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Title: A Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and Moderne - Quickened With Metrical Illustrations, both Morall and Divine, Etc
Author: Wither, George
Language: English
As this book started as an ASCII text book there are no pictures available.
*** Start of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "A Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and Moderne - Quickened With Metrical Illustrations, both Morall and Divine, Etc" ***
transcriptions from Stephen Rowland and Louise Hope
=Transcriber's notes:=
In the section "To The Reader" our author writes:
_There be, no doubt, some faults committed by the =Printer=, both
Literall and Materiall, and some Errors of the =Gravers= in the
=Figures=, (as in the =Tetragrammaton=; in the Figure of =Arîon=; and
in the =Proprieties= due to some other =Hieroglyphicks=); but, for the
most part, they are such, as =Common-Readers= will never perceive; and
I thinke, that they who are =Judicious= will so plainly finde them to
be no faults of mine; that, leaving them to be amended by those, to
whom they appertaine; and, =You=, to accept of these =Play-games= as
you please: I bid you =Farewell=._
Therefore all oddities and inconsistencies have been left unchanged.
They have been noted at the end of the transcription.
An addendum of transcriptions and translations of the mottoes engraved
around each emblem has been added to the final note as a convenience to
the reader.
A PREPOSITION to this FRONTISPIECE.
This BOOKE contayning EMBLEMS, ’twas thought fit,
A _Title-page_ should stand to usher it,
That’s Emblematicall: And, for that end,
Our AVTHOR, to the _Graver_ did commend
A plaine Invention; that it might be wrought,
According as his Fancie had forethought.
Insteed thereof, the _Workeman_ brought to light,
What, here, you see; therein, mistaking quite
The true _Designe_: And, so (with paines, and cost)
The first intended FRONTISPIECE, is lost.
The AVTHOR, was as much displeas’d, as Hee
In such Adventures, is inclin’d to bee;
And, halfe resolv’d, to cast this PIECE aside,
As nothing worth: but, having better ey’d
Those _Errors_, and _Confusions_, which may, there,
Blame-worthy (at the first aspect) appeare;
Hee saw, they fitted many Fantasies
Much better, then what _Reason_ can devise;
And, that, the _Graver_ (by meere _Chance_) had hit
On what, so much transcends the reach of _Wit_,
As made it seeme, an Object of _Delight_,
To looke on what, MISFORTVNE brought to light:
And, here it stands, to try his _Wit_, who lists
To pumpe the secrets, out of _Cabalists_.
If any thinke this _Page_ will, now, declare
The meaning of those _Figures_, which are there,
They are deceiv’d. For, _Destinie_ denyes
The utt’ring of such hidden _Mysteries_,
In these respects: First, _This_ contayneth nought
Which (in a proper sense) concerneth, ought,
The _present-Age_: Moreover, tis ordain’d,
That, none must know the _Secrecies_ contain’d
Within this PIECE; but, they who are so wise
To finde them out, by their owne _prudencies_;
And, hee that can unriddle them, to us,
Shall stiled be, the second OEDIPVS.
Tis, likewise, thought expedient, now and then,
To make some _Worke_, for those _All-knowing men_,
(To exercise upon) who thinke they see
The _secret-meanings_, of all things that bee.
And, lastly, since we finde, that, some there are,
Who best affect _Inuentions_, which appeare
Beyond their understandings; _This_, we knew
A _Representment_, worthy of their view;
And, here, wee placed it, to be, to these,
A FRONTISPIECE, in any sense they please.
[Illustration: EMBLEMES. _Illustrated by_ Geo: Wither.]
A
COLLECTION
OF
EMBLEMES,
ANCIENT AND
MODERNE:
Quickened
With METRICALL ILLVSTRATIONS, both
_Morall_ and _Divine_: And disposed into
LOTTERIES,
That _Jnstruction_, and _Good Counsell_, may bee furthered
by an Honest and Pleasant _Recreation_.
_By_ GEORGE WITHER.
_The First Booke._
[Illustration: Decoration]
LONDON,
Printed by _A.M._ for _Richard Royston_, and
are to be sold at his Shop in _Ivie_-Lane.
MDCXXXV.
_Recensui hoc Poëma, cui titulus est =(A Collection and Illustration
of Emblems Ancient and Moderne)= in quo nihil reperio, quò minus cum
utilitate imprimatur, ita tamen, ut si non intra septem menses proximè
sequentes Typis mandetur, hæc licentia sit omninò irrita._
Ex ædibus Lambithanis
_Iul. 2. 1634._
GVIL. BRAY.
A
WRIT OF PREVENTION
Concerning the AVTHORS _Dedication_
of the foure following BOOKES, to those
_Royall_, _Princely_, and _Illustrious_ PERSONAGES,
whose Names are mentioned
in this _Leafe_.
I have not often us’d, with _Epigrames_,
Or, with _Inscriptions_ unto many NAMES,
To charge my _Bookes_: Nor, had I done it, now,
If I, to pay the _Duties_ which I owe,
Had other _meanes_; Or, any better Wayes
To honour them, whose _Vertue_ merits praise.
In _ARCHITECT_, it giveth good content,
(And passeth for a praisefull _Ornament_)
If, to adorne the _FORE-FRONTS_, _Builders_ reare
The _Statues_ of their _Soveraigne-Princes_, there;
And, trimme the _Outsides_, of the other SQVARES
With _Portraitures_ of some Heroicke PEERES.
If, therefore, I (the more to beautifie
This _Portion_ of my MVSES _Gallerie_)
Doe, here, presume to place, the _NAMES_ of those
To whose _Deserts_, my LOVE remembrance owes,
I hope ’twill none offend. For, most, who see
Their worthy _mention_, in this BOOKE, to bee,
Will thinke them honor’d: And, perhaps, it may
(To their high praise) be found, another day,
That, in these LEAVES their _Names_ wil stand unrac’d,
When many fairer _STRVCTVRFS_, are defac’d.
_In this =Hope=, I have placed on the FORE-FRONT (or before the
=First Booke= of these EMBLEMS) a =Ioint-Inscription= to the
KING and QVEENES most excellent MAIESTIE._
_Upon the =Right-Side-Front= of this =Building= (or before
the =Second Booke=) One =Inscription= to the most hopefull
=Prince, =CHARLES=, Prince of =Wales=; And, another to his deere
=Brother, =IAMES=, Duke of =Yorke=, =&c.=_
_On the other =Side-Front=, (or before the =Third Booke=)
One =Inscription= to the gratious Princesse, FRANCES
Dutchesse-Dowager of RICHMOND and LENOX; And, another to her
most noble Nephew, IAMES Duke of Lenox, &c._
_On the =Fourth Front= of our =Square=, (Or before the =Fourth
Booke=) One =Inscription= to the right Honourable PHILIP Earle
of =Pembrooke= and =Montgomery=, &c. And another to the right
Honourable, HENRY Earle of =Holland=, &c._
To the MAJESTIE of Great
_Britaine_, _France_, and _Ireland_, the
Most Illustrious King,
CHARLES;
And his excellently beloved, the most
gratious _Queene_ MARY.
Sev’n yeares are full expired, Royall SIR,
Since last I kneel’d, an offring to preferre
Before your feete; where, now, my selfe I throw
To pay once more, the _Tributes_ which I owe.
_As many yeares are past, most beauteous QVEENE,
Since witnesses, mine eares and eyes, have beene
Of those Perfections; which the generall =Fame=
Hath sounded forth, in honour of your =Name=._
And, both your _beaming-splendors_ (oh yee faire,
Thrice blessed, and most fitly-matched PAIRE)
Vpon each other, make such bright reflections;
And have so sweetly mingled your _affections_,
Your _Praise_, your _Pow’re_, your _Vertues_, and your _Beautie_:
That, (if preserving of my _Soveraigne dutie_,
This may be said) you doe appeare, to me,
TWO PERSONS, in One MAIESTY, to be;
To whom, there, appertaines (in veneration
Of your large _Worth_) the right of some _Oblation_
And, best, I thought, my _Homage_ would be done,
If, thus, the tender were to BOTH-in-ONE.
Which, in this humble GVIFT, my _Love_ presents;
And, wisheth it may adde to your Contents.
Perhaps it shall: For, though I dare not shew
These _Figures_, as well meriting your view;
Nor boast, as if their _Moralls_ couched ought,
By which your sacred _Wisdomes_ may be taught:
Yet, I have humble _Hopings_, that, they might
Prove, some way, an occasion of delight;
Since, meane and common _Objects_, now and then,
Beget contentments in the _greatest-men_.
But, that before this _Booke_, I should propose
Your praisefull NAMES, there is (as I suppose)
A faire inducement: For, considering these
Are EMBLEMS, whose intention is to please
And profit vulgar Iudgements (by the view,
Of what they ought to follow, or eschew.)
And, I well knowing, that your MAIESTIES
Set foorth before my _Booke_, in _Emblem-wise_,
Throughout your Lands, more _Vertues_ might convay,
Than many _Volumes_, of these _Emblems_, may;
It seemed _Petty-treason_, to omit
This good occasion of endeavouring it.
For, (if your MAIESTIES, well heeded, were)
YOV, double-treble-foure-fold _Emblems_ are;
Which, fully to illustrate, would require
The _Wit_ I want; or, meanes to raise, that, higher
Which I have gain’d; (and, which, as yet, hath flowne
By no incouragements, but by her owne.)
Of all the _Vertues_ OECONOMICAL,
Of _Duties_ MORAL and POLITICALL,
Your _Lives_ are _Patternes_, and faire EMBLEMS; whether
Considered apart, or both together.
Your CHILDHOODS were bright _Mirrours_, which did show
What Duties, _Children_, to their _Parents_ owe:
And, by the sequele, we now understand,
That, they who best _obay’d_, can best command.
The glorious _Vertues_ of your NVPTIALL-_state_,
Your _Courtiers_, find so hard to imitate,
That, they admire them, rather; and would sweare,
(Had others told, what, now they see and heare)
That, all the former Times, were not acquainted,
With such a _Paire_, when _Kings_ and _Queenes_ were _Sainted_.
The chastest _Cupids_, and the gamesom’st _Graces_,
Are alwaies mingled in your _Deare-embraces_.
The mutuall enterchanges of your _Loves_,
May teach affection to the _Turtle-doves_:
And, such as are, with goodly sights, delighted,
May see in _You_, all _Excellence_ united.
You, SIR, who beare _Ioves_ Thunders in your Fist,
And, (shake this _Ilands_ EMPIRE, when You list)
Did never in your _Orbe_, a _Tempest_ move,
But, by the Beautious _Mistresse_ of your _Love_
It might be calm’d. _And, in your lofty =Spheare=,
Most lovely QVEENE, Your Motions ever, were
So smoath, and, so direct; that, none can say,
They have withdrawne his Royall-heart away
From Iust =Designes=; Which, loudly speakes your =Praise=,
And, intimates much more, than, yet, it saies._
Yea, both Your _Splendors_ doe so glorious growe,
And, You, each other have out-vyed so,
In these, and other _Vertues_; that, on You,
Should I conferre what praise, I thinke, is due,
My _Lines_, (which from that staine have, yet, beene cleare)
Would Flatt’ry seeme, unto an envious eare.
But, what needs _Flatt’ry_, where the _Truth_ may teach
To praise, beyond immodest _Flatt’ries_ reach?
Or, what needs he to feare a _sland’rous-mouth_,
Who seekes no _meed_, nor utters more than Truth?
Your Princely _Vertues_, what can better show,
Than _Peace_, and _Plenty_, which have thrived so,
Whilst You have raign’d that, yet, no people see,
A _Richer_, or more _Peacefull_ time, than wee?
Your _Civill Actions_ (to the publike eye)
Are faire _examples_ of _Moralitie_,
So manifest; That, if he Truth did sing,
Who said, _The World doth imitate the King_;
My _Muses_ dare, with boldnesse to presage,
A Chast, a Pious, and a Prosperous _Age_:
And, that, the stormes which, late, these Realmes deterr’d,
Shall all be quite removed, or deferr’d
Till you Ascend; And, future times have seene,
That, your Examples have not followed beene.
Thus, you are living _Emblems_, to this _Nation_:
Which being mark’d with heedefull speculation,
May serve, as well, to helpe us how to see
Our _Happinesse_, As, what our _Duties_ be.
And, if I might unlocke all _Mysteries_,
Which doe declare, how in a _foure-fold-wise_,
Your Lives are usefull EMBLEMS; I, perchance,
Should vexe blind _Zeale_, or anger _Ignorance_;
And, teach well-temper’d _Spirits_, how to see,
That, we, for Blessings, oft, Vnthankefull be.
For, as you, _Both_, Prime _Children_ are of those
Two _Sister-Churches_, betwixt whom, yet, growes
Vnseemely _strife_; So, _You_, perhaps, may be
An _Emblem_, how those MOTHERS may agree.
And, not by your _Example_, onely, show,
How wrought it may be; but, effect it so.
Yea, peradventure, GOD, united _You_,
That, such a blessed VNION might ensue:
And, that, Your _living-lovingly_, together;
Your Christian _hopefullnesse_, of one another;
Your milde _forbearance_, harsh attempts to proove;
Your _mutuall-waiting_, untill _God_ shall move
By some _calme-voice_, or peacefull _inspiration_,
That _Heart_ Which needeth better _Information_;
And, that, your _Charities_, might give a _signe_,
How, all the _Daughters_, of the SPOVSE _Divine_
Might reconciled be; And, shew, that, _Swords_,
_Flames_, _Threats_, and _Furie_, make no true _Accords_.
GOD grant a better VNION may appeare:
Yet, wish I not the _tollerating_, here,
Of _Politicke-Agreements_; (further than
Our wholsome _Lawes_, and, _Civill-vowes_ to man,
With _Piety_, approve) but, such, as may
Make up a blessed CONCORD, every way:
Might it be so; your _Vertues_, would become
A Glorious _Blessing_, to all CHRISTENDOME:
Your EMBLEM should, by future _Generations_;
Be plac’d among the famous _Constellations_,
And, _after-times_ (though, Mee, this _Age_ despise)
Would thinke, these _Verses_, had beene _Prophecies_.
What ever may succeed, my _Pray’rs_ and _Powr’s_
Are this way bent; with _Hope_, that _You_ or _Yours_
Shall _Helps_ (at least) become, that _Breach_ to close,
Which, in the SEAMLES-ROBE, yet, wider growes.
SO BE IT: And, let bright your _Glories_ bee,
For ever, though _You_ never shine on MEE.
_Your_ MAIESTIES
_most Loyall Subject_,
=GEO: WITHER.=
TO THE READER.
_If there had not beene some =Bookes= conceitedly composed, and sutable
to meane capacities, I am doubtfull, whether I had ever beene so
delighted in reading, as thereby to attaine to the little Knowledge
I have: For, I doe yet remember, that, things =honestly pleasant=,
brought mee by degrees, to love that which is =truely profitable=. And
as =David= said, His =Heart shewed him the wickednesse of the Vngodly=;
(meaning perhaps, that hee felt in himselfe, some =Experiments=, of
the same naturall Corruption, by which they are overcome, who resist
not evill suggestions at their first motions:) Even so, I may truly
acknowledge, that mine owne =Experience= hath showne mee so much of the
common =Ignorance= and =Infirmitie= in mine owne person, that it hath
taught mee, how those things may be wrought upon in others, to their
best advantage._
_Therefore, though I can say no more to disswade from =Vice=, or
to incourage men to =Vertue=, than hath already beene said in many
learned =Authors=; yet I may be an occasion by these =Endeavours=,
to bring that, the oftner into remembrance, which they have, more
learnedly, expressed; and perhaps, by such circumstances, as they would
not descend unto, may insinuate further also with some Capacities,
than more applauded =Meanes=. =Viniger=, =Salt=, or common =Water=,
(which are very meane =Ingredients=) make Sawces more pleasing to some
tastes, than =Sugar=, and =Spices=. In like manner, plaine and vulgar
notions, seasoned with a little =Pleasantnesse=, and relished with a
moderate =Sharpnesse=, worke that, otherwhile, which the most admired
=Compositions= could never effect in many =Readers=; yea, wee have had
frequent proofes, that a blunt =Iest= hath moved to more consideration,
than a judicious =Discourse=._
_I take little pleasures in =Rymes=, =Fictions=, or conceited
=Compositions=, for their owne sakes; neither could I ever take so
much paines, as to spend time to put my meanings into other words than
such as flowed forth, without =Studie=; partly because I delight more
in Matter, than in =Wordy Flourishes=, But, chiefely, because those
=Verball Conceites=, which by some, are accounted most =Elegant=,
are not onely (for the greater part) =Emptie Sounds= and Impertinent
=Clinches=, in themselves; but, such =Inventions=, as do sometime,
also, obscure the =Sense=, to common =Readers=; and, serve to little
other purpose, but for =Wittie men= to shew =Tricks= one to another:
For, the =Ignorant= understand them not; and the =Wise= need them not._
_So much of them, as (without darkning the matter, to them who most
need instruction) may be made use of, to stirre up the =Affections=,
winne =Attention=, or help the =Memory=, I approve and make use of, to
those good purposes, according as my leisure, and the measure of my
=Facultie= will permit; that, =Vanitie= might not, to worse ends, get
them wholly into her =Possession=. For, I know that the meanest of such
conceites are as pertinent to some, as =Rattles=, and =Hobby-horses=
to Children; or as the =A. B. C.= and =Spelling=, were at first to
those =Readers=, who are now past them. And, indeed, to despise =Meane
Inventions=, =Pleasant Compositions=, and =Verball Elegancies=, (being
qualified as is aforesaid) or to banish them out of the world, because
there be other things of more excellencie, were as absurd, as to
neglect and root out all =Herbes=, which will not make =Pottage=; Or,
to destroy all =Flowers=, which are lesse beautifull than the =Tulip=,
or lesse sweet than the =Rose=._
_I (that was never so sullenly wise) have alwaies intermingled
=Sports= with =Seriousnesse= in my =Inventions=; and, taken in
=Verball-conceites=, as they came to hand, without =Affectation=;
But, having, ever aymed, rather to profit my =Readers=, than to gaine
their praise, I never pumpe for those things; and am, otherwhile,
contented to seeme =Foolish=, (yea, and perhaps, more foolish than I
am) to the =Overweening-Wise=; that, I may make others =Wiser than
they were=: And, (as I now doe) am not ashamed to set forth a =Game at
Lots=, or (as it were) a =Puppet-play= in =Pictures=, to allure men
to the more serious observation of the profitable =Morals=, couched
in these =Emblems=. Neverthelesse, (if some have sayd, and thought
truly) my =Poems= have instructed, and rectified many People in the
Course of =Honest-living=, (which is the best =Wisedome=) much more
than the =Austerer Volumes= of some criticall =Authors=; who, are by
the =Common-sort=, therefore onely, judged Wise, because they composed
=Books=, which few understand, save they who need them not._
_In these =Lots= and =Emblems=, I have the same ayme which I had in
my other =Writings=: and, though I have not dressed them sutably to
curious =Fancies=, yet, they yield wholsome nourishment to strengthen
the constitution of a =Good-life=; and, have solidity enough for
a =Play game=, which was but Accidentally composed; and, by this
=Occasion=._
_These =Emblems=, graven in Copper by =Crispinus Passæus= (with a
=Motto= in Greeke, Latine, or Italian, round about every =Figure=;
and with two =Lines= (or =Verses=) in one of the same =Languages=,
periphrasing those =Motto’s=) came to my hands, almost twentie yeares
past. The =Verses= were so meane, that, they were afterward cut off
from the =Plates=; And, the =Collector= of the said Emblems, (whether
hee were the =Versifier= or the =Graver=, was neither so well
advised in the =Choice= of them, nor so exact in observing the true
=Proprieties= belonging to every =Figure=, as hee might have beene._
_Yet, the =Workman-ship= being judged very good, for the most part;
and the rest excusable; some of my Friends were so much delighted
in the =Gravers= art, and, in those =Illustrations=, which for mine
owne pleasure, I had made upon some few of them, that, they requested
mee to =Moralize= the rest. Which I condiscended unto: And, they had
beene brought to view many yeares agoe, but that the =Copper Prints=
(which are now gotten) could not be procured out of =Holland=, upon any
reasonable Conditions._
_If they were worthy of the =Gravers= and =Printers= cost, being
onely dumbe =Figures=, little usefull to any but to young =Gravers=
or =Painters=, and as little delightfull, except, to =Children=,
and =Childish-gazers=: they may now be much more worthy; seeing the
life of =Speach= being added unto them, may make them =Teachers= and
=Remembrancers= of profitable things._
_I doe not arrogate so much unto my =Illustrations=, as to thinke, they
will be able to teach any thing to the =Learned=; yet if they cast
their eyes upon them, perhaps, these =Emblems=, and their =Morals=, may
remember them, either of some =Dutie=, which they might else forget,
or minde them to beware of some =Danger=, which they might otherwise
be unheedfull to prevent. But, sure I am, the =Vulgar Capacities=, may
from them, be many waies both =Instructed=, and =Remembred=; yea, they
that have most need to be =Instructed=, and =Remembred=, (and they who
are most backward to listen to =Instructions=, and =Remembrances=, by
the common Course of =Teaching=, and =Admonishing=) shall be, hereby,
informed of their =Dangers=, or =Duties=, by the way of an honest
=Recreation=, before they be aware._
_For, when levitie, or a childish delight in trifling Objects, hath
allured them to looke on the =Pictures=; Curiositie may urge them to
peepe further, that they might seeke out also their =Meanings=, in
our annexed =Illustrations=; In which, may lurke some =Sentence=, or
=Expression=, so evidently pertinent to their =Estates=, =Persons=, or
=Affections=, as will (at that instant or afterward) make way for those
=Considerations=, which will, at last, wholly change them, or much
better them, in their =Conversation=._
_To seeke out the =Author= of every particular =Emblem=, were a
labour without profit; and, I have beene so far from endeavouring
it, that, I have not so much as cared to find out their meanings in
any of these =Figures=; but, applied them, rather, to such purposes,
as I could thinke of, at first sight; which, upon a second view, I
found might have beene much betterd, if I could have spared time from
other imployments. Something, also, I was =Confined=, by obliging my
selfe to observe the same number of =lines= in every =Illustration=;
and, otherwhile, I was thereby constrained to conclude, when my best
=Meditations= were but new begunne: which (though it hath pleased Some,
by the more comely Vniformitie, in the Pages) yet, it hath much injured
the libertie of my =Muse=._
_There be, no doubt, some faults committed by the =Printer=, both
Literall and Materiall, and some Errors of the =Gravers= in the
=Figures=, (as in the =Tetragrammaton=; in the Figure of =Arîon=; and
in the =Proprieties= due to some other =Hieroglyphicks=; but, for the
most part, they are such, as =Common-Readers= will never perceive; and
I thinke, that they who are =Judicious= will so plainly finde them to
be no faults of mine; that, leaving them to be amended by those, to
whom they appertaine; and, =You=, to accept of these =Play-games= as
you please: I bid you =Farewell=._
The Occasion, _Intention_, and use of the Foure
_Lotteries_ adjoyned to these foure Books
of _Emblems_.
Stultorum plena sunt omnia. _The world is growne so in Love with
=Follie=, that the Imprinting of over-solid and serious =treatises=
would undoe the Book-sellers; especially, being so chargeable as the
many costly =Sculptures= have made this Booke: therefore, (to advance
their =Profits=, rather than to satisfie my owne =Iudgement=) I was
moved to invent somewhat, which might be likely to please the vulgar
Capacitie, without hindrance to my chiefe =End=. And, though that which
I resolved on, be not so =Plausible= to Criticall understandings, yet
I am contented to hazzard among them, so much of my Reputation as that
comes to._
_I have often observed, that where the =Summer-bowers= of Recreation
are placed neare the =Church=, it drawes thither more people from the
remote =Hamlets=, than would else be there. Now, though I praise not
their =Devotion=, yet I am glad if any thing (which is not evill in
it selfe) may be made an occasion of =Good=: (because, those things
may, perhaps, be continued, at last, for Conscience sake, which were
at first begunne upon vaine =occasions=) and, have therefore added
=Lotteries= to these =Emblems=, to occasion the more frequent notice
of the =Morals=, and good =Counsels= tendred in their =Illustrations=;
hoping that, at one time or other, some shall draw those =Lots=,
which will make them the better, and the happier, whilest they live.
I confesse that this Devise may probably be censured, as unsutable
to the gravitie expected in my ripe yeares: and be reputed as great
an Indecorum, as erecting an =Ale-house= at the =Church-stile=; yet,
the same having had beginning in my younger dayes, I do now resolve
not to be ashamed of it, for the Reasons aforementioned. To such as I
was, it will be someway avayleable: and perhaps, if the =Wisest= did
otherwhile, when they walke abroad, to =Vncertaine purposes=, take
up this =Booke=, and (without =Superstitious Conceites=) make tryall
what their =Lots= would remember, or give them cause to thinke on; it
might, now and then, either occasion better =Proceedings=, or prevent
=Mischieves=._
_Some =Games= were ever in use; ever, I thinke, will be, and for
ought I know, ever may be without exception. And, I believe, this
=Recreation=, will be as harmlesse as any, if it be used according to
my Intentions. For, my meaning is not, that any should use it as an
=Oracle=, which could signifie, infallibly, what is divinely alloted;
but, to serve onely for a =Morall Pastime=. And, that I may no way
encourage the secret entertaining of such a =Fantasie=, I doe before
hand affirme unto them, that none but =Children=, or =Ideots= may be
tollerated to be so foolish, without laughing at._
_Yet, if any one shall draw that =Lot= wherein his =Secret vices=
are reproved; or some good Counsels proposed, which in his owne
understanding are pertinent to his welfare, let not such as =those=,
passe them over as meere =Casualties= to them; for, whatsoever these
=Lots= are to =others=, or in =themselves=, they are to all =these=,
made pertinent in such cases, both by their particular =Knowledges= and
=Occasions=._
_Some will thinke perhaps, that I have purposely invented this =Game=,
that I might finde meanes to reprove mens =vices=, without being
suspected, (as I have hitherto unjustly beene) to ayme at particular
persons: For, if any who are =notoriously Guiltie=, shall by drawing
their =Chances=, among other Companions, be so fitted with =Lots=,
(which may now and then happen) that those =Vices= be therby intimated
to the by-standers, of which the world knowes them guilty; they do
therin make their owne =Libels=; and, may (I hope) bee laughed at
without my blame. If not; I doe here warne all such as are worthily
suspected of =Haynous crimes=, and =Scandalous conversations=, either
to forbeare these =Lotteries=; or to excuse me if they be justly shamed
by their own =Act=._
_Having thus declared the Reason of this =Invention=, and made these
Anticipations; every man hath his choice, whether hee will make use of
those =Lotteries= or no; hee that will, is left to his =Chance=, of
which, how hee shall make tryall, direction is given in the two last
Pages of this =Booke=._
This _Game_ occasions not the frequent crime,
Of _Swearing_, or mispending of our _Time_;
Nor losse of money: For, the _Play_ is _short_,
And, ev’ry _Gamester_ winneth by the sport.
Wee, therefore, know it may aswell become
The _Hall_, the _Parlor_, or the _Dining-roome_,
As _Chesse_, or _Tables_; and, we thinke the _Price_
Will be as low; because, it needs no _Dice_.
[Illustration: Decoration]
[Illustration:
_What I =WAS=, is passed-by;
What I =AM=, away doth flie;
What I =SHAL BEE=, none do see;
Yet, in =that=, my =Beauties= bee._
]
The AVTHORS Meditation upon sight of his PICTVRE.
_When I behold my =Picture=, and perceive,
How vaine it is, our =Portraitures= to leave
In =Lines=, and =Shadowes=, (which make shewes, to day,
Of that which will, to morrow, fade away)
And, thinke, what meane =Resemblances= at best,
Are by =Mechanike Instruments= exprest;
I thought it better, much, to leave behind me,
Some =Draught=, in which, my living friends might find me
The same I =am=; in =that=, which will remaine,
Till all is ruin’d, and repair’d againe:
And, which, in absence, will more truely show me,
Than, =outward Formes=, to those, who think they know me.
For, though my gratious MAKER made me such,
That, where I love, belov’d I am, as much
As J desire; yet, =Forme=, nor =Features= are,
Those =Ornaments=, in which J would appeare
To =future Times=; Though they were found in me,
Farre better, than I can beleeve they be.
Much lesse, affect I =that=, which each man knowes,
To be no more, but Counterfeits of those,
Wherein, the =Painters=, or the =Gravers= toole,
Befriends alike, the =Wiseman=, and the =Foole=:
And, (when they please) can give him, by their =Art=,
The =fairest-Face=, that had the =falsest-Heart=.
A PICTVRE, though with most exactnesse made,
Is nothing, but the =Shadow= of a SHADE.
For, ev’n our =living Bodies=, (though they seeme
To others more, or more in our esteeme)
Are but the =shadowes= of that =Reall-being=,
Which doth extend beyond the =Fleshly-seeing=;
And, cannot be discerned, till we rise
=Immortall-Objects=, for =Immortall-eyes=.
Our =Everlasting-Substance= lies unseene,
Behinde the Fouldings, of a =Carnall-Screene=,
Which is, but, =Vapours= thickned into =Blood=,
(By due concoction of our daily food)
And, still supplied, out of other =Creatures=,
To keepe us =living=, by their wasted natures:
Renewing, and decaying, ev’ry Day,
Vntill that =Vaile= must be remov’d away.
For, this lov’d =Flesh=, wherewith, yet cloth’d we go,
Is not the same, wee had sev’n yeares ago;
But, rather, something which is taken-in,
To serve insteed of what hath wasted bin,
In =Wounds=, in =Sicknesses=, in =Colds=, and =Heates=,
In all =Excrescions=, and in =Fumes=, and =Sweates=.
Nor shall, this present =Flesh=, long stay with us:
And, wee may well be pleas’d, it should be =Thus=.
For, as I view, those Townes, and Fields, that be
In Landskip drawne; Even so, me thinks, I see
A Glimpes, farre off, (through FAITH’S =Prospective glasse=)
Of that, which after =Death=, will come to passe;
And, likewise, gained have, such meanes of seeing,
Some things, which were, before my =Life= had being,
That, in my =Soule=, I should be discontent,
If, this my =Body= were, more permanent;
Since, =Wee=, and all =God’s= other =Creatures=, here,
Are but the =Pictures=, of what shall appeare.
Yet, whilst they =are=, I thankfully would make
That use of them, for their CREATOR’S sake,
To which hee made them; and, preserve the =Table=,
Still, =Faire= and =Full=, as much as I were able,
By finishing, (in my alotted place)
Those =Workes=, for which, hee fits me by his Grace.
And, if a =Wrenne=, a =Wrenn’s= just height shall soare,
No =Ægle=, for an =Ægle=, can doe more.
If therefore, of my =Labours=, or of MEE,
Ought shall remaine, when I remov’d, must be,
Let it be that, wherein it may be view’d,
My MAKERS =Image=, was in me renew’d:
And, so declare, a dutifull intent,
To doe the =Worke= I came for, e’re I went;
That, I to others, may some =Patterne= be,
Of =Doing-well=, as other men to mee,
Have beene, whilst I had life: And, let my daies
Be summed up, to my =Redeemer’s= praise.
So this be gained, I regard it not,
Though, all that I am else, be quite forgot._
_By =Knowledge= onely, =Life= wee gaine,
All other things to =Death= pertaine._
[Illustration: VIVITVR INGENIO CÆTERA MORTIS ERṼT
ILLVSTRATIO I. _Book. 1._]
How Fond are they, who spend their pretious Time
In still pursuing their deceiving _Pleasures_?
And they, that unto ayery _Titles_ clime
Or tyre themselves in hoording up of _Treasures_?
For, these are _Death’s_, who, when with wearinesse
They have acquired most, sweepes all away;
And leaves them, for their Labors, to possesse
Nought but a raw-bon’d _Carcasse_ lapt in clay.
Of twenty hundred thousands, who, this houre
Vaunt much, of those _Possessions_ they have got;
Of their new purchac’d _Honours_, or, the _Power_,
By which, they seeme to have advanc’t their _Lott_:
Of this great _Multitude_, there shall not _Three_
Remaine, for any _Future-age_ to know;
But perish quite, and quite forgotten bee,
As _Beasts_, devoured twice ten yeares agoe.
Thou, therefore, who desir’st for aye to live,
And to possesse thy _Labors_ maugre _Death_,
To needfull _Arts_ and honest _Actions_, give
Thy Spanne of _Time_, and thy short blast of _Breath_.
In holy _Studies_, exercise thy _Mind_;
In workes of _Charity_, thy _Hands_ imploy;
That _Knowledge_, and that _Treasure_, seeke to find,
Which may enrich thy _Heart_ with perfect _Ioy_.
So, though obscured thou appeare, awhile,
Despised, poore, or borne to Fortunes low,
Thy _Vertue_ shall acquire a nobler stile,
Then greatest _Kings_ are able to bestow:
And, gaine thee those _Possessions_, which, nor _They_,
Nor _Time_, nor _Death_, have power to take away.
_The Man that hath true =Wisdome= got,
Continues =firme=, and =wavers= not._
[Illustration: SAPIENTIA CONSTANS
ILLVSTR. II. _Book. 1._]
Still fixt, and with triumphant _Laurell_ crown’d,
Is truest _Wisdome_; whom, expressed thus,
Among the old _Impresa’s_, we have found;
And, much, this _Emblem_ hath instructed us.
For, hence we learne; that, _Wisdome_ doth not flow
From those unconstant men, whom ev’ry _Blast_,
Or small _Occasion_, turneth to and fro;
But, from a _Settled head_ that standeth _fast_.
Who’ever shoulders, him, he gives no place;
What _Storme_ soe’re, his _Times_ or _Fortunes_, breath,
He neither hides his _Brow_, nor turnes his _Face_;
But, keepes his Lookes undaunted, ev’n in _Death_.
The _Laureat head_, upon the _Pillar_ set,
Thus signifies; And that _Bay-wreath_ doth show
That constant _Wisdome_ will the conquest get,
When giddy _Policie_ prevailes not so.
If, therefore, thou desirest to be taught,
Propose good _Ends_ with honest _Meanes_ thereto,
And therein _Constant_ be, till thou hast brought
To perfect _end_, that _Worke_, thou hast to doe.
Let neither flatt’ring _Pleasures_, nor _Disgrace_,
Nor scoffing _Censures_, nor the cunning _Sleights_
Of glozing _Sycophants_, divert that _Race_
To which, a harmelesse _Prudence_, thee invites.
Though others plot, conspire, and undermine,
Keepe thou a plaine right _Path_; and let their _Course_,
For no advantage, make thee change from _thine_,
Although it (for the present) seemes the worse.
He, thus that workes, puts _Policie_ to Schoole,
And makes the _Machavilian_ prove a foole.
_The =Law= is given to =direct=;
The =Sword=, to =punish= and =protect=._
[Illustration: LEX REGIT ET ARMA TVENTVR.
ILLVSTR. III. _Book. 1._]
When _God-Almighty_ first engrav’d in stone
His holy _Law_; He did not give the same
As if some common Act had then beene done;
For, arm’d with _Fires_ and _Thunders_, forth it came.
By which, that great _Law-maker_, might inferre
What dreadfull _Vengeance_ would on those attend,
Who did against those holy _Precepts_ erre;
And, that, his _Power_, well-doers could defend.
Thereto, this _Emblem_, also doth agree;
For, loe, before the _Tables_ of the _Lawe_,
A naked _Sword_ is borne, whose use may bee
As well to keepe in _Safety_, as in _Awe_.
Whence, _Princes_ (if they please) this note may take,
(And it shall make them happily to raigne)
That, many good and wholsome _Lawes_ to make
Without an _Executioner_, is vaine.
It likewise intimates, that such as are
In _Soveraigne place_, as well obliged be
Their zeale for true _Religion_ to declare,
As, what concerneth _Manners_, to foresee.
It, lastly, showes that _Princes_ should affect
Not onely, over others to _Command_,
But _Swords_ to weare, their _Subjects_ to protect;
And, for their _Guard_, extend a willing hand.
For, _Lawes_, or _Peace_ to boast of; and, the whiles,
The _Publique-weale_, to weaken or disarme,
Is nor the way to hinder _Civill-Broyles_,
Nor to secure it from a _Forraigne-harme_.
For, As by _Lawes_ a Land is kept in frame;
So, _Armes_ is that, which must protect the same.
_=Occasions-past= are sought in vaine;
But, oft, they =wheele-about= again._
[Illustration: NE TENEAR
ILLVSTR. IV. _Book. 1._]
Unwise are they that spend their youthfull _Prime_
In Vanities; as if they did suppose
That men, at pleasure, might redeeme the _Time_;
For, they a faire advantage fondly lose.
As ill-advis’d be those, who having lost
The first _Occasions_, to _Despairing_ runne:
For, _Time_ hath _Revolutions_; and, the most,
For their Affaires, have _Seasons_ more, then one.
Nor is their Folly small, who much depend
On _Transitorie things_, as if their Powre
Could bring to passe what should not have an _End_;
Or compasse that, which _Time_ will not devoure.
The first _Occasions_, therefore, see thou take
(Which offred are) to bring thy hopes about;
And, minde thou, still, what _Haste_ away they make,
Before thy swift-pac’t houres are quite runne out.
Yet, if an _Opportunity_ be past,
Despaire not thou, as they that hopelesse be;
Since, _Time_ may so revolve againe, at last,
That _New-Occasions_ may be offred thee.
And see, thou trust not on those fading things,
Which by thine owne _Endeavours_ thou acquir’st:
For, _Time_ (which her owne _Births_ to ruine brings)
Will spare, not _thee_, nor ought which thou desir’st.
His _Properties_, and _Vses_, what they are,
In-vaine observ’d will be, when he is fled:
That, they in season, therefore, may appeare,
Our _Emblem_, thus, hath him deciphered;
_Balde_ save before, and standing on a _Wheele_;
A _Razor_ in his Hand, a _Winged-Heele_.
_By =Labour=, =Vertue= may be gain’d;
By =Vertue=, =Glorie= is attain’d._
[Illustration: LABORE VIRTVS, VIRTVTE GLORIA PARATVR
ILLVSTR. V. _Book. 1._]
Svppose you _Sirs_, those mimicke _Apes_ you meet
In strange fantasticke habits? or the Rabble,
That in gay clothes embroyder out the street,
Are truely of _Worshipfull_ or _Honorable_?
Or can you thinke, that, To be borne the Sonne
Of some rich _Alderman_, or ancient _Peere_,
Or that the _Fame_ our Predecessors wonne
May claime those _Wreathes_ which true _Deserving_ weare?
Is _Honour_ due to those, who spend their dayes
In courting one another? or consuming
Their Fortunes and themselves, on Drabbs and Playes?
In sleeping, drinking, and Tobacco-fuming?
Not so. For, (though such _Fooles_, like children, place
Gay _Titles_ on each other) _Wise-men_ know
What slaves they be; how miserably-base;
And, where such _Attributes_ would better show.
An idle _Body_ clothes a vitious _Minde_;
And, what (at best) is purchac’d by the same,
Is nothing else, but stinking _Smoke_ and _Winde_;
Or frothie _Bubbles_ of an empty _Fame_.
True _Glory_, none did ever purchase, yet,
Till, to be _Vertuous_ they could first attaine;
Nor shall those men faire _Vertues_ favour get,
Who _labour_ not, such _Dignities_ to gaine.
And, this _Impresa_ doth inferre no lesse:
For, by the _Spade_, is _Labour_ here implide;
The _Snake_, a vertuous _Prudence_, doth expresse;
And, _Glorie_, by the _Wreath_ is Typifide.
For, where a vertuous _Industry_ is found,
She, shall with Wreaths of _Glory_, thus be crown’d.
_Though =Fortune= prove true =Vertues= Foe,
It cannot worke her Overthrowe._
[Illustration: NON OBEST VIRTVTI SORS.
ILLVSTR. VI. _Book. 1._]
Unhappy men are they, whose Ignorance
So slaves them to the _Fortunes_ of the Time,
That they (attending on the Lot of _Chance_)
Neglect by _Vertue_, and _Deserts_, to clime.
Poore _Heights_ they be which _Fortune_ reares unto;
And, fickle is the _Favour_ she bestowes:
To-day, she makes; to-morrow, doth undoe;
Builds up, and in an instant overthrowes.
On easie _Wheeles_, to Wealth, and Honours high,
She windes men oft, before they be aware;
And, when they dreame of most _Prosperitie_,
Downe, headlong, throwes them lower then they were.
You, then, that seeke a more assur’d estate,
On good, and honest _Objects_, fixe your _Minde_,
And follow _Vertue_, that you may a _Fate_
Exempt from feare of Change, or Dangers, finde.
For, he that’s _Vertuous_, whether high or low
His _Fortune_ seemes (or whether foule or faire
His _Path_ he findes) or whether friend, or foe,
The _World_ doth prove; regards it not a haire.
His _Losse_ is _Gaine_; his _Poverty_ is _Wealth_;
The Worlds _Contempt_, he makes his _Diadem_;
In _Sicknesse_, he rejoyceth, as in _Health_:
Yea, _Death_ it selfe, becommeth _Life_, to him.
He feares no disrespect, no bitter scorne,
Nor subtile plottings, nor Oppressions force;
Nay, though the World should topsie-turvie turne,
It cannot fright him, nor divert his Course.
Above all Earthly powres his _Vertue_ reares him;
And, up with _Eglets_ wings, to Heav’n it beares him.
_A fickle =Woman= wanton growne,
Preferres a =Crowd=, before a =Crowne=._
[Illustration: NON SCEPTRO SED PLECTRO DVCITVR
ILLVSTR. VII. _Book. 1._]
_Foole!_ Dost thou hope, thine _Honours_, or thy _Gold_,
Shall gaine thee _Love_? Or, that thou hast her heart
Whose hand upon thy tempting _Bayt_ layes hold?
Alas! fond _Lover_, thou deceived art.
She that with _Wealth_, and _Titles_, can be wonne,
Or woo’d with _Vanities_, will wavring bee;
And, when her Love, thou most dependest on,
A _Fiddle-sticke_ shall winne her heart from thee.
To _Youth_ and _Musicke_, _Venus_ leaneth most;
And (though her hand she on the _Scepter_ lay)
Let _Greatnesse_, of her Favours never boast:
For, _Heart_ and _Eye_, are bent another way.
And lo, no glorious Purchace that Man gets,
Who hath with such poore _Trifles_, woo’d, and wonne:
Her footing, on a _Ball_, his _Mistresse_ sets,
Which in a moment slips, and she is gone.
A _Woman_, meerely with an _Out side_ caught,
Or tempted with a _Galliard_, or a _Song_,
Will him forsake (whom she most lovely thought)
For _Players_ and for _Tumblers_, ere’t be long.
You, then, that wish your _Love_ should ever last,
(And would enjoy _Affection_ without changing)
_Love_ where your _Loves_ may worthily be plac’t;
And, keepe your owne _Affection_, still from ranging.
Vse noble _Meanes_, your Longings to attaine;
Seeke equall _Mindes_, and well beseeming _Yeares_:
They are (at best) vaine _Fooles_, whom _Follie_ gaine;
But, there is _Blisse_, where, _Vertue_ most endeares:
And, wheresoe’re, Affection _shee_ procures,
In spight of all _Temptations_, it endures.
_This Ragge of =Death=, which thou shalt see,
Consider it; And =Pious= bee._
[Illustration: IN HVNC INTVENS PIVS ESTO
ILLVSTR. VIII. _Book 1._]
Why, silly Man! so much admirest thou
Thy present _Fortune_? overvaluing so
Thy _Person_, or the beauty of thy _Brow_?
And _Cloth’d_, so proudly, wherefore dost thou goe?
Why dost thou live in riotous _Excesse_?
And _Boast_, as if thy Flesh immortall were?
Why dost thou gather so? Why so oppresse?
And, o’re thy Fellow-creatures, _Domineere_?
Behold this _Emblem_; such a thing was hee
Whom this doth represent as now thou art;
And, such a Fleshlesse _Raw-bone_ shalt thou bee,
Though, yet, thou seeme to act a comelier part.
Observe it well; and marke what _Vglinesse_
Stares through the sightlesse _Eye-holes_, from within:
Note those leane _Craggs_, and with what _Gastlinesse_,
That horrid _Countenance_ doth seeme to grin.
Yea, view it well; and having seene the same
Plucke downe that _Pride_ which puffs thy heart so high;
Of thy _Proportion_ boast not, and (for shame)
Repent thee of thy sinfull _Vanity_.
And, having learn’d, that, all men must become
Such bare _Anatomies_; and, how this _Fate_
No mortall _Powre_, nor _Wit_, can keepe thee from;
Live so, that _Death_ may better thy estate.
Consider who created thee; and why:
Renew thy _Spirit_, ere thy _Flesh_ decayes:
More _Pious_ grow; Affect more _Honestie_;
And seeke hereafter thy _Creatours_ praise.
So though of _Breath_ and _Beauty_ Time deprive thee,
New _Life_, with endlesse _Glorie_, _God_ will give thee.
_Before thou bring thy =Workes= to Light,
Consider on them, in the =Night=._
[Illustration: IN NOCTE CONSILIṼ
ILLVSTR. IX. _Book. 1._]
An _Owle_ (the _Hieroglyphicke_ us’d for _Night_)
Twixt _Mercury_ and _Pallas_, here takes place,
Vpon a crown’d _Caduceus_ fixt upright;
And, each a _Cornucopia_ doth imbrace.
Through which darke _Emblem_, I this Light perceive;
That, such as would the _Wit_ and _Wealth_ acquire,
Which may the _Crowne_ of approbation have,
Must _wake by Night_, to compasse their desire.
For, this _Mercurian-Wand_, doth _Wit_ expresse;
The _Cornu-copia_, _Wealthinesse_ implies;
Both gained by a studious _Watchfulnesse_;
Which, here, the _Bird of Athens_ signifies.
Nor, by this _Emblem_, are we taught alone,
That, (when great _Vndertakings_ are intended)
We _Sloth_, and lumpish _Drowsinesse_ must shunne;
But, _Rashnesse_, also, here is reprehended.
_Take Counsell of thy Pillow_, (saith our _Sawe_)
And, ere in waighty Matters thou proceede,
Consider well upon them; lest they draw
Some Afterclap, which may thy Mischiefe breede.
I, for my seriou’st _Muses_, chuse the _Night_;
(More friend to _Meditation_, then the _Day_)
That neither Noyse, nor Objects of the _Sight_,
Nor bus’nesses, withdraw my _Thoughts_ away,
By _Night_, we best may ruminate upon
Our _Purposes_; Then, best, we may enquire
What _Actions_ wee amisse, or well, have done;
And, then, may best into our _Selves_ retire:
For, of the _World-without_, when most we see,
Then, blindest to the _World-within_, are wee.
_An =Innocent= no =Danger= feares,
How great soever it appeares._
[Illustration: SPERNIT PERICVLA VIRT[VS]
ILLVSTR. X. _Book. 1._]
When some did seeke _Arion_ to have drown’d,
He, with a dreadlesse heart his Temples crown’d;
And, when to drench him in the Seas they meant,
He playd on his melodious _Instrument_;
To shew, that _Innocence_ disdayned Feare,
Though to be swallow’d in the _Deeps_ it were.
Nor did it perish: For, upon her Backe
A _Dolphin_ tooke him, for his _Musick’s_ sake:
To intimate, that _Vertue_ shall prevaile
With _Bruitish_ Creatures, if with _Men_ it faile.
Most vaine is then their Hope, who dreame they can
Make wretched, or undoe, an _Honest-Man_:
For, he whom Vertuous _Innocence_ adornes,
Insults o’re _Cruelties_; and, _Perill_ scornes.
Yea, that, by which, Men purpose to _undoe_ him,
(In their despight) shall bring great _Honours_ to him.
_Arion_-like, the Malice of the _World_,
Hath into _Seas_ of _Troubles_ often hurl’d
Deserving Men, although no Cause they had,
But that their _Words_ and _Workes_ sweet _Musicke_ made.
Of all their outward Helps it hath bereft them;
Nor meanes, nor hopes of Comfort have beene left them;
But such, as in the House of _Mourning_ are,
And, what _Good-Conscience_ can afford them there.
Yet, _Dolphin-like_, their _Innocence_ hath rear’d
Their Heads above those _Dangers_ that appear’d.
_God_ hath vouchsaf’d their harmelesse _Cause_ to heed,
And, ev’n in Thraldome, so their Hearts hath freed,
That, whil’st they seem’d oppressed and forlorne;
They _Ioyd_, and _Sung_, and _Laugh’d the World to scorne_.
_A =Foole=, in =Folly= taketh Paine,
Although he labour still in vaine._
[Illustration: AD SCOPVM LICET ÆGRE ET FRVSTRA
ILLVSTR. XI. _Book. 1._]
A Massie _Mil-stone_ up a tedious Hill,
With mighty Labour, _Sisyphus_ doth roll;
Which being rais’d-aloft, downe-tumbleth, still,
To keepe imployed his afflicted _Soule_.
On him, this tedious Labour is impos’d;
And (though in vaine) it must be still assayd:
But, some, by no Necessity inclos’d,
Vpon themselves, such needlesse Taskes have layd.
Yea, knowing not (or caring not to know)
That they are worne and weary’d out in vaine,
They madly toyle to plunge themselves in Woe;
And, seeke uncertaine _Ease_, in certaine _Paine_.
Such _Fooles_ are they, who dreame they can acquire
A Minde-content, by _Lab’ring still for more_:
For, _Wealth_ encreasing, doth encrease _Desire_,
And makes _Contentment_ lesser then before.
Such _Fooles_ are they, whose _Hopes_ doe vainely stretch
To climbe by _Titles_, to a happy Height:
For, having gotten one _Ambitious-Reach_,
Another comes perpetually in sight.
And, their stupidity is nothing lesse,
Who dreame that _Flesh_ and _Blood_ may raysed be
Vp to the _Mount of perfect-Holinesse_:
For (at our best) corrupt and vile are we.
Yet, we are bound by _Faith_, with _Love_ and _Hope_,
To roll the Stone of _Good-Endeavour_, still,
As neere as may be, to _Perfections top_,
Though backe againe it tumble downe the _Hill_.
So; What our _Workes_ had never power to doe,
_God’s_ Grace, at last, shall freely bring us to.
_As, to the =World= I =naked= came,
So, =naked=-stript I leave the same._
[Illustration: ΠΑΝΤΑ ΛΕΛΟΙΠΑ
ILLVSTR. XII. _Book. 1._]
Thrice happy is that Man whose _Thoughts_ doe reare
His Minde above that pitch the _Worldling_ flies,
And by his _Contemplations_, hovers where
He viewes things mortall, with unbleared eyes.
What Trifles then doe _Villages_ and _Townes_
Large _Fields_ or _Flockes_ of fruitfull _Cattell_ seeme?
Nay, what poore things are _Miters_, _Scepters_, _Crownes_,
And all those _Glories_ which Men most esteeme?
Though he that hath among them, his Delight,
Brave things imagines them (because they blinde
With some false Lustre his beguiled sight)
He that’s above them, their meane-Worth may finde.
_Lord_, to that _Blessed-Station_ me convey
Where I may view the _World_, and view her so,
That I her true Condition may survey;
And all her Imperfections rightly know.
Remember me, that once there was a Day
When thou didst weane me from them with content,
Ev’n when shut up within those _Gates_ I lay
Through which the _Plague-inflicting Angel_ went.
And, let me still remember, that an Houre
Is hourely comming on, wherein I shall
(Though I had all the _World_ within my powre)
Be naked stript, and turned out of all.
But minde me, chiefely, that I never cleave
Too closely to my _Selfe_; and cause thou me,
Not other Earthly things alone to leave,
But to forsake my _Selfe_ for love of _Thee_:
That I may say, now _I have all things left_,
Before that I of all things, am bereft.
_To him a happy =Lot= befalls
That hath a =Ship=, and =prosp’rous Gales=._
[Illustration: REMIGIO VENTISQ[VE] SECVNDIS
ILLVSTR. XIII. _Book. 1._]
No wonder he a prosp’rous _Voyage_ findes
That hath both _Sailes_ and _Oares_ to serve his turne,
And, still, through meanes of some propitious _Winds_
Is to his wished _Harbour_, swiftly borne.
Nor is it much admir’d, if they that lacke
Those aydes (on which the _Common-faith_ depends)
Are from their hoped aymes repelled backe,
Or made to labour for unfruitfull ends.
Yet neither in the _Ship_, _Wind_, _Oares_, or _Sailes_,
Nor in the want of _Outward meanes_, alone,
Consists it, that our _Hope_ succeedes or failes;
But, most in that, which Men least thinke upon.
For, _some_ endeavour, and their Paines are blest
With _Gales_ which are so fortunate, that they
Fly safe, and swiftly on, among the best,
Whil’st others labour, and are cast away.
_Some_ others, on this _Worlds_ wide _Ocean_ floate,
And neither _Wind_, nor _Tide_ assistant have,
Nor _Saile_, nor _Oare_, nor _Anchor_, nor sound _Boate_,
Nor take so much as heede themselves to save;
And yet are safe: A third sort, then, there are
Who neither want fit _Meanes_, nor yet neglect,
The painefull-_Industrie_, or honest _Care_,
Which _Need_ requires; yet find small good effect.
Therefore, let that which you propose, be _Iust_;
Then, use the fairest _Meanes_, to compasse it:
And, though _Meanes_ faile, yet foster no mistrust;
But fearelesly, to _God_, your _Course_ commit:
For, _Hee_, to _Faithfull-Hearts_, and _Honest-Mindes_
Turnes _Losse_ to _Gaine_; and _Stormes_, to _prosp’rous Windes_.
_Though he endeavour all he can,
An =Ape=, will never be a =Man=._
[Illustration: QVID SI SIC
ILLVSTR. XIIII. _Book. 1._]
What though an _Apish-Pigmie_, in attire,
His Dwarfish Body _Gyant-lyke_, array?
Turne _Brave_, and get him _Stilts_ to seem the higher?
What would so doing, handsome him I pray?
Now, surely, such a Mimicke sight as that,
Would with excessive Laughter move your Spleene,
Till you had made the little _Dandiprat_,
To lye within some Auger-hole, unseene.
I must confesse I cannot chuse but smile,
When I perceive, how Men that worthlesse are,
Piece out their _Imperfections_, to beguile,
By making showes, of what they never were.
For, in their _borrow’d-Shapes_, I know those Men,
And (through their _Maskes_) such insight of them have;
That I can oftentimes disclose (ev’n then)
How much they savour of the _Foole_ or _Knave_.
A _Pigmey-spirit_, and an _Earthly-Minde_,
Whose looke is onely fixt on Objects vaine;
In my esteeme, so meane a place doth finde,
That ev’ry such a one, I much refraine.
But, when in honour’d _Robes_ I see it put,
Betrimm’d, as if some thing of _Worth_ it were,
Looke big, and on the _Stilts_ of _Greatnesse_, strut;
From scorning it, I cannot then forbeare.
For, when to grosse _Vnworthinesse_, Men adde
Those Dues, which to the _Truest-worth_ pertaine;
Tis like an _Ape_, in _Humane-Vestments_ clad,
Which, when most fine, deserveth most disdaine:
And, more absurd, those Men appeare to me,
Then this _Fantasticke-Monkey_ seemes to thee.
_I =pine=, that others may not perish,
And =waste= my =Selfe=, their =Life= to cherish._
[Illustration: DVM NVTRIO CONSVMOR
ILLVSTR. XV. _Book. 1._]
Observe I pray you, how the greedy _Flame_
The _Fewell_, on an _Altar_ doth consume.
How it destroyeth that which feedes the same,
And how the _Nourisher_ away doth fume.
For, so it fares with _Parents_ that uphold
Their thriftlesse _Children_ in unlawfull _Pleasures_:
With _Cares_, it weares them out, ere they are old;
And ere their Lives consume, consumes their Treasures.
So fares it with such _Wantons_ as doe feede
Vnchast Desires; for, ev’ry day they grow
Vntill their _Longings_, their _Supplies_ exceede,
And, quite devoure those men that fed them so.
So fares it with all those that spend their _Youth_
In lab’ring to enrich ungratefull Men,
Who, growing _Great_, and _Wealthy_, by their Truth,
Returne them _Smoke_ and _Ashes_ backe agen.
So fares it with good _States-men_, who to keepe
A thankelesse _Common-wealth_ in happy Peace,
Deprive their _Mindes_ of Rest, their _Eyes_ of Sleepe,
And, waste themselves, that others may encrease.
And, so it fares with Men that passe away
Their time in _Studies_, (and their Healths impaire)
That helps to other men become they may,
And, their defective Knowledges, repaire.
But, let my _Flesh_, my _Time_, and my _Estate_,
Be so consum’d; so spent; so wasted bee,
That they may nourish _Grace_, and perfit that
For which all these were first bestowd’d on me:
So when I quite am vanish’d out of seeing,
I shall enjoy my _Now-concealed-Being_.
_When to =suppresse= us, Men intend,
They make us higher to =ascend=._
[Illustration: CONCVSSVS SVRGO
ILLVSTR. XVI. _Book. 1._]
When we observe the _Ball_, how to and fro
The _Gamesters_ force it; we may ponder thus:
That whil’st we live we shall be playd with so,
And that the _World_ will make her _Game_ of us.
_Adversities_, one while our hearts constraine
To stoope, and knock the Pavements of _Despaire_;
_Hope_, like a Whirle-wind mounts us up againe,
Till oft it lose us in the empty ayre.
Sometimes, above the _Battlements_ we looke;
Sometimes, we quite below the _Line_ are tost:
Another-while, against the _Hazard_ strooke,
We, but a little want, of being lost.
_Detraction_, _Envie_, _Mischief_, and _Despight_,
One Partie make, and watchfully attend
To catch us when we rise to any _Height_;
Lest we above their hatred should ascend.
_Good-Fortune_, _Praises_, _Hopes_, and _Industries_,
Doe side-together, and make _Play_ to please us;
But, when by them we thinke more high to rise,
More great they make our _Fall_, and more disease us.
Yea, they that seeke our _Losse_, advance our _Gaine_;
And to our _Wishes_, bring us oft the nigher:
For, we that else upon the Ground had laine,
Are, by their striking of us lifted higher.
When _Balls_ against the Stones are hardest throwne,
Then highest up into the Aire they fly;
So, when men hurle us (with most fury) downe,
Wee hopefull are to be advanc’d thereby:
And, when they smite us quite unto the Ground,
Then, up to Heav’n, we trust, we shall rebound.
_Till =God= hath wrought us to his Will,
The =Hammer= we shall suffer still._
[Illustration: DVM EXTENDAR
ILLVSTR. XVII. _Book. 1._]
Why should the foolish _World_ discourage Men,
In just endurances? or bid them shunne
Good _Actions_, 'cause they suffer now and then,
For _Doing well_, as if some _Ill_ were done?
Ere _Plates_ extended are, they must abide
A thousand hamm’rings; And, then that which fill’d
So little roome, it scarce your Hand could hide,
Will serve a goodly _Monument_ to gild.
So, he that hopes to winne an honest _Name_,
Must many blowes of _Fortune_ undergoe,
And hazard, oft, the blast of _Evill-Fame_,
Before a _Good-Report_ her Trumpe will blow.
A thousand _Worthies_ had unworthily
Been raked up in Ashes and in Clay,
Vnknowne and bury’d in _Obscurity_,
If Malice had not fil’d their Rust away.
But, lo; their lasting prayses now are spread,
And rais’d, by _Adverse-Chance_, to such a height,
That they most glorious are, now they are dead;
And live in _Injuries_, and _Deaths_, despight.
For, by _Afflictions_, man refined growes,
And, (as the _Gold_ prepared in the _Fire_)
Receiveth such a _Forme_ by wrongs and blowes,
That hee becomes the _Iewell_ we desire.
To thee therefore, _Oh God_! My Prayers are
Not to be freed from Griefes and Troubles quite:
But, that they may be such as I can beare;
And, serve to make me precious in thy Sight.
This please me shall, though all my Life time, I
Betweene thine _Anvill_ and the _Hammer_, lie.
_From thence, where =Nets= and =Snares= are layd,
=Make-hast=; lest els you be betray’d._
[Illustration: MATVRA
ILLVSTR. XVIII. _Book. 1._]
The nimble _Spider_ from his Entrailes drawes
A suttle Thread, and curious art doth show
In weaving _Nets_, not much unlike those _Lawes_
Which catch _Small-Thieves_, and let the _Great-ones_ goe.
For, as the _Cob-web_ takes the lesser _Flyes_,
When those of larger size breake through their _Snares_;
So, _Poore-men_ smart for little Injuries,
When _Rich-men_ scape, whose Guilt is more then theirs.
The _Spider_, also representeth such
Who very curious are in Trifling-things,
And neither Cost, nor Time, nor Labour grutch,
In that which neither _Gaine_ nor _Pleasure_ brings.
But those whom here that _Creature_ doth implye
Are chiefely such, who under cunning shewes
Of simple-Meanings (or of Curtesie)
Doe silly Men unwarily abuse.
Or else, it meanes those greedy-_Cormorants_
Who without touch, of Conscience or Compassion,
Seeke how to be enricht by others wants,
And bring the _Poore_ to utter Desolation.
Avoyd them therefore, though compell’d by need;
Or if a _Storme_ inforce, (yee lab’ring _Bees_)
That yee must fall among them; Flie with speed
From their Commerce, when _Calmes_ your passage frees.
Much more, let wastfull _Gallants_ haste from these;
Else, when those Idling-painted-_Butterflies_,
Have flutter’d-out their _Summer-time_, in ease,
(And spent their Wealth in foolish Vanities)
The Blasts of _Want_ may force them to be brought
For shelter thither, where they shall be caught.
_When thou a =Dangerous-Way= dost goe,
Walke =surely=, though thy pace be =slowe=._
[Illustration: LENTE SED ATTENTE
ILLVSTR. XIX. _Book. 1._]
_Experience_ proves, that Men who trust upon
Their Nat’rall parts, too much, oft lose the _Day_,
And, faile in that which els they might have done,
By vainely trifling pretious _Time_ away.
It also shewes, that many Men have sought
With so much _Rashnesse_, those things they desir’d,
That they have brought most likely _Hopes_ to nought;
And, in the middle of their _Courses_, tir’d.
And, not a few, are found who so much wrong
Gods _Gratiousnesse_, as if their thinkings were,
That (seeing he deferres his _Iudgements_ long)
His _Vengeance_, he, for ever, would forbeare:
But, such as these may see wherein they faile,
And, what would fitter be for them to doe,
If they would contemplate the slow-pac’d _Snaile_;
Or, this our _Hieroglyphicke_ looke into:
For, thence we learne, that _Perseverance_ brings
Large Workes to end, though slowly they creepe on;
And, that _Continuance_ perfects many things,
Which seeme, at first, unlikely to be done.
It warnes, likewise, that some _Affaires_ require
More _Heed_ then _Haste_: And that the _Course_ we take,
Should suite as well our _Strength_, as our _Desire_;
Else (as our _Proverbe_ saith) _Haste, Waste may make_.
And, in a _Mysticke-sense_, it seemes to preach
_Repentance_ and _Amendment_, unto those
Who live, as if they liv’d beyond _Gods_ reach;
Because, he long deferres deserved Blowes:
For, though _Iust-Vengeance_ moveth like a _Snaile_,
And slowly comes; her comming will not faile.
_A =Sive=, of shelter maketh show;
But ev’ry =Storme= will through it goe._
[Illustration: TRANSEAT
ILLVSTR. XX. _Book. 1._]
Some Men, when for their Actions they procure
A likely colour, (be it nere so vaine)
Proceede as if their _Projects_ were as sure,
As when _Sound Reason_ did their Course maintayne:
And these not much unlike those _Children_ are,
Who through a _Storme_ advent’ring desp’rately,
Had rather on their Heads, a _Sive_ to beare,
Then _Cov’rings_, that may serve to keepe them drye.
For, at a distance that perchance is thought
A helpfull _Shelter_; and, yet, proves to those
Who neede the same, a _Toy_, which profits nought;
Because, each drop of Raine quite through it, goes.
So, they, whose foolish _Projects_, for a while,
Doe promise their _Projectors_ hopefull ends,
Shall finde them, in the _Tryall_, to beguile;
And, that both _Shame_ and _Want_, on them attends.
Such like is their estate, who, (to appeare
_Rich-men_ to others) doe, with Inward-payne,
A gladsome out-ward _Port_ desire to beare;
Though they at last nor _Wealth_ nor _Credit_ gaine.
And, such are all those _Hypocrites_, who strive
False _Hearts_ beneath _Faire-spoken Words_ to hyde:
For, they o’revaile themselves but with a _Sive_,
Through which, their purposes at length are spyde.
And, then, they either woefully-lament
Their _Brutish-folly_, or so hardned grow
In Sinning, that they never can repent,
Nay, jest and scoffe at their owne Overthrow.
But no false _Vaile_ can serve (when _God_ will smite)
To save a _Scorner_, or an _Hypocrite_.
_=Death= no =Losse=, but rather, =Gaine=;
For wee by =Dying=, =Life= attaine._
[Illustration: MORS VITÆ INITIVM.
ILLVSTR. XXI. _Book. 1._]
I Will not blame those grieved Hearts that shed
_Becoming-teares_, for their departed Friends;
Nor those who sigh out _Passions_ for the _Dead_;
Since, on _Good-natures_, this Disease attends.
When _Sorrow_ is conceiv’d, it must have Vent
(In Sighes or Moysture) or the Heart will breake;
And, much they aggravate our Discontent,
Who, out of _Season_, _Reason_ seeme to speake.
Yet, since our Frailty may require we should
_Remembrances_ admit to keepe us from
Excesse in _Griefe_: this _Emblem_ here behold,
And take such _Hope_ as may our _Teares_ become.
The _Wheat_ although a while it lyes in Earth,
(And seemeth lost) consumes not quite away;
But, from that _Wombe_ receives another _Birth_,
And, with _Additions_, riseth from the Clay.
Much more shall _Man_ revive, whose worth is more:
For, _Death_, who from our Drosse will us refine,
Vnto that other _Life_, becomes the _Doore_,
Where, we in _Immortalitie_ shall shine.
When once our _Glasse_ is runne, we presently
Give up our _Soules_ to _Death_; So _Death_ must give
Our _Bodies_ backe againe, that we, thereby,
The _Light_ of _Life eternall_, may receive.
The Venom’d _Sting_ of _Death_ is tooke away;
And, now, the _Grave_, that was a Place of _Feare_,
Is made a _Bed of Rest_, wherein we may
Lye downe in _Hope_, and bide in safety, there.
When we are _Borne_, to _Death_-ward straight we runne;
And by our _Death_, our _Life_ is new-begnnne.
_When =Vice= and =Vertue= Youth shall wooe,
Tis hard to say, which way 'twill goe._
[Illustration: QVO ME VERTĀ NESCIO
ILLVSTR. XXII. _Book. 1._]
My hopefull _Friends_ at thrice five yeares and three,
Without a _Guide_ (into the World alone)
To seeke my _Fortune_, did adventure mee;
And, many hazards, I alighted on.
First, _Englands_ greatest _Rendevouz_ I sought,
Where VICE and VERTVE at the highest sit;
And, thither, both a _Minde_ and _Bodie_ brought,
For neither of their Services unfit.
Both, woo’d my _Youth_: And, both perswaded so,
That (like the _Young man_ in our _Emblem_ here)
I stood, and cry’d, _Ah! which way shall I goe?_
To me so pleasing both their Offers were.
VICE, _Pleasures_ best Contentments promist mee,
And what the wanton _Flesh_ desires to have:
Quoth VERTVE, _I will Wisdome give to thee,
And those brave things, which noblest Mindes doe crave_.
_Serve me_ said VICE, _and thou shalt soone acquire
All those Atchievements which my Service brings_:
_Serve me_ said VERTVE, _and Ile raise thee higher,
Then VICES can, and teach thee better things_.
Whil’st thus they strove to gaine me, I espyde
Grim _Death_ attending VICE; and, that her Face
Was but a painted _Vizard_, which did hide
The foul’st Deformity that ever was.
_LORD, grant me grace for evermore to view
Her Vglinesse: And, that I viewing it,
Her Falsehoods and allurements may eschew;
And on faire VERTVE my Affection set;
Her Beauties contemplate, her Love embrace,
And by her safe Direction, runne my Race._
_By =Paine=, on =Pleasures= we doe seize;
And, we by =Suff’rance=, purchase =Ease=._
[Illustration: PATIOR VT POTIAR
ILLVSTR. XXIII. _Book. 1._]
The lick’rish _Beare_ to rob the _Honey-Bees_
Among their stinging-Swarms thrusts in his pawes;
Adventureth to climbe up hollow Trees,
And from their _Cells_, the well fill’d _Combes_ he drawes:
Right so, the _Sensuall-Man_ that he may gaine
His bruitish _Lust_, a thousand perills dares;
And, that his _Lawlesse-will_ he may attaine,
Nor _Conscience_, _Credit_, _Cost_, nor _Labour_ spares.
'Twere shamefull basenesse, therefore, if that he
Who knoweth _Vertue_, and is thought her _Lover_,
Should so by any Perills frighted bee,
To make him such _Affections_ to give-over.
For, why should that _Vaine-Crew_ whose Valour springs
From beastly _Fury_, or inflamed-_Passion_,
Enabled be to compasse bolder things,
Then _Sober-Wit_, and _Grave Consideration_?
Or, why should lisping-_Wantons_, for their _Lust_
So much adventure as one finger, there,
Where we our Lives in hazard would not thrust
For _Vertues_ Glory, if it needfull were?
For, though her _Sweetnesse_ fast is closed in
With many _Thornes_, and such a Prickling-guard,
That we must smart, before that _Prize_ we winne,
The _Paine_ is follow’d, with a _Rich Reward_.
By _Suff’ring_, I have more _Contentment_ had,
Then ever I acquir’d by _Slothfull Ease_;
And, I by _Griefe_, so joyfull have beene made,
That I will beare my _Crosse_, while _God_ shall please.
For, so at last my _Soule_ may _Ioy_ procure,
I care not, in my _Flesh_ what I endure.
_Who by good =Meanes=, good things would gaine,
Shall never =seeke=, nor =aske= in vaine._
[Illustration: CONSEQVITVR QVODCVNQ[VE] PETIT
ILLVSTR. XXIIII. _Book. 1._]
In vaine faire _Cynthia_ never taketh paines,
Nor faints in foll’wing her desired _Game_;
And, when at any Marke her Bowe she straines,
The winged Arrow surely hits the same.
Her _Picture_, therefore, in this place doth shew
The Nature of their _Mindes_ who _Cynthia_-like,
With _Constancie_ their _Purposes_ pursue,
And faint not till they compasse what they seeke.
For, nought more _God-like_ in this World is found,
Then so _Resolv’d a man_, that nothing may
His _Resolution_ alter or confound,
When any taske of _Worth_, he doth assay.
Nor, is there greater Basenesse, then those _Mindes_
That from an _Honest-purpose_, can be wrought
By _Threatnings_, _Bribes_, _Smooth-Gales_ or _Boyst’rous-Windes_,
What ever colour or excuse be brought.
You then, that would, with _Pleasure_, _Glory_ gaine,
_Diana_ like, those modest things require,
Which truely may beseeme you to attaine;
And stoutly follow that which you desire:
For, changing though the _Moone_ to us appeare,
She holds a firme Dependence on the _Sunne_;
And, by a _Constant-Motion_, in her _Sphære_
With him, doth in _Conjunction_ often runne:
So, _Constant-men_, still move their hopes to winne;
But, never by a _Motion-indirect_;
Nor, will they stop the Course that they are in,
Vntill they bring their purpose to effect.
For, whosoever _Honest-things_ requires,
A _Promise_ hath of all that he desires.
_Oft =Shooting=, doth not =Archers= make;
But, hitting right the =Marke= they take._
[Illustration: NON QVAM CREBRO SED QVĀ BĒE
ILLVSTR. XXV. _Book. 1._]
When to the Fields we walke to looke upon
Some skilfull _Mark-man_; so much heede we not
How many _Arrowes_ from his Bowe are gone,
As we observe how nigh the _Marke_ he shot:
And, justly we deride that Man who spends
His _Time_ and _Shafts_, but never ayme doth take
To hit the _White_; or foolishly pretends,
The number of the Shots, doth _Archers_ make.
So, _God_, who marketh our Endeavours, here,
Doth not by _tale_, account of them receive;
But, heedeth rather how _well meant_ they were,
And, at his _Will_ how rightly aym’d we have.
It is not mumbling over thrice a day
A Set of _Ave Maries_, or of _Creeds_,
Or many houres formally to _pray_;
When from a dull _Devotion_ it proceedes:
Nor is it, up and downe the Land to seeke
To finde those well breath’d _Lecturers_, that can
Preach thrice a _Sabbath_, and sixe times a weeke,
Yet be as fresh, as when they first beganne:
Nor, is it, such like things perform’d by _Number_
Which _God_ respects: Nor doth his _Wisdome_ crave
Those many _Vanities_, wherewith some cumber
Their _Bodies_, as if those their _Soules_ could save.
For, not _Much-doing_, but _Well-doing_, that
Which _God_ commands, the _Doer_, justifies.
To pray without _Devotion_, is to _Prate_;
And, _Hearing_ is but halfe our _Exercise_.
We ought not, therefore, to regard, alone,
How _often_, but how _Well_, the _Worke_ be done.
_With =Patience=, I the =Storme= sustaine;
For, =Sun-shine= still doth follow =Raine=._
[Illustration: DVRABO
ILLVSTR. XXVI. _Book. 1._]
The little _Squirrell_, hath no other Food
Then that which _Natures_ thrifty hand provides;
And, in purveying up and downe the Wood,
She many cold wet Stormes, for that, abides.
She lyes not heartlesse in her Mossie _Dray_,
Nor feareth to adventure through the _Raine_;
But skippeth out, and beares it as she may,
Vntill the Season waxeth calme againe.
Right thus, have I and others, often far’d;
For, when we first into the World were brought,
We found but little, for our Vse prepar’d,
Save that, which by _Hard-Labour_, must be sought.
In many _Stormes_, unheeded, we are faine
To seeke out needfull things; and, smilingly
To jest, at what some others would complaine:
That, none might laugh at our _Necessity_.
Yea, some have liv’d on _Huskes_, whil’st others fed
On that which was their _Labours_ due Reward;
And, were pursu’d (till they almost were dead)
Without the Worlds Compassion or Regard.
Yet, by _Enduring_, they out liv’d the Blast
Of _Adverse-Fortune_; and, with good successe,
(Expecting calmer Seasons) at the last,
Arrived at the Port of _Happinesse_.
Their _Suffring-much_, hath made their _Suffrings_ none;
And brought forth _Hopes_, by which, perceive they may,
That _Nights_ have but their Turnes; and (they once gone)
Their _Darkenesse_, makes much welcomer, the _Day_.
All _Griefe_ shall have an ending, I am sure;
And, therefore, I with _Patience_, will _Endure_.
_Where =Hellen= is, there, will be =Warre=;
For, =Death= and =Lust=, Companions are._
[Illustration: VBI HELENA IBI TROIA
ILLVSTR. XXVII. _Book. 1._]
Their foolish Guise, I never could affect,
Who dare, for any cause, the _Stewes_ frequent:
And, thither, where I justly might suspect
A _Strumpet_ liv’d, as yet, I never went.
For, when (as _Fooles_ pretend) they goe to seeke
Experience, where more _Ill_ then _Good_, they see;
They venture for their _Knowledge_, _Adam_-like;
And, such as his, will their _Atchievements_ bee.
Let, therefore, those that would loose _Trulls_ detest,
Converse with none, but those that modest are;
For, they that can of _Whoredome_ make a Iest,
Will entertaine it, ere they be aware.
_Chast-Company_, and _Chast-Discourse_, doth make
The Minde more pleased with it, ev’ry day;
And, _Frequent viewes of Wantonnesse_, will take
The Sense and Hatred, of the _Vice_ away.
Some, I have k_n_owne, by _Harlots_ Wiles undone,
Who, but _to see their Fashions_ first pretended;
And, they that went _for Company_, alone,
By suddaine Quarrells, there, their Dayes have ended.
For, in the Lodgings of a _Lustfull-Woman_,
Immodest _Impudence_ hath still her Being;
There, _Furie_, _Fraud_, and _Cruelties_ are common:
And, there, is _Want_, and _Shame_, and _Disagreeing_.
Ev’n _Beauty_, of it selfe, stirres loose Desires,
Occasioning both _Iealousies_, and _Feares_;
It kindleth in the Brest, concealed _Fires_,
Which burne the Heart, before the _Flame_ appeares:
And, ev’ry day, experienced are wee;
That, there, where _Hellen_ is, _Troyes_ Fate will bee.
_No Inward =Griefe=, nor outward =Smart=,
Can overcome a =Patient-Heart=._
[Illustration: VICTRIX PATIENTIA DVRI.
ILLVSTR. XXVIII. _Book. 1._]
Some _Trees_, when Men oppresse their Aged Heads,
(With waighty Stones) they fructifie the more;
And, when upon some _Herbs_, the _Gard’ner_ treads,
They thrive and prosper, better then before:
So, when the Kings of _Ægypt_ did oppresse
The Sonnes of _Iacob_, through their Tyrannies;
Their Numbers, every day, did more encrease,
Till they grew greater then their Enemies.
So, when the _Iewes_ and _Gentiles_, joyn’d their Powre
The _Lord_, and his _Annoynted_, to withstand;
(With raging _Furie_, lab’ring to devoure
And roote the _Gospel_, out of ev’ry Land)
The more they rag’d, conspired, and envy’d,
The more they slander’d, scorn’d, and murthered;
The more, the _Faithfull_, still, were multiply’d:
And, still, the further, their _Profession_ spred.
Yea, so it spred, that quite it overthrew
Ev’n _Tyranny_ it selfe; that, at the last,
The _Patience of the Saints_, most pow’rfull grew,
And _Persecutions_ force, to ground was cast.
The selfe-same Pow’r, true _Patience_, yet retaines,
And (though a thousand _Suff’rings_ wound the same)
She still hath _Hope_ enough to ease her paynes;
That _Hope_, which keepeth off, all _Feare_ and _Shame_:
For, 'tis not _Hunger_, _Cold_, nor _Fire_, nor _Steele_,
Nor all the _Scornes_ or _Slanders_, we can heare,
Nor any _Torment_, which our _Flesh_ can feele,
That conquers us; but, our owne Trayt’rous _Feare_.
Where, _Honest Mindes_, and _Patient_ Hearts, are Mates
They grow victorious, in their _Hardest-Fates_.
_By =many Strokes=, that Worke is done,
Which cannot be perform’d at =One=._
[Illustration: NON VNO STERNITVR ICTV.
ILLVSTR. XXIX. _Book. 1._]
Despaire not _Man_, in what thou oughtst to doe,
Although thou faile when one _Attempt_ is made;
But, adde a _New-Endeavour_ thereunto,
And, then another, and another, adde:
Yea, till thy Pow’r and Life shall quite be spent,
Persist in seeking what thou shouldst desire;
For, he that falleth from a good _Intent_,
Deserves not that, to which he did aspire.
Rich _Treasures_, are by _Nature_, placed deepe;
And, ere we gaine them, we must pierce the _Rockes_:
Such _Perills_, also, them, as _Guardians_ keepe,
That, none can winne them without wounds and knockes.
Moreover, _Glories_, _Thrones_ are so sublime,
That, whosoever thinkes their Top to gaine,
Till many thousand weary steps he clime,
Doth foole himselfe, by Musings which are vaine.
And, yet, there is a _Path-way_, which doth leade
Above the highest things that Man can see;
And (though it be not knowne to all who tread
The _Common-Tract_) it may ascended be.
As, therefore, none should greater things presume
Then well becomes their strength; So, none should feare
(Through _Folly_, _Sloth_, or _Basenesse_) to assume
Those things upon them, which beseeming are.
In _Time_, and by _Degrees_ may things be wrought,
That seem’d impossible to have beene done,
When they were first conceived in the thought;
And, such as these, we may adventure on.
Mine _Arme_, I know, in time will fell an _Oke_;
But, I will nev’r attempt it, at a _Stroke_.
_=Afflictions Fire= consumeth =Sinne=;
But, =Vertue= taketh =Life= therein._
[Illustration: NVDRISCO IL BVONO ET SPENGO IL REO
ILLVSTR. XXX. _Book. 1._]
Whether the _Salamander_ be a _Beast_,
Or _Precious-Stone_, which overcomes the _Flame_,
It skills not; Since, by either is exprest
The Meaning which we purpose by the same:
Both brooke the _Fire_ unhurt; And (more then so)
The fiercer and the longer _Heats_ there are,
The livelyer in the same the _Beast_ will grow;
And, much the brighter, will the _Stone_ appeare.
This _Crowned-Salamander_ in the _Fire_,
May, therefore, not unfitly, signifie
Those, who in _Fiery Charriots_, doe aspire
_Elijah_-like, to _Immortality_:
Or, those _Heroicke-spirits_, who unharm’d
Have through the _Fires_ of _Troubles_, and _Affliction_,
(With _Vertue_, and with _Innocencie_ arm’d)
Walkt onward, in the _Path-way_, of _Perfection_.
The _Fiery-Tryall_, which like _Wood_ and _Hay_,
Consumes the Workes of ev’ry _Wicked-one_;
(And maketh all their _Hopes_ to fume away)
Doth purifie what _Faithfull-men_ have done.
They triumph in the _Flames_, and shall obtaine
The glorious _Crowne_ of _Endless-Happinesse_,
When all that show of _Blisse_ appeareth vaine,
Which _Worldly men_ have seemed to possesse.
For, though some _Sinnes_ and _Follies_, gilded are,
And shine like purest _Gold_, and _Pretious-Stones_;
This _Test_, will finde of what _Allay_ they were,
And, make them knowne but _Counterfeited Ones_:
For, in this _Fornace_, all such _Wormes_ expire;
And, none but _Vertue_ liveth in this _Fire_.
_Hee, over all the =Starres= doth raigne,
That unto =Wisdome= can attaine._
[Illustration: SAPIENS DOMINABITVR ASTRIS.
ILLVSTR. XXXI. _Book. 1._]
I Am not of their Minde, who thinke the _Sun_,
The _Moone_, the _Planets_, and those glorious _Lights_
Which trim the _Sphæres_, doe in their _Motions_ run
To no more purpose, then to please our _Sights_.
Nor for distinguishment of _Nights_, and _Dayes_,
Or of the _Seasons_, and the _Times_, alone,
Can I suppose the Hand of _God_ displayes
Those many _Starres_, we nightly gaze upon:
For, both by _Reason_, and by _Common-sense_
We know (and often feele) that from above
The _Planets_ have, on us, an _Influence_;
And, that our _Bodies_ varie, as they move.
Moreover, _Holy Writ_ inferres, that these
Have some such pow’r; ev’n in those Places, where
It names _Orion_, and the _Pleiades_;
Which, _Starres_ of much inferiour Nature are.
Yet, hence conclude not, therefore, that the _Minde_
Is by the _Starres_ constrained to obey
Their _Influence_; or, so by them inclin’d,
That, by no meanes resist the same we may.
For, though they forme the _Bodies_ temp’rature,
(And though the _Minde_ inclineth after that)
By _Grace_ another _Temper_ we procure,
Which guides the _Motions_ of _Supposed Fate_.
The _Soule_ of _Man_ is nobler then the _Sphæres_;
And, if it gaine the Place which may be had,
Not here alone on Earth, the Rule it beares,
But, is the _Lord_, of all that _God_ hath made.
Be _wise in him_; and, if just cause there bee,
The _Sunne_ and _Moone_, shall stand and wayt on thee.
_A =Princes= most ennobling Parts,
Are Skill in =Armes=, and Love to =Arts=._
[Illustration: EX VTROQVE CÆSAR
ILLVSTR. XXXII. _Book. 1._]
Right blest are they on whom _God_ hath bestowne
A _King_, whose _Vertues_ have approved him
To be an Ornament unto his _Throne_,
And as a Lustre to his _Diadem_.
Hee seekes not onely how to keepe in awe
His _People_, by those meanes that rightfull are;
But, doth unto himselfe, become a _Law_,
And, by _Example_, Pious _Wayes_ declare.
He, loveth _Peace_, and after it pursues;
Yet, if of _Warre_ a just occasion come,
Doth nor _Bellona’s_ Challenges refuse,
Nor feare, to beat _Defyance_ on his _Drum_;
He is as ready, also, to advance
The Lib’rall _Arts_, and from his Lands to drive
All false _Religion_, _Schisme_, and _Ignorance_,
As other publike profits to contrive.
And, such a _Prince_ is not a _Casuall-thing_,
The Glories of a _Throne_, by _Chance_, possessing;
Nor meerely from his _Parents_, doth he spring,
But, he is rather _Gods_ immediate _Blessing_.
If thou desirest such a _Prince_ to be,
Or, to acquire that Worth which may allure
Such _Princes_ to vouchsafe some _Grace_ to thee;
Their Kingly _Vertues_, labour to procure.
In _Military_ Practices delight,
Not for a wicked, or vaine-glorious end;
But, to maintaine the Cause that is upright,
Or thy distressed _Countrey_ to defend.
And, strive that thou, as excellent mayst bee
In _Knowledge_, as, thou art in thy _Degree_.
_=True-Lovers= Lives, in one Heart lye,
Both =Live=, or both together =Dye=._.
[Illustration: PERSEQVAR EXSTINCTṼ
ILLVSTR. XXXIII. _Book. 1._]
Hee that shall say he _Loves_, and was againe
So well-belov’d, that neither _Hee_ nor _Shee_
Suspects each other, neither needs to gaine
New proofes, that they in all Desires agree;
And, yet, shall coole againe in their _Affection_,
(And leave to Love) or live till they are _Lovers_
The second-time; It some grosse Imperfection
In _One_ (if not in _Both_) of them discovers.
It was not _Love_ which did between them grow;
But, rather, somewhat like unto the same;
Which (having made a faire deceiving _Show_)
Obtain’d, a while, that honorable Name.
For, _False-Affections_ will together play
So lovingly; and, oft, so act those Parts
Which reall seeme; that, for a time, they may
Appeare the _Children_ of _Vnfeigned-Hearts_:
Yea, Many-times, true _Turtles_ are deceiv’d
By counterfeited _Passions_, till their _Love_
Of her true _Object_ findes her selfe bereav’d;
And, after it, is forced to remove:
But, where _True-Love_ begetteth, and enjoyes
The proper _Object_, which shee doth desire,
Nor _Time_, nor _Injury_ the same destroyes;
But, it continues a _Perpetuall Fire_.
Like am’rous _Thisbe_ to her _Pyramus_,
On all occasions, it continues true:
Nor _Night_, nor _Danger_, makes it timorous;
But, through all Perills, it will him pursue.
Thus, both in _Life_, in _Death_, in all estates,
True-_Lovers_ will be true-_Associates_.
_When =Two= agree in their =Desire=,
One =Sparke= will set them =both= on =Fire=._
[Illustration: FLAMMESCIT VTERQVE
ILLVSTR. XXXIV. _Book. 1._]
The _Westerne-Indians_, when they want a Fire
To warme their naked limbs, or dresse their Food,
At ev’ry need, accomplish their Desire,
By often rubbing of two _Stickes of Wood_.
From whence, these _Observations_ we may take;
First, that in them whose Natures gentlest are,
A long _Contention_ such a Change may make,
As did, before, scarce possible appeare.
Next, that when _Two_ in _Opposition_ bee,
Whose power and strength and Malice is the same,
Their strugling Hearts but seldome doe agree,
Till they beget, a _Selfe-devouring-Flame_.
And, thirdly, it informes, that those chast _Fires_
Which on _Loves Altars_ keepe a Lasting-Heat;
Are those, which in two Hearts, two _Like-Desires_
Vpon each other, mutually beget.
Hence, therefore, learne thou, first, not to contemne
Their _Mildnesse_, who to anger are not prone;
Lest, many wrongs doe stirre up _Fires_ in them,
And worke thee Mischiefe, when thou look’st for none.
Be wary, next, though thou thy selfe be strong,
How with a pow’rfull Foe thou dost contend;
For, they that wrastle in _Contention_, long,
Will, sure, beshrew their Madnesse, in the end.
And, if to warme thee by _Loves_ Fires thou seeke,
Thy _Peere_ in _Yeares_, and _Manners_, pray to finde;
Let both your _Aymes_, and _Longings_, be alike;
Be one in _Faith_, and _Will_; and, one in _Minde_:
So, you shall reape the fruits of your Desire,
And warme each other with a kindly _Fire_.
_He that delights to =Plant= and =Set=,
Makes =After-Ages= in his =Debt=._
[Illustration: POSTERITATI
ILLVSTR. XXXV. _Book. 1._]
When I behold the Havocke and the Spoyle,
Which (ev’n within the compasse of my Dayes)
Is made through every quarter of this _Ile_,
In _Woods_ and _Groves_ (which were this Kingdomes praise)
And, when I minde with how much greedinesse,
We seeke the present Gaine, in every thing;
Not caring (so our _Lust_ we may possesse)
What Dammage to _Posterity_ we bring:
They doe, me-thinkes, as if they did foresee,
That, some of those, whom they have cause to hate,
Should come in _Future-times_, their Heires to be:
Or else, why should they such things perpetrate?
For, if they thinke their _Children_ shall succeed;
Or, can believe, that they begot their _Heires_;
They could not, surely, doe so foule a Deed,
As to deface the _Land_, that should be theirs.
What our _Forefathers_ planted, we destroy:
Nay, all Mens labours, living heretofore,
And all our owne, we lavishly imploy
To serve our present _Lusts_; and, for no more.
But, let these carelesse _Wasters_ learne to know,
That, as _Vaine-Spoyle_ is open _Injury_;
So, _Planting_ is a _Debt_, they truely owe,
And ought to pay to their _Posterity_.
_Selfe-love_, for none, but for it selfe, doth care;
And, onely, for the present, taketh paine:
But, _Charity_ for others doth prepare;
And, joyes in that, which _Future-Time_ shall gaine.
If, _After-Ages_ may my _Labours_ blesse;
I care not, _much_, how _Litle_ I possesse.
_To =Have=, and not to =Vse= the same;
Is not our =Glory=, but our =Shame=._
[Illustration: NIL PENNA, SED VSVS
ILLVSTR. XXXVI. _Book. 1._]
The _Estridge_ (though with many _Feathers_ trimm’d,
And deckt with goodly _Plumes_ of no meane size)
Is so unwieldy, and so largely limb’d,
That, up into the Aire he cannot rise.
And, though in Wings and Feathers, he appeares
A goodly _Fowle_, and beares his Head so high,
As if he could oretop the lower _Sphæres_;
And, farre above the towring _Eagles_ flie;
So uselesse are those _Feathers_, and those _Wings_,
To gaine him _Name_ among their aiery Race;
That, he must walke with such Inferiour things,
As in this _Common-Region_, have their place.
Such _Fowles_ as these, are that _Gay-plumed-Crew_,
Which (to high place and Fortunes being borne)
Are men of goodly worth, in outward view;
And, in themselves, deserve nought els but scorne.
For, though their _Trappings_, their _high-lifted Eyes_,
Their _Lofty Words_, and their _Much-feared Pow’rs_,
Doe make them seeme _Heroicke_, _Stout_, and _Wise_,
Their Hearts are oft as _fond_, and _faint_ as ours.
Such _Animals_ as these, are also those
That _Wise_, and _Grave_, and _Learned Men_ doe seeme
In _Title_, _Habit_, and all _Formall showes_;
Yet, have nor _Wit_, nor _Knowledge_, worth esteeme.
And, lastly, such are they; that, having got
_Wealth_, _Knowledge_, and those other _Gifts_, which may
Advance the _Publike-Good_, yet, use them not;
but _Feede_, and _Sleepe_, and _laze their time away_.
He, may be but a _Goose_, which weares the _Quill_;
But, him we praise, that useth it with _Skill_.
_He, that his =Course= directly Steeres,
Nor =Stormes=, nor =Windy-Censures= feares._
[Illustration: DVM CLAVVM RECTAM TENEAM
ILLVSTR. XXXVII. _Book. 1._]
Wee to the _Sea_, this _World_ may well compare;
For, ev’ry Man which liveth in the same,
Is as a _Pilot_, to some _Vessell_ there,
Of little size, or else of larger frame.
Some, have the _Boats_ of their owne _Life_ to guide,
Some, of whole _Families_ doe row the _Barge_,
Some, governe _petty Towneships_ too, beside,
(To those compar’d, which of small _Barkes_ have charge)
Some others, rule great _Provinces_; and, they
Resemble _Captaines_ of huge _Argoses_:
But, when of _Kingdomes_, any gayne the Sway,
To _Generalls of Fleets_, we liken these.
Each hath his proper _Course_ to him assign’d,
His _Card_, his _Compasse_, his due _Tacklings_, too;
And, if their Businesse, as they ought, they mind,
They may accomplish all they have to doe.
But, most Men leave the Care of their owne _Course_,
To judge or follow others, in their wayes;
And, when their Follies make their Fortunes worse,
They curse the _Destiny_, which they should prayse.
For, _Waves_, and _Windes_, and that oft-changing _Weather_
Which many blame, as cause of all their _Losses_,
(Though they observe it not) helpes bring together
Those _Hopes_, which their owne _Wisedome_, often crosses.
Regard not, therefore much, what those things be,
Which come, without thy fault, to thwart thy _Way_;
Nor, how, _Rash-Lookers-on_ will censure thee;
But, faithfully, to doe thy part, assay:
For, if thou shalt not from this _Counsell_ vary,
Let my _Hopes_ faile me, if thy _Hopes_ miscarry.
_A sudden =Death=, with =Shame=, is due
To him, that, sweares =What is untrue=._
[Illustration: SI SCIENS FALLO.
ILLVSTR. XXXVIII. _Book. 1._]
When th' _Ancients_ made a solemne _League_ or _Vow_,
Their Custome was to ratifie it, thus;
Before their _Idoll-God_, they slew a _Sow_,
And sayd aloud; _So be it unto us_.
Implying, that, if otherwise they did
Then had been vow’d; or, if within their Brest
A _Fraudulent-Intention_ had beene hid,
They merited such Vsage, as that _Beast_.
For, by the _Swine_ that they had slaughtred so,
(Which, during Life, was helpefull unto none)
Of Life deprived by a sudden blow,
And, then, cast out, that none might feed thereon;
They, mystically did inferre; that, he
Who falsify’d that _Oath_ which he had sworne,
Deserv’d, by _Sudden-Death_, cut off to be;
And, as a Beast uncleane, to lye forlorne.
That Heathenish _Hieroglyphicke_, doth implye
This _Christian-Doctrine_; that, we should in _Vowes_,
In _Leagues_, and _Oathes_, assume no Liberty,
But, what sincerest _Honesty_ allowes.
By _Swine_, the babbling _Sophisters_ are meant,
In _Hieroglyphicall_ Signification;
Which wee doe _Sacrifice_, when our intent
Is free from _Falsehood_, and _Æquivocation_.
And, this, let ev’ry Man endeavour for,
Who loves the Blessings, for just men prepar’d;
Or, if the Sinne he doe not much abhorre,
At least, the Danger let him well regard:
For, to pursue him, _Vengeance_ never leaves,
That _falsely Sweares_, or _willingly Deceives_.
_Where strong =Desires= are entertain’d,
The =Heart= 'twixt =Hope=, and =Feare=, is pain’d._
[Illustration: SPEQVE METVQVE PAVET
ILLVSTR. XXXIX. _Book. 1._]
A Troubled _Minde_, ore-charged with _Desires_,
Betweene great _Hopes_, and no lesse _Feares_ opprest,
And payned inwardly with secret _Fires_,
Was thus, by some, in former times exprest.
A _Smoking Heart_, they placed just betwixt
A _Fastned Anchor_, and a _Bended Bow_;
To which a _Barbed-Arrow_ seemed fixt,
And, ready from the _Strayned-String_ to goe.
The _Smoke_ doth _Sighes_, the _Anchor_ doth declare
That _Hope_, which keepes us from Despairing quite;
The _Bowe_ and _Arrow_, signifie that _Feare_,
Which doth, perpetually, the Soule affright.
And, by this _Emblem_, it appeares to me
That they which are with strong _Desires_ opprest,
(Though good or bad the Object of them be)
In seeking _Pleasures_, finde no small unrest:
For, they are not by _Feares_, alone, disturbed,
But, as the _Wiseman_ saith, ev’n _Hope-Delayd
Torments the Heart_; and, when _Desire_ is curbed,
The Soule becommeth sad, and ill-apayd.
A _Groundlesse-Hope_, makes entrance for _Despaire_,
And with Deceiving-showes the Heart betrayes:
A _Causelesse-Feare_, doth _Reasons_ force impaire,
And, terrifies the Soule, in doubtfull wayes.
Yet, quite neglect them not; For, _Hope_ repells
That _Griefe_ sometimes, which would our Hearts oppresse.
And, _Feare_ is otherwhile the _Sentinell_
Which rouzeth us from dang’rous _Carelesnesse_.
Thus, _Both_ are good: but, _Both_ are Plagues to such,
Who either _Fondly feare_, or _Hope too much_.
_Those =Fooles= whom =Beauties= Flame doth blinde,
Feele =Death=, where =Life= they thought to finde._
[Illustration: COSI VIVO PIACER CONDVCE A MORTE
ILLVSTR. XL. _Book. 1._]
When you doe next behold the wanton _Flyes_
About the shining _Candle_, come to play,
Vntill the _Light_ thereof hath dimm’d their Eyes,
Or, till the _Flame_ hath sing’d their Wings away:
Remember, then, this _Emblem_; and, beware
You be not playing at such harmefull Games:
Consider, if there sit no _Female_, there,
That overwarmes you, with her _Beauties Flames_,
Take heed, you doe not over dally so
As to inflame the Tinder of _Desire_;
But, shun the Mischiefe, e’re too late it grow,
Lest you be scorched in that _Foolish-Fire_.
For, as those _Wandring-Fires_ which in the Night,
Doe leade unwary _Trauellers_ astray,
Alluring them, by their deceiving _Sight_,
Till they have altogether lost their way:
Right so fantasticke _Beauty_ doth amaze
The Lust-full _Eye_, allures the _Heart_ aside,
Captives the _Senses_ (by a sudden blaze)
And, leaves the _Iudgement_ wholly stupify’d.
Nay, if Men play too long about those _Torches_,
Such is the Nature of their wanton _Flame_,
That, from their Bodies (unawares) it scorches
Those _Wings_ and _Feet_, on which they thither came.
It wasteth (ev’n to nothing) all their _Wealth_,
Consumes their precious _Time_, destroyes their _Strength_,
Bespots their _Honest-Fame_, impaires their _Health_,
And (when their Fatall Thread is at the length)
That thing, on which their Hope of _Life_ is plac’t,
Shall bring them to _Destruction_, at the last.
_Let him, that at GODS =Altar= stands,
In =Innocencie=, wash his Hands._
[Illustration: PVRIS MANIBVS.
ILLVSTR. XLI. _Book. 1._]
When (_Reader_) thou hast first of all survayd
That Reverend _Priest_, which here ingraven stands,
In all his Holy _Vestiments_ array’d,
Endeavouring for _Purifyed-Hands_;
Collect from hence, that, when thou dost appeare
To offer Sacrifice of _Prayse_ or _Prayer_,
Thou oughtst the _Robes_ of _Righteousnesse_, to weare,
And, by _Repentance_, thy defects repaire.
For, thou, that, with polluted _Hands_ presum’st
Before _Gods_ Altar to present thy Face;
Or, in the _Rags_ of thine owne _Merits_ com’st,
Shalt reape _Displeasure_, where thou look’st for _Grace_.
Then, if thou be of those that would aspire
A _Priest_, or _Prelate_, in _Gods_ Church to be;
Be sure, thou first those _Ornaments_ acquire,
Which, may be suting to that _High-Degree_.
Intrude not, as perhaps too many doe,
With _Gifts_ unfit, or by an _Evill meane_:
Desire it with a right _Intention_ too;
And, seeke to keepe thy _Conversation_ cleane.
For, they that have assum’d this _Holy-Calling_,
With _Hands_ impure, and _Hearts_ unsanctify’d,
Defame the _Truth_; give others cause of Falling,
And, scandalize their _Brethren_, too, beside:
Yea, to themselves, their very _Sacrifice_
Becomes unhallow’d; and, their _Thankes_ and _Prayers_,
The _God of Purity_, doth so despise,
That, all their _Hopes_, he turneth to _Despaires_:
And, all their best Endeavours, countermands,
Till they appeare with unpolluted _Hands_.
_No =Heart= can thinke, to what strange ends,
The =Tongues= unruely =Motion= tends._
[Illustration: LINGVA QVO TENDIS
ILLVSTR. XLII. _Book. 1._]
Well-worthy of our better Heeding were,
That _Holy Pen-mans_ Lesson, who hath sayd,
We should _be slow to Speake, and swift to Heare_;
If, well, the nature of the _Tongue_ we waigh’d.
For, if we let it loose, it getteth _Wings_,
And, flies with wanton Carelesnesse, about;
It prateth in all places, of _All things_;
Tells _Truth_ and _Lyes_, and babbleth _Secrets_ out.
To speake, of things unknowne, it taketh leave,
As if it had all Knowledge in Possession;
And, _Mysteries_ (which no Man can conceive)
Are thought fit Objects for the _Tongues_ Expression.
With _Truth_ it mixeth _Errors_; sayes, unsayes;
And, is the _Preacher_ of all _Heresies_.
That Heart, which gives it motion, it betrayes;
And, utters Curses, Oathes, and Blasphemies.
It spreads all Slanders, which base Envie raiseth;
It moveth Anger, and begetteth Hates:
It blameth _Vertue_; filthy Deeds it praiseth;
And, causeth Vproares, Murthers, and Debates.
Yea, tis the chiefest _Factor_ for the Devill;
And, yet, with speeches feignedly-sincere,
It otherwhile reproveth what is Evill,
And, will in Lowly-words, a _Saint_ appeare.
Now this is knowne; we, next of all, should learne,
How we may shunne the Mischiefe being knowne;
How, we bad _Tongues_, in _Others_, may discerne;
And, how to guide and moderate our _Owne_.
And, reason good; for, none can apprehend,
What Mischiefe doth an Evill _Tongue_ attend.
_The =Minde= should have a fixed Eye
On Objects, that are plac’d on High._
[Illustration: ΟΥΜE ΒΛLΨΟΝ ΑΝΩ
ILLVSTR. XLIII. _Book. 1._]
A _Heart_, which bore the figure of an _Eye_
Wide open to the _Sunne_; by some, was us’d,
When in an _Emblem_, they would signifie
A _Minde_, which on Celestiall Matters mus’d:
Implying, by the same, that there is nought
Which in this lower _Orbe_, our Eyes can see,
So fit an Object for a manly thought,
As those things, which in Heav’n above us be.
_God_, gave _Mankinde_ (above all other Creatures)
A lovely _Forme_, and upward-looking _Eye_,
(Among the rest of his peculiar _Features_)
That he might lift his _Countenance_ on high:
And (having view’d the Beauty, which appeares
Within the outward _Sights_ circumference)
That he might elevate above the Sphæres,
The piercing Eye, of his _Intelligence_.
Then, higher, and still higher strive to raise
His _Contemplations_ Eyes, till they ascend
To gaine a glimpse of those eternall _Rayes_,
To which all undepraved _Spirits_ tend.
For, 'tis the proper nature of the _Minde_
(Till fleshly _Thoughts_ corrupt it) to despise
Those Lusts whereto the _Body_ stands inclin’d;
And labour alwayes, _upward_ to arise.
Some, therefore, thought those _Goblins_ which appeare
To haunt old _Graves_ and _Tombes_, are _Soules_ of such,
Who to these loathsome places doomed were,
Because, they doted on the _Flesh_ too much.
But, sure we are, _well-minded Men_ shall goe
To live _above_, when others bide _below_.
_Those =Fields=, which yet appeare not so,
When =Harvest= comes, will =yellow= grow._
[Illustration: FLAVESCENT
ILLVSTR. XLIV. _Book. 1._]
When, in the sweet and pleasant Month of _May_,
We see both Leaves and Blossomes on the Tree,
And view the _Meadowes_ in their best array,
We hopefull are a _Ioyfull-Spring_ to see;
Yet, oft, before the following _Night_ be past,
It chanceth, that a _Vapor_, or a _Frost_,
Doth all those forward bloomings wholly waste;
And, then, their _Sweetnesse_ and their _Beautie’s_ lost.
Such, is the state of ev’ry mortall Wight:
In _Youth_, our _Glories_, and our _Lusts_ we shew;
We fill our selves with ev’ry vaine Delight,
And, will most thinke on that which may insue.
But, let us learne to _heed_, as well as _know_,
That, _Spring_ doth passe; that, _Summer_ steales away;
And, that the _Flow’r_ which makes the fairest show,
E’re many Weekes, must wither and decay.
And, from this _Emblem_, let each _Lab’ring-Swaine_
(In whatsoever course of life it be)
Take heart, and hope, amidst his daily paine,
That, of his _Travailes_, he good fruits shall see.
The Plow’d and Harrow’d _Field_, which, to thine eye,
Seemes like to be the _Grave_, in which the Seeds
Shall (without hope of rising) _buryed_ lye,
Becomes the fruitfull _Wombe_, where _Plenty_ breeds.
There, will be _Corne_, where nought but _Mire_ appeares;
The Durty _Seed_, will forme a greenish _blade_;
The _Blade_, will rise to _Stemmes_ with fruitfull _Eares_;
Those _Eares_, will ripen, and be _yellow_ made:
So, if in honest _Hopes_, thou persevere,
A Ioyfull _Harvest_ will at last appeare.
_As soone, as wee to =bee=, begunne;
We did beginne, to be =Vndone=._
[Illustration: FINIS AB ORIGINE PĒDET
ILLVSTR. XLV. _Book. 1._]
When some, in former Ages, had a meaning
An _Emblem_, of _Mortality_, to make,
They form’d an _Infant_, on a _Deaths-head_ leaning,
And, round about, encircled with a _Snake_.
The _Childe_ so pictur’d, was to signifie,
That, from our very _Birth_, our _Dying_ springs:
The _Snake_, her _Taile devouring_, doth implie
The _Revolution_, of all Earthly things.
For, whatsoever hath _beginning_, here,
Beginnes, immediately, to vary from
The same it was; and, doth at last appeare
What very few did thinke it should become.
The solid _Stone_, doth molder into _Earth_,
That _Earth_, e’re long, to _Water_, rarifies;
That _Water_, gives an _Airy Vapour_ birth,
And, thence, a _Fiery-Comet_ doth arise:
That, moves, untill it selfe it so impaire,
That from a _burning-Meteor_, backe againe,
It sinketh downe, and thickens into _Aire_;
That _Aire_, becomes a _Cloud_; then, _Drops of Raine_:
Those _Drops_, descending on a _Rocky-Ground_,
There, settle into _Earth_, which more and more,
Doth harden, still; so, running out the _round_,
It growes to be the _Stone_ it was before.
Thus, All things wheele about; and, each _Beginning_,
Made entrance to it owne _Destruction_, hath.
The _Life_ of _Nature_, entreth in with _Sinning_;
And, is for ever, wayted on by _Death_:
The _Life_ of _Grace_, is form’d by _Death_ to _Sinne_;
And, there, doth _Life-eternall_, straight beginne.
_Though very =small=, at first, it be,
A =Sprout=, at length, becomes a =Tree=_.
[Illustration: TANDEM FIT ARBOR
ILLVSTR. XLVI. _Book. 1._]
Wee finde it common (but not comely thou)
That, when a good _Endeavour_ is begot,
Vnlesse, at very first, it equall grow
With our Expectance, we regard it not.
Nor _Wit_, nor _Patience_, have we to conceive,
That ev’ry thing, which may by Man be wrought,
Proportionable _Time_, and _Meanes_, must have;
Before it can be to _Perfection_, brought.
Yet, ev’ry day, in things of ev’ry kinde,
_Experience_ hath informed us, herein;
And, that, in many things, a change we finde,
Which, at the first, would scarce believ’d have bin.
For, though a _Gosling_ will not prove a _Swan_,
_Vnruely-Colts_ become _well-trayned Steeds_;
A _Silly-Childe_ growes up a _Mighty-Man_,
And, _Lofty-Trees_ doe Spring from _Little Seeds_.
Learne, therefore hence, that, nothing you despise,
Because it may, at first, imperfect seeme:
And, know, how all things (in some sort) to prise,
Although, you give them not the best esteeme.
From hence, moreover, learne; not to despaire,
When you have just occasion, to pursue
A toylesome worke, or any great affaire:
Since, _all-things_, at the first, from nothing, grew.
And, I my selfe will, also, learne, from hence,
(Of all my Paines, though little fruits I see)
Nor to repine, nor to receive Offence;
But, rather joy in what befalleth mee.
For, though my _Hopes_ appeare but meanely growne,
They will be _Great_, when some shall thinke them none.
_When we above the =Crosse= can rise,
A =Crowne=, for us, prepared lies._
[Illustration: SVPERATA CRVCE CORONOR
ILLVSTR. XLVII. _Book. 1._]
A _Serpent_ rais’d above the Letter _Tau_,
Aspiring to a _Crowne_, is figur’d here:
From whence, a _Christian-Morall_ we may draw,
Which worth our good regarding will appeare.
For, by those _Characters_, in briefe, I see
Which _Way_, we must to Happinesse ascend;
Then, by what _Meanes_, that Path must clymed bee;
And, what _Reward_, shall thereupon attend.
The _Crosse_, doth shew, that _Suffring_ is the _Way_;
The _Serpent_, seemes to teach me, that, if I
Will overcome, I must not then, assay
To _force_ it; but, my selfe thereto _applye_.
For, by embracing what we shall not shunne,
We winde about the _Crosse_, till wee arise
Above the same; and, then, what _Prize_ is wonne,
The _Crowne_, which overtops it, signifies.
Let me, O _God_, obtaine from thee the Grace,
To be partaker of thy Blessed _Passion_;
Let me, with Willingnesse, thy _Crosse_ imbrace,
And, share the Comforts of thy _Exaltation_.
To beare that Part, whereto I doomed am,
My Heart, with Strength, and Courage, _Lord_, inspire:
Then, _Crucifie_ my _Flesh_ upon the same,
As much as my _Corruption_ shall require.
And, when by thy Assistance, I am rear’d
Above that _Burthen_, which lyes yet upon me;
And, over all, which (justly may be fear’d)
Shall, during Life-time, be inflicted on me;
Among those _Blessed-Soules_, let me be found,
Which, with eternall _Glory_, shall be _Crown’d_.
_In =Death=, no =Difference= is made,
Betweene the =Scepter=, and the =Spade=._
[Illustration: MORS SCEPTRA LIGONIB[VS] ÆQVAT
ILLVSTR. XLVIII. _Book. 1._]
Let no man be so sottish as to dreame,
Though all Men in their _Death_ made equall are,
That, therfore, they may gather by this _Theame_,
That, _Parity_, in Life-time, fitting were.
For, as the _Bodies_ Members (which in _Death_
Have all the like esteeme) had their Degrees,
And Honours, differing in time of _breath_;
The same (in _States_) Discretion comely sees.
Nor, should we hence inferre, that it were just
To disesteeme the breathlesse _Carcasses_
Of _Kings_ and _Princes_, when they sleepe in Dust;
For, _Civill-Reverence_ is due to these.
Nor, ought we, in their Life-time, to apply
The Truth, which by this _Emblem_ is declar’d,
The _Dignities_ of Men to vilifie;
Or, bring upon their _Persons_ lesse regard.
That, which from hence, I rather wish to preach,
Is this; that ev’ry Man of each degree,
Would marke it so, that he, himselfe might teach
What thoughts and deeds, to him most proper be.
If he be great; let him remember, then,
That (since, nor _Wealth_, nor _Title_, can procure him
Exemption from the Doomes of other Men)
He ought to seeke, how _Vertue_ may secure him.
If he be _Poore_; let him this _Comfort_ take,
That, though, awhile, he be afflicted here,
Yet, _Death_ may him as fully happy make,
As he, that doth a _Crowne Imperiall_ weare.
For, when his Fatall-blow, _Death_ comes to strike,
He, makes the _Beggar_, and the _King_, alike.
_What cannot be by =Force= attain’d,
By =Leisure=, and =Degrees=, is gain’d._
[Illustration: PAVLATIM NON IMPETV.
ILLVSTR. XLIX. _Book. 1._]
Some Foolish-_Boyes_ (and such a _Boy_ was I)
When they at Schoole have certaine houres to passe,
(To which they are compell’d unwillingly)
Much time they spend in shaking of the _Glasse_:
Thus, what they practise, to make-short their stay,
Prolongs it more; for while they seeke to force
The _Sands_, to runne more speedily away,
They interrupt them; and, they passe the worse.
Right so, in other things, with us it fares;
(And, seeming wise, we act a foolish part)
For, otherwhile, what _Time_ alone prepares,
We seeke to make the subject of an _Art_.
Sometimes, by _Rashnesse_, we endeavour what
We ought with _Leisure_, and _Advice_, to doe:
But, if a good _Successe_ doth follow, that,
Our _Wit_ was nothing helpefull thereunto.
Sometime, againe, we prosecute a thing
By _Violence_; when our desir’d effect,
No other meanes so well to passe can bring,
As _Love_ and _Gentlenesse_, which we neglect.
But, let this _Emblem_ teach us to regard
What _Way of Working_, to each _Worke_ pertaines:
So, though some Portion of our Hopes be barr’d,
We shall not, altogether, lose our paines.
Some things are _strong_, and, othersome are _weake_;
With _Labour_, some; and, some with _Ease_ be wrought:
Although the _Reed_ will bend, the _Kexe_ will breake;
And, what _mends_ one thing, makes another _naught_.
Marke this; And, when much _Haste_ will marre thy _Speed_,
That, then, thou take good _Leisure_; take thou _Heed_.
_Of =Little-Gaines=, let Care be had;
For, of small =Eares=, great =Mowes= are made._
[Illustration: DE PARVIS GRANDIS ACERVVS ERIT.
ILLVSTR. L. _Book. 1._]
Among the many Faylings of the _Time_,
This _Emblem_ giveth Cause to mention one,
Which, unto me, doth seeme the greater _Crime_,
Because, to many, it appeareth none.
I finde, that petty things are so neglected
(Well nigh of all) in _Losings_ and in _Winnings_,
As if, what ere they thought to have effected,
Subsisted without _Members_, or _Beginnings_.
The Man, that loseth every _Month_ a _Penny_,
May salve-up _Twelve-months_ Losses, with a _Shilling_.
But, if of other Losses he hath many,
To save a _Pin_, at length, he shall be willing.
For, he that sees his Wine-fill’d _Vessell_ drop,
(Although a _Drop_, in value, be but small)
Should, thence, Occasion take, the _Leake_ to stop,
Lest many _Droppings_ draine him drye of all.
Moreover, they, that will to _Greatnesse_ rise,
A Course, not much unlike to this, must keepe:
They ought not _Small-Beginnings_ to despise;
Nor, strive to _runne_, before they learne to _creepe_.
By many single _Eares_, together brought,
The _Hand_ is fill’d; by _Handfulls_, we may gaine
A _Sheafe_; with many _Sheaves_ a Barne is fraught:
Thus, oft, by _Little_, we doe much obtaine.
Consider this; And, though I wish not thee
To take, of _Trifling-things_, too great a care;
Yet, know thus much (for truth) it best will bee,
If all things may be weighed as they are:
By _slender_ Losses, _great_-ones are begunne;
By many trifling _Gaines_, much _Wealth_ is wonne.
FINIS _Libri primi_.
[Illustration: Decoration]
THE FIRST LOTTERIE.
1
Thou, dost overmuch respect
That, which will thy harme effect;
But, some other things there bee,
Which will more advantage thee:
Search thy heart; and, thou shalt, there,
Soone discover, what they are:
Yea, thine _Emblem_ showes thee, too,
What to shunne; and, what to doe.
See, _Emblem_ I.
2
It is a little fear’d, that you
Are to your owne Designes, untrue;
And, that, if you more constant were,
You would be richer, then you are,
(It may be, also, wiser, too)
Looke, therefore, what you are to doe:
Then, follow it, and, you will say,
That, well advis’d, you were, to day.
See, _Emb._ II.
3
How rich or poore soe’re thou be,
Thou, art a _Prince_, in some degree;
And, o’re thy selfe, thou shouldst command,
As doth a _Monarch_, in his Land.
Within thy Heart, therefore, ingrave
The Lawes, that _Grace_ and _Nature_ gave:
For, thus (to counsell thee) inclines
That _Emblem_, which, thy _Lot_ assignes.
See, _Emb._ III.
4
Much Liberty, thou hast assum’d;
And, heretofore, so much presum’d
On _Time_, which, alway rideth poast,
That, for awhile, some _Hopes_ are crost.
But, loe, to keepe thee from _Despaire_,
And, thy _Misfortune_, to repaire,
Marke, what to thee, by _Lot_, befell,
And, practise, what is counsell’d, well.
See, _Emb._ IV.
5
Thou seekest _Honour_, to obtaine,
By meanes, which frustrate all thy paine.
Thy Predecessors rich were made,
By using of the _Plough_ and _Spade_:
Thou, honourable wouldst be thought,
By taking Courses, that are naught;
But, if, right noble, thou wilt be,
Looke, what thine _Emblem_ counsells thee.
See, _Emb._ V.
_M_ 6
This Man, what ever he may seeme,
Is worthy of a high esteeme:
Though _Fortune_ may, his person, grinde;
She, cannot harme him, in his _Minde_.
Right blest, this _Company_ would be,
If all of them, were such, as _He_.
Reade that _Impresa_, which he drew;
For, that, in part, the same will shew.
See, _Emb._ VI.
_M_ 7
If some, now present, this had got,
They, would have blushed, at their _Lot_;
Since, very fit, the same doth prove
For one, that’s either light of _Love_,
Or, troubled with a fickle _Mate_:
If you enjoy a better _Fate_,
Yet, hearken, what your _Lot_ doth say;
Lest, you, hereafter, need it may,
See, _Emb._ VII.
8
For ought, that, plainely, doth appeare,
You may out-live the longest, here;
Yet, seeing, now, of all this crew,
The _Lot_ of _Death_, you, onely, drew,
See what, your _Emblem_ hath injoyn’d;
And, still, that Morall, beare in minde:
So, _Deaths_ deform’d and ghastly _Shade_
Shall, _Meanes_ of _Life_, to thee, be made.
See, _Emb._ VIII.
9
Though you have _Wit_, and, know it well;
That, rash you are, your _Friends_ can tell;
Yea, _Sleepe_, and _Ease_, possesse you so,
That, some doe feare, you’l sottish grow:
But, lo, your hind’rance, to prevent,
This _Lot_, was, peradventure, sent;
For, in the _Moralls_, that, insue,
Are _Counsells_, fit, for such as you.
See, _Emb._ IX.
10
You, have beene wronged, many wayes,
Yet, _patient_ are; and, that’s your praise:
Your _Actions_, also, seem’d upright;
Yet, some there are, that, beare you spite:
Lest, therefore, you discourag’d grow,
An _Emblem_, you have drawne, to show
What other _Innocents_ have borne,
And, how, the worlds despites, to scorne.
See, _Emb._ X.
_M_ 11
Doubtlesse, you are either wooing,
Or, some other _Bus’nesse_, doing;
Which, you shall attempt, in vaine,
Or, much hazzard all your paine:
Yet, if good, your _meanings_ are,
Doe not honest _meanes_ forbeare;
For, where things are, well, begunne,
_God_, oft, workes, when Man hath done.
See, _Emb._ XI.
12
Be not angry, if I tell
That, you love the _World_, too well;
For, this _Lot_, perhaps, you drew,
That, such _Faults_, you might eschew.
Marke, to what their Soules aspire,
Who, true _Blessednesse_, desire:
For, if you can doe, like those,
_Heav’n_ you gaine, when _Earth_ you lose.
See, _Emb._ XII.
13
You love the _Rich_; and, honour them;
The needy-person, you contemne:
Yet, _Wealth_, nor want of _Wealth_, is that,
Which, _wretched_ makes, or _fortunate_:
From other _Causes_, those things flow;
Which, since, you either doe not know,
Or, heede not much, this _Emblem_ came,
That, you might learne to minde the same.
See, _Emb._ XIII.
_M_ 14
Thy _Chance_ is doubtfull; and, as yet,
I know not, what to say of it;
But, this I know, a foe thou art
To what thine _Emblem_ hath, in part,
Expressed by a _Mimicke Shape_;
Or, thou, thy selfe, art such an _Ape_.
Now, which of these, pertaines to thee,
Let them, that know thee, Iudges bee.
See, _Emb._ XIV.
15
Thy Vertues he may wrong, that sayes
Thou spend’st thy selfe, in wanton wayes;
But, some have thought, and sayd of late,
That, those thou lov’st, consume thy state:
Yet, spare nor _Time_, nor Substance, tho,
Where, them, thou oughtest to bestow;
But, to thine _Emblem_ turne, and, see
When Life, and Wealth, well ventur’d bee.
See, _Emb._ XV.
16
Though _Troubles_, you may have (or had)
Enough, to make some others mad;
Yet, be content: for, they, that are
As weake, have had as much to beare;
And, that, which _Malice_ did contrive,
To make them poore, hath made them thrive.
That _Emblem_, which, by _Lot_, you drew,
Prognosticates, as much, for you.
See, _Emb._ XVI.
17
Though, you suffer blame and paine,
You, at last, may Comfort gaine,
(Sharing _Honours_, truely gotten,
When, your Foes are dead, and rotten)
For, of this, you have a pawne,
In the _Lot_, that you have drawne;
And, by that, it may appeare,
What your paines, and wages, are.
See, _Emb._ XVII.
18
Take you serious heed, I pray,
Whither, you doe goe to day;
Whom you credite; and, for whom
You, ingaged, shall become;
And, unlesse you wish for Sorrow,
Be as provident, to morrow:
For, there are some traps and Snares,
Which, may take you unawares.
See, _Emb._ XVIII.
19
Your _Wit_, so much, you trust upon,
That, weaker _Meanes_ hath yours out-gone;
Sometime, you runne, when there is need
Of much more _Warinesse_, then _Speed_.
But, you, to _God_-ward, worse have err’d;
And, yet, _Amendment_ is deferr’d.
See, therefore, what your _Chance_ doth say,
And, take good _Counsell_, while you may.
See, _Emb._ XIX.
20
Take heed, you doe not quite forget,
That you are dauncing in a _Net_:
More, then a few, your Course doe see,
Though, you, suppose, unseene to be.
Your Fault, we will no nearer touch;
Me-thinkes your _Emblem_ blabs too much:
But, if, you minde, what is amisse,
You, shall be nere the worse, for this.
See, _Emb._ XX.
21
Let such, as draw this _Lot_, have care,
For _Death_, and _Sorrow_, to prepare
All times, to come, lest one of these,
Their persons, unexpected, seize:
For, them, or some of theirs, to stay,
Pale _Death_, drawes neerer, ev’ry day.
Yet, let them not, disheartned, bee:
For, in their _Emblem_, they shall see,
_Death_, may (though, in appearance, grim)
Become, a _blessing_, unto them.
See, _Emb._ XXI.
22
With _Mary_, thou art one of those,
By whom, the better part, is chose;
And, though, thou tempted art, astray,
Continu’st in a lawfull way.
Give _God_ the praise, with heart unfaign’d,
That, he, such _Grace_ to thee, hath dain’d;
And, view thy _Lot_, where thou shalt see,
What _Hag_, hath layd a _Trap_, for thee.
See, _Emb._ XXII.
23
Although, that, thou demure appeare,
For _Pleasure_, there is no man here
Will venture more: And, some there are,
Who thinke you venture over farre:
Hereof, consider well, therefore,
E’re, so, you venture, any more;
And, in your Lotted _Emblem_, see,
For what, your _Suffrings_ ought to bee.
See, _Emb._ XXIII.
24
If ought, thou purpose, to assay,
Pursue the same, without delay;
And, if thou meane to gather fruit,
Be constant in thy _Hopes_ pursuit:
For, by thine _Emblem_, thou mayst finde,
Thy _Starres_, to thee, are well-inclin’d;
Provided, thy _Attempts_ be good:
For, that, is ever understood.
See, _Emb._ XXIV.
25
Take heed, thou love not their deceipt,
Who _Number_ give, in steed of _Weight_;
Nor, let their Fansies, thee abuse,
Who, such-like foolish _Customes_, use.
Perhaps, it may concerne thee, much,
To know the _Vanities_ of such;
And, who they are: Marke, therfore, what
Thine _Emblem_, will, to thee relate.
See, _Emb._ XXV.
26
Thou, to _Impatience_, art inclin’d;
And, hast a discontented Minde;
That, therfore, thou mayst _Patience_ learne,
And, thine owne _Over-sights_ discerne,
Thy _Lot_ (as to a Schoole to day)
Hath sent thee to the _Squirrells_ Dray;
For, she instructs thee, to indure,
Till, thou, a better _state_, procure.
See, _Emb._ XXVI.
27
Your _Lot_, is very much to blame,
Or else, your person, or, your Name
Hath injur’d beene, or, may have wrong
By some loose wanton, ere’t be long:
Therfore, e’re, hence, you passe away,
Marke, what your _Emblem_, now, doth say.
Perhaps, by drawing of this _Lot_,
Some _Harmes_ prevention may be got.
See, _Emb._ XXVII.
28
Vpon your head, those weights were laid,
Which, your _Endeavours_, downeward waigh’d;
For, those, who doe your _weale_ envie,
Much feare, your top will spring too high;
Nay, yet, some _Burthen_, you sustaine:
But, what their _Malice_ will obtaine,
Your _Emblem_ prophesies; if you,
With _Patience_, Honest-_wayes_, pursue.
See, _Emb._ XXVIII.
29
This _Lot_, befell thee, for the nonce;
For, if things come not, all at once,
Thou, to despairing, soone, dost runne,
Or, leav’st the Worke, that’s well begun:
Which, to prevent, regardfull be
Of what thine _Emblem_ counsells thee.
See, _Emb._ XXIX.
30
Afflictions, are thy chiefest _Lot_;
Yea, great ones, too: yet, murmure not.
For, all, must fiery tryalls bide,
And, from their Drosse be purify’d.
Therefore, though this, in sport, be done,
Thy Morall’d _Emblem_, looke upon;
And, learne, those _Vertues_ to acquire,
Which, will not perish in the _Fire_.
See, _Emb._ XXX.
31
You seeke a _Lot_, which, proving bad,
Would, peradventure, make you sad;
But, this may please: for, you are taught
To mend a Fortune, that is naught;
And, armed, with such Counsell, here,
That, you, no _Destiny_, need feare.
Now, if you come to Harme, or Shame,
Vpon the _Starres_, lay not the blame.
See, _Emb._ XXXI.
_M_ 32
In _Court_, thou mayst have hope, to clime,
This present, or some other time;
But, something thou dost want, as yet,
Which, for that place, must make thee fit.
Presume not, therefore, on thy _Lot_,
Till, those accomplishments are got,
Which, in thine _Emblem_, are exprest;
And, then, march on, among the best.
See, _Emb._ XXXII.
33
Some thinke, you love; 'tis true, you doe;
And, are as well beloved too:
But, you (if we the truth shall say)
Love not so truely, as you may.
To make a perfect _Love_, there goes
Much more, then ev’ry _Lover_ knowes.
Your _Emblem_, therefore heede; and, then,
Beginne, anew, to love agen.
See, _Emb._ XXXIII.
34
Now, some good _Counsell_, thou dost need;
Of what we say, take, therefore, heed.
Beware, lest thou, too much, offend
A meeke, and, gentle-natur’d, _Friend_:
Though pow’r thou hast, be carefull, too,
Thou vexe not, long, thine able _Foe_;
And, e’re thou love, be sure to finde
Thy _Match_, in _Manners_, and in _Minde_.
If thou demand a Reason, why,
To thee, thine _Emblem_ will replie.
See, _Emb._ XXXIV.
35
Beware, thou share not in their crime,
Who care, but for the present time:
For, by thy _Lot_, wee may suspect,
Or that, or things, to that effect.
If so it be, or if thy Minde,
To such an _Errour_, be inclin’d,
Thy _Chance_, unto an _Emblem_, brings,
Which, will advise to better things.
See, _Emb._ XXXV.
36
You, love to _seeme_; this, all Men see:
But, would you lov’d, as well, to _bee_.
If, also, better use were made
Of those good _Blessings_, you have had;
Your praise were more. Marke, therefore, well,
What _Moralls_, now, your _Emblem_, tell;
And, gather, from it, what you may,
To set you in a better way.
See, _Emb._ XXXVI.
37
To scape a Storme, great thought you take;
But, little heed, what _meanes_ you make.
You, love your ease, and, Troubles, feare;
But, carelesse are, what _Course_ you steere.
Which _Indiscretions_, to prevent,
You, to an _Emblem_, now, are sent:
Whereof, if you regardfull are,
You, lesse will feare, and better fare.
See, _Emb._ XXXVII.
38
What you have, done, consider, now;
For, this your _Chance_, doth seeme to show
That you have sworne, or vow’d, of late,
Or promised (you best know what)
Which, you have, since, unwilling bin,
To keepe; or, else, did faile, therein.
If it be so; repent, or els,
What will befall, your _Emblem_ tells.
See, _Emb._ XXXVIII.
39
Thy _Hopings_, and thy _Feares_, are such,
That, they afflict, and paine thee, much;
Because, thou giv’st too great a scope
Vnto thy _Feare_, or to thy _Hope_:
For, they will paine, or pleasure thee,
As they enlarg’d, or curbed be.
But, lo; thine _Emblem_, if thou please,
Instructs thee, how, to mannage these.
See, _Emb._ XXXIX.
40
Let them, who get this _Chance_, beware,
Lest _Cupid_ snarle them in a Snare:
For, by their _Lot_, they should be apt
To be, in such-like Ginnes, intrapt.
Some helpe, is by their _Emblem_, got,
If they, too late, observe it not;
But, then, no profit will be done them:
For, _Counsell_ will be lost upon them.
See, _Emb._ XL.
41
Whether, meerely, _Chance_, or no,
Brought this _Lot_, we doe not know:
But, received, let it be,
As, divinely, sent to thee:
For, that, merits thy regard,
Which, thine _Emblem_ hath declar’d;
And, the best, that are, have need,
Such _Advisements_, well to heed.
See, _Emb._ XLI.
42
Thou, hast already, or, e’re long,
Shalt have some dammage by the _Tongue_:
But, fully, yet, it is not knowne,
Whether the _Tongue_ shall be thine owne,
Or else, anothers _tongue_, from whom
This Mischiefe, unto thee, shall come:
But, much the better, thou shalt speed,
If, now, thine _Emblem_, well thou heed.
See, _Emb._ XLII.
43
Vnworthy things, thou dost affect,
With somewhat overmuch respect;
Vnto the _World_, inclining so,
As if thy Hopes were all below:
But, now, to rowse thee from this crime,
Good _Counsell_ comes in happy time.
Make use thereof; and, thinke it not
Meere casuall, or a needlesse _Lot_.
See, _Emb._ XLIII.
44
Thou, either, too much love, hast plac’t
On things, that will not alway last;
Or else, thou art a little fear’d.
Because thy Hopes are long deferr’d:
Nay, thou art touch’d, in both of these.
Thy Profit, therefore, and thine ease,
It will effect, if well thou minde
What, in thine _Emblem_, thou shalt finde.
See, _Emb._ XLV.
45
When thou hast _Changes_, good, or bad,
Ore-joy’d, thou art, or over-sad;
As if it seemed very strange
To see the _Winde_ or _Weather_, change:
Lo, therefore, to remember thee,
How changeable, things Mortall, bee,
Thou, art assisted by this _Lot_;
Now, let it be, no more, forgot.
See, _Emb._ XLV.
46
Of thy just _Aymes_, though meanes be slight,
Thou mayst attaine their wished height;
Vnlesse, thy Folly shall destroy
The Weale, thou seekest to injoy,
By thy Despaire, or by neglect
Of that, which, may thy _Hopes_ effect:
For, by thine _Emblem_, thou mayst know,
Great things, from small _Beginnings_, grow.
See, _Emb._ XLVI.
47
Thou must have _Crosses_; but they, shall,
To _Blessings_, be converted, all;
And, _Suffrings_, will become, thy Praise,
If, _Wisedome_ order, well, thy wayes:
Yea, when thy _Crosses_ ended are,
A Crowne of Glory, thou shalt weare.
Yet, note, how this to passe is brought:
For, in thine _Emblem_, it is taught.
See, _Emb._ XLVII.
48
If they, who drew this _Lot_, now be
Of great _Estate_, or high _Degree_,
They shall ere long, become as poore,
As those, that beg from doore to doore.
If poore they be; it plaine appeares,
They shall become great _Princes_ Peeres:
And, in their _Emblem_, they may know,
What very day, it will be, so.
See, _Emb._ XLVIII.
49
You, have attempted many a thing,
Which, you, to passe, could never bring;
Not, that, your Worke was hard to doe,
But, 'cause, you us’d wrong _Meanes_, thereto.
Hereafter, therefore, learne, I pray,
The _Times_ of Working, and, the _Way_;
And, of thine _Emblem_, take thou heed,
If, better, thou desire to speed.
See, _Emb._ XLIX.
50
If you, to greater _Wealth_, will rise,
You must not, slender _Gaine_, despise;
Nay, if, you minde not, to be poore,
You must regard slight _Losses_, more:
For, _Wealth_, and _Poverty_, doe come,
Not all at once, but, some and some.
If this, concerne you, any wayes,
See, what your _Emblem_, further, sayes.
See, _Emb._ L.
51
Your _Fortune_, hath deserved thank,
That she, on you, bestowes a _Blank_:
For, as you, nothing good, have had;
So, you, have nothing, that is bad.
Yea, she, in this, hath favour showne,
(If, now, your _Freedome_ well be knowne)
For, you, by _Lot_, these _Emblems_, mist,
That you, may chuse out, which you list.
52
You, by an _Emblem_, seeke to get
What Counsel your _Affaires_ may fit;
But, in particular, there’s none,
Which, you, by _Lot_, can light upon:
And, why? because, no _Morall_, there,
Doth, worthy of your Heed, appeare?
No; but because you rather, need,
Of ev’ry _Emblem_, to take heed.
53
The _Starres_, are, now, no friends of your,
Or this is not their lucky houre:
For, at this time, unto your _Lot_,
They, by an _Emblem_, answer not.
If, therefore, you desire to know
What good advice they will allow,
Some further _Meanes_, you must assay,
Or, trye your _Chance_, another day.
54
You, in your secret thoughts, despise
To thinke an _Emblem_ should advise,
Or give you cause to minde or heed
Those things, whereof you may have need:
And, therefore, when, the _Lot_, you try’d,
An answer, justly, was deny’d.
Yet (by your leave) there are but few,
Who, need good _Counsell_, more then you.
55
In some extreame, you often are,
And, shoot too short, or else too farre;
Yea, such an errour, you were in,
When, for a _Lot_, you mov’d the _Pin_:
For, one touch more, or lesse, had layd
Our _Index_, where it should have stayd.
But, if you can be warn’d, by this,
To keepe the _Meane_, which oft you misse,
You have obtain’d as good a _Lot_,
As any one, this day, hath got.
56
Among these _Emblems_, none there be,
Which, now by _Lot_ will fall to thee;
However, doe not thou repine:
For, this doth seeme to be a signe,
That, thou, thy Portion, shalt advance
By _Vertue_, not by fickle _Chance_.
Yet, nerethelesse, despise thou not
What, by good _Fortune_, may be got.
_FINIS._
A
COLLECTION
OF
EMBLEMES,
ANCIENT AND
MODERNE:
Quickened
With METRICALL ILLVSTRATIONS; And,
disposed into LOTTERIES, both _Morall_
and _Divine_.
That _Jnstruction_, and _Good Counsell_, may bee furthered
by an Honest and Pleasant _Recreation_.
_By_ GEORGE WITHER.
_The Second Booke._
[Illustration: Decoration]
LONDON,
Printed by AVGVSTINE MATHEWES.
MDCXXXIV.
TO
THE HIGH AND MIGHTY
Prince, _CHARLES_, Prince
_of_ WALES, _&c._
Fair’st _Blossome_ of our hopes; and _Morning-starre_
To all these _Ilands_, which inclosed are
By _Neptunes_ armes, within our Northern _climes_;
And who (wee trust) shall rise, in future times,
To be the brightest _Light_, that, then will shine,
Betwixt the _Artick-Circle_, and the LINE.
To YOV (as now you are) that I present
These EMBLEMS, 'tis not so impertinent
As those may thinke it, who have neither seene
What, of your _Cradle-sports_, hath heeded beene;
Nor heard how many serious _Questionings_,
Your _Child-hood_ frameth, out of trifling things:
And, if mine aime I have not much mistooke,
I come not oversoone with such a _Booke_.
So long as in this _Infant-Age_ you are,
(Wherein, the speechlesse _Portraitures_ appeare
A pleasurefull delight) your HIGHNESSE may
Among our EMBLEMS, finde a _Harmelesse-play_:
And, those mute _Objects_ will from time to time,
Still _Riper_, seeme, till you to _ripenesse_ clime.
When their dumb _Figures_, no more sport can make,
Their _Illustrations_, will begin to speake;
And, ev’ry day, new matter still disclose,
Vntill your _Iudgement_ to perfection growes.
They likewise, who their _Services_, to do
Frequent your _Presence_, may have pleasure too,
From this your _Play-game_: yea, and some perchance,
May cure a _Folly_, or an _Ignorance_
By that, which they shall either heare or view
In these our _Emblems_, when they wait on _You_;
Or, shall be called, by your EXCELLENCE,
To try what LOT, they shall obtaine from thence.
It may, moreover, much increase the sport,
Which is allowed in a vertuous COVRT;
When they whose faults have long suspected bin,
Shall draw forth private Censures of their Sin,
And, heare their EMBLEMS, openly, display,
What, others dare not, but in private, say:
Nor will, to YOV, the MORALS be in vaine,
Ev’n when to manly Knowledge you attaine;
For, though to _Teach_, it will not them become
To be _Remembrancers_, they may presume:
And, that which in their _Child-hood_, men shall heed,
Will soonest come to minde, in time of need.
Incourag’d by these _Hopes_, I thought it meet
To lay this humble _Present_ at your feet.
_Accept it, now_; and, please to favour _me_,
When I growe _old_, and, You a _Man_ shall be.
_To your Highnesse_
_most humbly devoted_,
GEO: WITHER.
TO
THE MOST HIGH-BORNE
and hopeful Prince _JAMES,
Duke of YORKE, &c._
Sweet PRINCE,
Your hand I kisse; and, thus my _Lines_ addresse
Vnto your wise, and vertuous[A] GOVERNESSE.
_For, MADAME, (as his PROXY) it is fit,
That, YOV both =Read=, and =answere= for him, yet.
To YOV for HIM, J therefore tender, here,
To welcome-in the =New-beginning Yeare=,
This harmelesse PLAY-GAME; that, it may have place,
When somewhat =riper Daies=, shall Make his =GRACE=,
Affect such =Objects=; which, to looke upon
May pleasure yeeld him, e’re this =Yeare= be gone.
'Tis not the least =Discretion=, in great COVRTS,
To know what =Recreations=, and what =Sports=
Become young PRINCES; or, to find out those,
Which may, with harmelesse pleasantnesse, dispose
Their Mindes to =VERTVE=: neither in their =Cradles=,
Should this be heeded lesse, than in their =Sadles=:
Because, when first to =know=, we doe begin,
A small =Occasion=, lets much =Evill= in.
Among those things, which both =Instruct= and =please=;
But few, (for =Children=) are surpassing these:
For, they, to looke on =Pictures=, much desire;
And, not to =Looke alone=, but, to enquire
What things those are, that represented be,
In ev’ry MAP, or EMBLEM, which they see.
And, that which they shall =view=, or shall be =told=,
(By meanes of any =Figure= they behold)
=Experience= breedes; assisteth =Memory=;
Or, helps to forme a =Witty Fantasie=:
And, if those =Formes= to good Instruction tend,
Oft steads them, also, till their lives have end.
Then, since ev’n all of us, much Good receive
By Vertuous PRINCES; And should, therefore, strive
To adde some =helpes=, whereby they might acquire
That =Excellence=, which wee in them desire.
I (being able, to present his GRACE,
With nothing but a =Rattle=, or a =Glasse=,
Or some such =Cradle-play-game=) bring, to day,
This BOOKE, to be as usefull as it may:
And, =how=, and =when=, it will most =usefull= grow,
Without my =Teaching=, YOV can fully show.
For, what is of your =Ablenesse= believ’d,
Through all these famous =Ilands=, hath receiv’d,
A large applause; in =that=, from out of those
Which =ablest= were, both =King= and =State= have chose
Your =Faith= and =Wisedome=, to be TREASVRESSE
Of their chiefe =Iewels=; and the GOVERNESSE
Of our prime Hopes. And, now J this have weigh’d,
Me thinks, there needs no more, by me, be said,
But, (having pray’d your HONOVR to receive
This PRESENT for the DVKE) =to take my leave=;
And =Versifie= to =him=, some other day,
When =Hee= can understand mee, what I say._
Till then, let it please your _Honour_ sometimes to remember
_Him_, that
I am his Graces
daily and humble
Oratour,
GEO: WITHER.
Footnote: [A] _The Countesse of Dorset._
_We best shall quiet clamorous =Thronges=,
When, we our selves, can rule our =Tongues=._
[Illustration: NEQVEO COMPESCERE MVLTOS
ILLVSTR. I. _Book. 2_]
When I observe the Melanchollie _Owles_,
Considering with what patience, they sustaine
The many clamours, of the greater _Fowles_;
And, how the little _Chirpers_, they disdaine:
When I remember, how, their Injuries
They sleight, (who, causeles give them an offence)
Vouchsafing, scarce to cast aside their eyes
To looke upon that foolish Insolence.
Me thinkes, by their _Example_, I am taught
To sleight the slaunders of Injurious _Tongues_;
To set the scoffes of _Censurers_, at naught,
And, with a brave _neglect_, to beare out _Wrongs_.
Hee, doubtles, whom the _Psalmist_, long agoe,
Vnto a lonely _Desert-Owle_ compar’d,
Did practise thus; And, when I can doe so,
I, shall for all affronts, become prepar’d.
And, (though, this Doctrine, Flesh and blood gaine-say)
Yet, sure, to stopp the malice of _Despight_,
There is no better, (nay, no other) way:
Since, _Rage_ by Opposition gathers _Might_.
_Good =God=! vouchsafe, sufficient grace and strength,
That (though I have not yet, such =Patience= gott)
I may attaine this happy gift, at length;
And, finde the cause, that, yet, I have it not.
Though me, my =Neighbours=, and my =Foes= revile;
Make me of all their words, a =Patient-bearer=:
When er’e I =suffer=, let me be, the while,
As is the silent =Lambe= before the =Shearer=.
So; though my =speakings=, cannot quiet any,
My =Patience= may restraine the Tongues of many._
_When wee by =Hunger=, =Wisdome= gaine,
Our =Guts=, are wiser then our =Braine=._
[Illustration: INGENII LARGITOR VENTER.
ILLVSTR. II. _Book. 2_]
The _Crowe_, when deepe within a close-mouth’d-_Pot_.
She water finds, her thirstinesse to slake;
(And, knoweth not where else it might be got)
Her _Belly_, teacheth her, this course to take:
She flies, and fetcheth many _Pibbles_ thither,
Then, downe into the _Vessell_, lets them _drop_;
Vntill, so many stones are brought together,
As may advance the water to the top.
From whence, we might this _observation_ heed;
That, _Hunger_, _Thirst_, and those _necessities_,
(Which from the _Bellies_ craving, doe proceed)
May make a _Foole_, grow provident and wise.
And, though (in sport) we say, the _braines_ of some,
Not in their _Heads_, but in their _Gutts_, doe lye;
Yet, that, by wants, Men wiser should become,
Dissenteth not from true _Philosophy_:
For, no man labours with much _Willingnesse_,
To compasse, what he nought at all desires;
Nor seeketh so, his longing to possesse,
As, when some urgent neede, the same requires.
Nay, though he might, a _willingnesse_, retaine,
Yet, as the _Belly_, which is ever full,
Breeds fumes, that cause a _sottish-witles-braine_;
So, _plenteous Fortunes_, make the _Spirits_ dull.
All, _borne to Riches_, have not _all-times_, witt
To keepe, (much lesse, to better) their degree:
But, men to nothing borne, oft, passage get.
(Through many wants) renown’d, and rich to bee:
Yea, _Povertie_ and _Hunger_, did produce,
The best _Inventions_, and, of chiefest use.
_Though =Musicke= be of some abhor’d,
=She=, is the =Handmaid= of the =Lord=._
[Illustration: MVSICA SERVA DEI
ILLVSTR. III. _Book. 2_]
To _Musicke_, and the Muses, many beare
Much hatred; and, to whatsoever ends
Their _Soule-delighting-Raptures_ tuned are,
Such peevish dispositions, it offends.
Some others, in a _Morall way_, affect
Their pleasing _Straines_ (or, for a sensuall use)
But, in _Gods Worship_, they the same suspect;
(Or, taxe it rather) as a great abuse.
The _First_ of these, are full of _Melancholy_;
And, Pitty need, or Comfort, more then blame;
And, soone, may fall into some dangerous _folly_,
Vnlesse they labour, to prevent the same.
The _Last_, are _giddie-things_, that have befool’d
Their Iudgements, with _beguiling-Fantasies_,
Which (if they be not, by discretion, school’d)
Will plunge them into greater _Vanities_.
For, _Musicke_, is the _Handmaid_ of the LORD,
And, for his _Worship_, was at first ordayned:
Yea, therewithall she fitly doth accord;
And, where _Devotion_ thriveth, is reteyned.
_Shee_, by a nat’rall power, doth helpe to raise,
The _mind_ to God, when joyfull Notes are sounded:
And, _Passions_ fierce Distemperatures, alaies;
When, by grave _Tones_, the _Mellody_ is bounded.
It, also may in _Mysticke-sense_, imply
What _Musicke_, in _our-selves_, ought still to be;
And, that our _jarring-lives_ to certifie,
Wee should in _Voice_, in _Hand_, and _Heart_, agree:
And, sing out, _Faith’s_ new-songs, with full concent,
Vnto the _Lawes_, ten-stringed _Instrument_.
_Marke, what =Rewards=, to =Sinne=, are due,
And, learne, =uprightnesse= to pursue._
[Illustration: DISCITE IVSTICIAM.
ILLVSTR. IIII. _Book. 2_]
A _Sword unsheathed_, and a _strangling-Snare_,
Is figur’d here; which, in _dumbe-shewes_, doe preach,
Of what the _Malefactor_ should beware;
And, they doe _threaten too_, aswell as _Teach_.
For, some there are, (would God, that summe were lesse)
Whom, neither good _Advise_, nor, wholesome _Lawe_,
Can turne from Pathwaies of _Vnrighteousnesse_,
If _Death_, or _Tortures_, keepe them not in awe.
These, are not they, whose _Conscience_ for the sake
Of _Goodnesse_ onely, _Godlinesse_, pursues;
But, these are they, who never scruple make
What _Guilt_, but, what great _punishment_ ensues.
For such as these, this _Emblem_ was prepar’d:
And, for their sakes, in places eminent,
Are all our _Gallow-trees_, and _Gibbets_, rear’d;
That, by the sight of them, they might repent.
Let, therefore, those who feele their hearts inclin’d
To any kind of _Death-deserving-Crime_,
(When they behold this _Emblem_) change their mind,
Lest, they (too late) repent, another time.
And, let not those our Counsell, now, contemne,
Who, doome _poore Theeves_ to death; yet, guilty be
Of more, then most of those whom they Condemne:
But, let them Learne their perill to foresee.
For, though a little while, they may have hope
To seeme upright, (when they are nothing lesse)
And, scape the _Sword_, the _Gallowes_, and the _Rope_,
There is a _Iudge_, who sees their wickednesse;
And, when grim _Death_, shall summon them, from hence,
They will be fully plagu’d for their offence.
_That =Kingdome= will establish’d bee,
Wherein the =People= well agree._
[Illustration: CONSENSV POPVLI REGNṼ SVBSISTIT.
ILLVSTR. V. _Book. 2_]
A _Crowned Scepter_, here is fixt upright,
Betwixt foure _Fowles_, whose postures may declare,
They came from _Coasts_, or _Climats_ opposite,
And, that, they diffring in their natures are.
In which, (as in some others, that we finde
Amongst these _Emblems_) little care I take
Precisely to unfold our _Authors_ minde;
Or, on his meaning, _Comments_ here to make.
It is the scope of my Intention, rather
From such perplext _Inventions_ (which have nought,
Of Ancient _Hieroglyphick_) _sense_, to gather,
Whereby, some usefull _Morall_ may be taught.
And, from these _Figures_, my Collections be,
That, _Kingdomes_, and the _Royall-dignitie_,
Are best upheld, where _Subjects_ doe agree,
To keepe upright the state of _Soveraignty_.
When, from each Coast and quarter of the Land,
The _Rich_, the _Poore_, the _Swaine_, the _Gentleman_,
Lends, in all _wants_, and at all _times_, his hand,
To give the best assistance that he can:
Yea, when with _Willing hearts_, and _Winged-speed_,
The men of all Degrees, doe duely carry
Their _Aides_ to publike-workes, in time of need,
And, to their _Kings_, be freely tributary:
Then shall the _Kingdome_ gayne the gloriest height;
Then shall the _Kingly-Title_ be renown’d;
Then shall the _Royall-Scepter_ stand upright,
And, with supremest _Honour_, then, be Crown’d.
But, where this Duty long neglect, they shall;
The _King_ will suffer, and, the _Kingdome_ fall.
_From that, by which I =somewhat= am,
The Cause of my =Destruction= came._
[Illustration: QVI ME ALIT ME EXTINGVIT.
ILLVSTR. VI. _Book. 2_]
The little _Sparkes_ which rak’d in _Embers_ lie,
Are kindly kindled by a gentle _blast_:
And, _brands_ in which the fire begins to die
Revive by blowing; and, flame out at last.
The selfe same _wind_, becomming over strong,
Quite bloweth out againe that very flame;
Or, else, consumes away (ere it be long)
That wasting substance, which maintain’d the same.
Thus fares it, in a Thousand other things,
As soone as they the _golden Meane_ exceed;
And, that, which keeping _Measure_, profit brings,
May, (by _excesse_) our losse, and ruine, breed.
_Preferments_ (well and moderately sought)
Have helpt those men, new _Virtues_ to acquire,
Who, being to superiour places brought,
Left all their _goodnesse_, as they climed higher.
A little _wealth_, may make us better able
To labour in our Callings: Yet, I see
That they, who being poore, were charitable,
Becomming rich, hard-hearted grow to be.
_Love_, when they entertaine it with discretion,
More worthy, and more happy, maketh men;
But, when their _Love_ is overgrowne with _Passion_,
It overthrowes their happinesse, agen.
Yea, this our _Flesh_, (in which we doe appeare
To have that _being_, which we now enjoy)
If we should overmuch the same endeare,
Would our _Well-being_, totally destroy.
For, that which gives our _Pleasures_ nourishment,
Is oft the poyson of our best _Content_.
_By =Guiltines=, =Death= entred in,
And, =Mischiefe= still pursueth =Sinne=._
[Illustration: SEQVITVR SVA PŒNA NOCENTEM
ILLVSTR. VII. _Book. 2_]
_Ixions_ wheele, and he himselfe thereon
Is figur’d, and (by way of _Emblem_) here,
Set forth, for _Guilty men_ to looke upon;
That, they, their wicked Courses might forbeare.
To gaine a lawlesse favour he desired,
And, in his wicked hopes beguiled was:
For, when to claspe with _Iuno_, he aspired,
In stead of her, a _Clowd_, he did embrace.
He, likewise, did incurre a dreadfull _Doome_,
(Which well befitted his presumptuous Crime)
A terror, and, a warning, to become,
For wicked men, through all succeeding time.
As did his longings, and his after _Paine_,
So, theirs affecteth, nor effecteth ought,
But, that, which proveth either false or vaine;
And, their false _Pleasures_, are as dearely, bought:
Yea, that, whereon they build their fairest _Hope_,
May, bring them (in conclusion of the Deed)
To clime the _Gallowes_, and to stretch a _Rope_;
Or, send them thither, where farre worse they speed:
Ev’n thither, where, the _never-standing-Wheele_
Of _everlasting-Tortures_, turneth round,
And, racks the _Conscience_, till the soule doth feele
All Paines, that are in _Sense_, and _Reason_ found.
For, neither doth black Night, more swiftly follow,
Declining _Day-light_: Nor, with Nimbler Motion
Can _waves_, each other, downe their Channell follow,
From high-rais’d _Mountaines_, to the bigg-womb’d _Ocean_,
Then, _Iustice_ will, when she doth once begin,
To prosecute, an _Vnrepented-Sin_.
_When wee have greatest =Griefes= and =Feares=,
Then, =Consolation= sweet’st appeares._
[Illustration: POST TENTATIONEM CONSOLATIO.
ILLVSTR. VIII. _Book. 2_]
When, all the yeare, our fields are fresh and greene,
And, while sweet _Flowers_, and _Sunshine_, every day,
(As oft, as need requireth) come betweene
The Heav’ns and earth; they heedles passe away.
The fulnes, and continuance, of a blessing,
Doth make us to be senseles of the good:
And, if it sometime flie not our possessing,
The sweetnesse of it, is not understood.
Had wee no _Winter_, _Sommer_ would be thought
Not halfe so pleasing: And, if _Tempests_ were not,
Such Comforts could not by a _Calme_, be brought:
For, things, save by their _Opposites_, appeare not.
Both _health_, and _wealth_, is tastles unto some;
And, so is _ease_, and every other _pleasure_,
Till _poore_, or _sicke_, or _grieved_, they become:
And, then, they relish these, in ampler measure.
_God_, therefore (full as _kinde_, as he is _wise_)
So tempreth all the _Favours_ he will doe us,
That, wee, his _Bounties_, may the better prize;
And, make his _Chastisements_ lesse bitter to us.
One while, a scorching _Indignation_ burnes
The Flowers and Blosomes of our HOPES, away;
Which into _Scarsitie_, our _Plentie_ turnes,
And, changeth _vnmowne-Grasse_ to _parched-Hay_;
Anon, his fruitfull _showres_, and pleasing _dewes_,
Commixt with cheerefull _Rayes_, he sendeth downe;
And then the Barren-earth her cropp renewes,
Which with rich Harvests, Hills, and Vallies Crowne:
For, as to relish _Ioyes_, he sorrow sends,
So, Comfort on _Temptation_, still, attends.
_To brawle for =Gaine=, the =Cocke= doth sleight;
But, for his =Females=, he will fight._
[Illustration: PRO GALLINIS
ILLVSTR. IX. _Book. 2_]
Some, are so _quarrellous_, that they will draw,
And _Brawle_, and _Fight_, for every toy they see;
Grow furious, for the wagging of a straw;
And, (otherwile) for lesse then that may be.
Some, are more staid, a little, and will beare,
Apparent wrongs (which to their face you doe;)
But, when they _Lye_, they cannot brooke to heare
That any should be bold to tell them so.
Another sort, I know, that _blowes_ will take,
Put up the _Lye_, and give men leave to say
What words they please; till spoile they seeke to make
Of their estates; And, then, they’le kill and slay.
But, of all _Hacksters_, farre the fiercest are
Our _Cockrills of the game_, (Sir _Cupid’s_ knights)
Who, (on their foolish _Coxcombes_) often weare
The Scarres they get in their _Venerean-fights_.
Take heede of these; for, you may pacifie
The _first_, by time: The _second_, will be pleas’d
If you submit, or else your words denie;
The _third_, by satisfaction, are appeas’d:
But, he that for his _Female_, takes offence,
Through Iealousy, or madnesse, rageth so;
That, he accepteth of no recompence,
Till he hath wrought his _Rivals_ overthrow.
Such Fury, shun; and, shunne their Vulgar minde,
Who for base trash despitefully contend;
But, (when a just occasion, thou shalt finde)
Thy Vertuous _Mistresse_, lawfully defend.
For, he, that in such cases turnes his face,
Is held a _Capon_, of a Dunghill Race.
_If =Safely=, thou desire to goe,
Bee nor too =swift=, nor =overflow=._
[Illustration: TVTIVS VT POSSIT FIGI.
ILLVSTR. X. _Book. 2_]
Ovr _Elders_, when their meaning was to shew
A _native-speedinesse_ (in Emblem wise)
The picture of a _Dolphin-Fish_ they drew;
Which, through the waters, with great swiftnesse, flies.
An _Anchor_, they did figure, to declare
_Hope_, _stayednesse_, or a _grave-deliberation_:
And therefore when those two, united are,
It giveth us a two-fold Intimation.
For, as the _Dolphin_ putteth us in minde,
That in the Courses, which we have to make,
Wee should not be, to _slothfulnesse_ enclin’d;
But, swift to follow what we undertake:
So, by an _Anchor_ added thereunto,
Inform’d wee are, that, to maintaine our _speed_,
_Hope_, must bee joyn’d therewith (in all we doe)
If wee will undiscouraged proceed.
It sheweth (also) that, our _speedinesse_,
Must have some _staydnesse_; lest, when wee suppose
To prosecute our aymes with good successe,
Wee may, by _Rashnesse_, good endeavors lose.
They worke, with most securitie, that know
The _Times_, and best _Occasions_ of _delay_;
When, likewise, to be neither _swift_, nor _slow_;
And, when to practise all the _speed_, they may.
For, whether calme, or stormie-passages,
(Through this life’s _Ocean_) shall their _Bark_ attend;
This _double Vertue_, will procure their ease:
And, them, in all necessities, befriend.
By _Speedinesse_, our works are timely wrought;
By _Staydnesse_, they, to passe are, safely, brought.
_They that in =Hope=, and =Silence=, live,
The best =Contentment=, may atchive._
[Illustration: IN SILENTIO ET SPE.
ILLVSTR. XI. _Book. 2_]
If thou desire to cherish true _Content_,
And in a troublous time that course to take,
Which may be likely mischieves to prevent,
Some use, of this our _Hieroglyphick_, make.
The _Fryers Habit_, seemeth to import,
That, thou (as ancient _Monkes_ and _Fryers_ did)
Shouldst live remote, from places of resort,
And, in _retyrednesse_, lye closely hid.
The _clasped-Booke_, doth warne thee, to retaine
Thy _thoughts_ within the compasse of thy breast;
And, in a quiet _silence_ to remaine,
Vntill, thy minde may safely be exprest.
That _Anchor_, doth informe thee, that thou must
Walke on in _Hope_; and, in thy Pilgrimage,
Beare up (without _despairing_ or _distrust_)
Those wrongs, and sufferings, which attend thine _Age_.
For, whensoere _Oppression_ groweth rife,
_Obscurenesse_, is more safe than _Eminence_;
Hee, that then keepes his _Tongue_, may keepe his _Life_,
Till Times will better favour _Innocence_.
_Truth_ spoken where _untruth_ is more approved,
Will but enrage the malice of thy foes;
And, otherwhile, a wicked man is moved
To cease from wrong, if no man him oppose.
Let this our _Emblem_, therefore, counsell thee,
Thy life in safe _Retyrednesse_, to spend:
Let, in thy breast, thy thoughts reserved bee,
Till thou art layd, where none can thee offend.
And, whilst most others, give their _Fancie scope_,
Enjoy thy selfe, in _Silence_, and in _Hope_.
_Let none despaire of their Estate,
For, =Prudence=, greater is, than =Fate=._
[Illustration: FATO PRVDENTIA MAIOR.
ILLVSTR. XII. _Book. 2_]
Bee _merry_ man, and let no causelesse feare
Of _Constellation_, fatall _Destinie_,
Or of those false _Decrees_, that publish’d are
By foolish braines, thy _Conscience_ terrifie.
To thee, these _Figures_ better Doctrines teach,
Than those blind _Stoikes_, who necessitate
_Contingent things_; and, arrogantly teach
(For doubtlesse truths) their dreames of changelesse _Fate_.
Though true it bee, that those things which pertaine,
As _Ground-workes_, to _Gods_ glorie, and our blisse,
Are fixt, for aye, unchanged to remaine;
All, is not such, that thereon builded is.
God, gives men power, to build on his _Foundation_;
And, if their _workes_ bee thereunto agreeing,
No _Power-created_, brings that Variation,
Which can disturbe, the _Workmans_ happy being.
Nor, of those _workings_, which required are,
Is any made unpossible, untill
Mans heart begins that _Counsell_ to preferre,
Which is derived from a _crooked-will_.
The _Starres_, and many other things, incline
Our nat’rall _Constitutions_, divers wayes;
But, in the Soule, _God_ plac’d a _Power-divine_,
Which, all those _Inclinations_, overswayes.
Yea, _God_, that _Prudence_, hath infus’d, by _Grace_,
Which, till _Selfe-will_, and _Lust_, betrayes a man,
Will keepe him firmely, in that happy place,
From whence, no _Constellation_ move him can.
And, this is that, whereof I notice take,
From this great _Starre_, enclosed by a _Snake_.
_Their =Friendship= firme will ever bide,
Whose hands unto the =Crosse= are tide._
[Illustration: CONIVNCTIS VOTIS
ILLVSTR. XIII. _Book. 2_]
When first I knew the world, (and was untaught
By tryde experience, what true _Friendship_ meant)
That I had many _faithfull friends_, I thought;
And, of their Love, was wondrous confident.
For, few so young in yeares, and meane in fortune,
Of their _Familiars_, had such troopes, as I,
Who did their daily fellowship importune;
Or, seeme so pleased in their company.
In all their friendly meetings, I was one;
And, of the _Quorum_, in their honest game:
By day or night, I seldome sate alone;
And, welcome seemed, wheresoere I came.
But, where are now those multitudes of _Friends_?
Alas! they on a sudden flasht away.
Their love begun, but, for some sensuall ends,
Which fayling them, it would no longer stay.
If I to vaine expences, would have mov’d them,
They, nor their _paines_, nor _purses_, would have spared;
But, in a reall need, if I had prov’d them,
Small showes of kindnesse, had bin then declared.
Of thrice three thousands, two, perhaps, or three,
Are left me now, which (yet) as _Friends_ I prize;
But, none of them, of that great number be,
With whom I had my youthfull Iollities.
If, therefore, thou desire a _Friend_, on Earth,
Let one _pure-faith_ betwixt you bee begot,
And, seeke him not, in _vanities_, or _mirth_,
But, let _Afflictions_ tye your _true-love-knot_:
For, they who to the _Crosse_, are firmely tyde,
Will fast, and everlasting _Friends_, abide.
_A =Candle= that affords no =light=,
What profits it, by Day, or Night?_
[Illustration: CVI BONO?
ILLVSTR. XIIII. _Book. 2_]
There be of those in every _Common-weale_,
Whom to this _Emblem_ we resemble may;
The _Name_ of none I purpose to reveale,
But, their _Condition_, heere, I will display.
Some, both by gifts of _Nature_, and of _Grace_,
Are so prepared, that, they might be fit
To stand as _Lights_, in profitable place;
Yet, loose their _Talent_, by neglecting it.
Some, to the _common Grace_, and _nat’rall parts_,
(By helpe of _Nurture_, and good _Discipline_)
Have added an accomplishment of _Arts_,
By which, their _Light_ may much the brighter shine.
Some others, have to this, acquired more:
For, to maintaine their _Lampe_, in giving light,
Of _Waxe_, and _Oyle_, and _Fatnesse_, they have store,
Which over-flowes unto them, day and night.
And, ev’n as _Lampes_, or _Candles_, on a Table,
(Or, fixt on golden _Candlesticks_, on high)
To light _Assemblies_, Great and Honourable,
They, oft, have (also) place of _Dignitie_.
By meanes of which, their _Splendor_ might become
His praise, who those high favours did bequeath:
They might encrease the _Light_ of _Christendome_,
And, make them see, who sit in shades of _Death_.
But, many of them, like those _Candles_ bee,
That stand unlighted in a _Branch_ of gold:
For, by their helpe wee nothing more can see,
Than wee in grossest darknesse, may behold.
If such there be, (as there bee such, I feare)
The question is, _For what good use they are_.
_The =Sacrifice=, God loveth best,
Are =Broken-hearts=, for =Sin=, opprest._
[Illustration: SACRIFICIVM DEO COR CONTRIBVLATIM
ILLVSTR. XV. _Book. 2_]
No Age, hath had a people, to professe
_Religion_, with a shew of holinesse,
Beyond these times; nor, did men _sacrifice_,
According to their foolish fantasies,
More oft than at this present. One, bestowes
On _pious-workes_, the hundreth part, of those
Ill-gotten goods, which from the poore he seazed,
And, thinkes his _God_, in that, is highly pleased.
Another, of her dues, the _Church_ bereaves:
And, yet, himselfe a holy man conceives,
(Yea, and right bountifull) if hee can spare
From those his thefts, the tenth, or twentieth share,
To some new _Lecture_; or, a _Chaplaine_ keepe,
To please _Himselfe_, or, preach his _Wife_ asleepe.
Some others, thinke they bring sincere _Oblations_,
When, fir’d with zeale, they roare out _Imprecations_
Against all those, whom wicked they repute:
And, when to _God_, they tender any sute,
They dreame to merit what they would obtaine,
By _praying-long_, with Repetitions vaine.
With many other such like _Sacrifices_
Men come _to God_: but, he such _gifts_ despises:
For, neither _gifts_, nor _workes_, nor _any thing_
(Which we can either _doe_, or _say_, or _bring_,)
Accepted is of _God_; untill he finde
A _Spirit-humbled_, and a _troubled-minde_.
A _contrite Heart_, is that, and, that alone,
Which _God_ with love, and pitie, lookes upon.
Such he affects; therefore (_Oh Lord_) to thee;
Such, let my _Heart_, and, such, my _Spirit_ bee.
_A =King=, that prudently Commands,
Becomes the glory of his =Lands=._
[Illustration: REGNI CORONA REX
ILLVSTR. XVI. _Book. 2_]
The _Royall-Scepter_, Kingly power, implyes;
The _Crowne-Imperiall_, GLORIE, signifies:
And, by _these_ joyn’d in one, we understand,
A _King_, that is an honour to his _Land_.
A _Kingdome_, is not alwaies eminent,
By having Confines of a large _extent_;
For, _Povertie_, and _Barbarousnesse_, are found
Ev’n in some large _Dominions_, to abound:
Nor, is it _Wealth_, which gets a _glorious-Name_;
For, then, those _Lands_ would spread the widest _Fame_,
From whence we fetch the _Gold_ and _Silver-ore_;
And, where we gather _Pearles_ upon the shore:
Nor, have those _Countries_ highest exaltations,
Which breed the strongest, and the Warlikst _Nations_;
For, proud of their owne powre, they sometimes grow,
And quarrell, till _themselves_ they overthrow.
Nor, doe the chiefest _glories_, of a _Land_,
In many _Cities_, or much _People_, stand:
For, then, those _Kingdomes_, most renowned were,
In which _Vnchristian Kings_, and, _Tyrants_ are.
It is the _King_ by whom a _Realme’s_ renowne,
Is either builded up, or overthrowne.
By _Solomon_, more fam’d was _Iudah_ made,
Then, by the Multitude of men it had:
Great _Alexander_, glorified _Greece_,
Throughout the World, which, else had bene a piece
Perhaps obscure; And, _Cæsar_ added more
To _Rome_, then all her greatnesse did before.
_Grant, =Lord=, these =Iles=, for ever may be blessed,
With what, in this our =Emblem= is expressed._
_By =Studie=, and by =Watchfulnesse=,
The Jemme of =Knowledge=, we possesse._
[Illustration: STVDIO ET VIGILANTIA.
ILLVSTR. XVII. _Book. 2_]
I Thinke you would be wise; for, most men seeme
To make of _Knowledge_ very great esteeme.
If such be your desires, this _Emblem_ view;
And, marke how well the _Figures_, counsell you.
Wee by the Bird of _Athens_, doe expresse,
That painefull, and that usefull _watchfulnesse_,
Which ought to bee enjoyned, unto them,
Who seeke a place, in _Wisdomes_ Academ.
For, as an _Owle_ mewes up her selfe by _Day_,
And watcheth in the _Night_, to get her prey;
Ev’n so, good _Students_, neither must be such,
As _daily_ gad; or _nightly_ sleepe too much.
That _open-booke_, on which the _Owle_ is perch’d,
Affords a _Morall_, worthy to be search’d:
For, it informes, and, darkly doth advise,
Your _Watchings_ be not after Vanities;
(Or, like their _Wakings_, who turne dayes to nights,
In following their unlawfull appetites)
And, that, in keeping Home, you doe not spend
Your houres in sloth, or, to some fruitlesse end.
But, rather in good _Studies_; and, in that,
By which, true _Knowledge_, is arrived at.
For, if your _Studies_, and your _Wakings_, bee
To this intent; you shall that _Path-way_ see
To _Wisdome_, and to _Honour_, which was found,
Of them, whose _Knowledge_ hath been most renownd.
But, if your _Watchings_, and _Retyrednesse_,
Be for your _Lust_, or, out of _Sottishnesse_;
You are not, what th' _Athenian-Owle_ implies,
But, what our _English-Owlet_ signifies.
_When =Mars=, and =Pallas=, doe agree,
Great workes, by them, effected bee._
[Illustration: ARTE ET MARTE
ILLVSTR. XVIII. _Book. 2_]
It prospers ever best, in all Estates,
When _Mars_ and _Pallas_ are continuall Mates.
And, those affaires but seldome luckie be,
In which, these needfull _Powers_, doe not agree.
That _Common-wealth_, in which, good _Arts_ are found
Without a _Guard_, will soone receive a wound:
And, _Souldiers_, where _good-order_ beares no sway,
Will, very quickly, rout themselves away.
Moreover, in our private Actions too,
There must bee both a _Knowledge_, how to doe
The _worke_ propos’d; and _strength_ to finish it;
Or, wee shall profit little by our _Wit_.
_Discretion_ takes effect, where _Vigour_ failes;
Where _Cunning_ speeds not, _outward-force_ prevailes;
And, otherwhile, the prize pertaines to neither,
Till they have joyn’d their _Vertues_ both together.
Consider this; and, as occasions are,
To both of these your due respects declare.
Delight not so in _Arts_, to purchase harmes
By Negligence, or Ignorance of _Armes_:
If _Martiall-Discipline_ thou shalt affect;
Yet, doe not _honest-Policie_, neglect.
Improve thy _Minde_, as much as e’re thou may;
But foole thou not thy _Bodies_ gifts away.
The _Vertues_ both of _Body_, and of _Mind_,
Are, still, to be regarded in their kind.
And, wee should neither of the two disgrace;
Nor, either of them, raise above his place:
For, when these two wee value as wee ought,
Great works, by their _joynt-power_, to passe are brought.
_They, after =suffring=, shall be =crown’d=,
In whom, a =Constant-faith=, is found._
[Illustration: CONSTANTE FIDVCIA
ILLVSTR. XIX. _Book. 2_]
Marke well this _Emblem_; and, observe you thence
The nature of true _Christian-confidence_.
Her _Foot_ is fixed on a _squared-Stone_,
Which, whether side soe’re you turne it on,
Stands fast; and, is that _Corner-stone_, which props,
And firmely knits the structure of our _Hopes_.
_Shee_, alwayes, beares a _Crosse_; to signifie,
That, there was never any _Constancie_
Without her _Tryalls_: and, that, her perfection,
Shall never be attain’d, without _Affliction_.
A _Cup_ shee hath, moreover, in her hand;
And, by that _Figure_, thou mayst understand,
That, shee hath draughts of _Comfort_, alwayes neere her,
(At ev’ry brunt) to strengthen, and to cheare her.
And, loe, _her_ head is _crown’d_; that, we may see
How great, her _Glories_, and _Rewards_, will be.
Hereby, this _Vertue’s_ nature may be knowne:
Now, practise, how to make the same thine owne.
Discourag’d be not, though thou art pursu’d
With many wrongs, which cannot be eschew’d;
Nor yeeld thou to _Despairing_, though thou hast
A _Crosse_ (which threatens death) to be embrac’t;
Or, though thou be compell’d to swallow up,
The very dregs, of _Sorrowes_ bitter _Cup_:
For, whensoever griefes, or torments, paine thee,
Thou hast the same _Foundation_ to sustaine thee:
The selfe same _Cup_ of _Comfort_, is prepared
To give thee strength, when _fainting-fits_ are feared:
And, when thy _time of tryall_, is expired,
Thou shalt obtaine the _Crowne_, thou hast desired.
_=Love=, a =Musician= is profest,
And, of all =Musicke=, is the best._
[Illustration: AMOR DOCET MVSICAM
ILLVSTR. XX. _Book. 2_]
If to his thoughts my _Comments_ have assented,
By whom the following _Emblem_ was _invented_,
I'le hereby teach you (_Ladies_) to discover
A true-bred _Cupid_, from a fained _Lover_;
And, shew (if you have Wooers) which be they,
That worth’est are to beare your _Hearts_ away.
As is the _Boy_, which, here, you pictured see,
Let them be _young_, or let them, rather, be
Of _suiting-yeares_ (which is instead of _youth_)
And, wooe you in the _nakednesse_, of _Truth_;
Not in the common and disguised _Clothes_,
Of _Mimick-gestures_, _Complements_, and _Oathes_.
Let them be _winged_ with a swift _Desire_;
And, not with _slow-affections_, that will tyre.
But, looke to this, as to the principall,
That, _Love_ doe make them truly _Musicall_:
For, _Love’s_ a good _Musician_; and, will show
How, every faithfull _Lover_ may be so.
Each _word_ he speakes, will presently appeare
To be melodious _Raptures_ in your eare:
Each _gesture_ of his body, when he moves,
Will seeme to _play_, or _sing_, a _Song of Loves_:
The very _lookes_, and _motions_ of his eyes,
Will touch your _Heart-strings_, with sweet _Harmonies_;
And, if the _Name_ of him, be but exprest,
T’will cause a thousand _quaverings_ in your breast.
Nay, ev’n those _Discords_, which occasion’d are,
Will make your _Musicke_, much the sweeter, farre.
And, such a mooving _Diapason_ strike,
As none but _Love_, can ever play the like.
_Thy =seeming-Lover=, false will bee,
And, love thy =Money=, more than =Thee=._
[Illustration: NON TE SED NVMMOS
ILLVSTR. XXI. _Book. 2_]
What may the reason be, so many wed,
And misse the blessings of a _joyfull-Bed_,
But those ungodly, and improper ends,
For which, this Age most _Marriages_ intends?
Some, love _plumpe flesh_; and, those as kinde will be
To any gamesome _Wanton_, as to thee.
Some, doate on _Honours_; and, all such will prize
Thy _Person_, meerely, for thy _Dignities_.
Some, fancy _Pleasures_; and, such _Flirts_ as they,
With ev’ry _Hobby-horse_, will runne away.
Some (like this _Couple_ in our _Emblem_, here)
Wooe hard for _Wealth_; and, very kind appeare,
Till they have wonne their prize: but, then they show
On what their best _Affections_ they bestow.
This _Wealth_, is that sweet _Beautie_, which preferres
So many to their _Executioners_.
This, is that rare _Perfection_, for whose sake,
The _Politician_, doth his _Marriage_, make.
Yea, most of those whom you shall married find,
Were cousned, (or did cousen) in this kind;
And, for some _by-spects_, they came together,
Much more, than for the sakes, of one another.
If this concernes thee, now, in any sense;
For thy instruction, take this warning hence:
If thou hast err’d already, then, lament
Thy passed crime, and, beare thy punishment.
If thou, as yet, but tempted art to erre;
Then, let this _Emblem_ be thy _Counsellor_:
For, I have said my mind; which, if thou slight,
Goe, and repent it, on thy _wedding night_.
_Give =Credit=; but, first, well beware,
Before thou =trust= them, =who they are=._
[Illustration: FIDE SED CVI VIDE
ILLVSTR. XXII. _Book. 2_]
I Rather would (because it seemeth just)
Deceived be, than causelesly distrust:
Yet, _whom_ I credited; and, then, how _farre_;
Bee _Cautions_, which I thought worth heeding were:
And, had not this been taught me long agone,
I had been poorer, if not quite undone.
That, others to such warinesse, may come,
This _Emblem_, here, hath filled up a roome;
And, though a vulgar _Figure_, it may seeme,
The _Morall_, of it, meriteth esteeme.
That _Seeing-Palme_, (endowed with an _Eye_,
And handling of a _Heart_) may signifie
What warie _Watchfulnesse_, observe we must,
Before we venter on a weightie _Trust_:
And, that, to keepe our _kindnesse_ from abuse,
There is of _double-diligence_, an use.
Mens hearts, are growne so false, that most are loath
To trust each others _Words_, or _Bands_, or _Oath_:
For, though wee had in every part an _Eye_,
We could not search out all _Hypocrisie_;
Nor, by our utmost providence, perceive
How many wayes, are open to deceive.
Now, then (although perhaps thou art so wise,
To know already, what I would advise)
Yet may this _Emblem_, or this _Motto_, bee
Instead of some _Remembrancer_, to thee.
So, take it therefore; And, be sure, if either
This _Warning_, or thy _Wit_, (or both together)
Can, still, secure thee from _deceitfull-hearts_;
Thy _luck_ exceedeth all thy other parts.
_Hee, that on =Earthly-things=, doth trust,
Dependeth, upon =Smoake=, and =Dust=._
[Illustration: HVMANA FVMVS
ILLVSTR. XXIII. _Book. 2_]
_Lord!_ what a coyle is here! and what a puther,
To save and get? to scratch and scrape together
The Rubbish of the world? and, to acquire
Those vanities, which _Fancie_ doth desire?
What _Violence_ is used, and what _Cunning_?
What nightly _Watchings_, and what daily _Running_?
What _sorrowes_ felt? what _difficulties_ entred?
What _losses_ hazarded? what _perills_ ventred?
And, still, how sottishly, doe wee persever
(By all the power, and meanes wee can endeaver)
To wheele our selves, in a perpetuall _Round_,
In quest of that, which never will be found?
In _Objects_, here on _Earth_, we seeke to finde
That perfect sollidnesse, which is confinde,
To things in _Heaven_, though every day we see,
What emptinesse, and faylings, in them be.
To teach us better; this, our _Emblem_, here,
Assayes to make terrestriall things appeare
The same they be, (both to our eares and eyes)
That, wee may rightly their Condition prize.
The best, which of earths _best things_, wee can say,
Is this; that they are _Grasse_, and will be _Hay_.
The rest, may be resembled to the _Smoke_,
(Which doth but either blind the sight, or choke)
Or else, to that uncleanly _Mushrum-ball_,
Which, in some Countries, wee a _Puff-foyst_ call;
Whose _out-side_, is a nastie rotten _skin_,
Containing durt, or smoking-dust, _within_.
This is my _mind_; if wrong you thinke I’ve done them,
Be _Fooles_; and, at your perils, dote upon them.
_I beare, about mee, all my store;
And, yet, a =King= enjoyes not more._
[Illustration: OMNIA MEA MECVM PORTO
ILLVSTR. XXIIII. _Book. 2_]
This _Emblem_ is a _Torteise_, whose owne shell
Becomes that _house_, where he doth rent-free dwell;
And, in what place soever hee resides,
His _Arched-Lodging_, on his backe abides.
There is, moreover, found a kind of these,
That live both on the shore, and in the Seas;
For which respects, the _Torteise_ represents
That man, who in himselfe, hath full contents;
And (by the _Vertues_ lodging in his minde)
Can all things needfull, in all places, finde.
To such a _Man_, what ever doth betide;
From him, his _Treasures_, nothing can divide.
If of his _outward-meanes_, Theeves make a prise;
Hee, more occasion hath to exercise
His _inward-Riches_: and, they prove a _Wealth_,
More usefull, and lesse lyable to stealth.
If, any at his harmelesse person strike;
Himselfe hee streight contracteth, _Torteis-like_,
To make the _Shell_ of _Suffrance_, his defence;
And, counts it _Life_, to die with _Innocence_.
If, hee, by hunger, heat, or cold, be payn’d;
If, hee, be slaundred, sleighted, or disdayn’d;
Hee, alwayes keepes and carries, that, within him,
Which may, from those things, _ease_ and _comfort_, win him.
When, him uncloathed, or unhous’d, you see;
His _Resolutions_, clothes and houses bee,
That keepe him safer; and, farre warmer too,
Than _Palaces_, and princely _Robes_, can doe.
_God give mee =wealth=, that hath so little Cumber;
And, much good doo’t the =World= with all her Lumber._
_To =Learning=, J a love should have,
Although one foot were in the =Grave=._
[Illustration: TAMEN DISCAM.
ILLVSTR. XXV. _Book. 2_]
Here, we an _Aged-man_ described have,
That hath _one foot_, already, in the _Grave_:
And, if you marke it (though the _Sunne_ decline,
And horned _Cynthia_ doth begin to shine)
With _open-booke_, and, with attentive eyes,
Himselfe, to compasse _Knowledge_, he applyes:
And, though that _Evening_, end his last of dayes,
_Yet, I will study, more to learne_, he sayes.
From this, we gather, that, while time doth last,
The time of _learning_, never will be past;
And, that, each houre, till we our _life_ lay downe,
Still, something, touching _life_, is to be knowne.
When he was old, wise _Cato_ learned Greeke:
But, we have _aged-folkes_, that are to seeke
Of that, which they have much more cause to learne;
Yet, no such minde in them, wee shall discerne.
For, that, which they should studie in their _prime_,
Is, oft, deferred, till their _latter-time_:
And, then, _old-age_, unfit for _learning_, makes them,
Or, else, that common _dulnesse_ overtakes them,
Which makes ashamed, that it should be thought,
They need, like _little-children_, to be taught.
And, so, out of this world, they doe returne
As wise, as in that weeke, when they were borne.
_God, grant me grace, to spend my life-time so,
That I my duety still may seeke to =know=;
And, that, I never, may so farre proceed,
To thinke, that I, more =Knowledge=, doe not need:
But, in =Experience=, may continue growing,
Till I am fill’d with fruits of pious-knowing._
_=Good-fortune=, will by those abide,
In whom, =True-vertue= doth reside._
[Illustration: VIRTVTI FORTVNA COMES.
ILLVSTR. XXVI. _Book. 2_]
Marke, how the _Cornucopias_, here, apply
Their _Plenties_, to the _Rod_ of _Mercury_;
And (if it seeme not needlesse) learne, to know
This _Hieroglyphick’s_ meaning, ere you goe.
The _Sages_ old, by this _Mercurian-wand_
(_Caducæus_ nam’d) were wont to understand
_Art_, _Wisedome_, _Vertue_, and what else we finde,
Reputed for endowments of the _Minde_.
The _Cornucopias_, well-knowne _Emblems_, are,
By which, great _wealth_, and _plenties_, figur’d were;
And (if you joyne together, what they spell)
It will, to ev’ry Vnderstanding, tell,
That, where _Internall-Graces_ may be found,
_Eternall-blessings_, ever, will abound.
For, this is _truth_, and (though some thoughts in you
Suggest, that this is, often times, untrue)
This, ever is the _truth_; and, they have got
Few right-form’d _Vertues_, who believe it not.
I will confesse, true _Vertue_ hath not ever
All _Common-plenties_, for which most indeavour;
Nor have the _Perfect’st-Vertues_, those high places,
Which _Knowledge_, _Arts_ (and, such as have the faces
Of outward _beauty_) many times, attaine;
For, these are things, which (often) those men gaine,
That are more _flesh_, then _spirit_; and, have need
Of _carnall-helpes_, till higher they proceede.
But, they, of whom I speake, are flowne so high,
As, not to want those _Toyes_, for which wee crye:
And, I had showne you somewhat of their store,
But, that, this _Page_, had roome to write no more.
_The =Gospel=, thankefully imbrace;
For, =God=, vouchsafed us, this =Grace=._
[Illustration: DEVS NOBIS HÆC OTIA FECIT.
ILLVSTR. XXVII. _Book. 2_]
This moderne _Emblem_, is a mute expressing
Of _Gods_ great Mercies, in a _Moderne-blessing_;
And, gives me, now, just cause to sing his praise,
For granting me, my being, in these dayes.
The much-desired _Messages_ of Heav’n,
For which, our _Fathers_ would their lives have giv’n,
And (in _Groves_, _Caves_, and _Mountaines_, once a yeare)
Were glad, with hazard of their goods, to heare;
Or, in lesse bloudy times, at their owne homes,
To heare, in private, and obscured roomes.
Lo; those, those _Ioyfull-tydings_, we doe live
Divulg’d, in every _Village_, to perceive;
And, that, the sounds of _Gladnesse_, eccho may,
Through all our goodly _Temples_, ev’ry day.
_This was (=Oh God=) thy doing; unto thee,
Ascrib’d, for ever, let all Prayses bee.
Prolong this =Mercie=, and, vouchsafe the =fruit=,
May to thy =Labour=, on this =Vine-yard=, suit:
Lest, for our fruitlesnesse, thy =Light of grace=,
Thou, from our =Golden candlesticke=, displace.
We doe, me thinkes, already, =Lord=, beginne
To =wantonize=, and let that =loathing= in,
Which makes thy =Manna= tastlesse; And, I feare,
That, of those =Christians=, who, more often =heare=,
Then practise, what =they know=, we have too many:
And, I suspect my =selfe=, as much as any.
Oh! mend =me= so, that, by amending =mee=,
Amends in =others=, may increased be:
And, let all =Graces=, which thou hast bestow’d,
Returne thee =honour=, from whom, first, they flow’d._
_The =Bees=, will in an =Helmet= breed;
And, =Peace=, doth after =Warre=, succeed._
[Illustration: EX BELLO PAX
ILLVSTR. XXVIII. _Book. 2_]
When you have heeded, by your _Eyes_ of _sense_,
This _Helmet_, hiving of a Swarme of _Bees_,
Consider, what may gather’d be from thence,
And, what your _Eye_ of _Vnderstanding_ sees.
That _Helmet_, and, those other _Weapons_, there,
Betoken _Warre_; the Honey-making, _Flyes_,
An _Emblem_ of a happy _Kingdome_, are,
Injoying _Peace_, by painfull Industries:
And, when, all these together are exprest,
As in this _Emblem_, where the _Bees_, doe seeme
To make their dwelling, in a _Plumed-Crest_,
A _Morall_ is implyed, worth esteeme.
For, these inferre, mysteriously, to me,
That, _Peace_, and _Art_, and _Thrift_, most firme abides,
In those _Re-publikes_, where, _Armes_ cherisht bee;
And, where, true _Martiall-discipline_, resides.
When, of their Stings, the _Bees_, disarm’d, become,
They, who, on others Labours, use to prey,
Incourag’d are, with violence, to come,
And, beare their _Honey_, and, their _Waxe_, away.
So when a _People_, meerely, doe affect
To gather Wealth; and (foolishly secure)
Defences necessary, quite neglect;
Their Foes, to spoyle their Land, it will allure.
Long _Peace_, brings _Warre_; and, _Warre_, brings _Peace_, againe:
For, when the smart of _Warfare_ seizeth on them,
They crye, _Alarme_; and, then, to fight, are faine,
Vntill, their _Warre_, another _Peace_, hath wonne them;
And, out of their old rusty _Helmets_, then,
New _Bees_ doe swarme, and, fall to worke agen.
_The =Heart= of him, that is =upright=,
In =Heavenly-knowledge=, takes delight._
[Illustration: COR RECTṼ INQVIRIT SCIENTIĀ.
ILLVSTR. XXIX. _Book. 2_]
This _Emblem_, with some other of the rest,
Are scarce, with seemly _Properties_, exprest,
Yet, since a vulgar, and a meane _Invention_
May yield some _Fruit_, and shew a good _Intention_;
Ile, hence, as well informe your _Intellects_,
As if these _Figures_ had not those defects.
The _Booke_, here shadow’d, may be said, to show
The _Wisdome_, and _Experience_, which we know
By Common meanes, and, by these _Creatures_, here,
Which to be plac’d below us, may appeare.
The _Winged-heart_, betokens those _Desires_,
By which, the _Reasonable-soule_, aspires
Above the _Creature_; and, attempts to clime,
To _Mysteries_, and _Knowledge_, more sublime:
Ev’n to the _Knowledge_ of the _Three-in-one_,
Implyed by the _Tetragrammaton_.
The _Smokings_ of this _Heart_, may well declare
Those _Perturbations_, which within us are,
Vntill, that Heavenly wisedome, we have gain’d,
Which is not, here, below, to be attain’d;
And, after which, those _Hearts_, that are _upright_,
Enquire with daily studie, and delight.
_To me, =Oh Lord=, vouchsafe thou, to impart
The gift of such a =Rectifyed-heart=.
Grant me the =Knowledge= of Inferiour things,
So farre, alone, as their Experience, brings
The =Knowledge=, which, I ought to have of thee,
And, of those Dueties, thou requir’st of mee:
For, thee, =Oh God=, to =know=, and, thee to =feare=,
Of truest =Wisedome=, the Perfections are._
_Where, =Labour=, wisely, is imploy’d,
Deserved =Glory=, is injoy’d._
[Illustration: ΕΚ ΠΟΝΟΥ ΚΛΕΟΣ.
ILLVSTR. XXX. _Book. 2_]
Doe men suppose, when _Gods_ free-giving Hand,
Doth by their _Friends_, or, by _Inheritance_,
To _Wealth_ or _Titles_, raise them in the Land,
That, those, to _Lasting-glories_, them advance?
Or, can men thinke, such _Goods_, or _Gifts_ of Nature,
As _Nimble-apprehensions_, _Memory_,
An _Able-body_, or, a comely _Feature_
(Without improvement) them, shall dignifie?
May Sloth, and Idlenesse, be warrantable,
In us, because our _Fathers_ have been rich?
Or, are wee, therefore, truely honourable,
Because our _Predecessours_, have beene such?
When, nor our _Fortunes_, nor our _naturall parts_,
In any measure, are improved by us,
Are others bound (as if we had deserts)
With Attributes of _Honour_ to belye us?
No, no; the more our _Predecessours_ left,
(Yea, and, the more, by _nature_, we enjoy)
We, of the more esteeme, shall be bereft;
Because, our _Talents_, we doe mis-imploy.
True _Glory_, doth on _Labour_, still attend;
But, without _Labour_, _Glory_ we have none.
_She_, crownes good _Workmen_, when their Works have end;
And, _Shame_, gives payment, where is nothing done.
Laborious, therefore, bee; But, lest the _Spade_
(which, here, doth _Labour_ meane) thou use in vaine,
The _Serpent_, thereunto, be sure thou adde;
That is, Let _Prudence_ guide thy _taking-paine_.
For, where, a _wise-endeavour_, shall be found,
A _Wreath_ of _Glory_, will inclose it round.
_Behold, you may, the =Picture=, here,
Of what, keepes =Man=, and =Childe=, in feare._
[Illustration: PVEROS CASTIGO VIROSQ[VE]
ILLVSTR. XXXI. _Book. 2_]
These, are the great’st _Afflictions_, most men have,
Ev’n from their _Nursing-cradle_, to their _Grave_:
Yet, both so needfull are, I cannot see,
How either of them, may well spared bee.
The _Rod_ is that, which, most our _Child-hood_ feares;
And, seemes the great’st _Affliction_ that it beares:
That, which to _Man-hood_, is a plague, as common
(And, more unsufferable) is a _Woman_.
Yet, blush not _Ladies_; neither frowne, I pray,
That, thus of _Women_, I presume to say;
Nor, number mee, as yet, among your _foes_;
For, I am more your _friend_, then you suppose:
Nor smile ye _Men_, as if, from hence, ye had
An Argument, that _Woman-kinde_ were bad.
The _Birch_, is blamelesse (yea, by nature, sweet,
And gentle) till, with stubborne Boyes, it meet:
But, then, it smarts. So, _Women_, will be kinde,
Vntill, with froward _Husbands_, they are joyn’d:
And, then indeed (perhaps) like Birchen boughes,
(Which, else, had beene a trimming, to their House)
They, sometimes prove, sharpe _whips_, and _Rods_, to them,
That _Wisdome_, and _Instruction_ doe contemne.
A _Woman_, was not given for _Correction_;
But, rather for a furtherance to _Perfection_:
A precious _Balme of love_, to cure Mans griefe;
And, of his Pleasures, to become the chiefe.
If, therefore, she occasion any smart,
The blame, he merits, wholly, or in part:
For, like sweet _Honey_, she, good _Stomackes_, pleases;
But, paines the _Body_, subject to _Diseases_.
_=Death’s= one =long-Sleepe=; and, =Life’s= no more,
But one =short-Watch=, an houre before._
[Illustration: VITA MORTALIVM VIGILIA.
ILLVSTR. XXXII. _Book. 2_]
When, on this _Child-like-figure_, thou shalt looke,
Which, with his _Light_, his _Houre-glasse_, and his _booke_,
Sits, in a _watching-posture_, formed here;
And, when thou hast perus’d that _Motto_, there,
On which he layes his hand; thy selfe apply
To what it counselleth; and, _learne to die_,
While that _Light_ burnes, and, that _short-houre_ doth last,
Which, for this _Lesson_, thou obtained hast.
And, in this _bus’nesse_, use thou no delayes;
For, if the bigger _Motto_ truely, sayes,
There is not left unto thee, one whole _Watch_,
Thy necessary labours, to dispatch.
It was no more, when first thy _Life_ begunne;
And, many _Glasses_ of that _Watch_ be runne:
Which thou observing, shouldst be put in minde,
To husband well, the _space_ that is behind.
Endeavour honestly, whil’st thou hast _light_:
Deferre thou not, thy _Iourney_, till the _night_;
Nor, sleepe away, in Vanities, the _prime_,
And _flowre_, of thy most acceptable _time_.
So watchfull, rather, and, so carefull be,
That, whensoere the _Bridegroome_ summons thee;
And, when thy _Lord_ returnes, unlookt for, home;
Thou mayst, a _Partner_, in their joyes, become.
_And, oh =my God!= so warie, and so wise,
Let me be made; that, this, which I advise
To other men (and really have thought)
May, still, in practice, by my selfe, be brought:
And, helpe, and pardon me, when I transgresse,
Through humane frailtie, or, forgetfulnesse._
_What ever =God= did =fore-decree=,
Shall, without faile, =fulfilled be=._
[Illustration: MANET IMMVTABILE FATVM.
ILLVSTR. XXXIII. _Book. 2_]
Me thinkes, that _Fate_, which _God_ weighs forth to all,
I, by the _Figure_ of this _Even-Skale_,
May partly show; and, let my _Reader_, see
The state, of an _Immutable-decree_;
And, how it differs, from those _Destinies_,
Which carnall understandings, doe devise.
For, this implies, that ev’ry thing, _to-come_,
Was, by a steady, and, by equall _doome_,
Weigh’d out, by _Providence_; and, that, by _Grace_,
Each _thing_, each _person_, ev’ry _time_, and _place_,
Had thereunto, a _powre_, and _portion_ given,
So proper to their nature (and, so even
To that just _measure_, which, aright became
The _Workings_, and, the _being_, of the same)
As, best might helpe the furthering of that _end_,
Which, _God’s_ eternall _wisedome_, doth intend.
And, though, I dare not be so bold, as they,
Who, of _God’s_ Closet, seeme to keep the _Key_;
(And, things, for absolute _Decrees_, declare,
Which, either _false_, or, but _Contingents_ are)
Yet, in his _Will-reveal’d_, my _Reason_, sees
Thus much, of his _Immutable-decrees_:
That, him, a _Doome-eternall_, reprobateth,
Who scorneth _Mercie_; or, _Instruction_ hateth,
Without _Repenting_: And, that, whensoever,
A _Sinner_, true _amendment_, shall indeavour;
Bewaile his _Wickednesse_, and, call for _grace_;
There shall be, for _Compassion_, time, and place.
And, this, I hold, a branch of that _Decree_,
Which, Men may say, shall _never changed be_.
_My =Fortune=, I had rather beare;
Then come, where greater perills are._
[Illustration: DETERIVS FORMIDO.
ILLVSTR. XXXIV. _Book. 2_]
Marke well this _Caged-fowle_; and, thereby, see,
What, thy estate, may, peradventure, be.
She, wants her _freedome_; so, perhaps, dost thou,
Some _freedomes_ lacke, which, are desired, now;
And, though, thy _Body_ be not so confin’d;
Art straitned, from some liberty of _Minde_.
The _Bird in thrall_, the more contented lyes,
Because, the _Hawke_, so neere her, she espyes;
And, though, the _Cage_ were open, more would feare,
To venture out, then to continue there:
So, if thou couldst perceive, what _Birds of prey_,
Are hov’ring round about thee, every day,
To seize thy _Soule_ (when she abroad shall goe,
To take the _Freedome_, she desireth so)
Thou, farre more fearefull, wouldst of them, become,
Then thou art, now, of what thou flyest from.
Not _Precepts_, but _Experience_, thus hath taught me;
Which, to such resolutions, now have brought me,
That, whatsoever mischiefes others doe me,
I make them yield some true Contentments to me;
And, seldome struggle from them, till I see,
That, _smother-fortunes_ will securer be.
What spight soere my Foes, to me, can doe,
I laugh thereat, within an houre or two;
For, though the World, and I, at first, believe,
My Suffrings, give me cause enough to grieve;
Yet, afterward, I finde (the more to glad me)
That, better _Fortunes_, might farre worse have made me.
By some young _Devills_, though, I scratched am,
Yet, I am hopefull, I shall scape their _Dam_.
_The more contrary =Windes= doe blow,
The greater =Vertues= praise will grow._
[Illustration: ADVERSIS CLARIVS ARDET.
ILLVSTR. XXXV. _Book. 2_]
Observe the nature of that _Fiery-flame_,
Which on the _Mountaines_ top so brightly showes;
The _Windes_ from every quarter, blow the same,
Yea, and to blow it out, their _fury_ blowes;
But, lo; the more they _storme_, the more it _shineth_;
At every Blast, the _Flame_ ascendeth higher;
And, till the _Fuells_ want, that rage confineth,
It, will be, still, a great, and glorious _Fire_.
Thus fares the man, whom _Vertue_, Beacon-like,
Hath fixt upon the _Hills_ of Eminence,
At him, the Tempests of mad _Envie_ strike,
And, rage against his Piles of Innocence;
But, still, the more they wrong him, and the more
They seeke to keepe his worth from being knowne,
They, daily, make it greater, then before;
And, cause his _Fame_, the farther to be blowne.
When, therefore, no selfe-doting _Arrogance_,
But, _Vertues_, cover’d with a modest vaile,
Breake through _obscurity_, and, thee advance
To place, where _Envie_ shall thy worth assaile;
Discourage not thy selfe: but, stand the shockes
Of wrath, and fury. Let them snarle and bite;
Pursue thee, with _Detraction_, _Slanders_, _Mockes_,
And, all the venom’d Engines of _Despight_,
Thou art above their malice; and, the _blaze_
Of thy _Cælestiall-fire_, shall shine so cleare,
That, their besotted soules, thou shalt amaze;
And, make thy _Splendours_, to their shame, appeare.
If this be all, that _Envies_ rage can doe,
_Lord, give me_ Vertues, _though I suffer too_.
_Even as the =Smoke= doth passe away;
So, shall all =Worldly-pompe= decay._
[Illustration: SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MVNDI.
ILLVSTR. XXXVI. _Book. 2_]
Some better _Arguments_, then yet I see,
I must perceive; and, better causes, why,
To those gay things, I should addicted bee,
To which, the Vulgar their _Affections_ tye.
I have consider’d, _Scepters_, _Miters_, _Crownes_,
With each appurtenance to them belonging;
My _heart_, hath search’d their _Glories_, and _Renownes_;
And, all the pleasant things about them thronging:
My _Soule_, hath truely weigh’d, and, tooke the measure,
Of _Riches_ (which the most have so desired)
I have distill’d the Quintessence of _Pleasure_,
And, seene those Objects, that are most admired.
I, likewise feele all _Passions_, and _Affections_,
That helpe to cheat the _Reason_, and perswade
That those poore _Vanities_, have some perfections,
Whereby their Owners, happy might be made.
Yet, when that I have rouz’d my _Vnderstanding_,
And cleans’d my Heart from some of that Corruption,
Which hinders in me _Reasons_ free commanding,
And, shewes, things, without vailes, or interruption;
Then, they, me thinkes, as fruitlesse doe appeare,
As _Bubbles_ (wherewithall young-children play)
Or, as the _Smoke_, which, in our _Emblem_, here,
Now, makes a show, and, straight, consumes away.
_Be pleas’d, =Oh God=, my value may be such
Of every =Outward-blessing=, here below,
That, I may neither love them overmuch,
Nor underprise the =Gifts=, thou shalt bestow:_
But, know the use, of all these fading _Smokes_;
And, be refresht, by that, which others chokes.
_=Death=, is unable to divide
Their Hearts, whose Hands =True-love= hath tyde._
[Illustration: IVSQVE A LA MORT
ILLVSTR. XXXVII. _Book. 2_]
Upon an _Altar_, in this _Emblem_, stands
A _Burning-heart_; and, therewithall, you see
Beneath _Deaths-head_, a paire of _Loving-hands_,
Which, close, and fast-united, seeme to be.
These moderne _Hieroglyphickes_ (vulgarly
Thus bundled up together) may afford
Good-meanings, with as much _Propriety_,
As best, with common _Iudgements_, will accord.
It may imply, that, when both _Hand_ and _Heart_,
By sympathizing dearenesse are invited,
To meet each others nat’rall _Counterpart_,
And, are by sacred _Ordinance_ united:
They then have entred that strict _Obligation_,
By which they, firmely, ev’ry way are ty’d;
And, without meanes (or thought of separation)
Should in that _Vnion_, till their _Deaths_, abide;
This, therefore, minde thou, whatsoere thou be
(Whose _Marriage-ring_, this _Covenant_, hath sealed)
For, though, thy Faith’s infringement, none can see,
Thy secret fault, shall one day, be revealed.
And, thou that art at liberty, take heed,
Lest thou (as over great a number doe)
Of thine owne person, make a _Privy-deed_,
And, afterwards, deny thy doing so.
For, though there be, nor _Church_, nor _Chappell_, nigh thee
(Nor outward witnesses of what is done)
A _Power-invisible_ doth alwayes eye thee;
And, thy pretended _Love_, so lookes upon,
That, if thou be not, till thy _dying_, true;
Thy _Falsehood_, till thy _dying_, thou shalt rue.
_False =Weights=, with =Measures= false eschew,
And, give to ev’ry man, their =Due=._
[Illustration: SVVM CVIQVE TRIBVE
ILLVSTR. XXXVIII. _Book. 2_]
Forth of a _Cloud_ (with _Scale_ and _Rule_) extended
An _Arme_ (for this next _Emblem_) doth appeare;
Which hath to us in _silent-showes_, commended,
A _Vertue_, that is often wanting, here.
The World, is very studious of _Deceipts_;
And, he is judged wisest, who deceives.
_False-measures_, and, _Adulterated-weights_,
Of many dues, the needy-man bereaves.
Ev’n _Weights_ to sell, and, other _Weights_ to buy
(_Two sorts of weights_) in practice are, with some;
And, both of these, they often falsifie,
That, they to great, and _suddaine wealth_, may come.
But, Conscience make of raysing your estates,
By such a base, and such a wicked way:
For, this Injustice, _God_ expressely hates;
And, brings, at last, such _thrivers_ to decay.
By _Weight_ and _measure_, _He_, on all bestowes
The Portions due; That, _Weight_ and _Measure_, then,
Which Man to _God_, or to his _Neighbour_ owes,
Should, justly, be returned backe agen.
Give ev’ry one, in ev’ry thing his owne:
Give _honour_, where an _honour_ shall be due;
Where you are _loved_, let your _love_ be showne;
And, yield them succours, who have succour’d you.
Give to thy _Children_, breeding and _Corrections_;
Thy _Charities_, ev’n to thy _Foes_ extend:
Give to thy _wife_, the best of thy _Affections_;
To _God_, thy _selfe_, and, all thou hast, commend:
And, lest thou faile, Remember who hath sayd,
_Such =measure=, as thou giv’st, shall be repay’d_.
_He needs not feare, what spight can doe,
Whom =Vertue= friends, and =Fortune=, too._
[Illustration: IN VIRTVTE ET FORTVNA.
ILLVSTR. XXXIX. _Book. 2_]
When, in this _Emblem_ here, observe you shall
An _Eaglet_, perched, on a _Winged-ball_
Advanced on an _Altar_; and, have ey’d
The _Snakes_, assayling him, on ev’ry side:
Me thinkes, by that, you straight should apprehend
Their state, whom _Wealth_, and _Vertue_, doe befriend.
My Iudgement, by that _Altar-stone_, conceives
The sollidnesse, which, true _Religion_ gives;
And, that fast-grounded _goodnesse_, which, we see;
In grave, and sound _Morality_, to be.
The _Flying-ball_, doth, very well, expresse
All _Outward-blessings_, and, their _ficklenesse_.
Our _Eaglet_, meaneth such _Contemplatives_,
As, in this world, doe passe away their lives,
By so possessing that which they have got,
As if they car’d not, though, they had it not.
The _Snakes_, may well resemble those, among them,
Who, meerely out of _envie_, seeke to wrong them;
And, all these _Figures_ (thus together layd)
Doe speake to me, as if these words, they sayd:
_That man, who builds upon the best =foundation=,
(And spreads the widest wings of =Contemplation=)
Whil’st, in the =flesh=, he bides, will need some props
of =earthly-fortunes=, to support his =hopes=:
And, other-while, those things, may meanes become,
The stings of =Envie=, to secure him from._
And, hence, I learne; that, such, as will abide,
Against all _Envie_, strongly fortify’d,
Must joyne, great _Vertues_, and great _Wealth_, together.
_God helpe us, then, =poore-soules=, who scarce have either!_
_=Time=, is a =Fading-flowre=, that’s found
Within =Eternities= wide =round=._
[Illustration: ΑΙΩΝΙΟΝ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΟΣΚΑΙΡΟΝ.
ILLVSTR. XL. _Book. 2_]
Five _Termes_, there be, which five, I doe apply
To all, that _was_, and _is_, and, _shall be done_.
The _first_, and _last_, is that ETERNITIE,
Which, neither shall have _End_, nor, was _begunne_.
BEGINNING, is the _next_; which, is a space
(Or moment rather) scarce imaginarie,
Made, when the first _Material_, formed was;
And, then, forbidden, longer time to tarry.
TIME entred, when, BEGINNING had an _Ending_,
And, is a Progresse, all the workes of _Nature_,
Within the circuit of it, comprehending,
Ev’n till the _period_, of the _Outward-creature_.
END, is the _fourth_, of those five _Termes_ I meane;
(As briefe, as was _Beginning_) and, ordayned,
To set the last of _moments_, to that _Scæne_,
Which, on this Worlds wide _Stage_, is entertayned.
The _fifth_, we EVERLASTING, fitly, call;
For, though, it once _begunne_, yet, shall it never
Admit, of any _future-end_, at all;
But, be extended onward, still, for ever.
The knowledge of these _Termes_, and of what _actions_,
To each of them belongs, would set an end,
To many Controversies, and Distractions,
Which doe so many trouble, and offend.
TIME’S nature, by the _Fading-flowre_, appeares;
Which, is a _Type_, of Transitory things:
The _Circled-snake_, ETERNITIE declares;
Within whose _Round_, each fading Creature, springs.
Some _Riddles_ more, to utter, I intended,
But, lo; a sudden stop, my words have ended.
_When great Attempts are undergone,
Ioyne =Strength= and =Wisedome=, both in one._
[Illustration: VIRIBVS IVNGENDA SAPIENTIA.
ILLVSTR. XLI. _Book. 2_]
If (_Reader_) thou desirous be to know
What by the _Centaure_, seemeth here intended;
What, also, by the _Snake_, and, by the _Bowe_,
Which in his hand, he beareth alway bended:
Learne, that this _halfe-a man_, and _halfe-a horse_,
Is ancient _Hieroglyphicke_, teaching thee,
That, _Wisedome_ should be joyn’d with outward _force_,
If prosperous, we desire our workes to be.
His _Vpper-part_, the shape of _Man_, doth beare,
To teach, that, _Reason_ must become our _guide_.
The _hinder-parts_, a _Horses_ Members are;
To shew, that we must, also, _strength_ provide:
The _Serpent_, and the _Bowe_, doth signifie
The same (or matter to the same effect)
And, by two _Types_, one _Morall_ to implie,
Is doubled a _fore-warning_ of _neglect_.
When _Knowledge_ wanteth _Power_, despis’d we grow,
And, _know_ but how to aggravate our paine:
Great _strength_, will worke it owne sad overthrow,
Vnlesse, it guided be, with _Wisedomes_ reine.
_Therefore, =Oh God=, vouchsafe thou so to marry
The gifts of =Soule= and =Body=, both, in me,
That, I may still have all things necessary,
To worke, as I commanded am, by thee.
And, let me not possesse them, =Lord=, =alone=,
But, also, =know= their vse; and, so well =know= it,
That, I may doe each =duety= to be done;
And, with upright Intentions, alwayes doe it.
If this be more, then, yet, obtaine I may,
My _will_ accept thou, for the =deed=, I pray._
_The =Ground= brings forth all needfull things;
But, from the =Sunne=, this vertue springs._
[Illustration: SOLVM A SOLE
ILLVSTR. XLII. _Book. 2_]
We doe acknowledge (as this _Emblem_ showes)
That _Fruits_ and _Flowres_, and many _pleasant-things_,
From out the _Ground_, in ev’ry season growes;
And, that unto their _being_, helpe it brings.
Yet, of it selfe, the _Ground_, we know is dull,
And, but a _Willing-patient_, whereupon
The _Sunne_, with Beames, and Vertues wonderfull,
Prepareth, and effecteth, what is done.
We, likewise, doe acknowledge, that our _eyes_
Indowed are with faculties of _Seeing_,
And, with some other nat’rall _properties_,
Which are as much our owne, as is our _Being_.
However, till the _Sunne_ imparts his light,
We finde, that we in _darkenesse_ doe remaine,
Obscured in an everlasting night;
And, boast our _Seeing-faculties_, in vaine.
So, we, by nature, have some nat’rall powers:
But, _Grace_, must those abilities of ours
First move; and, guide them, still, in moving, thus,
To worke with _God_, when _God_ shall worke on us:
For, _God_ so workes, that, no man he procures
Against his _nature_, ought to chuse, or shun:
But, by his _holy-Spirit_, him allures;
And, with sweet mildnesse, proveth ev’ry one.
The _Sunne_ is faultlesse of it, when the birth
Of some bad _Field_, is nothing else but _Weeds_:
For, by the selfe-same _Sun-shine_, fruitfull Earth
Beares pleasant Crops, and plentifully breeds.
Thus, from our _selves_, our _Vices_ have increase,
Our _Vertues_, from the _Sunne_ of _Righteousnesse_.
_No =passage= can divert the =Course=,
Of =Pegasus=, the =Muses= Horse._
[Illustration: RECTO CVRSV
ILLVSTR. XLIII. _Book. 2_]
This is the _Poets-horse_; a _Palfray_, SIRS,
(That may be ridden, without rod or spurres)
Abroad, more famous then _Bucephalus_,
Though, not so knowne, as _Banks_ his horse, with us;
Or some of those _fleet-horses_, which of late,
Have runne their _Masters_, out of their estate.
For, those, and _Hobby-horses_, best befit
The note, and practice of their moderne wit,
Who, what this _Horse_ might meane, no knowledge had,
Vntill, a _Taverne-signe_, they saw it made.
Yet, this old _Emblem_ (worthy veneration)
Doth figure out, that _winged-contemplation_,
On which the _Learned_ mount their best _Invention_,
And, climbe the _Hills_ of highest Apprehension.
This is the nimble _Gennet_, which doth carry,
Their _Fancie_, thorow _Worlds_ imaginary;
And, by _Idæas_ feigned, shewes them there,
The nature of those _Truths_, that reall are.
By meanes of _this_, our _Soules_ doe come to know
A thousand secrets, in the _Deeps_ below;
Things, here on _Earth_, and, things above the _Skyes_,
On which, we never fixed, yet, our eyes.
No thorny, miery, steepe, nor craggy place,
Can interrupt this _Courser_, in his race:
For, that, which others, in their passage troubles,
Augments his courage, and his vigour doubles.
_Thus, fares the =Minde=, infus’d with brave desires;
It flies through Darkenesse, Dangers, Flouds, and Fires:
And, in despight of what her ayme resisteth:
Pursues her =hopes=, and takes the =way= she listeth._
_The =Husbandman=, doth sow the Seeds;
And, then, on =Hope=, till =Harvest=, feeds._
[Illustration: SPES ALIT AGRICOLAS:·
ILLVSTR. XLIV. _Book. 2_]
The painfull _Husbandman_, with sweaty browes,
Consumes in labour many a weary day:
To breake the stubborne earth, he _digs_ and _ploughes_,
And, then, the Corne, he scatters on the clay:
When that is done, he _harrowes_ in the Seeds,
And, by a well-cleans’d Furrow, layes it drye:
He, frees it from the _Wormes_, the _Moles_, the _Weeds_;
He, on the _Fences_, also hath an eye.
And, though he see the chilling Winter, bring
_Snowes_, _Flouds_, and _Frosts_, his Labours to annoy;
Though _blasting-windes_ doe nip them in the _Spring_,
And, _Summers_ Meldewes, threaten to destroy:
Yea, though not onely _Dayes_, but _Weekes_, they are
(Nay, many _Weekes_, and, many _Moneths_ beside)
In which he must with payne, prolong his care,
Yet, constant in his hopes he doth abide.
For this respect, HOPE’S _Emblem_, here, you see
Attends the _Plough_, that men beholding it,
May be instructed, or else minded be,
What Hopes, continuing _Labours_, will befit.
Though, long thou toyled hast, and, long attended
About such workings as are necessary;
And, oftentimes, ere fully they are ended,
Shalt finde thy paines in danger to miscarry:
Yet, be not out of _hope_, nor quite dejected:
For, buryed Seeds will sprout when _Winter’s_ gone;
Vnlikelier things are many times effected;
And, _God_ brings helpe, when men their best have done.
Yea, they that in _Good-workes_ their life imploy;
Although, _they sowe in teares, shall reape in joy_.
_Things, to their best perfection come,
Not all at once; but, =some= and =some=._
[Illustration: POCO A POCO.
ILLVSTR. XLV. _Book. 2_]
When, thou shalt visit, in the Moneth of _May_,
A costly _Garden_, in her best array;
And, view the well-grown Trees, the wel-trimm’d Bowers,
The Beds of Herbs, the knots of pleasant flowers,
With all the deckings, and the fine devices,
Perteyning to those earthly _Paradises_,
Thou canst not well suppose, one day, or two,
Did finish all, which had beene, there, to doe.
Nor dost thou, when young Plants, or new-sowne Lands,
Doe thirst for needfull Watrings, from thy hands,
By _Flood-gates_, let whole Ponds amongst them come;
But, them besprinklest, rather, _some_ and _some_;
Lest, else, thou marre the _Flowres_, or chill the _Seed_,
Or drowne the _Saplings_, which did moysture need.
Let this experiment, which, to thy thought,
May by this _Emblem_, now perhaps, be brought,
Perswade thee to consider, that, no actions,
Can come, but by _degrees_, to their perfections;
And, teach thee, to allot, for every thing,
That _leisurely-proceeding_, which may bring
The ripenesse, and the fulnesse, thou expectest:
And, though thy _Hopes_, but slowly thou effectest,
Discourage not thy selfe; since, oft they prove
Most prosperous actions, which at leisure move.
By many _drops_, is made a mighty _showre_;
And many _minutes_ finish up an _houre_:
By _little_, and by _little_, we possesse
Assurance of the greatest _Happinesse_.
And, oft, by too much _haste_, and, too much _cost_,
Great _Wealth_, great _Honours_, and, great _Hopes_, are _lost_.
_=Affliction=, doth to many adde
More =value=, then, before, they had._
[Illustration: TRIBVLATIO DITAT.
ILLVSTR. XLVI. _Book. 2_]
Though I am somewhat soberer to day,
I have been (I confesse) as mad as they,
Who think those men, that large Possessions have,
Gay Clothes, fine Furnitures, and Houses brave,
Are those (nay more, that they alone are those)
On whom, the stile of _Rich_, we should impose.
But, having, by experience, understood
His words, who sayd, _his troubles did him good_,
I, now perceive, the _Worldly-rich_ are poore,
Vnlesse of _Sorrowes_, also, they have store.
Till from the _Straw_, the _Flaile_, the _Corne_ doth beat;
Vntill the _Chaffe_, be purged from the _Wheat_,
Yea, till the _Mill_, the _Graines_ in pieces teare,
The richnesse of the _Flowre_, will scarce appeare.
So, till mens persons great _Afflictions_ touch
(If _worth_ be found) their _worth_ is not so much,
Because, like _Wheat_, in _Straw_, they have nor, yet,
That value, which in _threshing_, they may get.
For, till the bruising _Flailes_ of GOD’S _Corrections_,
Have threshed out of us our vaine _Affections_;
Till those _Corruptions_, which doe misbecome us,
Are by thy _Sacred-spirit_, winnowed from us;
Vntill, from us, the _straw_ of _Worldly-treasures_;
Till all the dusty _Chaffe_ of empty _Pleasures_;
Yea, till his _Flaile_, upon us, he doth lay,
To thresh the huske of this our _Flesh_ away;
And, leave the _Soule_ uncover’d; nay, yet more,
Till _God_ shall make, our very _Spirit_ poore;
We shall not up to highest _Wealth_ aspire:
But, then we shall; and, _that is my desire_.
_Though =Fortune=, hath a powerfull =Name=,
Yet, =Vertue= overcomes the same._
[Illustration: VICTRIX FORTVNÆ SAPIENTIA.
ILLVSTR. XLVII. _Book. 2_]
A _Snake_, (which was by wise _Antiquitie_
Much us’d, the type of _Prudencie_ to be)
Hemmes in a _Winged-ball_, which doth imply,
That _Fickle-fortune_, from which, none are free.
Above this _Ball_, the _Snake_ advanceth too,
The _Laurell_, and the _Sword_; which, _Emblems_ are,
Whereby our _Authour_ maketh much adoe,
A _Conquest_ over _Fortune_, to declare.
And, well enough this purpose it befits,
If (_Reader_) any one of those thou be,
Whose _Fortunes_ must be mended by their _Wits_;
And, it affords instructions fit for thee:
For, hence, thou mayst collect, that, no estate
Can, by _Misfortunes_ means, become so bad,
But, _Prudence_ (who is _Mistresse_ over _Fate_)
May rule it so, that, good it might be made.
Though _Fortunes_ outlawes, on thy _Riches_ prey,
By _Wisedome_, there is meanes, of getting more;
And, ev’ry rub that’s placed in thy way,
Shall make thee walke more safely, then before.
Nor _Poverty_, nor _Paynes_, nor _Spightfulnesse_,
Nor other _Mischiefes_, that _Mischance_ can doe thee,
Shall bring thee any sorrow or distresse,
Which will not be, at last, advantage to thee.
_=Lord=, give me such a =Prudence=: for my =Fortune=
Puts many foyles, and cruell thrusts upon me:
Thy helpe, long since, it made me to importune;
And, thou didst grant it, or she had undone me.
Still, daigne me thy assistance, =Lord=, and, than,
Let all =Misfortunes=, doe the worst they can._
_A =Life=, with =good-repute=, Jle have,
Or, winne an honourable =Grave=._
[Illustration: AVT MORS AVT VITA DECORA
ILLVSTR. XLVIII. _Book. 2_]
In this our _Emblem_, you shall finde exprest
A _Man_, incountring with a _Salvage-beast_;
And, he resolveth (as his _Motto_ sayes)
To _live_ with _honour_; or, to _dye_ with _praise_.
I like the _Resolution_, and the _Deed_,
In which, this _Figure_ teacheth to proceed.
For, us, me thinkes, it counselleth, to doe,
An act, which all men are oblig’d unto.
That ugly _Bore_ (wherewith the man in strife
Here seemes to be) doth meane a _Swinish-life_,
And, all those beastly _Vices_, that assay
To root becomming _Vertues_ quite away;
Those _Vices_, which not onely marre our features,
But, also, ruinate our manly natures.
The harmefull fury, of this raging _Bore_,
Oppose couragiously, lest more and more,
It get within you; and, at last, appeare
More prevalent, then your defences are.
It is a large-growne _Pig_, of that wilde _Swine_,
Which, ev’ry day, attempts to undermine
Our _Safeties_ Fort: Twas he, which long agoe,
Did seeke the _Holy-Vineyards_ overthrow:
And, if we charge him not with all our power,
The _Sire_, or _hee_, will enter and devoure.
_But, what’s our Strength, =O Lord!= or, what are wee
In such a =Combate=, without ayde from thee?
Oh, come to helpe us, therefore, in this Fight;
And, let us be inabled in thy might:
So, we shall both in =life-time=, Conquests have;
And, be victorious, also, in the =Grave=._
_=Shee= shall increase in glory, still,
Vntill her =light=, the world, doth fill._
[Illustration: DONEC TOTṼ IMPLEAT ORBĒ.
ILLVSTR. XLIX. _Book. 2_]
What in this _Emblem_, that mans meanings were,
Who made it first, I neither know nor care;
For, whatsoere, he purposed, or thought,
To serve my _purpose_, now it shall be taught;
Who, many times, before this Taske is ended,
Must picke out _Moralls_, where was none intended.
This knot of _Moones_ (or _Crescents_) crowned thus,
Illustrate may a Mystery to us,
Of pious use (and, peradventure, such,
As from old _Hieroglyphicks_, erres not much)
_Old-times_, upon the _Moone_, three _names_ bestow’d;
Because, three diverse wayes, her selfe she show’d:
And, in the _sacred-bookes_, it may be showne,
That _holy-Church_, was figur’d by the _Moone_.
Then, these three _Moones in one_, may intimate
The _holy-Churches_ threefold blest estate.
The _Moone_, still, biding in our _Hemisphære_,
May typifie the _Church_, consisting, here,
Of men, yet living: when she shewes her light
Among us here, _in portions of the night_;
The _Church_ it figures, as consist she may
Of _them_, whose _bodies_ in the _Grave_ doe stay;
And, whose blest _spirits_, are ascended thither,
Where _Soule_ and _Body_ meet, at last, together.
But, when the _Moone_ is hidden from our eyes,
The _Church-triumphant_, then, she signifies;
Which, is a _Crescent_ yet, that, some, and some,
Must grow, till all her parts together come:
And, then, this _Moone_ shall beames, at full, display;
LORD, _hasten this great_ Coronation-day.
_True =Vertue= is a =Coat of Maile=,
'Gainst which, no =Weapons= can prevaile._
[Illustration: VIRTVS LORICA FIDELIS
ILLVSTR. L. _Book. 2_]
_Lord_, what a coyle men keepe, and, with what care
Their _Pistolls_, and, their _Swords_ doe they prepare,
To be in readinesse? and, how they load
Themselves with Irons, when they ride abroad?
How wise and wary too, can they become,
To fortifie their persons up at home,
With lockes, and barres? and such _domestick-Armes_,
As may secure their bodies, there, from harmes?
However, when all’s done, we see, their foes
Breake in, sometimes, and worke their overthrowes.
For, though (about themselves, with Cable-quoiles,
They could inclose a hundred thousand miles)
The _gunshot_ of a slanderous _tongue_, may smite,
Their _Fame_ quite through it, to the very _White_.
Yea, more (though, there, from others, they were free)
They wounded, by themselves, to death might be,
Except their _Innocence_, more guards them, than
The strength of twenty royall _Armies_, can.
If, therefore, thou thy _Spoylers_, wilt beguile,
Thou must be armed, like this _Crocodile_;
Ev’n with such nat’rall _Armour_ (ev’ry day)
As no man can bestowe, or take away:
For, spitefull _Malice_, at one time or other,
Will pierce all borrowed _Armours_, put together.
_Without_, let _Patience_ durifie thy Skin;
Let _Innocencie_, line thy heart _within_;
Let constant _Fortitude_, unite them so,
That, they may breake the force of ev’ry blow:
And, when thou thus art _arm’d_, if ill thou speed;
Let me sustaine the _Mischiefe_, in thy steed.
_Finis Libri secundi._
[Illustration: Decoration]
THE SECOND LOTTERIE.
1
Some friends, and foes, of thine, there be,
That make a _wondring-stocke_ of thee;
Some other over-much, of late,
To thy dishonour boldly prate,
And, peradventure, to thy face,
E’re long, they’l doe thee some disgrace:
Thine _Emblem_, therefore, doth advise
That thou should’st make them no replies;
And showes that _silent-patience_, than
Shall stead thee more then _Answers_ can.
See, _Emblem._ I.
2
By such as know you, it is thought,
That, you are better _fed_ then _taught_:
And, that, it might augment your _wit_,
If you were sometimes _hunger-bit_.
That _Emblem_, which by _Lot_ you drew,
To this effect doth somewhat shew:
But 'twill goe hard, when you are faine,
To feed your _Bowells_, by your _Braine_.
See, _Emb._ II.
3
Perhaps you may be one of those,
Whom, from the _Church_, an _Organ_ blowes;
Or, peradventure, one of them,
Who doth all melody contemne:
Or, one, whose _life_ is yet untaught,
How into _tune_ it should be brought.
If so, your _Lot_, to you hath sent
An _Emblem_, not impertinent.
See, _Emb._ III.
4
God blesse thee, whosoere thou art,
And, give thee still an honest heart:
For, by the fortune of thy _Lot_,
That _Sword_, and _Halter_, thou hast got,
Which threatens _death_, with much disgrace;
Or, promises the Hang-mans’s place.
But, be not griev’d; for, now and than,
The _Gallowes_ makes an honest man;
And, some, who scape an outward curse,
Born in their _lives_ and _deaths_ are worse,
See, _Emb._ IV.
_M_ 5
Thou would’st be loth, we should suspect,
Thou didst not well thy _King_ affect;
Or, that, thou should’st be so ingrate,
To sleight the welfare of the _State_:
Yet, thou, perchance, art one of those,
Who _discord_ through the _Kingdome_ sowes.
We know not, but if such thou be,
Marke, what thine _Emblem_ teaches thee.
See, _Emb._ V.
6
In you, a naturall desire
Beginnes to blow _Affection’s_ fire;
But, by _discretion_, guide the _blast_,
Lest, it consume you, at the last;
Or, by the fury of the same,
Blow out some necessary _Flame_.
Yea, that, which doth your _Profit_ breed,
May harme you, if you take not heed.
See, _Emb._ VI.
7
Be carefull, what you goe about;
For, by this _Lot_, there may be doubt,
That you, some wickednesse intend,
Which will undoe you, in the end.
If you have done the _deed_, repent:
If purpos’d ill, the same prevent.
Else, though in _jest_, this _Counsell_ came,
In _earnest_, you may rue the same.
See, _Emb._ VII.
8
Thou art afflicted; or, ere long
Shalt sing some lamentable Song:
And, of those troubles, take some share,
Which, thou art very loth to beare.
But, be not overmuch dismayd,
Nor pine, what ere on thee be layd,
For, comfort shall thy joy restore,
And, make thee gladder, then before.
See, _Emb._ VIII.
9
If this thy _Chance_ hath done thee right,
Thou art, or hast beene apt to fight;
And, wilt upon occasion small,
Beginne, sometimes, a needlesse _brawle_.
To shew thee, therefore, thy defect;
Or, that thy folly may be check’t,
And, fit thy minde for better things,
Thine _Emblem_, some good _counsell_ brings.
See, _Emb._ IX.
10
What thing soere thou undertak’st,
Thou seldome good conclusion mak’st;
For, still, when thou hast ought to doe,
Thou art too _hasty_, or too _slow_;
And, from that equall temper stray’st,
By which, thy worke effect thou mayst.
To mend this fault thou counsell’d art,
Be wiser, therefore, then thou wert.
See, _Emb._ X.
11
Thou hast in publicke lived long,
And, over freely us’d thy _tongue_;
But, if thy safety thou desire,
Be _silent_, and, thy selfe _retire_.
And, if thou wilt not be undone,
Possesse thy _joyes_, and _hopes_, alone:
For, they, that will from harmes be free,
Must _silent_, and _obscured_, bee.
See, _Emb._ XI.
12
Thy _Fortune_, thou dost long to heare,
And, what thy _Constellations_ are:
But, why should’st thou desire to know,
What things, the _Planets_ doe foreshow;
Seeke, rather, _Wisedome_ to procure,
And, how, all _Fortunes_ to indure:
So, thou shalt gaine a blest estate,
And, be the _Master_ of thy _Fate_.
See, _Emb._ XII.
13
Thou, seem’st to have great store of _friends_,
But, they affect thee, for their ends.
There is, in those, but little trust,
Who love, for _profit_, _mirth_, or _lust_.
Learne, therfore, when, thou mayst be sure,
Thy _Friend’s_ affection will indure;
And, that this _Knowledge_ may be got,
Good notice take thou of thy _Lot_.
See, _Emb._ XIII.
14
It is conceiv’d, that meanes thou hast,
Or, might’st have had good meanes, at least,
To bring those matters to effect,
Which thou dost carelesly neglect;
And, good for many might’st have done,
Who, yet, hast pleasur’d few, or none.
If this be true, thy _Lot_ peruse,
And, _God’s_ good gifts, no more abuse.
See, _Emb._ XIV.
15
Religious thou would’st faine be deem’d,
And, such, to many thou hast seem’d:
But, to this matter more there goes,
Then zealous lookes, and formall showes.
Looke, therefore, that thy heart be true,
What e’re thou seeme in outward view.
And, if _God’s_ favour thou would’st have,
Observe what _Off’rings_, he doth crave.
See, _Emb._ XV.
16
That _Emblem_, which this _Lot_ will bring,
Concernes the honour of a _King_:
How, therefore, thee it may concerne,
By thy discretion seeke to learne.
Perhaps, the _Royall-powre_ hath seem’d
To thee, not so to be esteem’d,
As well it merits, to be priz’d.
If so, now better be advis’d.
See, _Emb._ XVI.
17
Both learn’d, and wise, thou would’st become,
(Else thou hast much deceived some)
But, if thy _hopes_ thou will effect,
Thou must not likely _meanes_ neglect;
And, what the likelyest _meanes_ may bee,
Thine _Emblem_ hath advised thee:
For, by a _Fowle_, that’s blockish thought,
Good _counsell_ may to thee be taught.
See, _Emb._ XVII.
18
If, to _preferment_ thou wilt rise,
Thou must not _Arts_, nor _Armes_, despise;
Nor so in _one_ of these delight,
That, thou the _other_, wholly sleight.
Nor, to thy _Body_ be inclin’d,
So much, as to neglect thy _Minde_.
This, by thine _Emblem_, thou mayst learne;
And, much thy good it may concerne.
See, _Emb._ XVIII.
19
Thy _fortunes_ have appeared bad;
For, many _suff’rings_ thou hast had:
And _tryalls_ too, as yet made knowne
To no mans knowledge, but thine owne.
But, let nor losse, nor fame, nor smart,
From constant hopes remove thy heart:
And, as thine _Emblem_ doth foreshew,
A good conclusion will insue.
See, _Emb._ XIX.
_W_ 20
Your _Lot_ informeth how to know
Where, best your _Love_ you may bestow:
And, by the same it may appeare
What _Musicke_ most affects your eare.
Denye it not; for (by your leave)
Wee by your lookes, your heart perceive.
And, this perhaps you’l thinke upon
(To purpose) when you are alone.
See, _Emb._ XX.
21
This _Lot_ may make us all suspect,
That some wrong _object_ you affect;
And, that, where dearenesse you pretend,
It is not for the noblest end.
What mischiefe from such falshood flowes,
Your _Emblem_ very truely showes;
And, may more happy make your _Fate_,
If counsell be not come too late.
See, _Emb._ XXI.
22
To trust on others, thou art apt;
And, hast already beene intrapt;
Or, may’st er’e long be much deceiv’d
By some, whom thou hast well believ’d.
Be heedfull, therfore, of thy _Lot_;
And, let it never be forgot:
So, though some hazzard thou mayst run,
Yet, thou shalt never be undone.
See, _Emb._ XXII.
23
It seemes thou tak’st too great a care
For things, that vaine, and fading are;
Or else, dost overprise them so,
As if all blisse from them did flowe.
That, therefore, thou mayst view their worth,
In _Hieroglyphicke_ shaddow’d forth,
Thy _Lot_ befriends thee: marke the same,
And, be in this, no more to blame.
See, _Emb._ XXIII.
24
Though some, should thee, for one, mistake,
Whose _wealth_ is all upon his backe,
If what thou hast, bee all thine owne,
God, hath enough on thee bestowne.
A _Princes_ ransome, wee may beare,
In _Iewells_, which most precious are;
And, yet, to many men may seeme,
To carry nothing worth esteeme.
Therefore, though small thy substance be,
Thine _Emblem_, somewhat comforts thee.
See, _Emb._ XXIV.
25
By this your _Emblem_, wee discerne,
That, you are yet of age to learne;
And, that, when elder you shall grow,
There, will be more for you to _know_:
Presume not, therefore of your _wit_,
But, strive that you may benefit.
For, of your age, we many view,
That, farre more _wisedome_ have, then you.
See, _Emb._ XXV.
26
By thy complaints, it hath appear’d,
Thou think’st thy _Vertues_ want reward;
And, that, if they their merit had,
Thou _rich_, and _nobler_ should’st be made.
To drive thee from that partiall thought,
Thou, by an _Emblem_, shalt be taught,
That, where true _Vertue_ may be found,
The truest _wealth_ will still abound.
See, _Emb._ XXVI.
27
By this thy _Lot_, thou dost appeare
To be of those, who love to heare
The _Preacher’s_ voyce; or, else of them,
That undervalue, or contemne
Those dayly _showres_ of wholsome _words_,
Which _God_, in these our times, affords.
Now, which soere of these thou bee,
Thine _Emblem_, something, teaches thee.
See, _Emb._ XXVII.
28
Thou deal’st, when thee thy _foe_ offends,
As if, you never should be _friends_.
In _peace_, thou so secure doth grow,
As if, thou could’st not have a _foe_.
How, therefore, _Peace_ and _Warre_ pursues
Each other, this thine _Emblem_ shewes,
That, thou mayst learne, in ev’ry tide,
For future chances, to provide.
See, _Emb._ XXVIII.
29
What e’re thou are in outward shew,
Thy Heart is ever very true,
And, to those _Knowledges_ aspires,
Which every prudent _Soule_ desires:
Yet, be not proud that thou hast got
This testimonie, by thy _Lot_.
But, view thine _Emblem_, and endeaver
In search of _Knowledge_ to persever.
See, _Emb._ XXIX.
30
If _Glory_, thou desire to get,
Thy _Wits_, thou must on working set;
And, _labour_ unto _Prudence_ adde,
Before true _Honor_ will be had:
For, what thy _Friends_, or _Parents_ brought,
To make thee _famous_, profits nought;
But, rather will procure thy _shame_,
Vnlesse, thou shalt improove the same.
See, _Emb._ XXX.
_M_ 31
The time hath beene, that of the _Rod_,
Thou wert more fearefull, then of _God_;
But, now unlesse thou prudent grow,
More cause thou hast to feare a _shrowe_;
For, from the _Rod_, now thou art free,
A _Woman_, shall thy torment be.
At her, yet doe not thou repine,
For, all the fault is onely thine.
See, _Emb._ XXXI.
32
It seemes, thy _Time_ thou dost _mispend_:
To warne thee, therefore of thine end;
To shew, how short thy _Life_ will be;
And, with what speed it flyes from thee;
This _Lot_ was drawne: and, may advize,
That, thou thy time shouldst better prize.
Which, if accordingly thou doe,
This, will be _sport_, and profit too.
See, _Emb._ XXXII.
33
It may be, thou art one of those,
Who, dost not all aright suppose,
Of _Gods Decrees_; or, of the state
Of an inevitable _Fate_.
That, therefore, so thou maist beleeve,
(And, of these Mysteries conceive)
As thou art bound; this _Lot_ befell.
Peruse, and minde thine _Embleme_ well.
See, _Emb._ XXXIII.
34
Thou, at thy _Fortune_, hast repin’d,
And, seem’st imprisond in thy minde,
Because thou art not straight releast
From those things which have thee opprest.
To thee, a _Lot_ is therefore sent,
To qualifie thy _discontent_,
By shewing, that thy present _Fate_
Preserves thee, from a worse estate.
See, _Emb._ XXXIV.
35
Thy _Vertues_ and thy _Worth_ are such,
That, many doe envie thee much;
And, they that hate thee, take delight
To doe thee mischiefe and despight.
But, heart assume, and follow on
The _course_ that thou hast well begunne;
For, all their spight shall doe no more,
But, make thee greater then before.
See, _Emb._ XXXV.
36
In outward pompe, thy pleasures are;
Thy hope of blisse is placed there;
And, thou this _folly_ wilt not leave,
Till, all _content_, it shall bereave,
Vnlesse, thou timely come to see
How vaine, all earthly _Glories_ bee.
An _Emblem_, therefore, thou hast gain’d,
By which, this _Knowledge_ is obtain’d.
See, _Emb._ XXXVI.
37
It may be feared, that thou hast
In publicke, or in private, past
Some _promise_, or else made some _vow_,
That’s broke, or else indanger’d, now.
If so; this _Lot_ is come, in time,
To mend, or to prevent this crime;
And, shew what should by them be done,
'Twixt whom _Affection_ is begunne.
See, _Emb._ XXXVII.
38
Thou art reproved of _deceipt_,
In faulty _Measures_, and in _Weight_;
And, overbackward hast been knowne,
In giving ev’ry one his owne.
Thine _Emblem_, therefore, counsells thee,
That, thou more just, hereafter be.
For, that, which is by _falsehood_ got,
Makes likely showes, but prospers not.
See, _Emb._ XXXVII.
39
So highly, thou dost _Vertue_ prize,
That, thou dost _Fortunes_ helpe despise,
As if, where _Vertues_ present are,
Her favours alwayes needlesse were:
But, sometimes there’s enough to doe,
For _Fortune_, and for _Vertue_ too,
The pow’r of envious tongues to charme,
And, keepe an _Innocent_ from harme.
Therfore, make both of _these_, thy friends;
For, thereunto thine _Emblem_ tends.
See, _Emb._ XXXIX.
40
Thou mayst be one of those, perchance,
Who _Schisme_, and _Heresies_ advance,
Because they _Times_ and _Termes_ mistake;
And, _diff’rence_ know not how to make
'Twixt that, which _temp’rall_ doth appeare,
And, those things which _eternall_ are.
Thou, by thy _Lot_, art therefore warn’d,
To search what should of these be learn’d.
See, _Emb._ XL.
41
Great workes to doe, thou hast a _minde_;
But, _pow’r_ thereto thou canst not finde.
Sometime, thy _pow’r_ is not unfit;
But, then thou failest in thy _wit_.
Such _Vndertakings_, therefore, chuse
(If thou wilt not thy time abuse)
As to thy _pow’rs_, and _wits_ agree;
And, let them both imployed bee.
See, _Emb._ XLI.
42
When any _Blessing_ thou hast gain’d,
Thou mind’st not whence it was obtain’d;
But, bear’st thy selfe, as if the same
By thine owne _pow’r_, or _merit_, came:
That, therefore, thou _mayst_ better heed
From whence, all _Graces_ doe proceed,
Thou, hast an _Emblem_, by this _Lot_,
From which, good _Cautions_ may be got.
See, _Emb._ XLII.
43
By this thy _Lot_, it should appeare,
The _Muses_ thy acquaintance are;
Or, that thou art (at least) of those,
Who, of their _Steed_ ambitious growes.
If thou hast _wit_, his _Reynes_ to guide,
Vpon his backe, mount up and ride;
But, if thou finde thy selfe to weake,
Forbeare him, lest thy necke he breake.
See, _Emb._ XLIII.
44
In many things, the worse thou art,
By thy despayring, fainting heart;
And, oft, thy labour, and thy cost,
For want of _hopefulnesse_, is lost.
This indiscretion to prevent,
Thou, therefore, by thy _Lot_, art sent,
The _Plough-man’s_ hopefulnesse to see:
Observe it; and, reformed bee.
See, _Emb._ XLIV.
45
As soone as e’re thy _Seeds_ are sowne,
Thou _fruits_ expectest, fully growne.
And, if they ripe not in a day,
Thou, foolest all thy hopes away:
That wiser, therefore, thou mayst grow,
Thy _Lot_, an _Emblem_ doth bestow,
To teach, that _workes_ both faire and great,
By _small-degrees_, are made compleat.
See, _Emb._ XLV.
46
Thou hadst, or hast, or thou shalt have
Much trouble, ere thou fill thy _Grave_;
And, may’st, when thou expectest rest,
With paine, or sorrowes, be opprest.
But, be content, and waile not much:
For, _Poverty_ shall make thee _rich_.
The paine will soone be overpast,
And, thou shalt happy be at last.
See, _Emb._ XLVI.
47
Thy _Fortune_, be it good or bad,
May, by thy _wit_, be better made;
Yea, whatsoere _mischances_ fall,
By _prudence_, thou may’st helpe them all.
That, hopefull, therfore, thou mayst bide,
What change soever, shall betide,
Thou, by thy _Lot_, informed art,
What succours, _Wisedome_ doth impart.
See, _Emb._ XLVII.
_M_ 48
A man at _Armes_, thou wouldst be thought,
And, hast the Crowne of _Honour_ sought;
But, thou hast much mistooke the _wayes_,
Which tend to well-deserved _praise_.
How, _Honour_, therefore, may be got,
Thou art informed by thy _Lot_;
And, with what _Foes_, and, for what _end_,
Thou shouldst be ready to contend.
See, _Emb._ XLVIII.
49
Perhaps, thou mayst be one of those,
Who doth _God’s_ holy Church oppose;
For, over many in these dayes,
Disturbe her _Peace_, and sleight her _Praise_:
That her _esteeme_, therefore may bee
Increased, or preserv’d, by thee,
Thine _Emblem_, now, to thee, will show,
To what perfection she will grow.
See, _Emb._ XLIX.
50
Thou _safety_ lov’st, and wouldst have _Armes_,
Thy person to secure from harmes:
But, most of those thou hast prepar’d,
Are but a weake uncertaine _Guard_,
And, if thou take not greater heed,
May faile thy trust, in time of need.
Thine _Emblem_, therfore, hath exprest,
What _Armes_, for thy defence are best.
See, _Emb._ L.
51
Of _Planetary-Calculations_,
Of _Superstitious-Observations_,
Of _Lots_, and _Dreames_, and _Accidents_,
Which have but casuall events,
Thou art so fond; and, unto such,
Thou dost adhere, and trust so much,
That, it succeedeth very well,
No _Emblem_, now, to thee befell:
Lest, these, which onely _Counsells_ bee,
Might seeme firme _Destinies_ to thee.
52
He that by drawing, here, his _Lot_,
Some caveat or advice hath got,
Did, peradventure, need alone
That _Caution_, which he lighted on:
But, unto thee, so needfull are
All _Warnings_, and, all _Counsells_ here,
That, _Fortune_ will not _one_ bestow,
Lest, thou may’st thinke thou need’st no moe.
53
You, may be glad, you drew not that,
Which, in your thought, you guessed at;
For, so it points out that _condition_,
Whereof you give a great suspicion,
That, had it such an _Emblem_ nam’d,
As fits you right, you had beene sham’d.
Since, then, your fault is unreveal’d,
Amend, and keep it still conceal’d.
54
The _Muses_ Oracle is dumbe,
Because to tempt them you are come;
For, in your _heart_, you much despise,
To follow that, which they advise:
Their admonitions, you doe jeere,
And, scorne to helpe your _Wisedome_, here.
The _Muses_, therefore, leave you, still,
To be as foolish, as you will.
5
It would, perhaps, have made thee proud,
If, now, thy _Lot_ had beene allow’d
To let an _Emblem_ shadow forth
What is conceived of thy _worth_.
Or, if thy _Vertues_ were descry’d,
Perchance, thou wouldst be more envy’d
Then praysed, when they are exprest;
A _Blanke_ for thee, was therefore best.
6
No _Emblem_, to this _Lot_, replyes;
Minde, therefore, well (I thee advise)
What from the _Preacher’s_ voice thou hear’st,
When in the _Church_, thou next appear’st:
Yea, there indeavour thou, to seeke
Thy _Lot_ of _Counsell_, ev’ry weeke.
For, at all seasons, there will bee
Such _Prophecies_, concerning thee,
That, if of those, thou takest heed,
These _Emblems_, thou shalt never need.
_FINIS._
A
COLLECTION
OF
EMBLEMES,
ANCIENT AND
MODERNE:
Quickened
With METRICALL ILLVSTRATIONS, both
_Morall_ and _Divine_: And disposed into
LOTTERIES.
That _Instruction_, and _Good Counsell_, may bee furthered
by an Honest and Pleasant _Recreation_.
_By_ GEORGE WITHER.
_The third Booke._
[Illustration: Decoration]
LONDON,
Printed by AVGVSTINE MATHEWES.
MDCXXXIV.
TO THE MOST ILLVSTRIOVS
Princesse, _FRANCIS_, Dutchesse Dowager
_of_ RICHMOND, _and_ LENNOX, _&c._
Fame sayes (great PRINCESSE) that the _Pow’rs-above_,
Will soone forgive; which, I desire to prove:
For, I am guiltie of a _Venial-sinne_
Against your GRACE; and, have remain’d therein
Without an _Absolution_, so long time,
That, now, my _Conscience_ checks me for the _Crime_;
And, to reprove me for it, will not cease
Till I have, someway, sought to make my _Peace_.
To palliate my _Fault_, I could produce
Enough, perhaps, to stand for an _Excuse_.
But, when I mind what _Favours_, and what _Fame_
I might have purchased unto my _Name_,
(By taking Courage, to have done my best)
I dare not make _Excuses_; but, request
Your pardon, rather, and, that some _Oblation_
May game my _Person_, future acceptation.
To that intent, this humble _Offring_, here,
Within your gracious presence, doth appeare.
And, that it may the more content your eye,
Well-graven _Figures_, help to beautifie
My lowly _Gift_: And, vailed are in these,
A _Treasury_ of Golden _Sentences_;
By my well-meaning _Muse_, interpreted,
That, with your NAME, their Morals may be spread
And scattred, _Largesse-like_, (at your commanding)
To helpe inrich the _Poore in Vnderstanding_.
If YOV accept the _Tender_, I shall know,
Your GRACE is pleased with your _Servant_, so,
As, that there may be hope, my future Actions,
Will give the more contenting Satisfactions:
And, your _Encouragements_, my _Pow’rs_ may raise,
To make the BEAVTIES of your _Later dayes_,
More glorious, far, than your fresh YOVTH’S perfection,
Though, knowne to be, the _Load-stone_ of _Affection_.
For, like the loving TVRTLE, you have stood
So constant, in your vowed _Widdow-hood_;
So strictly, kept a solitarie state;
So faithfull beene, to your deceased MATE;
So firmly true, and truly kinde, to _them_,
Which are the _Branches_ of his _Princely-stemme_;
And, personated in so high a _Straine_,
The parts of HONOVR; that, my rusticke _vaine_,
Must raised be, before it can ascend
To say, how much, your _Fame_, doth you commend.
Yet, if these _Lines_, (or, _that_ they Vsher in)
For me, some _Passage_ may, anew, begin
To your _Esteeme_; I, may so happily,
Illustrate forth, the _Golden-History_
Of those _Affections_, which within your Brest,
Have to the world remained unexprest.
That, future times, to your applause may reade,
The matchlesse _Paterne_ of a _Widdowed-bed_,
Which you have drawne, for those to _imitate_
Who can; and, for the rest to wonder at.
For, what (thereto) yet wanteth, in my _Muse_,
Your GRACE, as my _Minerva_, may infuse.
Nor, will it be in vaine, to shew the worth
Of those _Perfections_, truly blazed forth,
Which you may personate: Nor, shall it be
To your _Content_ unusefull, when you see
The _Best part of your selfe_, (as in a _Glasse_)
Disclosed, and set up, before your GRACE,
To represent those _Beauties_, wherein lurkes,
More sweetnesse, than in _Picture-drawers_ Workes;
And shew, how temp’rall _Glories_, and _Affections_,
Have hourely ripened you, for those _Perfections_
That, make _Immortall_; and, which are that _End_,
Whereto, all Earthly _Graces_, ought to tend.
Then, if your EXCELLENCE, desire to heare,
Those MVSES, honour you, whose prayses are
Attending _Vertue_; and, shall please to live
That _Life of Glory_, which my _Verse_ can give;
Your GRACES favour, (when you please) hath pow’rs
To make both MEE, and all my _Muses_ yours.
And, wee are hopefull, that, so well wee know
Your _Merits_, and those _Duties_, which wee owe,
That, wee shall raise, your HONOVR’S _Trophies_ high,
Though, _Wee our selves_ upon the pavement lie.
Thus, I have made mine _Offring_; and I stand
Attending, now, to kisse your GRACES hand.
_Your GRACES_
_in all humilitie_,
GEO: WITHER.
TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY
Prince, _JAMES_, Duke
_of_ LENNOX, _&c._
_When =RICHMOND=, your beloved =Vnkle=, liv’d,
(For whose departure, all this =Empire= griev’d,
And, yet laments) his GRACE did not refuse
To deigne respects, to my obscured MVSE;
Nor scorne, from =Highest-worth=, to stoope so low,
As, mee, in my despisednesse, to know:
And, had not =Bashfulnesse= restrain’d my =Wit=,
From pressing-on, (when he incourag’d it,)
My PEGASVS, had learn’d, e’re now, to rise,
Which, yet, with lame, and sickly =Feathers= flies.
But, HEE hath left us; and, I thought not on
The losse I had of HIM, till he was gone;
Nor could I dreame, till he did hence ascend,
What t’was to want an =Honourable-friend=:
Nor, what they feele, whom =Fate= constraines, to tarry
On stormy Plaines, without a SANCTVARIE.
Assoone, as from among us, he made wing,
My =Hopes= did waine, and, I began to sing
A =Mournfull-song=, not easie to forget;
Because, I beare the =burthen= of it, yet.
Nor was I silent (though my =Epicede=
Appear’d not, for the publike eye to reade)
But, griev’d in private, as one wanting =Art=,
To give, the =Life of praise=, to his desart:
Which, if I could have equall’d with his =Name=,
His =Death= had gain’d my =Verse=, a =living-Fame=.
And, why expresse I this? except it give
Your GRACE, a fit occasion to perceive,
That, my decayed =Hopes= I would renew,
And, faine derive them downe, from HIM to YOV?
That, as you branched from his Princely =Stemme=;
(Are, honour’d with his =Ducall-Diadem=)
And, imitate his Vertue; So, you might
Be =Lord=, in mee, of that, which was his right:
And, for his Noble sake, vouchsafe to own
A =Servant=, which, to you, is yet unknowne.
As =Prologue=, to the service I intend,
This PRESENT comes; and, without =Hope=, or =End=,
Of gaining further =Grace=, or more =Esteeme=,
Than may, with humblest modestie, beseeme
His =Love=, and =Honest-meaning=, to expect,
Whose =Merits= have, no visible effect,
Conducing to your profit; and, from whom
The best of his intents, are yet to come.
I cannot thinke, these =Lots=, or =Emblems=, are
So worthy in themselves, as they’l appeare
In your acceptance; Or, that they can give,
Such Grace to YOV, as they’l from you receive.
Yet, if YOV please, they may be, otherwhile,
A profitable Meanes, to help beguile
A Melancholy thought; And, have the pow’r
To shorten (without losse) a tedious howre.
Sometime (no doubt) content you are to walke
In =Artlesse Groves=; Or, to admit the talke
of Rustick =Swaines= (though ev’ry day you might
Your self in well-trim’d =garden-bowr’s=, delight,
Or, heare the learnedst =Muses=, when you please;)
Ev’n so, for change, you may, perhaps, in these
A =Recreation= finde; and, in some measure,
A =Profit=, intermixed with your =Pleasure=.
I will not make my =Promises= too large,
Lest, my =Performances=, they overcharge
With =Expectation=: but, I leave them, SIR,
To =Bee=, and to =be thought=, the same they are.
And, if your EXCELLENCE, (when you behold
The Ground whereon I first became so bold,
To make this Entrance) shall vouchsafe to daigne
Those =Favours=, which, I dare not thinke to gaine
By =Meer-deserving=; you may then, perchance,
My =Willingnesse=, to =Ablenesse= advance:
And, reap in =Mee= (when ripened they are grown)
Some timely =fruits=, of that, which =you= have sown.
Till then, let it suffice, that I professe
A cheerefull, and a thankfull Readinesse
To honour YOV; and, openly to show
The Dutie, which, it may appeare, I owe
To HIM that’s gone. And, let your GRACE descend
To take this =Pledge=, of what I more intend._
Who am in all humilitie
Your GRACES to be
commanded,
GEO: WITHER.
_If well thou dost, and well intend,
Thou shalt be crowned, in the end._
[Illustration: SI RECTE FACIES.
ILLVSTR. I. _Book. 3_]
When, many, for the chiefest _Garland_ runne,
That height of _Glory_, can befall but one;
Yet, _Wreaths_ there are, for ev’ry man prepar’d,
According as he meriteth _reward_:
And, though the _Worke_ deserveth little meed,
_Grace_, prints a worth, on ev’ry _willing-deed_,
Which formes it currant; and, doth gratious make
Man’s weake endeavors, for GOD’S _promise_ sake.
All seeke the selfe-same _prize_; but, doe not seeke,
With _mindes_, and, with _endeavors_, all alike.
Most, wish the _Wreath_; but, few those things will doe,
That may be helpfull to attaine thereto:
And, some (that _will be doing_) more delight
In _doing their owne will_, then _doing right_.
One, thinkes by airie _titles_, to atchieve
The _Palme_ he seekes; Another, doth believe
Tis gain’d, by giving to his _Appetite_,
The fulnesse of his _Bodies_ vaine delight:
To reach their _aime_, some others nourish hopes,
By scrambling up unto the dunghill-tops
Of temp’rall _Riches_: and, of all the wayes,
Most thinke this _course_ deserves the greatest _praise_.
But, this our _Emblem’s_ Motto, doth implie,
That, nothing Man possesseth outwardly
Can purchase him the _Crowne_, that should be sought,
Like _rightly-doing_, what is _rightly-taught_.
And, that _God_ never passed any _doome_,
To barre their _blisse_, who righteous would become:
For, ev’n to _Cain_ he said (of sinne detected)
_If well thou dost, thou shalt be well respected_.
_A little =Wit=, may stand in stead,
When =Strength= doth faile, in time of need._
[Illustration: SUPERAT SOLERTIA VIRES.
ILLVSTR. II. _Book. 3_]
The _Squirrell_, when shee must goe seeke her food,
By making passage through some neighb’ring _flood_,
(And feares to be devoured by the Streame)
Thus, helpes her weaknesse, by a _Stratagem_.
On _blocks_, or _chips_, which on the waves doe flote,
She nimbly leaps; and, making them her boate
(By helpe of Windes, of Current, and of Tide)
Is wafted over to the further side.
Thus, that, which for the _Body_ proves unfit,
Must often be acquired by the _Wit_.
And, what our outward _Fortunes_ shall denye,
Our _providence_ must labour to supply.
Those _Casualties_, which may our need befriend,
We should with heedfull diligence attend;
And, watch to seize those _opportunities_,
Which, men of abler fortunes may despise.
Some Birds, when they an _Oyster_ would unlock,
Mount up, and let it fall upon a Rock;
And, when the Cockles on the Shores lye gasping,
(At ev’ry Tides approach their Shells unclasping)
Crowes cast in _Pebles_, and so take that meat
By _craft_, which by their _force_ they could not get.
Wee, by indeav’ring thus, may gaine, at length,
That, which at first appeares above our strength.
By little _Screwes_ an entrance we may make,
Where _Barres of Iron_ cannot passage breake.
Small _Engines_, lift huge weights; and, we have heard,
That one _Wise-man_ (though poore without regard)
May save a City, when the _Men of Warre_,
And, all their _Captaines_, at a _non plus_ are.
_To =Kings=, both =Sword= and =Mace= pertaine;
And, these they doe not beare in vaine._
[Illustration: NON SINE CAUSA.
ILLVSTR. III. _Book. 3_]
When thou behold’st, upon a _Day of State_,
The _King_ (or, some inferiour _Magistrate_)
Walke forth in publicke, and the royall _Mace_,
The _Sword_, or _Scepter_ borne before his face:
Suppose thou not, that those are carried, so,
In ostentation, or for idle show.
These vulgar _Emblems_, are significant;
And, that _authority_, which _Princes_ grant
To _Bodies-politicke_, was, heretofore
Declared, by those _Ensignes_, which they bore.
The bruzing _Mace_ (although, perhaps, with us,
It be not in these times, restrained thus)
That branch of _Royall-power_ did signifie,
Which doth by _Fines_, or _losse of liberty_,
Correct Offenders. By the _Sword_, they meant,
That larger branch of _pow’r_, to represent,
Which takes the _Malefactors_ life away;
And, armes it selfe, when _Rebells_ disobay.
As often, therefore, as thou shalt espie
Such _Hieroglyphickes_ of _Authority_;
Be mindefull, and advis’d (how meane soere
The _Persons_, or the _Places_ may appeare,
Who get this _pow’r_) that still thou honour them:
Lest, thou in those, the pow’r of _God_ contemne.
If not for theirs, yet for thy _Sov’raignes_ cause,
Whom these doe personate; Or, for the _Lawes_,
(Which threaten punishment) thy selfe submit;
And, suffer what _Authority_ thinkes fit:
For, whatsoere they be that guide the _Reyne_,
_He_, gave the _pow’r_, who gave it, not, in vaine.
_He, that concealed things will finde,
Must looke =before= him, and =behinde=._
[Illustration: PANDO RECONDITA.
ILLVSTR. IV. _Book. 3_]
That _Head_, which in his _Temple_, heretofore,
The well-knowne figure of old _Ianus_ bore,
Retain’d the forme, which pictur’d here you finde;
_A Face before him, and a Face behinde_.
And this old _Hieroglyphicke_ doth comprize
A multitude of Heathenish Mysteries;
Which, wee omitting, will insist on what
This _Emblem’s_ Motto, chiefely poynteth at.
In true _Divinity_, 'tis _God_ alone,
To whom, all hidden things are truely knowne.
_Hee_, onely, is that _ever-present-being_,
Who, by the vertue of his pow’r all-seeing,
Beholds, at one aspect, all things that _are_,
That ever _shall be_, and that ever _were_.
But, in a Morall-sense, we may apply
This _double-face_, that man to signifie,
Who (whatsoere he undertakes to doe)
Lookes, both _before_ him, and _behinde_ him, too.
For, he shall never fruitfully forecast
Affaires _to come_, who mindes not what is _past_:
And, such as doe not, oft, _before_ them looke,
May lose the labour, that’s already tooke.
By, sometimes, looking _backward_, we behold
Those things, which have been done in _times of old_;
By looking wisely _forward_, we foresee
Such matters, as in _future-times_ will bee:
And, thus, we doe not onely fruits receive,
From that short space of _time_, in which we live;
But, by this meanes, we likewise have a share,
In _times to come_, and, _times that passed are_.
_Good =Fortune= will with him abide,
That hath true =Vertue=, for his guide._
[Illustration: VIRTUTE DUCE COMITE FORTUNA
ILLVSTR. V. _Book. 3_]
The _Gryphon_, is the figure of a creature,
Not found within the Catalogues of _Nature_:
But, by those Wits created, who, to shew
_Internall_ things, _externall Figures_ drew:
The Shape, in which this _Fiction_ they exprest,
Was borrow’d from a _Fowle_, and, from a _Beast_;
Importing (when their parts were thus combin’d)
The _Vertues_, both of _Body_, and of _minde_:
And, Men are sayd on _Gryphons_ backes to ride,
When those mixt _Vertues_, them have dignify’d.
The _Stone_ (this _Brute_ supporting) may expresse
The firme abiding, and the solidnesse
Of all true _Vertues_. That, long-winged _Ball_,
Which doth appeare fast-linked therewithall,
The gifts of changing _Fortune_ doth implye:
And, all those things together, signifie,
That, when by such like _Vertues_ Men are guided,
Good _Fortune_ cannot be from them divided.
If this be true (as true I this believe)
Why should wee murmure, why repine, or grieve,
As if our _Studies_, or our honest paines,
Deprived were of some deserved gaines?
Why should we thinke the world hath done us wrong,
Because wee are not register’d among
Those thriving men, who purse up evr’y day,
For _twelve hours labour_ more then _twelve months pay_?
If wee our _paines_ rewarded cannot see,
Wee count our _Merits_ greater then they be.
But if we bide content, our worth is more;
And rich we are, though others think us poore.
_When prosperous our =Affaires= doe growe;
God’s =Grace= it is, that makes them so._
[Illustration: FLOREBO PROSPICIENTE DEO.
ILLVSTR. VI. _Book. 3_]
Svch pleasant _Flowres_, as here are shadow’d out
(Full-grown, well-trim’d, and strongly fenc’d about)
At first, perchance, had planting (where they stand)
And, husbanding, by some good _Gard’ners_ hand:
But, when to perfect ripenesse, they are grown,
(And, spread forth leaves, and blossomes, fully blowne)
They draw it from the Vertue of the _Sunne_,
Which worketh, when the _Gard’ners_ worke is done:
For, lost were all his Travaile, and his praise,
Vnlesse that _Planet_ cheare them with his rayes.
In this our _Pilgrimage_, it fares with us
(In all our _hopes_, and all our _labours_) thus.
For, whatsoever bus’nesse wee intend,
On _God_, our good successes doe depend.
Our Hands may build; but, structures vaine we make,
Till _God_, to be _Chiefe-builder_, undertake.
To wall a _City_, wee may beare the cost;
But, he must _guard_ it, or, the _Towne_ is lost:
The _Plow-man_ useth diligence to sowe;
But, _God_ must blesse it, or, no Corne will grow:
Yea, though _Paul_ plant, and, though _Apollo_ water,
They spend their sweat, upon a fruitlesse matter,
Till _God_, from heaven, their labours please to blesse,
And crowne their travailes, with a good increase.
Let, therefore, those that flourish, like this _Flowre_,
(And, may be wither’d, e’re another houre)
Give _God_ the praise, for making of their _Seeds_
Bring forth sweet _Flowres_, that, else, had proved Weeds:
And, me despise not, though I thrive not so;
For, _when, God pleaseth, I shall flourish too_.
_If thou thy =Duties= truely doe,
Of thy =Reward=, be hopefull too._
[Illustration: FAC ET SPERA.
ILLVSTR. VII. _Book. 3_]
Some _Sects_ are found, who so _believing_ be,
They thinke themselves from _legall-workings_ free;
And, so they live, as if they stood in feare
That, with _Good-works_, their _God_ offended were.
Another sort we know, who credit not,
That any hope of _Mercie_ can be got,
Till they themselves, by their _externall-deed_,
Have _merited_ the favours they shall need:
And, so they prize their _workings_; that, for _Grace_,
They seeme to disallow all usefull place.
Both sorts, their errours may be purged from,
When to the _Fiery-tryall_ they shall come.
So, likewise, may another _Faction_ too,
That erre more deadly then these former doe.
These doe (forsooth) affirme, that _God’s_ decree
Before all _Worlds_ (what Words can fouler be?)
Debarr’d the greatest part of _humane-race_,
Without respecting sinne, from hope of _Grace_;
And, that, howere this number shall indeaver,
They must continue _Reprobates_, for ever.
The first, are errours of Impiety;
But, this, ascends the top of blasphemy;
Dispoyles _Religion_ wholly of her fruits;
And, wrongeth _God_ in all his _Attributes_.
These _Errours_, therefore shunne; and, so _believe_,
That wee thy _Faith_, may by thy _Workes_ perceive.
So _worke_, that thy _believing_ may approve
Thou wrought’st not for thy _Wages_; but, for _love_.
For (whatsoe’re thou be) if thus thou doe,
Thou mayst have _hopes_, and, _God_ will grant them too.
_By =Wisedome=, things which passe away,
Are best preserved from decay._
[Illustration: RERUM SAPIENTIA CUSTOS.
ILLVSTR. VIII. _Book. 3_]
The _Laurell_, which is given for a Crowne
(To men deserving Glory, and renowne)
Is figur’d here, those noble deeds to show,
For which, the _Wreaths_ of _Honour_, we bestow.
Two _Serpents_ (WISDOME’S _Emblems_) twisted are
About this branch of _Lawrell_, to declare,
That, _Wisdome_ is the surest meanes to save
Our Names and Actions, from _Oblivion’s_ Grave.
The _Snakes_ are _two_, perhaps, to signifie
That _Morall-wit_, and _Christian-policie_
(Vnited both together) doe contrive
The safest _guard_, and best _preservative_.
Consider this, all yee, that trust your _Names_
To Marble Monuments; or, mount your _Fames_
By those poore meanes, which Fooles and Knaves pursue;
And, may effect as easily as you:
Nay, with more ease; and, overtop you too,
When you have done the best, your wits can doe.
I say, consider this; and, let the _Pen_
Of learned, wise, and understanding men,
Renowne your worths, and register the story
Of your deserved, and, well-gotten glory;
Lest, else, it suffer close-imprisonments,
Within the walls of such poore _Monuments_,
As oft are built, to leave it quite forgotten,
Whose bones they cover’d, e’re those bones be rotten.
But, you shall best preserve your _Honest-fame_,
Your _Workes_, your _Hopes_, and _Honours_ of your _Name_,
If you your selves be wise; and, so provide
That _Prudence_, all your _Workes_, and _Speeches_ guide.
_Good =Hopes=, we best accomplish may,
By =lab’ring= in a =constant-Way=._
[Illustration: LABORE ET CONSTANTIA.
ILLVSTR. IX. _Book. 3_]
Some Folkes there are, (and many men suppose,
That I my selfe, may passe for one of those)
Who many likely Businesses intend,
Yet, bring but very few, unto an end.
Which folly to prevent, this _Emblem_, here,
Did in a luckie houre, perhaps, appeare.
For, as to draw a _Circle_, with our hand,
We cause the brazen _Compasses_ to stand
With one foot firmely fixed one the ground;
And move the other in a _Constant-round_:
Right so, when we shall purpose to proceed
In any just, and profitable deed,
We first, should by a _constant-resolution_,
Stand firme, to what we put in execution:
And, then, with _perseverance_, labour out
Those workings, which we are employ’d about.
For, we with _constant-liking_, must elect
Those Businesses, we purpose to effect:
Or els, our _time_, our _labour_, and our _cost_,
Will, oft, be much in vaine, or wholly lost.
With _constant-labour_, we must follow, too,
Those things, which we resolved are to do;
Or, els, our hopes will never be effected,
How warily soe’re we have projected.
Long Iourneys I abhorre; yet, otherwhile
I meane a _Furlong_, and performe a _Mile_.
I greatly feare _Long-labours_ to begin;
Yet some I finish, when I’me entred in:
And, if in _Labour_, I more _constant_ grow,
How I improve, hereafter, you shall know.
_Ere thou a =fruitfull-Cropp= shalt see,
Thy ground must =plough’d= and =harro’wd= be._
[Illustration: EVERTIT ET AEQUAT.
ILLVSTR. X. _Book. 3_]
Before the _Plowman_ hopefull can be made,
His untill’d earth good Hay or Corne will yeeld,
He breakes the hillocks downe, with _Plough_ or _Spade_;
And, harrowes over, all the cloddie Field.
Then, from the _leaveld-ground_, at last, he mowes
That Cropp of grasse, which he had hope to gaine;
Or, there, doth reape the fruit of what he sowes,
With profit, which contents him for his paine.
Our _craggie-Nature_ must be tilled, thus,
Before it will, for _Herbes of Grace_, be fit.
Our _high conceit_, must downe be broke in us;
Our heart is proud, and God must humble it.
Before good _Seed_, in us will rooting take,
_Afflictions_ ploughes and harrowes, must prepare us:
And, that the truer _levell_, he may make,
When we are _sunck_ too low, _Gods_ hand must reare us.
Then, neither stormings of _Adversitie_,
Shall drowne the _Seedes of Hope_, which we have sowne;
Nor shall the _Sunne-beames_ of _Prosperitie_,
Drie up their moisture, ere they ripe are growne.
Oh _Lord_, thou know’st the nature of my _minde_;
Thou know’st my _bodyes_ tempers what they are;
And, by what meanes, they shall be best inclin’de
Such _Fruits_ to yeeld, as they were made to beare.
My barren _Soule_, therefore, _manure_ thou so;
So, _harrow_ it; so _emptie_, and so _fill_;
So _raise_ it _up_, and bring it _downe_, so _low_
As best may lay it _levell_ to thy _Will_.
In _this Desire_, the worke is well begunne;
Say _thou_ the _Word_, and all is fully _done_.
_True =Knowledge= is a constant =Friend=,
Whose =Friendship=, never shall have end._
[Illustration: SCIENTIA IMMUTABILIS.
ILLVSTR. XI. _Book. 3_]
By viewing this _fixt-Head_, enwreath’d with _Bayes_,
(And, what the _Motto_ round about it sayes)
Your Apprehension’s eye, may partly see
What _constant Vertues_, in true _Knowledge_ be.
For, if right plac’d it be, it ever will
Continue in the same condition, still:
And, though it make mens manners to be chang’d;
Yet, never is it, from it selfe, estrang’d:
Nor doth, nor can it, cease to be a _Friend_,
What _Fate_ soever, shall on us attend.
When _Wealth_ is lost, or faileth to besteed us;
Shee findes out honest meanes to cloath and feede us.
In _farre_, and _forraigne Lands_, shee will become,
As kinde, and as familiar, as at home;
And, _travelleth_, without the costly cumber,
Of Carriages, or Clokebagges full of Lumber.
No _Place_ can from our presence, her enclose;
Nor is she frighted from us by our _Foes_.
No _Pickthankes_, of her Favours, can bereave us;
No _Promises_, can woo her to deceive us.
In _Youth_, in _Age_, in _Sickenesse_, and in _Griefe_,
Shee bringeth Consolation and reliefe:
And, is in all estates, a blessing to us,
So constant (and so apt, all helpes to doe us)
That, he for whom, such _Knowledge_, God provideth,
Enjoyes a _Friend_, that alwaies firme abideth.
_Lord_, I am _friendlesse_ left; therefore, to me,
This _Knowledge_, and this _Friend_, vouchsafe to bee:
For, thou that _Wisdome_ art, (from heav’n descending)
Which, neither hath _beginning_, _change_, nor _ending_.
_By =Studiousnesse=, in =Vertue’s= waies
Men gaine an =universall-praise=._
[Illustration: VIRTUTE AC STUDIO PER ORBEM FAMA PERPETUA COMPARATUR.
ILLVSTR. XII. _Book. 3_]
When _Emblems_, of too many parts consist,
Their Author was no choice _Emblematist_:
But, is like those, that wast whole _howres_, to tell
What, in three _minutes_, might be said as well.
Yet, when each member is interpreted,
Out of these vulgar _Figures_, you may read
A _Morall_, (altogether) not unfit
To be remembred, ev’n, by _men of wit_.
And, if the _Kernell_ proove to be of worth,
No matter from what shell we drew it forth.
The _Square_ whereon the _Globe_ is placed, here,
Must _Vertue_ be; That _Globe_ upon the _Square_,
Must meane the _World_; The _Figure_, in the _Round_,
(Which in appearance doth her _Trumpet_ sound)
Was made for _Fame_; The _Booke_ she beares, may show,
What _Breath_ it is, which makes her _Trumpet_ blow:
The _Wreath_, inclosing all, was to intend
A glorious _Praise_, that never shall have end:
And, these, in one summ’d up, doe seeme to say;
That, (if men _study_ in a _vertuous-way_)
The _Trumpet_ of a never-ceasing _Fame_,
Shall through the _world_ proclaime their praisefull _Name_.
Now _Reader_, if large _Fame_, be thy ambition,
This _Emblem_ doth informe, on what condition
She may be gain’d. But, (herein, me beleeve)
Thy _studie_ for meere-praise, will thee deceive:
And, if thy _Vertues_, be, but onely, those
For which the vulgar _Fame_, her _Trumpet_ blowes,
Thy _Fame’s_ a blast; Thy _Vertues_, Vices be;
Thy _Studie’s_ vaine; and, _shame_ will follow thee.
_Above thy =Knowledge=, doe not rise,
But, =with Sobrietie, be wise=,_
[Illustration: NOLI ALTUM SAPERE.
ILLVSTR. XIII. _Book. 3_]
_Exalt thou not thy selfe_, though, plac’d thou be,
Vpon the topp of that old _Olive-tree_,
From whence the nat’rall branches prun’d have bin,
That, thou, the better, mightst be grafted in.
Be not so _over-wise_, as to presume
The _Gard’ner_, for thy goodnesse, did assume
Thy small _Crab-Olive_, to insert it, there,
Where, once, the _sweetest-berries_, growing were:
Nor let thy Pride those few _old-boughes_ contemne,
Which, yet, remaine upon their ancient _Stemme_;
Because, thy new-incorporated _Sprayes_,
Doe more enjoy the _Sunnes_ refreshing raies:
But, humbled rather, and, more awfull bee;
Lest, _hee_ that cut off _them_, doe breake downe _thee_.
Be _wise_, in what may to thy good, belong;
But, seeke not _Knowledge_, to thy neighbours wrong:
Be thankefull for the _Grace_ thou hast receiv’d,
But, judge not those, who seeme thereof bereav’d;
Nor into those forbidden _secrets_ peepe,
Which _God-Almighty_, to himselfe doth keepe.
Remember what our Father _Adam_ found,
When he for _Knowledge_, sought beyond his bound.
For, doubtlesse, ever since, both _good_ and _ill_
Are left with _Knowledge_, intermingled still;
And, (if we be not humble, meeke, and warie)
We are in daily danger, to miscary.
Large, proves the fruit which on the _Earth_ doth lie;
_Windes_, breake the twigge, that’s grafted _over-high_;
And, he that will, beyond his bounds, be _wise_,
Becomes a very _Foole_, before he dies.
_When each man keepes unto his =Trade=,
Then, all things better will be made._
[Illustration: TRACTANT FABRILIA FABRI.
ILLVSTR. XIV. _Book. 3_]
We more should thrive, and erre the seldomer,
If we were like this honest _Carpenter_,
Whose _Emblem_, in reproofe of those, is made,
That love to meddle, farther then their _Trade_.
But, most are now exceeding cunning growne
In ev’ry mans affaires, except their owne:
Yea, _Coblers_ thinke themselves not onely able,
To censure; but, to mend _Apelles_ Table.
_Great-Men_, sometime, will gravely undertake
To teach, how _Broomes_ and _Morter_, we should make.
Their Indiscretions, _Peaants_ imitate,
And boldly meddle with affaires of _State_.
Some _Houswives_ teach their _Teachers_ how to pray,
Some _Clarks_, have shew’d themselves, as wise as they;
And in their Callings, as discreet have bin,
As if they taught their _Grandames_ how to _spinne_:
And, if these _Customes_, last a few more Ages,
All Countries will be nothing els, but _Stages_
Of evill-acted, and mistaken parts;
Or, _Gallemaufries_, of imperfect _Arts_.
But, I my selfe (you’l say) have medlings made,
In things, that are improper to my _Trade_.
No; for, the _MVSES_ are in all things free;
Fit subject of their _Verse_, all Creatures be;
And, there is nothing nam’d so meane, or great,
Whereof they have not Liberty to treat.
Both _Earth_ and _Heav’n_, are open unto these;
And (when to take more libertie they please)
They _Worlds_, and _things_, create, which never were;
And, when they list, they _play_, and _meddle_, there.
_A =Shepherd= carefull of the Sheepe,
At all times, faithfull =Watch= doth keepe._
[Illustration: NON DORMIT QUI CUSTODIT.
ILLVSTR. XV. _Book. 3_]
The Figure of a _Storke_ in elder dayes,
Was us’d in _Hieroglyphick_, many wayes:
But, when _one Foote_, thus grasp’d a _Peple-stone_,
The other being firmely fixed on
The _Staffe Episcopall_; in that position,
It makes an Emblem, of a late edition:
By some, thought not improper, to expresse
Their painefull, and their serious, _watchfulnesse_,
Who take upon themselves, the _Pastorall care_;
And, in that _Function_, truely _watchfull_ are.
The _Shepherds-Crooke_, doth some expression make
Of that regard, which, of their _Flocks_, they take.
The _Peble in the Foote_, doth seeme to showe,
That, these must farther diligence bestowe,
(And, use their utmost pow’r) themselves to keepe
From _slothfull Ease_; and from intemp’rate _sleepe_:
For, he that hath such _Duties_ undertooke,
(And, must the lives of others overlooke)
Shall finde himselfe, unto himselfe become
A burthen, and a Charge more troublesome
Then all his _Flocke_, unles, he still provide
His owne, aswell as others _waies_, to guide.
Now, though this _Emblems_ Morall doth concerne
The _Clergie_ most; yet, hence we all may learne
Strict _watch_ to keepe; since, unto all that bee,
A _Watchmans_ place belongs, in some degree.
Which, to discharge, if wee endeavour, still,
Our universall _Shepherd_ aide us will,
And us from harmes, and error he will keepe,
For, _Hee that guardeth Isr’ell doth not sleepe_.
_Our Dayes, untill our Life hath end,
In =Labours=, and in =Hopes=, wee spend._
[Illustration: IN SPE ET LABORE TRANSIGO VITAM.
ILLVSTR. XVI. _Book. 3_]
As soone as our _first Parents_ disobey’d,
Forthwith a _Curse_, for their offence, was layd,
Inforcing them, and their succeeding race,
To get their Food, with sweatings of the Face.
But, afterward, this _Doome_ to mitigate,
(And ease the miseries of their estate)
_God_ gave them _Hope_, that she might helpe them beare
The burthens of their Travaile, and their care.
A _Woman_ with an _Anchor_, and a _Spade_,
An _Emblem_ of that _Mystery_ is made:
And, this Estate, wee all continue in,
By God’s free _Mercie_, and our proper _Sinne_.
By _Sinne_, the _Labour_ is on us intail’d;
By _Grace_, it is, that _Hoping_ hath not fail’d;
And, if in _Hope_, our Labours wee attend,
That _Curse_ will prove a _Blessing_, in the end.
My Lot is _Hope_, and _Labour_; and, betweene
These _Two_, my Life-time hath prolonged beene:
Yet, hitherto, the best of all my _Paine_,
With most of all my _Hopes_ have beene in vaine;
And to the World-ward, I am like to wast
My time in fruitlesse _labours_, till the last.
However, I have still my _Hopes_ as faire
As hee, that hath no temptings to _Despaire_;
And, change I will not, my _last howres_ for theirs,
Whose _Fortune_, more desirable appeares;
Nor cease to _Hope_ and _Labour_, though, of most,
My _Hope_ and _Labour_ be adjudged lost:
For, though I lose the _shaddow_ of my _Paines_,
The _stubstance_ of it, still, in _God_, remaines.
_Man’s life, no =Temper=, more doth blesse,
Then =Simple-prudent-harmelessenesse=._
[Illustration: PRUDENTE SIMPLICITATE.
ILLVSTR. XVII. _Book. 3_]
When from the harmelesse _Turtle_, and the _Snake_,
Their most commended _properties_ wee take,
(And, mixe them well) they make a composition,
Which yeelds a _temper_ of the best condition.
Yet, _wickednesse_, or _sorrow_, doth abound,
Where, any _one_ of these, _alone_, is found:
For, whensoe’re the _Serpents-braine_ we find,
With which, there is no _Dove-like-meekenesse_ joyn’d,
(Without all peradventure) thence proceedes,
All harmefull fraud, and all injurious deedes.
And, where such _meekenesse_ as doth seeme to be
In harmelesse _Doves_, divided you shall see
From that _discretion_, and that _policie_,
Which in the _Serpents_ head, is thought to lie;
They liable to ev’ry wrong become;
And, to it selfe, make _Vertue_ burthensome.
But, where these two are ioyned, they procure
A life so sweet, so rich, and so secure,
That, all the pow’rs of _Malice_ cannot shake
Their _out-workes_, nor _within_ them, terrors make.
_Vouchsafe thou oh my God! vouchsafe, in me,
That these two =Vertues= may vnited be.
Such =Prudence= give, as never will disdaine
The =Dove-like Innocencie=, to retaine.
That =meekenesse=, grant me, which delighteth not,
It selfe, with =indiscretion=, to besot:
But, let these =two=, each other so defend,
And, so, in me continue, till my end,
That, =simple-prudence=, I may still possesse,
Although the World shall count it =foolishnesse=._
_Where er’e we dwell, the =Heav’ns= are neere;
Let us but =fly=, and wee are there._
[Illustration: TRANSITUS CELER EST ET AVOLAMUS.
ILLVSTR. XVIII. _Book. 3_]
Why, with a trembling faintnesse, should we feare
The face of _Death_? and, fondly linger here,
As if we thought the _Voyage_ to be gone
Lay through the shades of _Styx_ or _Acheron_?
Or, that we either were to travell downe
To uncouth _Deapthes_, or up some _heights_ unknowne?
Or, to some place remote, whose nearest end
Is farther then Earths limits doe extend?
It is not by one halfe that distance, thither
Where _Death_ lets in, as it is any whither:
No not by halfe so farre, as to your bed;
Or, to that place, where you should rest your head,
If on the ground you layd your selfe (ev’n there)
Where at this moment you abiding are.
This _Emblem_ shewes (if well you looke thereon)
That, from your _Glasse of life_, which is to run,
There’s but one step to _Death_; and, that you tread
_At once_, among the _Living_, and, the _Dead_.
In whatsoever _Land_, we _live_ or _die_,
_God_ is the same; And, _Heav’n_ is, there, as nigh
As in that _place_, wherein, we most desire
Our _Soules_, with our last breathing, to expire.
Which things, well heeding; let us not delay
Our _Iourney_, when we summon’d are away,
(As those inforced _Pilgrims_ use to doe,
That know not whither, nor, how farre they goe)
Nor let us dreame that we in _Time_, or _Place_,
Are farre from ending our uncertaine _Race_.
But, let us fix on _Heav’n_, a faithfull eye,
And, still, be _flying thither_, till wee die.
_His =Pace=, must =wary= be, and =slow=,
That hath a =Slippery-way= to goe._
[Illustration: PEDETENTIM.
ILLVSTR. XIX. _Book. 3_]
A Travailer, when he must undertake
To seek his passage, o’re some _Frozen Lake_,
With _leisure_, and with _care_, he will assay
The glassy smoothnesse of that _Icie-way_,
Lest he may _slip_, by walking over-fast;
Or, breake the crackling _Pavement_, by his hast:
And, so (for want of better taking heed)
Incurre the mischiefes of _Vnwary-speed_.
We are all _Travellers_; and, all of us
Have many passages, as dangerous,
As _Frozen-lakes_; and, _Slippery-wayes_, we tread,
In which our Lives may soone be forfeited,
(With all our hopes of _Life-eternall_, too)
Unlesse, we well consider what we doe.
There is no private _Way_, or publicke _Path_,
But rubs, or holes, or slipp’rinesse it hath,
Whereby, wee shall with _Mischiefes_ meet; unlesse,
Wee walke it, with a _stedfast-warinesse_.
The steps to _Honour_, are on _Pinacles_
Compos’d of melting Snow, and Isicles;
And, they who tread not nicely on their tops,
Shall on a suddaine slip from all their _hopes_.
Yea, ev’n that way, which is both sure and holy,
And, leades the Minde from Vanities and Folly,
Is with so many other _Path-wayes_ crost,
As, that, by Rashnesse, it may soone be lost;
Vnlesse, we well deliberate, upon
Those _Tracts_, in which our _Ancestours_ have gone:
And, they who with more _haste_, then _heed_, will runne,
May lose the way, in which they well begunne.
_Our =Pelican=, by bleeding, thus,
Fulfill’d the =Law=, and cured =Vs=._
[Illustration: PRO LEGE ET PRO GREGE.
ILLVSTR. XX. _Book. 3_]
Looke here, and marke (her sickly birds to feed)
How freely this kinde _Pelican_ doth bleed.
See, how (when other _Salves_ could not be found)
To cure their sorrowes, she, her selfe doth wound;
And, when this holy _Emblem_, thou shalt see,
Lift up thy soule to him, who dy’d for thee.
For, this our _Hieroglyphick_ would expresse
That _Pelican_, which in the _Wildernesse_
Of this vast _World_, was left (as all alone)
Our miserable _Nature_ to bemone;
And, in whose eyes, the teares of pitty stood,
When he beheld his owne unthankfull _Brood_
His _Favours_, and his _Mercies_, then, contemne,
When with his wings he would have brooded them:
And, sought their endlesse peace to have confirm’d,
Though, to procure his ruine, they were arm’d.
To be their _Food_, himselfe he freely gave;
His _Heart_ was pierc’d, that he their _Soules_ might save.
Because, they disobey’d the _Sacred-will_,
He, did the _Law of Righteousnesse_ fulfill;
And, to that end (though guiltlesse he had bin)
Was offred, for our _Vniversall-sinne_.
Let mee Oh _God_! for ever, fixe mine eyes
Vpon the Merit of that _Sacrifize_:
Let me retaine a due commemoration
Of those deare _Mercies_, _and_ that bloudy _Passion_,
Which here is meant; and, by true _Faith_, still, feed
Vpon the drops, this _Pelican_ did bleed;
Yea, let me firme unto thy _Law_ abide,
And, ever love that _Flocke_, for which he dy’d.
_Bee =Iust=; for, neither =Sea= nor =Land=,
Shall hide thee from the =Royall-hand=._
[Illustration: DISCITE IUSTITIAM.
ILLVSTR. XXI. _Book. 3_]
That, which wee call the _Sea-horse_, is a Creature,
Whereby the Priests of _Ægypt_, wonted were,
To typify an _Ill-disposed nature_;
And, such, as to their _Parents_, cruell are:
Because, this _Monster_ (as their _Authors_ write)
When strong he growes, becommeth so ingrate,
That he pursues, with violent despight,
His old and weakly _Sire_, which him begate.
Contrariwise, the _Storke_, they figur’d, then,
When they occasion had, to signifie
The good condition, of those honest men,
Who pleasure take, in workes of _Piety_:
Because, the _Storkes_, not onely harmed none,
But, holpe their aged _Parents_ in their need;
And, those offensive _Serpents_, prey’d upon,
Which, in the Fennes of _Ægypt_, yearely, breed.
The _Royall-Crowne_, therefore, supporting thus
That pious _Fowle_, and overtopping, here,
The wicked, and the fierce _Hyppotamus_,
May serve to _comfort_, and to keep in _feare_.
For, it informes, that, if we pious grow,
And love our _Princes_ (who those _Parents_ bee,
To whom all _Subjects_, filiall duties owe)
The blessings of their _Favours_, we shall see.
It shewes us, also, that, if we affect
_Vnrighteous-wayes_, no _Wit_, or _Strength_ of our,
Nor any _Vncouth-place_, shall us protect
From being reached, by the _Sov’raigne-power_.
The way of _Iustice_, therefore, learne thou still,
For love of _Goodnesse_, or for feare of _Ill_.
_Take wing, my =Soule=, and mount up higher;
For, =Earth=, fulfills not my =Desire=._
[Illustration: NON EST MORTALE QUOD OPTO.
ILLVSTR. XXII. _Book. 3_]
When _Ganymed_, himselfe was purifying,
Great _Iupiter_, his naked beauty spying,
Sent forth his _Ægle_ (from below to take him)
A blest Inhabitant, in Heav’n to make him:
And, there (as Poets feigned) he doth still,
To _Iove_, and other _God-heads_, Nectar fill.
Though this be but a _Fable_, of their feigning,
The _Morall_ is a _Reall truth_, pertayning
To ev’ry one (which harbours a desire
Above the Starry _Circles_, to aspire.)
By _Ganymed_, the _Soule_ is understood,
That’s washed in the _Purifying flood_
Of sacred _Baptisme_ (which doth make her seeme
Both pure and beautifull, in _God’s_ esteeme.)
The _Ægle_, meanes that Heav’nly _Contemplation_,
Which, after Washings of _Regeneration_,
Lifts up the _Minde_, from things that earthly bee,
To view those _Objects_, which _Faith’s_ Eyes doe see.
The _Nectar_, which is filled out, and given
To all the blest _Inhabitants of Heaven_,
Are those _Delights_, which (_Christ_ hath sayd) they have,
When some _Repentant-soule_ beginnes to leave
Her foulnesse; by renewing of her _birth_,
And, slighting all the _Pleasures_ of the Earth.
I aske not, _Lord_, those Blessings to receive,
Which any Man hath pow’r to take, or give;
Nor, what this World affords; for, I contemne
Her Favours; and have seene the best of them:
Nay, _Heav’n_ it selfe, will unsufficient bee,
Vnlesse, _Thou_, also, give _Thy selfe_, to mee.
_Through many spaces, =Time= doth run,
And, =endeth=, where it first =begun=._
[Illustration: IN SE SUA PER UESTIGIA UOLUITUR.
ILLVSTR. XXIII. _Book. 3_]
Old _Sages_ by the Figure of the Snake
(Encircled thus) did oft expression make
Of _Annuall-Revolutions_; and of things,
Which wheele about in _everlasting-rings_;
There _ending_, where they first of all _begun_,
And, there _beginning_, where the _Round_ was _done_.
Thus, doe the _Planets_; Thus, the _Seasons_ doe;
And, thus, doe many other _Creatures_, too.
By minutes, and by houres, the _Spring_ steales in,
And, rolleth on, till _Summer_ doth begin:
The _Summer_ brings on _Autumne_, by degrees;
So ripening, that the eye of no man sees
Her Entrances. That _Season_, likewise, hath
To _Winter-ward_, as leasurely a path:
And, then, cold _Winter_ wheeleth on amaine,
Vntill it brings the _Spring_ about againe,
With all those _Resurrections_, which appeare,
To wait upon her comming, every yeare.
These _Roundells_, helpe to shew the _Mystery_
Of that immense and blest _Eternitie_,
From whence the CREATURE sprung, and, into _whom_
It shall, againe, with full perfection come,
When those _Additions_, it hath fully had,
Which all the sev’rall _Orbes_ of _Time_ can add.
It is a full, and fairely written _Scrowle_,
Which up into it selfe, it selfe doth rowle;
And, by _Vnfolding_, and, _Infolding_, showes
A _Round_, which neither _End_, nor _entrance_ knowes.
And (by this _Emblem_) you may partly see,
Tis that which _IS_, but, cannot uttred be.
_Each =Day= a =Line=, small =tasks= appeares:
Yet, much it makes in threescore Yeares._
[Illustration: NULLA DIES SINE LINEA.
ILLVSTR. XXIV. _Book. 3_]
Here’s but _one Line_; and, but _one Line a Day_,
Is all the _taske_ our _Motto_, seemes to lay:
And, that is thought, perhaps, a thing so small,
As if it were as good bee nought at all.
But, be not so deceiv’d; For, oft you see
_Small things_ (in time) _great matters_, rise to be:
Yea, that, which when the same was first begun,
A _Trifle_ seem’d, (and easie to be done)
By long nelect of time, will _burthensome_,
And, at the last, _impossible_, become.
Great _Clarkes_, there are, who shall not leave behinde them,
One good _Weekes_ worke, for _Future-Times_ to minde them,
(In _Callings_, either Humane, or Divine)
Who, by composing but _each Day a Line_,
Might _Authors_, of some famous _Workes_ appeare,
In sixtie, seventie, or in eightie yeare;
To which, ten hundred thousands have arrived
Of whom, we see no signe that ev’r they lived.
And, with much pleasure, wee might all effect,
Those needfull _Works_, which often we neglect,
(Vntill too late). If we but, now and then
Did spare one houre to exercise the penn.
For, still, _one-Line_, another draweth on,
And, _Line_ by _Line_, great _Workes_ at last are done.
Whereas, _dis-use_, and many dayes mispent,
Without their _Lines_, let in _discouragement_,
Or, bring _Despaire_; which doth so sottish make us,
That we, to no endeavour can betake us.
Marke this, and, labour in some honest _Way_,
As much as makes, at least, _One Line a Day_,
_Our outward =Hopes= will take effect,
According to the =King’s= aspect._
[Illustration: AD REGIS NUTUS.
ILLVSTR. XXV. _Book. 3_]
When _Phœbus_ with a cheerefull eye, beholds
The Flow’r-embroydred earth, and freely spreads
His beames abroad; behold, the _Marigolds_
Beginne to reare their low-dejected heads:
The _Tulips_, _Daysies_, and the _Heliotropes_
Of ev’ry kinde, their closed Leaves display;
And (as it were) with new-recover’d hopes,
Attend upon the _Ruler of the Day_.
Againe, when either in the _West_ he shrowds
His Rayes below this _Horizon_, or hides
His Face behinde the Curtaines of the _Cloudes_;
They lose their beauties, and abate their prides.
Thus fares it with a _Nation_, and their _King_,
'Twixt whom there is a native Sympathy.
His _Presence_, and his _Favours_, like the _Spring_,
Doe make them sweetly thrive, and fructify:
Yea (like fresh _Groves_, or _Flow’rs_ of pleasing hew)
Themselves in all their jollity they showe;
But, they, if with displeasure, them he view,
Soone lose their Glory, and contemned growe.
All, are not _Heliotropes_ that favour’d growe,
In _Princes_ Courts; nor _Marigolds_, that beare
The golden blossomes; but some spring below,
Like _Daysie flow’rs_, that in the Pathwayes are:
Yet all shall feele it, when their _Sov’raignes_ eye
Doth frowne, or smile, regard, or else neglect:
Yea, it will finde them in _Obscurity_,
By some Disheartning, or some sweet _Effect_,
Vouchsafe to shine on Mee, my Gracious _King_,
And then my _Wither’d_ Leaves, will freshly spring.
_The =Right-hand way=, is =Vertues= Path,
Though rugged Passages it hath._
[Illustration: HAC VIRTUTIS ITER.
ILLVSTR. XXVI. _Book. 3_]
If any covet knowledge of that _Path_,
Which thither tends, where _Peace_ her dwelling hath,
This _Emblem_ (being well observ’d) will show
On whether side, it will be best to goe.
The _Left-hand-way_, seemes to be walk’d, at ease,
Through Lawnes, and Downes, and green-swath’d Passages;
And, much allures the _Traveller_, to trie
The many Pleasures, which doe that _Way_ lye.
The _Right-hand-course_, is through a _Pathlesse-mound_
Of newly ploughed, and deep-furrow’d Ground;
Which, as uneasie seemeth, to be gone,
As, in appearance, rough to looke upon.
Yet, this is _Vertue’s Path_: This _Way_ uneven,
Is that, which unto ev’ry man is given,
To travaile in; and, hath a safer ending,
Then those, whereon more _Pleasures_ are attending:
And (though it leades us thither, where we see
Few promises of outward _Glories_ bee)
It brings (us when we passe the common sight)
Through easy _Tracts_, to gaine our _Hearts delight_.
The other _Way_ (though seeming streight, it lyes,
To _Pleasure’s_ Pallaces, before our eyes)
Hath many rubs, and perills, which betweene
Our _Hopes_, and _Vs_, will alwayes lurke unseene;
Till we are drawne so farre, that 'twill be vaine,
To seeke, with safety, to returne againe.
This, let us heed; and, still be carefull, too,
Which _Course_ it most concerneth us to goe.
And, though the _Left-hand-way_, more smoothnesse hath,
Let us goe forward, in the _Right-hand-path_.
_=I= was erected for a =Bound=,
And I resolve to =stand my ground=._
[Illustration: CONCEDO NULLI.
ILLVSTR. XXVII. _Book. 3_]
The _Bounder-Stones_, held sacred, heretofore,
Some did so superstitiously adore,
As, that they did not onely rev’rence doe them,
But, have ascrib’d a kinde of _God-head_, to them:
For, _Terminus_ had many a _Sacrifize_,
As well as other senslesse _Deities_.
I am not so prophane, as to desire
Such Ethnick zeale should set our hearts on fire:
But, wish I could, Men better did regard
Those _Bounders_, which _Antiquity_ hath rear’d;
And, that, they would not, with so much delight,
There, make _incroachments_, where they have no _right_.
That, ev’ry man might keep his owne _Possessions_,
Our Fathers, us’d in reverent _Processions_
(With zealous prayers, and with praisefull cheere)
To walke their _Parish-limits_, once a yeare:
And, well knowne _Markes_ (which sacrilegious Hands
Now cut or breake) so bord’red out their Lands,
That, ev’ry one distinctly knew his owne;
And, many brawles, now rife, were then unknowne.
But, since neglected, sacred _Bounders_ were,
Most men _Incroachers_, and _Intruders_ are:
They grieve each other, and their _Dues_ they steale,
From _Prince_, from _Parent_, and from _Common-weale_.
Nay, more; these bold Vsurpers are so rude,
That, they, on _Christ’s_ Inheritance intrude.
But, that will be aveng’d; and (on his _right_)
Though such incroach, he will not lose it quite:
For, hee’s that _Bounder_, and that _Corner-stone_,
Who all _confines_, and is _confin’d_, of none.
_Where =Lovers= fitly matched be,
In =mutuall-duties=, they agree_.
[Illustration: MANUS MANUM LAUAT.
ILLVSTR. XXVIII. _Book. 3_]
Would God, I could as feelingly infuse
A good effect of what this _Emblem_ shewes,
As I can tell in words, what _Moralls_ bee,
The life of that, which here you pictur’d see.
Most _Lovers_, minde their _Penny_, or their _Pleasure_;
Or, painted _Honors_; and, they all things measure,
Not as they are, but as they helpfull seeme,
In compassing those toyes, they most esteeme.
Though many wish to gaine a faithfull _Friend_,
They seldome seeke one, for the noblest end:
Nor know they (should they finde what they had sought)
How _Friendship_ should be manag’d, as it ought.
Such, as good _Husbands_ covet, or good _Wives_
(The deare companions of most happy lives)
Wrong Courses take to gaine them; yet, contemne
Their honest love, who rightly counsell them:
And, lest, they unawares the Marke may hit,
They blinde their _judgements_, and befoole their _wit_.
He, that will finde a _Friend_, must seeke out one
To exercise unfeigned _love_ upon;
And, _mutuall-duties_, must both yield, and take,
Not for himselfe; but, for his _Friendship_ sake.
Such, as doe rightly _marry_, neither be
With _Dowries_ caught, nor wooe a _Pedigree_;
Nor, meerely come together, when they wed,
To reape the youthfull pleasures of the Bed:
But, seeke that fitnesse, and, that _Sympathy_,
Which maketh up the perfect’st _Amity_.
A _paire_, so match’d; _like Hands that wash each other_,
As _mutuall-helpes_, will sweetly live together.
_When =Law=, and =Armes=, together meet,
The =World= descends, to kisse their feet._
[Illustration: LEGIBUS ET ARMIS.
ILLVSTR. XXIX. _Book. 3_]
The Picture of a _Crowned-king_, here, stands
Upon a _Globe_; and, with outstretched hands,
Holds forth, in view, a _Law-booke_, and a _Sword_:
Which plaine and moderne _Figures_, may afford
This meaning; that, a _King_, who hath regard
To _Courts for pleading_, and _a Court of Guard_,
And, at all times, a due respect will carry,
To pious _Lawes_, and _Actions military_;
Shall not be _Monarch_, onely in those Lands,
That _are_, by _Birth right_, under his commands:
But, also, might (if just occasion were)
Make this whole _Globe_ of Earth, his power to feare;
Advance his _Favorites_; and, bring downe all
His _Opposites_, below his pedestall.
His conquering _Sword_, in forraigne Realmes, he drawes,
As oft, as there is just, or needfull cause:
At home, in ev’ry _Province_ of his Lands,
At all times, armed are his _Trayned bands_.
His _Royall fleets_, are terrours to the Seas;
At all houres, rigg’d, for usefull Voyages:
And, often, he his _Navy_ doth increase,
That _Warres_ Provisions, may prolong his _Peace_.
Nor, by the tenure of the _Sword_, alone,
Delighteth he to hold his awfull _Throne_,
But, likewise, labours, Mischiefes to prevent,
By wholsome _Lawes_, and rightfull _Goverment_.
For, where the _Sword_ commands, without the _Law_,
A _Tyrant_ keepes the Land in slavish awe:
And, where good _Lawes_ doe want an _Armed pow’r_,
Rebellious _Knaves_, their _Princes_, will devoure.
_=Faire-shewes=, we should not so much heed,
As the Vprightnesse of the =Deed=._
[Illustration: NON QUAM FORMOSA SED QUAM RECTA.
ILLVSTR. XXX. _Book. 3_]
When wee should use a _Ruler_, or a _Square_,
Or such like _Instruments_, as usefull are,
In forming other things; we prize not so
The carving, or the colourable show
(Which makes them beautifull in outward sight)
As when, for _Vsefulnesse_, we finde them right.
A warped _Bowe_, though strung with silken threads,
And, crooked _Arrowes_, tipt with Golden heads,
Delight not _Archers_; tyet, such uselesse Toyes
Be fit enough for Bunglers, and for Boyes.
A skilfull _Artist_ (in what Art soe’re,
He seekes, to make his ablenesse appeare)
Will give large Prices, with much more content,
To buy a plaine (if perfect) _Instrument_;
Then, take for nothing (or, for thankes alone)
An uselesse _Toole_, though, gay to looke upon.
From whence, observe; that, if there must be sought,
When meere _Mechanick-workes_ are to be wrought,
Such _Instruments_, as rather have esteeme
For their _true-being_, then for what they seeme.
Much more, should all those _Rules_ be such, whereby
Wee goe about, our selves to rectify;
And, build up, what in _Body_, or in _minde_,
We may defective, or impaired finde.
Else, peradventure, that we thinke to mend,
More faulty may become, at later end.
But, hence, I chiefly learne, to take a care,
My _Life_, and _Actions_, rather be _sincere_,
Then _seeming_ such: And, yet, Ile thinke no shame,
To _seeme_, to be as honest, as _I am_.
_My =Substance=, and my =Light=, are spent,
In seeking other mens content._
[Illustration: ALIIS INSERVIENDO CONSUMOR.
ILLVSTR. XXXI. _Book. 3_]
If this nigh-wasted _Candle_, you shall view,
And, heed it well, it may enlighten you
To looke with more compassion, on their paines,
Who rob themselves, to multiply your gaines.
The _Taper_ burnes, to give another light,
Ev’n till it selfe, it hath consumed quite;
And, all the profit, which it thence doth winne,
Is to be snufft, by ev’ry _Commer-in_.
This is the Lot of some, whom I have knowne,
Who, freely, all their life-time, have bestowne
In such industrious labour, as appeares,
To further others profits, more then theirs;
And, all their _Patrimonies_, well nigh spent,
The ruining of others, to prevent.
The _wit_, the _strength_, and all the _pow’r_ they had,
(Which might, by probability, have made
Good meanes to raise them, in this world, as high,
As most, who climbe to wealthy dignity)
Ev’n these, they have bestow’d, to better them,
Who their indeavours, for their paines, contemne.
These are those _Lamps_, whose _flames_, from time to time,
Have through each _Age_, and through-out ev’ry _Clime_,
To one another, that true _Light_ convey’d,
Which _Ignorance_, had, els, long since betray’d
To utter darknesse. These, despightfull _Pride_
Oft snuffs; and, oft, to put them out, hath try’d.
But, from the brightnesse of such _Lights_, as they,
We got our _Light of knowledge_, at this day.
To _them_, God make us kinder; and to _Him_,
More thankfull, that we gain’d such light by _them_.
_The safest =Riches=, hee shall gaine,
Who alwayes =Faithfull= doth remaine._
[Illustration: DITAT SERVATA FIDES.
ILLVSTR. XXXII. _Book. 3_]
The _Horne-of-plenty_, which _Wealth_ signifies,
The _Hand-in-hand_, which _Plighted-faith_ implies,
(Together being painted) seeme to teach,
That, such as will be _honest_, shall be _rich_.
If this be so, why then for _Lucre-sake_,
Doe many breake the _Promises_ they make?
Why doe they cheat and couzen, lye, and sweare?
Why practise they all Villanies that are?
To compasse _Wealth_? And, how doe such as they
Inlarge their ill-got _Portions_, ev’ry day?
Or, whence proceedes it, that sometimes we see
Those men grow poore, who _faithfull_ seeme to bee?
Thus, oft it proves; and, therefore, _Falshood_ can,
In likelihood, much more inrich a man,
Then blamelesse _Faith_; and, then, the _Motto_ here
Improper to this _Emblem_, doth appeare.
But, well enough they sute; and, all is true,
Which these things (being thus united) shew.
Should it be then concluded, that all those,
Who poore and honest seeme, have made but showes
Of reall _Faith_? And, therfore, plagu’d have bin
With publicke lashes, for their private sin?
Indeed, sometime it hath succeeded so:
But, know you should, that, most who richest grow,
In _Outward-wealth_, are very poore in that,
Which brings true _Plentie_, and a blest Estate:
And, that, _Good men_, though poore they seeme to bee,
Have _Riches_, which the _Worldling_ cannot see.
Now He, who findes himselfe endow’d with such,
(Whate’re wee thinke him) is exceeding _rich_.
_=Poore-Theeves, in Halters= we behold,
And, =great-Theeves=, in their =Chaines of gold=._
[Illustration: FVRES PRIVATI IN NERVO PVBLICI IN AVRO
ILLVSTR. XXXIII. _Book. 3_]
If you, this _Emblem_, well have look’d upon,
Although you cannot helpe it, yet, bemone
The Worlds blacke Impudence; and, if you can,
Continue (or become) an honest man.
The poore, and petty _Pilferers_, you see
On _Wheeles_, on _Gibbets_, and the _Gallow-tree_
Trust up; when they, that farre more guilty are,
Pearle, Silke, and costly Cloth of Tissue, weare.
Good _God_! how many hath each _Land_ of those,
Who, neither limbe, nor life, nor credit lose
(But, rather live befriended, and applauded)
Yet, have of all their livelihoods defrauded
The helplesse _Widowes_, in their great distresse?
And, of their Portions, robd the _Fatherlesse_?
Yet, censur’d others Errours, as if none
Had cause to say, that they amisse have done?
How many, have assisted to condemne
Poore soules, for what was never stolne by them?
And, persecuted others, for that Sin,
Which they themselves, had more transgressed in?
How many worthlesse men, are great become,
By that, which they have stolne, or cheated from
Their _Lords_? or (by some practices unjust)
From those, by whom they had beene put in trust?
How many _Lawyers_, wealthy men are growne,
By taking Fees, for _Causes_ overthrowne
By their defaults? How many, without feare,
Doe rob the _King_, and _God_, yet blamelesse are?
_God_ knowes how many! would I did so, too,
_So I had pow’r to make them better doe_.
_Whil’st thou dost, here, injoy thy breath,
Continue =mindfull= of thy =Death=._
[Illustration: MEMENTO MORI
ILLVSTR. XXXIV. _Book. 3_]
When thou beholdest on this _Burying-stone_,
The melancholly _Night-bird_, sitting on
The fleshlesse ruines of a _rotten-Skull_,
(Whose Face, perhaps, hath been more beautifull,
Then thine is now) take up a serious thought;
And, doe as thou art by the _Motto_ taught.
_Remember Death_: and, minde, I thee beseech,
How soone, these _Fowles_ may at thy window screech;
Or, call thee (as the common people deeme)
To dwell in _Graves_, and _Sepulchers_, by them,
Where nothing else, but _Bats_, and _Owles_, appeare;
Or, _Goblins_, form’d by _Fancies_, and, by _Feare_.
If thou shalt be advis’d, to meditate
Thy latter end, before it be too late,
(And, whil’st thy _friends_, _thy strength_, and _wits_ may bee
In likely case, to help and comfort thee)
There may be courses taken, to divert
Those _Frights_, which, else, would terrifie thy heart,
When _Death_ drawes neare; and helpe thee plucke away
That _Sting_, of his, which would thy Soule dismay.
But, if thou madly ramble onward, still,
Till thou art sinking downe that _darkesome-hill_,
Which borders on the _Grave_ (and dost beginne
To see the Shades of _Terrour_, and of _Sinne_
To fly acrosse thy _Conscience_) 'twill be hard
To learne this _Lesson_; or, to be prepar’d
For that sad parting; which, will forced bee,
Betweene this much beloved _World_, and _thee_.
Consider this, therefore, while _Time_ thou hast,
And, put not off this _Bus’nesse_, till the last.
_Doe not the golden =Meane=, exceed,
In =Word=, in =Passion=, nor in =Deed=._
[Illustration: ERVA MODVM.
ILLVSTR. XXXV. _Book. 3_]
As is the head-strong _Horse_, and blockish _Mule_,
Ev’n such, without the _Bridle_, and the _Rule_,
Our _Nature_ growes; and, is as mischievous,
Till _Grace_, and _Reason_, come to governe us.
The _Square_, and _Bridle_, therefore let us heed,
And, thereby learne to know, what _helpes_ wee need;
Lest, else, (they fayling, timely, to bee had)
Quite out of _Order_, wee, at length, bee made.
The _Square_, (which is an usefull _Instrument_,
To shape foorth senselesse _Formes_) may represent
The _Law_: Because, _Mankind_, (which is by Nature,
Almost as dull, as is the _senselesse-creature_,)
Is thereby, from the _native-rudenesse_, wrought;
And, in the _Way_ of honest-living taught.
The _Bridle_, (which Invention did contrive,
To rule, and guide the _Creature-sensitive_)
May type forth _Discipline_; which, when the _Law_
Hath school’d the _Wit_, must keepe the _Will_ in awe.
And, hee that can by these, his _Passions_ bound,
This _Emblems_ meaning, usefully, hath found.
Lord, let thy sacred _Law_, at all times, bee
A _Rule_, a _Master_, and a _Glasse_ to mee;
(A _Bridle_, and a _Light_) that I may, still,
Both know my _Dutie_, and obey thy _Will_.
Direct my _Feet_; my _Hands_, instruct thou so,
That I may neither _wander_, nor _mis-doe_.
My _Lookes_, my _Hearing_, and my _Wordes_ confine,
To keepe still firme, to ev’ry _Word_ of thine.
On thee, let also my _Desires_ attend:
And, let me hold this _temper_, till mine end.
_Wee then have got the surest =prop=,
When =God=, alone, becomes our =Hope=._
[Illustration: FVLCRVM TVTISSIMVM
ILLVSTR. XXXVI. _Book. 3_]
I Should not care how hard my _Fortunes_ were,
Might still my _Hopes_ be such, as now they are,
Of helpes divine; nor feare, how poore I bee,
If thoughts, yet, present, still may bide in mee.
For, they have left assurance of such _ayd_,
That, I am of no dangers, now afraid.
Yea, now I see, mee thinkes, what weake and vaine
_Supporters_ I have sought, to helpe sustaine
My fainting heart; when some injurious hand,
Would undermine the Station where I stand.
Me thinks, I see how scurvie, and how base,
It is to scrape for favours, and for grace,
To men of earthly minds; and unto those,
Who may, perhaps, before to morrow lose
Their Wealth, (or their abus’d Authoritie)
And, stand as much in want of helpe as I.
Me thinks, in this _new-rapture_, I doe see
The hand of _God_ from heaven supporting me,
Without those _rotten-Ayds_, for which I whinde,
When I was of my tother _vulgar-minde_:
And, if in some one part of me it lay,
I, now, could cut that _Limbe_ of mine away.
Still, might I keepe this mind, there were enough
_Within_ my selfe, (beside that cumbring stuffe
Wee seeke _without_) which, husbanded aright,
Would make mee _Rich_, in all the _Worlds_ despight.
And, I have hopes, that, had shee quite bereft mee,
Of those few _ragges_ and _toyes_, which, yet, are left me;
I should on _God_, alone, so much depend,
That, I should need, nor _Wealth_, nor other _Friend_.
_True =Vertue=, firme, will alwayes bide,
By whatsoever =suffrings= tride._
[Illustration: VIRTUS INEXPUGNABILIS.
ILLVSTR. XXXVII. _Book. 3_]
This is a well-knowne _Figure_, signifying,
A man, whose _Vertues_ will abide the trying:
For, by the nature of the _Diamond stone_,
(Which _Violence_, can no way worke upon)
That _Patience_, and _long-suffering_ is intended,
Which will not bee with _Injuries_ offended;
Nor yeeld to any base dejectednesse,
Although some bruising _Pow’r_, the same oppresse;
Or, such hard _streights_, as theirs, that hamm’rings feele,
Betwixt an _Anvile_, and a _Sledge_ of Steele.
None ever had a perfect _Vertue_, yet,
But, that most _Pretious-stone_, which God hath set
On his right hand, in _beaming-Majestie_,
Vpon the _Ring_ of blest _ETERNITIE_.
And, this, is that impenitrable _Stone_,
The _Serpent_ could not leave impression on,
(Nor signe of any _Path-way_) by temptations,
Or, by the pow’r of sly insinuations:
Which wondrous _Mysterie_ was of those _five_,
Whose depth King _Solomon_ could never dive.
Good _God_! vouchsafe, ev’n for that _Diamond_-sake,
That, I may of his _pretiousnesse_, partake,
In all my _Trialls_; make mee alwayes able
To bide them, with a minde impenitrable,
How hard, or oft so’ere, those _hamm’rings_ bee,
Wherewith, _Afflictions_ must _new fashion_ mee.
And, as the common _Diamonds_ polish’d are,
By their owne dust; so, let my _errours_ weare
Each other out; And, when that I am pure,
Give mee the _Lustre_, _Lord_, that will endure.
_=Truth=, oft =oppressed=, wee may see,
But, quite =supprest= it cannot bee._
[Illustration: VERITAS PREMITUR NON OPPRIMITUR.
ILLVSTR. XXXVIII. _Book. 3_]
This is that fruitfull _Plant_, which when it growes,
Where wholesome _Water_ in abundance flowes,
Was, by the _Psalmist_, thought a likely _Tree_,
The _Emblem_, of a _blessed-man_, to bee:
For, many wayes, it fitly typifies,
The _Righteous-man_, with his proprieties;
And, those true _Vertues_, which doe helpe increase
His growing, in the state of _Blessednesse_.
The _Palme_, (in this our _Emblem_, figur’d, thus)
Depressed with a _Stone_, doth shew to us
The pow’r of _Truth_: For, as this _Tree_ doth spread,
And thrive the more, when weights presse downe the head;
So, _Gods_ eternall _Truth_ (which all the pow’r
And spight of _Hell_, did labour to devoure)
Sprung high, and flourished the more, thereby,
When _Tyrants_ crush’d it, with their crueltie.
And, all inferiour _Truths_, the same will doe,
According as they make approaches to
The best _Perfection_; or, as they conduce
To _God’s_ due _praise_, or some such pious use.
_Lord_, still, preserve this _Truth’s_ integritie,
Although on ev’ry side, the wicked prie,
To spie how they may disadvantage it.
Yea, _Lord_, though _Sinners_ in high place doe sit,
(As _David_ saith) yet, let them not oppresse
Thy _Veritie_, by their imperiousnesse.
But, make both _Her_, and her _Professors_, bide
The _Test_, like _Silver seven times purifide_.
That, all _Truths_ lovers, may with comfort see,
Shee may _deprest_, but, not, _oppressed_ bee.
_They, who but =slowly-paced= are,
By =plodding= on, may travaile farre._
[Illustration: PAS A PAS.
ILLVSTR. XXXIX. _Book. 3_]
The big-bon’d _Oxe_, in pace is very slow,
And, in his travaile, _step_ by _step_, doth goe,
So leisurely, as if he tir’d had bin,
Before his painfull Iourney did beginne;
Yet, all the day, he stifly ploddeth on,
Vntill the labour of the day be done:
And, seemes as fresh (though he his taske hath wrought)
As when to worke he first of all was brought.
Meane-while, the _Palfray_, which more swiftnesse had,
Hath lost his breath, or proves a _Resty-jade_.
This _Emblem_, therefore, maketh it appeare,
How much it profiteth, to _persevere_;
And, what a little _Industry_ will doe,
If wee continue _constant_ thereunto.
For, meanest _Faculties_, discreetly us’d,
May get the start, of nobler _Gifts_, abus’d.
This, may obserued be in many a one:
For (when their course of life was first begunne)
Some, whose refined _wits_, aspi’rd as high,
As if above the _Sphæres_, they were to flie:
By _Sloth_, or _Pride_, or over-trusting to
Their owne Sufficiencies, themselves undoe.
Yea and those _forward-wits_, have liv’d to see
Themselves inferiours, unto those, to be,
Whom, they did in their jollity, contemne,
As blocks, or dunces, in respect of them.
Then, learne, _Great-wits_, this folly to prevent:
Let _Meane-wits_, take from hence, incouragement:
And, let us all, in our _Affaires_ proceed,
With timely _leisure_, and with comely _speed_.
_Vncertaine, =Fortunes= Favours, bee,
And, as the =Moone=, so changeth =Shee=._
[Illustration: FORTUNA UT LUNA.
ILLVSTR. XL. _Book. 3_]
Ovr _Author_, peradventure, giveth us
Dame _Fortune_ (for these Reasons) pictur’d, thus:
_She_ hath a _Comely-body_, to declare,
How pleasing shee doth usually appeare
To them, that love her Favours. She is _blinde_,
(Or, hath still closed eyes) to put in minde,
How blindly, and how heedlesly, she throwes
Her _Largesse_, where her _Bounty_, she bestowes.
She _stands upon a Ball_; that, wee may learne,
Of outward things, the _tottering_, to discerne:
Her _Ball_ hath _wings_; that it may signifie
How apt her _Favours_ are, away to _flie_.
A _Skarfe displayed by the wind_, she beares,
(And, on her _naked-Body_, nothing weares)
To shew, that what her _Favorite_ injoyes,
Is not so much for _Vsefulnesse_, as _toyes_.
Her _Head is hairelesse, all, except before_;
To teach thee, that thy care should be the more
To hold her _formost kindnesse_, alwayes fast;
Lest, she doe show thee slipp’ry tricks, at last.
And, lastly, that her _changing_ may be showne;
She beareth in her Hand a _Wayned-moone_.
By this Description, you may now descry
Her true conditions, full as well as I:
And, if you, still, suppose her, worth such honour,
You have my leave to _wooe_, and _wayt_ upon her.
Moreover (to her credit) I confesse,
This _Motto_ falsly saith, her _Ficklenesse_
Is like the _Moones_: For, she hath frown’d on mee
Twelve _Moones_, at least; and, yet, no _Change_ I see.
_Vntill the =Steele=, the =Flint= shall smite,
It will afford nor =Heat=, nor =Light=._
[Illustration: ANTÈ FERIT QUÀM FLAMMA MICET.
ILLVSTR. XLI. _Book. 3_]
Whilst by the High-way-side, the _Flint-stone_ lies,
Drie, cold, and hardnesse, are the properties
We then perceive: But, when we prove it nigher,
We finde, that, _Coldnesse_ doth inclose a _Fire_;
And, that, though _Raine_, nor _cloudie-skie_ appeares,
It will be (many times) bedew’d with _teares_.
From hence, I mind, that many wronged are,
By being judg’d, as they, at first, appeare;
And, that, some should bee prais’d, whom wee despise,
If _inward-Grace_, were seene with _outward-Eyes_.
But, this is not that _Morall_ (wee confesse)
Which this our _Emblem_, seemeth to expresse:
For (if the _Motto_ speake the meaning right)
It shewes, that, _hard-afflictions_ first must smite
Our hardned hearts, before it will bee seene,
That any _light_ of _Grace_, in them, hath beene.
_Before the =Flint= will send forth shining Rayes,
It must bee strucken, by the =Steele=, (it sayes.)_
Another _Morall_, adde we may to this,
(Which, to the _Figure_, sutes not much amisse.)
The _Steele_, and _Flint_, may fitly represent
_Hard-hearted men_, whose mindes will not relent:
For, when in _opposition_, such become,
The _fire_ of _Malice_, flames and sparkles from
Their threatning Eyes; which else, close hidden rests,
Within the closets of their flintie brests:
And, flame out-right it will not, (though it smokes)
Till _Strife_ breake passage, for it, by her _strokes_.
If any of these _Moralls_ may doe good,
The purpose of my paines is understood.
_My _Wit_ got _Wings_, and, high had flowne;
But, _Povertie_ did keepe mee downe._
[Illustration: PAUPERTATE PREMOR SUBLEUOR INGENIO.
ILLVSTR. XLII. _Book. 3_]
You little thinke, what plague it is to bee,
In plight like _him_, whom pictur’d here you see.
His _winged-Arme_, and his _up-lifted-eyes_,
Declare, that hee hath _Wit_, and _Will_, to rise:
The _Stone_, which clogs his other _hand_, may show
That, _Povertie_ and _Fortune_, keepe him low:
And, twixt these _two_, the _Bodie_ and the _Mind_,
Such labours, and such great vexations finde,
That, if you did not such mens wants contemne,
You could not chuse but helpe, or pitie them.
All Ages had (and, this I know hath some),
Such men, as to this misery, doe come:
And, many of them, at their _Lot_, so grieve,
As if they knew, (or did at least beleeve)
That, had their _Wealth_ suffiz’d them to aspire
(To what their _Witts_ deserve, and they _desire_).
The present Age, and future Ages too,
Might gaine have had, from what they thought to doe.
Perhaps I dream’d so once: But, God be prais’d,
The _Clog_ which kept me downe, from being rais’d,
Was chain’d so fast, that (if such _Dreames_ I had)
My _thoughts_, and _longings_, are not now so mad.
For, plaine I see, that, had my _Fortunes_ brought
Such _Wealth_, at first, as my small _Wit_ hath sought;
I might my selfe, and others, have undone,
Instead of _Courses_, which I thought to runne.
I finde my _Povertie_, for mee was fit;
Yea, and a _Blessing_, greater than my _Wit_:
And, whether, now, I _rich_ or _poore_ become,
Tis nor much _pleasing_, nor much _troublesome_.
_A =Mischiefe=, hardly can be done,
Where =many-pow’rs= are knit in one._
[Illustration: VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR.
ILLVSTR. XLIII. _Book. 3_]
Observe the _Sheafe of Arrowes_, figur’d here;
And, how the pow’r, and fury, of the _Beare_
(Though hee attempt it) no device can finde
To breake one _slender-shaft_, while they are _joyn’d_:
Whereas, were they _divided_, strength but small,
Like rotten Kexes, would soone breake them all.
This _Emblem_, therefore, fitly doth imply
That Safeguard, which is found in _Vnity_;
And, shewes, that, when _Dis-union_ is begunne,
It breedeth dangers, where before were none.
The _Psalmist_, numerous _Off-springs_, doth compare
To _Quivers_, that with _Shafts_ replenish’d are.
When _Vnity_ hath knit them in her _bands_,
They prove like _Arrowes_ in a _Gyants_ hands.
And, though, for these, their Foes in wayt have layd,
They shall not be supriz’d, nor made afrayd.
Consider this, yee _Children of one Sire_,
'Twixt whom, is kindled some contentious _fire_,
And, reconciled be, lest you, at length,
Consume away the marrow of your _strength_;
Or, by dividing, of your _joyned-pow’r_,
Make way for those, who studie to devoure.
Yea, let us all consider, as we ought,
What _Lesson_, by this _Emblem_, we are taught.
For, wee are _Brethren_ all; and (by a _Bloud_
More precious, then our nat’rall _Brother-hood_)
Nor knit, alone, but, mingled, as it were,
Into a _League_; which is, by much, more deare,
And, much more dangerous, to be undone,
Then all the _Bands_, that can be thought upon.
_They, best injoy their Hearts desires,
In whom, =Love=, kindles =mutuall-fires=._
[Illustration: AMORE MUTUO.
ILLVSTR. XLIV. _Book. 3_]
What may the reason be, that, when Desire
Hath kindled in the brest, a _Loving-fire_,
The _Flame_, which burn’d awhile, both cleere & strong,
Becomes to be extinguished, ere long?
This _Emblem_ gives the reason; for, it showes,
That, when _Affection_, to perfection growes,
The _Fire_, which doth inlighten, first, the same,
Is made an _equall_, and a _mutuall-flame_.
These burning _Torches_, are alike in _length_;
To shew, _Love equall_, both in _time_, and _strength_.
They, to each otherward, their _Flames_ extend,
To teach us, that, _True-lovers_ have no end
Pertayning to _Selfe-love_; and, lo, betweene
These _Two_, one _Flaming-heart_, is to be seene;
To signifie, that, they, but _one_, remaine
In _Minde_; though, in their _Persons_, they are _twaine_.
He, doubtlesse, then, who _Lov’d_, and, giveth over,
Deserveth not the Title of a _Lover_;
Or, else, was unrequited in Affection,
And, was a _Lover_, with some imperfection.
For, _Love_, that loves, and is not lov’d as much,
May perfect grow; but, yet, it is not such,
Nor can be, till it may that _object_ have,
Which _gives_ a _Heart_, for what it would _receive_:
And, lookes not so much _outward_, as to heed
What seemes _within_, to _want_, or to _exceed_.
Whether our Emblem’s _Author_, thought of this,
You need not care; nor, will it be amisse,
If they who perfect _Lovers_, would be thought,
Doe mind, what by this _Morall_, they are taught.
_Where =many-Forces= joyned are,
_Vnconquerable-pow’r_, is there_
[Illustration: CONCORDIA INSUPERABILIS.
ILLVSTR. XLV. _Book. 3_]
An _Emblem’s_ meaning, here, I thought to conster;
And, this doth rather fashion out a _Monster_,
Then forme an _Hieroglyphicke_: but, I had
These _Figures_ (as you see them) ready made
By others; and, I meane to _morallize_
Their Fancies; not to mend what they devise.
Yet, peradventure, with some vulgar praise,
This _Picture_ (though I like it not) displayes
The _Morall_, which the _Motto_ doth imply;
And, thus, it may be sayd to signifie.
He, that hath many _Faculties_, or _Friends_,
To keepe him safe (or to acquire his ends)
And, fits them so; and, keepes them so together,
That, still, as readily, they ayd each other,
As if so many _Hands_, they had been made;
And, in _One-body_, usefull being had:
That man, by their Assistance, may, at length,
Attaine to an _unconquerable-strength_;
And, crowne his honest _Hopes_, with whatsoever
He seekes for, by a warranted Endeavour.
Or, else, it might be sayd; that, when we may
Make our _Affections_, and, our _Sense_, obay
The will of _Reason_, (and, so well agree,
That, we may finde them, still, at peace to be)
They’l guard us, like so many _Armed-hands_;
And, safely keepe us, whatsoere withstands.
If others thinke this _Figure_, here, inferres
A better sense; let those _Interpreters_
Vnriddle it; and, preach it where they please:
Their _Meanings_ may be good, and so are these.
_The =Hearts= of =Kings= are in =God’s= Hands;
And, as He lists, He Them commands._
[Illustration: IN MANU DEI COR REGIS.
ILLVSTR. XLVI. _Book. 3_]
Why doe men grudge at those, who raysed be,
By royall Favour, from a low degree?
Know this; _Hee should be honour’d, whom the King,
To place of Dignity, shall please to bring_.
Why should they blame their _Kings_, for fav’ring such,
Whom, they have thought, scarce meriting so much?
_God rules their Hearts; and, they, themselves deceive,
Who dreame, that Kings exalt, without Gods leave._
Why murmure they at _God_, for guiding so
The Hearts of _Kings_, as oft they see him doe?
Or, at his _Workes_, why should they take offence,
As if their _Wit_, could teach his _Providence_?
_His just, and his all-seeing =Wisedome= knowes,
Both =whom=, and =why= he crownes, or overthrowes;
And, =for what cause=, the Hearts of =Princes=, bee
=Inlarg’d=, or =shut=; when we no cause can see;_
We sometime know, what’s _well_, and what’s _amisse_;
But, of those _Truths_, the root concealed is;
And, False-hoods, and Uncertainties, there are,
In most of those things, which we _speake_, or _heare_.
Then, were not _Kings_ directed by _God’s_ hand,
They, who are best, and wisest in the Land,
Might oft misguide them, either by receiving
A _False report_, or, by some _wrong-believing_.
God’s _Grace_ it is, that _Good-men_ rays’d have bin:
If _Sinners_ flourish, we may thanke our _Sin_.
Both _Good_ and _Bad_, so like in _out-sides_ be,
That, _Kings_ may be deceiv’d, in what they see;
And, if _God_ had not rul’d their _Hearts_ aright,
The _World_, by this time, had been ruin’d quite.
_A =Vertue= hidden, or not us’d,
Is either =Sloth=, or =Grace= abus’d._
[Illustration: CELATA VIRTUS IGNAVIA EST.
ILLVSTR. XLVII. _Book. 3_]
The World hath shamelesse _Boasters_, who pretend,
In sundry matters, to be skill’d so well,
That, were they pleased, so their houres to spend,
They say, they could in many things excell.
But, though they make their hearers to beleeve,
That, out of _Modestie_ their _Gifts_ they hide,
In them wee very plainely may perceive,
Or _Sloth_, or _Envy_, _Ignorance_, or _Pride_.
When other mens endeavours they peruse,
They either carpe at what they cannot mend;
Or else of Arrogance doe those accuse,
Who, to the publike view, their _Workes_ commend.
If these men say, that they can _Poetize_,
But, will not; they are false in saying so:
For, he, whose _Wit_ a little that way lies,
Will _doing_ bee, though hee himselfe _undoe_.
If they, in other _Faculties_ are learned,
And, still, forbeare their _Talents_ to imploy;
The truest _Knowledge_, yet, is undiscerned,
And, that, they merit not, which they injoy.
Yea, such as hide the _Gifts_ they have received,
(Or use them not, as well as they are able)
Are like _fayre Eyes_, of usefull sight bereaved;
Or, _lighted-Candles_, underneath a _Table_.
Their glorioust part, is but a _Painted-cloath_,
Whose _Figures_, to the wall-ward, still are hung.
Their hidden _Vertues_, are apparant _Sloth_;
And, all their life, is to the publike wrong:
For, they doe reape the _Fruits_, by many sowne,
And, leave to others, nothing of their owne.
_The =Moone=, which is =decreasing= now,
When shee =returnes=, will =fuller=, grow._
[Illustration: REDIBO PLENIOR.
ILLVSTR. XLVIII. _Book. 3_]
I Never, yet, did murmuringly complaine,
Although those _Moones_ have long been in the _Waine_,
Which on their _Silver Shields_, my _Elders_ wore,
In _Battels_, and in _Triumphs_, heretofore.
Nor any mention have I ever made,
Of such _Eclipses_, as those _Crescents_ had;
Thereby, to move some _Comet_, to reflect
His _fading-light_, or daigne his _good-aspect_.
For, when I tell the _World_, how ill I fare,
I tell her too, how little I doe care,
For her _despights_: yea, and I tell it not,
That, helpe, or pitie, might from her be got;
But, rather, that her _Favourites_ may see,
I know my _Waynings_, yet, can pleased bee.
My _Light_, is from the Planet of the _Sunne_;
And, though the _Course_, which I obliquely runne,
Oft brings my outward _Fortunes_ to the _Waine_,
My _Light_ shall, one day, bee renew’d againe.
Yea, though to some, I quite may seeme to lose
My _Light_; because, my follies interpose
Their shadowes to eclipse it: yet, I know,
My _Crescents_, will increase, and _fuller_, grow.
Assoone as in the _Flesh_, I beeing had,
I mooved on in _Courses retrograde_,
And, thereby lost my _Splendor_: but, I feele
Soft motions, from that great _Eternall-Wheele_,
Which mooveth all things, sweetly mooving mee,
To gaine the _Place_, in which I ought to bee:
And, when to _Him_, I backe _returne_, from _whom_
At first I came, I shall at _Full_ become.
_Bee warie, =wheresoe’re=, thou bee:
For, from _deceit_, no =place= is free._
[Illustration: NUSQUAM TUTA FIDES.
ILLVSTR. XLIX. _Book. 3_]
Some write (but, on what grounds, I cannot tell)
That they, who neere unto the _Deserts_ dwell,
Where _Elephants_ are found, doe notice take,
What trees they haunt, their sleeping-stocks to make;
That, when they rest against an halfe-sawne stemme,
It (falling) may betray those Beasts to them.
Now, though the part _Historicall_, may erre,
The _Morall_, which this _Emblem_ doth inferre,
Is overtrue; and, seemeth to imply,
The _World_ to bee so full of Treacherie,
As, that, no corner of it, found can be,
In which, from Falshoods Engines, wee are free.
I have observ’d the _Citie_; and, I finde
The _Citizens_, are civill, grave and kinde;
Yet, many are deluded by their showes,
And, cheated, when they trust in them repose.
I have been oft at _Court_; where I have spent,
Some idle time, to heare them _Complement_:
But, I have seene in _Courtiers_, such deceit,
That, for their Favours, I could never wait.
I doe frequent the _Church_; and, I have heard
Gods judgements, by the _Preachers_, there, declar’d,
Against mens falshoods; and, I gladly heare
Their zealous _Prayers_, and good _Counsells_ there;
But, as I live, I finde some such as they,
Will watch to doe a mischiefe, if they may.
Nay, those poore sneaking _Clownes_, who seeke their living,
As if they knew no manner of deceiving;
Ev’n _those_, their _witts_, can (this way) so apply,
That, they’l soone cousen, wiser men, than I.
_This =Day=, my =Houre-glasse=, forth is runne;
Thy =Torch=, to =Morrow=, may bee done._
[Illustration: HODIE MIHI CRAS TIBI:
ILLVSTR. L. _Book. 3_]
There is no Day, nor minute of the Day,
In which, there are not many sent away
From _Life_ to _Death_; or, many _drawing-on_,
Which, must within a little while, bee gone.
You, often, view the _Grave_; you, often, meet
The _Buriers_, and the _Mourners_, in the street,
Conveying of some Neighbour, to that home,
Which must, e’re long, your _dwelling-place_ become.
You see the _Race_, of many a youthfull _Sonne_
Is finish’d, e’re his _Father’s_ Course is done;
And, that, the hand of _Death_, regardeth neither
Sexe, Youth, nor Age; but, mingleth all together.
You, many times, in your owne houses, heare
The groanes of _Death_, and, view your _Children_, there,
Your loving _Parents_, or, beloved _Wives_,
To gaspe for breath, and, labour for their _lives_.
Nay, you your selves, do sometime find the paines
Of _Sicknesse_, in your Bowels, and your Vaines.
The _Harbingers_ of _Death_, sometime, begin
To take up your whole _Bodie_, for their _Inne_.
You beare their heavie _Aches_, on your back;
You feele their _twinges_, make your heartstrings crack;
And, sometime, lye imprison’d, and halfe dead,
With _Age_, or with _Diseases_, on your bed:
Yet you deferre your ends; and, still contrive,
For temp’rall things; as if you thought to live
Sixe _Ages_ longer: or, had quite forgot,
That, you, and others, draw one _common-Lot_.
But, that, you might not, still, the same forget,
This _Emblem_, and this _Motto_, here were set.
_Finis Libri tertij._
[Illustration: Decoration]
THE THIRD LOTTERIE.
1
The _Wreathes_ of GLORY, you affect,
But, _meanes_ to gaine them, you neglect;
And, (though in _doing_, you delight)
You _doe_ not, alwayes, what is _right_:
Nor are you growne, as yet, so wise,
To know, to whom the richest _Prize_
Doth appertaine; nor what it is.
But, now, you are inform’d of _This_.
See, _Emblem_ I.
2
Though you are _weake_, you much may doe,
If you will set your _Wits_ thereto.
For, meaner _Powres_, than you have had,
And, meaner _Wits_, good shift have made,
Both to contrive, and compasse that,
Which abler men have wondred at.
Your _Strength_, and _Wit_, unite, therefore,
And, both shall grow improov’d the more.
See, _Emb._ II.
3
Perhaps, thou mayst be one of them,
Who, Civill _Magistrates_ contemne;
And sleighteth, or else, flouteth at
The _Ceremonies_ of Estate.
That, thou maist, therefore, learne to get,
Both better _Manners_, and more _Wit_,
The _Sword_, and _Mace_, (by some despiz’d)
Is, for thy sake, now _moralliz’d_.
See, _Emb._ III.
4
By this thy _Lot_, wee may misdoubt,
Thou look’st not warily about;
But, hudlest onward, without heed,
What went _before_, or may _succeed_;
Procuring losse, or discontent,
Which, _Circumspection_, might prevent.
Therefore, with gratefulnesse, receive
Those counsells, which our _Moralls_ give.
See, _Emb._ IV.
5
Thou hast, unworthily, repin’d,
Or, been displeased in thy mind,
Because, thy _Fortunes_ doe not seeme
To fit thy _Worth_ (in thy esteeme:)
And loe, to check thy discontent,
Thy _Lot_, a _Morall_, doth present;
And shewes, that, if thou _vertuous_ bee,
_Good-Fortune_, will attend on thee.
See, _Emb._ V.
6
When thy Desires have good successe,
Thine owne _Endeavors_, thou dost blesse;
But, seldome unto _God_ thou giv’st
Due thanks, for that, which thou receiv’st.
Thine _Emblem_, therefore, tells from whom
The fruits of good _Endeavours_, come:
And, shewes (if thou to thrive intend)
On whom, thou, alwayes, must depend.
See, _Emb._ VI.
7
It may bee, thou art one of those,
Whose _Faith_, more _bold_, than _fruitfull_ growes;
And (building on some false _Decree_)
Disheartnest those, that _Workers_ be
To gaine (with _awfull-joy_) that _PriZe_,
Which, unto no man, _God_ denies,
That workes in _Hope_; and, lives by _Faith_.
Marke, therefore, what thine _Emblem_ saith.
See, _Emb._ VII.
8
Thou hast been willing, that thy _Name_,
Should live the life of _Honest-Fame_;
And, that, thy _labours_ (to thy praise)
Continue might, in future dayes.
Behold; the _Lot_, thou hapnest on,
Hath showne, how this may well bee done.
Pursue the _Course_, which there is taught,
And, thy desires to passe are brought.
See, _Emb._ VIII.
9
Thou, many things, hast well begun;
But, little, to good purpose, done:
Because, thou hast a fickle _braine_,
And, _hands_ that love to take no paine.
Therefore, it chanceth not amisse,
That, thou hast such a _Chance_, as this:
For, if thou want not _Grace_, or _Wit_,
Thou maist, in time, have good of it.
See, _Emb._ IX.
10
Whatev’r you seeme to others, now,
It was the _Harrow_, and the _Plough_,
By which, your _Predecessors_ got,
The fairest portion of your _Lot_:
And, (that, it may encrease your _Wit_)
They haunt you, in an _Emblem_, yet.
Peruse our _Morall_; and, perchance,
Your _Profit_, it will much advance.
See, _Emb._ X.
11
Much labour, and much time you spend,
To get an able-constant _Friend_:
But, you have ever sought him, there,
Where, no such precious _Iewells_ are:
For, you, _without_ have searching bin,
To finde, what must be found _within_.
This _Friend_, is mention’d by this _Lot_,
But, _God_ knowes where he may be got.
See, _Emb._ XI.
12
Thou seek’st for _Fame_; and, now art showne,
For what, her _Trumpet_ shall be blowne.
Thine _Emblem_, also, doth declare,
What _Fame_ they get, who _vertuous_ are,
For _Praise_ alone; and, what _Reward_,
For such like _Studies_, is prepar’d.
Peruse it; And, this _Counsell_ take;
_Bee vertuous, for meere Vertues sake_.
See, _Emb._ XII
13
This _Lot_, those persons, alwayes finds,
That have high _thoughts_, and loftie _minds_;
Or, such as have an itch to learne,
That, which doth nothing them concerne;
Or, love to peepe, with daring eyes,
Into forbidden _Mysteries_.
If any one of these thou bee,
Thine _Emblem_, lessons hath for thee.
See, _Emb._ XIII.
14
If all be true, these _Lots_ doe tell us,
Thou shouldst be of those _Fidling-fellowes_,
Who, better practised are growne,
In _others_ matters, than their _owne_:
Or, one, that covets to be thought,
A man, that’s ignorant of nought.
If it be so, thy _Morall_ showes
Thy _Folly_, and what from it flowes.
See, _Emb._ XIV.
15
Thou hast some _Charge_, (who e’re thou be)
Which, _Tendance_ may expect from thee.
And, well, perhaps, it may be fear’d,
Tis often left, without regard:
Or, that, thou dost securely sleep,
When, thou should’st watch, more strictly, keep.
Thou knowest best, if it be so:
Take therefore heed, what is to doe.
See, _Emb._ XV.
16
In secret, thou dost oft complaine,
That, thou hast _hop’d_, and _wrought_ in vaine;
And, think’st thy _Lot_, is farre more hard,
Than what for others is prepar’d.
An _Emblem_, therefore, thou hast got,
To shew, it is our _common-Lot_,
To _worke_ and _hope_; and, that, thou hast
A _Blessing_ by it, at the last.
See, _Emb._ XVI.
17
That thou hast _Honestie_, we grant;
But, _Prudence_, thou dost often want:
And, therefore, some have injur’d thee,
Who farre more _Wise_, than _honest_ bee.
That, now, _Discretion_ thou mayst add,
To those _good-meanings_ thou hast had;
The _Morall_ of thine _Emblem_, view;
And, what it counsels, that, pursue.
See, _Emb._ XVII.
18
To your _Long-home_, you nearer are,
Than you (it may bee) are aware:
Yea, and more easie is the _Way_,
Than you, perchance, conceive it may.
Lest, therefore, _Death_, should grim appeare,
And, put you in a causelesse feare;
(Or out of minding wholly passe)
This _Chance_, to you allotted was.
See, _Emb._ XVIII.
19
In slippery _Paths_, you are to goe;
Yea, they are full of danger too:
And, if you heedfull should not grow,
They’l hazzard much, your overthrow.
But, you the mischiefe may eschew,
If wholsome Counsell, you pursue.
Looke, therefore, what you may be taught,
By that, which this your _chance_ hath brought.
See, _Emb._ XIX.
20
This present _Lot_, concernes full neere,
Not you alone, but all men here;
For, all of us, too little heed
His _love_, who for our sakes, did _bleed_.
Tis true, that _meanes_, hee left behind him,
Which better teacheth how to minde him:
Yet, if wee both by _that_, and _this_,
Remember him, 'tis not amisse.
See, _Emb._ XX.
21
Tis hop’d, you just, and pious are,
More out of _Conscience_, than for feare;
And, that you’l vertuous courses take,
For _Goodnesse_, and for _Vertue-sake_.
Yet, since the best men, sometimes may
Have need of helpes, in _Vertues_ way,
Those usefull _Moralls_, sleight you not,
Which are presented by this _Lot_.
See, _Emb._ XXI.
22
This _Lot_ pertaineth unto those,
(And who they bee, _God_ onely knowes)
Who, to the world, have no desire;
But, up to heav’nly things aspire.
No doubt, but you, in some degree,
Indow’d with such _affections_ bee;
And, had this _Emblem_, that you might
Encourag’d bee, in such a _Flight_.
See, _Emb._ XXII.
23
The state of _Temp’rall_ things to shew,
Yee have them, still, within your view;
For, ev’ry object that wee see,
An _Emblem_, of them, serves to bee.
But, wee from few things, helps doe finde,
To keepe _Eternitie_ in minde.
This _Lot_, an _Emblem_ brings, therefore,
To make you thinke upon it more.
See, _Emb._ XXIII.
24
Vnlesse you better looke thereto,
_Dis-use_, and _Sloth_, will you undoe.
That, which of you despayred was,
With ease, might have bin brought to passe;
Had but so much bin done, as may
Bee equall’d with _One Line a day_.
Consider this; and, to that end,
The _Morall_ of your _Lot_ attend.
See, _Emb._ XXIV.
_M_ 25
If wee mistake not, thou art one,
Who loves to court the _Rising-Sunne_;
And, if this _Lot_, thy nature finde,
Thou to _Preferment_ hast a minde:
If so; learne hence, by whose respect
(Next God) thou mayst thy hopes effect:
Then, seeke to winn his grace to thee,
Of what estate soe’re thou bee.
See, _Emb._ XXV.
26
Thou to a _double-path_ art come;
And, peradventure, troublesome,
Thou findest it; for thee to know,
On whether hand thou oughtst to goe.
To put thee out of all suspect,
Of _Courses_ that are indirect;
Thy _Morall_ points thee to a path,
Which _hardship_, but, no perill hath.
See, _Emb._ XXVI.
27
You warned are of taking heede,
That, never, you your _Bounds_ exceed;
And, also, that you be not found,
To come within your Neighbours _Bound_.
There may be some concealed Cause,
That, none but you, this _Emblem_ drawes.
Examine it; And, If you see
A fault, let it amended be.
See, _Emb._ XXVII.
28
Your _Emblems_ morall doth declare,
When, _Lovers_ fitly matched are;
And, what the chiefest cause may be,
Why, _Friends_ and _Lovers_ disagree.
Perhaps, you somewhat thence may learne,
Which your _Affection_ doth concerne.
But, if it _Counsell_ you too late,
Then, preach it at your _Neighbours_ gate.
See, _Emb._ XXVIII.
_M_ 29
Some, vrge their _Princes_ on to _Warre_,
And weary of sweet _Peace_, they are.
Some, seeke to make them, dote on _Peace_,
(Till publike Danger more encrease)
As if the World were kept in awe,
By nothing else but preaching _Law_.
Thy _Morall_ (if of those thou art)
Doth act a _Moderators_ part.
See, _Emb._ XXIX.
30
Tis feared, thou dost lesse esteeme,
_Vpright_ to _bee_, than so to _seeme_;
And, if thine actions, faire _appeare_,
Thou carest not how foule they _are_.
Though this bee not thy fault alone,
Yet have a care of mending _One_:
And, study thou, _Vpright_ to grow,
As well in _Essence_, as in _Show_.
See, _Emb._ XXX.
31
Some, all their _time_, and _wealth_ have spent,
In giving other men content;
And, would not grudge to waste their _Blood_,
To helpe advance the _Common-good_.
To such as these, you have been thought,
Not halfe so friendly as you ought.
This _Lot_ therefore befalls, to shew,
How great _respects_, to such, are due.
See, _Emb._ XXXI.
32
You have been tempted (by your leave)
In hope of _Lucre_, to deceive:
But, much, as yet, you have not swerv’d
From _Faith_, which ought to be observ’d.
If well, hereafter, you would speed,
In _dealing-honestly_, proceed:
For, by your _Emblem_, you shall see,
That, _Honest-men_, the _richest_ bee.
See, _Emb._ XXXII.
33
We hope, no person, here, beleeves,
That, you are of those wealthy _Theeves_,
Who, _Chaines_ of gold, and pearle doe weare.
And, of those _Theeves_, that, none you are,
Which weares a _Rope_, wee, plainly see;
For, you, as yet _unhanged_ bee:
But, unto God, for _Mercie_ crie,
Else _hang’d_ you may bee, e’re you die.
See, _Emb._ XXXIII.
34
You, willing are, to put away,
The thinking on your _latter-day_:
You count the mention of it, _Folly_;
A meanes of breeding _Melancholly_;
And, newes unfit for men to heare,
Before they come to _sixtie-yeare_.
But, minde what Counsels now are sent,
And, mend, lest you too late repent.
See, _Emb._ XXXIV.
35
Your _Wits_, your _Wishes_, and your _Tongue_,
Have run the _Wild goose-chase_, too long;
And (lest all Reason, you exceed)
Of _Rules_, and _Reines_, you now have need.
A _Bridle_, therefore, and a _Square_,
Prime _Figures_, in your _Emblem_, are.
Observe their _Morall_, and I pray,
Be _Wise_, and _Sober_, if you may.
See, _Emb._ XXXV.
36
Because her _Ayd_ makes goodly showes,
You, on the _World_, your trust repose;
And, his _dependance_, you despise,
Who, meerly, on _God’s_ helpe, relies.
That, therefore, you may come to see,
How pleas’d, and safe, those men may bee,
Who have no ayd, but _God_, alone;
This _Emblem_, you have lighted on.
See, _Emb._ XXXVI.
37
Some, thinke your _Vertue_ very much;
And, there is cause to thinke it such:
For, many wayes it hath been tride;
And, well the _Triall_ doth abide.
Yet, think not, but some _brunts_ there are,
Which, your owne _strength_ shall never beare.
And, by the _Morall_ of your _Lot_,
Learne, where, _Assistance_ may bee got.
See, _Emb._ XXXVII.
38
Thou hast been grieved, and complain’d,
Because, the _Truth_ hath wrong sustain’d.
But, that, dismayd thou shouldst not be,
Thine _Emblem_ will declare to thee,
That, though the _Truth_ may suffer spite,
It shall not bee depressed quite;
But, by opposing, spread the more,
And, grow more pow’rfull than before.
See, _Emb._ XXXVIII.
39
By _Rashnesse_, thou hast often err’d,
Or, else, thou hadst been more preferr’d.
But, future errours, to prevent,
Thou to the slow-pac’d _Oxe_ art sent,
To learne more _Staydnesse_; and, to doe
Thy _Workes_, with _Perseverance_, too.
Hee that this creatures _Vertue_ scornes,
May want it all, except his _Hornes_.
See, _Emb._ XXXIX.
40
Dame _Fortunes_ favour seemes to bee
Much lov’d, and longed for, of thee;
As if, in what, her hand bestowes,
Thou mightst thy confidence repose.
But, that, her _manners_ may bee knowne,
This _Chance_, upon thee, was bestowne.
Consider well, what thou hast got,
And, on her flattrings, dote thou not.
See, _Emb._ XL.
41
The _Steele_ and _Flint_, declare, in part,
The Temper of a _Stony-heart_;
And, shewe, that thence, no _Vertue_ flowes,
Till it be forced out, with blowes.
Some other, _Moralls_ thou maist learne,
Thereby, which will thy _good_, concerne:
Marke, therefore, what they doe declare,
And, minde it, as occasions are.
See, _Emb._ XLI.
42
Thou thinkst thy _Witt_, had made thee great,
Had _Povertie_ not beene some _let_:
But, had thy _Wealth_ as ample beene,
As, thou thy _Witt_, didst overweene;
Insteed of thy desired _Height_,
Perhaps, thou hadst beene ruin’d quite.
Hereafter, therefore, be content,
With whatsoever _God_ hath sent.
See, _Emb._ XLII.
43
To _Discord_, thou art somewhat prone,
And, thinkst thou mayst subsist alone;
Regarding not how safe they bide,
Who, fast, in _Concords_ bands are tide.
But, that thou mayst the better heed,
What _Good_, from _Vnion_ doth proceed,
An _Emblem_ is become thy _Lot_,
From which, good _Caveats_ may be got.
See, _Emb._ XLIII.
44
Thou wouldst be lov’d; and, to that end,
Thou dost both _Time_, and _Labour_ spend:
But, thou expect’st (as wee beleeve)
More _Love_, than thou dost meane to give.
If so thou then, art much to blame:
For, _Love_ affects a _muturall-flame_;
Which, if it faile on either side,
Will never, long time, true abide.
See, _Emb._ XLIV.
45
If all your _pow’rs_, you should unite,
Prevaile in your Desires, you might:
And, sooner should effect your ends,
If you should muster up your _Friends_.
But, since your _Genius_ doth suspect,
That, you such _Policie_ neglect,
Your _Lot_ presenteth to your view
An _Emblem_, which instructeth you.
See, _Emb._ XLV.
46
Because, thou mayst be one of them,
Who dare the deeds of _Kings_ condemne;
(As if such eyes as theirs and yours
Could view the depth of _Sov’raigne pow’rs_;
Or, see, how in each _Time_, and _Place_,
_God_ rules their hearts, in ev’ry case.)
To check thy sawcinesse, in this,
An _Emblem_ comes not much amisse.
See, _Emb._ XLVI.
47
Of many goodly parts thou vauntst;
And, much thou hast, though much thou wantst:
But, well it were, that, lesse, thou hadst,
Vnlesse more use thereof thou mad’st.
That, therefore, thou mightst come to see,
How vaine _unpractiz’d-vertues_ bee,
Peruse thine _Emblem_; and, from thence,
Take usefull heed of thy _Offence_.
See, _Emb._ XLVII.
48
By this thy _Lot_, it may appeare,
Decayd thy _Hopes_, or _Fortunes_ are.
But, that, thou mayst no courage lose,
Thine _Emblem_, by example, showes,
That, as the _Moone_ doth from the _Waine_
Returne, and fill her _Orbe_ againe:
So, thou thy _Fortunes_ mayst renew,
If, honest _Hopes_, thou shalt pursue.
See, _Emb._ XLVIII.
49
Some _Foes_, for thee, doe lie in wait,
Where thou suspectest no _Deceit_;
Yea, many a one, thy harme intends,
Whom thou dost hope will be thy _Friends_:
Be, therefore, heedfull, whom to _trust_;
What _walke_ thou tak’st, and what thou _dost_;
For, by thine _Emblem_, thou shalt see,
That, _warinesse_, will needfull bee.
See, _Emb._ XLIX.
50
It seemes, by drawing of this _Lot_,
The day of _Death_, is much forgot;
And, that, thou needst a faithfull _Friend_,
To minde thee of thy _latter-end_.
Vnheeded, therefore, passe not by,
What now thine _Emblem_ doth imply;
So, thou shalt heare (without affright)
_Death’s_ message, though it were to night.
See, _Emb._ L.
51
Thou seek’st by fickle _Chance_, to gaine,
What thou by _Vertue_ might’st attaine.
Endeavour well, and, nothing shall
To thee, unfortunately fall:
For, ev’ry variable _Chance_,
Thy firme contentment, shall advance.
But, if thou, yet, remaine in doubt,
Turne _Fortunes-wheele_, once more, about.
52
Thy _Lot_, no Answere will bestow,
To that, which thou desir’st to know;
Nor canst thou, here, an _Emblem_ find,
Which to thy purpose is inclinde.
Perhaps, it is too late to crave,
What thou desirest, now, to have:
Or, but in vaine, to mention that,
Which thy _Ambition_ aymeth at.
Then, take it not in evill part,
That, with a _Blanck_, thou answer’d art.
53
Although you now refused not,
To trie the _Fortune_ of your _Lot_;
Yet, you, perhaps, unwilling are,
This company the same should heare,
Lest, some harsh _Morall_ should unfold
Such tricks, as you could wish untold.
But, loe, you need not stand in awe;
For, 'tis a _Blanck_, which now you draw.
54
It proves a _Blanck_; for, to what end,
Should wee a serious _Morall_ spend,
Where, _teachings_, _warnings_, and _advise_,
Esteemed are of little price?
Your onely purpose, is to looke
Upon the _Pictures_ of this _Booke_;
When, more discretion you have got,
An _Emblem_ shall attend your _Lot_.
55
You might have drawne an _Emblem_, here,
In which your _manners_ pictur’d were:
But, some will vexe, when they shall see
Themselves, so painted out to bee,
And, blame this _Booke_, as if it had
By some unlawfull _Art_ been made:
(Or, was contriv’d, that, to their shame,
Men, on themselves, might _Libels_ frame)
And, lest you may bee so unwise,
Your _Lot_, an _Emblem_, now, denies.
56
Because, _Good Chances_, others drew,
To trie these _Lots_, it pleased you.
But, had you such an _Emblem_ found,
As fits you rightly, you had froun’d;
Or, _inwardly_, you would have _chast_,
Although you _outwardly_ had laugh’d.
You, therefore, very glad may bee,
This proves a _Blanck_; and, so may wee.
_FINIS._
[Illustration: Decoration]
A
COLLECTION
OF
EMBLEMES,
ANCIENT AND
MODERNE:
Quickened
With METRICALL ILLVSTRATIONS, both
_Morall_ and _Divine_: And disposed into
LOTTERIES,
That _Jnstruction_, and _Good Counsell_, may bee furthered
by an Honest and Pleasant _Recreation_.
_By_ GEORGE WITHER.
_The fourth Booke._
[Illustration: Decoration]
LONDON,
Printed by AVGVSTINE MATHEWES.
MDCXXXIV.
_=TO
THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE=
PHILLIP, _Earle of_ PEMBROOKE, and
MOVNTGOMERIE, &c. Lord =Chamberlaine= of the
Houshould, =Knight= of the most honourable Order of
the =Garter=, and one of his =Majesties= most Honourable
=Privie-Councell=._
_My Honourable_ LORD,
Though, _Worthlesse_ in my owne repute I am;
And, (though my _Fortune_, so obscures my Name
Beneath my _Hopes_; that, now, it makes me seeme
As little worth, in other mens esteeme,
As in mine owne;) yet, when my _Merits_ were
No better, than, to most, they now appeare,
It pleased some, ev’n some of those that had
The _Noblest Names_, (and, those of whom was made
The best Account) so lowly to descend,
As, my well-meaning _Studies_, to befriend.
Among those WORTHIES, I may both bemone
(My selfe in HIM) and memorize, for _One_,
Your much renowned BROTHER, as a _Chiefe_
In bringing to my waned _Hopes_, reliefe;
And, in my _Faculties_, were I as able
To honour _Him_, as he was honourable,
I would have showne, how, all this _Emperie_
Hath lost a _Friend_, in HIM, as much as I.
To MEE, so freely, of his owne accord
It pleased HIM, his _Favours_, to afford;
That, when our learned, and late _Sov’raigne-Prince_,
(By others mis-informed) tooke offence
At my Free _Lines_; HEE, foun’d such _Meanes_ and _Place_
To bring, and reconcile mee to his _Grace_;
That, therewithall, his _Majestie_ bestow’d
A Gift upon mee, which his _Bountie_ show’d:
And, had inrich’d mee; if, what was intended,
Had not, by othersome, beene ill befriended.
But, as I long time, suffred have by those
Who labour’d much, my thrivings, to oppose:
So, _I my selfe_, (although not out of pride,
As many thinke it) have so much relide
Vpon the _Royall-Gift_, neglecting so
To fortifie the same, as others do
By making Friends; that my estate grew lesse
(By more than twice five hundred Marks decrease)
Through that, which for, my profit was bestowne.
And, I, ere this, had wholly been undone;
But, that the _Wealth_, which I relie on, most,
Consists in things, which never can be lost.
Yet, by his _Losse_, I have _Occasions_ had
To feele, why other men are often sad.
And, I, (who blushed, to be troublesome
To any Friend) therby, almost am come
To such a passe; that, what I wish to have,
I should grow impudent enough to _Crave_,
Had not impartiall _Death_, and wasting _Time_,
Of all my Friends quite worne away the _Prime_;
And, left mee none, to whom I dare present
The meanest suite without encouragement:
Although, the greatest _Boone_, I would implore,
Should cost them, but a _Word_, or little more.
Yet, some there are, no doubt, for whose respect
I might endeavour, with no vaine effect;
Had I but cause, to have as high esteeme,
Of mine owne _Merits_, as I have of them.
And, if your _Honour_ should be so inclin’d,
As I desire; I, now am sure to finde
Another _Pembrooke_, by whose ayde sustain’d,
I may preserve, what by the _Last_ I gain’d.
To make adventure, how it will succeed,
I now am come. And lo, my LORD, insteed
Of better _Advocates_, I first begin,
Mine EMBLEMS, by these _Lines_, to Vsher in;
That, _they_, by these admittance may effect
For _Mee_, and for _themselves_, your kinde respect.
That, which in _them_, best Worthy you shall find,
Is this; that, they are Symptomes of a _Minde_,
Affecting honestie: and of a _Heart_,
So truly honouring a true desert,
That, I am hopefull made, they will acquire
As much respect as I can well desire:
And, SIR, your _Candor_, your knowne _Courtesies_,
With other praisefull _Vertues_, make mee rise
To this Beliefe; that, YOV by fav’ring mee
Hereafter, may as highly honour’d be,
As by some former Bounties; and encrease
My Future _Merit_, by your _Worthinesse_.
However, what I _am_ or shall be knowne
To _Bee_, by _Your Deservings_, or mine _owne_,
You may command it; and, be sure to finde
(Though false my _Fortunes_ prove) a Faithfull _Mind_.
_Thus, unfainedly, professeth_
_Your Honours_
_truest Honourer_,
GEO: WITHER.
TO
THE RIGHT HONORABLE,
_HENRIE_, Earle of HOLLAND, &c.
_Captaine of the =Guard=; _Lord-chiefe-Iustice_ in Eyre
of all his Majesties Forrests, Parkes and Chases
=on this side= Trent; =Knight of the most noble Order
of the Garter, and one of his Majesties
most Honourable= Privie Counsell._
_Right Noble SIR_,
_Having, of late, some =Cause=, to overlooke
That thankfull =Register=, wherein I booke
My noblest =Friends=; I found so many =Names=
Possessing nothing, but their honour’d =Fames=,
(Whose =living Persons=, wee injoyed, here,
A while agoe;) that, I began to feare,
I might grow =Friendlesse=; (having now so few)
Vnlesse I sought, their =Number= to renew._
_By some =Disasters=, also, gaining proofe,
How much this =Course= would make for my behoofe;
I call’d my =Wits= to =Counsell=, =Where=, and HOW
I might, with hopefulnesse, begin to sow
The seeds of such =a Blessing=: And, me thought
=Within mee=, something said: =Where should be sought
What thou so gladly wouldst renewed finde,
But, from some BRANCHES of the selfe-same kinde;
Whose faire Aspects may seeme to promise fruit,
According to the Virtues of the= Roote?_
_Assoone as Fancie had inform’d me so,
Your =Lordship=, came to my remembrance, too,
With what our =Soveraigne’s= Favour, =Vulgar Fame=,
Or, your owne =Merits=, addeth to your =Name=.
Which, having weigh’d, no doubts at all I had
Of =Worth= in =Yov=; But, rather, doubtings made
That, all my =Wits= would insufficient be,
To make that =Worth=, become a =Friend= to mee.
For, I have oft observ’d, that, =Favour= shunnes
The best =Desert=, if after =her=, it runnes._
_Yet_, who can tell what may befall? thought I:
It is no great _Adventure_, if I try
Without successe: And, if, I gaine my _End_,
I am assured of a _Noble-Friend_.
His honourable FATHER, deem’d mee worth
So much respecting as to seeke me forth,
When, I was more _obscure_: And, MEE, for nought
But, onely to _Befriend mee_, forth HEE sought.
Then, wherefore, of his SONNE, should I suspect
That (feeling =Him=) hee can my love reject?
Since, _Courtesie_ doth alwaies, there, abound,
Where such a lovely _Personage_ is found?
_My LORD, these were my =Fancies=: But I take them
To be of no more worth, than, you shall make them
By your =Acceptance=: Nor, is’t my intent
To Court you, with fruitlesse =Complement=:
But, to attempt your =Favour= with a mind,
As readily, and really, inclinde
To =serve= you, when my services may steed;
As to expect your Favours, in my need.
For, had my =Fates= enabled me so much,
I should more willingly have sought out such
On whom I Courtesies might have bestowne,
Than, seeke to cure =Misfortunes= of mine =owne=.
No doubt, but, every day, your =Lordship= heares
=Inventions=, which may better please your eares
Than these I now present; And, yet you might
(For ought I knew) finde profit, or delight,
By our plaine EMBLEMS, or, some =uses= in them,
Which from your =Honour=, some respects may win them;
Ev’n for that good =Moralitie=, which they
To Vulgar Vnderstandings will convay.
But, Truth to speake, the chiefest cause which drew
My minde, to make them PRESENTS, for your view,
Was, but to take =Occasion= to professe,
That, I am =Servant=, to your WORTHINESSE.
In which, if YOV are pleased; All is got,
At which I aym’d: And, though you like it not,
It shall but teach Mee (for the time to come)
To take more heed, where I am troublesome._
And, I shall be, neverthelesse,
your Honours to be commanded,
as becommeth your Servant,
GEO: WITHER.
_Whil’st I, the =Sunne’s= bright Face may view,
I will no meaner =Light= pursue._
[Illustration: NON INFERIORA SECUTUS.
ILLVSTR. I. _Book. 4_]
When, with a serious musing, I behold
The gratefull, and obsequious _Marigold_,
How duely, ev’ry morning, she displayes
Her open brest, when _Titan_ spreads his Rayes;
How she observes him in his daily walke,
Still bending towards him, her tender stalke;
How, when he downe declines, she droopes and mournes,
Bedew’d (as 'twere) with teares, till he returnes;
And, how she vailes her _Flow’rs_, when he is gone,
As if she scorned to be looked on
By an inferiour _Eye_; or, did contemne
To wayt upon a meaner _Light_, then _Him_.
When this I meditate, me-thinkes, the _Flowers_
Have _spirits_, farre more generous, then ours;
And, give us faire Examples, to despise
The servile Fawnings, and Idolatries,
Wherewith, we court these earthly things below,
Which merit not the service we bestow.
But, oh my God! though groveling I appeare
Vpon the Ground, (and have a rooting here,
Which hales me downward) yet in my desire,
To that, which is above mee, I aspire:
And, all my best _Affections_ I professe
To _Him_, that is the _Sunne of Righteousnesse_.
Oh! keepe the _Morning_ of his _Incarnation_,
The burning _Noone-tide_ of his bitter _Passion_,
The _Night_ of his _Descending_, and the _Height_
Of his _Ascension_, ever in my sight:
That imitating him, in what I may,
I never follow an inferiour _Way_.
_The =Earth= is God’s, and in his Hands
Are all the =Corners= of the Lands._
[Illustration: IN MANU DOMINI OMNES SUNT FINES TERRÆ.
ILLVSTR. II. _Book. 4_]
Long since, the sacred _Hebrew Lyrick_ sayd,
(A Truth, which never justly was denayd)
That, _All the world is God’s_; and that his _hands_
Enclose the limits of the farthest _Lands_.
The selfe same _Truth_ affirmes, that likewise, there,
By him, their _clodds_, and _furrowes_ warred are,
And, that with _dewes_ and _showres_, he doth so blesse
The dwellings of the barren _Wildernesse_,
That, those Inhabitants (whom some conceiv’d,
Of usefull, and all pleasant things bereav’d)
Their labors, with advantage, doe employ,
And, fetch their yearely _Harvests_ home, with joy.
Why then should wee, that in God’s _Vineyard_ live,
Distrust that all things needfull hee will give?
Why should his _Garden_ doubt of what it needs,
Since hee oft waters barren _Rocks_ and _Weeds_?
Why should his _Children_, live in slavish feare,
Since hee is kind to those that strangers are?
Or, whither from his presence, can we flie,
To whom the furthest _hiding-place_ is nigh.
And, if I may, from lower objects clime,
(To questioning, in matters more sublime)
Why should I thinke, the _Soule_ shall not bee fed,
Where God affoords, to _Flesh_, her _daily Bread_?
Or, dreame, that hee, for some, provided none,
Because, on us, much _Mercie_ is bestowne?
'Tis true enough, that _Hell_ devoureth all,
Who shall be found without the _Churches_ pale;
But, how farre that extends, no Eye can see,
Since, _in Gods hands, Earth’s farthest Corners bee_.
_By seeming other than thou art,
Thou dost performe a foolish part._
[Illustration: QUOD NON ES NE VIDEARE CAVE.
ILLVSTR. III. _Book. 4_]
The World is much for _Shewes_, and few there are
So diligent to _bee_, as to _appeare_;
Although a little travaile more, would make them
Those men, for which, the _lookers-on_ mistake them.
Some, have so toyled, and consum’d so much,
To get a false repute of being _Rich_,
That, they have spent farre more, than would have bought,
The _substance_ of the _shadow_, they have sought;
And, caused those, who deem’d them rich before,
To know them, to bee miserably _poore_.
Some others, would so faine be counted _Wise_,
That, they consume in _Curiosities_,
In _Sophistries_, and superficiall _showes_,
More pretious Time, than would have made them those,
They long to seeme, (had halfe that meanes been spent,
In seeking _Wisdome_, with a pure intent)
Whereas, the glorioust purchases of such,
(Though by their Peeres they seeme applauded much)
Are still so vaine, that little they possesse,
But fruitlesse _leaves_, of _learned foolishnesse_:
Yea, by affecting more than is their due,
They lose ev’n both the _substance_, and the _shew_;
And, so, instead of honours _Crowne_, have worne
The _Coxcombes_, of a well-deserved scorne.
But, of all _Fooleries_, the grossest _Folly_
Is theirs, who weare those _garbes_ of _seeming-holy_,
Which paine them sore, yet make them still appeare,
To _God_ and _Men_, as wicked as they are.
Be, therefore, what, to be thou hast profest;
But, bee not of this last, of all the rest.
_Pursue thy =Workes=, without delay,
For, thy short =houres= runne fast away._
[Illustration: FESTINAT DECURRERE.
ILLVSTR. IIII. _Book. 4_]
Though this bee but the picture of that _Glasse_,
By which thou measur’st how thine _houres_ doe passe,
Yet, sleight it not; for, much 'twill profit thee,
To ponder what the _Morals_ of it bee.
And, 'tis an _Emblem_, whence the _Wise_ may learne,
That, which their persons, neerely doth concerne.
The brittle _Glasse_, serves fitly to expresse
The _Bodie’s_ frailtie, and much crasinesse.
Foure _Pillars_, which the glassie worke empale,
Instruct thee, that the _Vertues_ Cardinall,
To guard the _Manhood_, should bee still employ’d,
Lest else the feeble fabrick bee destroy’d.
The _Sand_, still running forth, without delay,
Doth shew, that _Life-time_, passeth fast away,
And, makes no stop: yea, and the _Motto_ too,
(Lest thou forgetfull prove) informes thee so.
By viewing this, Occasion, therefore, take,
Of thy fast-flying _Houres_, more use to make;
And, heedfull bee, to shunne their common crime,
Who take much care to trifle out the time;
As if it merited their utmost paine,
To lose the gemme, which most they seeke to gaine.
_Time-past_ is lost already: _Time-to-come_,
Belongs, as yet, thou knowst not unto whom.
The _present-houres_ are thine, and, onely those,
Of which thou hast _Commission_ to dispose;
And, they from thee, doe flye away so fast,
That, they are scarcely knowne, till they are past.
_Lord, give mee grace, to minde, and use =Time= so,
That, I may doe thy =worke=, before I goe._
_Repent, or God will breake the thread,
By which, thy =doome= hangs o’re thy head._
[Illustration: ABRUMPAM.
ILLVSTR. V. _Book. 4_]
Marke well this _Emblem_; and, (when in a _thread_,
You see the _Globe_, there, hang above their head,
Who in securitie, beneath it sit)
Observe likewise, the _Knife_, that threatens it;
The smallnesse of the _Twine_; and, what a death
Would follow, should it fall on those beneath:
And (having well observ’d it) mind, I pray,
That, which the word about it, there, doth say:
For, it includes a _Caveat_, which wee need
To entertaine, with a continuall heed.
Though few consider it, wee finde it thus
(Throughout our lives) with ev’ry one of us.
_Destruction_ hangeth in a _single thread_,
Directly over every _Sinner’s_ head.
That _Sentence_ is gone forth, by which wee stand
Condemn’d to suffer death. The dreadfull hand,
Of God’s impartiall _Iustice_, holds a _Knife_,
Still ready, to cut off our _thread of life_;
And, 'tis his _mercie_, that keepes up the _Ball_
From falling, to the ruine of us all.
Oh! let us minde, how often wee have bin,
Ev’n in the very act of _Deadly-sinne_,
Whilst this hung over us; and, let us praise,
And love him, who hath yet prolong’d our dayes:
Yea, let our thankfulnesse, bring forth such fruit,
As, to the benefit may somewhat suit:
For, though a _sudden-Death_ may not ensue,
Yet, (since _Times_ Axe, doth every minute hew
The _Root of Life_) the Tree, e’re long, must fall;
And, then perhaps, too late, repent wee shall.
_When =woe= is in our selves begun,
Then, whither from it, can wee run?_
[Illustration: HINC DOLOR INDE FUGA.
ILLVSTR. VI. _Book. 4_]
Poore _Hart_, why dost thou run so fast? and why,
Behind thee dost thou looke, when thou dost fly?
As if thou seem’dst in thy swift flight, to heare
Those _dangers_ following thee, w^{ch} thou dost feare?
Alas! thou labour’st, and thou runn’st in vaine,
To shunne, by _flight_, thy _terrors_, or thy _paine_;
For, loe, thy _Death_, which thou hast dreaded so,
Clings fast unto thee, wheresoere thou goe:
And while thou toyl’st, an _outward-ease_ to win,
Thou draw’st thine owne _destruction_ further _in_;
Making that _Arrow_, which but prickes thy hide,
To pierce thy tender entrailes, through thy side.
And, well I may this wounded _Hart_ bemoane;
For, here, me thinkes, I’m taught to looke upon
Mine owne condition; and, in him, to see
Those deadly wounds, my _Sinnes_ have made in mee.
I greatly feare the _World_, may unawares
Intangle mee, by her alluring snares:
I am afraid, the _Devill_ may inject
Some poys’nous fume, my _Spirit_ to infect,
With ghostly _Pestilence_; and, I assay,
To flie from these, with all the pow’rs I may.
But, oh my Flesh! this very _Flesh_ I weare,
Is worse to mee, than _Worlds_, and _Devils_ are:
For, without this, no pow’r on mee, they had.
This is that _Shirt_, which made _Alcides_ mad.
It is a _griefe_, which I shall never cure,
Nor flie from, whilst my life-time doth endure:
From thence, oh _Lord_, my greatest _sorrowes_ bee;
And, therefore, from my _Selfe_, I flie to _Thee_.
_When =Magistrates= confined are,
They revell, who were kept in feare._
[Illustration: CAPTIVUM IMPUNE LACESSUNT.
ILLVSTR. VII. _Book. 4_]
A Tyrannous, or wicked _Magistrat_,
Is fitly represented by a _Catt_:
For, though the _Mice_ a harmfull vermine bee,
And, _Cats_ the remedie; yet, oft wee see,
That, by the _Mice_, far lesse, some house-wives leese,
Then when they set the _Catt_ to keepe the _Cheese_.
A ravenous _Cat_, will punish in the _Mouse_,
The very same Offences, in the house,
Which hee himselfe commits; yea, for that _Vice_,
Which was his owne (with praise) he kills the _Mice_;
And, spoyleth not anothers life alone,
Ev’n for that very _fault_ which was his _owne_,
But _feeds_, and _fattens_, in the spoyle of them,
Whom hee, without compassion did condemne.
Nay, worse than so; hee cannot bee content,
To slaughter them, who are as innocent,
As hee _himselfe_; but, hee must also play,
And sport his wofull _Pris’ners_ lives away;
More torturing them, 'twixt fruitlesse _hopes_ and _feares_,
Than when their bowels, with his teeth he teares:
For, by much terrour, and much crueltie,
Hee kills them, ten times over, e’re they die.
When, such like _Magistrates_ have rule obtain’d,
The best men wish their powre might be restrain’d:
But, they who shun enormities, through _Feare_,
Are glad when _good-men_ out of Office are.
Yea, whether _Governours_ bee good or bad,
Of their displacings _wicked-men_ are glad;
And, when they see them brought into disgraces,
They boldly play the _Knaves_ before their faces.
_Loe, heere is all, that bee possest,
Which once was =Victor= of the =East=._
[Illustration: RESTAT DE VICTORE ORIENTIS.
ILLVSTR. VIII. _Book. 4_]
When hee, who by his conquering Arme, possest
The rich, and spacious Empires of the _East_,
Felt his approaching end; he bade them beare
A _Shirt_ throughout his _Armie_, on a _Speare_,
Proclaiming, that of all his large estate,
No more was left him, then, but only that:
Perhaps intending, thereby, to expresse,
A sorrow for his wilde _Ambitiousnesse_;
Or, hoping, by that _Spectacle_, to give
Some good _Instructions_ unto those that live.
However, let it serve us, to declare,
How vaine their toylings, and ambitions are,
Who rob themselves, and other men of rest,
For things that are so little while possest.
And, if that powerfull King, could nothing have,
That was of use, to carry to his _Grave_,
(Of all his conquered _Kingdomes_) but, one _Shirt_,
Or, _Winding sheet_, to hide his Royall durt;
Why should we pinch, and scrape, and vext become,
To heap up Riches, for we know not whom?
Or, macerate the _Flesh_, by raising strife,
For more, than will bee usefull during life?
Nay, ev’n for that, which sometimes shortens _breath_,
And makes us, also, wretched after _Death_.
_Let mee, oh God! my labour so employ,
That, I, a competencie may enjoy.
I aske no more, than may =Lifes= want supply,
And, leave their due to others, when I =die=.
If this thou grant, (which nothing doubt I can)
None ever liv’d, or dy’d a richer man._
_When =Hopes=, quite frustrate were become,
The =Wither’d-branch= did freshly bloome._
[Illustration: INSPERATA FLORUIT.
ILLVSTR. IX. _Book. 4_]
T’is true, a _wither’d-branch_ I am, and seeme
To some, as voyd of _Hopes_, as of esteeme;
For, in their judgements, I appeare to be
A saplesse _Bough_, quite broken from the Tree,
(Ev’n such as that, in this our _Emblem_, here)
And, yet, I neither feele _Despaire_, nor _Feare_;
For, I have seene (e’re now) a little _Spray_,
(Rent from her _Stemme_) lye trodden by the way,
Three moneths together; which, when _Spring_ drew on,
To take an unexpected Root begun;
(Yea, grew to bee a Tree) and, growing, stood,
When those great _Groves_, were fell’d for firing-wood,
Which once had high esteeme; and sprung unhurt,
While that poore _Branch_, lay sleighted in the durt.
Nay, I have seene such _twiggs_, afford them shade,
By whom they were the meanest shrippings made,
Of all the _Wood_; And, you may live to see,
(For ought yet knowne) some such event in mee.
And, what if all who know mee, see me dead,
Before those _hopes_ begin to spring and spread?
Have therefore they that hate me, cause to boast,
As if mine expectations I had lost?
No sure: For, I, who by _Faith’s_ eyes have seene,
Old _Aarons_ wither’d _Rod_ grow fresh and greene;
And also viewed (by the selfe-same _Eyes_)
_Him_, whom that _Rod_, most rightly typifies,
_Fall_ by a shamefull _Death_, and _rise_, in spight
Of _Death_, and _Shame_, unto the glorioust _height_.
Ev’n I, beleeve my _Hope_ shall bee possest,
And, therefore, (ev’n in _Death_) in _Hope_ I’le rest.
_True =Vertue=, whatsoere betides,
In all =extreames=, unmoov’d abides._
[Illustration: NESCIT LABI VIRTUS.
ILLVSTR. X. _Book. 4_]
When, in this _Emblem_, here, you have espide,
The shape of a triangled _Pyramide_,
And, have observed well, those mightie _Rockes_,
Whose firme foundation bides the dreadfull shockes
Of angry _Neptune_; you may thereby see,
How firmly setled, _Vertues_ reall bee.
For, as the raging _Seas_, although they roare,
Can make no breach upon the Rockie shore;
And, as a true triangled _Pyramide_,
Stands fast, and shewes alike, on ev’ry side:
So, howsoever _Fortune_, turnes or winds,
Those men, which are indow’d with vertuous minds,
It is impossible, to drive them from
Those _Formes_, or _Stations_, which those minds become.
And, as the raging _Sea_, with foming threats,
Against the _Rockie-shore_, but vainely beats;
So, _Envie_ shall in vaine, loud blustrings make,
When vertuous resolutions they would shake.
For, _Vertue_, which receives an overthrow,
Was _Vertue_, not _indeed_, but in the _show_.
So farre am I, oh _Lord_! from laying claime
To have this _Vertue_, that, I doe but ayme
At such _perfection_; and, can come no nigher
As yet, than to obtaine it in _desire_.
But, fixe thou so, this weake desire of mine,
Vpon the _Vertues_ of thy _Rocke_ divine,
That _I_, and that invaluable _Stone_,
May bee incorporated into _One_:
And, then, it will bee neither shame, nor pride,
To say, my _Vertues_, will unmov’d abide.
_The =motion= of the =World=, this day,
Is mov’d the quite contrarie way._
[Illustration: HODIE SIC VERTITVR ORBIS.
ILLVSTR. XI. _Book. 4_]
What was this _Figures_ meaning, but to show,
That, as these kinde of _Shell-fish_ backward goe,
So now the _World_, (which here doth seeme to take
An arseward Iourney on the _Cancer’s_ backe)
Moves counterwise; as if delight it had,
To runne a race, in _Courses retrograde_:
And, that, is very likely to be true,
Which, this our _Emblem_, purposeth to shew.
For, I have now, of late, not onely seene,
What backward motions, in my _Friends_ have beene;
And, that my outward _Fortunes_ and _Affaires_,
Doe of themselves, come tumbling downe the staires:
But, I have also found, that other things,
Have got a wheeling in contrary _Rings_;
Which _Regresse_, holding on, 'tis like that wee,
To _Iewes_, or _Ethnicks_, backe shall turned bee.
Some punie _Clerkes_, presume that they can teach
The ancient holy _Doctors_, how to preach.
Some _Laicks_, learne their _Pastors_ how to pray.
Some _Parents_, are compelled to obay
Their _Sonnes_; and, so their Dignitie to lose,
As to be fed and cloth’d, at their dispose.
Nay, wee have some, who have assay’d to draw,
All backward, to the _Bondage_ of the _Law_;
Ev’n to those abrogated _Rites_ and _Dayes_,
By which, the wandring _Iew_ markes out his wayes.
And, to pursue this _Round_, they are so heady,
That, they have made themselves, and others giddy.
_Doe then, these froward =Motions=, LORD, restraine,
And, set the =World= in her due course againe._
_=Invincibilitie= is there,
Where =Order=, =Strength=, and =Vnion= are._
[Illustration: VIS NESCIA VINCI.
ILLVSTR. XII. _Book. 4_]
From these well-order’d _Arrowes_, and the _Snake_,
This usefull Observation you may make;
That, where an able _Prudence_, doth combine
_Vnited-forces_, by good _Discipline_,
It maketh up a pow’r, exempted from
The feare, or perill, to be _overcome_:
And, if you covet _safetie_, you will seeke
To know this _Ward_, and to acquire the like.
For, doubtlesse, neither is it in the force,
Of iron _Charets_, or of armed _Horse_,
In which, the _King_, securitie may finde,
Unlesse the Riders bee well _Disciplinde_.
Nor, lyes it in the Souldiers common _Skill_
In warlike _Postures_; nor in theirs, who drill
The _Rankes_ and _Fyles_, to order them aright,
According as _Occasion_ makes the _Fight_.
But, men must use a further _Prudence_ too,
Or else, those _vulgar-Arts_ will all undoe.
For, these, are onely _Sciences_ injoynd,
To order well the _Body_, not the _Mind_:
And, men best train’d in these (oft times) we see,
The _Hare-brain’dst-fooles_, in all our _Armies_ bee.
To _strength_, and _skill_, unite we must, therefore,
A manly _Prudence_, comprehending more,
Than all these _Powr’s_: ev’n such, as when shee please,
To all her ends, can use and mannage these;
And, shew us how to cure, or to prevent
All _HaZards_; or, withall to bee content.
Hee that’s thus arm’d, and trusts in _God_ alone,
May bee _oppos’d_, but, _conquered_ of none.
_When thou art shipwrackt in Estate,
Submit with patience, unto =Fate=._
[Illustration: QUO FATA TRAHUNT.
ILLVSTR. XIII. _Book. 4_]
When I beheld this Picture of a _Boat_,
(Which on the raging _Waves_ doth seeme to float)
Forc’d onward, by the current of the Tide,
Without the helpe of _Anchor_, _Oare_ or _Guide_,
And, saw the _Motto_ there, which doth imply,
That shee commits her selfe to _Destinie_;
Me thinkes, this _Emblem_ sets out their estate,
Who have ascribed ev’ry thing to _Fate_;
And dreame, that howsoe’re the businesse goe,
Their _Worke_, nor hinders, neither helpes thereto.
The leaking _Ship_, they value as the sound:
Hee that’s to hanging borne, shall ne’re bee drown’d;
And, men to happinesse ordain’d (say these)
May set their _Ship_ to float, as _Fate_ shall please.
This _Fancie_, springing from a mis-beleeving
Of God’s _Decrees_; and, many men deceiving,
With shewes of _Truth_, both causeth much offence
Against God’s _Mercies_, and his _Providence_;
And brings to passe, that some to ruine runne,
By their neglect of what they might have done.
For, _Meanes_ is to bee us’d, (if wee desire,
The blessing of our safetie to acquire)
Whose naturall effects, if God deny,
Vpon his _Providence_ wee must relye,
Still practising what naturall aydes may bee,
Vntill no likely ayd untride wee see.
And, when this _Non plus_ wee are forc’d unto,
_Stand still_, wee may, and wayt what God will do.
Hee that shall thus to _Fate_, his fortunes leave,
Let mee bee ruin’d, if Shee him deceive.
_The best, and fairest =House=, to mee,
Is that, where best I love to bee._
[Illustration: ΟΙΚΟΣ ΦΙΛΟΣ ΟΙΚΟΣ ΑΡΙΣΤΟΣ
ILLVSTR. XIV. _Book. 4_]
They are not _Houses_ builded large and high,
Seel’d all with _Gold_, and pav’d with _Porphyrie_,
Hung round with _Arras_, glaz’d with _Christall-glasse_,
And cover’d o’re with plates of shining _Brasse_,
Which are the best; but, rather, those where wee
In _safetie_, _health_, and best _content_, may bee;
And, where wee finde, though in a meane Estate,
That portion, which maintaines a quiet _Fate_.
Here, in a homely _Cottage_, thatcht with reed,
The _Peasant_ seemes as pleasedly to feed,
As hee, that in his _Hall_ or _Parlour_ dines,
Which Fret-worke Roofes, or costly Cedar Lines:
And, with the very same affections too,
Both to, and from it, hee doth come and goe.
The _Tortois_, doubtlesse, doth no house-roome lack,
Although his _House_ will cover but his back;
And, of his _Tub_, the _Cynicke_ seem’d as glad,
As _Alexander_ was of all hee had.
When I am setled in a place I love,
A shrubby _hedge-row_, seemes a goodly _Grove_.
My liking maketh _Palaces_ of _Sheds_,
And, of plaine _Couches_, carved Ivory _Beds_:
Yea, ev’ry _path_, and pathlesse _walke_, which lies
Contemn’d, as rude, or wilde, in others eyes,
To mee is pleasant; not alone in show,
But, truly such: For, liking makes them so.
As pleas’d in theirs, the _Snailes_, and _Cocles_ dwell,
As doth a _Scallop_ in his pearly shell:
For, that commends the _House_, which makes it fit,
To serve their turnes, who should have use of it.
_The =King=, his pow’r from God receives:
For, hee alone the =Scepter= gives._
[Illustration: DEUS DAT CUI VULT.
ILLVSTR. XV. _Book. 4_]
The Gift of _Kingdomes_, _Children_, and _good-Wives_,
Are three of God’s most choice _Prerogatives_,
In temp’rall Blessings; and, of all these three,
The gifts of _Kingdomes_, his rar’st Favours bee:
For, in five hundred Millions, there’s not one,
Whom this high _Honour_ is conferr’d upon;
Nor is there any knowne _Estate_ on earth,
(Whereto wee come, by _Merit_, or by _Birth_)
Which can, to any man assurance bring,
That, hee shall either _live_, or _die_ a _King_.
The _Morning-Starre_, that’s Heire unto a _Crowne_,
Oft sets, before the _shining-Sunne_ is downe;
And, some, that once a glorious _Empire_ swayd,
Did lose their _Kingdomes_, e’re their heads were layd.
The greatest earthly _Monarch_ hath no powre,
To keepe his Throne one minute of an houre,
(Vse all the meanes, and policies hee can)
If God will give it to another man.
_Hee_, when _Belshazzar_ was in high’st estate,
His _Kingdome_ to the _Persians_ did translate.
King _Saul_, and _Rehoboam_, could not stay
The _Royalties_, which God would give away;
And, _Hee_ that was the proudest of the rest,
God, changed from a _King_, into a Beast.
Nor is there any man so meane, but hee,
When God shall please, an _Emperour_ may bee.
Some, from the _Pot-kilne_, from the _Sheep-cote_, some,
Hee raised hath, great _Princes_ to become:
Yea, hee o’re heav’n and earth, hath rear’d his _Throne_,
That was on earth, the most _despised-one_.
_Her favours, =Fortune=, oft imparts,
To those that are of no deserts._
[Illustration: INDIGNUM FORTUNA FOVET.
ILLVSTR. XVI. _Book. 4_]
Would you not laugh, and thinke it beastly fine,
To see a durtie, and ill-favour’d _Swine_,
Weare on her snout, a _Diamond_, or a _Pearle_,
That might become the _Ladie_ of an _Earle_?
And hold it head, as if it meant to show
It were the _Pigg_ of some well-nurtur’d _Sow_?
Perhaps, you thinke there be not any where
Such _Antickes_, but in this our _Emblem_ here.
But, if you take these _Charmes_, and then goe forth
Among some troupes, which passe for folkes of worth,
You shall discover, quickly, if you please,
A thousand sights, as mimicall as these.
Here, you shall see a noble _Title_ worne,
(That had not mis-beseem’d one better borne)
By him, whose vertues are of little price,
And, whose estate, was gotten by his _Vice_.
You shall behold another _Mushrome_, there,
Walke with our _Lords_, as if hee were their _Peere_,
That was well knowne, to be but tother day,
No fit companion for such men as they;
And, had no other meanes to climbe this height,
But _Gaming_, or to play the _Parasite_.
Yet (though he neither hath his _Trade_, nor _Lands_,
Nor any honest _In-come_, by his _hands_)
Hee, oft consumes at once, in _Games_ or _Cheare_,
More than would keepe his _Better_ all the yeare.
Yea, many such as these, thou shouldst behold,
Which would bee vext, if I describe them should:
For, thus, unworthily, blind _Fortune_ flings,
To _Crowes_, and _Geese_, and _Swine_, her precious things.
_The best =good-turnes= that =Fooles= can doe us,
Proove disadvantages unto us._
[Illustration: STULTORUM ADIUMENTA NOCUMENTA.
ILLVSTR. XVII. _Book. 4_]
A _Foole_, sent forth to fetch the _Goslings_ home,
When they unto a Rivers brinck were come,
(Through which their passage lay) conceiv’d a feare
His Dames best _Brood_, might have been drowned there;
Which, to avoyd, hee thus did shew his wit,
And his good nature, in preventing it.
Hee, underneath his _girdle_, thrusts their heads,
And, then the Coxcombe through the water wades.
Here learne, that when a _Foole_ his helpe intends,
It rather doth a mischiefe, then befriends;
And, thinke, if there be danger in his _love_,
How harmefull his _Maliciousnesse_ may prove:
For, from his _kindenesse_, though no profit rise
To doe thee spight, his _Malice_ may suffise.
I could not from a _Prince_ beseech a boone
By suing to his _Iester_ or _Buffoone_:
Nor, any Fooles vaine humor, sooth or serve,
To get my bread, though I were like to starve.
For, to be _poore_, I should not blush so much,
As if a _Foole_ should raise me to be _rich_.
Lord, though of such a kinde my faults may be,
That sharpe _Affliction_ still must tutor mee,
(And give me due _Correction_ in her Schooles)
Yet, oh preserve me from the scorne of _Fooles_.
Those wicked _Fooles_, that in their hearts have sed
There is no God; and, rather give me _Bread_
By _Ravens_, LORD, or in a _Lions_ Den,
Then by the Favours of such foolish men:
Lest, if their _dainties_ I should swallow downe,
Their smile might more undoe, me, than their _frowne_.
_Though =weaknesse= unto me belong,
In my =Supporter=, I am strong._
[Illustration: TE STANTE VIREBO.
ILLVSTR. XVIII. _Book. 4_]
Although there bee no Timber in the _Vine_,
Nor strength to raise the climbing _Ivie-twine_,
Yet, when they have a helper by their side,
Or, prop to stay them, like this _Pyramide_,
One roote sometime, so many _Sprayes_ will beare,
That, you might thinke, some goodly _Grove_ it were:
Their tender stalkes, to climbe aloft, are seene;
Their boughs are cover’d with a pleasant greene;
And, that, which else, had crept upon the ground,
Hath tops of loftie trees, and turrets crown’d.
This _Emblem_, fitly shadowes out the Natures
Of us, that are the _Reasonable-creatures_:
For, wee are truely by our _nat’rall-birth_,
Like _Vines_ undrest, and creeping on the earth;
Nor free from spoyling, nor in case to beare
Good _fruits_, or _leaves_, while we are groveling there.
But, if _new-borne_ by _Grace_, streight borne are wee,
From earthly creepings, by that _Living-tree_,
Which, here, was planted, meerely to this end,
That, by his _pow’r_, our _weaknesse_ might ascend.
And, hee our _frailtie_ to himselfe so takes,
So, of his _might_, the partners us hee makes;
That, hee, in us, doth seeme to hide his _pow’rs_,
And, make the _strength_ hee gives, appeare as ours.
Continue, _Lord_, this _Grace_, and grant wee may,
Firme hold, on our _Supporter_, alwayes lay:
So climbing, that wee nor neglect, nor hide
His _Love_; nor over-climbe it, by our _Pride_.
Thus, our yet staggering _weaknesse_, shall at length,
Bee fully changed into perfect _Strength_.
_Be wary, whosoe’re thou be,
For, from =Loves= arrowes, none are free._
[Illustration: FERIO.
ILLVSTR. XIX. _Book. 4_]
Good Folkes, take heede; for, here’s a wanton _Wagge_,
Who, having _Bowes_ and _Arrowes_, makes his bragg
That, he hath some unhappy trick to play;
And, vowes to shoot at all he meets to day.
Pray be not carelesse; for, the _Boy_ is blinde,
And, sometimes strikes, where most he seemeth kinde.
This rambling _Archer_ spares nor one, nor other:
Yea, otherwhile, the _Monkey_ shoots his Mother.
Though you be little _Children_, come not neere;
For, I remember (though’t be many a yeare
Now gone and past,) that, when I was a _Lad_,
My Heart, a pricke, by this young Wanton had,
That, pain’d me seven yeares after: nor had I
The grace (thus warn’d) to scape his waggery;
But many times, ev’n since I was a man,
He shot me, oftner then I tell you can:
And, if I had not bene the stronger-hearted,
I, for my over-daring, might have smarted.
You laugh now, as if this were nothing so;
But, if you meet this _Blinkard_ with his Bow,
You may, unlesse you take the better care,
Receive a _wound_, before you be aware.
I feare him not; for, I have learned how
To keepe my heart-strings from his Arrowes now:
And, so might you, and so might ev’ry one
That vaine _Occasions_, truely seekes to shunn.
But, if you sleight my Counsells, you may chance
To blame at last, your willfull ignorance:
For, some, who thought, at first, his wounds but small
Have dyed by them, in an _Hospitall_.
_On whether side soe’re I am,
I, still, appeare to bee the same._
[Illustration: QUOCUNQUE FERAR.
ILLVSTR. XX. _Book. 4_]
This _Cube_, which is an equall-sided-square,
Doth very well, in _Emblem_-wise, declare
The temper of that vertuous minded man,
Whose resolutions nothing alter can.
For, as the _Cube_, which way soever plac’t,
Stands ever in one _posture_, firmely fast,
And, still, appeares the same in forme and size,
Vpon what side or part soe’re it lyes:
So, men well formed by the _Word_ divine,
And, truly squar’d by vertuous _Discipline_,
Will keepe (though _changes_ them shall turne & wind)
The _forme_ and _firmnesse_ of an _honest-minde_.
If, digging deepe, his _Fortunes_ lay him, there,
Where he his owne, and others weights must beare,
(There, many yeares compelling him to lie,
Opprest with dis-respect or povertie)
Hee keepes the place to which hee stands enjoyn’d,
And brooks his chances with a constant mind.
If shee remoove him thence, and set him up
On temporall _Prosperities_ high top,
The _Squarenesse_ of _Plaine dealing_ hee retaines,
And, in the same integritie remaines:
Nor coveting vaine _Wealth_, or false _esteemes_;
Nor, being any other than he seemes.
Although by Nature, wee are wondrous hard,
_Lord_, let us into such like _Stones_ be squar’d:
Then, place us in thy spirituall _Temple_, so,
That, into one firme _Structure_, we may grow;
And, when we, by thy _Grace_, are fitted thus,
Dwell _Thou thy selfe_, for evermore, in us.
_=Deformitie=, within may bee,
Where outward =Beauties= we doe see._
[Illustration: BELLA IN VISTA DENTRO TRISTA.
ILLVSTR. XXI. _Book. 4_]
Looke well, I pray, upon this _Beldame_, here,
For, in her _habit_, though shee gay appeare,
You, through her youthfull _vizard_, may espy
Shee’s of an old _Edition_, by her _Eye_:
And, by her wainscot face, it may bee seene,
Shee might your _Grandams_ first _dry nurse_ have been.
This is an _Emblem_, fitly shaddowing those,
Who making faire, and honest outward showes,
Are inwardly deform’d; and, nothing such,
As they to bee suppos’d, have strived much.
They chuse their _words_, and play well-acted _parts_,
But, hide most loathsome projects in their hearts;
And, when you think sweet _Friendship_ to embrace,
Some ugly _Treason_, meets you in the face.
I hate a painted _Brow_; I much dislike
A Mayden-blush, dawb’d on a furrowed _Cheeke_:
And, I abhorre to see old _Wantons_ play,
And, suite themselves, like _Ladies of the May_.
But, more (yea, most of all) my soule despiseth
A _Heart_, that in _Religious formes_, disguiseth
Prophane intentions; and arrayes in white,
The coale-blacke conscience of an _Hypocrite_.
Take heed of such as these; and, (if you may)
Before you trust them, tract them in their way.
Observe their footsteps, in their private _path_:
For, these (as 'tis beleev’d, the _Devill_ hath)
Have _cloven feet_; that is, _two wayes_ they goe;
One for their _ends_, and tother for a _show_.
Now, you thus warned are, advise embrace;
And, trust nor gawdy _Clothes_, nor painted _Face_.
_My =Hand= and =Heart=, in one agree,
What can you more desire of mee?_
[Illustration: EN DEXTRA FIDESQUE.
ILLVSTR. XXII. _Book. 4_]
A _Heart_ with _Hand-in-hand_, united thus,
Makes here an _Emblem_ not unknowne to us;
And, 'tis not hard for any Vulgar wit,
Without a _Comment_, to interpret it.
But, though of ev’ry man confest it be,
That _Hand_ and _Heart_ together should agree;
And, that, what we in _outward-shew_ expresse,
Perform’d should be, with _inward-heartinesse_.
(Since, now the World, to such a passe is growne,
That, all is not consider’d, which is knowne)
I cannot thinke it altogether vaine,
To speake of that, which may appeare so plaine.
When thou dost reach thy _hand_ unto thy friend,
Take order, that thy _heart_ the same intend:
For, otherwise in _Hand_, or _Heart_, thou lyest,
And, cuttest off a _Member_, e’re thou dyest.
Some, give their _Hearts_ (as many _Lovers_ do)
Yet, are afraid, to set their _hands_ thereto.
Some give their _Hands_; and, then by many a deed,
To ratifie the _gift_, they dare proceede;
Yet, keep their _tongues_ from saying what they meant,
To helpe excuse their _hearts_, when they repent.
Yea, some can very cunningly expresse,
In outward shew, a winning heartinesse,
And, steale the deare _affections_ they have sought,
From those, to whom they meant, nor promis’d ought.
Then, will they, if _advantage_ come thereby,
Make all their _Deeds_, for want of _Words_, a ly.
Among _Dissemblers_, in things temporall,
These _Raskalls_ are the ver’est _Knaves_ of all.
_No =Emblem=, can at full declare,
How fickle, =Minds-unconstant= are._
[Illustration: VARIUM ET MUTABILE SEMPER.
ILLVSTR. XXIII. _Book. 4_]
Some, thinke this _Emblem_ serveth to expresse
No more, but onely _Womens_ ficklenesse;
And, they will most desire to have it so,
Who, like those best, that most inconstant grow.
Although my _Fortunes_ were, in some things, bad,
I never in my life, experience had
Of an _inconstant woman_: Wherefore, then,
Should I condemne the _Females_, more than men?
I heare some talke, that _Women_ fickle be:
And so I thinke; and so I know are wee.
And (being put together) say I dare,
That, they and wee, in equall manner, share
A _giddinesse_, and _ficklenesse_ of minde,
More wavering, than a _Feather_, or the _Winde_.
The _Woman_, heere, is plac’d, to typifie
A minde distracted with much levitie:
Not, that the womans _Wav’rings_ are the more;
But, for this cause: Most _Vices_, heretofore,
And _Vertues_ too, our _Ancestors_ did render,
By words declined in the _female-gender_.
The _winged Ball_, (whose tottering Foundation,
Augments the causes of our _variation_)
Meanes, here, those uselesse, and vaine _temp’rall things_,
That come and goe, with never-staying _wings_;
And, which (if thereupon our hearts we set)
Make _Men_ and _Women_, the _Vertigo_ get.
Hereafter, then, let neither _Sexe_ accuse
Each other; but, their best endeavours use,
To cure this _Maladie_ in one another,
By living well, and lovingly together.
_Hee that enjoyes a =patient Minde=,
Can =Pleasures= in =Afflictions= finde._
[Illustration: GAUDET PATIENTIA DURIS.
ILLVSTR. XXIV. _Book. 4_]
What meanes this _Countrey-peasant_, skipping here
Through prickling _Thistles_ w^{th} such gamesom cheere?
And, plucking off their tops, as though for _Posies_,
He gather’d Violets, or toothlesse Roses?
What meaneth it, but onely to expresse
How great a joy, well-grounded _Patientnesse_
Retaines in Suff’rings? and, what sport she makes,
When she her Iourney through _Affliction_ takes?
I, oft have sayd (and, have as oft, beene thought
To speake a _Paradox_, that favours nought
Of likely truth) that, some _Afflictions_ bring
A _Honey bag_, which cureth ev’ry Sting
(That wounds the _Flesh_) by giving to the _Mind_,
A pleasing taste of _Sweetnesses_ refin’d.
Nor can it other be, except in those,
Whose Better part, quite stupifyed growes,
By being Cauterized in the Fires
Of childish _Feares_, or temporall _Desires_.
For, as the _Valiant_ (when the _Coward_ swounds)
With gladnesse lets the _Surgion_ search his Wounds;
And, though they smart, yet cheerefully indures
The Plaisters, and, the Probe, in hope of Cures:
So, Men, assured that _Afflictions_ paine
Comes not for vengeance to them, nor in vaine;
But, to prepare, and fit them for the place,
To which, they willingly direct their pace;
In Troubles, are so farre from being sad,
That, of their _Suffring_, they are truely glad.
What ever others thinke, I thus beleeve;
And, therefore, _joy_, when they suppose I _grieve_.
_All is not =Gold=, which makes a show;
But, what the =Touchstone= findeth so._
[Illustration:SIC SPECTANDA FIDES.
ILLVSTR. XXV. _Book. 4_]
When Silver _Medalls_, or some coynes of _Gold_,
Are by the _Gold-smith_ either bought or sold,
Hee doth not only search them with his _Eye_,
But, by the _Scale_, their _weight_ will also trie;
Or, by the _Touchstone_, or the _Test_, assay
The truenesse of them, and their just _Alay_.
Now, by their warinesse, who thus proceed,
Wee fairely are admonished, to heed
The faithfulnesse of him wee make our _Friend_;
And, on whose love wee purpose to depend:
Or else, when wee a _Iewell_ thinke to get,
Wee may bee cheated by a _Counterfet_.
All is not _Gold_ that glisters: Otherwhile,
The _Tincture_ is so good, it may beguile
The cunningst eye: But, bring it to the _Touch_,
And, then, you find the value not so much.
Some, keepe the _Tincture_, brooking, likewise, well
An ordinarie _Touch_; but, yeeld a _Smell_,
Which will discover it, if you apply
Vnto your _Nose_, that piece of _Chymistrie_.
Sometime, when there’s enough to give content,
In _Colour_, in the _Touch_, and in the _Scent_;
The _Bulke_, is more than answers _Gold_ in _weight_,
And, proves it a sophisticall deceit.
Nay, some, is fully that which you desire,
In all these _Properties_; and, till the fire
Hath made _assayes_, you’l thinke you might be bold
To pawne your life, it had been _Ophir-gold_:
But, to bee false, the _Metall’s_ then descride;
And, such are many _Friends_, when they are tride.
_=Apollo= shoots not ev’ry day,
But, sometime on his =Harpe= doth play._
[Illustration: NON SEMPER ARCUM TENDIT.
ILLVSTR. XXVI. _Book. 4_]
There are a sort of people so severe,
That, _foolish_, and _injurious_ too, they are;
And, if the world were to bee rul’d by these,
Nor _Soule_, nor _Bodie_, ever should have ease.
The _Sixe dayes_, (as their wisdomes understand)
Are to bee spent in _Labour_, by command,
With such a strictnesse, that they quite condemne
All _Recreations_ which are us’d in them.
That, which is call’d the _Sabbath_, they confine
To _Prayers_, and all _Offices-divine_,
So wholly, that a little _Recreation_,
That _Day_, is made a marke of _Reprobation_:
And, (by this meanes) the reason is to seeke,
When their poore _Servants_ labour all the _weeke_,
(Of which, they’l bate them nothing) how it tyes
Them, to observe the sixe-fold _Sacrifice_
By some injoyn’d; and gives them such due _Rest_,
As _God_ allowed, both to _Man_ and _Beast_.
Hee, gave the _Woods_, the _Fields_, and _Meddowes_, here,
A time to _rest_, as well as times to _beare_.
The _Forrest Beasts_, and _Heards_, have howres for _play_,
As well as time to _graze_, and hunt their prey:
And, ev’ry _Bird_ some leasure hath to sing,
Or, in the Aire, to _sport_ it on her wing.
And, sure, to _him_, for whom all these were made,
Lesse kindnesse was not meant, then these have had.
The _Flesh_ will faint, if pleasure none it knowes;
The Man growes madd, that alway muzing goes.
The _Wisest men_, will _sometimes merry_ bee:
And, this is that, this _Emblem_ teacheth me.
_=Live=, ever mindfull of thy =dying=;
For, =Time= is alwayes from thee flying._
[Illustration: VIVE MEMOR LETHI FUGIT HORA.
ILLVSTR. XXVII. _Book. 4_]
This vulgar _Figure_ of a _winged glasse_,
Doth signifie, how swiftly _Time_ doth passe.
By that leane _Scull_, which to this _houre-glasse_ clings,
We are informed what effect it brings;
And, by the _Words_ about it, wee are taught
_To keepe our latter ending still in thought_.
The common _houre-glasse_, of the _Life_ of _Man_,
Exceedeth not the largenesse of a _span_.
The _Sand_-like _Minutes_, flye away so fast,
That, _yeares_ are out, e’re wee thinke _months_ are past:
Yea, many times, our _nat’rall-day_ is gone,
Before wee look’d for _twelve a clocke at Noone_;
And, where wee sought for _Beautie, at the Full_,
Wee finde the _Flesh_ quite rotted from the _Skull_.
Let these Expressions of _Times_ passage, bee
_Remembrancers_ for ever, _Lord_, to mee;
That, I may still bee guiltlesse of their crime,
Who fruitlesly consume their precious _Time_:
And, minde my _Death_; not with a slavish feare,
But, with a thankfull use, of _life-time_, here:
Not grieving, that my _dayes_ away doe post;
But, caring rather, that they bee not lost,
And, lab’ring with Discretion, how I may
Redeeme the _Time_, that’s vainely slipt away.
So, when that _moment_ comes, which others dread,
I, undismay’d, shall climbe my _dying bed_;
With joyfull _Hopes_, my _Flesh_ to dust commend;
In _Spirit_, with a stedfast _Faith_ ascend;
And, whilst I _living_ am, to _sinne_ so _dye_,
That _dying_, I may live eternally.
_In ev’ry =Storme=, hee standeth fast,
Whose dwelling, on the =Rocke= is plac’d._
[Illustration: MEDIIS TRANQUILLUS IN UNDIS.
ILLVSTR. XXVIII. _Book. 4_]
What thing soever some will have exprest,
As typified by this _Halcyons-nest_,
I shall not thinke this _Emblem_ ill-appli’d,
If, by the same, the _Church_ bee signifi’d.
For, as it is (by some) affirm’d of these,
That, whilst they breed, the fury of the seas
Is through the world alayd; and, that their _Brood_
Remaines in safetie, then, amidst the flood:
So, when the Christian _Church_ was in her birth,
There was a generall _Peace_ throughout the earth;
And, those tumultuous _Waves_, which after that
Began to rise, and bee enrag’d thereat,
Were calmed so, that _Hee_ was borne in peace,
From whom, the faithfull _Off-spring_ did encrease.
They, likewise, on a _Rocke_, their dwellings have,
As here you see; and, though the raging _Wave_,
Of dreadfull _Seas_, hath beaten, ever since,
Against the _Fortresse_ of their strong defence,
Yet, still it stands; and, safe, it shall abide,
Ev’n in the midst of all their foming pride.
Vpon this _Rocke_ so place me, oh my God!
That, whatsoever _Tempests_ bee abroad,
I may not feare the fury of my Foe;
Nor bee in danger of an overthrow.
My life is full of _Stormes_; the _Waters_ roule,
As if they meant to swallow up my soule.
The _Tides_ oppose; the furious winds doe roare;
My _Cable’s_ weake, my _tacklings_, Lord, are poore,
And, my fraile _vessell_ cannot long endure;
Yet, reach to mee thy hand, and I’m secure.
_That’s =Friendship=, and =true-love=, indeed,
Which firme abides, in time of need._
[Illustration: BONA FIDE.
ILLVSTR. XXIX. _Book. 4_]
That’s _Love in earnest_, which is constant found,
When Friends are in _Affliction_, or in _Bands_;
And, their _Affection_ merits to be _crown’d_,
Whose _hearts_ are fastned where they joyne their _hands_.
Tis easie to be friendly, where wee see
A _Complement_ or two will serve the turne;
Or, where the _kindnesse_ may required bee;
Or, when the charge is with a trifle borne.
It is as easie too, for him to spend
At once, the full Revenues of a yeare,
In Cates, for entertainment of his _Friend_,
Who thinkes his _glorie_, is _expensive-cheere_:
For, 'tis his pleasure; and, if none should come
Like _fashionable-Friends_, for him to court,
Hee would with _Rogues_, and _Canters_, fill the Roome,
Or, such as should abuse, and flout him for’t.
But, hard it is, to suffer, or to spend
For him (though worthy) that’s of meane estate,
Unlikely our occasions to befriend,
Or, one unable to remunerate.
Few men are liberall, whom neither _Lust_,
_Vaine glorie_, _Prodigalitie_, nor _Pride_,
Doth forward into foolish _Bountie_ thrust;
As may, by Observation bee espide.
For, when a slender _Bountie_ would relieve
Their vertuous _Friend_, whose wants to them are knowne,
To their _Buffoone_, a Knights estate they’l give,
And, thinke on t’other trifles ill-bestowne.
Yet, this Ile say; and, give the _Devill_ his due;
These _Friends_, are to their _lusts_, and _humours_, true.
_The =Sword= hath place, till =War= doth cease;
And, usefull is, in time of =Peace=._
[Illustration: PACISQUE BONUS BELLIQUE MINISTER.
ILLVSTR. XXX. _Book. 4_]
The _Sword_, to bee an _Emblem_, here, we draw,
Of that Authoritie, which keeps in awe
Our _Countries_ Enemies; and, those that are
The Foes of _Peace_, as well as those of _Warre_;
That, _Peace_ may give the _Law of Armes_ her due,
And, _Warre_, to _Civill-pow’rs_, respect may shew.
For, _Kingdomes_, nor in _Warre_ nor _Peace_, can stand,
Except the _Sword_ have alway some command:
Yea, that, for which our forraine _Spoylers_ come,
_Domesticke Foes_, will else devoure at home;
And, _stranger-drones_ the peacefull _Bees_ will harme,
Vnlesse with warlike stings, themselves they arme.
Considering this, let none bee so unwise,
The _Swords_ well-us’d protection to despise:
Or, thinke the practice of this _double-guard_,
In any place, or age, may well bee spar’d.
Let not the _Sword-man_ sleight the pow’rfull _Gowne_;
Nor _Gowne-men_ cast the _Sword_ out of their Towne,
Because it terrifies, or draweth Blood;
For, otherwhile Phlebotomy is good:
And, though to kill a Lowse, the _Banians_ feare;
(Though _Anabaptists_ love no _Sword_ to weare)
Yet, being drawne, to fright, or cut off _Sinne_,
It may bee brandish’d by a Cherubin.
However, from the _Sword_ divide not you
(In any case) the peacefull _Olive-bough_:
That is, let _Peace_, at all times, be that _End_,
For which, to draw the _Sword_ you doe intend;
And, for _well-doing_, bee as ready, still,
To give _rewards_, as _blowes_, for _doing-ill_.
_A =Fortune= is ordain’d for thee,
According as thy =Labours= bee._
[Illustration: PAR SIT FORTUNA LABORI.
ILLVSTR. XXXI. _Book. 4_]
The _Spade_, for _Labour_ stands. The _Ball with wings_,
Intendeth _flitting-rowling-wordly-things_.
This _Altar-stone_, may serve in setting foorth,
Things firmer, sollid, and of greater worth:
In which, and by the _words_ inclosing these,
You, there may read, your _Fortune_, if you please.
If you, your _labour_, on those things bestow,
Which _rowle_, and _flutter_, alwaies, to and fro;
It cannot be, but, that which you obtaine,
Must prove a _wavering_, and unconstant gaine:
For, he that soweth _Vanitie_, shall finde,
At _reaping-time_, no better fruit then _Winde_.
Your houres, in serions matters, if you spend,
Or, such, as to a lasting purpose tend,
The purchase of your paines will ever last;
And, bring you _Pleasure_, when the _Labour’s_ past.
Yea, though in teares, your _Seed-time_, you imploy,
Your _Harvest_ shall be fetched home, with ioy.
If _much_ be wrought, much profit will ensue;
If _little_, but a little meede is due.
Of _nothing_, nothing comes: On _evill deedes_
An evill conscience, and, ill fame succeedes:
An _honest-life_, still findes prepared for’t,
Sweet _Hopes_ in Death; and, after, _good-report_.
Of _Sexe_, or of _Degree_, there’s no regard:
But, as the _Labour_, such is the _reward_.
To _worke-aright_, oh _Lord_, instruct thou mee;
And, ground my _Workes_, and _buildings_ all on thee:
That, by the fiery _Test_, when they are tride,
My _Worke_ may stand, and I may _safe_ abide.
_Let none in troublous times repine;
For, after =Stormes=, the =Sun= will shine._
[Illustration: POST NUBILA PHŒBUS.
ILLVSTR. XXXII. _Book. 4_]
Discourage not your selves, although you see
The weather blacke, and _stormes_ prolonged be.
What though it fiercely _raines_, and thunders loud?
Behold, there is a _Raine-bow_ in the _Cloud_,
Wherein, a trustfull promise may be found,
That, quite, your _little-worlds_, shall not be drown’d.
The _Sun-shine_, through the foggy mists appeare,
The lowring _Skie_, begins againe to cleare;
And, though the _Tempest_, yet, your eyes affright,
Faire weather may befall you, long ere night.
Such comfort speakes our _Emblem_, unto those,
Whom stormie _Persecution_ doth enclose;
And, comforts him, that’s for the present sad,
With hopes, that better seasons may bee had.
There is nor trouble, sorrow, nor distresse,
But mitigation hath, or some release.
Long _use_, or _time_, the storme away will turne,
Else, _Patience_ makes it better to be borne.
Yea, _sorrowes_ lowring dayes, will come and goe,
As well as prosp’rous houres of _Sunshine_ doe;
And, when 'tis past, the _paine_ that went before,
Will make the following pleasure seeme the more.
For, hee, hath promis’d, whom we may beleeve,
His blessing, unto those that _mourne_ and _grieve_;
And, that, though sorrow much dejects their head,
In ev’ry need, wee shall be comforted.
This promise I beleeve; in ev’ry griefe,
Performe it, _Lord_, and helpe my unbeliefe:
So, others viewing how thou cheerest mee,
Shall, in all _sorrows_, put their trust in thee.
_For whatsoever, =Man= doth strive,
The Conquest, =God= alone, doth give._
[Illustration: OMNIS VICTORIA A DOMINO.
ILLVSTR. XXXIII. _Book. 4_]
When on the _Sword_, the _Olive-branch_ attends,
(That is, when bloody _Warres_, have peacefull _Ends_)
And, whensoever _Victories_ are gained;
This _Emblem_ shewes, by whom they are obtained:
For, that all _Victorie_, doth onely from
The pow’rfull hand of _God-Almightie_, come,
The Boughes of _Bayes_ and _Olives_, doe declare,
Which round the _Tetragrammaton_ appeare.
Nor must we thinke, that God bestowes, alone,
The _Victories_ of Warre, on any one;
But, that, when we contend in other things,
From him, th’event that’s wisht for, also springs.
This being so, how dare wee, by the _Lawes_,
Or, by the _Sword_, pursue a wicked Cause?
How dare wee bring a matter that’s unjust,
Where hee (though few perceive him) judge it must?
Or, prosecute with fury, or despite,
Against the person of his _Favourite_?
What Fooles are they, who seeke the _Conquest_, by
Oppression, Fraud, or hellish Perjurie?
How mad are those, who to the _Warres_ prepare,
For nothing, but to spoyle and murther there?
Who, nor ingag’d by Faith to their _Alies_,
Nor urg’d by any private injuries,
(Nor sent, nor tolerated, by their _Prince_,
Nor caring whether side hath giv’n offence)
Run rambling through the World, to kill and slay,
Like needie Butchers, for two groats a day?
These men may side, where _Conquests_, God bestowes;
Yet, when the _Field_ is wonne, these men doe lose.
_Since overmuch, will over-fill,
Powre am enough; but =doe not spill=._
[Illustration: NE QUID NIMIS.
ILLVSTR. XXXIV. _Book. 4_]
It is this _Emblems_ meaning, to advance
The love and practise, of true _Temperance_.
For, by this _Figure_ (which doth seeme to fill,
Vntill the liquor overflow, and spill)
Wee are, as by example, taught to see
How fruitlesse our _Intemperancies_ bee:
Thus by the _Rule of Contrarieties_,
Some _Vertues_, best are showne to vulgar eyes.
To see a nastie _Drunkard_, reele and spew,
More moves to _Sobernesse_, than can the view
Of twentie civill men; and, to behold
One _Prodigall_, (that goodly lands hath sold)
Stand torne and louzie, begging at the dore,
Would make _Intemperance_ abhorred more,
(And, manly _Sobernesse_, much better, teach)
Than all that sixe _Philosophers_ can preach:
So, by the _Vessels_ overflowing, here,
True _Moderation_ doth more prais’d appeare,
Than by the _meane_ it selfe: And, without sinne,
That’s _pictur’d_, which to _doe_, had wicked bin,
For, though to vertuous ends; wee doe deny
The _Doing-ill_, that _Good_ may come thereby.
From hence, let us be taught, that carefull heed,
Whereby wee should both _Minde_ and _Bodie_, feed.
Let us, of our owne selves, observe the size;
How much wee want, how little will suffize;
And, our owne _longings_, rather leave unfill’d,
Than suffer any portion to bee spill’d:
For, what we _marre_, shall to account be layd,
And, what wee wisely _spend_, shall be repayd.
_They passe through many =stormes=, and =streights=,
Who rise to any glorious =heights=._
[Illustration: PER ANGUSTA AD AUGUSTA.
ILLVSTR. XXXV. _Book. 4_]
This _Tree_, which here doth largely seeme to grow,
(And spreads _above_, though streightned in _below_)
Through adverse _Winds_, and many a Winters blast,
Hath gain’d a faire proportion at the last;
And, from a lowly _shrub_, is growne to bee
A well-esteemed, and a goodly _Tree_.
Thus, hath it chanced unto many a man:
And, he that first in misery began,
(So poore and meane, that very few or none
Have judg’d him to be worth the looking on)
Ev’n he, through scornes, through wrongs, and povertie,
Hath crept, and screw’d, and rais’d himselfe so high,
That, he hath placed been among the prime,
Of those, who seem’d the _Worthies_ of the time;
Yea, overtopt and aw’d, the best of those,
Who sought to curbe him, when he first arose.
This, I have seene; And, as wee seldome find
A _Tree_ grow faire, that cannot brooke the _Wind_,
Or, must be hous’d at Winter; or, on whom
The _Gardners_ pruning-knife, did never come:
So, I have rarely knowne those men to rise
To any good, or noble qualities,
Who feele not, first some _hardship_, or some _storme_,
To prune, to discipline, and to reforme
Their wits and manners. For, prosperitie,
Ease, plentie, and too large a libertie,
Doth often blast them; and, somtime bereave them,
Of what their _Predecessors_ worth’s, did leave them.
Let, therefore, no man, feare when this he knowes,
Although in _tempests_, and through _streights_ he goes.
_=God=, ever will bee present, there,
Where, of one =Faith=, and =Mind= they are._
[Illustration: FIDUCIA CONCORS.
ILLVSTR. XXXVI. _Book. 4_]
A Fixed _Palme_, (whose _Fingers_ doe appeare,
As if displayed, and advanc’d they were)
Intended by our _Author_, here, wee see,
To shaddow out _agreeing-Minds_, that bee
Establish’d in one _Trust_. And, well it may,
That _Vertue_, of the holy _Church_ display.
For, as our _hands_, the better meanes can make,
To _gaine_, as well as to _retaine_, or _take_,
The _benefits_ we seeke; when wee intend,
Our differing _Fingers_, all, to worke one end:
So, when the _Church_ of _Christ_ (wherein wee finde
A diff’rence of _Degrees_) shall with one _minde_,
Pursue a faithfull hope; they’l soone obtaine,
That wished benefit, they seeke to gaine:
For, when but two or three shall in _Gods_ name,
Request a _blessing_, he will grant the same.
Let all thy sev’rall _Churches_, LORD (that stand
Like many _Fingers_, members of one _Hand_)
Thy _Will-Essentiall_ with joynt love obay,
Though circumstantially, they differ may.
Some have the larger _Circuit_, some are _stronger_,
Some are of short _continuance_, some of longer;
But, though their _Guifts_ may differ, yet provide,
That, still, on one _Foundation_, they may bide;
And, that, all those, who in one _Faith_ agree,
May, in one _Band_ of _Love_, united bee:
Till our confined _Wisdome_ comes to know,
That, many things, for which wee wrangle so,
Would further that, whose hindrance wee doe feare,
If more our _Faith_, and lesse our _Discord_ were.
_=Protect= mee, if I worthy bee;
If I =demerit=, punish mee._
[Illustration: PRO ME SI MEREOR IN ME.
ILLVSTR. XXXVII. _Book. 4_]
This _Emblem_, forth unto your view hath set,
A _Sword_, together with a _Coronet_;
To shew the prudent _Reader_, what Reward
For _ill_, and for _well doing_, is prepar’d;
That they, who heretofore, amisse have done,
May learne, their threatned punishments to shun:
That they, whose _Actions_ warrantable were,
May, in their honest _Courses_, persevere:
And, that those men, who great and pow’rfull bee,
Should punish and reward, as cause they see.
Men are of diff’ring tempers: Some, are wonne
By promises, and gentle meanes alone:
Some, moved are by shame; and, some through dread,
To bee in purse, or bodie punished.
And, some, their duties are allur’d to doe,
No way, but by a mixture of these two.
They, therefore, neither _Wise_, nor _Honest_ bee,
Who dandle all Offenders on their knee;
Or, punish onely with a _God-forbid_;
Or, _Doe not so, my sonnes_, as _Ely_ did.
Nor wiser ought, are they, nor honester,
Who alwayes fright, and threaten those that erre;
No mercie joyning, to the chastisement
Of them, whose faults are worthy to bee shent.
Nor are they lesse to blame, who carry _Swords_,
To punish errors; but, nor lookes, nor words,
To cherish well deservings: And, in this,
Most men, that punish others, doe amisse.
Sure, if the _Sword misdoing_, may pursue,
For _doing-well_, the _Coronet_ is due.
_The =Tongue=, which every secret speakes,
Is like a =Barrell= full of leakes._
[Illustration: HAC ATQUE ILLAC PERFLUIT.
ILLVSTR. XXXVIII. _Book. 4_]
The _Barrell_, from whose bottome, sides, and bung,
The liquor (as in this our _Emblem_) flowes,
May fitly typifie the babling _Tongue_,
Of him that utters ev’ry thing hee knowes.
For, such as are their taskes, who strive to fill
An ever-leaking _Vessell_, to the brim;
Ev’n such are his, who laboureth to still
A _tatlers_ tougue; for, paines are lost on him.
This _Figure_, also, serveth to expresse,
The trustlesse nature of a _whorish woman_;
For, shee to all displayes her wantonnesse,
And, cares to keepe her secresies, from no man.
Within her bosome, nothing long shee keeps,
But, whatsoever shee conceives or knowes,
Streight, from the heart, up to her tongue, it creeps;
And, round about the _Citie_, then, it goes.
Bee warned therefore, and commit thou not
Thy person, state, or fame, to such as these;
Lest, they thy _Reputation_ doe bespot,
Consume thy _Substance_, or thy _Minde_ disease.
But, most of all, bee wary, lest the crime,
Which here wee doe reproove, thy mind infect:
For, _Vice_, like _weeds_, will grow in little time,
And, out-grow _Vertues_, if Wee them neglect.
The surest way to keepe such errors out,
And, in our selves true _Vertnes_ to maintaine;
Is, to bee _hoopt_ with _Temp’rance_, round about,
And, our out-flowing humors to restraine.
If thus we practise, 'twill prevent the wrongs
Of our owne errors, and of others tongues.
_How ever thou the =Viper= take,
A dang’rous hazzard thou dost make._
[Illustration: UTCUNQUE.
ILLVSTR. XXXIX. _Book. 4_]
This _Figure_ warnes us, that wee meddle not
With matters, whereby nothing may bee got,
Save _harme_ or _losse_; and, such as once begun,
Wee may, nor safely _doe_, nor leave _undone_.
I should bee loath to meddle in the strife
Arising 'twixt a _Husband_, and his _Wife_;
For, _Truth_ conceal’d, or spoke, on either side,
May one or th’other grieve, or both divide.
I would not with my most familiar _Mate_,
Be _Partner_ in the whole of my estate;
Lest I, by others errors, might offend,
Or, wrong my Family, or, lose my _Friend_.
I would not, willingly, in my distresse,
From an unworthy hand, receive redresse;
Nor, when I need a _Suretie_, would I call
An _Vnthrift_, or a roaring _Prodigall_:
For, either these I thanklesly must shun,
Or, humour them, and be perhaps undone.
I would not heare my _Friend_ unwisely prate
Those things, of which I must informe the _State_:
And, seeme unfriendly; or, else leave to doe,
That, which a stronger _Band_ obligeth to.
Nor would I, for the world, my heart should bee
Enthrald by one, that might not _marry_ mee;
Or, such like _passions_, bee perplexed in,
As hang betwixt a _Vertue_, and a _Sinne_;
Or, such, as whether way soe’re I went,
Occasion’d guilt, or shame, or discontent:
For, howsoe’re wee mannage such like things,
Wee handle winding _Vipers_, that have stings.
_The gaining of a rich Estate,
Seemes, many times, restrain’d by =Fate=._
[Illustration: FATA OBSTANT.
ILLVSTR. XL. _Book. 4_]
Observe this _Wheele_, and you shall see how _Fate_
Doth limit out to each man, that Estate
Which hee obtaines; Then, how hee doth aspire
To such a height; and, why hee mounts no higher:
For, whatsoere their _Authors_ understood,
These _Emblems_, now, shall speake as I thinke good.
The _Cornucopias_ fastned to a _Round_,
Thus fixt, may shew, that Riches have their _bound_;
And, can be raised, by mans pow’r or wits,
No higher than _Gods_ Providence permits.
The placing of them on that _Wheele_, doth show,
That, some waxe _Poore_, as others _Wealthy_ grow:
For, looke how much the higher, one doth rise,
So much the lower, still, the other lies;
And, when the height of one is at an end,
Hee sinkes againe, that others may ascend.
The many stops, which on this _Wheele_ you spie,
Those many _obstacles_ may typifie,
Which barre all those that unto _Wealth_ aspire,
From compassing the _Round_ of their desire.
The want of _Wit_, from _Riches_, barreth some;
Some, cannot rich, because of _Sloth_, become.
Some, that are _wise_, and _painefull_, are deny’d
Encrease of wealth, through _Pleasure_, or through _Pride_.
Some, lose much profit, which they else might make,
Because of _Conscience_, or for _Credit_ sake.
If none of these did hinder, wee have store,
That might bee _Rich_, who, yet, are very _Poore_.
And, these, indeed, doe come to be those _Fates_,
Which keepe most men, from getting large _Estates_.
_In all thine =Actions=, have a care,
That no =unseemlinesse appeare=._
[Illustration: VT NE QUID DEDECEAT.
ILLVSTR. XLI. _Book. 4_]
The _Virgine_, or the _Wife_, that much desires,
To please her _Lovers_, or her _Husband’s_ Eyes,
In all her costl’est _Robes_, her selfe attires;
And, seekes the coml’est _Dresse_, shee can devise.
Then, to her trustie _Looking-glasse_, shee goes,
(Where, often, shee her person turnes and winds)
To view, how seemely her attiring showes;
Or, whether ought amisse therein she finds.
Which praisefull _Diligence_, is figur’d thus
In this our _Emblem_; that, it may be made
A documentall signe, remembring us,
What care of all our _Actions_, must bee had.
For, hee that in _God’s_ presence would appeare
An acceptable _Soule_; or, gracious grow
With men, that of approv’d conditions are,
Must by some faithfull _Glasse_, be trimmed so.
The good Examples of those pious men,
Who liv’d in elder times, may much availe:
Yea, and by others evills, now and then,
Men see how grossely, they themselves, doe faile.
A wise Companion, and, a loving Friend,
Stands nearer, than those ancient glasses doe;
And, serveth well to such an usefull end:
For, hee may bee thy _Glasse_, and _Fountaine_ too.
His good _Example_, shewes thee what is fit;
His _Admonition_, checks what is awry;
Hee, by his _Good-advise_, reformeth it;
And, by his _Love_, thou mend’st it pleasedly.
But, if thou doe desire the perfect’st _Glasse_,
Ioyne to the _Morall-Law_, the _Law of Grace_.
_Wee, bring the _Hony_ to the _Hive_;
But, others, by our labours thrive._
[Illustration: NON NOBIS.
ILLVSTR. XLII. _Book. 4_]
The prettie _Bees_, with daily paines contrive
Their curious _Combes_, and from the flowry Fields,
Doe bring that pleasant sweetnesse to their Hive,
Which _Nectar_, and _Ambrosiack_ dainties, yeelds,
Yet, when themselves with labours they have tir’d,
The following Winters famine to prevent,
For their good service, either they are fir’d,
Or, forth into an emptie _Hive_ are sent:
And, there, with slender diet they are served,
To leave another _Summers_ worke, to those
Who take no care, though all the swarme be starved,
If weake, and quite past labour once it growes.
As with such _Bees_, it fares with many a one,
That, spends his youthfull time in honest thrift;
And, by the _Waspe_, the _Hornet_, or the _Drone_,
Of all their labours, they are soone bereft.
Sometime, the bordring _Flies_, much wrong this _brood_,
Through idle _visitings_; or, them despoyle,
By making friendly shewes of _neighbourhood_;
When, all their Complements, are nought but guile.
Sometime, their powerfull Foes do rob them quite;
Sometime, their _Lords_, or _Landlords_, with pretence,
Of claiming only what is just and right,
Oppresse them without _mercie_, or _defence_.
Thus, by one course or other, daily, some
(That are laborious in an honest way)
The prey of Pride, or Idlenesse become:
And, such as these, may therefore truely say,
That, whatsoever they to passe have brought,
_Not for themselves, but others, they have wrought_.
_=God=, by their Names, the =Stars= doth cal;
And, hee is =Ruler= of them all._
[Illustration: ASTRA DEUS REGIT.
ILLVSTR. XLIII. _Book. 4_]
Some say, (and many men doe these commend)
That, all our _deeds_, and _Fortunes_ doe depend
Vpon the motions of celestiall _Spheres_;
And, on the constellations of the _Starres_.
If this were true, the _Starres_, alone, have bin
Prime cause of all that’s _good_, and of all _sinne_.
And, 'twere (me thinkes) injustice to _condemne_,
Or, give rewards to any, but to _them_.
For, if they made mee _sinne_, why for that ill,
Should I be damn’d, and they shine brightly, still?
If they inforc’d my _goodnesse_, why should I
Bee glorified for their _Pietie_?
And, If they neither _good_ nor _ill_ constraine,
Why then, should wee of _Destinie_ complaine?
For, if it bee (as tis) absurd to say,
The starres enforce us (since they still obay
Their just _Commander_) 'twere absurder, farre,
To say, or thinke, that God’s _Decree_ it were,
Which did _necessitate_ the very same,
For which, we thinke the _starres_ might merit blame.
Hee made the _starres_ to bee an ayd unto us,
Not (as is fondly dream’d) to helpe undoe us:
(Much lesse, without our fault, to ruinate,
By doome of irrecoverable _Fate_)
And, if our good Endeavors, use wee will,
Those glorious creatures will be helpfull still
In all our honest wayes: For, they doe stand
To helpe, not hinder us, in God’s command;
And, hee not onely rules them by his pow’rs,
But, makes their Glory, servant unto ours.
_Who, =Patience= tempts, beyond her strength,
Will make it =Fury=, at the length._
[Illustration: FUROR FIT LÆSA SÆPIUS PATIENTIA.
ILLVSTR. XLIIII. _Book. 4_]
Although wee know not a more patient creature,
Than is the _Lambe_, (or, of lesse harmfull nature)
Yet, as this _Emblem_ shewes, when childish wrong,
Hath troubled, and provok’d him overlong,
Hee growes enrag’d; and makes the wanton _Boyes_,
Bee glad to leave their sports, and run their wayes.
Thus have I seene it with some Children fare,
Who, when their _Parents_ too indulgent were,
Have urg’d them, till their _Doting_ grew to _Rage_,
And, shut them wholly from their Heritage.
Thus, many times, a foolish man doth lose
His faithfull Friends, and justly makes them foes.
Thus, froward _Husbands_; and, thus, peevish _Wives_,
Doe foole away the comfort of their lives;
And, by abusing of a _patient-Mate_,
Turne dearest _Love_, into the deadliest _Hate_:
For, any wrong may better bee excused,
Than, _Kindnesse_, long and wilfully abused.
But, as an injur’d _Lambe_, provoked, thus,
Well typifies how much it moveth us,
To finde our _Patience_ wrong’d: So, let us make
An _Emblem_ of our selves, thereby to take
More heed, how God is moved towards them,
That, his _long suffring_, and his _Love_ contemne.
For, as wee somewhat have of every _Creature_,
So, wee in us, have somewhat of his _Nature_:
Or, if it bee not sayd _the same_ to bee,
His _Pictures_, and his _Images_ are wee.
Let, therefore, his _long-suffring_, well be weigh’d,
And, keepe us, to _provoke him_, still afraid.
_Hee that is =blind=, will nothing =see=,
What =light= soe’re about him bee._
[Illustration: CŒCUS NIL LUCE IUVATUR.
ILLVSTR. XLV. _Book. 4_]
It is by some supposed, that our _Owles_,
By Day-time, are no perfect-sighted _Fowles_;
And, that, the more you doe augment the _light_,
The more you shall deprive them of their _sight_.
Nor _Candles_, _Torches_, nor the _Sunne at noone_,
Nor _Spectacles_, nor all of these in one
Can make an _Owlet_ in the day-time see,
Though none, by _night_, hath better eyes than shee.
This _Emblem_, therefore, sets their _blindnesse_ forth,
Who cannot see, when an apparant _worth_
Illustrates vertuous Men; yet, seeme to spie
Those faults, wherewith ill-willers them belie.
The _blindnesse_, also, well it may declare,
Of _Heretikes_, who Eagle-sighted are,
In _Sophistries_, and in the cloudie-night,
Of those darke _Errors_, which delude the _sight_;
Yet, cannot see the Rayes of _Truth_ divine,
Though, brighter than the _Day-light_, shee doth shine.
It, likewise, very fitly typifies,
Those, in our dayes, who spie out mysteries,
Beyond the _Moone_; yet, cannot gain the view
Of that, which common _Reason_ proveth true:
And, therefore, onely, crie it (madly) downe,
Because, by _Reasons_ light, it may be knowne.
These, when 'twas offred, first, the light refused;
And, they have now the darknesse which they chused.
Till, therefore, God shall offer _Grace_ againe,
Man strives to set up _Lights_, to these, in vaine:
For, what are _Lights_ to those who _blinded_ bee?
Or, who so _blinde_, as they that will not see?
_None knowes, untill the =Fight= be past,
Who shall bee =Victor=, at the last._
[Illustration: INTER UTRUMQUE VOLAT.
ILLVSTR. XLVI. _Book. 4_]
While, these two _Champions_ for the _Conquest_ fight,
Betwixt them both _Victoria_ takes her flight,
On doubtfull wings; and, till the _fray_ bee past,
None knowe, to whether, shee the _Wreath_ will cast.
Which _Emblem_ serves, not onely, to expresse
The danger, and the issues doubtfulnesse,
In all _Contentions_; but, may warne us too,
That, wee no strivings rashly undergoe;
Since they, who long with painfull skill have striv’d,
Of likely _Conquests_, are at length depriv’d.
_Force_, much prevailes; but _Sleight_ and _Wit_ hath pow’r,
Sometime, to hurle downe _Strength_ upon the floore.
Sometimes againe, our _Ingineeres_ doe faile;
And, _Blowes_, doe more than _Stratagems_, prevaile.
Though, I, upon mine _honest-Cause_ depend,
Another may o’rethrow it, by his _Friend_:
And, hee that boasteth of his _Patrons_ grace,
May lose his hopes, if Bribing come in place.
To say the Truth, in whatsoever Cause,
Wee by the _Sword_ contend, or by the _Lawes_,
There’s no event or issue more assured,
Than this, that, losse to both shall bee procured:
And, that, sometime, as well an _innocent_,
As _guilty-cause_, may finde an ill event.
Let, therefore, our endeavours be, to strive,
Who, shall hereafter, least occasion give
Of those _contentions_, and of those _debates_,
Which hurt our honor, safetie, or estates:
That, we, a _Conquest_, may be sure to gaine,
And, none repine, at that which we obtaine.
_Why should I feare the want of =Bread=?
If =God= so please, I shall bee =fed=._
[Illustration: SI DEUS VOLUERIT.
ILLVSTR. XLVII. _Book. 4_]
The faithlesse _Iewe’s_ repining currishnesse,
The blessed _Psalmist_, fitly did expresse,
By _grinning-dogs_, which howling roame by night,
To satisfie their grudging appetite.
Here, therefore, by an _Emblem_, wee are showne,
That, _God_, (who as hee lists, bestowes his owne)
Providing so, that none may bee unfed,
Doth offer to the _Dogges_, the _Childrens_ bread.
And, by this _Emblem_, wee advised are,
Of their presumptuous boldnesse to beware,
Who bound God’s _Mercie_; and, have shut out some
From hope of _Grace_, before the _Night_ is come:
Since, to the _Dogs_, his meat is not denide,
If they _returne_, (though not till _Evening-tide_.)
Moreover, wee, some notice hence may take,
That, if provision, _God_, vouchsafes to make,
For _Lyons_, _Dogs_, and _Ravens_, in their need,
Hee will his _Lambes_, and harmlesse _Turtles_ feed:
And, so provide, that they shall alwayes have
Sufficient, to maintaine the _Life_ hee gave.
I must confesse, I never merit shall,
The _Crummes_, which from thy _Childrens_ table fall:
Yet, thou hast oft, and freely fed mee, _Lord_,
Among thy _Children_, at thy _Holy-board_:
Nor have I, there, been fill’d with _Bread_ alone;
But, on the blessed _Bodie_ of thy _Sonne_,
My _Soule_ hath feasted. And, if thou dost grant
Such favours, _Lord_! what can I feare to want?
For, doubtlesse, if thy _Sonne_ thou please to give,
All other things, with him, I shall receive.
_All =Flesh=, is like the wither’d =Hay=,
And, so it springs, and fades away._
[Illustration: OMNIS CARO FŒNUM.
ILLVSTR. XLVIII. _Book. 4_]
This _Infant_, and this little Trusse of _Hay_,
When they are moralized, seeme to say,
That, _Flesh_ is but a tuft of Morning-_Grasse_,
Both greene, and wither’d, ere the day-light passe.
And, such we truly finde it; for, behold,
Assoone as Man is borne, hee waxeth old,
In Griefes, in Sorrowes, or Necessities;
And, withers ev’ry houre, untill hee dyes:
Now, flourishing, as _Grasse_, when it is growne,
Straight perishing, as _Grasse_, when it is mowne.
If, wee with other things, mans _Age_ compare,
His _Life_ is but a _Day_ (For, equall’d are
His _Yeares_ with _Houres_: His _Months_, with _Minutes_ bee
Fit parallels; and, ev’ry _breathing_, wee
May tearme a _Day_) yet, some, ev’n at the _Night_
Of that short _Day_, are dead, and witherd quite.
Before the _Morning_ of our lives bee done,
The _Flesh_ oft fades: Sometime, it growes till _Noone_:
But, there’s no mortall _Flesh_, that will abide
Vnparched longer, than till _Evening-tide_.
For, in it selfe, it alwayes carries that,
Which helpeth so, it selfe to ruinate;
That, though it feele, nor _storme_, nor scorching _flame_,
An inbred _Canker_, will consume the same.
Considering well, and well remembring this,
Account the _Flesh_ no better than it is:
Wrong not thine everlasting _Soule_, to cherish
A _Gourd_, which in a moments time will perish.
Give it the tendance, fit for fading _Crops_;
But, for _Hay-harvest_, lose not better hopes.
_Make use of =Time=, that’s =comming on=;
For, that is perish’d, which is =gone=._
[Illustration: PERIT QUOD ELAPSUM EST.
ILLVSTR. XLIX. _Book. 4_]
This _Glasse_ declares, how _Time_ doth passe away;
And, if the _Words_, about it, rightly say,
Thy _Time that’s gone, is lost_: and, proofe will shew,
That, many find both _Words_, and _Emblem_, true.
How fast their _Time_ departs, they best perceive,
From whom it steales, before they take their leave,
Of what they love; and, whose last _houre_ is gone,
Before their chiefest businesses are done.
How fast it slides, ev’n they are also taught,
(Too late, perhaps) who never kept in thought
Their _ending-day_; but, alwayes did presume,
Or, largely hope upon the _Time to come_;
The _present-howres_, nor thankfully enjoying,
Nor, honestly, nor usefully employing.
That, _yeares expir’d, are lost_, they likewise find:
For, when their understanding brings to mind,
How fondly (or, how ill perchance) they spent
Their _passed age_; they see, with discontent,
The _Time_, not onely _lost_, but, worse than so;
_Lost_, with a thousand other Losses moe:
And, that, when they shall need it, _wealth_ nor _pow’r_,
Can purchase them, one _minute_ of an _howre_.
Consider this, all ye that spend the _prime_,
The _noone tide_, and the _twilight_ of your _Time_,
In childish play-games, or meere worldly things;
As if you could, at pleasure, clip _Times_ wings,
Or turne his _Glasse_, or, had a _Life_, or twaine
To live, when you had fool’d out _this_ in vaine.
Short is the _present_; lost _Times-passed_ bee;
And, _Time to come_, wee may not live to see.
_The =Garland=, He alone shall weare,
Who, to the =Goale=, doth persevere._
[Illustration: PERSEVERANTI DABITUR.
ILLVSTR. L. _Book. 4_]
An _Arme_ is with a _Garland_ here extended;
And, as the _Motto_ saith, it is intended,
_To all that persevere_. This being so;
Let none be faint in heart, though they be _slow_:
For, he that _creepes_, untill his _Race_ be done,
Shall gaine a _Wreath_, aswell as they that _runne_.
This being so; let no man walke in doubt,
As if Gods _Arme_ of _Grace_ were stretched out
To some small number: For, whoe’re _begins_
And _perseueres_, the profer’d _Garland_ winns:
And, God respects no persons; neither layes
A stumbling blocke in any of our Waies.
This being so, let no man think’t enough
To set his hand, a little, to the Plough,
And, then desist; but, let him still pursue,
To doe that _Worke_, to which that _Wreath_ is due:
For, nor on _Good-beginners_, nor on those
That, _walke halfe-way_, (much lesse on him, that goes
No stepp at all) will God this _gift_ conferre;
But, onely, unto those that _persevere_.
LORD, by thy _Grace_, an entrance I have made
In honest _Pathes_; and, thy assistance had,
To make in them, some slow _proceedings_ too.
Oh grant me, full abilitie, to doe
Thy sacred _Will_; and, to _beginn_, and _end_
Such _Workes_, as to thy _glory_, still, may tend.
That (_Walking_, and _continuing_ in the _Path_,
Which evermore, thine approbation hath)
I may that _Garland_, by thy _grace_, obtaine,
Which, by mine owne _desert_, I cannot gaine.
_Glory be to God._
[Illustration: Decoration]
THE FOVRTH LOTTERIE.
1
Thou, of a noble minde, art thought,
Which, heav’nly things, hath chiefly sought.
And, scorn’st thy vertue to debase,
By loving those of lower place.
If so, thine _Emblom_ doth expresse
Thy _Wisdome_, and thy _worthynesse_.
But, if to earthward thou incline;
Thence, learne _Affections_ more Divine.
See, _Emb._ I.
2
Some _words_ or _thoughts_, perhaps, of your
Have wrong’d Gods _providence_, or _Pow’re_:
Els, you (it may be) to some _place_,
Confine his unconfined _Grace_;
Or, thinke, he never taketh care,
Of any _Realme_, but where you are.
Your _Lot_, now, therefore, doth provide,
To have your _Iudgement_ rectifide.
See, _Emb._ II.
3
Thou maist be _wise_, but, there is, yet,
Some crack, or, failing in thy _wit_:
For, thou dost _personate_ a _part_,
That, showes thee other, then thou _art_.
Thine _Emblem_, therefore, doth declare,
What _Habit_, such deserve to weare;
And, that, he merits _Asses_ eares,
Who _is not_, that, which he _appeares_.
See, _Emb._ III.
4
You have, as yet, much _worke_ to doe,
But, yoo have _little time_ thereto:
That, _little_, flyes away with speed,
And, you the _Losse_, as little heed.
Lest, therefore, all your time be gone,
Before you duely thinke thereon,
A _memorandum_ you have got,
By drawing, of this luckie _Lot_.
See, _Emb._ IV.
5
Though you, perhaps, no _perill_ dread,
A _mischiefe_ hangs above your head;
By which, you (taking little care)
May perish ere you be aware.
To minde you, therefore, to eschew
Such Miseries as may ensue;
Your L_ot_, this warning _Emblem_ sent;
Observe it, and your _harmes_ prevent.
See, _Emb._ V.
6
Thou _fly’st_, in hope, to shun thy griefe;
Thou _changest place_, to seeke releefe;
And, many blamelesse things are shent
As, causers of thy discontent.
But trouble, now, no more thy minde,
The root of thy disease to finde;
For, by thine _Emblem_, thou shalt see,
The _Fountaine_, whence thy torments bee.
See, _Emb._ VI.
_M_ 7
Thou art, or els thou wert, of late,
Some great, or petty, _Magistrate_;
Or, _Fortune_ thereunto, perchance,
In time to come, will thee advance.
But, by thine _Emblem_, thou shalt see,
That, when restrein’d, thy _pow’r_ shall be,
Offenders, thereof will be glad,
And skoffe the pow’re which thou hast had;
Observe it; and be so _upright_,
That, thou maist laugh at their _despight_.
See, _Emb._ VII.
8
_Promotion_ thou dost much desire,
And, spacious _Fortunes_ to acquire;
As, if thou thoughtst, thou mightst attaine,
True _Blessednesse_, by such a _gaine_:
To shew thee, therefore, what event,
What _happinesse_, and what _content_,
Such things, will bring vs, at the last,
An usefull _Object_, now, thou hast.
See, _Emb._ VIII.
9
Disheartned be not, though thou see,
Thy _Hopes_, quite frustrate seeme to be;
For, many _Hopes_, appearing past,
Have, beene renew’d againe, at last;
And, grew far greater, then before,
When, they seem’d lost, for evermore.
_Examples_, therefore, now are brought,
That, still, to _Hope_, thou mayst be taught.
See, _Emb._ IX.
_M_ 10
Most men desire to gaine the _Fate_,
Which keepes them safe, in ev’ry state;
And, you, no doubt, would faine provide,
A _Station_, which might firme abide.
If so you meane; your _Lot_ hath brought,
Some newes of that, which you have sought:
For, by your _Emblem_, you may see,
What men shall most unmooved be.
See, _Emb._ X.
11
You seeme, to wonder, much of late,
That, some goe _backward_ in _Estate_,
Who seeme to thrive; and, why, we finde,
Those _Friends_, who seemed very kinde,
(And, forward good respects to show)
Doe now unkinde, and froward grow.
But, when your _Emblem_ you shall see,
No wonder, then, such things will be.
See, _Emb._ XI.
12
Thou seek’st a _Conquest_; or, (at least)
Of such a Pow’re to be possest,
As none can conquer; And, bohold,
Thou, in an _Emblem_, shalt be told
The meanes to get thy hearts desire.
Yet, know, that if thou come no nigher,
Then but to _know_ the meanes of _blisse_,
The farther off, the _blessing_ is.
See, _Emb._ XII.
13
Thou liv’st, as one who thinks, that, _Fate_
All Actions did _nesessitate_;
And, that to _doe_, or leave _undone_,
Thy Businesses, came all to one.
If, thus thou thinke, perhaps, this _Chance_;
May helpe to cure thine _Ignorance_;
And, show, when 'twill be, wholly, fit
To _Fate_, our matters, to commit.
See, _Emb._ XIII.
14
Thy Neighbors _house_ when thou dost view,
_Welfurnisht_, _pleasant_, _large_, or _new_,
Thou thinkst good LARES, alwaies dwell,
In Lodgings that are trimm’d so well.
But, by thine _Emblem_, thou art showne,
That (if thou lov’dst what is thine _owne_)
_Thatcht Roofes_, as true Contentments yeeld,
As those, that are with _Cedar_ seeld.
Vaine _Fancies_, therefore, from thee cast;
And, be content with what thou hast.
See, _Emb._ XIV.
15
Thou seek’st _Preferment_, as a thing,
Which _East_, or _Westerne-winds_ might bring;
And, thinkst to gaine a temp’rall _Crowne_,
By _Powres_ and _Vertues_ of thine owne:
But, now, thy _Lot_ informes from whom,
The _Scepter_, and _preferments_ come;
Seeke, thence, thy lawfull _hopes_ fruition,
And, cherish not a vaine _ambition_.
See, _Emb._ XV.
16
This _Lot_, though rich, or poore, thou bee,
Presents an _Emblem_, fitt for thee.
If _Rich_, it warnes, not to be _proud_;
Since, _Fortunes_ favours are allow’d
To _Swinish-men_: If thou be _poore_,
Deject thou not thy selfe, the more;
For, many worthy men, there are,
Who, doe not _Fortunes_ Iewels weare.
See, _Emb._ XVI.
17
Thou, dost not greatly care, by whom
Thy _wealth_, or thy _Preferments_, come:
So, thou maist get them, _Foole_ or _Knave_,
Thy _prayers_, and thy _praise_ may have;
Because, thou dost nor feare, nor dreame,
What disadvantage comes by them:
But, by thine _Emblem_, thou shalt see,
That, _Mischieves_, in their _favours_ bee.
See, _Emb._ XVII.
18
You boast, as if it were, unknowne
The power you have were not your owne:
But, had you not an able _Prop_,
You could not beare so high a _Top_;
And, if that _Ayde_ forsake you shall,
Downe to the ground, you soone will fall.
Acknowledge this; and, humble grow,
You may be, still, supported so.
See, _Emb._ XVIII.
19
This _Lot_ of yours doth plainely show,
That, in some danger now you go.
But, _wounds_ by _Steele_, yet, feare you not;
Nor _Pistoling_, nor _Cannon-shot_;
But, rather, dread the _shafts_ that fly,
From some deepe-wounding _wantons_ eye.
Your greatest perills are from thence;
Get therefore, Armour of defence.
See, _Emb._ XIX.
20
Thy Vertues, often, have beene tride,
To finde what proofes they will abide:
Yet, thinke not all thy _Trialls_ past,
Till thou on ev’ry side art cast;
Nor, feare thou, what may chance to thee,
If truely, square, thy dealings be:
For, then, what ever doth befall,
Nor _harme_, nor _shame_, betide thee shall.
See, _Emb._ XX.
21
Fine _Clothes_, faire _Words_, entising _Face_,
With _Maskes_ of _Pietie_ and _Grace_,
Oft, cheat you, with an outward show,
Of that, which prooveth nothing so.
Therefore, your _Emblems_ Morall read;
And, ere too farre you doe proceed,
Thinke, whom you deale withall, to day,
Who, by faire shewes, deceive you may.
See, _Emb._ XXI.
22
You, are accus’d of no man, here,
As, if to any, false, you were
In _word_, or _Deed_; and, wish, we doe,
Your _Conscience_ may acquit you too,
But, if your selfe you guilty finde,
(As, unto such a fault inclin’d)
The crime, already _past_, repent;
And, what is yet _undone_, prevent.
See, _Emb._ XXII.
23
You haue delighted much, of late,
Gainst _Womens_ ficklenesse, to prate;
As if this frailety you did find,
Entail’d, alone, on _Womankind_:
But, in your selfe, ther’s now and then,
Great proofes, of wav’ring minds, in men:
Then, jugde not faults which are unknown;
But, rather learne to mend your owne.
See, _Emb._ XXIII.
24
At your _Afflictions_, you repine,
And, in all troubles, cry, and whine;
As if, to _suffer_, brought no _Ioy_;
But, quite, did all contents destroy.
That, you might, therefore, _patient_ grow,
And, learne, that Vertues pow’re, to know,
This _Lot_, unto your view, is brought:
Peruse, and practise what is taught.
See, _Emb._ XXIV.
25
On out side _Friends_, thou much reli’st,
And, _trustest_, oft, before thou try’st;
By which, if _Cousnage_ thou escape,
Thy _Wit_ wee praise not, but thy _Hap_:
But, lest by _trust_, (e’re _triall due_)
Thou, overlate, thy _Trusting_ rue;
Observe the _Morall_ of thy _Lot_,
And, looke that thou forget it not.
See, _Emb._ XXV.
26
By this your _Lot_, it should appeare,
That, you your selfe are too severe;
Or, have, by some, perswaded bin,
That, ev’ry _Pleasure_ is a _sinne_.
That, wiser therefore, you may grow,
You have an _Emblem_, now, to show,
That, _Hee_, whose wisdome all men praise,
Sometime, layes downe his _Bow_, and _playes_.
See, _Emb._ XXVI.
27
Thou little heedst how _Time_ is lost,
Or, how thine _Howres_ away doe post;
Nor art thou mindfull of the day,
In which thy life, will breath away.
To thee this _Lot_, now, therefore, came,
To make thee heedfull of the same.
So, of thy Dutie, let it mind thee,
That, thou maist _live_, when _Death_ shall finde thee.
See, _Emb._ XXVII.
28
A safe-abiding, wouldst thou know,
When _Seas_ doe rage, and _winds_ doe blow?
If so; thine _Emblem_ shewes thee, where
Such _Priviledges_ gained are.
Observe it well; then, doe thy best,
To bee a _Yongling_, in that nest
There _Moraliz’d_; and, mocke thou not
At what is taught thee, by this _Lot_.
See, _Emb._ XVIII.
29
Beleeve not, alwayes, as thy _Creed_,
That, _Love-profest_, is _Love-indeed_;
But, their _Affections_ entertaine,
Who in thy _need_, firme _Friends_ remaine.
Perhaps, it much may thee concerne,
This _Lesson_, perfectly, to learne.
Thine _Emblems_ morall, therefore, view,
And, get true _Friends_, by being, _true_.
See, _Emb._ XXIX.
30
The _Consciences_, of some, afford
No Lawfull use unto the _Sword_:
Some dreame, that, in the time of peace,
The practise of all _Armes_ may cease;
And, you, perhaps, among the rest,
With such like fancies are possest.
However, what your _Morall_ sayes
Observe; and, walke in blamelesse _waves_.
See, _Emb._ XXX.
31
A better _Fortune_ you might gaine,
If you, could take a little _paine_:
If you have _Wealth_, you should have more,
And, should be Rich, (though you are _poore_)
If to the _longings_ you have had,
A true _endevour_ you would adde:
For, by your _Emblem_, you may see,
Such, as your _Paines_, your _Gaines_ will be.
See, _Emb._ XXXI.
32
When any troublous Time appeares,
Your _Hope_ is ouercome, with _feares_,
As, if with every _Floud_ of _Raine_,
The _World_ would quite be drownd againe.
But, by your _Emblem_, you shall see,
That, _Sunshine_, after _Stormes_ may be:
And, you this _Lot_, (it may be) drew,
In times of neede, to comfort _you_.
See, _Emb._ XXXII.
33
When, you to ought, pretend a right,
You thinke to winne it by your _might_.
Yea, by your strength, your purse or friends,
You boast to gaine your wished _Endes_.
But, such _Presumptions_ to prevent
You to an _Emblem_ now are sent
That, showes, by whom he _Victor_ growes,
That winnes, by giving overthrowes.
See, _Emb._ XXXIII.
34
If, truely _temperate_, thou be,
Why should this _Lot_, be drawne by thee?
Perhaps, thou either dost exceed,
In costly Robes; or, drinke, or feede,
Beyond the _meane_. If this thou finde,
Or, know’st, in any other kinde,
How thou offendest by _excesse_,
Now, leave off, that _intemp’ratnesse_.
See, _Emb._ XXXIV.
35
Thou hop’st, to climbe, to honor’d _heights_,
Yet, wouldst not passe through stormes or _streights_;
But, shun’st them so, as if there were
No way to _blisse_, where _troubles_ are.
Lest, then, thou lose thy hop’d-for praise,
By, seeking wide, and easie wayes;
See what thine _Emblem_ doth disclose.
And, feare not ev’ry _winde_ that blowes.
See, _Emb._ XXXV.
36
Sometimes, it may be, thou dost finde,
That, God, thy _prayers_, doth not minde,
Nor, heede, of those _Petitions_ take,
Which, men and _Congregations_ make.
Now, why they take so ill effect,
Thou, by our _Morall_, maist collect:
And, by the same, shalt also see,
When, all thy _suits_ will granted be.
See, _Emb._ XXXVI.
37
Thou, hast been very forward, still,
To _punish_ those, that merit ill;
But, thou didst never, yet, regard
To give _Desert_, her due _Reward_.
That, therefore, thou maist now have care,
Of such _Injustice_, to beware,
Thine _Emblem_, doth to thee present,
As well _Reward_, as _punishment_.
See, _Emb._ XXXVII.
38
Thou, either hast a _babling tongue_,
Which, cannot keepe a _secret_, long;
Or, shalt, perhaps, indanger’d growe,
By such, as utter all they know.
In one, or other, of the twaine,
Thou maist be harm’d; and, to thy gaine,
It may redound, when thou shalt see,
What, now, thine _Emblem_, counsels thee.
See, _Emb._ XXXVIII.
39
By this, thy _Lot_, we understand,
That, somewhat, thou hast tooke in hand,
Which, (whether, further, thou _Proceed_
Or quite _desist_) will danger breed.
Consider, then, what thou hast done,
And, since the _hazzard_ is begun,
Advised be to take the _Course_,
Whrch may not make the danger worse.
See, _Emb._ XXXIX.
40
The _Destinies_, thou blamest, much,
Because, thou canst not be so rich,
As others are: But, blame no more.
The _Destinies_, as heretofore;
For, if it please thee to behold,
What, by thine _Embleme_, shall be told,
Thou, there, shalt find, which be those _Fates_,
That, keepe men low, in their _estates_.
See, _Emb._ XL.
41
Thou thinkst, that thou from _faults_ art free;
And, here, unblamed thou shalt be.
But, if to all men, thou wilt seeme
As faire, as in thine owne esteeme,
Presume thou not abroad to passe,
Vntill, by ev’ry _Looking-Glasse_,
Which, in thy _Morall_, is exprest,
Thou hast, both _Minde_, and _Body_ drest.
See, _Emb._ XLI.
42
Some, _labour_ hardly, all their daies,
In painefull-profitable wayes;
And, others taste the sweetest _gaine_,
Of that, for which these tooke the _paine_:
Yet, these, they not alone undo,
But, having _robd_, they _murther_ too.
The wrongs of such, this _Emblem_ showes,
That, thou mayst helpe, or pitty those.
See, _Emb._ XLII.
43
Thou, often hast observ’d with feares,
Th’_aspects_, and _motions_ of the _Starres_,
As if, they threatned _Fates_ to some,
Which, _God_ could never save them from.
If this, thy dreaming Error be,
Thine _Emblems_ Morall shewes to thee,
That, _God_ restraines the _Starry-Fates_,
And, no mans harme, _necessitates_.
See, _Emb._ XLIII.
44
Thou, hast provoked, over long,
Their _patience_, who neglect the wrong;
And, thou dost little seeme to heede,
What _harme_ it threats, if thou proceed.
To thee, an _Emblem_, therefore, showes,
To what, _abused-Patience_ growes.
Observe it well; and, make thy _Peace_,
Before to _Fury_, _Wrath_ increase.
See, _Emb._ XLIV.
45
Thou hast the helps of _Natures_ light;
_Experience_ too, doth ayde thy sight:
Nay more, the _Sun_ of _Grace-divine_,
Doth round about thee daylie shine;
Yet, _Reasons_ eye is blind in thee,
And, clearest _Objects_ cannot see.
Now, from what cause, this _Blindnesse_ growes
The _Morall_ of thine _Emblem_ showes.
See, _Emb._ XLV.
46
Thy _cause_, thy _Money_, or thy _Friend_,
May make thee forward to _contend_;
And, give thee Hopes, that thy intents,
Shall bring thee prosperous events.
But view thy _Lot_; then, marke thou there,
That _Victories_ uncertaine are;
And rashly venture not on that
Whose End may be, _thou knowest not what_.
See, _Emb._ XLVI.
47
To them who grudgingly repine,
Assoone as their estates decline,
This _Lot_ pertaines; or, unto those,
Who, when their neighbour needy growes,
Contemne him; as if he were left,
Of God; and, of all hopes bereft.
If this, or that, be found in thee,
Thou, by thy _Morall_, taught shalt be,
That, there is none so ill besped;
But may have hope, he shall be fed.
See, _Emb._ XLVII.
48
Thy _Flesh_ thou lov’st, as if it were,
The chiefest _Object_, of thy _Care_;
And of such value, as may seeme,
Well meriting, thy best esteeme.
But, now, to banish that conceit,
Thy _Lot_ an _Emblem_ brings to sight,
Which, without flattery, shewes to thee
Of what regard it ought to be.
See, _Emb._ XLVIII.
49
It may suspected be, thou hast,
Mispent the _Time_, that’s gone and past;
For, to an _Emblem_ thou art sent,
That’s made, such folly to prevent:
The _morall_ heed; Repent thy _Crime_;
And, Labour, to _Redeeme the Time_.
See, _Emb._ XLIX.
50
With good applause thou hast begunne,
And, well, as yet, proceedest on:
But, e’re the _Lawrell_, thou canst weare,
Thou to the End must _persevere_.
And, lest this dutie, be so got,
Thou hast a Caveat, by this _Lot_.
See, _Emb._ L.
51
Although, this time, you drew it not,
_Good Fortune_, for you, may be got.
Perhaps, the _planets_ ruling now,
Have cast no good _Aspects_ on you.
For, many say, that, now and then,
The _Starres_ looke angerly on men:
Then, try your Chance againe, anon;
For, their displeasure soone is gone.
52
If, by your _Lot_ you had beene prais’d
Your minde, perchance, it would have rais’d,
Above the _meane_. Should you receive
Some check, thereby, It would bereave
Your _Patience_: For, but few can beare,
_Reproofes_, which unexpected are.
But, now prepared you have beene,
To draw your _Lot_ once more begin;
And, if another _Blancke_ you get,
Attempt your _chance_, no more, as yet.
53
To crosse your hopes, _Misfortune_ sought;
And, by your _Lot_, a _Blanck_ hath brought:
But, he who knew her ill intent,
Hath made this _Blanke_ her spight prevent;
For, if that _Number_ you shall take,
Which these two _fignres_, backward, make,
And view the place to which they guide;
An _Emblem_, for you, they provide.
54
These _Lots_ are almost _Ten_ to _One_
Above the _Blankes_; yet, thou hast none.
If thus thy _Fortune_ still proceed,
Tis _Ten_ to _One_ if well thou speed.
Yet, if thou doe not much neglect,
To doe, as _Wisdome_ shall direct,
It is a _Thousand_ unto _ten_
But all thy Hopes will prosper, then.
55
It seemes, Dame _Fortune_, doth not know,
What _Lot_, on thee, she should bestow;
Nor, canst thou tell, (if thou mightst have
The choice) what _Fortune_, thou shouldst crave.
For, _one thing_, now, thy minde requires;
Anon, _another_ it desires.
When Resolution thou hast got,
Then, come againe, and draw thy _Lot_.
56
The _Chance_, which thou obtained hast,
Of all our _Chances_, is the last;
And, casting up the totall _summes_,
We finde thy _Gaine_, to _Nothing_ comes.
Yet if it well be understood,
This _Chance_ may chance to doe thee good;
For, it inferres what _Portion_ shall,
To ev’ry one, (at last) befall;
And warnes, while _something_, is enjoyd,
That, well it (alwaies) be imployd.
_FINIS._
[Illustration: Decoration]
[Illustration: Decoration]
_A Table for the better finding out of the principall things and
matters, mentioned in these Foure Bookes._
_A._
Adversitie. pag. 16. 17. 26. 30. 240. 243
Ægle. 6. 3. 111.
Affection. 7. 33. 34. 83. 162.
Affliction. 16. 17. 44. 47. 70. 81. 108. 240.
Agreement in Desire. 34.
Age. 44.
Ambitions emptines. 216.
Ambition. 69.
Anchor. 39. 72.
Annuall revolutions. 157.
Anvils and Hammer. 17.
Appearances deceive. 175.
Apollo. 234.
Archer. 25.
Armour. 111.
Arrs. 1. 80.
Action. 9.
Armes. 3. 32. 80.
Authoritie. 137.
_B._
Ball. 7.
Beginning. 102.
Best men not best favour’d. 224.
Bear. 23.
Bees. 23. 90. 250.
Beautie. 40.
Blabs. 246.
Blessings long enjoyed. 70.
Bounds. 161.
A Bore. 110.
Borrowed worth. 14.
A Bowe bended. 39.
Bridle. 169.
A Broken-heart 77.
Busy-bodies. 148.
Butterfly and Spider. 18.
_C._
Candle and Flie. 40.
Carnal affections. 43.
Caduceus. 9. 88.
Ceremonies of estate. 137.
Centaure. 103.
A Childe. 45.
Christian confidence. 81.
Church. 111. 136.
Christ the true Pellican. 154.
The Circular motion of things. 45.
Circumspection. 138.
Clamor. 63.
Cleargie-men. 149.
Constancie. 2. 81. 143.
Cock. 71.
Comlinesse. 249.
Good Companions. 249.
Constant resolution 24.
Consideration. 9.
Contempt of earthly things. 12.
Contention. 34. 71.
Contention hazzardous. 254.
Contemplation. 45. 105. 156.
Corcord. 63.
Consolation. vid. Comfort.
Comfort. 70.
Comfort sweetned by troubles. ibid.
Constellations. 31. 74. 251.
Contentment. 86.
Cornerstone. 161.
Coronet. 255.
Cornucopia 9 88. 166. 248.
Corporeall vertues. 80.
Covetousnesse. 216.
Crocadile. 112.
Craft. 136.
Crowne. 47. 78. 81.
Crosse. 47 75 81
Crosses 47.
Curiositie 147.
Cupid 227.
Cynthia 24.
_D._
Danger hangs over all 213
Death 1. 21. 45. 48. 94. 168. 184. 235.
Deaths head 21
Deliberation 72
Delay 18
Degrees. 29. 49 117.
Deceit in all places. 180.
Despaire is not to be admitted. 217. 221. 240.
Destinie. vid. Fate.
Decrees of God. 95.
Our Destruction is of our selves. 214.
Desires best object. 209.
Devotion. 41.
Diamond. 171.
Diana. 24.
Divine assistance. 170.
Dissimulation, 211, 228, 230
Discord. 177.
Discretion. 151.
Doggs. 255.
Dolphin. 72.
Dove. 150.
Drowsinesse. 9.
Drones. 250.
_E._
Earthly things. 85.
Endurance 23. 26.
Endeavour continued. 29.
Envy 97.
End. 102.
Equalitie. 34. 48.
Equivocation. 38.
Estridge. 36.
Eternitie. 102. 157.
Everlasting. 102.
Excesse. 68.
Externall Blessings. 88.
_F._
Faith 13. 66
Faith infringed. 38. 99.
Fate 74. 95. 221. 251
Fatall necessity 251
Falshood 99
Fame 146.
Faire shewes deceitfull 233. 229
Face 39
Fighters 71
Ficklenesse vid. Inconstancy
Filial pietie 155.
Fire on an Altar 15.
Fierie-triall 30
Flesh is hay 256
Flying-Ball 71. 101
Flie and the Candle 40
Flower of the Sunne 159.
Fooles, who the greatest 211
Fooles favours mischievous 225
Fortune 6. 88. 101. 109. 139 174. 224
Fraud in all professions 183
Friendship 75. 99. 162. 237.
Friends 75, 145
Frequencie 45
Fullnesse 64.
Furie begotten by abused patience 252.
_G._
Ganimed 156.
Light Gaines 50.
Glory 5. 92.
God 140, 152, 170, 210, 223 255
Gods prerogatives 223
Gods decrees 95. 141
Gospell preached 89
Good works 135
Governours 37
Government 238
Goblins about Graves 43
Grace 31, 74, 104, 226
Grave 21
Greefe 26
Groves 35
Great things from small beginnings 46. 50
Gryphon 139
Guile vid. Fraud and Deceit
Guiltinesse 66, 69.
_H._
Hast 19, 49 153
Hammer and Anvile, 17
Halter 66, Halcyon, vid. Kings Fisher
Harvest 44
Harlots 27, 246
Harmlesnes vid. Innocency
Hazzardous enterprises 247
Harmony vid. Musick
Hard-hearted men 175
Hardship 243
Heed 19. 49, 153
Heliotrope 159
Heaven 152
Hellen 27
Hyppocrisy 20, 77, 211, 229
Hyppocrite 229
Honour 5, 153
Hope 13, 16, 39, , 44, 73. 106 150, 217
Houses which are best 222
Hony 23
Howreglasse 21, 212
Hunger 64
Husbands 162
Humility 147
Hyppotamus 155
_I._
Ianus 138
Idlenesse 5. 92
Innocence 9. 111, 151
Infant 45
Incroachments 161
Invincibility 220
Inconstancy 231
Intemperance 242
Industry 5
Impiety. 155
Imprsonmēt better than a worse mischiefe 96
Ioys sweetned by afflictions 70
Iteration 29
Iustice 66. 69, 155
Iust dealing. 100
Ixion 69
_K._
Kingsfisher 236
Kings 32, 37, 78, 137, 159 163, 180
Kingdomes 67
A Kingdomes glorie 78
Knowledge 1, 79, 103
_L._
Labour 5, 29, 143, 150, 229,
Labour in vaine 11.
Lambe 252.
Lawe 3. 163. 169
Leasure and heed 19. 49 107
Learne to die 94
Learning 87
A Line a day. 158
Liking makes indifferent things excellent 222
A Little and little makes a mickle 50. 158
Life 21. 45
Love the best Musitian, 82
Love 7, 33. 34. 38.
Losses 50.
Losses may be recovered 182
Looking-glasses 241.
_M._
Malefactors 66
Mars 80.
Marriages. 83.
Magistrates out of office 215.
A Mace. 137
Man his owne enemie 214
Mercy, offred to all 255
Merit 139
Measures 100
Medlers, _vid._ Busie-bodies.
Meditation best in the night 9
Meanes, not to be neglected 221
Meanes, not the onely ground of Hope 13
Mercurie 9
The Meane 169
Military exercise 32
Mis-fortune may be profitable. 96
Mortalitie 8 45
Moone 111. 182
Monuments 142
Mutuall affection. 34. 163. 781.
Musicke 65
_N._
Nature and Grace 104. 144
Nature needes a supporter. 226
Necessitie 64
Night helpfull to Meditation 9
_O._
Oathes 38
Obscuritie profitable 73
Occasion 4
Offenders 215
Old men may learne 87
Opportunitie 4
Oppression 28
Opposition 63
Order 220
Outward appearances 175
Owle 9. 63. 79. 168
Oxe 173
_P._
Paine 23
Palmetree 172
Patience 28. 63. 252
Patriots 165
Pallas 9. 80
Parents 15
A Pastorall charge 149
Peace 9 238
Perjurie 38
Pegasus 105
Perseverance 19. 143. 175. 258
Pelican 154
Pietie 8. 41. 155
Pigmey Spirits 14
Planets 31
Planting 35
Pleasure 22. 23. 38. 68
Plenty 64
Plaine-dealing 228
Poeticall Libertie 148
Poets Horse, _vid._ Pegasus
Power 103. 179
Power divine 210.
Policie 80
Posterity 35
Poore Theeves 167.
Povertie 176
Cause of povertie. 248
Praise 146
Practise 66. 158
Preaching 89
Preferment 68
Prelats 41
Priests. ibid.
Pride to be avoyed 8
Princes 155
Profit causeth contention 71.
Processions 165.
Prosperitie 12. 16
Protection divine 245
Promotion is of God 223.
Prudence 74. 142. 151
Puritie 41
Punishment and reward 245
Pyramus 33.
_Q._
Qvarrellers 71.
_R._
Rashnesse 9. 19
Redeeme the time 23. 257
Recreation 234
A well Resolved man 228
Restraints from being Rich 248
Resolute constancy 24
Repine not at misfortunes 96
Reputation 140
Repentance to be hastned 213
Retirednesse 73. 79
Revolutions of things 45
Reward 135. 139 141. 229. 258
Reward and punishment 243
Riches 1. 98
Rich Theeves 197
Rod. 93.
Royall favour. 159.
_S._
Sacred callings 41
The best Sacrifice 77.
Salamander 30
Scepter 79
Scepter and Spade 48
Sea-horse 155.
Selfe perdition 68. 214
Selfe love 35
Shepherds crooke 149
Ship 13. 37
Sisyphus 11
Sinne 66. 69.
Silence 73
Simplicity 151
Sincerity 228, 230
Sive 20
A Skeleton 8
Sloath 9. 181.
Slownesse 19
Slow pace goes farre 173
Small beginnings 46. 50
Snake 5. 9. 45. 47. 74. 101. 102 142.
Snaile 19
Sophisters 38
Sober knowledge 147
Sorrow 24 79
Soveraigntie is of God, 21. 22
Spade 5
Spider 18
Squirrell 26. 136
Staiednesse 72 153
Starrs 31. 74. 251
States-men 15
Steresman 37
Stedfastnesse. _vid._ Constancy.
Stewes 27
Storke 149 155
Strength 80. 103. 136
Students 15
Studiousnesse 146
Suffering 23. 47. 81. 171. 232
Sufficiencie 86
Sunnshine after stormes 240
Swearing. 38.
Swine 38. 110.
Sword 66. 137. 163. 238. 245
_T._
Talents hidden 76. 181
A Tatler, 246.
Tennis-ball, 16
Terrene pompe 98
Temperance 169. 242
Terminus 161
Theeves 167
Thisbe 33
Time. 4. 102. 157. 212. 235 257
Titles, ill placed 224.
Tongue 42
Tortois 86
Touchstone 229
Transitorie things 85
Triall 30
Trie e’re thou trust. 84. 233
Truth 172
Turtle. _vid._ Dove.
_V._
Vanitie of earthly things 98
Vaine hopes. 69
Vaine shewes 20
Vengeance 66
Vertue. 1. 5. 6. 22. 30. 88. 97. 101. 109. 111. 139. 171. 218.
Vice 22. 104. 224.
Victorie vncertaine 252
Victorie is of God 241.
Viper 247
Vnanymitie 67
Vnchastitie 15
Vnitie 67. 177
Vnitie of faith 244
Vniversall Grace 210. 258
Vnprofitable gifts 76
Vprightnesse of heart 91
_W._
Wanton women 7
Warre 90, 238
Wast 35
Wearinesse 9 84 153
Watchfulnesse 79
Watchmen 149
Way of Uertue 160
Weapons 111
Wealth 68. 166.
Weights 110.
Welldoing 135
Weaknesse needes a suporter 222
Wisedome 1. 2, 31. 103. 142. 145.
Witt 1. 64. 136. 167
Wives 172
Whoredome. 27
Whore. _vid._ Harlot
Woods decayed 35
Woman 93. 231
World goes backeward 219.
_Y._
Youth. 22. 44.
[Illustration: Decoration]
A _Supersedeas_ to all them, whose custome
it is, without any deserving, to importune
_Authors_ to give unto them their
_Bookes_.
It merits nor your Anger, nor my Blame,
That, thus I have inscrib’d this _Epigram_:
For, they who know me, know, that, _Bookes_ thus large,
And, fraught with _Emblems_, do augment the Charge
Too much above my _Fortunes_, to afford
A _Gift_ so costly, for an _Aierie-word_:
And, I have prov’d, your _Begging-Qualitie_,
So forward, to oppresse my _Modestie_;
That, for my future ease, it seemeth fit,
To take some Order, for preventing it.
And, peradventure, other Authors may,
Find Cause to thanke me for’t, another day.
These many years, it hath your _Custom_ bin,
That, when in my possession, you have seene
A _Volume_, of mine owne, you did no more,
But, _Aske_ and _Take_; As if you thought my store
Encreast, without my Cost; And, that, by _Giving_,
(Both _Paines_ and Charges too) I got my living;
Or, that, I find the _Paper_ and the _Printing_,
As easie to me, as the _Bookes_ Inventing.
If, of my _Studies_, no esteeme you have,
You, then abuse the _Courtesies_ you crave;
And, are _Vnthankfull_. If you prize them ought,
Why should my _Labour_, not enough be thought,
Vnlesse, I adde _Expenses_ to my paines?
The _Stationer_, affoords for little Gaines,
The _Bookes_ you crave: And, He, as well as I
Might give away, what you repine to buy:
For, what hee _Gives_, doth onely _Mony_ Cost,
In mine, both _Mony_, _Time_, and _Wit_ is lost.
What I shall Give, and what I have bestow’d
On Friends, to whom, I _Love_, or _Service_ ow’d,
I grudge not; And, I thinke it is from them,
Sufficient, that such _Gifts_ they do esteeme:
Yea, and, it is a _Favour_ too, when they
Will take these _Triflles_, my large _Dues_ to pay;
(Or, Aske them at my hands, when I forget,
That, I am to their _Love_, so much in debt.)
But, this inferres not, that, I should bestow
The like on all men, who, my _Name_ do know;
Or, have the Face to aske: For, then, I might,
Of _Wit_ and _Mony_, soone be begger’d, quite.
So much, already, hath beene _Beg’d_ away,
(For which, I neither had, nor looke for pay)
As being valu’d at the common Rate,
Had rais’d, _Five hundred Crownes_, in my Estate.
Which, (if I may confesse it) signifies,
That, I was farre more _Liberall_, than _Wise_.
But, for the time to come, resolv’d I am,
That, till without denyall (or just blame)
I may of those, who _Cloth_ and _Clothes_ do make,
(As oft as I shall need them) _Aske_, and _Take_;
You shall no more befoole me. Therfore, _Pray_
_Be Answer’d_; And, henceforward, keepe away.
[Illustration: Decoration]
A _Direction_, shewing how they who are so
_disposed_, _shall find out their =Chance=, in the
=Lotteries= aforegoing_.
Turne about one of the _Indexes_ in the Figures, which are in the
following Page, without casting your eyes thereupon, so observe where
it stayeth untill your hand ceaseth to give it motion. If it be the
upper _Figure_, whose _Index_ you moved; than, that _Number_ whereupon
it resteth, is the number of your _Lot_, or Blancke.
This being knowne, move the other _Index_ in like manner, and that
_Quarter_ of the said _Figure_ whereon the same standeth (when
your hand is taken away) sheweth in which of the foure Bookes, or
_Lotteries_, that _Chance_ is to be expected, whereunto your _Number_
doth send you, whether it be _Lot_, or _Blancke_. If it be any Number
above Fifty, it is a _Blancke Chance_, and you are to looke no further.
If it be any of the other _Numbers_, it sends you to the _Emblem_
answering to the same _Number_, in the _Booke_ next before the same
_Lotterie_.
If the letter _M._ be placed before the alotted _Number_; then, that
Lot is proper onely to a _Man_: If _W._ stand before it, it is proper
onely to a _Woman_: if there be no letter, it is indifferent to both
_Sexes_: And, therefore, when a _Man_ or _Woman_ happneth on a _Chance_
impertinent to their proper _Sexe_, they are then, to take the next
_Chance_ which pertaineth properly to their _Sexe_, whether it be
_Blancke_ or _Lot_; the triall whereof, I have thus contrived, without
the use of _Dice_; lest by bringing them into sight, they might,
sometimes, occasion worse _Gaming_.
_If =King=, =Queene=, =Prince=, or any one that springs
From Persons, knowne to be deriv’d from =Kings=,
Shall seeke, for =Sport sake=, hence to draw their =Lot=;
Our =Author= sayes; that, hee provided not
For such as =those=: Because, it were too much
For him, to find out =Fortunes=, fit for such,
Who, (as hee thinkes) should, rather, =Ayde= supply
For him, to mend his evill =Fortunes= by.
To =them=, hee, therefore pleased is to give
This noble, and this large =Prerogative=;
That, they shall chuse from hence, what =Lots= they please,
And make them better, if they like not =these=.
All other =Personages=, of =High degree=,
That, will professe our Authors friends to be,
This =Freedome=, likewise, have; that till, they find
A =Lot=, which is agreeing to their mind,
They shall have libertie, anewe, to try
Their fought-for Chance: And, ev’rytime-apply
The =Morrals= they disliked, unto those,
Which are, ill-quallifide, among their =Foes=.
All others, who this =Game=, adventure will,
Must beare their =Fortunes=, be they Good, or Ill._
[Illustration: Lottery Wheels]
Transcriber's notes:
In the text version italics are represented with _underscore_ and small
caps with ALL CAPS. Upright text in italic sections, has been marked
with =equals=.
As noted at the start of the text, inconsistencies and apparent errors
in the text have been left. The only changes that have been made are to
unclear or missing punctuation marks (e.g. where a gap in the text is
seen). In these cases, consistent punctuation has been used.
A list of inconsistencies and problems found in the text:--
Introduction
Sheet 6 "A Writ of Prevention". STRVCTVRFS should probably read
STRVCTVRES.
Sheet 13 "To The Reader". A closing bracket should be added after
"Graver" (whether hee were the Versifier or the Graver.
Sheet 14 "To The Reader". A closing bracket should be added after
Hieroglyphicks (as in the Tetragrammaton; in the Figure of Arîon; and
in the Proprieties due to some other Hieroglyphicks.
Book I
In Book 1, The first illustration is labelled "Illvstratio", subsequent
ones are labelled "Illvstr."
Embleme 21. "And by our Death, our Life is new-begnnne", should
probably read "new-begunne."
Embleme 27. "Some, I have knowne, by Harlots Wiles undone", the italic
"n" seems out of place.
Embleme 30. "And shine like purest Gold, and Pretious-Stones", Pretious
and Precious are both found in the text.
Embleme 45. "Made entrance to it owne Destruction, hath", it could be
its.
The First Lotterie, No. 19. "Of much more Warinesse, then Speed", "more
then" is used throughout the text.
Book 2.
Illvstr. 2. "The Crowe, when deepe within a close-mouth'd-Pot.", should
end with a comma.
"Illvstr. IIII.", IV is used in Book 1. IIII used in Book 4. XIIII,
XXIIII and are used in Books 1 and 2. XLIIII in B4
Illvstr. XLV. "And, view the well-grown Trees, the wel-trimm'd Bowers",
perhaps "wel" should be "well".
The Second Lotterie. Verses after 54 are labelled 5 and 6, but should
be 55 and 56.
p.120 has been mislabelled as 118 and corrected by hand.
Book 2 ends at page 124, book 3 starts at page 135.
Book 3.
Illvstr XIII. "But, with Sobrietie, be wise," should end with period.
Illvstr. XV. "But, when one Foote, thus grasp'd a Peple-stone",
"Peble-stone" is used a few lines down.
Illvstr. XVI. "The stubstance of it, still, in God, remaines",
"stubstance" should probably be "substance".
Illvstr. XX. "Of those deare Mercies, and that bloudy Passion", "and"
may be italicised in error.
Illvstr. XXIV. "By long nelect of time, will burthensome", "nelect"
should probably be "neglect"
Illvstr. XXIV. "As much as makes, at least, One Line a Day," should end
with period.
Illvstr. XXVI. "It brings (us when we passe the common sight)", Opening
bracket should be placed after "us".
Illvstr. XXX. "Delight not Archers; tyet, such uselesse Toyes", "tyet"
should probably be "yet".
Book 4.
Book 3 ends with page 196, Book 4 starts with page 109. The next page
is 210 so 109 should be 209
Illvstr. XXXI. "Your houres, in serions matters, if you spend",
"serions" should probably be "serious"
Illvstr. XXXVIII. "A tatlers tougue; for, paines are lost on him",
"tougue" should probably be "tongue". "And, in our selves true Vertnes
to maintaine;", "Vertnes" should probably be "Vertues".
The Fourth Lotterie. Verse 1. "If so, thine Emblom doth expresse",
"Emblom" should probably be Emblem".
Verse 12. "As none can conquer; And, bohold", "bohold" should probably
be "behold".
Verse 39. "Whrch may not make the danger worse", "Whrch" should
probably be "Which".
Verse 53. "Which these two fignres, backward, make", "fignres" should
probably be "figures".
Index. (Punctuation has been left as printed).
"Christ the true Pellican. 154." is spelt Pelican on p.154.
"Ganimed 156." Ganymed is used on p.156.
"Greefe 26." Griefe is used on p26
"Halter 66, Halcyon, vid. Kings Fisher." Requires a line break between
the two entries.
"Mutuall affection 34. 163. 781." p.781 doesn't exist, a link has been
made to p.178.
"Rich Theeves 197" p.197 doesn't exist, a link has been made to p.191.
=Transcriber's Addendum=
Transcriptions and translations of the mottoes engraved around each
emblem are provided as a convenience to the reader. Each transcription
is shown as written (with any notes), followed by the text normalised
to modern standards of punctuation and spelling (u/v, æ/ae,
-cunque/-cumque, oe/ae etc.) and its translation.
Portrait EFFIGIES GEORGII WITHERI POETÆ.
Effigies Georgii Witheri poetae
Portrait of the poet George Wither
Ill 1 Bk 1
VIVITVR INGENIO CÆTERA MORTIS ERṼT
Vivitur ingenio; caetera mortis erunt
We live by our genius; the rest will belong to death
Ill 2 Bk 1
SAPIENTIA CONSTANS
Sapientia constans
Wisdom is constant
Ill 3 Bk 1
LEX REGIT ET ARMA TVENTVR.
Lex regit et arma tuentur
Law directs and arms protect
Ill 4 Bk 1
NE TENEAR
Ne tenear
Lest I be held back
Ill 5 Bk 1
LABORE VIRTVS, VIRTVTE GLORIA PARATVR
Labore virtus, virtute gloria paratur
Virtue is acquired through labour, glory through virtue
Ill 6 Bk 1
NON OBEST VIRTVTI SORS.
Non obest virtuti sors
Chance is no hindrance to virtue
Ill 7 Bk 1
NON SCEPTRO SED PLECTRO DVCITVR
Non sceptro sed plectro ducitur
She is led by the plectrum, not by the sceptre
Ill 8 Bk 1
IN HVNC INTVENS PIVS ESTO
In hunc intuens pius esto
Look on this and be pious
Ill 9 Bk 1
IN NOCTE CONSILIṼ
In nocte consilium
Deliberation at night
Ill 10 Bk 1
SPERNIT PERICVLA VIRT[VS]
Spernit pericula virtus
Virtue scorns danger
Ill 11 Bk 1
AD SCOPVM LICET ÆGRE ET FRVSTRA
Ad scopum licet aegre et frustra
Towards the goal, but painfully and unsuccessfully
Ill 12 Bk 1
ΠΑΝΤΑ ΛΕΛΟΙΠΑ
πάντα λέλοιπα
I have left all things
Ill 13 Bk 1
REMIGIO VENTISQ[VE] SECVNDIS
Remigio ventisque secundis
By rowing and favourable winds
Ill 14 Bk 1
QVID SI SIC
Quid si sic
What if so?
Ill 15 Bk 1
DVM NVTRIO CONSVMOR
Dum nutrio consumor
As I nourish I am consumed
Ill 16 Bk 1
CONCVSSVS SVRGO
Concussus surgo
When struck I rise
Ill 17 Bk 1
DVM EXTENDAR
Dum extendar
Until I am stretched
Ill 18 Bk 1
MATVRA
Matura
Hurry!
Ill 19 Bk 1
LENTE SED ATTENTE
Lente sed attente
Slowly but carefully
Ill 20 Bk 1
TRANSEAT
Transeat
Let it pass
Ill 21 Bk 1
MORS VITÆ INITIVM.
Mors vitae initium
Death is the beginning of life
Ill 22 Bk 1
QVO ME VERTĀ NESCIO
Quo me vertam nescio
I know not where to turn
Ill 23 Bk 1
PATIOR VT POTIAR
Patior ut potiar
I suffer to obtain
Ill 24 Bk 1
CONSEQVITVR QVODCVNQ[VE] PETIT
Consequitur quodcumque petit
She attains whatever she aims at
Ill 25 Bk 1
NON QVAM CREBRO SED QVĀ BĒE
Non quam crebro sed quam bene
Not how often, but how well
Ill 26 Bk 1
DVRABO
Durabo
I shall endure
Ill 27 Bk 1
VBI HELENA IBI TROIA
Ubi Helena, ibi Troia
Where Helen is, there is Troy
Ill 28 Bk 1
VICTRIX PATIENTIA DVRI.
Victrix patientia duri
Patience victorious over hardship
Ill 29 Bk 1
NON VNO STERNITVR ICTV.
Non uno sternitur ictu
It is not felled with one blow
Ill 30 Bk 1
NVDRISCO IL BVONO ET SPENGO IL REO
Nudrisco il buono et spengo il reo
I nourish the good and destroy the malefactor
Ill 31 Bk 1
SAPIENS DOMINABITVR ASTRIS.
Sapiens dominabitur astris
The wise man shall rule over the stars
Ill 32 Bk 1
EX VTROQVE CÆSAR
Ex utroque Caesar
A Caesar either way
Ill 33 Bk 1
PERSEQVAR EXSTINCTṼ
Persequar exstinctum
I will follow him into death
Ill 34 Bk 1
FLAMMESCIT VTERQVE
Flammescit uterque
Each catches fire
Ill 35 Bk 1
POSTERITATI
Posteritati
For posterity
Ill 36 Bk 1
NIL PENNA, SED VSVS
Nil penna, sed usus
Not the plume, but its use
Ill 37 Bk 1
DVM CLAVVM RECTAM TENEAM
Dum clavum rectam teneam
As long as I hold the tiller steady
Ill 38 Bk 1
SI SCIENS FALLO.
Si sciens fallo
If I knowingly deceive
Ill 39 Bk 1
SPEQVE METVQVE PAVET
Speque metuque pavet
It trembles with hope and fear
Ill 40 Bk 1
COSI VIVO PIACER CONDVCE A MORTE
Così vivo piacer conduce a morte
So lively pleasure leads to death
Ill 41 Bk 1
PVRIS MANIBVS.
Puris manibus
With clean hands
Ill 42 Bk 1
LINGVA QVO TENDIS
Lingua, quo tendis?
Tongue, where are you going?
Ill 43 Bk 1
original reads "ΟΥΜE ΒΛLΨΟΝ ΑΝΩ"
which has been corrected to "ΘΥΜΕ ΒΛΕΨΟΝ ΑΝΩ"
θυμέ, βλέψον ἄνω
Look up, my soul
Ill 44 Bk 1
FLAVESCENT
Flavescent
They shall turn golden
Ill 45 Bk 1
FINIS AB ORIGINE PĒDET
Finis ab origine pendet
The end depends on the beginning
Ill 46 Bk 1
TANDEM FIT ARBOR
Tandem fit arbor
At last it becomes a tree
Ill 47 Bk 1
SVPERATA CRVCE CORONOR
Superata cruce coronor
I rise above the cross and am crowned
Ill 48 Bk 1
MORS SCEPTRA LIGONIB[VS] ÆQVAT
Mors sceptra ligonibus aequat
Death levels sceptres and spades
Ill 49 Bk 1
PAVLATIM NON IMPETV.
Paulatim non impetu
Gradually, not by force
Ill 50 Bk 1
DE PARVIS GRANDIS ACERVVS ERIT.
De parvis grandis acervus erit
From small things a great heap will grow
Ill 1 Bk 2
NEQVEO COMPESCERE MVLTOS
Nequeo compescere multos
I cannot restrain so many
Ill 2 Bk 2
INGENII LARGITOR VENTER.
Ingenii largitor venter
The belly is the bestower of genius
Ill 3 Bk 2
MVSICA SERVA DEI
Musica serva dei
Music is the handmaid of God
Ill 4 Bk 2
DISCITE IVSTICIAM.
Discite iusticiam
Learn justice
Ill 5 Bk 2
CONSENSV POPVLI REGNṼ SVBSISTIT.
Consensu populi regnum subsistit
The kingdom is sustained by the consent of the people
Ill 6 Bk 2
QVI ME ALIT ME EXTINGVIT.
Qui me alit me extinguit
He who feeds me extinguishes me
Ill 7 Bk 2
SEQVITVR SVA PŒNA NOCENTEM
Sequitur sua poena nocentem
His punishment follows the evildoer
Ill 8 Bk 2
POST TENTATIONEM CONSOLATIO.
Post tentationem consolatio
After temptation, consolation
Ill 9 Bk 2
PRO GALLINIS
Pro gallinis
For the hens
Ill 10 Bk 2
TVTIVS VT POSSIT FIGI.
Tutius ut possit figi
To be fixed more securely
Ill 11 Bk 2
IN SILENTIO ET SPE.
In silentio et spe
In silence and hope
Ill 12 Bk 2
FATO PRVDENTIA MAIOR.
Fato prudentia maior
Prudence is greater than fate
Ill 13 Bk 2
CONIVNCTIS VOTIS
Coniunctis votis
Joined in prayer
Ill 14 Bk 2
CVI BONO?
Cui bono?
For whose benefit? (This is what the phrase usually means. But our
author understands it as: For what benefit?)
Ill 15 Bk 2
SACRIFICIVM DEO COR CONTRIBVLATIM
Sacrificium deo cor contribulatum
A contrite heart is a sacrifice to God
Ill 16 Bk 2
REGNI CORONA REX
Regni corona rex
The king is the crown of the kingdom
Ill 17 Bk 2
STVDIO ET VIGILANTIA.
Studio et vigilantia
By study and watchfulness
Ill 18 Bk 2
ARTE ET MARTE
Arte et marte
By art and by arms
Ill 19 Bk 2
CONSTANTE FIDVCIA
Constante fiducia
By art and by arms
Ill 20 Bk 2
AMOR DOCET MVSICAM
Amor docet musicam
Love teaches music
Ill 21 Bk 2
NON TE SED NVMMOS
Non te sed nummos
Not you but your money
Ill 22 Bk 2
FIDE SED CVI VIDE
Fide sed cui vide
Trust, but be careful whom
Ill 23 Bk 2
HVMANA FVMVS
Humana fumus
All things human are smoke
Ill 24 Bk 2
OMNIA MEA MECVM PORTO
Omnia mea mecum porto
All that is mine I carry with me
Ill 25 Bk 2
TAMEN DISCAM.
Tamen discam
Yet I shall learn
Ill 26 Bk 2
VIRTVTI FORTVNA COMES.
Virtuti fortuna comes
Fortune is the companion of virtue
Ill 27 Bk 2
DEVS NOBIS HÆC OTIA FECIT.
Deus nobis haec otia fecit
God has granted us this ease
Ill 28 Bk 2
EX BELLO PAX
Ex bello pax
From war, peace
Ill 29 Bk 2
COR RECTṼ INQVIRIT SCIENTIĀ.
Cor rectum inquirit scientiam
An upright heart seeks knowledge
Ill 30 Bk 2
ΕΚ ΠΟΝΟΥ ΚΛΕΟΣ.
ἐκ πόνου κλέος
From labour, glory
Ill 31 Bk 2
PVEROS CASTIGO VIROSQ[VE]
Pueros castigo virosque
I chastise boys and men
Ill 32 Bk 2
VITA MORTALIVM VIGILIA.
Vita mortalium vigilia
The life of mortals is watchfulness
Ill 33 Bk 2
MANET IMMVTABILE FATVM.
Manet immutabile fatum
Fate remains unalterable
Ill 34 Bk 2
DETERIVS FORMIDO.
Deterius formido
I fear something worse
Ill 35 Bk 2
ADVERSIS CLARIVS ARDET.
Adversis clarius ardet
It burns brighter in adversity
Ill 36 Bk 2
SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MVNDI.
Sic transit gloria mundi
So passes the world's glory
Ill 37 Bk 2
IVSQVE A LA MORT
Jusqu'à la mort
Until death
Ill 38 Bk 2
SVVM CVIQVE TRIBVE
Suum cuique tribue
Allow each his own
Ill 39 Bk 2
IN VIRTVTE ET FORTVNA.
In virtute et fortuna
In virtue and fortune
Ill 40 Bk 2
ΑΙΩΝΙΟΝ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΟΣΚΑΙΡΟΝ.
αἰώνιον καὶ πρόσκαιρον
Eternal and temporal
Ill 41 Bk 2
VIRIBVS IVNGENDA SAPIENTIA.
Viribus iungenda sapientia
Wisdom should be joined to strength
Ill 42 Bk 2
SOLVM A SOLE
Solum a sole
The soil from the sun
Ill 43 Bk 2
RECTO CVRSV
Recto cursu
On a steady course
Ill 44 Bk 2
SPES ALIT AGRICOLAS:·
Spes alit agricolas
Hope nourishes farmers
Ill 45 Bk 2
POCO A POCO.
Poco a poco
Little by little
Ill 46 Bk 2
TRIBVLATIO DITAT.
Tribulatio ditat
Affliction enriches
Ill 47 Bk 2
VICTRIX FORTVNÆ SAPIENTIA.
Victrix fortunae sapientia
Wisdom victorious over fortune
Ill 48 Bk 2
AVT MORS AVT VITA DECORA
Aut mors aut vita decora
Either death or life with honour
Ill 49 Bk 2
DONEC TOTṼ IMPLEAT ORBĒ.
Donec totum impleat orbem
Until it fills the whole world
Ill 50 Bk 2
VIRTVS LORICA FIDELIS
Virtus lorica fidelis
Virtue is a trusty coat of mail
Ill 1 Bk 3
SI RECTE FACIES.
Si recte facies
If you act rightly
Ill 2 Bk 3
SUPERAT SOLERTIA VIRES.
Superat solertia vires
Cleverness outdoes strength
Ill 3 Bk 3
NON SINE CAUSA.
Non sine causa
Not without cause
Ill 4 Bk 3
PANDO RECONDITA.
Pando recondita
I disclose what is hidden
Ill 5 Bk 3
VIRTUTE DUCE COMITE FORTUNA
Virtute duce comite fortuna
With virtue as guide and fortune as companion
Ill 6 Bk 3
FLOREBO PROSPICIENTE DEO.
Florebo prospiciente deo
Under God's gaze I shall flourish
Ill 7 Bk 3
FAC ET SPERA.
Fac et spera
Do and hope
Ill 8 Bk 3
RERUM SAPIENTIA CUSTOS.
Rerum sapientia custos
Wisdom is the guardian of all things
Ill 9 Bk 3
LABORE ET CONSTANTIA.
Labore et constantia
By labour and constancy
Ill 10 Bk 3
EVERTIT ET AEQUAT.
Evertit et aequat
He overturns and levels
Ill 11 Bk 3
SCIENTIA IMMUTABILIS.
Scientia immutabilis
Knowledge is immutable
Ill 12 Bk 3
VIRTUTE AC STUDIO PER ORBEM FAMA PERPETUA COMPARATUR.
Virtute ac studio per orbem fama perpetua comparatur
By virtue and zeal everlasting worldwide fame is obtained
Ill 13 Bk 3
NOLI ALTUM SAPERE.
Noli altum sapere
Be not over-wise
Ill 14 Bk 3
TRACTANT FABRILIA FABRI.
Tractant fabrilia fabri
Workmen wield their own tools
Ill 15 Bk 3
NON DORMIT QUI CUSTODIT.
Non dormit qui custodit
He who is on guard does not sleep
Ill 16 Bk 3
IN SPE ET LABORE TRANSIGO VITAM.
In spe et labore transigo vitam
I spend my life in hope and labour
Ill 17 Bk 3
PRUDENTE SIMPLICITATE.
Prudente simplicitate
In prudent simplicity
Ill 18 Bk 3
TRANSITUS CELER EST ET AVOLAMUS.
Transitus celer est et avolamus
The passage is swift, then we fly away
Ill 19 Bk 3
PEDETENTIM.
Pedetentim
Step by step
Ill 20 Bk 3
PRO LEGE ET PRO GREGE.
Pro lege et pro grege
For the law and for the flock
Ill 21 Bk 3
DISCITE IUSTITIAM.
Discite iustitiam
Learn justice
Ill 22 Bk 3
NON EST MORTALE QUOD OPTO.
Non est mortale quod opto
What I choose is no mortal thing
Ill 23 Bk 3
IN SE SUA PER UESTIGIA UOLUITUR.
In se sua per vestigia volvitur
It rolls round on its own tracks onto itself
Ill 24 Bk 3
NULLA DIES SINE LINEA.
Nulla dies sine linea
No day without a line
Ill 25 Bk 3
AD REGIS NUTUS.
Ad regis nutus
At the king's pleasure
Ill 26 Bk 3
HAC VIRTUTIS ITER.
Hac virtutis iter
This way is the path of virtue
Ill 27 Bk 3
CONCEDO NULLI.
Concedo nulli
I yield to no-one
Ill 28 Bk 3
MANUS MANUM LAUAT.
Manus manum lavat
One hand washes another
Ill 29 Bk 3
LEGIBUS ET ARMIS.
Legibus et armis
By laws and arms
Ill 30 Bk 3
NON QUAM FORMOSA SED QUAM RECTA.
Non quam formosa sed quam recta
Not how beautiful, but how straight
Ill 31 Bk 3
ALIIS INSERVIENDO CONSUMOR.
Aliis inserviendo consumor
I am consumed in the service of others
Ill 32 Bk 3
DITAT SERVATA FIDES.
Ditat servata fides
Keeping faith brings riches
Ill 33 Bk 3
FVRES PRIVATI IN NERVO PVBLICI IN AVRO
Fures privati in nervo, publici in auro
Private thieves in fetters, public thieves in gold
Ill 34 Bk 3
MEMENTO MORI
Memento mori
Remember you will die
Ill 35 Bk 3
SERVA MODVM.
Serva modum
Observe due measure
Ill 36 Bk 3
FVLCRVM TVTISSIMVM
Fulcrum tutissimum
The safest support
Ill 37 Bk 3
VIRTUS INEXPUGNABILIS.
Virtus inexpugnabilis
Impregnable virtue
Ill 38 Bk 3
VERITAS PREMITUR NON OPPRIMITUR.
Veritas premitur non opprimitur
Truth is oppressed but not suppressed
Ill 39 Bk 3
PAS A PAS.
Pas a pas
Step by step
Ill 40 Bk 3
FORTUNA UT LUNA.
Fortuna ut luna
Fortune like the moon
Ill 41 Bk 3
ANTÈ FERIT QUÀM FLAMMA MICET.
Ante ferit quam flamma micet
It strikes before the flame kindles
Ill 42 Bk 3
PAUPERTATE PREMOR SUBLEUOR INGENIO.
Paupertate premor sublevor ingenio
I am borne down by poverty, and uplifted by genius
Ill 43 Bk 3
VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR.
Virtus unita fortior
Virtue is stronger when united
Ill 44 Bk 3
AMORE MUTUO.
Amore mutuo
By mutual love
Ill 45 Bk 3
CONCORDIA INSUPERABILIS.
Concordia insuperabilis
Unconquerable harmony
Ill 46 Bk 3
IN MANU DEI COR REGIS.
In manu dei cor regis
The heart of the king is in God's hand
Ill 47 Bk 3
CELATA VIRTUS IGNAVIA EST.
Celata virtus ignavia est
Virtue concealed is worthlessness
Ill 48 Bk 3
REDIBO PLENIOR.
Redibo plenior
I shall return more full
Ill 49 Bk 3
NUSQUAM TUTA FIDES.
Nusquam tuta fides
Nowhere is trust secure
Ill 50 Bk 3
HODIE MIHI CRAS TIBI:
Hodie mihi cras tibi
Today for me, tomorrow for you
Ill 1 Bk 4
NON INFERIORA SECUTUS.
Non inferiora secutus
Following no lesser things
Ill 2 Bk 4
IN MANU DOMINI OMNES SUNT FINES TERRÆ.
In manu domini omnes sunt fines terrae
All the ends of the earth are in the hand of the Lord
Ill 3 Bk 4
QUOD NON ES NE VIDEARE CAVE.
Quod non es ne videare cave
Take care lest you seem what you are not
Ill 4 Bk 4
FESTINAT DECURRERE.
Festinat decurrere
Swiftly it runs through
Ill 5 Bk 4
ABRUMPAM.
Abrumpam
I will break it off
Ill 6 Bk 4
HINC DOLOR INDE FUGA.
Hinc dolor inde fuga
Hence my pain; thence my flight
Ill 7 Bk 4
CAPTIVUM IMPUNE LACESSUNT.
Captivum impune lacessunt
They provoke the prisoner without fear of harm
Ill 8 Bk 4
RESTAT DE VICTORE ORIENTIS.
Restat de victore orientis
This remains of the conqueror of the east
Ill 9 Bk 4
INSPERATA FLORUIT.
Insperata floruit
It flourished unhoped-for
Ill 10 Bk 4
NESCIT LABI VIRTUS.
Nescit labi virtus
Virtue knows no failure
Ill 11 Bk 4
HODIE SIC VERTITVR ORBIS.
Hodie sic vertitur orbis
So the world turns today
Ill 12 Bk 4
VIS NESCIA VINCI.
Vis nescia vinci
A power that knows no defeat
Ill 13 Bk 4
QUO FATA TRAHUNT.
Quo fata trahunt
Where the fates lead
Ill 14 Bk 4
ΟΙΚΟΣ ΦΙΛΟΣ ΟΙΚΟΣ ΑΡΙΣΤΟΣ
οἴκος φίλος οἴκος ἄριστος
The best house is the house you love
Ill 15 Bk 4
DEUS DAT CUI VULT.
Deus dat cui vult
God gives to whom he wishes
Ill 16 Bk 4
INDIGNUM FORTUNA FOVET.
Indignum fortuna fovet
Fortune cherishes the unworthy
Ill 17 Bk 4
STULTORUM ADIUMENTA NOCUMENTA.
Stultorum adiumenta nocumenta
The assistance of fools is a hindrance
Ill 18 Bk 4
TE STANTE VIREBO.
Te stante virebo
While you stand I shall flourish
Ill 19 Bk 4
FERIO.
Ferio
I hit
Ill 20 Bk 4
QUOCUNQUE FERAR.
Quocumque ferar
Wherever I am carried
Ill 21 Bk 4
BELLA IN VISTA DENTRO TRISTA.
Bella in vista dentro trista
Fair without, foul within
Ill 22 Bk 4
EN DEXTRA FIDESQUE.
En dextra fidesque
See, the right hand and the pledged faith
Ill 23 Bk 4
VARIUM ET MUTABILE SEMPER.
Varium et mutabile semper
Always inconstant and changeable
Ill 24 Bk 4
GAUDET PATIENTIA DURIS.
Gaudet patientia duris
Patience rejoices in hardships
Ill 25 Bk 4
SIC SPECTANDA FIDES.
Sic spectanda fides
So good faith should be examined
Ill 26 Bk 4
NON SEMPER ARCUM TENDIT.
Non semper arcum tendit
He does not always draw the bow
Ill 27 Bk 4
VIVE MEMOR LETHI FUGIT HORA.
Vive memor leti; fugit hora
Live mindful of death; time flies
Ill 28 Bk 4
MEDIIS TRANQUILLUS IN UNDIS.
Mediis tranquillus in undis
Calm amid the waves
Ill 29 Bk 4
BONA FIDE.
Bona fide
In good faith
Ill 30 Bk 4
PACISQUE BONUS BELLIQUE MINISTER.
Pacisque bonus bellique minister
A good servant in peace and in war
Ill 31 Bk 4
PAR SIT FORTUNA LABORI.
Par sit fortuna labori
Let fortune be a match for labour
Ill 32 Bk 4
POST NUBILA PHŒBUS.
Post nubila Phoebus
After clouds, the sun
Ill 33 Bk 4
OMNIS VICTORIA A DOMINO.
Omnis victoria a domino
All victory is from the Lord
Ill 34 Bk 4
NE QUID NIMIS.
Ne quid nimis
Nothing to excess
Ill 35 Bk 4
PER ANGUSTA AD AUGUSTA.
Per angusta ad augusta
Through difficulties to greatness
Ill 36 Bk 4
FIDUCIA CONCORS.
Fiducia concors
United in faith
Ill 37 Bk 4
PRO ME SI MEREOR IN ME.
Pro me; si mereor, in me
For me, or if I deserve it, against me
Ill 38 Bk 4
HAC ATQUE ILLAC PERFLUIT.
Hac atque illac perfluit
It leaks in all directions
Ill 39 Bk 4
UTCUNQUE.
Utcumque
However
Ill 40 Bk 4
FATA OBSTANT.
Fata obstant
The fates oppose
Ill 41 Bk 4
VT NE QUID DEDECEAT.
Ut ne quid dedeceat
So there may be nothing unseemly
Ill 42 Bk 4
NON NOBIS.
Non nobis
Not for us
Ill 43 Bk 4
ASTRA DEUS REGIT.
Astra deus regit
God rules the stars
Ill 44 Bk 4
FUROR FIT LÆSA SÆPIUS PATIENTIA.
Furor fit laesa saepius patientia
Patience too often offended turns to fury
Ill 45 Bk 4
CŒCUS NIL LUCE IUVATUR.
Caecus nil luce iuvatur
A blind man is not helped by light
Ill 46 Bk 4
INTER UTRUMQUE VOLAT.
Inter utrumque volat
She flies between the two
Ill 47 Bk 4
SI DEUS VOLUERIT.
Si deus voluerit
If God wishes
Ill 48 Bk 4
OMNIS CARO FŒNUM.
Omnis caro faenum
All flesh is grass
Ill 49 Bk 4
PERIT QUOD ELAPSUM EST.
Perit quod elapsum est
That which has gone by is lost
Ill 50 Bk 4
PERSEVERANTI DABITUR.
Perseveranti dabitur
It will be given to the persevering
*** End of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "A Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and Moderne - Quickened With Metrical Illustrations, both Morall and Divine, Etc" ***
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