The exemplary lives and memorable acts of nine the most worthy women in the vvorld three Iewes. Three gentiles. Three Christians. Written by the author of the History of women.

QVEENE ELIZABETH.

THis Virgin Soveraigne of our Maiden Isle. On whom blind Fortune did both frowne, and smile Great Honour, and great Horrour, did indure, Not safe, being Subject, not being Queene, secure; Examine both: It is not easily guest, In which of them she did demeane her best; And of those double Fates, tis hard to know In which, she did most dangers undergoe. Had I more heads then Spanish Gerion, he Who to one body had no lesse them three, More hands then great Briareus (to be wondred) Whose active skill (at once) could moove an hundred, In every one a pen: As many eyes, As Iuno's Argus, waking; to devise. Of her perfections onely; Head, Hands, Sight, (In striving but to patterne her aright) All, (though in their full vigour) I should sinde, Strucke on the suddaine, Stupid, Dull, and Blinde. Chaste Virgin, Royall Queene, belov'd and fear'd, Much on the Earth admir'd, to Heaven indeer'd. Single, and singular, (without another) A Nurse to Belgia, and to France; a Mother Potent by Land, sole Soveraigne of the Maine, Antagonist to Rome, the scourge of Spaine.