Name: A Collection of Emblems, Ancient and Modern
Author: George Wither

A collection of emblemes, ancient and moderne quickened vvith metricall illustrations, both morall and divine: and disposed into lotteries, that instruction, and good counsell, may bee furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation. By George VVither. The first booke. London, Printed by A[ugustine] M[athewes] for Iohn Grismond, and are to be sold at the signe of the Gunne in Ivie-Lane, 1635.

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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

A COLLECTION OF EMBLEMES, ANCIENT AND MODERNE: Quickened VVith 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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

LONDON, Printed by A.M. for Iohn Griſmond, and are to be ſold at the ſigne of the Gunne 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 proximé ſequentes Typis mandetur, haec licentia ſit omninò irrita.

GVIL. BRAY.

Ex aedibus Lambithanis Iul. 2. 1634.

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.

Jn this Hope, I have placed on the FOREFRONT (or before the Firſt Booke of theſe EMBLEMS) a Ioint-Inſcription to the KING and QVEENES moſt excellent MAIESTIE.

Ʋpon 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 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 Ver[•]ue, 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 ſorth, 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 Re[•]ders; 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 deſp[•]ſe 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 wh[•]ch 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 fool[•]ſh 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 Paſſaeus (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 trifl[•]ng 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 t[•]eir Eſtates, Perſons, or Affections, as w[•]ll (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 Vn[•]formitie, 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 Arion; 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 ſer[•]ous [••]atiſes 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 [〈◊〉] at particular perſons: For, if any who are notoriouſly Guiltie, ſhall by drawing their Chances, among other Companions, be [〈◊〉] with Lots, (which may now and then happen) that thoſe Vices be therby intimated to the by ſtan[••••] [〈…〉] them guilty they do [〈◊〉] with [〈…〉] bee [〈◊〉] at without my [〈…〉] ſuch [〈◊〉] are worthily ſuſpected [〈…〉] [••]andalous converſations, either forbeare [〈…〉] excuſ[••••] of they be juſtly ſham[•]d by their [〈◊〉].

Having thus [〈◊〉] th[•] [•]eaſon of this Inventio[•], and made theſe [〈…〉] every man hath his [〈◊〉], whether hee will make [〈…〉] or no; hee th[•]t will, is left to his [〈…〉] of [〈◊〉] how hee ſhall make tryall direction is given in the [〈◊〉] 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 Di[•]ing roome,

As Cheſſe, or Tables; and, we thinke the Pr[••]e

Will be as low; becauſe, it needs no Dice.

Illustration [Image not included in the transcription.]

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.

VVHen 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, aſmuch 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 Aegle, for an Aegle, 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.

To the MAJESTIE of Great Britaine, France, and Jreland, 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 uni[•]ed.

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 mere

So ſmoath, and, ſo direct; that none can ſay,

They have withdrawne his Royall-heart awa[•]

From Iuſt Deſignes; Which, lo[•]dly ſpeakes your Praiſe,

And, intimates much [〈◊〉] than, yet [•]t ſa[•]es.

Yea, both Your Splendors [〈…〉] 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 ſtune 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 ſlandrous-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, [•]ll 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, wi[•]h 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.

By Knowledge onely, Life wee gaine,

All other things to Death pertaine.

VIVITVR INGENIO CAETERA MORTIS ERV̄T

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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 ſt[•]le,

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.

SAPIENTIA CONSTANS

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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 Sleigh[•]s

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.

LEX REGIT ET ARMA TVENTVR.

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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 d[•]eadfull 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 f[•]ame;

So, Armes is that, which muſt protect the ſame.

Occaſions-paſt are ſought in vaine;

But, oft, they wheele-about againe.

NE TENEAR

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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 Deſpa[•]ring 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, nor 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.

LABORE VIRTVS, VIRTVTE GLORIA PARATVR

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ILLVSTR. V. Book. I,

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 ſl[•]eping, 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 froth[•]e Bubbles of an empty Fame.

True Glory, none did ever purchaſe, yet,

T[•]ll, to be Vertuous they could firſt attaine,

Nor ſhall thoſe men fai[•]e 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 Typiſide.

For, where a vertuous Induſtry is found,

She, ſhall with Wreaths of G[•]ory, thus be crown'd.

Though Fortune prove true Vertues Foe,

It cannot worke her Overthrowe.

NON OBEST VIRTVTI SORS.

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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 ſeeké 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.

NON SCEPTRO SED PLECTRO DVCITVR

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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 Bay[•] layes hold?

Alas! fond Lover, thou deceived art.

She that with Wealth, and Titles, can be wonne,

Or woo'd with Vanities, will way ring 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.

IN HVNC INTVENS PIVS ESTO

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ILLVSTR. VIII. Book. I.

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.

IN NOCTE CONSILIV̄

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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 Afterclaps, 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.

SPERNIT PERICULA VIRTUS

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ILLVSTR. X. Book. I.

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 means, 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.

When thou a Dangerous-Way doſt goe,

Walke ſurely, though thy pace be ſlowe.

AD SCOPVM LICET AEGRE ET FRVSTRA

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ILLVSTR. X[•]. 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 fought

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.

As, to the World I naked came,

So, naked-ſtript I leave the ſame.

ΠΑΝΤΑ ΛΕΛΟΙΠΑ.

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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 fight)

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 bereſt.

To him a happy Lot befalls

That hath a Ship, and proſ'prous Gales.

REMIGIO VENTISQUE SECVNDIS

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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.

When Vice and Vertue Youth ſhall wooe,

Tis hard to ſay, which way 'twill goe.

QVID SI SIC

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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.

I pine, that others may not periſh,

And waſte my Selfe, their Life to cheriſh.

DVM NVTRIO CONSVMOR

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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 Longing's, 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 fa[•]es 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 pe[•]fit 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.

CONCVSSVS SVRGO

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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.

DVM EXTENDAR

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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! Mv 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.

MATVRA

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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.

LENTE SED ATTENTE

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ILLVSTR. XXI. 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.

TRANSEAT

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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 Ra[•]ne 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'[•]evaile themſelves but with a Sive,

Through which, their purpoſes at length are ſpyde.

And, then, they either woefully-lament

Their Bruitiſh-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 is no Loſſe, but rather, Gaine;

For wee by Dying, Life attaine.

MORS VITAE INITIVM.

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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-begunne.

When Vice and Vertue Youth ſhall wooe,

Tis hard to ſay, which way 'twill goe.

QVO ME VERTĀ NESCIO

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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 A[•]chievements 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.

PATIOR VT POTIAR

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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.

CONSEQVITUR QVODCVNQUE PETIT

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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 ſtou[•]ly follow that which you deſire:

For, changing though the Mo[•]ne to us appeare,

She holds a firme Dependence on the Sunne;

And, by a Conſtant-Motion, in her Sphaere

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.

NON QVAM CREBRO SED QVĀ BĒE

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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.

DVRABO

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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 [•]aine;

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.

VBI HELENA IBI TROIA

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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 knowne, 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.

VICTRIX PATIENTIA DVRI.

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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 Aegypt 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 Mares;

They grow victorious, in their Hardeſt-Fates.

By many Strokes, that Worke is done,

Which cannot be perform'd at One.

NON VNO STERNITVR ICTV

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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.

NVDRISCO IL BVONO ET SPENGO IL REO

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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

Th[•]ſe, 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 Endleſſe-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.

SAPIENS DOMINABITVR ASTRIS.

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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 Sphares, 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 Sphaeres;

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.

EX VTROQVE CAESAR

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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.

PERSEQVAR EXSTINCTV̄

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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'[•]ous Thisbe to her Pyramus,

On all occaſions, it continues true:

Nor Night, nor Danger, makes it timorous;

But, through all Pe[•]ills, 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.

FLAMMESCIT VTERQVE

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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 Pe[•]re 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.

POST ERITATI

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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.

NIL PENNA, SED VSVS

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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 Sphaeres;

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.

DVM CLAVVM RECTVM TENEAM

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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.

SI SCIENS FALLO.

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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 Aequivocation.

And, this, let ev'ry Man end[•]avour 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.

SPEQVE METVQVE PAVET

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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.

COSI VIVO PIACER CONDVCEA MORTE

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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 Hea[•]th,

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.

PVRIS MANIBVS.

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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 fi[•]ſt 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.

LINGVA OVO TENDIS

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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.

ΟΥ ΜΕ ΒΛLΨΟΝ ΑΝΩ

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ILLVSTR. XLIII. Book. 1.

A [•]eart, 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 Sphaeres,

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.

FLAVESCENT

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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 hop full 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 l[•]ke 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 Mare appeares;

The Du[•]ty 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 appea[•]e.

As ſoone, as wee to bee, begunne;

We did beginne, to be Vndone.

FINIS ABORIGINE PĒDET

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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 Tatle 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,

Do[•]h 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.

TANDEM FIT ARBOR

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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, imperf[•]ct 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.

SVPERATA CRVCE CORONOR

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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.

MORS SCEPTRA LIGONIBUS AEQVAT

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ILLVSTR. XLVIII. Book. 1.

LEt no man be ſo ſottiſh as to dreame,

Though all Men in their Déath 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 [•]ay him as fully happy make,

As h[•], 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.

PAVLATIM NON IMPETV.

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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.

DE PARVIS GRANDIS A CERVVS ERIT.

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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.

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. ^[1]

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. ^[2]

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. ^[3]

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. ^[4]

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. ^[5]

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. ^[6]

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, ^[7]

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. ^[8]

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. ^[9]

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. ^[10]

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. ^[11]

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. ^[12]

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. ^[13]

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. ^[14]

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. ^[15]

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. ^[16]

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. ^[17]

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. ^[18]

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. ^[19]

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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. ^[20]

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 ſlay,

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. ^[21]

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. ^[22]

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. ^[23]

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. ^[24]

25

Take heed, thou love not their deceip[•],

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. ^[25]

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. ^[26]

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. ^[27]

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. ^[28]

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. ^[29]

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. ^[30]

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. ^[31]

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. ^[32]

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. ^[33]

34

Now, ſome good Counſell, thou doſt need;

Of what we ſay, take, therefore, heed.

Beware, left 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. ^[34]

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. ^[35]

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. ^[36]

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. ^[37]

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. ^[38]

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. ^[39]

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. ^[40]

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. ^[41]

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. ^[42]

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. ^[43]

44

Thou, either, too much love, haſt plac't

On things, that will not alway laſt;

Or elſe, thou art a little ſcar'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. ^[44]

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. ^[45]

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▪ ^[46]

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. ^[47]

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. ^[48]

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. ^[49]

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. ^[50]

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 VVITH 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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

LONDON,

Printed by AVGVSTINE MATHEVVES. 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 cli[•]nes;

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 (hild-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 hopefull Prince JAMES, Duke of YORKE, &c.

Sweet PRINCE,

YOur hand I kiſſe; and, thus my Lines addreſſe

Vnto your wiſe, and vertuous ^[51] GOVERNESSE.

For, MADAME, (as his PROXY) it is fit,

That, YOv both Read, and anſwere for him, yet.

To YOv for HIM, I 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 Ʋertuous 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 thoſe

Your Faith and Wiſedome, to be TREASVRESSE

Of their chiefe Iewels; and the GOVERNESSE

Of our prime Hopes. And, now Iibi have weigh'd,

Me thinks, there needs no more, by me, he ſaid,

But, (having pray'd your HONOV[•] 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.

We beſt ſhall quiet clamorous Thronges,

When, we our ſelves, can rule our Tongues.

NEQVEO COMPES CERE MVLTOS

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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, VViſdome gaine,

Our Guts, are wiſer then our Braine.

INGENII LARGITOR VENTER.

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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.

QVI ME ALIT ME EXTINGVIT.

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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, fchool'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 founded:

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, Faiths new-ſongs, with full concent,

Vnto the Lawes, ten-ſtringed Inſtrument.

Marke, what Rewards, to Sinne, are due,

And, learne, upri[••]tneſſe to purſue.

DISCITE IVSTICIAM.

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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.

CONSENSV POPVLI REGNV̄ SVBSISTIT.

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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,

Leads, 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 publicke-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.

MVSICA SERVA DEI

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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.

SEQVITVR SVA POENA NOCENTEM

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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 [〈◊〉] 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 f[••]eſt Hope,

May, bring them (in concluſion of the [〈…〉])

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.

POST TENTATIONEM CONSOLATIO.

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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 Oppoſ[•••] 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.

PRO GALLINIS

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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 appeal'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 overſlow.

TVTIVS VT POSSIT FIGI.

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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.

IN SILENTIO ET SPE.

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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 riſe,

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.

FATO PRVDENTIA MAIOR.

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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.

CONIVNCTIS VOTIS

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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?

CVI BONO.

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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.

SACRIFICIVM DEO COR CONTRIBVLATIM.

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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.

REGNI CORONA REX

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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, Caeſar 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.

STVDIO ET VIGILANTIA.

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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.

ARTE ET MARTE

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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.

CONSTANTE FIDVCIA

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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.

Here by, 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 Cap 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.

AMOR DOCET MVSICAM

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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.

NON TE SED NVMMOS

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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 Pol[•]tician, 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 reſpects, 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 Counſeller:

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.

FIDE SED CVI VIDE

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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.

HVMANA FVMVS

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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-ſoyſt 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.

OMNIA MEA MECVM PORTO.

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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, by 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.

TAMEN DISCAM.

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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 m[•]kes 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.

VIRTVTI FORTVNA COMES.

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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

(Caducaeus 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.

DEVS NOBIS HAEC OTIA FECIT.

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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.

EX BELLO PAX

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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.

COR RECTV̄ INQVIRIT SCIENTIĀ.

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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.

ΕΚ ΠΟΝΟΥ ΚΛΕΟΣ.

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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.

PVEROS CASTIGO VIROSQUE

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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,

(VVhich, 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.

VITA MORTALIVM VIGILIA.

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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.

MANET IMMVTABILE FATVM.

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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 Cloſer, 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.

DETERIVS FORMIDO.

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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.

ADVERSIS CLARIVS ARDET.

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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 Caeleſtiall-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.

SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MUNDI.

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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.

IVSQVE A LA MORT

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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.

SVVM CVIQVE TRIBVE

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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 fell, 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.

IN VIRTVTE ET FORTVNA.

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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.

ΑΙΩΝΙΟΝ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΚΑΙΡΟΝ.

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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 Materiall, 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 Scaene,

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.

VIRIBVS IVNGENDA SAPIENTIA.

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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.

SOLVM A SOLE

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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.

RECTO CVRSV

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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 Ideas 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.

SPES ALIT AGRICOLAS

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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

POCO A POCO.

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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 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, g[•]eat Honours, and, great Hopes, are loſt.

Affliction, doth to many adde

More value, then, before, they had.

TRIBVLATIO DITAT

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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 Wordly-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 not, 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 Wordly-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.

VICTRIX FORTVNAE SAPIENTIA.

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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 Wiſd[•]me, 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.

AVT MORS AVT VITA DECORA

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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.

DONEC TOTV̄ IMPLEAT ORBĒ.

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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 f[•]om old Hieroglyphicks, er[•]es not much)

Old-times, upon the Moone, three names b[•]ſtow'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 Hemiſphaere,

May typiſie the Church, conſiſting, here,

Of m[•]n, yet living: when ſhe ſhewes her light

Among[••] 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.

[〈◊〉], when the Moone is hidden from our eyes,

The Church-triumphant, then, ſhe ſignifies;

Which, is a Creſ[•]ent yet, that, ſome, and ſome,

Muſt grow, till all her puts 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.

VIRTVS LORICA FIDELIS

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ILLVSTR. L. Book. 2

LOrd, what a coyle men keepe, and, with what eare

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.

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. ^[52]

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. ^[53]

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. ^[54]

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,

Both in their lives and deaths are worſe, ^[55]

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:

Ye[•], thou, perchance, art one of thoſe,

Who diſcord through the Kingdome ſowes.

W[•] know not, but if ſuch thou be,

Marke, what thine Emblem teaches thee. ^[56]

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. ^[57]

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. ^[58]

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. ^[59]

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. ^[60]

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. ^[61]

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,

Poſſ[•]ſſe thy joyes, and hopes, alone:

For, they, that will from harmes be free,

Mu[••] ſilent, and obſcured, bee. ^[62]

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. ^[63]

13

Thou, ſeem'ſt to have great ſtore of friends,

But, they affect thee, for th[•]ir ends.

There i[•], in thoſe, but little truſt,

Who love, for profit, mirth, or luſt.

L[•]arne, 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. ^[64]

14

It is conceiv'd, that meanes thou haſt,

O[•], might'ſt have had good meanes, at leaſt,

T[•] b[•]ing thoſe matters to eff[•]ct,

Watch thou doſt careleſly neglect;

And, good for many might'ſt have done,

Who yet, haſt pleaſur'd few, or none.

If this b[•] true, thy Lot peruſe,

And, God's good gifts, no more abuſe. ^[65]

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 ſ[•]eme in outward view.

And, if God's favour thou would'ſt have,

Obſerve what Off'rings, he doth crave. ^[66]

16

That Emblem, which this Lot will bring,

Concernes the honour of a King:

How, therefore, thee it may conc[•]rne,

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. ^[67]

17

Both learn'd, and wiſe, thou would'ſt become,

(Elſe thou haſt much dece[•]ved ſome)

But, if [•]hy hopes thou wilt effect,

Thou mu[••] 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. ^[68]

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. ^[69]

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. ^[70]

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. ^[71]

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. ^[72]

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. ^[73]

23

It ſeemes thou tak'ſt too great a care

For things, that vaine, and fading are;

Or elſe, doſt overp[•]iſe 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. ^[74]

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 b[•]are,

In Iewells, which moſt p[•]ecieu are;

And, yet, to many men may ſeeme,

To carry nothing worth eſteeme.

Therefore, though ſmall thy ſub[••]ance be,

Thine Emblem, ſomewhat comforts, the[•] ^[75]

25

[•]y this your Emblem, wee diſcerne,

That, you are yet of age to learne;

And, that, when el[•]er you ſhall grow,

There, will be more for you to know:

Preſume n[•]t, therefore of your wit,

But, ſtrive that you may better it.

For, of your age, we many view,

That, farre more wiſedome have, then you. ^[76]

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 t[••]ught,

Thou, by an Emblem, ſhalt be taught,

That, where true Vertue may be found,

The trueſt wealth will ſtill abound. ^[77]

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. ^[78]

28

Thou deal'ſt, when thee thy foe offends,

As if, you never ſhould be friends.

In peace, thou ſo ſecure doſt 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. ^[79]

29

What e're thou art 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. ^[80]

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. ^[81]

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. ^[82]

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. ^[83]

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. ^[84]

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. ^[85]

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. ^[86]

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 i[•] obtain'd. ^[87]

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. ^[88]

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. ^[89]

39

So highly, thou doſt Vertue prize,

That, thou doſt Fortunes helpe deſpiſe,

As if, where Vertues preſent are,

H[•]r 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. ^[90]

40

Thou mayſt be one of thoſe, perchance,

Who Sch[•]ſme, 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. ^[91]

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)

A[•] to thy pow'[•]s, and wits agree;

And, let them both imployed bee. ^[92]

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. ^[93]

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. ^[94]

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. ^[95]

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. ^[96]

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. ^[97]

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. ^[98]

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. ^[99]

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. ^[100]

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. ^[101]

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 deſery'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 VVith 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 third Booke.

Illustration [Image not included in the transcription.]

LONDON, Printed by AVGVSTINE MATHEVVES. 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 gaine 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 Glor[•]es, 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.

VVHen 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 in 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.

SI RECTE FACIES.

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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 endeavours, for GOD's promiſe ſake.

All ſeeke the ſelfe-ſame prize; but, doe not ſeeke,

With mendes, and, with endeavours, all alike.

Moſt, with 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 bleſſe, 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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

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 wafred over to the further ſide.

Thus, that, which for the Body proves unfit,

Muſt often be acquired by the Wit.

And, what our ou[•]ward Fortu[•]es 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 oppurtunities,

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'[••] 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 Scr[•]wes 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.

NON SINE CAUSA.

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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 Mac[•],

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 itſelfe; 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.

PANDO RECONDITA.

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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

Affa[•••] 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.

VIRTUTE DUCE COMITE FORTUNA

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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, doe 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 houres 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.

FLOREBO PROSPICIENTE DEO.

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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 mu[•]t 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.

FAC ET SPERA.

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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?)

D[•]barr'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.

RERUM SAPIENTIA CUSTOS.

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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 ſu[•]eſt 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;

L[•]ſt, 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.

LABORE ET CONSTANTIA.

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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 ju[•]t, 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.

EVERTIT ET AEQUAT.

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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 craggle-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 [•]one.

True Knowledge is a conſtant Friend,

Whoſe Friendſhip, never ſhall have end.

SCIENTIA IMMUTABILIS.

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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.

VIRTUTE AC STUDIO PER ORBEM FAMA PERPETUA COMPARATUR.

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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,

NOLI ALTUM SAPERE.

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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.

TRACTANT FABRILIA FABRI.

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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, Peaſants imitate,

And boldly meddle with affaires of State.

Some Houſwives teach their Teachers how to pray,

Some Clarks, have ſhew'd themſelves, as wife 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.

NON DORMIT QUI CUSTODIT.

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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

Th[•]n 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.

IN SPE ET LABORE TRANSIGO VITAM.

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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 VVorld-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.

PRUDENTE SIMPLICITATE.

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ILLVSTR. XVII. Book. 3

WHen from the harmeleſſe Turt[•]e, 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-mockeneſſe 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 p[•]udence, 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.

TRANSITUS CELER EST ET AVOLAMUS.

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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 fixe 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.

PEDE TENTIM.

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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'tineſſe it hath,

Whereby, wee ſhall with Miſchiefes meet; unleſſe,

Wee walke it, with a ſtedfaſt-wartneſſe.

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.

PRO LEGE ET PRO GREGE.

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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.

DISCITE IUSTITIAM.

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ILLVSTR. XXI. Book. 3

THat, which wee call the Sea-horſe, is a Creature,

Whereby the Prieſts of Aegypt, 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 Aegypt, 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.

NON EST MORTALE QUOD OPTO.

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ILLVSTR. XXII. Book. 3

WHen Ganymed, himſelfe was purifying,

Great Iupiter, his naked beauty ſpying,

Sent forth his Aegle (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 Ga[•]ymed, 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 Aegle, 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.

IN SE SUA PER UESTIGIA UOLUITUR.

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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 bring: 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 CREATVRE 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 n[•]ither 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.

NULLA DIES SINE LINEA.

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ILLVSTR. XXIV. Book. 3

HEre's but one Line; and, but one Line a Day,

Is all that 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 diaweth 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 [〈◊〉] ſot[•]iſh make us,

That we, to no endeavour can berake 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.

AD REGIS NUTUS.

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ILLVSTR. XXV. Book. 3

WHen Phoebus 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 fructity:

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'radgues 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 Wi[•]her'd Leaves, will freſhly, ſpring.

The Right-hand. way, is Vertues Path,

Though rugged Paſſages it hath.

HAC VIRTUTIS ITER.

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ILLVSTR. XXVI. Book. 3

I Fany 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-mo[•]nd

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 fight)

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 is 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.

CONCEDO NULLI.

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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 righ[•] ▪

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 riſe, 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 [•]rince, 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

MANUS MANUM LAUAT.

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ILLVSTR. XXVIII. Book. 3

WOuld God, I could as feelingly infuſ[•] ▪

A good effect of what this Emblem ſhewes,

As I can tell in words, what Moralls bee,

The uſe of that, which here you pictur'd fee.

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; l[•]ke Hands that waſh each other,

As mutuall helpes, will ſweetly live together.

When Law, and Armes, together meet,

The World deſcends, to kiſſe tho[••] feet.

LEGIBUS ET ARMIS.

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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, be 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.

NON QUAM FORMOSA SED QUAM RECTA.

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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.

ALIIS IN SERVIENDO CONSUMOR.

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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 indeavors, for their paines, contemne.

Theſe are thoſe Lamps, whoſe flames, from time to time,

Have through each Age, and through-our 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.

DITAT SERVATA FIDES.

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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,

(What e're wee thinke him) is exceeding rich.

Poore-Theeves, in Halters, we behold,

And, great-Theeves, in their Chaines of gold.

FVRES PRIVATI IN NERVO PVBLICI IN AVRO

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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 aſſi[•]ted 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.

MEMENTO MORI.

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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 lat[•]er end, before it be too late,

(And, whil'ſt thy friends, thy ſtrength, and wits may bee

In likely caſe, to h[•]lp and comfort thee)

There may be courſes taken, to divert

Thoſ[•] Frights, which, elſe, would terrifie thy heart,

When Dea[•]h drawes neare; and helpe thee plucke away

That S[•]ng, of his, which would thy Soule diſ[•]ay.

But, i[•] thou madly ramble onward, ſtill,

Til t[•]ou art ſinking downe that darkeſome hill,

Which borders on the Grave (and doſt b[•]ginne

To ſee, [•]he Shades of Terrour, and of Sinne

To fly [•]croſſe thy Conſcience) 'twill be hard

To [〈◊〉] this Leſſon; or, to be prepar'd

For th[••] ſad parting, which, will forced bee,

Be[•••] e[•]hi[•] much beloved World, and thee.

Conſider this, therefo[•]e, while Time thou haſt,

An[•], put not off this Bus'neſſe, till the laſt.

Doe not the golden Meane, exceed,

In Word, in Paſsion, nor in Deed.

SERVA MODVM.

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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 [•]ule, and guide the Creature-ſenſitive)

May type fo[••]h 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.

FVLCRVM TVTIS SIMVM

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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.

VIRTUS INEXPUGNABILIS.

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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 fly inſinuations:

Which wond[•]ous 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 ou[•]; 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.

VERITAS PREMITUR NON OPPRIMITUR.

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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)

D[•]preſſed 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 depre[•]t, but, not, oppreſſed bee.

They, who but ſlowly-paced are,

By plodding on, way travaile farre.

PAS A PAS.

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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 Sphaeres, 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.

FORTUNA UT LUNA.

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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 Waynedmoone.

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 Cha[••]e I ſee

Ʋntill the Steele, the Flint ſhall ſmite,

It will afford nor Heat, nor Light.

ANTE FERIT QUAM FLAMMA MICET.

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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 ſmi[•]e

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.

PAVPERTATE PREMOR SUBLEUOR INGENIO.

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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 cl[•]gs 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 pr[•]ſent 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 un[•]one,

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.

VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR.

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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 hands,

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 kind ad ſome contentious fire,

And, reconciled be, left [〈◊〉], 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)

Not 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 he thought upon.

They, beſt injoy their Hearts deſires,

In whom, Love, kindles mutuall-fires.

AMORE MUTUO.

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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 at

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

CONCORDIA INSUPERABILIS.

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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.

IN MANU DEI COR REGIS.

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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.

CELATA VIRTUS IGNAVIA EST.

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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 re[•]pe 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.

REDIBO PLENIOR.

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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, whereſoo're, thou bee:

For, from deceit, no place is free.

NUSQUAM TUTA FIDES.

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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.

HODIE MIHI CRAS TIBI.

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ILLVSTR. L. Book 3

THere is no Day, nor minute of the Day,

In which, there are not ma[•]y 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, [•]o 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 groa[•]es of Death, and view your Children, there,

Your lov[•]ng 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 heart ſtrings 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.

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. ^[102]

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. ^[103]

3

Perhaps, thou mayſt be one of them,

Who, Civill Magiſtrates contemne;

And ſleighteth, or elſe, flouteth at

The Ceremonies of E[••]ate.

That, [•]hou mai[•], 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. ^[104]

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 vive. ^[105]

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. ^[106]

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. ^[107]

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. ^[108]

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. ^[109]

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. ^[110]

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. ^[111]

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. ^[112]

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. ^[113]

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. ^[114]

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, that 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 ſlowes. ^[115]

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. ^[116]

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. ^[117]

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. ^[118]

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. ^[119]

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. ^[120]

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 th[••],

Remember him, 'tis not amiſſe. ^[121]

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. ^[122]

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. ^[123]

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. ^[124]

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. ^[125]

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. ^[126]

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. ^[127]

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. ^[128]

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. ^[129]

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. ^[130]

30

Tis feared, thou doſt leſſe eſteeme,

Vpright to bee, than ſo to ſeeme;

And, if thine actions, faire appeare,

Thou careſt not how ſoule 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. ^[131]

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. ^[132]

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. ^[133]

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 unchanged bee:

But, unto God, for Mercie crie,

Elſe, hang'd you may bee, e're you die. ^[134]

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, left you too late repent. ^[135]

35

Your Wits, your Wiſhes, and your Tongue,

Have run the Wild groſe-chaſe, too long;

And (left all Reaſon, you exceed)

Of Rules, and Beines, 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. ^[136]

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. ^[137]

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 brants there are,

Which, your owne ſtrength ſhall never beare.

And, by the Morall of your Lot,

Learne, where, Aſsiſtance may bee got. ^[138]

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. ^[139]

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 Slaydneſſe; and, to doe

Thy Workes, with Perſeverance, too.

Hee that this creatures Vertue ſcornes,

May want it all, except his Flornes. ^[140]

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. ^[141]

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. ^[142]

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. ^[143]

43

To Diſcord, thou art ſomewhat prone,

And, thinkſt thou mayſt ſubſiſt alone;

Regarding not how ſafe they bide,

[〈◊〉] laſt, in Concords bands, are tide.

[〈◊〉] 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. ^[144]

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. ^[145]

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. ^[146]

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. ^[147]

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. ^[148]

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. ^[149]

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. ^[150]

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. ^[151]

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 ha[•]ſh 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 L[•]bels 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 chaſe,

Although you outwardly had laugh'd.

You, therefore, very glad may bee,

This proves a Blanck; and, ſo may wee.

FINIS.

A COLLECTION OF EMBLEMES, ANCIENT AND MODERNE: Quickened VVith METRICALL ILLVSTRATIONS, both Morall and [〈◊〉]: 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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

LONDON,

Printed by AVGVSTINE MATHEVVES. MDCXXXIV.

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE PHILLIP, Earle of PEMBROOKE, and M[•]VNTGOMERIE, &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 bri[•]ging 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, aſmuch 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 this 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 withom 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 their 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

[〈…〉] to Befriend mee, forth HEE ſought.

[〈◊〉] wherefore, of his SONNE, ſhould I ſuſpect

[〈◊〉] ſeeking HIM) hee can my love reject?

[〈◊〉] Cou[•]teſie doth alwaies, there, abound,

[〈◊〉] 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 a 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.

NON INFERIORA SECUTUS.

[Image not included in the transcription.]

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,

Bedow'd (as 'twere) with teares, till he returnes;

And, how the vailes her Flow'rs, when he is gone,

As if ſhe ſcorned to be looked on

By an inf[•]riour 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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

IN MANU DOMINI OMNES SUNT FINES TERRAE.

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 watred 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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

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'd d[•]ath. The dreadfull hand,

Of God's imp[•]rtiall Iuſtice, holds à 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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

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, wch 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 Skirt, 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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

CAPTIVUM IMPUNE LACES SUNT.

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 kils 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 hee poſſeſt,

Which once was Victor of the Eaſt.

Illustration [Image not included in the transcription.]

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 mak[•]s 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 aue 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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

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 Rock[•]e-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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

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 Cl[•]rkes, preſume that they can teach

The ancient holy Doctors, how to preach.

Some Lucks, 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 thou, theſe froward Motions, LORD, reſtraine;

And, ſet the World in her due courſe againe.

Invincibilitie is there,

Where Order, Strength, and Vnion are.

Illustration [Image not included in the transcription.]

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 [Image not included in the transcription.]

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.

ΟΙΚΟΣ ΦΙΛΟΣ ΟΙΚΟΣ ΑΡΙΣΤΟΣ.

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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.

DEUS DAT CUI VULT.

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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 kil[•]e, 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.

INDIGNUM FORTUNA FOVET.

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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.

STULTORUM ADIUMENTA NOCUMENTA.

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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, then their frowne.

Though weakneſſe unto mee belong,

In my Supporter, I am ſtrong.

TE STANTE VIREBO.

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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.

FERIO.

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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.

P[•]ay 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.

QUOCUNQUE FERAR.

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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.

BELLA IN VISTA DENTRO TRISTA.

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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 ha[••] 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?

EN DEXTRA FIDESQUE.

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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.

VARIUM ET MUTABILE SEMPER.

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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 typiſie

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.

GAUDET PATIENTIA DURIS.

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ILLVSTR. XXIV. Book. 4

WHat meanes this Countrey-peaſant, skipping here

Through prickling Thiſtles wth 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 ſavours 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 th[•] Valiant (when the Coward ſwounds)

With gladneſſe lets the Surgion ſearch his Wounds;

And, though they ſmart, yet cheerefully indures

The Pla[•]ſters, 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.

SIC SPECTANDA FIDES.

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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.

NON SEMPER ARCUM TENDIT.

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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, not 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 Boaſts, 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, over mindfull of thy dying;

For, Time is always from thee flying.

VIVE MEMOR LETHI FUGIT HORA.

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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 lattter 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 Bea[•]tie, 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 [〈◊〉], 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.

MEDIIS TRANQUILLUS IN UNDIS.

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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 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.

BONA FIDE.

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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 requited 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 Cares, 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, will War doth ceaſe

And, uſefull [〈◊〉], in time of Peace.

PACISQUE BONUS BELLIQUE MINISTER.

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ILLVSTR. XXX. Book. 4

THe Sword, to bee an Emblem, here, we draw,

Of the 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 not Peace, can ſtand,

Except the Sword have alway ſome command:

Yea, that, for which our forraine Spoyl[•]rs 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, thought to kill a Lowſe, the Ban[•]ans feare;

(Though Anabaptiſt[•] 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 hee.

PAR SIT FORTUNA LABORI.

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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, the[•]e, 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 ſerious matters, if you ſpend,

Or, ſuch, as to a laſting purpoſe tend,

The purchaſe of your paines will ever laſt;

And, being 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, grouud 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.

POST NUBILA PHOEBUS.

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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 ſorrowes, put their truſt in thee.

For whatſoever, Man doth ſtrive,

The Conqueſt, God alone, doth give.

OMNIS VICTORIA A DOMINO.

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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 Tetragrammatan 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 out enough; but doe not ſpill.

NE QUID NIMIS.

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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 naſtie Drunkard, reele and ſpew,

More moves to Soberneſſe, than can the view

Of tweatie 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, each)

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.

PER ANGUSTA AD AUGUSTA.

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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.

FIDUCIA CONCORS.

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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 ſha[•]dow 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 diffrence of Degrees) ſhall with one minde,

Perſue a faithfull hope; they'l ſoone obtaine,

That wiſhed benefit, they ſeeke to gaine:

For, when but two or three ſhall in Gods name,

Req[•]eſt 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 l[•]ſſe our Diſcord were.

Protect mee, if I worthy bee;

If I demerit, puniſh mee.

PRO ME SI MEREOR IN ME.

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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, amiſle 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.

HAC ATQUE ILLAC PERFLUIT.

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ILLVSTR. XXXVIII. Book. 4

THe Barrell, from whoſe bottome, ſides, and b[•]ng,

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 Vertues 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.

UT CUNQUE.

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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 Stone;

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.

FATA OBSTANT.

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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 typiſie,

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.

VT NE QUID DEDECEAT.

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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.

NON NOBIS.

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ILLVSTR. XLII. Book. 4

THe prettie Bees, with daily paines contrive

Their curious Combes, and from the flowry Fields,

Doe bring that pleaſant ſweetneſ[•]e 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 doe 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 call;

And, hee is Ruler of them all.

ASTRA DEUS REGIT.

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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 Sphere[•] ;

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.

FUROR FIT LAESA SAEPIUS PATIENTIA.

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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, ſh[•]t 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.

Put, as an injur'd Lambe, provoked, thus,

Well typiſies 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.

COECUS NIL LUCE IUVATUR.

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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, where with ill-willers them belie.

The blind[•]eſſe, 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 gaine 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.

INTER UTRUMQUE VOLAT.

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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 knowes▪ 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'[•].

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 be fed.

SI DEUS VOLUERIT.

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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 ſtrings, and fades away.

OMNIS CARO FOENUM.

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ILLVXTR. XLVIII. Book. 4

THis Infant, and this little Truſſe of Hay,

When they are moral zed, ſeeme to ſay,

That, Fleſh is but a tuſt of Morning Graſſe,

Both greene, and wither'd, ere the day-light paſſe.

And, ſuch we truly finde it; for, behold,

Aſ[•]oone as Man is borne, hee waxeth old,

In Griefes, in Sorrowes, or Neceſsities;

And, withers ev'ry houre, unti[•]l 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 [•]uinate;

That, though it feele, nor ſtorme, not 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.

PERIT QUOD ELAPSUM EST.

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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 f[•]ſt 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 nonne-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.

PERSEVERANTI DABITUR.

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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.

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 Emblem doth expreſſe

Thy Wiſdome, and thy worthyneſſe.

But, if to earthward thou incline;

Thence, learne Affections more Divine. ^[152]

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. ^[153]

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. ^[154]

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. ^[155]

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 Lot, this warning Emblem ſent;

Obſerve it, and your harmes prevent. ^[156]

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. ^[157]

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. ^[158]

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. ^[159]

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. ^[160]

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 L[•]t hath brought,

Some newes of that, which you have ſought:

For, by your Emblem, you may ſee,

What men ſhall moſt unmooved be. ^[161]

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. ^[162]

12

Thou ſeekſt 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. ^[163]

13

Thou liv'ſt as one who thinks, that, Fate

All Actions did ne[•]eſsitate;

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. ^[164]

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. ^[165]

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. ^[166]

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 worthymen, there are,

Who, doe not Fortunes Iewels weare. ^[167]

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. ^[168]

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. ^[169]

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. ^[170]

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. ^[171]

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. ^[172]

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. ^[173]

M 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. ^[174]

24

At you 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. ^[175]

25

On out ſide Friends, thou much reliſt,

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 ſue;

Obſerve the Morall of thy Lot,

And, looke that thou forget it not. ^[176]

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. ^[177]

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. ^[178]

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. ^[179]

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 Ertends, by being true. ^[180]

30

The Conſciences, of ſome, afford

No Lawfull uſe unto the Sword:

Some dreame, that, in the time of peace,

The practice 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 wayes. ^[181]

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, ^[182]

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. ^[183]

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. ^[184]

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. ^[185]

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. ^[186]

36

Sometimes, it may be, thou doſt finde,

That, God, thy p[•]ayers, 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. ^[187]

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. ^[188]

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. ^[189]

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,

Which may not make the danger worſe. ^[190]

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. ^[191]

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. ^[192]

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. ^[193]

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 retraines the Starry-Fates,

And, no mans harme, neceſsitates. ^[194]

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. ^[195]

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 the thine Emblem ſhowes. ^[196]

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. ^[197]

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 bereſt.

If this, or that, be found in thee,

Thou, by thy Morall, taught ſhalt be,

That, there is none to ill b[•] ſped;

But may have, hope, he ſhall be fed. ^[198]

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. ^[199]

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. ^[200]

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 forgot,

Thou haſt a Caveat, by this Lot. ^[201]

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 figures, 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; yer, thou haſt none.

If thus thy Fortune ſtill proceed,

Tis T[••] to One if well thou ſpeed.

Yet, i[•] 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 Game, 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.

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
Aegle. 6. 3[•] 112
Affection. 7. 33. 34. 83. 162
Affliction. 16. 17. 44. 47. 70. 81. 108. 240.
Agreement in Deſire. 34.
Age. 44.
Ambitions [〈◊〉] 216.
Ambition. 69.
Anchor. 39. 72.
Annuall revolutions. 157.
Anvils and Hammer. 17.
Appearances dece[•]e. 175.
Apollo. 234.
Archer. 25.
Armour. 111.
Arts. 1. 80.
Action. 9.
Armes. 3. 32. 80.
Authoritie. 137.

B.

BAll. 7.
Beginning. 10[•].
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 7[•].
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. 1[•].
Contention. 34. 71.
Contention hazzardous. 254.
Contemplation. 45. 105. 156.
Concord. 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. [•]5.
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 pierie 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 miſchievou[•] 225
Fortune 6. 88. 101. 109. 139 174. 224
Fraud in all [〈…〉]
[〈…〉]
[〈…〉]
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 [•]5. 142
Goſpell preachect [••]
Good works 135.
Governours 37
Government [•••]
Goblins about Graves 43
Grace 31, 74. 104, 226
Grave 21
Greefe 26
Groves 3[•].
Great things from ſmall beginnings 46. 9[•]
Gryphon 139
Guile vid. Fraud and Deceit
Guiltineſſe 66, 69.

H.

HAſt 19, 49 153
Hammer and Anvile, 17
Halter 66, Halayon. 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, 129
Hyppoc[•]i[••] 229
Honour[••], 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
Ioyes ſweetned by afflictions 70
Iteration 29
Iuſtice 66. 69, 155
Iuſt dealing, 100
Ixion 69

K.

KIngsfiſher 2[•]6
Kings 32, 37, 78, 137, 159 16[•], 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 2[•]2
A Little and little makes a mic[••]ſe 50. 158
Life 21. 45
Love the beſt Muſitian, 82
Love 7, 33, 34, 38.
Loſſes 50.
Loſſes may he recovered 182
Looking-glaſſes 241.

M.

MAlefactors 66
Mat[•] 80.
Marriages, 83.
Magiſtrates out of office 215.
A Made. 137
Man his owne enemie 214
Mercy, offred to all 255
Merit 139
Meaſures 100
Medlers, vid. Buſie-bodies,
Meditation beſt in the night [•]
Meanes, not to be neglected [〈◊〉]
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 24. 163. 781.
Muſicke 69

N.

NAture and Grace 104. 144
Nature needes a ſupporter.226
Neceſſitie 64
Night helpfull to Meditation 9

O.

OAthes 28
Obſcuritie profitable 73
Occaſion 4
Offenders 215
Old men may learne 87
Opportunitie 4
Oppreſſion 98
Oppoſition 63
Order 220
Outward appearances 175
Oyle 9. 63. 79. 168
Oxe 173

P.

PAine 23
Palmetree 172
Patience 23. 63. 252
Patriots 165
Pallas 9. 80
Parents 15
A Paſtorall charge 149
Peace 9. [•]38
Perjurie 38
Pegaſus 105
Perſeverance 19. 14[•]. 175. 258
Pelican 154
Pietie 8. 41. 155
Piguley 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.
Proceſſion 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 mi[•]fortunes 96
Reputation 140
Repentance to be haſtned 213
Retiredneſſe 72.79
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 [••]8, 230
Sive 2[•]
A Skeleton [•]
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.[•].6.22.30.88.97.101.109.111.139.171.218.
Vice 22.104.224.
Victorie uncertaine 252
Victorie is of God 241.
Viper 247
Vnanimitie 67
Vnchaſtitie 15
Vnitie 67.177
Vnitie of faith 244
Vniverſall Grace 210.258
Vnprofitable gifts 76
Vprightneſſe of heart 91

W.

VVAnton women 7
Warre 90, 238
Waſt 35
Wearineſſe 9.84.153
Watchfulneſſe 79
Watchmen 149
Way of Vertue 160
Weapons [•]41.
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.

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 Bigging 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, a

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 Expences to my paines?

The Stationer, affoords for little Gaines,

The Bookes you crave: And, He, aſwell as I

Might give away, what you repine to buy:

For, what hee Gives, doth onely Mony Coſt,

[•]et mine, both Mony, Time, and Wit is loſt.

What I ſhall Give, and what I have beſtow'd

O[•] Friends, to whom, I Love, or Service ow'd,

I prudge 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 Triſtles, 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

[〈◊〉] like on all men, who, my Name do know;

[〈◊〉] 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,

(F[•]r which, I neither had, nor looke for pay)

As [〈◊〉] valu'd at the common Rate,

[〈…〉] hundred Crownes, in my Eſtate.

Which, (if I may confeſſe it) ſignifies,

That, I was ſame more Liberall, than Wiſe.

But, for the time to come, reſolv'd I am,

That, till without deny all (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, [〈◊〉]

Be Anſwer'd, And, henceforward, [〈…〉]

A Direction, ſhewing how they who are ſo [•]iſpoſed, ſhall [〈◊〉] out their Chance, in the [〈…〉].

TUrne abo[•]t one of the [〈…〉] th[•] Figures, which are in the following Page, [〈…〉] your eyes thereupon, to obſerve where it ſlayeth [〈…〉]. If it be the upper Figure, whoſe Index you moved; then, 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) ſhew [〈◊〉] 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 time Lotterie.

If the letter M. be plac[•]d before the alotted Number; then, that Lot is proper onely to a [〈…〉] ſtand before it, it is proper onely to a Woman: If there be [〈…〉] it [〈◊〉] to both Sexes: And, therefore, when a [〈…〉] on a Chance impertinet to their proper Sex[•] ▪ [〈…〉] to take the next Chance which pertaineth properly [〈…〉] it be Blancke or Lot; the triall whereof, I have that [〈◊〉], without the uſe of Dice; [〈◊〉] by bringing them into fight, 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;

[〈◊〉] Author ſayes, that, hee provided not

[〈◊〉] ſuch [〈◊〉] thoſe; Becauſe, it were too much

[〈…〉] we find ou[•] Fortunes, fit for ſuch,

[〈◊〉] (as [〈◊〉] thinkes) ſhould rather, Ayde ſupply

[〈…〉] his evill Fortunes by.

To them, [〈◊〉] therefore p[••]ſed is to give

[〈◊〉] and this large Prerogative;

[〈◊〉] thy ſhall ch[•]ſ[•] from hence, what Lots they pleaſe,

[〈…〉] the[••] [〈◊〉], if they like not theſe,

[〈…〉] Perſonages, of High degree,

[•]pan[•] profeſſe our Authors friends [〈◊〉] be,

[〈…〉] ſome, blemiſe, have; that [•]ill, they find

[〈…〉] to their mind,

[〈…〉] to try

[〈…〉] And, ev'rytime apply

[〈…〉] th[•]ſe,

[〈…〉]

WEST 3. Booke. NORTH 4. Booke. SOVTH 2. Booke. EAST 1. Booke.

[Image not included in the transcription.]

Illustration [Image not included in the transcription.]

Marginal notes

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Cite this text

A Collection of Emblems, Ancient and Modern. London, 1635. Hermetic Cloud, https://hermeticcloud.com/library/wither-collection-of-emblemes/. Public-domain edition reproduced from the TCP transcription; its gaps and missing figures are marked.

Transcription

Text Creation Partnership, TCP A15631, released under CC0 1.0. Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery. Unreadable characters, unavailable passages and figures absent from the transcription remain marked.

A PREPOSITION to this FRONTISPIECE.

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.

TO THE READER.

The Occaſion, Intention, and uſe of the Foure Lotteries adjoyned to theſe foure Books of Emblems.

Illustration [Image not included in the transcription.] 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.

To the MAJESTIE of Great Britaine, France, and Jreland, the Moſt Illuſtrious King, CHARLES; And his excellently beloved, the moſt gratious Queene MARY.

By Knowledge onely, Life wee gaine, All other things to Death pertaine.

VIVITVR INGENIO CAETERA MORTIS ERV̄T

ILLVSTRATIO I. Book. 1.

The Man that hath true Wiſdome got, Continues firme, and wavers not.

SAPIENTIA CONSTANS

ILLVSTR. II. Book. 1.

The Law is given to direct; The Sword, to puniſh and protect.

LEX REGIT ET ARMA TVENTVR.

ILLVSTR. III. Book. 1.

Occaſions-paſt are ſought in vaine; But, oft, they wheele-about againe.

NE TENEAR

ILLVSTR. IV. Book. 1.

By Labour, Vertue may be gain'd; By Vertue, Glorie is attain'd.

LABORE VIRTVS, VIRTVTE GLORIA PARATVR

ILLVSTR. V. Book. I,

Though Fortune prove true Vertues Foe, It cannot worke her Overthrowe.

NON OBEST VIRTVTI SORS.

ILLVSTR. VI. Book. 1.

A fickle Woman wanton growne, Preferres a Crowd, before a Crowne.

NON SCEPTRO SED PLECTRO DVCITVR

ILLVSTR. VII. Book. 1.

This Ragge of Death, which thou ſhalt ſee, Conſider it; And Pious bee.

IN HVNC INTVENS PIVS ESTO

ILLVSTR. VIII. Book. I.

Before thou bring thy Workes to Light, Conſider on them, in the Night.

IN NOCTE CONSILIV̄

ILLVSTR. IX. Book. 1.

An Innocent no Danger feares, How great ſoever it appeares.

SPERNIT PERICULA VIRTUS

ILLVSTR. X. Book. I.

When thou a Dangerous-Way doſt goe, Walke ſurely, though thy pace be ſlowe.

AD SCOPVM LICET AEGRE ET FRVSTRA

ILLVSTR. X[•]. Book. 1.

As, to the World I naked came, So, naked-ſtript I leave the ſame.

ΠΑΝΤΑ ΛΕΛΟΙΠΑ.

ILLVSTR. XII. Book. 1.

To him a happy Lot befalls That hath a Ship, and proſ'prous Gales.

REMIGIO VENTISQUE SECVNDIS

ILLVSTR. XIII. Book. 1.

When Vice and Vertue Youth ſhall wooe, Tis hard to ſay, which way 'twill goe.

QVID SI SIC

ILLVSTR. XXII. Book. 1.

I pine, that others may not periſh, And waſte my Selfe, their Life to cheriſh.

DVM NVTRIO CONSVMOR

ILLVSTR. XV. Book. 1.

When to ſuppreſſe us, Men intend, They make us higher to aſcend.

CONCVSSVS SVRGO

ILLVSTR. XVI. Book. 1.

Till God hath wrought us to his Will, The Hammer we ſhall ſuffer ſtill.

DVM EXTENDAR

ILLVSTR. XVII. Book. 1.

From thence, where Nets and Snares are layd, Make-haſt; leſt els you be betray'd.

MATVRA

ILLVSTR. XVIII. Book. 1.

When thou a Dangerous-Way doſt goe, Walke ſurely, though thy pace be ſlowe.

LENTE SED ATTENTE

ILLVSTR. XXI. Book. 1.

A Sive, of ſhelter maketh ſhow; But ev'ry Storme will through it goe.

TRANSEAT

ILLVSTR. XX. Book. 1.

Death is no Loſſe, but rather, Gaine; For wee by Dying, Life attaine.

MORS VITAE INITIVM.

ILLVSTR. XXI. Book. 1.

When Vice and Vertue Youth ſhall wooe, Tis hard to ſay, which way 'twill goe.

QVO ME VERTĀ NESCIO

ILLVSTR. XXII. Book. 1.

By Paine, on Pleaſures we doe ſeize; And, we by Suff'rance, purchaſe Eaſe.

PATIOR VT POTIAR

ILLVSTR. XXIII. Book. 1.

Who by good Meanes, good things would gaine, Shall never ſeeke, nor aske in vaine.

CONSEQVITUR QVODCVNQUE PETIT

ILLVSTR. XXIIII. Book. 1.

Oft Shooting, doth not Archers make; But, hitting right the Marke they take.

NON QVAM CREBRO SED QVĀ BĒE

Illustration [Image not included in the transcription.]

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.

By Knowledge onely, Life wee gaine,

All other things to Death pertaine.

The Man that hath true Wiſdome got,

Continues firme, and wavers not.

The Law is given to direct;

The Sword, to puniſh and protect.

Occaſions-paſt are ſought in vaine;

But, oft, they wheele-about againe.

By Labour, Vertue may be gain'd;

By Vertue, Glorie is attain'd.

Though Fortune prove true Vertues Foe,

It cannot worke her Overthrowe.

A fickle Woman wanton growne,

Preferres a Crowd, before a Crowne.

This Ragge of Death, which thou ſhalt ſee,

Conſider it; And Pious bee.

Before thou bring thy Workes to Light,

Conſider on them, in the Night.

An Innocent no Danger feares,

How great ſoever it appeares.

When thou a Dangerous-Way doſt goe,

Walke ſurely, though thy pace be ſlowe.

As, to the World I naked came,

So, naked-ſtript I leave the ſame.

To him a happy Lot befalls

That hath a Ship, and proſ'prous Gales.

When Vice and Vertue Youth ſhall wooe,

Tis hard to ſay, which way 'twill goe.

I pine, that others may not periſh,

And waſte my Selfe, their Life to cheriſh.

When to ſuppreſſe us, Men intend,

They make us higher to aſcend.

Till God hath wrought us to his Will,

The Hammer we ſhall ſuffer ſtill.

From thence, where Nets and Snares are layd,

Make-haſt; leſt els you be betray'd.

When thou a Dangerous-Way doſt goe,

Walke ſurely, though thy pace be ſlowe.

A Sive, of ſhelter maketh ſhow;

But ev'ry Storme will through it goe.

Death is no Loſſe, but rather, Gaine;

For wee by Dying, Life attaine.

When Vice and Vertue Youth ſhall wooe,

Tis hard to ſay, which way 'twill goe.

By Paine, on Pleaſures we doe ſeize;

And, we by Suff'rance, purchaſe Eaſe.

Who by good Meanes, good things would gaine,

Shall never ſeeke, nor aske in vaine.

Oft Shooting, doth not Archers make;

But, hitting right the Marke they take.

With Patience, I the Storme ſuſtaine;

For, Sun-ſhine ſtill doth follow Raine.

Where Hellen is, there, will be Warre;

For, Death and Luſt, Companions are.

No Inward Griefe, nor outward Smart,

Can overcome a Patient-Heart.

By many Strokes, that Worke is done,

Which cannot be perform'd at One.

Afflictions Fire conſumeth Sinne;

But, Vertue taketh Life therein.

Hee, over all the Starres doth raigne,

That unto Wiſdome can attaine.

A Princes moſt ennobling Parts,

Are Skill in Armes, and Love to Arts.

True-Lovers Lives, in one Heart lye,

Both Live, or both together Dye.

When Two agree in their Deſire,

One Sparke will ſet them both on Fire.

He that delights to Plant and Set,

Makes After-Ages in his Debt.

To Have, and not to Vſe the ſame;

Is not our Glory, but our Shame.

He, that his Courſe directly Steeres,

Nor Stormes, nor Windy-Cenſures feares.

A ſudden Death, with Shame, is due

To him, that, ſweares What is untrue.

Where ſtrong Deſires are entertain'd,

The Heart 'twixt Hope, and Feare, is pain'd.

Thoſe Fooles whom Beauties Flame doth blinde,

Feele, Death, where Life they thought to finde.

Let him, that at GODS Altar ſtands,

In Innocencie, waſh his Hands.

No Heart can thinke, to what ſtrange ends,

The Tongues unruely Motion tends.

The Minde ſhould have a fixed Eye

On Objects, that are plac'd on High.

Thoſe Fields, which yet appeare not ſo,

When Harveſt comes, will yellow grow.

As ſoone, as wee to bee, begunne;

We did beginne, to be Vndone.

Though very ſmall, at firſt, it be,

A Sprout, at length, becomes a Tree.

When we above the Croſſe can riſe,

A Crowne, for us, prepared lies.

In Death, no Difference is made,

Betweene the Scepter, and the Spade.