IX. Certain Epi∣grams of Pe∣trus Damiani of the ruine of Turk and Pope, &c. never yet before print∣ed. (Book 9)
And that these are no novell Opinions, these following Testimonies may give sufficient evidence, Petrus Damiani flourished Anno 1060. a laborious Divine, an acute Philosopher, and a witty Poet. Gesner and other Bibliothe∣caries say nothing of him is extant. Yet I have seen in the Library of Trini∣ty-Colledge in Cambridge certain Latine Epigrams of his, Of the conver∣sion of the Jews, Of the destruction of the world by fire in the last day, Of the ruine of Rome, and Of the last Judgement, which Latine Epigrams I finde translated into English Stanza's in an old Manuscript of L. B. intituled The Dove.
1. Of the Burning of the world by fire.Primum foedavit mundum scelerata libido, Cujus quàm ad coelum flammea massa venit, Diluvium immissum est, immensumque obruit orbem, Ʋt mala tanta pijs eluerentur aquis: O dira Ebrietas mundi faex prima secundi, Te opposita interiment atque elementa prement. Justitiam Domini in cunctis sic cernimus actis, Ʋnda lavat venerem, pocula flamma bibet.
Thus Englished.
As the first world did first by lust offend, Whose burning rage to such a height did win, That God to quench the same a Floud did send, O Drunkennesse, the second world's first sin! The course of Vice that Element must end, Which is opposed to that which did begin. In every thing Gods justice we may spie, As Flouds drown Lust, Flames Drunkennesse must dry.
2. Of the ruine of Rome.Effuge, Grex Christi, peccati à Gurgite diro, Cui meretrix odio est, atque corona triplex,