Yours,
_William Winstanley._
* * * * *
The Names of the Poets Mention'd in this Book.
_Robert of Glocester_
_Richard_ the Hermit
_Joseph of Exeter_
_Michael Blaunpayn_
_Matthew Paris_
_William Ramsey_
_Alexander Nequam_
_Alexander Essebie_
_Robert Baston_
_Henry Bradshaw_
_Havillan_
Sir _John Gower_
_Geoffrey Chaucer_
_John Lydgate_
_John Harding_
_Robert Fabian_
_John Skelton_
_William Lilly_
Sir _Thomas More_
_Henry Howard, Earl_ of _Surry_
Sir _Thomas Wiat_
Dr. _Christopher Tye_
_John Leland
_Thomas Churchyard_
_John Higgins_
_Abraham Fraunce_
_William Warner_
_Thomas Tusser_
_Thomas Stow_
_Dr. Lodge_
_Robert Greene_
_Thomas Nash_
Sir _Philip Sidney_
Sir _Fulk Grevil_
Mr. _Edmund Spenser_
Sir _John Harrington_
_John Heywood_
_Thomas Heywood_
_George Peel_
_John Lilly_
_William Wager_
_Nicholas Berton_
_Tho. Kid, Tho. Watson_, &c.
Sir _Thomas Overbury_
Mr. _Michael Drayton_
_Joshua Sylvester_
Mr. _Samuel Daniel_
_George Chapman_
_Robert Baron_
_Lodowic Carlisle_
_John Ford_
_Anthony Brewer_
_Henry Glapthorn_
_John Davis_ of _Hereford_
Dr. _John Donne_
Dr. _Richard Corbet_
Mr. _Benjamin Johnson_
_Fr. Beaumont_ and _Jo. Fletcher_
_William Shakespeare_
_Christopher Marlow_
_Barton Holyday_
_Cyril Turney_
_Thomas Middleton_
_William Rowley_
_Thomas Deckar_
_John Marston_
Dr. _Jasper Main_
_James Shirley_
_Philip Massinger_
_John Webster_
_William Brown_
_Thomas Randolph_
Sir _John Beaumont_
Dr. _Philemon Holland_
_Thomas Goffe_
_Thomas Nabbes_
_Richard Broome_
_Robert Chamberlain_
_William Sampson_
_George Sandys_, Esq;
Sir _John Suckling_
Mr. _William Habington_
Mr. _Francis Quarles_
Mr. _Phineas Fletcher_
Mr. _George Herbert_
Mr. _Richard Crashaw_
Mr. _William Cartwright_
Sir _Aston Cockain_
Sir _John Davis_
_Thomas May_
_Charles Aleyn_
_George Withers_
_Robert Herric_
_John Taylor_, Water Poet
_Thomas Rawlins_
Mr. _Thomas Carew_
Col. _Richard Lovelace_
_Alexander Broome_
Mr. _John Cleaveland_
Sir _John Birkenhead_
Dr. _Robert Wild_
Mr. _Abraham Cowley_
Mr. _Edmond Waller_
Sir _John Denham_
Sir _William Davenant_
Sir _George Wharton_
Sir _Robert Howard_
_W. Cavendish_, _D. of Newcastle_
Sir _William Killegrew_
_John Studly_
_John Tatham_
_Thomas Jordan_
_Hugh Crompton_
_Edmund Prestwich_
_Pagan Fisher_
_Edward Shirburn_, Esq;
_John Quarles_
_John Milton_
_John Ogilby_
Sir _Richard Fanshaw_
Earl of _Orrery_
_Thomas Hobbs_
Earl of _Rochester_
Mr. _Thomas Flatman_
_Martin Luellin_
_Edmond Fairfax_
_Henry King_, Bishop of _Chichester_
_Thomas Manley_
Mr. _Lewis Griffin_
_John Dauncey_
_Richard Head_
_John Philips_
Mr. _John Oldham_
Mr. _John Driden_
Mr. _Elkinah Settle_
Sir _George Etheridge_
Mr. _John Wilson_
Mr. _Thomas Shadwell_
_Thomas Stanley_, Esq;
_Edward Philips_
Mr. _Thomas Sprat_
_William Smith_
Mr. _John Lacey_
Mr. _William Whicherly_
Sir _Roger L'Estrange_
* * * * *
THE LIVES
Of the most Famous
ENGLISH POETS,
FROM _WILLIAM_ the _Conqueror_, to these Present Times.
* * * * *
_The Life of ROBERT of Glocester._
We will begin first with _Robert_ of _Glocester_, so called, because a
Monk of that City, who flourisht about the Reign of King _Henry_ the
Second; much esteemed by Mr. _Cambden_, who quotes divers of his old
_English_ Rhythms in praise of his Native Country, _England_. Some (who
consider not the Learning of those times) term him a Rhymer, whilst
others more courteously call him a Poet: Indeed his Language is such,
that he is dumb in effect, to the Readers of our Age, without an
Interpreter; which that ye may the better perceive, hear these his
Verses of _Mulmutius Dunwallo_, in the very same Language he wrote
them.
A Kynge there was in Brutayne Donwallo was his Nam,
Staleworth and hardy, a man of grete Fam:
He ordeyned furst yat theeues yat to Temple flowen wer,
No men wer so hardy to do hem despit ther;
That hath he moche such yhold, as hit begonne tho,
Hely Chyrch it holdeth yut, and wole ever mo.
Antiquaries (amongst whom Mr. _Selden_) more value him for his History
than Poetry, his Lines being neither strong nor smooth, yet much
informing in those things wherein he wrote; whereof to give you a taste
of the first planting Religion in this Land by King _Lucius_,
Lucie Cocles Son after him Kynge was,
To fore hym in Engelonde Chrestendom non was,
For he hurde ofte miracles at Rome,
And in meny another stede, yat thurgh Christene men come,
He wildnede anon in hys herte to fonge Chrystendom.
Therefor Messagers with good Letters he nom,
That to the Pape Eleutherie hastelyche wende;
And yat he to hym and his menne expondem sende,
And yat he might seruy God wilned muche thereto,
And seyd he wald noght be glader hyt were ydo.
This _English_ Rhymer or Poet, which you will have it to be, is said to
have lived whilst he was a very old man, and to have died about the
beginning of the Reign of King _John_.
* * * * *
_RICHARD the Hermit_.
Contemporary with _Robert_ of _Glocester_, was one _Richard_, a
Religious Hermit, whose Manuscripts were a while ago (and for ought I
know, are still) kept in _Exeter_-Library, although _Exeter_-House in
the _Strand_, is converted now into an Exchange: This Religious Hermit
studied much in converting the Church-Service into _English_ Verse; of
which we shall give you an Essay in part of the _Te Deum_, and part of
the _Magnificat_,
Te Deum.
We heryen ye God, we knowlechen ye Lord:
All ye erye worships ye everlasting fader:
Alle Aungels in hevens, and alle ye pours in yis world,
Cherubin and Seraphin cryen by voyce to ye unstyntyng.
Magnificat.
My Soul worschips the Louerd, and my Gott joyed in God my hele
For he lokyd ye mekenes of hys hondemayden:
So for iken of yat blissefulle schall sey me all generacjouns;
For he has don to me grete thingis yat mercy is, and his nam hely.
He likewise translated all the Psalms of _David_, as also the
_Collects, Epistles_ and _Gospels_ for the whole year, together with
the _Pater Noster_ and _Creed_; though there was then another _Pater
Noster_ and _Creed_ used in the Church, sent into _England_ by _Adrian_
the Fourth, Pope of _Rome_, an _Englishman_, the Son of _Robert
Breakspeare_ of _Abbots Langley_ in _Hertfordshire_, unto King _Henry_
the Second; which (for variety sake) we shall give you as followeth:
Pater Noster.
Ure fader in hevene riche,
Thi nom be haliid everliche,
Thou bring us to thi michilblisce,
Thi wil to wirche thu us wille,
Als hit is in hevene ido
Ever in erth ben hit also,
That heli bred that lastyth ay,
Thou sende hious this ilke day,
Forgiv ous al that we hauith don,
Als we forgiu och oder mon,
He let ous falle in no founding,
Ak seilde ous fro the foul thing. Amen.
The Creed.
I Beleeve in God fader almigty, shipper of heven and erth,
And in Jhesus Crist his onle thi son vre Louerd,
That is iuange thurch the hooli Ghost, bore of Mary Maiden,
Tholede pine undyr Pounce Pilate, pitcht on rode tre,
dead and yburiid.
Litcht into helle, the thridde day fro death arose,
Steich into hevene, sit on his fader richt hand God Almichty,
Then is cominde to deme the quikke and the dede,
I beleve in ye hooli Gost,
Alle hooli Chirche,
None of alle hallouen forgivenis of sine,
Fleiss uprising,
Lif withuten end. Amen.
When this _Richard_ the Hermit died, we cannot find, but conjecture it
to be about the middle of the Reign of King _John_, about the year
1208.
* * * * *
_JOSEPH_ of _Exeter_.
_Joseph of Exeter_ was born at the City of _Exeter_ in _Devonshire_, he
was also sirnamed _Iscanus_, from the River _Isk_, now called _Esk_,
which running by that City, gave it formerly the denomination of
_Isca_. This _Joseph_ (faith my Author) was _a Golden Poet in a Leaden
Age_, so terse and elegant were his Conceits and Expressions. In his
younger years he accompanied King _Richard_ the First, in his
Expedition into the _Holy Land_, by which means he had the better
advantage to celebrate, as he did, the Acts of that warlike Prince, in
a Poem, entituled _Antiochea_. He also wrote six Books _De Bello
Trojano_, in Heroick Verse, which, as the learned _Cambden_ well
observes, was no other then that Version of _Dares Phyrgius_ into
_Latine_ Verse. Yet so well was it excepted, that the _Dutchmen_ not
long since Printed it under the name of _Cornelius Nepos_, an Author
who lived in the time of _Tully_, and wrote many excellent pieces in
Poetry, but upon a strict view of all his Works, not any such doth
appear amongst them; they therefore do this _Joseph_ great wrong in
depriving him the honour of his own Works. He was afterwards, for his
deserts, preferred to be Arch-bishop of _Burdeaux_, in the time of King
_John_, about the year 1210.
* * * * *
_MICHAEL BLAUNPAYN_.
This _Michael Blaunpayn_, otherwise sirnamed the _Cornish_ Poet, or the
Rymer, was born in _Cornwall_, and bred in _Oxford_ and _Paris_, where
he attained to a good proficiency in Learning, being of great fame and
estimation in his time, out of whose Rymes for merry _England_ as
_Cambden_ calls them, he quotes several passages in that most excellent
Book of his _Remains_. It hapned one _Henry_ of _Normandy_, chief Poet
to our _Henry_ the Third, had traduced _Cornwall_, as an inconsiderable
Country, cast out by Nature in contempt into a corner of the land. Our
_Michael_ could not endure this Affront, but, full of Poetical fury,
falls upon the Libeller; take a tast (little thereof will go far) of
his strains.
_Non opus est ut opus numere quibus est opulenta,
Et per quas inopes sustentat non ope lenta,
Piscibus & stanno nusquam tam fertilis ora_.
We need not number up her wealthy store,
Wherewith this helpful Lands relieves her poor,
No Sea so full of Filh, of Tin, no shore.
Then, in a triumphant manner, he concludeth all with this Exhortation
to his Countrymen:
_Quid nos deterret? si firmiter in pede stemus,
Fraus ni nos superat, nihil est quod non superemus._
What should us fright, if firmly we do stand?
Bar fraud, and then no force can us command.
Yet his Pen was not so lushious in praising, but, when he listed, it
was as bitter in railing, witness this his Satyrical Character of his
aforesaid Antagonist.
_Est tibi gamba capri, crus passeris, & latus Apri,
Os leporis, catuli nasus, dens & gena Muli,
Frons vetulæ, tauricaput, & color undique Mauri,
His argumentis quibus est argutia Mentis,
Quod non a Monstro differs, satis hic tibi monstro._
Gamb'd like a Goat, Sparrow-thigh'd, sides as a Boar,
Hare-mouth'd, Dog-nos'd, like Mule thy teeth and chin,
Brow'd as old wife, Bull headed, black as a _More_,
If such without, then what are you within?
By these my signs the wife will easily conster,
How little thou does differ from a Monster.
This _Michael_ flourished in the time of King _John_, and _Henry_ the
Third.
* * * * *
_MATTHEW PARIS_.
_Matthew Paris_ is acknowledged by all to be an _Englishman_ saving
only one or two wrangling Writers, who deserve to be arraigned of
Felony for robbing our Country of its due; and no doubt
_Cambridgeshire_ was the County made happy by his birth, where the Name
and Family of _Paris_ is right ancient, even long before they were
setled therein at _Hildersham_, wherein they still flourish, though
much impaired for their Loyalty in the late times of Rebellion.
He was bred a Monk of St. _Albans_, living in that loose Age a very
strict and severe life, never less idle than when he was alone;
spending those hours, reserved from Devotion, in the sweet delights of
Poetry, and laborious study of History, in both which he excelled all
his Contemporaries: His skill also was excellent in Oratory and
Divinity, as also in such manual Arts as lie in the Suburbs of the
liberal Sciences, Painting, Graving, _&c._ so that we might sooner
reckon up those things wherein he had no skill, as those wherein he was
skilled: But his _Genius_ chiefly disposed him for the writing of
Histories, writing a large Chronicle with great Commendations from the
_Norman_ Conquest to the Year of our Lord 1250. where he concludes with
this Distich:
_Sifte tui metas studij_, Matthæe, _quietas_
_Nec ventura petas, quæ postera proferat atas._
Matthew, here cease thy Pen in peace, and study on no more,
Nor do thou rome at things to come, what next Age hath in store.
Yet, notwithstanding this resolution, he afterwards resumed that Work,
continuing it to the Year 1259. a History impartially and judicially
written, neither flattering any for their Greatness, nor sparing others
for their Vices, no not so much as those of his own Profession; yet
though he had sharp Nails, he had clean Hands, strict in his own, as
well as linking at the loose conversation of others, and for his
eminent austerity, was imployed by Pope _Innocent_ the Fourth, not only
to visit the Monks in the Diocess of _Norwich_ but also was sent by him
into _Norway_, to reform the Discipline in _Holui_, a fair Covent
therein, but much corrupted.
His History was set forth with all integrity about a hundred years ago,
by his namesake, _Matthew Parker_, (though some asperse it with a
suspition of forgery) and afterwards in a latter and more exact
Edition, by the care and industry of Doctor _William Wats_, and is at
this present in great esteem amongst learned men.
* * * * *
_WILLIAM RAMSEY_.
This _William Ramsey_ was born in _Huntingtonshire_, a County famous
for the richest _Benedictines_ Abbey in _England_; yet here he would
not stay, but went to _Crowland_, where he prospered so well, that he
became Abbot thereof. _Bale_ saith he was a _Natural Poet_, and
therefore no wonder if fault be found in the Feet of his Verses; but by
his leave, he was also a good Scholar, and Arithmetician enough to make
his Verse run in right Numbers.
This _William_ wrote the Lives of St. _Guthlake_, St. _Neots_, St.
_Edmond_ the King, and divers others, all in Verse, which no doubt were
very acceptable and praise-worthy in those times; but the greatest
wonder of him, and which may seem a wonder indeed, was, that being a
Poet, he paid the vast Debts of others, even forty thousand Marks for
the engagement of his Covent, and all within the compass of eighteen
Months, wherein he was Abbot of _Crowland_. This was a vast Sum in that
Age, and would render it altogether incredible for a Poet to do, but
that we find he had therein the assistance of King _Henry_ the Second;
who, to expiate the Blood of _Becket_, was contented to be melted into
Coyn, and was prodigiously bountiful to many Churches as well as to
this. He died about the year 1180.
* * * * *
_ALEXANDER NEQUAM_.
_Alexander Nequam_, the learnedest _Englishman_ of his Age, was born at
St. _Albans_ in _Hartfordshire_: His Name in _English_ signifies _Bad_,
which caused many, who thought themselves wondrous witty in making
Jests, (which indeed made themselves) to pass several Jokes on his
Sirname, whereof take this one instance: _Nequam_ had a mind to become
a Monk in St. _Albans_, the Town of his Nativity, and thus Laconically
wrote for leave to the Abbot thereof;
_Si vis, veniam, sin autem, tu autem_.
To whom the Abbot returned,
_Si bonus sis, venias, si nequam, nequaquam_.
Whereupon for the future, to avoid the occasion of such Jokes, he
altered his Name from _Nequam_, to _Neckam_.
His admirable knowledge in good Arts, made him famous throughout
_England_, _France_, _Italy_, yea and the whole World, and that with
incredible admiration, that he was called _Miraculum ingenij_, the
Wonder and Miracle of Wit and Sapience. He was an exact Philosopher,
and excellent Divine, an accurate Rhetorician, and an admirable Poet,
as did appear by many his Writings which he left to posterity, some of
which are mentioned by _Bale_.
That he was born at St. _Albans_, appears by a certain passage in one
of his _Latine_ Poems, cited by Mr. _Cambden_, and thus Englished by
his Translatour, Doctor _Holland_.
_This is the place that knowledge took of my Nativity,
My happy Years, my Days also of Mirth and Jollity.
This Place my Childhood trained up in all Arts liberal,
And laid the ground-work of my Name, and skill Poetical.
This Place great and renowned Clerks into the World hath sent;
For Martyr bless'd, for Nation, for Sight, all excellent.
A troop here of Religious Men serve Christ both night and day,
In Holy Warfare, taking pains duly to watch and pray._
He is thought by some, saith _Bale_, to have been a Canon Regular, and
to have been preferred to the Abbotship of _Glocester_, as the
Continuater of _Robert of Glocester_ will have it.
And Master Alisander that Chanon was er
Imaked was of Gloucestre Abbot thulk yer.
Viz. 7 Reg. Regis _Johannis_.
But this may be understood of _Alexander Theologus_, who was contempory
with him: and was Abbot of St. _Maries_ in _Cirencester_ at the time of
his death.
Bishop _Godwin_, in his Catalogue of the Bishops of _Lincoln_, maketh
mention of a passage of wit betwixt him and _Phillip Repington_ Bishop
of _Lincoln_, the latter sending the Challenge.
_Et niger & Nequam cum sis cognomine Nequam,
Nigrior esse potes, Nequior esse nequis_.
Both black and bad, whilest _Bad_ the name to thee,
Blacker thou may'st, but worse thou canst not be.
To whom _Nequam_ rejoyned,
Phi _not a foetoris_, Lippus _malus omnibus horis_,
Phi _malus_ & Lippus, _totus malus ergo_ Philippus.
Stinks are branded with a _Phi, Lippus_ Latin for blear-eye,
_Phi_ and _Lippus_ bad as either, then _Philippus_ worse together.
A Monk of St. _Albans_ made this Hexameter allusively to his Name:
_Dictus erat_ Nequam, _vitam duxit tamen aquam_.
The Elogy he bestoweth on that most Christian Emperor _Constantine_ the
Great, must not be forgot:
From _Colchester_ there rose a Star,
The Rays whereof gave Glorious Light
Throughout the world in Climates far,
Great _Constantine, Romes_ Emperor bright.
He was (saith one) Canon of _Exeter_, and (upon what occasion is not
known,) came to be buried at _Worcester_, with this Epitaph,
_Eclipsim patitur Sapientia, Sol sepelitur,
Cui si par unus, minus esset flebile funus;
Vir bene discretus, & in omni more facetus,
Dictus erat_ Nequam, _vitam duxit tamen æquam_.
Wisdom's eclips'd, Sky of the Sun bereft;
Yet less the loss if like alive were left;
A man discreet, in matters debonair,
Bad Name, black Face, but Carriage good and fair.
Yet others say he was buried at St. _Albans_ (where he found repulse
when living, but repose when dead) with this Epitaph,
Alexander, _cognomento_ Nequam, _Abbas_ Cirecestriæ,
_Literarum scientia clarus, obiit Anno Dom._ 1217. _Lit.
Dom. C. prid. Cal. Feb. & sepultus erat apud Fanum S._ Albani,
_sujus Animæ propitietur altissimus_, Amen.
* * * * *
_ALEXANDER ESSEBIE_.
This _Alexander_ was born in _Staffordshire_, say some; in
_Somersetshire_, say others; for which, each County might strive as
being a Jewel worth the owning, being reckoned among the chief of
_English_ Poets and Orators of that Age. He in imitation of _Ovid de
Fastis_, put our Christian Festivals into Verse, setting a Copy therein
to _Baptista Mantuan_. Then leaving _Ovid_, he aspired to _Virgil_, and
wrote the History of the Bible, (with the Lives of some Saints,) in an
Heroical Poem, which he performed even to admiration; and though he
fell short in part of _Virgil_'s lofty style, yet went he beyond
himself therein. He afterward became Prior of _Esseby-Abbey_, belonging
to the _Augustines_, and flourished under King _Henry_ the Third, _Anno
Dom._ 1220.
* * * * *
_ROBERT BASTON_.
_Robert Baston_ was born not far from _Nottingham_, and bred a
_Carmelite_ Frier at _Scarborough_ in _Yorkshire_: He was of such great
Fame in Poetry, that King _Edward_ the Second, in his _Scotish_
Expedition pitcht upon him to be the Celebrater of his Heroick Acts;
when being taken Prisoner by the _Scots_, he was forced by Torments to
change his Note, and represent all things to the advantage of _Robert
Bruce_, who then claimed the Crown of _Scotland_: This Task he
undertook full sore against his will, as he thus intimates in the two
first Lines.
In dreery Verse my Rymes I make,
Bewailing whilest such Theme I take.
Besides his Poem _De Belle Strivilensi_, there was published of his
writing a Book of Tragedies, with other Poems of various Subjects.
* * * * *
_HENRY BRADSHAW_.
_Henry Bradshaw_ was born in the City of _Chester_, and bred a
_Benedictine_ Monk in the Monastery of _St. Werburg_; the Life of which
Saint he wrote in Verse, as also (saith my Author) a no bad Chronicle,
though following therein those Authors, who think it the greatest Glory
of a Nation to fetch their Original from times out of mind. Take a
Taste of his Poetry in what he wrote concerning the Original of the
City of _Chester_, in these words;
The Founder of this City, as saith _Polychronicon_,
Was _Leon Gawer_, a mighty strong Gyant,
Which builded Caves and Dungeons many a one,
No goodly Building, ne proper, ne pleasant.
But King _Leir_, a _Britain_ fine and valiant,
Was Founder of _Chester_ by pleasant Building,
And was named _Guer Leir_ by the King.
These Lines, considering the Age he lived in, (which _Arnoldus Vion_
saith, was about the Year 1346.) may pass with some praise, but others
say he flourished a Century of years afterwards, _viz._ 1513. which if
so, they are hardly to be excused, Poetry being in that time much
refined; but whensoever he lived, _Bale_ saith, he was (the Diamond in
the Ring) _Pro ea ipsa ætate, admodum pius_.
* * * * *
_HAVILLAN_.
Should we forget the learned _Havillan_, our Book would be thought to
be imperfect, so terse and fluent was his Verse, of which we shall give
you two Examples, the one out of Mr. _John Speed_ his Description of
_Devonshire_, speaking of the arrival of _Brute_.
The God's did guide his Sail and Course, the Winds were at command,
And _Totness_ was the happy shore where first he came on land.
The other out of Mr. _Weever_ his Funeral Monuments in the Parish of
St. _Aldermanbury_ in _London_, speaking of _Cornwal_.
There Gyants whilome dwelt, whose Clothes were skins of Beasts;
Whose Drink was Blood; Whose Cups, to serve for use at Feasts,
Were made of hollow Wood; Whose Beds were bushy Thorns;
And Lodgings rocky Caves, to shelter them from Storms;
Their Chambers craggy Rocks; their Hunting found them Meat.
To vanquish and to kill, to them was pleasure great.
Their violence was rule; with rage and fury led,
They rusht into the fight, and fought hand over head.
Their Bodies were interr'd behind some bush or brake,
To bear such monstrous Wights, the earth did grone and quake.
These pestred most the Western Tract; more fear made thee agast,
O _Cornwall_, utmost door that art to let in _Zephyrus_ blast.
* * * * *
_JOHN GOWER_.
_John Gower_, whom some make to be a Knight, though _Stow_, in his
_survey of London_, unknighteth him, and saith he was only an Esquire;
however he was born of a knightly Family, at _Stitenham_ in the
North-Riding in _Bulmore-Wapentake_ in _Yorkshire_. He was bred in
_London_ a Student of the Laws, but having a plentiful Estate, and
prizing his pleasure above his profit, he quitted Pleading to follow
Poetry, being the first refiner of our _English_ Tongue, effecting
much, but endeavouring more therein, as you may perceive by the
difference of his Language, with that of _Robert of Glocester_, who
lived in the time of King _Richard_ the First, which notwithstanding
was accounted very good in those days.
This our _Gower_ was contemporary with the famous Poet _Geoffry
Chaucer_, both excellently learned, both great friends together, and
both alike endeavour'd themselves and employed their time for the
benefit of their Country. And what an account _Chaucer_ had of this our
_Gower_ and of his Parts, that which he wrote in the end of his Work,
entituled _Troilus & Cressida_, do sufficiently testifie, where he
saith,
O marvel, _Gower_, this Book I direct
To thee, and to the Philosophical _Strode_.
To vouchsafe, there need is, to correct
Of your benignitees and zeles good.
_Bale_ makes him _Equitem Auratum & Poetam Laureatum_, proving both
from his Ornaments on his Monumental Statue in St. _Mary Overies
Southwark_. Yet he appeareth there neither _laureated_ nor _hederated_
Poet, (except the leaves of the Bays and Ivy be wither'd to nothing,
since the erection of the Tomb) but only _rosated_, having a Chaplet of
four Roses about his Head, yet was he in great respect both with King
_Henry_ the Fourth, and King _Richard_ the Second, at whose request he
wrote his Book called _Confessio Amantis_, as he relateth in his
Prologue to the same Book, in these words,
As it befell upon a tide,
As thing, which should tho betide,
Under the town of New Troie,
Which toke of Brute his first ioye,
In Themese, when it was flowende,
As I by Bote came rowende;
So as fortune hir tyme sette,
My leige Lord perchance I mette,
And so befelle as I cam nigh,
Out of my Bote, when he me sigh,
He bad me come into his Barge,
And when I was with him at large,
Amonges other things seyde,
He hath this charge upon me leyde,
And bad me doe my businesse,
That to his high worthinesse,
Some newe thynge I should boke,
That he hymselfe it might loke,
After the forme of my writynge,
And this upon his commandynge
Myne herte is well the more glad
To write so as he me bad.
And eke my fear is well the lasse,
That none enuie shall compasse,
Without a reasonable wite
To seige and blame that I write,
A gentill hert his tongue stilleth,
That it malice none distilleth,
But preiseth that is to be preised,
But he that hath his word unpeised,
And handleth with ronge any thynge,
I praie unto the heuen kynge,
Froe such tonges he me shilde,
And nethelesse this worlde is wilde,
Of such ianglinge and what befall,
My kinges heste shall not faile,
That I in hope to deserue
His thonke, ne shall his will observe,
And els were I nought excused.
He was before _Chaucer_, as born and flourishing before him, (yea, by
some accounted his Master) yet was he after _Chaucer_, as surviving him
two years, living to be stark blind, and so more properly termed our
_English Homer_. His death happened _Anno_ 1402. and was buried at St.
_Mary Overies_ in _Southwark_, on the North side of the said Church, in
the Chappel of St. _John_, where he founded a Chauntry, and left Means
for a Mass, (such was the Religion of those times) to be daily sung for
him, as also an _Obit_ within the same Church to be kept on Friday
after the Feast of St. _Gregory_. He lieth under a Tomb of stone, with
his Image also of stone over him, the hair of his head auburn long to
his shoulders, but curling up, and a small forked beard; on his head a
Chaplet, like a Coronet of four Roses; an habit of purple, damasked
down to his feet, a Collar of Esses of Gold about his neck, which being
proper to places of Judicature, makes some think he was a Judge in his
old age. Under his feet the likeness of three Books, which he compiled,
the first named _Speculum Meditantis_, written in _French_: the second,
_Vox Clamantis_, penned in _Latine_: the third, _Confessio Amantis_,
written in _English_, which was Printed by _Thomas Berthelette_, and by
him dedicated to King _Henry_ the Eighth, of which I have one by me at
this present. His _Vox Clamantis_ with his _Cronica Tripartita_, and
other Works both in _Latine_ and _French_, _Stow_ saith he had in his
possession, but his _Speculum Meditantis_ he never saw, but heard
thereof to be in _Kent_.
Besides, on the Wall where he lieth, there was painted three Virgins
crowned, one of which was named _Charity_, holding this device,
_En toy qui es fitz de Dieu le Pere,
Sauue soit, qui gist sours cest pierre._
The second Writing _Mercy_, with this Decree,
_O bone Jesu fait ta mercy_,
_Al' ame, dont le corps gisticy._
The third Writing _Pity_, with this device,
_Pour ta pite Jesu regarde,
Et met cest a me en sauue garde._
And thereby formerly hung a Table, wherein was written, That whoso
prayed for the Soul of _John Gower_, so oft as he did it, should have a
M. and D. days of pardon.
His Arms were in a Field Argent, on a Cheveron Azure, three Leopards
heads gold, their tongues Gules, two Angels supporters, on the Crest a
Talbot.
His Epitaph.
_Armigeri Scultum nihil a modo fert sibi tutum,
Reddidit immolutum morti generale tributum,
Spiritus exutum se gaudeat esse solutum
Est ubi virtutum Regnum sine labe statutum_.
All I shall add is this, That about fifty years ago there lived at
_Castle-Heningham_ in _Essex_, a School-master named _John Gower_, who
wrote a witty Poem, called _the Castle Combate_, which was received in
that Age with great applause.
* * * * *
_GEOFFERY CHAUCER_.
Three several Places contend for the Birth of that famous Poet. 1.
_Berkshire_, from the words of _Leland_, that he was born _in
Barocensiprovincia_; and Mr. _Cambden_ avoweth that _Dunington-Castle_
nigh unto _Newbery_, was anciently his Inheritance. 2. _Oxfordshire_,
where _J. Pits_ is positive that his Father was a Knight, and that he
was born at _Woodstock_. 3. The Author of his Life, set forth 1602.
proveth him born in _London_, out of these his own words in the
_Testament of Love_.
Also in the City of London, that is to me so dear and sweet, in which I
was forth grown, and more kindly love have I to that place, than any
other in yerth, as every kindely creature hath full appetite to that
place of his kindly ingendure, and to wilne rest and peace in that
stede to abide, thilke peace should thus there have been broken, which
of all wise men is commended and desired.
For his Parentage, although _Bale_ writes, he termeth himself
_Galfridus Chaucer nobili loco natus, & fummæ spei juvenis_; yet in the
opinion of some Heralds (otherwise than his Virtues and Learning
commended him) he descended not of any great House, which they gather
by his Arms: And indeed both in respect of the Name, which is _French_,
as also by other Conjectures, it may be gathered, that his Progenitors
were Strangers; but whether they were Merchants (for that in places
where they have dwelled, the Arms of the Merchants of the Staple have
been seen in the Glass-windows) or whether they were of other Callings,
it is not much necessary to search; but wealthy no doubt they were, and
of good account in the Commonwealth, who brought up their Son in such
sort, that both he was thought fit for the Court at home, and to be
employed for Matters of State in Foreign Countries.
His Education, as _Leland_ writes, was in both the Universities of
_Oxford_ and _Cambridge_, as appeareth by his own words, in his Book
Entituled _The Court of Love_: And in _Oxford_ by all likelihood, in
_Canterbury_ or in _Merton_ Colledge, improving his Time in the
University, he became a witty Logician, a sweet Rhetorician, a grave
Philosopher, a holy Divine, a skilful Mathematician, and a pleasant
Poet; of whom, for the Sweetness of his Poetry, may be said that which
is reported of _Stesichorus_; and as _Cethegus_ was called _Suadæ
Medulla_, so may _Chaucer_ be rightly called the Pith and Sinews of
Eloquence, and the very Life it self of all Mirth and pleasant Writing.
Besides, one Gift he had above other Authors, and that is, by the
Excellencies of his Descriptions to possess his Readers with a stronger
imagination of seeing that done before their eyes which they read, than
any other that ever writ in any Tongue. But above all, his Book of
_Canterbury-Tales_, is most recommended to Posterity, which he maketh
to be spoken by certain Pilgrims who lay at the _Tabard_-Inn in
_Southwark_ as he declareth in the beginning of his said Book.
It befell in that season, on a day,
In Southwark, at the Tabert as I lay,
Ready to wend on my pilgrimage
To Canterbury, with full devout courage;
That night was comen into the Hosterie,
Well nine and twenty in a companie,
Of sundry folke, by adventure yfall
In fellowship, and Pilgrims were they all,
That toward Canterbury woulden ride;
The Stables and Chambers weren wide,
And well wee were eased at the best, &c.
By his Travel also in _France_ and _Flanders_, where he spent much time
in his young years, but more in the latter end of the Reign of King
_Richard_ the Second; he attained to a great perfection in all kind of
Learning, as _Bale_ and _Leland_ report of him: _Circa postremos_
Richardi _Secundi annos_, Galliis _floruit, magnamque illic ex assidua
in Literis exercitatione gloriam sibi comparavit. Domum reversus Forum_
Londinense; _& Collegia_ Leguleiorum, _qui ibidem Patria Jura
interpretantur frequentavit_, &c. About the latter end of King
_Richard_ the Second's Days, he flourished in _France_, and got himself
into high esteem there by his diligent exercise in Learning: After his
return home, he frequented the Court at _London_, and the Colledges of
the _Lawyers_, which there interpreted the Laws of the Land. Amongst
whom was _John Gower_, his great familiar Friend, whose Life we wrote
before. This _Gower_, in his Book entituled _Confessio Amantis_,
termeth _Chaucer_ a worthy Poet, and maketh him as it were the Judge of
his Works.
This our _Chaucer_ had always an earnest desire to enrich and beautifie
our _English_ Tongue, which in those days was very rude and barren; and
this he did, following the example of _Dantes_ and _Petrarch_. who had
done the same for the _Italian_ Tongue, _Alanus_ for the _French_, and
_Johannes Mea_ for the _Spanish_: Neither was _Chaucer_ inferior to any
of them in the performance hereof; and _England_ in this respect is
much beholding to him; as _Leland_ well noteth:
_Anglia_ Chaucerum _veneratur nostra Poetam_;
_Cui veneris debet Patria Lingua suas_.
Our _England_ honoureth _Chaucer_ Poet, as principal;
To whom her Country-Tongue doth owe her Beauties all.
He departed out of this world the _25th._ day of _October_ 1400, after
he had lived about seventy two years. Thus writeth _Bale_ out of
_Leland, Chaucerus ad Canos devenit, sensitque Senectutem morbum esse_;
_& dum Causas suas_ Londini _curaret_, &c. _Chaucer_ lived till he was
an old man, and found old Age to be grievous; and whilst he followed
his Causes at _London_, he died, and was buried at _Westminster_.
The old Verses which were written on his Grave at the first, were
these;
Galfridus Chaucer, _Vates & Fama Poesis,
Maternæ hæc sacra sum tumulatus humo_.
_Thomas Occleue_, or _Okelefe_, of the Office of the Privy Seal,
sometime Chaucer's Scholar, for the love he bore to the said _Geoffrey_
his Master, caused his Picture to be truly drawn in his Book, _De
Regimine Principis_, dedicated to _Henry_ the Fifth; according to
which, that his Picture drawn upon his Monument was made, as also the
Monument it self, at the Cost and Charges of _Nicolas Brigham_
Gentleman, _Anno_ 1555. who buried his Daughter _Rachel_, a Child of
four years of Age, near to the Tomb of this old Poet, the _21th_. of
_June_ 1557. Such was his Love to the Muses; and on his Tomb these
Verses were inscribed:
_Qui fuit_ Anglorum _Vates ter maximus olim_,
Galfridus Chaucer, _conditur hoc Tumulo,
Annum si quæras Domini, si tempora Mortis,
Ecce notæ subsunt, quæ tibi cuncta notant_;
25 Octobris 1400.
_Ærumnarum requies Mors_.
N. Brigham _hos fecit Musarum nomine sumptus_.
About the Ledge of the Tomb these Verses were written;
_Si rogitas quis eram, forsante Fama docebit,
Quod si Fama negat, Mundi quia Gloria transit,
Hæc Monumenta lege_.
The foresaid _Thomas Occleve_, under the Picture of _Chaucer_, had
these Verses:
Although his Life be queint, the resemblance
Of him that hath in me so fresh liveliness,
That to put other men in remembrance
Of his Person I have here the likeness
Do make, to the end in Soothfastness,
That they that of him have lost thought and mind,
By this peniture may again him find.
In his foresaid Book, _De Regimine Principis_, he thus writes of him:
But welaway is mine heart wo,
That the honour of _English_ Tongue is dead;
Of which I wont was counsaile haue and reed:
O Master dere, and Fadre reuerent:
My Master _Chaucer_ Floure of Eloquence,
Mirror of fructuous entendement:
O vniuersal fadre of Science:
Alas that thou thine excellent Prudence
In thy Bed mortal mightest not bequeath.
What eyl'd Death, alas why would she the fle?
O Death, thou didst not harm singler in slaughter of him,
But all the Land it smerteth;
But natheless yet hast thou no power his name flee,
But his vertue afterteth
Unslain fro thee; which ay us lifely herteth,
With Books of his ornat enditing,
That is to all this Land enlumining.
In another place of his said Book, he writes thus;
Alas my worthy Maister honourable,
This Land's very Treasure and Richess!
Death by thy Death hath harm irreparable
Unto us done: her vengeable duress
Dispoiled hath this Land of the sweetness
Of Rhetorige; for unto _Tullius_
Was never man so like among us:
Also who was here in Philosophy
To _Aristotle_, in our Tongue, but thee?
The Steps of _Virgil_ in Poesie,
Thou suedst eken men know well enough,
What combre world that thee my Master slough
Would I slaine were.
_John Lidgate_ likewise in his Prologue of _Bocchas_, of the _Fall of
Princes_, by him translated, saith thus in his Commendation:
My Master _Chaucer_, with his fresh Comedies,
Is dead alas, chief Poet of _Brittaine_,
That whilom made full pitous Tradgedies,
The faule of Princes he did complaine,
As he that was of making Soveraine;
Whom all this Land should of right preferre
Sith of our Language he was the load-sterre.
Also in his Book which he writeth of the Birth of the Virgin _Mary_, he
hath these Verses.
And eke my Master _Chaucer_ now is in grave,
The noble Rhetore, Poet of _Britaine_,
That worthy was the Laurel to have
Of Poetry, and the Palm attaine,
That made first to distill and raine
The Gold dew drops of Speech and Eloquence,
Into our Tongue through his Eloquence.
That excellent and learned _Scottish_ Poet _Gawyne Dowglas_ Bishop of
_Dunkeld_, in the Preface of _Virgil's Eneados_ turned into
_Scottish_ Verse, doth thus speak of _Chaucer_;
Venerable _Chaucer_, principal Poet without pere,
Heavenly Trumpet, orloge, and regulere,
In Eloquence, Baulme, Conduct, and Dyal,
Milkie Fountaine, Cleare Strand, and Rose Ryal,
Of fresh endite through _Albion_ Island brayed
In his Legend of Noble Ladies fayed.
And as for men of latter time, Mr._Ascham_ and Mr. _Spenser_ have
delivered most worthy Testimonies of their approving of him.
Mr._Ascham_, in one place calleth him _English Homer_, and makes no
doubt to say, that he valueth his Authority of as high estimation as he
did either _Sophocles_ or _Euripides_ in _Greek_. And in another place,
where he declareth his Opinion of _English_ Versifying, he useth these
Words; Chaucer _and_ Petrark _those two worthy Wits, deserve just
praise_. And last of all, in his Discourse of _Germany_, he putteth him
nothing behind either _Thucydides_ or _Homer_, for his lively
Descriptions of Site of Places, and Nature of Persons, both in outward
Shape of Body, and inward Disposition of Mind; adding this withal, That
not the proudest that hath written in any Tongue whatsoever, for his
time hath outstript him.
Mr. _Spenser_ in his first Eglogue of his _Shepherds Kalendar_, calleth
him _Tityrus_, the God of Shepherds, comparing him to the worthiness of
the _Roman Tityrus, Virgil_. In his _Fairy Queen_, in his Discourse of
Friendship, as thinking himself most worthy to be _Chaucer_'s friend,
for his like natural disposition that _Chaucer_ had; he writes, That
none that lived with him, nor none that came after him, durst presume
to revive _Chaucer_'s lost labours in that imperfect Tale of the
Squire, but only himself: which he had not done, had he not felt (as he
saith) the infusion of _Chaucer_'s own sweet Spirit surviving within
him. And a little before, he calls him the most Renowned and Heroical
Poet, and his Writings the Works of Heavenly Wit; concluding his
commendation in this manner:
_Dan Chaucer_ well of _English_ undefiled,
On Fames eternal Bead-roll worthy to be filed;
I follow here the footing of thy feet,
That with thy meaning so I may the rather meet.
Mr. _Cambden_, reaching one hand to Mr. _Ascham_, and the other to Mr.
_Spenser_, and so drawing them together, uttereth of him these words,
_De_ Homero _nostro_ Anglico _illud vere asseram, quod de_ Homero
_eruditus ille_ Italus _dixit_.
----_Hic ille est, cujus de gurgite sacro,
Combibit arcanos vatum omnis turba furores._
The deservingly honoured Sir _Philip Sidney_, in his _Defence of
Poesie_, thus writeth of him, Chaucer _undoubtedly did excellently in
his_ Troylus _and_ Crescid, _of whom truly I know not whether to marvel
more, either that he in that misty time could see so clearly or we in
this clear age walk so stumblingly after him._ And Doctor _Heylin_, in
his elaborate Description of the World, ranketh him in the first place
of our chiefest Poets. Seeing therefore that both old and new Writers
have carried this reverend conceit of him, and openly declared the same
by writing, let us conclude with _Horace_ in the eighth Ode of his
fourth Book;
_Dignum Laudi causa vetut mori_.
The Works of this famous Poet, were partly published in Print by
_William Caxton_, Mercer, that first brought the incomparable Art of
Printing into _England_, which was in the Reign of King _Henry_ the
Sixth. Afterward encreased by _William Thinne_, Esq; in the time of
King _Henry_ the Eighth. Afterwards, in the year 1561. in the Reign of
Queen _Elizabeth_, Corrected and Encreased by _John Stow_; And a fourth
time, with many Amendments, and an Explanation of the old and obscure
Words, by Mr. _Thomas Speight_, in _Anna_ 1597. Yet is he said to have
written many considerable Poems, which are not in his publish'd Works,
besides the _Squires Tale_, which is said to be compleat in
_Arundel-house_ Library.
* * * * *
_JOHN LYDGATE_.
_John Lydgate_ was born in a Village of the same name, not far off St.
_Edmondsbury_, a Village (saith _Cambden_) though small, yet in this
respect not to be passed over in silence, because it brought into the
World _John Lydgate_ the Monk, whose Wit may seem to have been framed
and fashioned by the very Muses themselves: so brightly reshine in his
_English_ Verses, all the pleasant graces and elegancy of Speech,
according to that Age. After some time spent in our _English_
Universities, he travelled through _France_ and _Italy_, improving his
time to his great accomplishment, in learning the Languages and Arts;
_Erat autem non solum elegans Poeta, & Rhetor disertus, verum etiam
Mathematicus expertus, Philosophus acutus, & Theologus non
contemnendus_: he was not only an elegant Poet, and an eloquent
Rhetorician, but also an expert Mathematician, an acute Philosopher,
and no mean Divine, saith _Pitseus_. After his return, he became Tutor
to many Noblemens Sons, and both in Prose and Poetry was the best
Author of his Age, for if _Chaucer's_ Coin were of greater Weight for
deeper Learning, _Lydgate's_ was of a more refined Stantard for purer
Language; so that one might mistake him for a modern Writer. But
because none can so well describe him as himself, take an Essay of his
Verses, out of his _Life and Death of_ Hector, _pag._ 316 and 317.
I am a Monk by my profession,
In _Berry_, call'd _John Lydgate_ by my name,
And wear a habit of perfection;
(Although my life agree not with the same)
That meddle should with things spiritual,
As I must needs confess unto you all.
But seeing that I did herein proceed
[A]At his command, whom I could not refuse,
I humbly do beseech all those that read,
Or leisure have, this story to peruse,
If any fault therein they find to be,
Or error, that committed is by me;
That they will of their gentleness take pain,
The rather to correct and mend the same,
Than rashly to condemn it with disdain,
For well I wot it is not without blame,
Because I know the Verse therein is wrong,
As being some too short and some too long.
For _Chaucer_, that my Master was, and knew
What did belong to writing Verse and Prose,
Ne're stumbled at small faults, nor yet did view
With scornful eye the Works and Books of those
That in his time did write, nor yet would taunt
At any man, to fear him or to daunt.
[Footnote A: _Hen._ 5.]
Now if you would know further of him, hear him in his Prologue to the
Story of _Thebes_, a Tale (as his Fiction is) which (or some other) he
was constrained to tell, at the command of mine Host of the _Tabard_ in
_Southwark_, whom he found in _Canterbury_, with the rest of the
Pilgrims which went to visit Saint _Thomas_ shrine.
This Story was first written in _Latine_ by _Geoffry Chaucer_, and
translated by _Lydgate_ into _English_ Verse, but of the Prologue of
his own making, so much as concerns himself, thus:
----While that the Pilgrims lay
At _Canterbury_, well lodged one and all,
I not in sooth what I may it call,
Hap or fortune, in conclusioun,
That me befell to enter into the Toun,
The holy Sainte plainly to visite,
After my sicknesse, vows to acquite.
In a Cope of blacke, and not of greene,
On a Palfrey slender, long, and lene,
With rusty Bridle, made not for the sale,
My man to forne with a voyd Male,
That by Fortune tooke my Inne anone
Where the Pilgrimes were lodged everichone,
The same time her governour the host
Stonding in Hall, full of wind and bost,
Liche to a man wonder sterne and fers,
Which spake to me, and said anon Dan _Pers_,
Dan _Dominick_, Dan _Godfray_, or _Clement_,
Ye be welcome newly into _Kent_:
Thogh your bridle have nother boos ne bell;
Beseeching you, that ye will tell
First of your name, and what cuntre
Without more shortly that ye be,
That looke so pale, all devoid of bloud,
Upon your head a wonder thred-bare Hood,
Well arrayed for to ride late:
I answered my Name was _Lydgate_
Monke of _Bury_, me fifty yeare of age,
Come to this Town to do my Pilgrimage
As I have hight, I have thereof no shame:
Dan _John_ (quoth he) well brouke ye your name,
Thogh ye be sole, beeth right glad and light,
Praying you to soupe with us this night;
And ye shall have made at your devis,
A great Pudding, or a round hagis,
A _Franche_ Moile, a Tanse, or a Froise,
To been a Monk slender is your [A]coise,
Ye have been sick I dare mine head assure,
Or let feed in a faint pasture.
Lift up your head, be glad, take no sorrow,
And ye should ride home with us to morrow,
I say, when ye rested have your fill.
After supper, sleep will doen none ill,
Wrap well your head, clothes round about,
Strong nottie Ale will make a man to rout;
Take a Pillow, that ye lye not low;
If nede be, spare not to blow;
To hold wind, by mine opinion,
Will engender colles passion,
And make men to greven on her [B]rops,
When they have filled her maws and her crops;
But toward night, eate some Fennell rede,
Annis, Commin, or Coriander-seed,
And like as I have power and might,
I charge you rise not at midnight,
Thogh it be so the Moon shine clere,
I will my self be your [C]Orlogere,
To morrow early, when I see my time,
For we will forth parcel afore prime,
Accompanie [D]parde shall do you good.
[Footnote A: Countenance.]
[Footnote B: Guts.]
[Footnote C: Clock.]
[Footnote D: Verily.]
But I have digressed too far: To return therefore unto _Lydgate_.
_Scripsit partim Anglice, partim Latine; partim Prosa, partim Versu
Libros numero plures, eruditione politissimos_. He writ (saith my
Author) partly _English_, partly _Latine_; partly in Prose, and partly
in Verse, many exquisite learned Books, saith _Pitseus_, which are
mentioned by him and _Bale_, as also in the latter end of _Chaucer's_
Works; the last Edition, amongst which are _Eglogues_, _Odes_,
_Satyrs_, and other Poems. He flourished in the Reign of _Henry_ the
Sixth, and departed this world (aged about 60 years) _circiter_ An.
1440. and was buried in his own Convent at _Bury_, with this Epitaph,
_Mortuus sæclo, superis Superstes,
Hic jacet_ Lydgate _tumulætus Urna:
Qui fuit quondam celebris_ Britannæ
_Fama Poesis_.
Dead in this World, living above the Sky,
Intomb'd within this Urn doth _Lydgate_ lie;
In former time fam'd for his Poetry,
All over _England_.
* * * * *
_JOHN HARDING_.
_John Harding_, our Famous _English_ Chronologer, was born (saith
_Bale_) in the Northern parts, and most likely in _Yorkshire_, being an
Esquire of an eminent Parentage. He was a man equally addicted to Arms
and Arts, spending his Youth in the one, and his Age in the other: His
first Military Employment was under _Robert Umfreuil_, Governor of
_Roxborough_-Castle, where he did good Service against the _Scots_.
Afterwards he followed the Standard of King _Edward_ the Fourth, to
whom he valiantly and faithfully adhered, not only in the Sun-shine of
his Prosperity, but also in his deepest Distress.
But what endeared him the most to his Favour, and was indeed the
Masterpiece of his Service, was his adventuring into _Scotland_; a
desperate Attempt, and performed not without the manifest hazarding of
his Life; where he so cunningly demeaned himself, and insinuated
himself so far into their Favour, as he got a sight of their Records
and Original Letters; a Copy of which he brought with him to _England_,
and presented the same to King _Edward_ the Fourth: Out of these he
collected a History of the several Submissions, and sacred Oaths of
Fealty openly taken from the time of King _Athelstane_, by the Kings of
_Scotland_; to the Kings of _England_, for the Crown of _Scotland_; a
Work which was afterwards made much use of by the _English_; although
the _Scotch_ Historians stickle with might and main, that such Homage
was performed only for the County of _Cumberland_, and some parcel of
Land their Kings had in _England_ South of _Tweed_.
Now as his Prose was very useful, so was his Poetry as much delightful;
writing a Chronicle of our _English_ Kings from _Brute_ to King
_Edward_ the Fourth, and that in _English_ Verse; for which he was
accounted one cf the chiefest Poets of his time; being so exactly done,
that by it Dr. _Fuller_ adjudges him to have drunk as deep a draught of
_Helicon_ as any in his Age: And another saying, that by the fame he
deservedly claimed a Seat amongst the chiefest of the Poetical Writers.
But to give you the better view of his Poetical Abilities, I shall
present you with some of his Chronicle-Verse, concerning the sumptuous
Houshold kept by King _Richard_ the Second, _cap._ 193.
Truly I herd Robert Ireleffe say,
Clarke of the Green-cloth, and that to the houshold
Came every daye, forth most part alway
Ten thousand folke, by his Messes told,
That followed the hous aye as thei wold.
And in the Kechin, three hundred Seruitours,
And in eche Office many Occupiours.
And Ladies faire, with their Gentleweomen
Chamberers also and Lauenders,
Three hundred of theim were occupied then;
There was great pride emong the Officers,
And of all men far passing their compeers;
Of rich arraye, and much more costeus,
Then was before, or sith, and more precious, &c.
This our Poet _Harding_ was living _Anno_ 1461. being then very aged;
and is judged to have survived not long after.
* * * * *
_ROBERT FABIAN_.
_Robert Fabian_ was born and bred in _London_ as witnesseth _Bale_ and
_Pits_; becoming one of the Rulers thereof, being chosen Sheriff,
_Anno_ 1493. He spent his time which he had spare from publick
Employments, for the benefit of posterity; writing two large
Chronicles: the one from _Brute_ to the Death of King _Henry_ the
Second; the other, from the First of King _Richard_, to the Death of
_Henry_ the Seventh. He was (saith my Author) of a merry disposition,
and used to entertain his Guests as well with good Discourse as good
Victuals: He bent his Mind much to the Study of Poetry; which according
to those times, passed for currant. Take a touch of his Abilities in
the Prologue to the second Volume of his Chronicle of _England_ and
_France_.
Now would I fayne,
In words playne,
Some Honour sayne,
And bring to mynde;
Of that auncient Cytye,
That so goodly is to se,
And full true ever hath be,
And also full kynde,
To Prince and Kynge
That hath borne just rulynge,
Syn the first winnynge
of this Hand by _Brute_.
So that in great honour
By passynge of many a showre,
It hath euer borne the flowre;
And laudable _Brute_, &c.
These Verses were made for the Honour of _London_; which he calleth
_Ryme Dogerel_, and at the latter end thereof, excuseth himself to the
Reader in these words:
Who so him lyketh these Versys to rede,
With favour I pray he will theym spell;
Let not the rudenes of theym hym lede
For to dispraue thys Ryme Dogerell:
Some part of the honour it doth you tell
Of this old Cytye _Troynouant_;
But not thereof the halfe dell;
Connyng in the Maker is so adaunt:
But though he had the Eloquence
Of _Tully_, and the Moralytye
Of _Seneck_, and the Influence
Of the swyte sugred _Armony_,
Or that faire Ladye _Caliope_,
Yet had he not connyng perfyght,
This Citye to prayse in eche degre
As that shulde duely aske by ryght.
Sir _John Suckling_, a prime Wit of his Age, in the Contest betwixt the
Poets for the Lawrel, maketh _Apollo_ to adjudge it to an Alderman of
_London_; in these words;
He openly declar'd it was the best sign
Of good store of Wit, to have good store of Coyne,
And without a syllable more or less said,
He put the Lawrel on the Alderman's Head.
But had the Scene of this Competition been laid a hundred and fifty
years ago, and the same remitted to the Umpirage of _Apollo_, in sober
sadness he would have given the Lawrel to this our Alderman.
He died at _London_, Anno 1511, and was buried at St. _Michael's_
Church in _Cornhil_, with this Epitaph;
_Like as the Day his Course doth consume,
And the new Morrow springeth again as fast;
So Man and Woman by Natures custom
This Life do pass; at last in Earth are cast,
In Joy and Sorrow, which here their Time do wast,
Never in one state, but in course transitory,
So full of change is of the World the Glory_.
Dr. _Fuller_ observeth, That none hath worse Poetry than Poets on their
Monuments; certainly there is no Rule without Exceptions; he himself
instancing to the contrary in his _England's Worthies_, by Mr.
_Drayton's_ Epitaph, and several others.
* * * * *
_JOHN SKELTON_.
_John Skelton_, the Poet Laureat in his Age, tho' now accounted only a
Rhymer, is supposed to have been born in _Norfolke_, there being an
ancient Family of that Name therein; and to make it the more probable,
he himself was Beneficed therein at _Dis_ in that County. That he was
Learned, we need go no further than to _Erasmus_ for a Testimony; who,
in his Letter to King _Henry_ the Eighth, stileth him, _Britanicarum
Literarum Lumen & Decus_. Indeed he had Scholarship enough, and Wit too
much: _Ejus Sermo_ (saith _Pitz._) _salsus in mordacem, risus in
opprobrium, jocus in amaritudinem_. Whoso reads him, will find he hath
a miserable, loose, rambling Style, and galloping measure of Verse: yet
were good poets so scarce in his Age, that he had the good fortune to
be chosen Poet Laureat, as he stiles himself in his Works, _The Kings
Orator, and Poet Laureat_.
His chief Works, as many as can be collected, and that out of an old
Printed Book, are these; _Philip Sparrow_, _Speak Parrot_, _The Death
of King_ Edward _the Fourth_, _A Treatise of the_ Scots, _Ware the
Hawk_, _The Tunning of_ Elianer Rumpkin: In many of which, following
the humor of the ancientest of our Modern Poets, he takes a Poetical
Liberty of being Satyrical upon the Clergy, as brought him under the
Lash of Cardinal _Woolsey_, who so persecuted him, that he was forced
to take Sanctuary at _Westminster_, where Abbot _Islip_ used him with
much respect. In this Restraint he died, _June_ 21, 1529. and was
buried in St. _Margaret's_ Chappel, with this Epitaph;
_J. Sceltanus Vates Pierius hic situs est_.
We must not forget, how being charg'd by some on his Death-bed for
begetting many Children on a Concubine which he kept, he protested,
that in his Conscience he kept her in the notion of a Wife, though such
his cowardliness, that he would rather confess Adultery, than own
Marriage, the most punishable at that time.
* * * * *
_WILLIAM LILLIE_.
To this _John Scelton_, we shall next present you with the Life of his
Contemporary and great Antagonist _William Lillie_, born at _Odiham_, a
great Market-Town in _Hantshire_; who to better his knowledge, in his
youth travelled to the City of _Jerusalem_, where having satisfied his
curiosity in beholding those sacred places where on our Saviour trode
when he was upon the Earth; he returned homewards, making some stay at
_Rhodes_, to study _Greek_. Hence he went to _Rome_, where he heard
_John Sulpitius_ and _Pomponius Sabinus_, great Masters of _Latine_ in
those days. At his return home, Doctor _John Collet_ had new builded a
fair School at the East-end of St. _Paul_'s, for 153 poor mens
Children, to be taught free in the same School; for which he appointed
a Master, an Usher, and a Chaplain, with large Stipends for ever;
committing the oversight thereof to the Masters, Wardens and Assistants
of the _Mercers_ in _London_, because he was Son to _Henry Collet_
Mercer, sometime Major; leaving for the Maintenance thereof, Lands to
the yearly value of 120_l_. or better; making this _William Lilly_
first Master thereof; which Place he commendably discharg'd for 15
years. During which time he made his _Latine_ Grammar, the Oracle of
Free Schools of _England_, and other Grammatical Works. He is said also
by _Bale_, to have written Epigrams, and other Poetry of various
Subjects in various _Latine_ Verse, though scarce any of them (unless
it be his _Grammar_) now extant, only Mr. _Stow_ makes mention of an
Epitaph made by him, and graven on a fair Tomb, in the midst of the
Chancel of St. _Paul_'s in _London_ containing these Words;
_Inclyta_ Joannes Londini _Gloria gentis,
Is tibi qui quondam_ Paule _Decanus erat,
Qui toties magno resonabat pectore Christum,
Doctor & Interpres fidus Evangelij:
Qui mores hominum multum sermone disertæ
Formarat, vitæ sed probitate magis:
Quique Scholam struxit celebrem cognomine_ Jesu,
_Hac dormit tectus membra_ Coletus _humo_.
_Floruit sub_ Henrico 7. & Henrico 8.
_Reg. Obiit_ An. Dom. 1519.
_Disce mori Mundo, vivere disce Deo_.
_John Skelton_ (whom we mentioned before) whose Writings were for the
most part Satyrical, mixing store of Gall and Copperas in his Ink,
having fell foul upon Mr. _Lilly_ in some of his Verses, _Lilly_
return'd him this biting Answer;
_Quid me_ Sceltone _fronte sic aperta
Carpis, vipereo potens veneno?
Quid Versus trutina, meos iniqua
Libras? Dicere vera num licebit?
Doctrinæ, tibi dum parare famam,
Et doctus fieri studes Poeta,
Doctrinam ne habes, nec es Poeta_.
With Face so bold, and Teeth so sharp,
Of Viper's venom, why dost carp?
Why are my Verses by thee weigh'd
In a false Scale? May Truth be said;
Whilst thou to get the more esteem,
_A Learned Poet_ fain wouldst seem,
_Skelton_, thou art, let all men know it,
Neither Learned, nor a Poet.
He died of the Plague, _Anno_ 1522, and was buried in St. _Paul's_,
with this Epitaph on a Brass Plate, fixed in the Wall by the great
North-Door:
Gulielmo Lilio, _Pauliæ Scholæ olim Præceptori primario, &_
Agnetæ _Conjugi, in sacratissimo hujus Templi Coemiterio hinc a
tergo nunc destructo consepultis_; Georgius Lilius, _hujus
Ecclesiæ Canonicus, Parentum Memoriæ pie consulens, Tabellam hanc
ab amicis conservatam, hic reponendam curavit._
* * * * *
_Sir THOMAS MORE_.
Sir _Thomas More_, a great Credit and Ornament in his Time, of the
_English_ Nation, and with whom the Learned'st Foreigners of that Age,
were proud to have correspondence, for his wit and excellent parts, was
born in _Milk-street_, London. _Anno Dom._ 1480. Son to Sir _John
More_, Knight, and one of the Justices of the _Kings Bench_.
He was bred first in the Family of Archbishop _Morton_, then in
_Canterbury_-Colledge in _Oxford_; afterwards removed to an Inn of
_Chancery_ in _London_, called _New-Inn_, and from thence to
_Lincolns-Inn_; where he became a double Reader. Next, his Worth
preferred him to be Judge in the Sheriff of _London's_, Court, though
at the same time a Pleader in others; and so upright was he therein,
that he never undertook any Cause but what appeared just to his
Conscience, nor never took Fee of Widow, Orphan, or poor Person.
King _Henry_ the Eighth coming to the Crown, first Knighted him, then
made him Chancellor of the Duchy of _Lancaster_, and not long after
L. Chancellor of _England_, in which place he demeaned himself with
great integrity, and with no less expedition; so that it is said, at
one time he had cleared all Suits depending on that Court: whereupon,
one thus versified on him,
When _More_ some years had Chancellor been,
No more Suits did remain;
The same shall never more be seen,
Till _More_ be there again.
He was of such excellency of Wit and Wisdom, that he was able to make
his Fortune good in whatsoever he undertook: and to this purpose it is
reported of him, that when he was sent Ambassador by his Master _Henry_
the Eighth into _Germany_, before he deliver'd his Embassage to the
Emperor, he bid one of his Servants to fill him a Beer-glass of Wine,
which he drunk off twice; commanding his Servant to bring him a third;
he knowing Sir _Thomas More_'s Temperance, that he was not used to
drink, at first refused to fill him another; telling Sir _Thomas_ of
the weight of his Employment: but he commanding it, and his Servant not
daring to deny him, he drank off the third, and then made his immediate
address to the Emperor, and spake his Oration in _Latine_, to the
admiration of all the Auditors. Afterwards Sir _Thomas_ merrily asking
his Man what he thought of his Speech? he said, that he deserved to
govern three parts of the World, and he believed if he had drunk the
other Glass, the Elegancy of his Language might have purchased the
other part of the World.
Being once at _Bruges_ in _Flanders_, an arrogant Fellow had set up a
_Thesis_, that he would answer any Question could be propounded unto
him in what Art soever. Of whom, when Sir _Thomas More_ heard, he
laughed, and made this Question to be put up for him to answer; Whether
_Averia capta in Withernamia sunt irreplegibilia_? Adding, That there
was an _Englishman_ that would dispute thereof with him. This bragging
_Thraso_, not so much as understanding the Terms of our Common Law,
knew not what to answer to it, and so became ridiculous to the whole
City for his presumptuous bragging.
Many were the Books which he wrote; amongst whom his _Utopia_ beareth
the Bell; which though not written in Verse, yet in regard of the great
Fancy and Invention thereof, may well pass for a Poem, it being the
_Idea_ of a compleat Commonwealth in an Imaginary Island (but pretended
to be lately discovered in _America_) and that so lively counterfeited,
that many at the reading thereof, mistook it for a real Truth: insomuch
that many great Learned men, as _Budeus_, and _Johannes Paludanus_ upon
a fervent zeal, wished that some excellent Divines might be sent
thither to preach Christ's Gospel: yea, there were here amongst us at
home, sundry good Men, and learned Divines, very desirous to undertake
the Voyage, to bring the People to the Faith of Christ, whose Manners
they did so well like.
Mr. Owen, the _Brittish_ Epigrammatist, on this Book of _Utopia_,
writeth thus;
More's _Utopia_ and _Mercurius Britanicus_.
_More_ shew'd the best, the worst World's shew'd by the:
Thou shew'st what is, and he shews what should be.
But at last he fell into the King's displeasure, touching the Divorce
of Queen _Katherine_, and for refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy;
for which he was committed to the Tower, and afterwards beheaded on
_Tower-Hill_, July 6, 1635, and buried at _Chelsey_ under a plain
Monument.
Those who desire to be further informed of this Learned Knight, let
them read my Book of _England's Worthies_, where his Life is set forth
more at large.
* * * * *
_HENRY HOWARD_ Earl of _Surrey_.
This Honourable Earl was Son to _Thomas Howard_ Duke of _Norfolk_, and
_Frances_ his Wife, the Daughter of _John Vere_ Earl of _Oxford_. He
was (saith _Cambden_) the first of our _English_ Nobility that did
illustrate his high Birth with the Beauty of Learning, and his Learning
with the knowledge of divers Languages, which he attained unto by his
Travels into foreign Nations; so that he deservedly had the particular
Fame of Learning, Wit and Poetical Fancy.
Our famous Poet _Drayton_, in his _England's Heroical Epistles_,
writing of this Noble Earl, thus says of him;
The Earl of _Surrey_, that renowned Lord,
Th'old _English_ Glory bravely that restor'd,
That Prince and Poet (a Name more divine)
Falling in Love with Beauteous _Geraldine_,
Of the _Geraldi_, which derive their Name
From _Florence_; whether to advance her Fame,
He travels, and in publick Justs maintain'd
Her Beauty peerless, which by Arms he gain'd.
In his way to _Florence_, he touch'd at the Emperor's Court; where he
fell in acquaintance with the great Learned _Cornelius Agrippa_, so
famous for Magick, who shewed him the Image of his _Geraldine_ in a
Glass, sick, weeping on her Bed, and resolved all into devout Religion
for the absence of her Lord; upon sight of which, he made this Sonnet.
All Soul, no earthly Flesh, why dost thou fade?
All Gold, no earthly Dross, why look'st thou pale?
Sickness, how dar'st thou one so fair invade?
Too base Infirmity to work her Bale.
Heaven be distempered since she grieved pines,
Never be dry these my sad plantive Lines.
Pearch thou my Spirit on her Silver Breasts,
And with their pains redoubled Musick beatings,
Let them toss thee to world where all toil rests,
Where Bliss is subject to no Fear's defeatings;
Her Praise I tune whose Tongue doth tune the Sphears,
And gets new Muses in her Hearers Ears.
Stars fall to fetch fresh light from her rich eyes,
Her bright Brow drives the Sun to Clouds beneath.
Her Hairs reflex with red strakes paints the Skies,
Sweet Morn and Evening dew flows from her breath:
_Phoebe_ rules Tides, she my Tears tides forth draws,
In her sick-Bed Love sits, and maketh Laws.
Her dainty Limbs tinsel her Silk soft Sheets,
Her Rose-crown'd Cheeks eclipse my dazled sight.
O Glass! with too much joy my thoughts thou greets,
And yet thou shew'st me day but by twilight.
Ile kiss thee for the kindness I have felt,
Her Lips one Kiss would unto _Nectar_ melt.
From the Emperor's Court he went to the City of _Florence_, the Pride
and Glory of _Italy_, in which City his _Geraldine_ was born, never
ceasing till he came to the House of her Nativity; and being shewn the
Chamber her clear Sun-beams first thrust themselves in this cloud of
Flesh, he was transported with an Extasie of Joy, his Mouth overflow'd
with _Magnificats_, his Tongue thrust the Stars out of Heaven, and
eclipsed the Sun and Moon with Comparisons of his _Geraldine_, and in
praise of the Chamber that was so illuminatively honoured with her
Radiant Conception, he penned this Sonnet:
Fair Room, the presence of sweet Beauties pride,
This place the Sun upon the Earth did hold,
When _Phaeton_ his Chariot did misguide,
The Tower where _Jove_ rain'd down himself in Gold,
Prostrate as holy ground Ile worship thee.
Our _Ladies Chappel_ henceforth be thou nam'd;
Here first _Loves Queen_ put on Mortality,
And with her Beauty all the world inflam'd.
Heaven's Chambers harbouring fiery Cherubins,
Are not with thee in Glory to compare.
Lightning, it is not Light which in thee mines,
None enter thee but streight entranced are.
O! if _Elizium_ be above the ground,
Then here it is, where nought but Joy is found.
That the City of _Florence_ was the ancient Seat of her Family, he
himself intimates in one of his Sonnets: thus;
From _Tuscan_ came my Ladies worthy Race;
Fair _Florence_ was sometimes her ancient Seat,
The Weltern Isle, whose pleasant Shoar doth face,
Whilst _Camber's_ Cliffs did give her lively heat.
In the Duke of _Florence's_ Court he published a proud Challenge
against all Comers, whether _Christians_, _Turks_, _Canibals_, _Jews_,
or _Saracens_, in defence of his _Geraldines_ Beauty. This Challenge
was the more mildly accepted, in regard she whom he defended, was a
Town-born Child of that City; or else the Pride of the _Italian_ would
have prevented him ere he should have come to perform it. The Duke of
_Florence_ nevertheless sent for him, and demanded him of his Estate,
and the reason that drew him thereto; which when he was advertiz'd of
to the full, he granteth all Countries whatsoever, as well Enemies and
Outlaws, as Friends and Confederates, free access and regress into his
Dominions immolested, until the Trial were ended.
This Challenge, as he manfully undertook, so he as valiantly performed;
as Mr. _Drayton_ describes it in his Letter to the Lady _Geraldine_.
The shiver'd Staves here for thy Beauty broke,
With fierce encounters past at every shock,
When stormy Courses answer'd Cuff for Cuff,
Denting proud Beavers with the Counter-buff;
Which when each manly valiant Arm essays,
After so many brave triumphant days,
The glorious Prize upon my Lance I bare,
By Herald's Voyce proclaim'd to be thy share.
The Duke of _Florence_ for his approved Valour, offered him large
Proffers to stay with him; which he refused: intending, as he had done
in _Florence_, to proceed through all the chief Cities in _Italy_; but
this his Purpose was frustrated, by Letters sent to him from his Master
King _Henry_ the _8th._ which commanded him to return as speedily as
possibly he could into _England_.
Our famous _English_ Antiquary _John Leland_, speaking much in the
praise of Sir _Thomas Wiat_ the Elder, as well for his Learning, as
other excellent Qualities, meet for a man of his Calling; calls this
Earl the conscript enrolled Heir of the said Sir _Thomas Wiat_: writing
to him in these words;
_Accipe Regnorum Comes illustrissime Carmen,
Quo mea Musa tuum laudavit moesta Viallum_.
And again, in another place,
_Perge_, Houerde, _tuum virtute referre Viallum,
Dicerisque tuæ clarissima Gloria stirpis_.
A certain Treatise called _The Art of_ English _Poetry_, alledges,
_That Sir_ Thomas Wiat _the Elder, and_ Henry _Earl of_ Surrey _were
the two Chieftains, who having travelled into_ Italy, _and there tasted
the sweet and stately Measures and Style of the_ Italian _Poesie,
greatly polished our rude and homely manner of vulgar Poesie from what
it had been before; and may therefore justly be shewed to be the
Reformers of our_ English _Meeter and Style_.
I shall only add an Epitaph made by this Noble Earl on Sir _Anthony
Denny_, Knight (a Gentleman whom King _Henry_ the _8th._ greatly
affected) and then come to speak of his Death.
Death and the King did as it were contend,
Which of them two bare _Denny_ greatest Love;
The King to shew his Love, gan far extend,
Did him advance his Betters far above:
Near Place, much Wealth, great Honour eke him gave,
To make it known what Power great Princes have.
But when Death came with his triumphant Gift,
From worldly Cark he quit his wearied Ghost,
Free from the Corps, and streight to Heaven it lift,
Now deem that can who did for _Denny_ most;
The King gave Wealth, but fading and unsure,
Death brought him Bliss that ever shall endure.
But to return, this Earl had together with his Learning, Wisdom,
Fortitude, Munificence, and Affability; yet all these good and
excellent parts were no protection against the King's Displeasure; for
upon the _12th_ of _December_, the last of King _Henry_ the _8th._ he,
with his Father _Thomas_ Duke of _Norfolk_, upon certain surmises of
Treason, were committed to the Tower of _London_, the one by Water, the
other by Land; so that the one knew not of the others Apprehension: The
_15th._ day of _January_ next following, he was arraigned at Guildhall,
_London_, where the greatest matter alledged against him, was, for
bearing certain Arms that were said belonged to the King and Prince;
the bearing whereof he justified. To be short, (for so they were with
him) he was found guilty by twelve common Juriars, had Judgment of
Death; and upon the _19th_ day of the said Month (nine days before the
Death of the said King _Henry_, was beheaded at _Tower-Hill_) He was at
first interred in the Chappel of the Tower, and afterwards, in the
Reign of King _James_, his Remainders of Ashes and Bones were removed
to _Framingham_ in _Suffolk_, by his second Son _Henry_ Earl of
_Northampton_, where in the Church they were interred, with this
Epitaph;
Henrico Howardo, Thomæ _Secundi Ducis_ Norfolciæ _filio
primogenito_, Thomæ _tertij Patri, Comiti_ Surriæ, _&
Georgiani Ordinis Equiti Aurato, immature Anno Salutis 1546,
abrepto. Et_ Francisæ _Uxori ejus, filiæ_ Johannis
_Comitis_ Oxoniæ. Henricus Howardus _Comes_
Northhamptoniæ, _filius secundo genitus, hoc supremum Pietatis in
Parentes Monumentum posuit_, A.D. 1614.
* * * * *
Sir _THOMAS WIAT_ the Elder.
This worthy Knight is termed by the Name of the Elder, to distinguish
him from Sir _Thomas Wiat_ the raiser of the Rebellion in the time of
Queen _Mary_, and was born at _Allington_ Castle in the County of
_Kent_; which afterwards he repaired with most beautiful Buildings. He
was a Person of great esteem and reputation in the Reign of King
_Henry_ the _8th._ with whom, for his honesty and singular parts, he
was in high favour. Which nevertheless he had like to have lost about
the Business of Queen _Anne Bullein_; but by his Innocency, Industry
and Prudence, he extricated himself.
He was one of admirable ingenuity, and truly answer'd his Anagram,
_Wiat_, a Wit, the judicious Mr. _Cambden_ saith he was.
_Eques Auratus splendide doctus_.
And though he be not taken notice of by _Bale_ nor _Pits_, yet for his
admirable Translation of _David's_ Psalms into _English_ Meeter, and
other Poetical Writings, _Leland_ forbears not to compare him to
_Dante_ and _Petrarch_, by giving him this large commendation.
_Bella suum merito jactet_ Florentia Dantem
_Regia_ Petrarchæ _carmina_ Roma _probat_,
_His non inferior Patrio Sermone_ Viattus
_Eloquii secum qui decus omne tulit_.
Let _Florence_ fair her _Dantes_ justly boast,
And royal _Rome_ her _Petrarchs_ number'd feet,
In _English Wiat_ both of them doth coast:
In whom all graceful eloquence doth meet.
The renowned Earl of _Surrey_ in an _Encomium_ upon his Translation of
_David's_ Psalms, thus writes of him,
What holy Grave, what worthy Sepulcher,
To _Wiat's_ Psalms shall Christians purchase then?
And afterward, upon his death, the said Earl writeth thus:
What Vertues rare were temper'd in thy brest?
Honour that _England_ such a Jewel bred,
And kiss the ground whereas thy Corps did rest, _&c._
This worthy Knight being sent Ambassador by King _Henry_ the Eighth to
_Charles_ the Fifth Emperor, then residing in _Spain_, died of the
Pestilence in the West Country, before he could take Shipping, _Anno_
1541.
* * * * *
Dr. _CHRISTOPHER TYE_.
In the writing this Doctors Life, we shall principally make use for
Directions of Mr. _Fuller_, in his _England's Worthies_, fol. 244. He
flourished (saith he) in the Reign of King _Henry_ the Eighth, and King
_Edward_ the Sixth, to whom he was one of the Gentlemen of their
Chappel, and probably the Organist. Musick, which received a grievous
wound in _England_ at the dissolution of Abbeys, was much beholding to
him for her recovery; such was his excellent Skill and Piety, that he
kept it up in Credit at Court, and in all Cathedrals during his life:
He translated _the Acts of the Apostles_ into Verse, and let us take a
tast his Poetry.
In the former Treatise to thee,
dear friend _Theophilus_,
I have written the veritie
of the Lord Christ Jesus,
Which he to do and eke to teach,
began until the day;
In which the Spirit up did him fetch
to dwell above for aye.
After that he had power to do
even by the Holy Ghost:
Commandements then he gave unto
his chosen least and most.
To whom also himself did shew
from death thus to revive;
By tokens plain unto his few
even forty days alive.
Speaking of God's kingdom with heart
chusing together them,
Commanding them not to depart
from that _Jerusalem_.
But still to wait on the promise
of his Father the Lord,
Of which you have heard me e're this
unto you make record.
Pass we now (saith he) from his Poetry, (being Musick in words) to his
Musick, (being Poetry in sounds) who set an excellent Composition of
Musick in four parts, to the several Chapters of his aforenamed Poetry,
dedicating the same to King _Edward_ the Sixth, a little before his
death, and Printed it _Anno Dom._ 1353. He also did Compose many
excellent _Services_ and _Anthems_ of four and five parts, which were
used in Cathedrals many years after his death, the certain date whereof
we cannot attain to.
* * * * *
_JOHN LELAND_.
This famous Antiquary, Mr. _John Leland_, flourish'd in the year 1546.
about the beginning of the Reign of King _Edward_ the Sixth, and was
born by most probable conjecture at _London_. He wrote, among many
other Volumes, several Books of Epigrams, his _Cigneo Cantio_, a
Genethliac of Prince _Edward_, _Naniæ_ upon the death of Sir _Thomas
Wiat_, out of which we shall present you with these Verses:
_Transtulit in nostram_ Davidis _carmina linguam,
Et numeros magna reddidit arte pares.
Non morietur opus tersum, spectabile sacrum,
Clarior hac fama parte_ Viattus _erit.
Una dies geminos Phoenices non dedit orbi,
Mors erit unius, vita sed alterius.
Rara avis in terris confectus morte_ Viattus,
Houerdum _hæredem scripserat ante suum.
Dicere nemo potest recte periisse_ Viattum,
_Ingenii cujus tot monimenta vigent_.
He wrote also several other things both in Prose and Verse, to his
great fame and commendation.
* * * * *
_THOMAS CHURCHYARD_.
_Thomas Churchyard_ was born in the Town of _Shrewsbury_, as himself
doth affirm in his Book made in Verse of the _Worthiness of Wales_,
taking _Shropshire_ within the compass, (to use his own Expression)
_Wales_ the _Park_, and the _Marches_ the _Pale_ thereof. He was one
equally addicted to Arts and Arms, serving under that renowned Captain
Sir _William Drury_, in a rode he made into _Scotland_, as also under
several other Commanders beyond Sea, as he declares in his _Tragical
Discourse of the Unhappy Mans Life_, saying,
Full thirty years both Court and Wars I tryde,
And still I sought acquaintance with the best,
And served the State, and did such hap abide
As might befal, and Fortune sent the rest,
When Drum did sound, I was a Soldier prest
To Sea or Land, as Princes quarrel stood,
And for the same full oft I lost my blood.
But it seems he got little by the Wars but blows, as he declares
himself a little after.
But God he knows, my gain was small I weene,
For though I did my credit still encrease,
I got no wealth by wars, ne yet by peace.
Yet it seems he was born of wealthy friends, and had an Estate left
unto him, as in the same Work he doth declare.
So born I was to House and Land by right,
But in a Bag to Court I brought the same,
From _Shrewsbury_-Town, a seat of ancient fame.
Some conceive him to be as much beneath a Poet as above a Rymer, yet
who so shall consider the time he wrote in, _viz._ the beginning of the
Reign of Queen _Elizabeth_, shall find his Verses to go abreast with
the best of that Age. His Works, such as I have seen and have now in
custody, are as followeth:
_The Siege of_ Leith.
_A Farewel to the World_.
_A feigned Fancy of the Spider and the Goat_.
_A doleful Discourse of a Lady and a Knight_.
_The Road into_ Scotland, _by Sir_ William Drury.
_Sir_ Simon Burley'_s Tragedy_.
_A Tragical Discourse of the Vnhappy Mans Life_.
_A Discourse of Vertue_.
Churchyard'_s Dream_.
_A Tale of a Fryar and a Shoomaker's wife_.
_The Siege of_ Edenborough-_Castle_.
_Queen_ Elizabeth'_s Reception into_ Bristol.
These Twelve several Treatises he bound together, calling them
_Church-yard's Chips_, and dedicated them to Sir _Christopher Hatton_.
He also wrote the Falls of _Shore_'s Wife and of Cardinal _Wolsey_;
which are inserted into the Book of _the Mirrour for Magistrates_.
Thus, like a stone, did he trundle about, but never gather'd any Moss,
dying but poor, as may be seen by his Epitaph in Mr. _Cambden's
Remains_, which runs thus;
Come _Alecto_, lend me thy Torch,
To find a _Church-yard_ in a Church-porch:
_Poverty_ and _Poetry_ his Tomb doth enclose,
Wherefore good Neighbours be merry in prose.
His death, according to the most probable conjecture, may be presumed
about the eleventh year of the Queen's Reign, _Anno Dom._ 1570.
* * * * *
_JOHN HIGGINS_.
_John Higgins_ was one of the chief of them who compiled the History of
_the Mirrour of Magistrates_, associated with Mr. _Baldwin_, Mr.
_Ferrers_, _Thomas Churchyard_, and several others, of which Book Sir
_Philip Sidney_ thus writes in his _Defence of Poesie_, _I account the_
Mirrour of Magistrates _meetly furnished of beautiful parts_. These
Commendations coming from so worthy a person, our _Higgins_ having so
principal a share therein, deserves a principal part of the praise. And
how well his deservings were, take an essay of his Poetry in his
induction to the Book.
When Summer sweet with all her pleasures past,
And leaves began to leave the shady tree,
The Winter cold encreased on full fast,
And time of year to sadness moved me:
For moisty blasts not half so mirthful be,
As sweet _Aurora_ brings in Spring-time fair,
Our joys they dim as Winter damps the air.
The Nights began to grow to length apace,
Sir _Phoebus_ to th'Antartique 'gan to fare:
From _Libra_'s lance, to the _Crab_ he took his race
Beneath the Line, to lend of light a share.
For then with us the days more darkish are,
More short, cold, moist, and stormy, cloudy, clit,
For sadness more than mirths or pleasures fit.
Devising then what Books were best to read,
Both for that time, and sentence grave also,
For conference of friend to stand in stead,
When I my faithful friend was parted fro;
I gat me strait the Printers shops unto,
To seek some Work of price I surely ment,
That might alone my careful mind content.
And then he declareth how there he found the first part of this Mirrour
for Magistrates, which yet took beginning from the time of King
_Richard_ the Second; But he knowing many Examples of famous persons
before _William_ the Conquerour, which were wholly omitted, he set upon
the Work, and beginning from _Brute_, continued it to _Aurelius
Bassianus Caracalla_ Emperour of _Rome_, about the year of Christ 209.
shewing in his Writings a great deal of Wisdom and Learning. He
flourished about the beginning of the Reign of Queen _Elizabeth_.
* * * * *
_ABRAHAM FRAUNCE_.
This _Abraham Fraunce_, a Versifier, about the same time with _John
Higgins_, was one who imitated _Latine_ measure in _English_ Verse,
writing a Pastoral, called _the Countess of_ Pembroke's _Ivy-church_,
and some other things in Hexameter, some also in Hexameter and
Pentameter; He also wrote _the Countess of_ Pembroke's _Emanuel_,
containing the Nativity, Passion, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ,
together with certain Psalms of _David_, all in _English_ Hexameters.
Nor was he altogether singular in this way of writing, for Sir _Philip
Sidney_ in the Pastoral Interludes of his _Arcadia_, uses not only
these, but all other sorts of _Latine_ measure, in which no wonder he
is followed by so few, since they neither become the _English_, nor any
other modern Language.
He began also the Translation of _Heliodorus_ his _Æthiopick_ History,
in the same kind of Verse, of which, to give the Reader the better
divertisement, we shall present you with a tast.
As soon as Sun-beams could once peep out fro the Mountains,
And by the dawn of day had somewhat lightned _Olympus_,
Men, whose lust was law, whose life was still to be lusting,
Whose thriving thieving, convey'd themselves to an hill top,
That stretched forward to the _Heracleotica_ entry
And mouth of _Nylus_; looking thence down to the main sea
For sea-faring men; but seeing none to be sailing,
They knew 'twas bootless to be looking there for a booty:
So that strait fro the sea they cast their eyes to the sea-shore;
Where they saw, that a Ship very strangely without any ship man,
Lay then alone at road, with Cables ty'd to the main-land,
And yet full fraighted, which they, though far, fro the hill-top,
Easily might perceive by the water drawn to the deck-boards, _&c._
His _Ivy-Church_ he dedicated to the _Countess of Pembroke_, in which
he much vindicated his manner of writing, as no Verse fitter for it
then that; he also dedicated his _Emanuel_ to her, which being but two
lines take as followeth:
_Mary_ the best Mother sends her best Babe to a _Mary:
Lord_ to a _Ladies_ sight, and _Christ_ to a _Christian_.
When he died, we cannot find, but suppose it to be about the former
part of Queen _Elizabeth's_ Reign.
* * * * *
_WILLIAM WARNER_.
_William Warner_, one of principal esteem in his time, was chiefly
famous for his _Albion's England_, which he wrote in the old-fashioned
kind of seven-footed Verse, which yet sometimes is in use, though in
different manner, that is to say, divided into two: He wrote also
several Books in prose, as he himself witnesseth, in his Epistle to the
Reader, but (as we said before) his _Albion's England_ was the
chiefest, which he deduced from the time of _Noah_, beginning thus:
I tell of things done long ago, of many things in few:
And chiefly of this Clime of ours, the accidents pursue.
Thou high director of the same, assist mine artless Pen,
To write the Jests of _Brutons_ stout, and Arts of _English-men_.
From thence he proceeds to the peopling of the Earth by the Sons of
_Noah_, intermixing therein much variety of Matter, not only pleasant,
but profitable for the Readers understanding of what was delivered by
the ancient Poets, bringing his Matter succinctly to the Siege of
_Troy_, and from thence to the coming of _Brute_ into this Island; and
so, coming down along the chiefest matters, touched of our _British_
Historians, to the Conquest of _England_ by Duke _William_, and from
him the Affairs of the Land to the beginning of Queen _Elizabeth_;
where he concludeth thus,
_Elizabeth_ by peace, by war, for majesty, for mild,
Enrich'd, fear'd, honour'd, lov'd, but (loe) unreconcil'd,
The _Muses_ check my saucy Pen, for enterprising her,
In duly praising whom, themselves, even _Arts_ themselves might err.
_Phoebus_ I am, not _Phaeton_, presumptuously to ask
What, shouldst thou give, I could not guide; give not me thy task,
For, as thou art _Apollo_ too, our mighty subjects threats
A _non plus_ to thy double power:
_Vel volo, vel nollem_.
I might add several more of his Verses, to shew the worth of his Pen,
but the Book being indifferent common, having received several
Impressions, I shall refer the Reader, for his further satisfaction, to
the Book itself.
* * * * *
_THOMAS TUSSER_.
_Thomas Tusser_ (a person well known by his Book of Husbandry) was born
at _Rinen-hall_ in _Essex_, of an ancient Family, but now extinct;
where, when but young, his Father, designing him for a Singing-man, put
him to _Wallingford_-School, where how his Misfortunes began in the
World, take from his own Pen.
O painful time, for every crime,
What toosed ears, like baited Bears,
What bobbed lips, what yerks, what nips,
What hellish toys?
What Robes so bare, what Colledge-fare?
What Bread how stale, what penny Ale?
Then _Wallingford_, how wer't thou abhorr'd,
Of silly boys?
From thence he was sent to learn Musick at _Pauls_ with one _John
Redford_, an excellent Musician; where, having attained some skill in
that Art, he was afterwards sent to _Eaton_-School, to learn the
_Latine_ Tongue, where, how his Miseries encreas'd, let himself speak.
From _Pauls_ I went, to _Eaton_ sent,
To learn straightways the _Latine_ phrase,
Where fifty three stripes given to me,
At once I had,
For fault but small, or none at all,
It came to pass thus beat I was,
See _Udal_, see, the mercy of thee
To me poor Lad.
Having attained to some perfection in the _Latine_ Tongue, he was sent
to _Trinity-Hall_ in _Cambridge_, where he had not continued long, but
he was vexed with extream sickness, whereupon he left the University,
and betook himself to Court, and lived for a while under the Lord
_Paget_, in King _Edward_ the Sixth's days; when, the Lords falling at
dissention, he left the Court, and went to _Suffolk_, where he married
his first Wife, and took a Farm at _Ratwade_ in that County, where he
first devised his Book of Husbandry, but his Wife not having her health
there, he removed from thence to _Ipswich_ and soon after buried her.
Not long after he married again to one Mrs. _Amy Moon_, upon whose Name
he thus versified:
I chanced soon to find a _Moon_,
Of chearful hue;
Which well and fine me thought did shine,
And never change, a thing most strange,
Yet keep in sight her course aright,
And compass true.
Being thus married he betook himself again to Husbandry, and hired a
Farm, called _Diram Cell_, and there he had not lived long, but his
Landlord died, and his Executors falling at variance, and now one
troubled him, and then another, whereupon he left _Diram_, and went to
_Norwich_, turning a Singing-man under Mr. _Salisbury_, the Dean
thereof; There he was troubled with a _Dissury_, so that in a 138 Hours
he never made a drop of Water. Next he hired a Parsonage at _Fairstead_
in _Essex_, but growing weary of that he returned again to _London_,
where he had not lived long, but the Pestilence raging there, he
retired to _Cambridge_: Thus did he roul about from place to place,
but, like _Sisiphus_ stone, could gather no Moss whithersoever he went:
He was successive a Musician, Schoolmaster, Servingman, Husbandman,
Grasier, Poet, more skilful in all, than thriving in any Vocation. He
traded at large in Oxen, Sheep, Dairies, Grain of all kinds, to no
profit. He spread his Bread with all sorts of Butter, yet none would
stick thereon. So that he might say with the Poet,
--_Monitis sum minor ipse meis_.
None being better at the _Theory_, or worse at the _Practice_ of
Husbandry, and may be fitly match'd with _Thomas Churchyard_, they
being mark'd alike in their Poetical parts, living in the same time,
and statur'd both alike in their Estates, and that low enough in all
reason. He died in _London_, _Anno Dom._ 1580. and was buried at St.
_Mildred's_-Church in the _Poultrey_, with this Epitaph:
Here _THOMAS TUSSER_, clad in earth doth lie,
That sometime made the Points of Husbandry:
By him then learn thou may'st, here learn we must,
When all is done, we sleep, and turn to dust:
And yet, through Christ, to Heaven we hope to go,
Who reads his Books, shall find his Faith was so.
* * * * *
_THOMAS STORER_.
_Thomas Storer_ was a great writer of Sonnets, Madrigals, and Pastoral
Airs, in the beginning of Q. _Elizabeth's_ Reign, and no doubt was
highly esteemed in those days, of which we have an account of some of
them in an old Book, called _England's Hellicon_. This kind of writing
was of great esteem in those days, and much imitated by _Thomas
Watson_, _Bartholomew Yong_, Dr. _Lodge_, and several others. What time
he died is to me unknown.
* * * * *
_THOMAS LODGE_.
_Thomas Lodge_, a Doctor of Physick, flourish'd also about the
beginning of the Reign of Queen _Elizabeth_; He was also an eminent
Writer of Pastoral Songs, Odes, and Madrigals. This following Sonnet is
said to be of his composing.
If I must die, O let me chuse my Death:
Suck out my Soul with Kisses, cruel Maid!
In thy Breasts Crystal Balls embalm my Breath,
Dole it all out in sighs when I am laid;
Thy Lips on mine like Cupping-glasses clasp;
Let our Tongues meet, and strive as they would sting:
Crush out my Wind with one straight girting Grasp,
Stabs on my Heart keep time whilst thou dost sing.
Thy Eyes like searing-Irons burn out mine;
In thy fair Tresses stifle me outright:
Like _Circes_, change me to a loathsom Swine,
So I may live for ever in thy sight.
Into Heavens Joys can none profoundly see,
Except that first they meditate on thee.
Contemporary with Dr. _Lodge_, were several others, who all of them
wrote in the same strain, as _George Gascoigne_, _Tho. Hudson_, _John
Markham_, _Tho. Achely_, _John Weever_, _Chr. Midleton_, _George
Turbervile_, _Henry Constable_, Sir _Edward Dyer_, _Charles Fitz
Geoffry_. Of these _George Gascoigne_ wrote not only Sonnets, Odes and
Madrigals, but also something to the Stage: as his _Supposes_, a
Comedy; _Glass of Government_, a Tragi-Comedy; and _Jocasta_, a
Tragedy.
But to return to Dr. _Lodge_; we shall only add one Sonnet more, taken
out of his _Euphues Golden Legacy_, and so proceed to others.
Of all chaste Birds, the _Phoenix_ doth excel;
Of all strong Beasts, the _Lion_ bears the Bell:
Of all sweet Flowers, the Rose doth sweetest smell;
Of all fair Maids, my _Rosalind_ is fairest.
Of all pure Metals, _Gold_ is only purest;
Of all high Trees, the _Pine_ hath highest Crest;
Of all soft _Sweets_, I like my Mistress best:
Of all chaste Thoughts my Mistress Thoughts are rarest.
Of all proud Birds, the _Eagle_ pleaseth _Jove_,
Of pretty Fowls, kind _Venus_ likes the _Dove_:
Of Trees, _Minerva_ doth the _Olive_ love,
Of all sweet Nymphs, I honour _Rosalinde_,
Of all her Gifts, her _Wisdom_ pleaseth most:
Of all her Graces, _Virtue_ she doth boast;
For all the Gifts, my Life and Joy is lost,
If _Rosalinde_ prove cruel and unkind.
* * * * *
_ROBERT GREENE_.
_Robert Greene_ (that great Friend to the _Printers_ by his many
Impressions of numerous Books) was by Birth a Gentleman, and sent to
study in the University of _Cambridge_; where he proceeded Master of
Art therein. He had in his time sipped of the Fountain of _Hellicon_,
but drank deeper Draughts of Sack, that _Helliconian_ Liquor, whereby
he beggar'd his Purse to enrich his Fancy; writing much against
Viciousness, but too vicious in his Life. He had to his Wife a
Virtuous Gentlewoman, whom yet he forsook, and betook himself to a high
course of Living; to maintain which, he made his Pen mercenary, making
his Name very famous for several Books which he wrote, very much taking
in his time, and in indifferent repute amongst the vulgar at this
present; of which, those that I have seen, are as followeth) Euphues
_his Censure to_ Philautus; Tullies _Love_, _Philomela_, _The Lady_
Fitz-waters _Nightingale_, _A Quip for an upstart Courtier_, _the
History of_ Dorastus _and_ Fawnia, Green's _never too late_, first and
second Part; Green's _Arcadia_, Green _his Farewell to Folly_, Greene's
_Groats-worth of Wit, &c._ He was also an Associate with Dr. _Lodge_ in
writing of several Comedies; namely, _The Laws of Nature_; _Lady
Alimony_; _Liberality and Prodigality_; and a Masque called
_Luminalia_; besides which, he wrote alone the Comedies of _Fryer
Bacon_, and _fair Emme_.
But notwithstanding by these his Writings he got much Money, yet was it
not sufficient to maintain his Prodigality, but that before his death
he fell into extream Poverty, when his Friends, (like Leaves to Trees
in the Summer of Prosperity) fell from him in his Winter of Adversity:
of which he was very sensible, and heartily repented of his ill passed
Life, especially of the wrongs he had done to his Wife; which he
declared in a Letter written to her, and found with his Book of _A
Groatsworth of Wit_, after his Death, containing these Words;
_The Remembrance of many Wrongs offered Thee and thy unreproved
Vertues, add greater sorrow to my miserable State than I can utter,
or thou conceive; neither is it lessened by consideration of thy
Absence (though Shame would let me hardly behold thy Face)
but exceedingly aggravated, for that I cannot (as I ought) to thy
own self reconcile my self, that thou mightest witness my inward Wo
at this instan Green, _and may grow strait, if he be carefully tended;
otherwise apt enough (I fear me) to follow his Fathers Folly. That
I have offended thee highly, I know; that thou canst forget my
Injuries, I hardly believe; yet I perswade my self, if thou sawest
my wretched estate, thou couldst not but lament it: Nay, certainly
I know thou wouldst. All my wrongs muster themselves about me, and
every Evil at once plagues me: For my Contempt of God, I am
contemned of Men; for my swearing and fors