The Ladies ſpake the truth (might truth prevaile)

But me with torture Piazell doth vex;

'Cauſe at my entrance I did promiſe faire,

Yet't proves court-language, meerly, purely, aire.

But all this time ſhe would not licence daigne

That I three yards behinde ſhould leave the gates,

And fumed when I would have left her traine,

T'have ſought a jewell, and to gather Dates.

So that the Duke my father ne're had ken

Of my encloyſtring in this hate-light den.

p. 99But gainſt it now reſolving, I intend

To turne the ſtreame of his munificence

On you deare brother, if you'l be my friend,

And plot how I may be deliver'd hence:

Lend your endevours, and Ile lend my wit,

Vow farthfulneſſe, and I will warrantit.

Ile wooe my father for his free aſſent,

If to your barren Cowle you'l bid farewell,

That Hymens rites may perfect our content

By joyfull eccho's of the marriage bell.

'Cauſe youin perſon doe reſemble him

Whom 'mongſt all men I onelyonly judged trim.

The Monke gave eare unto her winning prate,

And gazed on her beauty maſcu…ine,

Whoſe feature might delude a wiſer pa…e,

Aſſiſted onelyonly by a tallow-ſhine:

For by an unctious ſalve, ſhe kept her chin

From the haire-mantle of an aged skin.

Madam, ſayes he, I judge your language true,

And to your vowes I dare my credence lace:

Your virgin-bluſhesinnocence doe ſhew,

And modeſty is printed on your face.

Faith, truth, and honeſty reſide with mee,

My beſt endevours ſhall your ſervants be.

Well, ſayes Phoeliche, I have now decreed

(Since Phoebus has forſook our hemiſpheare)

To ſheath my body in your holy weed,

Then through the private walk my courſe wil ſte…e.

So from your holy walles Ile take my flight,

Or by permiſſion, or in ſilent night.

And when I am arriv'd at Folco's towers,

My Father ſhall your matchleſſe kindneſſe know,

Who, I am ſure, will ſummon all his powers

To fetch thee from this houſe of flame and ſnow:

And who with much contentment will not brook

Some three dayes penance to be made a Duke.

For by inheritance the Duke dome's mine,

When death unbody ſhall my fathers ſoule,

Since no heire-males deſcended from our line,

The Salique law cannot my right controule.

And to aſſure thee that I'me onelyonly thine,

I ſweare by all the powers that are divine.

Then did ſhe circle with enſphearing arme,

Conrado's neck, and amorouſly him lipt,

Which did the amoriſt ſo ſtrongly charme,

That he with haſte out oſ his veſtments skipt,

And bad Phoeliche change, for in good deed,

He ſhould full well become her virgine weed.

Phoelich undreſt, and dreſt, and having made

Herſelfe a Monke, put on Conrado's face,

And ſome few minutes with her Monkſhip playd,

Then gave a farewell to that hated place.

But ere her quick diſpateh could poſt her thence,

Her beauty ſhot a fire through every ſence▪

Feare now exilde the confidence hee tyde

Forc't by affection to Phoeliche's words,

Revokt his promiſe now, all ayd denyde,

And with majeſtick lookes and geſtures lords,

His flaming luſt diſſolv'd his pious ſnow,

And now his Iowd deſires will have no No.

p. 101But vowes to diſ-encloath her, and to breake

Her virgine-ſeale, deſpight of force or ſmiles,

Till Folco ſtrove, and made his noddle leake

Sardonick liquor to new-paint the tiles,

So haſted out, and to the Matrone gave

The Iron Porter of Conrado's grave.

Imping his haſte, he threads the vaulted lane,

Not wounded by his ſoles, this many a day,

Like thoſe, which, when arraign'd, a pardon gaine,

Dare neither at the gaole nor gallowes ſtay.

And comming to the poſterne gate, he knockt:

Which at devotion time was alwayes lockt.

But when the laſt Amen had ſilenc't prayer,

The Porter to Albino entrance gave,

Who ſtraight was broght unto the judgment chaire,

Where, furd with ſtate, did ſit the Abbot grave,

Who ſayd, Conrade, why was your ſtay ſo long?

You miſt the Manna of the Even-ſong.

Pſeudo-Conrado anſwerd him, My Lord,

I found Phaeliche ſo oppreſt with griefe,

That charity commanded me t'affoord,

By learning, prayers and Anthemes ſome relief….

And truly on my faith, I am perſwaded,

A virgine-lady with theſe weeds is ſhaded.

I moov'd to pitty by her ſtreaming teares,

Her ſighing gales, lowd threnes, and ſad laments,

Won by her beauty, and her tender yeares,,

Have promis'd ayd, confirmd by your aſſents.

And in all haſte will tell her fathers grace,

What clowds of woe bemiſt Phaeliches face.

p. 102She promis'd me, when as her freedom's ſeald,

When ſhe ſhall re enjoy the glorious light,

When the ſad ſentence of her woe's repeald,

She will be mine in ſpite of envies might.

Nay more, ſhe from the Duke dome will extract

Some Lordſhips to performe a pious act.

Forthwith a Synod of the holy men

Was cal'd to broach the wiſedome of their pates,

The queſtions were propos'd, Who? what? and when?

The who is Folco's daughter; what, eſtates▪

The when, ſo ſoone as ſhee by Folco's powers

Shall ſhell her body in proud Gurby's towers.

This anſwer ſmelt of profite, and did gaine

The Abbots liking, and his griping crue,

Sayes he, Conrado true content does raigne

And triumph in our thoughts, we yeeld to you,

Succeſſe wayt on thy voyce, for to thy care

Our wiſhes, hopes, deſires, entruſted are.

Feare not, quoth he, my faith dares warrant all,

All things are reall, as my words are true;

My ſelfe will pace unto faire Gurby hall,

And with emphatick language plead and ſue:

So that old Folco's lungs ſhal crack with laughter,

To heare me chat the travailes of his daughter.

Firſt, ſhe miſtruſting that ſhe ſhould be forc't

By his proud nod, unto a hated pillow,

From folly, Folco, Folke herſelfe divorc't,

To twiſt for ſcorned mayds, ſome wreathes of willow,

How zealouſly ſhe prayd, and lookt demurely,

She is in thought, and word, a virgin ſurely.

p. 103But the conceit is this, who bridles laughter?

That virgines holy, p…re and Nuns to boot,

Should thicken with the pilles of Folco's daughter,

Sing lullaby's, and to Lucina hoot,

T'increaſe the wonder then, & impe his pleaſures,

To Folco Ile preſent theſe waggiſh meaſures.

Behold, admire, and ſome contentment gather

From Nuns that teeme, mand by a virgin-father.

WOnder and admiration ceaſe to gaze

On ſlaſhing mete…rs, ſtarres, and comets blaze,

Let not Vitruvius, or th' …honian beaſt

Putzol or Ae…na ſlide into your breaſt:

Ope not your eares unto thoſe crackes of thunder,

Whoſe Canon ec…ho's ſplit the orbes in ſunder.

Lend not your audience to thoſe fond reports

Of Obr'on, Mabell, and their Fairy ſports,

Nor tye your credence to the Poets pen,

Which writes the noble acts of warlike men,

Of Monſters, Moon calves, merry games, & maskes,

Atlas ſtiffe ſhoulders, and Alcides taskes,

Amazement flies theſe bables, and does pin

Faith, eyes, and thoughts, unto this curtaine-ſin.

That a pure virgine ſhould un virgine others,

And though a virgine, yet make many mothers.

Make them heave up, be qualmiſh, pale, and cry,

A Mid-wife (hooh) a Mid-wife, elſe we dye.

It is an Africke crow, a ſable Swan,

To have a veſtall puffed up with man.

But that ſo many Nuns un-maydend are,

B' a Nun without a man, is more than rare.

The Syhils virgine is not worth a ruſh,

And Merlins mother may with envie bluſh.

p. 104Theſe, though they ſoard above the pitch of reaſon,

Yet croſt not natures order, courſe or ſeaſon,

For women teemd as women, but a woman

As man, makes virgines teeme, and yet is no man,

This—this is object unto fame and wonder,

Then make each clime with this Mirandum thunder.

About this time, night ſummond them to reſt,

And each repaired to his ſturdy bed.

Albino's feares his hopes and joyes ſuppreſt.

But in the reſt, content ſtruck ſorrow dead:

They ſlept untill the bright enlightned aire

With ſilver glitter cald them up to prayer.

But our Albin' took earlier leave of ſleepe,

And ſheath'd his body in his Monkiſh veſts,

Knockt at his lodge which did the entrance keepe,

Who, that he could not wake himſelfe, proteſts,

Thou art ſome Fury, Hag, or Hob, I troe,

That boldly at my lodge doſt thunder ſo.

Albi…o ſayes, what phrenſie dampes thy reaſon?

Ariſe, my haſte commands a frequent rap.

Begone, quoth he, entreates are out of ſeaſon,

Worſhipfull Hob, Ile have another nap,

Tis not mine houre to riſe untill I heare

The clapper ſound a ſurge in mine eare.

When our young Monke had many minutes ſpent,

And could not Foppo from his pillow reare,

About that time lights charioter had ſent

Dayes truſty Herbinger his Orbe to cleare.

He ſearcht the walls, and traffickt with the lock,

But all in vaine, he muſt implore the frock.

p. 105The Chappell-clarke as conſtant to his houre,

As is dayes Herauld, which at breaking crowes,

Seeing Aurara did his windowes ſcowre,

And leapt into his chamber, ſtraight aroſe,

Making the ſhrill-ton'd bell in ecchoes ſpeake,

Awake and riſe to prayer, the day does breake.

Foppo was at that time in Morpheus court,

Where he with apparitions was affrighted,

The Scoene was chang'd, then came a dainty ſport,

Whoſe ſudden neatneſſe every ſence delighted,

Then dreamt Albine their runnigado Monke

Was knocking at his lodge the other Nunc.

Then dreamt he ſaw a table richly ſpread,

With all the dainties ryot ever felt:

All birds of warrant which in woods are bred,

With Salmon, Mullet, Turbot, Trout and Smelt.

The Princely-pacing Decre entombd in paſte,

Enbalmd with ſpices to delight the taſte.

A ſparkling wine-drawne newly from the cheeke▪

Of ſome chaſte faire, which bluſhes colourd red,

With brisk Canary, and enlivening Greek,

Poetick Sherry, which can ſharpen lead.

This raviſht Foppo with a taſte-content,

Till to his eare the Bell an errand ſent.

When ſtarting up, he deemd the bell did call

His able ſtomack to a Founders feaſt,

And with all ſpeed was ſwogging to the hall,

But that Albino ſtayd him by the creſt,

And lue-warme claret from his hogſhead drew,

To make his ſtomacke give the Deare adiew.

p. 106Quoth he, thou ſonne of Somnus, drowſie ſlave,

Why didſt thou not at my lowd ſummons riſe?

But in a fit of lunacie didſt rave,

As though thy wit had tane ſome new diſguiſe?

Ile be your Hob, your Hag, and though I'me loath,

Will now chaſtiſe thee for thy feigned ſloath.

But whilſt his paſſion tooke a breathing ſpace,

The wakned Portcr from his fiſts did creepe,

Fixed his goggles on his youthfull face,

And then remembred his propheticke ſleepe.

Tels him hee's not Conrado, for he knowes

That brow, thoſe checkes, lips, eyes, Albino owes.

And thogh your wrath ſhould grind me unto powder,

Without a warrant, I will ope no gate,

This anſwer made Albino's anger lowder,

And vowd a paſſage bought at any rate:

So leapt upon the ſlave with nimble ſtrength,

And meaſurd on the earth his ugly length.

Albino haſtes to th'poſterne, having got

The keyes, but 'mon…ſt ſo many much was puzzled

To finde the right, Fo…po mean while did trot

VntoUnto ſome chambers where the …havelings nuzzled.

And them with our-cryes rayfed to ſurpriſe

Albino, …arved …n Courado's guiſe.

Like penancers, with linnen on their backes,

The bald-pates ran to ſeize upon their pray;

But yet their haſte a femi-momont lackes,

Albino through the gate had found a way.

And ſnatching ou… the keyes, did them encage,

R…iſing a Bulw arke to withſtand their rage.

p. 107Then thankt his ſtarres, that thus deliverd him

From dangers which did threaten nought but death,

For he by th'verge of Mare mort did ſwim,

And did expect his lateſt gale to breath.

Nay, theſe late troubles had him ſo diſ-harted,

That every ſhadow 'lmoſt the union parted.

You, whoſe diſaſters ſome proportion hold,

Helpe my weake phanſie to expreſſe his feares,

Teach me my rithmes in Cypreſſe to enfold:

From thwarted lovers borrow me ſome teares,

Fetch me ſome grones from the aſcending thiefe,

And from the inquiſition fetch me griefe.

Without demurres Albino left the wicket,

Fearing the Monkes ſhould bribe the faithleſſe lock,

And ſteerd his courſe unto a well-grown thicket,

Whoſe lofty hill was armd with many a rock,

He envies ſculls, that wayt on ſpit and oven,

And vowes nere more to ſee that hated coven.

Have you beheld the ſtately pacing ſtagge

Flying the ecchoes of ſome deep-mouth'd hounds,

How firſt his brow does weare a ferny flaggc,

And with curvaitings beates the quaking ground.

Telling the Fawns & wood-nymphs that he ſcorns

The hounds, horſe, huntſmen, and their warbling hornes.

But when he is emboſt in blood and ſweat,

When travaile on his ſwifrneſſe fetters hangs,

He then is frighted with the ſhrill recheat

And feares a pinking with the yellers fangs▪

Seekes e'ry where for ſhelter, and dares ruſh

Maled with feare into the ſharpeſt buſh.

p. 108So far'dit with Albino, whilſt he had

Fate at a becke, commanded fortunes wheele,

Was called by his Donnes active lad,

He thought his joyes were walled in with ſteele,

Slighted misfortune, envie ſet at nought.

And braving malice dar'din every thought.

But when his towring heart was taught to know

Humiliation, and ſelfe-confidence,

Was ſtrucken dead with famine, flame and ſnow,

Although his geniall ſtarres had freed him thence.

He feares the Monkiſh rabble, and he ſhrowdes

Himſelfe in caves, encurtaindround with clowds.

In his dark houſe he heard a feeble voyce,

Breathd from the corrals of ſome weakned maid,

At firſt concealment was his better choyce,

Till pitry ſet an edge upon his blade.

Then guidcd by the cry, he ſaw a Royſter

Did in his armes perforce a Nymph encloyfter▪

Yet ſeeing home-ſpun ruſſet, ſtopt his pace▪

Saying by this, what honour ſhall I gaine?

But in his eye ſo curious was her face,

Though maskt and blubberd ore with brackiſh raine,

That he forthwith unſheathd his truſty Turke,

Cald forth that blood which in his veines did lurk,

So ſtepping forward, cryes, Injurious ſlave,

VntoUnto what baſeneſſe does thy folly tempt her?

Who anſwerd him, Fond ſoole; thy fooliſh brave

From my decreed end ſhall not exempt her.

Bef…iend me Queen of Cypreſſe, and in ſpight

Of force or Fortune, Ile have my delight.

p. 109Deſiſt, Albino ſayes, or olſe I vow

By all thoſe tapers which enrich the night,

Ile make pale death ſtrew Cypreſſe on thy brow,

And to th' infernall ſhades thy ſoule will fright.

Ceaſe from thy brutiſh rape, or elſe prepare

Thy curſed lungs to draw the Stygian ayte.

Quoth the rude Sylvan, I'am paſt that age,

Which with Bug-bears the foppiſh nurſe does fright.

Hence curtaine-ſquire, ſmock-groom, & nrine-page,

Ile have no teſtates unto my delight.

Pack hence with ſpeed, or by Actaeons head,

My weightie falcheon ſhall pronounce thee dead.

Well, ſayes Albino, ſince thou'lt not dcſiſt,

Prove the adventures of a bloody duell,

One of our threads fell Atrops ſhall unt wiſt,

For to my rage kinde pitty lendeth fuell.

To free a virgine from thy gryping pawes,

I judge well pleaſing unto natureslawes.

They claſpt their Helms, and buckled to their fight,

Twixt whom no umpire was but meagre death,

The wooddards greene with Tyrian dye was dight,

Who now deſires a minutes ſpace to breath,

Albino gave the truce, yet but to breath,

His valour ſcornd to crowd into the ſheath.

Then did his nimble ſlight and courage ſhew

Baining a ſtroake, but poynted at his breaſt,

Which op't a doore, whereat his ſpirits flew,

And well nigh ſet his fainting ſoule at reſt.

With that th'enfeebled Sylvan weakly cryes

Hold, hold thy hand, or elſe Sylvanus dyes.

p. 110Doſt call for merciemercy, ſayes Albino, now,

And all thy thoughts erſtwhile triumphant rid?

I ſeek not murder may I ſave my vow,

That I ſhould joy in blood my ſtarres forbid,

I am content the virgines voyce ſhall ſeale

Thy death or pardon, if thou make appeale.

Faire virgine, quoth Sylvanus, pitty is

The onelyonly grace that gives a virgin price.

Remiſſion crownes a heart with greater bliſſe,

Then to hang iron on weak natures vice.

The rayes of your bright beauty urg'd deſire,

Your feature kindled luſt, love blowd the fire.

The virgin anſwerd, I did never ſuck,

The Tygers dugges, the Lioneſſe and Bare.

Nor from a reeking breaſt an heart did plucke

Never will I in blood with vultures ſhare.

But ſince ſubmiſſion ſpeakes from voyce and knee,

Kinde pitty thins the fault, and pardons thee.

Then to Albino ſayes, Heroick youth,

May all the bleſſings which attend on man,

Felicitate thy life, and to buy truth

To words, I dare doe more than virgines can.

But above all I wiſh, may natures pride,

Lillies and Roſes inter-twine thy bride.

But yet alas! to recompence by ayres

So large a bounty, and ſo free, is poore:

Yet why may not a ſpotleſſe virgines prayers,

Wingd with deſire, unclaſpe high heavens doore,

Accept of this, and if the Fates befriend me,

Theſe bleſſings which I wiſh for, ſhal attend thee

p. 111Natures ſole wonder, beauties onelyonly gem,

Quoth he, my valour and my feeble armes,

(If your perfections had not ſtrengthned them)

Could not have freed you from intended harmes.

Aſcribe the honour to your matchleſſe face,

My courage merits not the meaneſt place.

Yet had I ſwom through ſeas of ſteaming blood,

And paſt through Nitre flames, that belch forth led,

Had all the Furies arm'd with vipers ſtood

T'have ſtopt my paſſage, or pronounc't me dead,

I would have thrown the dye, my fortune tryde

T'have bought you freedome, though in crymſon dyde.

For when mine eyes ſent forth the fartheſt glance,

To fetch th'Idaea of your beauty in,

That very ſight my ſences did intrance,

And made my thoughts excuſe Sylvanus ſin:

For ſure your quickning rayes can melt a ſnow,

On which the windes of age and ſorrow blow.

But why doe I upon the Ela rayſe

Thy noble worth, and yet intend to wooe,

Since beauty oft diſplayes her plumes at praiſe,

Then by this doing, I my ſelfe un-doe.

Yet where I vertues finde refinde as gold,

Deſpaire ſhall never make affections cold.

Be pleaſed then to thinke the god of Love

With guilded arrow has transfixt my heart,

And let my purpled breaſt your pitty move,

With Balſame of regard, allay my ſmart,

Send thy quick eyes into my breaſt to ſee

What tortures prick my heart to purchaſe thee.

p. 112Sir, I am griev'd, quoth ſhe, you are allyde

To him, whoſe quiver crownes a lovers wiſh,

Elſe at a twelve ſcore diſtance mighty 'ave ſpyde

You caſt your net to meſh a ſimple f…iſh.

Your worth and feature does entitle you

To Cytherea with her ſilver hue.

When I, alas! am but an homely mayde,

Borne to a ſpindle, and to ſerve a plow

To milke my ſpongie-…eated cowes, I ſtrayde,

Which here amongſt theſe tender hazels low.

My ſtarved fortunes cannot thinke of love,

Nor does my envy wound the billing Dove:

This anſwer ſilenced Albino's hopes,

Which ſpake as lowd as though they kiſt the ſheets,

He in his thoughts commends the quiet copes,

Which taſte no ſowre in hunting after ſweets.

Alcides life, quoth he, compar'd to mine;

Is trouble-free, ſpic't with contents divine.

Faire mayd, what hatred froſteth your deſires?

What ſteames of envy choake bright Venus lampe?

Give ſome kinde fuell to maintaine my fires,

A frow…e of yours will all my vitals dampe.

Oyle oremy writhled heart, or let me know

From what black heads theſe bitter cadents flow.

Your favours Sir, have ſuch commanding power,

That tis unjuſt your wiſhes to deny,

Accurſt with all black tempeſts be that houre

In which my heart gave credit to mine eye,

Elſe would I not have been ſo much averſe,

T' a minde ſo noble, and a feature terſe.

p. 113But now alas! my ſelfe, my ſelfe am not,

For heartleſſe I, my heart have gin away,

An Abbey-brother has that treaſure got,

Albino hight, hee's Phoebus of my day.

Your habit ſpeaks you a Monke, Sir, if you can,

Tell me where I may find that (ah me) man.

Be pleas'd, quoth ſhe, to tell me where I may,

Or goe my ſelfe, or elſe a ſervant ſend.

Faire mayd, quoth he, it is a gloomy way

Leads to the bed of your benighted friend.

His aſhes are in Darwey Abbey layd,

But his faint Ghoſt walkesith' Elizian ſhade.

But is he dead, ſayes ſhe, and lowdly ſhreekt,

Which wak't Narciſſus hate to ſecond her,

Her roſyes dewd with melting chryſtall, reckt,

And ſorrow did her trembling heart interre.

Symptomes of ſad deplorings nere were know ne,

Which were not in her ſharpe lamentings ſhowne.

Choyce mayd (quoth he) do not deſtroy your roſyes,

And blaſt your beauty with ſuch ſcalding ſighes,

In natures garden there are choycer poſyes,

More comely features, and more agile thighes,

What though Albino's dead, another may

Be trulier tearmd the Phoebus of your day.

Oh, doe hot ſtaine, ſayes ſhe, his ſpotleſſe name.

Within his boſome every vertue rang'd,

Equals to him dull nature cannot frame,

Though ſhe ſhould labour till herſelfe be chang'd.

It is a ſhame to aske more favours, yet

Grant me this one, becauſe my ſunne is ſet.

p. 114My pitty ſav'd, when as your fury had

The rough-pawd Sylvan minced with your skeane,

Oh with ſame courage let your minde be clad,

With your ſharpe Cemeter my liver dreane,

Why ſhould I be a liver, ſince hee's dead,

Who was my hope, my health, my heart, my head.

How am I chang'd, quoth hee? my heart does beate,

The fainting ſummons of the childe of ſinne,

My knees doe quarrell, and a chilling ſweate

Cold as the dew of winter, oyles my skin,

Feare ſnatcheth from my roſeat banks their blood,

And drownes my ſiver in a ſanguine flood.

Tis ſtrange a naked breaſt of bleached ſnow,

And chryſtall mounts, enricht with corrall heads,

(On which the purple violets doe grow)

Should dare mine arme, and ſtrike my courage dead.

My ſteele a breaſt of iron has unhing'd,

And knees of braſſe have to my fury cring'd.

Had ſome vaſte Gog, or he whom Tcllus brought,

One got by Fury, or Gradivus mate;

Who, but with monſters, ne're convers'd with ought,

Dar'd with a looke, mine arme had weakned Fate.

But at this feeble voyce my blood does ſtart,

And into pitty melts my ſwelling heart.

Then name no more thoſe words: for they at once,

Doe both un-edge my valour and my ſteele,

Too ſafely doe your vertues keep the ſconce,

My ſteadieſt thoughts, ſtruck with theſe letters, reele:

My ſacrilegious hand ſhall never ſtaine,

Vertues ſole Temple, and the g…aces fane.

p. 115Dry up thoſe furrowing cadents: will you give

Your lovely ſelfe in marriage unto him,

If I ſhall ſay Albino yours does live,

And in your view his comely portraict lim.?

Say, I to this, and I will t…y my skill,

To make him pace along yon craggy hill.

Tis th'countenance which my wiſhes crave,

Nought halfe ſo ſweet, ſayes ſhe, as Hymens tedes,

Albino then the haired earth did ſhave,

And hedg'd two circles in with ropes of beads:

Then quartring them, did take the virgines hand,

And bad her with unſhaken courage ſtand.

Thou muſt not be ſurpriz'd with ſhivering feare,

Though Cerberus the Ianitor o… Hell,

Though ſeven-headed Hydra, Panther, Beare,

The Lyon, Tyger, or the Dragon yell,

Although a monſter ſpits forth flaſhing powder,

Thogh clowds & winds ſtrive which ſhould bellow lowder.

This ſayd, with creuze of holy water hee

Beſprinkled ore himſelfe, beſprinkled her,

And zealouſly did croſſe: the ſame did ſhe,

Like a devour Romezzo conjurer.

This done: fair maid quoth he, if Fates be frend me,

The ſervant of your beauty ſhall attend thee.

Then gan to invoke, or ſeeme t'invoke,

With uncoth language, the infernall crue,

Vitz, Allafoun, Trallaſht, with elfiſh poake,

Trollox and Chimchiſh, with your griſly hue,

Gnarzell and Phrizoll, which in Styx do wade,

Lê portè Albin… from the Stygian ſhade.

p. 116When from his lips theſe words had tane their flight

A ſhuffling whirle-puffe roar'd amongſt the trees,

Th' affrighted leaves tooke flight, the graſſe lookt white,

The quaking poplars fell upon their knees.

Ioves ſacred tree ſtood cringing unto it,

And bowd his head, elſe twas in ſunder ſplit.

Then from a breaking clowd a ſheet of fire

Encircled them, and daſht againſt an Oke,

Vſhring a thunder, whoſe untamed ire,

Like dreadfull tyrants, nought but terrour ſpoke.

And as unwilling to depart from them,

Hisirefull cracks the trembling grove did hem.

Theſe ſuddenly ſucceeding ſo the firſt,

And at that inſtant when he feign'd a ſpell,

Did make Albino judge him ſelfe accurſt,

Thinking his voyce unhing'd the gates of hell,

Bellama's roſyes wore as white as ſnow,

As though the Phyma did upon them blow.

And juſtly, for though theſe but common were,

Yet at that time, when faintneſſe kept the wicket,

Which at each ſhadow op't the gate to feare,

In that darke place, that unfrequented thicket.

I blame not, though her courage hab been colder,

And in Art Magick wiſh Albino bolder.

But wheo the ſtorme was paſt, his courage got

The conqueſt of his feare, made his quick eyes

Stand Sentinell, t'advantage more his plot,

And looking, from the mountaine he eſpies

A man deſcending, as he told the mayd,

Which the lowd tempeſt of his feares allayd.

p. 117Then ſayes, behold the object of your hope,

Away ſprings ſhe from off that gloomy place,

Poſts to the hill, forſakes her Magicke cope,

Meane while Albino doffes Conrado's face,

And ſet upon his lookes Albino's dye,

So impt with love, unto the mount did flye.

Where he eſpyde Bellama rove about,

Crying, Albino, doſt thou flye from me?

The man was but a ſilly ſheepheard lout,

That climbd the hill, his fleeſie traine to ſee.

And when his eyes had health'd his wealthy flocks,

Trudg'd to his cote, wald in with ſturdy rockes.

Albin' encountring her, ſayes, Lovely mayd,

Was't your ſmall voyce that did Albino call?

Twas I▪ poore I, the fainting virgin ſayd:

Why was I forc't from Rhadamanthus hall?

Who was't quoth he, that with commanding aire,

Snatcht me forth' armes of Proſerpina faire?

It was a courteous Monke, quoth ſhe, whom I

Humbly intreated to deliver thee.

Alas, ſweet maid, quoth he, Fates doe deny

Freedome from thence, nor can I pay the fee.

Fee, ſayes ſhe, fearc not, if an Earldo me can

Purchaſe thy freedome, I will give it man.

Thou canſt not ranſome one from Pluto's jayle,

Shouldſt thou lay downe the gawdy triple crowne,

With ſteely hearted Fate nought can prevaile,

On whoſe harſh brow there ever dwels a frowne.

Speake faire, thy buſineſſe, for I muſt begone,

Grim Charon waits ſor me at Acheron.

p. 118Ah me, quoth ſhe, and is it truth I heare?

Then deare Albino, I will wait on thee:

You'r like to findc, quoth hee, but homely cheare,

If in my dyet you partake with me.

Famine's a favour unto me, ſayes ſhe,

Bridewell a bride-houſe, if I live with thee.

But prythee, what is Radamanthus fell,

And ſhe whom thou didſt Proſerpina call?

Sweeteſt, quoth he, he is the judge of hell

That doomes us tortures, or does us enthrall.

For if our innocence doe plead for us,

Wee▪ re led t' Elizium from darke Erebus.

That other was the Thracian harper mate,

Whom Pluto forc't unto his gloomy houſe,

His divelſhip with ſmiler to recreate,

Full bowles of his Nepenthe to carouſe.

I'me glad I know, quoth ſhe, for jealous feares

VntoUnto my heart did travell from my eares.

Why, lovely mayd, did ever I behold

Before this time, quoth he, your comely face?

How deare Albino, muſt you now be told.

Who your Bellama is? tis high diſgrace,

Sure you of Lethes ſtreames have deeply drank,

Which doth the powers of your minde diſranke.

Hah! quoth Albino, can my dulneſſe thinke

That homely ruſſets my Bellama vaile?

I deeply of oblivion ſure did drinke,

Did I not know her from a milking paile?

Peace pretty faire, do not my Saints prophane.

Her beauty has not ſuch courſe lodging …ane.

p. 119Well, quoth Bellama, will you me diſcard,

When for yourſake I've run through all diſaſters?

Muſt ſlights and …eſcios now be my reward?

Will you make ulcers, and apply no plaſters?

Cloath'd in this courſe arraay, I rov'd abrode,

To ſinde the place of thy ſecure abode.

Sweet, ſayes Albino, let not anger dreſſe

Thy ſtainleſſe lillies in diſtractions dye,

Let ignorance plead pardon, for I gueſſe,

Some other beauties may Albino cry,

Might now a ghoſt permitted be to kiſſe,

My lips ſhould ſuck from thine a cherry-bliſſe.

Why, ſayes Bellama, has a ghoſt no lips?

Is there no pleaſure dwels in ſpirits vaines?

This (might a ghoſt) does all my joyes eclyyſ…,

For now I have my labour for my paines.

Pray, what was Merlins father? is't not ſayd,

Spirits have power a damſell to unmayd?

Theſe words proceeding from Bellama's lips,

Did make Albino Myrrine juyce carouſe,

To rayſe an active heate, which nimbly skips

In every veine, like Fayes in Obrons houſe.

But when he was no ghoſt, and hop't to merit

Love for love, he found her of another ſpirit.

Away, fond Monke, quoth ſhe, doſt thinke that I

Into a ſea of griefe will wade with thee?

And drowne my fortunes, make an Earldome dye?

Doſt think humility reſides with me?

Canſt thinke Ile chooſe a pebble, ſlight a pearle?

Marry a thread-bare cowle, and ſcornd an Earle?

p. 120What doore to thy preſumption did I ope?

What ſymptomes of affections did I ſhow?

What actions gainfull birth unto thy hope?

Or from what vow did thy aſſurance grow?

Ceaſe then, ſor I take it in high diſdaine,

To thy courſe worth my ſmalleſt ray to chaine.

Diſdaine? quoth yong Albino, can this be

The voyce of my Bellame? Is there ſuch oddes?

If not in birth, in worth I equall thee:

Although my Muſe ſhot love into the gods,

Diſdain's a pitch too high for maids to reach.

Scarce will the queen of pride ſuch doctrine teach.

Preſumption too? Does he deſerve that brand,

Who dallies with conſent, invited to 't?

What firmer ſeale, then language, lip and hand?

What better warrant, than deſir'd to do't?

Say, he is ſawcie that with cruſtyed fiſts,

Pawes a court-ſilke, and melts her balmy wriſts.

Who feeted that aenigma, whoſe kinde ayre,

Spake me the onelyonly high in thy eſteeme?

Was I not boſomd more than parents (Faire?

Did not thine owne voyce that ſaint-ſecret ſeeme?

Who brib'd your full face-gazings? and what ſhe

Iudg'd none praiſe, lip, deſerving of but me?

Did not you in miſterious poſtures wooe me?

And gainſt Bardino levied all your ſpight?

Nay, by Barraba ſent invitements to me?

And dub'd me by your knot the Red-roſe Knight?

Did not your wiſh glue feathers on your feet,

To thread a caſement when I pac't the ſtreet?

And after theſe, ah, thouſand more, and nearer

Seales of thy love, muſt ſlights unſeele your lips?

A puny-miſtres-hunter well may feare her,

When pride at high noone can my ſun eclips.

Fury lend me thy poyſon, rage thy breath,

That I by pride doomd, may doome beauty death.

You pale-fac't ſhadowes of the gloomy Iles,

Fill up my gall, and lend me all your powres,

To torture women, who enricht with wiles,

From their moiſt eyes ſend forth diſſembling ſhowrs

Would Iove the mount had barren been of ſtones

Whereof old Pyrrha ftam'd the female bones.

Would Sea's daughter that ſame Queen of faces,

Her alabaſter box would daigne to me,

Once Pnao's ferry pay, that gave ſuch graces,

Which till that time the Sun did never ſee.

That I not onelyonly might, as others are,

Be counted comely, but oth' faireſt, faire.

Then would I ſlight thoſe formall trickes of love,

Thoſe ſighs, tears, vows, complaints, & folded arms,

Caps, cringes, oathes, and complements to move

Th'affections of a Girle expecting charmes.

For wealth, wit, wiſedome, eloquence & greatneſſe

Are leſſe inducements unto love than neatneſſe.

How now Albino, is your doublet growne

Too ſtrait, ſayes ſhe, that you doe puffe and ſwell?

Peace, peace, let not your choler thus be ſhown.

A thing impoſſible, ſayes he, you tell.

In vaine we call for peace, and calmneſſe praiſe,

When love and hate inteſtine warres doe raiſe.

p. 122Women have double pupils, ſo they can,

Kill like the Baſilisk, but with a glance,

Their very praiſe does blaſt and wither man,

Like froſt and winter, or his ſoule intrance:

They're all like Glaucus wife whoſe filthy charms

Won poore Vlyſſes to her luſtſull armes.

They're Holgoy, Africanes, and fiends they are—

Words know not what they are, they're hell to me,

Would Jove I had the Helioſtrophio faire,

To touch all mayds, or if not all, yet thee.

Or had been borne under the Scorpions head,

With Amulets t'have ſtruck thy beauty dead.

Ah faithleſſe Polupiſts! that thus can change

Into an hundred thouſand ſhapes, your mindes?

Phaebe to you is conſtant, tides doe range,

Yet back returne: more ſetled are the windes.

Meere Pompholix, which with each breath does ſtray

Your loves with catch-feathers too, and fly away.

Sometimes a fit of ſullens ſeales your jawes,

In contemplation big, (of Iove knowes what)

And then againe, as if your tongnes made lawes,

You weary time with your eternall chat.

Ah Mantuan, Mantuan, thy pen is not a lyer,

Although thy habit ſayes thou wert a Frier!

Erſt while a ſober Nun Bellama was,

Then a Lucretia, at another gale

I know not what, a ſtraggling countrey laſſe,

A quinque-letterd, 'haps, which ſet to ſale,

Now none more willing unto love than ſhe,

And now more further off from love or me.

p. 123Yet call that haſty language back a while,

Bellama is not ſuch, ſhee's Cupids dart,

Teach me, great Iove, to make Bellama ſmile,

And with one ray ſun her Albino's heart.

Thou purblinde boy, teach me to gain Bellama▪

Straight Eccho's voyce returnd him anſwer, Ama.

Thankes gentle Eccho; might thy voyce divine

Speak truth in this, that love commandeth love.

I would through every mood and tenſe decline

Amo, and ſaint thee too, my Ioy, my Dove:

Nay, thou ſhouldſt be, what ere fond babblers prate,

Albino's godd…ſſe, though Narciſſus hate.

Oh would to Iove I were in courteous France,

Or elſe that happy place in France with me,

That with more tongs thou mightſt make ama dance

Within theſe ſilent woods, from tree to tree.

Or would thou hadſt imperiall power from Iove,

In the impcrious mood to bid her love!

Quoth ſhe, unworthy of a conqueſt's hee

That for a Canons roare his enſignes vailes,

Vnworthy of a Roſe, or Roſie glee

Is he, whoſe courage at her javelins failes,

They're feeble amoriſts that for a fye,

Run from their colours, and in ſilence lye.

Tis our prerogative to have intreate,

With every phraſe that flattry does inhance,

To win our loves, though every ſtroke they beate,

Our hearts beat Cupids march, tune Venus dance.

In their deſires they never yet did periſh,

Which feed our humours and our paſſions cheriſh.

p. 128To prove the truth of thy affections, I

Shot forth that language, headed with diſdaine,

My heart is thine, which till death cloſe mine eye

With ſteely thumbe, thy boſome ſhall retaine,

Caeſ…rs proud nod ſhall not command that bliſſe,

Whoſe ſweets are promis'd by this melting kiſſe.

Hah quo h Albino, dare I truſt mine eares

With this bleſt aire? And am I ſure I wake?

Or is't a dre…me, which wakeneth into teares?

Tis truth: then crawle hence Furies, toad and ſnake.

The earth her mines, ſea vomit ſhall their pearle,

Ere I leave her, who for me left an Earle.

Then ſate they dallying in a ſhadie bowre,

Where Maples, Aſh, and Thorne did them embrace,

Whilſt her enlivning breath produc'd each flowre

In curious knots to damaske ore the place.,

Oh! who would not his ſoule and ſubſtance tenter,

To be circumference to ſuch a center?

Now have our Amoriſts attaind the height

Of true content, and ſate like billing Doves,

She tels her queſt, he his monaſticke flight,

Whilſt both recount their paſſions, feares and loves,

Till Titans haſting to moyſt Thetis armes,

Bad them provide againſt his ſiſters harmes.

Then joyning heart and hand, with eaſie pace,

They travaild to a Pague adjoyning neare,

Where in a ſtraw-thatcht roofe (an homely place

For ſuch a paire) they entertained were,

And what fine cates old Kathrine, could affoord,

Was ſerv'd in ſtate unto an aged boord.

p. 129Their table with rich damaske cloathes was ſpread,

Whoſe every twiſt out-vyde the double cable,

The napkins Diaper, of equall thread,

The mourning trenchers cloathed were in ſable:

A curious ſalt; cut out oth' bolder ſtone,

And for their plate—ſincerely there was none.

The dropſied Hoſt, like to a Sewre did ſtrut

To marſhall every diſh: and firſt did bring

Aſpatious bowle to ſcoure the narrow gut

of nut-browne Ale, a liquor for a King.

And ſayes, My Bona Roba, drinke this boule,

Twill cleare thy throat, and cheere thy drooping ſoule.

Next came the mumping hoſteſſe, and ſet downe

A luſtie diſh of milke, sky coloured blew,

Crumb'd with the ludgets of the luſtie browne,

Which two months ſince was piping hot and new,

Yet 'tis, ſayes ſhe, as ſavory in goodlaw,

As wheaten traſh, which crams the Ladies maw.

This good old Chtone was troubled ſo with winde,

Her coates did dance toth' muſick of her belly:

Next came a barley dumpling, whoſe harſh rinde,

Was oyled ore with a fine tallow jelly,

Brought by a mincing Marget, paſſing trim,

Whoſe juycie noſe did make the pudding ſwim.

Next came ſome Glotrah (which the plough-man flanks,

Ioyn'd with a pudding on a holy day)

Brought by a jetting dame, on whom in rankes

And diſcipline of ſtate, whole troopes did ſtray

Of—I for beare to ſay, leſt theſe rude feet,

With queaſie dames, and Lady readers meet.

Laſt, a tough cheeſe muſt lock the ſtomackes doore,

Milkt from a cow that fed on nought but Burres,

Hadlaine five winters on ſpongie floore,

To gaine an harneſſe, and a coate of furres,

So neatly peopled too, twas judg'd a court,

Such heards of gentles did about it ſport.

Qualmiſh Bellama could not eate a bit,

'Cauſe luſcious mears a ſurfet ſoone provoke

Albino ventred, but was faine to ſpit,

Leſt thoſe harſh viands ſhould his Monkſhip choke.

And whilſt he hauked, and Bellama laught,

The trumping hoſteſſe ſtole a thumping draught

Are you ſo dainty …oothed, quoth mine hoſt,

That countrey vittails will not downe with you?

You ſhall be fed with Cuſtards, pyes and roſt,

Cannot your chops a boneleſſe pudding chew?

I trow farre worſer is than this your fare,

Vnleſſe you kitchin ſculs, and lick-ſpits are.

Ma' gep, ma' faw, the crabbed hoſteſſe ſayd,

Let'em een faſt, if they'l not eate their ſowle,

Is not my daughter Maudge as fine a mayd,

And yet by mack you ſee ſhe troules the bowle.

I've dreſt a ſupper ſure, has pleaſed thoſe,

Had wider purſes far, and better cloſe.

Pray mother, gainſt the young mon doe not rage,

Sayes full-lipt Maudge, for he muſt be your ſon,

We are alike in face, of equall age,

Then hoh, the match is ſoon concluded on.

Kuſſe me, my honeſt Dick, for we this night

With crickle crackle will the Gobblins fright.

Maſſe, ſayes mine Hoſt, I like the fellow well,

To ſuckle barnes, Ile give him tidee Mull,

And my browne Maure, as ſound as any Bell,

With ten good ſhear-hogs to affoord him wooll;

And if they pleaſe me, after me they ſhall

Sell nappy yale within this truſty wall.

Feck, ſayes mine hoſteſſe, they ſhall have a bed

With good ſtrong ſheets, to pig together in,

A brazen pot, a kettle and a led,

Platte…s, bowles, pailes and an old kilderkin,

And if they pleaſe m', a brace of wheeles to ſpin,

Mantles and clouts to wrap their bantlins in.

Our lovers at this pretty talke did ſmile;

Then ſayes Albino, there is no ſuch haſte,

I like, but yet wee'l reſpit it a while,

Thou ſhalt be (duck) ſome three nights longer chaſte

Ile man my ſiſter at dayes next attiring,

Then back, and give my Maudge a curtaine ſpring.

When as his yeelding had appeas'd the billowes

Of their lowd paſſions, and their meat digeſted,

Nights middle age invited to their pillowes,

But tell I dare not, how the lovers refted,

Whether co-ſheeting was allowd as fit,

Monaſtick vowes diſpenſing well with it.

But this I ſay, there was but one gueſt-roome,

Hangd with a pentice cloath ſpoke age enough,

The ſpiders here had one continued loome,

Here rats and mice did play at blind mans blough.

Their bed had many taſters, but no teaſter,

Their bedding uſherd in thin-ſided Eaſter.

p. 132Repentant Mattreſſe for chaſtiſing Lent,

Stout as a face of ſteele, which ne're will yeeld,

Their ſheets were tenants, weekly payed rent,

The pillow was with juyce of noddles ſteeld,

And therefore fit to bolſter any ſin:

Their coverlet was of a bullocks skin.

Their urine-veſſell was of Ticknell make,

Whoſe in-ſide was with unſhorne vellet clad,

Their bed-ſted floted in a ſpringing lake,

Where Frogs and Newts their randevouzes had.

This was their gueſt-bed, and there was no other,

Thinke you Bellama then lodg'd with her brother?

No, ſuch pure vertues ſaint Bellama's breſt,

And ſuch cleare ſparkes of honour heate his ſoule,

That ſuch a thought would ſtain her virgine creſt:

And blur the ſacreds of Albino's roule.

Then dye black thoughts, Bellama's chaſt denyals

Repeld all charms of love, and Venice-trials.

Nay, he nere tempted, nor attempted once

To ſcale the fortreſſe of her virgine-tower:

For her chaſte Noes, and vowes did guard the ſconce

That twas impregnable, not forc't by power.

And though he did enſpheare her naked waſte,

Yet durſt my faith and oath conclude her chaſte.

This longing on Albino workt ſo ſtrong,

That when the god of ſlumbers did intreat

Him to his court, into his thoughts did throng

His houſe of …enance, hunger, cold, and ſweat.

So powerful was his dreame, …ntruth'd with feare,

That his ſtrong faith concluded he was there.

p. 133And in ſome ſort he was: for when the Eaſt

Was purpled with the bluſhes of the morne,

When his benummed ſences were releaſt

By the ſhrill ſound of Gallus bugle horne.

He heard a ſound of words, and looking out,

He ſaw a legion of the Monkiſh rout.

For you muſt know that when Albino's wit

Had won him freedome, and Conrado thrall,

The jealous matrone ſomewhat feared it,

And the next morning did Conrado call;

Who (brooking ill his lodging) ſtruck with feare,

Made anſwere to the matrones queſtion here.

So when her eyes ſuſpition truth had made,

She askt Conrado how that came to paſſe?

Quoth he, credulity my feare ore-ſwayd,

I was deluded with the dukedome laſſe.

She promis'd me a dukedome for my paines,

And I, poore I, thought it ſufficient gaines.

Hah, quoth the Matrone, could thy falſhood ſerve

Thus to diſhonour me, and all my traine?

His penaltie is thine, till every nerve

Shrinke up with famine, thou ſhalt here remaine,

Time will not meaſure yeares, e're thou wilt ſay,

A Dukedome for thy penance is no pay.

Madam, quoth he, my ſences were bewitched

With that pure white which dwelt upon her brow,

I ſcratcht and pincht, but ſtill my humours itched,

I ſtood upright, but ſtill my heart did bow.

Who would not twice ten minutes in a brooke,

Chin high and thirſty ſtand, to be a Duke?

p. 130Quoth ſhe, I ſee that folly over-ſwayes,

And Venus ſoveraigne is of every ſect,

To beauty every order homage payes,

Whilſt onelyonly age and blackneſſe gain neglect.

I'xcuſe thy frailty, haſte unto thy dell.

The ſentence of Phoeliches flight repell.

Conrado thankt her, and away did pack,

(As one reprieved from the gallow tree,

Still fearing that ſterne juſtice pluckt him back)

Leſt Ianus-like her face ſhould changed bee:

For well he knew, the monthly horned queene

No oftner fils her orbe, than ſhe her ſpleene.

He nature blam'd, he could no faſter run,

But comming to the gate, the porter op't,

Who much appald to ſee a youthfull Nun,

Sayes, Miſtreſſe, do you travell to be coap't?

Give me my fee, for ſure a plumpe-cheekt laſſe

Shall not the Porters lodge unkiſſed paſſe.

He could not quiet his impatient luſt,

Till he had ſhowne the enſignes of his habit,

His pared crowne with Venus rayes aduſt:

Then le…t the mongrell his ſuppoſed rabbit,

And ſlinkt away from his monaſtick vaile,

Iuſt like a dog that newly hurnt his taile.

Wh…n he had caſt his woman, and put on

The habit of his order, he made haſte

VntoUnto his Lord, told him Phoeliche's gone,

And that his conſcience did conclude her chaſte.

She Folco's large endowments muſt inherit,

And promis'd me to recompence my merit.

p. 131The Prior ſmiling at his folly, checkt

Him for Apella's faith, and ſayd his laſſe

Was young Albino in Nun-veſtments deckt,

(If that our Porter had his double glaſſe)

And ſince thy comming cleareth every doubt,

Harneſſe your ſelves to ſeeke the yonker out.

As the attendants of an hunting Prince,

Intending to disfrank an ore-growne Boare,

View the impreſſions of his f…et, which ſince

Laſt eve were printed on the ſandy ſhore,

Beating each buſh, and in each cabben ſearching

To finde his frank, & not the pheaſants pearching.

And as when Reynald with his wily plot,

Into the ſquadron of the geeſe is crept,

And grand-ſire Gander on his back has got,

Th' affrighted geeſe like them which watch-towres kept,

With ſhrill-ton'd gabblings wake the ſlumbring towns▪

By Phaebe's candle to go ſeek the downs.

Some arme themſelves with ſpits, one with a ladle,

Some ſnatch up pick-forkes, one a bill or knife.

The ambling nurſe runs out, and leaves the cradle,

And the awd mid-wife flies the teeming wife,

Old grand-ſire gray-beard his tuffe bilbow gets,

And grandame Griſſel with her diſtaffe jets.

Iuſt ſo our hair-lack Monkes purſu'd their queſt,

Searcht for his view, and threaded every grove,

With bels, beads, bookes, and holy water bleſt,

And armd with envies whips, about did rove.

Their runnigado Reynald to ſurprize,

And came to Stean ere the Sun could riſe.

p. 136Which ſight unſpirited Albino quite,

That his invention could not teeme a plot:

For in his lookes his feare was writ in white,

And to his heart his frighted blood did trot.

Yet calling courage to appeare oth' ſtage,

He ſheath'd his body in his woven cage.

Then haſting to the Hoſt, bad him awake,

Deſir'd his counſell, and aſſiſting hand,

Sayes now his life and ſafety lay at ſtake,

For at his doore a troope of ſhave lings ſtand,

I am their errand, I muſt bid adiew

To lovely Maudge, mine hoſteſſe, and to you.

Hoh, quoth mine hoſt, and rubd his gummy eyes,

Whot ſayes my ſonne? Muſt thou be whurld away?

I warrant, boy, my club ſhall ſtill their cryes,

When 'bout their coſtards I ſhall make it play.

Ile dy their ſtark nak't crowns with their own blood,

Then let 'em come, if that they think it good.

Good Sickerlin, ſayes Maudge, ere they ſhall have

My hony-ſweeten Dick, Ile ſcratch and bite,

With ſcalding water Ile their noddles ſhave:

Then buſſe me Dick, thy Maudge wil for …hee fight.

Thankes, quoth he, Duck, but yet it cannot bee,

That thy endevours ſhould advantage me▪

But yet methinkes I ſee ſome comfort dawne,

Yon tinkers budget ſtrengthens every joynt,

Lend me ſome cloths, by times harſh grinders gnaw…

And I will be a Tinker in each poynt,

My ſiſter muſt have ragges, and be my trull:

Thus vaild & cloath'd we wil the ſhavelins gull▪

p. 137Accoutred in thefe robes of ſtate, he made

His face and hands in ſootie veſtures mourne,

Then wak't Bellama, who was ſore afrayd

To ſee a Tinker, and away does turne.

But graſping onelyonly ayre, ſhe ſhrilly cryde,

Art fled Albino, from thy ſweet-hearts ſide?

Which words ſo ſhrilly ſpoke, made eccho babble,

Who wing'd with envie, out oth' window flies,

Carries Albino to the Monkiſh rabble:

They hearing that, Perduers made their eyes,

And ſweld with rage, againſt the doore did knock,

Whoſe aged breaſt could not endure the ſhock.

This ſtroke Albino's heart did almoſt break,

Yet bids Bellama ſheath her body in

Theſe homely …agges, which onelyonly ſafety ſpeak,

Care not for courſeneſſe, ſo they hide the skin,

And at this Tinkers habit doe not wonder,

Tis but the curtaine thy Albino's under.

What tiſpyde fellowes at my doore doe beate

Thus early, quoth mine hoſt, is this your manners?

What muſt mine hoſteſſe wayt upon th' entreat

Of Taylors, Coblers, Carpenters and tanners?

If drinking be your errand, where yey got

Your laſt nights fudling-cap, this morning tro… ▪

Impatient they, did make the doore unhinge,

Which gave an entrance to enrag'd Bardino,

He to the reverend hoſt did lowly cringe,

Told him his errand was to ſeek Albino.

And as they did his homely cottage hem,

Albino's name came leaping unto them.

p. 134Hoh, quoth mine hoſt, unto mine houſe there came

Laſt night for lodging, a ſtout Tinker knave,

Who now is ticking with his ragged dame,

Go, if with him yey any buſineſſe have:

But who Albino is, I cannot tell,

Heres no ſike mon does penance in my cell.

Into the Arras-ſieled parlour then

The coapſters went, in every corner ſnookt,

The Tinkers viſage none of them did ken,

But for Albino, on Albino lookt;

Well might he cozen them, when as his ſaint

Knew not his face under that maske of paint.

Then as they ſearched every place, by chance

Conrado did his Monkiſh veſtments owne

He lent Phaeliche at their affiance.

The hoſt perceiving that the cloathes were knowne,

Sayd, yeſterday about the after three

A fellow came, and pawn'd thoſe clothes to mee.

They askt Bellama then, why ſhe did call

VponUpon Albino? Why forſooth ſayd ſhe,

I was a ſervant once in Darwey hall,

Where that young Monke I oftentimes did ſee,

Who oft in private would diſport with me,

And promis'd that I ſhould his ſweeting be.

But by misfortune being turnd away,

This Ioviall Tinker took me unto wife,

So as this morne by his warm ſide I lay,

I of Albino dream'd, my joy, my life.

Hee's not thy mon, quoth Maudge, thou ly'ſt baſe drab,

Peace huſwife, ſayes mine hoſt, you tatling blab.

p. 135Thus had the Scean been chang'd, had not the Sire

Suppreſt her babblings with a check and grin.

The Monkes well ſatisfide, gang to the fire

To taſt the juyce of Kates old Kilderkin

The Tinker and mine hoſt would alwayes cry,

Fill hoſteſſe, fill, the Monkes are ſtill a-dry.

Canzone.

Drink ful ones Tinker, me thinks the Monks are dry,

Drink healths mine hoſt, the Monks do feare a thirſt:

Are the Monks thirſtie? the Monks will quickly try

If they or the Tinker want a pillow firſt,

Elſe wil we jig and hay unto the black pots ſound,

Til to that muſick the houſe ſhal dance the round.

Then fill a dozen hoſteſſe, wee'l have a merry cup,

And make the Tinker forfet his budget & his braſſe.

Faith, ſayes the tinker, Ile make your monkſhips ſup

Till yey ſing Requiems, in reading of the maſſe.

Then fill a gallon hoſteſſe, we'l health it all about,

Till all complain oth' head-ach, the falling or the gout.

Come on dropping ſhavelins, let's ſee you count your beads,

I am half afraid you'l ſtutter in the maſſe.

Gramercy lovely pots, and nimble Ganimedes,

That brought more water than what holy was.

Wel ſawcie tinker, wel, pray finger you your braſſe.

And let the monks alonelone, they'l finger wel the maſſe.

Pray Gaffer Cowliſts why are yey ſo bald

To coole your Pia maters in a ſweat?

Or did the water your wiſe noddlcs ſcald,

Which your devotions and hot zeale did heat?

Or are yey given unto Venus play?

I am afrayd there went the haire away.

p. 140But baſe Bardino did this mirth eclipſe,

(In his monaſtick life Albino's friend)

Viewing the travaile of his hand, his lips.

He by a ſecret marke Albino kend:

For by ſome ſtrange mishap, was ſet a brand,

An azure ſpot upon his abler hand.

Sayes he, me thinkes you are too frolicke Tinker,

Your mirth I feare preſageth your diſgrace,

You muſt no longer be mine hoſteſſe Skinker,

For you will ſay, unleſſe y'ave braz'd your face,

That you both ſee, and doe Albino know,

If you deny't, I have your hand to ſhow.

During the time that you were cowld and coap't,

On your right hand there dwelt a coerule mark,

Which nere would off, although twas often ſoapt.

Well, quoth mine Hoſt, but pray your worſhip hark,

May not two men be like, may there not be

The ſelfe-ſame ſpot of him, and you, and me.

This could not yet appeaſe Bardino's hate,

Still teeming miſchiefe, and with envie bigge,

So ſtarting up, he fum'd, and lowd did prate,

And ſnatched off Albino's periwigge.

Now gainſt two witneſſes he could not ſtand,

When as his head bore witneſſe with his hand.

Albine excus'd, it was by nature ſo,

Saying no razor ere did touch his ſcull:

No, ſayes Bardino? it againe does grow,

Thou canſt not with this fop my wiſedome gull.

Keepe him my brethren, and meane while I will

Fetch the watch-beggar, and his ruſty bill.

p. 141Bellama did mean while what language can,

With oyled words, and pitty-pleading teares,

Beſeeching theſe to free her wedded man;

But to her voyce they cottond had their eares,

Vntil an Angel did appeare unto them,

And with his goldy looks and muſick wooe them.

Then did they yeeld to let them goe away,

And they mean time would faine a deadding ſleepe,

They for a ſecond licence would not ſtay,

But haſting out, along the ditches creepe.

And as they went a Raddle-man they meet,

Whom with kinde aires, and high-way phraſe they greet.

And greeting paſt, Albino did require

To change apparell with him, and his trade,

Giving him caſh to haſten his deſi…e.

With all my heart the Raddle-yonker ſayd,

(Nere queſtioning the cauſe) yet by the maſſe,

My Dames will ſay, I am a podging Aſſe.

Thus chang'd they clothes & budgets; then with lead

On the new Tinkers hand Albino made

A mark like his, to gull his envious bead:

With Raddle-crimſon then fit for his trade,

He cloathd his face, and gave Bellama ſome,

So trudgd away, for feare the Monk ſhould come.

Have you beheld a hound in ſudden fright,

Whom powder feard, or elſe the ſtaffe did beat,

How oft he turnes and lookes, yet keeps on flight,

So they with glancing eyes would oft retreat,

Yet moved forward ſtill, as in a ſhip,

The P…lots backward looke, yet forward skip.

p. 138But our new Tinker ſwelled with content,

Fearing no colours, to the towne did p…ſſe,

Crying, as he along the hamblet went,

Hay …ny need, hooh, of a Tinkers braſſe?

Bardino now returned in a chafe,

And askt the Tinkers name, who anſwerd, Rafe.

Where dwelſt thou? any where? how long

Haſt tinkring us'd? I cannot tell.

Then bout the Tinker all the Monkes did throng,

Whilſt he, poore fellow thought h'had been in hell:

For till that day, he never ſaw ſuch creatures,

And what they were, he knew not by their features

Bardino feared this was but a gull,

And ſayes, good fellow, let me ſee thy hand.

I'me not aſham'd to ſhow't, by cock and bull.

Bardino viewing't well, eſpyd the brand,

And ſayes, Sir youth, before you couzend me:

But now in ſooth, I will be meet with thee.

Divell or Frier, whatſoere thou art,

What taunting language doſt thou give to me?

Hah▪ quoth the Tinker. Quoth Bardino, Smart

Shall give a comment of my words to thee.

Smart, quoth the Tinker, ſwigge for Smart & you.

I bid defiance unto all thy crue.

Talke not to me of Smart: for if you prate,

This knotty ſtaffe ſhall baſtenado you,

Ile ſet a ſcarlet cap upon thy pate,

And lace thy ſhoulders with a purple blew.

Peace, honeſt Tinker, ſay the other Monkes▪

I, I will peace it, if I catch the hunkes,

p. 139But let the Monkes and Tinker take their chances,

We'l view the travails of our Raddle-man,

With faint Bellam' whom every feare entrances,

And every trance does make her roſes wan.

Thus farre their loves have Tragi-comick been,

Thwarted by Fate, and the unconſtant Queene.

But every planet with kinde aſpect now

Viewes their long traveld loves, and Venus boy,

Smiles on their wiſhes with auſpicious brow:

Now a full harveſt muſt they have of joy,

Though ſowd with black diſaſters, dangers, feares,

Deſpaire, hope, doubtings, ſad complaints & tears.

For aged Starley's towres (that fatall ſtage,

Where Danes did act their juries once in blood,

When bellowing cannons belched out their rage)

Within the kenning of our lovers ſtood:

And the well-tuned bells did lowd proclaime

Ioy to the lovers in great Hymens name.

A neare allye, Albino in this towne

(By order a devout Carthuſian) had,

Whoſe voyce, hee hop't, with joy their loves ſhould crown.

But he a ſlave in Raddle veſtures clad,

And a rag'd M…rget ſeeing, ſtarted back,

Bidding his knaveſhip to ſome other pack.

He would have no commerce with ſuch as he,

He had no Ewes, whoſe backes did want his raddle,

And if he over-ſawcie needs would be,

With a good bat he would his gaskins ſwaddle.

The Provoſt Marſhall elſe, if this does faile,

Shall ſhow you lodging in the whip-ſtock jayle.

p. 144This language ſounded in B…llama's eares,

Like the ſad voyce of death, yet feare no flaughter,

To joy ſtraight chang'd ſhall be this ſcean of teares,

And ſtead of griefe, the child of pleaſure, laughter,

My promiſe ſtands unſhak't, for this ſhort anger

Brings not their loves nor ſafeties unto danger.

Sir, quoth Albino, there was once a time,

When you eſteem'd thoſe winged minutes ſainted

You ſpent with me (when Fortune was in prime)

For you and I have better been acquainted,

Though ſome diſaſters, and ſtern Fate have made

Me take this homely garbe, and homelier trade.

Some blood which in your azure chanels glide,

Dwels in my veines, I am Albino hight,

And leſt you think this ſmels too much of pride,

View this triangle on my able right.

That ſight unto rejoycings beat alarmes,

His kinſman then enſphear'd him in his armes.

So led them both under his arched roofe,

Breathing kinde welcomes from his courteous lips,

Excus'd his ignorance, and ſharp reproofe,

Askt what misfortune did his worth eclipſe?

Demanding how coy Fortune dealt with him?

And who ſhe was, that was ſo paſſing trim?

Vnleſſe high heavens do forbid the bane,

This mayd ſhall be my bride, though homely dreſt,

Cloathes oftentimes the pureſt beauty ſtaine,

And Venus moſt uncloath'd, is cloathed beſt.

VnderUnder this roofe of ragges Bellama dwels,

Franght with diviner worth than nature ſpels.

p. 145Hymen enrich your wiſhes with content,

As benigne heaven has enricht your face

With natures glory, beauties orient,

Sayes the Carthuſian with a comely grace,

Thrice welcome, welcome, for your lovely grace

Will adde a luſtre to my homely place,

Sir, my endevours ſhall be wholly ſpent

Henceforth, quoth ſhe, to recompence your ayre;

This is no time (…orſooth) to complement,

Prythee adjourne thy words of courtſhip (faire)

For till our hands be joynd as well as hearts,

I feare (quoth he) ſupplanting envies darts.

Good Cozen, ere the next dayes ſunne be rold

Th' Apogaeum, our Meridian poynt,

Favour our wiſhes with the have and hold,

Tye us ſo faſt, fate may not us diſ-joynt.

Forenvie like a ſnake does crawle about,

And winds her tayle in where ſhe holes her ſnout

Omit no nuptiall rites, with holy oyle

Let her anoynt the poſts with virgine hand,

To Ianus conſecrate the weathers ſpoyle,

And to thoſe gods which for our houſe-holds ſtand,

Procure horne torches to be borne along,

And cry Thalaſſus with a bridall ſong.

Provide me ſtore of nuts to throw about,

With a full hand unto the gaping boyes,

That from the tumults of the ſtruggling rout,

All voyces may be dampt, that ſpeak not joyes,

Over us two, let the ſame Flamine fall,

And let the wheaten cake conſummate all.

p. 142Nor will we manumiſſe theſe robes of ſtate,

Within whoſe walles bleſt ſafety onelyonly dwelles,

Leſt our knowne faces and apparrell prate

In lowder eccho's than the marriage belles

Then ſay (faire Lady) truth I doe not jeere,

Will you be wedded to a ſcarleteere?

Quoth ſhe (with bluſhes carpetting her cheeke)

And is that queſtion (prythee) yet to aske?

Your worth does merit the unequald Greeke,

Without Nun-penance, or Alcides taske.

Then pray you (in truth it is no gull)

Will you be married to a Tinkers trull?

Thus ſleep and mirth did cut the night, and e're

The ſoveraignty was tane from Cynthia's horne,

When at Eaſts caſement newly did appeare

The orient brightneſſe of the riſing morne,

Albino roſe, and to the Church did haſte,

T'un-Nun Bellama, and un-gird her waſte.

When the Carthuſians voyce had crownd their amors

With an aſſurance of Thalaſſian joyes,

The ayre was thinned with the joyfull clamors

(Not of ſtate-ſattens) but of Grammar boyes,

And our freſh ſponſants in that height of mirth.

To every pleaſure gave an eaſie birth.

Now are they landed on the Ile of bliſſe,

Where every joy courts their deſires with pleaſure,

Envie did then her ſnakie traine diſmiſſe:

For their eſpouſals did all ſweete entreaſure.

Dead grief bequeath'd her ſtings to thorn & thiſtle

Nor durſt a ſigh within thoſe borders whiſtle.

p. 143Then, as Sea-merchants, when their reeling Gally,

Drunk with ſalt Neptune, hazard…th their bteathes,

To calme bold tempeſt, and the …i…ons val…ey,

Hack on the quiet ſhore th…ir bracked ſheathes.

So did our Amoriſts, (h…l…e wra…kt with eye-men)

Devote their radd…e veſtes to Love and Hymen.

Some marrow-lancing eye perchance may quarrell,

'Cauſe with the bridall torch my muſe expi…es,

And in lowd jeeres his to wring voyce apparrell,

Taxing the faintneſſe of my Metricke fires,

Becauſe my lines tread not the common path

Of Fortune, iſſue, and appeaſing wrath.

Perhaps I dare not lengthen out my ſtory

With thoſe events ſucceeding time begot,

Leſt ſome diſaſter ſhould eclypſe their glory,

And the pure Ermins of their pleaſures ſpot:

For having ſcru'd them into firme embrac…s,

I will not waken hate, or rouze diſgraces.

Yet beauty (know) when vertue ſhines upon her,

And vertues (know) skin-perfections gloſſe 'em,

Awe Fortunes nath, and challenge heavens honour,

Hell cannor cancell them, nor envie droſſe 'em.

Love, if to me the ſame content thou'lt yeeld,

Ile limme thy mother on Minerva's Shield.