Category: PART V

A thought, for breeding, would a traveller be,
The several countries in the brain to see.
Spurred with desires he was,[note]he was,] and 1653 [/note] booted with hope,
His cap, curios’ty, patience was his[note]His cap, curios’ty, patience was his] Cap’t with curiosity, a patient 1653 [/note] cloak.
Thus suited, then[note]then] strait 1664; straight 1668 [/note] a horse he did provide:                               5
Strong Imagination he got[note]Strong Imagination he got ] And Strong Imagination got 1664, 1668 [/note] to ride,
Which, saddled with ambition, girt[note]Which, saddled with ambition, girt] Sadl’d with Ambition, and girted 1653 [/note] with pride,
Bridled with doubt, and[note]and] resolving 1653 [/note] stirrups on each side
Of resolution, he did mount, and[note]Of resolution, he did mount, and] When he was mounted, fast away they 1653 [/note] went
In a full gallop of a good intent.                                                10
Some ways i’th’brain were ill and foul withal,[note]i’th’brain were ill and foul withal,] in the brain, very ill, there were, 1653 [/note]
Which made him oft into deep errors fall.[note]Which made him oft into deep errors fall.] Into deep errours, often tumbled th’are. 1653 [/note]
Oft was he hid by mountains high of fear, [note]Oft was he hid by mountains high of fear,] High mountains of great fear, was forc’d to hide, 1653 [/note]
Then slid down precipices of despair; [note]Then slid down precipices of despair;] Steep Precipices of Despair down slide. 1653 [/note]
Woods of forgetfulness he oft passed[note]he oft passed] they oft past 1653; he oft pass 1668 [/note] through;                  15
To find the right way out, had much ado.
In troubles he had travelled a long way;
At last he came where thieves of spite close lay,
Who, coming forth, drew out reproachful words
Which wounded reputation, as sharp swords.                      20
When he did feel the wound smart, he[note]smart, he] to smart, 1653 [/note] drew out
Truth from[note]Truth from] From 1653 [/note] Time’s scabbard, and fought well and[note]and fought well and] Truth which fought full 1653 [/note] stout;
With an innocent thrust he left spite dead,
Wiped off the blood of slander, purple red.
Then coming[note]Then coming] Coming 1653 [/note] to a river of temptation,                                 25
Which deep and dang’rous was[note]Which deep and dang’rous was] Deep and dangerous 1653 [/note] of tribulation,
He swam with Temp’rance, and[note]He swam with Temp’rance, and] With Temperance he swum, 1653; He Swum with Temp’rance, and 1664; He swum with Temp’rance, and 1668 [/note] got out at last,
And with security all dangers past.
At last got to the city[note]got to the city] he to the City came 1664; he to the City came, 1668 [/note] of power,
Where tyranny did stand, a great high tower,[note]Where tyranny did stand, a great high tower,] Whereon stood Tyranny, a great Tower. 1653 [/note]                   30
With discords populous, where[note]where] there 1653 [/note] Riot rules;
Great colleges there were,[note]were,] was 1653 [/note] to breed up fools;
Large houses of extortion[note]extortion] Extortions 1653 [/note] high were built,
And all with prodigality were gilt.
Their streets were pitched with dull and lazy stone,           35
Which never hurt the feet when trod upon.[note]hurt the feet, when trod upon.] hurts the feet when trodden on. 1653 [/note]
Markets of plentiful[note]plentiful] Plent’ful 1664, 1668 [/note] circuits were there,
Where all sorts came, and did[note]came, and did] did come, and 1653 [/note] buy without care.
Herbs of repentance there were in great store,
But roots of ignorance were many more.                               40
The carts of knowledge much provision brought,[note]The carts of knowledge much provision brought,] Carts of knowledge brought much provisions in, 1653 [/note]
And understanding, which Truth sold, some bought.[note]And Understanding, which Truth Sold, some bought.] Some understanding bought, which truth did bring: 1653 [/note]
Yet what is bought proves good or bad by chance,[note]Yet what is bought proves good or bad by chance,] All what was Bought, prov’d good or bad by chance, 1664; All what was bought, prov’d good, or bad, by chance: 1668 [/note]
For some were cozened by false ignorance.
Then forthwith into shamble row he went,                           45
Where store of meat hung up, for ’twas not[note]not] no 1664, 1668 [/note] Lent;
There lay a head[note]a head] head 1653; an Head 1664, 1668 [/note] with wit and fancies filled,[note]filled,] fil’d 1653 [/note]
And many hearts by[note]many hearts by] hearts were there, which 1653 [/note] grief and sorrow killed.
Tongues of eloquence hung upon an ear;[note]Tongues of Eloquence hung upon an ear;] And Tongues of Eloquence hung on an Ear; 1664; And Tongues of Eloquence hung on an Ear. 1668 [Between 1653 and 1664 these two lines are reversed; 1653 has the “tongues” line then the “bladders” line, while 1664 and 1668 have “bladders” then “tongues”. Textual notes record differences across similar lines.] [/note]
Bladders of windy opinions were there;[note]of windy opinions were there;] blown with windy opinions there: 1653 [Between 1653 and 1664 these two lines are reversed; 1653 has the “tongues” line then the “bladders” line, while 1664 and 1668 have “bladders” then “tongues”. Textual notes record differences across similar lines.] [/note]                             50
Weak livers of great fear lay there to sell,
And spleens of malice very big did swell; [note]spleens of malice very big did swell;] malice, spleens, which very big did swell. 1653 [/note]
Tough lungs of willfulness were hard[note]were hard] hard 1653 [/note] and dry,
Whole guts of self-conceit did hang thereby.
Then to a poult’rers[note]Then to a poultr’ers] Into a Poulterers 1653 [/note] shop he went, to see                            55
What fowl there were,[note] were,] was, 1664, 1668 [/note] if any good there be.
There lay wild geese, though black and heavy meat,
Yet some gross appetite liked them to eat.
The choleric turkey, and the peacocks pride,
The foolish dott’rels[note]dott’rels] dotterels 1653; Dotterels 1664 [/note] lay there close beside.                        60
Capons of expectation, crammed with hope,
Swans[note]Swans] And Swans 1664, 1668 [/note] of large desires lay in the shop.
Reproachful words were sold by dozens there,
And ignorant gulls did lie[note]did lie] lay 1653 [/note] everywhere;
Poetical birds were many[note]were many] many were 1664; many, were 1668 [/note] to sell,                                          65
More fowl, which he remembered not to tell.
But being a traveller, he’d[note]he’d] would 1653 [/note] see all there,
So straight he went[note]So straight he went] And strait did go 1664; And straight did go 1668 [/note] to churches of great fear,
Where each one[note]each one] every one 1653 [/note] kneeled upon the knee of pain,
And prayers said with tongues that were profane.              70
Petitioning tears dropped from coveting eyes,
Deceitful hearts on altars of disguise.
Earnest they were to th’gods,[note]th’gods,] gods, 1653 [/note] that they would give
Worldly request, not grace for souls to live.
But travails[note]travails] Travels 1664, 1668 [/note] of experience he would see,                             75
Which made him go to th’court[note]th’court] the Court 1653 [/note] of Vanity.
The porter Flattery sat at the gate,
Who civil was, and carried him in straight.
To Beauty’s presence chamber first he went,[note]To Beauty’s presence chamber first he went,] First to the Presence-chamber of Beauty went, 1653 [/note]
There stayed some time, with great and sweet content.     80
Next to the privy chamber of Discourse,
Where Ignorance and Nonsense had great force.
Then to the bedchamber of Love’s delights;
The grooms which served there were carpet knights.
Thence he to th’council[note]Thence he to th’council] From thence to Counsel 1653 [/note] of Direction went,                         85
Where great Disorder sat as president.
No sooner that poor stranger he did view,
Reproachful words out of his mouth he threw,
Commanding Poverty, a sergeant poor,
To take that stranger, cast him[note]that stranger, cast him] and cast this stranger 1664; and cast this Stranger 1668 [/note] out of door.                        90
Straight Flattery for him entreated much,
But he Disorder’s ear doth seldom touch.
For cast he was into necessity,
Which is a prison of great misery.
But Patience got him an expedient pass,                                95
So home he went, but rode[note]rode] rid 1653, 1668; Rid 1664 [/note] upon an ass.

There is a cruël battle ’twixt[note]There is a cruël battle ’twixt] A Cruel Battle is betwixt 1653 [/note] two foes;
When Nature will decide it, none yet knows.
These two are Life and Death, which th’world[note]which th’world] the world 1653 [/note] divide,
And whilst[note]whilst] while 1664, 1668 [/note] it lasts, the cause will none[note]none] n’ere 1653 [/note] decide.
First, Life is active, seeking to enjoy,                                       5
And Death is envious, striving[note]striving] striviug 1664 [/note] to destroy.
When Life a curious piece of work doth make,
And thinks she will therein some pleasure[note]she will therein some pleasure] therein some pleasure for to 1653 [/note] take,
Then in comes Death, with rancor and with spleen,
Destroys it so, that nothing can be seen,                              10
For fear the[note]the] her 1653 [/note] ruins beauty might present,
Leaves not so much to make[note]make] makes 1653 [/note] Life’s monument.
This makes Life mourn, to see her pains and cost
Destroyed, for what she doth in Death is lost.
Weeping, complains at Nature’s cruelty,                              15
That only made her for[note]That only made her for] VVhich did Her make only 1664; Which did her make only 1668 [/note] Death’s slave to be.
“I am his food; his sharp teeth do[note]do] doth 1653 [/note] me tear;
When[note]When] And when 1653 [/note] I cry he no[note]he no] no 1653 [/note] pity hath, nor care.
The pain he puts me in doth make me roar,
And his pale face that’s grim affrights me sore.                 20
And when I think[note]And when I think] VVhen I do think 1664; When I do think, 1668 [/note] away from him to run,
I fall[note]I fall] Falls streight 1653 [/note] into his jaws, no ways can shun.
But why do I thus sigh, mourn, and lament,[note]mourn, and lament,] lament, and mourn? 1653 [/note]
And use no means his inj’ry to prevent?[note]And use no means his inj’ry to prevent?] And try not means for to revenge my wrong. 1653 [/note]
I will call all my friends their strength to try;                     25
Either I’ll[note]Either I’ll] I’l either 1664; I’le either 1668 [/note] perish quite, or Death shall die.”
Then brings she Motion, nimble at each turn,
And Courage, which like to fire doth[note]Courage, which like to fire doth] Courages, that doth like Fire 1653; Courage, which like unto Fire doth 1664, 1668 [/note] burn,
Preventing and inventing wits, to make
Sconces and forts, too strong for death to take.                  30
A regiment of arts, which[note]which] defending 1653 [/note] with their skill
Assault[note]Assault] And do assault 1653 [/note] her foes, and them sometimes do[note]them sometimes do] sometimes 1653 [/note] kill.
A brigade of clear strengths stands[note]stands] stand 1653 [/note] firm and sure,
And can all fierce[note]And can all fierce] VVhich can the 1653 [/note] assaults of Death endure.
A party of good[note]good] perfect 1653 [/note] healths, armèd[note]armèd] arm’d 1653 [/note] so well                          35
As Death how to destroy them cannot tell.
A troop of growths, at first small, weak, and low,
Increasing every minute, numbers grow.
And many more such[note]more such] more 1653 [/note] companies were[note]were] hath Life 1653 [/note] there,
As all the passions, chiefly Hope and Fear.                          40
Love leads[note]leads] Lead 1664; lead 1668 [/note] this army, his motto a heart;
Their arms are[note]are] were 1664, 1668 [/note] their free wills; all bear[note]all bear] each bore 1664, 1668 [/note] a part.
Death’s armies[note]armies] Army 1653 [/note] are[note]are] were 1664, 1668 [/note] all to destruction bent,
As Wars and Famine, both these pestilent.
Fury, Despair, and Rage did[note]Despair, and Rage did] and Rage, Despair, that 1653 [/note] run about,                             45
Seeking which way that they may[note]may] might 1664, 1668 [/note] Life put out.
Troops, regiments, brigades in numbers are,[note]are,] were, 1664, 1668 [/note]
As Sickness, Dullness, Grief, and Pensive Care.[note]Pensive Care.] Care; 1653 [/note]
Of Feeble Age were[note]Of Feeble Age were] And feeble Age, but 1653 [/note] few; they scarce could[note]they scarce could] nor scarce can 1653 [/note] stand,
Yet in Death’s battle, fight will[note]fight will] would Fight 1664; would fight 1668 [/note] hand to hand.                   50
Hate leads[note]leads] Lead 1664; lead 1668 [/note] the army in a dull slow pace,
And for his motto has[note]has] had 1664, 1668 [/note] a lean, pale face.
With several weapons Death poor Life doth[note]doth] did 1664, 1668 [/note] take
Her as a prisoner, and his slave doth[note]Her as a prisoner, and his slave doth] And did a Prisoner, and his Slave Her 1664; And did a Prisoner, and his Slave, her 1668 [/note] make.
And on her ashes doth[note]doth] did 1664, 1668 [/note] in triumph ride,                            55
And by his conquest swells he[note]swells he] he swell’d 1664, 1668 [/note] big with pride.

Life’s force was strong enough to keep her state,
If Death had not befriended been with Fate,[note]had not befriended been with Fate] befriended had not been by Fate. 1653 [/note]
For she ’gainst Death could make her party good,[note]For she ’gainst death could make her party good, ] She against Death could make her party good, 1653 [/note]
Had not the Fates her happiness withstood,                        60
Who spin[note]Who spin] Who spins 1653; Which Spin 1664; Which spin 1668 [/note] the thread of life so small and weak,
That of necessity it needs must break.
If not, they cut it into pieces small
And give it Death, to make him nets withal
To catch Life in;[note]Life in;] in Life, 1653 [/note] when closely she would hide                 65
Herself from Death, she[note]she] but 1653 [/note] in this net is tied,
Or in the chains of destiny is hung,
The world from side to side about is flung.
Having no rest nor settlement, she[note]she] but 1653 [/note] flies
About from Death, and yet she[note]she] it 1653 [/note] never dies,                       70
Runs into several forms Death to avoid,[note]avoid] shun, 1653 [/note]
And yet those forms are all by Death destroyed.[note]And yet those forms are all by Death destroyed.] But he destroyes these Forms, that Life in comes. 1653 [/note]
Death, like a snake, in Nature’s bosom lies,
Like one that flatters, but i’th’heart[note]one that flatters, but I’th’heart] flattering friends, but yet in heart 1653 [/note] envies.
And Nature seems to Life an enemy,                                     75
Because she still lets Death a conqu’ror[note]conqu’ror] Conqueror 1653 [/note] be.

The[note]The] THis 1664; THIS 1668 [/note] temple was built of cornelian red,
To signify that much blood there[note]much blood there] there much Blood 1664; there much blood 1668 [/note] was shed.
The altars all were carved of[note]The altars all were carved of] Her Altars were carv’d from an 1653 [/note] agate stone,
And musk flies there were sacrificed upon.[note]And musk flies there were sacrificed upon.] VVhere there were musk Flyes sacrificed on: 1653 [/note]
A priest there was, who sang[note]A priest there was, who sang] And Priest there is that sings 1653; A Priest there was, who Sung 1664; A Priest there was, who sung 1668 [/note] her praises loud,                     5
Whereat the people kneeled[note]kneeled] kneels 1653 [/note] all in a crowd,
For though she’s[note]she’s] she be 1653 [/note] blind and cannot clearly[note]clearly] well 1653 [/note] see,
Yet she her hearing hath most perfectly.[note]most perfectly.] perfectly. 1653 [/note]
The steeple black was built of[note]black was built of] was built of black 1653; was Black, Built of 1664 [/note] mourning jet,
And finely carvèd,[note]finely carvèd,] carved finely 1653; Carved finely 1664 [/note] with many a fret.                                   10
The bells were[note]were] of 1653 [/note] nightingales’ tongues, which did ring
As sweetly as they in[note]they in] in 1653 [/note] the spring do[note]do] they do 1653 [/note] sing.
Their holy fire was[note]was] is 1653 [/note] made of sweet[note]sweet] sweetest 1664, 1668 [/note] spice,
And kept by virgins young that know no vice.
Their gods sometimes did they[note]did they] they 1653 [/note] place in a bower,             15
Which made is of a[note]made is of a] curiously was made of 1664, 1668 [/note] jasmine[note]In all early printings, the noun “jasmine” is spelled “Gesamin,” which would add a syllable to this line. [/note] flower,
And all her sacred groves in which she walks
Are set with roses, which do grow on[note]which do grow on] that grow’s by the 1653 [/note] stalks.
Thus in procession her about they bear,
And[note]And] Where 1653 [/note] none but in devotion cometh there.                            20
The king and queen did[note]did] do 1653 [/note] wait where she did[note]she did] e’re she 1653 [/note] go,
And all about sweet incense they did[note]did] do 1653 [/note] strew.
Nature frowned[note]frowned] did Frown, 1664; did frown, 1668 [/note] to see her so respected,
Thought by these honors she was much[note]Thought by these honors she was much] And by these Honours done, she thought her self 1653 [/note] rejected.
“Wherefore,” said[note]said] saith 1653; says 1664, 1668 [/note] Nature, “let me take the place,             25
And let not Fortune proud me thus outface,
When all that’s good you do receive from me.
She is[note]She is] For she 1653 [/note] my vassal low, you soon shall see.
For I with virtues do the mind inspire,
And clothe[note]clothe] cloathes 1653 [/note] the soul in beautiful attire.                                30
The body equal I do make, and[note]I do make, and] makes, and very 1653 [/note] strong,
The heart with courage, to revenge a wrong.
I’th’brain[note]I’th’brain] In brains, 1653 [/note] invention, wit, and judgment lies,
Creating like a god, ord’ring[note]ord’ring] orders 1653, Ordering 1668 [/note] as wise.
The senses all as perfectly are made,                                      35
To hear, to see, to taste, to touch, persuade.[note]to taste, to touch, persuade.] Taste, Touch, Smell and Perswade; 1664; Taste, Touch, Smell, and Perswade. 1668 [/note]
I’th’soul do passions and affections[note]I’th’soul do passions and affections] And in the Soule, Affections, Passions 1653 [/note] live;
There’s nothing done, but what my powers[note]There’s nothing done, but what my powers] Nothing is there but what my Pow’r doth 1664; Nothing is there, but what my Pow’r doth 1668 [/note] give.
All which to Mutability I throw,
And she doth in perpetual motion[note]And she doth in perpetual motion] Who in perpetuall motion alwayes 1653 [/note] go.                                 40
Thus all invention from my power comes,
For arts in men are but by scraps and crumbs.
So Fate and Fortune are my handmaids sure,
For what they do shall never long endure.
For[note]For] And 1664, 1668 [/note] I throughout the world do make things range,           45
And constant am in nothing, but in change.
Then let your worship of[note]of] to 1653 [/note] blind Fortune fall,
Or else shall my displeasure bury all.
But false devotion unto men is sweet,
Whilst[note]Whilst] While 1664, 1668 [/note] truth’s kicked out, and trodden under feet.           50
Their minds do ebb and flow just like the tide,
And what is to be done is cast aside.
This makes that men are never in the way,
But wander up and down like sheep astray.
O wretched man,[note]man,] Man! 1664 [/note] that can in peace not be![note]can in peace not be!] cannot in peace be, 1653; can in Peace not be; 1664 [/note]                     55
For with himself he cannot well agree.
Sometimes he hates what he before approves,[note]approves,] did prove, 1664; did prove; 1668 [/note]
And[note]And] But 1653 [/note] in a constant course doth never move.[note]doth never move.] he never moves. 1653 [/note]
Nor to himself, nor God who’s[note]who’s] that’s 1653 [/note] good, can stay,
He ever[note]He ever] But always 1664, 1668 [/note] seeking is some unknown way.                              60
No sad example he by warning takes;
If none will do him hurt, he[note]he] some 1653 [/note] mischief makes,
As if he feared[note]he feared] afraid 1664, 1668 [/note] in happiness to live,
And[note]And] He 1664; He, 1668 [/note] to himself a deadly wound will give.
But why do I complain that man is bad,                                 65
Since what he hath,[note]hath,] has, 1664, 1668 [/note] or is, from me he had?
Not only man, the world, but gods also,
And nothing greater than myself I know.”
All this did make[note]All this did make] VVhich made 1653 [/note] them take high Fortune down,
And in her room they did[note]room they did] room, 1653 [/note] great Nature crown.                 70

King Oberon, and the Pygmies tall and stout,
Did go to war; the cause was just no doubt,
For Pygmy king, out of his kingdom brought
His people, and[note]and] all, 1653 [/note] another kingdom sought.
Like Goths and Vandals, they did range about                        5
With force, to find another kingdom[note]to find another kingdom] full strong, to finde another 1653 [/note] out.
At last into the Fairy land they went,
For to that fertile place their hearts were bent.
“This is the place,” said they, “where pleasures flow,[note]pleasures flow,] pleasure flowes, 1653 [/note]
And where delight, like flow’rs on banks, doth grow.[note]where delight, like flow’rs on banks, doth grow.] And like to flowers on banks, where delight growes; 1653 [/note].       10
Here let us pitch, and try if fortune will
Join with our courage, all our foes to[note]all our foes to] that our Foes may 1653 [/note] kill.”
Then on they went, and plundered everywhere;
The Fairies all ran crying in great fear,
And fire on all their beacons placèd high,                              15
Which warning is to give, when danger’s nigh.
Whereat King Ob’ron[note]Ob’ron] Oberon 1653, 1664, 1668 [/note] a great[note]a great] then a 1653 [/note] war prepared,
Which made his queen and all his court afeared;[note]afeared;] afraid; 1653 [/note]
His council grave and wise he straight did[note]he straight did] did to him 1653 [/note] call,
Which came with formal busy faces all,                                 20
Where[note]Where] And 1664, 1668 [/note] everyone did speak their mind full free,
Disputing much; at last all did[note]Disputing much; at last all did] Disputiug this, and that, at last 1653 [/note] agree:
“In war,” said they, “’tis better that we die,
Than to be slaves unto our enemy.”
Then said the King, “an Army we must raise,                        25
In which I’ll die,” said he, “or win the bays.”
Straight officers of all degrees were made,
To lead and rule, encourage[note]encourage] in courage 1653 [/note] and persuade,
And thus they mustered all their army[note]And thus they mustered all their army] Thus did they muster, and arme all their 1653 [/note] stout
To meet their en’my, and to beat[note]en’my, and to beat] Enemy, and beat 1653; Enemy, and beat 1664 [/note] them out.                        30
Well armed they were, and put in good array,
Which made them fight with courage all that day.
Their trumpets were made of small silver wire,
Calling the horse to charge, or to retire.
These horses for war were grasshoppers large,                    35
On which they rode[note]rode] did ride, 1653; Rid, 1664; rid, 1668 [/note] and bravely did[note]bravely did] bravely 1653 [/note] discharge.
Their[note]Their] And 1653 [/note] saddles were of a velvet peach skin;
Their bridles were small strings which spiders[note]were small strings which spiders] small strings, that Spiders doe 1653 [/note] spin;
Besides, their stirrups, which their feet in stayed,[note]Besides, their stirrups, which their feet in stayed,] And Stirrops, in which they put their feet in, 1653 [/note]
Of a green rush, round like a ring, were made.[note]Of a green rush, round like a ring, were made.] Was made of a Rush, just round like a Ring. 1653 [/note]                  40
Of small cockle-shells their targets were made,[note]Of small cockle-shells their targets were made,] Targets of little Cockle-shells they had, 1664; Targets of little Cockle-shells they had; 1668 [/note]
And for their long swords[note]long swords] Sword serv’d 1664; Sword, serv’d 1668 [/note] a rosemary blade.
Their flags, colored flowers glorious to see,[note]colored flowers glorious to see,] of Colour’d Flow’rs shew’d Gloriously, 1664; of Colour’d Flow’rs, shew’d gloriously, 1668 [/note]
Give several sweet smells when flying they be.[note]Give several sweet smells when flying they be.] And gave sweet several Smells as they did fly: 1664; And gave sweet several Smells as they did flye. 1668 [/note]
And how they were armed, it well did appear:[note]And how they were armed, it well did appear:] VVhen they were Armed, as each Curasseer, 1664; When they were armed, as each Curassier, 1668 [/note]                  45
In a bean’s hull, just like a cuirassier.[note]just like a cuirassier.] it bravely did appear; 1664; it bravely did appear. 1668 [/note]
Their guns were pipes of glass, slender and small;[note]pipes of glass, slender and small;] slender small Pipes of Glasse, 1653 [/note]
Their bullets were round seeds to shoot withall.[note]Their bullets were round seeds to shoot withall.] And Bullets round, of Seeds to shout, there was. 1653 [/note]
Their drums of filbert skins were very strong,[note]Their drums of filbert skins were very strong,] Of Filbeard-skins their Drums, which they did beat, 1664; Of Filbeard-Skins, their Drums, which they did beat, 1668 [/note]
And wheaten straws, for sticks to beat thereon.[note]And wheaten straws, for sticks to beat thereon.] Were made, and their Drumsticks of Straws of Wheat; 1664; Were made; and their Drum-Sticks, of Straws of Wheat. 1668 [/note]                50
Their van, their rear,[note]van, their rear] Vans, their Rears, 1653 [/note] their left wing, and their right,
Were placèd so, as they saw good to fight.
Their colors flying, and their drums when[note]when] did 1653 [/note] beat,
Their trumpets sounding, none sought a retreat.
The forms and files[note]forms and files] files, and formes, 1653 [/note] the Pygmies placed themselves         55
Were[note]Were] Was 1653 [/note] like in figure unto mussel shells,
To pierce through en’mies, and give[note]en’mies, and give] enemies, give 1653 [/note] way to friends,
The midst being broad, and sharp at[note]The midst being broad, and sharp at] Broad was the middl’, and Sharp were 1664; Broad was the Middl’, and sharp were 1668 [/note] the two ends.
But Fairies like a half moon fought, that so[note]fought, that so] sought, which know, 1653 [/note]
When both ends meet, they might encircle th’foe,[note]both ends meet, they might encircle th’foe,] each end meet, incircle all their foe: 1653 [/note]            60
Where in the midst King Oberon rode[note]rode] rid 1653, 1668; Rid 1664 [/note] full brave,
For[note]For] And 1653 [/note] he the honor of this day shall have.
Thus this warrior in[note]Thus this warrior in] This Warriour in an 1664; This Warrier, in an 1668 [/note] armor bright and strong,
As foremost man, his soldiers led[note]his soldiers led] did lead his men 1653 [/note] along.
Then spake he to them in a temper meek:                             65
“These enemies,” said he, “our ruin seek.
Go on all you brave born, and valiant bred,
And fight your enemies[note]enemies] enemy, 1653 [/note] till they be dead!
Let not your foes with scorn upbraid your flight,
But let them see you can with courage[note]you can with courage] with courage you can 1653 [/note] fight,                      70
And teach them what their folly rash hath brought
Upon themselves, when they this kingdom sought.
But O, vain princes,[note]princes,] Princes! 1664 [/note] that for glory seek,[note]that for glory seek,] which for Glory strive, 1664, 1668 [/note]
Which will not let poor subjects in peace keep.[note]Which will not let poor subjects in peace keep.] And let poor Subjects not in Quiet Live; 1664; And let poor Subjects not in quiet live! 1668 [/note]
Foolish ambition sets the world on fire,                                 75
Which ruins all to compass its desire.
I only fight to keep what is my own,
And not to rob another kingly throne.
But if this quarrel can’t decided be,[note]can’t decided be,] ill, decide I can’t, 1653 [/note]
I hand to hand will fight my enemy.”[note] I hand to hand will fight my enemy.”] I’le fight my enemy then hand to hand. 1653 [/note]                                   80
With that he sent a[note]a] an 1653, 1664, 1668 [/note] herald stout and bold,
Which to King Pygmy he this message told,
Which was, King Ob’ron[note]Which was, King Ob’ron] VVho said, King Oberon 1653 [/note] him a challenge sent,
To save their men, and much blood to prevent,
That they two might a duel[note]they two might a duel] only their two persons 1653 [/note] fight alone,                               85
And let both armies all[note]both Armies all] the Armies both 1653 [/note] the while look on.
Then laughed King Pygmy,[note]laughed King Pygmy,] laughes the Pygmee, 1653 [/note] “What’s your king,” said he,
“That in a[note]in a] He in 1664; he, in 1668 [/note] duel hopes to conquer me?
I came not here a single strength to try,
A kingdom for to win, or else to die.                                        90
I prouder am, my subjects’ strength to show,
Where[note]Where] That 1664; That, 1668 [/note] by direction they my skill may know.
Herald, go back, and tell your king from me
He’ll know my strength when pris’ner[note]pris’ner] Prisoner 1653 [/note] he shall be.”
Then spake he to his men in voice full[note]in voice full] with a Voice 1664, 1668 [/note] high:                      95
“Here’s none,” said he, “I hope this day will fly.
You know, my soldiers, we came here to fight
Not from[note]from] through 1664, 1668 [/note] ambition, or through[note]through] of 1653 [/note] envy’s spite,
But we by famine, with a[note]But we by famine, with a] For we by famine were with 1653 [/note] meager face,
Were[note]Were] Here 1653 [/note] sent about to seek a fertile place.                               100
Then here’s a land[note]land] faud, 1653 [/note] which needs not be manured,
And we are[note]are] a 1653 [/note] people not to work inured,
For we by nature no great pains can[note]no great pains can] can no great paines 1653 [/note] take,
Nor by our[note]our] out 1664. The 1664 Errata list corrects this “out” back to “our”; the correction is also carried forward into 1668. [/note] sweat a livelihood out make.
For who would live in pain, or grief, or care,                        105
And always of their[note]their] his 1664, 1668 [/note] goods would[note]would] to 1653 [/note] stand in fear?
Who lives in trouble is[note]is] are 1653 [/note] not very wise,
Since in the grave there do no troubles[note]there do no troubles] no troubles there doe 1653 [/note] rise.
Then let us fight e’en[note]e’en] even 1653 [/note] for sweet pleasure’s sake,
Or let us die, that we no care may take.”                                110
Thus did the kings their[note]kings their] King his 1664, 1668 [/note] soldiers’ courage raise,
And in orations did[note]orations did] a Speech 1664; a Speech, 1668 [/note] their valor praise.[note]praise.] highly praise. 1664, 1668 [/note]
Then did they both in order, rank, and file
Prepare themselves each other for to spoil.
Their horses stout, whereon they rode i’th’field,[note]rode i’th’field,] ride in field, 1653; Rid i’th’Field, 1664; rid i’th’Field, 1668 [/note]               115
Would[note]Would] Will 1653 [/note] die under their burthen, but not yield.
In caprioles those[note]those] these 1664, 1668 [/note] grasshoppers did[note]did] do 1653 [/note] move,
By which their[note]their] his 1653 [/note] riders’ skill they soon would[note]they soon would] he soone will 1653 [/note] prove.
Some think for war it is an air unfit,[note]Some think for war it is an air unfit,] Some as an Air, unfit for VVarr, it Slight, 1664; Some, as an Air, unfit for Warr, it slight; 1668 [/note]
Whose motion swift lets not the rider[note]Whose motion swift lets not the rider] With whose swift motion his Rider cannot 1653 [/note] fight                        120
Or take his turns, and vantages[note]and vantages] advantages 1664, 1668 [/note] to have,
Unless by leaping high himself[note]himself] themselves 1653 [/note] can[note]can] to 1664, 1668 [/note] save.
But they do err, for in some case ’tis[note]But they do err, for in some case ’tis] Erroneous this, in some case it is 1653 [/note] good,
Though not in all, if truly understood.
What’s in the world that’s to all use employed,                     125
But at some times and seasons is denied?
Fire and water,[note]Fire and water,] VVater, and Fire, 1664; Water and Fire, 1668 [/note] which are the life of all,[note]which are the life of all,] the life of all which are, 1653 [/note]
Can only serve in their due time and call.
So some may say[note]So some may say] Some may say in 1653 [/note] this air of horsemanship
Is[note]Is] ’Tis 1653 [/note] good, hills[note]hills] Heaps 1664, 1668 [/note] of dead men to overleap.                              130
For if that they go low[note]that they go low] they Low do go 1664; they low do go 1668 [/note] upon the ground,
Where dead men, horse, and arms are strewèd[note]dead men, horse, and arms are strewèd] both Dead Men, Horses, and Arms lye 1664; both Dead men, Horses, and Arms, lye 1668 [/note] round,
Or else in heaps they lie, like to[note]in heaps they lie, like to] do lye in Heaps, like as 1664; do lye in heaps, like as 1668 [/note] a wall,
The horse will stumble with the man, and[note]The horse will stumble with the man, and] Whereat the Horse will stumble, Man downe 1653 [/note] fall.
Thus horses of manège,[note]Thus horses of manège,] But some, of Manag’d Horses, 1664, 1668 [/note] taught in measure,                       135
Many do think are[note]Many do think are] Do think they are but 1664, 1668 [/note] only fit for pleasure
And not for war, where no use for[note]where no use for] but no use of 1653 [/note] them is,
As though[note]though] if 1664, 1668 [/note] their rules did make them go amiss.
But they’re[note]But they’re] They are 1653 [/note] mistaken, for like men they’re taught,
For to obey their rider[note]rider] Guider 1653 [/note] as they ought:                                 140
To stop, to go, to leap, to run, and yet
Obey the heel, the hand, the wand, the bit.
Beside, they’re taught their passions[note]passions] passion 1653 [/note] to abate,
Not to be resty[note]to be resty] resty be, 1653 [/note] with fear, anger, hate,[note]hate,] or hate; 1653 [/note]
And by applause, great courage they have got,                     145
That they dare go upon a cannon shot.
Not that they senseless into dangers[note]into dangers] be, or dangers on 1653 [/note] run,
For horses cowardly danger do[note]danger do] do Dangers 1664, 1668 [/note] shun,
And are so full of fears as they will shake,
And will not go, which proves their hearts do quake.         150
Besides, all airs in war are very fit,
As curvets, demi-voltes, and pirouette,[note]demi-voltes, and pirouette,] Dimivoltoes, and Perwieet: 1653; Demivoltoes, and Perwicet, 1664; Demivoltoes, and Perwicet; 1668 [/note]
And[note]And] In 1653 [/note] going back, and forward, turning round,
Sideways, both high and low upon the ground.
Sometimes in a large circle[note]Sometimes in a large circle] Oft they in a Large Circle 1664; Oft they, in a large Circle, Compass 1668 [/note] compass take,                        155
And then with art, a lesser circle make.
But horses that unlearned are in[note]are in] are 1664, 1668 [/note] this way,
May march straight forth, or in one place may stay.
So men, when they do fight, having no skill,
May venture life, but few may chance to[note]may chance to] that they shall 1653 [/note] kill.                   160
For ’tis not blows and thrusts which[note]which] shall 1653 [/note] do the feat,
Or going forward, or by a retreat;
Man[note]Man] He 1653 [/note] must the center be, his sword the line,
His feet his compass, with his strength to join.
These are the arts for horse, and men of war,                      165
Unless with stratagems they think to scare,[note]scare,] scar: 1653 [/note]
Which shows more wit than courage in the field;
So ’tis to run away, or else to yield.
But here the bodies of each army’s knit
So close, as skin unto the flesh doth[note]doth] doe 1653 [/note] sit.                             170
No stratagems were used[note]were used] us’d 1653 [/note] to have men slain,
But they did fight upon an open plain.
For those that use slight stratagems in wars
No fighters are, but cruel murderers.
Nor is it bravely done, as some think ’tis,                               175
For every petty thief has skill in this.
Nay,[note]Nay, thieves] Poore Theeves, 1653 [/note] thieves more courage in their actions[note]actions] acts doe 1653 [/note] show,
Who[note]Who] For 1653 [/note] if their plots do fail must die, they know.
Warriors’ designs found out, they do not care,
Because no hanging for that act they fear.                             180
They’ll say ’tis different, thus foes[note]foes] enemies 1653 [/note] to use,
For thieves by their deceit their[note]their] do 1664; no 1668 [/note] friends abuse.
But ’tis not so,[note]not so,] all one, 1664; all one: 1668 [/note] for cozenage is the thief,
And of that order generals are the chief.
Fighting’s the soldier’s trade, not to entrap,                           185
Nor, like the fox, with craft the prey t’entrap,[note]like the fox, with craft the prey t’entrap,] foxing with craft, a prey for to inwrap, 1653; like the Fox, with Craft the Prey t’inwrap, 1664 [/note]
But kill or pursue with swords in their hands,
Without any[note]any] some 1664, 1668 [/note] fraud or treacherous[note]treacherous] any Treach’rous 1664, 1668 [/note] bands.
Just so fought these brave valiant cavaliers,
As it by their unhappy end[note]As it by their unhappy end] By the unhappy end, as it 1653 [/note] appears,                                   190
For they did join, and fierce together fight,
Which was to all a lamentable sight.
Some lay upon the ground, without a head,
Others did gasping lie,[note]did gasping lie,] that gasping lay, 1653 [/note] but not quite dead.
Their groans were heard, and cries of several notes;          195
Some ruttling lay, with thick blood in their throats.
Here a headpiece lay,[note]a headpiece lay,] was a Head-piece, 1664, 1668 [/note] there a corslet thrown,
Bodies so mangled that none could be known.
Rivers of blood like to a full high tide,
Or like a sea where shipwrecked bodies died.                      200
And their laborious breaths[note]breaths] breath 1653 [/note] such mists did raise
It[note]It] Which 1653 [/note] made a cloud, which[note]which] as 1653 [/note] darkened the sun’s rays.
With several noises that rebounded far,
Armies of echoes were heard in the air.[note]were heard in the air.] in the aire were. 1653 [/note]
Here bodies hid with smoke, smothered, lay dead,              205
While formless sounds were in the air outspread.[note]outspread.] spread. 1653 [/note]
Thus were they earnest and active in their[note]earnest and active in their] active, and earnest in their 1653; earnest, and active in 1668 [/note] fight,
As if to kill or die were a delight.
Here beasts and men both in their blood lay mashed,
As if[note]if] if that 1653 [/note] a French cook had them[note]had them] them had 1664, 1668 [/note] minced and[note]and] so 1653 [/note] hashed, 210
Or did their blood unto[note]did their blood unto] with their bloud 1653 [/note] a jelly boil
That he might[note]That he might] To 1653 [/note] make a bouillon of the spoil,
For Nature’s table several dishes brings,
By her directions in transforming things.
At last the Pygmies found themselves quite spent,               215
And of their war begun now to repent,
Which made their king, though little, yet at length
To[note]To] Did 1653 [/note] call to Oberon king to try his strength:
“Let’s here,” said he, “our skill and fortunes try,
To conquer[note]To conquer] In conquering 1653 [/note] one, or both in graves to lie.”                          220
“Content,” said Oberon king. “Though most unjust
You have yourself into my kingdom thrust,
Yet will I not refuse this offer bold,
And if I live, this day will sacred hold.”
Then like two lions fallen out for prey,                                   225
Encountered they,[note]Encountered they,] Encounter did, 1653 [/note] not yielding any way.
Their bright sharp swords with motion quick did fly,[note]with motion quick did fly,] so quick with motion flyes, 1653 [/note]
Like subtle lightning in each other’s eye.[note]eye.] eyes. 1653 [/note]
King Pygmy, he was strong,[note]King Pygmy, he was strong,] Pigmee King was strong, he 1653 [/note] two handfuls tall,
But Oberon king was low, and very small.                             230
Yet was he dextrous in his skillful art,
And by that means struck Pygmy near the heart,
Whose blood ran[note]ran] run 1653 [/note] warm and trickling down his side,
That where he stood, the grass was purple dyed.
Then leaning on his sword, as out of breath,                         235
Said he to[note]he to] to King 1664, 1668 [/note] Ob’ron,[note]Ob’ron,] Oberon, 1653; Oberon; 1664 [/note] “I have got my death.”
Grew faint, then sinking on the ground did lie,
Finding his soul would from his body[note]would from his body] from’s body soon would 1653 [/note] fly,
Saying, “King Ob’ron, pray do[note]“King Ob’ron, pray do] to Oberon, do you 1653; King Oberon, pray do 1664 [/note] mercy show,
And let my army freely from you go.                                      240
And those that here lie slain, pray[note]pray] O 1653 [/note] let them have
Just rites in burial, and their bones i’th’grave,[note]i’th’grave,] in grave; 1653 [/note]
That their free souls in quiet peace may sleep,
And for this act the gods your fame will keep.
I care nor grieve not for my own sad fall,                              245
But for my subjects that are ruined all.”
And in a deep-fetched sigh, and hollow groan,
His soul went forth unto a place unknown.
When that[note]that] as 1664, 1668 [/note] his soldiers heard their king was dead,
Their hearts did fail, yet none of them there fled,                250
But to him ran,[note]ran,] run 1653 [/note] like shuttles in a loom,
And with their bodies did his corpse entomb.
For through their loyal breast they dug[note]they dug] did dig 1653; they Digg’d 1664; they dig’d 1668 [/note] their grave,
Because their king a monument should have.
So all did die; no story yet hath shown                                   255
That ever any Pygmies more were[note]That ever any Pygmies more were] Was ever any Pygmees after 1653 [/note] known.
Then did their wives with sighs lament their falls,
And with their tears did strew their funerals;
Those[note]Those] Which 1664, 1668 [/note] tears did mix with blood upon the ground,
Where rubies since hath[note]hath] have 1664, 1668 [/note] in the Earth been found.         260
Their bodies moist to vapor rarified,
And now in clouds do near the sun reside.
When they their grief unto remembrance call,
Those sullen clouds in show’ring tears do fall.
Their sighs are winds, that do[note]that do] that 1653 [/note] blow here and there,       265
And all their bodies transmigrated[note]transmigrated] now Transformed 1664; now transformed 1668 [/note] are.
Unhappy battle![note]battle!] battle 1653; Battel, 1668 [/note] to destroy a race
That on the earth deserved the chiefest place,
For they were valiant, and did love their king,
Without dispute obeyed in everything.                                  270
Nature did pity much[note]did pity much] pittying to see 1653 [/note] their fortune sad;
They[note]They] Who 1653 [/note] by her favor a remembrance had,
For she their bones did turn to marble white,
Of which are statues carved for man’s delight,
And in some places are as gods adored,[note]adored,] set up, 1653 [/note]                            275
Where superstition idols doth afford.[note]Where superstition idols doth afford.] Idols that superstition doth worship. 1653 [/note]
But Oberon king there built a temple[note]But Oberon king there built a temple] There Oberon King a Temple builded 1653 [/note] high,
In which he Fortune’s[note]he Fortune’s] great Fortunes 1653 [/note] name did magnify.

With grief and sorrow Honor[note]With grief and sorrow Honor] HOnour with Grief and Sorrow 1664; HOnour, with Grief and Sorrow, 1668 [/note] did complain,
How that her sons and servants all are[note]that her sons and servants all are] all her Sons, her Servants all were 1664; all her Sons, her Servants all, were 1668 [/note] slain,
And none was[note]And none was] Now none are 1653 [/note] left but those that did[note]did] do 1653 [/note] her slight,
And in rebellion did[note]And in rebellion did] Open rebellion doth 1653 [/note] against her fight,
And how[note]And how] Besides, 1653 [/note] this age did[note]did] doth 1653 [/note] dirt upon her throw,                               5
Lest she the baseness of the next should[note]Lest she the baseness of the next should] For fear the next, she should her basenesse 1653 [/note] show.
Thus mournèd[note]mournèd] mourneth 1653 [/note] Honor, veiled in clouds of night,
When heretofore her garments were of light.
Her crown was laurel wreathed with fancy’s tire,
Her scepter, Mars’[note]Mars’] Mars his 1664, 1668 [/note] sword, made foes retire.                           10
Pallas’ headpiece did[note]Pallas’ headpiece did] Pallas her head-peece 1653 [/note] as her footstool stand,[note]stand,] stands, 1653 [/note]
By whose support she rose and did command.[note]whose support she rose and did command.] which support she rises, and commands; 1653 [/note]
And thus did Honor live with great applause;
All did obey her; none did break her laws.
But now Dishonor, armed ’gainst her, doth rise,                      15
And all her laws she utterly denies.
Then Honor, fearing she should be surprised,
And[note]And] (And, 1668 [/note] by her counsel being well advised,[note]advised,] advis’d) 1668 [/note]
Did raise an army to maintain her right;
Resolved she was Dishonor for to fight.                                      20
Courage the van, Wisdom and Wit each wing[note]Wisdom and Wit each wing] did lead, Fidelity the Rear, 1653 [/note]
Did lead, the rear Fidelity did bring;[note]Did lead, the rear Fidelity did bring;] The Left-wing, and the Right, Wisdom, and Wit they were, 1653 [/note]
Invention doth th’artillery[note]Invention doth th’artillery] The Artillery, Invention doth 1653 [/note] command;
Patience and Constancy as sent’nels[note]Patience and Constancy as sent’nels] Constancy and Patience, Sentinels 1653 [/note] stand.
Sciences pioneers are[note]Sciences pioneers are] Sciences, are Pioniers 1653 [/note] of great skill,                                          25
Which undermine towns, castles when they will,
And trenches make, where soldiers safely[note]where soldiers safely] Souldiers t’in safety 1653 [/note] sleep,
And[note]And] There 1653 [/note] for a guard a watchful eye do keep.
Arts, like dragoons, do[note]like dragoons, do] Dragoons, which 1653 [/note] serve on foot and horse,
To skirmish, or an enemy[note]enemy] En’my to 1664, 1668 [/note] enforce.                                           30
The colors high doth Resolution[note]The colors high doth Resolution] Resolution, the Colours high doth 1653 [/note] bear,
And with the bag and baggage standeth Care.
Prudence, quarter-master, allots them[note]quarter-master, allots them] as Quarter-master, fits each 1664, 1668 [/note] place;
Who disobeys is punished with disgrace.
Industry, as purvey’r,[note]as purvey’r,] Purveyer which 1653 [/note] provides the meat,                               35
And Temperance[note]And Temperance] And Temp’rance gives 1664, 1668 [/note] proportions what they[note]what they] out to 1664; out, to 1668 [/note] eat.
Truth, scout-master,[note]Truth, scout-master,] Scout-master, Truth, 1664, 1668 [/note] intelligence doth[note]doth] to 1653 [/note] give,
By which the army doth in safety live.
The drum is faith, braced with reasons clear,[note]braced with reasons clear,] with reasons braced are, 1653 [/note]
The sticks that beat thereon are hope and fear.                       40
Trumpeters, orators, sound loud and high,[note]high,] cleare, 1653 [/note]
And[note]And] Doe 1653 [/note] call to horse when th’enemy draws nigh.[note]draws nigh.] is neare. 1653 [/note]
The treas’rer, Gratitude, doth th’army pay,[note]The treas’rer, Gratitude, doth th’army pay,] Gratitude, Treasurer, the Army to pay, 1653 [/note]
Gen’rosity, as[note]Gen’rosity, as] Generosity, 1653 [/note] general, leads the way.
When this army was in battalia set,                                            45
Dishonor, with her army, near did get:
Partiality did lead the van awry,
And Treachery the rear, which came not nigh;
Perjury the left wing ordered[note]Perjury the left wing ordered] The left Wing order’d Perjury 1664, 1668 [/note] that day,
Unthankfulness on th’right[note]on th’right] the right 1653 [/note] did bear the sway.                     50
Suspicion was the scout, to search the way,
And Envy close in ambuscado lay.
Revenge, as cannoneer, did take[note]did take] which took 1653 [/note] the aim,
But missed the mark, which made him high exclaim.
Envy and Malice, were two engineers,                                      55
Which subtilty[note]Which subtilty] Subtilty, 1653 [/note] had practised many years;
Their drum was ignorance; stupidity[note]was ignorance; stupidity] is Ignorance, where they beat, 1653 [/note]
Was one stick, th’other was obstinacy,[note]Was one stick, th’other was obstinacy,] Obstinacy, stupidity thereupon treat, 1653 [/note]
And braced it was[note]was] is 1653 [/note] with rudeness, which sounds[note]sounds] is 1653 [/note] harsh
On strings of willfulness that’s[note]that’s] which is 1653 [/note] ever rash.                              60

[note]the Battle in Fight] the Fight. 1664; the Fight. 1668 [/note]

Some with sharp swords—to tell, O most accursed!—[note]—to tell, O most accursed!—] to tell, O most accurst, 1653; (to tell, O most accurst!) 1668 [/note]
Were above half into their[note]their] the 1653 [/note] bodies thrust,
From whence fresh streams of blood run all along[note]run all along] along did run 1664, 1668 [/note]
Unto the hilts, and there lay clodded on.
Some, their legs dangling[note]dangling] hang dangling 1653 [/note] by the nervous strings,                       5
And shoulders cut, hung loose like flying wings.
Heads here were cleft in pieces,[note]Heads here were cleft in pieces,] Here heads are cleft in two parts, 1653 [/note] brains lay[note]lay] lye 1653 [/note] mashed,
And all their faces into slices hashed.
Brains only in the pia mater thin,
Did[note]Did] Which 1653 [/note] quivering lie[note]lie] lyes 1653 [/note] within that little skin,                                    10
Their skulls all broke and into pieces burst,
By horses hooves and chariot wheels were crushed.[note]were crushed.] to dust. 1653 [/note]
Others, their heads did lie[note]heads did lie] owne heads lyes 1653 [/note] on their own laps,
And some again, half cut, lay[note]lay] lyes 1653 [/note] on their paps,
Whose tongues out of their mouths were thrust[note] Whose tongues out of their mouths were thrust] Whose Tongues out of their mouthes are thrust 1653; Some thrust their Tongues out of their Mouths 1664, 1668 [/note] at length.   15
For why?[note]why?] why, 1653, 1668 [/note] The strings were[note]were] are 1653 [/note] cut that gave them strength.
Their eyes did[note]did] do 1653 [/note] stare; their lids were open wide,[note]their lids were open wide,] the lids wide open set, 1653 [/note]
For the small nerves were shrunk on every side.[note]For the small nerves were shrunk on every side.] The little Nerves being shrunk, they cannot shut. 1653 [/note]
In[note]In] And 1653 [/note] some again, those glassy balls hung[note]hung] hangs 1653 [/note] by
Small slender strings, as chains to tie the eye.                            20
Those[note]Those] W^ch 1664, 1668 [/note] strings, when broke, eyes fall, which[note]eyes fall, which] the Eyes fell 1664, 1668 [/note] trundling round
Until[note]Until] And then 1664, 1668 [/note] the film is[note]is] was 1664, 1668 [/note] broke upon the ground.
In death, their teeth strong set, their lips left[note]left] were 1664, 1668 [/note] bare,
Which grinning seem’d[note]seem’d] seems, 1653 [/note] as if they angry were.
Their hair[note]hair] Hairs 1653 [/note] upon their eyes in clodded gore                              25
So wildly spread, as ne’er it did before.[note]So wildly spread, as ne’er it did before.] Or wildly spreads, as not in life they wore; 1653 [/note]
With frowns their foreheads did in[note]did in] in deep 1653 [/note] furrows lie,
As graves their foes to bury when they die.
Their spongy lungs heaved up[note]Their spongy lungs heaved up] Heaving up spongy lungs 1653 [/note] through pangs of death,
With pain and difficulty fetched short breath.                           30
Some grasping hard, their hands through pain provoked,
Because[note]Because] For why, 1653 [/note] the rattling phlegm their throats had choked;[note]had choked;] do choak. 1653 [/note]
Their bodies now bowed[note]now bowed] bowing 1653 [/note] up, then down did[note]did] they 1653 [/note] fall,
For want of strength to make them stand withall.
Some staggering on their legs did[note]did] do 1653 [/note] feebly stand,                      35
Or leaning on their sword with either hand,
Where on the pummel did[note]did] doth 1653 [/note] their breast rely,
More grieved they could not[note]could not] cannot 1653 [/note] fight, than for to die.
Their hollow eyes sunk deep into their brains,[note]brains,] Brain, 1664, 1668 [/note]
And hard-fetched groans did from each heartstring strain.[note]did from each heartstring strain.] from every heart-string strains. 1653 [/note] 40
Their knees pulled up to keep their bowels in,[note]to keep their bowels in,] lest th’Bowels out should come, 1664; lest th’Bowels out should come; 1668 [/note]
But all too little through their blood doth swim;[note]doth swim] they Swom; 1664; they swom. 1668 [/note]
Guts did,[note]Guts did,] And Guts 1653 [/note] like sausages, their bodies twine,
Or like the spreading plant, or wreathing vine.
Their restless heads, not knowing how to lie,                             45
Through grievous pains did[note]did] do 1653 [/note] quickly wish to die;
Rolling from off their back upon their belly,
Did tumble[note]Did tumble] Tumbling 1653 [/note] in their blood as thick as jelly.
And gasping lay[note]lay] lye 1653 [/note] with short breaths and constraint,
With cold sweat drops upon their faces faint.                            50
Heaving their dull pale eyeballs, up did[note]Heaving their dull pale eyeballs, up did] Then heaving up their dull, pale eye-balls, 1653 [/note] look,
As if through pain, not hate, the world forsook.
Some chilly cold, as in shiv’ring[note]in shiv’ring] shivering 1653; Shivering 1664 [/note] agues, are;
Some burning hot, as in high fevers were;
Some spewing[note]Some spewing] Spewing of 1653 [/note] blood from stomachs that are sick;                55
Through parching heats their tongues to’th’roofs[note]heats their tongues to’th’roofs] Heat their Tongue to th’Roof 1664; heat their Tongue to th’Roof 1668 [/note] did[note]did] do 1653 [/note] stick.
Their bodies with loud groans their souls called[note]Their bodies with loud groans their souls called] With loud groans, bodies call’d their soules 1653 [/note] back,
While smarting wounds did set them on the rack,
And on their arms their faces lay across,
As if in death they were ashamed of loss.                                    60
Some dying lay, like flame[note]lay, like flame] like a flame, 1653 [/note] whose oil is spent,
Or fire that’s smothered out and[note]that’s smothered out and] smother’d out which 1653 [/note] wanteth vent,
And some did[note]did] do 1653 [/note] fall like strong and hardy oaks
Which are hewn down[note]are hewn down] hewn down are 1653 [/note] with fierce and cruel strokes,
Their limbs chopped small, as wood for fire to burn,               65
Or carved, or chipped out for joiner’s turn.
Some underneath their horses’ bellies flung;
Some by the heels in their own stirrups hung.
Others their heads and neck lay[note]neck lay] Necks being 1664, 1668 [/note] all awry,
And[note]And] Did 1664, 1668 [/note] on their horses’ manes, as pillows, lie.                             70
Some in a careless garb lay[note]lay] lye 1653 [/note] on the ground,
As life despised, since honor in death’s[note]As life despised, since honor in death’s] Despis’d Life, since in Death is Honour 1664, 1668 [/note] found.
Some called for Death, and some did[note]called for Death, and some did] for death do call, some 1653 [/note] Life desire;
Some cared not; some did burials[note]cared not; some did burials] care not, others burial 1653 [/note] require;
Some beat their breasts as if they’d done some ill;[note]if they’d done some ill;] evill they had done, 1653 [/note]                 75
Some burned with hot revenge their foes to kill;[note]Some burned with hot revenge their foes to kill;] Others in fiery hot revenge do burn. 1653 [/note]
Some lay as if to hear the trumpet sound,
And others did lie[note] did lie] lay, as 1653[/note] sprawling on the ground;
Some wished their death’s revenge upon their foe,
Others[note]Others] Some did 1664; Some did, 1668 [/note] with dying eyes their friends not know;                      80
Some their parents, children cried to[note]their parents, children cried to] would their Parents, some their Children 1664, 1668 [/note] see;
Others wished life, some difference to agree.
But lovers, with a soft and panting heart,
Did wish their mistress, at their last[note]last] Sad 1664; sad 1668 [/note] depart,
To shut their eyes, their gaping[note]their gaping] and 1653 [/note] wounds to close,                    85
Whose dying spirits[note]dying spirits] Dying Spirit 1664; dying-spirit, 1669 [/note] to their mistress goes.
Foes’ hands into each others wounds thrust wide,
As if their hearts they’d[note]they’d] would 1653 [/note] pull out from each side;
Some[note]Some] VVhere 1653 [/note] friends, in dear embracements, closely[note]closely] are close 1653 [/note] twined,
By their affections[note]affections] affection 1653 [/note] strong in death were[note]were] they are 1653 [/note] joined;                  90
Some wished to live, yet longed[note]longed] long 1653 [/note] for death through pain;
Others died[note]died] dye 1653 [/note] grieving that their foe’s not slain;
Some did[note]Some did] Or else 1653 [/note] repent what they so rash had[note]had] have 1653 [/note] done,
And wished[note]wished] wish 1653 [/note] the battle were to be begun;
Some gently sinking, by a[note]by a] so by 1653 [/note] fainting fall,                                      95
Yield quietly to Death when he did[note]Yield quietly to Death when he did] And quietly do yeeld, when Death them 1653 [/note] call;
Some drunk with death not able were[note]were] are 1653 [/note] to stand,
But[note]But] And 1653 [/note] reeling fell,[note]fell,] fall, 1653 [/note] struck down by Death’s cold hand;
Some lingered[note]lingered] lingring 1653 [/note] long, as lovers when they[note]they] part 1653 [/note] must
Part; some did[note]Part; some did] Others, as 1653 [/note] willing yield to fate their dust,                          100
And sweetly lay[note]lay] lies, 1653 [/note] as if asleep at[note]at] in 1653 [/note] night;
Some stern, as if new battles they would[note]they would] were to 1653 [/note] fight;
Some softly murmuring, like a bubbling stream,
Did[note]Did] Yet 1653 [/note] sweetly smile in death, as in a dream.
Their[note]Their] Whole 1653 [/note] souls with soft-breathed sighs to heav’n did fly,[note]heav’n did fly,] heaven flye, 1653; Heaven did fly, 1668 [/note]        105
To live with th’gods[note]th’gods] gods 1653 [/note] above the starry sky.
Thus several noises through the air did[note]did] do 1653 [/note] ring,
And several postures Death to men did[note]did] doth 1653 [/note] bring:
Where some did[note]did] do 1653 [/note] die outrageous[note]outrageous] Outragions 1664. The 1664 Errata list corrects this turned letter to “outragious”; the correction is also carried forward into 1668. [/note] in despair,
Others so gentle as without all[note]without all] appears no 1653 [/note] fear.                                           110
With heaps of bodies, hills up high were grown,[note]With heaps of bodies, hills up high were grown,] With heaps of bodies, hills up high are growne, 1653; High Hills with Heaps of Bodies there were Grown, 1664; High Hills, with heaps of Bodies, there were grown; 1668 [/note]
Where hair as grass, and teeth as seed were sown.[note]Where hair as grass, and teeth as seed were sown.] Where haire as grasse, and teeth, as seed are sown: 1653; And Hair as Grass, and Teeth as Seed were Sown; 1664; And Hair, as Grass; and Teeth, as Seed, were sown. 1668 [/note]
Their heads[note]heads] head, 1653 [/note] and heels, horsemen together lay,
Smothered to death which could not get away.
Their arms lay hacked, and all were thrown about,                  115
And targets full of holes, that kept death out.
Their flags flying[note]flying] which first 1664, 1668 [/note] like moving woods did show,
On whose tops various colors seemed[note]On whose tops various colors seemed] Various colours seem’d on their tops 1653 [/note] to grow,
As if flow’rs from high trees had sprouted out,[note]flow’rs from high trees had sprouted out,] flowers had sprouted from trees high, 1653 [/note]
Or in the open air were strewed about;[note]in the open air were strewed about;] strew’d about, did in the clouds so lye. 1653 [/note]                                   120
Now all were fallen, and into pieces torn,[note]Now all were fallen, and into pieces torn,] Now all are fallen, and into peeces torn, 1653; VVere now all fall’n and into Pieces torn, 1664; Were now all faln, and into pieces torn, 1668 [/note]
Their mottos razed that[note]that] which 1664, 1668 [/note] did their sides adorn;
Some did like[note]Some did like] Yet some as 1653 [/note] winding sheets their bearers shroud,
Which was an honour fit to make Death proud.
Some were[note]Some were] Some 1653 [/note] like virgins, which their eyes cast[note]which their eyes cast] that cast their eyes down 1653 [/note] low            125
Through shamefastness, although no fault they[note]although no fault they] though they no fault did 1664, 1668 [/note] know,
Nor guilty are,[note]are,] were; 1664, 1668 [/note] but overcome with strength,
Not by their own consent, but[note]Not by their own consent, but] Though not consenting, yet is 1653 [/note] forced at length,
For courage, like to chastity,[note]For courage, like to chastity,] As Chastity, so courage forc’d 1653 [/note] we find
Is forced to lay down arms, though ’gainst its[note]Is forced to lay down arms, though ’gainst its] To lay down Arms though sore against their 1653 [/note] mind.             130
Here gauntlets, corslets, gorgets, saddles thrown,[note]Here gauntlets, corslets, gorgets, saddles thrown,] Gauntlets and Corslets, Saddles lay here and there, 1664; Gauntlets and Corslets, Saddles, lay here and there; 1668 [/note]
Flags, pikes, drums, guns, bullets, all o’er strown,[note]bullets, all o’er strown,] were scatter’d every where, 1664; were scatter’d every where; 1668 [/note]
And plumes[note]And plumes] Plumes 1653 [/note] of feathers which waved with the wind,
And proudly tossed, like to some haughty mind,
Like to[note]Like to] Just like 1664, 1668 [/note] prosperity when overborne,                                         135
Now humbly lay, and were in pieces torn.[note]lay, and were in pieces torn.] lyes, where they are trodden on. 1653 [/note]
Horses, which proudly pranced[note]which proudly pranced] praunce proudly, 1653 [/note] when backed they[note]backed they] they backed 1653 [/note] were
By men of courage, never knowing fear,
Now overpowered lay[note]Now overpowered lay] If they are over-powred 1653 [/note] by strong assault,
And lost by force; ’twas[note]force; ’twas] strength, was 1653 [/note] not their courage fault,                    140
For they on Death’s dull face could boldly stare,
Since life should hate, if not[note]should hate, if not] they Hate, lest they 1664; they hate, lest they 1668 [/note] victorious were.
Dead horses lay on[note]lay on] lye on 1653; lay on th’ 1664, 1668 [/note] backs, their heels up flung;
Their eyes were sunk, heads[note]Their eyes were sunk, heads] Eyes sunke, their heads lye 1653 [/note] turned; their jaws down hung.
Their thick curled manes, which grew down to the ground,  145
Or by their masters[note]masters] Master 1653 [/note] in fine ribbons bound,
Were[note]Were] Was 1653 [/note] torn half off, or singed by fire from guns,
Or snarled in knots or clods that[note]knots or clods that] a Knot which 1664, a Knot, which 1668 [/note] backward runs.
Their nostrils wide, from whence thick smoke outwent,
Which vapor from their hot stout hearts was[note]vapor from their hot stout hearts was] from their hot stout hearts that vapour 1653 [/note] sent,             150
Their sleek bright hair o’th’skin[note]o’th’skin] on skin 1653 [/note] like coats of mail,
Their courage fierce, that nothing could them[note]Their courage fierce, that nothing could them] And their feirce Courage which could nothing 1664; And their fierce Courage, which could nothing 1668 [/note] quail,
All in death lay;[note]in death lay;] lay in Death, 1664; lay in Death: 1668 [/note] by Fortune they were cast,
And Nature to new forms went[note]went] goes 1653 [/note] on in haste,
For neither beauty, strength, nor[note]nor] or 1653 [/note] nimble feet                       155
Can[note]Can] Could 1653 [/note] serve in death; all beasts alike there meet.
Thus horse and man in several postures[note]Thus horse and man in several postures] In severall postures, horse and men thus 1653 [/note] lies,
With several pains; in several places dies.
When horses die, they know no reason why,
But[note]But] VVhere 1653 [/note] men do venture life for vainglory.                                   160
Smoke from their blood[note]blood] bloods 1653 [/note] into red clouds did rise,
Which flashed like lightning in all living eyes;[note]all living eyes;] the livings eyes, 1653 [/note]
Their groans into the middle region went,
And echoes did[note]And echoes did] Ecchoes in 1653 [/note] the air like thunder rent;
From sighs, winds rarified[note]From sighs, winds rarified] Winds rarified, sighs 1653 [/note] such gusts did blow,                  165
As if ascended[note]ascended] they ’scended 1664, 1668 [/note] from the shades below.
Men strive[note]strive] strives 1653 [/note] to die, to make their names to live,
When gods no certainty to fame[note]no certainty to fame] to Fame, no Certainty 1668 [/note] will give.

Courage against Prudence a war did make,
For Rashness (her foe, his favorite)’s[note](her foe, his favorite)’s] her foe, his favourites 1653; her Foe’s, but his Favourit’s 1664; her Foe’s, but his Favourit’s 1668 [/note] sake.
For Rashness ’gainst[note]For Rashness ’gainst] Rashnesse against 1653 [/note] Queen Prudence had a spite,
And did persuade great Courage for to fight.
Courage did raise[note]Courage did raise] Then Courage rais’d 1664, 1668 [/note] an army vast and great,                            5
That for the[note]That for the] Which for their 1664; Which, for their 1668 [/note] numbers Tamberlaine might beat,
Cloathed all in glist’ring[note]glist’ring] glistering 1653 [/note] coats,[note]a marginal note reads, “Vanity.” In 1668, a superscript letter specifically marks this note as belonging to the phrase “glist’ring coats”. [/note] which made a show,
And tossing feathers[note]a marginal note reads, “Pride.” In 1668, a superscript letter specifically marks this note as belonging to the phrase “tossing feathers”. [/note] which their pride did blow.
Such fiery horses[note]a marginal note reads, “Ambition.” In 1668, a superscript letter specifically marks this note as belonging to the phrase “fiery horses”. [/note] men could hardly wield,
And in this equipage they took the field.                                10
Loud Noise[note]a marginal note reads, “Fame.” In 1668, a superscript letter specifically marks this note as belonging to the phrase “Loud Noise”. [/note] spoke of this[note]spoke of this] of this great 1653 [/note] Army everywhere,
Until at last it came to Prudence’s[note]Prudence’s] Prudence 1653, 1664, 1668 [/note] ear.
Prudence a council called of all the wise,
And aged[note]And aged] Aged 1653 [/note] experience, her[note]her] for her 1653 [/note] to advise.
Then Industry[note]Then Industry] Industry 1653 [/note] was called, which close did wait,               15
And orders had to raise an army straight.
But out, alas![note]alas!] alas, 1653 [/note] her kingdom was so small,
That scarce an army could be raised of all.
At last they did about ten thousand get,
And[note]And] Then 1653 [/note] care employèd was their[note]their] them 1653 [/note] arms to fit;                        20
Discipline trained and taught each several man,[note]and taught each several man,] each Man, taught and Command, 1664; each Man, taught and command, 1668 [/note]
How they should move, and in what posture stand.
Great store of victuals Prudence did provide,
And ammunition of all sorts beside.
The foot were clothed in coarse yet[note]in coarse yet] though course, in 1653 [/note] warm array,              25
Their wages small, yet had they constant pay.
Well armed they were all, breast, back, and pot,
Not for to tire them, but to keep out shot.
Each had their muskets, pikes, and banners right,
That nothing might be wanting when they[note]when they] for to 1664, 1668 [/note] fight.              30
The cavalry was armèd as in frocks,[note]was armèd as in frocks,] all arm’d as in a Frock, 1653 [/note]
Gauntlet and pistols, and some firelocks,[note]Gauntlet and pistols, and some firelocks,] Gauntlets they had, and Pistols with Fire-locks, 1664; Gauntlets they had, and Pistols with Fire-locks: 1668 [/note]
Swords by their sides, and at their saddle bow
Hung poleaxes to strike, and give a blow.
Horses they had, not[note]they had, not] e’ne such, as 1653 [/note] pampered in a stable,                        35
But from the plow, which were both strong and able
To make[note]To make] For 1664, 1668 [/note] a long march, or[note]or] or to 1664, 1668 [/note] endure a shock,
That quietly will stand firm[note]That quietly will stand firm] For they stood firm and quiet 1664, 1668 [/note] as a rock,
Not starting, though[note]Not starting, though] Nor start, although 1653 [/note] the guns shot[note]shot] shoot 1653 [/note] in their face,
But as they’re guided, went[note]went] goe 1653 [/note] from place to place.               40
Prudence for men and horses[note]Men and Horses] man, and Horse she 1653 [/note] did provide
Physicians, surgeons, farriers, smiths beside,[note]smiths beside,] and Smiths beside, 1664; and Smiths beside; 1668 [/note]
Wagons and carts, all luggages to bear,
That none might want when in the field they were.
Strict order she did give to everyone,                                      45
Lest through mistake some wrong there might be done,[note]Lest through mistake some wrong there might be done,] For feare that by mistake they should doe wrong. 1653 [/note]
And as they marched, scouts every way did go,
To bring intelligence where lay the foe.
And when the army stayed some rest to take,
Prudence had care what sentinels to make:                          50
Men that were watchful, full of industry,
Not such as are debauched, or[note]or] and 1664, 1668 [/note] lazy lie,
For armies oft by negligence are lost,
Which had they fought, might of their valor boast.
But Prudence, she with care still had an eye                         55
That everyone had match and powder by.
Besides, through a wise care, and[note]and] though 1653 [/note] not afraid,
She always lay entrenchèd where she stayed.
At last the armies both drew near in sight,
Then both began to order for the[note]the] their 1664, 1668 [/note] fight.                               60
Courage his army was so vast and great,
As they did scorn the en’my[note]en’my] others 1653; Enemy 1664; Enemy, 1668 [/note] when they met.
Courage did many a scornful message send,
But Prudence still made Patience by her stand;
Prudence did call[note]did call] call’d 1653 [/note] to Doubt for his advice,[note]for] to aske 1653 [/note]                       65
But in his answers he was very nice.
Hope, of that army great, did make[note]did make] she made 1653 [/note] but light,
Persuaded Prudence by all[note]all] any 1653 [/note] means to fight:
“For why,” said Hope, “they do us so despise
That they grow careless; error blinds their eyes.                 70
Whereby we may such great advantage make,
As we may win, and many prisoners take.”
Then Prudence set her army in array,
Choosing the[note]the] their 1653 [/note] Roman custom, and their way.
In bodies small her army she did part,                                   75
In dollops,[note]dollops,] Mollops, 1653, 1668; Mollops, 1664 [/note] which was done with care and art.
Ten in[note]in] on 1653 [/note] a rank, and sev’n files[note]sev’n files] seven file 1653 [/note] deep they were;
Between each part a lane of ground lay bare,
For single and loose men about to run,
To skirmish first, before the fight begun.                               80
The battle ordered, in three parts was set;
The next supplied[note]supplied] supplyes, 1653 [/note] when the first part was[note]was] is 1653 [/note] beat,
And[note]And] Then 1653 [/note] Prudence rode about from rank to rank,
Taking great care to strengthen well the flank.
Prudence the van did lead, Hope the right wing,                 85
Patience the left, and Doubt the rear did bring.
The en’my’s[note]The en’my’s] The other 1653; The Enemy’s 1664; The Enemy’s 1668 [/note] army fiercely up did ride,
As thinking presently them to divide.
But they were much deceived, for when they met,
They saw an army small, whose force was great.                90
Then did they fight, where[note]where] but 1664, 1668 [/note] Courage bore up high,
For though the worst he had, he scorned to fly.

Doubt round[note]Doubt round] ABout 1653; DOubts round 1668 [/note] the fort of Hope intrenchèd[note]intrenchèd] Doubt intrenched 1653 [/note] lay,
Stopped all provisions that should pass that way,
Digging[note]Digging] They dig 1653 [/note] forth earth to raise up rampires high;
Against Hope’s curtains did their cannons[note]cannons] Cannon 1653 [/note] lie.
The line being long, it seemed the weakest place,                           5
Or else to batter down the frontier’s face.
There pioneers did dig a mine to spring,
Balls and grenados in the[note]in the] into th’ 1664, 1668 [/note] fort did fling;
Rams they did place, to beat their walls down flat,
With many engines more,[note]With many engines more,] And many other Engines, 1653 [/note] as good as that.                                    10
But when[note]when] as 1653 [/note] Doubt breaches made in any part,
Hope’s industry soon closed it up[note]Hope’s industry soon closed it up] Streight Hopes industry soon clos’d 1653 [/note] with art.
Yet Doubt did resolve[note]did resolve] resolved 1664; resolved, 1668 [/note] fierce assaults to make,
And did set[note]did set] setting 1653 [/note] ladders up the fort to take;
When Hope perceived,[note]perceived,] saw this, 1664, 1668 [/note] great stones and weights down flung, 15
Which many killed as they on ladders hung.
Many did fall, and in the ditch did lie,
But then fresh men did straight their place supply.
Upon the walls of Hope many lay dead,
And those that fought did on their bodies tread.                            20
Thus various fortune on each side did fall,
And Death was th’only[note]th’only] onely 1653 [/note] conqueror of all.

Hope, hearing Doubt an army great did bring[note]an army great did bring] did a great Army raise 1664; did a great Army raise 1668 [/note]
For to assault the castle she was in,[note]For to assault the castle she was in,] Upon the castle, where she was, to Seize, 1664; Upon the Castle, where she was, to seise: 1668 [/note]
For her defense she made that castle[note]she made that castle] her Castle she made 1653 [/note] strong,
Placing great ord’nance on the wall along.[note]Placing great ord’nance on the wall along.] Plac’d Pieces of Ordnance the VVall along; 1664; Plac’d Pieces of Ordnance the Wall along, 1668 [/note]
Bulwarks she[note]Bulwarks she] And Bulwarks 1664; And Bulwarks 1668 [/note] built at every corner’s end;                                5
A curtain long the middle did defend.[note]long the middle did defend.] of twelve score was drawn between 1653 [/note]
Two faces make[note]make] made 1664, 1668 [/note] a point, from whence the[note]from whence the] whence 1664, 1668 [/note] cannons play;
Two points do make[note]points do make] Points 1664; Points, 1668 [/note] a third to stop the en’mies[note]en’mies] enemi’s 1653; Enemies 1664 [/note] way;
The wings were not[note]The wings were not] No Wing 1664; No Wing 1668 [/note] too short, nor curtains were[note]nor curtains were] no Curtain was 1664; no Curtain was 1668 [/note] too long;
The points were not[note]The points were not] No Point 1664; No Point 1668 [/note] too sharp, but blunt to make them strong.[note]a marginal note by lines 7-10 reads, “When bullets are shot from each corner, they make a triangular point upon the enemy.” In 1664 and 1668, the note reads, “Bullets shot from two bulwarks upon the enemy make a point.” [/note] 10
Round[note]Round] And round 1664, 1668 [/note] the castle, enemies out to keep,
A ditch was dug,[note]dug,] digg’d, 1653, 1668; Digg’d 1664 [/note] which was both wide and deep;
Bridges were[note]Bridges were] And bridges 1653 [/note] made to draw or let at length;
The gates had iron bars of wondrous strength.
Soldiers upon the curtain’s line did stand,                               15
And each did hold[note]each did hold] every one 1653 [/note] a musket in his hand.
When Hope had ordered all about her fort,
Then she did call a council to her court.
“I hear,” said she[note]said she] sayes Hope, 1653 [/note] “that Doubt a war will make,
And bring great force this castle for to take,                            20
Wherefore, my friends, provisions must be sought,
And first of all, good store of victuals bought:
Hunger doth lose more forts, than force doth win,
Then must we with the stomach first begin.
The next is arms, the body for to guard;                                   25
Those that unarmèd[note]unarmèd] unarm’d 1653 [/note] are, are soon’st afeared.
For[note]For] But 1653 [/note] to small use we make a ditch or wall
Without armed men to keep that[note]Without armed men to keep that] In not men arm’d to keep this 1653 [/note] wall withall.
Shall we neglect men’s lives and all their strength,[note]men’s lives and all their strength,] the lives, and strength of men, 1653 [/note]
More than a wall, that may be broke at length?[note]broke at length?] broken in? 1653 [/note]                  30
For ammunitïons, that mighty power,
Engines of death, which armies,[note]Engines of death, which armies,] And Death’s Engines, Armies and 1664; And Death’s Engines, Armies and 1668 [/note] towns devour,
Yet are they of no use, unless mankind
Hath strength, skill, will, to use them as design’d.
’Tis wisdom[note]’Tis wisdom] The last for 1653 [/note] to advise what ways are best                            35
Us to defend, that we be not[note]Us to defend, that we be not] For to defend our selves from being 1653 [/note] oppressed.”
Then Expectation, being gray with age,
Advises[note]Advises] Adviseth 1664, 1668 [/note] Hope by no means to engage
Too near her castle, but let that be free.
“Draw out a line about the town,” said she,                             40
“There make some works, soldiers entrench therein,
Let not the wars close at your gates begin.”
With that, Desire, though young, yet wisely spake:[note]though Young, yet wisely spake:] although young, did speak, 1653 [/note]
“Alas,” said she, “Doubt that small line will[note]that small line will] will that small line 1653 [/note] take;
So great a compass will your strength divide,                         45
A body weak may break through any side.
Besides, the soldiers will more careless be
When they a rescue strong behind them see.
But in the castle, where lies all their good,
There they will fight to the last drop of blood.”                      50