Chapter IV: Front Matter (4)

"It shall not be amiss that, for your own surety, you have in remembrance the effect of the several Proclamations made at Dartford: the one by Master WILLIAM ROPER, wherein you were betraitored; the other by Master APPULTON, which, as I hear, was also made at London and in other parts of the realm, wherein is promised the inheritance of One Hundred Pounds [in] land to such as can apprehend and present you to the Queen.

"Now what fantasies may grow into the heads of your own fellows, for the safeguard of themselves; of whom you have had already some experience, it is to be doubted: or what may grow in the heads of your soldiers when, failing of the aid of London, they shall be in despair of your enterprise, it is also to be doubted. On the other part, when such of Kent, on whom it seemeth you repose some trust, shall hear of your retire: their disposition perhaps will be much changed. And therefore it standeth you in hand to look to the matter substantially."

[Sidenote: Trustless traitors!]

WYAT (having the same confidence in BRET, that BRET would WYAT to have had in others; remembering his most deceitful treason to the Queen, contrary to the trust reposed in him for the conduct of the White Coats; and feeling his grief doubled, and his desire to convey himself away so much the more increased, by BRET's secret talk with him); as a stricken deer, wandereth aside, all alone complaining with himself [of] his most unhappy fate.

And soon after calling THOMAS ISLEY unto him, said, "Ah, cousin ISLEY, in what extreme misery are we? The revolt of these Captains with the White Coats seemed a benefit in the beginning; and as a thing sent by GOD for our good, and to comfort us forward in our enterprise: which I now feel to our confusion. Ah, cousin, this it is to enter such a quarrel, which notwithstanding we now see must have a ruthful end; yet of necessity we must prosecute the same."

[Sidenote: WYAT's marching to Kingston.]

WYAT as desperate (finding others to accord with BRET's opinion, upon his conference with them: by whom for direction of his traitorous journey [_expedition_] he was chiefly advised; although for this shifting away there were others whom he better trusted) marched, the Tuesday being Shrove Tuesday [6th February 1554], out of Southwark to Kingston upon Thames, ten miles distant; where they arrived about four of the clock in the afternoon.

[Sidenote: WYAT's passage at Kingston.]

And finding thirty feet or thereabouts of the bridge taken away, saving the posts that were left standing; WYAT practiced [_bargained_] with two mariners to swim over to convey a barge unto him. Which the mariners, tempted with great promises of preferment, did. Wherein WYAT and certain with him were conveyed over: who, in the time that the number of the soldiers baited [_lunched_] in the town, caused the bridge to be trimmed with ladders planks and beams, the same tied together with ropes and boards as, by ten of the clock in the night, [it] was in such plight that both his ordnance and Band of men might pass over without peril.

And so, about eleven of the clock in the same night, WYAT with his Band, without either resistance or peril, marched over the bridge towards London; having such a loving heart in his body to the Queen as before day he meant to have been at the Court Gate [of Whitehall]. Which he could never have attempted, having any sparkle of that good zeal in his breast to the Queen's surety as, to further his treason, he outwardly pretended to the World; considering the danger that might have grown, by the fear thereof, to her Grace.

But, as GOD would, partly by weariness of his soldiers, and partly by the breach [_break down_] of the wheels that carried his ordnance; it was nine of the clock of the day following, being Ash Wednesday [7th February 1554], before he came so far as Hyde Park: where his courage, being tofore as ye have heard not very lusty, began now utterly to die; beholding as it were before his face the present bane and confusion whereunto his malicious intent was shaped.

Yet desperation being his lewd guide, he marcheth forward; and cometh within the power of Sir WILLIAM HERBERT, Earl of PEMBROKE; being, that day, the Queen's Lieutenant General in the field. Who yet (with divers other Noblemen and faithful subjects, being then in arms with him prest and ready to receive so impudent a race of traitorous rebels to their deserved breakfast) understanding, partly by sure spial, partly by their own view, that the rebels exceeded not the number of four thousand, and most of them naked [_unarmed_], void of all policy and skill; considering withal that they could not set upon WYAT and his whole Band but great effusion of blood should follow, the Queen's army being so greedy to be revenged and the other so impotent to resist, determined rather by policy to achieve the victory than by bloodshed to confound the rebels. Wherein they should please GOD, answer the Queen's merciful expectation, and purchase unto themselves most renown and honour of that day's service.

Upon these resolutions, they permitted WYAT with the fore part of his Band to pass quietly along; and through between the Queen's Majesty's Horsemen: the Lord CLINTON being Marshal of the Field and Captain of the barbed horses and Demi-lances on the south side; JACK of MUSGRAVE being Captain of the Light Horsemen on the north side. The great ordnance being charged to shoot full upon the breast of the rebels coming eastward: the Earl of PEMBROKE with the Main Battle of footmen as well for handguns, morishpikes, bows, and bills, standing in goodly array on the north-east side, behind the said great ordnance, ready to set upon the rebels in the face coming towards Holborn.

* * * * *

WYAT, coming in the forefront of his Band, perceiving that he was thus beset with horsemen on both sides, the great ordnance and the footmen before his face north-eastward; so that he could no ways escape, but necessarily must fall into their hands, although for policy he was suffered and a great part of his men to pass so far quietly and without resistance through the Horsemen--he suddenly forsook his way intended through Holborn; and, with might and main, as fast as they could, he and his mates ran down underneath the Park Wall of brick adjoining to the Queen's Manor House, called St. James's.

The Lord CLINTON, observing his time; first with his Demi-lances brake their array, and divided WYAT's Band in two parts. Then came the Light Horsemen, who so hardly pursued the tail of his Band, that they slew many, hurt more, and took most of them.

* * * * *

Whilst the said Horsemen were thus in fight with the tail of his Band; WYAT himself and 500 men or thereabouts peked [_pushed_] on still all along under St. James's Park Wall until he came to Charing Cross: where divers of the Queen's Household servants and others fought with them, and in the end killed 16 of the rebels.

Nevertheless WYAT, having escaped with a part of his company, marching along in battle [ar]ray, entered into Fleet street, and came over Fleet Bridge towards Lud Gate.

And although no man resisted his passage through the streets thus far: yet, when at length he perceived that he had no help of friends at London and the suburbs as he looked for, [he] left his men standing still in battle array; and rode back as far as the Temple Bar Gate, with a naked [_drawn_] sword in his hands the hilts upward, as some report.

At which Gate, he would have gone through towards Charing Cross, to the residue of his men: but he was then stopped by force, of the Queen's true subjects; who would not suffer him to pass without Temple Bar.

At length came one Sir MAURICE BERKELEY Knight unto him, and required him to consider that he could not prevail in this wicked purpose; and that his men were all taken and slain in the Field: and therefore willed him to cease off from any further occasion of bloodshed; exhorting him to yield himself prisoner, and to stand to the Queen's mercy.

Which to do, WYAT refused; and said That he would rather be slain than yield to any man.

And yet, nevertheless, as it chanced, there came a Herald of Arms immediately, riding in the Queen's Coat Armour to this place: to his Coat shortly after WYAT submitted himself prisoner; and so went to the Court at Westminster, and there was brought before the Privy Council; and shortly after, within one hour, sent from thence to the Tower of London [a] prisoner.

* * * * *

Amongst other things this is to be remembered, that whiles the said WYAT and certain of his men, as aforesaid, were coming thus towards Fleet street; a certain Captain of the said rebels, with divers of his soldiers, returned from Charing Cross down to the Court Gate at Whitehall, and gave a larum [_an alarm_] before the Gate: and shot divers arrows into the said Court, the Gate being open. Insomuch that one Master NICHOLAS ROCKEWOOD, being a Gentleman of Lincoln's Inn and in armour at the said Court Gate, was shot through his nose with an arrow by the rebels. [_See EDWARD UNDERHILL's account of this fright at_ Vol. IV., p. 92.]

For the coming of the said rebels was not looked for that way: but [it was] thought that the Queen's army should have joined battle with them in the Field; according to promise made by the said WYAT on his behalf: who promised that he would come to the Queen's Foot Battle [_Infantry_], and fight with them pike against pike and man to man. Which, when it came to the very point, he refused; and shrank [by] a bye way by Saint James's Park Wall for his refuge, as you have heard before: where many of them were slain by Horsemen, so that they came not nigh the Queen's power of the Foot Battle. Which increased some desperate boldness in the despairing rebels: not without great discomfiture to all the Court and the city of London; perceiving that he was himself, and so many rebels with him, come through the Queen's army thus far.

Whereupon grew great admiration [_wonderment_] amongst them that knew not their doings in the Field: how for policy, and to avoid much manslaughter, WYAT was suffered purposely to pass along. Insomuch divers timorous and cold hearted soldiers came to the Queen, crying, "All is lost! Away! Away! A barge! A barge!"

Yet her Grace never changed her cheer, nor removed one foot out of the House: but asked for the Lord of PEMBROKE, in whom her Grace had worthily reposed great confidence.

Answer being made, That he was in the Field.

"Well then," quod her Grace, "fall to prayer! and I warrant you, we shall hear better news anon. For my Lord will not deceive me, I know well. If he would, GOD will not: in whom my chief trust is, who will not deceive me." And indeed, shortly after, news came all of victory, [and] how that WYAT was taken.

* * * * *

This day [7th February 1554], the Judges in the Common Place [_Common Pleas_] at Westminster sat in armour. The Mayor, Aldermen, and the householders of the city, by four of the clock in the morning, were in armour: the Lord WILLIAM HOWARD, High Admiral, being amongst them. Who, as I have tofore said, was by the Queen's Majesty appointed Captain General and Lieutentant for the time, to confer in counsel and join in execution with the Lord Mayor and his Brethren [the Aldermen] for the sure and speedy guarding and warding of the city: to the preservation whereof the Queen's Grace had special regard. The Gates were diligently watched; every Gate with 100 men: Moor Gate being closed up and rampired.

* * * * *

Thus was this wily heretic and open traitor WYAT, and his complices, brought to their confusion; and to the end which never missed all such malicious[ly] disposed wretches. Partly by the wisdom and policy of him that was armed in the Field, the worthy Earl of PEMBROKE; but chiefly by the mighty hand of GOD, at the contemplation of her high merits and virtues; who remaining in the closet of stedfast hope and confidence, being appointed with the armour of faith, fought with ardent and continual prayer, in perfect devotion, under the banner and ensign of GOD: who indeed alone gave this victory, and alone without policy or might of man overthrew her enemies; yet so that he therewith declared his special favour and pleasure towards his servant, that noble Knight, the Earl of PEMBROKE, in appointing him chief champion this day to defend his chosen and elect Virgin; whose faith hath not been wavering in his Catholic religion nor his truth and service doubtful at any time towards his Prince.

* * * * *

WYAT, as is said, was committed to the Tower. So were divers other Gentlemen: as, soon after, was HENRY GREY Duke of SUFFOLK and his two brethren.

[Sidenote: The Duke of SUFFOLK's apprehension by the Earl of HASTINGS.]

The Duke, being so hardly pursued by the Lord HASTINGS, Earl of HUNTINGDON, was by him apprehended in Leicestershire. Whereby he declared himself, as well in honour and unspotted loyalty as in parentage and patrimony, to succeed his great grandfather the Lord HASTINGS; whose fidelity and stedfast truth towards King EDWARD IV. and his children, the Chronicles report to his immortal honour.

* * * * *

Of the common people there was such a number taken in the chase by the Earl of PEMBROKE that besides the usual gaols, sundry churches in London were made places for their safeguard, till order was taken for their enlargement.

* * * * *

The Duke [of SUFFOLK] was arraigned by his Peers, and by verdict found guilty of Treason, before the Duke of NORFOLK, being Lord Constable, and that day his Judge. Both he, and his brother THOMAS, at several days, made their end at Tower Hill, by loss of their heads.

* * * * *

Sundry others of WYAT's complices, being arraigned, and condemned upon their confession of treason, suffered in divers parts of the Shire, as:

HENRY ISLEY Knight, THOMAS ISLEY his brother, and WALTER MENTEL, at Maidstone; where WYAT first displayed his standard.

ANTHONY KNEVET, WILLIAM his brother, with another of the MANTELS, at Sevenoaks.

BRET, at Rochester, hanging in chains.

And of the common sort very few were executed, save only of the White Coats; that, to say truth, deserved it trebly.

WYAT himself, last of all, was arraigned at Westminster; the Earl of SUSSEX, Sir EDWARD HASTINGS, and Sir THOMAS CORNWALLIS being his Judges: where and before whom, he most earnestly craved life; not by plea of his matter or justifying of himself, but by earnest suit, in humble submission, for the Queen's mercy.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: WYAT's words at his arraignment.]

It seemeth not amiss here to make report of such special words as by him were uttered at his arraignment: which I myself heard, standing not ten feet from him at that time. By the which words may appear both what he himself thought of his doings, how much he misliked the same, and also how penitent and sorrowful he was therefor.

_Certain-words proceeding from WYAT at his arraignment._

MY Lords, I must confess myself guilty; as, in the end, truth must enforce me to say: and that I am justly plagued for my sins, which most grievously I have committed against GOD; who hath suffered me to fall into this beastly brutishness and horrible offence of treason. And lo, in me the like end; as all such that have attempted like enterprizes, from the beginning have had. For peruse the Chronicles throughout, and you shall find that rebellion never from the beginning prospered. For the love of GOD, all you Gentlemen that be here present remember! and be here taught by the examples past, and also by this my present infelicity and heinous offence!

"O most miserable, mischievous, brutish, and beastly furious imagination of mine! For I thought that by the marriage of the Prince of Spain, this realm should have been in danger: and that I, that have lived a free born man, should, with my country, have been brought to bondage and servitude by aliens and Strangers. Which brutish beastliness then seemed reason; and wrought so far and to such effect as it led me to the practice and use of this committed treason: that now understanding the great commodity honour and surety which this realm shall receive by this marriage; if it shall please the Queen to be merciful to me there is no man living that shall be more trusty and faithful to serve her Grace; no, nor more ready to die at her Highness's foot, whatsoever the quarrel be."

Thus far touching WYAT's words at his arraignment, I thought not superfluous here to report, to the end that all others blindly fallen into the same error, would by the example of WYAT rise also to repentance; as well confessing to the World with open voice their detestable mischief, as also from the very heart with tears detesting the same; as, in utterance of the former words, he plentifully did.

* * * * *

He lost his head at Tower Hill; and his body, divided, was set up in divers parts about London.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: Of such as did penance by wearing halters before the Queen.]

Other poor men, being taken in WYAT's Band, and kept a time in divers churches and prisons without the city [of London], kneeling all, with halters about their necks, before the Queen's Highness at Whitehall; her Grace mercifully pardoned, to the number of 600: who immediately thereupon, with great shouts, casting their halters up into the air, cried "GOD save your Grace! GOD save your Grace!"

Howbeit sundry of them that did wear halters afore the Queen's Highness were afterwards, by means, called before the Justices in the country to be arraigned: but her Grace, being moved thereof by the Sheriff, would them to be no further vexed.

* * * * *

Thus have ye heard of WYAT's end, and [of] some of his complices: by whose lamentable tragedy, and others of like sort that happened in our Age, not only we, but such as shall succeed us, may be abundantly taught to foresee what it is to enter into rebellion. For neither could WYAT with his stoutness, nor yet with the pretence of his quarrel coloured with a meaning to defend his country from overrunning by Strangers, nor yet through the aid of sundry conspirators of great power, ne by any other policy, prevail.

* * * * *

Six of the Gentlemen that were offenders were pardoned, going to their execution, by the Queen's clemency, at Rochester: as were also all the others of the whole Kentish Gentlemen remitted; a few of the rankest excepted, that, only for example, suffered.

* * * * *

The Queen's Highness, not long after, sent out her Commission to Sir THOMAS MOYLE, Sir JOHN GUILDFORD, Sir THOMAS KEMP; WARRAM SENTLEGER, THOMAS ROYDON, CHRISTOPHER ROPER, GEORGE DORRELL of Calehill, GEORGE FANE, JOHN TUCKE, JOHN ROBARTS, THOMAS LOVELACE, JOHN LEONARD, Esquires; with others: not only to bail and set at large such as were in prison in the country [_County of Kent_] for that offence, being of no small number; but also to compound [_fine_] with the offenders, according to the quality of their offences. Which manner of order, being not heard of in the like case, or at the least very rarely, declared a singular clemency and benignity in the Queen: that, being followed so cruelly, would yet be so moved with pity as to vouchsafe to answer them with so much lenity, in the executing of so few, in comparison to so great a number and so large a cause; being all in her Grace's mercy to dispose at her pleasure. And besides [to] suffer the rest to escape with so small abashment of their countenance [_small amount of fine_] after so heinous [an] offence.

* * * * *

He that shall peruse this Story diligently, and consider all parts thereof exactly, with remembrance of things past since the beginning of the Queen's most happy reign, must of force recognize, of what condition soever he be, the magnificence mercy and fortitude of this most noble Princess, as from time to time with such patience to endure so great malice of her own subjects, with such lenity to forbear the revenge of so intolerable outrage, with such mercy in the end to pardon and remit so heinous and great offenders. Happy was it with those heinous offenders that her Grace's most worthy and honourable Council were so agreeable to her virtuous inclination! as inclined rather to pursue merciful pardon for continuance of life than to prosecute revenge by execution of death.

It is to be wished by all good men with one assent that, provoked with so great clemency, these degenerates reform themselves! and forbear thus to attempt so gracious a Princess! unto whom, by GOD's authority, the sword is not vainly committed; lest thereby they procure to themselves damnation in seeking by such outrage their own death and confusion. From the desire whereof we see, by a number of evident arguments, the Queen's Highness and her honourable Council to be so far as, by all means they can imagine, they seek to eschew that they by most wilful and malicious means follow to their subversion.

[The following are omitted for want of space.]

_An earnest Conference with the Degenerates and Seditious, for the search of the cause of their great disorder._

_A Table [or Index]._

Imprinted at London by ROBERT CALEY within the Precinct of the late dissolved House of the Grey Friars, now converted to a Hospital called Christ's Hospital [_The present Blue Coat School_], The 10th day of January 1555.

_Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum._

[Footnote 1: This account of WYAT's Rebellion, printed by
JOHN MICHEL at Canterbury, has apparently perished.--E. A.]

Love's Garland:

_OR_

Posies for Rings, Handkerchers, and
Gloves; and such pretty Tokens that
Lovers send their Loves.

_Read, Skan, then Judge._

_LONDON_

Printed by N. O. for JOHN SPENCER, and
are to be sold at his shop on London
Bridge. 1624.

_Love's Garland._

1.
_The Posy of a Handkercher from a young Man to his Love._
LOVE is a chain whose links of gold,
Two hearts within one bosom hold.

2.
_Another signifying the mutual love that should be between
Man and Wife._
In love this good doth still remain,
Though both do give, yet both doth gain.

3.
_Another from a doubtful Lover._
By CUPID's bow, by weal or woe!

4.
_A Posy sent with a Pair of Gloves, showing what a young Man should
most respect in his choice._
I love thy Beauty, Virtue most!
For Virtue's found when Beauty's lost.

5.
_A Posy of a Ring, from a crossed Lover._
No hap so hard as love debarred!

6.
_Another._
A happy breast where love doth rest!

7.
All perfect love is from above.
The sight of this deserves a kiss.

8.
_A young man to his Love, wrought in a Scarf._
A constant heart within a woman's breast,
Is Ophir gold within an ivory chest.

9.
_Her kind Answer._
Of such a treasure then are thou possesst,
For thou hast such a heart in such a breast.

10.
_The Posy of a Ring._
To me till death, as dear as breath.

11.
_Another._
In thee a flame, in me the same.

12.
Where once I choose, I ne'er refuse.

13.
_Another._
No cross so strange, my love to change.

14.
_The Posy of a Handkercher from a young Man to his Love._
Pray take me kindly, Mistress! kiss me too!
My master swears he'll do as much for you!

15.
_A passionate Lover's Posy._
Till that from thee I hope to gain:
All sweet is sour; all pleasure, pain!

16.
_Another of the same cut._
Thy love, my light; disdain, my night.

17.
_Another._
Tell my Mistress that a Lover
True as Love itself, doth love her.

18.
_Another where the Lover doth protest and request._
Hand, heart, and all I have, is thine!
Hand, heart, and all thou hast, be mine!

19.
_Another._
As you find me, mind me!

20.
_The Posy of a young Man to his Love showing the simplicity and
truth of Love._
Two hands, two feet, two ears, two eyes:
One tongue, one heart, where true love lies.

21.
_Another from a Lover, far from his Love._
Though from mine eye; yet from my heart,
No distance e'er can make thee part!

22.
_Another of the same mark._
Though absence may annoy:
To me, 'tis a double joy.

23.
_A Posy in a Ring._
Be true to me, as I to thee.

24.
_Another._
God above increase our love!

25.
_Another._
All thine is mine.

26.
_Another._
Ne'er joy in heart that seeks to part.

27.
_Another sent with a pair of Bracelets._
Fair as VENUS; as DIANA
Chaste and pure is my SUSANNA.

28.
_The Posy of a young Man to his Love, shewing what a Woman should
be._
If Woman should to Man be woe,
She should not be what GOD did make her:
That was to be a helper; so
GOD then did give, Man now doth take her.

29.
_The Posy of a Maid cast off, expressing how light[ly] she takes
it._
Tell him that had my heart in chase,
And now at other games doth fly:
Green Sickness ne'er shall spoil my face;
Nor puling "Heigh Ho's!" wet mine eye!

30.
_The Posy of a Ring._
I do rejoice in thee my choice.

31.
_A Posy of a scornful Lover._
Since thy hot love so quickly's done:
Do thou but go, I'll strive to run!

32.
_A Posy shewing Man and Wife to be one._
Flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone;
From one made two are two made one.

33.

_Posies for Rings._
As true to thee, as death to me.

34.
_Another._
If thou deny, I wish to die.

35.
_Another._
In trust, be just.

36.
_Another._
I live if "I [_Ay_]": If "No," I die.

37.
_Another._
No bitter smart can change my heart!

38.
_Another._
Rather die than faith deny!

39.
_Another._
Not lust, but love; as time shall prove.

40.
_Another._
To love as I do thee,
Is to love none but me.

41.
_A Posy sent by a young Man to his Love in a Handkercher, in which
was wrought the fashion of a Heart with wings._
Of all bad things, a heart with wings is still the worst;
And he that meets with one so fleet, of all's accurst.

42.
_The Maiden's reply in a Handkercher, in which was the shape of a
Heart with an arrow through it._
A flying Heart, a piercing dart doth well deserve:
So be it with me, if I from thee shall ever swerve!

43.
Thou mine, I thine.

44.
_Another._
Be true to me as I to thee.

45.
_A young Maid to her Love in a Scarf._
She that of all doth love thee dearest,
Doth send thee this; which as thou wearest
And oft dost look on, think on me!
As I by thine do think on thee.

46.
_From a young Man to his Love wrought in a Silk Girdle_.
Till death divide, whate'er betide!

47.
_Another._
The World's a Lottery! My prize
A love that's fair, as chaste, as wise.

48.
_A young Man to his Love, describing the power and ever
flourishing virtue of Love._
Love till Doomsday in his prime;
Like APOLLO robed in gold:
Though it have been as long as Time;
Yet still is young, though Time be old.

49.
_Another._
My promise past shall ever last.

50.
_From a young man to his Love shewing that Virtue and Beauty
should be together._
Thy beauty much, thy virtue such, my heart hath fired:
The first alone is worse than none; but both, admired.

51.
_The Posy of a pitiful Lover writ in a Riband Carnation three
pennies broad, and wound about a fair branch of Rosemary; upon which
he wittily plays thus_:
Rosemary, ROSE, I send to thee;
In hope that thou wilt marry me.
Nothing can be sweet, ROSE!
More sweeter unto HARRY,
Than marry ROSE:
Sweeter than this Rosemary.

52.
_The Sweet Reply, in a conceit of the same cut, sent by
ROSE, with a vial of Rosewater of her making._
Thy sweet commands again, my sweetest HARRY!
My sweet Rosewater for thy sweet Rosemary:
By which, sweet HAL, sweet ROSE doth let thee see,
Thy love's as sweet to her as hers to thee.

53.
_A wanton Lover's wish sent in a Handkercher with a Cupid wrought
in the middle._
To me by far more fair is my fair ANNE
Than sweet-cheeked LEDA, with her silver swan:
That I ne'er saw, but have the picture seen;
And wished myself between thine arms, sweet NAN.

54.
_For a Ring._
Desire like fire doth still aspire.

55.
_A Posy sent with a pair of Bracelets._
Mine eye did see, my heart did choose;
True love doth bind till death doth loose.

56.
_Another sent with a silk Girdle._
Accept of this, my heart withal;
My love is great, though this be small.

57.
_Another sent with a rich pair of Gloves._
This for a certain truth true love approves.
"The heart's not where it lives, but where it loves."

58.
_For Rings._
Heart's content can ne'er repent.

59.
_Another._
My heart and I until I die.

60.
Not two but one till life be gone.

61.
_A Lover's conceit upon a Bracelet and Partlet_ [neck-kerchief, or
ruff]; _sent with a pair of amber Bracelets._
Bracelets I'll give, embrace let's ever!
Let Partlets go, for part let's never.

62.
Love ever, or love never.

63.
_A Posy sent by a young Man to his Love, with a Looking Glass._
Be true as fair, then past compare!

64.
_For a Ring._
A woman kind, all joy of mind.

65.
As I to thee, so wish to me!

66.
_A drooping Lover's conceit, playing upon the word._
Hard and Heart in sound are near;
And both within thy breast I fear.

67.
_Her coy and nipping Reply, in his own invention._
The sound's as near in Brace and Brass,
In Hose and Horse, in Ace and Ass.

68.
_The Posy of a young Man, sent with a Scarf._
For one and love, some say are blind:
I say they see, if thou prove kind.

69.
_The Posy of a Handkercher._
Love and Wine in this degree,
The elder better still they be:
So our long suit then shall be true,
"Change not thy old Love for a new!"

70.
_A Posy sent by a young Maiden to her Love, plaited in a Bracelet
of her own hair._
When this about thine arm doth rest,
Remember her that loves thee best!

71.
_Another from a young Man to his Love protesting constancy._
To thee as constant as the sun to day:
Till from this light, I must be forced away.

72.
_A Posy sent with a silk Girdle._
VENUS naked in her chamber,
Wounds more deep than MARS in armour.

73.
_The Maid's Answer._
If such a wound you fear;
Take heed you come not there!

74.
_A drooping Lover's Posy, sent with a pair of Gloves._
'Tween hope and sad despair I sail;
Thy help I crave!
My grief the sea, thy breath the sail
May sink or save.

75.
_Another of the same kind._
Hope and despair attend me still:
Hope strives to save; despair, to kill!

76.
Lust loves to range:
Love knows no change.

77.
Thine mine, mine thine.

78.
Both must be one, or one be none.

79.
Love ever, or love never!

80.
_A neglected Lover, to his Mistress._
'Tis true as old, "Hot Love, soon cold!"

81.
_Another expressing the power of Love._

Who is't withstands,
When Love commands?

82.
_Short Posies for Rings in prose._
The loadstone of Love is love.

83.
Be true to the end!

84.
I live in hope.

85.
I like my choice.

86.
No change in Virtue's choice!

87.
Keep me in mind!

88.
Desire hath no rest.

89.
I present, thee absent.

90.
Not the gift but the giver.

91.
Be firm in faith!

92.
This and myself.

93.
I choose thee, not to change.

94.
Advisèd choice admits no change.

95.
Accept my goodwill!

96.
I love no lack.

97.
The heart lives where it loves.

98.
Not me, nor mine; but ours.

99.
Thy [?], my wish.

100.
Love is the bond of Peace.

101.
No life to Love!

102.
Remember this, and give a kiss!

103.
Thy love I crave, mine thou shalt have.

_Good Counsel._
If poor thou art, yet patient bide!
For after ebb may come a tide:
Yet at full sea, keep water store!
That afterward thou want no more.

_On the World._
The World's a City furnishèd with spacious streets:
And Death's the Market Place; whereat all creatures meet.

When GOD made all, he made all good; So Woman was, if she
had stood: Though Woman was the cause of fall; Yet JESUS'
blood made amends for all.

_On a Good Woman._
A wise man poor is like a Sacred Book that's never read.
To himself he lives, though to the World seems dead:
Yet this Age counts more of a golden fool
Than of a thread-bare Saint, nursed up in Wisdom's School.

FINIS.

The True Report
of the burning of the Steeple
and Church of Paul's
in London.

_Jeremiah_ xviii. [7, 8.]

I will speak suddenly against a Nation, or against a Kingdom, to pluck it up, and to root it out, and destroy it. But if that Nation against whom I have pronounced, turn from their wickedness; I will repent of the plague that I thought to bring upon them.

Imprinted at London, at the
West end of Paul's Church, at
the sign of the _Hedgehog_,
by William Seres.

_Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum.
Anno 1561, the 10th of June._

_The True Report of the burning of the Steeple and Church of Paul's in London._

ON Wednesday, being the 4th day of June in the year of our Lord 1561 (and in the 3rd year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady ELIZABETH, by the Grace of God, Queen of England France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c.), between one and two of the clock at afternoon, was seen a marvellous great fiery lightning; and immediately ensued a most terrible hideous crack of thunder, such as seldom hath been heard; and that, by estimation of sense, directly over the city of London. At which instant, the corner of a turret of the Steeple of St Martin's Church within Lud Gate was torn; and divers great stones casten down; and a hole broken through the roof and timber of the said Church by the fall of the same stones.

For divers persons (in time of the said tempest, being on the river of Thames; and others being in the fields near adjoining to the city) affirmed that they saw a long and spear-pointed flame of fire, as it were, run through the top of the broche [_or spire_] or shaft of Paul's Steeple; from the East, westward. And some of the parish of St Martin's, then being in the street, did feel a marvellous strong air or whirlwind, with a smell like brimstone, coming from Paul's Church; and withal heard a rush of the stones which fell from their Steeple into the Church.

Between four and five of the clock, a smoke was espied by divers to break out under the bowl of the said shaft of Paul's; and namely [_particularly_] by PETER JOHNSON, Principal Registrar to the Bishop of LONDON; who immediately brought word to the Bishop's House.

But, suddenly after, as it were in a moment, the flame brake forth in a circle, like a garland, round about the broche, about two yards, to the estimation of sight, under the bowl of the said shaft; and increased in such wise that, within a quarter of an hour, or little more, the Cross and the Eagle on the top fell down upon the South cross Ile [_Aisle_].

* * * * *

The Lord Mayor being sent for, and his Bretheren [the Aldermen], came with all speed possible; and had a short consultation, as in such a case might be, with the Bishop of LONDON and others, for the best way of remedy. And thither came also [Sir NICHOLAS BACON] the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, and [WILLIAM PAULET, Marquis of WINCHESTER] the Lord Treasurer: who, by their wisdom and authority, directed as good order as in so great confusion could possibly be.

* * * * *

Some there were, pretending experience in wars, that counselled the remnant of the Steeple to be shot down with cannons; which counsel was not liked, as most perilous both for the dispersing [of] the fire, and [the] destruction of houses and people.

Others (perceiving the Steeple to be past all recovery; considering the hugeness of the fire, and the dropping of the lead) thought best to get ladders, and scale the Church; and with axes to hew down a space of the roof of the Church to stay the fire, at the least to save some part of the said Church: which was concluded [_decided upon_]. But before the ladders and buckets could be brought, and things put in any order (and especially because the Church was of such height that they could not scale it, and no sufficient number of axes could be had: the labourers also being troubled with the multitude of idle gazers); the most part of the highest roof of the Church was on fire.

First, the fall of the Cross and Eagle fired the South cross Ile [_Aisle_]; which Ile was first consumed. The beams and brands of the Steeple fell down on every side, and fired the other three parts: that is to say, the Chancel or Quire, the North Ile, and the body of the Church. So that, in one hour's space, the broche [_or spire_] of the Steeple was burnt down to the battlements; and the most part of the highest roof of the Church likewise consumed.

* * * * *

The state of the Steeple and Church seeming both desperate; my Lord Mayor was advised, by one Master WINTER of the Admiralty [_i.e. Admiral Sir WILLIAM WINTER_], to convert the most part of his care and provision to preserve the Bishop's Palace adjoining to the north-west end of the Church; lest from that House, being large, the fire might spread to the streets adjoining. Whereupon the ladders, buckets, and labourers were commanded thither; and, by great labour and diligence, a piece of the roof of the North Ile was cut down, and the fire so stayed: and, by much water, that part quenched; and the said Bishop's House preserved.

* * * * *

It pleased GOD also, at the same time, both to turn, and calm, the wind: which afore was vehement; and continued still high and great in other parts without the city.

There were above 500 persons that laboured in carrying and filling water, &c. Divers substantial citizens took pains as if they had been labourers; so did also divers and sundry Gentlemen, whose names were not known to the Writer hereof: but amongst others, the said Master WINTER, and one Master STRANGUISH, did both take notable pains in their own persons; and also much directed and encouraged others, and that not without great danger to themselves.

* * * * *

In the evening, came the Lord CLINTON, [the] Lord Admiral, from the Court at Greenwich; whom the Queen's Majesty (as soon as the rage of the fire was espied by Her Majesty and others in the Court, of the pitiful inclination and love that her gracious Highness did bear both to the said Church and the city) sent to assist my Lord Mayor, for the suppressing of the fire: who, with his wisdom authority and diligent travail, did very much good therein.

About ten of the clock, the fierceness of the fire was past, the timber being fallen and lying burning upon the vaults of stone; the vaults yet (GOD be thanked!) standing unperished. So as only the timber of the whole Church was consumed, and the lead molten: saving the most part of the two low Iles of the Quire, and a piece of the North Ile, and another small piece of the South Ile in the body of the Church.

Notwithstanding all which, it pleased the merciful GOD, in his wrath, to remember his mercy; and to enclose the harm of this most fierce and terrible fire within the walls of this one Church: not extending any part of his wrath in this fire upon the rest of the city, which to all reason and sense of man was subject to utter destruction. For in the whole city, without the Church, no stick was kindled surely. Notwithstanding that, in divers parts and streets, and within the houses both adjoining and of a good distance, as in Fleet Street and Newgate Market, by the violence of the fire, burning coals of great bigness fell down almost as thick as hailstones; and flaws of lead were blown abroad into the gardens without the city, like flaws of snow in breadth: without hurt (GOD be thanked!) to any house or person.

* * * * *

Many fond talks go abroad of the original cause of this. Some say, It was negligence of plumbers: whereas, by due examination, it is proved that no plumbers or other workmen laboured in the Church for six months before. Others suspect that it was done by some wicked practice of wild fire or gunpowder: but no just suspicions thereof, by any examination, can be found hitherto. Some suspect Conjurors and Sorcerers, whereof there is also no great likelihood: and if it had been wrought that way; yet could not the Devil have done it without GOD's permission, and to some purpose of his unsearchable judgments, as appeareth in the story of JOB.

* * * * *

The true cause, as it seemeth, was the tempest, by GOD's sufferance. For it cannot be otherwise gathered, but that, at the said great and terrible thunderclap, when St Martin's Steeple was torn, the lightning (which by natural order smiteth the highest) did first smite the top of Paul's Steeple; and entering in at the small holes, which have always remained open for building scaffolds to the works, and finding the timber very old and dry, did kindle the same: and so the fire increasing, grew to a flame, and wrought the effect which followed; most terrible then to behold, and now most lamentable to look upon.

* * * * *

On Sunday following, being the 8th day of June [1561], the reverend [Father] in GOD [JAMES PILKINGTON] Bishop of DURHAM, at St Paul's Cross, made a learned and fruitful Sermon; exhorting the auditory to a general repentance, and namely [_especially_] to humble obedience to the laws and Superior Powers, which virtue is much decayed in these our days: seeming to have intelligence from the Queen's Highness, that Her Majesty intendeth more severity of laws shall be executed against persons disobedient, as well in causes of Religion as Civil; to the great rejoicing of his auditors.

He exhorted also his audience to take this as a general warning to the whole realm, and namely [_especially_] to the city of London, of some greater plague to follow if amendment of life in all [e]states did not ensue. He much reproved those persons which would assign the cause of this wrath of GOD to any particular [e]state of men; or that were diligent to look into other men's lives, and could see no faults in themselves: but wished that every man would descend into himself and say with DAVID, _Ego sum qui peccavi_. "I am he that hath sinned." And so forth to that effect, very godly.

He also not only reproved the profanation of the said Church of Paul's, of long time heretofore abused [_in Paul's Walk_] by walking, jangling, brawling, fighting, bargaining, &c., namely [_particularly_] in Sermon and Service time: but also answered by the way to the objections of such evil-tongued persons which do impute this token of GOD's deserved ire to alteration, or rather, Reformation of Religion; declaring out of ancient records and histories the like, yea, and greater matters, [that] had befallen in the time of superstition and ignorance.

For, in the 1st year of King STEPHEN [1135-6 A.D.] not only the said Church of Paul's was burnt: but also a great part of the city: that is to say, from London Bridge to St Clement's [Church] without Temple Bar, was by fire consumed.

And in the days of King HENRY VI., the Steeple of Paul's was also fired by lightning: although it was then stayed by diligence of the citizens; the fire being then, by likelihood, not so fierce.

Many other such like common calamities he rehearsed, which happened in other countries, both nigh to this realm and far off, where the Church of Rome hath most authority. And therefore [he] concluded the surest way to be, that every man should judge examine and amend himself; and embrace believe and truly follow the Word of GOD; and earnestly to pray to GOD to turn away from us his deserved wrath and indignation; whereof this his terrible work is a most certain warning, if we repent not unfeignedly.

The which GOD grant may come to pass in all estates and degrees, to the glory of His name, and to our endless comfort in CHRIST our Saviour. Amen.

GOD save the Queen.

SIX IDILLIA,

THAT IS,

SIX SMALL, OR PETTY, POEMS,
OR ÆGLOGUES,

chosen out of the right famous Sicilian Poet

THEOCRITUS,

And translated into English verse.

_Dum defluat amnis._

PRINTED

At Oxford by IOSEPH BARNES.

1588.

E. D.

Libenter hic, et omnis exantlabitur
Labor, in tuæ spem gratiæ.
[HORACE, _Epodes_ i. 23-24.]

SIX IDILLIA

chosen out of the famous Sicilian Poet

THEOCRITUS,

and translated into English verse.

THE EIGHTH IDILLION.

Argument.

MENALCAS a Shepherd and DAPHNIS a Neatherd, two Sicilian Lads, contending who should sing best, pawn their Whistles; and choose a Goatherd to be their Judge: who giveth sentence on DAPHNIS his side. The thing is imagined to be done in the Isle of Sicily, by the sea-shore. Of whose singing, this Idillion is called _Bucoliastæ_, that is, "Singers of a Neatherd's Song."

_BUCOLIASTÆ._

DAPHNIS, MENALCAS, Goatherd.

WITH lovely Neatherd DAPHNIS on the hills, they say,
Shepherd MENALCAS met upon a summer's day:
Both youthful striplings, both had yellow heads of hair;
In whistling both, and both in singing skilful were.

MENALCAS first, beholding DAPHNIS, thus bespake:

MENALCAS.

"Wilt thou in singing, Neatherd DAPHNIS, undertake
To strive with me? For I affirm that, at my will,
I can thee pass!" Thus DAPHNIS answered on the hill.

DAPHNIS.

"Whistler MENALCAS, thou shalt never me excel
In singing, though to death with singing thou should'st swell!"

MENALCAS.

"Then wilt thou see, and something for the victor wage?"

DAPHNIS.

"I will both see, and something for the victor gage!"

MENALCAS.

"What therefore shall we pawn, that for us may be fit?"

DAPHNIS.

"I'll pawn a calf; a wennell lamb lay thou to it!"

MENALCAS.

"I'll pawn no lamb: for both my Sire and Mother fell
Are very hard; and all my sheep at e'en they tell."

DAPHNIS.

"What then? What shall he gain that wins the victory?"

MENALCAS.

"A gallant Whistle which I made with notes thrice three,
Joined with white wax, both e'en below and e'en above;
This will I lay! My father's things I will not move!"

DAPHNIS.

"And I a Whistle have with notes thrice three a row,
Joined with white wax, both e'en below and e'en above.
I lately framed it: for this finger yet doth ache
With pricking, which a splinter of the reed did make.
But who shall be our Judge, and give us audience?"

MENALCAS.

"What if we call this Goatherd here, not far from hence,
Whose dog doth bark hard by the kids?" The lusty boys
Did call him, and the Goatherd came to hear their toys.
The lusty boys did sing, the Goatherd judgment gave.
MENALCAS first, by lot, unto his Whistle brave,
Did sing a Neatherd's Song; and Neatherd DAPHNIS then
Did sing, by course: but first MENALCAS thus began:

MENALCAS.

"Ye Groves and Brooks divine, if on his reed
MENALCAS ever sang a pleasant Lay;
Fat me these lambs! If DAPHNIS here will feed
His calves, let him have pasture too I pray!"

DAPHNIS.

"Ye pleasant Springs and Plants, would DAPHNIS had
As sweet a voice as have the nightingales!
Feed me this herd! and if the Shepherd's lad
MENALCAS comes, let him have all the dales!"

MENALCAS.

"'Tis ever Spring; there meads are ever gay;
There strout the bags; there sheep are fatly fed,
When DAPHNE comes! Go she away;
Then both the Shepherd there, and grass are dead."

DAPHNIS.

"There both the ewes, and goats, bring forth their twins;
There bees do fill their hives; there oaks are high;
Where MILO treads! When he away begins
To go, both Neatherd and the neat wax dry."

MENALCAS.

"O husband of the goats! O wood so high!
O kids! come to this brook, for he is there!
Thou with the broken horns tell MILO shy,
That PROTEUS kept sea-calves, though god he were."

DAPHNIS.

"Nor PELOPS' kingdom may I crave, nor gold;
Nor to outrun the winds upon a lea:
But in this cave I'll sing, with thee in hold,
Both looking on my sheep, and on the sea."

MENALCAS.

"A tempest marreth trees; and drought, a spring:
Snares unto fowls, to beasts nets, are a smart;
Love spoils a man. O JOVE, alone his sting
I have not felt; for thou a lover art!"

Thus sang these boys, by course, with voices strong;
MENALCAS then began a latter song:

MENALCAS.

"Wolf, spare my kids! and spare my fruitful sheep!
And hurt me not! though but a lad, these flocks I guide.
Lampur my dog, art thou indeed so sound asleep?
Thou should'st not sleep while thou art by thy master's side!
My sheep, fear not to eat the tender grass at will!
Nor when it springeth up again, see that you fail!
Go to, and feed apace, and all your bellies fill!
That part your lambs may have; and part, my milking pail."

Then DAPHNIS in his turn sweetly began to sing:

DAPHNIS.

"And me, not long ago, fair DAPHNE whistly eyed
As I drove by; and said, I was a paragon:
Nor then indeed to her I churlishly replied;
But, looking on the ground, my way still held I on.
Sweet is a cow-calf's voice, and sweet her breath doth smell;
A bull calf, and a cow, do low full pleasantly.
'Tis sweet in summer by a spring abroad to dwell!
Acorns become the oak; apples, the apple-tree;
And calves, the kine; and kine, the Neatherd much set out."

Thus sung these youths. The Goatherd thus did end the
doubt:

Goatherd.

"O DAPHNIS, what a dulcet mouth and voice thou hast!
'Tis sweeter thee to hear than honey-combs to taste!
Take thee these Pipes, for thou in singing dost excel!
If me, a Goatherd, thou wilt teach to sing so well;
This broken-hornèd goat, on thee bestow I will!
Which to the very brim, the pail doth ever fill."

So then was DAPHNIS glad, and lept and clapt his hands;
And danced as doth a fawn, when by the dam he stands.
MENALCAS grieved, the thing his mind did much dismay:
And sad as Bride he was, upon the marriage day.

Since then among the Shepherds, DAPHNIS chief was had!
And took a Nymph to wife when he was but a lad.

DAPHNIS his Emblem.

_Me tamen urit Amor._

MENALCAS his Emblem.

_At hæc DAPHNE forsan probet._

Goatherd's Emblem.

_Est minor nemo nisi comparatus._

THE ELEVENTH IDILLION.

Argument.

THEOCRITUS wrote this Idillion to NICIAS a learned Physician: wherein he sheweth--by the example of POLYPHEMUS a giant in Sicily, of the race of the CYCLOPS, who loved the Water Nymph GALATEA--that there is no medicine so sovereign against Love as is Poetry. Of whose Love Song, as this Idillion, is termed CYCLOPS; so he was called CYCLOPS, because he had but one eye, that stood like a circle in the midst of his forehead.

_CYCLOPS._