A continuance of Albions England: by the first author. VV.VV.

THE FOVRTEENTH BOOKE OF ALBIONS ENGLAND. (Book 14)

CHAP. LXXX.

SET Is the soueraigne Sonne did shine when paperd laste our penne, Yet still alike the Lighte, so God makes Fa∣uorites of men. And hee eternall bids that wee our terren Gods obay, As Ours shall we, though should to vs his Edict other say, Than that we sing our England now in Brit∣tane, howbeit, Not suddenly we can, perhaps, innatiue Termes forgitte. Nor shall, nor shoulde yt aught distaste that England alters name, Sith it nor Yts laste Mistresse can by aught be outed fame. Nor Britane as a nouell Name to England we admitte, Sith frequent and authentick be Aucthorities for it. Nor Albion to haue been, or but a Fiction we dispute: But, if no Fiction, Albion then is Senior vnto Brute. Yea, that this Latter was haue been for Names-skill, would confute, When in that primer Race of Kings in name the Sixth did sute. Then Albions England, our poore Lynes, be Britanes England now, Or eyther, nayther, or what-else: Okes breake when reeds but bowe. But who takes notice of a Toy, the Title or our Booke?

Or how should Either preiudice though curiously mistook? Auspiciously then, Muse go on, remembring by the way Our late interred Mistresse, and of all our Masters say Their varied Reignes, so Hers from Theirs the better to purtraie. Yea speake, and speake aduisedly, Those that in Thes be read, (Not Romists, nather Humors in Preiudicacie lead) Whose in this Catalogue of Reignes compeered hers last dead. All heere was then contraryed when the Conqueror was King, and oft his vassalde English he gainst forraine Swords did bring Rufus, that for excessiue Chase vnpeopled many a towne, And perisht in that sporte, was not of few malign'd his Crowne. Like deare to Mercury and Mars, first Henry voyded not That Auarice and Rigor to his Virtues were a blot. From Stephens first Intrution to the poynt of his decease No tongue was lesse familier heere then was the tonge of Peace. For Empery more puissant than was second Henry none; Yeat his Ambitious prelats, Queene, and sons disturbd that Throne. The valerous Cor-de-lion by his warres and ransome so Exhausted Treasure, as no more, but Gods, could men forgoe. Saue that the better worser spead, Iohns raigne mighte be compar'd, To Michaels and the Dragons fight, so Crowne and Miter squarde What with a French-imbulled-Kinge, and Barrons often broyls, Third Henryes thence prouoked war that publique-weale turmoyles The French, Welsh, Scots, becaus their skorge, yll brook't first Edwards glory, Nor welcō'd we a ceaselesse war, though full of worth his story. Yf what was second Edwards Rule be askt, is aun'swerd thus, So turbulent as may be wisht that neuer such rule vs, Third Edward was armipotent, his Subiects nerethelesse him murmuringly did tax that them taxes did oppresse. The second Richard ouerkind to Parasits, and foe to aunchant Cronets, feweld all might fier to Englands woe. But his Erectment hardly did fourth Henry pleade vnto: and that he gainde the Cause at length, loue more then law did doe:

Whether fifte Henryes costly warres, or death (he so belou'd) More touched His ingrudge or greefe, a question may be mou'd. Sixt Henry, rare for Sanctity, more fit for Cowle than Crowne, and ouerruled in his rule, much pittied, was put downe. Fourth Edward in reuerted raigne to Yorkests found small reste, Or England foyzon: Kings contend and Comons be opprest. His Infant sonne Edward the fift, vncrowned not vncroste, Mou'd cōmon tears when for his Crown both Crown & life he loste, The Regi-cids, third Richards reigne, was tragick vnto all, And lastly to himself▪ for so to ryse is so to fall. Seauenth Henry, the Vnitor of those Flowers that long dissented, Of his Retriuers Prooling•• much (as well he might) repented. Eight Henry, though victorious and triumphant, was not quitt of mvrmerd Axes: Recluses vn-cloystred grudged yt. Sixt Edward, of most pregnant witte and virtues, Englands hope, Too young to stint his Princes stryfes vext, not vnvext, the Pope. Queene Maryes nature good, abus'd by Romes seducing Crew, might haue allowance, saue for blood from Saints her Butchers drew. How also from the Fourth to the Eight of Henryes did ensue A long deuouring ciuill warre, is History too trew. But we haue seene such peacefull warre, such warlike peace, and all So blest in prosperous Policie as Times admire it shall.

Chap. 81.

NOR be it vnderstood not all fore-cited faulted much, But were for most renowned Kings, though Sub∣iects greefes we touch. Obserue we rather, euer since that Phocas prouded Rome With that big Title, supreame Sea, most Chronicles doe doome. (The workes for most of Friars and Monkes) all Princes bad or good, Not as they were, but as against or with her Pomp, they stood. Hence trecherous Vassales, Kings owne Sonnes, rebelling by her Bull, Whilst Princes good seem'd penn-Forelorns fild Romes Pantheon full. Then rather sportiue be her pennes than powrefull to depraue, Where willfull error blindeth not. But leauing Rome to raue, this Normaine race of Kings we taxe of Publique-weale offended for harshar Priuates than may be gainst her deceaste intended: Though all that royall Streene had much wherein to be commended: May there succeeding Off-springs such euen with the Sunne be ended. Elizabeth, compared yeat with Theis whence she descended, Not them among a Paritie is fully apprehended: For this heauen-rapted Lady best may Reignes Idea boste: and yee that faste for better faer may kisse, perhaps, the poste. O Stomacks cloyd with dainties, Churles amids Aboundance poore, Be your Phisition Pilles, and Wante Remembrancer of Stoore. Had not the same (an other-Same) succeeded that succeeds, Yee lesse had wrong'd the Phaenix dead, and more approu'd her deeds. Nor meruell we that Popelings her nor Puritanes should brook, The present Maiestie from Such like censuring must looke.

Nay, euen for very Nouelties that Vulgres doe affect, the best continued Gouernment as tedious they reiect, The Grecians, Romanes, euery Realms digests, obseruing this, Extenuates the wonder: Then a greate wonder is, That when so many learned Clarks and others shee did rayse, Or for a Metaphysick hold the Proiect of her prayse, or slothfully be scilent, or for weeping cannot write, or think from gratefull Offices her Toombe should them acquite, Or (likelier) tract of Lucre, which doth such a sent prefer, As in that present pleasante Chase they are at losse of her, That we touch first the Shoore wherto their statelier ships shold fare, which ydlie ride at anchor, whilst what we shall doe we dare, That is, at farthest but to haue of her a kenning, and Let Pilots expedite the rest that better knowe to lande. First though suppose an Elegie the proheme of my Muse, For her, whome shoulde we also blanch we also should abuse. Then let vs rather faulte to Art than Office, sith we owe To her heroick virtues more then how to pay we knowe,

Of Expeditions, Vioges, Ayds vnto forreyn States, Tryumphant Victories, Escapes from many trecherous bates, Commenced in her Raigne in fewe we formerly did touch, her in-bred Vertues howbeit clame betterd Muse by much. Liue euer though, not for th'art myne, my Muse (no Muse, god wot) But in this Forehead of our Songe by Please-times now forgott. For those great Artists that did her aliue euen deifie, Now to her sowle-vnbodied doe meere Temporizers dye. When none so resteth glorefide by selfe-Achiuements, as By fame-retriued Digests that from lauriett Pennes doe pas. She blessed one, vnblissed now, re-blissed might he liue, If that a Legend of her life he to the world shall giue. Expecting which, some pen-past Tracts of ours in Theame so deepe Shall to the compleate Science of that wowed Author sleepe: Sufficeth her into her lawdes we through A Cranny peepe.

CHAP. 82.

ELIZABETH (Euen Heer me thinks, repeating but thy name Illustrious turne our lynes, thy selfe sufficing to thy fame) That sleepest sweetly to thy selfe that so to vs did'st wake, From vs in letters leaste, not laste in loue, these Nombres take. to be suspect to adulate (although our eares haue heard vngratefull tongues) of feare no cause, for truth will bee preferd.

From long imprisonment, and still expectance to haue dyde Of papalle Furie, God, on whome she euermore relyde: Maugre her Foes (not then a few, for scarce a Prince beside By Rome not either awed, or could other Loore abide) possessed her of Englands Throne, vs of the Gospells lighte, By her with constant zeale vphild gainst Schismes and potent spight. A princesse fayre in flower of youth to heauen-wards more deuoted, Or one in all that Earth affoords aboundantler that flooted, Yeat lesser vpon wordly Pompe, Maiestick though, that dooted, And dying old a Virgin, times by-passed none haue noted, The mighty King of Sweuen sewd to wedde her for his Queene. Braue Troupes with Valoies heire of Fraunce, heer for the like were seen. The Archduke too of Austrich, and greate Potentates a many much laboured her Marrage, not obtayned though of any. Howbeit affablitie and intertainmentes sweete, Mixt with admired Maiesty, in her did ioyntly meete. None better aunswerd Ambasies in whatsoeuer tongue: Effected more in Christndome, yea, Infidelles among:

Our either Achademyes heard her learning much expresse: No Lady Could more Courtshipp, or well-nigardiz'd yt lesse, For Musick, portly Gate, and daunce did more applause possesse: More louing to her subiects, and from them more loue did winne: Rewarded more well-doings, and was greeued more at sinne: Had causes more of Rygor, yeat more mercifull there in: Preserued more of the publique Peace, our Realme becomming so Even Achelous horne to vs Palladium gainst the Foe. Her Bountie ofte innabled gainst their Foos themselues to quitte, Distressed Kings and States, the Law of Nations praysing yt: Whence Forrens did our Labours, whilst at home in peace we sitt. She and her Senators vnlike those Citizens that so Once doored on their Treasure that, subdewed by the foe, And lockt into their Treasury, hee doom'd them starue or feede Vppon theyr goulde, which, yf ymploy'd, had helpt them in their need Nor lesse her prayse in this (And may all Princes like obserue) She choose a Coūsell wise, and not from theyr Designes would swerue And whoso greate whom she not awde, what Fauorite spard shee, Yf dangerous to the State. Not aught in rashnesse would decree. Her Temperance, rare virtues and heroyck parts were such As perfect Panegyricks heere should but defect too much. More blessed year, her Sowle, that should no longer heere soiourne Did vnto God, from whome yt cam, in Sanctitie retourne. The passed, present, following Dayes were gloomy, Aier, yea marble And trūkes of trees seem'd then to weep, no birds were heard to warbl Beasts silent, that with Rationales was all a-mort suppose, When heauen resum'd her soule, and earth it Paragon should loose. Rest may that better parte of thine with God, and it in graue In sweet security, till both vnited glory haue. And should Succession fault in not remunerating thee With such a Monument, as is both wish't and hop't shall be, Thy long and glorious Scepter and innatiue Virtues shall Eternize Trophies to thy Ghoste, and checke Detractors all.

Of which are some would States-men seeme, but Parasits more sure, (and such, no doubt, respected where they would their hopes immure) Doe from the Pollicy of those her dayes, and from that State whereby and wherin she did rule and leaue this Realme of late so derrogate, as if death sick, and meanes exhaust for better, had England languisht, only to this Change for health a debter. What Pollicie precelled though it she preceded in? Or can to Her succeeded be Precellant? who hath byn? vngratefull, or forgitfull men, or Apes to Innouation, Though with a prudent King indeede be eik't an ancient Nation, Knowe our Weale-publiques blisse is now a parale'lld Creation, wherein Religion and our Lawes persever in their Station, Yea blisse vs doth the Simpathy of Nows to Thens Relation. For when the Sun that now is sett in our Horizon shin'd, Yt gaue a lefte completion to our Weale in euery Kind. to hers like Raygne, saue his that raignes, more wisht is than deuin'd: A Phoenix for a Phoenix t'ys in his Suns-rise we finde. More to theyr proper Elements inaugurated none, Than shee to hers by-passed, he to his possessed Throne. And may his practis'd Royalty, and royall precepts frame His Issue to like issue, and we pray and hope the same: And may those tongues fall-fowle that her interred shall defame.

What Princes though but some, at least for others faults, wil blame thē faults which wold Parlaments could cleanse as can a letter name thē. For of our Alphabet the. P. doth omenously begin Of these this much distasted Ranck, She taxt perhaps therin, Though vse-full euery one, and none, by her abuse a sinne: As Proctors, Puruiors, Purseuants, Post-stagres, Peter-men, Promotors, Paritors, and, as offensiue now and then, Two for their Functions reuerent Pees. Besides which three-times three, Papists and giddy Puritanes, were other Rankes not free Of Publique-weales Antipathie, prooling and peruerse, P. Which happely may faulct as much euen now as, raigning She:

Rests then by lawfull meanes Amisse in Pees amended be.

Now let vs briefly ouerrun vnto his present Throne, That holds of God by Nature, Law, and Worth this Isle his owne, The Stories Nationall of Picts and Scots, once Kingdomes twaine Within the same, the former long armipotent in vaine, The latter altring now in Name through new-inlarged Raigne. From These some doubt an Antidate of their arriuall Heere, Of Those to haue been Pre-Regnants Authorities be cleere. Mean while thy Lawds, Elizabeth, toucht Here touch short of thee, Of Whom Posterities shall speake more gratefully than wee, Would I could work vnto thy Worth, though then I ceast to bee. But for we cannot saile thy Seas, our sailes we therefore strike, And loth to leaue, of thee take leaue, that hast not left thy like. Of Picts, Scots, Welsh be now abridg'd, such Turnes as times did see, Howbeit little Statrie, and among is mixed glee.

CHAP. 83.

WHether of Agathirsian Scythes, or Humbers Heere Remaigne, Or Brutaines, braue Recusants of the Romane seruile Raigne, (The last the Likeliest) were the Picts exact dis∣pute that will, Those curious Ambiguities we leaue to others skill. But briefly (for we must be briefe, since Enuie did prouide Their fame, if possible their Name, from Historie to hide) We shall the warlikenesse compend of those fame-wronged Men, Obscur'd in all their Monuments by Scots, and curbd in Pen.

Yeat not the Legend proper to the Scots can wholy blanch Their Mention, or thē name but needs their Prowesse must aduāce.

Much owned of the English, all of Brutaines Continent The Scots possesse, was then and ere that Ferquard Hither sent The fatall Chaier, cald Penthland, till the Picts, a People stout, Were by th'inuading Irish-Scots long thence debelled out. But for we nam'd the fatall Chaier (the Stone we meane therein) First whence, and how esteem'd we shall to calculate begin.

The Scots (how truly censure as ye please) do father it The Stone that Iacob, when as he from Esaus wroth did git, Did sleepe vpon, whilst Angels on a Ladder came and went, And the Messias from his Loynes was promis'd to be sent, A iourney safe, a safe Returne, a broodious Issue, and To them Confirmance to enioy all Canans happie Land. One Gathelick from Egypt brought that Stone, their Stories say: But if be askt how thither brought, why sufferd there to stay, When long time after Moses Thence did Iacobs Seed conuay, May thus be answred: Iacob, note (so ceremonious still That to his Births, his Burials, euen his Wels, as good or ill Did then and there betide, gaue names assining) not in this On which he saw such Visions, had such Promises remisse. For, saith the Text, he sacrifiz'd thereon, and named it The House of God: nor, when returnd from Laban, did forgit To pay his Vowes thereon, and had it still in high Esteeme: At his Remoue to Egypt then from Canan may we deeme, Amongst so many Carrages, he left it not behind. But likely is his Seed, led Thence, There left it, for we finde That, saue a Pittance fitting them Thence flying and pursew'd, Not aught of Theirs they carrie he fore-warnd that all fore-vewd. Their Legend hath, this Gathelus, to Pharaos daughter wed, In whom the Plagues of Egypt for the Hebrues terror bred, (For, saith the Text, with them also thence many Strangers fled) Obseruant of the Hebrew Rites solemniz'd on that Stone,

Vnto Gallicia (of his Name Port-Gathleck thenceforth knowne) Transported it, the which his Seed did Thence to Ireland bring, And Thence to Penthland, crowning thē on it their Heer-first-King. First Edward wanne it Thence to vs, though Prophesies did sing:

The Scotes sall bruke that Realme as natiue Ground: Gif Weirds faile nocht) quhair eir this Chair is found.

Gallicia, Ireland, Scotland, and now England, altering Name, As seuerall Reuolutions thus of Time produc't the same, Haue seene this Prophesie performd, by Destinie not ame. Nor price nor prayer back from Hence this sacred Stone could win, Which of our Coronations since the locall Rite hath bin. Time, Place, and Persons too inferre some Likelihoods: they say That Gatheleck was Cecrops sonne, that then in Greece did sway. The Pharao Achoris (whom they doe Bochoris mis-name) Neere then ruld Egypt, Howbeit succeeded by the same Heart-hardned Pharao, Chencres, whose pursute the Seas did tame. The ancient Irish Manners and their Superstitions add, Which, if conferd with Egypts, Thence may be intended hadd. But, not without some Mysterie, both pretious and propitious, Ere superstitious Papistrie, begeting Reliques vitious, Had men mis-lead, thousand of yeeres this Stone was held, and is. Howbeit pardon vs if here we intimate amis, As sometimes Some, alluding Ours it winding to the taile Of Troies Palladium hailed from the Greekes to Ilions baile. But also with the Shrine the Saint we presently possesse, Vniting Crownes, Scotch Prophesies performed nerthelesse. But what of Prophesies? t'is God effecteth all in all: Our Fathers longed for this Day: may we it happie call. And happie Mary hadst thou bin, and it both Kingdomes good, Had not false friends thy Marrage Here with our yong Prince with∣stood. But it effecteth in thy Sonne that in thy selfe did faile, And where we feard tēpestuous Gusts we hope a prosperous Gaile. Iames, Io-Pean sing we thee: long liue, raigne, and preuaile.

No doubt from Natures Secrets Spirits teach admirable skill, Be Sagist, Lamist, Strigist though, or Pythonist that will. I haue (not superstitiously) obserued times not few Old Wordings, which vnhapned are vnheeded, prouing trew: Mongst others, worth the note, an old & common Speech in Ware: Where Men, askt idly it whereof the Asker might despare, Would answer, that performance should or paiment be, When as the King comes vnto Wiggen: And that comming came to pas When first he entred Ware, euen when it vnexpected was. So base a Cottage once, but now vsde with a better Thing, Begot that saying first: thus Time with it doth wonders bring: They liue did word it many yeeres ere hapt or borne this King. * More serious this: his Highnesse then a Tenderling, did I (A Puple) reade, wrote time past kens, of him this Prophesie, Or call it as yee please, that Terme Clerks to these Times denie:

Post Iacobum Iacobus, Iacobum Iacobus, quoque Quintus, At sextus Iacobus Regno regnabit vtroque.

After a Iames shall be a Iames, a third Iames, and a Fourth, A fift Iames also, but the Sixt shall sway the Scepters both. Besides three youthfull Queens that stop that Currant likely might, Great Interruptions, ouer-blowne, we also could recite. But by the Deitie it so was destinate, and who Reioyceth not that that great worke of God is not to doe?

How Hence, with more than much adoe, the Scots at last expell The Here predominating Picts ensueth now to tell.

CHAP. 84.

WHen from the Hebredes the Scots had footing in this Isle, They and the Picts allie and held in peacefull League a while: So populous, so circumspect, in Walls and Armes so strong, That of such Neighbourhood the Brutes so ielious were of wrong, As gainst the wilinesse of These, and warliknesse of Those, They more affected Policie than hazarding of blowes: Fore-seeing such Combinement might their Enuie ouermatch. A fained Ambasie therefore they to the Picts dispatch: With blandishments, like Aesops Fox deluding Aesops Crow, The hansell of their Scepter new congratulating so, The Britons Wealth and Prowse also they arrogated such, And from the Scots by Contraries did derogate so much, Remembring (which the Picts themselues could not forget) the day In Oracle, when Thence the Scots should driue the Picts away, With many like Atractiues and Ditractions to and fro, As none but Brutaine now was friend, and none but Scotland foe. Anon through Penthland was proclam'd Auoidance in short space Of euery Scot on paine of death: wherefore like law tooke place In Scotland also: neither part the punishment omit That might inflict the Penaltie, the Britons glad of it. Whereby from Riots did it grow to Termes of open warre, The which with Aides vnto the Picts the Brutons did prefarre. But Things seem'd then more intricate than that the Scots alone 〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

Yeat oft it haps, by how much more high Dignities preferre, So much the more, though lesse secure, men liue irreguler: But Insolencie hath a time aswell to fall as erre, To which no Opportunities but doe Effects efferre: Then, breathing Clods, from Actions ill let ill Euents deterre. One Dowall, There then gratious, slew this Nathak at the last, And Rewthar, wedded to the King of Penthlands daughter, plac't In Scotlands Throne, howbeit in Minoritie: wherefore One Ferquhard, for this law infring'd, brought all things in vprore. Or rather vnder this pretex he drifted soueraigne Sway, Whereto did this Occasion seeme to him a troden way: And former Popularitie, whereto Ambition weads, Had furnisht him of plebale Friends, a Beast of many heads. On which, as if on Pegasus, ambitious Gallants ride, Though it an euer-break-neck haue such forged Persees tride. Vnhappie Popularitie, that like to Aesops Ape With culling kils thy Darlings, whilst the lesser loued scape: Senselesse Ambition, that forgets or not obserues at all That, if not selfe-Straines, Policie must temporize thy fall: Fond Vulgers, that a Phaëton a Phoebus vse to call: For in bi-fronted Ianus is your Science none or small. Well, howsoeuer, Ferquhard troupes the flower of Scotlands Prowse: All Penthlands Chiualrie no lesse of Dowals act allowes. Now either People had displaide their Onsets, and was fought A Battell, dearer than the which no Souldiours euer bought, For slaughter as perseuerent as may be said or thought. Whereby their either Kingdome heere some following yeeres did faile: For, in this Disaduantage, them the Britons did assaile, And did the Scots to Ireland, and the Picts to Orkney chase: Where either liued in Exile, till altred thus the case.

Impatiently they twice sixe yeeres Prescription Hence endure, When with such Forces as they had, although but small yeat sure, They (met of such forelorned Soules y^t since their Countries wrack,

Remote from Men, in Woods and Caues had liu'd in fearfull lack) Returne, and with those despret Bands, incountering their foes, Had now the better of the Field: Whence this Attonement groes: That Scots and Picts their owne, as earst, should amplie reposseed Till Iulius Caesars Entrie, so of Warres this Isle was freed.

Him to resist, that out of Fraunce the Britons did inuaide, Came Picts and Scots, repelling Hence the Romaines by their aide. Howbeit, in the following yeare he wonne a Tribute hence, Which might haue faild him, had as earst concur'd the Picts defence. As yet the Northern Regions search the Romaines did neglect, Vntill (vnto whose Ruines none can certainly direct, Though Penthlands pride for stately Towers & strength of walls pre∣tended Vespasian wonne Camelon, still hild Romes, till Rome there ended. Bellona seemed in this Ile her Residence to haue: Where, of three Scepters, scarcely one it selfe afoote could saue. The Romaines, vnder diuers of their Caesars-selues, but still The worthiest of their Generals this Ile with Armes did fill At diuers times, with diuers change of good and bad euent, But to it tackling euer found vndanted Penthland bent. For when the Britons were subdewd, and Caratack the Scot, That for his Courage and Conduct continued glorie got, Euen then and nerethelesse the Picts did not in courage quaile, But, oft Victorious, of themselues the Romaines did assaile: Hence chacing some their Presidents, and some their Legions slue: The Romaines would not giue thē peace, and could them not subdue. Who, brauely breaking thus the Ise to Scots, their old Consorts, Both twaine made hauock of their foes, demolishing their Forts, Till Romaines now in either Land were dispossessed quite, And, drifting oft Reentries, oft repented them of fight. Heere only Brutaine hild for Rome, and many yeares from thence Arm'd still against the Picts and Scots, with losse for recompence. But leauing Romaines thrilled thence, and Brutes by Rome opprest, What hapt meane while betwixt the Picts and Scots shall be digest.

How Brutons chased hence the Picts and Scots it hath been said: And toucht shalbe how These thrald Those, for all their Romain aid. Ensueth first how Picts draue hence the Scots, though Scots at last Extirpt the Picts: for worser heere then Fortunes Lotterie past.

CHAP. 86.

PRetious is Peace, yet be obseru'd how warlike Nations oft Haue thereby than by outward Armes more Inconuenience cought: These two bellosious People cleer'd no sooner forren swords, But euery Toy a Trumpet to some ciuill Broyle affords. Nor could their Northerne Climate brooke two Suns in it to shine, For sometime This, and sometime That did violently decline. But, passing by their either oft Domesticke Discords great, Of either Kingdome shouldering the other we intreate.

The former Lawe, disabling all in Nonage Scotlands Raigne, By three competing Gardenship was now in tearmes againe. Of which one Romaks (also of the Picts bloods-royall) Plea Was swords, not words, and did of Scots by Picts great numbers slea: For which both he and Picts became so odious to the Scots, As to destroy both him (then King) and them they sleepe no Plots. As Romaks Entrie, so his Raigne tyrannous was, vntill His Nobles did conspire, and him by armes pursued kill: Against the Picts their Power as yet inabled not their will. Wherefore to them, preparing then Reuenge for Romaks death, They sent Excuses: but in vaine their Legates spent their breath.

Saue Armor would no answere serue the Picts: whereof did grow A Battle fearce, where either tooke and gaue the ouerthrow: For both their Kings did perish, & with bloud the fields did flow. Vnto the Picts succeeded though the better of that fight: But shortly after with the like the Scots did them requite. With such perseuerant hatred and ferocitie they both Afflict each other, as but bloud might qualifie their wroth: Vntill the Picts (impacable, say Scots, by Romaines aide) Disseizen of the scottish Raigne within this Ile had made. And whosoeuer, if a Scot, that howsoeuer kept Themselues vnslaughtred was exild, no Sexe or Age except Romak, Angusian, Fethelmak, and Eugen did succeed In Septer and in slaughter: And of Pict-kings three we reade Succeedingly then also slaine in this infestious strife: And of a pitious Storie of King Eugens widowed wife: Also of Hergest King of Picts, too much to Rigor bent, In banishing the Scots, the which himselfe did soone repent. For, whilst he thought to him and his no safetie vnlesse All scotsh-Soules from their bodies or their Soile he dispossesse, By curious search Cartangis, Queene to Eugen slaughtred late, Like to a second Hecuba condoling Priams fate, Was haled from her husbands Tombe, washt with her hartie teares: Who, when before Prince Maximus the Romaine she appeares, And was demaunded why she had against the Edict staide, The bewtious Queene, with teares among, this sober Answer made. I am, quoth she, of husband, friends, riches, and hope bereft, And by how much the more I thus in Miserie am left, So much the lesse am to be feard: ah, then me thinks my foes Might brooke my Presence, at the least to sport them in my woes. Not Brutaine, where my Father rules, shall see me thus deiect: Then giue me death in Scotland, els my dying life protect. The valerous Romaine President, commiserating her, Besides Exilement pardoned, he richly did prefer

The good distressed Lady. But the Picts enuying it, Dispoyled Her and Hers, and did els-what too much vnfit: Nor on the Felons to do Lawe did Maximus omit. Whereat, so farforth as he might, King Hergest then repinde: And how he added Scotland to Romes Empire puts in minde The President, whom nerethelesse the Queene did gratious finde, And, mauger Hergest, her abode in Scotland he assignde. There did she daylie Obsequies vnto her Husbands Ghoste, And prayed for their valiant Soules that perisht in his hoste.

Also King Hergest him bethinks of his late error now, When more nor lesse he could than as the Romaines him allow: And for his old confedrate friends the Scots was ill apaide, In whose exile he had himselfe and his to Rome betraide. For where as they, combined, gaue euen to the Romaines peace; To either People now, disioynd, did wonted freedome cease: Small things by Concord prosper, great by Discord do decrease. The Picts Succession to the Crowne, their auncient lawes and all Were by the Romaines disanuld, and nought brought in but thrall: In which respect the Suffrings of the Scots to theirs were small. Then Hergest, whose great spirit could no Seruitude abide, Inuolued in Impatience, stabd himselfe, and so he dide.

By this vnhappy Quarrell thus eight Kings were made away, Scotland no Kingdome then, and this of Penthland in decay, Two forren Armies fell that to restore the Scots assay.

CHAP. 87.

THe Scots, that more than fortie yeares had been in hard Exile, Were by the Picts, that vnder-went the Romaine yoke meane while, Recal'd by double Ambasie: who, though they were disperst, By labourd Opportunities of their returne conuerst. Fergus (a fatall name vnto the Scots beginning-Raigne, And why not This their first king here, & Scots for Gothes mistain?) One neerest of the blood, who then in Denmarke did remaine, That with the Gothes had sacked Rome, and Thence brought wealth & fame, Collects an Armie, and arriues in Scotland with the same. To whom assemble soone the Picts, and, Quarrels passed-by, Against the Romaines Either did their forces whole applye: And in their Territories slew and made their foes to flye. When Victorine (then either Realme to Rome in Prouince was, As Britaine too) thither, to stay their forward Swords, did passe Of Romefied Britons and Emperials warre so great, As, after bloodie Battels, coold theirs and those others heate. For both their Armies, broken with these Battels, did returne: Esteeming it in vaine as yet against the Prick to spurne. Meane while in friendly League the Picts and Scots together liue, And Skermidges both of and to their foes did take and giue. One Placidus, by Victorine for Rome Deputed then, Fought with the Picts and Scots vnto the losse of most his men. To either Propriarie so was either Realme againe Of Romaines left, to leaue their holds to saue their liues then faine.

Yet both their Kings in following fight did brauely tyne their liues: Whence long the Romaine cause against the Armes cōfedrat thriues.

But neuer did the Picts omit occasion when they might Reuenge them on th'Emperiales by their Stratigmes or fight. In fine, the Romaine Monarchie Els-where did languish so, As their disabled Conquests heere they of themselues forgo. Reforming first their thrise-reard wall of fourescore miles in length, Against the Picts defencelesse, though of wondrous Art & strength: When thence▪forth long the Picts and Scots did Brutaine so inthrall, As lastly in their Ayde they did the Saxons hither call. Who, by Degrees (the Welsh except, so named Saxonlie) Subdued Brutaine (England now) vnto their Soueraigntie.

The lacerated Empire of the Romaines, though with griefe, Disclaim'd the Brutaines, at the least could yeeld them no reliefe. Imbellious through their Policie, adde Pestilence thereto, Succeeded with th'vnlabourd Earths sterilitie: but who Wold think that Plētie more offence thā war, death, dearth, should do? The Earth then fertile, men became effeminat and vaine, Luxurious, Idle, Bacchanists, and gladly intertaine, Like Issachres, their Seruitude, Their foes but aske and haue Conditions such as they themselues, how grosse someuer, craue, Tribute, with Pledges at the Picts their owne Deuotion: so A sensuall, seruile, sinfull life the Brutons vnder-go. Romes Policie, in plentie Sloth, and ciuill Discords heere From that it was, brought Brutaine thus to Nullitie wellneere. O Brutons (diffrent Brutons from your Auncestors, that oft Victoriously gainst these your Foes and Romaine Legions fought: Who, had ye neuer been secure, had neuer you subdude, Nor needed on th' Armoricanes that Raigne ye should obtrude) Euen now for then I should be greeu'd at your dis-brittish't swords, But that your then resumed Prowse, when Welsh amends affords. And, that your Arthure comes againe, so far-forth we allow It Prophesie, as Brutaine dead with him reuiueth now:

That is, Brutes Baptisme of this Ile, that ana-baptizd grew By diuers names in diuers parts, Iames doth through-out renew. That Arthur Tuder was your Prince, and yee, inthrald before, Were then infranchiz'd one with vs adds it fulfild the more. But to our Brutes, in mind deiect and warr-bit, be progrest.

CHAP. 88.

SOme (not degenerated though) oft instanted the rest, To imitate their Auncestors, and Slothful∣nesse detest: By rightfull Armour to remaund Theirs of their foes possest, Their liues to better, with their foes couragi∣ously to cope, Not to be Fortunes Infidels, but better times to hope. Which Counsell wrought, & soone their foes had newes how they conspire, It being to the Picts and Scots fresh fewell to their fire. For, hearing Constantine with his french-Britons now ashore, And all reuolted heere from them, for first Reuenge therefore They slew the brittish Pledges: Then conuent their Forces all, And with the Brutaines fought a Field, to Eithers losse not small.

This Constantine th' Armoricane, of Brutaine now made King, The scotch King slaine, and Picts repeld, did both to reason bring. And disciplind in martiall and in morall Practise his, Till him a Pict did murther: Nor like death his Sonne did misse, By trecherie of Vortiger, that his Successor is. How, odious to his Subiects, he inuits the Saxons aid, Who thence till now haue Lorded heere, it hath els-where bin said.

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Faire Virgin, quoth he, ouer-faire to be a Virgin euer, Although a Recluse yet to be a Relaps feare thou neuer: Increase and multiplie, saith God: or should but Nature preach, Assure thee such a Votaresse might iustifie a breach. I dare absolue thee of thy vow, on perill of my Soule, That am as thou a Regular, but now farewell my Cowle. Then like himselfe he shewd himselfe Gallant euery way, And did by Art, gifts, Eloquence, and what not her assay? But all in vaine, so opposite to Loue did she perseuer, As that vnto his Pandresse Arte he was enforc't to leaue her.

Now by your blessed Beades, quoth she, your self you quitted well Against his importunitie. Yet this I must you tell: He is a proper Gentleman, sharp witted, sweet of hauour, Of good parts, great possessions, and well worthy of your fauour. Amongst your Sisterhood I know are amorous Wenches some, But for they are professed I must reuerently be domme: For she that Sainct-seems, lookes demure, turns vp the white of eie, At Shrifts and clergie-Standings can a common-Place applie, Hers Indenotion, not to be Deuotion were a lie. So powerfull is Religion as, but cloaking vnder it, Auoyds to be expresly taxt of want-zeale, or want-wit. Your superstitious vowes, if broke, at most are veniall sinne: Or rather, kept, you do gainst God and Nature fault therein. Admit the Gentleman should speed, should I against it spurne? No, not to let it were lesse fault than still to let him burne. Poore Girles (not Gods) but few of you so sainctified I know, But sometimes to coniectures of Concupiscence ye grow. And what prouoking more thereto than liues which yee do leade, In pleasant Mansions, idle Ease, selfe-Pranking, fill of bread? And lustie flesh takes little keepe of letting fall a Beade, But into Sinnes restraind vs most so much the more doth leade. If needs you will that marriage nor mens loue shall you allure, Nature and Vowes are tempted oft, but Guanors Tombe makes sure:

(Was thither by the Trot traind forth the Nouesse, so to proue Whether she would a Virgin die, or might be hoped loue) That you by Nature should be chaste (the Contrarie who not?) I hardly can beleeue: but if? what harme I pray were got, If should you tread vpō her Tombe, whence Barrennesse doth gro, And end of amorous Burnings, since your vow importeth so?

The Nunne, that euermore had heard and held it as her Creed, That she that trod vpon that Tombe of such Euent should speed, Did blush (and blame her not that so was put vnto her shifts) Thus on the Beldame did retort instance of her owne drifts. Mother, quoth she, good manners were the Elder former go. What I, that hope a husband, nor despaire of issue? (So An Aunchanter than I hath had) by sweet Saint Pancrace, no, The old-wife said. Nor, quoth the Nunne, meane I to be the furst Of this our Age treads on that Tombe to women so accurst. But thus a possibilitie of yeelding from the Nunne, And by the subtle Exorcist of prizing being wonne, They back returne, that at the Tombe more durst not than was done.

She, that at least so blur'd an Eie, for battle fought and all, Euen to sollicite earnestly, on such fresh hope, did fall. How Cresida scornd Troilus and Plauges had manifold, How oft the Goblin Incubus Loue-wronged had contrould, And Iphis for the Cyprian Lasse fore-did himselfe she tould. Like tales and Metamorphosies passe many in this chat: Nor lackt the Ballad of the Maid transformed to a Cat, And Arthurs Queene, there tombd, so doombd, for falsed loue, fell pat. So many Incantations, lyes, feares, hopes, instanced shee, With amorous Sonners feelingly of passion and loues glee, As lastly did the non-plust Nunne vnto her Charmes agree.

But leauing Guanora her Tombe, and none on it to tread, (For Women be nor Fooles, nor Saincts) ensueth now to reade, (Which asks a tragick Penne to write) the dire downe-fall of those That florished so long and found at last too bitter foes.

CHAP. 90.

WHen Charles the Great for France of Scots Con∣fedracie obtain'd Of mutuall aides against English, which hath thence till now remain'd, Els, likely, ouer either Realme long since had England raign'd, At least by intermariage, still by that Compact restraind: For nere hild League lesse violate or permanent like while, French rescuing Scots, and Scots the French, abrode and in this Isle: Which God, in Nature now and law dissoluing, ill appayes Enuious Fraunce it selfe that helpt and harmed vs that wayes: Who questions then an Vnion that such inconuenience stayes? What Nation seuers Policie where One one Land obayes? Our Elders opportuned like occasion hereunto, When whatsoeuer they had done that League did still vndoo: No maruell, selfe-securitie France in that loue did woo: But be an Vnion perfected, and storme it skils not who. The Scot, I say, him to secure of Picts, refusing so To tripertite that League, did wed (whence Penthlands ouerthro) Fergusia, Hungust King of Picts his sister: Alpine, sonne Of this said Marriage, challenge to the Pictish Throne begun. Which, had it not bin destinate to Scots, had neuer bin, Behou'd such obstacles to be disperst ere it they win, Nor swords more resolute than theirs could counterpleade therin. Achaius, Alpins father dead, were inter-Regnants twaine Succeedingly ere Alpine was by lawe enabled Raigne.

Both dying issulesse, to him did Scotlands Crowne accrew: Who also, from his Mother, claime to Penthland did pursew: Where, though he ends disastrously, two ante-Kings he slew. For Penthland was no easie taske to win, though lastly wonne, Yet with the losse on either part of many a mothers sonne. The Picts distasted nothing more than that a forren birth Should them subiect, rather than which they all had vowed death. The Scots also in Alpins right had all oblig'd their blood: Nor more was sworne on either side than whereunto they stood. Succeedingly two Pict-Kings fell in two such bloodie fields, As was indifferent whether part subdude, for neither yeelds: But either, sadly for their slaine, and gladly for returne, Retier their weakned Forces that in wisht reuenge did burne. When season serued Alpine soone did recollect his Armes: To Brudus King of Picts likewise his fierie people swarmes. More resolutely than these two no Armies euer met, Nor Captaines that mens courages more thā these Kings did whet. When long was fought on either part with doubtfull warres euent, On Brudus side the better of that bloudie bargaine went. No ransoming of Scots, but all subdued then were slaine: In which vnchancie battell was King Alpine Prisnor taine: From whom, first manacled, they hewd his better-worthy head, And pold it on their Citie walls for signe how Scots had spead. O too too erred iolitie, and insolencie strange, Transporting Fortunes wantons past expectance of a change. Some Scots impatiently indur'd such View of their disgrace, Who faind them Picts, and gaining so conuenient time and place, Conuaied thence King Alpins head, well guerdond of his sonne: By whom to renouate the Warres his Nobles thus were wonne.

Their former losse dishartned them so much that when, in vaine, He oft had wowd their aids, he seemd expectant to remaine: Conuenting, as for other cause, them, feasted, and prouides Their Lodgings in his Pallace, and in euery Chamber hides

One clad in fishes scales, a club of Muscane in one hand, In th'other was a bugle horne, and all at midnight stand Before each sleeping Nobles bed, & through the horne thus spake. * Thou scottish Heros, at the least to God his Angell wake: Kenneth your King must be obaid, and Picts be ouerthrowne, * Assist him lest thou perish now th'Almighties will is knowne.

The wakened Lords beleeud that Voyce not humaine, & behild, (For naturally that wood in darke giues Shine, which now had fild Each roome) the vision, in a tryse that vanished, for when The wood and scales were hid was all in sudden darkenesse then. This voyce and vision did affright the Nobles, and next day Each vnto other did the same in secrecie bewray: All iump of one same time, sight, speach, and therefore all beleeue It was from God, and for the warres so long delayed greeue: The King did fraine their whisprings, and themselues to him they shreeue. Who likewise did affirme himselfe so visited that night: By which Elusion all were brought against the Picts to fight. Like guiles were frequent in those dayes, so Exorcists and Friers Confirmd in superstition men, and spead their owne desires.

Of Fairies, Goblins, walking Lights, & like chat Grandams much, Nor am my selfe incredulous that haue bin, and be such: Yet sauoreth, me thinks, a Lie this that of late befell, Which, though report should fable, is no harmefull iest to tell.

CHAP. 91.

A Shepheard, whilst his Flock did feede, him in his Cloke did wrap, Bids Patch his Dog stand Sentenell, both to secure a nap, And lest his Bagpipe, Sheephooke, Skrip, and Bottell (most his wealth) By Vagrants (more then many now) might suffer of their stealth. As he twixt sleepe and waking lay against a greene Banks side, A Round of Fairie-Elues, and Larrs of other kind, he spide: Who in their dancing him so charm'd, that though he wakt he slept, Now Pincht they him, antickt about, and on, and off him lept. Mongst them, of bigger bulke and voyce, a bare-breecht Goblin was, That at their Gamboles laughed, like the braying of an Asse. At once the Shepherds Bagpipe (for they also vsed it) Was husht, and round about him they, as if in Councell, sit. Vpon whose face the breechlesse Larr did set his buttocks bare, Bespeaking thus his beau-Compeers, like Caiphas in his Chaire.

Poore Robin-good-fellow, sweet Elfs, much thanks you for this glee, Since last I came into this Land a Raritie to see: When Nunnes, Monks, Friers, and Votaries were here of euery sort, We were accustomed, ye wot, to this and merrier sport. Wo worth (may our great Pan, and we his Puples say) that Frier, That by reuealing Christ obscur'd to Christ did Soules retire. For since great Pans great Vicar on the Earth was disobaid In England, I beyond the Seas a Mal-Content haue staid. Whence, by a brute of Pouder that should blow to heauen or hell

The Protestants, I hither came, where all I found too well: And in the Catholick maine Cause small hope, or rather none: No sooner therefore was I come but that I wisht me gone. Was then a merrie world with vs when Mary wore the Crowne, And holy-water-sprinkle was beleeud to put vs downe. Ho ho ho ho, needs must I laugh such fooleries to name: And at my crummed messe of Milke each night, frō Maid or Dame To do their chares, as they supposd, when in their deadest sleepe I puld them out their beds, & made themselues their houses sweepe. How clatterd I amongst their Pots and Pans, as dreamed they? My Hempen Hampen Sentence, whē some tender foole would lay Me shirt or slop, them greeued, for I then would go away. Yee Fairies too made Mothers, if weake faith, to sweare that ye Into their Beds did foist your Babes, and theirs exchang'd to be. When yee (that eluish Manners did from eluish Shapes obserue) By pinching her that beat that child, made Child & Mother swerue, This in that erd beliefe, That, not corrected, bad that grew: Thus yee, I, Pope, and Cloysterers all in one Teame then drew. But all things haue gone crosse with vs since here the Gospell shind, Nor helps it aught that She that it vnclowded is inshrind. Well, though our Romish Exorcists and Regulars be outed, No lesse Hypocrisie mongst some their Contraries is doubted: And may they so perseuer and so perish Robin prayes: But too too zealous people are too many cloy my wayes. For that this Realme is in the Right, Rome in the wrong for Loore I must confesse, though much is else as faultie as before. To Farmers came I, that, at least, their Lofe and Cheese once freed For all would eate, but found themselues the parings now to need: So do their Lādlords rack their Rents: though in the Mannor-Place Scarce smoakt a Chimney: yet did Smoke perplex me in strāge cace. I saw the Chimneys cleerd of fire, where nerethelesse it smokt So bitterly, as one not vsed to like, it might haue chokt. But when I saw it did proceed from Nostrels, and from Throtes

Of Ladies, Lords, and sillie Groomes, not burning skins nor Cotes, Great Belsabub, thought I, can all spit fier as well as Thine? Or where am I? it cannot be vnder the torred Line. My fellow Incubus (who heere still Residence did keepe, Witnes so many dadlesse Babes begot on Girles asleepe) Did put me by that feare, and said it was an Indian weede, That feum'd away more wealth than would a many thousands feed. Freed of that feare, the noueltie of Cooches scath'd me so, As from their drifts and cluttering I knew not where to go. These also worke, quoth Incubus, to our auaile, for why? They tend to idle Pride, and to Inhospitalitie. With that I, comforted, did then peepe into euery one, And of mine old acquaintances spide many a countrie Ione, Whose fathers droue y^e Dung-cart, though the daughters now will. I knew whē Prelates, & the Peeres had faire attendance on none. By Gentlemen and Yeomandrie, but that faire world is gone: For most, like Iehu, hurrie with Pedanties two or three, Yet all go downe the winde, saue those that hospitalious bee. Great'st Ladies with their women, on their Palfries mounted faire, Rode through the streets, well waited on, their artlesse faces bare, Which now in Coches scorne to be salued of the aire. I knew when men-Iudiciall rode on sober Mules, whereby They might of Suters, these, and they aske, Answere, and Replie. I knew when more was thriu'd abroad by war than now by peace, And English feard where they be frumpt, since hostile tearmes did cease: But by Occasion, all things are produced, be, decrease. Times were whē Practize also preacht, and well said was well-done, When Courtiors cleerd the old before they on the new would run, When no iudiciall place was bought, lest Iustice might be sould, When Quirts, nor Quillets ouerthrew, or long did Causes hold, When Lawyers more deserud their fees, & fatted lesse with gold. When to the fifteenth Psalme, sometimes, had Citizens recourse, When Lords of Farmers, Farmers of the poore had more remorse. 〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

No sooner ioyne the Battels but the Saxons them withdrew, And neutrally from hils aloofe the Execution view. The Picts so weakened, Donskene yet from Donskene no whit swarues, But still a dauntlesse heart vnto a dismall houre resarues: And what a complet Captaine might in nothing did omit, Incountring and incouraging, when, where, and what was fit: Nor their innatiue Prowesse did his People then forgit: Nor Field was euer fought with more perseuerant Swords than it. The Scots (to whom all Britaine in times Reuolutions was Inaugurated) did their Maine at fearelesse hazard pas: Whilst Picts, that should vnpeople now, as fruit vnripened fell: For Scots at least with Picts alike might slaughtred Corpses tell. Seauen times that fatall day the Picts renewed fight in vaine, Till almost all did perish, and their valiant King was slaine: At Donskene so vnto the Picts both ended Realme and Raigne.

Camelon (now in rubble, then a spatious Citie strong, Wherein the Romaine Presidents had hild their States of long, Nor could for bewtifull this Isle boast like, else books be wrong, Though hardly now (as Verelon) it Ruins found among) Held Pictish yet: to which those few that had escaped flead, Beseeged now: the which to race, and all therein for dead The Scots had vowed. Whereupon such despret Sallies bread, That, had not hate in scottish hearts bread Lethargie of feare, Their Obstinacie had giuen place to dreadfull Obiects theare. But losse nor labour Kenneth cares whereby the Picts might fall: Whilst these esteemd incessant toyles and greatest dangers small. When long, and to the Scots themselues the Siege had lossefull bin, (For Picts had vowed not to loose, as Scots the Towne to win) And that such famine had inrag'd within the walles, so sore, As that they were inforst to eate what Nature did abhore, By Stratagemes effecting was at last the Citie lost: In winning which alternallie it ouer-dearely cost. But Victors were the Scots, that spar'd nor Priest, nor Sexe, nor age,

But slaughter all, and quite race downe Camelon in their rage. Thus, after twise sixe hundred yeares, this Citie and that State Were cleane extirpt, through Scots, thereto ordaind by shiftlesse fate. Who also wrought in all, so farre as then in them did lye, That euen the very name of Picts to future times should dye. But neither Swords, nor fir'd Records, nor alterd names of all, Nor Enuies-selfe, this of their worth extinguish, hope we shall.