An apologie for Paris for rejecting of Juno and Pallas, and presenting of Ate's golden ball to Venus with a discussion of the reasons that might induce him to favour either of the three : occasioned by a private discourse, wherein the Trojans judgment was carped at by some and defended / by R.B., Gent.

AN Apology for PARIS: For rejecting of Iuno and Pallas, and presenting of Ate's Golden Ball to Venus: With a discussion of the Rea∣sons that might induce him to favour either of the three.

WHen the Ilian flocks, laden with rich fleeces, were feasting themselves with the dainties of Ida's Pain∣ted Meades, whose Prince∣ly Shepheard Paris (for even such in time of yore disdained not the Sheep-hook, and to converse with old russet honesty) sat sheltring himself from the fiery lashes of heavens curle-pate wag∣goner, under the courteous shade

of a broad beech, warbling upon his seaven-fold Syrinx some amorous son∣net, that spoke high the encomiums of some neighbouring shepheardesse, having the pretty Songsters of the woods bearing part in his Lyribliring melodie, whilst the conspiring armes of the trees danced to the Concord, and the complisant Nymph, Eccho, in the vaulted bowre approved, and imi∣tated each of his aires, as greedily as if her deare Narcissus had lent breath to them.

On a suddaine the blew enamelled Portcullis of heaven flew open, and there issued out three Triumphant Chariots, the first drawne by an har∣nassed teame of Peacocks, and deckt with boughes of Cedar; Herein sat Iuno, wife and sister to mighty Iove, Queene of Crownes and Mines, the Nuptiall Goddesse, and Protectresse of the Geniall bed. The second Chari∣ot was drawne by Marius his Eagle, and Prometheus his Vulture, and stuck a∣bout

with wreaths of Oake, Palme, and Bayes; Herein sat prudent and Po∣tent Pallas, the Issue of Ioves better part his braine, Empresse of Arts and Armes, Commandresse in chiefe in the Pierian greene, and the Pharsalian field. The last and lightest Chariot, (before which ran a Bevie of naked Nymphs and little Cupids, strewing Roses and Violets in the way, and sing∣ing of wanton Ditties,) was beset with branches of myrtle, and hung thick with hearts transfixt with arrowes, o∣thers flaming, Virgines girdles, Gar∣lands, and worlds of such like Love-Trophies; it was drawn by a paire of milkie Doves, who bild and wantoni∣zed as they went, as if they were ina∣moured of eithers whitenesse, which ex∣celled Winters finest downe, the neck of L••da's aged Swan, and what ever else knowes a name, but the hand of her whom they drew, which was Love∣ly Venus, Crowned with her star, Queen of hearts, Soveraigne Mistris of

Love and Beauty. Now alighted those three Deities from their shining Chariots, and came marching with awfull pace, (lackyed with Glory and Majestie) over the hony suckled plaines of Ida, by Cloris spread with verdant plush for them to tread upon. The ti∣morous Stripling was extasied at their Angelick presence, as the Arcadian Fishermen were when they saw that brave Triton, the incomparable Prince Pyrocles riding (as on horseback) upon the mast of his mangled ship, (full of unmoved Majesty, as if he had been the Neptune of that Ocean, waving his sword about his Crowne, as though he would threaten the world in that ex∣tremitie) and (as they their sweating Oares) he was about moving his heeles to carry him out of the dint of such glorious spirits; but that Monsieur Mercurie their winged Postillion, beckened to him with his Caduceus, and staid him with these words:

See (noble Prince) how much thou

art in Ioves books, and what a large share thou possessest of his Royall fa∣vour, who has sent the three Deities majorum Gentium, his owne Wife, Daughter, and Neece, through the spangled Orbes, to plead a writ of Ho∣nour at thy Barre, and hath given in errand to me, his feathered Herald, to make the motion, and procute them audience; thus then the Cause is sta∣ted;

Dame Ate an exploded common Barretter, Mistris of revenge & debate,

Néve foret terris securior arduus aether,

Lest Chrystall mantled heaven should be Securer than the Earth, and Sea, puzzled its Peace, and conspired to sow her seeds of dissention among the Celestials; nor did it suffice her to play at small game, but she hath set at enmity the goddesses of the first rank, Saturnia the Great, Tritonia the wise, and Aphrodite the faire, by

casting of a Golden Globe among them (as they sate enjoying them∣selves at a Banquet-Royall whence she was excluded) with this Inscrip∣tion, Give this to the fairest, to which each layes claime, and swels with dis∣daine to heare her title questioned, for the clearing of which they all at∣tend thy sentence, and are to stand to thy award.

His Coelestiall Majesty waved the determination of this controversie himselfe, because he would not dis∣oblige any such Deities; wherefore he removed the Sute from Heavens high Court of Chancery, hither, where he constitutes thee the Iudge, and commands thee to make Ida the Court of Equity. Take then High borne Prince, this wager of three Goddesses contention, designed for the best de∣server, and let thy impartiall judge∣ment in disposing of it to her, evi∣dence, that Astrea hath not yet taken her flight from Earth.

Mercurie retreated, having made Paris Guardian of the Ball, whose amo∣rous eyes were now more clogg'd with change of Beauties, than King Mydas was once with gold. Now this, now that, now one by one he beheld; this seemed faire, that as faire, the other fairest; one was full of awfull Majesty, the other of audacitie tempered with meeknesse, the third of beauty waited upon by all the graces; whilst every winning feature did intangle his intricate fancy, as li∣king all alike, he loved, confounded in his election, Iuno (with a sleeke fore∣head) advanced forward, and thus be∣came her owne Advocate.

Grow Royall Plant, and bourgeon every moment, till thy touring top invades Heaven, and thy magnitude fils Earth, and all the Inhabitants shelter themselves under the shadow of thy Imperiall branches; which is all in thine owne power to com∣mand, if thou wilt obey me, and that but in being just to thy selfe, and me,

in preferring before two meaner Nymphs (with whom my spleen swels to be ranked) me, that have the Monopoly of Crownes and Scep∣ters in mine hands, in reward of which I'le turne over my Patent to thee, and for that little yellow Globe, make this great one thine. Thy most ambitious and avarous thoughts are too narrow to comprehend the moi∣tie of those honours and treasures that shall spread and prostrate them∣selves before thee (my young ambi∣tion) I'le swell a Diamond into a grosse Mountaine, lofty as Tenariff, spacious as Ida, and will congeale a heap of Pearles into a lucid Rocke, then command Vulcan and his Cyclo∣pean Journeymen to hew them into two faire Pallaces, which I will mo••t about with the wealthy streames of Tagus, and his golden-sanded Bro∣thers, Ile furnish them with spoiles of Sea and Land, and environ them with a shade of golden Apple trees,

transplanted from Hesperides, and these (my Darling) shalt call thy Pallaces of Pleasure. I will begirt thy browes with such a circle as shall seeme to be made to shame Earths spangled Canopie, even when most gorgiously sparkling with starres, in nights chiefe pomp; and (believe it) no face shewes so beautifull as that that looks from under a Crowne.

I'le rifle all Natures secret Cabi∣nets to find Jewels worthy to embel∣lish thy shining Scepter withall, with the wagging of which thou shalt charme all minds to subjection, as Mercuries Caduceus did Argus his eyes to slumbering.

Make but these petty Goddesses subject to me, and I'le make all sub∣ject to thee, thee to none; all the Spheres shall seeme to move as thou byasest them, the whole frame of the Creation depend upon thy will, thy frowne shall shake the world off the hinges, and both the Poles into an

ague; thy command shall levell mountaines and raise vallies, make aspiring spires kisse the Center, and lowly stones the Sun; thou, not for∣tune, shalt make of a Consull a Rhetor, of a Rhetor a Consull, as if there were not any fate but thy favour, no all-disposing Providence, but thy plea∣sure.

I'le furnish thee with a spruce Re∣giment of supple Courtiers, which shall Eccho thee, and observe thee as thy watch does thy clock; And turn like Turkise in thy Ring, and looke well or ill with thee, and be true Heli∣otropes to you their Sun.

—Erit satis una Vox ad decretum, Nutus ad Imperium. Thy sleightest word like Persian Law shall stand▪ One Nod shall be sufficient to command.

Every Look of thine shall be a Law, every Syllable a Statute, confirmed

and ratified, with a Sic jubet Paris, a foundation as strong as the Center.

I'le prevaile with Nature to cre∣ate some new Beasts, whose precious skins shall make the Bever and mot∣ley Ermine of none account, and with them I'le clad thy body. I'le make a sturdy Vnicorne come and crooch at thy feet, thou mounted, he shall ex∣alt his horne, and scorne the Asse that carried the Aegyptian Osiris, and by his strutting pace prouder than or∣dinary, shew he knowes what weight he beares.

The Sun shall be thy Helmet, and he only with his feather-footed Coursiers shall be able to make the Foure of thy Dominions. Each City which thou shalt visit in thy Royall Progresse shall seeme on fire, all Steeples shall Eccho thy 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 all Pies and Parrots shall be taught that note, which the wild Burgesses of the Woods shall learne of them (as once they did of Psappho's flatterers)

and sing it every morning. All Con∣duits shall run with the richest Fa∣lernian Wine, all thy paths shall be spread with Simyrimis Tapestry, every street shall be throng'd with Pageants, every harth shall smoake with bruised Nard and Masculine odours: the Virgins shall keep Holy-day, and crowne their dangling tresses with wild Ivy, every one shall assume a leavy speare; every hand shall be wearied with binding its head with Fillets, to beare thine health. Every mouth shall be full of thy praises, every tongue shall sing Io, and salute thine eare with Songs, whose burdens shall be,

Jupiter in caelis, Paris egit omnia terris, Divisum Imperiū cum Jove Paris habet.

In Heaven Jove, on Earth Paris sway doth beare, And Territories with the Thunderer share.

Now did Saturnia retrograde, leaving Paris thoughts gilt with the refle∣ction of Oare and Crownes, and the birth of Ioves braine tooke her place and spoke after this manner.

I know (green Bud of Honour) that every accent and Particle of this Queens Oration tickled, and spoke musicke to thine eate, and me thinks I see thee even feast, nay surfeit thine eye with those mountaines of profits and glories she boasts of; but make not thy sense the measure of things: For sense like the Sun expands and reveales the face of the Terrestriall Globe, but conceales and seales up the face of the Coelestiall. Give eyes to thy Reason, and try if thou bee'st so Eagle-sighted as to discover Wisdom and Knowledge in their Courtly dresse, which hadst thou once glanced upon with thy corporeall eyes (as thou maist with thy mentall, by con∣templation) thou wouldst allow no∣thing else faire.

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shall stop their eares with wax, for feare of doting upon thee, as once Vlysses did his, for feare of being be∣traid to their treacherous charme.

5. Philosophie shall bestow her Stone on thee, and turne all thou touchest into gold, or which is more, all thou treatest on into satisfaction, the truest treasure. Labirynthian Paradoxes that are bones to others shall be milke to thee; Aenigma's that rest in clouds to the rest, shall be all Sun to thee; and heights which others cannot soare unto by strong faith, thou shalt reach with Reason.

6. Thou shalt make a new edition of, and addition to, Arithmeticke, and compleate her with numbers enow to count those many Atomes whose accidentall concourse made this big-bellied earth, and how many minutes have thrust out one another since that accident happened.

7. Thou shalt make a geometricall girdle for the massie ball, and rec∣kon

how many inches make up her vast dimensions; that done, like a Palmer with thy Iacobs staffe thou shalt passe beyond the firma∣ment.

And that thou maiest mix pleasure with profit, the sister quire shal make thy head their Parnassus, thy mouth their Hipocrene, whence shall flow such streames of Poetick Nectar, as shall water thy name many Century's of yeeres hence, and render it odori∣ferous as the East. Thy verse shall turne Prometheus his Vulture into a wanton Pigeon, and bespangle Heaven with new Starres, and fill fames Roll with Hero's: so shalt thou live by them, they by thy story; they the glory of men, thou of wits. Yet to compleat thee, for that small circle, thou shalt ride in circuit up∣on the Vehiculae Scientiarum, Lan∣guages, through all the severall Pro∣vinces of Learning; and how profi∣table and pleasing a thing is it to

have the orbs of the mind concen∣trique with the orbs of the world.

By this thou shalt be rendred more thy selfe than thou art now; for a mans understanding is the chie∣fest part of himselfe, according to most mens accounts, as is evident, in that they abhorre more to be re∣puted fooles, which is a defect con∣trary to the understanding, than to be counted vicious, which is a defect contrary to the will.

The swiftnesse of thy apprehensi∣on, thy penetrating judgement and soaring invention, shall render thee the theame of honours tongue, and make every moment of thy life no∣table; together with thy energency of fancy, which thou (being borne to a Crowne) hast more use for than thy neighbours, that thou maist know how to mix moralls with po∣liticks. For knowledge (which is not onely the excellentest thing in man, but the very excellency of

man,) is the Basis, and Mother of all the vertues Royall; without it there can be no true fortitude: for Perils are the daughters of Fury, and Fury is a passion, and passions alwaies turn to their contraries, and therefore the most furious Orlando's when their first blast is spent, are usually the most pusillanimous Dametases or Clineases. Without it there can be no Liberality; for giving is but want of audacity to deny, or discretion to poise.

Without it there can be no Iu∣stice; for giving to a man what is his own, is but fortune, or want of a corrupter, or seducer.

Without it there can be no Con∣stancy, or Patience; for suffering is but stupidity.

Without it there can be no Tem∣perance; for we shall restraine our selves from vertue, as well as from vice: for he that cannot discerne, cannot elect or chuse. Well there∣fore

said one of the scientificallest of my sonnes. Then shall people enjoy the height and influence of felicity, when either Kings be Philosophers, or Philosophers Kings.

Neither (Delight of fortune, if thou pleasest) judge of my gifts by what thou knowst of them already; no more than thou wouldst do of a Jeweller or Lapidaries store, by that onely which is set out towards the street in his shop. I have another donative in store for thee, if thou bee'st not thine own foe; thou shalt share as much of Mars in the hand, as of Mercury in the head; so that fame shall find it taske enough to imploy all her breath in, to tell the admiring world how many stubborn Nations thou hast subjugated, and how many high and arduous at∣tempts thine owne single prowesse has atcheived; which shall at the same instant both delight and af∣fright the Auditors. Thy name

shall conquer like Zisca's Drumme, and thy triumph be certaine before the Battell; who so stands against Paris, by Paris shall fall; thy foes shall be to thee as waves to a rock, thou to them as fireto ferne. Phi∣losophers and Generals shall fetch their Authorities and Stratagems from thee, then Oracle of wit and warre; every day shall present thee with a new Palme; to thy honour Games shall be invented which shall thrust the Pythia and Olympiads out of esteeme: every champion field and plaine shall stand thick with Pillars, and cloud-high Pyramids, Temples, Statues, and Agulieos erect∣ed in memoriall of thy Trophies and Victories, which shall make thy terrible name Rivall with time, for the victory of perpetuity.

Now retreated Tritonia, leaving Pa∣ris building castles in the aire, and e∣recting Trophies in his thoughts, when faire Aphrodite approached

with a world of winning majesty in her looks; and as the Elixar turneth all things into gold, so the Sunny beames of this illustrious Deities eyes, (whose every motion shot ten thousand Cupids into the hot Phrygi∣ans soule) reflecting upon his, soon affected him with her passion, and made him ready to prostrate (with∣out further cunctation) the Ball, with his glowing heart, at her feet. First she slipt downe her loose flower-em∣broydered mantle, and inriched his gullon eyes with the wealth of her lovely breasts, those nectar running fountaines, as farre excelling those two Pallaces of pleasure which Iuno even now promised, as they did the humble colleges that were the mothers of the Capitoll; and before she opened the cherry of her lips, she emparadised him with a winning smile, such a one as if hell afforded the like, who would not post thither, esteeming the sul∣phurous flames coole, in comparison

of his desire of the fruition of such lovelinesse?

Having pleaded with his eye with such silent (though flexanimous) Ora∣tory; she next charmed his eare, the other principall sense of inquisition, with such such like raptures,

Place not thy heaven (Noblest of hearts) in those things that have transformed earth to Hell, viz. Gold and Iron, I would have thy life (Deerest) more of kin to the Golden age, when no Viper cared to rip up the bowels of his mother Earth, or plunder her entrailes of her best concocted dust; when there needed no elaborate circumvallations, or Trenches, no Palizad••'s or art of Enginery, to keepe out hostile Troopes, but the unarmed people had for their defence a wall of inno∣cence and love,

It will better beseeme thy tongue to beare a part in some sweet oyly-melting ditties, highly pen'd, and

sung by a faire Queene in a summers bower, with ravishing division on her Lute, than to speake tearmes of mannage to a bounding steed.

That fresh and blooming cheek (sweet as Aprill, flourishing as Iune) was not made to be withered with night watchings, like an old Apple Iohn; nor were those blos∣somes of beauty bestow'd on thee to be weltred in a study, or nipt by te∣dious marches. It better becomes thy bud of youth, and the flowring spring time of thine Age, to spend the naked summer in the cooler shade, and the slower winter by the hearth.

Make me (Deere Wanton) mistris of that narrow sphere, and thou shalt alwaies move in one of delight, as spacious as desire.

On this pleasant rising ground ile plant a chequer'd Mirtle grove for thy divertisement, on each branch whereof shall pearch a plumed Cho∣rister,

and there shall Philomela (the harmelesse Syren of the woods) ply the nimble wing from tree to tree, teaching the groves to chant the Legends of her Loves, and the heaven she found in Tereus his strict embraces, to tast which once more, she shall wish as often as there are trees wagging to her song, to reas∣sume her pristine shape, that she might be ravished againe.

The pavement shall be enamel∣led wiih Violets that rol'd them∣selves in the cooling blood of my tender Adonis, and weare it still for a Livery. There shall the Dazies jet it in their double ruffes, and griev'd Clyte now an Heliotrope pursue her coy Titan whom I made once to follow coyer Daphne to as little purpose. There shall the Daffa∣diles poure all their teares out of their dewie cups; for ther's not a leafe shall be an Vmbrella for sorrow, but the pretty mixture of

Flora's treasury shall make the gau∣dy earth seeme another Glaxia, em∣bossed with Starres, which shall never know sun-burnt Autum of fro∣zen winter, but by Zephyrs flowry Brises shall be perfumed and ren∣dred as thy selfe flourishing.

Here the toyling Bee's (the Muses birds) shall make another Hybla, and every hollow tree shall present thee with the sweet sweat of their labour. This pallace of the spring will I wa∣ter with serpent Rivolets of Milke, and Nectar, (fragrant as my breath) which I will sluce into small win∣ding Cataracts, (as the veines in the body) to indent the ground, and moisten every part, and musically play with the blew pebles, as they wantonly glide by, and make thy sleep softer than it is.

Here shalt thou wash away the sweating of August in the flowing juice of the rocks, and bath in the spirits of Iuly flowers, Musk-Ro∣ses,

and blew veined Violets.

Hither will I send a wanton Bevie of sportive waggish Nymphs to at∣tend thee, and to gather for thee (as it was in the Saturnian times of yore) Wildings and Strawberries of the Wood (which shall wrinkle their cheeks with laughter, for joy to be thy messe) and to feast thy palate with delicious Honey, dropping from green Holy-Oakes, and with swee∣ter too distilling from their prettily swelling lips, which shall be balme to cure the deepe wounds of Love; balme sweeter than the dew that lies on Roses when the morning opens, and ushers in the day with dubious light. Here shalt thou see nothing not excellent, so among such equal∣ly eminent variety, thy observing eye shall not know of which to serve thine heart; this shall seeme mild∣ly majesticall, that of a sweet com∣plexion, this pleasantly entertaine, that charmingly allure; here shall

stand a proper Girle, there strut a goodly ambling Nymph, the next a gay Brownetta, as if Iupiter had hi∣ther brought his thefts; among these, might wandring Cadmus have sought his missed sister, and Ceres her Proserpine, every of their looks shall be as attractive as the Thracian Lyre, and lead all thy senses captive after them.

I'le weave the tops of foure come∣ly Sycamores and Mulberies (the wisest of trees) that mourne in the blouds of Pyramus and Thisbe, (ha∣ving friendly Vines lovingly clas∣ping about their Barkes) into a re∣tiring roome; the dropping Wood∣bine and odorous Suckling, with the Roses of both hewes, shall be the Arras to line this bower with∣in.

Under this shady canopy shalt thou repose, upon a green couch embroybered with Hyacinths and Crowtoes, and whereon my young

soft Paramore shall live in a pale anenomy; and there shall Crocus and Smilax (whereof the one might have fil'd Nectar in Ganimeds roome, the other have waited in Hebes stead) now changed into two pretty flow∣ers, embrace one another, and smell fragrant as of late did their de∣sires.

And now (young Dardanian) un∣lesse thou beest frosty spirited, un∣lesse Alecto's cold poyson fills thy veines, I'le melt thee into amorous thoughts, and speake charmes to all thy senses, and make thee all flame.

Make me thy friend and (God∣desse like) I sweare by the blacke Stygian fen, to throw into thine armes the onely perfect piece of na∣tures pencill, by it (scorning art) painted of such a colour, as is the Ivory of India, distained with ver∣million, or the snow of a Lilly mar∣ried to the scarlet of a Rose. A

matchlesse Paragon whose perfecti∣ons shall be many and yeares few. A beauty whom the best verses and pencils have extol'd, the faire argu∣ment on which all wits shall imploy their oratory; fresher and sweeter than a new blown Rose-bud, whiter and softer then a dying Swans down, or the down of a Thistle; nimble and sportive as a young Roe, wan∣ton as the wind, that curles her hair; faire as the morning, cleere as the noone, ruddy as the evening, sweet as the spring (the faire mother of flowers) ripe as Autum, better in all things than desire; one for whom Prometheus tempered better clay than ordinary, or (to say better) he composed her of soule stuffe; one for whom Clotho kept her best and finest wooll; one in whom the fates meant to shame all their former workes, and in her composition so exhausted their treasury, as ever since, such fragments of woman

as others are, be daily thrust into the world; one upon whose peere∣lesse face (so full of loves and Cu∣pids,) millions have waited for Almes; one to whom Princes and and wits have bent, and homaged, and whole squadrons of Lovers have besieged and sought to storme, with whole volleies of obedientiall oaths, and the hollow Granado's of comple∣ment. She that hath been the rack of thousand soules, the flame of thou∣sands hearts; (who would willingly have offered up themselves in their owne fires sacrifices to her) she shall not cost thee one sigh, or teare of despaire, but shall freely come to meet thy embraces, and shall eve∣ry day increase thy affection by new merits. Tell me for Loves sake, is it not more lovely to lie intwined in her foulding armes, like a Lilly im∣prisoned in a Jaile of snow, or Jvo∣ry in a band of Alablaster, than to sit muffled in furres like a bedrid Miser?

Let desperate persons endure the thunder of warre, and the haile-shot of oft redoubled stroakes; then shew a rent scarse stained with (per∣haps innocent) bloud, as a trophe, or a fragment of a torne banner; the meanest of her favours will make a goodlier show. How canst thou be meane, being Lord of her who is beauties Kingdome? or poor, en∣joying the wealth of her golden haire?

1 She shall be the feast of all thy senses; thou shalt see the Sun (the great Lynx of Heaven) divided in her eyes, lightning with such splen∣dor as put out the beholders, killing and reviving with frowns and smiles at pleasure; in short, thou shalt behold before thee the model of hea∣ven, and pride of earth.

2 Thou shalt smell in her breath a fragrancy that admits no compa∣rison with the Panthers breath ga∣thered in bags, and mixt with Cre∣tan

wines, or with the Eastern spi∣ces on the Phenix pile, when she her selfe is both the Priest and the Sacrifice.

3 Thy tast shall find in the swel∣ling Apples of her breast, the Kathe∣rine Peares on her cheekes, and the balme-bedewed Cherries of her lips, such sweets, with which the tongues of Nightingales, the heads of Parrats, the braines of Peacocks and Estriches, prepared (in saw∣ced dishes) by the cunningest cost-neglecting Cookes, are not worthy to be named the same day.

4 To thy touch shall ly open the warme snow and soft pollished Jvo∣ry of her body, which excels in soft∣nesse the ranging clouds, the Indian Cotton, or Cotshold Wool, in sleek∣nesse the smoothest cut Diamond, or Looking-glasse.

And thus (to the suspense of the listning Nightingales who grieving to heare a sweeter voice than their

owne, shall fall downe and die up∣on her Lute,) shall she (the Or∣pheus of the world) charme thine eare.

Song.

1.

From th'early Dawne, till Sol retires, On beds of violets wee'l lie toying. Wee'l quench, then kissing, fan loves fires: Happy blisse, ther's none to this, A Lovers heaven is injoying.

2.

Cockles our Lips shall teach to cleave, (whilest no Argus eye controules,) Our spirits out at our mouths we'l breath, Mine into thee, thine into me, So in each kisse wee'l exchange soules.

3.

Wee'l mix our selves till our blouds turn Elixar, which the Fates shall mould To moddels of us, they shall burne With desires, hot as our fires, Whilst we in eithers armes grow old.

Nay most of all, she shall be sprung of the seed of the Gods, and what an honour is it to call Iove Fa∣ther in law!

Wouldst have thy Nymph des∣cribed? I might borrow heavens milkie way to paint out her forehead by, I might call it a plaine of Lil∣lies, or a shrine of snow whither multitudes have come Pilgrima∣ges.

I might compare her eyes to those of night, or rather that of noone, and call them Spheres of light, fla∣ming strongly and inkindling all o∣thers, but that were to dishonor them with the beggarlinesse of the similitude. Suppose her cheekes two faire gardens planted with the choicest flowers of Paradise, but the Lilly and the Rose are but obscure types, and shadowes of those deli∣cate tinctures laid on her blooming cheekes by Natures Pencil. Ima∣gine her neck a Towre of Alablaster,

her breasts hillocks of snow inlaid with Saphires, her mouth Musicks Temple, deckt with two railes of Pearle, her voice the chiming of the Spheres: But these are but faint Metaphors of her, to represent whom, words are too narrow, and freshest colours too dim.

Rather I wish that thy enfanched eyes were as sharpe as an Eagles, or Tiberius his whilest thou doest sur∣vey my forme, and if they spie any thing in me that may challenge their liking, be confident thou shalt en∣joy it in as high a perfection in that Beauties heaven, who shall every minute coine new artfull postures, and try the variety of my stealths, to make thy delight immortall; So that you shall be the happiest pair that fry under the Torrid Zone of Love, hourely in that Elizium quenching and renewing your heats, and letting your selves loose to the freedom of uncontrouled embraces.

If thou hast a fancy to invent arts and try conclusions, here shalt thou have fit opportunity to surpasse Ovid and Aretine, and become Pro∣fessor in THE CYPRIAN ACA∣DEMY.

If Armes and Duells comply with thy Humor, thou shalt never want action, the soule of Love, her paps like two Pomegranates rising up on either side with a gentle and tempting swelling, shall as they beat, give both a signall, and a chal∣lenge to the encounter. And when thou art foiled, and cast into a qual∣mie sound, one kisse shall infuse new spirits into thy panting limbes, and arm thee for a fresh charge; and thou shalt alwaies be above thy sweet foe (the ex••ract of delight) in these feates of Armes; these not destru∣ctive but productive warres, instead of killing the Champions shall pro∣duce new ones. Thus (Happy wan∣ton so loved of all the Starres) shall

pleasure become thine handmaid, and the crop of thy joyes be ripe as harvest in the Aprill of thy yeeres.

These airy blandishments and rap∣tures, made the hot Phrygian big with the desire of their accomplishment, and quite chased the glory of Crownes and Triumphant Charriots out of his head, and drown'd all their pleasures in the thoughts of the sweet fruition of his Queene of sport and Loveli∣nesse, who did already swimme in his fancy, his thoughts dwelt no where but on her, whom like another soule, he longed to enjoy. As Phaëton at the first did fearefully admire even the Pallace of Phaebus, but anon fearelesse adventure even the presence of Phae∣bus: So Paris who even now trembled at the Goddesses Port, was now bold enough to reject two of them; with∣out the least conflict in himself which to make his Patronesse, with a fix∣ed resolution, and a wandering eye,

he spake in such a Dialect.

A flowry chaplet subtly woven by the cunning hand of a Wood Nymph, is a sweeter and lighter wear than a Crowne, which causes the headach with its weight, and car∣ries a crosse on its top; and is com∣monly as deep and thick inlaid with troubles as Jemmes. The whole lives of Princes are like a Chesse∣boord, or their Ermynes, they have as many black spots as white, wher∣fore they shake hands with freedom (the splendor of life) that gape af∣ter such gilded toiles, which when they are possessed of, they had need borrow ambitious mens conceits to thinke themselves happy, the Gall is so predominant over the Honey.

I am heir to one Crown by birth, and Iove grant that Liberty and Pri∣viledge do not justle that off my head, which if they doe, I will scarse lift it thither againe; for Sove∣raigne Monarchs are like the celesti∣all

bodies, they have much venera∣tion, but no rest. It was the de∣sire of power that flung Angels out of Heaven, and the fever of know∣ledge that thrust man out of Para∣dise: wherefore neither do I de∣sire to be reared to that slippery height, whence a fall will dash me in pieces, like those wretched crea∣tures that are drawn higher the more to be strapado'd; nor doe I thirst to drink of the Horses spring, or drench my selfe in Castaly, I mean not to un∣dertake a Pilgrimage to Athens, an unwearied travell after wit, nor care I (like wormes) to feed upon old bookes, some whereof tell us that Pride precedes a fall; now whats a greater stirrup for pride than much knowledge? which to this day re∣taines in it somewhat of the Serpent (its first Atturney) wherfore when it enters into a man it makes him swell, Scientia inflat.

I'le never be Rivall to those can∣dle-wasters,

that alwaies stinke of Lamp oyle, in woing any coy Art but Musicke: for what serves your sleepy Astronomy but to enhance the price of Night caps, and furr'd Gownes, and to make men catch cold? I'le not tie mine eyes to the Starres as if I were made the Argus of the Heavens, to watch the wan∣dring planets motions, none of which I'le ever trace but Venus. If you will needs have me taken with Arts, I like better the art of giving than taking of lives. I desire not to warme me by that fire struck in the Devils tinderbox, War alias Woe, that common wrack of common-weales. Let my brother Hector decke his pride with scarres, and make fine lame showes of his wounds, in hope rotten Fame wil make him the bur∣then of her song; for my part I de∣sire not to see the inside of Ianus his temple; but may Turtle footed peace ever dance Fairy rings in my Land.

I love not blacke and blew prow∣esse, nor is it musicke to mine eare to heare bones rattle with magnani∣mity. Fortitude is a vertue of the Iron Age, and a goodly vertue sure which even drunkennesse can in∣duce? Shall I learne of the Gyants (that God contemning race) to af∣fect thrones, and so become a mark for Ioves Thunderbolts? or of Cad∣mus his harvest of men to love figh∣ting, and so water the earth with my bloud in recompence for bearing me? No, with Regality dwels cares, with arts unrest, with armes danger; but Love is the true embleme of Heaven, or rather Heaven upon Earth, for Heaven is more the joy than the place. Love is made up of the Elixar of delights; shall I then invite feare for my Comrade, and Trouble for my bedfellow? and re∣ject that excellently excellent Nymph, so faire, so gentle, so good, so shap'd, so quallified? no Deare

arme-full of Roses and Lillies, thy embrace shall be my ambition, thy armes my court, thy breast my field, thy bed my tent, thy eyes my books; And you faire Cypria my Patronesse, to whom as to the worthiest I ad∣judge the Golden Orbe, which with my better service, (rare Summary of beauty, therefore of desert) may it please your Deity to accept.

This disposall made the two reject∣ed Goddesses his inexorable adversa∣ries, and most Philomathies and Martialists his criticall censurers, he is onely cry'd up for a Minos of good judgement among Amorists and Beau∣ties, one out of which number (between whom and her that bore away the Gol∣den prize there is no difference but a Mole and a Name) one (who had she been in the number of the competi∣tors the Apple must have been divi∣ded between Erycina and her) whose least command is more obligatory with me than an act of Parliament,

have enjoyned me to Apologize for him, and to say somewhat in applause of his preferring before the rest the faire Paphyan Queene, whom I im∣plore to be President at the rites, and to inspire me whilst I plead hers and her Judges cause; and I wish that to delineate her deserts and omni∣potence, I had a quill snatcht from the wing of her amifying Sonne, and dipt in the Nectar of her own Milk.

But I will not make Minda's large gates to my little City, nor dwell long upon a Proem, for to make too much preamble is tedious, and to make none at all, but blunt.

To unpassioned men, this Trojans judgement will not appeare like that of Aesops Cocke, that prefer'd the Barly kernell before the Jewell; or of Vlysses Qui vetulam praetulit immor∣talitati; or of Mydas, who being elected Judge between Apollo President of the Muses, and Pan Captaine of the sheepish Squadrons, judg'd for plen∣ty;

or of the Asse in the fable, who prefer'd the Cucko's note before the Nightingales; but of a nobler, and more reasonable nature, as will con∣cisely appeare by these few animadver∣sions.

First, in respect of himselfe, com∣mon policy prompted this Prince to this disposall, for he being made Umpire between three Deities wher∣of he must make one his friend, and two his enemies, it was his wisdome to winne favour with the most Potent, which was indubitably Venus, if wee may take an estimate of power from the extent of dominions, and large∣nesse of command and conquest; all which are so cleerely Cypria's as they leave no place for opposition, or ob∣jection. Its true Iuno commands the World, but Venus monarchizes in the most unlimited manner of soveraignty over millions of worlds, if it will passe for sterling that every man is a Microcosme; and though some sonnes

of Earth are so inthrall'd to sense as Sa∣turnia swaies in some of these lesser worlds too, yet many are so refined from earth and ignorance, as they acknow∣ledge no alleagance unto her, but he that submits not to the scepter of the Pa∣phian Queene is a Rebell against nature, and but the shadow of a man; but such stubborne ones are as rare as a horse in the streets of Venice, or a beggar in Holland. Petronius indeed once blas∣phemed and wrote Satyrs against our Goddesse, but he soone sung a Palino∣dia, and spent his last breath in chan∣ting of amorous Odes.

This is that powerfull Planet that makes not onely rationall but irratio∣nall, not onely the animate, but in∣animate creatures, and vegetables feel her influxious power. So that she commands the three soules that ani∣mate the world, the vegetative, the sen∣sitive, and the rationall, one whereof is infused into Plants, two into Beasts, all into Men. No creature (as Saint

Hierome concludes) is to be found Quod non aliquid amat, no stock or stone that hath not some feeling of Love.

Even Flowers and Plants feele her influence, the faire Primrose (the first borne of the spring) if forsaken of the masculine flower, droopes and withers disconsolate, as if she kept her beauty onely for him. The Helio∣trope was inamoured of Golden∣hair'd Titan, and still at his presence unmaskes (as if he came to court her) and converts towards him; the Vine, the Elme, the Cabbage and the Olive dote upon and manacle one another in their armes; the Olive and the Mirtle intwine their roots and branches if they grow neer.

Palme trees are of both sexes, and expresse not a sympathy, but a Love passion.

Vivunt in Venerem frondes, omnisque vi∣cissim, Felix arbor amat, nutant ad mutua Pal∣mae

Faedera, Populeo suspirat Populus ictu, Et Platano Platanus, Alnoque assibilat Alnus.

Leaves sing their Loves, Each comple∣mentall tree In courtship bowes, the amourous Palmes wee see Confirme their leagues with nods, Pop∣lars inchaine Their armes, the Plane infettereth the Plane.

Florentius tells us of a Palme that loved most fervently, and would not be comforted untill her Love applied it selfe unto her, you might see the two trees bend, and of their owne ac∣cord stretch out their boughs to em∣brace, and kisse each other. They marry one another, and when the wind brings the smell to them they are mar∣velously affected: they will be sicke for love, ready to die and Pine away, which the Husbandman perceiving, strokes those Palmes that grow toge∣together,

and so stroaking again the Palme that is inamoured, they carry kisses from the one to the other, or weaving their Leaves or Boughes into a Love-net, they will prosper and flourish with a greater braverie. But the greatest Triumph of Love in these kind of Vegetalls was in the two Italian Palmes, the Male growing at Brundu∣sium, the Female at Otranto, which con∣tinued Barren, till they saw another (growing up higher) though many Stadiums asunder.

Dionea is that Omnipotent Power that puts motion into a Stone, and strikes fire from Ice, and makes cold water sensible of her heat: this is shee that made the amorous Brook Alpeus pursue the coy and flying River Are∣thusa, from the Stymphalin Woods, (piercing earths hidden Bowells) through cold Emyranthus and Ellis, till they ran both in one Channell, and mingled Waves.

Flumina senserunt ipsa quid esset amor.

Triumphant Love hath made cold wa∣ter fire, And give and take the flame of warme Desire.

The nimble Birds are overtaken by Cupids nimbler wings, and annually e∣lect their Valentines. What a perfect Harmonia of affection is there between the Turtle and his deare mate? whose continuall billing shames Diana, and her Icy-fouled traine. What a zea∣lous adorer of our Goddesse is the wanton Sparrow, who empties him∣selfe of all his Radicall moysture in her Rites, and at three yeares end, (when that Columne of life fails him) offers up his dry bones a Sacrifice to her. The Eagle of Sestos, and Peacocke of Leucadia were both betrayed to the Love of Virgins, and having zealously served them here, followed them to

Elizium, as that wonder of a Dog did his Master Sabinus. Aristotle will have birds to sing ob futuram Venerem, for joy and hope of their stealthes to come.

The Idalian Archer makes the In∣habitants of the flouds his Bulls too, and pierces the Armour of their glit∣tering scales; he placed among his Tro∣phies the sluggish Whales, the Triton of Epirus, the crook-backt Dolphin that was inamored of Hernias, and him (at Puteoli) that loved a childe and would carry him upon his backe as the Lord of his Affections, and after dyed for losse of him. Pisces ob amo∣rem marcescunt, pallescunt, &c. Fishes pine away for love, and wax leane, if Gomesius Authority may be taken, and are Rampant too, some of them. Venus takes Diana's worke out of her hands, and wounds and intangles in her toyles the four-footed Citizens of the Forrest. Furor est insignis equarum. How insa∣tiable

is the Leacherous Goat? The Cowes runne and lough in the Val∣ley, and the fiercer beasts make the trees quiver and be all Aspin, at their roaring not for their Prey, but absent Loves; Cupid is as familiar with Lions as Children with Cosset Lambes, and often-times gets on their backs, hol∣ding them by the Maines, and riding them about like Horses, whilst they fawne upon him with their tailes.

Omne adeò Genus in terris hominumque ferarum, Et genus aequoreum, pecudes, pictaeque vo∣lucres In furias ignemque ruunt, amor omnibus idem.

All kinde of Creatures in the earth, beasts grim, And men, and fish with golden gills that swim, And painted birds alike to rage doe flie, Thus Love beares equall sway, in Earth, Sea, Skie.

Lest any thing should escape her, she catched that nimble wonder of volacity, the Winde its selfe Boreas, he that in his rage tosses the blew Bil∣lowes, curling their monstrous heads, and teares up knotty Oakes, and makes the massie Ball to stagger (like a drunken man) when he flies through her hollow entrailes and crannies, she made this Fury turne all mildnesse, and convert himselfe into gentle brie∣ses, to fanne Orythia's rosie faire haire, whom being denyed he bore away in a blast.

The Spirits of the Aire, and De∣vills of Hell are subject to Love, else what meane the Stories of Incubus and Succubus, of Nymphs, Faunes, Satyres, Faires, and those lascivious Telchines, about whom the Platonists spent so many Pen-ploughed Reams of Paper?

Excellently said that well-worded Noble Italian, Baptista Guarini, in his Matchlesse Pastorall, Il Pastor

fido, upon this Theame:

—Look round about, Examine the whole Universe throughout, All that is faire or good, here or above, Or is a Lover, or the work of Love. Th' all-seeing Heaven, the fruitfull Earth's a Lover, The Sea with Love is ready to boyle over.

Pallas has but few Subjects, and these adore Venus too; nay, shee her selfe may be call'd (without Solaecisme) Ve∣nus her hand-maid, for Valour is a Page to Love, not Love to Valour; for none in that Valiant are taken with this Love, but once wounded with Love, they become so, and un∣dantedly undergoe all perrills for the beloved.

Improbe amor quid non mortalia pectora cogis.

Tyrant Love, what canst not thou Compell poore mortall men do doe?

The valiantest Field-men have been no Niggards of their bloud in Loves quarrell, which sharpens their Swords aswell as their Spirits. What made Persius combate that immense Prodi∣gie of Nature and the deep, Medusa, that drove the broad-spread waves be∣fore his mighty breast, but the Love of Andromede? and having loosed her from her Gyves, (farre unworthy of so faire a Prisoner) and changed them for Hymens sweeter Bands, What made Phineus rashly turne the Nupti∣all Feast into a Sanguinary Fray, and make the clashing of bruised Armour and groanes of his dying friends his Epithalamion Notes, but the Love he bore to the same illustrious Lady?

Arithmetick wants Numbers to reckon the Tilts and Turnaments, the Combates, Wounds, and Deaths, that such quarrells have caused, whilst the brave Aspects of lovely Dames did Tantara to the fight, and their favours wag in sight.

It's no newes to heare that Erycina takes Victory its selfe Prisoner, and makes the Victor Captive to his Cap∣tive, as she did the redoubted Amphia∣lus to the divinely divine Philoclea, Iu∣piter to Calisto, & Hercules (the scourge of Monsters) to faire Omphale; to comply with whose humour, hee left off his Lions spoile, to weare (Sar∣danapalus-like) womens soft Robes, and with those hands with which he drew bloud, hee drew the slender thread, (which trembled to bee spun by such terrible fingers) and held a feeble Di∣staffe with that arme which used to beare the knotty Club, and thresh Ty∣rant Champions like a bunch of Hempe, or a Stock-fish. These were his Interludes between his Acts, and when his Ribs were well beaten, and grew crasie, then would he retreat in∣to her Lap (the Bay of sweet Delight) as into Loves Port, to be new built for further engagement.

Cupid has made the whole body of Philosophy and Divinity too, to trem∣ble at the twang of his bow, the grea∣test Masters of Wit and Reason have coveted no higher subject to heighten their Fancies than great Loves Supre∣macy, and the Encomiums of some Beauty. How did sweet-tongu'd Pe∣trarch trudge up and down after Laura? How was Loves great Master Ovid e∣namoured of bright Iulia, (the Iewell of his soule) and Celebrated her ex∣cellencies and their stealths under the maske of Corinna? Did not Cytheris possesse Cornelius Gallus his soule, and Plautia Tibullus his? Did not smooth Propertius place his heaven in Cynthia's Love, who being ravished from him by injurious Atropos in the heat and hight of their best dayes, how did it cracke his Sinewes, shrinke his Veines, and make his very heart-strings jarre, and so enthrall'd him to Melancholy Don Saturne, as hee lockt himselfe up in her

Tombe, who alive served in stead of a tenth Muse unto him: of which witti∣ly the Epagrammatist:

Cynthia te vatem fecit Lascive Properti, Ingenium Galli Pulchra Lycoris babet, Famaest Arguti Nemesis formosa Tibulli, Lesbia dictavit docte Catulle tibi. Non me Pelignus, nec speruit Mantua vatem, Si qua Corinna mihi, si quis Alexis erit.

Wanton Propertius, and witty Gallus, Learned Catullus, and subtile Tibullus, To Cynthia, Lychoris, Lesbie, And Nemesis you owe your Poetry: Naso, nor Maro should not call me bad, If I a Corinna, or Alexis had.

Mercury, (whose Caduceus is said to asswage the rage of the Sea, in that contentions are appeased by the flexanimous power of Eloquence, and discreet Negotiation of Embassadors) he who was said to steale Apollo's Ar∣row out of Quiver, Vulcans Tools out of his shop, and Iupiters Scepter,

(shewing the bewitching force of his facundity) was not hee Love-strucke when hee saw Herse bearing to Trito∣nia's fane her Sacrifice, in a crowned Basket, upon her shining haire? and how did hee bend his wits to sollicite her sister Aglauros to procure him ac∣cesse?

Nay, Apollo himselfe, the Inventer of Poesie, Musick, and Physick, ela∣ted for his Victory over the ugly Py∣thon, found Cupids Shaft the most pre∣valent, when he pursued the over-much loved, but over-much hating Daph∣ne, over the uncouth Rocks, craggie Clifts, and untrod Mazes of the Woods.

Againe, the Celestiall heat was in∣flamed by a Terrestriall, and he who u∣sed to look indifferently upon all, cared to see none but Leucöe, for whom his looks waxed so pale, a colour su∣table to his griefe. Afterwards being banished heaven for a year, for slaying

the Cyclops that made the Lightning that slew his Sonne Phaëton, he turn∣ed Herds-man, and kept the cattell of Aametus King of Thessaly, for the love he bore to his faire Daughter.

Afterwards he assumed those Weeds againe, to enjoy Issa, Daughter of Ma∣carius Prince of Lesbos, so unmajesti∣call is Majesty where Love hath a foo∣ting. This is that ancient passion that vies Antiquity with any time, as Phae∣drus contends, and was (according to Hesiod) begot by Terra and Chaos, be∣fore the gods were borne.

Ante Deos omnes primum generavit amorem.

Love is the elder Sister of the gods, Or Mother that gave them beings, & abodes.

Cupid is more than quarter Master among the gods; Thetide aequor, Vmbras Aeaco, Coelum Iove, &c. For proofe of this Antiquity of Loves Suprema∣cy, History tells us that this Fire

(which some think to be that that Pro∣meth••us fetcht downe from heaven) burnt so hot in old Saturne, (the Fa∣ther of the gods) as it made him wil∣ling to goe out of himselfe, and become a horse to beget Chiron the Centaure on Philira, and ever since it hath ruled the three Provinces, (with their Rulers) that his Dominions were divided into, viz. Hell, Sea, and Heaven; excellent∣ly expressed by that Poet Laureat (to whose Name, Wit and Art must bow, and are justified only by honouring it) in his Hue and Cry after Cupid in his Marriage Maske.

At his sight the Sunne hath turn'd, Neptune in the Waters burn'd, Hell hath found a greater heat; Iove himselfe forsook his Seat. From the Center to the Skie, Are his Trophies reared high.

So that it was no Heresie in Orpheus to

make a petty Pope of him, and give him the Keyes of heaven and hell, Cla∣ves habet superorum & inferorum. Nor was his Herald Ovid out of the Sto∣ry, when he thus blazed his Stile;

Regnat & in superos jus habet ille Deos.

Love commanded Pitchy Pluto (that holds the inferior Province of the tri∣parted world) to ravish Proserpina, from the sedgy Banks of Pergusa Lake. Love made the green Glassie god of Waves to bow his Trident to her Scepter.

In mare nimirum jus habet orta mari.

Shee that from the Ocean sprung, Hath right to rule the Waves among.

This watry Proteus became for Arne a Bull, for Ephimedia the turbulent Ri∣ver Enipus, for Bisalpida a Ramme, for Ceres and Medusa a Horse, for Melanthe a Dolphin, &c.

And lest Heaven should remaine freer than Earth, Sea, and Hell, Love struck great Iupiter, the scatterer of three-forked lightning, with the li∣kings of Io, Semele, Latone, Alcuma, &c. And made him Metamorphose himselfe for Europa into a Bull, (and put himself to graze that he might lick her hands who fed him with flowers) for Danae into a storme of Gold, in which shape he stormed Acrisius his Tower, (and here he made Iuno, Gold, serve Venus, Love,) for Astrea into an Eagle, for Leda into a Swan, for An∣tiope into a Satyr, for Aegina into a Flame, for Mnemosyne into a Shep∣heard, for Dois into a Serpent, for Calisto into a Wood-Nymph or Nun, so much hee esteemed his pleasure a∣bove his state: So as Lucians Iuno call'd him Ludus amoris, Cupids Whir∣legig.

I need not here insert how Bacchus became a Grape for Erigone, or remem∣ber

the rest of the Gods stealths; it's sufficient to prove Aphrodite the po∣tentest of them all, in that all vaile to her and her sonne, she to none. Wise∣ly therefore did Paris to dispose of the Ball, so as hee made the Ruler of the triple world his friend with it.

Secondly, I applaud his judging for the Sea-born Queen, when I consider the quality of the gifts that the three goddesses were Mistresses of. The one could lade his head with Starry Crownes, the Badges of the gods, and ambition of men: but why should his great mind stoop to that Lure which even a Cynick could disdaine? Did not Diogenes preferre his Tub before the Luculent Throne of Alexander the Great, the whole worlds terror? which proud humility so pleased that migh∣ty Hero, as hee thought that carelesse Snails condition better than all mens, but his owne, wherefore he broke out into such expressions, I could wish to

be Diogenes rf I were not Alexander; but he and they that stand upon the pinacles of State, need not boast their slippery height, but remember they walke not upon a Helix that still enlar∣geth, but upon Fortunes wheele, where∣of having reached the top they must descend to the lower spokes, as did Da∣rius the Potent, Osman the Proud, (whom a Ianizarie dispatched) Beliza∣rius the valiant, Crasus the rich, Priamu•• the faire, Nero the cruell, Seianus the haughty, cum multis aliis quae nunc, &c. More wretched in the evening of their lives than Irus, for miserum est fuisse fe∣licem, Had I wist is an idle speech. Whether doe these Crowns and Scep∣ters the worlds magnalia, but indeed the bals and rackets of Fortune, hurri•• men? through how many restlesse nights and lesse restfull thoughts doe they chase these sweet bitter joyes? as the more we grasp the theevish sands, the faster they steale through our fin∣gers:

so is content the farther from them the more they seeke it in the fa∣ding glories of the world, which like an Ignis fatuus first lead them through wild untrodden paths, then by vast ai∣ery thoughts to that Precipice, whence they fall and are torne like Absyrtus.

Iuno could also have made him Ma∣ster of inexhaustible mines of gold, the soul of the world, the price of lives and Lawes, the Terminus ad quem, to which most actions are byased: but why should a Prince make that his Ru∣ler which Plato banisheth from his Common-wealth, as the mother and nurse of vice, and an envious spirit exciting to sacriledge and murder? This was too poore a bait to take No∣bilitie, which was sleighted even by the Shepheards of Arcadia, a happy peo∣ple, wanting little, because they desired not much. But this meanes Paris kept himselfe from the fever of avarice, for such is the sacred hunger of gold, that

who so enjoyes most of it, seeks (Vol∣pone like) by sordid penury to accumu∣late more. But is it not the height of folly to live poore all a mans life, to die rich?

The other Goddesse could have dec∣ked his head with ever springing bayes, and fill'd his hand with triumphant Palme, the price of bloud and sweat. I confesse it was some unhappinesse that he looked upon these with so tran∣sient, and carelesse an eye: eye said I? had it been in the power of his Opticks to have reached such objects, as Prow∣esse (the metall) and Knowledge (the varnish of a man,) it would have remo∣ved all hesitations and scruples from him, and made him have devoted him∣selfe to the Lady of such treasure, and Lovelinesse:

Non per Deos, aut Pictor posset, Aut Statuarius ullus fingere, Talem pulchritudinem, qualē Pallas habet.

Nor Gods, nor rare Vandicke, nor Raphael brave, Nor nice Pyrgoteles, that in Pearles did grave, Can feigne such Beauty as Arts & Prowesse have.

But how could he be taken with this amability since it was not visible? since Aristotle (Natures great Secretary) affirmes, Nemo amore capitur, nisi qui fuerit ante forma specié{que} delectatus, no man loves but he who was first deligh∣ted with the comlinesse and formositie of the object?

The true Idea of valour and wise∣dom Paris could hardly forme in his mind, but he might easily throng his head with thoughts of tedious mar∣ches, dangerfull attempts, sleep-break∣ings, night-watchings, mortall wounds, and thousand other Gorgons heads that sense held out to deterre him; so that who could imagine he should aspire

to that as a reward, of the perill and trouble whereof he had a full prospect, and but an eclipsed glimpse of the glo∣ry? He saw but the thornes that hid the Roses, and even this glimpse was much clouded by the refulgence of the third Deity, the beames of whose eyes (those twinnes of light) so dazzled his, as he could looke at no other object, so fares it with a man that forces his eyes against the Sun. The eye and the eare be the Cardinall senses of inquisition; and though the eare is the conduit-pipe of Faith, which (as sacred Rolls report) comes by hearing, yet certaine it is that the eye takes in the perfecter no∣tions, and presents the truest Idea's to the mind, and that one ocular witnesse is worth ten auricular.

Suppose a couple of Apples were profered to a child, the one as faire as any in Sun-burnt Autumns store, as beautuous as that which tempted Eve, but of no extraordinary operation, the

other but of an indifferent rind, and somewhat withered with lying, but re∣storative, and of an excellent vertue, would any one blame the child (seeing he cannot see the intrinsique worth of the other) for chusing that which gave a pleasant taste to the eye, before it was seized by the teeth? No more cause have we to chide with Paris for reje∣cting of Pallas for Venus, since he could not discerne the worth and beauty of the one, (it being hid in the secret Ca∣binet of her soule) but might of the other, since his eyes were full Masters of the rare object of her exquisite Phisnomy, and divine feature, with which sweet looks she caught all her beholders by the eye-lids; and being so rarely faire, he might well thinke her as rarely vertuous, for vultus index ani∣mi, the frame and composition of the mind doth follow the frame and com∣position of the body: so where the bo∣dies furniture is beauty, the minds

must needs be vertue, grace and beauty are so wonderfully annexed, so sweetly and gently allure our soules, that they confound our judgment, and cannot be distinguished, which made the ancient Poets put the three Graces still in Venus company, as attending upon her, and holding up her traine.

Neither is the reward that Venus could have bestowed on Paris to be set in the reere, but deserves to be ranked in the first file of desert; and if we con∣sider Paris as Paris, and not as a Prince, hers of all the rest was most necessary for him, she could restore his rib to his side, which who so misseth, wants halfe of himselfe.

His fortune might play her selfe, and suffer one that had more yron than he, to take away all his gold, for fortune is like April in raine, or the Moone in the last Quarter, it will soone change; but Venus could throw into his armes a friend without change, a Play-fellow

without strife, that after his thoughts had kept full Terme, and been drowned in the deep Idea's of State, could have brought him cheerfull and vacant in∣tervalls, and proved the best Heleborum against Melancholy. Did he desire to extend his life beyond his life, and make the Ages to come his owne? she in requitall of his Princely embraces, could yeeld him reall fruits of his love, little living Pictures of himselfe, that should alwayes carry him about them, and transmit him to posterity, they to eternity. Thus might he swallow time its selfe, and outlive himselfe.

Euen Iuno afterwards thought this the most prevalent Argument, and therefore the chiefe motive she used to Aeolus to let loose his destructive breath upon Aeneas, and his fragments of Troy, as he was transporting of Ilium over the angry Sea to Italy, was, that she would give him Deïopeia for a Sa∣lary.

Incute vim ventis, submersas{que} obrue puppes, Aut age diversas, & disjice corpora ponto. Sunt mihi bis septem praestanti corpore Nym∣phae, Quarum, quae forma pulcherrima, Deïopeiam Connnbio jungam stabili, propriám{que} dicabo: Omnes ut tecum meritis pro talibas annos Exigat, & pulchra faciat te prole parentem.

Lend crosse winds strength to make the ca∣pring brine To kisse the Moon, and swallow every Pine; A beavie of twice seven faire Nymphs are mine: Bright Deïopeia, that the rest outshine As far as they doe others, shall be thine; And her to thee with Nuptiall bands I'le twine; She for such merits shall spend all years with thee, And make thee Sire of a faire Progenie.

And its more than probable that Iuno would have used this Argument to Paris, but that she knew she should have been outbidden by the Queen and Mo∣nopolist

of Beauty.

Thirdly, I cannot but subscribe to Paris his sentence, when I ruminate upon the penalties that either of the Deities could inflict upon him for re∣jecting of them.

Iuno could damme up the rich streams of yellow Tagus (whose foame is Amber, and gravell Gold) from run∣ning into his coffers, but no matter, for how could he know want that enjoyed Ioves daughters fair hair? and the fresh∣est Corall (alas too meane a word) the rubies of her Lips, and her Sunny eyes (the staine of Diamonds) the two cen∣ters of beauty, wherein all the lines of Love met? In tota rerum Natura, nihil forma divinius, nihil augustius, nihil pre∣tiosus, saith Isocrates, In all Natures treasure there is nothing so divine and sacred, nothing so precious and Maje∣sticall as Beauty, its Natures Crowne, Gold, and Glory; bonum si non summum de summis tamen non infrequenter trium∣phans.

Minerva might make her My∣steries of Philosophy strangers to him, and unlock her secrets to more quick∣silver'd spirits, who yet were below his envy; for how many Princes break their sleep with the Qui••iti•• of Ens, or poring upon Aristotles intricate que∣stions in the realitie of Numerus? And yet their governments miscarry not, they having the most refined wits, and mature judgements to be their Parti∣cipes curarum, and band opinions with them for the safety of their Monar∣chies. As for her other gift, Conquest, he desired rather (like a good Patriot) to have his Land deckt with Peace, and the child of Peace, good husbandry, than watred with his enemies bloud, or glutted with their fat, knowing that the shining title of a Conquerour did indeed little help to the happinesse of life. But what if he had been strong as Hercules, valiant as Hector, could his force have ransomed Troy from ruine?

or nnderpropt the proud Palaces of Priamus? No, said his excellent Bro∣ther that dyed laden with so many tro∣phies of Honour:

—Si Pergama dextra Defendi possunt, etiam hac defensa fuissent.

If any Hand could have defended Troy, This hand had stav'd off her annoy.

Few Columnes are gilded with the Memorials of any victory obtained only by the Generals single Valour.

But Venus that had his heart in her hand could have made the torrent of his affections run in what channel she plea∣sed, and doted upon some deformed Mopsa, some rotten trunke and rusty face, the spoile of Age and triumph of uglinesse, whom (when the scales were fallen from his eyes) he should have discovered to have been a Beldame foule as the beast that suckled him, then would her harsh haire (which once he

thought finer than flax) appeare near allyed to Foxes Furre, her complexion Cousin germane to the swart Indian, or tawney Moore; her breath (which once he thought fragrant as the West wind) should then smell like an Obolet able to blast a flower, and her whole com∣position prove the torment of his eyes, and this plague he could no way fly:

Quo fugis ah demens, nulla est fuga, tu licet us{que} Ad Tanaim fugias, us{que} sequetur amor.

Ho whither Lover? no flight is left for you, Clime heaven, sound hell, stil will your flame pursue.

Or Venus in revenge might have trans∣fixt his heart with a golden shaft, his Mistresses with a leaden one, to make her hate; her that might have carried life in her looks, death in her mouth, Iune in her eyes, Ianuary in her heart, and what a torment this would have

proved, let the pale cheeks of Apollo and Petrarch testifie.

4. Another reason that induceth me to stand to his award, is, because he judged for the most innocent and blamelesse of the competitors, her whose life was not stained with so ma∣ny spots as the others. Iuno had a black soule in her not faire body. No visor can maske her cruelty to Pious Aeneas, and his weather-beaten Navy (which the high hand of Providence had pluckt (as firebrands) out of Troyes flames) and to poore Io, whom her an∣ger transformed to a heifer, and com∣mitted to so rigorous a Guardian as boorish Argus, who bound her yvory necke with an unworthy halter, and fed her with bitter sallads, (who deserved Ambrosia) and watred her at the brook (which when she went to tast, she oft ran back, as afraid of her owne face) who merited Nectar, and allowed her the earth only (not alwayes green) for

her bed, once not unworthy of the thunderer himselfe. No lesse cruell was Iuno to the divine Nonacrine Calisto (who once inflamed her old Letcher) in lading her whileome lovely skin with horrid rough haire, and conver∣ting her limber fingers (once compacts of warme snow and soft yvory) into ugly Pawes, and making that mouth to grin (so that she was afraid of her owne voice) which was erst so praised of Iove.

None will excuse her malice against Semele, whom she sought by unworthy covert treachery to destroy, metamor∣phising her selfe into her old Beldame Nurse Beroe of Epidaure. No hate so deadly and certaine, as that which is masked under the visor of love; for that like thunder hits before it speaks:

Tuta frequens{que} via est per amici fallere no∣men, Tuta frequens{que} licet sit via, crimen habet.

T'maske fraud with Love hath safe & com∣mon been, Though a safe & common way, yet is't a sin.

See her spight, who contending in a wanton quarrell with Iove which Sex had most pleasure in the act of Venery, he saying the Female, she the Mascu∣line, Tiresias (who had twice changed his Sex) being elected Umpire, confir∣med Ioves words, and affirmed that in coiture men had but three ounces of the vigour of Love, women nine; for which her deadly hate deprived him of both his eyes.

With what fury did she agitate the subversion of the house of Cadmus? did not she too excite the Furies to the ruine of Athamas and Ino, (for no other cause than for their pitty and piety in fostring their Nephew Bacchus, whose mother Semele her rage had already tragedized) descend by the horrid shades of deadly Eve, to Dis his dire

Palace, and there commanded, promi∣sed, and intreated all in one breath, and at last incensed Tisiphone to prepare for them bruised Hemlocke, the spurgings of dead mens eyes, mad doggs foame, Frogs bloud, the juice of Mandrakes, Adders eares, horned Poppey, Cy∣presse boughs, Basilisks bloud, Infants fat, Scritchowles eggs, blacke Cats brain, Henbane, Nightshade, &c? with these and more such poisonous drugs, she so infuriated them, as the father Athamas dasht out the braines of his owne sonne Clearchus, and the mother Ino, (having snakes hissing about her head) precipitated her selfe, with her other child Malacertes, from a rock into the Ionian Sea; then Iuno (like an enemy to the humane race) turned all the fleshy hearted Theban Ladies that pi∣tied them into Cadmean Fowles, or Sta∣tues and Monuments of her revenge and envy.

I need not remember her turning

of Hemus a King, and Rhodope a Queen, into Thracian Mountaines; the Pigmean Matron Gerannica into a Crane (who now bids battell to her owne subjects) Antigone the faire daughter of Laome∣don into a Storke, who still claps her wings to her owne Plaudite. Certaine it is that none was more cruell, mali∣cious, or jealous than she, none more revengefull in her jealousie, insomuch as she could not forbeare the Dedalian Statue, which angry Iove threatned to marry, but upon the reconciliation caused it to feed its owne destruction, fire.

Nor was Pallas altogether immacu∣late, the pride of her haughty spirit would not let her acknowledge any equall, no not in the common Art of spinning, no not Arachne her selfe, Arachne that made the pretty Nymphs of Tmolus often forsake their Vines, and the sleek Pactolian Nymphs their prat∣ling streames, to looke upon her rare

warps, but her her cruelty made a contemptible Spider, who still intan∣gles Art (like flies) in her cunning Network, which the subtilest hand is too grosse to imitate.

This Goddesse also gave somewhat too much way to Anger and fury when she sent a fury to torture poore Aglau∣ros (one of the Cycropides) only for being a little long tongu'd, like the tyrannous Fairy that entailes the sides of Tell-tales to the print of her nailes.

But some grave streight-laced Ma∣tron (who is constant to one, because her superannuated feature doth not please any other) may cavill that Ve∣nus was not without her Mole, but was guilty of falsifying her Conjugall trust, she looked with one eye upon Adulterous Mars, with the other upon Horned Vulcan, whom she taught the note of Aprill, and made his blacke browes to bud.

But this Peccadillo is too light to

weigh with the others grosse enormi∣ties; this fault (if it deserves that name) falls under a capacity of Par∣don, as proceeding from infirmity, but murder and malice from pre∣sumption; she was so far from mur∣dering any, as she would rather make more; she was so far from sending Fu∣ries to torture any, as she was willing to prevent their tortures.

What Fury is more terrible than Love, the Queen of Passions, to whom all other are subject, she to none?

Mallem cum Leone, Cervo, & Apro Aetolico, Cum Anteo, & Stymphalicis avibus luctari mavelim, Quam cum amore—

I'de rather cope with the Aetolian Boare, Anteus, or beasts that in Nemëa roare, 'Gainst the Stymphalides my strength I'de prove With better hope of Palme, than 'gainst great Love.

This powerfull Conquerour leading the King and God of Conquerours prisoner to Venus in a red Rose chaine, so that he whose sinewie necke never bowed in battell, he whose stronger strength the strong tempered steele did obey, became servile to her coynesse, she pittying the hell he burnt in for the heaven of her embrace, let him take her bed for his tent. This was only the fruit of a fleshy heart, and good Na∣ture. Doe we not exclame against those who having abundant store of wealth, yet suffer the needy to perish at their doores for want? With as good reason may we chide with those La∣dies, who being rich in Beauty (scorn∣ing Art) suffer their Loyall Amorists to dye for love of them unpittyed. And why might not one Venus serve both Mars and Vulcan within heaven (both being twins in love to her) as well as one Virgo doe the Gemini without hea∣ven?

5. But it cannot be with any fore∣head denied, that Astrea her selfe prompted him to this disposall, be∣cause therein he followed the will of the Donor, of this prize of beauty, which was the Motto it bore; Detur pulchriori, Give this to the fairest: Which if we expound literally to be meant of exterior beauty, doubtlesse to her it belonged, if we judge it meant of interior beauty of the mind, yet to her, because she was not spotted and contaminated with so many vices as the rest.

But some may object that Paris did violate the League and Law of Nati∣ons, in robbing of Menelaus a Sove∣raigne Prince of the best jewell of his life, his deare Helena.

This I may answer with that Pro∣verbiall axiom, Fallere fallentem non est fraus, to deceive a deceiver is no deceit. His Aunt Hesione was detained Cap∣tive in Salamis by Thelamon, under pre∣tence

that Hercules when he razed Troy, bestowed her on him, she not restored, being demanded by her brother Pri∣amus his Legates, Paris by stealing of the Spartan Queen cry'd the Grecians quit.

Who ever blamed Dido and the Ty∣rian Lords, for robbing avarous Pig∣malion of his heaps of gold? as little cause have we to wrangle with Paris for this amorous stealth: For if we be angry with Corn-ingrossers, and mi∣sers that hoord up a little worldly pelfe, why should we not as well blame them that ingrosse rich beauties, so much the more, by how much the trea∣sure that they ingrosse is more divine and precious than their trifling riches?

But some may object, that Paris by this judgement made himselfe as his mother Hecuba dreamt he would prove, the firebrand of his Countrey; 'twas he that did devast and destroy Troy, sometimes strong in wealth and wals:

—Notissima fama Insula, dives opum, Priami dum Regna ma∣nebant, Nunc tamen sinus, & statio malefida carinis.

An Ile whose wealth (as fame of old did know) Within as free, as Seas without did flow, Whilst Priam did her flourishing Scepter sway, Now rubbish, and to Ships a trecherous Bay.

This brought seventy Kings and King∣ly Peeres from Greece with twelve hun∣dred fifty five War ships (whose gol∣den Poops did gild and staine the blew ennamell of the deep) to block & coop him up for ten yeares ten moneths, and twice six dayes. This waked the Lyon War, and made eight hundred sixty thousand Greeks staine the Trojan wea∣pons with their dearest bloud, and sent six hundred fifty six thousands of Tro∣jans fighting men, (besides the slaugh∣tered at the Sack) to engarrison, and

take up their Quarters in the King∣dome of perpetuall night; omitting more of little lesser fame, the noble bloud of forty Kings ran A Tilt, if we allow Hector, Troilus, and Paris that title. The free sword tooke liberty to act all that it pleased, and was as familiar with entrailes as the Augures; all hate had licence given it, all fury had loose reines, slaughter and death bestrid the streets, whilst the gore he shed flowed up, and stained his thighs, and carried downe whole heaps of limbs, and man∣gled bodies, which the coles of their owne flaming houses roasted; no sex or age escaped, infants in the Porch of Life, the sicke, the aged that could not hope one day more from natures boun∣ty, fell, some to fil up the number, some to make the prey, it was crime enough that they had lives. Pluto's co∣vetous boat-swaine fainted, and asked a Fleet rather than a Boat to ferrie over those sad soules to the blacke world,

whose bodies the mawes and Dennes of Beasts could scarce containe, the whole Earth became a Grave, and all to satisfie a hot Lust.

But if this had not happened, the world had lost that high Example of filiall duty and piety that Aeneas gave, in burthening his shoulders with his feeble and most aged Father Anchises, and (leading by the hand his sonne As∣canius of the age of twelve yeares) bea∣ring him through the wastfull flames, maugre the wrathfull foes into the fields of Phrygia.

Out of these ashes also sprung the worlds Phaenix, the Roman Nation, that gave Lawes to all the rest, and the Brit∣tish that performed acts of more Palme than Fame has breath to blaze.

And we have no reason to call Paris the Viper that eat out the bowels of his Countrey, because this sad event of his judgement was hid from his eyes. If Nature had made every man a

Prometheus to contemplate, or a Tire∣sias to prognosticate the event of things before the action of them, or if we all had our Nativities calculated to our hands, and were fore-warned of, and so fore-armed against those Legions of perils that should encounter us in our lives warfare, there would be no need of the veneration of Fortune, or repai∣ring to her fane to implore her Protean Deitie to be auspicious to us in the conduct of our affaires; for a disease when knowne is halfe cured, a wound discovered is recovered, and a danger that is expected is toothlesse and halfe pre∣vented; but we are not all allyed to the Sybils, nor have we the gift of divi∣nation shared amongst us, because we should have our minds intense upon heroicke atchievements, and still aemu∣lari meliora, and leave the sequell to vertue, who never failes to elevate her patient sonnes above the reach of chance.

And as Ignorance is held to be the Mother of Devotion; so (in this point) its the cause of most mens industry: For if all carried their destinies inscri∣bed on their foreheads, such as were condemned to hew their livings out of the Rocks, would never appeale to For∣tune to divert her harsh sentence, but would sit downe in despaire, and sigh out with Tacitus; Fortunae saevienti submittendus est animus, or with Sene∣ca,

Fatis Agimur, cedite fatis, Non sollicitae possunt curae Mutare rati stamina fusi.

By resolute Fates we guided be, To their pleasures submit we, No care can alter their decree.

The Median and Persian Fates are not like that pack of petty Tyrants that make Acts and Ordinances to day, and vote them void too morrow, no, their

inalterable Order is out, that we should alwayes tug at the Oare, nor can our anxious care contrive a way to ransome us from these hatches, under which we must ever lye at dead Anchor; wherfore its better for us to subject our necks to the yron yoke of servitude (forged for us) with Sheepish patience, than like the wild Bull strangle our selves with strugling to breake that net from which we shall never unintangle our feet, and so by their sighs of desperation (as with bellowes) they augment the fury of the inraged wind, whereas if the love of Vertue could make them swell their sailes with breathings after the Cape of good Hope, they might perhaps arrive at the Port of Honour. E contra, if men were no greater strangers to their ends than to their beginnings, those that Fortune had selected for her minions, would expect still to be dand∣led upon her knee, and that the Cornu∣copia and redundancy of her best fa∣vours should drop into their mouths,

whilst they (like Marcus Lepidus) stretcht themselves upon Flora's green Carpet.

Therefore lest the ardour and brea∣things after fame should be refrigera∣ted in Cadets by their despaire of soa∣ring above the gutter, though they should spread and try to flutter with their Estrich wings of faint hope, or in others by their presumption of be∣ing borne up to Promotions hill on the shoulders of their smiling Fate, and there to find warme lodgings which they never swet for, prudent Nature lets no man know what the plot is that she intends in the severall Scenes of his life, till he comes to act the Epilogue, which (contrary to other Comedians) he usually desires to protract.

Some in their passage through this elementary world find their way strew∣ed with Roses, and their paths spread with butter, others prick their feet with bryars and thornes, and stick fast in the muddy sloughs of trouble, and

are compell'd like Haniball (upon the Alps) vel viam invenire, vel facere, to find or make way over the hedges and ditches of incombrance: And as a Pil∣grim that steeres his unknowne course to some remote shrine, when he comes at a crosse way, is apt to take the fairest path; Semblably we, when we meet with any thing ambiguous, take our owne construction, which is ever such as the pulse of our affections beats af∣ter, and we sooth up our selves that herein we deviate not from truth; for facile credimus quod volumus. Thus Aeacides demanding of the Oracle what event his War with Troy should have, he interpreted the Oracles answer, which was,

Aio te Aeacides Trojanos vincere posse. Aeacides to vanquish Troy, I able doe pro∣nounce.

Thus, I Say thou art able to subdue the Tro∣jans, whereas he should have construed this Amphiboly in this wise, I tell thee the Trojans are able to vanquish thee. And

that other Prince who enquired whe∣ther or no he should make a prospe∣rous expedition against his enemies, and had this in a scroule,

Ibis redibis nunquam per bella peribis. Thou shalt goe thou shalt returne never war shall end thee.

Put the second comma where he would have had it meant, viz. next that verb Redibis, whereas he should have placed it next the Adverb nunquam, and thus falsly animated he ingaged, and brea∣thed his last, in the Attempt.

Thus the Ilian Prince Paris having the 3 Goddesses standing before him, and pleading for the prize of beauty con∣ferr'd it upon Venus, because he con∣ceiv'd, she being the potentest of the three (in that she boasted her Trophies over the chief of the rest) was most able to doe him good or hurt, and that he should be so perfectly felicified in what she could confer upon him, as all the scruples of gall that the other two De∣ities could cast into his sweet messe could not be able to imbitter it.

FINIS.