Several Poems, Poem 3

Several Poems · Poem 3

p. 125The Third Monarchy, being the Grecian, beginning under Alexander the Great in the 112. Olympiad.

GReat Alexander was wiſe Philips ſon,

He to Amyntas, Kings of Macedon;

The cruel proud Olympias was his Mother,

She to Epirus warlike King was daughter.

This Prince (his father by Pauſanias ſlain)

The twenty firſt of 'sage began to reign.

Great were the Gilts of nature which he had,

His education much to thoſe did adde:

By art and nature both he was made fit,

To 'compliſh that which long before was writ.

The …ry day of his Nativity

To ground was burnt Dianaes Temple high:

An Omen to their near approaching woe,

Whoſe glory to the earth this king did throw.

His Rule to Greece he ſcorn'd ſhould be confin'd,

The Univerſe ſcarce bound his proud vaſt mind.

This is the He-Goat which from Grecia came,

That ran in Choler on the Perſian Ram,

p. 126That brake his horns, that threw him on the ground

To ſave him from his might no man was found:

Philip on this great Conqueſt had an eye,

But death did terminate thoſe thoughts ſo high.

The Greeks had choſe him Captain General,

Which honour to his Son did now befall.

(For as Worlds Monarch now we ſpeak not on,

But as the King of little Macedon)

Reſtleſs both day and night his heart then was,

His high reſolves which way to bring to paſs,

Yet for a while in Greece is forc'd to ſtay,

Which makes each moment ſeem more then a day,

Thebes and ſtiff Athens both 'gainſt him rebel,

Their mutinies by valour doth he quell.

This done againſt both right and natures Laws,

His kinsmen put to death, who gave no cauſe;

That no rebellion in in his abſence be,

Nor making Title unto Sovereignty.

And all whom he ſuſpects or fears will climbe,

Now taſte of death leaſt they deſerv'd in time,

Nor wonder is…t if he in b…ood begin,

For Cruelty was his parental ſin,

Thus eaſed now of troubles and of fears,

Next ſpring his courſe to Aſia he ſteers,

Leavs Sage Antipa…, at home to ſway,

And through the Helliſ…nt his Ships made way.

Coming to Land, his dart on ſhore he throws,

Then with alacrity he after goes;

And with a bount'ous heart and courage brave;

His little wealth among his Souldiers gave.

p. 127And being ask'd what for himſelf was left,

Reply'd enough, ſith only hope he kept.

Thirty two thouſand made up his Foot force,

To which were joyn'd five thouſand goodly horſe.

Then on he marcht, in's way he view'd old Troy,

And on Achilles tomb with wondrous joy

He offer'd, and for good ſucceſs did pray

To him, his Mothers Anceſtors, (men ſay)

When news of Alexander came to Court,

To ſcorn at him Darius had good ſport;

Sends him a frothy and contemptuous Letter,

Stiles him diſloyal ſervant, and no better;

Reproves him for his proud audacity

To lift his hand 'gainſt ſuch a Monarchy.

Then to's Lieftenant he in Aſia ſends,

That he be ta'ne alive, for he intends

To whip him well with rods, and ſo to bring

That boy ſo mallipert before the King.

Ah! fond vain man, whoſe pen ere while

In lower terms was taught a higher ſtile.

To River Granick Alexander hyes

Which in Phrygia near Propontike lyes

The Perſians ready for encounter ſtand,

And ſtrive to keep his men from off the land;

Thoſe banks ſo ſteep the Greeks yet ſcramble up,

And heat the coward Perſians from the top,

And twenty thouſand of their lives bereave.

Who in their backs did all their wounds receive.

This victory did Alexander gain,

With loſs of thirty four of his there ſlain;

p. 128Then Sardis he, and Epheſus did gain,

VVhere ſtood of late, Diana's wondrous Phane,

And by Pa…me…o (of renowned Fame,)

Militus and Pamphilia overcame.

Halli…arnaſſus and Piſidia

He for his Maſter takes with Lycia.

Next Alexander marcht towards the black Sea,

And eaſily takes old Gordium in his way;

Of Aſs ear'd Midas, once the Regal Seat,

VVhoſe touch turn'd all to gold, yea even his meat

VVhere the Prophetick knot he cuts in twain,

VVhichWhich who ſo doth, muſt Lord of all remain.

Now news of Memnon's death (the Kings Viceroy)

To Alexanders heart's no little joy,

For in that Peer, more valour did abide,

Then in Darius multitude beſide:

In's ſtead, was Arſes plac'd, but durſt not ſtay,

Yet ſet one in his room, and ran away;

His ſubſtitute as fearfull as his maſter,

Runs after two, and leaves all to Diſaſter.

Then Alexander all Cilicia takes,

No ſtroke for it he ſtruck▪ their hearts ſo quakes.

To Gre… he thirty thouſand talents ſends.

To raiſe more Force to further his intends:

Then o're he goes Darius now to meet,

Who came with thouſand thouſands at his feet.

Though ſome there be (perhaps) more likely write

He but four hundred thouſand had to fight,

The reſt Attendants, which made up no leſs,

Both Sexes there was almoſt numberleſs.

p. 129For this wiſe King had brought to ſee the ſport,

With him the greateſt Ladyes of the Court,

His mother, his beauteous Queen and daughters,

It ſeems to ſee the Macedonian ſlaughters.

Its much beyond my time and little art,

To ſhew how great Darius plaid his part;

The ſplendor and the pomp he marched in,

For ſince the world was no ſuch …geant ſeen.

Sure 'twas a goodly ſight there to behold,

The Perſians clad in ſilk, and gliſtering gold,

The ſtately horſes trapt, the lances gilt,

As if addreſt now all to run a tilt.

The holy ſire was borne before the hoſt,

(For Sun and …ire the Perſians worſhip moſt)

The Prieſts in their ſtrange habit follow after,

An object, not ſo much of fear as laughter.

The King ſate in a chariot made of gold,

With crown and Robes moſt glorious to behold,

And o're his head his golden Gods on high,

Support a party coloured Canopy.

A number of ſpare horſes next were led,

Leſt he ſhould need them in his Chariots ſtead;

But thoſe that ſaw him in this ſtate to lye,

Suppos'd he neither meant to fight nor flye.

He fifteen hundred had like women dreſt;

For thus to fright the Greeks he judg'd was beſt.

Their golden ornaments how to ſet forth,

Would ask more time then was their bodies worth

Great Syſigambis ſhe brought up the Reer,

Then ſuch a world of waggons did appear,

p. 130Like ſeveral houſes moving upon wheels,

As if ſhe'd drawn whole S…han at her heels.

This brave Virago to the King was mother,

And as much good ſhe did as any other.

Now leſt this gold, and all this goodly ſtuff

Had not been ſpoyle and booty rich enough

A thouſand mul… and Camels ready wait

Loaden with gold, with jewels and with plate:

For ſure Darius thought at the firſt ſight,

The Greeks would all adore, but none would fight

But when both Armies met, he might behold

That valour was more worth then pearls or gold,

And that his wealth ſerv'd but for baits to 'lure

To make his overthrow more fierce and ſure.

The Greeks came on and with a gallant grace

Let fly their arrows in the Perſians face.

The cowards feeling this ſharp ſtinging charge

Moſt baſely ran, and left their king at large:

Who from his golden coach is glad to 'light,

And caſt away his crown for ſwifter flight:

Of late like ſome immoveable he lay,

Now finds both legs and horſe to run away.

Two hundred thouſand men that day were ſlain,

And forty thouſand priſoners alſo tane,

Beſides the Queens and Ladies of the court,

If Curtius be true in his report.

The Regal Ornaments were loſt, the treaſure

Divided at the Macedonians pleaſure;

Yet all this grief, this loſs, this overthrow,

Was but beginning of his future woe.

p. 131The royal Captives brought to Alexander

T'ward them demean'd himſelf like a Commander

For though their beauties were unparaled,

Conquer'd himſelf now he had conquered.

Preſerv'd their honour, us'd them bounteouſly,

Commands no man ſhould doe them injury:

And this to Al…xander is more fame

Then that the Perſian King he overcame.

Two hundred eighty Greeks he loſt in fight,

By too much heat, not wounds (as authors write)

No ſooner had this Victor won the field,

But all Phenicia to his pleaſure yield,

Of which the Goverment he doth commit

Unto Parmenio of all moſt fit.

Darius now leſs lofty then before,

To Alexander writes he would reſtore

Thoſe mournfull Ladies from Captivity,

For whom he offers him a ranſome high:

But down his haughty ſtomach could not bring,

To give this Conquerour the Stile of King.

This Letter Alexander doth diſdain,

And in ſhort terms ſends this reply again,

A King he was, and that not only ſo,

But of Darius King, as he ſhould know.

Next Alexander unto Tyre doth goe,

His valour and his victoryes they know:

To gain his love the Tyrians intend,

Therefore a crown and great Proviſion ſend,

Their preſent he receives with thankfullneſs,

Deſires to offer unto Hercules,

p. 132Protector of their town, by whom defended,

And from whom he lineally deſcended.

But they accept not this in any wiſe,

Leſt he intend more fraud then ſacrifice,

Sent word that Hercules his temple ſtood

In the old town, (which then lay like a wood)

With this reply he was ſo deep enrag'd,

To win the town his honour he ingag'd:

And now as Babels King did once before,

No leaves not till he made the ſea firm ſhore,

But far leſs time and coſt he did expend,

The former Ruines forwarded his end:

Moreover had a Navy at command,

The other by his men fetcht all by land.

In ſeven months time he took that wealthy town,

Whoſe glory now a ſecond time's brought down.

Two thouſand of the chief he crucifi'd,

Eight thouſand by the ſword then alſo di'd,

And thirteen thouſand Gally ſlaves he made,

And thus the Tyrians for miſtruſt were paid.

The rule of this he to Philotas gave

Who was the ſon of that Parmenio brave.

Cilicia to Socrates doth give,

For now's the time Captains like Kings may live▪

Zidon he on Epheſtion beſtowes,

(For that which freely comes, as freely goes)

He ſcorns to have one worſe then had the other,

So gives his little Lordſhip to another.

Epheſtion having chief command of th' Fleet,

At Gaza now muſt Alexander meet.

p. 133Darius finding troubles ſtill increaſe,

By his Ambaſſadors now ſues for peace,

And layes before great Alexanders eyes

The dangers difficultyes like to riſe,

Firſt at Euphrates what he's like to 'bide,

And then at Tygris and Araxis ſide,

Theſe he may ſcape, and if he ſo deſire,

A league of friendſhip make firm and entire.

His eldeſt daughter he in mariage profers,

And a moſt princely dowry with her offers.

All thoſe rich Kingdomes large that do abide

Betwixt the Helleſpont and Halys ſide.

But he with ſcorn his courteſie rejects,

And the diſtreſſed King no whit reſpects,

Tells him, theſe proffers great, in truth were none

For all he offers now was but his own.

But quoth Parmenio that brave Commander,

Was I as great, as is great Alexander,

Darius offers I would not reject,

But th' kingdomes and the Lady ſoon accept.

To which proud Alexander made reply,

And ſo if I Parmenio was, would I.

He now to Gaza goes, and there doth meet,

His Favorite Epheſtion with his Fleet,

Where valiant Betis ſtoutly keeps the town,

(A loyal Subject to Darius Crown)

For more repulſe the Grecians here abide

Then in the Perſian Monarchy beſide;

And by theſe walls ſo many men were ſlain,

That Greece was forc'd to yield ſupply again,

p. 134But yet this well defended Town was taken,

For 'twas decree'd, that Empire ſhould be ſhaken;

Thus Betis ta'en had holes bor'd through his feet,

And by command was drawn through every ſtreet

To imitate Achilles in his ſhame,

Who did the like to Hector (of more fame)

What haſt thou loſt thy magnimity,

Can Alexander deal thus cruelly?

Sith valour with Heroicks is renown'd,

Though in an Enemy it ſhould be found;

If of thy future fame thou hadſt regard,

Why didſt not heap up honours and reward?

From Gaza to Jeruſalem he goes,

But in no hoſtile way, (as I ſuppoſe)

Him in his Prieſtly Robes high Jaddus meets,

Whom with great reverence Alexander greets;

The Prieſt ſhews him good Daniel's Propheſy,

How he ſhould overthrow this Monarchy,

By which he was ſo much encouraged,

No future dangers he did ever dread.

From thence to fruitful Egypt marcht with ſpeed,

Where happily in's wars he did ſucceed;

To ſee how faſt he gain'd was no ſmall wonder,

For in few dayes he brought that Kingdome under.

Then to the Phane of Jupiter he went,

To be inſtall'd a God, was his intent.

The Pagan Prieſt through hire, or elſe miſtake,

The Son of Jupiter did ſtreight him make:

He Diobolical muſt needs remain,

That his humanity will not retain.

p. 135Thence back to Egypt goes, and in few dayes;

Fair Alexandria from the ground doth raiſe▪

Then ſetling all things in leſs Aſia,

In Syria, Egypt, and Phenicia,

Unto Euphrate… marcht and overgoes,

For no man's there his Army to oppoſe;

Had …tis now been there, but with his band,

Great Alexander had been kept from Land.

But as the King, ſo is the multitude,

And now of valour both are deſtitute.

Yet he (poor prince) another Hoſt doth muſter,

Of P…ſi…s, Scythians, Inaians in a cluſter;

Men but in ſhape and name, of valour none

Moſt fit, to blunt the Swords of Macedon.

Two hundred fifty thouſand by account,

Of Horſe and Foot his Army did amount;

For in his multitudes his truſt ſtill lay,

But on their fortitude he had ſmall ſtay;

Yet had ſome hope that on the ſpacious plain,

His numbers might the victory obtain.

About this time Darius beautious Queen,

Who had ſore travail and much ſorrow ſeen,

Now bids the world adue, with pain being ſpent,

Whoſe death her Lord full ſadly did lament.

Great Alexander mourns as well as he,

The more becauſe not ſet at liberty;

When this ſad news (at firſt Darius hears,

Some injury was offered he fears:

But when inform'd how royally the King.

Had uſed her, and hers, in every thing,

p. 136He prays the immortal Gods they would reward

Great Alexander for this good regard;

And if they down his Monarchy will throw,

Let them on him this dignity beſtow

And now for peace he ſues as once before,

And offers all he did and Kingdomes more;

His eldeſt daughter for his princely bride,

(Nor was ſuch match in all the world beſide)

And all thoſe Countryes which (betwixt) did lye

Phaniſian Sea, and great Euphrates high:

With fertile Egypt and rich Syria,

And all thoſe Kingdomes in leſs Aſia.

With thirty thouſand Talents to be paid,

For the Queen Mother, and the royal maid;

And till all this be well perform'd, and ſure,

Ochus his Son for Hoſtage ſhould endure.

To this ſtout Alexander gives no ear

No though Parmenio plead, yet will not hear;

Which had he done▪ (perhaps) his fame he'd kept,

Nor Infamy had wak'd, when he had ſlept,

For his unlimited proſperity

Him boundleſs made in vice and Cruelty.

Thus to Darius he writes back again,

The Firmament, two Suns cannot contain.

Two Monarchyes on Earth cannot abide,

Nor yet two Monarchs in one world reſide;

The afflicted King finding him ſet to jar,

Prepares againſt to morrow, for the war,

Parmenio, Alexander, wiſht that night,

To force his Camp, ſo vanquiſh them by flight.

p. 137For tumult in the night doth cauſe moſt dread,

And weakneſs of a Foe is covered,

But he diſdain'd to ſteal a victory:

The Sun ſhould witneſs of his valour be,

And careleſs in his bed, next morne he lyes,

By Captains twice is call'd before hee'l riſe,

The Armyes joyn'd a while, the Pe…ſians …ght.

And ſpilt the Greeks ſome bloud before their flight

But long they ſtood not e're they're forc'd to run,

So made an end, As ſoon as well begun.

Forty five thouſand Alexander had,

But is not known what ſlaughter here was made,

Some write th' other had a million, ſome more,

But Quintus Curtius as before.

At Arbela this victory was gain'd,

Together with the Town alſo obtain'd;

Darius ſtript of all, to Media came,

Accompan'ed with ſorrow, fear, and ſhame,

At Arbela left his Ornaments and Treaſure,

Which Alexander deals as ſuits his pleaſure.

This conqueror to Babylon then goes,

Is entertain'd with joy and pompous ſhowes,

With ſhowrs of flours the ſtreets along are ſtrown,

And incenſe burnt the ſilver Altars on.

The glory of the Caſtle he admires,

The ſtrong Foundation and the lofty Spires,

In this, a world of gold and Treaſure lay,

Which in few hours was carried all away.

With greedy eyes he views this City rou…

Whoſe fame throughout the world was ſo …

p. 138And to poſſeſs he counts no little bliſs

The towres and bowres of proud Semiramis,

Though worne by time, and rac'd by foes full ſore,

Yet old foundations ſhew'd and ſomewhat more.

With all the pleaſures that on earth are found,

This city did abundantly abound,

Where four and thirty dayes he now did ſtay,

And gave himſelf to banqueting and play:

He and his ſouldiers wax effeminate,

And former diſcipline begin to hate.

Whilſt revelling at Babylon he lyes,

Antipater from Greece ſends freſh ſupplyes.

He then to Shuſhan goes with his new bands,

But needs no force, tis rendred to his hands.

He likewiſe here a world of treaſure found;

For 'twas the ſeat of Perſian Kings renown…d.

Here ſtood the royal Houſes of delight,

Where Kings have ſhown their glory wealth and might

The ſumptuous palace of Queen Eſther here,

And of good Mordicai, her kinſman dear,

Thoſe purple hangings, mixt with green and white

Thoſe beds of gold and couches of delight.

And furniture the richeſt in all lands,

Now fall into the Macedonians hands.

From Shuſhan to Perſipolis he goes,

Which news doth ſtill augment Darius woes.

In his approach the governour ſends word,

For his receipt with joy they all accord,

With open gates the wealthy town did ſtand,

And all in it was at his high command.

p. 139Of all the Cities that on earth was found,

None like to this in riches did abound:

Though Baby…on was rich and Shuſhan too

Yet to compare with this they might not doe:

Here lay the bulk of all thoſe precious things

That did pertain unto the Perſian Kings:

For when the ſouldiers rifled had their pleaſure,

And taken money plate and golden treaſure,

Statues ſome gold, and ſilver numberleſs,

Yet after all, as ſtoryes do expreſs

The ſhare of Alexander did amount

To an hundred thouſand talents by account.

Here of his own he ſets a Gariſon,

(As firſt at Shuſhan and at Babylon)

On their old Governours titles he laid,

But on their faithfulneſs he never ſtaid,

Their place gave to his Captains (as was juſt)

For ſuch revolters falſe, what King can truſt▪

The riches and the pleaſures of this town

Now makes this King his virtues all to drown,

That wallowing in all licentiouſneſs,

In pride and cruelty to high exceſs.

Being inflam'd with wine upon a ſeaſon,

Filled with madneſs, and quite void of reaſon,

He at a bold proud ſtrumpets leud deſire,

Commands to ſet this goodly town on fire.

Parmenio wiſe intreats him to deſiſt▪

And layes before his eyes if he perſiſt

His fames diſhonour, loſs unto his ſtate,

And juſt procuring of the Perſians hate:

p. 140But deaf to reaſon, bent to have his will,

Thoſe ſtately ſtreets with raging flame did fill.

Then to Darius he directs his way,

Who was retir'd as far as Media,

An… there with ſorrows, fears & cares ſurrounded

Ha… now his army fourth and laſt compounded,

Which forty thouſand made, but his intent

Was theſe in Bactria ſoon to augment:

But hearing Al…xander was ſo near,

Thought now this once to try his fortunes here,

And rather choſe an honourable death,

Then ſtill with infamy to draw his breath:

But B…ſſus falſe, who was his chief Commander

Perſwades him not to fight with Alexander.

With ſage advice he ſets before his eyes

The little hope of profit like to riſe:

If when he'd multitudes the day he loſt,

Then with ſo fow, how likely to be croſt.

This counſel for his ſafety he pretended,

But to deliver him to's foe intended.

Next day this treaſon to Darius known

Tranſported ſore with grief and paſſion,

Grinding his teeth, and plucking off his hair,

Sate overwhelm'd with ſorrow and diſpair:

Then bids his ſervant Artahaſus true,

Look to himſelf, and leave him to that crew,

Who was of hopes and comforts quite bereft,

And by his guard and Servitors all left.

Straight Beſſus comes, & with his trait'rous hands

Layes hold on's Lord, and binding him with bands

p. 141Throws him into a Cart, covered with hides,

Who wanting means t' reſiſt theſe wrongs abides,

Then draws the cart along with chains of gold,

In more deſpight the thraled prince to hold,

And thus t'ward Alexander on he goes,

Great recompence for this, he did propoſe:

But ſome deteſting this his wicked fact▪

To Alexander flyes and tells this act,

Who doubling of his march, poſts on amain,

Darius from that traitors hands to gain.

Beſſus gets knowledg his diſloyalty

Had Alexanders wrath incenſed high,

Whoſe army now was almoſt within ſight,

His hopes being daſht prepares himſelf for …light:

Unto Darius firſt he brings a horſe,

And bids him ſave himſelf by ſpeedy courſe:

The wofull King his courteſie refuſes,

Whom thus the execrable wretch abuſes,

By throwing darts gave him his mortal wound.

Then ſlew his Servants that were faithfull found,

Yea wounds the beaſts that drew him unto death,

And leaves him thus to gaſp out his laſt breath.

Beſſus his partner in this tragedy,

Was the falſe Governour of Media.

This done, they with their hoſt ſoon ſpeed away,

To hide themſelves remote in Bactria.

Darius bath'd in blood, ſends out his groans,

Invokes the heav'ns and earth to hear his moans:

His loſt felicity did grieve him ſore,

But this unheard of treachery much more:

p. 142But above all, that neither Ear nor Eye

Should hear nor ſee his dying miſery;

As thus he lay, Poliſtrates a Greek,

Wearied with his long march, did water ſeek,

So chanc'd theſe bloudy Horſes to eſpy,

Whoſe wounds had made their skins of purple dye

To them repairs then looking in the Cart,

Finds poor Darius pierced to the heart,

Who not a little chear'd to have ſome eye,

The witneſs of this horrid Tragedy;

Prays him to Alexander to commend

The juſt revenge of this his woful end:

And not to pardon ſuch diſloyalty,

Of Treaſon, Murther, and baſe Cruelty.

If not, becauſe Darius thus did pray,

Yet that ſucceeding Kings in ſafety may

Their lives enjoy, their Crowns and dignity,

And not by Traitors hands untimely dye.

He alſo ſends his humble thankfulneſs,

For all the Kingly grace he did expreſs;

To's Mother, Children dear, and wife now gone▪

Which made their long reſtraint ſeem to be none:

Praying the immortal Gods, that Sea and Land

Might be ſubjected to his royal hand,

And that his Rule as far extended be,

As men the riſing ſetting Sun ſhall ſee,

This ſaid, the Greek for water doth intreat,

To quench his thirſt, and to allay his heat:

Of all good things quoth he) once in my power,

I've nothing left, at this my dying hour;

p. 143Thy ſervice and compaſſion to reward,

But Alexander will, for this regard.

This ſaid, his fainting breath did fleet away,

And though a Monarch late, now lyes like clay;

And thus muſt every Son of Adam lye,

Though Gods on Earth like Sons of men they dye.

Now to the Eaſt, great Alexander goes,

To ſee if any dare his might oppoſe,

For ſcarce the world or any bounds thereon,

Could bound his boundleſs fond Ambition;

Such as ſubmits again he doth reſtore

Their riches, and their honours he makes more,

On Artabaces more then all beſtow'd,

For his fidelity to's Maſter ſhow'd.

Thaleſtris Queen of th' Am…s now brought

Her Train to Alexander, (as 'tis thought)

Though moſt of reading beſt and ſoundeſt mind,

Such Country there, nor yet ſuch people find.

Then tell her errand, we had better ſpare

To th' ignorant, her title will declare:

As Alexander in his greatneſs grows,

So dayly of his virtues doth he loſe.

He baſeneſs counts, his former Clemency,

And not …eſeeming ſuch a dignity;

His paſt ſobriety doth alſo …ate,

As moſt incompatible to his State▪

His temperance is but a ſordid thing,

No wayes becoming ſuch a mighty King

His greatneſs now he takes to repreſent

His fancy'd Gods above the Firmament.

p. 144And ſuch as ſhew'd but reverence before,

Now are commanded ſtrictly to adore;

With Perſian Robes himſelf doth dignifie,

Charging the ſame on his nobility,

His manners habit, geſtures, all did faſhion

After that conquer'd and luxurious Nation.

His Captains that were virtuouſly inclin'd,

Griev'd at this change of manners and of mind

The ruder ſort did openly deride,

His feigned Diety and fooliſh pride;

The certainty of both comes to his Ears,

But yet no notice takes of what he hears:

With thoſe of worth he ſtill deſires eſteem,

So heaps up gifts his credit to redeem

And for the reſt new wars and travails finds,

That other matters might take up their minds,

And hearing Beſſus, makes himſelf a King,

Intends that Traitor to his end to bring.

Now that his Hoſt from luggage might be free,

And with his burthen no man burthened be,

Commands forthwith each man his fardle bring,

Into the market place before the King;

VVhichWhich done ſets fire upon thoſe goodly ſpoyles,

The recompence of travails wars and toyles.

And thus unwiſely in a mading fume,

The wealth of many Kingdomes did conſume,

But marvell 'tis that without mutiny,

The Souldiers ſhould let paſs this injury;

Nor won…er leſs to Readers may it bring,

Here to obſerve the raſhneſs of the King.

p. 145Now with his Army doth he poſt away

Falſe Beſſus to find out in Bactria:

But much diſtreſt for water in their march,

The drought and heat their bodies ſore did parch.

At length they came to th' river Oxus brink,

Where ſo immoderately theſe thirſty drink,

Which more mortality to them did bring,

Then all their warrs againſt the Perſian King.

Here Alexander's almoſt at a ſtand,

To paſs the River to the other land.

For boats here's none, nor near it any wood,

To make them Rafts to waſt them o're the flood:

But he that was reſolved in his mind,

Would without means ſome tranſportation find.

Then from the Carriages the hides he takes,

And ſtuffing them with ſtraw, he bundles makes.

On theſe together ti'd, in ſix dayes ſpace,

They all paſs over to the other place.

Had Beſſus had but valour to his will,

With little pain there might have kept them ſtill:

But Coward durſt not fight, nor could he fly,

Hated of all for's former treachery,

Is by his own now bound in iron chains,

A Coller of the ſame, his neck contains.

And in this ſort they rather drag then bring

This Malefactor vile before the King,

Who to Darius brother gives the wretch,

With racks and tortures every limb to ſtretch.

Here was of Greeks a town in Bactria,

Whom Xerxes from their Country led away,

p. 146Theſe not a little …oy'd this day to ſee,

Wherein their own had got the ſov'raignty

And now reviv'd, with hopes held up their head

From bondage long to be Enfranchiſed.

But Alexander puts them to the ſword.

Without leaſt cauſe from them in deed or word;

Nor Sex, nor age, nor one, nor other ſpar'd,

But in his cruelty alike they ſhar'd:

Nor reaſon could he give for this great wrong,

But that they had forgot their mother tongue.

While thus ſome time he ſpent in B…ctria,

And in his camp ſtrong and ſecurely lay▪

Down from the mountains twenty thouſand came

And there moſt fiercely ſet upon the ame:

Repelling theſe, two marks of honour got

Imprinted in his leg, by arrows ſhot.

The Bactrians againſt him now rebel;

But he their ſtubborneſs in time doth quell.

From hence he to Jaxarta River goes

Where Scythians rude his army doth oppoſe,

And with their outcryes in an hideous ſort

Beſet his camp or military court,

Of darts and arrows, made ſo little ſpare,

They flew ſo thick they ſeem'd to dark the air…

But ſoon his ſouldiers forc'd them to a flight,

Their nakedneſs could not endure their might▪

Upon this rivers bank in ſeventeen dayes

A goodly City doth compleatly raiſe,

Which Alexander he doth likewiſe name,

And ſixty furlongs could but round the ſame▪

p. 147A third Supply Antipater now ſent,

Which did his former forces much augment;

And being one hundred twenty thouſand ſtrong;

He enters then the Indian Kings among:

Thoſe that ſubmit he gives them rule again,

Such as do not both them and theirs are ſlain.

His warrs with ſundry nations I'le omit,

And alſo of the Mallians what is writ.

His F…ghts, his dangers, and the hurts he had,

How to ſubmit their necks at laſt they're glad.

To Niſ… goes by Bacchus built long ſince,

Whoſe feaſts are celebrated by this prince;

Nor had that drunken god one who would take

His Liquors more devoutly for his ſake.

When thus ten days his brain with wine he'd ſoakt,

And with delicious meats his palate choakt:

To th' River Indus next his courſe he bends,

Boats to prepare▪ Epheſtion firſt he …ends,

Who coming thither long before his Lord,

Had to his mind made all things to accord,

The veſſels ready were at his command,

And Omph… King of that part of the land,

Through his perſwaſion Alexander meets,

And as his Sov'raign Lord him humbly greets

Fifty ſix Elephants he brings to's hand,

And tenders him the ſtrength of all his land;

Preſents himſelf firſt with a golden crown,

Then eighty talents to his captains down:

But Alexander made him to behold

He glory ſought, no ſilver nor no gold;

p. 148His preſents all with thanks he did reſtore,

And of his own a thouſand talents more.

Thus all the Indian Kings to him ſubmit,

But Porus ſtout, who will not yeild as yet:

To him doth Alexander thus declare,

His pleaſure is that forthwith he repair

Unto his Kingdomes bor…ers and as due,

His homage to himſelf as Soveraign doe:

But kingly Porus this brave anſwer ſent,

That to attend him there was his intent,

And come as well provided as he could,

But for the reſt, his ſword adviſe him ſhould.

Great Alexander vext at this reply,

Did more his valour then his crown envy,

Is now reſolv'd to paſs Hydaſpes flood,

And there by force his ſoveraignty make good.

Stout Porus on the banks doth ready ſtand

To give him welcome when he comes to land.

A potent army with him like a King,

And ninety Elephants for warr did bring:

Had Alexander ſuch reſiſtance ſeen

On Tygris ſide, here now he had not been.

Within this ſpacious River deep and wide

Did here and there Iſles full of trees abide.

His army Alexander doth divide

With Ptolemy ſends part to th' other ſide▪

Porus encounters them and thinks all's there,

When covertly the reſt get o're elſe where,

And whilſt the firſt he valiantly aſſail'd,

The laſt ſet on his back, and ſo prevail'd.

p. 149Yet work enough here Alexander found,

For to the laſt ſtout Porus kept his ground:

Nor was't diſhonour at the length to yield,

When Alexander ſtrives to win the field.

The kingly Captive 'fore the Victor's brought,

In looks or geſture not abaſed ought,

But him a Prince of an undaunted mind

Did Alex…nder by his anſwers find:

His fortitude his royal foe commends,

Reſtores him and his bounds farther extends.

Now eaſtward Alexander would goe ſtill,

But ſo to doe his ſouldiers had no will,

Long with e…ceſſive travails wearied,

Could by no means be farther drawn or led,

Yet that his fame might to poſterity

Be had in everlaſting memory

Doth for his Camp a greater circuit take,

And for his ſouldiers larger Cabbins make.

His mangers he erected up ſo high

As never horſe his Provender could eye.

Huge bridles made, which here and there he left,

Which might be found, and for great wonders kept:

Twelve altars then for monuments he rears,

Whereon his acts and travels long appears.

But doubting wearing time might theſe decay,

And ſo his memory would fade away,

He on the fair Hydaſpes pleaſant ſide,

Two Cities built, his name might there abide,

Firſt Nicea, the next Bucephal…n,

Where he entomb'd his ſtately Stalion.

p. 150His fourth and laſt ſupply was hither ſent,

Then down Hydaspes with his Fleet he went;

Some time he after ſpent upon that ſhore,

Whether Ambaſſadors, ninety or more,

Came with ſubmiſſion from the Indian Kings,

Bringing their preſents rare and precious things,

Theſe all he feaſts in ſtate on beds of gold,

His Furni…ure moſt ſumptuous to behold;

His meat & drink, attendants, every thing,

To th' utmoſt ſhew'd the glory of a King.

With rich rewards he ſent them home again,

Acknowledged their Maſters ſovereign;

Then ſailing South, and coming to that ſhore,

Thoſe obſcure Nations yielded as before:

A City here he built, call'd by his Name,

Which could not ſound too oft with too much fame

Then ſailing by the mouth of Indus floud,

His Gallyes ſtuck upon the flats and mud;

Which the ſtout Macedonians amazed ſore,

Depriv'd at once the uſe of Sail and Oar:

Obſerving well the nature of the Tide,

In thoſe their fears they did not long abide.

Paſſing fair Indus mouth his courſe he ſteer'd

To th' coaſt which by Euphrates mouth appear'd;

Whoſe inlets near unto, he winter ſpent,

Unto his ſtarved Souldiers ſmall content,

By hunger and by cold ſo many flain,

That of them all the fourth did ſcarce remain.

Thus winter, Souldiers, and proviſions ſpent,

From hence he then unto Gedroſia went.

p. 151And thence he marcht into Carmania,

And ſo at length drew near to Perſia,

Now through theſe goodly Countryes as he paſt,

Much time in feaſts and ryoting did waſte;

Then viſits Cyrus Sepulchre in's way,

Who now obſcure at …aſſa…ardis lay:

Upon his Monument his Robe he ſpread,

And ſet his Crown on his ſuppoſed head.

From hence to Babylon, ſome time there ſpent,

He at the laſt to royal Shuſha… went;

A wedding Feaſt to's Nobles then he makes,

And S…aty…a, Dar…us daughter takes,

Her Siſter gives to his Epheſtian dear,

That by this match he might be yet more near;

He fourſcore Perſia Ladies alſo gave,

At this ſame time unto his Captains brave:

Six thouſand gueſts unto this Feaſt invites,

Whoſe Sences all were glutted with delights.

It far exceeds my mean abilities

To ſhadow forth theſe ſhort felicities,

Spectators here could ſcarce relate the ſtory,

They were ſo rapt with this external glory:

If an Ideal Paradiſe a man would frame,

He might this Feaſt imagine by the ſame;

To every gueſs a cup of gold he ſends,

So after many dayes the Banquet ends.

Now Alexanders conqueſts all are done,

And his long Travails paſt and overgone;

His virtues dead, buried, and quite forgot,

But vice remains to his Eternal blot.

p. 152'Mongſt thoſe that of his cruelty did taſt,

Philotus was not leaſt, nor yet the laſt,

Accus'd becauſe he did not certifie

The King of treaſon and conſpiracy:

Upon ſuſpition being apprehended,

Nothing was prov'd wherein he had offended

But ſilence, which was of ſuch conſequence,

He was judg'd guilty of the ſame offence,

But for his fathers great deſerts the King

His royal pardon gave for this ſoul thing.

Yet is Phylotas unto judgment brought,

Muſt ſuffer, not for what is prov'd, but thought.

His maſter is accuſer, judge and King,

Who to the height doth aggravate each thing,

Inveighs againſt his father now abſent,

And's brethren who for him their lives had ſpent.

But Philotas his unpardonable crime,

No merit could obliterate, or time:

He did the Oracle of Jove deride,

By which his Majeſty was diefi'd.

Philotas thus o'recharg'd with wrong and grief

Sunk in deſpair without hope of Relief,

Fain would have ſpoke and made his own defence,

The King would give no car, but went from thence

To his malicious Foes delivers him,

To wreak their ſpight and hate on every limb.

Philotas after him ſends out this cry,

O Alexander, thy free clemency

My foes exceeds in malice, and their hate

Thy kingly word can eaſily terminate.

p. 153Such torments great as wit could worſt invent,

Or fleſh and life could bear, till both were ſpent

Were now inflicted on Parmenio's ſon

He might accuſe himſelf, as they had done,

At laſt he did, ſo they were juſtifi'd,

And told the world that for his guilt he di'd.

But how theſe Captains ſhould, or yet their maſter

Look on Parmenio, after this diſaſter

They knew not, wherefore beſt now to be done,

Was to diſpatch the father as the ſon.

This ſound advice at heart pleas'd Alexander,

Who was ſo much ingag'd to this Commander,

As he would ne're confeſs, nor yet reward,

Nor could his Captains bear ſo great regard:

Wherefore at once, all theſe to ſatisfie,

It was decreed Parmenio ſhould dye:

Polidamus, who ſeem'd Parmenio's friend

To do this deed they into Media ſend;

He walking in his garden to and fro.

Fearing no harm, becauſe he none did doe,

Moſt wickedly was ſlain without leaſt crime,

(The moſt renowned captain of his time)

This is Parmenio who ſo much had done

For Philip dead, and his ſurviving ſon,

Who from a petty King of Macedon

By him was ſet upon the Perſian throne,

This that Parmenio who ſtill overcame,

Yet gave his Maſter the immortal fame,

Who for his prudence, valour, care and truſt

Had this reward, moſt cruel and unjuſt.

p. 154The next, who in untimely death had part,

Was one of more eſteem, but leſs deſert;

Clitus belov'd next to Epheſtian,

And in his cups his chief companion;

When both were drunk, Clitus was wont to jeer,

Alexander to rage, to kill, and ſwear;

Nothing more pleaſing to mad Clitus tongue,

Then's Maſters Godhead to defie and wrong;

Nothing toucht Alexander to the quick,

Like this againſt his Diety to kick:

Both at a Feaſt when they had tippled well,

Upon this dangerous Theam fond Clitus fell;

From jeſt to earneſt, and at laſt ſo bold,

That of Parmenio's death him plainly told.

Which Alexanders wrath incens'd ſo high,

Nought but his life for this could ſatisfie;

From one ſtood by he ſnatcht a partizan,

And in a rage him through the body ran.

Next day he tore his face for w…at he'd done,

And would have ſlain himſelf for Clitus gone:

This pot Companion he did more bemoan,

Then all the wrongs to brave Parmenio done.

The n…x of worth that ſuffered after theſe,

Was learned, virtuous, wiſe Caliſthenes,

VVho lov'd his Maſter more then did the reſt,

As did appear, in flattering him the leaſt;

In his eſteem a God he could not be,

Nor would adore him for a Diety:

For this alone and for no other cauſe,

Againſt his Sovereign, or againſt his Laws,

p. 155He on the Rack his Limbs in pieces rent,

Thus was he tortur'd till his life was ſpent.

Of this unkingly act doth Seneca

This cenſure paſs, and not unwiſely ſay,

Of Alexander this th' eternal crime,

VVhichWhich ſhall not be obliterate by time.

VVhichWhich virtues fame can ne're redeem by far,

Nor all felicity of his in war

VVhen e're 'tis ſaid he thouſand thouſands ſlew,

Yea, and Caliſthenes to death he drew.

The mighty Perſian King he overcame,

Yea, and he kill'd Caliſt…h…n…s of fame.

All Countryes, Kingdomes, Provinces, he wan

From Helliſpont, to th' fartheſt Ocean.

All this he did, who knows' not to be true?

But yet withal, Catiſthenes he ſlew.

From Macedon, his Empire did extend

Unto the utmoſt bounds o'th' orient:

All this he did, yea, and much more, 'tis true,

But yet withal, Catiſthenes he ſlew.

Now Alexander goes to Media,

Finds there the want of wiſe Parmenio;

Here his chief favourite Epheſtian dies,

He celebrates his mournful obſequies:

Hangs his Phyſitian, the Reaſon why

He ſuffered, his friend Epheſtian dye.

This act (me-thinks) his Godhead ſhould a ſhame,

To puniſh where himſelf deſerved blame;

Or of neceſſity he muſt imply,

The other was the greateſt Diety.

p. 156The Mules and Horſes are for ſorrow ſhorne,

The battlements from off the walls are torne.

Of ſtately Ecbatane who now muſt ſhew,

A rueful face in this ſo general woe;

Twelve thouſand Talents alſo did intend,

Upon a ſumptuous monument to ſpend:

What e're he did, or thought not ſo content,

His meſſenger to Jupiter he ſent,

That by his leave his friend Epheſtion,

Among the Demy Gods they might inthrone.

From Media to Babylon he went,

To meet him there t' Antipater he'd ſent,

That he might act alſo upon the Stage,

And in a Tragedy there end his age.

The Queen Olimpias bears him deadly hate,

Not ſuffering her to meddle with the State,

And by her Letters did her Son incite,

This great indignity he ſhould requite;

His doing ſo, no whit diſpleaſ'd the King,

Though to his Mother he diſprov'd the thing.

But now Antipater had liv'd ſo long,

He might well dye though he had done no wrong;

His ſervice great is ſuddenly forgot,

Or if remembred yet regarded not:

The King doth intimate 'twas his intent,

His Honours an… his riches to augment;

Of larger Provinces the rule to give,

And for his Counſel near the King to live.

So to be caught, Antipater …s too wiſe,

Parmenio's death's too freſh before his eyes;

p. 157He was too ſubtil for his crafty ſoe.

Nor by his baits could be inſnared ſo:

But his excuſe with humble thanks he ſends,

His Age and journy long he then pretends;

And pardon craves for his unwilling ſtay,

He ſhews his grief, he's forc'd to diſobey.

Before his Anſwer came to Babylon.

The thread of Alexanders life was ſpun;

Poyſon had put an end to's dayes ('twas thought)

By Philip and Caſſander to him brought,

Sons to Antipater, and bearers of his Cup,

Leſt of ſuch like their Father chance to ſup;

By others thought, and that more genera…ly,

That through exceſſive drinking he did dye:

The thirty third of's Age do all agree,

This Conquerour did yield to deſtiny.

When this ſad news came to Darius Mother,

She laid it more to heart, then any other,

Nor meat, nor drink, nor comfort would ſhe take,

But pin…d in grief till life did her forſake;

All friends ſhe ſhuns, yea, baniſhed the light.

Till death inwrapt her in perpetual night.

This Monarchs ſame muſt laſt whilſt world doth ſtand,

And Conqueſts be talkt of whileſt there is land;

His Princely qualities had he retain'd,

Unparalled for ever had remain'd.

But with the world his virtues overcame,

And ſo with black beclouded, all his fame;

Wiſe Ariſtotle Tutor to his youth.

Had ſo inſtructed him in moral Truth▪

p. 158The principles of what he then had learn'd

Might to the laſt (when ſober) be diſcern'd.

Learning and learned men he much regarded,

And curious Artiſt evermore rewarded:

The Illiads of Homer he ſtill kept,

And under's pillow laid them when he ſlept.

Achilles happineſs he did envy,

'Cauſe Homer kept his acts to memory.

Profuſely bountifull without deſert,

For ſuch as pleas'd him had both wealth and heart

Cruel by nature and by cuſtome too,

As oft his acts throughout his reign doth ſhew:

Ambitious ſo, that nought could ſatiſfie,

Vain, thirſting after immortality,

Still fearing that his name might hap to dye,

And …ame not laſt unto eternity.

This Conqueror did o…t lament (tis ſaid)

There were no more worlds to be conquered.

This folly great Auguſtus did deride,

For had he had but wiſdome to his pride,

He would have found enough there to be done,

To govern that he had already won.

His thoughts are periſht, he aſpires no more▪

Nor can he kill or ſave as heretofore.

A God alive, him all muſt Idolize,

Now like a mortal helpleſs man he lyes.

Of all thoſe Kingdomes large which he had got,

To his Poſterity remain'd no jot.

For by that hand which ſtill revengeth bloud,

None of his kindred, nor his race long ſtood:

p. 159But as he took delight much bloud to ſpill,

So the ſame cup to his, did others fill.

Four of his Captains now do all divide,

As Daniel before had prophyſi'd.

The Leopard down the four wings gan to riſe,

The great horn broke, the leſs did tyranize.

What troubles and contentions did enſue

We may hereafter ſhew in ſeaſon due.

Aridaeus.

Great Alexander dead, his Armyes left,

Like to that Giant of his Eye bereft;

When of his monſtrous bulk it was the guide,

His matchleſs force no creature could abide.

But by Ʋliſſes having loſt his ſight,

All men began ſtreight to contemn his might;

For aiming ſtill amiſs, his dreadful blows

Did harm himſelf, but never reacht his Foes,

Now Court and Camp all in confuſion be,

A King they'l have, but who, none can agree;

Each Captain wiſht this prize to bear away,

But none ſo hardy found as ſo durſt ſay:

Great Alexander did leave Iſſue none,

Except by Artabaſ…s daughter one:

And Roxane fair whom late he married,

Was near her time to be delivered.

By natures right theſe had enough to claim,

But meaneſs of their mothers bar'd the ſame,

Alledg'd by thoſe who by their ſubtile Plea

Had hope themſelves to bear the Crown away.

p. 166A Siſter Alexander had, but ſhe

Claim'd not, perhaps, her Sex might hindrance be.

After much tumult they at laſt proclaim'd

His baſe born brother Aridaeus nam'd,

That ſo under his feeble wit and reign,

Their ends they might the better ſtill attain.

This choice Perdiccas vehemently diſclaim'd,

And Babe unborn of Roxane he proclaim'd;

Some wiſhed him to take the ſtyle of King,

Becauſe his Maſter gave to him his Ring,

And had to him ſtill ſince Epheſtion di'd

More then to th' reſt his favour teſtifi'd.

But he refus'd, with feigned modeſty,

Hoping to be elect more generally.

He hold on this occaſion ſhould have laid,

For ſecond offer there was never made.

'Mongſt theſe contentions▪ tumults▪ jealouſies,

Seven dayes the corps of their great maſter lies

Untoucht, uncovered ſlighted and neglected,

So much theſe princes their own ends reſpected:

A Contemplation to aſtoniſh Kings,

That he who late poſſeſt all earthly things,

And yet not ſo content unleſs that he

Might be eſteemed for a Diety;

Now lay a Spectacle to teſtifie.

The wretchedneſs of mans mortality.

After ſome time, when ſtirs began to calm,

His body did the Egyptians embalme;

His countenance ſo lively did appear,

That for a while they durſt not come ſo near:

p. 161No ſign of poyſon in his intrails found,

But all his bowels coloured, well and ſound.

…er…iccas ſeeing Arideus muſt be King

Under his name began to rule each thing.

His chief Opponent who Control'd his ſway,

Was M…ager whom he would take away,

And by a wile he got him in his power,

So took his life unworthily that hour.

Uſing the name and the command of th' King

To authorize his acts in every thing.

The princes ſeeing Perdiccas power and pride,

For their ſecurity did now provide.

Antigonus for his ſhare Aſia takes,

And Ptolomy next ſure of Egypt makes:

Se…ucus afterward held Babylon,

Antipater had long rul'd Macedon.

Theſe now to govern for the king pretends,

But nothing leſs each one himſelf intends.

Perdiccas took no province like the reſt,

But held command of th' Army (which was beſt)

And had a higher project in his head,

His Maſters ſiſter ſecretly to wed:

So to the Lady, covertly he ſent,

(That none might know, to fruſtrate his intent)

But Cleopatra this Suitor did deny,

For L…on…tus more lovely in her eye,

To whom ſhe ſent a meſſage of her mind,

That if he came good welcome he ſhould find.

In theſe tumultuous dayes the thralled Greeks;

Their Ancient Liberty afreſh now ſeeks.

p. 162And gladly would the yoke ſhake off, laid on

Sometimes by Philip and his conquering ſon.

The Athenians force Antipater to fly

To Lamia where he ſhut up doth lye.

To brave Crate…us then he ſends with ſpeed

For ſuccours to relieve him in his need.

The like of Leonatus he requires,

(Which at this time well ſuited his deſires)

For to Antipater he now might goe,

His Lady take in th' way, and no man know.

Antiphilus the Athenian General

With ſpeed his Army doth together call,

And Leonatus ſeeks to ſtop, that ſo

He joyne not with Antipater their foe.

The Athenian Army was the greater far,

(Which did his Match with Cleopatra mar)

For fighting ſtill, while there did hope remain

The valiant Chief amidſt his foes was ſlain.

'Mongſt all the princes of great Alexander

For perſonage, none like to this Commander.

Now to Antipater Craterus goes,

Blockt up in Lamia ſtill by his foes,

Long marches through Cilicia he makes,

And the remains of Leonatus takes:

With them and his he into Grecia went,

Antipater releas'd from priſonment:

After which time the Greeks did never more

Act any thing of worth, as heretofore:

But under ſervitude their necks remain'd,

Nor former liberty or glory gain'd.

p. 163Now di'd about the end of th' Lamian war

Demoſthenes, that ſweet-tongue'd Orator,

Who fear'd Antipater would take his life

For animating the Athenian ſtrife:

To end his dayes by poiſon, rather choſe

Then fall into the hands of mortal foes.

Craterus and Antipater now joyne,

In love and in affinity combine,

Craterus doth his daughter …kila wed

Their …riendſhip might the more be ſtrengthened.

Whilſt they in Macedon do thus agree,

In Aſia they all aſunder be.

Perdiccas griev'd to ſee the princes bold

So many Kingdomes in their power to hold,

Yet to regain them, how he did not know,

His ſouldiers 'gainſt thoſe captains would not goe

To ſuffer them go on as they begun,

Was to give way himſelf might be undone.

With Antipater to joyne he ſometimes thought,

That by his help, the reſt might low be brought,

But this again diſlikes; he would remain,

If not in ſtile, in deed a ſoveraign;

(For all the princes of great Alexander

Acknowledged for Chief that old Commander)

Deſires the King to goe to Macedon,

Which once was of his Anceſtors the throne,

And by his preſence there to nullifie

The acts of his Vice-Roy now grown ſo high.

Ant…gonus of treaſon firſt attaints,

And ſummons him to anſwer his complaints.

p. 164This he avoids, and ſhips himſelf and ſon,

goes to Antipater and tells what…s done.

He and Craterus, both with him do joyne,

And 'gainſt Perdiccas all their ſtrength combine.

Brave Ptolemy, to make a fourth then ſent

To ſave himſelf from danger imminent.

In midſt of theſe garboyles with wondrous ſtate

His maſters Funeral doth celebrate:

In Alexandria his tomb he plac'd,

Which eating time hath ſcarcely yet defac'd.

Two years and more, ſince natures debt he paid,

And yet till now at quiet was not laid.

Great love did Ptolemy by this act gain,

And made the ſouldiers on his ſide remain.

Perdiccas hears his foes are all combin…d,

'Gainſt which to goe, is not reſolv'd in mind.

But firſt 'gainſt Ptolemy he judg'd was beſt,

Neer'ſt unto him, and fartheſt from the reſt,

Leaves Eumenes the Aſian Coaſt to free

From the invaſions of the other three,

And with his army unto Egypt goes

Brave Ptolemy to th' utmoſt to oppoſe.

Perdiccas ſurly cariage, and his pride

Did alinate the ſouldiers from his ſide.

But Ptolemy by affability

His ſweet demeanour and his courteſie,

Did make his own, firm to his cauſe remain,

And from the other ſide did dayly gain.

Perdiccas in his pride did ill intreat

Python of haughty mind, and courage great.

p. 165Who could not brook ſo great indignity,

But of his wrongs his friends doth certifie,

The ſouldiers 'gainſt Perdiccas they incenſe,

Who vow to make this captain recompence,

And in a rage they ruſh into his tent,

Knock out his …ains: to Ptolemy then went

And offer him his honours, and his place,

With ſtile of the Protector him to grace.

Next day into the camp came Ptolemy,

And is receiv'd of all moſt joyfully.

Their proffers he refus'd with modeſty,

Yields them to …ython for his courte…e.

With what he held he was now more content,

Then by more trouble to grow eminent.

Now comes there news of a great victory

That Eumenes got of the other three.

Had it but in P…rdiccas life ariv'd,

With greater joy it would have been receiv'd.

Thus Ptolemy rich Egypt did retain,

And Python turn'd to Aſia again.

Whilſt Perdiccas encamp'd in Affrica,

Antigonus did enter Aſia,

And fain would Eumenes draw to their ſide,

But he alone moſt faithfull did abide:

The other all had Kingdomes in their eye,

But he was true to 's maſters family,

Nor could Craterus, whom he much did love.

From his fidelity once make him move:

Two Battles fought, and had of both the beſt,

And brave Craterus ſlew among the reſt:

p. 166For this ſad ſtrife he poures out his complaints,

And his beloved foe full ſore laments.

I ſhould but ſnip a ſtory into bits

And his great Acts and glory much eclipſe,

To ſhew the dangers Eumenes befel,

His ſtratagems wherein he did excel:

His Policies, how he did extricate

Himſelf from out of Lab'rinths intricate:

He that at large would ſatiſfie his mind,

In Plutarchs Lives his hiſtory may find.

For all that ſhould be ſaid, let this ſuffice,

He was both valiant, faithfull, patient, wiſe.

Python now choſe Protector of the ſtate,

His ru…e Queen Euridice begins to ha…e,

Sees Arrideus muſt not King it long,

If once young Alexander grow more ſtrong,

But that her husband ſerve for ſupplement,

To warm his ſeat, was never her intent.

She knew her birth right gave her Macedon,

Grand-child to him who once ſat on that throne

Who was Perdiccas, Philips eldeſt brother,

She daughter to his ſon, who had no other.

Pythons commands, as oft ſhe countermands;

What he appoints, ſhe purpoſely withſtands.

He wearied out at laſt would needs be gone,

Reſign'd his place, and ſo let all alone:

In's room the ſouldiers choſe Antipater,

Who vext the Queen more then the other far.

From Macedon to Aſia he came,

That he might ſettle matters in the ſame.

p. 167He plac'd, diſplac'd, control'd rul'd as he liſt,

And this no man durſt queſtion or reſiſt;

For all the nobles of King Alexander

Their bonnets vail'd to him as chief Commander.

When to his pleaſure all things they had done,

The King and Queen he takes to Macedon,

Two ſons of Alexander, and the reſt,

All to be order'd there as he thought beſt.

The Army to Antigonus doth leave,

And Goverment of Aſia to him gave.

And thus Antipater the ground-work layes,

On which Antigonus his height doth raiſe,

Who in few years, the reſt ſo overtops,

For univerſal Monarchy he hopes.

With Eumenes he diverſe Battels fought,

And by his ſlights to circumvent him ſought:

But vain it was to uſe his policy,

'Gainſt him that all deceits could ſcan and try.

In this Epitome too long to tell

How finely Eumenes did here excell,

And by the ſelf ſame Traps the other laid,

He to his coſt was righteouſly repaid.

But while theſe Chieftains doe in Aſia fight,

To Greece and Macedon lets turn our ſight.

When great Antipater the world muſt leave,

His place to Poliſperchon did bequeath,

Fearing his ſon Caſſander was unſtaid,

Too raſh to bear that charge, if on him laid.

Antigonus hearing of his deceaſe

On moſt part of Aſſyria doth ſeize.

p. 168And Ptolemy next to incroach begins,

All Syria and Phenicia he wins,

Then Poliſperchon 'gins to act in's place,

Recalls Olimpias the Court to grace.

Antipater had baniſh'd her from thence

Into Epire for her great turbulence;

This new Protector's of another mind,

Thinks by her Majeſty much help to find.

Caſſander like his …ather could not ſee,

This Poliſperchons great ability,

Slights his Commands his actions he diſclaims,

And to be chief himſelf now bends his aims;

Such as his Father had advanc'd to place,

Or by his favours any way had grac'd

Are now at the devotion of the Son,

Preſt to accompliſh what he would have done;

Beſides he was the young Queens favourite,

On whom (t'was thought) ſhe ſet her chief delight:

Unto theſe helps at home he ſeeks out more,

Goes to Antigonus and doth implore,

By all the Bonds 'twixt him and's Father paſt,

And for that great gift which he gave him laſt.

By theſe and all to grant him ſome ſupply,

To take down Poliſperchon grown ſo high;

For this Antigonus did need no ſpurs,

Hoping to gain yet more by theſe new ſtirs,

Streight furniſh'd him with a ſufficient aid,

And ſo he quick returns thus well appaid,

With Ships at Sea, an Army for the Land,

His proud opponent hopes ſoon to withſtand.

p. 169But in his abſence Poliſperchon takes

Such friends away as for his Intereſt makes

By death by priſon, or by baniſhment,

That no ſupply by theſe here might be lent,

Caſſander with his Hoſt to Grecia goes,

Whom Poliſperchon labours to oppoſe;

But beaten was at Sea, and foil'd at Land,

Caſſanders forces had the upper hand,

Athens with many Towns in Greece beſide,

Firm (for his Fathers ſake) to him abide.

Whil'ſt …ot in wars theſe two in Grecee remain,

Antigonus doth all in Aſia gain;

Still labours Eumenes, would with him ſide,

But all in vain, …e faithful did abide:

Nor Mother could nor Sons of Alexander,

Put truſt in any but in this Commander.

The great ones now began to ſhew their mind,

And act as opportunity they find.

Ari…aeus the ſcorn'd and ſimple King▪

More then he bidden was could act no thing.

Poliſperchon for office hoping long,

Thinks to inthrone the Prince when riper grown;

Eurid…ce this injury diſdains,

And to Caſſandar of this wrong complains.

Hateful th… …me and houſe of Alexander,

Was to this proud vindicative Caſſander;

He ſtill kept lockt within his memory,

His Fathers danger, with his Family;

Nor thought he that indignity was ſmall,

When Alexander knockt his head to th'wall.

p. 170Theſe with his love unto the amorous Queen,

Did make him vow, her ſervant to be ſeen.

Olimpias, Aridaeus deadly hates,

As all her Husbands, Children by his mates,

She gave him poyſon formerly ('tis thought)

Which damage both to mind, and body brought;

She now with Poliſperchon doth combine,

To make the King by force his Seat reſigne:

And her young grand-child in his State inthrone,

That under him, ſhe might rule▪ all alone.

For aid ſhe goes t' Epire among her friends,

The better to accompliſh theſe her ends;

Euri…ice hearing what ſhe intends,

In haſte unto her friend Caſſander ſends,

To leave his ſiege at Tegea, and with ſpeed,

To ſave the King and her in this their need:

Then by intreaties, promiſes and Coyne,

Some forces did procure with her to joyn.

Olimpias ſoon enters Macedon,

The Queen to meet her bravely marches on,

But when her Souldiers ſaw their ancient Queen,

Calling to mind what ſometime ſhe had been;

The wife and Mother of their famous Kings,

Nor darts, nor arrows, now none ſhoots or flings.

The King and Queen ſeeing their deſtiny,

To ſave their lives t' Amphipolis do fly;

But the old Queen purſues them with her hate,

And needs will have their lives as well as State:

The King by extream torments had his end,

And to the Queen theſe preſents ſhe did ſend;

p. 171A Halter, cup of poyſon, and a Sword,

Bids chuſe her death, ſuch kin…neſs ſhe'l afford.

The Queen with many a curſe, and bitter check,

At length yields to the Halter h…r fair neck;

Praying that fatal day might quickly haſte,

On which Olimpias of the like might taſte.

This done the cruel Qu…en reſts not content,

'Gainſt all that lov'd Caſſander ſhe was bent;

His Brethren, Kinsfolk and his chiefeſt friends,

That fell within her reach came to their ends:

Dig'd up his brother dead, 'gainſt natures right,

And threw his bones about to ſhew her ſpight:

The Courtiers wondring at her furious mind,

Wiſht in Epire ſhe had been ſtill confin'd.

In Peloponeſus then Caſſander lay,

Where hearing of this news he ſpeeds away,

With rage, and with revenge he's hurried on,

To find this cruel Queen in Macedon;

But being ſtopt, at ſtreight Thermopoly,

Sea paſſage gets, and lands in Th…aly:

His Army he divides, ſends poſt away,

Poliſperchon to hold a while in play;

And with the reſt Olimpias purſues,

For all her cruelty, to give her dues.

She with the chief o'th' Court to Pydna flyes,

Well fortifi'd, (and on the Sea it lyes)

There by Caſſander ſhe's blockt up ſo long,

Untill the Famine grows exceeding ſtrong,

Her Couzen of Epire did what he might,

To raiſe the Siege, and put her Poes to flight.

p. 172Caſſander is reſolved there to remain,

So ſuccours and endeavours proves but vain;

Fain would this wretched Queen capitulate,

Her foe would give no Ear, (ſuch is his hate)

The Souldiers pinched with this ſcarcity,

By ſtealth unto Caſſander layly fly;

Olimpias means to hol… out to the laſt,

Expecting nothing but of death to taſt:

But his occaſions calling him away,

Gives promiſe for her life, ſo wins the day.

No ſooner had he got her in his hand,

But made in judgement her accuſers ſtand;

And plea… the blood of friends and kindreds ſpilt,

Deſiring juſtice might be done for guilt;

And ſo was he acquitted of his word,

For juſtice ſake ſhe being put to th' Sword:

This was the end of this moſt cruel Queen,

Whoſe fury ſcarcely parallel'd hath been.

The daughter ſiſter, Mother, Wife to Kings,

But Royalty no good conditions brings;

To Husbands death ('tis thought) ſhe gave conſent,

The murtherer ſhe did ſo much lament:

With Garlands crown'd his head, bemoan'd his fates,

His Sword unto Apollo conſecrates.

Her Outrages too tedious to relate,

How for no cauſe but her inveterate hate;

Her Husbands wives and Children after's death,

Some ſlew, ſome fry'd, of others ſtopt the breath:

Now in her Age ſhe's forc'd to taſt that Cup,

Which ſhe had others often made to ſup.

p. 173Now many Towns in Macedon ſuppreſt,

And P…llas fain to yield among the reſt▪

The Funerals Caſſander celebrates,

Of A…daeus and his Queen with State▪

Among their Anceſtors by him they're laid,

And ſhews of lamentation for them made.

Old Thebes he then rebuilt ſo much of fame,

And Caſſandria rais'd after his name.

But leave him building, others in their Urne,

Let's for a while, now into Aſia turn

True Eumenes endeavours by all Skill,

To keep Antigonus from Shuſhan ſtill;

Having command o'th' Treaſure he can hire,

Such as no threats, nor favour could acquire.

In divers Battels he had good ſucceſs,

Antigonus came off ſtill honourleſs;

When Victor oft he'd been, and ſo might ſtill,

Peuceſtes did betray him by a wile.

T' Antigonus, who took his Life unjuſt,

Becauſe he never would forgoe his truſt;

Thus loſt he all for his fidelity,

Striving t' uphold his Maſters Family.

But to a period as that did haſte,

So Eum…nes (the prop) of death muſt taſt;

All Perſia now Antigonus doth gain▪

And Maſter of the Treaſure ſole remain:

Then with Seleu…us ſtreight at odds doth fall,

And he for aid to Ptolomy doth call,

The Princes all begin now to envy

Antigonus, his growing up ſo high;

p. 174Fearing his force, and what might hap e're long,

Enters into a Combination ſtrong,

S…c…, …tolemy Caſſander joynes,

Lyſimachus to make a fourth combines:

Ant…onus deſirous of the Greek…,

To make Caſſander odious to them ſeeks,

Sends forth his declarations near and far,

And clears what cauſe he had to make this war,

…ſſ…nders outrages at large doth tell,

Shews his ambitious practiſes as well.

The mother of their King to death he'd put,

His wife and ſon in priſon cloſe had ſhut:

And aiming now to make himſelf a king,

And that ſome title he might ſeem to bring,

Theſſalonica he had newly wed,

Daughter to Philip their renowned head:

Had built and call'd a City by his name.

Which none e're did, but thoſe of royal fame:

And in deſpight of their two famous Kings

Hatefull Olinthians to Greece rebrings.

Rebellious Thebes he had reedified,

Which their late King in duſt had damnified,

Requires them therefore to take up their arms

And to requite this traitor for theſe harms.

Then Ptolemy would gain the Greeks likewiſe,

And he declares the others injuryes:

Firſt how he held the Empire in his hands,

Seleueu… driven from Goverment and lands,

The valiant Eumenes unjuſtly ſlain,

And Lord of royal Shuſ…an did remain,

p. 175Therefore requeſts their help to take him down

Before he wear the univerſal Crown.

Theſe princes at the ſea ſoon had a ſight,

Where great Antigonus was put to ſlight:

His ſon at Gaza likewiſe loſt the field,

So Syria to Ptolemy did yield:

And Seleucus recovers Babylon,

Still gaining Countryes eaſtward he goes on.

Demetrius with Ptolemy did fight,

And coming unawares, put him to flight;

But bravely ſends the priſoners back again,

With all the ſpoyle and booty he had tane.

Courteous as noble Ptolemy, or more,

VVho at Gaza did the like to him before.

Antigonus did much rejoyce, his ſon

VVith victory, his loſt repute had won.

At laſt theſe princes tired out with warrs▪

Sought for a peace, and laid aſide their jarrs:

The terms of their agreement, thus expreſs

That each ſhould hold what now he did poſſeſs,

Till Alexander unto age was grown,

VVho then ſhould be enſtalled in the throne.

This toucht Caſſander ſore▪ for what he'd done,

Impriſoning both the mother and the ſon:

He ſees the Greeks now favour their young Prince

Whom he in durance held, now and long ſince,

That in few years he muſt be forc'd or glad,

To render up ſuch Kingdomes as he had;

Reſolves to quit his fears by one deed done,

So puts to death the Mother and her Son.

p. 176This Roxane for her beauty all commend,

But for one act ſhe did, juſt was her end.

No ſooner was great Alexander dead,

But ſhe Darius daughters murthered.

Both thrown into a well to hide her blot,

Perdiccas was her Partner in this plot.

The heavens ſeem'd ſlow in paying her the ſame;

But at the laſt the hand of vengeance came▪

And for that double fact which ſhe had done,

The life of her muſt goe, and of her ſon

Perdiccas had before for his amiſs,

But by their hands who thought not once of this.

Caſſanders deed the princes do deteſt,

But 'twas in ſhew; in heart it pleas'd them beſt.

That he is odious to the world, they'r glad:

And now they were free Lords of what they had.

When this foul tragedy was paſt and done,

Polyſperchon brings the other ſon

Call'd Hercules, and elder then his brother,

(But Olimpia… would prefer the other)

The Greeks toucht with the murther done of late,

This Orphan prince 'gan to compaſſionate,

Begin to mutter much 'gainſt proud Caſſander,

And place their hopes on th' heir of Alexander.

Caſſander fear'd what might of this onſue,

So Poliſ…erchon to his counſel drew,

And gives Peloponeſus for his hire,

Who ſlew the prince according to deſire.

Thus was the race and houſe of Alexander

Extinct by this inhumane wretch Caſſander.

p. 177Antigonus, for all this doth not mourn,

He knows to's profit▪ this at laſt will turn,

But that ſome Title now he might pretend,

To Cleopatra doth for marriage ſend;

Lyſimachus and Ptolemy the ſame,

And lewd Caſſander too, ſticks not for ſhame:

She then in Lydia at Sardis lay,

Where by Embaſſage all theſe Princes pray.

Choice above all, of Ptolemy ſhe makes,

With his Embaſſador her journy takes;

Antigonus Lieutenant ſtayes her ſtill,

Untill he further know his Maſters will:

Antigonus now had a Wolf by th' Ears,

To hold her ſtill, or let her go he fears.

Reſolves at laſt the Princeſs ſhould be ſlain,

So hinders him of her, he could not gain;

Her women are appointed for this deed,

They for their great reward no better ſpeed:

For by command, they ſtreight were put to death,

As vile Conſpirators that ſtopt her breath.

And now he hopes, he's order'd all ſo well,

The world muſt needs believe what he doth tell;

Thus Philip's houſe was quite extinguiſhed,

Except Caſſanders wife who yet not dead.

And by their means who thought of nothing loſs,

Then vengeance juſt▪ againſt them to expreſs;

Now blood was paid with blood for what was done

By cruel Father, Mother cruel Son:

Thus may we hear, and fear, and ever ſay,

That hand is righteous ſtill which doth repay.

p. 178Theſe Captains now the ſtile of Kings do take,

For to their Crowns their's none can Title make;

Demetrius firſt the royal ſtile aſſum'd,

By his Example all the reſt preſum'd.

Antigonus himſelf to ingratiate,

Doth promiſe liberty to Athens State;

With Arms and with proviſion ſtores them well,

The better 'gainſt Caſſander to rebel.

Dem…trius thether goes, is entertain'd

Not like a King▪ but like ſome God they feign'd;

Moſt groſly baſe was their great Adulation,

Who Incenſe burnt, and offered oblation:

Theſe Kings afreſh fall to their wars again,

Demetrius of Ptolemy doth gain.

'Twould be an endleſs Story to relate

Their ſeveral Battels and their ſeveral fate,

Their fights by Sea, their victories by Land,

How ſome when down, ſtraight got the upper hand

Antigonus and Seleucus then fight

Near Epheſus, each bringing all his might,

And he that Conquerour ſhall now remain,

The Lordſhip of all Aſia ſhall retain.

This day 'twixt theſe two Kings ends all the ſtrife,

For here Antigonus loſt rule and life:

Nor to his Son, did e're one foot remain

Of thoſe vaſt Kingdomes, he did ſometimes gain.

Demetrius with his Troops to Athens flyes,

Hopes to find ſuccours in his miſeries;

But they adoring in proſperity,

Now ſhut their gates in his adverſity:

p. 179He ſorely griev'd at this his deſperate State

Tryes Foes, ſith friends will not compaſſionate.

His peace he then with old Seleucus makes,

Who his fair daughter Strotonica takes,

Ant…ochus, S…leu…us, dear lov'd Son

Is for this freſh young Lady quite undone;

Falls ſo extreamly ſick, all fear'd his life▪

Yet durſt not ſay, he lov'd his Fathers wife,

When his diſeaſe the skill'd Phyſitian ſound,

His Fathers mind he wittily did ſound,

Who did no ſooner underſtand the ſame,

But willingly reſign'd the beautious Dame:

Caſſander now muſt dye his race is run,

And leaves the ill got Kingdomes he had won.

Two Sons he left, born of King Philips daughter,

Who had an end put to their dayes by ſlaughter;

Which ſhould ſucceed at variance they fell,

The Mother would, the youngeſt might excell:

The eld'ſt inrag'd did play the Vipers part,

And with his Sword did run her through the heart:

Rather then Philips race ſhould longer live,

He whom ſhe gave his life, her death ſhall give.

This by Lyſimacus was after ſlain,

Whoſe daughter he not long before had …a'ne;

Demetrius is call'd in by th' youngeſt Son,

Againſt …ſimachus who from him won.

But he a Kingdome more then's friend did eye,

Seaz'd upon that, and ſlew him traitrouſly.

Thus Philips and Caſſander's race both gone,

And ſo falls out to be extinct in one;

p. 180And though Caſſander died in his bed,

His Seed to be extirpt, was deſtined;

For blood which was decre'd that he ſhould ſpill,

Yet muſt his Children pay for Fathers ill;

Jehu in killing Ana… 's houſe did well,

Yet be aveng'd muſt blood of ….

Demetrius thus Caſſander's Kingdoms gains.

And now in Macedon as King he reigns;

Thoug… men and mony both he hath at will,

In neither fin…s content if he ſits ſtill.

That S…l…ucus holds Aſia grievs hi… ſore,

Thoſe Countryes large his Fat…er got before.

Theſe to recover, muſters all his might,

And with his Son in Law will needs go fight;

A mighty Navy rig'd, an Army ſtout,

With theſe he hopes to turn the world about:

Leaving Antigonus his eldeſt Son,

In his long abſence to rule Macedon.

Demetrius with ſo many troubles met,

As Heaven and Earth againſt him had been ſet▪

Diſaſter on diſaſter him purſue,

His ſtory ſeems a Fable more then true:

At laſt he's taken and impriſoned

Within an Iſle that was with pleaſures fed,

Injoy'd what ere beſeem'd his Royalty,

Only reſtrained of his liberty:

After three years he died▪ left what he'd won,

In Greece unto Antigonus his Son.

For his Poſterity unto this day,

Did ne're regain one foot in Aſia;

p. 181His Body S…le…cus ſends to his Son,

Whoſe obſequies with wondrous pomp was done.

Next di'd the brave and noble Pro…emp,

Renown'd for bounty, valour, clemency,

Rich Egypt le…t, and what elſe he had won,

To Philadelp…us his more worthy Son

Of the old Heroe…, now but two remain,

Seleucus and …y…machus theſe twain,

Muſt needs go try their fortune and their might,

And ſo Lyſi…machus was ſlain in fight;

'Twas no ſmall joy unto Seliucus breaſt,

That now he had out lived all the reſt:

Poſſeſſion of Europe thinks to take▪

And ſo himſelf the only Monarch make;

Whil… with theſe hopes in Greece he did remain,

He was by Ptolemy Ceraunus ſlain.

The ſecond Son of the firſt Ptolemy,

Who for Rebellion unto him did fly;

Seleucus was a Father and a friend,

Yet by him had this moſt unworthy end.

Thus with theſe Kingly Captains have we done,

A little now how the Succeſſion run,

Antigonus, Seleucus and Caſſander,

With Ptolemy, reign'd after Alexander;

Caſſander's Sons ſoon after's death were …lain,

So three Succeſſors only did remain:

Antigonus his Kingdomes loſt, and life,

Unto Seleucus, Author of that …tri…e.

His Son Demetrius, all Caſſander's gains,

And his poſterity, the ſame retains;

p. 282Demetrius Son was call'd Antigonus,

And his again was nam…d Demetrius.

I muſt let paſs thoſe many Battels fought,

Betwixt thoſe Kings, and noble Pyrrhus ſtout,

And his Son Alexander of Epire,

Whereby immortal honour they acquire;

Demetrius had Philip to his Son,

(Part of whoſe Kingdomes Titus Quintius won)

Philip had Perſeus w…o was made a Thrale

T… Emil…us the Roman General;

Him with his Sons in Triumph lead did he,

Such riches too as Rome did never ſee:

This of Ant…gonus, his Seed's the …ate,

VVhoſe Empire was ſubdu'd to th' Roman State.

Longer Seleucus held the royalty,

In Syria by his Poſterity;

Antiochus Soter his Son was nam'd,

To whom the old Beroſus (ſo much fam'd,)

His Book of Aſſurs Monarchs dedicates

Tells of their names, their wars, their riches, fates,

But this is periſhed with many more,

VVhichWhich oft we wiſh was extant as before.

Antiochus Theos was Soter's Son,

VVho a long war with Egypts King begun;

The Affinityes and Wars Daniel ſets forth.

And calls them there the Kings of South & North,

This Th…os murther'd was by his lewd wife,

Seleucus reign'd, when he had loſt his life.

A third Seleucus next ſits on the Seat,

And then Antiochus firnam'd the great,

p. 183VVhoſe large Dominions after was made ſmall,

By Scipio the Roman General;

Fourth Seleucus Antiochus ſucceeds,

And next Epiphanes whoſe wicked deeds,

Horrid Maſſacres, Murthers, cruelties,

Amongſt the Jews we read in Machabees.

Antiochus Eupater was the next,

By Rebels and Impoſtors dayly vext;

So many Princes ſtill were murthered,

The Royal Blood was nigh extinguiſhed;

Then Tygranes the great Arm…niar King,

To take the Government was called in,

Lucullus, Him, (the Roman General)

Vanquiſh'd in fight, and took thoſe Kingdomes all;

Of Greece and Syria thus the rule did end,

In Egypt next▪ a little time wee'l ſpend.

Firſt Ptolemy being dead, his famous Son

Call'd Philadelphus, did poſſeſs the Throne.

At Alexandria a Library did build,

And with ſeven hundred thouſand Volumes fill'd;

The ſeventy two Interpreters did ſeek,

They might tranſlate the Bible into Greek.

His Son was Evergetes the laſt Prince,

That valour ſhew'd, virtue or excellence,

Philopater was Evergetes Son,

After Epiphanes ſate on the Throne;

Philometor, Evergetes again,

And after him, did falſe Lathurus reign:

Then Alexander in Lathur…s ſtead,

Next Auletes, who cut off Pompeys head.

p. 184To all theſe names, we Ptolemy muſt add,

For ſince the firſt, they ſtill that Title had.

Fair Cleopatra next, laſt of that race,

Whom Julius Caeſar ſet in Royal place,

She with her Paramour, Mark Anthony

Held for a time, the Egyptian Monarchy,

Till great Auguſtus had with him a fight

At Actium, where his Navy …s put to flight;

He ſeeing his ho…our loſt, his Kingdome end,

Did by his Sword his life ſoon after ſend.

His brave Ʋ …rago Aſpes ſets to her Arms,

To take her life, and quit her from all harms;

For 'twas not death nor danger ſhe did dread,

But ſome diſgrace in triumph to be led.

Here ends at laſt the Grecian Monarchy,

Which by the Romans had its deſtiny;

Thus King & Kingdomes have their times & dates,

Their ſtandings, overturnings, bounds and fates:

Now up now down now chief, & then broght under,

The heavn's thus rule, to fil the world with wonder

The Aſſyrian Monarchy long time did ſtand,

But yet the Perſian got the upper hand;

The Grecian them did utterly ſubdue,

And millions were ſubjected unto few:

The Grecian longer then the Perſian ſtood,

Then came the Roman like a raging flood;

And with the torrent of his rapid courſe,

Their Crowns, their Titles, riches bears by force.

The firſt was likened to a head of gold.

Next Arms and breaſt of ſilver to behold,

p. 185The third, Belly and Thighs of braſs in ſight,

And laſt was Iron, which breaketh all with might;

The ſtone out of the mountain then did riſe,

…nd ſmote thoſe feet thoſe legs, thoſe arms & thighs

Then gold ſilver, braſs, Iron and all the ſtore,

Became like Chaff upon the threſhing …loor.

The firſt a Lion, ſecond was a Bear,

The third a Leopard, which four wings did rear;

The laſt more ſtrong and dreadful then the reſt,

Whoſe Iron teeth devoured every Beaſt,

And when he had no appetite to eat,

The reſidue he ſtamped under feet;

Yet ſhall this Lion, Bear, this Leopard, Ram,

All trembling ſtand before the powerful Lamb.

With theſe three Monarchyes now have I done,

But how the fourth, their Kingdomes from them won,

And how from ſmall beginnings it did grow,

To fill the world with terrour and with woe;

My tyred brain leavs to ſome better pen,

This task befits not women like to men:

For what is paſt, I bluſh, excuſe to make,

But humbly ſtand, ſome grave reproof to take;

Pardon to crave for errours, is but vain,

The Subject was too high beyond my ſtrain,

To frame Apology for ſome offence,

Converts our boldneſs into impudence:

This my preſumption ſome now to requite,

Ne ſutor ultra crepidam may write.

The End of the Grecian Monarchy.

p. 186After ſome dayes of reſt, my reſtleſs heart

To finiſh what's begun, new thoughts impart,

And maugre all reſolves, my fancy wrought

This fourth to th' other three, now might be brought:

Shortneſs of time and inability.

Will force me to a confus'd brevity.

Yet in this Chaos, one ſhall eaſily ſpy

The vaſt Limbs of a mighty Monarchy,

What e're is found amiſs take in good part,

As faults proceeding from my head, not heart: