Albions England Or historicall map of the same island: prosecuted from the liues, actes, and labors of Saturne, Iupiter, Hercules, and Æneas: originalles of the Brutons, and English-men, and occasion of the Brutons their first aryuall in Albion. Continuing the same historie vnto the tribute to the Romaines, entrie of the Saxones, inuasion by the Danes, and conquest by the Normaines. With historicall intermixtures, inuention, and varietie: proffitably, briefly, and pleasantly, performed in verse and prose by William Warner.

ALBIONS ENGLAND. ¶ The first Booke of ALBIONS England. (Book 1)

CHAP. I.

I Tell of things done long agoe, of manie thinges in few: And chieflie of this Elyme of ours, the Accidents pursue. Thou high Director of the same assist my Artlesse pen, To write the gests of Brutons stoute, and acts of Englishmen. When arked Noah, and seuen with him the emptie worldes remain, Had left the instrumentall meane that landed them againe: And that both man and beast, and all did multiplie with store, To Asia Sem, to Affricke Cham, to Europe Iapheth bore Their Families. Thus triple wise the worlde deuided was: one language common vnto all: vntill it came to passe That Nembroth sonne to Chus, the sonne of Cham, olde Noah his sonne, In Chaldia (neuer seene vefore) an Empire had begunne· As hée and his audatious crewe the Tower of Babell reare, Pretending it should checke the cloudes, so to auoide the feare Of following flooddes, the Creator of creatures beheld The climing tops of cloud-high Towers, and more to bée fulfilde. To cut of which ambitious plot, and quash their proude intent Amongst a worlde of people there hee sundrie spéeches sent, So that, vnable to conferre about the worke they went, The Tower was left vnfinished: and euerie man withdrewe Himselfe apart, to ioine with those whose language best hée knew: And thus confused tongues at first to euerie nation grewe.

THE Babylonian Saturne though his buildings speede was bad, Yet found the meanes that vnder him hée manie nations had. Hée was the first that rul'd as king, or forraine landes subdude, Or went about into the right of others to intrude: Ere this aspiring mindes did sléepe, and wealth was not pursude. His sonne Ioue Belus after him succeeded: hée puruaide For dreadfull warres, but aw••esse death his dreadfull purpose staide, Then Ninus prosecutes the warres preuented Belus sought, And filde the wronged world with armes, and to subiection brought Much people, yet not capable of such his nouile fight, From Caldia to Assyrea he translates the Empier quite: And caused fire on horses backs before him euer borne To be adorned for a God. Thus out of vse was worne In Caldia and Assyria to the honour rightly due To high Iehoua, God indéed. Idolatrie thus grewe From Ninus first: he first of al a Monarchie did frame, And built in fomous Niniuie, that bore the builders name. His warlike wife Simeramis, her husband being dead, And sonne in nonage, faining him she ruled in his stéede: Delating in a males attire the Empire newe begonne: The which, his yeares admitting it, she yealded to her sonne. Thus Cham his broode did borgon first and held the world in awe: But Iapheths Line to Iabans land from Assur doth me drawe.

Much praise is spoke of Thessalie and Pegasus his springs, and how the nimphes of Moena in Tempe did great things, And how that Cecrops and his seede did honour Athens so, As that from thence are said the Springs of Sciences to flowe. Not onlie artes but Cheualrie from Greece deri••e we may: Whereof (omitting manie things) my muse alonlie say How Saturne, Ioue, and Hercules did fill the world with ••auie Of iustice, prowesse, and how they both men and Monsters tame: And so from these deriue the meane how Brute to Albion came. In Create did florish in those daies (the first that florisht so) Vranos: he in wealth and wit all others did out-goe. This took to Wife (not then forbode) his Sister Vesta faire,

The croked Titan did to him an comelie Saturne baer. The elder of deformities in making and for minde▪ with Parents and the people too, did lesser liking finde: The younger by the contraries gaue hansel in his prime Of manie vertues, honouring their Owners ••lder time. Away slips age: death spareth none: Vranos leaues the stage: His bodie (now depriu'd of pomp) inter••d the wormes doe gage. Well may a rich mans Hearse want teares, but heires he shal not misse, To whom that he is dead at length no little ioy it is. This errour notwithstanding did Vranos Sonnes lament: Yet scarce the Fathers Ghost from graue to heauen or hell was sent, But that his heires did fall at ods about the vacant Raine: and Titan chafes disabled then the Scepter to sustaine. Ech eye did follow Saturns forme, ech heart applaudes his fame, and to conclude, with whole consent he winnes away the game. Yet for because the Birth-right should inure to Titan stil, In Mars his Church did Saturne vow his Issues Males to kill. Not meanely glad was Saturne then his head possest of Crowne, When, of his building, hee was Lord of manie a peopled Towne, He giueth lawes, his lawes are kept, he ••ids, and all obey, and equallie beloud and feard he wealds a kinglie sway: He teacheth men (vntaught before) to eare the lustie land: and how to pearse the pathlesse aire with shaft from Bow-mans hand: God D••s did quaile to sée his gold so fast conuaid from hell & fishes quakt 〈…〉〈…〉 amidst their floods did dwel Who loues not 〈…〉〈…〉 did not the king of Creat excel? But what auaile or Townes, or Lawes, or what doe Subiects moue? Sheaues, Shafts, or Ships▪ or Gold, or all? king Saturne is in loue. He loues, and is beloud again••▪ yet so might not suffice, In former vow to Titan made his paine of pleasure lies: But no man from the Monarke Lou•• by wealth or weapon flies. Cybella, faire Cybella is espoused to her brother: and as doe Venus killing Birds so loue they one another. In Coiture she doth conceaue: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sonne is borne, and slaine: And Saturne of the hansell hard doth malconsent remaine.

CHAP. II.

THE Son had compast all the Signes, & Cybell brought to light Her second Bréed, a smiling boy, & Iupiter he hight: Together with the Quéene of Gods (so Iunos stile wée wright.) The infant smiled at his birth: but Cybell (ioy bereft) And Vesta, whom Vranos had an heauie widdow left, Did both lament: for Saturne wild the new-borne Babe should die, Both to acquit him of his vow, and frustrate Destinie. For at the Oracle he had, his wife a sonne should beare, That should expell him from his Realme: his vow therefore and feare Did hasten on (vnwillinglie) the slaughter of his sonne: For which (his sorrowes graunting spéech) his mone he thus begunne. And want not stately crownes their cares? With pomp haue Princes paine? Ah, die he must, & die he shal, els may not Saturne raine. Yet, might a Septers want suffice, I gladlie would resigne: But sworne by Stix and wreakfull Mars at periuries repine. Then far be it that they repine, least I too late repent: It doubles sinne, if sinne by sinne we practise to preuent. From this time foorth, Melancholy, for Sirname Saturne had: No mirth could wrest from him a smile, ech smile would make him sad. His seruants feare his solome fits, when if they ought recite. Hée either answeres not at all, or from the matter quite. Unpeopled roomes and pathlesse wayes did fit his humour best: And then he sighes, and sheadeth teares when all things els did rest. Who so could cite a Tragedie was formost in his credde: For, balking pleasant companie, on sorowes did hee feede. Death likes him, that mislikes himselfe, in gesture robes and all Hée shewes himselfe like to himelfe▪ and hence it doth befall That men to Melancholie giuen we Saturnists doe ••all. His wife and Sister kissing oft her Nephewe and her sonne, (For shée his Aunt and Mother was) with Vesta seeke to shunne

The voted fathers deadlie doome: to kill so sweet a childe Their eies and verie soules abhorre: who (nothing so vnmilde) doe wéeping kisse his laughing mouth, in minde the Babe to saue: Howbeit feare of Saturns wroth contrarie councell gaue. But when in hast the Babe his heart was sent for by and by, So Saturne wild, so Cybell must, and Vesta not denie▪ It was a woe to heare their woe, and death to see them die. Unhollowed wretch, then Cybell said, in wombe why did I beare This double Burthen? happie Twins, saue that my Twins they are. So that my teeming with these throwes had ending well were I: Or woulde I might not giue them life, that liuing foorthwith dye. Thy Scepter (Saturne) is not worth perfourmance of thy vowe: Thy conscience doth a scruple holde that Goddes nor men alowe. From Gods, from men, from brutish beastes, from nature nought doth gro But fosters what it bringeth foorth: thou onlie doest not so. Thy sonnes alone for slaughters serue, and I meane while their mother Am Saturnes wife, lesse proude of it then that he is my brother. Unhappie Cybell borne to beare, and therefore borne to woe, And fruitlesse fertill to a man that soweth not to moe. Nowe teares had drowned further speech, till shee as one bestrought Did crie that with a knife the Babe should to her bed be brought: My selfe (quoth shée) will bée his death, with whom my selfe will die: For so may Saturne saue and shunne his vow and destenie. But it did Vesta contermaund: yet Saturns will must stande, For Ioue must die, or they not liue. A Damsell there at hand Was then enforst to that charge. Thrice toucht her knife his Skinne, But thrice his smiles did cause her teares: shée fourthlie did beginne: And fourthlie ended as before. Betide me death or life, Liue still (at least for mee) shée saide: and casting downe the knife, Shée kist that swéete and pretie mouth that laughed on her lippes▪ And brings him backe to Cybels bed. Her heart, reuiued, skips, Reuiuing life where reckned death had wrought repentant teares. The father fronted with a guile, at length the damsell beares The infant vnto Oson towne: and in her Ladies name, Intreats Melissus daughters twaine to nourish vp the same. Up to mountaine beare they him, and in a secret Caue

A mountaine Goat did giue him milke, and so his life they saue. His Nourses, sounding Simbals once to drowne the Infants crie. A manie Bées (the Muses birdes) into the Caue did flie, Where making Honnie, Saturnes sonne did long time liue thereby.

CHAP. III.

IT doth remain of Iupiter, as bow (but then a lad) From Epire to Pelasgis him the Lordes Epyrotes had, To fetch their pledge Lycaon hild, when time of truse had end: Lycaon faining to consent, that did not so intend, Next day as though hee woulde dismisse the Le∣gates with estate, Did make to them a solemne feast: when hauing slaine of late His noble pledge, he brings his limmes and setteth them before His Countrimen to feed vpon in saused dishes store. The Strangers and his Subiects too abhorring such a sight, Sit gazing ech in others face, bereft of speech and sprite: Untill that lustie Iupiter, a Stripling to behold, Did take the limbes dismembred so, and with a courage bold Did shew them through Pelasgis stréetes, declaring by the way The murder of their blooddie king: which did so much dismay The Citizens, that euen they detesting such vnright, Did rise in armes against their king: where youthfull Ioue did fight So valiantlie, that by his force Lyacon tooke his flight. And after did by Roberies, by blood, and Rapines liue: For which to him a Wooluish shape the Poets aptlie giue.

IN Fpyre and Pelasgis thus Ioue first his honour wonne: But greater things vntouched are by this same Worthie donne. And partlie, in the monstrous warre that Titan and his Crue Did hold with Saturne, when by search of Issues males he knewe The which his brother had aliue, against their Couenant made: When, T••tan Uictor, fast in hold was vanquisht Saturne laid, Together with his wife and friends: where sorrow much they past,

Till Iupiter did vnderstand his parentage at last. He therefore landing toke in Create, with well prouided men: And slewe his vncle Titan, and the Giant Tiphan then, With most part of the Titanoies, and sets his father free: By meanes whereof they reconcile, and wel a while agree.

NOt brooking then Apollos fault, in that he entertaind The Remnant of the Titanoies, that after warres remainde, Apollo was by Iupiter inforced for to flie His kingdome Paphos, and to liue exilde in Thessalie: Where loue, but chieflie penurie, constrained him to kéepe (Untill he was restored home) the king Admetus shéepe. And for his Sonne disdainfullie enuied Ioue his praise Ioue was the same Phisitions death, that dead to life could raise: Whose fame grewe thus. As Asculap an heardsman did espie, That did with easie fight inforce a Basalique to flie. (Albeit naturally that beast doth murther with the eie.) Apollos sonne perceauing him with Garland on his head, Imagins (as it was in déed) some hearbe such vertue bred: And for a profe he caused him to cast the wreath away, When strait the beast her onelie eies the sillie man did slay. Then Asculap him selfe did take the wreath, and puts it on, And by that meanes he ouercame the Basalique anon. In hearbs that déeper force is hid then Science may containe I finde, said he, an hearb by hearb into his mouth did straine That lay for dead, an hearb at last reuiuing him again. Henceforth, mē thought him more thē man, when by his wondrous skil He rendred life to many like, so winning great good will. But as he waxed famous thus, he famous waxed proud, Disdaining all, yea Ioue him selfe for Peere he disaloud. Untill that Saturns angrie sonne reuenged it by death: Correcting iustly each abuse, as Rector on the Earth. THe Sonnes renound thus added grace vnto the Fathers name, But shadowes wait on substances, and enuie followes fame. Euen Saturne, pompous Saturne, ridde by Iupiter of Foes And feare of Titan, did renewe his superstitious woes

As touching former Oracle: and hastis sommons sent Throughout his Realme to muster men, in purpose to preuent By death of Ioue his destenie. The men of Create repinde To put on armour to his ill whom they had found so kind: But will they nill they so they must, for so their king assign••. And Saturne with his armed troupes into Arcadia went, Where Iupiter, forewarned of his fathers ill intent, Intreated peace, to him denide: so that perforce he must Defend him from his froward Sier, or rather foe vniust. There might yee see king Saturne fight like to a Lion wood, Whilst Iupiter did beare his blowes, and spares his fathers blood: and him that foo-like would him sley, he friendlie did defend, Desiring Saturne to retire, till wordes were to no end. The wilfull man pursuing blood, Ioue ceaseth to persuade, And rushing in amongst his foes so hot a skirmish••made, That euerie blow sets blood on broch, and so in little space, Euen he who late he did intreate, is followed now in chace By Arcas and his companie: for Ioue refraind the flight, Because against his countrimen hée had no will to fight. Whilst lucklesse Saturn did escape by flight and fortune then, And wandred long in vnquoth Seas, depriude of wealth and men, Uictorious Iupiter was crownde with glorie king of Create: And Saturne now ariude at Troy, for succour did intreate. Ganymaedes, king Trois sonne was sent in Saturns aid: A worthie knight, and valiant warre to Iupiter he made. But hée and his were chased back euen to their Citie walles, For who so stood with Iupiter, by Iupiter he falles. And there the Troyan Paragon Ganymides was taine, Twixt whom and Iupiter thencefoorth sound friendship did remaine. Then Saturne did the second time to Seas with shame retire, And neuer after durst by warre against his sonne conspire: But sayling into lower Realmes, in Italie did dwell: And hereof it is said his sonne did chase him into hell.

MEane while, lesse ioyous of his fame then ielous of his freakes, Her wrong Quéene Iuno on the Truls of Iupiter she wreakes.

Which was the cause that all too late, he purposing returne To rescue Danae (in whose loue he amorouslie did burne) Was cast by stormes into the Seas, that foorthwith tooke the name of him whom for his Piracies Ioue vanquisht in the same. Yee might haue seene AEgaeon there with wreakfull wroth inflam•• At sight of Ioue, at whose decay he long in vaine had aimd. And how that Ioue had now the worst, and in a trise againe The Gyant with his twise thrée Barkes in hassard to be taine. The Centaures shew them valerous, so did Ixeon stout, and braue Ganymaedes did deale his balefull dole about: But when couragious Iupiter had beaten to the ground AEgaeon, and in selfesame Chaines wherein he often bound The harmelesse soules that crost those Seas himselfe in fetters lay, Yée might haue said, and truly said, that then did end the fraie. So manie were his high exploits, whereof such wonder bread, That for the same the Heathen folke doe deifie him dead. Which since they are so manifold, I many ouerpasse: And though Amphitruo blush to heare how he deceiued was, And that Alcmena pinch my tongue, possest with bashfull shame, Yea though that Iupiter himself my lauish tongue shall blame, Yet since that iealous Iuno knowes alreadie of the same, I dare not tell how Iupiter so cunninglie beguild his loue Alcmena, that by him she traueld great with child Of Hercules: whose famous acts I orderlie shall tell, Whereof the first, but not the least, in Cradle-time be fell.

CHAP. IIII.

QUéene Iuno, not a little wroth against her husbands crime By whom shee was a Cockqueane made, did therefore at the time In which Alcmena cride for helpe to bryng her fruite to light, Thrée nights and dayes inchaunt her throwes: and (of a Diuelish spight)

Intended both the Ladies death, and that wherewith shée went: Till Galinthis vnwitching her did Iunos spells preuent. Howbeit cankered Iuno still pursuing her intent, Two poisned Serpents got by charmes into the chamber brought Where Hercules in cradle laie, and thinking to haue wrought A Tragedie, did let them lose: who smelling out their praie, skaerd Hercules his brother that in selfe same cradle lay. But Hercules, as Children vse with little whelpes to play, Did dallie childishlie with them, and no whit did dismay: Untill at last his tender flesh did feele their smarting stings, And then displeasd betwixt his handes the Snakes to death hée wrings. Amphrituo an the Thebans all of this same wonder tell: And yeeres permitting Hercules did with Euristeus dwell. This King by spightfull Iunos meanes, did set him taske on task, But Hercules perfourmed more then both of them could aske. Yea, yet a good Lad, for Actiuenes the world did lack his like, To Wrestle, Ride, Run, Caste, or Shoote, to Swim, Shift, or Strike, As witnes (his inuention first) those solemne actiue Plaios. That were on Mount Olimpus tride, where he had pricke and praise. For which his Nouell, and himselfe, in those not hauing Péeres, The Graecians by th'Olimpides kept reckoning of their yéeres.

KIng Atlas daughters in the Isles of Hesperae did holde A manie Sheepe: and Poets faine their fléeces were of Golde: (For rarenes then of Shéepe and Wooll in figures so they saw) Euristeus pricks his Pople on this nouile Prize to gaine. The Greekes applie their sweating Oares, and sailing doe persist Until they reach the wished shoare: where readie to resist their entrance to the closed Isles an armed Giant stayd, Whose grim aspectes at first approch made Hercules afraide. Now buckle they, and boysterous bloes they giue and take among. A cruell sight, But Hercules had victorie ere long. The Giant slaine, Philoctes tooke the vanquisher in hand: An harder taske had Hercules then pausing now to stand. Most dreadfull was their doubtfull fight, both lay about them round, Philoctes held the harder fight by kéeping higher ground.

The Sonne of Ioue perceauing well that prowesse not auail'd, Did faine to faint: the other thought that he in deed had quaild, And left th'aduantage of his ground, and fearcely smites his Foe: But Hercules, whose pollecie was to contriue it so, Renuing fight most eagerlye, so strikes, and strikes againe, That to enduer the doubled force his valiant Foe had paine. Who, yealding to his Uictors will, did finde in him such grace, As Hercules did thenceforth vse his friendship in each place. Hesperides, the goodly Nimphes, their Kéepers chaunce lament: But Hercules did comfort them, and cure their discontent: And shipping thē of Rammes & Ewes a parcel, thence he went.

IN coasting back by new-built Troy, he sawe a moneful sort of people, clustering round about their yet vnconquered Port. He musing much, and striking Saile, did boldlie aske wherefore They made such dole: Laomidon then standing on the Shoare Did tell the cause: the cause was thus. Laomedon ere than To reare the statelie walles of Troy (a costly worke) beganne, And wanting pay to finish vp the worke he had begonne, Of Neptunes and of Phoebus Priests (the Goddes of Sea and Sonne) He borowed money, promising repaiment of the same by certaine time which therevnto he did expresly name. The walles are built, the time is come, the Priests their money craue, Laomedon forswares the debt, and naughtie language gaue. Forthwith the Sea (the Deuill then did many wonders showe) Began to swell, and much of Troy with violence ouerfloe: And therevpon the swealtie Sun (the wastfull Sea retierd) So vehementlie did shine vpon the Oesie plasshes myerd, That thereof noisome vapours rose, and of those vapours spread Such plagues, as scarce the liuing might giue burial to the dad. Repentant then, their wrethed king to holy Delphos goes. Where at the Oracle he knew his wrongs to cause suc wees: And how the Godds of Sun and Seas, offended doe require Each month a Uirgin, to appease a seaish Monsters ire: Wherefore to saue their common weale, the Troyans did agrée One Uirgin, as her Lot did light, should pay that monthlie fée.

Now after manie murdred Maids (for monthlie at one day, The fearefull Monster at the Port expects his wonted pray) The lot fell to Hesione the daughter of the king, whom to the Port to be deuourd with teares the Troyans bring. When Hercules thus vnderstood the hard occasion why The guiltles Ladie should haue died, he purposing to trie his valiantnes, (for what was it that Hercules would flie) Did aske the king what gift should gro to him that should both free His daughter, and his kingdome of that monthly blooddie fee. The king, whom now at doubted hope of profered helpe made glad, made promise of two milk-white Steedes as chiefest gemmes he had. Braue Hercules, whose ventrous heart did only hunt for fame, Accepts th'assumpsit, and prepares the fiend like fish to tame. Anone the dreadfull Diuell driues the Sea before his brest, and spitting mightie waues abrode, disgorgde from monstrous chest, Liftst vp his vglie head aboue the toubled waues to catch The trembling Ladie, for which pray his yaning iawes did watch. But he, whose strength exceeded sense, with yron Club in fist. Did bootelesse long with brusing wait the boistrous Whale resist: The greater strokes, the fiercer was the Monsters awlesse fight: So that the Greekes and Troyans all misdoubt their dreadlesse knight. Still Hercules did lay on load, and hild the fight so long, That in the end the Sea retired, and left the fish among The bared sandes: and so for want of water, not of strength, Good fortune honours Hercules with victorie at length. Now when the king, his Troyans, and the Grecians had behild The substance of the vglie Shape, euen dreadfull being kild, they bring the Champion to the towne with triumphes, giftes, & praise: And who but hee belou'd in Troy, whiles that in Troy he staies▪ Alone the king (a man no doubt predestinate to ill) Obseruing how his Subiects bore to Hercules good will, and fearing least their loue to him might turne himselfe to hate, And seeing now himselfe and land in prosperous estate, vnfriendlie did exclude his friend from out his cittie strong, Whilst with his Greekes he hunts abrode, mistrustlesse of such wrong: and when the Champion and his men did from their sport returne,

Not onelie did gain-say in Troy that longer they soiourn••▪ But also (impudent in guiles) withhild the Corsers twaine, Which Hercules so dearely wonne, in hassard to be slaine. Alcmenas sonne abashed then to finde so lewd a meede, In lewe of well deserued loue, was chollericke in deed: and made a vow (if life gaue leaue) he would such vengeance take on Troy, that euen the stones thereof for dread of him should quake, and that the liuing Troyans then should say, and iustly say, That they were happie whom the plague and Monster made away: and threatning so the trothlesse king did leaue the hated Port, And shortly did ariue at Thaebes, and feasts in Creons Court.

THence brought he war, and wrack to Troy, & in his armie kinges: And by the way Larnessas walles vnto the ground he flings, And setteth Tenedos on fire, whose fearefull flames espide, gaue Sommance vnto carelesse Troy for worser to prouide. Before the Greekes had reached Troy the Troyans by the way did bid them battaile: manie men on either part decay: The sounding armours cracke with blowes, whilst pearcing arrowes flie, This lieth dead, that fame is maimd, and more at point to die. Heads, armes, and armour flie about, and bodies swimme in blood, and fresh supplies did fall with them on whom they fighting stood. But Hercules, aboue the rest, bestird himselfe so well, That still before his balefull Club by Shoks the Troyans fell. Who, fainting now, seeke to retyre into their fensiue Towne: where Hercules their Porter was, and rudely knocks them downe. Thus wonne be Troy, and sacked Troy, and Chanels flowed blood, Nor did hee breath whilst anie part of all the Citie stood, Saue statelie ••••ion: in the same a manie Ladies were, Whose piteous teares wrought Hercules that onlie place to spare. As for the false Laomedon he secretlie was fled, And valiant Pryamus his sonne to Greece was captiue led.

CHAP. V.

AT home returnd, Quéene Iuno craues his compa∣nie at Creat, Whom, there arriud, with hartlesse ioy his Step∣dame did intreat. What? hearest thou not my sonne (quoth she) how Argiue folke complaine Of Lions thrée, that in their fieldes both men and heards haue slaine? And this she said, as knowing him to seeke such hard affaires. To win him to which desperate fight no Corse nor cost he spares. When this was said, enough was said, and halfe was yet behind When Hercules did vow redresse, and Iuno had her minde. He ioyes to heare of that exploit, such was his ventrous heart, And thanking Iuno for her newes did so from thence depart. Philoctes now and Hercules in Nemea Forest be, Long seeking what they could not finde, till crying from a tree an Heards-man said, friends shift away, or els come vp to me: Least that those cruel Lions thrée now ranging in this wood, which haue deuourd those Heards I had, and with my Manies blood Imbrud their fierce deuouring chappes, and forced me to clime This Trée, where I (vnhappie man) on leaues haue fed long time, may, all too soone, with tearing teeth destroy you in like case, The quaking Heards-man scarce had said thus much, when as a pa•••• from out a Thick the Lions thrée on Hercules did runne, Philoctes, trustlesse of his Prowse, by climing did then shunne. And now the Rampant Lions great, whose onelie view would quaile An hundred knights, though armed well, did Hercules assaile. And sometimes with their churlish téeth and pinching pawes againe So greeuously indanger him, that neere he faints with paine. Howbeit (glorie checking griefe) he twaine had now dispatcht: The third, and dreadfulst of the three, though many a blow he catcht, yet neither Club nor Sword had force to harme his hardned Hyed Untill that (weapons laid apart) by strangling handes he died. Not Hercules himselfe conceaude more ioy of this successe Then did Philoctes, who erewhile did hope of nothing lesse.

The Paster, poore Meloreus, like as Hercules he him wild Uncaest the Lions, fearing long to touch them being kild▪ And in his Cottage to the knights a Countrie feast he hild, The Argiues, hearing of this déed, with Triumphes him intreat, And offer all: but leauing all he doth returne to Create. Whom golzing Iuno, gainst her mind, with cost did intertaine, and with a tonge repugnant quite to her malicious vaine Commends his déeds, whē rather she did wish he had béen slain. and therefore with an harder taske his labour did renew: But what was it that manhood might, and he would not pursue?

IN Egypt was a greeuous drought: the cause therof vnknowen: which to redres, their Diuelish Gods an Oracle had showen. Doe offer vp strange blood, they bid, and so auart our ire, Busiris prone before to blood, had now his hearts desire: No sooner Stranger toucht the shoare, but them the barbarous king To frie in flames before his Gods for Sacrifice doth bring. Yea custome added worse to yll, his Subiect and his friend (when Strangers misse) supplie the flames: his murthers had no end. Howbeit, with these Butcheries the drought did still remaine: For in Busiris was the blood that should redéeme the raine. The Gods did meane (which they not minde) that lewd Busiris he an Alien borne, that Stranger was, who dead, no drought should be. A Noble man of Iunos kin Busiris late had slaine, For losse of whom the craftie Quéene did often sorrowes faine. Cease (Madame) saith Hercules, not long the time shalbe, But I his tyrannie shall end, els they giue end to me. Her sorrowes did not tith her icy, when he had giuen consent To vndertake that deathfull taske: for death was it she meant. Now Hercules in Egypt méetes Busiris and his Crew, When sodainlie with maine assault on him the Giant flew: Supposing to haue dealt with him▪ as he had done before with other Strangers: Hercules alonelie, and no more to take his part, with skathfull strokes bestird his Club so well, In battering of the Tyrants bones, that strengthlesse downe he fell. Then did he kill and chase away his lewd and cruel traine,

Till hearing of no further foe, hée commeth backe againe: and taketh vp the wretched king, that cryeth out for aide: And on the Altar, where himselfe had Strangers often laid, Himself was made a Sacrifice: and as his blood did staine the Altar, euen at the same time there fell a ioyfull raine. With ended drought, and Tyrants death, a common ioy befell: And all in Mimphis intertaine the vnknowne Champion well: From thence returning backe to Thaebes hee there awhile did dwell.

King Creons daughter Megara, at Thaebes he did espouse: To coūtināce their wedding feast did wāt nor knights, nor prowse. Which triumphes ended, when the knights should thence depart away, Pirithous to his wedding bids them all: and names the day Wherein to meete at Thessalie: to which did all consent, and at the time concluded of at Thessalie conuent. Amidst their chéere, the solemne feast the Centaures did disquyet: Whom by no meanes, the nobles there the patience might intreate: For they an hundred Giants strong, with drinking whitteled well, amongst their cups, from wordes to blowes, and worser dealings fell: And (too outragious at the last, fierce Eurytis their Guide)▪ Unreurentlie they rauish thence Hippodame the Bride. But Hercules not brooking it, to arme himselfe begonne, and all alone in rescue of the rapted Bride did rome. By this time did Ixeons Seed stand still in battaile raie, When he, but one against them all, began a blooddie fraie. Ech arrow that with aiming hand from sturdie bow he sent, Did answere by the death of one, the Sender his intent. Whilst Hercules with deadlie bow had store of Centaures slaine, and, wanting arrowes, with their blood his valiant Club did staine, The Bridegrome and the other knights came to the ceasing fight, When all were foyld, excepting twelue that saue their liues by flight. Alonely Lycus yeelded him a prisoner, and liues: And liuing vnto Hercules much after sorowe giues: But Nessus, that escaped then, in time him worser greeues.

CHAP. VI.

THE glory of this high attepmt, and sauing of the Bride, They all ascribe to Hercules: and whilst they here abide▪ To exercise his Piracies as Pluto king of Hell, (Such was the lewdnes of his life, and place where he die dwell That hee and it were titeled so) lay houering neere the shore, And saw the folke of Cicilie their Gods with rights adore: This rouing king, with armed Guardes of his disordered Crew did come a lande, to make their Pray: but (for to outward view) They faine deuotion, none suspect the ill that did ensue. Anon a wreathing Garlands sweet hard at her mothers side King Pluto saw Proserpine: and liking whom he spide: Concluding with his companie how to conuay her thence, Betwixt his boistrous armes he tooke the faire and fearefull wench: and doe what the Cicilians might he setteth her a boord: and to his giltie Sailes the Aire did gentle Gaeles afoord. A number eyes in Cicelie for her did weep, in vaine: For her, her mother Ceres and her Loues-mate did complaine, Her selfe (swéet Ladie) of her moane did finde no meane God wot Though Dis to please did say and giue what might be said or got. Imbarked then, with him his Harpe did woful Orpheus take, and to Molossa Plutos Realme with speedie Sailes did make. Where he, vnknowne, at gate of Hell did harp such Musicke sweete, as lump••sh Cerberus could not but shake his monstrous feete: His foule and warpt ill fauoured face, or ••huge with cole-black haires, his Horslike teeth, his ••olling lips, his Doglike hanging cares, His hooked nose, his skowling eyes, his filthie knotted Beard, and what not in his vglie shape? But presentlie appeard More milder than his common moode, and lesser to be feard. This hellish Porter deeming that such musicke would delight his weeping Mistris did conuay the harper to her sight. Where Pulto swore by dreadfull Stix if Orpheus bid by play

But make her laugh, what so he askt he should receiue for pay. Anon such heauenly Harmony on skilful Harpe he plaid, That shée her husbands musicke knewe, and ioyfull was shée made, And Orpheus did a watch-word giue, and she to laugh began: And for reward to haue from thence his wife he asked than. Although it galled Plutoes soule his swéet hart to forgoe, Yet for to quit him of his oath he yeelds it shall be so: With this condition, that before they fully passed Hell, He should not backwards looke on her, what chaunce so'ere befell. Now as they passe through blinde biwaies, he fearing least per chaunce she err or lag returnes a looke: and who should marke that glance but Cerberus, that purposelie for such aduantage waites: Who stil detaining her, did shut her Husband out the gates. When Ceres heard of this mischaunce, she Cicil leaues anon, And knowing all the Knightes of Grece to Thessalie were gone, Shée thether goes in hope of helpe: where presently she meetes with Thaeseus and Pirithous, whose salutings shee regreetes they wondring what the noble Quéene of Cicill there should make: Become inquisitiue thereof: to whome sad Ceres spake first of Proserpine her gréef, and then of Plutoes guile: For her shée weepes, of him shée railes, and moueth them meane while, The mother of false Dis his rape had more behinde vnsaid, When AEgeus and Ixions Sonnes did iointly offer aide. About the desart partes of Greece there is a valley lowe, To which the roaring waters fall that from the Mountaines fl••e: So Rockes ouershadowe it that scarce a man may viewe the open ayre: no Sun shines there. Amidst this darksome Mewe doth stand a Cittie, to the same belongs one onely Gate, But one at once may come thereto the entrance is so straite, Cut out the rough maine stonie Rocke: this Citie did belong to Pluto, and because that he was euer doeing wrong, And kept a Théeuish Rabell that in mischiefes did excell, His Citizens were Diuels said, and Cittie named Hell. When to this Citties ruthlesse gate were come the friendly Knights, Fierce Cerberus did rouse him selfe, and scarcely barking bites: He thought the worlde had lackt the man that thether durst repaire:

And troth to say, not one till then to do the like did dare. Now fiery sparkes from thundring strokes in darke did giue them light, And Ceres Champions valiantlie maintaine their ventrous fight. But stout Pirithous, too too bold, a deadlie wound he catcht: And Theseus, though Combattan-like he long the Helhound matcht, Yet with his fellowe had he falne, who flying feares to cope. Expecting nothing lesse then life, but hap exceeded hope. For Hercules at Thessalie did feare so hard euent: Whence lanching out, he made in showe as if to Thaebes he went But with Philoctes all his traine and Licus home he sent. And he himselfe to aide his friends did to Molossa goe, Where like as did his minde presage, he found it very so. For euen as currish Cerberus with gorie bloes did chace the wounded and the wearie Knight, came Hercules in place. An vnexpected happie sight to Theseus at that tide: Whome Cerberus forsaking then at Hercules he flide: Upbraiding him with threatning words, and like him selfe did raue, And reacht him many a crabbed rap with his presumtious Glaue. The Danter then of Trespasses perceauing Theseus drie his gréeuous wounds, and at his féet Pirithous dead to lie, Desirous to reuenge them both laies lustie lode about, And with his still victorious Club did Cerberus so cloute, That, quite dismaid at such a match, he réeling to the ground, Did send from out his Doggish throat a loud and diuelish sound: But when the victor suer enough the vanquished had bound, He leauing Theseus weake without into the Cittie went: Whereas he found the wicked King, and Citizens that spent their frutelesse time in vices foule, and dealings most vniust, As those that in their Porters strength reposed all their trust. With these did Hercules play Rex, and leauing Dis for dead, Not one escapes his deadly hand that dares to shewe his head. Whole thousandes then did breath their last, and who had séene y^e sight, Might wel haue said it Hel indéed: for euery thing out-right, Besides that sullen Mewe it selfe, did giue a figure plaine of selfe same Hell, where damned Soules abide in endlesse paine. Saue howlings out and shuddering feare can nought to eare or sight,

With gréeuous gro••es of dying Ghosts: & so much more their spight, By how much more he found them then in pleasures and delight. This horror hanging. Hercules in buskling vp and downe In Plutoes Pallace▪ to her ioy Proserpine he found: And tolde her of enlargement thence. And then in harrowed Hell (Pyrithous buried) he, nor she,, nor Theseus longer dwell. But waying Anker with the Quéene of Cicels Daughter went To Thessalie: where present gréefes pretended ioyes preuent, For, hearing of Pyrithous death, not one but did lament. Hippodame (a widowe nowe) especially bewailes Her ouer-hardie Husbands death. But wéeping lesse preuailes Then doth Reuenge: for Hercules vnto her dome commits Her greefes Contriuer, Cerberus, almost besides his witts For feare of death his due desert: whome causing' to be ••ound both hands and féet, and to be drag'd along the ragged ground, A knauish Skull of Boyes and Girls did pelt at him with stones, And laying on with staues and whippes did breake both flesh & bones.

WHen Hercules should passe to Hell as hath before ben said, And that Philoctes of his men he had Lieftenant made, And as Philoctes with his charge on Seas to Thaebes did passe, He met Androdamus: the King of Calcedon he was. Androdamus, not knoweing yet his Cosen there inthralde, (For Lycus was his Cosen) to the Thaebane Pilots calde To Ken of whence and where they would. But ere the Thaebans might Giue answere, Lycus clog'd with chaines on hatches stode vpright And cride, Androdamus beholde and succour me thy friend, That shamefully, vnles thou helpe, am like my life to end. I Captiue am to Hercules, and thus to Thaebes must goe: Giue aide therefore. Androdamus deferres not doing so, But setteth on Philoctes, that himselfe and shippe defendes And part of Calcedons he slewe, and part to Sea he sendes: But where the n••••er tripold there for them the Battell ends When Lycus was discharg'd of bands, and stout Philoctes bound, He tolde what skath the Centaures late in Thessalie had found. Amongst the slaine he named some allied to the King:

For which the sauage▪ Tyrant swore reuenge on Thaebes to bring: And sailing thence preuailed there by comming vnawares. And putteth all to sacke and sword, nor olde nor yong he spares. He slaieth Creon, and in holde fair Megara was cast: And leauing Lycus King in Thaebes, from Thaebes the Tirant past. Whilst Lycus thus did Lord it there, the error of his ••ie Did vexe his heart: but Megara his lu••t did chastly flie. And Hercules by now had newes how things at Thaebes fell out, And how that Lycus there was Lord, and none for him durst route. Disguised then he thether comes and to the Pallace went: Whome, when the Porters would haue staide, his raggs he of did rent, And showes himselfe like to him selfe, no blee in vaine he spent that sets not breath or blood abroch. This vprore Lycus heard, And thinking that some priuate Fray had falne amongst his Garde, Presuming that his presence would appease the growing heat, Did cast his haughtie armes abroad, as who would say be quiet, Or here am I that can aswel commaund it as intreat, Which Hercules so sodenlie chopt off that (yet vnmist) He thinking to haue vsed Armes, was armeles ere he wist. Then Hercules, our Hercules is come all Thaebes it cride, Now shake we of our seruile Yoke & followe him our Guide: And so they did, till none were left to holde on Licus side. The Medley ended, Hercules did bring the Centaure bound To Prison: whereas Megara in miserie he found: For Licus, spéedles in his lust, against her so had frownde. Yea (more reuengefull) séeing her imbraced by his Foe, And hoping nothing lesse then life to vex them ere he goe He saide: thou dootest ouermuch to entertaine that Whore, The falsest Ladie vnder heauen, for let me liue no more, If Megera (I speake by profe) imbraced so of thee: Hath not offended diuers waies, and common ben to me. Then Hercules supposing that his spéeches had ben true 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sweapt of the lying Centaurs head, and that in chol•••• slewe (To credulent) his guiltlesse wife: but dead, her ••••ath did ru••

FOr losse of her, and slaughtered friends, he vexed at the heart did then from Thaebes (an heauie man) to Forrain lands depart, Distressed in the Troian Rhode he succour sought for pay: To which (his peoples triple plague) Laomedon said nay: And to prouide their second scourge saild Hercules away. And comming backe with Iasons Prize from Calchos he complaines of churlish king Laomedon, and so an Armie gaines. At Troy the Greekish Péeres and he did land their armed men: Whom to resist Laomedon did range his Battailes then. The Troians they bestird them well, the Grecians stood not still, Laomedon fights valiantlie, and manie a Greeke did kill. Till Hercules (disgesting ill to see his Foe pursue such good successe) encounters him, whom easilie he slue. And hauing slaine the traiterous king he ceaseth not to die▪ his Thaebane Club in Phrigian blood, till all began to flie. But with the Troians, Telamon, and Hercules both twaine, And by their valour all the Greekes the gates and Cittie gaine: And kill who so of Troy they caught, and raced to the ground the Citie, whilst that house by house, or stone on stone they found: And ventrous Telamon, for that he entred first the gate, For Prize had faire Hesione, of Troy the latest fate. For Priamus to quit her Rape, long after sent his Sonne To rauish Hellen from the Greekes. So thirdlie warre begonne: Hesione the cause to Troy, and Hellen to the Greekes, And all did worke that Troian Brute the Albions Climate seekes.