Erotopaignion, or, The Cyprian academy by Robert Baron of Grayes-Inne, Gent.

THE THIRD BOOKE OF THE CYPRIAN ACADEMY. (Book 3)

SOone after the Orientall Majestie a∣rose to over-circulate the Earth, Fla∣minius in a weather-beaten Ship, or rather the Carkasse of the Ship, or rather some few bones of the Car∣kasse, was driven upon the coasts of the Isle Cyprus, at the foot of a cacuminous Clift, whose steep-downe chalkie sides reverberating and beating back the rayes of the resplendent Sunne, by the beames reflection seemed to gild the Ocean with a new Phae∣bean glister.

Flaminius (with his trustie servants) sat upon the Clift, beholding the perjured waters of the Changeling Sea, and uttering these complaints; Ah unkind Na∣ture, Queene of dissimilitudes, and vicissitudes, when wilt thou be glutted with the miseries of mortals? How unfortunate is the fate of man, to be subjugated under the yoake of so belluine and inhumane a step∣dame?

Thy gifts are onely temporarie, there is no stable happinesse in this circle of flesh, nor is it in the opticks of these eyes to behold permanent felicitie: Apres un peu de joye ou seut mieux la tristesse, a pound of griefe followes an ounce of joy: as the tree and the rinde groweth and sprouteth together, the one not sub∣sisting without the other; so with man is care and an∣xietie ingendred, which as an inseparable evill Angell follows him in all his actions, as the shadow doth the body: Lieur & mallieur se suyvent tour à tour, good and evill follow one another. What were the lives of those Hero's, Alexander and Darius, who strove toge∣ther which should be Cock of the Worlds Dunghill, but one continued perplexitie? If to day Mars smiled on one of them, he feared the amphibologicall successe of to morrow; for, Cela qu'un jour nous donè, un autre jour nous l'oste, what one day gives us, another takes away from us: so that a man can make himselfe sure of nothing without the power of his action (that is not wholly in his hands) for, Multa cadunt inter po∣culum, & labra, Chance is a Dicer; its vaine to put more confidence in this life then in one wind at Sea, but 'tis wisdome to have tackling readie for all vicissi∣tudes of Fortune.

The Mulberry tree (as Herbalists observe) is long in begetting and keeping its buds, but (the cold season being past) it shootes them all in one night; and For∣tune, which sometimes is long in dandling her favou∣rites, (the edge of her lubricious affection being aba∣ted) she diverts from them her benignitie, and converts it to their miserie. But we will omit the rest of his complaints, desiring rather to relate matter then words.

Flaminius arose, intending to direct his wearie steps to the Regall Citie Nicosia, almost n the heart of the

Island, in the territorie of Lapathia: the way was plea∣surable, and the earth clad in her best apparell, which made the Island appeare to be the field of Ceres, the garden of Bacchus, the prime pastorage of Pan, and the richest beautie of Silvian; the Wheat over-topt his head, the Vines over-lookt the Trees, the rank grasse justled with his knees, and the high-sprong Woods did threaten to invade the Clouds. He had not travailed farre, before he was set upon by a pack of Robbe•…•… a rout of crazed fortunes, whose crackt estates did gape to be soldered up by any wealthy bootie; but va∣lour respects not numbers: wherefore Flaminius (who esteemed few swords in a just defence able to resist many unjust assailers) commanded his trusty Squires, Florian & Doristo, (who had rather sacrifice their lives at their Masters feet, then seek (by flying) a dishonou∣rable safetie) to assist him, who like an enraged Lyon sent some arme-lesse, others leg-lesse, more head∣lesse, but many life-lesse, to take up their comfort∣lesse Lodgings under the black mantle of endlesse night.

Florian lent such a terrible blow to one of their Chiefetaines, (who with open mouth threatned his destruction) as slicing off both his tongue and chaps, before he had ended his babling, gave a period to his oration. Doristo struck at another in the same po∣sture, and made his soule in a streame of clottered bloud, to sayle out at his mouth.

Those that survived of this Rabble (seeing them∣selves over-matcht every way, and frustrated of hopes to resist any way) desisted, and Flaminius persisted on in his journey; but before he could reach the Citie Nicosia, it did advesperate, and the silent night with her pitchie Chariot had coursed over the face of the element, and he was forced to take the earth for his

pillow, the wide fields being to him in stead of a Cham∣ber, and the windie skies being a roofe to his blasted Lodging, and having the cold and humid vapours of Nocturna to accompanie the unwisht-for Bed of his repose: but as soone as he espyed the beautious Au∣rora had with Vermillion blushing cheekes forsaken the Saffron Couch of her age-wearied Lover, he con∣tinued his travaile through a most pleasant Valley; on the right hand stood a ridge of mountaines, whereof one surmounted the rest, and had mounted upon his top a Pyramid of Brasse; on the left hand was the Sea, bordered with continued hills, beset with varietie of fruits; the Champaine betweene was full of flowrie hillocks, not much over-topping their ranker valleyes, which were with Groves of Olive and Orange trees dispersedly adorned. At the end of this Paradise he entred into a solitarie desart, whose ornaments were uncouth Rocks; some eaten with age, others blasted with lightning, others bruised with thunder: no com∣fortable beame of pleasure shined here, no chearefull Sunne or Moone illuminated this palace of death with gladsome rayes; it was filled with deepe ditches, and soundlesse pi••s, which were inhabited by hoarse Frogs and croaking Toads; it was paved with bloud∣drawing Thornes: about the middle of this wilder∣nesse was a melancholy Cave, the black Domicill of the daughters of death; Flaminius passing by it, heard com∣ming from it these lamentations, couched in a Med∣ley, both for Verses and Tunes.

1

When Phaeton fell from Sols bright Throne, And fail'd in's enterprise, How did his sisters him bemoane, And fill the ayre with cryes?

2

Proud Pelops Wife, bold Niob••, (Her off-spring being slaine) Gainst stormes approach, O how doth she In Marble still complaine?

3

What sorrow Orpheus did sustaine, When through th'infernall shade Thou, thy Euridice to obtaine, With Musick passage made.

4

What madnesse did corrode thy brest, wofull Andro••ache? When Hector (being laid to r••st) Thy lucklesse eyes did see.

5.

Astianax flung from a Tower, (The hope of Troy, and thee) O cursed act of a curst houre, what sorrow might this be?

6.

What griefe Jocasta haddest thou, To see Eteocles Ingaged by a fatall vow, To ••lay Polynices?

7.

Sad Dedalus, how small's thy ease, That saw thy daring Boy Baptize the vast Icarion Seas, And leave thee void of joy?

8.

What should I speak how Progne griev'd For her Spouse, spouse breach, tell Should I, how sad Anthony liv'd After Acteon fell.

9.

All this black Troop of dismall wee•• enumerated here, Are pleasures if compar'd with those which horally I beare.

10.

Had I more tongues my griefe to tell, Then Romans (loath to yeeld) In one Rome-wasting Battell fell, In lucklesse Canna's Field.

11.

Yet should I want an Idiome, Or dialect, to say My griefe in an idoneous tone, My tongue, ah welladay.

12.

The Tongues of Muses are too faint In Helicon that keep T'expresse the cause of my complaint, Come Muses with me weep.

13.

But why should I perplex the Nine with my griefe, when tis known, They finde enough (Ah) without mine, To relament their owne.

14.

The ancient Helicon they've left, Since their Antiomers Was of his wisht for life bereft, They've made one of my teares.

15.

I oft and oft did them invoke, But none of them reply'd, Their Harmony (alas) is broke Since their Maecenas dy'd.

16.

Come and approach, and attend to my cryes, you Hags and Hobgoblins, Register up and keep a catalogue of my teares, These archt walkes of midnight Gr••ves will I never abandon, And Silvans shadowes, And shades that Clarida loves, Where silver buskin'd triping Nymphs were never affrighted, By harsh blows of the rude Axe from their hallowed haunt.

17.

Here Death keepeth his Court, Here pitchy horror inhabits, This is griefes free-hold, Here will I chuse to abide, Come and aproach dapper Elves, Satyrs rough, and cloven-heel'd Fawnes, Not trickt and frounc't up As in the fresh flowry May, But civill suted Kerchift in Winter attire, Draw neer Ile teach you how To weepe teares in parts.

18.

Sol retrograde with your fire breathing steeds, And shut my eyes up in eternall night, My soule have lost its Sun, my body needs No radient light.

19.

Sinke toth'infernall shade, and let thy rayes, Illuminate their foggy hemisphere,

Give to th'Antipodes that share of dayes, Which I doe hate here.

20.

Acquaint them not with my anxiety, For then thy guilt carr will prove tedious, They'l fall a grieving too, and implore thee To returne to us.

21.

Kind Phoebus grant me what I postulate, But if you slight, and churlishly deny't, My teares my optick sence shall adumbrate, And so make a night.

22.

Larke Nor Thrush In no bush Shall tell his tale, Nor sweet Nightingale That on the bloomy spray, Carrols praises of fresh May, Come and inhabit this dim dale, Cuckow ever telling of one tale, Raven and Nyctimine, that love the darke.

23.

Come Steele-digesting Bird, come and draw neere You brood-devouring Kite, greedy Wane, That under-mines, fierce Cormorant: Come Faleon, and Vulture too, With the predictious Crow, Jay that ever talke, Griping Goshawke, Keep companie With mee, Here.

24.

Antiomer, Apollo in the head, Mars in the hand, a Saint ith'heart, a man Who was the Magazine, or Vatican Oth' lib'rall Sciences, alas is dead.

25.

Earth-decking Flora, beauteous Lasse that use To purple the fresh ground with vernal Flowers That suck in the Nectarian honied showers, Thou that wear'st Flowrets of a thousand hues.

26.

Thou that the smooth shorne fields enamelest, And annuall wrapst the even shaven Plaine, In a mellifluous Rug of Flowers, daigne Propitiously to come at my request.

27.

Come bring with thee the well-atti'rd Woodbine, The Lovers Pansie freakt with shining Jet, The tufted Growtoe, glowing Violet, Ruddy Narcissus, and pale Gessamine.

28.

Bring the Faire Primrose (that forsaken dyes) The Daffadillies with cups fill'd with teares, All Amaranth's brood that Embroidery weares, To strew her Lawreat Hearse where my Love lyes.

The Melody being ended, Flaminius desiring as well to satisfie his sight as his hearing, stept to the Cave, where he beheld the Querimonious Lady, in a garment of blacke Velvet, embroydered with sil∣ver, her haire was gathered up under a small cap, co∣vered with feathers, and set thicke with Diamonds, which glittering about her head dazeled his sight, but it was little in respect of that lightning which came from her face.

She was ravished with the rare feature of Flaminius, who doubtlesse had been as much taken with hers, had hee not been gained by another, but his soule wa•• so fill'd with the most excellent perfection of Clo∣rinda, that there was no place left for any other im∣pression. After some Discourse, the Ladies offer•• and his desires became convertible, shee requeste•• that which he most desired, which was to accompany her to the Court, and hee requested that which she was most ambitious to performe, which was, to in∣forme him of the cause of her querulous Soliloquie, which she did in these words.

Gentle Sir, though I am assidually used to com∣plaints, yet were my heart contracted into tongue I should bee deficient in declaring the unspeakable∣nesse of my ineffable griefe, and though I despair•• to bring you any pastime, yet to passe the time, be•• pleased to heare this Tragedy. There arrived at thi•• Iland, Antiomers sonne to the Emperour of Germany, Knight, who was in peace sweet and humble, in Wa•• sterne and haughty, the East could not boast mor•• pearles then he could vertues, the gentlenesse of hi•• countenance, and the fircenesse of his courage seem∣ed to be two contraries in the same subject, his heart was uncapable of feare in any danger, but tractable and easie in conversation; in a word Antiomers, a man under whose name is comprehended all War∣like vertue; loved no women but mee, that loved not any man but him; he never spake but of me, h•• never made any relation which he esteemed good, if 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were not the subject thereof; nor did I thinke any time lost, but what I spent out of his company. It so fortuned that Silenus, brother to Lycidus, the young King of Cicilie, proclaimed a generall challenge a∣••ainst all Knights that should deny his Lady Adria•…•…

(daughter to the Great Turke) to bee the Paragon of the terrestiall Paradise; Fame proud to pro∣mulge this defie to all the world, graspt it betweene her teeth, and shaked it about, so that it came to Antiomers eares, who soon left Cyprus, and went to Cicilie, resolved to make him repent his brags, or to bury my honour with his owne body.

I shall omit the circumstances of his Journey, and returne to Silenus, who hearing of Antiomers his approach entred the Field in an Armour of a Corna∣tion colour all be set with Croslets of gold in a Field Azure, he bore upon his Shield the Picture of Adrias in silver, with the Seven Starres round about her, un∣der her was engraven this Saphick.

Adrias splende•• ••elut inter ignes, Luna minores. * 1.1

Antiomers had on a French Armour of an Ashie co∣lour, which hid the sparkes of a lively fire, spotted with Flower-de-luces of Silver and Gold, his device was a Heart ty'd to a pillar in the middle of a Faggot kindled by me, my portraicture was all beset with Flowers, and just under my Simulachrie was in∣scribed in Greeke Characters these words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (the best of Flowers) his Feather was Gree-de-lieu and white, his Caparisons Gris∣de-lieu, embroidered with Gold, set thicke with sparks of Diamonds.

These two Champions in their careere darkned the ayre with the dust they raised, and struck the earth into an Ague with their Horses battering hoofes, An∣tiomers in the middle of his course met his Enemy

like a Whirlewind, and fell upon him like a Tempest, they both sent the splinters of their Launces to digge Graves in the dust for their blood, which forthwith fill'd them, for there were many salliports cut in their Armours for their lives to issue out at, and death to enter in at. Silenus words and blowes were delive∣red so together, that it was aenigmaticall whither enterprizing or prevailing went first, his energeticall strokes seemed as thunder, to his words lightning; but hee found no barren ground for this feed, for Antiomers (abhorring sterility) yeelded him his own with increase, which because he did not expect, hee was perplexed by it, and in this respect, though reason and amazement bee seldome joyned, yet here they were not dissentaneous, for the most reasonable spe∣ctators had good reason to be amazed at the unrea∣sonable ferocity of the combatants, who both over∣wearied with fighting, fell prostrate to the earth, where Antiomers thus commun'd with himselfe.

Can my courage faint remembring my Lady, or can any thing dismay me being in her favour, no the honour of her name (which I honour) hath call'd me to the Field, and her beauty is so perfect, as nothing shall be able to force me to flye.

And now these Champions carried more by strength of affection then of body, by the cruelty of the second charge they wiped away the astonishmen•• of the first, till at last they were both carried out of the Field, with more appearance of death then hope of life. As soon as I heard of the event of the fight, I went to visit him, he no sooner cast his dim eyes upon me, but his co∣lour freshly revived in the pale cinders of his thin cheekes, and the old vermilian tincture began to plead a new possession of his severall mansions, but at length I saw the vermilian non-suited, and him pale and

dead (though even in that condition lovely, as if death had taken that shape to make me enamoured of him) alive he surprised and suppressed envy with vertue, and dead honours accompanied him to the grave.

—Quis talia fando. Explicet, aut possit lachrimis aequare dolorem; * 1.2

Ocursed be the hand that kill'd, that kill'd him, cursed be his heart that had the heart to doe it, ô yee just gods let most direfull, and haplesse happs, hap∣pen to that hatefull wretch that made me wretched by his death, ô kind death lend my cheekes his pale∣nesse, which boast more of these trickling drops of teares, then the Pactolian sand hills doe of their most gorgious glistering pearles left there, and forsaken by the ••bbing billowes of the bubling waters, My teares shall raine upon his grave to make the gentle earth beare some Adonean, or rather Antiomerean flowre, which shall beare his name and memory.

She would have uttered more circumstancies of the Tragedy, but she was forced to make their womb their tomb, and to bury them before she brought them forth, those other things which she intended should have had birth in her mouth dyed there, for her words were washt away by her teares which came dropping downe, like rayne in sun-shine, and hang upon her cheekes and lips, like drops upon cherries, which the dropping tree bedeweth, her swell'd eyes became her fortune, and made her teares comely.

By this time they were come to the Court, where Arbella Daughter to Romulus King of Cyprus, (for so was the prementioned Lady nominated) brought him to the King, whose Sister Capricia (mentioned in the former part of this history) was wife to Pompilius vice∣roy of Naples, and Mother to Flaminius, so that the

King quickly so dispersed the rayes of his grace upon his Nephew Flaminius, as he thought his court defi∣cient, without this pregnant proficient of State, but let it be sufficient for the present that we have brought Flaminius to the court, and into the Kings favour, let us now returne to Clorinda, (disconsolate Clorinda,) whom we have too long forgotten.

In this time of Flaminius absence, and consequently of her infelicity (for how could she choose but lan∣guish in the absence of her best Physitian) no carefull art, or art of carefullnesse was imployd in her ador∣ning her selfe, she left all to neglected chance, which yet could no more impair her perfections, then a dye cast any way could loose its squarenesse.

Still her love did burne lik a vestall fire, which with Flaminius memory, richer then all spices dispersed fragrant odours, round about her Love-fick soule, and did refresh it, when 'twas in the dumpes, and stuck fast in the quagmire of melancholy.

She was seldom out of the company of Delia, whose presence would have diverted much griefe, had it been curable by company, yet she set as cheerefull a coun∣tenance upon it, as the sadnesse of her heart would permit, after he had been absent from her some consi∣derable time, not having oportunity personally to kisse her hands; he sent this letter as his paper deputy to doe it for him.

Flaminius to Clorinda,

Sweet Princesse of my life.

Some three monthes since I left the artificiall sea of teares (wept out of my dewy eyes, for the discease of my defunct parents,) and lanched out into the na∣turall sea bound for thy armes, (that haven of happi∣nesse, that port of pleasure) but I was unhappily di∣verted by a disasterous tempest which for twelve dayes tost me too and fro upon the inraged Ocean,

and then cast me upon the Isle of Cyprus, a Land eno∣bled for its celebrated excellencies,) here I am in fa∣vour with the King, and in credit at the court, but the thorne amongst these Roses, is thy absence, my greatest evill, is the want of my most beloved good, thy honoured selfe, the life of my hopes, and the hope of my life, which I keep only for thy service, nor can I loose it better then for thy love, and if I should sorrow for the losse thereof, it would be rather in re∣spect of thee then my selfe, and out of griefe I should have to see my end, before I have testified the begin∣ing of my service to thee.

But my faire one, I (who live onely to dye for thee) I (who entertaine my selfe onely with Imagi∣nations, and live onely with hopes of thy love) con∣jure thee by the radient lights of thy eyes, (the onely suns by whose rajes I am animated) that thou dost not pine thy selfe (whilst I remaine in this darknesse, wherein I enwrap my selfe, during thy absence,) for so thou may•…•… cut off thy owne time, but not abate (but augment) my troubles, rather manifest a princely magnanimity of mind, in conquering this griefe by the valour of thy patience, and continue to love still.

Cyprus.

Madam.

Thy Immutable Uotary, and constant Servitour. Flaminius.

Clorinda. having oft honoured this letter with most affectionate kisses, dispatcht the messenger, (which was Florian) with this answer.

Clorinda to Flaminius.

My Lord,

THough I know that out of your ingenuitie and candor, you are noble enough to overvalue me so far, as to love me without any merits that might induce you to it, yet I were ungratefully sordid, and sordidly ungratefull, if I should not teach my pen (which is guided by my heart) to affirme that the least scruple of your love is not lost, but highly prized, and returned to you in like measure, beleive it Sir I am more torne and pursued by feares, of and for you, then Actaeon was by his doggs, I see not but through your eyes, I live not but by your love, which is in eternall characters ingraven upon the Amethist of my heart, and though the starrs condemne us to this seperation, yet your name and representation shall be alwayes the dearest jewells of the life, of

Your Clorinda.

England.

Having delivered this letter to Flaminius let us looke upon Arbella, who made her heart rasam tabulam a white paper, longing to have Flaminius writ his love upon it, to this end she studied with great art to tie all those graces together, wherewith she accustomed to have her admirable beauty accompanied, for the glory she apprehended in captiving such a courage made her desire to seem faire, she would be seldome out of his company, hoping that if he were not taken with the inevitable strookes of her face, he should be constrained to yeild by her charming speech, and be∣cause she would move every stone, and leave no means unatempted, when she knew Flaminius (who was much delighted with the airey whistlings, and inar∣ticulate sufurrations of vegitables) to be walking in a tufted grove, adjoyning to the City, thether she re∣paired,

and placing her selfe within a leavy labyrinth in the navil of this obscure inmost bowre, sitting up∣on a mossie couch of grassie turfs she utterd these words.

Faire silver shafted Lad goe burne thy frivolous bow, and in imitation of Hercules in these waving woods erect thy pillars and write Nil plus vltra, my conquest is ended, what shall Flaminius remaine al∣wayes as free, as invincible? can it be that so much va∣lour can be altogether unaccompanied with love?

Flaminius (willing to convince her of her errour, in thinking him altogether without love, tooke a seat in an adjoyning arbour, & made this protestation of his love to Clorinda.

Loadstone of love, life of beauty, picture of for∣mositie, flowre of comlinesse, Clorinda, believe that my affection is so perfect as it cannot be increased or diminished, since the first birth of it, but if it be ca∣piable of augmentation, thy late letter was as bellows to kindle a new fire in my soule, which shall never be extinguished by averse starrs, or adverse fortune, know (sweet Mistris of my love, and life) and believe that it is the royall prerogative of a lover to be metamor∣phosed into the essence of the party loved, and so it fareth with me, whose heart is as faithfull to you as the needle to the north.

First, shall fertile soyles render nothing but thornes to Coridon, (as a reward for his good seede,) or rivers (the emblems of gratitude) forget to repay their flouds to Neptune, or a trustie grayhound transforme himselfe to a pilfering Tygar, or vertue become vice, and beauty a blemish, before any goddess be made go∣vernesse of the cittadell of my heart besides thy selfe.

Arbella seing her hopes frustrated returned to her fathers Court, where she found Lycidus King of Sicilie her beauty shined so bright that the amarous King

was too weake to resist it, for although her minde was possessed with sorrow, & her body clad with mourn∣ing, & corrupuit oculos fletu, and she loboured to hide her feature, and dim the lusture of her face, yet could not the excellent perfection wherewith she was in∣riched be defaced.

Neither Lycidus Rhetorick, nor his friends per∣swasions could procure for him Arbella's good like∣ing, therefore he out of the atrocity of his spirit, see∣ing his love rewarded with loathing, returned home and raised an army to make at once a conquest, both of Arbella, and her fathers Kingdome, when he had al∣most covered the Sea with his potent Armado, and made a bridg of ships over the miditerranian Ocean, Lemuroc (a man of an arrogant mind, a fit hing for mischeife to turne upon, one that like the fellow that burnt the Temple of Diana at Ephesus, would get himselfe a name, though it were for doing mis∣cheife, who was left by Lycidus in Cyprus under pre∣tence to negociate the match, did patch the Lions skin with the Foxes taile, and thus he acted his part for his Masters advantage, he congregated, and seduced the rout, and scumd the mud and froth of the people, the fittest soyles for this grand incendiary to sow his seeds of rebellion, with this Gallemaufery of Plebeians (who having nothing to lose, no not the oppulency of a good disposition) were easily ingaged in his tumult) he marched to the regall palace in Nicosia, the Walls, Turrets, and Battlements were white marble, the windows of carved silverworke, enamelled with In∣dian pearle, glazed with Christall glasse. Lemuroc mounted upon a high scaffold made this insinuating O••a••ion to his rebellious followers, among whom were some popular and discontented Lords.

My Lords,

COnsider how this stragling stranger Flaminius hath so stollen into the Kings favour, that it is lockt up from you, you are of the Court but not of the Coun∣cel, hee is growne so excessive in the appetite of the Kings favour, and so excessive in the limitation of the Soveraigne aspect, that he alienates his Majesties grace from you, he hath intrinsicated the occult dispositi∣on of Romulus, and conformed his owne so exquisitely thereunto, that there is but one velle betweene them both.

From hence ariseth that intire confidence, that Romulus who is jealous of all men else, is confident of him, nor doth hee hide any clandestine negotia∣tion from him; and to say true he makes himselfe but like a Cipher to make this Figure the more in number.

Ere-while you were honoured in the sight of your Prince, enjoy'd his delights, you were crusht with honour as with burdens, you required no∣thing but you obtained it, so that all men admired and desired your estates: but now a sable cloud hath obscured all these faire beames in one day, your Prince frownes, your glory departs like a dreame, and you the Atlasses who carried such heapes and mountaines of honours upon your shoulders, have your Exits with reproach.

All eyes are attracted to, and fixed on this new light of Flaminius, all hearts are pinn'd upon his sleeve, all neckes buckled under his girdle; from his hand only you receive your most importunate dispatches, you hold your selves graced by his injunctions, if he daigne not to disdaine your Petitions, you are highly honoured; If he please to breake silence in your behalfe, you are greatly obliged, you dili∣gently waite at his dores, and endure the churlish∣nesse

of his Porters, and bribe them to be the first that may obtaine accesse to this adored Idoll, you all labour to faine the choisest amplifyings to enco∣mionize him, and the greatest submission to flatter him, his strength makes you all weake, his soa∣rings makes you flag your wings, and flye close to the earth, his golden feathers are of such vastnesse, that they spread like sailes, and so becalme you all, that you want aire, and Sea-roome to raise your plumes, and taste the pleasures of your owne Ele∣ments.

Hee is the Harpy which hath all eares lockt to his sound, you are but as Fidles unstrung; he among you that hath Flaminius for his Protector, neede not bend all his nerves to acquire dignities; he that hath him for his foe languisheth under disgrace, and mi∣sery. None can obtaine any elevation without his be∣nè placet, neither can any without his leave preserve himselfe with innocence and vertue. You may say of Flamin ius as Tiberius Subjects did of Seianus, ut quisque Seiano intimus ita ad Caesaris amicitiam validus: contra incensus esset metu ac sordibus conflictebantur.

Hee hath even chang'd the nature of your Prince, and made him Saturnine and supercilious, who was once as debonaire and infastidious as Augustus of whom it was said, Augustus civile rebatur misceri volup∣tatibus vulgi, hee was a Prince, yet seemed a Citizen, and disdained not to beare a part in popular recreati∣ons. Will you run with so much patience to the in∣fringing of your liberties, and throw your selfe head∣long into the gulfe of servitude. Remove the cause of these grievances, and the effect will cease, take Fla∣minius from about the King, and the day of his be∣nignity will daun upon you. Or if a quiet and peace∣able Prince, and a prosperous Republique bee your summa bona, adhaere to my Royall Lord and Master

Lycidus, and hope by his assistance to attaine the Apex of felicity, the top of your desires.

Flaminius having assembled a troop of loyall Cour∣tiers with them, went to appease the multitude, nothing fearing forreigne incursions, if hee could prevent home-bred insurrections, he therefore (who fought as if hee had beene suckled by Bellona, and ne∣ver ••ingerd ought but a Lance, and who spoke as if hee had beene foster'd by Minerva, and never hand∣led any thing but a pen; hee who shared as much of Mercury in his tongue, as Mars in his hand) began thus,

O scelus, ô veterum proles vesana Gigantum.

What? are Romulus his Subjects become Authors of a ryot, and actors of their owne tragedy? What, have you combined Phoenix-like to let out your owne life blood? What, will you imitate the Viper, and teare, and dilacerate the entralls of your owne great parent your Countrey? and are Plitus, Xanverde, Turpill and others of the gowne that should be participes curarum, companions in care to your Royall Soveraigne; you that should be co-props of the State, you that should beare part of the burthen with your Prince, are you confederated against him? you are advanced to as high a pitch of Supremacy as subjection will permit, or Soveraignty endure, and yet will you still aspire, till you expire?

Are you so transported with a desire to raign, that all your potency seemes villinage so long as you must acknowledge any Superiour? were there a resurrecti∣on of your Ancestors, they would blush at your inso∣lence, and runne to kisse their graves that have hid∣den them from beholding such Rebellion, were your Fathers now to dye againe, they would every one bequeath as a legacie to his sonne that grave and laudable precept,

Nec tibi regnandi veniat tam dira Cupido.

But looke before you leape, consider the Person you conspire against, is the Majesty of Romulus, who by coelestiall institution is the terrestiall Deity, its Ro∣mulus the Father of your Countrey, the fountain of honour, a man beyond all commendation, of a grave spirit, of a constant and well-setled judge∣ment, so that if all the rancour and malice in the world were contracted into one eye, it should never detract from him, he is a professed Guardian to the Muses and their refined fancies, hee is accute in witt, grave in censure, mature in judgement, and in all the liberall Sciences so frequent, and beyond com∣pare perfect, that they rather appeareinnate to him, then acquired by education. The Arts Court him to be called their Oracle, as if hee only had beene borne to uncloud whatsoever is included in their spacious Orbs, he holds a Dormant Councel-table in his own Princely breast, the whole current of his dispensa∣tions speake him a patterne to the admiration and i∣mitation of posterity. He is the prop, the Atlas on which the safety of you all leane, he is the hinge on which the whole State turnes; in a word, he is the Pelops for wisedome, the Minos for good government. Remember Amour & Royalte ne veulent point o'esgall, Love and Lordship suffer no fellowship. Forget not that Soveraigne authority is so delicate and tender, that it will take hurt with the least rude handling.

Nor doe enterprizes against Princes prosper, re∣member that Seianus that contrived the death of Dru∣sus, Litia that consented to it, Endemus that com∣pounded the drug, and Ligdus the Ganimed that pre∣sented it, all perished miserably, and so let those fu∣ries all of them perish that undertake against the lives and prosperity of their Princes.

But will you that have seene many yeares of Sun∣shine

dayes, and beene the happiest Nation upon the surface of the Universe, as if felicity had been calcu∣lated onely for your Meridian; will you make your Island the seate of warre, and stage of woe, and ba∣nish prosperity from your confines? doe you long to see your Babes brought forth for the sword to glut upon? to see the bodies of your Ancients made pave∣ments to walke upon, your Matrons become a prey, and prize to every ravisher, your Priests and Sacrifi∣cers slaine at the gates of your Temples,

Quae tantum insanas voluit, dementia gentes?

And you Mushromes, you lesser starres, that come not within any Constellation, will you joyne with them that quo rure, quaque injuria invade your Coun∣trey, you should rather joyne hand in hand to shoul∣der them out, who will use you but as instruments to ruine one another: you doe but shoote arrowes a∣gainst the Sun which will retrograde, and fall upon your owne heads: but if you be resolved to contribute to your owne destruction, I dispaire not to find some who are not such ••ickle and desultory temporizers as will concur in this rebellion against their King, but will never doe that which most of his Subjects doe, flatter him, but who will doe that which few of his Subjects do, love and honour him, and let these joyn with me in this acclamation, Vivat Rex, Vivat Romu lus, Vivat Rex Romulus, in Eternum vivat.

Whilst thus he spake, conticuére omnes intentá{que} tene∣bant. Flaminius had such action in his speech, and grace in his action, as he raised attention with no less admiration then silence. For his Oration carried smoothnesse and concinuity enough with it to make many revolt from Lemuroc, only some few ambitious Lords, whether out of instigation, or as it hath beene conjectured out of emulation, and jealousie to bee e∣clipsed and over-shadowed by the fame and splendor

of Flaminius, swaid their Tennants and domesticke retenews, and fled to Lycidus (who by this time was intrenched in the plaine of Mamrash some five miles from Nicosia) under whose ensigne wee will resigne them, and assigne our stile to the perfecting of our for∣mer designs.

Flaminius dispatched a Messenger to Amenides (whom hee desired might joyne with him in his at∣chievements, and partake of his glory) who soon left Dionella, of whom hee tooke leave with teares in his eyes, she also contributing hers unto their griefe, hee went accompanied with the same sorrow which hee left behind, and in ten dayes space arrived at Cyprus, with 1000. valiant Neopolitans, whose spangled plumes of divers coloured feathers obumbrating their steely crests, and their gilded helmets, shewed in sem∣blance like Mars his burganets overshadowed with the golden tressalines of his faire paphian paramoure; If unknown Choraebus with his troops of undaunted Ue∣terans were in Troyes extreamity, welcome to the di∣stressed Priamus, or the resolved bands of Achilles with his fierce Mirmidons acceptable to the Grecians in the time of intestine skirmishes; how joyful then was Ro∣mulus at the arrivall of Amenides in this time of disa∣ster, wherein hee more needed his Heroicke actions, then either Priam or the Grecian Heroes did their pro∣fered succouring aiders. By this time the Governours of the several Provinces (having fortified their Cities) repaired with their bands to Nicosia, where there was a general muster of Romulus his souldiers w^ch amoun∣ted to the number of 40000. the day of battel between the two Armies was appointed on the morrow, and the Plains whereon it was to be fought were the pre∣mentioned Plaines of Mamrash. As soone as the Coe∣lestiall Waggoner had forsaken the watry lap of The∣tis, and issuing out at the latticed portalls of the Ea∣stern

Ocean had swiftly followed the flying darknesse (which with sable wings had tane her speedy flight to the Westerne India) the thundring drumms and shrill trumpets proclaimed the battles approach.

Romulus his Army was thus ordered; against the approch of his reproachfull enemies; the first Squa∣dron was conducted by Yeslin Governour of the Pro∣vince of Salamina, the second was given in charge to Amenides, the third was led by Flaminius, the fourth by Romulus the King, the last by Pruteus. This Army garnished with their discoloured plumes, raised such a lustre by the rayes of the earths illustrator, as hea∣ven it selfe seemed to blush at the gorgeousnesse of the inriched earth, whose duskie face was so admirably garnished with such a glorious Army.

Lycidus also divided his Army which consisted of 60000. men into divers squadrons, allowing to each squadron 10000. men, the first was carried on by Le∣muroc, the second followed Turpill, the third Xanver∣de, the fourth was under Lycidus owne conduct, the fifth had his Brother Silenus for its Leader, the last was commanded by Plitus. The signall of the battell being given, the two bodies engaged; and the earth loath to behold such cruelty, hidde its face under a bloody mantle. Now the noise of the Souldiers (w^ch was no lesse then the mad Sacrifices of Bacchus in The∣bes and Phrygia, were wont to bee the neighing of horses, the clashing of the Armes, the groanes of the dying and wounded men, the obstrepency of the Ca∣nons and sounding granadoes drowned one another, and concurrd to make a discord, which at once both fed & frighted death. Now Charon sweated with ply∣ing his Ores, now Cerberus feared to admit so many of Romulus rebellious Subjects, because hee doubted (they were so inured to insurrections) that they would mutiny against Pluto. Now Radaman thus trem∣bled

to give censure against so many souldiers, lest they (disliking their doome) should make another ri∣ot, and breake the peace. But because I would not∣have the battle ended before I have described the man∣ner of it, I will leave roaving at Generalls, and parti∣cularize some of the most eminent Combitants.

Flaminius (having valour for his leader, and for∣tune for his Auxiliar) delt downe right blowes (and them oft redoubled) upon his unabiding adversaries, his blood-bedabled sword guided by his ruthlesse hand cleft where it strucke, it cut out more worke for the Sexton then the Surgeon, it made no wounds but mortall ones, it left every one on whome it had dis∣charged its fury either dying or dead.

Here his frantick arme cleave horse and man insuna der at one blow, there it makes an Orphan, here widdow, and so he remained pressing, and oppressing his enemies till being ringd about with the distracted and amazed multitude his steed was slaine by Turpil but Flaminius so executed his vigorous rage upon him, as he made the Traitor to late repent his but lately of∣ferd injury, for burying his blade in his cursed stomach he made him (bleching out his life together with his blood, bid a sorrowful farewell, to his more then sor∣rowfull souldiers, and he soon mounted himselfe on a fiery coursier, whose masters head he paid for his horse hire. Undanted Romulus also, who chose rather to trust to his body a castle of bones, then one of stones, no sooner delt blowes, then these gave wounds, and those wounds, death, till at length his force decrea∣sing, he was dismounted yet defended himselfe on foot till at last he espied, Flaminius coming, and then (whereas before he expected a noble death) he hoped for a glorious victory, for who can feare that hath Flaminius by him, whose very presence might apall his proudest foe, but how many he slew, (not stranger

for number, then for the manner,) how he sent them to their deserved deaths, were a subject delectable to mee to write, and to all to read, but I should be over tedious to discourse of every particular. Plitus advanced himselfea∣gainst Amenides, whose actions speak him higher then our Epithites, but the burnt child dreads the fire, the baited Beare will beware of the stake, the singed gnat dare not a∣gain flutter about the flame of the candle, the fish Sphyrana once intangled will shun the net, the dogs of Aegypt once terrified by the Crocadile wil seldom after lap at the banks of Nilus, and Pusillanimous Plitus having received two wounds sought by the swiftnesse of his horse a dishonou∣rable safety, Lemuroc took his place and incountered Ame∣nides, and it fared with him as with the young wrestler that came to the Olympick games, who having had a foyle thought scorn to retreat till he received a fall, or him that being prickt in the finger by a bramble, thrust in his whole hand among the thorns for madnesse, for having diverse wounds and not liking them, he left not, till he took that which was immedicable, & Amenides continued purpling the grasse with blood and inriching the ground with pale carkasses. Pruteus ran against Lycidus, and bea∣ring him quite over his saddle, he made him take a new & more uneasy seat upon the croop of his palfrey, Yeslin and Silenus were so forward in the careere, as the very earth seemed scarcely to bend under their horses hoofes, with such exceeding celeritie they passed to the en∣counter, but ô the impartiality of the fates, ô the atro∣city of chance, The well accomplished Socrates and just Phocian were executed like Traitors, whilst Rebell Caesar was advanced, the cruell Severus lived prospe∣rously and was adored, whilest the excellent Severus was miserably murthered, Sylla and Marius dyed in their beds, Pompy and Cicero slaine, when they would have thought exile a happinesse, and Yeslin, Loyall Yeslin, ••ell by the flesh-devouring hand of Silenus, but his bloud

being scattered like seed upon the ground, brought rich encrease to Romulus, for his death gave desire to the most pittifull, and power of revenge to the most coward∣ly, and now between both armies began a most bitter bick••ing, but Lycidus his army being not able any longer to continue the conflict were inforced to flie, feare added spurs to their hast, Flaminius and Amenides added fury to valour, and desperateneffe to fury, and pursued them with their Squadrons, and prosecuted the pursuit as far as Ceratina erected by Cyprus (now called Cerines) whose perfidious governour Dromus surrendred it to Lycidus, Flaminius and Amenides, sat downe before this City, where we will leave them and looke over the plaines of Mamrash. Here stood a head strong steed wanting no∣thing but a proud rider to guide him, there another drags his Lim-lopt Master up and downe the feild, the plaines which were never before overfloud, are now drowned in bloud, here lies a headlesse body, there a Limme newly discinded from that miserable trunk that lyes yet groan∣ing, here lies a gasping head cropt from its shoulders, there lye huge heapes of half dead bodies, whereof some curse fate, others blaspheme their misdisposed starrs, one pitties his poore widdow, another commiserated his Lucklesse Orphans, and curse the night wherein the chil∣dren were borne, because he must dye and leave them un∣happy, here lies a throng of livelesse carcases, whose eyes are dam'd up with bloud-congealed dust, there grovells the Son whose hopes were all his aged Fathers pleasure, there were slaine in this battell (as is evident by the bills given in of the dead) of Romulus party 500. whereof one was the honourable Lord Yeslin. Of Lycidus souldiers there fell 11000 and upward, among whom were Turpil and Xanverde of the nobilitie. Report carying the fame of these wars tied unto his wings, brought it to Clorinda, wherupon (education having given her more languages, then nature tongues) shee drew her thoughts into these ••es, adorned them with Roman attire, wrapt them in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & dispatcht them to Flaminius.

Clorinda Flaminio.

Pax tibi tuta venit (comptos redimita capillos) Nunc fulgent violae, Lilia flava, rosae. Massica pampinei florescunt dona Liaei Nunc vocat ad dulces tibia grata choros. Pace virente, casas habitat securus Amyntas Neve citat tutum hunc tristis ad arma tuba. At cum trita patent furibundi limina belli, Turnus & armiferas aptat ad arma manus, Aspicis undantes effuso sanguine campos Si venit in terras martia turba tuas. Exurit passim segires, magalia, villas, Mar••ia{que} artifici fulmina nube ruunt. Pace repertus amor, Mars spirat naribus ignem, Hic terram tumulis sarcinat, illa viris. Magnificis Pacem quis te non laudibus ornat, Ipsa Ceres, te nox induit, Ipsa Venus.

Clorinda.

Arbella loath any longer to see her Fathers King∣dome sustaine the miseries of war for her sake) fled se∣cretly from the Court in a disguise, and apparralled her selfe in a tawney armor, having for her device an Austridge holding a horse shoe in his mouth, with this word Sic nutriuntur Fortes, she repaired to the camp and sent this defie to Lycidus.

Redoubted Lycidus it's both repugnant to your ho∣nour and honesty, to seeke to conquer that with Mars ••is lance, which can be subdued onely by Cupids shaft 〈◊〉〈◊〉 meane Arbellas heart, appeare therefore in the field forthwith armed at all points to prove by what right you seeke the daughters love by the distruction of her Fathers Kingdome, be not inquisitive of my name b••t

let it suffice you to know that I am Arbellas friend and consequently your enemy.

The stranger had no sooner veiwed the advantages of the ground, but Lycidus forthwith issued out of the Abby (which was by this time straightned for want of Provision) with an armour of a sea green colour where∣on was the Simulachres of Priamus and Hecuba hanging their heads in their bosomes, and with their naked hands upholding a deaths head, whereon was written this composure, Nostrae spes tanta salutis, The stranger faild in his careere, and was sent to write his foyle with his helmet upon the dust, Lycidus (as rich in courtisie as courage) counting conquest by advantages rather stolen then accheived, left his sturdy steed to fight on foot, but Lycidus perceiving the stranger discovered more anger then either skill or strength, holding him farre unworthy of his hate, pittied his weaknesse, and said, Sir Knight, I conceive you fitter to masque with Uenus then march with Mars, to hold a distaffe with Hercules, then a lance with Hanibal, or to handle a Lute in a La∣dyes chamber, then a spear in Bellona's Camp, con∣test therefore no more, but husband your strength, em∣ploy it against your enemie, for my part I am your friend and will spend my life to serve you for Arbellas sake, whose friend you professe your selfe, the stranger replyed al the service I desire of you, is; that I have no ser∣vice for you, but abused courtesie, in Lycidus begat wrath who united all his force, & cleft the perfidious Helmet of the stranger which struck him to the ground, he thē thrust his glittering sword into his left side & having enloosed his helmet (intending to crop him shorter by the head) espyed golden tramells of faire haire, falling downe upon her shoulders, which witnessed that it was the b••autious Ar••••lla, whose corall lips trembled as if they were kissing death, the Lillie and rose which were before united in her cheekes now broake their league,

and commenced warr, the Lillie got the victory, and re∣mained master of the feild, and put the rose to flight, in her forehead where the wound was made a fresh tor rent of rubie blood (whose least drop might have ran somed Cupid, were he taken prisoner) strove to over flow its owne fairenesse, here the rose tooke sanctuary being expulsed from her cheekes, in a word here was an Island of perfect white invironed with a red sea, in whose deadly streame death came sayling, and arived at the port made in her front, and soon chaced the soule, though not the beauty from her lovely body.

Now Lycidus (ashamed of his unluckie victory broke his sword, threw downe his gauntlet, and in three dayes shipt his whole army to returne to Sicilie, he be∣queathed his kingdome to his brother Silenus, and spent the residue of his discontented life, in the Monaste∣ry of mount Serat, where he became a Capouchin, His majestie out of the height of benignity passed a bill of indempnity, & pardoned his subjects, & as a legg broke well set is stronger then before, and as a bow cract and wel mended sounder then ever, so his peoples hearts were in the most corroborated chaines of love and o∣bedience chained him by this singular example of cle∣mēcie for Le pardonner n'est moindre vertu aux grauds quand 'lis sont offencez, que le vengeance vice aux petits quand ils sont injuriez, to forgive is no lesse vertue in Princes, when they are offended, then revenge is a vice in the com∣mon sort, when they are wronged, but to proceed, because his maiesty would not have the griefe for Ar∣bella's, death make a full conquest of his great minde, he admitted of this pastorall Eclogue.

An Eclogue.

The Kings magistie being seated, and the roome fill'd with spectators of quality, Flaminius and Amenides,

enter'd in a rurall disguise, intending to summon their senses, to attend their pastimes, to shew their alacritie, for the new established peace, and celebrate their La∣dies excellencies, under the pastorall names of Julietta, & Floretta, calling themselves. Archus, and Plaindor, Ar∣chus (which was Flaminius) disguised began thus.

Archus.

Come swaine assume thy slighted pipe, and play Upon thy oaten reed a rounde-lay, Come warble amorous anthems, call to be Partakers in thy mirth the Napaeae, That haunt arbusted groves, those rurall powers That live inshrin'd in oaken curled bowres, Among the sapplins tall, whose shady roof Are ringletts knitt of branching elm, star proofe, Call Naiades from their obscure sluse By which his Alpheus met his Arethuse, Call mountaine Orcades for to comply To further with us this solemnity, Call the thrice three sweet Aganipian Nymphs That steeps the fancy in Heliconian lymphs Of eloquence, and straines heroicall To help us tune our dulcid madrigall. Avaunt thou Styx borne sadnesse, I'le take care Thou shalt be mist no more, the shaddow's are I'th deep of night, when Morpheus Leaden key Locke mortalls under a black canopie, Rejoyce, and Jocaean sing to me Now Janus folding gates close boulted be, Sicilian tyrants are returned home Mars is appeased with a hecatombe. The tempest's ore, the Cyprian ocean's calme, Our victors browes are crown'd with wreaths of palme.

Plaindor.

For Monuments we've hung up brused armes, To pleasuers we've converted ••ern alarms And dreadfull marches to delightfull greetings, And harnest squadrons into merry meetings. Grim Visag'd war hath smooth'd his brow, in stead Of mounting of a fiery barbed steed. To fright pale foes, now all in a qualme He capes in a Ladyes Amphithalme. Bends all his nerves, and every meanes he'l prove To the lacivious pleasing of his love. No more the fruitfull name of Cuirassier Shall scare our swaines, or fleet Harquebusier. We shall dispute no more what Cavallrie Or ammunition meane, or Infantrie The Pouldron and Vambrace, the casque the sheare The flankes both right and left, the front, the reere Are Exotick words whose very sound Shall be no more heard in Cyprian ground. Nor ranck, nor file, lesse when we go a maying All in a row, or when we be a playng At Course a Parke, or telling of a tale To the Ranck't Lasses at a Whitson ale. I ne're shall see a sword, but such as grow Upon a flitch of Bacon, never know An other pike but such as daily glides Along the softly whistling riv' lets sides And by Meanders rushie frienged bank, Where growes the willow greene, and Osier dank I neere shall Loricate, or imbrace armes But such as are Floretta's voyce of harmes. No shield but that of sinowie brawn we••e beare Turne thou thy blade to knives great warrier To subdue Geese, and Capons, and caronse

Healths in thy close hilt in a frolick bouse. To Tabers change thy drum, to kitts thy fife Let Bagpipes and shrill Harpsicons be rife, Come change thy trumpet and Bellona's flute To the loud Cimballs, Violl, Harpe and Lute, Whilst in this piping time, these Halcion dayes We doe contest who best their Loves can praise.

Arcas.

Hark Plaindor then how I anatomize My Julietta, and her encomionize. Were all the goddesses compos'd in one They would come short of her perfection. Gray headed morne blush to see her more bright Then th'eye of Moone, or her excelled Light. The dangling Tramells of her curious haire Then fine faire flax, are far more small and faire. Those golden threds in an even order set Entangle hearts, like fishes in a net. Her front is the perfection of delight The downe of Uenus doves is not so white. What covert charmes, what latent magick lies Within the circles of her speaking eyes. Beames shot from heaven like to a fiery dart Transfixt my soule, and scorcht my ravisht heart When peerlesse beauty did her cheekes compose Th' ingredients were the Lillie, and fresh rose. They are like a plum which blush (the sole cause is) 'Cause Phaebus now and then doth steale a kisse. Her straight nose, dimpled chin, incirled eares A snowy sute, or Ivory mantle weares. The porphier portalls of her honour'd words A relish most mellifluous affords. From these Jemms clad in rubie livery I cul fresh balme to heale loves malady

Her teeth like orient pearle or ivory be Or like the new borne blossomes on a tree. Her thrice celestiall voyce which blesse our eares Proclames its consanguinitie with th'spheres. Her neck more comely then the polish't towre Whose walles Jove skal'd in a Tagean showre Her armes in hue heavens milkie zone surpasse Or white Aequoreall Neptunes fomie face. Her lovely armes are like prest curds, there stand Ledas pale Swan immewr'd in either hand. Now Muse returne into the milkie way Where Cupid (in a sweat) abathing lay About this beautious dale on either hand Loves Alpes and Uenus Pireney mountaines stand, With Azure curles each is inammel'd round And with a soft red Porphier berrie crownd. These are two Apples tane from Paradise The graces use to sport in wanton wise Under their shades Pomena's ripe fruit fall From lofty trees mov'd by no wind at all. To doe them homage, Cupid sucks from hence His sunshine dayes and love his influence. Greece borne and banisht love seeking to find A domicil where he might sit inshrin'd Parching himselfe in Juliettas eyes Intended in her heart to signorize But finding that too cold for's resience He tooke his flight to my close heart from thence, where with some firebrands, which himselfe did lay He sing'd his wings and must for ever stay. Her brest a feild of Lillies whiter shewing Then those Alcinons in thy Garden growing. Faire Erycina's Ida next to that Or Athos stand, or Cupids Ararat. Beneath this lies loves mediterranean The gulfe of Venice leading to th'lle of Man.

To praise the Coloums of this structure, this Adored bulke, this amorous edifice Were a fit theame for the elaborate lines Of ever honour'd Maro, whose worth shines Bright in the lampe of poesie, and raise As many trumps as men to chant his prayse. In softnesse they the silke wormes web surpasse Woven in leavy shop, on Loomes of grasse. In whitenes Albian clifts, in smoothnes the Repumicated glasse of Normandy. Her round small feet beneath her roab doe run Now out, now in, as if they feard the sun.

Plaindor.

Floretta has for Dioniaea power To make each place she comes in Cupids bowre. Nature did summon every grace to meet. At the composure of a saint so sweet; And with more beauties they did her invest Then Cabalinean Poets have exprest I'th comely Aspect of the Paphian Queene Or more then in Corinnas face was seene. My Love a quarrie is, or Cabinet Where beautious nature her choyce gemmes hath set. Her amber locks shine like the Topace bright, Or golden Carbuncle, or Chrysolite Her eyes at each glance rutilate and sparke Like Diamonds in murke, tenebrous darke: Her faire infolded eares, high front, nose, chin Resemble the hate-spot Emerlin. Argent and Gules in her cheekes kindly mix As in the particolour'd Jasponix. The orifice, or ports of her words are In colour Corall, in worth Cinoper. Her pearle like teeth are an even placed row Of occidentall Margarites which grow

In her fresh Rubie gumms, her round soft brests Where Cydias pigions fanbricate their nests Are Alabaster circumstructures, one Loves Ossa is, the other Pelion. Warme azure vaines (by prudent Natures skill) Inamell and inviron either hill, Streames of dissolved Jazul, circling founts Of liquid Turkise in these lovely mounts Make many pretty Islands, which appeare Some Ovall, some in figure of a Spheare. Her hands those gemms of love Antimonie Her digits nayles Arabian Oynx be. She's a chast Emerauld, and that this list Might perfect be, her hearts's an Amethist. Not stubborne and obdurate, but a heart Soone penetrated with loves wanton dart. Nor can the buckets of our rustick quire Quench this Asbeston flaming with Loves fire. The harmonie of lovelinesse and grace Combineth in the magique of her face.

FINIS.

AMORIS NVLLVS.

Flaminius and Amaenides when their sport was past fell to their repast, and after that retired into a flowrie seild to digest their thougths, rather then their supper, as they were here ambulatory they espied a commet dar∣ting its flaming beard from the ruddy skie to the Ap∣paled earth, this prodigious omen was attended on by formidable thunder, and unusuall fulgurations, the Agast earth trembled, and with feare fell into convul∣sion fits, and Madam nature seemed to run mad, as she did when Caesar dyed, and small peces of minced flesh

discended in the manner of a showre, as it was once at Rome. Flaminius and Amenides after they had fil'd their eyes with these prodigies impoverished their cloathes to inrich their beds, and with what certaine imaginati∣ons are the slumbers of some eminent personages ad∣umbrated? the day before that execrable assassinate was committed on the person of great Henry the fourth King of France, (by Revillac an obscure varlet) the Queen was crowned, and that night succeding her co∣ronation, and the preceeding the Kings murder, she dreamt that the diamonds with which she was crowned, the day before were metamorphosed into pearles which are the emblems of teares. William Rufus the morning before he was unfortunatly shot in hunting, dreamed that an extreame cold wind passed through his sides.

And Flaminius in his nocturnall unquiet repose, con∣ceived that those pastorall weeds, with which he had been disguised were converted into regall roabes, and that that paganical bonnet which incircled his head was transform'd to an imperiall diademe, and that that rustick sheep-hooke which fil'd his hand, was trans∣muted to a royall Scepter. Amaenides also being consopia∣ted and luld asleep with multiplicitie of cogitations, the ghost of king Romulus appeared to him with his head bound about with a wreath of Cypresse, and suddainly this ruthfull voyce exuscitated him out of his repose, Romulus is disceased, whom our muse shal condole in this elegie.

In obitum serenissimi potentissimi{que} principis Romuli Eleg••ia funebris.

Romulus, Aonidum de••us altus, honos{que} Gradivi, Insignis patriae nobilis at{que} pater, Qui modo terrificis tot regna lacesserat armis, Celsa fuit nostro Qui Cynosura polo.

Qui fuit Euboicos dignus transcendere fines, At{que} trisaeclini sêcla vetusta ducis. Qui fuit Haemonio dignus iuvenescere succo Aesonijs{que} oculis claudere, fata subit. Heu mihi, fata subit, (Stygia haecvox faucibus haesit) Nec favet officio mors inopina suo. Crudeles nimium Parcae, crudelia fata, Crudeli nimium stamina rupta manu Delacerate comas invenes, & tundite palmis Pectora, purpureas imbre rigate genas. Lugete Aonides, vos que altiloqui quibus offert Culta Heliconiadem Caliopea lyram, Uos Colophoniaci modulis vlulate poetae Occidit Aonij gloria summa chori. Lugent Sithonici ducis inclita castra sequentes Nam tulit atra viris, quae dedit alba dies. Omnia funesto tumeant jam flumina fletu, At{que} fluant lachrymae more fluentis aquae. Indoluit Phoebus radians, Heliconis alumnae Implerunt gemitu Castalidum{que} nemus. At nonulterius canimus, jam linquimus vdo Ore ipso lachrymis verba Ligata natant.

FINIS.

DOLORIS NVLLVS.

This glorious King was well belov'd and as much lamented as any that ever swayd the Cyprian Scepter, he was admired and adored as the worlds wonder, and heavens darling, the love & fiduciary obedience which he had from his subjects was drawn as a thred through a needls eye out of the apprehension of affection, his body the earthly cabinet wherein so many heavenly endow∣ments had been stor'd up, as if all vertues had made a

confluence in him, their center) was eviscerated and polivi'd and carried upon a chariot drawne by six horses coverd with sable velvet (whose pensive posture made them seem sensible of their masters losse) to the funeral pile, never were ashes repleate with more wealth, his obsequie and funerall solemnities resembled the fire, wherein the body of Archemorous was consumed, corus∣cant jewells did crackle, heate disolv'd, silver stream'd, and gold melted, embrodered vestiments were consu∣med, and huge sublime oakes (fatted by the juyce of Assyrian gums) penetrated the skie, with bright shining flames, fier'd honey and Safforan hissed, full bowles of wine, and goblets of blood, and milke were powred out, potentates and nobles encircled the pile, and the eyes of the rest were infected with their weeping, thrice their weapons clash, and foure times their bruised armes ecchoed, as oft the meaner subjects strooke their bared brests, and fild the aire with out cryes, They were drowned in Sadnes to see the potentates drencht in such sorrow, the Plebeians lamented with trickling teares to beare the diapason in the peeres melancholy musick, heards of lowing cattell and beasts halfe slaine were de∣voured by another wastfull fire, the honoured dust of this renouned Prince, Patriot & Patron shall bee de∣plored with perpetuall elegies, this glorious sunne which was set in the terrene Horizon, and translated to shine in heaven, was inclosed in a slender vrne, and adorned with this Epitaph.

EPITAPHIVM. MIRACVLI HOMINVM ROMVLI REGIS.

Immortale de••us patriae, sol vni••us orbis, Doctorum sidus, Sophiae, iustitiae ocellus. Pelliger invictis Martis laus Romulus armis In{que} intentè ••oga Charitum mellita voluptas His jacet; ante diem fatis ereptus iniquis. Sic furibunda suis mors sceptra ligonibus aequat.

Thus was the dust (though not the immortall fame) of this monarch (of famous memory) interr'd, but now his imperiall throne was empty, his kingdome was an Anarchy, the lords brooked not a confused democra∣cy, and the commons affected not an Aristrocracy, or oligarchie, but all sorts applauding regalitie, (knowing deux testes sur vn' corps est chose monstrue two heads on one body is a monstrous thing, unnanimously expected a new monarch, the line of Romulus did determine in Arbella (whose Tragedy is prementioned) wherefore by unite consent Flammius (whose mother Capricia, was sister to Romulus) was proclaimed King of Cyprus (the fortunate Island the paradise of pleasure, The granary of Cores, the wine celler of Bacchus, the best Salt-pit of Neptune) in the place of his defunct uncle. His inaugu∣ration or publique coronatiō was prorogued for fourty dayes, which were spent in mourning for their late So∣veraigne, and this terme expird, his way was spred with scarlet cloath & he in a sumptuous chariot of gold, the wheeles being purest ebonv, and covering of crimson satten, crosbard with staves of gold, rode to the temple

of Uenus, where he was crowned, and seated upon a cushion stuft with the hearts of his subjects, as he re∣turned, home to the palace, his guard and attendents sung these verses.

Haec sacra Erithraeis lux est signanda lapillis. Semper habenda bona est multo in honore dies. Nunc festo pulsanda pedeest tellus, & amaenis Nunc ornanda sacri floribus ara Jovis. Plaudite nervosi juvenes, reddantur honores Caelicolis, festis addite thura focis Addite fragrantes quos misit Eous odores Quos{que} Hispana novo pinus ab orbe tulit. Flaminius solium hodie petit altus eburnum, Ornat honoratas clara corolla comas, Uive diu faelix, patriae pater optime nostrae Et numeres annos quot tua vota vocant.

Now Flaminius was to execute justice, as before Magna∣nimite now he made his life the example of his Lawes, and his Lawes the maxios arising from his deeds, so that I might with as much facilitie discribe the whole art of good government, as his proceedings honour and regality, make a difference between the neerest relati∣ons, and degrees of state, distinguish betwixt the most intimate associates, Flaminius and Amaenides, (which before were intire familiars,) now doe not so much as discourse but at a distance, Romulus his death made the one a royall soveraigne, the other a Loyall subject, though fortunes next taske was to elevate him, even ad culmen honoris, ad Regium Fastidium, and this meanes she used to accomplish her intention, She prompted him to invade Sicilie, and that he might gild his pro∣jecst with a specious pretence, he pretended to revenge the invading of Cyprus, and to pay Silenus in his owne coyne, and to punish him by the law of retaliation, By

his formidable courage in warr, and facetious carriage in peace he purchased and entailed the peoples affections to him, who were now ambitious to court any occasi∣on, to evidence to him how much they were his ser∣vants, they throng'd to enroll themselves, under so heroi{que} a chiefetaine who when he had listed 30000. re∣solved warriers enbarqued for Sicilie, to whom we will say as the Greek Commander did to Teucer, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 proceed, and prosper.

Flaminius was no sooner warme in his Throne, then he was fired with the thought of Clorindas Love, these cogitations were wing'd with desire of fruition, these wings (he having constituted Pruteus his vicegerent in his absence,) carried him to his port towne Famagosta, which is erected upon a palme betwixt too promonto∣ries, in forme almost quadrangular, whereof two parts are washt by the Sea, here he enbarqued for the impresse and empresse of the Sea, the darling of the Caerulian god, the female paradise, England, after foure dayes saile this noble fleet (consisting of twenty ships) was discried by an armado of Algire pirates whose first salu∣tations were the thundring reports of gally roaring peeces, the Cyprians in a quick reply sent out a back sounding eccho of firey flying shots, which make an Equi-nox to the clouds, the pirates presented them with another voll which rebounded backward in their owne perturbed brests the ambiguous sounds of feare and hope, now they all turned broad sides, and be gan the monomachy boarding one another, now the equorean park put on a new Livery, & was invested in a purple roab, the glittering fishes which use to be mens fosterment, have mens blood for their aliment and ele∣ment, Phoebus seeing so many wounded persons takes up his bed, fearing least they should leave him no roome, descended from his Olympian Charriot, and crouded in with them, so that the two shatterd fleets were com∣pelld

by the tenebrositie of the night to end the conflict, the Cythereans, (the Pirates being discomfited and dis∣persed) steerd forward to Albions Imperiall chamber Troyntvant, where their spousalls were celebrated, with as many complements of State as magnificence could give, or regalitie receive, Clorinda (like the sunes Hellotropeian flower that shuts its yellow Curtayne, when he declyneth and opens it againe at his fayer ra∣sing.) at her Lords departure closed up all delights, but now at his returne courted them againe, having a new and fiery spirit dauncing upon her amorous heart-strings The bridegroomes Suite was tissue, his cloak cloath of gold, whose buttons were the richest and largest Dia∣mons that ever Prince wore, or Subject saw, the Brides gowne was of white velvet having at every seame a lace of gould and row of Rubies, her faire haire had nothing on it but golden ribban twisted like a diadem, which be∣girt her high fronted forehead, and fell downe upon her back, closed up at each end with the richest Jewell in the orientall Cabinet, her neck (which stained the whitenesse of her garment) was adorned with, (or ra∣ther did adorne,) a carkanet of Indian pearle, for rich attire which is the sole ornament of Sophisticated and Plebeian beauties, did derive that lustre and gracefullnesse which it had from her elegant feature, which I dare not delineate, in all its demensions lest (Gentlemen Readers) I should prejudice you, which intended only to delectate, and make all your hearts (which were lately your owne freehold) to be copie hold in fee of her, let it suffice them to know that she was a Lady of a flowing sweetnesse, and the living glory of noble Ancestors, whose vertue and beauty were above all Titles.

When Phaebus had spread his sweaty limbs upon his marine couch, the happy couple followed his example & bedded also, to whose solemnities Bombar chanted this Epithalamium.

Epithalamium.

Mirrour of Men, tis Venus will Thou shouldst approve thy abler skill In loves Pharsalia, that she As well as Mars may boast of thee. Thy foe is the selected flowre Of Albions knot or beauties bowre A Cytherean Amazon. Loves Penthesilean champion. Imprison her in thy foulding armes And stoutly strike up loves allarms: And satiate with agile delights Your unrestrained appetites. My joy, and happie Omens meet With pleasure in the geniall sheet.

In this sportive Sciamachie Where lips both shafts and targets be No cannons are, thy head to shroud In a blew mist or smoakie cloud. This is Cupids iolly feast Who proud to please so choyce a guest, Through loves Alimbique thee invite To distill the joyes of night, And from thy Mycrocosme by The art of Paphyan Chymistrie, One Catapasmian balme derive, Which may preserve thy name alive. May joy and happy Omens meet With pleasure in the geniall sheet.

Both these whom Hymen here untie Make up but one Hermaphrodite

Let their affections (Queene of love,) Within the same spheare alwaies move, And never terminate or know A thing call'd period, but grow And with their wreathes be alwaies seene Like Daphne cloath'd in Aprills greene. Thou that canst thy trophies show O're these, and o're thy mother too, Kindle dayly their desires Towards one another with new fires. May joy and happy omens meet With pleasure in the geniall sheet.

The influence of starrs above Do Sympathize with sacred love This night by Uenus assignation Of two is made one constellation For Uirgo is (to shine more free) Transferred into Gemini. These twinckling starres concur to beare A Hieroglyphick of you here, But stop here muse now Juno's rites Waite to be done, extinguish lights, Lest by their glaring is descride The blushing of the bashfull bride. My joy and happy omens meet With pleasure in the geniall sheet.

Whilst golden mouth'd Bombar sung these, the hearers seemed to be charmed by the magique of his aires, and to be deprived of all motions in their bodies, their hearts were ravished with his wonderfull harmony, and their eares chained to the sweetnes of his tongue: but because these lovers happinesse should bee no longer provoked every one avoided the roome and emptied their cloathes to fill their beads, having their heads filled with dreames

of that felicitie they envied in others, and longed for in themselves, by that time the mornings mistris with dishevelled tressalines had ten times taken possession of the aire, and as oft released it againe to Cynthia, these Princes prepar'd to returne to their owne kingdome where they monarchized in the most unlimited latitude of supremacy.

Let ruffling Eurus in Aeolian jayle Ly close confin'd without maine prise or baile. Come Amphitrite with thy sea greene traine Of Nymphs to trip it o're the liquid plaine, Come Doris with thy watry band, and all The Druid crew Chrysostomaticall. Come Crescis, and sweet tongu'd Cymodocea, With Zantho, and aequoriall Amothea. With golden tressalines Dexamine Come hand in hand both blith Cymothae. Through Neptunes park this Navy dance before And usher it to Cyprus peeble shore.

The sea shouted for joy to beare Clorinda, and the windsung aloud his gladnesse to court her, hee fild the Canvas wings of the fleet with auspicious gusts, and carried it with a pegasian celerity to the intended har∣bour, the shore was made a goodly Theater, the rocks and battlements were crowned with venerable age, and lovely lasses, pressing to obtaine a glympse of their new Queene, who being crowned, and seated at Nicosia, this Masque was prepared for the entertainement of their Majesties.

Notes

• * 1.1

  'As Cynth•• among nights Fry, So Adrias shines resplendently.
• * 1.2

  What tongues can chant my griefe, what blubbering Eyes, With weeping can my sorrow equalize.