A thought, for breeding, would a traveller be,
The several countries in the brain to see.
Spurred with desires he was,1 booted with hope,
His cap, curios’ty, patience was his2 cloak.
Thus suited, then3 a horse he did provide: 5
Strong Imagination he got4 to ride,
Which, saddled with ambition, girt5 with pride,
Bridled with doubt, and6 stirrups on each side
Of resolution, he did mount, and7 went
In a full gallop of a good intent. 10
Some ways i’th’brain were ill and foul withal,8
Which made him oft into deep errors fall.9
Oft was he hid by mountains high of fear, 10
Then slid down precipices of despair; 11
Woods of forgetfulness he oft passed12 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, he13 drew out
Truth from14 Time’s scabbard, and fought well and15 stout;
With an innocent thrust he left spite dead,
Wiped off the blood of slander, purple red.
Then coming16 to a river of temptation, 25
Which deep and dang’rous was17 of tribulation,
He swam with Temp’rance, and18 got out at last,
And with security all dangers past.
At last got to the city19 of power,
Where tyranny did stand, a great high tower,20 30
With discords populous, where21 Riot rules;
Great colleges there were,22 to breed up fools;
Large houses of extortion23 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.24
Markets of plentiful25 circuits were there,
Where all sorts came, and did26 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,27
And understanding, which Truth sold, some bought.28
Yet what is bought proves good or bad by chance,29
For some were cozened by false ignorance.
Then forthwith into shamble row he went, 45
Where store of meat hung up, for ’twas not30 Lent;
There lay a head31 with wit and fancies filled,32
And many hearts by33 grief and sorrow killed.
Tongues of eloquence hung upon an ear;34
Bladders of windy opinions were there;35 50
Weak livers of great fear lay there to sell,
And spleens of malice very big did swell; 36
Tough lungs of willfulness were hard37 and dry,
Whole guts of self-conceit did hang thereby.
Then to a poult’rers38 shop he went, to see 55
What fowl there were,39 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’rels40 lay there close beside. 60
Capons of expectation, crammed with hope,
Swans41 of large desires lay in the shop.
Reproachful words were sold by dozens there,
And ignorant gulls did lie42 everywhere;
Poetical birds were many43 to sell, 65
More fowl, which he remembered not to tell.
But being a traveller, he’d44 see all there,
So straight he went45 to churches of great fear,
Where each one46 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,47 that they would give
Worldly request, not grace for souls to live.
But travails48 of experience he would see, 75
Which made him go to th’court49 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,50
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’council51 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 him52 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 rode53 upon an ass.
Category: POEMS
A Battle between Life and Death
There is a cruël battle ’twixt54 two foes;
When Nature will decide it, none yet knows.
These two are Life and Death, which th’world55 divide,
And whilst56 it lasts, the cause will none57 decide.
First, Life is active, seeking to enjoy, 5
And Death is envious, striving58 to destroy.
When Life a curious piece of work doth make,
And thinks she will therein some pleasure59 take,
Then in comes Death, with rancor and with spleen,
Destroys it so, that nothing can be seen, 10
For fear the60 ruins beauty might present,
Leaves not so much to make61 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 for62 Death’s slave to be.
“I am his food; his sharp teeth do63 me tear;
When64 I cry he no65 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 think66 away from him to run,
I fall67 into his jaws, no ways can shun.
But why do I thus sigh, mourn, and lament,68
And use no means his inj’ry to prevent?69
I will call all my friends their strength to try; 25
Either I’ll70 perish quite, or Death shall die.”
Then brings she Motion, nimble at each turn,
And Courage, which like to fire doth71 burn,
Preventing and inventing wits, to make
Sconces and forts, too strong for death to take. 30
A regiment of arts, which72 with their skill
Assault73 her foes, and them sometimes do74 kill.
A brigade of clear strengths stands75 firm and sure,
And can all fierce76 assaults of Death endure.
A party of good77 healths, armèd78 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 such79 companies were80 there,
As all the passions, chiefly Hope and Fear. 40
Love leads81 this army, his motto a heart;
Their arms are82 their free wills; all bear83 a part.
Death’s armies84 are85 all to destruction bent,
As Wars and Famine, both these pestilent.
Fury, Despair, and Rage did86 run about, 45
Seeking which way that they may87 Life put out.
Troops, regiments, brigades in numbers are,88
As Sickness, Dullness, Grief, and Pensive Care.89
Of Feeble Age were90 few; they scarce could91 stand,
Yet in Death’s battle, fight will92 hand to hand. 50
Hate leads93 the army in a dull slow pace,
And for his motto has94 a lean, pale face.
With several weapons Death poor Life doth95 take
Her as a prisoner, and his slave doth96 make.
And on her ashes doth97 in triumph ride, 55
And by his conquest swells he98 big with pride.
Life’s force was strong enough to keep her state,
If Death had not befriended been with Fate,99
For she ’gainst Death could make her party good,100
Had not the Fates her happiness withstood, 60
Who spin101 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;102 when closely she would hide 65
Herself from Death, she103 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, she104 flies
About from Death, and yet she105 never dies, 70
Runs into several forms Death to avoid,106
And yet those forms are all by Death destroyed.107
Death, like a snake, in Nature’s bosom lies,
Like one that flatters, but i’th’heart108 envies.
And Nature seems to Life an enemy, 75
Because she still lets Death a conqu’ror109 be.
The Temple of Fortune
The85 temple was built of cornelian red,
To signify that much blood there88 was shed.
The altars all were carved of93 agate stone,
And musk flies there were sacrificed upon.97
A priest there was, who sang104 her praises loud, 5
Whereat the people kneeled110 all in a crowd,
For though she’s111 blind and cannot clearly112 see,
Yet she her hearing hath most perfectly.113
The steeple black was built of114 mourning jet,
And finely carvèd,115 with many a fret. 10
The bells were116 nightingales’ tongues, which did ring
As sweetly as they in117 the spring do118 sing.
Their holy fire was119 made of sweet120 spice,
And kept by virgins young that know no vice.
Their gods sometimes did they121 place in a bower, 15
Which made is of a122 jasmine123 flower,
And all her sacred groves in which she walks
Are set with roses, which do grow on124 stalks.
Thus in procession her about they bear,
And125 none but in devotion cometh there. 20
The king and queen did126 wait where she did127 go,
And all about sweet incense they did128 strew.
Nature frowned129 to see her so respected,
Thought by these honors she was much130 rejected.
“Wherefore,” said131 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 is132 my vassal low, you soon shall see.
For I with virtues do the mind inspire,
And clothe133 the soul in beautiful attire. 30
The body equal I do make, and134 strong,
The heart with courage, to revenge a wrong.
I’th’brain135 invention, wit, and judgment lies,
Creating like a god, ord’ring136 as wise.
The senses all as perfectly are made, 35
To hear, to see, to taste, to touch, persuade.137
I’th’soul do passions and affections138 live;
There’s nothing done, but what my powers139 give.
All which to Mutability I throw,
And she doth in perpetual motion140 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.
For141 I throughout the world do make things range, 45
And constant am in nothing, but in change.
Then let your worship of142 blind Fortune fall,
Or else shall my displeasure bury all.
But false devotion unto men is sweet,
Whilst143 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,144 that can in peace not be!145 55
For with himself he cannot well agree.
Sometimes he hates what he before approves,146
And147 in a constant course doth never move.148
Nor to himself, nor God who’s149 good, can stay,
He ever150 seeking is some unknown way. 60
No sad example he by warning takes;
If none will do him hurt, he151 mischief makes,
As if he feared152 in happiness to live,
And153 to himself a deadly wound will give.
But why do I complain that man is bad, 65
Since what he hath,154 or is, from me he had?
Not only man, the world, but gods also,
And nothing greater than myself I know.”
All this did make155 them take high Fortune down,
And in her room they did156 great Nature crown. 70
A Battle between King Oberon and the Pygmies
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, and128 another kingdom sought.
Like Goths and Vandals, they did range about 5
With force, to find another kingdom157 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,158
And where delight, like flow’rs on banks, doth grow.159. 10
Here let us pitch, and try if fortune will
Join with our courage, all our foes to160 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’ron161 a great162 war prepared,
Which made his queen and all his court afeared;163
His council grave and wise he straight did164 call,
Which came with formal busy faces all, 20
Where165 everyone did speak their mind full free,
Disputing much; at last all did166 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, encourage167 and persuade,
And thus they mustered all their army168 stout
To meet their en’my, and to beat169 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 rode170 and bravely did171 discharge.
Their172 saddles were of a velvet peach skin;
Their bridles were small strings which spiders173 spin;
Besides, their stirrups, which their feet in stayed,174
Of a green rush, round like a ring, were made.175 40
Of small cockle-shells their targets were made,176
And for their long swords177 a rosemary blade.
Their flags, colored flowers glorious to see,178
Give several sweet smells when flying they be.179
And how they were armed, it well did appear:180 45
In a bean’s hull, just like a cuirassier.181
Their guns were pipes of glass, slender and small;182
Their bullets were round seeds to shoot withall.183
Their drums of filbert skins were very strong,184
And wheaten straws, for sticks to beat thereon.185 50
Their van, their rear,186 their left wing, and their right,
Were placèd so, as they saw good to fight.
Their colors flying, and their drums when187 beat,
Their trumpets sounding, none sought a retreat.
The forms and files188 the Pygmies placed themselves 55
Were189 like in figure unto mussel shells,
To pierce through en’mies, and give190 way to friends,
The midst being broad, and sharp at191 the two ends.
But Fairies like a half moon fought, that so192
When both ends meet, they might encircle th’foe,193 60
Where in the midst King Oberon rode194 full brave,
For195 he the honor of this day shall have.
Thus this warrior in196 armor bright and strong,
As foremost man, his soldiers led197 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 enemies198 till they be dead!
Let not your foes with scorn upbraid your flight,
But let them see you can with courage199 fight, 70
And teach them what their folly rash hath brought
Upon themselves, when they this kingdom sought.
But O, vain princes,200 that for glory seek,201
Which will not let poor subjects in peace keep.202
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,203
I hand to hand will fight my enemy.”204 80
With that he sent a205 herald stout and bold,
Which to King Pygmy he this message told,
Which was, King Ob’ron206 him a challenge sent,
To save their men, and much blood to prevent,
That they two might a duel207 fight alone, 85
And let both armies all208 the while look on.
Then laughed King Pygmy,209 “What’s your king,” said he,
“That in a210 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,
Where211 by direction they my skill may know.
Herald, go back, and tell your king from me
He’ll know my strength when pris’ner212 he shall be.”
Then spake he to his men in voice full213 high: 95
“Here’s none,” said he, “I hope this day will fly.
You know, my soldiers, we came here to fight
Not from214 ambition, or through215 envy’s spite,
But we by famine, with a216 meager face,
Were217 sent about to seek a fertile place. 100
Then here’s a land218 which needs not be manured,
And we are219 people not to work inured,
For we by nature no great pains can220 take,
Nor by our221 sweat a livelihood out make.
For who would live in pain, or grief, or care, 105
And always of their222 goods would223 stand in fear?
Who lives in trouble is224 not very wise,
Since in the grave there do no troubles225 rise.
Then let us fight e’en226 for sweet pleasure’s sake,
Or let us die, that we no care may take.” 110
Thus did the kings their227 soldiers’ courage raise,
And in orations did228 their valor praise.229
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,230 115
Would231 die under their burthen, but not yield.
In caprioles those232 grasshoppers did233 move,
By which their234 riders’ skill they soon would235 prove.
Some think for war it is an air unfit,236
Whose motion swift lets not the rider237 fight 120
Or take his turns, and vantages238 to have,
Unless by leaping high himself239 can240 save.
But they do err, for in some case ’tis241 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,242 which are the life of all,243
Can only serve in their due time and call.
So some may say244 this air of horsemanship
Is245 good, hills246 of dead men to overleap. 130
For if that they go low247 upon the ground,
Where dead men, horse, and arms are strewèd248 round,
Or else in heaps they lie, like to249 a wall,
The horse will stumble with the man, and250 fall.
Thus horses of manège,251 taught in measure, 135
Many do think are252 only fit for pleasure
And not for war, where no use for253 them is,
As though254 their rules did make them go amiss.
But they’re255 mistaken, for like men they’re taught,
For to obey their rider256 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 passions257 to abate,
Not to be resty258 with fear, anger, hate,259
And by applause, great courage they have got, 145
That they dare go upon a cannon shot.
Not that they senseless into dangers260 run,
For horses cowardly danger do261 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,262
And263 going back, and forward, turning round,
Sideways, both high and low upon the ground.
Sometimes in a large circle264 compass take, 155
And then with art, a lesser circle make.
But horses that unlearned are in265 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 to266 kill. 160
For ’tis not blows and thrusts which267 do the feat,
Or going forward, or by a retreat;
Man268 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,269
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 doth270 sit. 170
No stratagems were used271 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,272 thieves more courage in their actions273 show,
Who274 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 foes275 to use,
For thieves by their deceit their276 friends abuse.
But ’tis not so,277 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,278
But kill or pursue with swords in their hands,
Without any279 fraud or treacherous280 bands.
Just so fought these brave valiant cavaliers,
As it by their unhappy end281 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,282 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,283 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 breaths284 such mists did raise
It285 made a cloud, which286 darkened the sun’s rays.
With several noises that rebounded far,
Armies of echoes were heard in the air.287
Here bodies hid with smoke, smothered, lay dead, 205
While formless sounds were in the air outspread.288
Thus were they earnest and active in their289 fight,
As if to kill or die were a delight.
Here beasts and men both in their blood lay mashed,
As if290 a French cook had them291 minced and292 hashed, 210
Or did their blood unto293 a jelly boil
That he might294 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
To295 call to Oberon king to try his strength:
“Let’s here,” said he, “our skill and fortunes try,
To conquer296 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,297 not yielding any way.
Their bright sharp swords with motion quick did fly,298
Like subtle lightning in each other’s eye.299
King Pygmy, he was strong,300 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 ran301 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 to302 Ob’ron,303 “I have got my death.”
Grew faint, then sinking on the ground did lie,
Finding his soul would from his body304 fly,
Saying, “King Ob’ron, pray do305 mercy show,
And let my army freely from you go. 240
And those that here lie slain, pray306 let them have
Just rites in burial, and their bones i’th’grave,307
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 that308 his soldiers heard their king was dead,
Their hearts did fail, yet none of them there fled, 250
But to him ran,309 like shuttles in a loom,
And with their bodies did his corpse entomb.
For through their loyal breast they dug310 their grave,
Because their king a monument should have.
So all did die; no story yet hath shown 255
That ever any Pygmies more were311 known.
Then did their wives with sighs lament their falls,
And with their tears did strew their funerals;
Those312 tears did mix with blood upon the ground,
Where rubies since hath313 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 do314 blow here and there, 265
And all their bodies transmigrated315 are.
Unhappy battle!316 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 much317 their fortune sad;
They318 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,319 275
Where superstition idols doth afford.320
But Oberon king there built a temple321 high,
In which he Fortune’s322 name did magnify.
A Battle between Honor and Dishonor
With grief and sorrow Honor194 did complain,
How that her sons and servants all are233 slain,
And none was309 left but those that did310 her slight,
And in rebellion did323 against her fight,
And how324 this age did325 dirt upon her throw, 5
Lest she the baseness of the next should326 show.
Thus mournèd327 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’328 sword, made foes retire. 10
Pallas’ headpiece did329 as her footstool stand,330
By whose support she rose and did command.331
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,
And332 by her counsel being well advised,333
Did raise an army to maintain her right;
Resolved she was Dishonor for to fight. 20
Courage the van, Wisdom and Wit each wing334
Did lead, the rear Fidelity did bring;335
Invention doth th’artillery336 command;
Patience and Constancy as sent’nels337 stand.
Sciences pioneers are338 of great skill, 25
Which undermine towns, castles when they will,
And trenches make, where soldiers safely339 sleep,
And340 for a guard a watchful eye do keep.
Arts, like dragoons, do341 serve on foot and horse,
To skirmish, or an enemy342 enforce. 30
The colors high doth Resolution343 bear,
And with the bag and baggage standeth Care.
Prudence, quarter-master, allots them344 place;
Who disobeys is punished with disgrace.
Industry, as purvey’r,345 provides the meat, 35
And Temperance346 proportions what they347 eat.
Truth, scout-master,348 intelligence doth349 give,
By which the army doth in safety live.
The drum is faith, braced with reasons clear,350
The sticks that beat thereon are hope and fear. 40
Trumpeters, orators, sound loud and high,351
And352 call to horse when th’enemy draws nigh.353
The treas’rer, Gratitude, doth th’army pay,354
Gen’rosity, as355 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 ordered356 that day,
Unthankfulness on th’right357 did bear the sway. 50
Suspicion was the scout, to search the way,
And Envy close in ambuscado lay.
Revenge, as cannoneer, did take358 the aim,
But missed the mark, which made him high exclaim.
Envy and Malice, were two engineers, 55
Which subtilty359 had practised many years;
Their drum was ignorance; stupidity360
Was one stick, th’other was obstinacy,361
And braced it was362 with rudeness, which sounds363 harsh
On strings of willfulness that’s364 ever rash. 60
A Description of the Battle in Fight
362
Some with sharp swords—to tell, O most accursed!—365
Were above half into their366 bodies thrust,
From whence fresh streams of blood run all along367
Unto the hilts, and there lay clodded on.
Some, their legs dangling368 by the nervous strings, 5
And shoulders cut, hung loose like flying wings.
Heads here were cleft in pieces,369 brains lay370 mashed,
And all their faces into slices hashed.
Brains only in the pia mater thin,
Did371 quivering lie372 within that little skin, 10
Their skulls all broke and into pieces burst,
By horses hooves and chariot wheels were crushed.373
Others, their heads did lie374 on their own laps,
And some again, half cut, lay375 on their paps,
Whose tongues out of their mouths were thrust376 at length. 15
For why?377 The strings were378 cut that gave them strength.
Their eyes did379 stare; their lids were open wide,380
For the small nerves were shrunk on every side.381
In382 some again, those glassy balls hung383 by
Small slender strings, as chains to tie the eye. 20
Those384 strings, when broke, eyes fall, which385 trundling round
Until386 the film is387 broke upon the ground.
In death, their teeth strong set, their lips left388 bare,
Which grinning seem’d389 as if they angry were.
Their hair390 upon their eyes in clodded gore 25
So wildly spread, as ne’er it did before.391
With frowns their foreheads did in392 furrows lie,
As graves their foes to bury when they die.
Their spongy lungs heaved up393 through pangs of death,
With pain and difficulty fetched short breath. 30
Some grasping hard, their hands through pain provoked,
Because394 the rattling phlegm their throats had choked;395
Their bodies now bowed396 up, then down did397 fall,
For want of strength to make them stand withall.
Some staggering on their legs did398 feebly stand, 35
Or leaning on their sword with either hand,
Where on the pummel did399 their breast rely,
More grieved they could not400 fight, than for to die.
Their hollow eyes sunk deep into their brains,401
And hard-fetched groans did from each heartstring strain.402 40
Their knees pulled up to keep their bowels in,403
But all too little through their blood doth swim;404
Guts did,405 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 did406 quickly wish to die;
Rolling from off their back upon their belly,
Did tumble407 in their blood as thick as jelly.
And gasping lay408 with short breaths and constraint,
With cold sweat drops upon their faces faint. 50
Heaving their dull pale eyeballs, up did409 look,
As if through pain, not hate, the world forsook.
Some chilly cold, as in shiv’ring410 agues, are;
Some burning hot, as in high fevers were;
Some spewing411 blood from stomachs that are sick; 55
Through parching heats their tongues to’th’roofs412 did413 stick.
Their bodies with loud groans their souls called414 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 flame415 whose oil is spent,
Or fire that’s smothered out and416 wanteth vent,
And some did417 fall like strong and hardy oaks
Which are hewn down418 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 lay419 all awry,
And420 on their horses’ manes, as pillows, lie. 70
Some in a careless garb lay421 on the ground,
As life despised, since honor in death’s422 found.
Some called for Death, and some did423 Life desire;
Some cared not; some did burials424 require;
Some beat their breasts as if they’d done some ill;425 75
Some burned with hot revenge their foes to kill;426
Some lay as if to hear the trumpet sound,
And others did lie427 sprawling on the ground;
Some wished their death’s revenge upon their foe,
Others428 with dying eyes their friends not know; 80
Some their parents, children cried to429 see;
Others wished life, some difference to agree.
But lovers, with a soft and panting heart,
Did wish their mistress, at their last430 depart,
To shut their eyes, their gaping431 wounds to close, 85
Whose dying spirits432 to their mistress goes.
Foes’ hands into each others wounds thrust wide,
As if their hearts they’d433 pull out from each side;
Some434 friends, in dear embracements, closely435 twined,
By their affections436 strong in death were437 joined; 90
Some wished to live, yet longed438 for death through pain;
Others died439 grieving that their foe’s not slain;
Some did440 repent what they so rash had441 done,
And wished442 the battle were to be begun;
Some gently sinking, by a443 fainting fall, 95
Yield quietly to Death when he did444 call;
Some drunk with death not able were445 to stand,
But446 reeling fell,447 struck down by Death’s cold hand;
Some lingered448 long, as lovers when they449 must
Part; some did450 willing yield to fate their dust, 100
And sweetly lay451 as if asleep at452 night;
Some stern, as if new battles they would453 fight;
Some softly murmuring, like a bubbling stream,
Did454 sweetly smile in death, as in a dream.
Their455 souls with soft-breathed sighs to heav’n did fly,456 105
To live with th’gods457 above the starry sky.
Thus several noises through the air did458 ring,
And several postures Death to men did459 bring:
Where some did460 die outrageous461 in despair,
Others so gentle as without all462 fear. 110
With heaps of bodies, hills up high were grown,463
Where hair as grass, and teeth as seed were sown.464
Their heads465 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 flying466 like moving woods did show,
On whose tops various colors seemed467 to grow,
As if flow’rs from high trees had sprouted out,468
Or in the open air were strewed about;469 120
Now all were fallen, and into pieces torn,470
Their mottos razed that471 did their sides adorn;
Some did like472 winding sheets their bearers shroud,
Which was an honour fit to make Death proud.
Some were473 like virgins, which their eyes cast474 low 125
Through shamefastness, although no fault they475 know,
Nor guilty are,476 but overcome with strength,
Not by their own consent, but477 forced at length,
For courage, like to chastity,478 we find
Is forced to lay down arms, though ’gainst its479 mind. 130
Here gauntlets, corslets, gorgets, saddles thrown,480
Flags, pikes, drums, guns, bullets, all o’er strown,481
And plumes482 of feathers which waved with the wind,
And proudly tossed, like to some haughty mind,
Like to483 prosperity when overborne, 135
Now humbly lay, and were in pieces torn.484
Horses, which proudly pranced485 when backed they486 were
By men of courage, never knowing fear,
Now overpowered lay487 by strong assault,
And lost by force; ’twas488 not their courage fault, 140
For they on Death’s dull face could boldly stare,
Since life should hate, if not489 victorious were.
Dead horses lay on490 backs, their heels up flung;
Their eyes were sunk, heads491 turned; their jaws down hung.
Their thick curled manes, which grew down to the ground, 145
Or by their masters492 in fine ribbons bound,
Were493 torn half off, or singed by fire from guns,
Or snarled in knots or clods that494 backward runs.
Their nostrils wide, from whence thick smoke outwent,
Which vapor from their hot stout hearts was495 sent, 150
Their sleek bright hair o’th’skin496 like coats of mail,
Their courage fierce, that nothing could them497 quail,
All in death lay;498 by Fortune they were cast,
And Nature to new forms went499 on in haste,
For neither beauty, strength, nor500 nimble feet 155
Can501 serve in death; all beasts alike there meet.
Thus horse and man in several postures502 lies,
With several pains; in several places dies.
When horses die, they know no reason why,
But503 men do venture life for vainglory. 160
Smoke from their blood504 into red clouds did rise,
Which flashed like lightning in all living eyes;505
Their groans into the middle region went,
And echoes did506 the air like thunder rent;
From sighs, winds rarified507 such gusts did blow, 165
As if ascended508 from the shades below.
Men strive509 to die, to make their names to live,
When gods no certainty to fame510 will give.
A Battle between Courage and Prudence
Courage against Prudence a war did make,
For Rashness (her foe, his favorite)’s379 sake.
For Rashness ’gainst398 Queen Prudence had a spite,
And did persuade great Courage for to fight.
Courage did raise399 an army vast and great, 5
That for the406 numbers Tamberlaine might beat,
Cloathed all in glist’ring408 coats,413 which made a show,
And tossing feathers417 which their pride did blow.
Such fiery horses421 men could hardly wield,
And in this equipage they took the field. 10
Loud Noise445 spoke of this457 Army everywhere,
Until at last it came to Prudence’s458 ear.
Prudence a council called of all the wise,
And aged459 experience, her460 to advise.
Then Industry476 was called, which close did wait, 15
And orders had to raise an army straight.
But out, alas!493 her kingdom was so small,
That scarce an army could be raised of all.
At last they did about ten thousand get,
And511 care employèd was their512 arms to fit; 20
Discipline trained and taught each several man,513
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 yet514 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 they515 fight. 30
The cavalry was armèd as in frocks,516
Gauntlet and pistols, and some firelocks,517
Swords by their sides, and at their saddle bow
Hung poleaxes to strike, and give a blow.
Horses they had, not518 pampered in a stable, 35
But from the plow, which were both strong and able
To make519 a long march, or520 endure a shock,
That quietly will stand firm521 as a rock,
Not starting, though522 the guns shot523 in their face,
But as they’re guided, went524 from place to place. 40
Prudence for men and horses525 did provide
Physicians, surgeons, farriers, smiths beside,526
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,527
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, or528 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, and529 not afraid,
She always lay entrenchèd where she stayed.
At last the armies both drew near in sight,
Then both began to order for the530 fight. 60
Courage his army was so vast and great,
As they did scorn the en’my531 when they met.
Courage did many a scornful message send,
But Prudence still made Patience by her stand;
Prudence did call532 to Doubt for his advice,533 65
But in his answers he was very nice.
Hope, of that army great, did make534 but light,
Persuaded Prudence by all535 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 the536 Roman custom, and their way.
In bodies small her army she did part, 75
In dollops,537 which was done with care and art.
Ten in538 a rank, and sev’n files539 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 supplied540 when the first part was541 beat,
And542 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’s543 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, where544 Courage bore up high,
For though the worst he had, he scorned to fly.
Doubt’s Assault, and Hope’s Defense
Doubt round541 the fort of Hope intrenchèd542 lay,
Stopped all provisions that should pass that way,
Digging545 forth earth to raise up rampires high;
Against Hope’s curtains did their cannons546 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 the547 fort did fling;
Rams they did place, to beat their walls down flat,
With many engines more,548 as good as that. 10
But when549 Doubt breaches made in any part,
Hope’s industry soon closed it up550 with art.
Yet Doubt did resolve551 fierce assaults to make,
And did set552 ladders up the fort to take;
When Hope perceived,553 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’only554 conqueror of all.
The Fort or Castle of Hope
Hope, hearing Doubt an army great did bring555
For to assault the castle she was in,556
For her defense she made that castle557 strong,
Placing great ord’nance on the wall along.558
Bulwarks she559 built at every corner’s end; 5
A curtain long the middle did defend.560
Two faces make561 a point, from whence the562 cannons play;
Two points do make563 a third to stop the en’mies564 way;
The wings were not565 too short, nor curtains were566 too long;
The points were not567 too sharp, but blunt to make them strong.568 10
Round569 the castle, enemies out to keep,
A ditch was dug,570 which was both wide and deep;
Bridges were571 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 hold572 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 she573 “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 unarmèd574 are, are soon’st afeared.
For575 to small use we make a ditch or wall
Without armed men to keep that576 wall withall.
Shall we neglect men’s lives and all their strength,577
More than a wall, that may be broke at length?578 30
For ammunitïons, that mighty power,
Engines of death, which armies,579 towns devour,
Yet are they of no use, unless mankind
Hath strength, skill, will, to use them as design’d.
’Tis wisdom580 to advise what ways are best 35
Us to defend, that we be not581 oppressed.”
Then Expectation, being gray with age,
Advises582 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:583
“Alas,” said she, “Doubt that small line will584 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