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Title: The Poems of John Donne [2 vols.] Volume I Edited from the Old Editions and Numerous Manuscripts

Author: John Donne

Editor: Herbert J. C. Grierson

Release Date: April 12, 2015 [EBook #48688]

Language: English

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*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POEMS OF JOHN DONNE [2 ***

Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Lesley Halamek, Stephen Rowland and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net

THE POEMS OF JOHN DONNE

EDITED FROM THE OLD EDITIONS AND NUMEROUS MANUSCRIPTS, WITH INTRODUCTIONS & COMMENTARY

BY

HERBERT J. C. GRIERSON M.A.

CHALMERS PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH LITERATURE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN

VOL. I

THE TEXT OF THE POEMS WITH APPENDIXES

OXFORD AT THE CLARENDON PRESS 1912

HENRY FROWDE, M.A.

PUBLISHER TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

LONDON, EDINBURGH, NEW YORK TORONTO AND MELBOURNE

PREFACE

The present edition of Donne's poems grew out of my work as a teacher. In the spring of 1907, just after I had published a small volume on the literature of the early seventeenth century, I was lecturing to a class of Honours students on the 'Metaphysical poets'. They found Donne difficult alike to understand and to appreciate, and accordingly I undertook to read with them a selection from his poems with a view to elucidating difficult passages and illustrating the character of his 'metaphysics', the Scholastic and scientific doctrines which underlie his conceits. The only editions which we had at our disposal were the modern editions of Donne's poems by Grosart and Chambers, but I did not anticipate that this would present any obstacle to the task I had undertaken. About the same time the Master of Peterhouse asked me to undertake the chapter on Donne, as poet and prose-artist, for the Cambridge History of English Literature. The result was that though I had long been interested in Donne, and had given, while at work on the poetry of the seventeenth century, much thought to his poetry as a centre of interest and influence, I began to make a more minute study of the text of his poems than I had yet attempted.

The first result of this study was the discovery that there were several passages in the poems, as printed in Mr. Chambers' edition, of which I could give no satisfactory explanation to my class. At the close of the session I went to Oxford and began in the Bodleian a rapid collation of the text of that edition with the older copies, especially of 1633. The conclusion to which I came was that, excellent in many ways as that edition is, the editor had too often abandoned the reading of 1633 for the sometimes more obvious but generally weaker and often erroneous emendations of the later editions. As he records the variants this had become clear in some cases already, but an examination of the older editions brought out another fact,--that by modernizing the punctuation, while preserving no record of the changes made, the editor had corrupted some passages in such a manner as to make it impossible for a student, unprovided with all the old editions, to recover the original and sometimes quite correct reading, or to trace the error to its fountainhead.

My first proposal to the Delegates of the Clarendon Press was that I should attempt an edition of Donne's poems resting on a collation of the printed texts; that for all poems which it contains the edition of 1633 should be accepted as the authority, to be departed from only when the error seemed to be obvious and certain, and that all such changes, however minute, should be recorded in the notes. In the case of poems not contained in the edition of 1633, the first edition (whether 1635, 1649, 1650, or 1669) was to be the authority and to be treated in the same fashion. Such an edition, it was hoped, might be ready in a year. I had finished my first collation of the editions when a copy of the Grolier Club edition came into my hands, and I included it in the number of those which I compared throughout with the originals.

While the results of this collation confirmed me in the opinion I had formed as to the superiority of the edition of 1633 to all its successors, it showed also that that edition was certainly not faultless, and that the text of those poems which were issued only in the later editions was in general very carelessly edited and corrupt, especially of those poems which were added for the first time in 1669. This raised the question, what use was to be made of the manuscript copies of the poems in correcting the errors of the edition? Grosart had based his whole text on one or two manuscripts in preference to the editions. Mr. Chambers, while wisely refusing to do this, and adopting the editions as the basis of his text, had made frequent reference to the manuscripts and adopted corrections from them. Professor Norton made no use of the manuscripts in preparing the text of his edition, but he added in an Appendix an account of one of these which had come into his hands, and later he described some more and showed clearly that he believed corrections were to be obtained from this source. Accordingly I resolved to examine tentatively those which were accessible in the British Museum, especially the transcript of three of the Satyres in Harleian MS. 5110.

A short examination of the manuscripts convinced me that it would be very unsafe to base a text on any single extant manuscript, or even to make an eclectic use of a few of them, taking, now from one, now from another, what seemed a probable emendation. On the other hand it became clear that if as wide a collation as possible of extant manuscripts were made one would be able to establish in many cases what was, whether right or wrong, the traditional reading before any printed edition appeared.

A few experiments further showed that one, and a very important, result of this collation would be to confirm the trustworthiness of 1633, to show that in places where modern editors had preferred the reading of some of the later editions, generally 1635 or 1669, the text of 1633 was not only intrinsically superior but had the support of tradition, i.e. of the majority of the manuscripts. If this were the case, then it was also possible that the traditional, manuscript text might afford corrections when 1633 had fallen into error. At the same time a very cursory examination of the manuscripts was sufficient to show that many of them afforded an infinitely more correct and intelligible text of those poems which were not published in 1633 than that contained in the printed editions.

Another possible result of a wide collation of the manuscripts soon suggested itself, and that was the settlement of the canon of Donne's poems. One or two of the poems contained in the old editions had already been rejected by modern editors, and some of these on the strength of manuscript ascriptions. But on the one hand, no systematic attempt had been made to sift the poems, and on the other, experience has shown that nothing is more unsafe than to trust to the ascriptions of individual, unauthenticated manuscripts. Here again it seemed to the present editor that if any definite conclusion was to be obtained it must be by as wide a survey as possible, by the accumulation of evidence. No such conclusion might be attainable, but it was only thus that it could be sought.

The outcome of the investigation thus instituted has been fully discussed in the article on the Text and Canon of Donne's Poems in the second volume, and I shall not attempt to summarize it here. But it may be convenient for the student to have a quite brief statement of what it is that the notes in this volume profess to set forth.

Their first aim is to give a complete account of the variant readings of the original editions of 1633, 1635, 1639, 1649-50-54 (the text in these three is identical), and 1669. This was the aim of the edition as originally planned, and though my opinion of the value of many of the variants of the later editions has undergone considerable abatement since I was able to study them in the light afforded by the manuscripts, I have endeavoured to complete my original scheme; and I trust it may be found that nothing more important has been overlooked than an occasional misprint in the later editions. But I know from the experience of examining the work of my precursors, and of revising my own work, that absolute correctness is almost unattainable. It has been an advantage to me in this part of the work to come after Mr. Chambers and the Grolier Club editors, but neither of these editions records changes of punctuation.

The second purpose of the notes is to set forth the evidence of the manuscripts. I have not attempted to give anything like a full account of the variant readings of these, but have recorded so much as is sufficient for four different purposes.

(1) To vindicate the text of 1633. I have not thought it necessary to detail the evidence in cases where no one has disputed the 1633 reading. If the note simply records the readings of the editions it may be assumed that the manuscript evidence, so far as it is explicit (the manuscripts frequently abound in absurd errors), is on the side of 1633. In other cases, when there is something to be said for the text of the later editions, and especially when modern editors have preferred the later reading (though I have not always called attention to this) I have set forth the evidence in some detail. At times I have mentioned each manuscript, at others simply all the MSS., occasionally just MSS. This last means generally that all the positive evidence before me was in favour of the reading, but that my collations were silent as to some of the manuscripts. My collators, whether myself or those who worked for me, used Mr. Chambers' edition because of its numbered lines. Now if Mr. Chambers had already adopted a 1635 or later reading the tendency of the collator--especially at first, before the importance of certain readings had become obvious--was to pass over the agreement of the manuscript with this later reading in silence. In all important cases I have verified the reading by repeated reference to the manuscripts, but in some of smaller importance I have been content to record the general trend of the evidence. I have tried to cite no manuscript unless I had positive evidence as to its reading.

(2) The second use which I have made of the manuscript evidence is to justify my occasional departures from the text of the editions, whether 1633 (and these are the departures which call for most justification) or whatever later edition was the first to contain the poem. In every such case the reader should see at a glance what was the reading of the first edition, and on what authority it has been altered. My aim has been a true text (so far as that was attainable), not a reprint; but I have endeavoured to put the reader in exactly the same position as I was myself at each stage in the construction of that text. If I have erred, he can (in a favourite phrase of Donne's) 'control' me. This applies to spelling and punctuation as well as to the words themselves. But two warnings are necessary. When I note a reading as found in a number of editions, e.g. 1635 to 1654 (1635-54), or in all the editions (1633-69), it must be understood that the spelling is not always the same throughout. I have generally noted any variation in the use of capitals, but not always. The spelling and punctuation of each poem is that of the first edition in which it was published, or of the manuscript from which I have printed, all changes being recorded. Again, if, in a case where the words and not the punctuation is the matter in question, I cite the reading of an edition or some editions followed by a list of agreeing manuscripts, it will be understood that any punctuation given is that of the editions. If a list of manuscripts only is given, the punctuation, if recorded, is that of one or two of the best of these.

In cases where punctuation is the matter in question the issue lies between the various editions and my own sense of what it ought to be. Wherever it is not otherwise indicated the punctuation of a poem is that of the first edition in which it appeared or of the manuscript from which I have printed it. I have not recorded every variant of the punctuation of later editions, but all that affect the sense while at the same time not manifestly absurd. The punctuation of the manuscripts is in general negligible, but of a few manuscripts it is good, and I have occasionally cited these in support of my own view as to what the punctuation should be.

(3) A third purpose served by my citation of the manuscripts is to show clearly that there are more versions than one of some poems. A study of the notes to the Satyres, The Flea, The Curse, Elegy XI: The Bracelet, will make this clear.

(4) A fourth, subordinate and occasional, purpose of my citation of the manuscripts is to show how Donne's poems were understood or misunderstood by the copyists. Occasionally a reading which is probably erroneous throws light upon a difficult passage. The version of P at p. 34, ll. 18-19, elucidates a difficult stanza. The reading of Q in The Storme, l. 38,

Yea, and the Sunne

for the usual

I, and the Sunne

suggests, what is probably correct but had not been suspected by any editor, that 'I' here, as often, is not the pronoun, but 'Aye'.

The order of the poems is that of the editions of 1635 onwards with some modifications explained in the Introduction. In Appendix B I have placed all those poems which were printed as Donne's in the old editions (1633 to 1669), except Basse's Epitaph on Shakespeare, and a few found in manuscripts connected with the editions, or assigned to Donne by competent critics, all of which I believe to be by other authors. The text of these has been as carefully revised as that of the undoubted poems. In Appendix C I have placed a miscellaneous collection of poems loosely connected with Donne's name, and illustrating the work of some of his fellow-wits, or the trend of his influence in the occasional poetry of the seventeenth century.

The work of settling the text, correcting the canon, and preparing the Commentary has been done by myself. It was difficult to consult others who had not before them all the complex mass of evidence which I had accumulated. On some five or six places in the text, however, where final question to be decided was the intrinsic merits of the readings offered by the editions and by the manuscripts, or the advisability of a bolder emendation, I have had the advantage of comparing my opinion with that of Sir James Murray, Sir Walter Raleigh, Dr. Henry Bradley, Mr. W. A. Craigie, Mr. J. C. Smith, or Mr. R. W. Chapman.

For such accuracy as I have secured in reproducing the old editions, in the text and in the notes, I owe much to the help of three friends, Mr. Charles Forbes, of the Post Office, Aberdeen, who transcribed the greater portion of my manuscript; Professor John Purves, of University College, Pretoria, who during a visit to this country read a large section of my proofs, comparing them with the editions in the British Museum; and especially to my assistant, Mr. Frederick Rose, M.A., now Douglas Jerrold Scholar, Christ Church, Oxford, who has revised my proofs throughout with minute care.

I am indebted to many sources for the loan of necessary material. In the first place I must acknowledge my debt to the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland for allowing me a grant of £40 in 1908-9, and of £30 in 1909-10, for the collation of manuscripts. Without this it would have been impossible for me to collate, or have collated for me, the widely scattered manuscripts in London, Petworth, Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, and Boston. Some of my expenses in this connexion have been met by the Delegates of the Clarendon Press, who have also been very generous in the purchase of necessary books, such as editions of the Poems and the Sermons. At the outset of my work the Governing Body of Christ Church, Oxford, lent me the copy of the edition of 1633 (originally the possession of Sir John Vaughan (1603-1674) Chief Justice of the Common Pleas) on which the present edition is based, and also their copies of the editions of 1639, 1650, and 1654. At the same time Sir Walter Raleigh lent me his copy of the edition of 1669. At an early stage of my work Captain C. Shirley Harris, of 90 Woodstock Road, Oxford, communicated with me about Donne's use of the word 'Mucheron', and he was kind enough to lend me both his manuscript, P, and the transcript which he had caused to be made. By the kindness of Lord Ellesmere I was permitted to collate his unique copy of the 1611 edition of the Anatomy of the World and Funerall Elegie. While I was doing so, Mr. Strachan Holme, the Librarian, drew my attention to a manuscript collection of Donne's poems (B), and with his kind assistance I was enabled to collate this at Walkden, Manchester, and again at Bridgewater House. Mr. Holme has also furnished a photograph of the title-page of the edition of 1611. To the authorities of Trinity College, Dublin, and of Trinity College, Cambridge, I am indebted not only for permission to collate their manuscripts on the spot, but for kindly lending them to be examined and compared in the Library at King's College, Aberdeen; and I am indebted for a similar favour to the authorities of Queen's College, Oxford. In Dublin I met Professor Edward Dowden, and no one has been a kinder friend to my enterprise. He put at my disposal his interesting and valuable manuscript (D) and all his collection of Donne's works. He drew my attention to a manuscript (O'F) in Ellis and Elvey's catalogue for 1903. Mr. Warwick Bond was good enough to lend me the notes he had made upon this manuscript, which ultimately I traced to Harvard College Library. With Professor Dowden, Mr. Edmund Gosse has given me the most generous and whole-hearted assistance. He lent me, as soon as ever I applied to him, his valuable and unique Westmoreland MS., containing many poems which were not included in any of the old editions. Some of these Mr. Gosse had already printed in his own delightful Life and Letters of John Donne (1899), but he has allowed me to reprint these and to print the rest of the unpublished poems for the first time. From his manuscript (G) of the Progresse of the Soule, or Metempsychosis, I have also obtained important emendations of the text. This is the most valuable manuscript copy of this poem. It will be seen that Mr. Gosse is a very material contributor to the completeness and interest of the present edition.

To the Marquess of Crewe I am indebted for permission to examine the manuscript M, to which a note of Sir John Simon's had called my attention; and to Lord Leconfield for a like permission to collate a manuscript in his possession, of which a short description is given in the Hist. MSS. Commission, Sixth Report, p. 312, No. 118. With Mr. Whitcomb's aid I was enabled to do this carefully, and he has subsequently verified references. Another interesting manuscript (JC) was lent me by Mr. Elkin Mathews, who has also put at my disposal his various editions of the Lives of Walton and other books connected with Donne. Almost at the eleventh hour, Mr. Geoffrey Keynes, of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, discovered for me a copy of the 1612 edition of the Anniversaries, for which I had asked in vain in Notes and Queries. I owe to him, and to the kind permission of Mr. Edward Huth and the Messrs. Sotheby, a careful collation and a photograph of the title-page.

For the Commentary Dr. Norman Moore supplied me with a note on the Galenists and Paracelsians; and Dr. Gaster with the materials for a note on Donne's use of Jewish Apocrypha. Professor Picavet, of the Sorbonne, Paris, was kind enough to read in proof my notes on Donne's allusions to Scholastic doctrines, and to make suggestions. But I have added to these notes as they passed through the Press, and he must not be made responsible for my errors. Mr. W. Barclay Squire and Professor C. Sanford Terry have revised my transcripts and proofs of the music.

I desire lastly to express my gratitude to the officials of the Clarendon Press for the care with which they have checked my proofs, the patience with which they have accepted my changes and additions, and the trouble they have taken to secure photographs, music, and other details. Whatever faults may be found--and I doubt not they will be many--in my part of the work, I think the part for which the Press is responsible is wellnigh faultless.

H. J. C. GRIERSON.

LANGCROFT, DINNET, ABERDEENSHIRE.

July 15, 1912.

NOTE

The typography of the edition of 1633 has been closely followed, in its use for example of 'u' and 'v'; and of long 's', which is avoided in certain combinations, e.g. 'sk' (but P. 12, l. 27. 'askes' 1633) and frequently 'sb'; nor is it generally used when the letter following 's' is elided; but there are one or two exceptions to this.

In the following places I have printed a full 'and' where 1633 contracts to '&' owing to the length of the line:

Page 12, l. 4. & whõ; P. 15, l. 40. & drove; P. 65, l. 8. & nought; P. 153, l. 105. & almes; P. 158, l. 101. & name; do., l. 107. & rockes, &; P. 159, l. 30. & black; P. 171, l. 83. & lawes; P. 183, l. 18. & Courts; P. 184, l. 29. & God; P. 205, l. 2. & pleasure; P. 240, l. 288. & sinke; P. 254, l. 107. & thinke; do., l. 113. & think; P. 280, l. 24. & Mines; P. 297, l. 56. & lands; do., l. 62. & brow; P. 306, l. 290. & lents; P. 327 (xii), l. 8. & feed; P. 337, l. 35. & thou; P. 360, l. 188. & turn'd; P. 384, l. 78. & face.

In the following places 'm' or 'n', indicated by a contraction, has been printed in full: Page 12, l. 4. Her whõ; do. & whõ; P. 37, 1. 17. whẽ (bis); P. 82, l. 46. thẽ; P. 90, l. 2. frõ; P. 128, l. 28. Valẽtine; P. 141, l. 8. whẽ; P. 150, l. 16. thẽ; P. 159, l. 30. strãge; P. 169, l. 31. whõ; P. 257, l. 210. successiõ; P. 266, l. 513. anciẽt; P. 305, l. 255. thẽ; P. 336, l. 10. whẽ; P. 343, l. 126. Frõ; P. 345, l. 169. thẽ; P. 387, l. 71. Pẽbrooke.

There are a few examples of the same changes in the poems printed from the later editions, but I have not reproduced any of these editions so completely as 1633, every poem in which, with the exception of Basse's An Epitaph upon Shakespeare (1633. p. 149 i.e. 165) has been here reprinted.

CONTENTS OF VOL. I

SOURCE PAGE

1633 THE PRINTER TO THE UNDERSTANDERS 1

1633 HEXASTICHON BIBLIOPOLAE 3

1635 HEXASTICHON AD BIBLIOPOLAM 3

1650 DEDICATION TO THE EDITION OF 1650 4

1650 TO JOHN DONNE 5

1650 TO LUCY, COUNTESSE OF BEDFORD, WITH M. DONNES SATYRES 6

1650 TO JOHN DONNE 6

SONGS AND SONETS

1633 195 The good-morrow 7 196-7 Song 8 197-8 Womans constancy 9 198-9 The undertaking 10 199-200 The Sunne Rising 11 200-1 The Indifferent 12 201-2 Loves Vsury 13 202-4 The Canonization 14 204-5 The triple Foole 16 205-6 Lovers infiniteness 17 206-8 Song 18 208-9 The Legacie 20 209-10 A Feaver 21 211-12 Aire and Angels 22 212 Breake of day 23 213-14 The Anniversarie 24 214-17 A Valediction: of my name, in the window 25 218-19 Twicknam garden 28 219-21 A Valediction: of the booke 29 222 Communitie 32 223-4 Loves growth 33 224-5 Loves exchange 34 226 Confined Love 36 227 The Dreame 37 228-9 A Valediction: of weeping 38 229-30 Loves Alchymie 39 230-1 The Flea 40 231-2 The Curse 41 186 The Message 43 187-8 A nocturnall upon S. Lucies day, Being the shortest day 44 189 Witchcraft by a picture 45 190-1 The Baite 46 191 The Apparition 47 192-3 The broken heart 48 193-4 A Valediction: forbidding mourning 49 277-80 The Extasie 51 280-1 Loves Deitie 54 281-2 Loves diet 55 283-5 The Will 56 285-6 The Funerall 58 286-7 The Blossome 59 288-9 The Primrose, being at Montgomery Castle, upon the hill, on which it is situate 61 289-90 The Relique 62 290-1 The Dampe 63 291-2 The Dissolution 64 292-3 A Ieat Ring sent 65 293 Negative love 66 294 The Prohibition 67 295 The Expiration 68 295 The Computation 69 302 The Paradox 69 1635 63-4 Farewell to love 70 66-7 A Lecture upon the Shadow 71 1650 264-5 Sonnet. The Token 72 391-2 <Selfe Love> He that cannot chuse but love 73

EPIGRAMS

1633 40 Hero and Leander 75 40 Pyramus and Thisbe 75 40 Niobe 75 41 A burnt ship 75 41 Fall of a wall 76 41 A lame begger 76 Westmoreland MS. Cales and Guyana 76 " MS. Sir Iohn Wingefield 76 1633 41 A selfe accuser 76 42 A licentious person 77 42 Antiquary 77 42 Disinherited 77 42 Phryne 77 42 An obscure writer 77 42 Klockius 77 43 Raderus 78 43 Mercurius Gallo-Belgicus 78 43 Ralphius 78 Westmoreland MS. The Lier 78

ELEGIES

1633 44-5 I. Iealosie 79 45-7 II. The Anagram 80 47-8 III. Change 82 49-51 IV. The Perfume 84 51-2 V. His Picture 86 53-5 VI. Oh, let mee not 87 55-6 VII. Natures lay Ideot 89 149-50 VIII. The Comparison 90 151-2 IX. The Autumnall 92 153 X. The Dreame 95 1635 89-93 XI. The Bracelet 96 1669 86-9 XII. His parting from her 100 1635 96-7 XIII. Iulia 104 98-100 XIV. A Tale of a Citizen and his Wife 105 1633 300-2 XV. The Expostulation 108 1635 269-70 XVI. On his Mistris 111 1650 388-90 XVII. Variety 113 1669 94-7 XVIII. Loves Progress 116 97-9 XIX. Going to Bed 119 Westmoreland MS. XX. Loves Warr 122

1633 166-8 HEROICALL EPISTLE: Sapho to Philænis 124

EPITHALAMIONS, OR MARRIAGE SONGS

1633 118-22 An Epithalamion, Or marriage Song on the Lady Elizabeth, and Count Palatine being married on St. Valentines day 127 123-27 Eclogue. 1613. December 26 131 127-35 Epithalamion 135 135-8 Epithalamion made at Lincolnes Inne 141

SATYRES

1633 325-8 Satyre I 145 329-32 Satyre II 149 333-6 Satyre III 154 337-45 Satyre IIII 158 346-9 Satyre V 168 1650 262-4 Vpon Mr. Thomas Coryats Crudities 172 Coryats Crudities In eundem Macaronicon 174

LETTERS TO SEVERALL PERSONAGES

1633 56-9 The Storme 175 59-61 The Calme 178 61-3 To S^r Henry Wotton. Sir, more then kisses 180 72-4 To S^r Henry Goodyere. Who makes the Past 183 74-5 To M^r Rowland Woodward. Like one who 185 76-7 To S^r Henry Wootton. Here's no more newes 187 Burley MS. H: W: in Hiber: belligeranti 188 1633 77-9 To the Countesse of Bedford. Madame, Reason is 189 79-82 To the Countesse of Bedford. Madame, You have refin'd 191 82-4 To S^r Edward Herbert, at Iulyers. Man is a lumpe 193 84-7 To the Countesse of Bedford. T'have written then 195 87-90 To the Countesse of Bedford. This twilight of 198 90-3 To the Countesse of Huntingdon. Madame, Man to Gods image 201 93-4 To M^r T. W. All haile sweet Poët 203 95 To M^r T. W. Hast thee harsh verse 205 95-6 To M^r T. W. Pregnant again 206 96 To M^r T. W. At once, from 206 Westmoreland MS. To M^r R. W. Zealously my Muse 207 " MS. To M^r R. W. Muse not that by 207 1633 97 To M^r C. B. Thy friend, whom 208 Westmoreland MS. To M^r E. G. Even as lame things 208 1633 100-1 To M^r R. W. If, as mine is 209 Westmoreland MS. To M^r R. W. Kindly I envy 210 1633 98 To M^r S. B. O Thou which 211 101 To M^r I. L. Of that short 212 99-100 To M^r B. B. Is not thy sacred 212 102 To M^r I. L. Blest are your 213 104-5 To Sir H. W. at his going Ambassador to Venice 214 106-8 To M^rs M. H. Mad paper stay 216 108-10 To the Countesse of Bedford. Honour is so 218 111 To the Countesse of Bedford. Though I be dead 220 112-13 A Letter to the Lady Carey, and M^rs Essex Riche, From Amyens. Madame, Here where 221 115-18 To the Countesse of Salisbury. August. 1614 224 298-9 To the Lady Bedford. You that are she 227

AN ANATOMIE OF THE WORLD

1633 233-5 To the praise of the dead 229 235-51 The first Anniversary 231 252-5 A Funerall Elegie 245

OF THE PROGRESSE OF THE SOULE

1633 257-9 The Harbinger to the Progresse 249 260-77 The second Anniversarie 251

EPICEDES AND OBSEQUIES UPON THE DEATHS OF SUNDRY PERSONAGES

1633 154-7 Elegie upon the untimely death of the incomparable Prince Henry 267 139 To the Countesse of Bedford. Letter introducing 270 140-8 Obsequies to the Lord Harrington, brother to the Lady Lucy, Countesse of Bedford 271 66-8 Elegie on the Lady Marckham 279 69-71 Elegie on M^{ris} Boulstred 282 296-8 Elegie. Death 284 52-3 Elegie on the L. C. 287 162-3 An hymne to the Saints, and to Marquesse Hamylton 288

EPITAPHS

1635 271 On himselfe 291 386-7 Omnibus 292

1633 before p. 1 INFINITATI SACRUM

Epistle 293 1-27 The Progresse of the Soule 295

DIVINE POEMS

1633 103 To E. of D. with six holy Sonnets 317 Walton's Life of }To the Lady Magdalen Herbert: of St. Mary M^r George Herbert} Magdalen 317

HOLY SONNETS

1633 28 La Corona 318 28-9 Annunciation 319 29 Nativitie 319 30 Temple 320 30-1 Crucifying 320 31 Resurrection 321 31-2 Ascention 321 Holy Sonnets 1635 331-2 I. Thou hast made me 322 1633 32 II. As due by many titles 322 1635 333 III. O might those sighes and teares 323 1633 33 IV. Oh my blacke Soule 323 1635 334 V. I am a little world 324 1633 33-4 VI. This is my playes last scene 324 34 VII. At the round earths imagin'd corners 325 1635 336 VIII. If faithfull soules be alike glorifi'd 325 1633 35 IX. If poysonous mineralls 326 35-6 X. Death be not proud 326 36 XI. Spit in my face you Jewes 327 37 XII. Why are wee by all creatures waited on? 327 37-8 XIII. What if this present were the worlds last night? 328 38 XIV. Batter my heart 328 39 XV. Wilt thou love God, as he thee! 329 39-40 XVI. Father, part of his double interest 329 Westmoreland MS. XVII. Since she whom I lov'd hath payd her last debt 330 " MS. XVIII. Show me deare Christ, thy spouse 330 " MS. XIX. Oh, to vex me, contraryes meet in one 331 1633 64-6 The Crosse 331 161-2 Resurrection, imperfect 333 168-9 The Annuntiation and Passion 334 170-1 Goodfriday, 1613. Riding Westward 336 172-85 THE LITANIE 338 1635 366-8 Vpon the translation of the Psalmes by Sir Philip Sydney, and the Countesse of Pembroke his Sister 348 368 Ode: Of our Sense of Sinne 350 369-70 To M^r Tilman after he had taken orders 351 1633 304-5 A Hymne to Christ, at the Authors last going into Germany 352 306-23 The Lamentations of Ieremy, for the most part according to Tremelius 354 1635 387-8 Hymne to God my God, in my sicknesse 368 1633 350 A Hymne to God the Father 369 Trinity College, Dublin, MS. To Christ 370

ELEGIES UPON THE AUTHOR 371

APPENDIX A

LATIN POEMS AND TRANSLATIONS

1635 278 De libro cum mutuaretur &c. 397 278 <Epigramma> 397 1650 370-1 Amicissimo, & meritissimo, Ben Jonson 398 378 To M^r George Herbert, with one of my Seals 398 379 A sheafe of Snakes used 399 385 Translated out of Gazæus 401

APPENDIX B

POEMS ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN DONNE IN THE OLD EDITIONS (1633-1669) AND THE PRINCIPAL MS. COLLECTIONS, ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THEIR PROBABLE AUTHOR.

I

POEMS. Probably by Sir John Roe, Knt. 1669 130-42 To S^r Nicholas Smyth. Sleep, next society 401 1635 146-7 Satyre. Men write that love and reason disagree 406 93-5 An Elegie. Come, Fates; I feare you not 407 Hawthornden MS. An Elegie to M^{ris} Boulstred: 1602 410 Addl. MS. 10309 An Elegie. True love findes witt 412 1635 65-6 Song. Deare Love, continue 412 208-9 To Ben. Iohnson, 6 Ian. 1603 414 207-8 To Ben. Iohnson, 9. Novembris, 1603 415 209-10 To S^r Tho. Roe. 1603 416

II

1635 191-5 To the Countesse of Huntington. That unripe side of earth 417

III

1635 272 Elegie. Death be not proud 422

IV

1635 157-61 Psalme 137. Probably by Francis Davison. By Euphrates Flowry side 424

V

1635 342 On the blessed Virgin Mary. Probably by Henry Constable 427

VI

1635 372 On the Sacrament 427

VII

Stowe MS. 961 Absence. Absence, heare my protestation 428 Probably by John Hoskins.

VIII

1635 62 Song. Soules joy. Probably by the Earl of Pembroke 429 195-6 A Dialogue 430

IX

1669 17 Break of Daye. Stay, O sweet 432 Probably by John Dowlands.

APPENDIX C

Addl. MS. 25707 A Letter written by S^r H: G: and J: D: alternis vicibus 433 Addl. MS. 25707 O Frutefull Garden 434 To my Lord of Pembroke 435 Of a Lady in the Black Masque 436 Burley MS. <Life.> 437 <My Love.> 437 <O Eyes!> 438 <Silence Best Praise.> 439 <Beauty in Little Room.> 440 <Loves Zodiake.> 440 <Fortune, Love, and Time.> 440 <Life a Play.> 441 A Kisse 441 Epi: B: Jo: 443 Epi: Hen: Princ: Hug^o Holland 443 O'Flaherty MS. <The Annuntiation. Additional Lines.> 443 Elegy. To Chast Love 445 Upon his scornefull Mistresse. Elegy 446 Lansdowne MS. 740 <Absence.> 447 <Tongue-tied Love.> 447 O'Flaherty MS. <Love, if a God thou art.> 448 <Great Lord of Love.> 448 <Loves Exchange.> 449 Song. Now y'have killd 450 Stowe MS. 961 Love, bred of glances 450 Bridgewater MS. To a Watch restored to its Mystres<se> 451 Egerton MS. <Ad Solem.> 451 Stephens MS. <If She Deride.> 452 <Fortune Never Fails.> 453 To His Mistress 455 Stowe MS. 961 A Paradoxe of a Painted Face 456 Sonnett. Madam that flea 459 Addl. MS. 11811 On Black Hayre and Eyes 460 Phillipps MS. Fragment of an Elegy 462 Walton's Compleat Angler <Farewel, ye guilded follies.> 465

INDEX OF FIRST LINES 469

PLATES

John Donne, from the engraving prefixed to the Poems, 1635 face page 7

John Donne, 1613, from an engraving prefixed to the prose Letters &c., 1651 face page 175

John Donne, from the frontispiece to Death's Duel, 1632 face page 369

LIST OF EDITIONS REGULARLY CITED IN NOTES.

1633, 1635, 1639, 1650, 1654, 1669.

Contractions: 1633-54 i.e. All editions between and including these dates. 1633-69 i.e. All the editions. Etc.

EDITIONS OCCASIONALLY CITED.

1649, in lists of editions and MSS. appended to poems first published in that edition. Textually it is identical with 1650-54.

1719, Tonson's edition.

1855, The Boston edition of that year--cited once.

Grosart, A. B. Grosart's edition of 1872-3.

Grolier, The Grolier Club edition of Professor Norton and Mrs. Burnett, 1895.

Chambers, Mr. E. K. Chambers' edition of 1896.

LIST OF MS. SIGLA

A10 Additional MS. 10,309, British Museum. A11 " " 11,811, " A18 " " 18,646, " A23 " " 23,229, " A25 " " 25,707, " A34 " " 34,744, " Ash 38 Ashmole MS. 38, Bodleian Library. B Bridgewater MS., Bridgewater House. Bur Burley MS., formerly at Burley-on-the-Hill House, Rutland. C Cambridge University Library MS. Cy Carnaby MS., Harvard College. D Dowden MS., belonging to Professor Edward Dowden. E20 Egerton MS. 2013, British Museum. E22 " " 2230, " G Gosse MS. of Metempsychosis, belonging to Mr. Edmund Gosse. H39 Harleian MS. 3910, British Museum. H40 " " 4064, " H49 " " 4944, " H51 " " 5110, " HN Hawthornden MS., Library of Society of Antiquaries, Edinburgh. JC John Cave MS., belonging to Mr. Elkin Mathews. L74 Lansdowne MS. 740, British Museum. L77 " " 777, " Lec Leconfield MS., at Petworth House. M Monckton-Milnes MS., belonging to the Marquis of Crewe. N Norton MS., Harvard College. O'F O'Flaherty MS., Harvard College. P Phillipps MS., belonging to Captain C. Shirley Harris. Q Queen's College MS., Queen's College, Oxford. RP31 Rawlinson Poetical MS. 31, Bodleian Library, Oxford. RP61 " " " 61 " " " S Stephens MS., Harvard College. S96 Stowe MS. 961, British Museum. TCC Trinity College, Cambridge, MS. TCD Trinity College, Dublin, MS. G. 2. 21. TCD (II) A second collection of poems in the same MS. W Westmoreland MS., belonging to Mr. Edmund Gosse.

The following groups are important:--

D, H49, Lec,

and

A18, N, TC, where TC represents TCC and TCD

THE PRINTER

TO THE

UNDERSTANDERS.

For this time I must speake only to you: at another, Readers may perchance serve my turne; and I thinke this a way very free from exception, in hope that very few will have a minde to confesse themselves ignorant.

If you looke for an Epistle, as you have before ordinary publications, I am sory that I must deceive you; but you will not lay it to my charge, when you shall consider that this is not ordinary, for if I should say it were the best in this kinde, that ever this Kingdome hath yet seene; he that would doubt of it must goe out of the Kingdome to enforme himselfe, for the best judgments, within it, take it for granted.

You may imagine (if it please you) that I could endeare it unto you, by saying, that importunity drew it on; that had it not beene presented here, it would have come to us from beyond the Seas; (which perhaps is true enough,) That my charge and paines in procuring of it hath beene such, and such. I could adde hereto, a promise of more correctnesse, or enlargement in the next Edition, if you shall in the meane time content you with this. But these things are so common, as that I should profane this Peece by applying them to it; A Peece which who so takes not as he findes it, in what manner soever, he is unworthy of it, sith a scattered limbe of this Author, hath more amiablenesse in it, in the eye of a discerner, then a whole body of some other; Or, (to expresse him best by himselfe)

[Sidenote: In the Storme.]

--A hand, or eye, By Hilyard drawne, is worth a history By a worse Painter made;--

If any man (thinking I speake this to enflame him for the vent of the Impression) be of another opinion, I shall as willingly spare his money as his judgement. I cannot lose so much by him as hee will by himselfe. For I shall satisfie my selfe with the conscience of well doing, in making so much good common.

Howsoever it may appeare to you, it shall suffice mee to enforme you, that it hath the best warrant that can bee, publique authority, and private friends.

There is one thing more wherein I will make you of my counsell, and that is, That whereas it hath pleased some, who had studyed and did admire him, to offer to the memory of the Author, not long after his decease, I have thought I should do you service in presenting them unto you now; onely whereas, had I placed them in the beginning, they might have serv'd for so many Encomiums of the Author (as is usuall in other workes, where perhaps there is need of it, to prepare men to digest such stuffe as follows after,) you shall here finde them in the end, for whosoever reades the rest so farre, shall perceive that there is no occasion to use them to that purpose; yet there they are, as an attestation for their sakes that knew not so much before, to let them see how much honour was attributed to this worthy man, by those that are capable to give it. Farewell.

[The Printer &c. 1633-49: om. 1650-69, which substitute Dedication To the &c. (p. 4)]

[2 you: 1635-49: you, 1633]

[The Printer to the Vnderstanders. 1635-69: The Printer to the Reader. 1633. See note]

[28 here 1635-69: om. 1633 (... you shall here finde them in the end,...)]

Hexastichon Bibliopolae.

I see in his last preach'd, and printed Booke, His Picture in a sheet; in Pauls I looke, And see his Statue in a sheete of stone, And sure his body in the grave hath one: Those sheetes present him dead, these if you buy, You have him living to Eternity.

JO. MAR.

[Hexastichon Bibliopolae. 1633-69]

Hexastichon ad Bibliopolam.

Incerti.

In thy Impression of Donnes Poems rare, For his Eternitie thou hast ta'ne care: 'Twas well, and pious; And for ever may He live: Yet shew I thee a better way; Print but his Sermons, and if those we buy, He, We, and Thou shall live t' Eternity.

[Hexastichon ad Bibliopolam. 1635-69]

Dedication to the Edition of 1650.

To the Right Honourable William Lord Craven Baron of Hamsted-Marsham.

My Lord,

Many of these Poems have, for severall impressions, wandred up and down trusting (as well they might) upon the Authors reputation; neither do they now complain of any injury but what may proceed either from the kindnesse of the Printer, or the curtesie of the Reader; the one by adding something too much, lest any spark of this sacred fire might perish undiscerned, the other by putting such an estimation upon the wit & fancy they find here, that they are content to use it as their own: as if a man should dig out the stones of a royall Amphitheatre to build a stage for a countrey show. Amongst all the monsters this unlucky age has teemed with, I finde none so prodigious, as the Poets of these later times, wherein men as if they would level understandings too as well as estates, acknowledging no inequality of parts and Judgements, pretend as indifferently to the chaire of wit as to the Pulpit, & conceive themselves no lesse inspired with the spirit of Poetry then with that of Religion: so it is not onely the noise of Drums and Trumpets which have drowned the Muses harmony, or the feare that the Churches ruine wil destroy their Priests likewise, that now frights them from this Countrey, where they have been so ingenuously received, but these rude pretenders to excellencies they unjustly own who profanely rushing into Minervaes Temple, with noysome Ayres blast the lawrell w^{ch} thunder cannot hurt. In this sad condition these learned sisters are fled over to beg your L^{ps}. protection, who have been so certain a patron both to arts and armes, and who in this generall confusion have so intirely preserved your Honour, that in your Lordship we may still read a most perfect character of what England was in all her pompe and greatnesse, so that although these poems were formerly written upon severall occasions, and to severall persons, they now unite themselves, and are become one pyramid to set your Lordships statue upon, where you may stand like Armed Apollo the defendor of the Muses, encouraging the Poets now alive to celebrate your great Acts by affording your countenance to his poems that wanted onely so noble a subject.

Your most humble servant

JOHN DONNE.

[To the &c. 1650-69]

TO JOHN DONNE.

Donne, the delight of Phoebus, and each Muse, Who, to thy one, all other braines refuse; Whose every work, of thy most early wit, Came forth example, and remaines so, yet: Longer a knowing, than most wits doe live; And which no'n affection praise enough can give! To it, thy language, letters, arts, best life, Which might with halfe mankind maintain a strife; All which I mean to praise, and, yet, I would; But leave, because I cannot as I should!

B. JONS.

[To John Donne. 1650-69, following the Hexastichon ad Bibliopolam.]

To LUCY, COUNTESSE OF BEDFORD, with M. DONNES Satyres.

Lucy, you brightnesse of our Spheare, who are Life of the Muses day, their morning Starre! If works (not th'Authors) their own grace should look Whose poems would not wish to be your book? But these, desir'd by you, the makers ends Crown with their own. Rare Poems ask rare friends. Yet, Satyres, since the most of mankind bee Their unavoided subject, fewest see: For none ere took that pleasure in sins sense, But, when they heard it tax'd, took more offence. They, then, that living where the matter is bred, Dare for these Poems, yet, both ask, and read, And like them too; must needfully, though few, Be of the best: and 'mongst those best are you; Lucy, you brightnefle of our Spheare, who are The Muses evening, as their morning-Starre.

B. JON.

Who shall doubt, Donne, where I a Poet bee, When I dare send my Epigrammes to thee? That so alone canst judge, so'alone do'st make: And, in thy censures, evenly, dost take As free simplicity, to dis-avow, As thou hast best authority, t'allow. Read all I send: and, if I finde but one Mark'd by thy hand, and with the better stone, My title's seal'd. Those that for claps doe write, Let punees, porters, players praise delight, And, till they burst, their backs, like asses load: A man should seek great glory, and not broad.

[To Lucy &c. To John Donne &c. 1650-69, in sheets added 1650. See Text and Canon &c.]

[Illustration: JOHN DONNE

From the engraving prefixed to the Poems in the Editions of 1635, 1639, 1649, 1650, 1654]

SONGS AND SONETS.

The good-morrow.

I wonder by my troth, what thou, and I Did, till we lov'd? were we not wean'd till then? But suck'd on countrey pleasures, childishly? Or snorted we in the seaven sleepers den? T'was so; But this, all pleasures fancies bee. 5 If ever any beauty I did see, Which I desir'd, and got, t'was but a dreame of thee.

And now good morrow to our waking soules, Which watch not one another out of feare; For love, all love of other sights controules, 10 And makes one little roome, an every where. Let sea-discoverers to new worlds have gone, Let Maps to other, worlds on worlds have showne, Let us possesse one world, each hath one, and is one.

My face in thine eye, thine in mine appeares, 15 And true plaine hearts doe in the faces rest, Where can we finde two better hemispheares Without sharpe North, without declining West? What ever dyes, was not mixt equally; If our two loves be one, or, thou and I 20 Love so alike, that none doe slacken, none can die.

[SONGS AND SONETS. 1635-69: no division into sections, 1633]

[The good-morrow. 1633-69, A18, L74, N, TCC, TCD: no title, A25, B, C, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, P, S: Elegie. S96]

[2 lov'd? 1639-69: lov'd, 1633-35]

[3 countrey pleasures, childishly? 1633-54, D, H40, H49, Lec: childish pleasures seelily? 1669, A18, A25, B, JC, L74, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC]

[4 snorted 1633-54, D, H40, H49, Lec, O'F, S96: slumbred 1669, A18, A25, JC, L74, N, P, TC seaven sleepers 1633: seven-sleepers 1635-69]

[5 this,] as 1669]

[10 For 1633-69, D, H40, H49, Lec: But rest of MSS.]

[13 to other, worlds on 1633-54: to other worlds our 1669: to others, worlds on D, H49, Lec, and other MSS.]

[14 one world 1633-69, D, H49, Lec: our world rest of MSS.]

[17 better 1633, D, H40, H49, Lec: fitter 1635-69, and rest of MSS.]

[19 was not] is not 1669]

[20-1 or, thou and I ... can die. 1633, D, H40, H49, Lec: or, thou and I ... can slacken, ... can die. Chambers:

both thou and I Love just alike in all, none of these loves can die.

1635-69, JC, O'F, P: or thou and I Love just alike in all, none of these loves can die.

A18, A25, B, L74, S96, TC

As thou and I &c.

H40:

And thou and I &c.

S]

Song.

Goe, and catche a falling starre, Get with child a mandrake roote, Tell me, where all past yeares are, Or who cleft the Divels foot, Teach me to heare Mermaides singing, 5 Or to keep off envies stinging, And finde What winde Serves to advance an honest minde.

If thou beest borne to strange sights, 10 Things invisible to see, Ride ten thousand daies and nights, Till age snow white haires on thee, Thou, when thou retorn'st, wilt tell mee All strange wonders that befell thee, 15 And sweare No where Lives a woman true, and faire.

If thou findst one, let mee know, Such a Pilgrimage were sweet; 20 Yet doe not, I would not goe, Though at next doore wee might meet, Though shee were true, when you met her, And last, till you write your letter, Yet shee 25 Will bee False, ere I come, to two, or three.

[Song. 1633-69: Song, A Songe, or no title, A18, A25, B, C, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD]

[3 past yeares] times past 1669: past times P]

[11 to see] go see 1669, S, S96: see most other MSS.]

[20 sweet; 1669: sweet, 1633-54]

[24 last, till] last so till O'F, S, S96]

[27 False, ... three] False, ere she come to two or three. 1669]

Womans constancy.

Now thou hast lov'd me one whole day, To morrow when thou leav'st, what wilt thou say? Wilt thou then Antedate some new made vow? Or say that now We are not just those persons, which we were? 5 Or, that oathes made in reverentiall feare Of Love, and his wrath, any may forsweare? Or, as true deaths, true maryages untie, So lovers contracts, images of those, Binde but till sleep, deaths image, them unloose? 10 Or, your owne end to Justifie, For having purpos'd change, and falsehood; you Can have no way but falsehood to be true? Vaine lunatique, against these scapes I could Dispute, and conquer, if I would, 15 Which I abstaine to doe, For by to morrow, I may thinke so too.

[Womans constancy. 1633-69, A18, L74, N, O'F, TCC, TCD: no title, B, D, H40, H49, Lec, P, S]

[8 Or, 1633, 1669: For, 1635-54 (ll. 8-10 in brackets)]

The undertaking.

I have done one braver thing Then all the Worthies did, And yet a braver thence doth spring, Which is, to keepe that hid.

It were but madnes now t'impart 5 The skill of specular stone, When he which can have learn'd the art To cut it, can finde none.

So, if I now should utter this, Others (because no more 10 Such stuffe to worke upon, there is,) Would love but as before.

But he who lovelinesse within Hath found, all outward loathes, For he who colour loves, and skinne, 15 Loves but their oldest clothes.

If, as I have, you also doe Vertue'attir'd in woman see, And dare love that, and say so too, And forget the Hee and Shee; 20

And if this love, though placed so, From prophane men you hide, Which will no faith on this bestow, Or, if they doe, deride:

Then you have done a braver thing 25 Then all the Worthies did; And a braver thence will spring, Which is, to keepe that hid.

[The undertaking. 1635-69: no title, 1633, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, P, S: Platonique Love. A18, N, TCC, TCD]

[2 Worthies] worthies 1633]

[3 And yet] Yet B, D, H49, Lec]

[7-8 art ... it, 1669: art, ... it 1633-54]

[16 their] her B]

[18 Vertue'attir'd in 1633, A18, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, N, S, TC: Vertue in 1635-69, O'F, Chambers]

[26 did; Ed: did. 1633-39: did, 1650-69]

[27 spring,] spring 1633-39]

The Sunne Rising.

Busie old foole, unruly Sunne, Why dost thou thus, Through windowes, and through curtaines call on us? Must to thy motions lovers seasons run? Sawcy pedantique wretch, goe chide 5 Late schoole boyes, and sowre prentices, Goe tell Court-huntsmen, that the King will ride, Call countrey ants to harvest offices; Love, all alike, no season knowes, nor clyme, Nor houres, dayes, moneths, which are the rags of time. 10

Thy beames, so reverend, and strong Why shouldst thou thinke? I could eclipse and cloud them with a winke, But that I would not lose her sight so long: If her eyes have not blinded thine, 15 Looke, and to morrow late, tell mee, Whether both the'India's of spice and Myne Be where thou leftst them, or lie here with mee. Aske for those Kings whom thou saw'st yesterday, And thou shalt heare, All here in one bed lay. 20

She'is all States, and all Princes, I, Nothing else is. Princes doe but play us; compar'd to this, All honor's mimique; All wealth alchimie. Thou sunne art halfe as happy'as wee, 25 In that the world's contracted thus; Thine age askes ease, and since thy duties bee To warme the world, that's done in warming us. Shine here to us, and thou art every where; This bed thy center is, these walls, thy spheare. 30

[The Sunne Rising. 1633-69: Sunne Rising. A18, L74, N, TCC, TCD: Ad Solem. A25, D, H49, JC, O'F, S, S96: To the Sunne. Cy, Lec, O'F (as a second title): no title, B]

[3 call] look 1669]

[6 and] or 1669

sowre] slowe B, Cy, P]

[8 offices;] offices, 1633]

[11-14 Thy beames, ... so long: 1633 and all MSS.:

Thy beames so reverend, and strong Dost thou not thinke I could eclipse and cloude them with a winke, But that I would not lose her sight so long? 1635-69 ]

[17 spice] space 1650-54]

[18 leftst 1633: left 1635-69]

[23 us;] us, 1633]

[24 wealth] wealth's A25, C, P

alchimie. Ed: alchimie; 1633-69]

[26 thus; Ed: thus. 1633-69]

The Indifferent.

I can love both faire and browne, Her whom abundance melts, and her whom want betraies, Her who loves lonenesse best, and her who maskes and plaies, Her whom the country form'd, and whom the town, Her who beleeves, and her who tries, 5 Her who still weepes with spungie eyes, And her who is dry corke, and never cries; I can love her, and her, and you and you, I can love any, so she be not true.

Will no other vice content you? 10 Wil it not serve your turn to do, as did your mothers? Or have you all old vices spent, and now would finde out others? Or doth a feare, that men are true, torment you? Oh we are not, be not you so, Let mee, and doe you, twenty know. 15 Rob mee, but binde me not, and let me goe. Must I, who came to travaile thorow you, Grow your fixt subject, because you are true?

Venus heard me sigh this song, And by Loves sweetest Part, Variety, she swore, 20 She heard not this till now; and that it should be so no more. She went, examin'd, and return'd ere long, And said, alas, Some two or three Poore Heretiques in love there bee, Which thinke to stablish dangerous constancie. 25 But I have told them, since you will be true, You shall be true to them, who'are false to you.

[The Indifferent. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: A Songe, Songe, or no title, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, S, S96: Sonnet. P]

[3 lonenesse] lovers 1669

maskes] sports 1669, S

and 1669: & 1633-39: om. 1650-54]

[12 spent] worn 1669]

[15 mee, 1633: me; 1635-69]

[17 travaile] spelt travell, travel 1635-69]

[19 sigh] sing 1669]

[20 sweetest Part,] sweetest sweet, 1669, P, S]

[21 and that it 1633, B, D, H49, Lec, S: it 1635-69, H40, P: and it A18, JC, N, O'F, S96, TC]

Loves Vsury.

For every houre that thou wilt spare mee now, I will allow, Usurious God of Love, twenty to thee, When with my browne, my gray haires equall bee; Till then, Love, let my body raigne, and let 5 Mee travell, sojourne, snatch, plot, have, forget, Resume my last yeares relict: thinke that yet We'had never met.

Let mee thinke any rivalls letter mine, And at next nine 10 Keepe midnights promise; mistake by the way The maid, and tell the Lady of that delay; Onely let mee love none, no, not the sport; From country grasse, to comfitures of Court, Or cities quelque choses, let report 15 My minde transport.

This bargaine's good; if when I'am old, I bee Inflam'd by thee, If thine owne honour, or my shame, or paine, Thou covet most, at that age thou shalt gaine. 20 Doe thy will then, then subject and degree, And fruit of love, Love I submit to thee, Spare mee till then, I'll beare it, though she bee One that loves mee.

[Loves Vsury. 1633-69, L74: no title, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, Lec, O'F, P, S: Elegie. S96]

[5 raigne, 1633, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, L74, Lec, P, S: range, 1635-69, O'F, S96. See note]

[6 snatch, 1633, 1669: match, 1635-54]

[7 relict] relique 1669]

[12 that] her 1669]

[13 sport; 1669: sport 1633-54: sport, most MSS.]

[15 let report 1633, 1669, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, L74, Lec, P, S: let not report 1635-54, O'F, S96, Chambers. See note]

[19 or paine 1633, 1669, and most MSS.: and paine 1635-54, O'F]

[22 fruit] fruites B, D, H49, Lec, O'F, S96]

[24 loves 1633, 1669 and all the MSS.: love 1635-54]

The Canonization.

For Godsake hold your tongue, and let me love, Or chide my palsie, or my gout, My five gray haires, or ruin'd fortune flout, With wealth your state, your minde with Arts improve, Take you a course, get you a place, 5 Observe his honour, or his grace, Or the Kings reall, or his stamped face Contemplate, what you will, approve, So you will let me love.

Alas, alas, who's injur'd by my love? 10 What merchants ships have my sighs drown'd? Who saies my teares have overflow'd his ground? When did my colds a forward spring remove? When did the heats which my veines fill Adde one more to the plaguie Bill? 15 Soldiers finde warres, and Lawyers finde out still Litigious men, which quarrels move, Though she and I do love.

Call us what you will, wee are made such by love; Call her one, mee another flye, 20 We'are Tapers too, and at our owne cost die, And wee in us finde the'Eagle and the Dove. The Phœnix ridle hath more wit By us, we two being one, are it. So to one neutrall thing both sexes fit, 25 Wee dye and rise the same, and prove Mysterious by this love.

Wee can dye by it, if not live by love, And if unfit for tombes and hearse Our legend bee, it will be fit for verse; 30 And if no peece of Chronicle wee prove, We'll build in sonnets pretty roomes; As well a well wrought urne becomes The greatest ashes, as halfe-acre tombes, And by these hymnes, all shall approve 35 Us Canoniz'd for Love:

And thus invoke us; You whom reverend love Made one anothers hermitage; You, to whom love was peace, that now is rage; Who did the whole worlds soule contract, and drove 40 Into the glasses of your eyes (So made such mirrors, and such spies, That they did all to you epitomize,) Countries, Townes, Courts: Beg from above A patterne of your love! 45

[The Canonization. 1633-39, A18, Cy, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, P, TCC, TCD: Canonization. 1650-69, S: Canonizatio. S96: no title, B, H40, JC]

[3 five 1633, 1669: true 1635-54

fortune] fortunes 1669]

[4 improve, 1650-69: improve 1633-39]

[7 reall] Roiall Lec]

[14 veines] reynes 1669]

[15 more, 1633-54, Lec: man 1669, A18, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC]

[17 which] whom 1669]

[18 Though] While 1669]

[22 Dove. Ed: dove, 1633-69]

[24 are it. 1633-69: are it; Chambers and Grolier]

[25 So 1650-69: So, 1633-39. See note

fit, D, H49, Lec: fit. 1633-69. See note]

[29 tombes and 1633-54: tomb or 1669]

[30 legend] legends 1633]

[35 these 1633: those 1635-69]

[36 Love:] Love. 1633]

[39 rage; Ed: rage, 1633-69]

[40 contract] extract A18, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCC]

[41 eyes 1633-69: eyes; Chambers]

[42-3 brackets, Ed]

[44 Courts: Beg] Courts Beg 1669: courts beg Chambers. See note

from] frow 1633]

[45 your 1669, A18, B, H40, JC, N, O'F, P, S96, TC: our 1633-54, D, H49, Lec

love! Ed: love. 1633-69]

The triple Foole.

I am two fooles, I know, For loving, and for saying so In whining Poëtry; But where's that wiseman, that would not be I, If she would not deny? 5 Then as th'earths inward narrow crooked lanes Do purge sea waters fretfull salt away, I thought, if I could draw my paines, Through Rimes vexation, I should them allay, Griefe brought to numbers cannot be so fierce, 10 For, he tames it, that fetters it in verse.

But when I have done so, Some man, his art and voice to show, Doth Set and sing my paine, And, by delighting many, frees againe 15 Griefe, which verse did restraine. To Love, and Griefe tribute of Verse belongs, But not of such as pleases when'tis read, Both are increased by such songs: For both their triumphs so are published, 20 And I, which was two fooles, do so grow three; Who are a little wise, the best fooles bee.

[The triple Foole. 1633-69, A18, L74, N, TCC, TCD: Song or no title, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, HN, JC, Lec, O'F, P, S, S96]

[4 the wiser man, 1669]

[5 If he should not deny? P]

[6 narrow om. P: crooked om. B

lanes] vaines Cy, P]

[9 allay, 1633-39: allay. 1650-69, Chambers]

[10 numbers] number 1669]

[11 For, he tames it] He tames it much B]

[13 and] or 1669]

Lovers infinitenesse.

If yet I have not all thy love, Deare, I shall never have it all, I cannot breath one other sigh, to move, Nor can intreat one other teare to fall, And all my treasure, which should purchase thee, 5 Sighs, teares, and oathes, and letters I have spent. Yet no more can be due to mee, Then at the bargaine made was ment, If then thy gift of love were partiall, That some to mee, some should to others fall, 10 Deare, I shall never have Thee All.

Or if then thou gavest mee all, All was but All, which thou hadst then; But if in thy heart, since, there be or shall, New love created bee, by other men, 15 Which have their stocks intire, and can in teares, In sighs, in oathes, and letters outbid mee, This new love may beget new feares, For, this love was not vowed by thee. And yet it was, thy gift being generall, 20 The ground, thy heart is mine, what ever shall Grow there, deare, I should have it all.

Yet I would not have all yet, Hee that hath all can have no more, And since my love doth every day admit 25 New growth, thou shouldst have new rewards in store; Thou canst not every day give me thy heart, If thou canst give it, then thou never gavest it: Loves riddles are, that though thy heart depart, It stayes at home, and thou with losing savest it: 30 But wee will have a way more liberall, Then changing hearts, to joyne them, so wee shall Be one, and one anothers All.

[Lovers infinitenesse. 1633-69: Mon Tout. A25, C: no title, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, P, S: Elegie. S96

Query Loves infinitenesse.]

[3 move, Ed: move; 1633-69]

[4 fall, Ed: fall. 1633: fall; 1635-69]

[6 teares,] teares 1633

spent. Ed: spent, 1633-69 and Grolier: spent; Chambers]

[8 Then 1633-35, 1669: That 1639-54]

[9 were] was 1669

partiall] generall A25, C]

[11 Thee 1633: It 1635-69 (it 1669)]

[12 gavest] givest 1669]

[13 then; 1635-54: then, 1633]

[17 and letters 1633: in letters 1635-69]

[19 thee. 1639-69: thee, 1633-35]

[20 it] is 1633]

[21 is 1633, 1669: was 1635-54]

[25-6 And since my heart doth every day beget New love, &c. A25.]

[29-30

Except mine come when thine doth part And in such giving it, thou savest it: A25, C

Perchance mine comes, when thine doth parte, And by such losing it, &c. JC ]

[31 have] love 1669: find A25, C]

[32 them] us 1669]

Sweetest love, I do not goe, For wearinesse of thee, Nor in hope the world can show A fitter Love for mee; But since that I 5 Must dye at last, 'tis best, To use my selfe in jest Thus by fain'd deaths to dye;

Yesternight the Sunne went hence, And yet is here to day, 10 He hath no desire nor sense, Nor halfe so short a way: Then feare not mee, But beleeve that I shall make Speedier journeyes, since I take 15 More wings and spurres then hee.

O how feeble is mans power, That if good fortune fall, Cannot adde another houre, Nor a lost houre recall! 20 But come bad chance, And wee joyne to'it our strength, And wee teach it art and length, It selfe o'r us to'advance.

When thou sigh'st, thou sigh'st not winde, 25 But sigh'st my soule away, When thou weep'st, unkindly kinde, My lifes blood doth decay. It cannot bee That thou lov'st mee, as thou say'st, 30 If in thine my life thou waste, Thou art the best of mee.

Let not thy divining heart Forethinke me any ill, Destiny may take thy part, 35 And may thy feares fulfill; But thinke that wee Are but turn'd aside to sleepe; They who one another keepe Alive, ne'r parted bee. 40

[Song. 1633-69: Song. or no title, A18, A25, B, C, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD: in A18, N, TCC, TCD, this with Send home my long stray'd eyes and The Bait are given as Songs which were made to certain ayres which were made before.]

[1-4 In most MSS. these lines are written as two long lines, and so with ll. 9-12, 17-20, 25-28, 33-36]

[4 mee; 1650-69: mee, 1633-39]

[5-8 But since ... dye; 1633, A18, A25, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, N, P, S, S96, TC:

At the last must part 'tis best, Thus to use my selfe in jest By fained deaths to dye; 1635-54, O'F: Must dye at last, 'tis best, Thus to use my self in jest By fained death to dye; 1669 ]

[15 Speedier] Hastier 1669]

[20 recall! Ed: recall? 1633-69]

[25 not wind 1633: no wind 1635-69]

[32 Thou 1633 and MSS. generally: That 1635-54: Which 1669

best 1633-54: life 1669]

[36 may 1633-35, 1669: make 1639-54

fulfill; Ed: fulfill, 1633-69]

[38 turn'd] lai'd 1669]

The Legacie.

When I dyed last, and, Deare, I dye As often as from thee I goe, Though it be but an houre agoe, And Lovers houres be full eternity, I can remember yet, that I 5 Something did say, and something did bestow; Though I be dead, which sent mee, I should be Mine owne executor and Legacie.

I heard mee say, Tell her anon, That my selfe, (that is you, not I,) 10 Did kill me, and when I felt mee dye, I bid mee send my heart, when I was gone, But I alas could there finde none, When I had ripp'd me,'and search'd where hearts did lye; It kill'd mee againe, that I who still was true, 15 In life, in my last Will should cozen you.

Yet I found something like a heart, But colours it, and corners had, It was not good, it was not bad, It was intire to none, and few had part. 20 As good as could be made by art It seem'd; and therefore for our losses sad, I meant to send this heart in stead of mine, But oh, no man could hold it, for twas thine.

[The Legacie. 1633-69: Legacie. L74: Song. or no title, A25, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, Lec, O'F, P, S, S96: Elegie. A18, N, TCC, TCD]

[1 When I dyed last,] When last I dyed, 1669]

[1-4 (and deare ... eternity) Grolier.]

[7 sent 1633, 1669: meant 1635-54

should be] might be 1669]

[10 that is 1635-69: that's 1633: brackets from A18, N, TC]

[13 none, 1633-69: none. Chambers and Grolier]

[14 When ... did 1633, A25 (doe), D, H40, H49, Lec, S, S96: When I had ripp'd, and search'd where hearts should 1635-69, A18, L74, N, TC lye; Ed: lye, 1633-69, Chambers and Grolier. See note]

[18 But] For 1650-69]

[20 part. 1633-39: part: 1650-69]

[22 seem'd; Ed: seem'd, 1633-69, Grolier, and Chambers

our losses sad, 1633-54, A18, A25, L74, N, O'F, P, S96, TC: our loss be sad, 1669: our loss be ye sad. B, Cy, D, H40, H49, Lec, S: our losses sad; Grolier: our loss be sad. Chambers]

[23 meant] thought A18, L74, N, O'F, TC

this 1633: that 1635-69]

A Feaver.

Oh doe not die, for I shall hate All women so, when thou art gone, That thee I shall not celebrate, When I remember, thou wast one.

But yet thou canst not die, I know; 5 To leave this world behinde, is death, But when thou from this world wilt goe, The whole world vapors with thy breath.

Or if, when thou, the worlds soule, goest, It stay, tis but thy carkasse then, 10 The fairest woman, but thy ghost, But corrupt wormes, the worthyest men.

O wrangling schooles, that search what fire Shall burne this world, had none the wit Unto this knowledge to aspire, 15 That this her feaver might be it?

And yet she cannot wast by this, Nor long beare this torturing wrong, For much corruption needfull is To fuell such a feaver long. 20

These burning fits but meteors bee, Whose matter in thee is soone spent. Thy beauty,'and all parts, which are thee, Are unchangeable firmament.

Yet t'was of my minde, seising thee, 25 Though it in thee cannot persever. For I had rather owner bee Of thee one houre, then all else ever.

[A Feaver. 1633-69, D, H40, H49, Lec, S96: Of a fever. L74: The Fever. B, Cy, O'F, P: Fever. A18, N, TCC, TCD: no title, JC]

[5 know; Ed: know, 1633-69]

[8 with] in 1669]

[16 might] must TCC]

[18 beare] endure 1669

torturing] tormenting JC, O'F (corr. from torturing)]

[19 For much 1633, A18, B, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, S, S96, TC: For more 1635-69, O'F: Far more Cy, P]

[22 is soon] soon is 1669]

[24 Are] Are an 1669, P, S96]

[25 Yet 'twas of 1633-54: And here as 1669]

[27 For] Yet 1669]

Aire and Angels.

Twice or thrice had I loved thee, Before I knew thy face or name; So in a voice, so in a shapelesse flame, Angells affect us oft, and worship'd bee; Still when, to where thou wert, I came, 5 Some lovely glorious nothing I did see. But since my soule, whose child love is, Takes limmes of flesh, and else could nothing doe, More subtile then the parent is, Love must not be, but take a body too, 10 And therefore what thou wert, and who, I bid Love aske, and now That it assume thy body, I allow, And fixe it selfe in thy lip, eye, and brow.

Whilst thus to ballast love, I thought, 15 And so more steddily to have gone, With wares which would sinke admiration, I saw, I had loves pinnace overfraught, Ev'ry thy haire for love to worke upon Is much too much, some fitter must be sought; 20 For, nor in nothing, nor in things Extreme, and scatt'ring bright, can love inhere; Then as an Angell, face, and wings Of aire, not pure as it, yet pure doth weare, So thy love may be my loves spheare; 25 Just such disparitie As is twixt Aire and Angells puritie, 'Twixt womens love, and mens will ever bee.

[Aire and Angels. 1633-69, A18, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD: no title, B, H40]

[4 bee; Ed: bee, 1633-69]

[5 came,] came 1633]

[6 I did] did I 1669

see. Ed: see, 1633-69]

[7 since Ed: since, 1633-69]

[11 who, Ed: who 1633-69]

[14 lip, eye,] lips, eyes, 1669, Chambers]

[19 Ev'ry thy 1633-39, A18, B (Even), D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S (Ever), S96, TC: Thy every 1650-69]

[22 scatt'ring Ed: scattring, 1633-35: scattering 1639-69]

[27 Aire 1633-54 and all MSS.: Airs 1669, Chambers]

Breake of day.

'Tis true, 'tis day; what though it be? O wilt thou therefore rise from me? Why should we rise, because 'tis light? Did we lie downe, because 'twas night? Love which in spight of darknesse brought us hether, 5 Should in despight of light keepe us together.

Light hath no tongue, but is all eye; If it could speake as well as spie, This were the worst, that it could say, That being well, I faine would stay, 10 And that I lov'd my heart and honor so, That I would not from him, that had them, goe.

Must businesse thee from hence remove? Oh, that's the worst disease of love, The poore, the foule, the false, love can 15 Admit, but not the busied man. He which hath businesse, and makes love, doth doe Such wrong, as when a maryed man doth wooe.

[Breake of day, 1633-69, A18, L74, N, TCC, TCD: no title or Sonnet, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, P, S, S96: A Songe. A25]

[1 day;] day, 1633]

[5 in spight of 1633-39, 1669, A25, JC, S96: in dispight 1650-54, A18, D, H40, H49, L74, Lec, N, S, TC]

[6 in despight 1633, 1650-69: in spight 1635-39

keepe] holde A18, L74, N, S96, TC]

[9 were] is A18, L74, N, O'F, S TC]

[11 I lov'd] I love JC, N, O'F, TC]

[12 him, that had them 1633-54, D, H49, Lec, S: him that had them (or it) A25, B, C, L74, N, O'F, TC: her, that had them, 1669: her that hath them B, JC (it), S96]

[15 foule,] foole, H40]

[18 as when ... doth 1633, 1669, A25, C, D, H40, H49, Lec, S, S96: as if ... should A18, B, JC, L74, N, O'F, TC: as when ... should 1635-54]

The Anniversarie.

All Kings, and all their favorites, All glory of honors, beauties, wits, The Sun it selfe, which makes times, as they passe, Is elder by a yeare, now, then it was When thou and I first one another saw: 5 All other things, to their destruction draw, Only our love hath no decay; This, no to morrow hath, nor yesterday, Running it never runs from us away, But truly keepes his first, last, everlasting day. 10

Two graves must hide thine and my coarse, If one might, death were no divorce. Alas, as well as other Princes, wee, (Who Prince enough in one another bee,) Must leave at last in death, these eyes, and eares, 15 Oft fed with true oathes, and with sweet salt teares; But soules where nothing dwells but love (All other thoughts being inmates) then shall prove This, or a love increased there above, When bodies to their graves, soules from their graves remove. 20

And then wee shall be throughly blest, But wee no more, then all the rest; Here upon earth, we'are Kings, and none but wee Can be such Kings, nor of such subjects bee. Who is so safe as wee? where none can doe 25 Treason to us, except one of us two. True and false feares let us refraine, Let us love nobly, and live, and adde againe Yeares and yeares unto yeares, till we attaine To write threescore: this is the second of our raigne. 30

[The Anniversarie. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: no title, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, P, S: Ad Liviam. S96]

[3 times, as they passe, 1633, 1669 (which brackets which ... pass), MSS.: times, as these pass, 1635-54: time, as they pass, Chambers, who attributes to 1633, 1669]

[12 divorce. Ed: divorce, 1633-69]

[17 love Ed: love; 1633-69]

[20 to their graves] to their grave 1635-39]

[22 wee A18, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC: now 1633-69. See note

rest; Ed: rest. 1633-69]

[23 none om. 1669, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, S, S96]

[24 None are such Kings, 1669, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, S, S96]

nor] and D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, S, S96, bee. Ed: bee; 1633-69]

[27 refraine,] refraine. 1669]

[30 threescore: Grolier: threescore, 1633-69]

A Valediction: of my name, in the window.

I.

My name engrav'd herein, Doth contribute my firmnesse to this glasse, Which, ever since that charme, hath beene As hard, as that which grav'd it, was; Thine eye will give it price enough, to mock 5 The diamonds of either rock.

II.

'Tis much that Glasse should bee As all confessing, and through-shine as I, 'Tis more, that it shewes thee to thee, And cleare reflects thee to thine eye. 10 But all such rules, loves magique can undoe, Here you see mee, and I am you.

III.

As no one point, nor dash, Which are but accessaries to this name, The showers and tempests can outwash, 15 So shall all times finde mee the same; You this intirenesse better may fulfill, Who have the patterne with you still.

IIII.

Or, if too hard and deepe This learning be, for a scratch'd name to teach, 20 It, as a given deaths head keepe, Lovers mortalitie to preach, Or thinke this ragged bony name to bee My ruinous Anatomie.

V.

Then, as all my soules bee, 25 Emparadis'd in you, (in whom alone I understand, and grow and see,) The rafters of my body, bone Being still with you, the Muscle, Sinew, and Veine, Which tile this house, will come againe. 30

VI.

Till my returne, repaire And recompact my scattered body so. As all the vertuous powers which are Fix'd in the starres, are said to flow Into such characters, as graved bee 35 When these starres have supremacie:

VII.

So, since this name was cut When love and griefe their exaltation had, No doore 'gainst this names influence shut; As much more loving, as more sad, 40 'Twill make thee; and thou shouldst, till I returne, Since I die daily, daily mourne.

VIII.

When thy inconsiderate hand Flings ope this casement, with my trembling name, To looke on one, whose wit or land, 45 New battry to thy heart may frame, Then thinke this name alive, and that thou thus In it offendst my Genius.

IX.

And when thy melted maid, Corrupted by thy Lover's gold, and page, 50 His letter at thy pillow'hath laid, Disputed it, and tam'd thy rage, And thou begin'st to thaw towards him, for this, May my name step in, and hide his.

X.

And if this treason goe 55 To an overt act, and that thou write againe; In superscribing, this name flow Into thy fancy, from the pane. So, in forgetting thou remembrest right, And unaware to mee shalt write. 60

XI.

But glasse, and lines must bee, No meanes our firme substantiall love to keepe; Neere death inflicts this lethargie, And this I murmure in my sleepe; Impute this idle talke, to that I goe, 65 For dying men talke often so.

[A Valediction: Of &c. D, H49: A Valediction of &c. 1633-69, H40, Lec; Valediction of &c. A18, N, TCC, TCD: A Valediction of my name in the Glasse Window Cy: A Valediction to &c. B: Valediction 4: of Glasse O'F: Valediction in Glasse P: The Diamond and Glasse S: Vpon the ingravinge of his name with a Diamonde in his mistris windowe when he was to travel. S96 (This is added to the title in O'F.): similarly, JC]

[4 was; Ed: was, 1633-69]

[5 eye] eyes A18, B, Cy, JC, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC]

[8 I, 1633-54: I 1669]

[12 am you.] see you. 1669]

[14 accessaries 1633-69, O'F, S: accessary A18, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, N, P, S96, TC]

[15 tempests 1633, 1669: tempest 1635-54]

[19 Or, Ed: Or 1633-69]

[32 so. 1633-35: so, 1639-69, Chambers. See note]

[34 flow Ed: flow, 1633-69]

[36 these 1633: those 1635-69

have] had 1669

supremacie: 1633-69: supremacie. 1650-69. See note]

[37 So, Ed: So 1633-69]

[39 shut; Ed: shut, 1633-69]

[44 ope 1633-69, O'F, S96: out A18, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, N, P, S, TC]

[48 offendst] offends 1669]

[50 and] or 1669, JC, O'F, S96]

[52-3

Disputed thou it, and tame thy rage. If thou to him begin'st to thaw for this,

1669]

[55 goe] growe JC, O'F, S]

[56 againe; 1633: againe: 1635-69]

[57 this] my 1669]

[58 pane. 1633: Pen, 1635-69, O'F, S]

[60 unaware] unawares B, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC]

[64 this] thus 1635-69, O'F, P, S, S96]

Twicknam garden.

Blasted with sighs, and surrounded with teares, Hither I come to seeke the spring, And at mine eyes, and at mine eares, Receive such balmes, as else cure every thing; But O, selfe traytor, I do bring 5 The spider love, which transubstantiates all, And can convert Manna to gall, And that this place may thoroughly be thought True Paradise, I have the serpent brought.

'Twere wholsomer for mee, that winter did 10 Benight the glory of this place, And that a grave frost did forbid These trees to laugh, and mocke mee to my face; But that I may not this disgrace Indure, nor yet leave loving, Love let mee 15 Some senslesse peece of this place bee; Make me a mandrake, so I may groane here, Or a stone fountaine weeping out my yeare.

Hither with christall vyals, lovers come, And take my teares, which are loves wine, 20 And try your mistresse Teares at home, For all are false, that tast not just like mine; Alas, hearts do not in eyes shine, Nor can you more judge womans thoughts by teares, Then by her shadow, what she weares. 25 O perverse sexe, where none is true but shee, Who's therefore true, because her truth kills mee.

[Twicknam garden. 1633-69: do. or Twitnam Garden. A18, L74 (in margin), N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD: In a Garden. B: no title, A25, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, P]

[3 eares] years 1669]

[4 balms ... cure 1633, A25, D, H49: balm ... cures 1635-69, A18, B, Cy, L74, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC

thing; Ed: thing, 1633: thing: 1635-69]

[6 spider] spiders 1669]

[8 thoroughly 1633-39: throughly 1650-69]

[12 did] would A18, A25, N, TC]

[13 laugh,] laugh 1633]

[14 that I may not] since I cannot 1669]

[15 nor yet leave loving, 1633: om. D, H40, H49, Lec: nor leave this garden, 1635-69, A18, A25, Cy, JC, L74, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC]

[17 groane A18, D, H40, H49, N, TC: grow 1633-69, B, L74, Lec, O'F, P, S, S96]

[18 my yeare, 1633, 1669, D, H40, H49, Lec: the yeare. 1635-54, A18, A25, L74, N, O'F, P, TC]

[20 loves] lovers 1639]

[24 womans A18, D, H40, H49, L74, N, TC: womens 1633-69, Lec, P, S96]

A Valediction: of the booke.

I'll tell thee now (deare Love) what thou shalt doe To anger destiny, as she doth us, How I shall stay, though she Esloygne me thus And how posterity shall know it too; How thine may out-endure 5 Sybills glory, and obscure Her who from Pindar could allure, And her, through whose helpe Lucan is not lame, And her, whose booke (they say) Homer did finde, and name.

Study our manuscripts, those Myriades 10 Of letters, which have past twixt thee and mee, Thence write our Annals, and in them will bee To all whom loves subliming fire invades, Rule and example found; There, the faith of any ground 15 No schismatique will dare to wound, That sees, how Love this grace to us affords, To make, to keep, to use, to be these his Records.

This Booke, as long-liv'd as the elements, Or as the worlds forme, this all-graved tome 20 In cypher writ, or new made Idiome, Wee for loves clergie only'are instruments: When this booke is made thus, Should againe the ravenous Vandals and Goths inundate us, 25 Learning were safe; in this our Universe Schooles might learne Sciences, Spheares Musick, Angels Verse.

Here Loves Divines, (since all Divinity Is love or wonder) may finde all they seeke, Whether abstract spirituall love they like, 30 Their Soules exhal'd with what they do not see, Or, loth so to amuze Faiths infirmitie, they chuse Something which they may see and use; For, though minde be the heaven, where love doth sit, 35 Beauty a convenient type may be to figure it.

Here more then in their bookes may Lawyers finde, Both by what titles Mistresses are ours, And how prerogative these states devours, Transferr'd from Love himselfe, to womankinde, 40 Who though from heart, and eyes, They exact great subsidies, Forsake him who on them relies, And for the cause, honour, or conscience give, Chimeraes, vaine as they, or their prerogative. 45

Here Statesmen, (or of them, they which can reade,) May of their occupation finde the grounds: Love and their art alike it deadly wounds, If to consider what 'tis, one proceed, In both they doe excell 50 Who the present governe well, Whose weaknesse none doth, or dares tell; In this thy booke, such will their nothing see, As in the Bible some can finde out Alchimy.

Thus vent thy thoughts; abroad I'll studie thee, 55 As he removes farre off, that great heights takes; How great love is, presence best tryall makes, But absence tryes how long this love will bee; To take a latitude Sun, or starres, are fitliest view'd 60 At their brightest, but to conclude Of longitudes, what other way have wee, But to marke when, and where the darke eclipses bee?

[A Valediction: of &c. Ed: A Valediction of the Booke A18, N, TCC, TCD: Valediction of the booke. D, H49, Lec: Valediction 3: Of the Booke O'F: The Booke Cy, P: Valediction to his booke. 1633-69, S: A Valediction of a booke left in a windowe. JC]

[18 Records, 1633-69: records, Grolier]

[20 tome 1633-35: to me 1639-54: Tomb. 1669, A18, Cy, Lec, N, S]

[21 Idiome, Ed: Idiome; 1633-69]

[22 instruments: Ed: instruments, 1633-69. See note]

[25 and Goths inundate us, A18, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, Lec, N, TC: and the Goths invade us, 1633-54, S: and Goths invade us, 1669, H40, JC (or), O'F, P]

[26 were safe; 1633: rest omit semicolon.

Universe 1633-39: Universe, 1650-69]

[30 abstract] abstracted 1669]

[32 Or, ... amuze Ed: Or ... amuze, 1633-69]

[33 infirmitie,] infirmities, 1669, D, H49, Lec]

[38 titles] titles, 1663]

[39 these states] those rites A18, N, TC]

[40 womankinde, Ed: womankinde. 1633-54: womankinde: 1669]

[43 relies, Ed: relies 1633: relies; 1635-69]

[44 give,] give; 1635-69]

[46 Statesmen] Tradesmen Cy, P]

[47 grounds: Ed: grounds, 1633-69]

[49 'tis, one] 'tis on 1669]

[53 their nothing 1635-54, A18, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC (nothings), Lec, N, O'F, S, TC (but the MSS. waver between their and there): there something 1633, 1669, P]

[55 vent 1633, 1669: went 1635-54

thoughts; abroad] thoughts abroad: 1669]

[56 great heights] shadows O'F]

[63 1669 omits darke]

Communitie.

Good wee must love, and must hate ill, For ill is ill, and good good still, But there are things indifferent, Which wee may neither hate, nor love, But one, and then another prove, As wee shall finde our fancy bent. 5

If then at first wise Nature had Made women either good or bad, Then some wee might hate, and some chuse, But since shee did them so create, 10 That we may neither love, nor hate, Onely this rests, All, all may use.

If they were good it would be seene, Good is as visible as greene, And to all eyes it selfe betrayes: 15 If they were bad, they could not last, Bad doth it selfe, and others wast, So, they deserve nor blame, nor praise.

But they are ours as fruits are ours, He that but tasts, he that devours, 20 And he that leaves all, doth as well: Chang'd loves are but chang'd sorts of meat, And when hee hath the kernell eate, Who doth not fling away the shell?

[Communitie. 1635-69: no title, 1633, A18, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD]

[3 there 1635-69, A18, B, N, O'F, S, TC, &c.: these 1633, D, Cy, H49, Lec]

[7 had Ed: had, 1633-39]

[12 All, all 1633-54: All men 1669]

[15 betrayes: 1650-69: betrayes, 1633-39]

[21 well: Ed: well, 1633-69]

Loves growth.

I scarce beleeve my love to be so pure As I had thought it was, Because it doth endure Vicissitude, and season, as the grasse; Me thinkes I lyed all winter, when I swore, 5 My love was infinite, if spring make'it more.

But if this medicine, love, which cures all sorrow With more, not onely bee no quintessence, But mixt of all stuffes, paining soule, or sense, And of the Sunne his working vigour borrow, 10 Love's not so pure, and abstract, as they use To say, which have no Mistresse but their Muse, But as all else, being elemented too, Love sometimes would contemplate, sometimes do.

And yet no greater, but more eminent, 15 Love by the spring is growne; As, in the firmament, Starres by the Sunne are not inlarg'd, but showne. Gentle love deeds, as blossomes on a bough, From loves awakened root do bud out now. 20 If, as in water stir'd more circles bee Produc'd by one, love such additions take, Those like so many spheares, but one heaven make, For, they are all concentrique unto thee. And though each spring doe adde to love new heate, 25 As princes doe in times of action get New taxes, and remit them not in peace, No winter shall abate the springs encrease.

[Loves growth. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: The Spring. or Spring. B, Cy, D, H49, Lec, O'F, P, S, S96: no title, JC]

[9 paining 1633, A18, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, S96, TC: vexing 1635-69, Cy, O'F, P, S]

[10 working 1633 and MSS. as above: active 1635-69 and MSS. as above]

[11 pure, and] pure an 1669, O'F]

[14 do.] do 1633]

[18-19 Starres ... showne. Gentle love Ed: Starres ... showne, Gentle love 1633-69:

Stars are not by the sunne enlarg'd; but showne Greater; Loves deeds

P. See note]

[24 thee. Ed: thee, 1633-69]

[28 the 1633, A18, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, S96, TC: this 1635-69, Cy, O'F, P, S]

Loves exchange.

Love, any devill else but you, Would for a given Soule give something too. At Court your fellowes every day, Give th'art of Riming, Huntsmanship, or Play, For them which were their owne before; 5 Onely I have nothing which gave more, But am, alas, by being lowly, lower.

I aske no dispensation now To falsifie a teare, or sigh, or vow, I do not sue from thee to draw 10 A non obstante on natures law, These are prerogatives, they inhere In thee and thine; none should forsweare Except that hee Loves minion were.

Give mee thy weaknesse, make mee blinde, 15 Both wayes, as thou and thine, in eies and minde; Love, let me never know that this Is love, or, that love childish is; Let me not know that others know That she knowes my paines, least that so 20 A tender shame make me mine owne new woe.

If thou give nothing, yet thou'art just, Because I would not thy first motions trust; Small townes which stand stiffe, till great shot Enforce them, by warres law condition not. 25 Such in loves warfare is my case, I may not article for grace, Having put Love at last to shew this face.

This face, by which he could command And change the Idolatrie of any land, 30 This face, which wheresoe'r it comes, Can call vow'd men from cloisters, dead from tombes, And melt both Poles at once, and store Deserts with cities, and make more Mynes in the earth, then Quarries were before. 35

For this, Love is enrag'd with mee, Yet kills not. If I must example bee To future Rebells; If th'unborne Must learne, by my being cut up, and torne: Kill, and dissect me, Love; for this 40 Torture against thine owne end is, Rack't carcasses make ill Anatomies.

[Loves exchange. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: no title, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, P]

[4 or] and most MSS.

Play D: play 1633-69]

[9 or sigh, or vow, 1633-54: a sigh, a vow, 1669]

[18 is; Ed: is. 1633-69]

[20 paines] paine A18, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, P, TC]

[21 1669 omits new]

[28 Love D: love 1633-69

this] his 1669]

[36 For this, Ed: For, this 1633-69

Love D: love 1633-69]

[37 not. If Ed: not; if 1633-39: not: if 1650-69]

Confined Love.

Some man unworthy to be possessor Of old or new love, himselfe being false or weake, Thought his paine and shame would be lesser, If on womankind he might his anger wreake, And thence a law did grow, 5 One might but one man know; But are other creatures so?

Are Sunne, Moone, or Starres by law forbidden, To smile where they list, or lend away their light? Are birds divorc'd, or are they chidden 10 If they leave their mate, or lie abroad a night? Beasts doe no joyntures lose Though they new lovers choose, But we are made worse then those.

Who e'r rigg'd faire ship to lie in harbors, 15 And not to seeke new lands, or not to deale withall? Or built faire houses, set trees, and arbors, Only to lock up, or else to let them fall? Good is not good, unlesse A thousand it possesse, 20 But doth wast with greedinesse.

[Confined Love 1635-69: no title, 1633, A18, B, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, TCC, TCD: To the worthiest of all my lovers. Cy: To the of all my loves my virtuous mistriss. P]

[3 his] this 1669

lesser] the lesser A18, Cy, JC, P]

[6 might 1633-69: should B, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, O'F, S, TC]

[9 lend] bend 1669]

[11 mate, 1633-39: meate, 1650: meat, 1669

a night (i.e. a-night) 1633-54: all night 1669]

[12 Beasts] Beast 1635]

[15 ship] ships 1669, Chambers]

[16 seeke new lands 1633-35 and MSS.: seeke lands 1639-69, Chambers, whose note is incorrect

withall 1633: with all 1635-69]

[17 built 1633-35: build 1639-69]

The Dreame.

Deare love, for nothing lesse then thee Would I have broke this happy dreame, It was a theame For reason, much too strong for phantasie, Therefore thou wakd'st me wisely; yet 5 My Dreame thou brok'st not, but continued'st it, Thou art so truth, that thoughts of thee suffice, To make dreames truths; and fables histories; Enter these armes, for since thou thoughtst it best, Not to dreame all my dreame, let's act the rest. 10

As lightning, or a Tapers light, Thine eyes, and not thy noise wak'd mee; Yet I thought thee (For thou lovest truth) an Angell, at first sight, But when I saw thou sawest my heart, 15 And knew'st my thoughts, beyond an Angels art, When thou knew'st what I dreamt, when thou knew'st when Excesse of joy would wake me, and cam'st then, I must confesse, it could not chuse but bee Prophane, to thinke thee any thing but thee. 20

Comming and staying show'd thee, thee, But rising makes me doubt, that now, Thou art not thou. That love is weake, where feare's as strong as hee; 'Tis not all spirit, pure, and brave, 25 If mixture it of Feare, Shame, Honor, have. Perchance as torches which must ready bee, Men light and put out, so thou deal'st with mee, Thou cam'st to kindle, goest to come; Then I Will dreame that hope againe, but else would die. 30

[The Dreame. 1633-69: do. or similarly, A18, A25, B, C, Cy, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, RP31, S, S96, TCC, TCD]

[6 brok'st ... continued'st] breakest ... continuest 1669, A25, C, P, S]

[7 so truth, 1633, A18, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, TC: so true, 1635-69, A25, B, C, Cy, O'F, P, S. See note]

[10 act] doe A25, B, Cy, D, H49, L74, Lec, O'F, P, S, S96]

[14 an Angell,] but an Angell, A18, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, TC]

[16 thoughts,] om. comma Grolier and Chambers. See Note]

[17 then thou knew'st when 1669]

[19 must] doe A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, P, TC]

[20 Prophane,] Profaness A18, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, S96, TC]

[24 feare's as strong 1635-54, A18, D, H49, L74, Lec, TCC: feares are strong 1669, B, Cy, O'F, P, S, S96: feare is strong, N, TCD]

[26 have. 1669: have; 1633-54]

[29 cam'st] com'st 1669

Then I] Thus I A18, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, TC (RP31 agrees with this group throughout)]

A Valediction: of weeping.

Let me powre forth My teares before thy face, whil'st I stay here, For thy face coines them, and thy stampe they beare, And by this Mintage they are something worth, For thus they bee 5 Pregnant of thee; Fruits of much griefe they are, emblemes of more, When a teare falls, that thou falst which it bore, So thou and I are nothing then, when on a divers shore.

On a round ball 10 A workeman that hath copies by, can lay An Europe, Afrique, and an Asia, And quickly make that, which was nothing, All, So doth each teare, Which thee doth weare, 15 A globe, yea world by that impression grow, Till thy teares mixt with mine doe overflow This world, by waters sent from thee, my heaven dissolved so.

O more then Moone, Draw not up seas to drowne me in thy spheare, 20 Weepe me not dead, in thine armes, but forbeare To teach the sea, what it may doe too soone; Let not the winde Example finde, To doe me more harme, then it purposeth; 25 Since thou and I sigh one anothers breath, Who e'r sighes most, is cruellest, and hasts the others death.

[A Valediction: of &c. Ed: A Valediction of weeping. 1633-69: Valediction of Weeping. A18, N, TCC, TCD: A Valediction. B, D, H40, H49, L74, Lec: A Valediction of Teares. Cy, S, S96: Valediction 2. Of Tears. O'F: no title, JC]

[3 beare, 1633: beare; 1635-69]

[6 thee; Ed: thee, 1633-69]

[8 falst 1633-69: falls A18, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, S, TC]

[9 shore.] shore, 1633]

[13 All, 1633: All 1635: All. 1639: All: 1650-69]

[16 world] would 1669]

[20 up seas] thy seas 1669]

[22 soone; Ed: soone, 1633-69]

[25 purposeth; Ed: purposeth, 1633-69]

Loves Alchymie.

Some that have deeper digg'd loves Myne then I, Say, where his centrique happinesse doth lie: I have lov'd, and got, and told, But should I love, get, tell, till I were old, I should not finde that hidden mysterie; 5 Oh, 'tis imposture all: And as no chymique yet th'Elixar got, But glorifies his pregnant pot, If by the way to him befall Some odoriferous thing, or medicinall, 10 So, lovers dreame a rich and long delight, But get a winter-seeming summers night.

Our ease, our thrift, our honor, and our day, Shall we, for this vaine Bubles shadow pay? Ends love in this, that my man, 15 Can be as happy'as I can; If he can Endure the short scorne of a Bridegroomes play? That loving wretch that sweares, 'Tis not the bodies marry, but the mindes, Which he in her Angelique findes, 20 Would sweare as justly, that he heares, In that dayes rude hoarse minstralsey, the spheares. Hope not for minde in women; at their best Sweetnesse and wit, they'are but Mummy, possest.

[Loves Alchymie. 1633-69: Mummye. A18, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, L74 (or Alchymy. added in a later hand), Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCC, TCD: Elegie. P: no title, A25]

[14 Bubles] Bubless 1669]

[15 my 1633-69 and MSS.: any S96, 1855, and Grolier (perhaps from some copy of 1633)]

[23-4 punctuation from MSS:

at their best, Sweetnesse, and wit they'are, but, Mummy, possest.

1633-54: 1669 omits all punctuation in these lines]

The Flea.

Marke but this flea, and marke in this, How little that which thou deny'st me is; It suck'd me first, and now sucks thee, And in this flea, our two bloods mingled bee; Thou know'st that this cannot be said 5 A sinne, nor shame, nor losse of maidenhead, Yet this enjoyes before it wooe, And pamper'd swells with one blood made of two, And this, alas, is more then wee would doe.

Oh stay, three lives in one flea spare, 10 Where wee almost, yea more then maryed are. This flea is you and I, and this Our mariage bed, and mariage temple is; Though parents grudge, and you, w'are met, And cloysterd in these living walls of Jet. 15 Though use make you apt to kill mee, Let not to that, selfe murder added bee, And sacrilege, three sinnes in killing three.

Cruell and sodaine, hast thou since Purpled thy naile, in blood of innocence? 20 Wherein could this flea guilty bee, Except in that drop which it suckt from thee? Yet thou triumph'st, and saist that thou Find'st not thy selfe, nor mee the weaker now; 'Tis true, then learne how false, feares bee; 25 Just so much honor, when thou yeeld'st to mee, Will wast, as this flea's death tooke life from thee.

[The Flea is placed here in the 1633 edition: 1635-69 place it at beginning of Songs and Sonets: The Flea. or no title, A18, A25, B, C, Cy, D, H40, H49, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD]

[3 It suckt mee first, 1633-54, D, H49, Lec, S96: Mee it suck'd first, 1669, A18, A25, B, C, Cy, L74, N, P, S, TC

and now sucks] and now it sucks 1669]

[5 Thou know'st that 1633-54, D, H49, Lec: Confess it. This cannot be said 1669, A18, A25, B, Cy, H40, L74, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC]

[6 nor shame, nor losse 1633-54 (shame 1633), D, H49, Lec: or shame, or loss 1669, A18, A25, B, Cy, H40, L74, N, O'F, P, TC]

[9 would] could 1669]

[11: yea, 1633-54, D, H49, Lec: nay, 1669, A18, A25, B, C, H40, L74, N, O'F, S, TC]

[16 you] thee A18, Cy, N, O'F, S, S96, TC]

[21 Wherein] In what A18, A25, B, Cy, L74, N, O'F, S, S96, TC]

[22 drop] blood 1669]

The Curse.

Who ever guesses, thinks, or dreames he knowes Who is my mistris, wither by this curse; His only, and only his purse May some dull heart to love dispose, And shee yeeld then to all that are his foes; 5 May he be scorn'd by one, whom all else scorne, Forsweare to others, what to her he'hath sworne, With feare of missing, shame of getting, torne:

Madnesse his sorrow, gout his cramp, may hee Make, by but thinking, who hath made him such: 10 And may he feele no touch Of conscience, but of fame, and bee Anguish'd, not that'twas sinne, but that'twas shee: In early and long scarcenesse may he rot, For land which had been his, if he had not 15 Himselfe incestuously an heire begot:

May he dreame Treason, and beleeve, that hee Meant to performe it, and confesse, and die, And no record tell why: His sonnes, which none of his may bee, 20 Inherite nothing but his infamie: Or may he so long Parasites have fed, That he would faine be theirs, whom he hath bred, And at the last be circumcis'd for bread:

The venom of all stepdames, gamsters gall, 25 What Tyrans, and their subjects interwish, What Plants, Mynes, Beasts, Foule, Fish, Can contribute, all ill which all Prophets, or Poets spake; And all which shall Be annex'd in schedules unto this by mee, 30 Fall on that man; For if it be a shee Nature before hand hath out-cursed mee.

[The Curse. 1633-69: A Curse. or The Curse. A18, A25, B, C, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, S, TCC, TCD: Dirae. P, Q]

[2 curse] course 1669]

[3 His only, and only his purse 1633-54, A18, A25, B, C, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, S, TC: Him, only for his purse 1669, Chambers: His one and his onely purse P]

[4 heart 1633-54 and MSS.: whore 1669 and Chambers]

[5 And she yeeld then to 1633-54 and MSS.: And then yield unto 1669, Chambers]

[8 getting, Ed: getting 1633-69

torne: Ed: torne; 1633-54: torne. 1669. Compare 16 and 24]

[9 cramp,] cramps, 1669, Chambers, and most MSS.]

[10 him 1633-54 and MSS.: them 1669, Chambers]

[12 fame,] shame; A18, A25, N, P, TC]

[14-16 In early and long scarceness ... an heire begot: 1633, B, D, H40, H49, Lec, O'F (which gives alternate version in margin), S:

Or may he for her vertue reverence One that hates him onely for impotence, And equall Traitors be she and his sense.

1635-69, A18, A25, C, JC, N, P, Q, S, TC]

[18 Meant] Went A18, N, TC]

[26 Tyrans, 1633-35: Tyrants, 1639: tyrants, 1650-69]

[27 Mynes, A18, A25, B, H40, JC, L74, N, O'F, P, Q, S, TC: Myne, 1633-69, D, H49, Lec]

[28 ill 1669: ill, 1633-54]

The Message.

Send home my long strayd eyes to mee, Which (Oh) too long have dwelt on thee; Yet since there they have learn'd such ill, Such forc'd fashions, And false passions, 5 That they be Made by thee Fit for no good sight, keep them still.

Send home my harmlesse heart againe, Which no unworthy thought could staine; 10 But if it be taught by thine To make jestings Of protestings, And crosse both Word and oath, 15 Keepe it, for then 'tis none of mine.

Yet send me back my heart and eyes, That I may know, and see thy lyes, And may laugh and joy, when thou Art in anguish 20 And dost languish For some one That will none, Or prove as false as thou art now.

[The Message. 1635-69: no title, 1633: Song. or no title, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, S, S96: Sonnet. P: Songes w^{ch} were made to &c. (vid. sup. p. 18) A18, N, TCC, TCD]

[2 thee; Ed: thee, 1633-69]

[3 But if they there 1669, S]

[10 staine;] staine, 1633-69]

[11 But 1635-69: Which 1633, A18, A25, D, H49, Lec, N, TC]

[14 crosse, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC: breake 1633-69]

[16 Keep it still 'tis 1669]

[19 And may laugh, when that Thou D, H49, Lec]

[24 art now.] dost now. 1669]

A nocturnall upon S. Lucies day,

Being the shortest day.

Tis the yeares midnight, and it is the dayes, Lucies, who scarce seaven houres herself unmaskes, The Sunne is spent, and now his flasks Send forth light squibs, no constant rayes; The worlds whole sap is sunke: 5 The generall balme th'hydroptique earth hath drunk, Whither, as to the beds-feet, life is shrunke, Dead and enterr'd; yet all these seeme to laugh, Compar'd with mee, who am their Epitaph.

Study me then, you who shall lovers bee 10 At the next world, that is, at the next Spring: For I am every dead thing, In whom love wrought new Alchimie. For his art did expresse A quintessence even from nothingnesse, 15 From dull privations, and leane emptinesse: He ruin'd mee, and I am re-begot Of absence, darknesse, death; things which are not.

All others, from all things, draw all that's good, Life, soule, forme, spirit, whence they beeing have; 20 I, by loves limbecke, am the grave Of all, that's nothing. Oft a flood Have wee two wept, and so Drownd the whole world, us two; oft did we grow To be two Chaosses, when we did show 25 Care to ought else; and often absences Withdrew our soules, and made us carcasses.

But I am by her death, (which word wrongs her) Of the first nothing, the Elixer grown; Were I a man, that I were one, 30 I needs must know; I should preferre, If I were any beast, Some ends, some means; Yea plants, yea stones detest, And love; All, all some properties invest; If I an ordinary nothing were, 35 As shadow, a light, and body must be here.

But I am None; nor will my Sunne renew. You lovers, for whose sake, the lesser Sunne At this time to the Goat is runne To fetch new lust, and give it you, 40 Enjoy your summer all; Since shee enjoyes her long nights festivall, Let mee prepare towards her, and let mee call This houre her Vigill, and her Eve, since this Both the yeares, and the dayes deep midnight is. 45

[A nocturnal &c. 1633-69, A18, N, O'F, TCC, TCD]

[7 beds-feet,] beds-feet 1633-69]

[12 every 1633, A18, N, O'F (altered to a very), TC: a very 1635-69]

[16 emptinesse: 1719: emptinesse; Chambers and Grolier: emptinesse 1633-54: emptinesse, 1669. See note]

[20 have; Ed: have, 1633-69.]

[31 know;] know, 1633]

[32 beast,] beast; Grolier]

[34 love; All, all Ed: love, all, all 1633-69

invest; Ed: invest, 1633: invest 1635-69]

[37 renew. 1633: renew, 1635-69]

[41 all; Ed: all, 1633-69 and Chambers, who places a full stop after festivall]

[44 Eve, 1650-69: eve, 1633-39]

Witchcraft by a picture.

I fixe mine eye on thine, and there Pitty my picture burning in thine eye, My picture drown'd in a transparent teare, When I looke lower I espie; Hadst thou the wicked skill 5 By pictures made and mard, to kill, How many wayes mightst thou performe thy will?

But now I have drunke thy sweet salt teares, And though thou poure more I'll depart; My picture vanish'd, vanish feares, 10 That I can be endamag'd by that art; Though thou retaine of mee One picture more, yet that will bee, Being in thine owne heart, from all malice free.

[Witchcraft &c. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: The Picture. or Picture. Cy, JC, O'F, P, S96: A Songe. B]

[4 espie; Ed: espie, 1633-69]

[6 to kill, Ed: to kill? 1633-39: to kill; 1650-69]

[9 And though] Although 1669 And though thou therefore poure more will depart; B, H40]

[10 vanish'd, vanish feares, 1633, A18, B, Cy, H40, JC, N, P, S96, TC: vanished, vanish all feares 1635-54, O'F: vanish, vanish fears, 1669]

[11 that] thy JC, O'F, S96]

[14 all] thy B, H40, S96]

The Baite.

Come live with mee, and bee my love, And wee will some new pleasures prove Of golden sands, and christall brookes, With silken lines, and silver hookes.

There will the river whispering runne 5 Warm'd by thy eyes, more then the Sunne. And there the'inamor'd fish will stay, Begging themselves they may betray.

When thou wilt swimme in that live bath, Each fish, which every channell hath, 10 Will amorously to thee swimme, Gladder to catch thee, then thou him.

If thou, to be so seene, beest loath, By Sunne, or Moone, thou darknest both, And if my selfe have leave to see, 15 I need not their light, having thee.

Let others freeze with angling reeds, And cut their legges, with shells and weeds, Or treacherously poore fish beset, With strangling snare, or windowie net: 20

Let coarse bold hands, from slimy nest The bedded fish in banks out-wrest, Or curious traitors, sleavesilke flies Bewitch poore fishes wandring eyes.

For thee, thou needst no such deceit, 25 For thou thy selfe art thine owne bait; That fish, that is not catch'd thereby, Alas, is wiser farre then I.

[The Baite. 1635-69: no title, 1633: Song. or no title, D, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, P, S96, Walton's Compleate Angler: Fourth Day: Chap. XII.: Songs that were made &c. (vid. sup. p. 18) A18, N, TCC, TCD]

[2 some new] all the P]

[3 brookes, Ed: brookes: 1633-69]

[5 whispering 1633: whispring 1635-69]

[6 thy] thine 1669, A18, N, TC]

[7 inamor'd] enamelled Walton

stay] play 1669]

[11 to] unto JC, O'F, P: to see N: Most amoroussly to thee will swim Walton]

[15 my selfe] mine eyes Walton: my heart A18, N, TC]

[18 with] which 1633]

[20 snare,] snares, Walton

windowie] winding 1669. See note]

[23 Or 1633-69: Let Walton

sleavesilke 1635: sleave silke 1639-69 and Walton: sleavesicke 1633]

[24 To witch poor wandring fishes eyes. Walton]

[25 thou needst] there needs D, H49, Lec, S96]

[26 bait; Ed: bait, 1633-69]

[27 catch'd 1633-69: catch't Walton: caught P]

[28 Is wiser far, alas Walton]

The Apparition.

When by thy scorne, O murdresse, I am dead, And that thou thinkst thee free From all solicitation from mee, Then shall my ghost come to thy bed, And thee, fain'd vestall, in worse armes shall see; 5 Then thy sicke taper will begin to winke, And he, whose thou art then, being tyr'd before, Will, if thou stirre, or pinch to wake him, thinke Thou call'st for more, And in false sleepe will from thee shrinke, 10 And then poore Aspen wretch, neglected thou Bath'd in a cold quicksilver sweat wilt lye A veryer ghost then I; What I will say, I will not tell thee now, Lest that preserve thee'; and since my love is spent, 15 I'had rather thou shouldst painfully repent, Then by my threatnings rest still innocent.

[The Apparition. 1633-69: do. or An Apparition. A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD]

[2 that thou thinkst] thou shalt think 1669]

[3 solicitation] solicitations JC, O'F]

[5 thee, ... vestall, Ed: thee ... vestall 1633-39: thee ... Vestall 1650-69]

[7 then] 1669 omits]

[10 in false sleepe will from 1633, Cy, D, H49, Lec, S: in false sleepe from 1635-54: in a false sleepe even from 1669: in a false sleepe from A25, P: in a false sleepe will from A18, N, TC]

[13 I;] I, 1633, some copies]

[17 rest still] keep thee A25, Cy, JC, O'F, P]

The broken heart.

He is starke mad, who ever sayes, That he hath beene in love an houre, Yet not that love so soone decayes, But that it can tenne in lesse space devour; Who will beleeve mee, if I sweare 5 That I have had the plague a yeare? Who would not laugh at mee, if I should say, I saw a flaske of powder burne a day?

Ah, what a trifle is a heart, If once into loves hands it come! 10 All other griefes allow a part To other griefes, and aske themselves but some; They come to us, but us Love draws, Hee swallows us, and never chawes: By him, as by chain'd shot, whole rankes doe dye, 15 He is the tyran Pike, our hearts the Frye.

If 'twere not so, what did become Of my heart, when I first saw thee? I brought a heart into the roome, But from the roome, I carried none with mee: 20 If it had gone to thee, I know Mine would have taught thine heart to show More pitty unto mee: but Love, alas, At one first blow did shiver it as glasse.

Yet nothing can to nothing fall, 25 Nor any place be empty quite, Therefore I thinke my breast hath all Those peeces still, though they be not unite; And now as broken glasses show A hundred lesser faces, so 30 My ragges of heart can like, wish, and adore, But after one such love, can love no more.

[The broken heart. 1633-69: Broken Heart. L74: Song. or no title, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, TCC, TCD: Elegie. P, S96]

[8 flaske 1633, A25, B, C, Cy, D, H40, Lec, O'F (corrected from flash), P, S: flash 1635-69, A18, H49, N, TC]

[10 come! Ed: come? 1633-69]

[12 some; Ed: some, 1633-69]

[15 chain'd shot] chain-shott A18, A25, N, TC]

[16 tyran] Tyrant 1669

our hearts] and we 1669]

[17 did] could A18, A25, B, C, L74, O'F, N, TC: would B, Cy, M, S]

[20 mee: 1650-69: mee; 1633-39]

[23 alas,] alas 1633]

[24 first] fierce A18, B, N, TC]

[30 hundred] thousand A18, A25, B, Cy, L74, M, N, P, S, TC]

A Valediction: forbidding mourning.

As virtuous men passe mildly away, And whisper to their soules, to goe, Whilst some of their sad friends doe say, The breath goes now, and some say, no:

So let us melt, and make no noise, 5 No teare-floods, nor sigh-tempests move, T'were prophanation of our joyes To tell the layetie our love.

Moving of th'earth brings harmes and feares, Men reckon what it did and meant, 10 But trepidation of the spheares, Though greater farre, is innocent.

Dull sublunary lovers love (Whose soule is sense) cannot admit Absence, because it doth remove 15 Those things which elemented it.

But we by a love, so much refin'd, That our selves know not what it is, Inter-assured of the mind, Care lesse, eyes, lips, and hands to misse. 20

Our two soules therefore, which are one, Though I must goe, endure not yet A breach, but an expansion, Like gold to ayery thinnesse beate.

If they be two, they are two so 25 As stiffe twin compasses are two, Thy soule the fixt foot, makes no show To move, but doth, if the'other doe.

And though it in the center sit, Yet when the other far doth rome, 30 It leanes, and hearkens after it, And growes erect, as that comes home.

Such wilt thou be to mee, who must Like th'other foot, obliquely runne; Thy firmnes makes my circle just, And makes me end, where I begunne. 35

[A Valediction: forbidding &c. Ed: A Valediction forbidding &c. 1633-69: Valediction forbidding &c. A18, N, TCC, TCD: Valediction agaynst &c. A25, C: A Valediction. B, Cy, D, H40, H49, Lec: Vpon the partinge from his Mistris. O'F, S96: To his love upon his departure from her. JC: Elegie. L74, P: also in Walton's Life of Donne (1675)]

[4 The breath goes now, 1633-54, and all the MSS.: Now his breath goes, 1669, Chambers

no: Ed: no. 1633-54: No; 1669]

[30 the other] my other Walton]

[31 It] Thine Walton]

[32 that] mine Walton]

[34 runne; Ed: runne. 1633-69]

[35 circle] circles 1639-54]

[36 makes me] me to Walton]

The Extasie.

Where, like a pillow on a bed, A Pregnant banke swel'd up, to rest The violets reclining head, Sat we two, one anothers best. Our hands were firmely cimented 5 With a fast balme, which thence did spring, Our eye-beames twisted, and did thred Our eyes, upon one double string; So to'entergraft our hands, as yet Was all the meanes to make us one, 10 And pictures in our eyes to get Was all our propagation. As 'twixt two equall Armies, Fate Suspends uncertaine victorie, Our soules, (which to advance their state, 15 Were gone out,) hung 'twixt her, and mee. And whil'st our soules negotiate there, Wee like sepulchrall statues lay; All day, the same our postures were, And wee said nothing, all the day. 20 If any, so by love refin'd, That he soules language understood, And by good love were growen all minde, Within convenient distance stood, He (though he knew not which soule spake, 25 Because both meant, both spake the same) Might thence a new concoction take, And part farre purer then he came. This Extasie doth unperplex (We said) and tell us what we love, 30 Wee see by this, it was not sexe, Wee see, we saw not what did move: But as all severall soules containe Mixture of things, they know not what, Love, these mixt soules, doth mixe againe, 35 And makes both one, each this and that. A single violet transplant, The strength, the colour, and the size, (All which before was poore, and scant,) Redoubles still, and multiplies. 40 When love, with one another so Interinanimates two soules, That abler soule, which thence doth flow, Defects of lonelinesse controules. Wee then, who are this new soule, know, 45 Of what we are compos'd, and made, For, th'Atomies of which we grow, Are soules, whom no change can invade. But O alas, so long, so farre Our bodies why doe wee forbeare? 50 They are ours, though they are not wee, Wee are The intelligences, they the spheare. We owe them thankes, because they thus, Did us, to us, at first convay, Yeelded their forces, sense, to us, 55 Nor are drosse to us, but allay. On man heavens influence workes not so, But that it first imprints the ayre, Soe soule into the soule may flow, Though it to body first repaire. 60 As our blood labours to beget Spirits, as like soules as it can, Because such fingers need to knit That subtile knot, which makes us man: So must pure lovers soules descend 65 T'affections, and to faculties, Which sense may reach and apprehend, Else a great Prince in prison lies. To'our bodies turne wee then, that so Weake men on love reveal'd may looke; 70 Loves mysteries in soules doe grow, But yet the body is his booke. And if some lover, such as wee, Have heard this dialogue of one, Let him still marke us, he shall see 75 Small change, when we'are to bodies gone.

[The Extasie. 1633-69: do. or Extasie. A18, A25, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD]

[3 reclining 1633-54: declining 1669]

[4 best. Ed: best; 1633-54

Sate we on one anothers breasts. 1669]

[6 With 1633, A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, P, S, TC: By 1635-69, Chambers]

[8 string; Ed: string, 1633-69]

[9 to'entergraft 1633, A18, D, H40, H49, Lec, N, P, S, TC: to engraft 1635-69, A25, JC, O'F, Chambers]

[11 in 1633-69, P: on A18, A25, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, TC]

[15 their 1633 and most MSS.: our 1635-69, O'F, P]

[18 lay; Ed: lay, 1633-69]

[25 knew 1635-69, A18, A25, B, H40, H49, JC, N, P, TC: knowes 1633, D, Lec]

[29 doth] do 1669]

[31 sexe, 1669: sexe 1633-54]

[42 Interinanimates A18, A25, B, H40, H49, JC, N, O'F, P, TC: Interanimates 1633-69, D, Lec]

[44 loneliness] loveliness 1669]

[46 made, 1633-39: made: 1650-69]

[47 Atomies 1633-54: Atomes 1669]

[48 are soules, 1633, 1669: are soule, 1635-54]

[51 though they are not A18, A25, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TC: though not 1633-69]

[52 spheare. A18, A25, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC: spheares. 1633-69]

[55 forces, sense, A18, A25, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TC: senses force 1633-69]

[59 Soe A18, A25, B, H40, JC, N, P, S, S96, TC: For 1633-69, D, H49, Lec]

[64 makes] make 1635-39]

[72 his] the 1669]

[76 gone. 1633, A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, S, TC: growne. 1635-69, P, S96]

Loves Deitie.

I long to talke with some old lovers ghost, Who dyed before the god of Love was borne: I cannot thinke that hee, who then lov'd most, Sunke so low, as to love one which did scorne. But since this god produc'd a destinie, 5 And that vice-nature, custome, lets it be; I must love her, that loves not mee.

Sure, they which made him god, meant not so much, Nor he, in his young godhead practis'd it; But when an even flame two hearts did touch, 10 His office was indulgently to fit Actives to passives. Correspondencie Only his subject was; It cannot bee Love, till I love her, that loves mee.

But every moderne god will now extend 15 His vast prerogative, as far as Jove. To rage, to lust, to write to, to commend, All is the purlewe of the God of Love. Oh were wee wak'ned by this Tyrannie To ungod this child againe, it could not bee 20 I should love her, who loves not mee.

Rebell and Atheist too, why murmure I, As though I felt the worst that love could doe? Love might make me leave loving, or might trie A deeper plague, to make her love mee too, 25 Which, since she loves before, I'am loth to see; Falshood is worse then hate; and that must bee, If shee whom I love, should love mee.

[Loves Deitie. 1633-69, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCC, TCD: Elegye. P]

[8 much, 1639-69: much: 1633: much? 1635]

[9 it; Ed: it. 1633-69]

[13 subject] Subject 1669]

[14 Love, ... mee. 1633, 1669, A25, B, C, Cy, D, H40 (who), H49, JC, L74, N, P, S (lov'd), TCD: Love, if I love, who loves not me. 1635-54, O'F]

[19 Oh ... wak'ned] Were we not weak'ned 1669]

[21 That I should love, who loves not me. A18, A25, C, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, S, S96, TC: O'F reads as these but alters to as in printed edd.]

[24 might make A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, N, P, S, S96, TC: may make 1633-69, Lec]

[26 Which,] Which 1633]

Loves diet.

To what a combersome unwieldinesse And burdenous corpulence my love had growne, But that I did, to make it lesse, And keepe it in proportion, Give it a diet, made it feed upon 5 That which love worst endures, discretion.

Above one sigh a day I'allow'd him not, Of which my fortune, and my faults had part; And if sometimes by stealth he got A she sigh from my mistresse heart, 10 And thought to feast on that, I let him see 'Twas neither very sound, nor meant to mee.

If he wroung from mee'a teare, I brin'd it so With scorne or shame, that him it nourish'd not; If he suck'd hers, I let him know 15 'Twas not a teare, which hee had got, His drinke was counterfeit, as was his meat; For, eyes which rowle towards all, weepe not, but sweat.

What ever he would dictate, I writ that, But burnt my letters; When she writ to me, 20 And that that favour made him fat, I said, if any title bee Convey'd by this, Ah, what doth it availe, To be the fortieth name in an entaile?

Thus I reclaim'd my buzard love, to flye 25 At what, and when, and how, and where I chuse; Now negligent of sport I lye, And now as other Fawkners use, I spring a mistresse, sweare, write, sigh and weepe: And the game kill'd, or lost, goe talke, and sleepe. 30

[Loves diet. 1633-69, A18, A25, B, C, Cy, D, H40, H49, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, TCC (torn out of TCD): Amoris Dieta. S96]

[12 mee. Ed: mee; 1633-35: mee: 1639-69]

[18 For,] Her 1669]

[19 Whatever ... that, 1633-39, 1669: Whate'er might him distast I still writ that, 1650-54: Whatsoever hee would distast I writt that, A18, N, TC]

[20 But burnt my letters; When she writ to me, 1633: But burnt her letters when she writ to me, 1635: But burnt her letters when she writ to me; 1639-54, Chambers: But burnt my letters which she writ to me; 1669]

[21 that that 1633: if that 1635-69. See note]

[24 name] man 1669]

[25 reclaim'd 1635-69, A18, A25, B, D, H40, H49, L74, N, O'F, S, TCC: redeem'd 1633, Lec]

[26 chuse] chose 1669]

[27 sport 1635-69, A18, B, D, H40, H49, L74, Lec, S, S96, TCC: sports, 1633]

[30 and 1633 and most MSS.: or 1635-69, Cy, O'F, S]

The Will.

Before I sigh my last gaspe, let me breath, Great love, some Legacies; Here I bequeath Mine eyes to Argus, if mine eyes can see, If they be blinde, then Love, I give them thee; My tongue to Fame; to'Embassadours mine eares; 5 To women or the sea, my teares. Thou, Love, hast taught mee heretofore By making mee serve her who'had twenty more, That I should give to none, but such, as had too much before.

My constancie I to the planets give; 10 My truth to them, who at the Court doe live; Mine ingenuity and opennesse, To Jesuites; to Buffones my pensivenesse; My silence to'any, who abroad hath beene; My mony to a Capuchin. 15 Thou Love taught'st me, by appointing mee To love there, where no love receiv'd can be, Onely to give to such as have an incapacitie.

My faith I give to Roman Catholiques; All my good works unto the Schismaticks 20 Of Amsterdam; my best civility And Courtship, to an Universitie; My modesty I give to souldiers bare; My patience let gamesters share. Thou Love taughtst mee, by making mee 25 Love her that holds my love disparity, Onely to give to those that count my gifts indignity.

I give my reputation to those Which were my friends; Mine industrie to foes; To Schoolemen I bequeath my doubtfulnesse; 30 My sicknesse to Physitians, or excesse; To Nature, all that I in Ryme have writ; And to my company my wit. Thou Love, by making mee adore Her, who begot this love in mee before, 35 Taughtst me to make, as though I gave, when I did but restore.

To him for whom the passing bell next tolls, I give my physick bookes; my writen rowles Of Morall counsels, I to Bedlam give; My brazen medals, unto them which live 40 In want of bread; To them which passe among All forrainers, mine English tongue. Thou, Love, by making mee love one Who thinkes her friendship a fit portion For yonger lovers, dost my gifts thus disproportion. 45

Therefore I'll give no more; But I'll undoe The world by dying; because love dies too. Then all your beauties will bee no more worth Then gold in Mines, where none doth draw it forth; And all your graces no more use shall have 50 Then a Sun dyall in a grave. Thou Love taughtst mee, by making mee Love her, who doth neglect both mee and thee, To'invent, and practise this one way, to'annihilate all three.

[The Will. 1633-69: do. or A Will. A25, B, C, Cy, D, H40, H49, Lec, M, O'F, P: Loves Will. L74: Loves Legacies. A18, N, TCC (torn out of TCD), S: Testamentum. S96: His Last Will and Testament. JC]

[2 Here I 1633-54: I here 1669, Chambers]

[6 teares. Ed: teares; 1633-69]

[8 serve her] love her 1669]

[10 give; Ed: give, 1633-69]

[10-27 These stanzas printed without a break, 1669]

[14 hath] have 1669]

[18 an incapacitie.] no good Capacity. 1669]

[19-27 omitted, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, L74 (added later), Lec, M (added later), N, P, TCC: given in O'F, S, and all editions]

[33 wit. Ed: wit; 1633-69]

[34 Love, 1650-69: love, 1633-39]

[36 did 1633 and MSS.: do 1635-69, O'F]

[45 gifts 1633-35, 1669: gift 1639-54]

[46 more; But 1633: more, but 1635-69]

[49-51 forth; ... grave. 1669: forth ... grave, 1633-39 by interchange: forth ... grave. 1650-54]

[54 all three. 1633-39, three being below the line in 1633 and above in 1635-39: al. three 1650-54, the full stop having fallen from three to all below it: annihilate thee. 1669]

The Funerall.

Who ever comes to shroud me, do not harme Nor question much That subtile wreath of haire, which crowns my arme; The mystery, the signe you must not touch, For 'tis my outward Soule, 5 Viceroy to that, which then to heaven being gone, Will leave this to controule, And keepe these limbes, her Provinces, from dissolution.

For if the sinewie thread my braine lets fall Through every part, 10 Can tye those parts, and make mee one of all; These haires which upward grew, and strength and art Have from a better braine, Can better do'it; Except she meant that I By this should know my pain, 15 As prisoners then are manacled, when they'are condemn'd to die.

What ere shee meant by'it, bury it with me, For since I am Loves martyr, it might breed idolatrie, If into others hands these Reliques came; 20 As'twas humility To afford to it all that a Soule can doe, So,'tis some bravery, That since you would save none of mee, I bury some of you.

[The Funerall. 1633-69, A18, B, Cy, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD]

[3 which ... arme;] about mine arm; 1669]

[6 then to A18, B, Cy, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC: unto 1633-69]

[12 These A18, B, Cy, D, H49, L74, N, S (The), S96, TC: Those 1633-69, Lec, O'F grew, 1633-39: grow, 1650-69]

[16 condemn'd] condem'nd 1633]

[17 with me, 1635-69 and MSS.: by me, 1633]

[24 save A18, B, Cy, D, H49, L74, N, P, TC: have 1633-69, Lec, O'F, S96: om. S]

The Blossome.

Little think'st thou, poore flower, Whom I have watch'd sixe or seaven dayes, And seene thy birth, and seene what every houre Gave to thy growth, thee to this height to raise, And now dost laugh and triumph on this bough, 5 Little think'st thou That it will freeze anon, and that I shall To morrow finde thee falne, or not at all.

Little think'st thou poore heart That labour'st yet to nestle thee, 10 And think'st by hovering here to get a part In a forbidden or forbidding tree, And hop'st her stiffenesse by long siege to bow: Little think'st thou, That thou to morrow, ere that Sunne doth wake, 15 Must with this Sunne, and mee a journey take.

But thou which lov'st to bee Subtile to plague thy selfe, wilt say, Alas, if you must goe, what's that to mee? Here lyes my businesse, and here I will stay: 20 You goe to friends, whose love and meanes present Various content To your eyes, eares, and tongue, and every part. If then your body goe, what need you a heart?

Well then, stay here; but know, 25 When thou hast stayd and done thy most; A naked thinking heart, that makes no show, Is to a woman, but a kinde of Ghost; How shall shee know my heart; or having none, Know thee for one? 30 Practise may make her know some other part, But take my word, shee doth not know a Heart.

Meet mee at London, then, Twenty dayes hence, and thou shalt see Mee fresher, and more fat, by being with men, 35 Then if I had staid still with her and thee. For Gods sake, if you can, be you so too: I would give you There, to another friend, whom wee shall finde As glad to have my body, as my minde. 40

[The Blossome. 1633-69, A18, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCC, TCD: no title, A25]

[9-13 poore heart ... bow:] in brackets 1650-69]

[10 labour'st A18, N, TC: labourest 1635-69: labours 1633]

[15 that Sunne 1633: the Sunne 1635-69]

[18 wilt] will 1669]

[23 tongue A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S96, TC: om. S: tast 1633-69]

[24 need you a heart? A25, B, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TC: need you have a heart? JC: need your heart? 1633-69]

[38 I would A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, N, O'F, S, S96, TC: I will 1633-69, Lec]

The Primrose, being at Montgomery Castle, upon the hill, on which it is situate.

Vpon this Primrose hill, Where, if Heav'n would distill A shoure of raine, each severall drop might goe To his owne primrose, and grow Manna so; And where their forme, and their infinitie 5 Make a terrestriall Galaxie, As the small starres doe in the skie: I walke to finde a true Love; and I see That'tis not a mere woman, that is shee, But must, or more, or lesse then woman bee. 10

Yet know I not, which flower I wish; a sixe, or foure; For should my true-Love lesse then woman bee, She were scarce any thing; and then, should she Be more then woman, shee would get above 15 All thought of sexe, and thinke to move My heart to study her, and not to love; Both these were monsters; Since there must reside Falshood in woman, I could more abide, She were by art, then Nature falsify'd. 20

Live Primrose then, and thrive With thy true number five; And women, whom this flower doth represent, With this mysterious number be content; Ten is the farthest number; if halfe ten 25 Belonge unto each woman, then Each woman may take halfe us men; Or if this will not serve their turne, Since all Numbers are odde, or even, and they fall First into this, five, women may take us all. 30

[The Primrose. 1633, A18, B, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCC, TCD: The Primrose, being at &c. 1635-69]

[16 sexe, 1633: sexe; 1635-69]

[17 and not] and om. 1635-39, A18, N, S, TC]

[23 women] woman Chambers]

[25 number; Ed: number, 1633-69]

[26 Belonge all the MSS.: Belongs 1633-69. See note]

[27 men; Ed: men, 1633-39: men: 1650-69]

[28 their 1633-39: the 1650-69]

[29 and 1633: since 1635-69]

[30 this, Ed: this 1633, A18, B, D, H49, Lec, N, S, S96, TC: om. 1635-69, O'F, Chambers]

The Relique.

When my grave is broke up againe Some second ghest to entertaine, (For graves have learn'd that woman-head To be to more then one a Bed) And he that digs it, spies 5 A bracelet of bright haire about the bone, Will he not let'us alone, And thinke that there a loving couple lies, Who thought that this device might be some way To make their soules, at the last busie day, 10 Meet at this grave, and make a little stay?

If this fall in a time, or land, Where mis-devotion doth command, Then, he that digges us up, will bring Us, to the Bishop, and the King, 15 To make us Reliques; then Thou shalt be a Mary Magdalen, and I A something else thereby; All women shall adore us, and some men; And since at such time, miracles are sought, 20 I would have that age by this paper taught What miracles wee harmelesse lovers wrought.

First, we lov'd well and faithfully, Yet knew not what wee lov'd, nor why, Difference of sex no more wee knew, 25 Then our Guardian Angells doe; Comming and going, wee Perchance might kisse, but not between those meales; Our hands ne'r toucht the seales, Which nature, injur'd by late law, sets free: 30 These miracles wee did; but now alas, All measure, and all language, I would passe, Should I tell what a miracle shee was.

[The Relique. 1633-69, A18, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCC, TCD: no title, A25]

[13 mis-devotion 1633-54, A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TC: mass-devotion 1669, Chambers]

[15 and 1633-54 and MSS.: or 1669, Chambers]

[17 Thou shalt be] You shal be A25, D, H49, JC, Lec, S. See note]

[20 time] times JC, O'F]

[21 have that age] that age were A18, N, TC]

[25-26 Difference ... doe, 1633, A18, N, TC:

Difference of Sex we never knew, No more then Guardian Angells do, 1635-69: Difference of Sex we never knew, More then our Guardian Angells do. A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, S, S96 (No more then our &c. B, S96)]

[26 doe; Ed: doe, 1633-69]

[27 wee Ed: wee, 1633-69]

[28 not] yet 1669

meales; Ed: meales. 1633: meales 1635-69, following some copies of 1633]

[30 sets] set 1669 free: 1650-69: free, 1633-39]

The Dampe.

When I am dead, and Doctors know not why, And my friends curiositie Will have me cut up to survay each part, When they shall finde your Picture in my heart, You thinke a sodaine dampe of love 5 Will through all their senses move, And worke on them as mee, and so preferre Your murder, to the name of Massacre.

Poore victories! But if you dare be brave, And pleasure in your conquest have, 10 First kill th'enormous Gyant, your Disdaine, And let th'enchantresse Honor, next be slaine, And like a Goth and Vandall rize, Deface Records, and Histories Of your owne arts and triumphs over men, 15 And without such advantage kill me then.

For I could muster up as well as you My Gyants, and my Witches too, Which are vast Constancy, and Secretnesse, But these I neyther looke for, nor professe; 20 Kill mee as Woman, let mee die As a meere man; doe you but try Your passive valor, and you shall finde than, In that you'have odds enough of any man.

[The Dampe. 1633-69, A18, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD]

[4 When] And 1669

my 1633-39: mine 1650-69]

[9 victories! 1650-69: victories; 1633-39]

[10 your] the 1669

conquest] conquests JC]

[13 and Vandall 1633-54, A18, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC: or Vandall 1669, Chambers]

[15 arts] acts 1669, JC]

[20 professe; Ed: professe, 1633-69]

[24 In that 1633, A18, N, TC: Naked 1635-69, B, D, H49, Lec, JC, O'F, P, S]

The Dissolution.

Shee'is dead; And all which die To their first Elements resolve; And wee were mutuall Elements to us, And made of one another. My body then doth hers involve, 5 And those things whereof I consist, hereby In me abundant grow, and burdenous, And nourish not, but smother. My fire of Passion, sighes of ayre, Water of teares, and earthly sad despaire, 10 Which my materialls bee, But neere worne out by loves securitie, Shee, to my losse, doth by her death repaire, And I might live long wretched so But that my fire doth with my fuell grow. 15 Now as those Active Kings Whose foraine conquest treasure brings, Receive more, and spend more, and soonest breake: This (which I am amaz'd that I can speake) This death, hath with my store 20 My use encreas'd. And so my soule more earnestly releas'd, Will outstrip hers; As bullets flowen before A latter bullet may o'rtake, the pouder being more.

[The Dissolution. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD]

[10 earthly 1633, A18, N, TC: earthy 1635-69]

[12 neere 1635-69 (But ... securitie bracketed 1669): ne'r 1633]

[24 latter] later 1669]

A Ieat Ring Sent.

Thou art not so black, as my heart, Nor halfe so brittle, as her heart, thou art; What would'st thou say? shall both our properties by thee bee spoke, Nothing more endlesse, nothing sooner broke?

Marriage rings are not of this stuffe; 5 Oh, why should ought lesse precious, or lesse tough Figure our loves? Except in thy name thou have bid it say, I'am cheap, and nought but fashion, fling me'away.

Yet stay with mee since thou art come, Circle this fingers top, which did'st her thombe. 10 Be justly proud, and gladly safe, that thou dost dwell with me, She that, Oh, broke her faith, would soon breake thee.

[A Ieat Ring sent. 1633-69, A18, N, O'F, TCC, TCD: To a Jeat Ring sent to me. W (among the Epigrams)]

[7 loves] love O'F say, Ed: say 1633-69]

Negative love.

I never stoop'd so low, as they Which on an eye, cheeke, lip, can prey, Seldome to them, which soare no higher Then vertue or the minde to'admire, For sense, and understanding may 5 Know, what gives fuell to their fire: My love, though silly, is more brave, For may I misse, when ere I crave, If I know yet, what I would have.

If that be simply perfectest 10 Which can by no way be exprest But Negatives, my love is so. To All, which all love, I say no. If any who deciphers best, What we know not, our selves, can know, 15 Let him teach mee that nothing; This As yet my ease, and comfort is, Though I speed not, I cannot misse.

[Negative love. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: Negative Love: or the Nothing. O'F: The Nothing. A25, C]

[4 to'admire, 1633-39: to'admire; 1650-69]

[5 For] Both A25, C]

[11 way] means 1669, O'F]

[16 nothing; 1633: nothing. 1635-69]

The Prohibition.

Take heed of loving mee, At least remember, I forbade it thee; Not that I shall repaire my'unthrifty wast Of Breath and Blood, upon thy sighes, and teares, By being to thee then what to me thou wast; 5 But, so great Joy, our life at once outweares, Then, least thy love, by my death, frustrate bee, If thou love mee, take heed of loving mee.

Take heed of hating mee, Or too much triumph in the Victorie. 10 Not that I shall be mine owne officer, And hate with hate againe retaliate; But thou wilt lose the stile of conquerour, If I, thy conquest, perish by thy hate. Then, least my being nothing lessen thee, 15 If thou hate mee, take heed of hating mee.

Yet, love and hate mee too, So, these extreames shall neithers office doe; Love mee, that I may die the gentler way; Hate mee, because thy love is too great for mee; 20 Or let these two, themselves, not me decay; So shall I, live, thy Stage, not triumph bee; Lest thou thy love and hate and mee undoe, To let mee live, O love and hate mee too.

[The Prohibition. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: no title, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, O'F, S96: in B first two verses headed J. D., last verse T. R.: in A18, N, S96, TCC, TCD the last stanza is omitted]

[3 repaire my'unthrifty wast] repay in unthrifty a wast, 1669]

[5 By ... wast; Ed: By ... wast, 1635-69, B, Cy, H40, O'F, P, RP31, S96 (mee for thee B, P): By being to mee then that which thou wast; 1633: om. A18, D, H40, H49, N, TC]

[18 neithers Ed: neythers D, H40, H49, JC: neyther O'F, RP31: neyther their Cy: ne'r their 1633-69, B]

[20 thy 1635-69: my 1633 (thy in some copies)]

[22 I, live, Ed: I live 1633-69

Stage, 1635-69, B, Cy, H40, O'F: stay, 1633, JC: staye, D, H49

not] and H40]

[23-4

Lest thou thy love and hate and mee undoe To let mee live, Oh (of in some copies) love and hate mee too.

1633, B

Then lest thou thy love hate, and mee thou undoe O let me live, yet love and hate me too.

1635-54, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, O'F (MSS. omitting first thou and some with Oh for yet)

Lest thou thy love, and hate, and me thou undo, O let me live, yet love and hate me too.

1669.]

The Expiration.

So, so, breake off this last lamenting kisse, Which sucks two soules, and vapors Both away, Turne thou ghost that way, and let mee turne this, And let our selves benight our happiest day, We ask'd none leave to love; nor will we owe 5 Any, so cheape a death, as saying, Goe;

Goe; and if that word have not quite kil'd thee, Ease mee with death, by bidding mee goe too. Oh, if it have, let my word worke on mee, And a just office on a murderer doe. 10 Except it be too late, to kill me so, Being double dead, going, and bidding, goe.

[The Expiration. 1633-69: An Expiration. A18, N, TCC, TCD: Valediction. B: Valedictio. O'F: Valedictio Amoris. S: Valedico. P: no title, A25, C, JC]

[1 So, so,] So, go 1669]

[5 ask'd A18, A25, B, C JC, N, O'F, S96, TC: aske 1633-69, P, S]

[9 Oh, 1633, A18, A25, JC, N, TC: Or, 1635-69, B, O'F, S, S96]

The Computation.

For the first twenty yeares, since yesterday, I scarce beleev'd, thou could'st be gone away, For forty more, I fed on favours past, And forty'on hopes, that thou would'st, they might last. Teares drown'd one hundred, and sighes blew out two, 5 A thousand, I did neither thinke, nor doe, Or not divide, all being one thought of you; Or in a thousand more, forgot that too. Yet call not this long life; But thinke that I Am, by being dead, Immortall; Can ghosts die? 10

[The Computation. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: no title, B, O'F, S]

[1 For 1633-54: From 1669

the 1633, A18, N, TC: my 1635-69, B, O'F, S, Chambers]

[3 For] And 1669]

[6 One thousand I did think nothing nor doe, S, O'F (nothing think) doe, 1635-69: doe. 1633]

[7 divide, 1633, 1669: deem'd, 1635-54, O'F]

[8 a] one O'F, S: line dropped A18, N, TC

forgot] forget 1669, A18, N, O'F, S, TC]

The Paradox.

No Lover saith, I love, nor any other Can judge a perfect Lover; Hee thinkes that else none can, nor will agree That any loves but hee: I cannot say I lov'd, for who can say 5 Hee was kill'd yesterday? Love with excesse of heat, more yong then old, Death kills with too much cold; Wee dye but once, and who lov'd last did die, Hee that saith twice, doth lye: 10 For though hee seeme to move, and stirre a while, It doth the sense beguile. Such life is like the light which bideth yet When the lights life is set, Or like the heat, which fire in solid matter 15 Leaves behinde, two houres after. Once I lov'd and dy'd; and am now become Mine Epitaph and Tombe. Here dead men speake their last, and so do I; Love-slaine, loe, here I lye. 20

[The Paradox. 1635-69: no title, 1633, A18, H40, L74, N, O'F, S, S96 TCC, TCD]

[3 can, nor will agree A18, H40, N, O'F, S, TC: can or will agree, 1633-69]

[6 yesterday?] yesterday. 1633-39]

[14 lights life H40, L74, RP31, S: lifes light 1633-69, A18, N, O'F, S96, TC]

[15 which Ed: which, 1633-69]

[17 lov'd A18, H40, L74, N, O'F, S, TC: love 1633-69

dy'd] dyed 1633-69]

[20 lye. H40, RP31, S, S96: dye. 1633-69, A18, L74, N, O'F, TC]

Farewell to Love.

Whilst yet to prove, I thought there was some Deitie in love So did I reverence, and gave Worship; as Atheists at their dying houre Call, what they cannot name, an unknowne power, 5 As ignorantly did I crave: Thus when Things not yet knowne are coveted by men, Our desires give them fashion, and so As they waxe lesser, fall, as they sise, grow. 10

But, from late faire His hignesse sitting in a golden Chaire, Is not lesse cared for after three dayes By children, then the thing which lovers so Blindly admire, and with such worship wooe; 15 Being had, enjoying it decayes: And thence, What before pleas'd them all, takes but one sense, And that so lamely, as it leaves behinde A kinde of sorrowing dulnesse to the minde. 20

Ah cannot wee, As well as Cocks and Lyons jocund be, After such pleasures? Unlesse wise Nature decreed (since each such Act, they say, Diminisheth the length of life a day) 25 This, as shee would man should despise The sport; Because that other curse of being short, And onely for a minute made to be, (Eagers desire) to raise posterity. 30

Since so, my minde Shall not desire what no man else can finde, I'll no more dote and runne To pursue things which had indammag'd me. And when I come where moving beauties be, 35 As men doe when the summers Sunne Growes great, Though I admire their greatnesse, shun their heat; Each place can afford shadowes. If all faile, 'Tis but applying worme-seed to the Taile. 40

[Farewell to love. 1635-69 (following Soules joy: p. 429), O'F, S96]

[4 Worship; Ed: Worship, 1635-69]

[10 sise, 1635-69, O'F: rise S96]

[23 pleasures? Ed: pleasures, 1635-69]

[26 This, Ed: This; 1635-69]

[27 sport; Ed: sport, 1635-69]

[29 to be, Ed: to be 1635-69]

[30 (Eagers desire) Ed: Eager, desires 1635-69. See note]

[36 summers 1635-69: summer 1650-1669]

A Lecture upon the Shadow.

Stand still, and I will read to thee A Lecture, Love, in loves philosophy. These three houres that we have spent, Walking here, Two shadowes went Along with us, which we our selves produc'd; 5 But, now the Sunne is just above our head, We doe those shadowes tread; And to brave clearnesse all things are reduc'd. So whilst our infant loves did grow, Disguises did, and shadowes, flow, 10 From us, and our cares; but, now 'tis not so.

That love hath not attain'd the high'st degree, Which is still diligent lest others see.

Except our loves at this noone stay, We shall new shadowes make the other way. 15 As the first were made to blinde Others; these which come behinde Will worke upon our selves, and blind our eyes. If our loves faint, and westwardly decline; To me thou, falsly, thine, 20 And I to thee mine actions shall disguise. The morning shadowes weare away, But these grow longer all the day, But oh, loves day is short, if love decay.

Love is a growing, or full constant light; 25 And his first minute, after noone, is night.

[A Lecture &c. 1650-69: Lecture &c, A18, N, TCC, TCD: Song. 1635-39 (following Dear Love continue: p. 412): The Shadowe. O'F, P: Shadowe. S96: Loves Lecture. S: Loves Lecture upon the Shaddow. L74: Loves Philosophy. JC: no title, A25, B, C, D, H40, H49, Lec]

[4 Walking 1635-69, A18, A25, N, TC: In walking B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, S96

here, 1719: here; 1635-39: here: 1650-69]

[9 loves 1635-54, A18, L74, N, TC: love 1669, B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, S]

[12 high'st] least B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, S, S96]

[14 loves 1635-69, A18, A25, L74, N, TC: love B, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, S, S96]

[19 If our loves faint 1635-69, A25, O'F (love), P, S96 (love), TC: If once love faint B, D, H40, H49, JC, S]

[26 first A18, A25, B, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S96, TC: short 1635-69]

Sonnet. The Token.

Send me some token, that my hope may live, Or that my easelesse thoughts may sleep and rest; Send me some honey to make sweet my hive, That in my passion I may hope the best. I beg noe ribbond wrought with thine owne hands, 5 To knit our loves in the fantastick straine Of new-toucht youth; nor Ring to shew the stands Of our affection, that as that's round and plaine, So should our loves meet in simplicity; No, nor the Coralls which thy wrist infold, 10 Lac'd up together in congruity, To shew our thoughts should rest in the same hold; No, nor thy picture, though most gracious, And most desir'd, because best like the best; Nor witty Lines, which are most copious, 15 Within the Writings which thou hast addrest.

Send me nor this, nor that, t'increase my store, But swear thou thinkst I love thee, and no more.

[Sonnet. The Token. 1649-69 (following Vpon Mr. Thomas Coryats Crudities. at close of Epicedes): Ad Lesbiam. S96: no title, B, Cy: Sonnet. O'F: Elegie. P]

[1 token B, O'F, S96: Tokens 1650-69, P]

[4 passion S96: passions 1650-69, B, P]

[5 noe B, O'F, P, S96: nor 1650-69]

[9 simplicity; Ed: simplicity. 1650-69]

[11 in 1650-69: with B, O'F, S96]

[12 hold; Ed: hold. 1650-69]

[14 desir'd because ... best; B, O'F, S96: desired 'cause 'tis like thee best; 1650-54: desired 'cause 'tis like the best; 1669, Chambers]

[17 store, B, O'F, P, S96: score, 1650-69]

<Selfe Love.>

He that cannot chuse but love, And strives against it still, Never shall my fancy move; For he loves 'gaynst his will; Nor he which is all his own, 5 And can att pleasure chuse, When I am caught he can be gone, And when he list refuse. Nor he that loves none but faire, For such by all are sought; 10 Nor he that can for foul ones care, For his Judgement then is nought: Nor he that hath wit, for he Will make me his jest or slave; Nor a fool, for when others..., 15 He can neither.... Nor he that still his Mistresse payes, For she is thrall'd therefore: Nor he that payes not, for he sayes Within, shee's worth no more. 20 Is there then no kinde of men Whom I may freely prove? I will vent that humour then In mine own selfe love.

[<Selfe Love.> title given by Chambers: no title, 1650-69 (in appendix), JC, O'F]

[4 'gaynst JC, O'F: against 1650-69]

[6 And can ... chuse, JC: And cannot pleasure chuse, 1650-69: And can all pleasures chuse, O'F]

[11 foul ones] fouleness O'F]

[14 slave; 1719: slave 1650-69]

[15 fool, 1719: fool 1650-69]

[17 payes, JC, O'F: prays, 1650-69]

[19 payes not,] payes, not, 1650-69]

[20 Within, Ed: Within 1650-69]

The end of the Songs and Sonets.

* * * * *

EPIGRAMS.

Hero and Leander.

Both rob'd of aire, we both lye in one ground, Both whom one fire had burnt, one water drownd.

[Hero and Leander. 1633-69, A18, HN, N, O'F, TCC, TCD, W]

Pyramus and Thisbe.

Two, by themselves, each other, love and feare Slaine, cruell friends, by parting have joyn'd here.

[Pyramus and Thisbe. 1633-69, A18, Cy, HN, N, O'F, TCC, TCD, W]

[1: feare] feare, Chambers, and Grolier (which drops all the other commas)]

Niobe.

By childrens births, and death, I am become So dry, that I am now mine owne sad tombe.

[Niobe. 1633-69, A18, HN, N, O'F, TCC, TCD, W]

[2: mine owne sad tombe. 1633-69: mine owne tombe. A18, N, TC: made mine owne tombe. HN, W]

A burnt ship.

Out of a fired ship, which, by no way But drowning, could be rescued from the flame, Some men leap'd forth, and ever as they came Neere the foes ships, did by their shot decay; So all were lost, which in the ship were found, They in the sea being burnt, they in the burnt ship drown'd.

[A burnt ship. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: Nave arsa. W: De Nave arsa. O'F. See note]

Fall of a wall.

Vnder an undermin'd, and shot-bruis'd wall A too-bold Captaine perish'd by the fall, Whose brave misfortune, happiest men envi'd, That had a towne for tombe, his bones to hide.

[Fall of a wall. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: Caso d'un muro. O'F, W]

[4 towne 1633 and MSS.: towre 1635-69

bones 1633-69, A18, N, TC: corpse B, HN, O'F, W]

A lame begger.

I am unable, yonder begger cries, To stand, or move; if he say true, hee lies.

[A lame begger. 1633-69, A18, N, TC: A beggar. HN: no title, P: Zoppo. O'F, W]

Cales and Guyana.

If you from spoyle of th'old worlds farthest end To the new world your kindled valors bend, What brave examples then do prove it trew That one things end doth still beginne a new.

[Cales and Guyana. O'F: Calez &c. W: first printed in Gosse's Life and Letters of John Donne (1899)]

Sir Iohn Wingefield.

Beyond th'old Pillers many have travailed Towards the Suns cradle, and his throne, and bed: A fitter Piller our Earle did bestow In that late Island; for he well did know Farther then Wingefield no man dares to goe.

[Sir Iohn Wingefield. Ed: Il Cavalliere Gio: Wingef: W: On Cavallero Wingfield. O'F: first printed in Gosse's Life and Letters of John Donne (1899)]

[2 throne W: grave O'F]

[4 late W: Lady O'F]

A selfe accuser.

Your mistris, that you follow whores, still taxeth you: 'Tis strange that she should thus confesse it, though'it be true.

[A selfe accuser. 1633-69: A Mistrisse. HN: no title, B, O'F, W]

[2 that] om. HN, O'F, W

thus] om. HN, O'F, W

it] om. HN, O'F]

A licentious person.

Thy sinnes and haires may no man equall call, For, as thy sinnes increase, thy haires doe fall.

[A licentious person. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: Whore. HN: no title, O'F, RP31, W]

[1 Thy] His and so throughout, RP31]

Antiquary.

If in his Studie he hath so much care To'hang all old strange things, let his wife beware.

[Antiquary. 1633-69, A18, N, P, TCC, TCD, W: Hammon. HN: no title, Bur, Cy, O'F: Epigram. S96]

[1 he hath so much 1633-69: he have such A18, N, TC: Hamon hath such B, Cy, HN (have), O'F, S96, W]

[2 strange om. B, HN, O'F all om. Bur]

Disinherited.

Thy father all from thee, by his last Will, Gave to the poore; Thou hast good title still.

[Disinherited. 1633-69: One disinherited. HN: no title, Cy, O'F, P, W]

[1 Will, Ed: Will 1633-69]

Phryne.

Thy flattering picture, Phryne, is like thee, Onely in this, that you both painted be.

[Phryne. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: no title, O'F]

[1 like thee,] like to thee, 1650-69]

An obscure writer.

Philo, with twelve yeares study, hath beene griev'd To be understood; when will hee be beleev'd?

[An obscure writer. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: no title, O'F]

[1 griev'd Ed: griev'd, 1633-69]

[2 To be Ed: To'be 1633-69

understood; Ed: understood, 1633-69

beleev'd?] beleev'd. 1633]

Klockius.

Klockius so deeply hath sworne, ne'r more to come In bawdie house, that hee dares not goe home.

[Klockius. HN: no title, 1633-69, Bur, O'F]

[1 Klockius] Rawlings Bur]

[2 In bawdie] In a bawdie HN]

Raderus.

Why this man gelded Martiall I muse, Except himselfe alone his tricks would use, As Katherine, for the Courts sake, put downe Stewes.

[Raderus. 1633-69, A18, N, TCD: Randerus. TCC: Martial: castratus. W]

[1 Martiall I muse, 1633-54: Martiall, I amuse, 1669]

Mercurius Gallo-Belgicus.

Like Esops fellow-slaves, O Mercury, Which could do all things, thy faith is; and I Like Esops selfe, which nothing; I confesse I should have had more faith, if thou hadst lesse; Thy credit lost thy credit: 'Tis sinne to doe, In this case, as thou wouldst be done unto, To beleeve all: Change thy name: thou art like Mercury in stealing, but lyest like a Greeke.

[Mercurius Gallo-Belgicus. 1633-69, A18, B, N, O'F, S, TCC, TCD, W]

[8 but lyest 1633-69: and lyest B, W]

Ralphius.

Compassion in the world againe is bred: Ralphius is sick, the broker keeps his bed.

[Ralphius. HN: no title, 1633-69, O'F]

The Lier.

Thou in the fields walkst out thy supping howers, And yet thou swear'st thou hast supp'd like a king: Like Nebuchadnezar perchance with grass and flowers, A sallet worse then Spanish dieting.

[The Lier. HN: no title, B, Bur, Cy, O'F, P, W]

[2 swear'st HN, W: say'st B, Cy, O'F]

[3 grass] hearbes Bur

supp'd like] supp'd and like HN]

ELEGIES.

ELEGIE I.

Iealosie.

Fond woman, which would'st have thy husband die, And yet complain'st of his great jealousie; If swolne with poyson, hee lay in' his last bed, His body with a sere-barke covered, Drawing his breath, as thick and short, as can 5 The nimblest crocheting Musitian, Ready with loathsome vomiting to spue His Soule out of one hell, into a new, Made deafe with his poore kindreds howling cries, Begging with few feign'd teares, great legacies, 10 Thou would'st not weepe, but jolly,'and frolicke bee, As a slave, which to morrow should be free; Yet weep'st thou, when thou seest him hungerly Swallow his owne death, hearts-bane jealousie. O give him many thanks, he'is courteous, 15 That in suspecting kindly warneth us. Wee must not, as wee us'd, flout openly, In scoffing ridles, his deformitie; Nor at his boord together being fatt, With words, nor touch, scarce lookes adulterate. 20 Nor when he swolne, and pamper'd with great fare, Sits downe, and snorts, cag'd in his basket chaire, Must wee usurpe his owne bed any more, Nor kisse and play in his house, as before. Now I see many dangers; for that is 25 His realme, his castle, and his diocesse. But if, as envious men, which would revile Their Prince, or coyne his gold, themselves exile Into another countrie,'and doe it there, Wee play'in another house, what should we feare? 30 There we will scorne his houshold policies, His seely plots, and pensionary spies, As the inhabitants of Thames right side Do Londons Major; or Germans, the Popes pride.

[Elegie I. Iealosie. 1635-54: Elegie I. 1633 and 1669: no title or Elegie (numbered variously, according to scheme adopted) A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD, W]

[1 woman,] woman 1633]

[4 sere-barke 1633-54, B, Cy, H49, Lec, O'F, S, W: sere-cloth 1669, D, P: sore barke A18, A25, JC, N, TC]

[10 few] some few A18, N, TC]

[12 free; Ed: free, 1633-69: free. D]

[16 us. 1633-35: us, 1639-69]

[21 great 1633-54, A18, A25, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, S, TC, W: high 1669, B, O'F, P, S96: his Cy

fare, Ed: fare 1633-69]

[25 Now ... dangers;] Now do I see my danger; 1669

that all MSS.: it 1633-69]

[26 diocesse] Diocys D: Diocis W]

[27-29 (as envious ... do it there,) 1669]

[30 another] anothers 1669 We into some third place retired were B, O'F, P, S96]

[34 Major; 1650-54: Major, 1633-39: Mayor; 1669]

ELEGIE II.

The Anagram.

Marry, and love thy Flavia, for, shee Hath all things, whereby others beautious bee, For, though her eyes be small, her mouth is great, Though they be Ivory, yet her teeth be jeat, Though they be dimme, yet she is light enough, 5 And though her harsh haire fall, her skinne is rough; What though her cheeks be yellow, her haire's red, Give her thine, and she hath a maydenhead. These things are beauties elements, where these Meet in one, that one must, as perfect, please. 10 If red and white and each good quality Be in thy wench, ne'r aske where it doth lye. In buying things perfum'd, we aske; if there Be muske and amber in it, but not where. Though all her parts be not in th'usuall place, 15 She'hath yet an Anagram of a good face. If we might put the letters but one way, In the leane dearth of words, what could wee say? When by the Gamut some Musitions make A perfect song, others will undertake, 20 By the same Gamut chang'd, to equall it. Things simply good, can never be unfit. She's faire as any, if all be like her, And if none bee, then she is singular. All love is wonder; if wee justly doe 25 Account her wonderfull, why not lovely too? Love built on beauty, soone as beauty, dies, Chuse this face, chang'd by no deformities. Women are all like Angels; the faire be Like those which fell to worse; but such as shee, 30 Like to good Angels, nothing can impaire: 'Tis lesse griefe to be foule, then to have beene faire. For one nights revels, silke and gold we chuse, But, in long journeyes, cloth, and leather use. Beauty is barren oft; best husbands say, 35 There is best land, where there is foulest way. Oh what a soveraigne Plaister will shee bee, If thy past sinnes have taught thee jealousie! Here needs no spies, nor eunuches; her commit Safe to thy foes; yea, to a Marmosit. 40 When Belgiaes citties, the round countries drowne, That durty foulenesse guards, and armes the towne: So doth her face guard her; and so, for thee, Which, forc'd by businesse, absent oft must bee, Shee, whose face, like clouds, turnes the day to night, 45 Who, mightier then the sea, makes Moores seem white, Who, though seaven yeares, she in the Stews had laid, A Nunnery durst receive, and thinke a maid, And though in childbeds labour she did lie, Midwifes would sweare, 'twere but a tympanie, 50 Whom, if shee accuse her selfe, I credit lesse Then witches, which impossibles confesse, Whom Dildoes, Bedstaves, and her Velvet Glasse Would be as loath to touch as Joseph was: One like none, and lik'd of none, fittest were, 55 For, things in fashion every man will weare.

[Eleg. II. The Anagram. 1635-54: Elegie II. 1633, 1669: Elegie. (numbered variously) A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, M, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD, W]

[4 they] theirs 1669, S96

teeth be 1633-69, D, H49, JC, Lec: teeth are A18, A25, B, Cy, L74, M, N, O'F, S, TC, W]

[6 hair fall] hair's foul 1669

is rough 1633, 1669, A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, M, N, P, S, TC, W: is tough 1635-54, O'F, Chambers]

[16 an Anagram] the Anagrams 1669]

[18 the 1633: that 1635-69

words 1633-69, A25, B, L74, M, N, O'F, P, S, TC: letters D, Cy, H49, W]

[22 unfit. D: unfit; 1633-69]

[28 deformities.] deformities; 1633]

[29 faire] fairer S, S96]

[35 say,] say, 1633]

[37 bee,] bee 1633]

[41-2 When Belgiaes ... towne: 1633-54: Like Belgia's cities when the Country is drown'd, That ... towns; 1669: Like Belgia's cities the round country drowns, That ... towns, Chambers: MSS. agree with 1633-54, but before countries read variously round (A18, A25, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, M, N, P, TC, W), lowe (B), foul (O'F, S, S96, which read country drowns ... towns)]

[49 childbeds 1633-54, Lec, W: childbirths 1669, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, O'F, P, S, S96, TC]

[52 confesse, Ed: confesse. 1633-69]

[53-4 Whom ... Joseph was: 1669 and all MSS [or a Velvet 1669]: om. 1633-54]

ELEGIE III.

Change.

Although thy hand and faith, and good workes too, Have seal'd thy love which nothing should undoe, Yea though thou fall backe, that apostasie Confirme thy love; yet much, much I feare thee. Women are like the Arts, forc'd unto none, 5 Open to'all searchers, unpriz'd, if unknowne. If I have caught a bird, and let him flie, Another fouler using these meanes, as I, May catch the same bird; and, as these things bee, Women are made for men, not him, nor mee. 10 Foxes and goats; all beasts change when they please, Shall women, more hot, wily, wild then these, Be bound to one man, and did Nature then Idly make them apter to'endure then men? They'are our clogges, not their owne; if a man bee 15 Chain'd to a galley, yet the galley'is free; Who hath a plow-land, casts all his seed corne there, And yet allowes his ground more corne should beare; Though Danuby into the sea must flow, The sea receives the Rhene, Volga, and Po. 20 By nature, which gave it, this liberty Thou lov'st, but Oh! canst thou love it and mee? Likenesse glues love: and if that thou so doe, To make us like and love, must I change too? More then thy hate, I hate'it, rather let mee 25 Allow her change, then change as oft as shee, And soe not teach, but force my'opinion To love not any one, nor every one. To live in one land, is captivitie, To runne all countries, a wild roguery; 30 Waters stincke soone, if in one place they bide, And in the vast sea are more putrifi'd: But when they kisse one banke, and leaving this Never looke backe, but the next banke doe kisse, Then are they purest; Change'is the nursery 35 Of musicke, joy, life, and eternity.

[Eleg. III. Change. 1635-54: Elegie III. 1633, 1669: no title or Elegye (numbered variously) A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD, W]

[1 workes] word 1669]

[4 Confirme] Confirms 1669, A25, L74, P]

[5 Women] Women, 1633

forc'd unto none] forbid to none B]

[8 these 1633-54, D, H49, Lec: those 1669, A18, A25, B, Cy, JC, L74, N, P, TC, W]

[11 Foxes and goats; all beasts 1633-54: Foxes, goats and all beasts 1669]

[13 did] bid 1669]

[17 a plow-land] plow-lands P]

[18 corne] seed P]

[20 Rhene,] Rhine, 1669

Po. 1633: Po, 1635-69]

[21 liberty 1633: libertie. 1635-69]

[23 and ... doe,] then if so thou do, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S96, TC, W]

[24 like i.e. alike as in A18, N, TC]

[31 bide] abide 1669]

[32 more putrifi'd 1633-39: more purifi'd 1650-54: worse purifi'd 1669: worse putrifi'd A18, A25, Cy, D, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC, W: worst putrifi'd B, H49, JC]

ELEGIE IV.

The Perfume.

Once, and but once found in thy company, All thy suppos'd escapes are laid on mee; And as a thiefe at barre, is question'd there By all the men, that have beene rob'd that yeare, So am I, (by this traiterous meanes surpriz'd) 5 By thy Hydroptique father catechiz'd. Though he had wont to search with glazed eyes, As though he came to kill a Cockatrice, Though hee hath oft sworne, that hee would remove Thy beauties beautie, and food of our love, 10 Hope of his goods, if I with thee were seene, Yet close and secret, as our soules, we'have beene. Though thy immortall mother which doth lye Still buried in her bed, yet will not dye, Takes this advantage to sleepe out day-light, 15 And watch thy entries, and returnes all night, And, when she takes thy hand, and would seeme kind, Doth search what rings, and armelets she can finde, And kissing notes the colour of thy face, And fearing least thou'art swolne, doth thee embrace; 20 To trie if thou long, doth name strange meates, And notes thy palenesse, blushing, sighs, and sweats; And politiquely will to thee confesse The sinnes of her owne youths ranke lustinesse; Yet love these Sorceries did remove, and move 25 Thee to gull thine owne mother for my love. Thy little brethren, which like Faiery Sprights Oft skipt into our chamber, those sweet nights, And kist, and ingled on thy fathers knee, Were brib'd next day, to tell what they did see: 30 The grim eight-foot-high iron-bound serving-man, That oft names God in oathes, and onely than, He that to barre the first gate, doth as wide As the great Rhodian Colossus stride, Which, if in hell no other paines there were, 35 Makes mee feare hell, because he must be there: Though by thy father he were hir'd to this, Could never witnesse any touch or kisse. But Oh, too common ill, I brought with mee That, which betray'd mee to my enemie: 40 A loud perfume, which at my entrance cryed Even at thy fathers nose, so were wee spied. When, like a tyran King, that in his bed Smelt gunpowder, the pale wretch shivered. Had it beene some bad smell, he would have thought 45 That his owne feet, or breath, that smell had wrought. But as wee in our Ile emprisoned, Where cattell onely,'and diverse dogs are bred, The pretious Vnicornes, strange monsters call, So thought he good, strange, that had none at all. 50 I taught my silkes, their whistling to forbeare, Even my opprest shoes, dumbe and speechlesse were, Onely, thou bitter sweet, whom I had laid Next mee, mee traiterously hast betraid, And unsuspected hast invisibly 55 At once fled unto him, and staid with mee. Base excrement of earth, which dost confound Sense, from distinguishing the sicke from sound; By thee the seely Amorous sucks his death By drawing in a leprous harlots breath; 60 By thee, the greatest staine to mans estate Falls on us, to be call'd effeminate; Though you be much lov'd in the Princes hall, There, things that seeme, exceed substantiall; Gods, when yee fum'd on altars, were pleas'd well 65 Because you'were burnt, not that they lik'd your smell; You'are loathsome all, being taken simply alone, Shall wee love ill things joyn'd, and hate each one? If you were good, your good doth soone decay; And you are rare, that takes the good away. 70 All my perfumes, I give most willingly To'embalme thy fathers corse; What? will hee die?

[Eleg. IV. The Perfume. 1635-54: Elegie IV. 1633, 1669: Elegie. (numbered variously) A18, A25, C, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD, W: Discovered by a Perfume. B: no title, Cy, HN]

[2 suppos'd escapes] supposed scapes 1669, P]

[4 By] For P]

[7-8 1635-69 and MSS. generally: om. 1633, D, H49, Lec]

[9 hath] have A18, A25, L74, N, P, TC, W]

[15 Takes] Take A18, A25, N, P, TC, W]

[21 To trie &c. 1633, D, H49, S (dost long): And to trie &c. 1635-69, A18, A25, L74, N, O'F, S96 (longest), TC

meates, 1635-69: meates. 1633]

[22 blushing 1633-54, A18, A25, JC, N, TC: blushes 1669: blushings B, D, H49, HN, L74, Lec, O'F, P, W]

[29 ingled] dandled 1669]

[30 see: 1635-69: see. 1633]

[31 grim eight-foot-high iron-bound Ed: grim-eight-foot-high-iron-bound 1633-69]

[37 to 1633-69: for MSS.]

[38 kisse.] kisse; 1633]

[40 my 1633: mine 1635-69]

[44 Smelt] Smells 1669 shivered. A18, D, H49, L74, N, TC, W: shivered; 1633-69: shivered, Chambers and Grolier. See note]

[46 that smell] the smell 1669]

[49 monsters Ed: monsters, 1633-69]

[50 good,] sweet 1669]

[53 bitter sweet, 1633-39: bitter-sweet, 1650-69]

[60 breath; 1650-69: breath, 1633-39]

[64 substantiall; Ed: substantiall. 1633-69]

[66 you'were] you'er 1669

smell; 1635-39: smell, 1633, 1669: smel 1650-54]

[71 All] And Chambers]

ELEGIE V.

His Picture.

Here take my Picture; though I bid farewell, Thine, in my heart, where my soule dwels, shall dwell. 'Tis like me now, but I dead, 'twill be more When wee are shadowes both, then'twas before. When weather-beaten I come backe; my hand, 5 Perhaps with rude oares torne, or Sun beams tann'd, My face and brest of hairecloth, and my head With cares rash sodaine stormes, being o'rspread, My body'a sack of bones, broken within, And powders blew staines scatter'd on my skinne; 10 If rivall fooles taxe thee to'have lov'd a man, So foule, and course, as, Oh, I may seeme than, This shall say what I was: and thou shalt say, Doe his hurts reach mee? doth my worth decay? Or doe they reach his judging minde, that hee 15 Should now love lesse, what hee did love to see? That which in him was faire and delicate, Was but the milke, which in loves childish state Did nurse it: who now is growne strong enough To feed on that, which to disused tasts seemes tough. 20

[Eleg. V. His Picture. 1635-54: Elegie V. 1633, 1669: Elegye. (numbered variously) A18, A25, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCC, TCD, W: The Picture. P: Travelling he leaves his Picture with his mystris. B]

[1 Picture; ... farewell, Ed: Picture, ... farewell; 1633: rest semicolon or colon after each]

[8 With cares rash sodaine stormes, being o'rspread, 1633, A18, N, TC: With cares rash, cruel, sudden storms o'erspread P: With cares rash-sudden cruel-storms o'erprest B: With cares rash sudden storms o'erpressed S, S96: With cares rash sudden storms o'erspread Cy, D, H49, Lec: With cares rash sodaine horiness o'erspread A25, JC, W: With cares harsh sodaine horinesse o'rspread, 1635-69, O'F]

[16 now love lesse, 1633-69, A18, N, TC: like and love less A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, P, S, S96, W]

[19 nurse] nourish A18, N, P, S, TC

strong] tough P]

[20 disused Ed: disus'd 1633-39, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC, W: weake 1650-69

tough.] rough. P]

ELEGIE VI.

Oh, let mee not serve so, as those men serve Whom honours smoakes at once fatten and sterve; Poorely enrich't with great mens words or lookes; Nor so write my name in thy loving bookes As those Idolatrous flatterers, which still 5 Their Princes stiles, with many Realmes fulfill Whence they no tribute have, and where no sway. Such services I offer as shall pay Themselves, I hate dead names: Oh then let mee Favorite in Ordinary, or no favorite bee. 10 When my Soule was in her owne body sheath'd, Nor yet by oathes betroth'd, nor kisses breath'd Into my Purgatory, faithlesse thee, Thy heart seem'd waxe, and steele thy constancie: So, carelesse flowers strow'd on the waters face, 15 The curled whirlepooles suck, smack, and embrace, Yet drowne them; so, the tapers beamie eye Amorously twinkling, beckens the giddie flie, Yet burnes his wings; and such the devill is, Scarce visiting them, who are intirely his. 20 When I behold a streame, which, from the spring, Doth with doubtfull melodious murmuring, Or in a speechlesse slumber, calmely ride Her wedded channels bosome, and then chide And bend her browes, and swell if any bough 25 Do but stoop downe, or kisse her upmost brow; Yet, if her often gnawing kisses winne The traiterous banke to gape, and let her in, She rusheth violently, and doth divorce Her from her native, and her long-kept course, 30 And rores, and braves it, and in gallant scorne, In flattering eddies promising retorne, She flouts the channell, who thenceforth is drie; Then say I; that is shee, and this am I. Yet let not thy deepe bitternesse beget 35 Carelesse despaire in mee, for that will whet My minde to scorne; and Oh, love dull'd with paine Was ne'r so wise, nor well arm'd as disdaine. Then with new eyes I shall survay thee,'and spie Death in thy cheekes, and darknesse in thine eye. 40 Though hope bred faith and love; thus taught, I shall As nations do from Rome, from thy love fall. My hate shall outgrow thine, and utterly I will renounce thy dalliance: and when I Am the Recusant, in that resolute state, 45 What hurts it mee to be'excommunicate?

[Eleg. VI. 1635-69: Elegie VII. 1633 (Elegie VI. being Sorrow who to this house &c. See Epicedes &c., p. 287): Elegie. (numbered variously) A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD, W]

[2 fatten] flatter 1669, A18, B, Cy, L74, N, TC]

[3 or] and A18, Cy, L74, N, P, TC]

[6 stiles, 1633-69, A18, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, S96, TC, W: style A25, O'F, S, Chambers and Grosart

with all MSS., Chambers and Grosart: which (probably by confusion of w^{ch} and w^{th}) 1633-69

Realmes] names 1669]

[7 where] bear 1669]

[14 constancie: 1635-69: constancie. 1633]

[24 then 1633, B, D, H49, Lec, S, S96, W: there 1635-69, A18, A25, Cy, JC, N, O'F, P, TC, Chambers]

[26 upmost 1633 and most MSS: utmost 1635-69, O'F, Chambers brow; Ed: brow: 1633-39: brow. 1650-69]

[28 banke A18, D, H49, JC, N, S, TC, W: banks 1633-69, Lec, O'F]

[33 the 1633, D, H49, Lec: her 1635-69, A18, N, TC

who 1633, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, JC, H49, L74, Lec, N, P, S, S96, TC: which 1635-69, O'F]

[37 Oh,] Ah, 1669]

[39 thee,'] om. 1669]

[40 eye. Ed: eye; 1633-54: eye: 1669: eye, Chambers]

[41 Though ... love; 1633: Though ... breed ... love: 1635-39: Though ... breed ... love 1650-69 (Through ... 1669)]

[42 fall. 1633-35: fall 1639-69]

[43 outgrow] o'ergrow Cy, P]

ELEGIE VII.

Natures lay Ideot, I taught thee to love, And in that sophistrie, Oh, thou dost prove Too subtile: Foole, thou didst not understand The mystique language of the eye nor hand: Nor couldst thou judge the difference of the aire 5 Of sighes, and say, this lies, this sounds despaire: Nor by the'eyes water call a maladie Desperately hot, or changing feaverously. I had not taught thee then, the Alphabet Of flowers, how they devisefully being set 10 And bound up, might with speechlesse secrecie Deliver arrands mutely, and mutually. Remember since all thy words us'd to bee To every suitor; I, if my friends agree; Since, household charmes, thy husbands name to teach, 15 Were all the love trickes, that thy wit could reach; And since, an houres discourse could scarce have made One answer in thee, and that ill arraid In broken proverbs, and torne sentences. Thou art not by so many duties his, 20 That from the worlds Common having sever'd thee, Inlaid thee, neither to be seene, nor see, As mine: who have with amorous delicacies Refin'd thee'into a blis-full Paradise. Thy graces and good words my creatures bee; 25 I planted knowledge and lifes tree in thee, Which Oh, shall strangers taste? Must I alas Frame and enamell Plate, and drinke in Glasse? Chafe waxe for others seales? breake a colts force And leave him then, beeing made a ready horse? 30

[Elegie VII. 1635-69: Elegie VIII. 1633: Elegye. (numbered variously) A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, M, N, O'F, P, S, TCC, TCD, W]

[2 Oh, ... prove] Oh, how ... prove 1669]

[6 despaire: 1635-69: despaire. 1633]

[7 call 1633, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, M, N, O'F (corrected from know), P, TC, W: know 1635-69: cast S, Chambers and Grosart]

[10 they devisefully being set] their devise in being set Cy, P]

[12 arrands 1633: errands 1635-69: meet errands B]

[14 agree; Ed: agree. 1633-69]

[21-2 That ... nor see,] in brackets 1669]

[24 Paradise] paradise 1633]

[25 words 1633-54, A25, B, Cy, JC, N, O'F, P, W: works 1669, A18, D, H49, Lec, TC

bee; Ed: bee, 1633-69]

[26 thee, 1633: thee: 1635-69]

[28 Glasse? Ed: glasse. 1633-69]

ELEGIE VIII.

The Comparison.

As the sweet sweat of Roses in a Still, As that which from chaf'd muskats pores doth trill, As the Almighty Balme of th'early East, Such are the sweat drops of my Mistris breast, And on her <brow> her skin such lustre sets, 5 They seeme no sweat drops, but pearle coronets. Ranke sweaty froth thy Mistresse's brow defiles, Like spermatique issue of ripe menstruous boiles, Or like the skumme, which, by needs lawlesse law Enforc'd, Sanserra's starved men did draw 10 From parboild shooes, and bootes, and all the rest Which were with any soveraigne fatnes blest, And like vile lying stones in saffrond tinne, Or warts, or wheales, they hang upon her skinne. Round as the world's her head, on every side, 15 Like to the fatall Ball which fell on Ide, Or that whereof God had such jealousie, As, for the ravishing thereof we die. Thy head is like a rough-hewne statue of jeat, Where marks for eyes, nose, mouth, are yet scarce set; 20 Like the first Chaos, or flat seeming face Of Cynthia, when th'earths shadowes her embrace. Like Proserpines white beauty-keeping chest, Or Joues best fortunes urne, is her faire brest. Thine's like worme eaten trunkes, cloth'd in seals skin, 25 Or grave, that's dust without, and stinke within. And like that slender stalke, at whose end stands The wood-bine quivering, are her armes and hands. Like rough bark'd elmboughes, or the russet skin Of men late scurg'd for madnes, or for sinne, 30 Like Sun-parch'd quarters on the citie gate, Such is thy tann'd skins lamentable state. And like a bunch of ragged carrets stand The short swolne fingers of thy gouty hand. Then like the Chymicks masculine equall fire, 35 Which in the Lymbecks warme wombe doth inspire Into th'earths worthlesse durt a soule of gold, Such cherishing heat her best lov'd part doth hold. Thine's like the dread mouth of a fired gunne, Or like hot liquid metalls newly runne 40 Into clay moulds, or like to that Ætna Where round about the grasse is burnt away. Are not your kisses then as filthy, and more, As a worme sucking an invenom'd sore? Doth not thy fearefull hand in feeling quake, 45 As one which gath'ring flowers, still feares a snake? Is not your last act harsh, and violent, As when a Plough a stony ground doth rent? So kisse good Turtles, so devoutly nice Are Priests in handling reverent sacrifice, 50 And such in searching wounds the Surgeon is As wee, when wee embrace, or touch, or kisse. Leave her, and I will leave comparing thus, She, and comparisons are odious.

[Eleg. VIII. The Comparison. 1635-54: Elegie VIII. 1669: Elegie. 1633: Elegie. (numbered variously) A18, A25, B, C, Cy, JC, L74, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD, W]

[2 muskats] muskets 1669]

[4 breast, 1635-69: breast. 1633]

[5 <brow> Ed: necke 1633-69 and MSS. See note]

[6 coronets. 1633-69, A18, B, Cy, L74, M, N, O'F, S96, TC: carcanets. A25, C, JC, S, W: carolettes. P]

[8 boiles, Ed: boiles. 1633-69: in MSS. generally spelt as pronounced, biles or byles]

[13 vile lying stones 1635-54 and MSS.: vile stones lying 1633, 1669]

[14 they hang A18, B, JC, L74, M, N, O'F (altered to it), S, TC, W: it hangs 1633-69]

[19 a] om. 1635-39]

[26 grave] grav'd 1669

dust 1633-69, W: durt A18, A25, JC, M, N, O'F, P, S, TC]

[28 hands. W: hands, 1633-69]

[34 thy gouty hand. 1635-69, A18, A25, B, L74, N, O'F, P, S96, TC, W (hand; 1635-69): her gouty hand; 1633, JC, S: thy mistress hand; 1669]

[37 durt 1635-69: part 1633, from next line]

[46 feares] fear'd A18, L74, N, O'F, TC, W]

[48 when 1635-69 and MSS.: where 1633]

[50 Are Priests ... sacrifice,] A Priest is in his handling Sacrifice, 1669]

[51 such A18, A25, B, JC, L74, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC, W: nice 1633-69]

ELEGIE IX.

The Autumnall

No Spring, nor Summer Beauty hath such grace, As I have seen in one Autumnall face. Yong Beauties force our love, and that's a Rape, This doth but counsaile, yet you cannot scape. If t'were a shame to love, here t'were no shame, 5 Affection here takes Reverences name. Were her first yeares the Golden Age; That's true, But now shee's gold oft tried, and ever new. That was her torrid and inflaming time, This is her tolerable Tropique clyme. 10 Faire eyes, who askes more heate then comes from hence, He in a fever wishes pestilence. Call not these wrinkles, graves; If graves they were, They were Loves graves; for else he is no where. Yet lies not Love dead here, but here doth sit 15 Vow'd to this trench, like an Anachorit. And here, till hers, which must be his death, come, He doth not digge a Grave, but build a Tombe. Here dwells he, though he sojourne ev'ry where, In Progresse, yet his standing house is here. 20 Here, where still Evening is; not noone, nor night; Where no voluptuousnesse, yet all delight. In all her words, unto all hearers fit, You may at Revels, you at Counsaile, sit. This is loves timber, youth his under-wood; 25 There he, as wine in Iune, enrages blood, Which then comes seasonabliest, when our tast And appetite to other things, is past. Xerxes strange Lydian love, the Platane tree, Was lov'd for age, none being so large as shee, 30 Or else because, being yong, nature did blesse Her youth with ages glory, Barrennesse. If we love things long sought, Age is a thing Which we are fifty yeares in compassing. If transitory things, which soone decay, 35 Age must be lovelyest at the latest day. But name not Winter-faces, whose skin's slacke; Lanke, as an unthrifts purse; but a soules sacke; Whose Eyes seeke light within, for all here's shade; Whose mouthes are holes, rather worne out, then made; 40 Whose every tooth to a severall place is gone, To vexe their soules at Resurrection; Name not these living Deaths-heads unto mee, For these, not Ancient, but Antique be. I hate extreames; yet I had rather stay 45 With Tombs, then Cradles, to weare out a day. Since such loves naturall lation is, may still My love descend, and journey downe the hill, Not panting after growing beauties, so, I shall ebbe out with them, who home-ward goe. 50

[Eleg. IX. The Autumnall. 1635-54: Elegie. The Autumnall. 1633: Elegie IX. 1669: Elegie. A18, N, TCC, TCD: Elegie Autumnall. D, H40, H49, JC, Lec: An autumnall face: On the Ladie S^r Edward Herbart mothers Ladie Danvers. B: On the Lady Herbert afterwards Danvers. O'F: Widdow. M, P: A Paradox of an ould Woman. S: Elegie Autumnall on the Lady Shandoys. S96: no title, L74]

[1 Summer 1633: Summers 1635-69]

[2 face. Ed: face, 1633-69]

[3 our love, 1633, D, H49, Lec, S: our Loves, 1669: your love, 1635-54, A18, A25, B, H40, L74, M, N, O'F, P, S96, TC]

[6 Affection ... takes A18, A25, B, D, H40, H49, L74, Lec, M, N, P, S, S96, TC: Affections ... take 1633-69, JC, O'F]

[8 shee's 1635-69, A18, A25, B, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, M, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC: they'are 1633]

[10 tolerable 1633, D, H40, H49, Lec, S: habitable 1635-69, A18, A25, L74, M, N, O'F, P, TC]

[14 for 1633: or 1635-69]

[15 Love] love 1633]

[22 Where] Where's O'F, S]

[23 unto all] to all her P]

[24 Counsaile, Ed: counsaile, 1633-54: counsails 1669]

[26 enrages] bringes D, H49: breeds Lec]

[27 seasonabliest, 1633: seasonablest, 1635-69]

[28 past.] past; 1633]

[30 large 1633: old 1635-69]

[37 not] noe several MSS.]

[38 soules sacke; 1633, 1669, and MSS.: fooles sack; 1635-54]

[40 made; Ed: made 1633-54: made, 1669]

[42 their soules] the soul 1669]

[43 Deaths-heads 1633: Death-heads 1635-69, Chambers: death-shades H40]

[44 Ancient, ... Antique 1633, 1669, D, H49, Lec: Ancients, ... Antiques 1635-54, B, O'F, S: ancient ... antiques A18, A25, H40, L74, M, N, TC

be. Ed: be; 1633]

[46 a] the 1669, M, P]

[47 naturall lation A18, A25, B, D, H40, H49, L74, M, N, P, S, TC (sometimes thus, natural-lation): motion naturall 1633: naturall station 1635-69, Lec, O'F]

[50 ebbe out 1633: ebbe on 1635-69, A18, A25, B, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, M, N, O'F, P, S, TC]

ELEGIE X.

Image of her whom I love, more then she, Whose faire impression in my faithfull heart, Makes mee her Medall, and makes her love mee, As Kings do coynes, to which their stamps impart The value: goe, and take my heart from hence, 5 Which now is growne too great and good for me: Honours oppresse weake spirits, and our sense Strong objects dull; the more, the lesse wee see. When you are gone, and Reason gone with you, Then Fantasie is Queene and Soule, and all; 10 She can present joyes meaner then you do; Convenient, and more proportionall. So, if I dreame I have you, I have you, For, all our joyes are but fantasticall. And so I scape the paine, for paine is true; 15 And sleepe which locks up sense, doth lock out all. After a such fruition I shall wake, And, but the waking, nothing shall repent; And shall to love more thankfull Sonnets make, Then if more honour, teares, and paines were spent. 20 But dearest heart, and dearer image stay; Alas, true joyes at best are dreame enough; Though you stay here you passe too fast away: For even at first lifes Taper is a snuffe. Fill'd with her love, may I be rather grown 25 Mad with much heart, then ideott with none.

[Eleg. X. The Dreame. 1635-54: Elegie X. 1669: Elegie. 1633: Picture. S96: Elegie. or no title, A18, B, D, H40, H49, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD]

[7 sense] sense, 1633]

[8 dull; 1635-69: dull, 1633]

[16 out] up B, P, S]

[17 a such 1633-54: such a 1669]

[22 dreame] dreams 1669]

ELEGIE XI.

The Bracelet.

Vpon the losse of his Mistresses Chaine, for which he made satisfaction.

Not that in colour it was like thy haire, For Armelets of that thou maist let me weare: Nor that thy hand it oft embrac'd and kist, For so it had that good, which oft I mist: Nor for that silly old moralitie, 5 That as these linkes were knit, our love should bee: Mourne I that I thy seavenfold chaine have lost; Nor for the luck sake; but the bitter cost. O, shall twelve righteous Angels, which as yet No leaven of vile soder did admit; 10 Nor yet by any way have straid or gone From the first state of their Creation; Angels, which heaven commanded to provide All things to me, and be my faithfull guide; To gaine new friends, t'appease great enemies; 15 To comfort my soule, when I lie or rise; Shall these twelve innocents, by thy severe Sentence (dread judge) my sins great burden beare? Shall they be damn'd, and in the furnace throwne, And punisht for offences not their owne? 20 They save not me, they doe not ease my paines, When in that hell they'are burnt and tyed in chains. Were they but Crownes of France, I cared not, For, most of these, their naturall Countreys rot I think possesseth, they come here to us, 25 So pale, so lame, so leane, so ruinous; And howsoe'r French Kings most Christian be, Their Crownes are circumcis'd most Iewishly. Or were they Spanish Stamps, still travelling, That are become as Catholique as their King, 30 Those unlickt beare-whelps, unfil'd pistolets That (more than Canon shot) availes or lets; Which negligently left unrounded, looke Like many angled figures, in the booke Of some great Conjurer that would enforce 35 Nature, as these doe justice, from her course; Which, as the soule quickens head, feet and heart, As streames, like veines, run through th'earth's every part, Visit all Countries, and have slily made Gorgeous France, ruin'd, ragged and decay'd; 40 Scotland, which knew no State, proud in one day: And mangled seventeen-headed Belgia. Or were it such gold as that wherewithall Almighty Chymiques from each minerall, Having by subtle fire a soule out-pull'd; 45 Are dirtely and desperately gull'd: I would not spit to quench the fire they'are in, For, they are guilty of much hainous Sin. But, shall my harmlesse angels perish? Shall I lose my guard, my ease, my food, my all? 50 Much hope which they should nourish will be dead, Much of my able youth, and lustyhead Will vanish; if thou love let them alone, For thou wilt love me lesse when they are gone; And be content that some lowd squeaking Cryer 55 Well-pleas'd with one leane thred-bare groat, for hire, May like a devill roare through every street; And gall the finders conscience, if they meet. Or let mee creepe to some dread Conjurer, That with phantastique scheames fils full much paper; 60 Which hath divided heaven in tenements, And with whores, theeves, and murderers stuft his rents, So full, that though hee passe them all in sinne, He leaves himselfe no roome to enter in. But if, when all his art and time is spent, 65 Hee say 'twill ne'r be found; yet be content; Receive from him that doome ungrudgingly, Because he is the mouth of destiny. Thou say'st (alas) the gold doth still remaine, Though it be chang'd, and put into a chaine; 70 So in the first falne angels, resteth still Wisdome and knowledge; but,'tis turn'd to ill: As these should doe good works; and should provide Necessities; but now must nurse thy pride. And they are still bad angels; Mine are none; 75 For, forme gives being, and their forme is gone: Pitty these Angels; yet their dignities Passe Vertues, Powers, and Principalities. But, thou art resolute; Thy will be done! Yet with such anguish, as her onely sonne 80 The Mother in the hungry grave doth lay, Vnto the fire these Martyrs I betray. Good soules, (for you give life to every thing) Good Angels, (for good messages you bring) Destin'd you might have beene to such an one, 85 As would have lov'd and worship'd you alone: One that would suffer hunger, nakednesse, Yea death, ere he would make your number lesse. But, I am guilty of your sad decay; May your few fellowes longer with me stay. 90 But ô thou wretched finder whom I hate So, that I almost pitty thy estate: Gold being the heaviest metal amongst all, May my most heavy curse upon thee fall: Here fetter'd, manacled, and hang'd in chains, 95 First mayst thou bee; then chaind to hellish paines; Or be with forraine gold brib'd to betray Thy Countrey, and faile both of that and thy pay. May the next thing thou stoop'st to reach, containe Poyson, whose nimble fume rot thy moist braine; 100 Or libels, or some interdicted thing, Which negligently kept, thy ruine bring. Lust-bred diseases rot thee; and dwell with thee Itching desire, and no abilitie. May all the evils that gold ever wrought; 105 All mischiefes that all devils ever thought; Want after plenty; poore and gouty age; The plagues of travellers; love; marriage Afflict thee, and at thy lives last moment, May thy swolne sinnes themselves to thee present. 110 But, I forgive; repent thee honest man: Gold is Restorative, restore it then: But if from it thou beest loath to depart, Because 'tis cordiall, would twere at thy heart.

[Elegie XI. &c. Ed.: Eleg. XII. The Bracelet. &c. 1635 (Eleg. XI. being Death, for which see p. 284): Eleg. XII. Vpon &c. 1639-54 (Eleg. IV. 1650-54, a misprint): Elegie XII. 1669: Elegie (numbered variously). The Bracelett. or The Chaine. A25, B, C, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, M, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCD, W]

[2 For ... weare:] Armelets of that thou maist still let me weare: 1669]

[6 were knit, 1635-69: are knit Cy: are tyde A25, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, P, R212, S, S96, TCD, W: were tyde L74

love] loves 1669]

[11 way 1635-69: taynt S96, O'F, W: taynts B: fault A25, Cy, D, H49, L74, Lec, M, N, P, S, TCD]

[15 great] old 1669]

[16 rise; Ed: rise. 1635-69]

[22 chains. Ed.: chains: 1635-69]

[24 these 1635-54: them 1669

their naturall Countreys Cy, O'F: their Countreys naturall 1635-54, P: their naturall Countrey 1669, and rest of MSS.]

[26 ruinous; Ed: ruinous. 1635-69]

[28 Iewishly. Ed: Iewishly; 1635-69]

[35 great] dread 1669]

[36 course; Ed: course. 1635-69]

[38 streames, Ed: streames 1635-69]

[40 ruin'd, ragged and decay'd; 1669, and MSS., but end stop varies: ruin'd: ragged and decay'd 1635: ruin'd: ragged and decay'd, 1639-54]

[42 Belgia. Ed: Belgia: 1635-69]

[45 soule] Mercury B]

[47 they'are in, 1635-69: therein, Cy, P: they were in, rest of MSS.]

[51 dead, Ed: dead. 1635-69]

[52 lustyhead Ed: lusty head 1635-69]

[53 vanish; Ed: vanish, 1635-69

if thou love let them alone, 1635-39: if thou Love let them alone, 1650-69: if thou, Love, let them alone; Grolier (conjecturing atone)]

[54-5 gone; And Ed: gone, And 1635-69, Cy, P: gone. Oh, rest of MSS.]

[58 conscience, if they meet. 1669 and MSS.: conscience, if hee meet. 1635-54, JC, L74, P]

[60 scheames D, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, S96, W: scenes 1635-69, Cy, L74, P, TCD]

[63 passe] place 1669]

[65 new par. 1635-69 But 1635-69, Cy, P: And rest of MSS.]

[66 yet 1635-69, Cy, P: Oh rest of MSS.]

[67 that 1635-54, Cy, P: the 1669 and rest of MSS.]

[70 chaine; Ed: chaine, 1635-69]

[74 pride. Ed: pride, 1635-69]

[76 being, Ed: being: 1635-69]

[77 Angels; yet Cy, D, H49, N, P, S, TCD: Angels yet; 1635-69, W]

[79 done! Ed: done; 1635-39: done: 1650-54: done? 1669]

[90 few fellowes] few-fellowes 1635-69]

[92 So, that 1635-69, Cy, P: So much that A25, D, H49, JC (as), L74, Lec, N, S, S96 (as), TCD, W (as): So much B

estate] state D, H49, &c.]

[93 metal amongst all,] amongst metals all, 1669, Cy]

[95 Here] Her 1639]

[98 that MSS.: it 1635-69

thy] om. 1669]

[104 Itching] Itchy MSS.]

[105 evils that gold ever 1635-69, P: hurt that ever gold hath rest of MSS.]

[106 mischiefes all MSS.: mischiefe 1635-69]

[108 love; marriage 1635-54, Cy, P: love and marriage 1669, and rest of MSS.]

[109 at] that 1669]

[110 thee] thou 1669]

[113 But if from it ... depart, 1635-54, Cy, P: But if that from it ... part, 1669: Or if with it ... depart rest of MSS.]

ELEGIE XII.

His parting from her.

Since she must go, and I must mourn, come Night, Environ me with darkness, whilst I write: Shadow that hell unto me, which alone I am to suffer when my Love is gone. Alas the darkest Magick cannot do it, 5 Thou and greate Hell to boot are shadows to it. Should Cinthia quit thee, Venus, and each starre, It would not forme one thought dark as mine are. I could lend thee obscureness now, and say, Out of my self, There should be no more Day, 10 Such is already my felt want of sight, Did not the fires within me force a light. Oh Love, that fire and darkness should be mixt, Or to thy Triumphs soe strange torments fixt? Is't because thou thy self art blind, that wee 15 Thy Martyrs must no more each other see? Or tak'st thou pride to break us on the wheel, And view old Chaos in the Pains we feel? Or have we left undone some mutual Right, Through holy fear, that merits thy despight? 20 No, no. The falt was mine, impute it to me, Or rather to conspiring destinie, Which (since I lov'd for forme before) decreed, That I should suffer when I lov'd indeed: And therefore now, sooner then I can say, 25 I saw the golden fruit, 'tis rapt away. Or as I had watcht one drop in a vast stream, And I left wealthy only in a dream. Yet Love, thou'rt blinder then thy self in this, To vex my Dove-like friend for my amiss: 30 And, where my own sad truth may expiate Thy wrath, to make her fortune run my fate: So blinded Justice doth, when Favorites fall, Strike them, their house, their friends, their followers all. Was't not enough that thou didst dart thy fires 35 Into our blouds, inflaming our desires, And made'st us sigh and glow, and pant, and burn, And then thy self into our flame did'st turn? Was't not enough, that thou didst hazard us To paths in love so dark, so dangerous: 40 And those so ambush'd round with houshold spies, And over all, thy husbands towring eyes That flam'd with oylie sweat of jealousie: Yet went we not still on with Constancie? Have we not kept our guards, like spie on spie? 45 Had correspondence whilst the foe stood by? Stoln (more to sweeten them) our many blisses Of meetings, conference, embracements, kisses? Shadow'd with negligence our most respects? Varied our language through all dialects, 50 Of becks, winks, looks, and often under-boards Spoak dialogues with our feet far from our words? Have we prov'd all these secrets of our Art, Yea, thy pale inwards, and thy panting heart? And, after all this passed Purgatory, 55 Must sad divorce make us the vulgar story? First let our eyes be rivited quite through Our turning brains, and both our lips grow to: Let our armes clasp like Ivy, and our fear Freese us together, that we may stick here, 60 Till Fortune, that would rive us, with the deed Strain her eyes open, and it make them bleed: For Love it cannot be, whom hitherto I have accus'd, should such a mischief doe. Oh Fortune, thou'rt not worth my least exclame, 65 And plague enough thou hast in thy own shame. Do thy great worst, my friend and I have armes, Though not against thy strokes, against thy harmes. Rend us in sunder, thou canst not divide Our bodies so, but that our souls are ty'd, 70 And we can love by letters still and gifts, And thoughts and dreams; Love never wanteth shifts. I will not look upon the quickning Sun, But straight her beauty to my sense shall run; The ayre shall note her soft, the fire most pure; 75 Water suggest her clear, and the earth sure. Time shall not lose our passages; the Spring How fresh our love was in the beginning; The Summer how it ripened in the eare; And Autumn, what our golden harvests were. 80 The Winter I'll not think on to spite thee, But count it a lost season, so shall shee. And dearest Friend, since we must part, drown night With hope of Day, burthens well born are light. Though cold and darkness longer hang somewhere, 85 Yet Phoebus equally lights all the Sphere. And what he cannot in like Portions pay, The world enjoyes in Mass, and so we may. Be then ever your self, and let no woe Win on your health, your youth, your beauty: so 90 Declare your self base fortunes Enemy, No less by your contempt then constancy: That I may grow enamoured on your mind, When my own thoughts I there reflected find. For this to th'comfort of my Dear I vow, 95 My Deeds shall still be what my words are now; The Poles shall move to teach me ere I start; And when I change my Love, I'll change my heart; Nay, if I wax but cold in my desire, Think, heaven hath motion lost, and the world, fire: 100 Much more I could, but many words have made That, oft, suspected which men would perswade; Take therefore all in this: I love so true, As I will never look for less in you.

[Elegie. XII. &c. Ed: Eleg. XIIII &c. 1635-54 (Eleg. XIII. being Come, Fates, &c., p. 407): Elegie XIIII. 1669: At her Departure. A25: At his Mistris departure. B: Elegie. H40, O'F, P, S96, TCD (II)]

[1 Night, Ed: night 1635-69]

[4 Love] soule 1635-54]

[5-44 omit, 1635-54, A25, B]

[6 Thou and greate Hell H40, O'F, P, S96: And that great Hell 1669

to boot are 1669, H40, O'F: are nought but P, S96]

[7 thee, Ed: thee 1669]

[9 thee H40: them 1669, P, S96, TCD]

[10 Day, Ed: Day. 1669]

[11 felt want H40, O'F, P, S96, TCD: self-want, 1669

sight, Ed: sight 1669]

[12 fires H40, S96, TCD: fire 1669, P]

[14 Or] Are S96: And TCD

soe H40, O'F, P, S96, TCD: such 1669]

[17 the H40, O'F, P, S96, TCD: thy 1669]

[20 Through holy fear, that merits (causes S96) thy despight (meriteth thy spight P) H40, O'F, P, S96, TCD: That thus with parting thou seek'st us to spight? 1669]

[21 was H40, S96: is 1669, P, TCD]

[23 Which ... decreed, H40, O'F, S96: Which (since I lov'd) for me before decreed, 1669, P, TCD: Which, since I lov'd in jest before, decreed H-K, which Chambers follows]

[25 now, sooner all the MSS.: sooner now 1669

rapt] wrapt 1669]

[27 a vast H40, O'F, P, S96, TCD: the vast 1669]

[29 thy self] myself Chambers]

[31 my own H40, O'F, P, S96: one 1669

sad 1669: glad H40, O'F, P, S96, TCD]

[32 fate: Ed: fate. 1669]

[33 blinded] blindest H40]

[34 followers H40, P, TCD: favourites 1669, S96]

[37 glow H40, S96, P, TCD: blow 1669]

[38 flame H40, S96, P, TCD: flames 1669]

[40 so dangerous H40, P, S96, TCD: and dangerous 1669]

[42 all, Ed: all 1669

towring 1669, TCD: towred O'F, P, S96: lowering Grolier

the towred husbands eyes H40: the Loured, husbandes eyes RP31]

[43 That flam'd with oylie H40, O'F, P, S96, TCD: Inflam'd with th'ouglie 1669

jealousie: Ed: jealousie, 1669]

[44 with H40, O'F, P, S96, TCD: in 1669]

[45 Have we not kept our guards, H40, O'F, P, S96, TCD: Have we for this kept guards, 1669

on 1669: o'r 1635-54]

[49 most 1635-69, H40, O'F, P, S96, TCD: best 1669]

[50 our] thy RP31]

[52 from our words? 1669: from words? 1635-54]

[53 these secrets MSS.: the secrets 1635-69

our] thy RP31]

[54 Yea ... panting heart? 1635-69, A25: Yea thy pale colours inward as thy heart? H40, O'F, P, S96, TCD]

[56 sad] rude P, TCD]

[57-66 om. 1635-54, A25, B]

[58 brains] beams P: brain Chambers]

[61 Fortune, Ed: fortune, 1669

would rive us, with H40, O'F, S96, TCD: would ruine us with 1669]

[62 her H40: his 1669

it] yet 1669

bleed: Ed: bleed. 1669]

[65 Oh Fortune,] Oh fortune, 1669, S96: And Fortune H40, P]

[66 shame. H40, O'F, P, S96: name. 1669]

[67 Do thy great worst &c. 1669: Fortune, doe thy worst &c. 1635-54 (after 56 the vulgar story?)

armes, 1635-69, H40, O'F, P, S, TCD: charmes H-K (Grosart and Chambers)]

[69 Rend us in sunder, 1669 and MSS.: Bend us, in sunder 1635-54]

[72 shifts. 1635: shifts, 1639-69]

[76 Water H40, P, TCD: Waters 1635-69, A25, S96

sure. Ed: sure; 1635-69]

[77 Time] Times H40, TCD

Spring Ed: spring 1635-69]

[79 ripened in the eare; B, H40, O'F, P, S96, TCD: ripened in the yeare; 1635: inripened the yeare; 1639-69]

[83-94 omit 1635-54, A25, B]

[85 Though H40, P, TCD: The 1669, S96]

[87 he ... Portions Ed: he ... portions H40: he ... portion O'F, P, TCD: we ... Portion 1669: he can't in like proportion H-K (Grosart)]

[88 enjoyes] yet joys H40]

[89 ever your] your fayrest H40, TCD]

[92 by your contempt then constancy: H40, S96: be your contempt then constancy: O'F, H-K (Grosart), P, TCD: be your contempt then her inconstancy: 1669]

[94 there reflected H40, O'F, P, S, TCD: here neglected 1669: there neglected H-K (Grosart, probably wrongly)]

[95-104 om. TCD]

[95 For H40, S96: And 1635-69]

[96 my words are now; H40, P: my deeds are now; 1635-69, O'F, S96: my thoughts are now; A25]

[102 oft, 1633-54: oft 1669

would 1635-54, A25, B, H40, O'F, S96: most 1669]

ELEGIE XIII.

Iulia.

Harke newes, ô envy, thou shalt heare descry'd My Iulia; who as yet was ne'r envy'd. To vomit gall in slander, swell her vaines With calumny, that hell it selfe disdaines, Is her continuall practice; does her best, 5 To teare opinion even out of the brest Of dearest friends, and (which is worse than vilde) Sticks jealousie in wedlock; her owne childe Scapes not the showres of envie, To repeate The monstrous fashions, how, were, alive, to eate 10 Deare reputation. Would to God she were But halfe so loath to act vice, as to heare My milde reproofe. Liv'd Mantuan now againe, That fœmall Mastix, to limme with his penne This she Chymera, that hath eyes of fire, 15 Burning with anger, anger feeds desire, Tongued like the night-crow, whose ill boding cries Give out for nothing but new injuries, Her breath like to the juice in Tenarus That blasts the springs, though ne'r so prosperous, 20 Her hands, I know not how, us'd more to spill The food of others, then her selfe to fill. But oh her minde, that Orcus, which includes Legions of mischiefs, countlesse multitudes Of formlesse curses, projects unmade up, 25 Abuses yet unfashion'd, thoughts corrupt, Mishapen Cavils, palpable untroths, Inevitable errours, self-accusing oaths: These, like those Atoms swarming in the Sunne, Throng in her bosome for creation. 30 I blush to give her halfe her due; yet say, No poyson's halfe so bad as Iulia.

[Elegie XIII. &c. Ed: Eleg. XV. &c. 1635-54: Elegie XV. 1669: Iulia. B: Elegy. Iulia. O'F]

[5 practice; Ed: practice, 1635-69]

[7 vilde) Ed: vile) 1635-69: vilde is the regular spelling of this word in the Donne MSS.]

[8 in wedlock;] in the sheets of wedlock; B]

[10 how, 1635: how; 1639-69]

[That fœmall Mastix, 1635: 1639-69 and Chambers drop comma. But see note]

[18 injuries, 1635-39: injuries. 1650-69]

[20 prosperous, Ed: prosperous. 1635-69]

[24 mischiefs O'F: mischiefe, 1635-69]

[28 oaths: B, H-K (Grosart): loathes: 1635-69, O'F]

[31 give but half B: give half her O'F

yet say,] only this say, B: but this say O'F]

ELEGIE XIV.

A Tale of a Citizen and his Wife.

I sing no harme good sooth to any wight, To Lord or foole, Cuckold, begger or knight, To peace-teaching Lawyer, Proctor, or brave Reformed or reduced Captaine, Knave, Officer, Iugler, or Iustice of peace, 5 Iuror or Iudge; I touch no fat sowes grease, I am no Libeller, nor will be any, But (like a true man) say there are too many. I feare not ore tenus; for my tale, Nor Count nor Counsellour will redd or pale. 10 A Citizen and his wife the other day Both riding on one horse, upon the way I overtooke, the wench a pretty peate, And (by her eye) well fitting for the feate. I saw the lecherous Citizen turne backe 15 His head, and on his wifes lip steale a smacke, Whence apprehending that the man was kinde, Riding before, to kisse his wife behinde, To get acquaintance with him I began To sort discourse fit for so fine a man: 20 I ask'd the number of the Plaguy Bill, Ask'd if the Custome Farmers held out still, Of the Virginian plot, and whether Ward The traffique of the I<n>land seas had marr'd, Whether the Brittaine Burse did fill apace, 25 And likely were to give th'Exchange disgrace; Of new-built Algate, and the More-field crosses, Of store of Bankerouts, and poore Merchants losses I urged him to speake; But he (as mute As an old Courtier worne to his last suite) 30 Replies with onely yeas and nayes; At last (To fit his element) my theame I cast On Tradesmens gaines; that set his tongue agoing: Alas, good sir (quoth he) There is no doing In Court nor City now; she smil'd and I, 35 And (in my conscience) both gave him the lie In one met thought: but he went on apace, And at the present time with such a face He rail'd, as fray'd me; for he gave no praise, To any but my Lord of Essex dayes; 40 Call'd those the age of action; true (quoth Hee) There's now as great an itch of bravery, And heat of taking up, but cold lay downe, For, put to push of pay, away they runne; Our onely City trades of hope now are 45 Bawd, Tavern-keeper, Whore and Scrivener; The much of Privileg'd kingsmen, and the store Of fresh protections make the rest all poore; In the first state of their Creation, Though many stoutly stand, yet proves not one 50 A righteous pay-master. Thus ranne he on In a continued rage: so void of reason Seem'd his harsh talke, I sweat for feare of treason. And (troth) how could I lesse? when in the prayer For the protection of the wise Lord Major, 55 And his wise brethrens worships, when one prayeth, He swore that none could say Amen with faith. To get him off from what I glowed to heare, (In happy time) an Angel did appeare, The bright Signe of a lov'd and wel-try'd Inne, 60 Where many Citizens with their wives have bin Well us'd and often; here I pray'd him stay, To take some due refreshment by the way. Looke how hee look'd that hid the gold (his hope) And at's returne found nothing but a Rope, 65 So he on me, refus'd and made away, Though willing she pleaded a weary day: I found my misse, struck hands, and praid him tell (To hold acquaintance still) where he did dwell; He barely nam'd the street, promis'd the Wine, 70 But his kinde wife gave me the very Signe.

[Elegie XIV. &c. Ed: Eleg. XVI. A Tale &c. 1635-54: Elegie XVI. 1669: Elegie XV. O'F: no title, B]

[2 or foole,] to fool, 1669]

[5 Iugler, 1635-39: Iudge, 1650-69]

[9 tenus; Ed: tenus, 1635-69]

[10 will redd or pale. 1669, B, O'F (shall): will looke redd or pale. 1635-54]

[14 feate. Ed: feate, 1635-69]

[16 steale] seale O'F]

[21 Plaguy 1669, B, O'F: Plaguing 1635-54]

[22 Custome] custome 1635]

[24 I<n>land Ed: Iland 1635-54: Midland 1669, O'F: the land, the seas B, but later hand has inserted mid above the line: Island Chambers and Grolier]

[27 More-field] Moorefields B]

[32 To fit] To hit O'F]

[33 agoing: Ed: agoing, 1635-69]

[35 In ... now; Ed: roman 1635-69]

[38 time 1669: times O'F]

[41 those ... (quoth Hee) 1669, B, O'F: that ... (quoth I) 1635-54]

[46 Bawd, ... Scrivener; B, O'F: Bawds, Tavernkeepers, Whores and Scriveners, 1635-54: Bawds, Tavernkeepers, Whore and Scrivener 1669]

[47 kingsmen, and the store 1669, B, O'F (kingsman): kinsmen, and store 1635-54]

[58 him off O'F: off him 1669: him 1635-54]

[61 have bin B, O'F: had beene, 1635-69]

[64 the gold (his hope)] his gold, his hope 1669]

[65 at's 1669: at 1635-54]

[66 on 1669, B: at 1635-54

me,] me: 1635-54]

[67 day: 1669, B, O'F: stay. 1635-39: stay: 1650-54]

[69 dwell; 1635: dwell 1639-54: dwell, 1669]

ELEGIE XV.

The Expostulation.

To make the doubt cleare, that no woman's true, Was it my fate to prove it strong in you? Thought I, but one had breathed purest aire, And must she needs be false because she's faire? Is it your beauties marke, or of your youth, 5 Or your perfection, not to study truth? Or thinke you heaven is deafe, or hath no eyes? Or those it hath, smile at your perjuries? Are vowes so cheape with women, or the matter Whereof they are made, that they are writ in water, 10 And blowne away with winde? Or doth their breath (Both hot and cold at once) make life and death? Who could have thought so many accents sweet Form'd into words, so many sighs should meete As from our hearts, so many oathes, and teares 15 Sprinkled among, (all sweeter by our feares And the divine impression of stolne kisses, That seal'd the rest) should now prove empty blisses? Did you draw bonds to forfet? signe to breake? Or must we reade you quite from what you speake, 20 And finde the truth out the wrong way? or must Hee first desire you false, would wish you just? O I prophane, though most of women be This kinde of beast, my thought shall except thee; My dearest love, though froward jealousie, 25 With circumstance might urge thy'inconstancie, Sooner I'll thinke the Sunne will cease to cheare The teeming earth, and that forget to beare, Sooner that rivers will runne back, or Thames With ribs of Ice in June would bind his streames, 30 Or Nature, by whose strength the world endures, Would change her course, before you alter yours. But O that treacherous breast to whom weake you Did trust our Counsells, and wee both may rue, Having his falshood found too late, 'twas hee 35 That made me cast you guilty, and you me, Whilst he, black wretch, betray'd each simple word Wee spake, unto the cunning of a third. Curst may hee be, that so our love hath slaine, And wander on the earth, wretched as Cain, 40 Wretched as hee, and not deserve least pitty; In plaguing him, let misery be witty; Let all eyes shunne him, and hee shunne each eye, Till hee be noysome as his infamie; May he without remorse deny God thrice, 45 And not be trusted more on his Soules price; And after all selfe torment, when hee dyes, May Wolves teare out his heart, Vultures his eyes, Swine eate his bowels, and his falser tongue That utter'd all, be to some Raven flung, 50 And let his carrion coarse be a longer feast To the Kings dogges, then any other beast. Now have I curst, let us our love revive; In mee the flame was never more alive; I could beginne againe to court and praise, 55 And in that pleasure lengthen the short dayes Of my lifes lease; like Painters that do take Delight, not in made worke, but whiles they make; I could renew those times, when first I saw Love in your eyes, that gave my tongue the law 60 To like what you lik'd; and at maskes and playes Commend the selfe same Actors, the same wayes; Aske how you did, and often with intent Of being officious, be impertinent; All which were such soft pastimes, as in these 65 Love was as subtilly catch'd, as a disease; But being got it is a treasure sweet, Which to defend is harder then to get: And ought not be prophan'd on either part, For though'tis got by chance, 'tis kept by art. 70

[Elegie XV. Ed: Eleg. XVII. The Expostulation. 1635-54: Elegie XVII. 1669: Elegie. 1633, B, Cy, H40, HN, M, N, O'F, P, RP31, S, S96, TCD, Jonson's Underwoods]

[2 strong] full Und]

[3 purest] the purer Und]

[6 Or your 1633-69: Or of your H40]

[8 it hath,] she hath B, H40, M, N, P, S96]

[12 (Both hot and cold at once) RP31: Both ... at once, Und: (Both ... cold) at once 1633-69, S96: Both heate and coole at once M

make] threat Und]

[14 Form'd into] Tun'd to our Und]

[15 As] Blowne Und]

[16-18 (all sweeter ... the rest) 1633, B, Cy, M, N, O'F, P, RP31: (all sweetend &c. 1635, which does not complete the bracket: (all sweetend by our fears) &c. 1639-69, L74 (sweeter), P (sweeter), S96 (sweetned)]

[22 wish] have P]

[24 This kinde of beast,] The common Monster, Und

my thought 1633: my thoughts 1635-69, HN, S96]

[25 though froward] how ever RP31, Und]

[26 thy'inconstancie,] the contrarie. Und]

[28 beare, 1633: beare: 1635-69]

[30 would 1633, Und: will 1635-69

streames, Ed: streames; 1633-69]

[32 yours.] yours; 1633]

[34 trust 1633-69: drift Chambers]

[37 wretch] wrech 1633]

[38 third. Ed: third; 1633-69]

[39 love] loves RP31]

[40 wretched as Cain, 1633-69, B, Cy, N, O'F: as wretched Cain, P: as cursed Cain, S: wretched on the Earth, as Cain: Und]

[52 dogges, ... beast.] dogges; ... beast; 1633]

[53 have I] I have 1669

revive] receive Und]

[58 worke, 1633-39, most MSS.: works, 1650-69, S96, Und]

[61 and playes] or playes Und]

[64 be] grow Und]

[65 soft] lost Und]

ELEGIE XVI.

On his Mistris.

By our first strange and fatall interview, By all desires which thereof did ensue, By our long starving hopes, by that remorse Which my words masculine perswasive force Begot in thee, and by the memory 5 Of hurts, which spies and rivals threatned me, I calmly beg: But by thy fathers wrath, By all paines, which want and divorcement hath, I conjure thee, and all the oathes which I And thou have sworne to seale joynt constancy, 10 Here I unsweare, and overswear them thus, Thou shalt not love by wayes so dangerous. Temper, ô faire Love, loves impetuous rage, Be my true Mistris still, not my faign'd Page; I'll goe, and, by thy kinde leave, leave behinde 15 Thee, onely worthy to nurse in my minde, Thirst to come backe; ô if thou die before, My soule from other lands to thee shall soare. Thy (else Almighty) beautie cannot move Rage from the Seas, nor thy love teach them love, 20 Nor tame wilde Boreas harshnesse; Thou hast reade How roughly hee in peeces shivered Faire Orithea, whom he swore he lov'd. Fall ill or good, 'tis madnesse to have prov'd Dangers unurg'd; Feed on this flattery, 25 That absent Lovers one in th'other be. Dissemble nothing, not a boy, nor change Thy bodies habite, nor mindes; bee not strange To thy selfe onely; All will spie in thy face A blushing womanly discovering grace; 30 Richly cloath'd Apes, are call'd Apes, and as soone Ecclips'd as bright we call the Moone the Moone. Men of France, changeable Camelions, Spittles of diseases, shops of fashions, Loves fuellers, and the rightest company 35 Of Players, which upon the worlds stage be, Will quickly know thee, and no lesse, alas! Th'indifferent Italian, as we passe His warme land, well content to thinke thee Page, Will hunt thee with such lust, and hideous rage, 40 As Lots faire guests were vext. But none of these Nor spungy hydroptique Dutch shall thee displease, If thou stay here. O stay here, for, for thee England is onely a worthy Gallerie, To walke in expectation, till from thence 45 Our greatest King call thee to his presence. When I am gone, dreame me some happinesse, Nor let thy lookes our long hid love confesse, Nor praise, nor dispraise me, nor blesse nor curse Openly loves force, nor in bed fright thy Nurse 50 With midnights startings, crying out, oh, oh Nurse, ô my love is slaine, I saw him goe O'r the white Alpes alone; I saw him I, Assail'd, fight, taken, stabb'd, bleed, fall, and die. Augure me better chance, except dread Iove 55 Thinke it enough for me to'have had thy love.

[Elegie XVI. &c. Ed: Elegie on his Mistris. 1635-54 where, and in 1669, it appears among Funerall Elegies: Elegie. 1669: among Elegies with or without heading or number, A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, M, N, O'F, P, S, TCC, TCD, W: B heads His wife would have gone as his page.]

[1 interview, Ed: interview 1635-69]

[3 starving] striving 1669, B, P: starvling A18, N, TC]

[7 beg: D: beg. 1635-69

fathers 1635-69, O'F: Parents A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, M, N, P, S, TC, W]

[11 Here I] I here 1669]

[12 wayes 1635-54, O'F: means 1669, and rest of MSS.]

[14 still ... faign'd] 1669 om. still and reads faigned]

[18 My soule ... to thee] From other lands my soule towards thee A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, M(to), N, P, S, TC, W

soare. Ed: soare, 1635-69]

[21 harshness] rashness P. Compare Elegy V, 8]

[23 Faire Orithea] The fair Orithea 1669]

[26 Lovers] friends P]

[28 mindes; A18, A25, B, JC, N, TC, W: minde, 1635-69, D, H49, Lec, O'F, P]

[29 onely; A18, D, N, TC: onely. 1635-69]

[35 Loves fuellers,] Lyves fuellers, 1669, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, S96, P]

[37 Will quickly know thee, and no lesse, alas! 1635-54, O'F: Will too too quickly know thee; and alas, 1669: Will quickly know thee, and know thee, and alas A18, N, S (omitting second and), TCD, W: Will quickly know thee, and thee, and alas A25: Will quickly know thee, and alas D, H49, JC, Lec, P, S96, TCC]

[39 Page, Ed: Page 1635-39]

[40 hunt 1635-69, O'F: haunt most MSS.]

[42 hydroptique] Aydroptique 1669]

[46 greatest 1635-69, B, O'F, P: greate A18, A25, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, S, TC

call] doe call A18, N, TC

to] in to A25, JC, S]

[49 me, nor blesse] me; Blesse A18, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, TC, W]

ELEGIE XVII.

Variety.

The heavens rejoyce in motion, why should I Abjure my so much lov'd variety, And not with many youth and love divide? Pleasure is none, if not diversifi'd: The sun that sitting in the chaire of light 5 Sheds flame into what else so ever doth seem bright, Is not contented at one Signe to Inne, But ends his year and with a new beginnes. All things doe willingly in change delight, The fruitfull mother of our appetite: 10 Rivers the clearer and more pleasing are, Where their fair spreading streames run wide and farr; And a dead lake that no strange bark doth greet, Corrupts it self and what doth live in it. Let no man tell me such a one is faire, 15 And worthy all alone my love to share. Nature in her hath done the liberall part Of a kinde Mistresse, and imploy'd her art To make her loveable, and I aver Him not humane that would turn back from her: 20 I love her well, and would, if need were, dye To doe her service. But followes it that I Must serve her onely, when I may have choice Of other beauties, and in change rejoice? The law is hard, and shall not have my voice. 25 The last I saw in all extreames is faire, And holds me in the Sun-beames of her haire; Her nymph-like features such agreements have That I could venture with her to the grave: Another's brown, I like her not the worse, 30 Her tongue is soft and takes me with discourse. Others, for that they well descended are, Do in my love obtain as large a share; And though they be not fair, 'tis much with mee To win their love onely for their degree. 35 And though I faile of my required ends, The attempt is glorious and it self commends. How happy were our Syres in ancient times, Who held plurality of loves no crime! With them it was accounted charity 40 To stirre up race of all indifferently; Kindreds were not exempted from the bands: Which with the Persian still in usage stands. Women were then no sooner asked then won, And what they did was honest and well done. 45 But since this title honour hath been us'd, Our weake credulity hath been abus'd; The golden laws of nature are repeald, Which our first Fathers in such reverence held; Our liberty's revers'd, our Charter's gone, 50 And we're made servants to opinion, A monster in no certain shape attir'd, And whose originall is much desir'd, Formlesse at first, but goeing on it fashions, And doth prescribe manners and laws to nations. 55 Here love receiv'd immedicable harmes, And was dispoiled of his daring armes. A greater want then is his daring eyes, He lost those awfull wings with which he flies; His sinewy bow, and those immortall darts 60 Wherewith he'is wont to bruise resisting hearts. Onely some few strong in themselves and free Retain the seeds of antient liberty, Following that part of Love although deprest, And make a throne for him within their brest, 65 In spight of modern censures him avowing Their Soveraigne, all service him allowing. Amongst which troop although I am the least, Yet equall in perfection with the best, I glory in subjection of his hand, 70 Nor ever did decline his least command: For in whatever forme the message came My heart did open and receive the same. But time will in his course a point discry When I this loved service must deny, 75 For our allegiance temporary is, With firmer age returnes our liberties. What time in years and judgement we repos'd, Shall not so easily be to change dispos'd, Nor to the art of severall eyes obeying; 80 But beauty with true worth securely weighing, Which being found assembled in some one, Wee'l love her ever, and love her alone.

[Elegie XVII. Variety. Ed: printed for first time without title in appendix to 1650 and so in 1669 and 1719: An Elegie. A10: Elegie 17^{the}. JC]

[1 motion, why Ed: motion why, 1650-69]

[3 love divide? MSS.: lov'd divide? 1650-69]

[4 diversifi'd: Ed: diversifi'd 1650-69]

[6 what else so ever doth seem 1650-69: what else is not so A10]

[12 fair-spreading 1650-69, JC: broad silver A10

and farr; A10, JC: and cleare; 1650-69]

[14 it self and 1650-69: it self, kills A10]

[16 And only worthy to be past compare; A10]

[19 aver] ever 1650-69]

[20 would turn back from 1650-69: could not fancy A10]

[24 Of other beauties, and in change rejoice? A10: om. 1650-69]

[25-36 omitted in A10]

[30 brown, Ed: brown 1650-69]

[32 are JC: were 1650-69]

[39 crime! Ed: crime? 1650-69]

[43 Persian 1650-54, JC: Persians 1669, A10]

[46 title A10, JC: little 1650-69]

[50 liberty's Ed: liberty 1650-69, JC

revers'd, our A10: revers'd and 1650-69, JC]

[51 we're A10: we 1650-69, JC]

[53 whose originall 1650-69, JC: one whose origin A10]

[54 goeing on it fashions A10: growing on it fashions JC: growing on its fashions, 1650-69]

[55 manners and laws to 1650-69, JC: Lawes, Manners unto A10]

[57 armes. A10: armes, 1650-69]

[58 is 1650-69: of A10]

[61 bruise 1650-69 wound A10

hearts. Ed: hearts; 1650-69]

[63 seeds of antient 1650-69, JC: seed of pristine A10]

[64 Love] love 1650-69]

[70 of his 1650-69: under's A10]

[71 Nor ... decline 1650-69: Never declining from A10]

[72-7 omitted in A10]

[73 same. Ed: same: 1650-69: flame JC]

[75 deny, Ed: deny. 1650-69]

[79 dispos'd, Ed: dispos'd 1650-69]

[80 obeying; Ed: obeying, 1650-69]

[81 securely 1650-69: unpartially A10]

[82 being 1650-69: having A10

one, Ed: one 1650-69]

[83 Wee'l love her ever, Ed: Wee'l leave her ever, 1650-69, JC: Would love for ever, A10]

ELEGIE XVIII.

Loves Progress.

Who ever loves, if he do not propose The right true end of love, he's one that goes To sea for nothing but to make him sick: Love is a bear-whelp born, if we o're lick Our love, and force it new strange shapes to take, 5 We erre, and of a lump a monster make. Were not a Calf a monster that were grown Face'd like a man, though better then his own? Perfection is in unitie: preferr One woman first, and then one thing in her. 10 I, when I value gold, may think upon The ductilness, the application, The wholsomness, the ingenuitie, From rust, from soil, from fire ever free: But if I love it, 'tis because 'tis made 15 By our new nature (Use) the soul of trade. All these in women we might think upon (If women had them) and yet love but one. Can men more injure women then to say They love them for that, by which they're not they? 20 Makes virtue woman? must I cool my bloud Till I both be, and find one wise and good? May barren Angels love so. But if we Make love to woman; virtue is not she: As beauty'is not nor wealth: He that strayes thus 25 From her to hers, is more adulterous, Then if he took her maid. Search every spheare And firmament, our Cupid is not there: He's an infernal god and under ground, With Pluto dwells, where gold and fire abound: 30 Men to such Gods, their sacrificing Coles Did not in Altars lay, but pits and holes. Although we see Celestial bodies move Above the earth, the earth we Till and love: So we her ayres contemplate, words and heart, 35 And virtues; but we love the Centrique part. Nor is the soul more worthy, or more fit For love, then this, as infinite as it. But in attaining this desired place How much they erre; that set out at the face? 40 The hair a Forest is of Ambushes, Of springes, snares, fetters and manacles: The brow becalms us when 'tis smooth and plain, And when 'tis wrinckled, shipwracks us again. Smooth, 'tis a Paradice, where we would have 45 Immortal stay, and wrinkled 'tis our grave. The Nose (like to the first Meridian) runs Not 'twixt an East and West, but 'twixt two suns; It leaves a Cheek, a rosie Hemisphere On either side, and then directs us where 50 Upon the Islands fortunate we fall, (Not faynte Canaries, but Ambrosiall) Her swelling lips; To which when wee are come, We anchor there, and think our selves at home, For they seem all: there Syrens songs, and there 55 Wise Delphick Oracles do fill the ear; There in a Creek where chosen pearls do swell, The Remora, her cleaving tongue doth dwell. These, and the glorious Promontory, her Chin Ore past; and the streight Hellespont betweene 60 The Sestos and Abydos of her breasts, (Not of two Lovers, but two Loves the neasts) Succeeds a boundless sea, but yet thine eye Some Island moles may scattered there descry; And Sailing towards her India, in that way 65 Shall at her fair Atlantick Navell stay; Though thence the Current be thy Pilot made, Yet ere thou be where thou wouldst be embay'd, Thou shalt upon another Forest set, Where many Shipwrack, and no further get. 70 When thou art there, consider what this chace Mispent by thy beginning at the face. Rather set out below; practice my Art, Some Symetry the foot hath with that part Which thou dost seek, and is thy Map for that 75 Lovely enough to stop, but not stay at: Least subject to disguise and change it is; Men say the Devil never can change his. It is the Emblem that hath figured Firmness; 'tis the first part that comes to bed. 80 Civilitie we see refin'd: the kiss Which at the face began, transplanted is, Since to the hand, since to the Imperial knee, Now at the Papal foot delights to be: If Kings think that the nearer way, and do 85 Rise from the foot, Lovers may do so too; For as free Spheres move faster far then can Birds, whom the air resists, so may that man Which goes this empty and Ætherial way, Then if at beauties elements he stay. 90 Rich Nature hath in women wisely made Two purses, and their mouths aversely laid: They then, which to the lower tribute owe, That way which that Exchequer looks, must go: He which doth not, his error is as great, 95 As who by Clyster gave the Stomack meat.

[Elegie XVIII. &c. Ed: Elegie XVIII. 1669, where it is first included among the Elegies. It had already been printed in Wit and Drollery. By Sir J. M., J. S., Sir W. D., J. D., and the most refined Wits of the Age. 1661. It appears in A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TC, with title Loves Progress., or Elegie. on Loves Progresse., or with no title]

[4 Love is a 1669: And Love's a MSS.]

[5 strange 1661 and MSS.: strong 1669]

[11 I,] I 1669]

[14 ever 1669: for ever O'F, S, S96]

[16 (our new nature) use, 1661]

[17 these 1669 and MSS.: this 1661, Cy, P, Chambers]

[20 them] om. 1661]

[25 beauty'is not 1661 and MSS.: beauties no 1669

thus] thus: 1669]

[27 Then if he took] Then he that took 1661, B (takes), Cy, O'F, P, S

spheare] sphear 1669]

[30 abound: Ed: abound, 1669]

[32 in A18, B, D, H49, Lec, N, TC: on 1669, A25

holes.] holes: 1669]

[38 infinite] infinit 1669]

[40 erre 1661-69, S, S96: stray A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, N, O'F, P, TC]

[42 springes, H49 and some MSS.: springs, 1669]

[46 and 1661, A18, A25, B, C, D, H49, Lec, N, P, S96, TC: but 1669

our 1661, MSS.: a 1669]

[47 first Meridian 1661 and MSS.: sweet Meridian 1669.]

[52-3 (Not ... Ambrosiall) ... lips &c. 1661 and MSS. (not always with brackets and sometimes with No for Not and Canary): Not ... Ambrosiall. Unto her swelling lips when we are come, 1669]

[55 For they seem all: there 1669, A18, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, S, TC: For they sing all their 1661, Cy, P]

[57 There 1661 and MSS.: Then 1669

swell, Ed: swell 1669]

[58 Rhemora 1669]

[59 the glorious Promontory,] brackets and no comma, 1669]

[60 Ore past; ... betweene 1661 and MSS.: Being past the Straits of Hellespont between 1669]

[62 Loves] loves 1669]

[63 yet] that D, H49, Lec, and other MSS.]

[65 Sailing] Sailng 1669]

[66 Navell] Naval 1669]

[67 thence A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, Lec, O'F, S, S96, TC: there 1661-9, N(?): hence P

thy all MSS.: the 1661-9]

[68 wouldst A18, A25, B, Cy, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC: shouldst 1669]

[70 many 1669: some doe A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, P]

[73 my 1669, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCD: thy Chambers: thine A18, TCC]

[80 the] bis 1669]

[81-2 Civilitie, we see, refin'd the kisse Which at the face begonne, transplanted is D, H49, Lec]

[83 Imperial] imperial 1669]

[86 too;] too. 1669]

[90 elements 1661 and MSS.: enemies 1669]

[91 hath] Chambers omits]

[93 owe,] owe 1669]

[96 Clyster gave A18, D, H49, Lec, N, TC: glister gives 1669]

ELEGIE XIX.

Going to Bed.

Come, Madam, come, all rest my powers defie, Until I labour, I in labour lie. The foe oft-times having the foe in sight, Is tir'd with standing though he never fight. Off with that girdle, like heavens Zone glittering, 5 But a far fairer world incompassing. Unpin that spangled breastplate which you wear, That th'eyes of busie fooles may be stopt there. Unlace your self, for that harmonious chyme, Tells me from you, that now it is bed time. 10 Off with that happy busk, which I envie, That still can be, and still can stand so nigh. Your gown going off, such beautious state reveals, As when from flowry meads th'hills shadow steales. Off with that wyerie Coronet and shew 15 The haiery Diademe which on you doth grow: Now off with those shooes, and then safely tread In this loves hallow'd temple, this soft bed. In such white robes, heaven's Angels us'd to be Receavd by men; Thou Angel bringst with thee 20 A heaven like Mahomets Paradise; and though Ill spirits walk in white, we easly know, By this these Angels from an evil sprite, Those set our hairs, but these our flesh uprigh Licence my roaving hands, and let them go, 25 Before, behind, between, above, below. O my America! my new-found-land, My kingdome, safliest when with one man man'd, My Myne of precious stones, My Emperie, How blest am I in this discovering thee! 30 To enter in these bonds, is to be free; Then where my hand is set, my seal shall be. Full nakedness! All joyes are due to thee, As souls unbodied, bodies uncloth'd must be, To taste whole joyes. Gems which you women use 35 Are like Atlanta's balls, cast in mens views, That when a fools eye lighteth on a Gem, His earthly soul may covet theirs, not them. Like pictures, or like books gay coverings made For lay-men, are all women thus array'd; 40 Themselves are mystick books, which only wee (Whom their imputed grace will dignifie) Must see reveal'd. Then since that I may know; As liberally, as to a Midwife, shew Thy self: cast all, yea, this white lynnen hence, 45 There is no pennance due to innocence. To teach thee, I am naked first; why than What needst thou have more covering then a man.

[Elegie XIX. &c. Ed: in 1669, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD, W

Appeared in 1669 edition after the Elegies, unnumbered but with the heading To his Mistris going to Bed. The MSS. include it among the Elegies either with no heading, or simply Elegye, or numbered according to the scheme adopted: B gives title which I have adopted as consistent with other titles]

[4 he 1669: they A18, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, TC]

[5 glittering] glistering MSS.]

[8 That I may see my shrine that shines so fair. Cy, P]

[10 it is 1669: 'tis your MSS.]

[11 which] whom A18, D, H49, L74, Lec, S, TC, W]

[14 from MSS.: through 1669

shadow] shadows 1669]

[16 Diademe ... grow: A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, TC: Diadem which on your head doth grow: 1669: Diadems which on you do grow. S, Chambers]

[17 Now ... shooes, 1669, JC, W: Off ... shoes A18, D, H49, Lec, N, TC: Off with those hose and shoes S

safely A18, A25, B, L74, N, O'F, S, S96, TC, W: softly 1669, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, P]

[20 Receavd by men; Thou all MSS.: Reveal'd to men; thou 1669]

[21 Paradise; Ed: Paradice, 1669]

[22 Ill 1669, A18, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, S, S96, TC, W: All B, O'F, P, and Chambers' conjecture

spirits 1669, A18, B, D, H49, N, S: angels O'F, S96

white, Ed: white; 1669]

[26 below. Ed: below, 1669]

[28 kingdome, MSS.: Kingdom's 1669

safeliest A18, D, H49, Lec, N, TC: safest, 1669

man'd, Ed: man'd. 1669]

[29 stones, Ed: stones: 1669]

[30 How blest am I all MSS.: How am I blest 1669

this A18, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, TC, W: thus 1669, A25, L74, S

discovering] discovery B, O'F

thee! Ed: thee? 1669

be.] be, 1669]

[35 Gems] Jems 1669: and so 37]

[36 like 1669: as MSS.

balls, MSS.: ball: 1669]

[38 covet A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, TC, W: court 1669, Cy, P, S, S96

theirs, A18, A25, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, S96, TC, W: those S: that, 1669, B, O'F

them.] them: 1669]

[39 pictures, Ed: pictures 1669

made Ed: made, 1669]

[40 lay-men, Ed: lay-men 1669

array'd; Ed: arrayed 1669]

[41 Themselves ... only wee A18, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC, W: Themselves are only mystick books, which we, 1669, B]

[43 see] be A18, A25, D, H49, Lec, N, TC

reveal'd] revealed 1669]

[44 a all MSS.: thy 1669

Midwife, Ed: Midwife 1669]

[45 hence, Ed: hence 1669]

[46 pennance due to innocence. 1669, B, Cy, JC, O'F, P, S: pennance, much less innocence; A18, A25, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, S96, W]

[47 thee, Ed: thee 1669

first; Ed: first, 1669]

ELEGIE XX.

Loves Warre.

Till I have peace with thee, warr other men, And when I have peace, can I leave thee then? All other Warrs are scrupulous; Only thou O fayr free Citty, maist thyselfe allowe To any one: In Flanders, who can tell 5 Whether the Master presse; or men rebell? Only we know, that which all Ideots say, They beare most blows which come to part the fray. France in her lunatique giddines did hate Ever our men, yea and our God of late; 10 Yet she relyes upon our Angels well, Which nere returne; no more then they which fell. Sick Ireland is with a strange warr possest Like to an Ague; now raging, now at rest; Which time will cure: yet it must doe her good 15 If she were purg'd, and her head vayne let blood. And Midas joyes our Spanish journeys give, We touch all gold, but find no food to live. And I should be in the hott parching clyme, To dust and ashes turn'd before my time. 20 To mew me in a Ship, is to inthrall Mee in a prison, that weare like to fall; Or in a Cloyster; save that there men dwell In a calme heaven, here in a swaggering hell. Long voyages are long consumptions, 25 And ships are carts for executions. Yea they are Deaths; Is't not all one to flye Into an other World, as t'is to dye? Here let mee warr; in these armes lett mee lye; Here lett mee parlee, batter, bleede, and dye. 30 Thyne armes imprison me, and myne armes thee; Thy hart thy ransome is; take myne for mee. Other men war that they their rest may gayne; But wee will rest that wee may fight agayne. Those warrs the ignorant, these th'experienc'd love, 35 There wee are alwayes under, here above. There Engins farr off breed a just true feare, Neere thrusts, pikes, stabs, yea bullets hurt not here. There lyes are wrongs; here safe uprightly lye; There men kill men, we'will make one by and by. 40 Thou nothing; I not halfe so much shall do In these Warrs, as they may which from us two Shall spring. Thousands wee see which travaile not To warrs; But stay swords, armes, and shott To make at home; And shall not I do then 45 More glorious service, staying to make men?

[Elegy XX &c. Ed: First published in F. G. Waldron's A Collection of Miscellaneous Poetry, 1802, from a MS. dated 1625; then by Sir J. Simeon in his Philobiblon Society volume of 1856. It is included among Donne's Elegies in A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD, W. In B it has the title Making of Men. The present text is based on W]

[7 all A18, B, Cy, D, H49, L74, Lec, O'F, S, S96, TC, W: most JC, Chambers]

[8 They beare most blows which (or that) A18, B, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, S, S96, TC, W: They must bear blows, which Chambers]

[9 giddiness] guidings Sim: giddinge Wald]

[11 well,] well W]

[13 a strange] straying Sim]

[16 head] dead Sim]

[19 the A18, B, Cy, D, H49, N, S, S96, TC, W: that Chambers, A25, JC, L74, O'F]

[24 swaggering] swaying Chambers]

[25 consumptions,] consumptions W: line omitted, Wald]

[29 lye] spelt ly

W: and so 30 dy]

[33 gayne;] gayne W]

[37 There] These Sim

and, that, with, which] contracted throughout, W]

HEROICALL EPISTLE.

Sapho to Philænis.

Where is that holy fire, which Verse is said To have? is that inchanting force decai'd? Verse that drawes Natures workes, from Natures law, Thee, her best worke, to her worke cannot draw. Have my teares quench'd my old Poetique fire; 5 Why quench'd they not as well, that of desire? Thoughts, my mindes creatures, often are with thee, But I, their maker, want their libertie. Onely thine image, in my heart, doth sit, But that is waxe, and fires environ it. 10 My fires have driven, thine have drawne it hence; And I am rob'd of Picture, Heart, and Sense. Dwells with me still mine irksome Memory, Which, both to keepe, and lose, grieves equally. That tells me'how faire thou art: Thou art so faire, 15 As, gods, when gods to thee I doe compare, Are grac'd thereby; And to make blinde men see, What things gods are, I say they'are like to thee. For, if we justly call each silly man A litle world, What shall we call thee than? 20 Thou art not soft, and cleare, and strait, and faire, As Down, as Stars, Cedars, and Lillies are, But thy right hand, and cheek, and eye, only Are like thy other hand, and cheek, and eye. Such was my Phao awhile, but shall be never, 25 As thou, wast, art, and, oh, maist be ever. Here lovers sweare in their Idolatrie, That I am such; but Griefe discolors me. And yet I grieve the lesse, least Griefe remove My beauty, and make me'unworthy of thy love. 30 Plaies some soft boy with thee, oh there wants yet A mutuall feeling which should sweeten it. His chinne, a thorny hairy unevennesse Doth threaten, and some daily change possesse. Thy body is a naturall Paradise, 35 In whose selfe, unmanur'd, all pleasure lies, Nor needs perfection; why shouldst thou than Admit the tillage of a harsh rough man? Men leave behinde them that which their sin showes, And are as theeves trac'd, which rob when it snows. 40 But of our dallyance no more signes there are, Then fishes leave in streames, or Birds in aire. And betweene us all sweetnesse may be had; All, all that Nature yields, or Art can adde. My two lips, eyes, thighs, differ from thy two, 45 But so, as thine from one another doe; And, oh, no more; the likenesse being such, Why should they not alike in all parts touch? Hand to strange hand, lippe to lippe none denies; Why should they brest to brest, or thighs to thighs? 50 Likenesse begets such strange selfe flatterie, That touching my selfe, all seemes done to thee. My selfe I embrace, and mine owne hands I kisse, And amorously thanke my selfe for this. Me, in my glasse, I call thee; But alas, 55 When I would kisse, teares dimme mine eyes, and glasse. O cure this loving madnesse, and restore Me to mee; thee, my halfe, my all, my more. So may thy cheekes red outweare scarlet dye, And their white, whitenesse of the Galaxy, 60 So may thy mighty, amazing beauty move Envy'in all women, and in all men, love, And so be change, and sicknesse, farre from thee, As thou by comming neere, keep'st them from me.

[Heroicall Epistle.] In 1633 Sapho to Philaenis follows Basse's Epitaph upon Shakespeare, and precedes The Annuntiation and Passion. In 1635 it was placed with some other miscellaneous and dubious poems among the Letters to severall Personages, where it has appeared in all subsequent editions. I have transferred it to the neighbourhood of the Elegies and given it the title which seems to describe exactly the genre to which it belongs. In JC it is entitled Elegie 18th. The other MSS. are A18, A25, O'F, N, P, TCC, TCD. In A25, JC, and P, ll. 31-54 are omitted]

[2 have? 1650-69: have, 1633-39]

[3 workes, 1633-39: worke, 1650-69, O'F]

[8 maker, 1635-69: maker; 1633]

[17 thereby; And 1635-69: thereby. And 1633, some copies]

[22 As Down, 1633-69, A18, N, TC: As dowves P: As downs O'F. See note

Cedars,] as Cedars, A18, N, O'F, TC]

[26 maist be ever. 1633, A18, A25, N, TC: maist thou be ever. 1635-69, O'F: shalt be for ever. P: mayst thou be for ever. JC]

[33 thorny hairy 1633-69: thorney-hairy TCD: thorny, hairy modern edd.]

[40 are Ed: are, 1633-69]

[58 me to mee; thee, 1635-69, A18, A25, JC, N, P, TC (generally mee, in MSS.:) me to mee; shee, 1633: me to thee, thee Chambers

halfe,] harte A25, JC, P]

[59-60

So may thy cheekes outweare all scarlet dye May blisse and thee be one eternallye P: om. JC ]

[61 mighty, amazing Ed: mighty amazing 1633-69: almighty amazing P]

EPITHALAMIONS,

OR

MARRIAGE SONGS.

An Epithalamion, Or mariage Song on the Lady Elizabeth, and Count Palatine being married on St. Valentines day.

Haile Bishop Valentine, whose day this is, All the Aire is thy Diocis, And all the chirping Choristers And other birds are thy Parishioners, Thou marryest every yeare 5 The Lirique Larke, and the grave whispering Dove, The Sparrow that neglects his life for love, The household Bird, with the red stomacher, Thou mak'st the black bird speed as soone, As doth the Goldfinch, or the Halcyon; 10 The husband cocke lookes out, and straight is sped, And meets his wife, which brings her feather-bed. This day more cheerfully then ever shine, This day, which might enflame thy self, Old Valentine.

Till now, Thou warmd'st with multiplying loves 15 Two larkes, two sparrowes, or two Doves, All that is nothing unto this, For thou this day couplest two Phœnixes; Thou mak'st a Taper see What the sunne never saw, and what the Arke 20 (Which was of soules, and beasts, the cage, and park,) Did not containe, one bed containes, through Thee, Two Phœnixes, whose joyned breasts Are unto one another mutuall nests, Where motion kindles such fires, as shall give 25 Yong Phœnixes, and yet the old shall live. Whose love and courage never shall decline, But make the whole year through, thy day, O Valentine.

Up then faire Phœnix Bride, frustrate the Sunne, Thy selfe from thine affection 30 Takest warmth enough, and from thine eye All lesser birds will take their Jollitie. Up, up, faire Bride, and call, Thy starres, from out their severall boxes, take Thy Rubies, Pearles, and Diamonds forth, and make 35 Thy selfe a constellation, of them All, And by their blazing, signifie, That a Great Princess falls, but doth not die; Bee thou a new starre, that to us portends Ends of much wonder; And be Thou those ends. 40 Since thou dost this day in new glory shine, May all men date Records, from this thy Valentine.

Come forth, come forth, and as one glorious flame Meeting Another, growes the same, So meet thy Fredericke, and so 45 To an unseparable union growe. Since separation Falls not on such things as are infinite, Nor things which are but one, can disunite, You'are twice inseparable, great, and one; 50 Goe then to where the Bishop staies, To make you one, his way, which divers waies Must be effected; and when all is past, And that you'are one, by hearts and hands made fast, You two have one way left, your selves to'entwine, 55 Besides this Bishops knot, or Bishop Valentine.

But oh, what ailes the Sunne, that here he staies, Longer to day, then other daies? Staies he new light from these to get? And finding here such store, is loth to set? 60 And why doe you two walke, So slowly pac'd in this procession? Is all your care but to be look'd upon, And be to others spectacle, and talke? The feast, with gluttonous delaies, 65 Is eaten, and too long their meat they praise, The masquers come too late, and'I thinke, will stay, Like Fairies, till the Cock crow them away. Alas, did not Antiquity assigne A night, as well as day, to thee, O Valentine? 70

They did, and night is come; and yet wee see Formalities retarding thee. What meane these Ladies, which (as though They were to take a clock in peeces,) goe So nicely about the Bride; 75 A Bride, before a good night could be said, Should vanish from her cloathes, into her bed, As Soules from bodies steale, and are not spy'd. But now she is laid; What though shee bee? Yet there are more delayes, For, where is he? 80 He comes, and passes through Spheare after Spheare, First her sheetes, then her Armes, then any where. Let not this day, then, but this night be thine, Thy day was but the eve to this, O Valentine.

Here lyes a shee Sunne, and a hee Moone here, 85 She gives the best light to his Spheare, Or each is both, and all, and so They unto one another nothing owe, And yet they doe, but are So just and rich in that coyne which they pay, 90 That neither would, nor needs forbeare, nor stay; Neither desires to be spar'd, nor to spare, They quickly pay their debt, and then Take no acquittances, but pay again; They pay, they give, they lend, and so let fall 95 No such occasion to be liberall. More truth, more courage in these two do shine, Then all thy turtles have, and sparrows, Valentine.

And by this act of these two Phenixes Nature againe restored is, 100 For since these two are two no more, Ther's but one Phenix still, as was before. Rest now at last, and wee As Satyres watch the Sunnes uprise, will stay Waiting, when your eyes opened, let out day, 105 Onely desir'd, because your face wee see; Others neare you shall whispering speake, And wagers lay, at which side day will breake, And win by'observing, then, whose hand it is That opens first a curtaine, hers or his; 110 This will be tryed to morrow after nine, Till which houre, wee thy day enlarge, O Valentine.

[Epithalamions, &c. 1635-69: no general title, 1633. An Epithalamion, &c. 1633-69, A25, B, C, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, P, S96, TCD (most of the MSS. have the full title but with slight verbal variations)]

[13 shine, Ed: shine. 1633-69]

[14 enflame] enflãe 1633]

[18 Phœnixes; Ed: Phœnixes, 1633: Phœnixes. 1635-69]

[21 foules, 1633: fowle, 1635-69]

[22 Thee, 1633, 1650-69: Thee: 1635-39]

[37 their blazing 1633-69, D, Lec: this blazing A25, B, H49, JC, N, O'F (altered to their), P, TCD]

[40 ends. 1635-69: ends, 1633]

[42 this thy 1633-54, B, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, P, S96, TCD: this day 1669, A25, JC, Chambers]

[46 growe. A25, B, D, H49, JC, N, O'F, P, S96, TCD: goe, 1633-69, Lec]

[49 disunite, Grolier: disunite. 1633-69 and Chambers]

[56 Bishops knot, or Bishop Valentine. A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P (our), S96, TC Bishops knot, O Bishop Valentine. 1633-54: Bishops knot of Bishop Valentine. 1669: Bishops knot, of Bishop Valentine. Chambers]

[60 store, 1633, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, P, S96, TCD:

starres, 1635-69, O'F, Chambers]

[67 come too late, 1633: come late, 1635-69]

[70 O Valentine? 1633-54, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S96, TCD: old Valentine? 1669]

[81 passes 1633-39: passeth 1650-69

Spheare, Ed: Spheare. 1633: Spheare: 1635-69]

[82 where. 1650-69: where, 1633-39]

[85 here, 1633-39, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, TCD:

there, 1650-69, O'F, P, S96]

[91 stay;] stay, 1633]

[92 spare, 1633-54: spare. 1669]

[94 acquittances, 1635-69: acquittance, 1633]

[96 such] om. 1669]

[104 As ... uprise,] brackets 1650-69]

[105 day,] day. 1633]

ECCLOGUE.

1613. December 26.

Allophanes finding Idios in the country in Christmas time, reprehends his absence from court, at the mariage Of the Earle of Sommerset, Idios gives an account of his purpose therein, and of his absence thence.

Allophanes.

Vnseasonable man, statue of ice, What could to countries solitude entice Thee, in this yeares cold and decrepit time? Natures instinct drawes to the warmer clime Even small birds, who by that courage dare, 5 In numerous fleets, saile through their Sea, the aire. What delicacie can in fields appeare, Whil'st Flora'herselfe doth a freeze jerkin weare? Whil'st windes do all the trees and hedges strip Of leafes, to furnish roddes enough to whip 10 Thy madnesse from thee; and all springs by frost Have taken cold, and their sweet murmure lost; If thou thy faults or fortunes would'st lament With just solemnity, do it in Lent; At Court the spring already advanced is, 15 The Sunne stayes longer up; and yet not his The glory is, farre other, other fires. First, zeale to Prince and State; then loves desires Burne in one brest, and like heavens two great lights, The first doth governe dayes, the other nights. 20 And then that early light, which did appeare Before the Sunne and Moone created were, The Princes favour is defus'd o'r all, From which all Fortunes, Names, and Natures fall; Then from those wombes of starres, the Brides bright eyes, 25 At every glance, a constellation flyes, And sowes the Court with starres, and doth prevent In light and power, the all-ey'd firmament; First her eyes kindle other Ladies eyes, Then from their beames their jewels lusters rise, 30 And from their jewels torches do take fire, And all is warmth, and light, and good desire; Most other Courts, alas, are like to hell, Where in darke plotts, fire without light doth dwell: Or but like Stoves, for lust and envy get 35 Continuall, but artificiall heat; Here zeale and love growne one, all clouds disgest, And make our Court an everlasting East. And can'st thou be from thence?

Idios. No, I am there. As heaven, to men dispos'd, is every where, 40 So are those Courts, whose Princes animate, Not onely all their house, but all their State. Let no man thinke, because he is full, he hath all, Kings (as their patterne, God) are liberall Not onely in fulnesse, but capacitie, 45 Enlarging narrow men, to feele and see, And comprehend the blessings they bestow. So, reclus'd hermits often times do know More of heavens glory, then a worldling can. As man is of the world, the heart of man, 50 Is an epitome of Gods great booke Of creatures, and man need no farther looke; So is the Country of Courts, where sweet peace doth, As their one common soule, give life to both, I am not then from Court.

Allophanes. Dreamer, thou art. 55 Think'st thou fantastique that thou hast a part In the East-Indian fleet, because thou hast A little spice, or Amber in thy taste? Because thou art not frozen, art thou warme? Seest thou all good because thou seest no harme? 60 The earth doth in her inward bowels hold Stuffe well dispos'd, and which would faine be gold, But never shall, except it chance to lye, So upward, that heaven gild it with his eye; As, for divine things, faith comes from above, 65 So, for best civill use, all tinctures move From higher powers; From God religion springs, Wisdome, and honour from the use of Kings. Then unbeguile thy selfe, and know with mee, That Angels, though on earth employd they bee, 70 Are still in heav'n, so is hee still at home That doth, abroad, to honest actions come. Chide thy selfe then, O foole, which yesterday Might'st have read more then all thy books bewray; Hast thou a history, which doth present 75 A Court, where all affections do assent Unto the Kings, and that, that Kings are just? And where it is no levity to trust? Where there is no ambition, but to'obey, Where men need whisper nothing, and yet may; 80 Where the Kings favours are so plac'd, that all Finde that the King therein is liberall To them, in him, because his favours bend To vertue, to the which they all pretend? Thou hast no such; yet here was this, and more, 85 An earnest lover, wise then, and before. Our little Cupid hath sued Livery, And is no more in his minority, Hee is admitted now into that brest Where the Kings Counsells and his secrets rest. 90 What hast thou lost, O ignorant man?

Idios. I knew All this, and onely therefore I withdrew. To know and feele all this, and not to have Words to expresse it, makes a man a grave Of his owne thoughts; I would not therefore stay 95 At a great feast, having no Grace to say. And yet I scap'd not here; for being come Full of the common joy, I utter'd some; Reade then this nuptiall song, which was not made Either the Court or mens hearts to invade, 100 But since I'am dead, and buried, I could frame No Epitaph, which might advance my fame So much as this poore song, which testifies I did unto that day some sacrifice.

EPITHALAMION.

The time of the Mariage.

Thou art repriv'd old yeare, thou shalt not die, 105 Though thou upon thy death bed lye, And should'st within five dayes expire, Yet thou art rescu'd by a mightier fire, Then thy old Soule, the Sunne, When he doth in his largest circle runne. 110 The passage of the West or East would thaw, And open wide their easie liquid jawe To all our ships, could a Promethean art Either unto the Northerne Pole impart The fire of these inflaming eyes, or of this loving heart. 115

Equality of persons.

But undiscerning Muse, which heart, which eyes, In this new couple, dost thou prize, When his eye as inflaming is As hers, and her heart loves as well as his? Be tryed by beauty, and than 120 The bridegroome is a maid, and not a man. If by that manly courage they be tryed, Which scornes unjust opinion; then the bride Becomes a man. Should chance or envies Art Divide these two, whom nature scarce did part? 125 Since both have both th'enflaming eyes, and both the loving heart.

Raysing of the Bridegroome.

Though it be some divorce to thinke of you Singly, so much one are you two, Yet let me here contemplate thee, First, cheerfull Bridegroome, and first let mee see, 130 How thou prevent'st the Sunne, And his red foming horses dost outrunne, How, having laid downe in thy Soveraignes brest All businesses, from thence to reinvest Them, when these triumphs cease, thou forward art 135 To shew to her, who doth the like impart, The fire of thy inflaming eyes, and of thy loving heart.

Raising of the Bride.

But now, to Thee, faire Bride, it is some wrong, To thinke thou wert in Bed so long, Since Soone thou lyest downe first, tis fit 140 Thou in first rising should'st allow for it. Pouder thy Radiant haire, Which if without such ashes thou would'st weare, Thou, which to all which come to looke upon, Art meant for Phœbus, would'st be Phaëton. 145 For our ease, give thine eyes th'unusual part Of joy, a Teare; so quencht, thou maist impart, To us that come, thy inflaming eyes, to him, thy loving heart.

Her Apparrelling.

Thus thou descend'st to our infirmitie, Who can the Sun in water see. 150 Soe dost thou, when in silke and gold, Thou cloudst thy selfe; since wee which doe behold, Are dust, and wormes, 'tis just Our objects be the fruits of wormes and dust; Let every Jewell be a glorious starre, 155 Yet starres are not so pure, as their spheares are. And though thou stoope, to'appeare to us in part, Still in that Picture thou intirely art, Which thy inflaming eyes have made within his loving heart.

Going to the Chappell.

Now from your Easts you issue forth, and wee, 160 As men which through a Cipres see The rising sun, doe thinke it two, Soe, as you goe to Church, doe thinke of you, But that vaile being gone, By the Church rites you are from thenceforth one. 165 The Church Triumphant made this match before, And now the Militant doth strive no more; Then, reverend Priest, who Gods Recorder art, Doe, from his Dictates, to these two impart All blessings, which are seene, or thought, by Angels eye or heart. 170

The Benediction.

Blest payre of Swans, Oh may you interbring Daily new joyes, and never sing, Live, till all grounds of wishes faile, Till honor, yea till wisedome grow so stale, That, new great heights to trie, 175 It must serve your ambition, to die; Raise heires, and may here, to the worlds end, live Heires from this King, to take thankes, you, to give, Nature and grace doe all, and nothing Art. May never age, or error overthwart 180 With any West, these radiant eyes, with any North, this heart.

Feasts and Revells.

But you are over-blest. Plenty this day Injures; it causeth time to stay; The tables groane, as though this feast Would, as the flood, destroy all fowle and beast. 185 And were the doctrine new That the earth mov'd, this day would make it true; For every part to dance and revell goes. They tread the ayre, and fal not where they rose. Though six houres since, the Sunne to bed did part, 190 The masks and banquets will not yet impart A sunset to these weary eyes, A Center to this heart.

The Brides going to bed.

What mean'st thou Bride, this companie to keep? To sit up, till thou faine wouldst sleep? Thou maist not, when thou art laid, doe so. 195 Thy selfe must to him a new banquet grow, And you must entertaine And doe all this daies dances o'r againe. Know that if Sun and Moone together doe Rise in one point, they doe not set so too; 200 Therefore thou maist, faire Bride, to bed depart, Thou art not gone, being gone; where e'r thou art, Thou leav'st in him thy watchfull eyes, in him thy loving heart.

The Bridegroomes comming.

As he that sees a starre fall, runs apace, And findes a gellie in the place, 205 So doth the Bridegroome hast as much, Being told this starre is falne, and findes her such. And as friends may looke strange, By a new fashion, or apparrells change, Their soules, though long acquainted they had beene, 210 These clothes, their bodies, never yet had seene; Therefore at first shee modestly might start, But must forthwith surrender every part, As freely, as each to each before, gave either eye or heart.

The good-night.

Now, as in Tullias tombe, one lampe burnt cleare, 215 Unchang'd for fifteene hundred yeare, May these love-lamps we here enshrine, In warmth, light, lasting, equall the divine. Fire ever doth aspire, And makes all like it selfe, turnes all to fire, 220 But ends in ashes, which these cannot doe, For none of these is fuell, but fire too. This is joyes bonfire, then, where loves strong Arts Make of so noble individuall parts One fire of foure inflaming eyes, and of two loving hearts. 225

Idios.

As I have brought this song, that I may doe A perfect sacrifice, I'll burne it too.

No S^{r}. This paper I have justly got, For, in burnt incense, the perfume is not His only that presents it, but of all; 230 What ever celebrates this Festivall Is common, since the joy thereof is so. Nor may your selfe be Priest: But let me goe, Backe to the Court, and I will lay'it upon Such Altars, as prize your devotion. 235

[ECCLOGUE. &c. 1633-69: similarly, A18, A23, B, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, S96, TCC, TCD]

[his absence thence. 1633, Lec: his Actions there. 1635-69, A18, H49, N, O'F, TC: his absence then. D, S96]

[2 countries] country A18, N, TC]

[4 clime 1633-39: clime: 1650-69: clime. D]

[5 small 1633, A18, B, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, TC:

smaller 1635-69, Chambers]

[12 Have 1633: Having 1635-69

murmure A18, A23, B, D, H49, N, O'F, TC: murmures 1633-69]

[22 were, Ed: were; 1633-69]

[29 kindle] kindles 1633]

[34 plotts, 1635-69, A18, B, D, H49, N, O'F, S96, TC: places, 1633, 1669, Lec]

[37 disgest, 1633-39: digest, 1650-69]

[39 there. D: there 1633-69]

[40 where, 1633: where: 1635-69, owing to the dropping of stop in previous line]

[42 State.] State, 1633]

[54 one 1633, A18, D, H49, N, O'F, TC: own 1635-69, Lec]

[55 I am ... Court. 1633, A18, B, D, H49, N, S96, TC: And am I then from Court? 1635-69

art. 1650-69: art, 1633-39]

[57 East-Indian A18, A23, B, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, S96, TC: Indian 1633-69]

[61 inward A18, A23, B, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, S96, TC: inner 1633-69]

[75 present] represent A18, N, TC]

[78 trust? Ed: trust. 1633-39: trust, 1650-69]

[84 pretend? Ed: pretend. 1633-69]

[85 more, 1633: more. 1635-69]

[86 before. 1633-69: before, Chambers. See note]

[92 withdrew.] withdrew 1633]

[96 say. 1635-69: say, 1633]

[98 joy, ... some; Ed: joy; ... some, 1633: joy; ... some. 1635-69]

[EPITHALAMION. D, H49, Lec, O'F, S96: om. 1633-69. See note]

[107 expire,] expire 1633-39]

[108 by 1633: from 1635-69]

[121 man. 1669, D: man, 1633-39: man; 1650-54]

[124 or] our 1669]

[126 both th'enflaming eyes, A18, B, D, H49, N, O'F, S96, TC: th'enflaming eye, 1633: the enflaming eye, 1635-69]

[128 Singly, A18, A23, B, D, H49, N, O'F, S96, TC: Single, 1633-69, Lec]

[129 Yet let A23, O'F: Let 1633-69]

[141 should'st] should 1669

it. 1635-69: it, 1633]

[144 Thou, which D: Thou, which, 1633: Thou which, 1635-69]

[145 Art A18, B, S96, TCC: Are 1633, D, H49, Lec, N, TCD: Wert 1635-69, O'F

for] for, 1633]

[Phaëton. 1635-69: Phaëton, 1633]

[146 ease, ... eyes 1635-69: ease, ... eyes, 1633]

[150 see. 1633-69: see; Grolier. But see note]

[157 stoope, ... us 1633-69: stoope, ... us, 1633]

[167 more; Ed: more, 1633: more. 1635-69]

[170 or thought] Or thought 1633]

[172 sing, 1633: sing: 1635-69]

[178 you, yours, A23, B, D, O'F, S96

give, 1633: give. 1635-69]

[179 Art. Ed: Art, 1633-69]

[194 wouldst] would 1669]

[200 too; Ed: too. 1635-69: to. 1633]

[202 being gone; Ed: being gone, 1633-39: being gone 1650-69]

[207 such. 1635-69: such, 1633]

[211 seene; Ed: seene. 1633-69]

[214 eye] hand 1650-69]

[215 burnt] burn 1669]

[218 divine. 1635-69: divine; 1633]

[230 all; 1635-69: all, 1633]

Epithalamion made at Lincolnes Inne.

The Sun-beames in the East are spred, Leave, leave, faire Bride, your solitary bed, No more shall you returne to it alone, It nourseth sadnesse, and your bodies print, Like to a grave, the yielding downe doth dint; 5 You and your other you meet there anon; Put forth, put forth that warme balme-breathing thigh, Which when next time you in these sheets wil smother, There it must meet another, Which never was, but must be, oft, more nigh; 10 Come glad from thence, goe gladder then you came, To day put on perfection, and a womans name.

Daughters of London, you which bee Our Golden Mines, and furnish'd Treasurie, You which are Angels, yet still bring with you 15 Thousands of Angels on your mariage daies, Help with your presence and devise to praise These rites, which also unto you grow due; Conceitedly dresse her, and be assign'd, By you, fit place for every flower and jewell, 20 Make her for love fit fewell As gay as Flora, and as rich as Inde; So may shee faire, rich, glad, and in nothing lame, To day put on perfection, and a womans name. And you frolique Patricians, 25 Sonns of these Senators wealths deep oceans, Ye painted courtiers, barrels of others wits, Yee country men, who but your beasts love none, Yee of those fellowships whereof hee's one, Of study and play made strange Hermaphrodits, 30 Here shine; This Bridegroom to the Temple bring. Loe, in yon path which store of straw'd flowers graceth, The sober virgin paceth; Except my sight faile, 'tis no other thing; Weep not nor blush, here is no griefe nor shame, 35 To day put on perfection, and a womans name.

Thy two-leav'd gates faire Temple unfold, And these two in thy sacred bosome hold, Till, mystically joyn'd, but one they bee; Then may thy leane and hunger-starved wombe 40 Long time expect their bodies and their tombe, Long after their owne parents fatten thee. All elder claimes, and all cold barrennesse, All yeelding to new loves bee far for ever, Which might these two dissever, 45 All wayes all th'other may each one possesse; For, the best Bride, best worthy of praise and fame, To day puts on perfection, and a womans name.

Oh winter dayes bring much delight, Not for themselves, but for they soon bring night; 50 Other sweets wait thee then these diverse meats, Other disports then dancing jollities, Other love tricks then glancing with the eyes, But that the Sun still in our halfe Spheare sweates; Hee flies in winter, but he now stands still. 55 Yet shadowes turne; Noone point he hath attain'd, His steeds nill bee restrain'd, But gallop lively downe the Westerne hill; Thou shalt, when he hath runne the worlds half frame, To night put on perfection, and a womans name. 60

The amorous evening starre is rose, Why then should not our amorous starre inclose Her selfe in her wish'd bed? Release your strings Musicians, and dancers take some truce With these your pleasing labours, for great use 65 As much wearinesse as perfection brings; You, and not only you, but all toyl'd beasts Rest duly; at night all their toyles are dispensed; But in their beds commenced Are other labours, and more dainty feasts; 70 She goes a maid, who, least she turne the same, To night puts on perfection, and a womans name.

Thy virgins girdle now untie, And in thy nuptiall bed (loves altar) lye A pleasing sacrifice; now dispossesse 75 Thee of these chaines and robes which were put on T'adorne the day, not thee; for thou, alone, Like vertue'and truth, art best in nakednesse; This bed is onely to virginitie A grave, but, to a better state, a cradle; 80 Till now thou wast but able To be what now thou art; then that by thee No more be said, I may bee, but, I am, To night put on perfection, and a womans name. Even like a faithfull man content, 85 That this life for a better should be spent, So, shee a mothers rich stile doth preferre, And at the Bridegroomes wish'd approach doth lye, Like an appointed lambe, when tenderly The priest comes on his knees t'embowell her; 90 Now sleep or watch with more joy; and O light Of heaven, to morrow rise thou hot, and early; This Sun will love so dearely Her rest, that long, long we shall want her sight; Wonders are wrought, for shee which had no maime, 95 To night puts on perfection, and a womans name.

[Epithalamion &c. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD Epithalamion on a Citizen. A34, B, O'F, S, S96: do. of the La: Eliz: P: Epithalamion. W]

[4 bodies 1635-69 and MSS.: body 1633]

[8 smother, 1650-69: smother 1633-39]

[17 presence Ed: presence, 1633-69. See note]

[22 faire, rich, glad, and in A18, N, TC, W: faire and rich, in 1633-69, B, O'F, P, S96]

[25 Patricians,] Patricians 1633]

[26 Sonns of ... deep oceans, Ed: Some of these Senators wealths deep oceans, 1633, A18, N, TC: Sonnes of these Senatours, wealths deep oceans W: Sonnes of those Senatours, wealths deepe oceans, 1635-69, B, O'F, S96 (but Senators O'F, S96). See note]

[29 those fellowships] that Fellowship S96]

[31 bring. W: bring 1633-39: bring, 1650-69]

[32 straw'd] strow'd 1669]

[42 thee. 1635-69: thee; 1633]

[46 All wayes W: Alwaies, 1633: Alwayes, 1635-69]

[49 Oh winter dayes A34, B, O'F, P, S96, W: Winter dayes 1633-69, A18, N, TC]

[53 eyes, 1635-69: eyes; 1633]

[55 still. W: still, 1633-69]

[57 nill W: will 1633-69 and rest of MSS.: B inserts not. See note]

[59 runne the worlds halfe frame, A34, B, S96, W: runne the Heavens halfe frame, 1635-69, O'F: come the worlds half frame, 1633, A18, N, TC]

[60 put] but 1633]

[72 puts] put 1669]

[73 Thy virgins girdle 1633-69, W: The Virgin Girdle B, O'F, S96: Thy Virgin girdle P]

[74 [loves alter] 1633-69]

[76 were] wee some copies of 1633, Grolier]

[78 art] are 1669]

[86 spent, Ed: spent; 1633: spent: 1635-69]

[95 maime, 1633, W: name, 1635-69, A18, A34, B, N, P, S96, TC]

SATYRES.

Satyre I.

Away thou fondling motley humorist, Leave mee, and in this standing woodden chest, Consorted with these few bookes, let me lye In prison, and here be coffin'd, when I dye; Here are Gods conduits, grave Divines; and here 5 Natures Secretary, the Philosopher; And jolly Statesmen, which teach how to tie The sinewes of a cities mistique bodie; Here gathering Chroniclers, and by them stand Giddie fantastique Poëts of each land. 10 Shall I leave all this constant company, And follow headlong, wild uncertaine thee? First sweare by thy best love in earnest (If thou which lov'st all, canst love any best) Thou wilt not leave mee in the middle street, 15 Though some more spruce companion thou dost meet, Not though a Captaine do come in thy way Bright parcell gilt, with forty dead mens pay, Not though a briske perfum'd piert Courtier Deigne with a nod, thy courtesie to answer. 20 Nor come a velvet Justice with a long Great traine of blew coats, twelve, or fourteen strong, Wilt thou grin or fawne on him, or prepare A speech to Court his beautious sonne and heire! For better or worse take mee, or leave mee: 25 To take, and leave mee is adultery. Oh monstrous, superstitious puritan, Of refin'd manners, yet ceremoniall man, That when thou meet'st one, with enquiring eyes Dost search, and like a needy broker prize 30 The silke, and gold he weares, and to that rate So high or low, dost raise thy formall hat: That wilt consort none, untill thou have knowne What lands hee hath in hope, or of his owne, As though all thy companions should make thee 35 Jointures, and marry thy deare company. Why should'st thou (that dost not onely approve, But in ranke itchie lust, desire, and love The nakednesse and barenesse to enjoy, Of thy plumpe muddy whore, or prostitute boy) 40 Hate vertue, though shee be naked, and bare? At birth, and death, our bodies naked are; And till our Soules be unapparrelled Of bodies, they from blisse are banished. Mans first blest state was naked, when by sinne 45 Hee lost that, yet hee was cloath'd but in beasts skin, And in this course attire, which I now weare, With God, and with the Muses I conferre. But since thou like a contrite penitent, Charitably warn'd of thy sinnes, dost repent 50 These vanities, and giddinesses, loe I shut my chamber doore, and come, lets goe. But sooner may a cheape whore, who hath beene Worne by as many severall men in sinne, As are black feathers, or musk-colour hose, 55 Name her childs right true father, 'mongst all those: Sooner may one guesse, who shall beare away The Infanta of London, Heire to an India; And sooner may a gulling weather Spie By drawing forth heavens Scheme tell certainly 60 What fashioned hats, or ruffes, or suits next yeare Our subtile-witted antique youths will weare; Then thou, when thou depart'st from mee, canst show Whither, why, when, or with whom thou wouldst go. But how shall I be pardon'd my offence 65 That thus have sinn'd against my conscience? Now we are in the street; He first of all Improvidently proud, creepes to the wall, And so imprisoned, and hem'd in by mee Sells for a little state his libertie; 70 Yet though he cannot skip forth now to greet Every fine silken painted foole we meet, He them to him with amorous smiles allures, And grins, smacks, shrugs, and such an itch endures, As prentises, or schoole-boyes which doe know 75 Of some gay sport abroad, yet dare not goe. And as fidlers stop lowest, at highest sound, So to the most brave, stoops hee nigh'st the ground. But to a grave man, he doth move no more Then the wise politique horse would heretofore, 80 Or thou O Elephant or Ape wilt doe, When any names the King of Spaine to you. Now leaps he upright, Joggs me, & cryes, Do you see Yonder well favoured youth? Which? Oh, 'tis hee That dances so divinely; Oh, said I, 85 Stand still, must you dance here for company? Hee droopt, wee went, till one (which did excell Th'Indians, in drinking his Tobacco well) Met us; they talk'd; I whispered, let'us goe, 'T may be you smell him not, truely I doe; 90 He heares not mee, but, on the other side A many-coloured Peacock having spide, Leaves him and mee; I for my lost sheep stay; He followes, overtakes, goes on the way, Saying, him whom I last left, all repute 95 For his device, in hansoming a sute, To judge of lace, pinke, panes, print, cut, and plight, Of all the Court, to have the best conceit; Our dull Comedians want him, let him goe; But Oh, God strengthen thee, why stoop'st thou so? 100 Why? he hath travayld; Long? No; but to me (Which understand none,) he doth seeme to be Perfect French, and Italian; I replyed, So is the Poxe; He answered not, but spy'd More men of fort, of parts, and qualities; 105 At last his Love he in a windowe spies, And like light dew exhal'd, he flings from mee Violently ravish'd to his lechery. Many were there, he could command no more; Hee quarrell'd fought, bled; and turn'd out of dore 110 Directly came to mee hanging the head, And constantly a while must keepe his bed.

[Satyre I. 1633-69, D, H49, JC, Lec, P, Q, S, W: Satyre the Second. or Satyre 2. A25, B, O'F: Satyre. or A Satyre of Mr. John Donnes. Cy, L74, S96: no title (but placed first), H51, N, TCD]

[1 fondling 1633, L74, Lec, N, S, TCD: changeling 1635-69, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, JC, O'F, P, Q, S96, W]

[5 conduits, ... Divines; 1650-69, Q: conduits; ... Divines, 1633-39]

[6 Is Natures Secretary, 1669, S96

Philosopher; Ed: Philosopher. 1633-39: Philosopher: 1659-69]

[7 jolly 1633, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, JC, L74, N, Q, S, S96, TCD, W: wily 1635-69, O'F: with P]

[12 headlong, wild uncertaine thee? 1633: om. comma 1635-69 and Grolier]

[13 love in earnest 1633, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, Q, S, S96, TCD, W: love, here, in earnest 1635-69, O'F]

[16 dost. meet,] doe meet. H51, Q, W]

[19 Not 1633-69, A25, Lec, P, Q: Nor Cy, D, H49, L74, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD, W

piert] neat Q]

[23 Wilt 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, TCD: Shalt A25, B, D, H49, H51, JC, O'F, P, Q, S, S96, W]

[24 heire! Ed: heire? 1633-69]

[25 or worse 1633-69, Cy, D, L74, Lec, N, O'F, Q, TCD: and worse A25, B, H49, H51, S96, W: or for worse P: and for worse JC]

[27 Oh monstrous,] A (i.e. Ah) or O Monster, B, D, H49, H51, JC, W]

[29 eyes 1635-69: eyes; 1633]

[32 raise 1633-69, D, H49, H51, L74, Lec, N, TCD: vaile A25, B, Cy, JC, O'F, P, Q, S, W

hat:] hate: 1633]

[33 consort none,] consort with none, Cy, O'F, P, S, S96

untill] till 1669]

[37-40 brackets 1650-69, Q: that ... boy 1633: that ... boy; 1635-39]

[39 barenesse A25, B, D, H49, H51, JC, O'F, Q, W: barrennesse 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, P, S, TCD]

[40 Of] of 1633: or 1633, 1669: om. 1635-54]

[41 bare? 1635-69: bare, 1633]

[45 first blest 1633-69, Cy, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, TCD, W: first best A25, B, H51, JC, O'F, P, Q, S]

[46 yet 1633, A25, B, D, H49, H51, JC, L74, Lec, N, Q, S, TCD: om. 1635-69, Cy, O'F, P]

[47 weare, 1650-69: weare 1633-39]

[50 warn'd] warm'd 1633]

[52 goe. 1635-69: goe, 1633]

[54 Worne by] Worne out by 1650-69]

[55 musk-colour 1633-35, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, TCD, W: musk-coloured 1639-69, A25, P, Q]

[58 The Infanta ... India; Ed: The Infanta ... India, A25, O'F, Q: The infant ... India, 1633-54 and MSS. generally: The Infantry of London, hence to India: 1669]

[60 Scheme 1635-69, A25, B, D, H49, H51, JC, Q: schemes L74, S: sceames N: Sceanes 1633, Cy, Lec, TCD: scene P]

[62 subtile-witted D, H49: subtile wittied 1633-54, L74, N, TCD: supple-witted A25, JC (altered to subtle), H51, O'F, P, Q, S, W: giddy-headed 1669

youths] youth 1669]

[63 depart'st from mee] depart'st from hence Cy, D, H49, H51, O'F, S, W: departest hence A25, Q, S96

canst JC, Q: can 1633-69 and many MSS.]

[66 conscience?] conscience. 1633]

[70 state] room H51

his 1635-69 and all MSS.: high 1633, Chambers

libertie;] libertie, 1633]

[73 them] then 1633]

[78 stoops 1635-69, A25, Cy, D, H49, H51, O'F, Q: stoopeth B, P: stoopt 1633, L74, Lec, N, TCD

nigh'st the ground.] nighest ground. D, H49, P, Q, W]

[81-2 om. 1633]

[84 youth? 1635-69: youth; 1633

Oh,] Yea, A25, B, H51, JC, Q, W]

[86 here] so H51]

[89 us; Ed: us: 1635-69: us, 1633

whispered, let'us goe, Ed: whispered, let us goe, 1633-54: whisperd, let us goe, 1669: whispered (letts goe) Q. See note]

[90 'T may be] May be Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, P, Q, S, S96, W]

[94 goes on the way,] goes, on the way D, H49, Q(in), W(in)]

[95 all repute 1635-69 and MSS. generally: s'all repute 1633, Lec]

[97 print, cut, and plight (pleite, 1635-39: pleit, 1650-69), 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, TCD: cut, print, or pleate (pleight &c.), A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, JC, O'F, P, Q, S96, W]

[100 stoop'st 1633, 1669, A25, B, D, H49, H51, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, Q, TCD: stop'st. 1635-54, O'F]

[101 Why? he hath travayld; Long? No; but to me S96: Why: he hath travayld. Long? No: but to mee W: Why, hee hath travayl'd. Long? no. But to mee H49: Why he hath travayld; Longe? Noe: but to mee JC: Why, he hath travailed (traveled 1635-39) long? no, but to me 1633-39: Why hath he travelled long? no, but to me 1650-54, P: Why. He hath travelled long; no, but to me 1669. See note]

[102 understand] understood 1669: brackets from Q. See note]

[105 and qualities;] of qualities; Lec, P, Q, S96]

[106 a] om. 1669]

[108 lechery. 1635-69 and MSS: liberty; 1633]

[109 were there, 1633-39: there were, 1650-69]

Satyre II.

Sir; though (I thanke God for it) I do hate Perfectly all this towne, yet there's one state In all ill things so excellently best, That hate, toward them, breeds pitty towards the rest. Though Poëtry indeed be such a sinne 5 As I thinke that brings dearths, and Spaniards in, Though like the Pestilence and old fashion'd love, Ridlingly it catch men; and doth remove Never, till it be sterv'd out; yet their state Is poore, disarm'd, like Papists, not worth hate. 10 One, (like a wretch, which at Barre judg'd as dead, Yet prompts him which stands next, and cannot reade, And saves his life) gives ideot actors meanes (Starving himselfe) to live by his labor'd sceanes; As in some Organ, Puppits dance above 15 And bellows pant below, which them do move. One would move Love by rithmes; but witchcrafts charms Bring not now their old feares, nor their old harmes: Rammes, and slings now are seely battery, Pistolets are the best Artillerie. 20 And they who write to Lords, rewards to get, Are they not like singers at doores for meat? And they who write, because all write, have still That excuse for writing, and for writing ill; But hee is worst, who (beggarly) doth chaw 25 Others wits fruits, and in his ravenous maw Rankly digested, doth those things out-spue, As his owne things; and they are his owne, 'tis true, For if one eate my meate, though it be knowne The meate was mine, th'excrement is his owne: 30 But these do mee no harme, nor they which use To out-doe Dildoes, and out-usure Jewes; To out-drinke the sea, to out-sweare the Letanie; Who with sinnes all kindes as familiar bee As Confessors; and for whose sinfull sake, 35 Schoolemen new tenements in hell must make: Whose strange sinnes, Canonists could hardly tell In which Commandements large receit they dwell. But these punish themselves; the insolence Of Coscus onely breeds my just offence, 40 Whom time (which rots all, and makes botches poxe, And plodding on, must make a calfe an oxe) Hath made a Lawyer, which was (alas) of late But a scarce Poët; jollier of this state, Then are new benefic'd ministers, he throwes 45 Like nets, or lime-twigs, wheresoever he goes, His title of Barrister, on every wench, And wooes in language of the Pleas, and Bench: A motion, Lady; Speake Coscus; I have beene In love, ever since tricesimo of the Queene, 50 Continuall claimes I have made, injunctions got To stay my rivals suit, that hee should not Proceed; spare mee; In Hillary terme I went, You said, If I return'd next size in Lent, I should be in remitter of your grace; 55 In th'interim my letters should take place Of affidavits: words, words, which would teare The tender labyrinth of a soft maids eare, More, more, then ten Sclavonians scolding, more Then when winds in our ruin'd Abbeyes rore. 60 When sicke with Poëtrie, and possest with muse Thou wast, and mad, I hop'd; but men which chuse Law practise for meere gaine, bold soule, repute Worse then imbrothel'd strumpets prostitute. Now like an owlelike watchman, hee must walke 65 His hand still at a bill, now he must talke Idly, like prisoners, which whole months will sweare That onely suretiship hath brought them there, And to every suitor lye in every thing, Like a Kings favourite, yea like a King; 70 Like a wedge in a blocke, wring to the barre, Bearing-like Asses; and more shamelesse farre Then carted whores, lye, to the grave Judge; for Bastardy abounds not in Kings titles, nor Symonie and Sodomy in Churchmens lives, 75 As these things do in him; by these he thrives. Shortly (as the sea) hee will compasse all our land; From Scots, to Wight; from Mount, to Dover strand. And spying heires melting with luxurie, Satan will not joy at their sinnes, as hee. 80 For as a thrifty wench scrapes kitching-stuffe, And barrelling the droppings, and the snuffe, Of wasting candles, which in thirty yeare (Relique-like kept) perchance buyes wedding geare; Peecemeale he gets lands, and spends as much time 85 Wringing each Acre, as men pulling prime. In parchments then, large as his fields, hee drawes Assurances, bigge, as gloss'd civill lawes, So huge, that men (in our times forwardnesse) Are Fathers of the Church for writing lesse. 90 These hee writes not; nor for these written payes, Therefore spares no length; as in those first dayes When Luther was profest, He did desire Short Pater nosters, saying as a Fryer Each day his beads, but having left those lawes, 95 Addes to Christs prayer, the Power and glory clause. But when he sells or changes land, he'impaires His writings, and (unwatch'd) leaves out, ses heires, As slily as any Commenter goes by Hard words, or sense; or in Divinity 100 As controverters, in vouch'd Texts, leave out Shrewd words, which might against them cleare the doubt. Where are those spred woods which cloth'd hertofore Those bought lands? not built, nor burnt within dore. Where's th'old landlords troops, and almes? In great hals 106 Carthusian fasts, and fulsome Bachanalls Equally I hate; meanes blesse; in rich mens homes I bid kill some beasts, but no Hecatombs, None starve, none surfet so; But (Oh) we allow, Good workes as good, but out of fashion now, 110 Like old rich wardrops; but my words none drawes Within the vast reach of th'huge statute lawes.

[Satyre II.: 1633-69, D, H49, H51, HN (after C. B. copy in margin), JC, Lec, Q, S, W: Satyre 3rd. A25: Law Satyre. P: Satire. or no title, B, Cy, L74, N, O'F, S96, TCD]

[2-3

there is one All this towne perfectly yet in every state In all ill things so excellently best There are some found so villainously best, H51

All this towne perfectly yet everie state Hath in't one found so villainously best S96 ]

[4 toward] towards 1669 and MSS.

them,] that A25

towards] toward 1653-54

rest.] rest; 1633]

[6 As I thinke that 1633: As I thinke That 1635-54: As, I think, that 1669: As I'ame afraid brings H51 dearths, A25, H51, HN, L74, Lec, N, TCD, W: dearth, 1633-69, D, H49]

[7 and] or A25, D, H49, H51, O'F, P, S96, W]

[8 Ridlingly it 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, TCD It riddlinglie rest of MSS.]

[10 hate. Ed: hate: 1633-69]

[12 cannot 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, TCD: could not rest of MSS.]

[14 sceanes; Ed: sceanes. 1633-69 and Chambers]

[15 Organ 1633-54, L74, Lec, N, TCD: Organs 1669 and rest of MSS.]

[16 move. 1633-69: move, Chambers. See note]

[17 rithmes; 1633-69, Lec, Q, TCD: rimes; A25, B, Cy (rime), D, H49, H51, HN, JC, L74, N, O'F, P, W]

[18 harmes: Ed: harmes. 1633-69]

[19 Rammes, and slings] Rimes and songs P]

[22 singers at doores 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, TCD: Boyes singing at dore (or dores) B, Cy, D, H49, H51, HN, JC, O'F (corrected from singers), P, Q (at a dore), S, W: singers at mens dores A25]

[24 excuse] scuse MSS.]

[32 To out-doe Dildoes, 1635-69, B, H51, L74, Lec, N, P, Q, TCD: To out-doe ----; 1633: To out-swive dildoes Cy, D, H49, HN, O'F, S, S96, W]

[33 Letanie; Ed: Letanie, 1669 and all MSS.: ---- 1633: simply omit, 1635-39: gallant, he 1650-54. See note]

[34 sinnes all kindes 1635-69, A25, B, D, H49, H51, HN, JC, L74, N, O'F, Q, S, TCD, W: sinnes of all kindes 1633, Cy (kind), Lec, P]

[35-6 sake, Schoolemen 1669: sake Schoolemen, 1633-54]

[40 just 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, TCD: great A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, HN, O'F, P, Q, S, S96, W: harts JC]

[43 Lawyer, Ed: Lawyer; 1633-69

which was (alas) of late Ed: which was alas of late 1633: which, (alas) of late 1635-69]

[44 a scarce A25, H49, H51, HN, JC (altered in margin), L74, Q, S96, TCD, W: scarce a 1633-69, D, Lec, P

Poet; 1635-69: Poët, 1633

this 1633-69: that A25, Cy, H51, Q: his HN, JC, O'F, S]

[49 Lady; Ed: Lady, 1633: Lady. 1635-39: Lady: 1650-69

Coscus; 1633: Coscus. 1635-69]

[53 Proceed; 1669: Proceed, 1633-54]

[54 return'd] Returne 1633 next size 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, O'F, TCD: this size rest of MSS.]

[58 soft maids eare, Ed: soft maids eare. 1633-54 and MSS.: Maids soft ear 1669]

[59 scolding] scolding's 1669]

[60 rore.] rore; 1633]

[63 gaine, bold soule, repute Ed: gaine; bold soule repute 1633-69, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, HN, L74, P, W: gayne (bold soule) repute: Q: gain, bold souls repute 1719 and Chambers: gayne, hold soule repute A25, N, S, TCD, and Lowell's conjecture in Grolier. See note]

[68 That] The Chambers]

[69-70 These lines represented by dashes, 1633]

[70 yea A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, HN, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, Q, S, S96, TCD, W: or 1635-69]

[72 Bearing-like Asses; Ed: Bearing like Asses, 1633-69 and MSS.]

[73 whores, 1633-69: whores; Chambers and Grolier. See note]

[74-5 These lines represented by dashes, 1633]

[77 our land;] our land, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, HN, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCD, W: the land; 1633-69, Q]

[79 luxurie, 1633-69, A25, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F (corr. fr. Gluttony), P, Q, TCD: Gluttony B, Cy, D, H49, H51, HN, S, S96, W]

[80 will] would A25, Q]

[84 Relique-like A25, B, D, H49, H51, L74, N, O'F, Q, S, S96, TCD, W: Reliquely 1633-69, Cy, JC, Lec, P

geare;] chear; 1669 (which brackets from 81 as to end of 84), Cy]

[86 men] Maids 1669]

[87 parchments A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, JC, Q, W: parchment 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCD

his] the 1669]

[98 ses 1633-69, B, L74, Lec, Q, and other MSS.: his Cy, D, H49, H51, P

heires,] heires 1633]

[99 As] And 1669

by] by, 1633]

[102 doubt.] doubt: 1633]

[105 Where's &c. Ed: Where's th'old landlords troops, and almes, great hals? 1633, Lec, N, TCD (but hals MSS.): Where the old landlords troops, and almes? In hals 1635-69, L74, O'F: Where the old landlords troopes and almes? In great halls A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, HN, P, Q, S, W (but the punctuation is very irregular, and some have 's after Where). See note]

[107 Equally I hate;] Equallie hate, Q

hate; Ed: hate, 1633: hate. 1635-69

meanes bless; 1633, A25, B, D, H49, H51, JC, L74, N, O'F, P, Q, TCD, W: Meane's blest. 1635-69, Cy, S, S96 (altered to is blest). See note]

[111 in wardrops; 1633: wardrobes. 1635-69]

[112 statute lawes. 1633-54 and all MSS.: statutes jawes. 1669, Chambers]

Satyre III.

Kinde pitty chokes my spleene; brave scorn forbids Those teares to issue which swell my eye-lids; I must not laugh, nor weepe sinnes, and be wise, Can railing then cure these worne maladies? Is not our Mistresse faire Religion, 5 As worthy of all our Soules devotion, As vertue was to the first blinded age? Are not heavens joyes as valiant to asswage Lusts, as earths honour was to them? Alas, As wee do them in meanes, shall they surpasse 10 Us in the end, and shall thy fathers spirit Meete blinde Philosophers in heaven, whose merit Of strict life may be imputed faith, and heare Thee, whom hee taught so easie wayes and neare To follow, damn'd? O if thou dar'st, feare this; 15 This feare great courage, and high valour is. Dar'st thou ayd mutinous Dutch, and dar'st thou lay Thee in ships woodden Sepulchers, a prey To leaders rage, to stormes, to shot, to dearth? Dar'st thou dive seas, and dungeons of the earth? 20 Hast thou couragious fire to thaw the ice Of frozen North discoueries? and thrise Colder then Salamanders, like divine Children in th'oven, fires of Spaine, and the line, Whose countries limbecks to our bodies bee, 25 Canst thou for gaine beare? and must every hee Which cryes not, Goddesse, to thy Mistresse, draw, Or eate thy poysonous words? courage of straw! O desperate coward, wilt thou seeme bold, and To thy foes and his (who made thee to stand 30 Sentinell in his worlds garrison) thus yeeld, And for forbidden warres, leave th'appointed field? Know thy foes: The foule Devill (whom thou Strivest to please,) for hate, not love, would allow Thee faine, his whole Realme to be quit; and as 35 The worlds all parts wither away and passe, So the worlds selfe, thy other lov'd foe, is In her decrepit wayne, and thou loving this, Dost love a withered and worne strumpet; last, Flesh (it selfes death) and joyes which flesh can taste, 40 Thou loveft; and thy faire goodly soule, which doth Give this flesh power to taste joy, thou dost loath. Seeke true religion. O where? Mirreus Thinking her unhous'd here, and fled from us, Seekes her at Rome; there, because hee doth know 45 That shee was there a thousand yeares agoe, He loves her ragges so, as wee here obey The statecloth where the Prince sate yesterday. Crantz to such brave Loves will not be inthrall'd, But loves her onely, who at Geneva is call'd 50 Religion, plaine, simple, sullen, yong, Contemptuous, yet unhansome; As among Lecherous humors, there is one that judges No wenches wholsome, but course country drudges. Graius stayes still at home here, and because 55 Some Preachers, vile ambitious bauds, and lawes Still new like fashions, bid him thinke that shee Which dwels with us, is onely perfect, hee Imbraceth her, whom his Godfathers will Tender to him, being tender, as Wards still 60 Take such wives as their Guardians offer, or Pay valewes. Carelesse Phrygius doth abhorre All, because all cannot be good, as one Knowing some women whores, dares marry none. Graccus loves all as one, and thinkes that so 65 As women do in divers countries goe In divers habits, yet are still one kinde, So doth, so is Religion; and this blind- nesse too much light breeds; but unmoved thou Of force must one, and forc'd but one allow; 70 And the right; aske thy father which is shee, Let him aske his; though truth and falshood bee Neare twins, yet truth a little elder is; Be busie to seeke her, beleeve mee this, Hee's not of none, nor worst, that seekes the best. 75 To adore, or scorne an image, or protest, May all be bad; doubt wisely; in strange way To stand inquiring right, is not to stray; To sleepe, or runne wrong, is. On a huge hill, Cragged, and steep, Truth stands, and hee that will 80 Reach her, about must, and about must goe; And what the hills suddennes resists, winne so; Yet strive so, that before age, deaths twilight, Thy Soule rest, for none can worke in that night. To will, implyes delay, therefore now doe: 85 Hard deeds, the bodies paines; hard knowledge too The mindes indeavours reach, and mysteries Are like the Sunne, dazling, yet plaine to all eyes. Keepe the truth which thou hast found; men do not stand In so ill case here, that God hath with his hand 90 Sign'd Kings blanck-charters to kill whom they hate, Nor are they Vicars, but hangmen to Fate. Foole and wretch, wilt thou let thy Soule be tyed To mans lawes, by which she shall not be tryed At the last day? Oh, will it then boot thee 95 To say a Philip, or a Gregory, A Harry, or a Martin taught thee this? Is not this excuse for mere contraries, Equally strong? cannot both sides say so? That thou mayest rightly obey power, her bounds know; 100 Those past, her nature, and name is chang'd; to be Then humble to her is idolatrie. As streames are, Power is; those blest flowers that dwell At the rough streames calme head, thrive and do well, But having left their roots, and themselves given 105 To the streames tyrannous rage, alas, are driven Through mills, and rockes, and woods, and at last, almost Consum'd in going, in the sea are lost: So perish Soules, which more chuse mens unjust Power from God claym'd, then God himselfe to trust. 110

[Satyre III. 1633-69, B, D, H49, H51 (with title Of Religion.), JC, Lec, O'F, Q, S, W: Satire the 4th. A25, Cy: Satyre the Second. P: A Satire. L74: no title, N, TCD]

[1 chokes] checks 1635-54: cheeks 1669

eye-lids; Ed: eye-lids, 1633-39: eyelids. 1650-69]

[3 and] but 1669]

[7 to 1635-69, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, JC, L74, O'F, P, Q, S, W: in 1633, Lec, N, TCD]

[9 honour was] honours were Cy, D, H49, S]

[14 so easie wayes and neare 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, P, TCD: wayes easie and neere A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, JC, Q, S, W: wayes so easy and neere O'F]

[15 this;] this. 1633]

[16 is.] is; 1633]

[17 Dutch, and dar'st 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, P, TCD: Dutch? dar'st A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, JC, O'F, Q, S, W]

[22-3 discoueries? ... Salamanders, Ed: discoueries, ... Salamanders? 1633-69]

[28 words?] words, 1633]

[31 Sentinell 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, P, TCD: Souldier A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, JC, Q, S, W

his 1633-54: this 1669, A25, H51, P, Q]

[32 forbidden 1633 and most MSS. forbid 1635-69, H51]

[33-4

Know thy foes; the foule Devell whom thou Strivest to please &c.

H51, Q and generally (but with varying punctuation and sometimes foe), A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, O'F, P, W:

Know thy foe, the soule devill h'is, whom thou Strivest to please: for hate, not love, would allow

1633, L74 (is), Lec, N (his), S (is), TCD (his):

Know thy foes: The foule devill, he, whom thou Striv'st to please, for hate, not love, would allow 1635-69 (he, ... please, bracketed, 1669) ]

[35 quit 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, P, S, TCD: ridd A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, JC, O'F, Q, W]

[40 (it selfes death) 1635-69, A25, B, H51, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, Q, TCD, W: (it selfe death) 1633, Cy, D, S]

[42 loath.] loath; 1633]

[44 here,] her, 1633]

[45 Rome; Ed: Rome, 1633-69]

[47 He 1633, 1669: And 1635-54

her D, H49, H51, Lec, O'F, P, S, W: the 1633-69, L74, N, P, TCD]

[49 Crantz W: Crants 1633-54, A25, H51, JC, Lec, N, TCD: Grants or Grauntes 1669, L74, O'F, P: Grant Cy, D, H49: Crates Q]

[52 unhansome; Ed: unhansome. 1633-69]

[54 drudges.] drudges: 1633]

[57 bid or bidd MSS.: bids 1633-69]

[62 Prigas H51: Phrygas W: Phrigias A25]

[67 kinde, Ed: kinde; 1633-69]

[70 must ... but in reverse order Q]

[73 is; 1633: is. 1635-69]

[74 her, 1633: her; 1635-69]

[77 wisely; Ed: wisely, 1633-69]

[78 stray; 1633-69, Cy, D, L74, Lec, N, O'F, S, TCD, W: staye; A25, B, H49, H51, JC, P, Q]

[79 is. On] is: on 1633

huge] high B, Cy, D, H51, O'F, Q, W]

[80 Cragged, 1669, L74, N, P, TCD: Cragg'd, 1633-54, Lec: Ragged A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, O'F, S, W: Ruggued H51, Q]

[81 about must goe; 1633-54, O'F: about it goe; 1669: about goe, A25, Cy, D, H49, H51, L74, N, P, Q, W]

[84 Soule 1633-69, L74, N, P, TCD: minde rest of MSS.

that night. Ed: that night, 1633, 1669: the night. 1635-54]

[85 doe: Ed: doe 1633, Chambers and Grolier: doe. 1635-69, D, W. See note]

[86 too H51, S, W: spelt to 1633-69, many MSS.: to (prep.) Chambers]

[88 eyes.] eyes; 1633]

[90 In so ill (evil H51) case here, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, JC, L74, O'F, P, Q, S, W: here om. 1633-69, N, TCD]

[94 mans 1633-69, A25, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, Q, TCD: mens B, Cy, D, H49, H51, JC, S, W

not om. 1635-54]

[95 Oh, will it then boot thee Ed: Will ... boot thee 1633, L74, N, P, TCD: Or ... boot thee 1635-69: Oh will it then serve thee A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, O'F (Or), Q, S, W]

[97 thee] me 1669]

[99 strong? Ed: strong 1633: strong; 1635-69]

[101 is] are 1669

chang'd;] chang'd 1633

to be Ed: to be, 1633-69]

[102 idolatrie.] idolatrie; 1633]

[103 is;] is, 1633]

[104 do well 1633-69, Lec, N, P, TCD: prove well A25, B, Cy, D, H49, H51, JC, L74, O'F, Q, S, W]

[106 alas,] alas 1633]

[107 mills, and rockes, 1633, L74, N, P, TCD: Mils, rocks, 1635-69, and rest of MSS.]

Satyr IIII.

Well; I may now receive, and die; My sinne Indeed is great, but I have beene in A Purgatorie, such as fear'd hell is A recreation to, and scarse map of this. My minde, neither with prides itch, nor yet hath been 5 Poyson'd with love to see, or to bee seene, I had no suit there, nor new suite to shew, Yet went to Court; But as Glaze which did goe To'a Masse in jest, catch'd, was faine to disburse The hundred markes, which is the Statutes curse; 10 Before he scapt, So'it pleas'd my destinie (Guilty of my sin of going,) to thinke me As prone to all ill, and of good as forget- full, as proud, as lustfull, and as much in debt, As vaine, as witlesse, and as false as they 15 Which dwell at Court, for once going that way. Therefore I suffered this; Towards me did runne A thing more strange, then on Niles slime, the Sunne E'r bred; or all which into Noahs Arke came; A thing, which would have pos'd Adam to name; 20 Stranger then seaven Antiquaries studies, Then Africks Monsters, Guianaes rarities. Stranger then strangers; One, who for a Dane, In the Danes Massacre had sure beene slaine, If he had liv'd then; And without helpe dies, 25 When next the Prentises'gainst Strangers rise. One, whom the watch at noone lets scarce goe by, One, to whom, the examining Justice sure would cry, Sir, by your priesthood tell me what you are. His cloths were strange, though coarse; and black, though bare; 30 Sleevelesse his jerkin was, and it had beene Velvet, but'twas now (so much ground was seene) Become Tufftaffatie; and our children shall See it plaine Rashe awhile, then nought at all. This thing hath travail'd, and saith, speakes all tongues 35 And only knoweth what to all States belongs. Made of th'Accents, and best phrase of all these, He speakes no language; If strange meats displease, Art can deceive, or hunger force my tast, But Pedants motley tongue, souldiers bumbast, 40 Mountebankes drugtongue, nor the termes of law Are strong enough preparatives, to draw Me to beare this: yet I must be content With his tongue, in his tongue, call'd complement: In which he can win widdowes, and pay scores, 45 Make men speake treason, cosen subtlest whores, Out-flatter favorites, or outlie either Jovius, or Surius, or both together. He names mee, and comes to mee; I whisper, God! How have I sinn'd, that thy wraths furious rod, 50 This fellow chuseth me? He saith, Sir, I love your judgement; Whom doe you prefer, For the best linguist? And I seelily Said, that I thought Calepines Dictionarie; Nay, but of men, most sweet Sir; Beza then, 55 Some other Jesuites, and two reverend men Of our two Academies, I named; There He stopt mee, and said; Nay, your Apostles were Good pretty linguists, and so Panurge was; Yet a poore gentleman, all these may passe 60 By travaile. Then, as if he would have sold His tongue, he prais'd it, and such wonders told That I was faine to say, If you'had liv'd, Sir, Time enough to have beene Interpreter To Babells bricklayers, sure the Tower had stood. 65 He adds, If of court life you knew the good, You would leave lonenesse. I said, not alone My lonenesse is, but Spartanes fashion, To teach by painting drunkards, doth not last Now; Aretines pictures have made few chast; 70 No more can Princes courts, though there be few Better pictures of vice, teach me vertue; He, like to a high stretcht lute string squeakt, O Sir, 'Tis sweet to talke of Kings. At Westminster, Said I, The man that keepes the Abbey tombes, 75 And for his price doth with who ever comes, Of all our Harries, and our Edwards talke, From King to King and all their kin can walke: Your eares shall heare nought, but Kings; your eyes meet Kings only; The way to it, is Kingstreet. 80 He smack'd, and cry'd, He's base, Mechanique, coarse, So are all your Englishmen in their discourse. Are not your Frenchmen neate? Mine? as you see, I have but one Frenchman, looke, hee followes mee. Certes they are neatly cloth'd; I, of this minde am, 85 Your only wearing is your Grogaram. Not so Sir, I have more. Under this pitch He would not flie; I chaff'd him; But as Itch Scratch'd into smart, and as blunt iron ground Into an edge, hurts worse: So, I (foole) found, 90 Crossing hurt mee; To fit my sullennesse, He to another key, his stile doth addresse, And askes, what newes? I tell him of new playes. He takes my hand, and as a Still, which staies A Sembriefe, 'twixt each drop, he nigardly, 95 As loth to enrich mee, so tells many a lye. More then ten Hollensheads, or Halls, or Stowes, Of triviall houshold trash he knowes; He knowes When the Queene frown'd, or smil'd, and he knowes what A subtle States-man may gather of that; 100 He knowes who loves; whom; and who by poyson Hasts to an Offices reversion; He knowes who'hath sold his land, and now doth beg A licence, old iron, bootes, shooes, and egge- shels to transport; Shortly boyes shall not play 105 At span-counter, or blow-point, but they pay Toll to some Courtier; And wiser then all us, He knowes what Ladie is not painted; Thus He with home-meats tries me; I belch, spue, spit, Looke pale, and sickly, like a Patient; Yet 110 He thrusts on more; And as if he'd undertooke To say Gallo-Belgicus without booke Speakes of all States, and deeds, that have been since The Spaniards came, to the losse of Amyens. Like a bigge wife, at sight of loathed meat, 115 Readie to travaile: So I sigh, and sweat To heare this Makeron talke: In vaine; for yet, Either my humour, or his owne to fit, He like a priviledg'd spie, whom nothing can Discredit, Libells now'gainst each great man. 120 He names a price for every office paid; He saith, our warres thrive ill, because delai'd; That offices are entail'd, and that there are Perpetuities of them, lasting as farre As the last day; And that great officers, 125 Doe with the Pirates share, and Dunkirkers. Who wasts in meat, in clothes, in horse, he notes; Who loves whores, who boyes, and who goats. I more amas'd then Circes prisoners, when They felt themselves turne beasts, felt my selfe then 130 Becomming Traytor, and mee thought I saw One of our Giant Statutes ope his jaw To sucke me in; for hearing him, I found That as burnt venome Leachers do grow sound By giving others their soares, I might growe 135 Guilty, and he free: Therefore I did shew All signes of loathing; But since I am in, I must pay mine, and my forefathers sinne To the last farthing; Therefore to my power Toughly and stubbornly I beare this crosse; But the'houre 140 Of mercy now was come; He tries to bring Me to pay a fine to scape his torturing, And saies, Sir, can you spare me; I said, willingly; Nay, Sir, can you spare me a crowne? Thankfully I Gave it, as Ransome; But as fidlers, still, 145 Though they be paid to be gone, yet needs will Thrust one more jigge upon you: so did hee With his long complementall thankes vexe me. But he is gone, thankes to his needy want, And the prerogative of my Crowne: Scant 150 His thankes were ended, when I, (which did see All the court fill'd with more strange things then hee) Ran from thence with such or more hast, then one Who feares more actions, doth make from prison. At home in wholesome solitarinesse 155 My precious soule began, the wretchednesse Of suiters at court to mourne, and a trance Like his, who dreamt he saw hell, did advance It selfe on mee, Such men as he saw there, I saw at court, and worse, and more; Low feare 160 Becomes the guiltie, not the accuser; Then, Shall I, nones slave, of high borne, or rais'd men Feare frownes? And, my Mistresse Truth, betray thee To th'huffing braggart, puft Nobility? No, no, Thou which since yesterday hast beene 165 Almost about the whole world, hast thou seene, O Sunne, in all thy journey, Vanitie, Such as swells the bladder of our court? I Thinke he which made your waxen garden, and Transported it from Italy to stand 170 With us, at London, flouts our Presence, for Just such gay painted things, which no sappe, nor Tast have in them, ours are; And naturall Some of the stocks are, their fruits, bastard all. 'Tis ten a clock and past; All whom the Mues, 175 Baloune, Tennis, Dyet, or the stewes, Had all the morning held, now the second Time made ready, that day, in flocks, are found In the Presence, and I, (God pardon mee.) As fresh, and sweet their Apparrells be, as bee 180 The fields they sold to buy them; For a King Those hose are, cry the flatterers; And bring Them next weeke to the Theatre to sell; Wants reach all states; Me seemes they doe as well At stage, as court; All are players; who e'r lookes 185 (For themselves dare not goe) o'r Cheapside books, Shall finde their wardrops Inventory. Now, The Ladies come; As Pirats, which doe know That there came weak ships fraught with Cutchannel, The men board them; and praise, as they thinke, well, 190 Their beauties; they the mens wits; Both are bought. Why good wits ne'r weare scarlet gownes, I thought This cause, These men, mens wits for speeches buy, And women buy all reds which scarlets die. He call'd her beauty limetwigs, her haire net; 195 She feares her drugs ill laid, her haire loose set. Would not Heraclitus laugh to see Macrine, From hat to shooe, himselfe at doore refine, As if the Presence were a Moschite, and lift His skirts and hose, and call his clothes to shrift, 200 Making them confesse not only mortall Great staines and holes in them; but veniall Feathers and dust, wherewith they fornicate: And then by Durers rules survay the state Of his each limbe, and with strings the odds trye 205 Of his neck to his legge, and wast to thighe. So in immaculate clothes, and Symetrie Perfect as circles, with such nicetie As a young Preacher at his first time goes To preach, he enters, and a Lady which owes 210 Him not so much as good will, he arrests, And unto her protests protests protests, So much as at Rome would serve to have throwne Ten Cardinalls into the Inquisition; And whisperd by Jesu, so often, that A 215 Pursevant would have ravish'd him away For saying of our Ladies psalter; But'tis fit That they each other plague, they merit it. But here comes Glorius that will plague them both, Who, in the other extreme, only doth 220 Call a rough carelessenesse, good fashion; Whose cloak his spurres teare; whom he spits on He cares not, His ill words doe no harme To him; he rusheth in, as if arme, arme, He meant to crie; And though his face be as ill 225 As theirs which in old hangings whip Christ, still He strives to looke worse, he keepes all in awe; Jeasts like a licenc'd foole, commands like law. Tyr'd, now I leave this place, and but pleas'd so As men which from gaoles to execution goe, 230 Goe through the great chamber (why is it hung With the seaven deadly sinnes?). Being among Those Askaparts, men big enough to throw Charing Crosse for a barre, men that doe know No token of worth, but Queenes man, and fine 235 Living, barrells of beefe, flaggons of wine; I shooke like a spyed Spie. Preachers which are Seas of Wit and Arts, you can, then dare, Drowne the sinnes of this place, for, for mee Which am but a scarce brooke, it enough shall bee 240 To wash the staines away; Although I yet With Macchabees modestie, the knowne merit Of my worke lessen: yet some wise man shall, I hope, esteeme my writs Canonicall.

[Satyre IIII. 1633-69, B, D, H49, HN (anno 1594 in margin), JC, Lec, O'F, P, Q, S, W: Mr. Dunns first Satire. A25: Another Satire by the same. J: D: Cy (where it is the third): Satyre. S96: no title, L74, N, TCD (in L74 it is second, in N, TCD third in order)]

[2 but I 1633, A25, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, Q, S, W: but yet I 1635-69, Cy, O'F, S96]

[4 A recreacion to, and scarse Q: A recreation, and scant 1633-69, and other MSS.]

[5 neither 1633-69: nor some MSS. and Chambers, who wrongly attributes to 1635-39]

[8 Glaze 1633, D, H49, HN, Lec: Glare 1635-69, and rest of MSS.]

[9 To'a mass A25, B, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, N, S, S96, TCD, W: To Masse 1633-69, Cy, Q, Lec]

[10-11 curse; ... scapt, 1633-39: curse, ... scapt, 1650-69]

[12 of going, 1633, 1669, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, S, TCD, W: in going, 1635-54, A25, O'F]

[14 as lustfull,] as om. 1635-69 and many MSS.]

[16 at Court, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, N, O'F, P, Q, S, S96, TCD, W: in Court, 1633-69, Lec]

[18 Niles] Nilus D, H49, L74, Lec, N, TCD]

[19 bred; W: bred, 1633-69

came; W: came: 1633-69]

[20 name; W: name, 1633: name: 1635-69]

[22 rarities. W: rarities, 1633-69]

[23 then strangers; 1633-69, A25, B, Cy, HN, L74, Lec, N, P, Q, TCD, W: then strangest. D, H49, JC (corr. from strangers), S]

[32 ground] the ground HN]

[35 This 1633: The 1635-69 saith, 1633-54, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN (sayeth), JC, L74, Lec, O'F, P, Q, S (saith he), TCD, W: faith, 1669, Chambers and Grolier, without note]

[36 belongs.] belongs, 1633]

[37 th'Accents,] the antient, HN: the ancients, (prob. for ancientest, but corrected to accents,) L74]

[38 no language; A25, Q: one language; 1633-69, and MSS. generally]

[43 beare] hear 1669

this: Q: this, 1633-69]

[44 With his tongue, 1669, Q: With his tongue: 1633-54]

[47 or] and Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, O'F, Q, W]

[48 Surius,] Sleydon O'F (corrected to Surius), Q: Snodons, A25. See note]

[51 chuseth] chaseth P, Q]

[55 Sir; Ed: Sir. 1633-69]

[56 Some other HN: Some 1633-69 and most MSS.: two other S]

[57 There 1633 (T faintly printed): here 1635-69]

[59 Good pretty 1633-69: Pretty good Cy, O'F, Q, S, S96

Panurge 1635-54: Panirge 1633: Panurgus 1669 (omitting and), JC, O'F, Q]

[60 gentleman, all Ed: gentleman; All 1633-69]

[60-1 passe By travaile. 1633-54: pass. But travaile 1669]

[62 prais'd Ed: praised 1633-69

wonders 1635-69 and most MSS.: words 1633, Lec, N, TCD]

[67 lonenesse. 1635-69, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, O'F, P, Q, W: lonelinesse; 1633, L74, Lec, N, TCD]

[68 lonenesse 1635-69, A25, &c.: lonelinesse 1633, L74, &c.

fashion, 1633: fashion. 1635-69]

[69 last 1633, 1669, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, TCD, W: taste 1635-54, O'F, Q (tast), S, S96]

[80 Kingstreet. 1633: Kingsstreet. 1635-39: Kings street. 1650-69]

[83 Mine? 1635-54 and MSS.: Fine, 1633: Mine, 1669]

[84 Frenchman, Ed: frenchman, 1633 and most MSS.: Sir, 1635-69, Q: here, Cy]

[85-6 cloth'd; I, ... Grogaram. Ed: cloth'd. I, ... Grogaram; 1633: cloth'd. I, ... Grogaram. 1635-69]

[86 your Grogaram 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, TCD: this Grogaram A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, O'F, Q, S, W: the Grogaram P]

[89 ground Ed: grown'd 1633: grownd 1635-69]

[90 (foole)] no bracket 1633]

[92 addresse, N, TCD: addresse. 1633: dresse. 1635-39, D, W: dresse; 1650-69]

[96 lye. D, H49, W: lie, 1633-69]

[98 trash he knowes; He knowes D, H49, W: trash; He knowes; He knowes 1633: trash. He knowes; He knowes 1635-39: trash, He knowes; He knowes 1650-69]

[101 loves; whom; 1633: loves; whom, 1635-54: loves, whom; 1669: loves whom; Chambers and Grolier]

[104 and 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, S96, TCD: or A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, O'F, Q, W]

[106 At blow-point or span-counter A25, B, D, H49, HN, JC, O'F, Q, S, S96, W they pay Cy, D, H49, HN, Lec, N, O'F, P, Q, S, S96, TCD, W: shall pay 1633-69, JC]

[108 what 1633-69, Cy, L74, Lec, N, TCD: which A25, B, D, H49, HN, JC, O'F, P, Q, S, W]

[109 tries 1633, A25, D, H49, HN, L74, N, Q, TCD, W: cloyes 1635-69, O'F, S: tyres Cy, JC, P]

[111 thrusts on more; 1633-69, O'F: thrusts more; A25, B, D, H49, HN, JC, P, Q, W: thrusts me more; L74, Lec, N, S, TCD: thrusts me P

as if he'd undertooke most MSS.: as if he'undertooke 1633, N, TCD: as he'had undertooke 1635-69]

[113 have] hath 1633, Lec]

[117 this] his B, L74, O'F, TCD, W

talke: In vaine; for D, W, and other MSS.: talke in vaine: For 1633, Q: talke, in vaine: For 1635-69]

[123 entail'd, and that there 1633: entailed, and there 1635-54: intailed and that there 1669]

[128 whores, Ed: Whores, 1633-69]

[132 Statutes] Statues 1639]

[133 in; for hearing him, 1669, N, P, TCD: in, for hearing him, 1650-54: in, for hearing him. 1633-39, A25, D, H49, L74, O'F, S, W]

[134-6 (That ... free:) represented by dashes in 1633]

[134 venome 1635-54: venomous 1669: venomd many MSS.]

[141 mercy now 1633-69: my redemption Cy, P: redemption now Q, S]

[145 Gave] Give Cy, D, H49]

[146 Though] Thou 1635]

[152 more ... then] such ... as 1669]

[154 make B, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, O'F, P, Q, S96, W: haste 1633-69, Lec, N, S, TCD (from previous line): om. A25

prison.] prison; 1633]

[156 precious 1633, L74, Lec, N, TCD: piteous 1635-69 and rest of MSS.]

[159 on 1633, Cy, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, TCD: o'r 1635-69, A25, B, D, H49, Q, S96, W]

[162 nones] none 1669]

[164 th'huffing braggart, 1669, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, O'F, P, Q, S, S96, W (but no commas in MSS.): huffing, braggart, 1633-54, Lec, N, TCD th'huffing, braggart, 1719

Nobility?] Nobility. 1633]

[169 your 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, TCD: yon A25, B, JC, O'F, Q, W: the Cy, D, H49, P, S, S96]

[170 Transported 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, P, Q, TCD: Transplanted B, Cy, D, H49, JC, O'F, S, S96, W

to stand] to Strand L74 (stand being struck through), S]

[171 our Presence, 1633, L74, Lec, N, P, TCD: our Court here, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, Q, S, W: our Courtiers, 1635-69, O'F]

[173 are;] are, 1633]

[178 are found 1633, 1669: were found 1635-54]

[179 I, (God pardon mee.) 1633: I. (God pardon mee.) 1635: I. (God pardon me) 1639-69: aye--God pardon me-- Chambers]

[180 their Apparrells] th'apparells B, Cy, D, H49, L74, W]

[182 cry the flatterers; 1633: cry his flatterers; 1635-54, P: cryes his flatterers; Cy, D, H49, JC, Q, S, W: cryes the flatterer; 1669, L74 (flatterers is changed to flatterer), Lec (flatterers)]

[185 players;] players, 1633]

[187 wardrops 1633: wardrobes 1635-69

Inventory.] Inventory; 1633]

[188 doe know 1633-69, Lec, N, Q, TCD: did know Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, P, S, S96, W]

[190 (as they think) 1669]

[194 scarlets] scarlett D, H49, Lec, O'F, P, Q, W]

[195 call'd] calls A25, HN, O'F, P, Q]

[195-6 net; ... set.] net.... set; 1633]

[198 hat] hat, 1633-54]

[199 As if the Presence ... Moschite, 1633-69, Lec (colon 1635-69): As the Presence ... Moschite, (or Meschite,) A25, B, Cy, HN, JC, L74, O'F, P, Q, W: As the Queenes Presence ... Meschite, D, H49: As if the Queenes Presence ... meschite, S]

[203 fornicate:] fornicate. 1633]

[204 survay 1633-69, N, O'F, P, Q, TCD: survayes B, Cy, D, H49, JC, S, W]

[205 trye Ed: tryes 1633-69 and MSS.]

[206 to thighe. Ed: to thighes. 1633-69 and MSS.: to his thighes. Q]

[211 he arrests, 1633-69, L74, Lec, N, TCD: straight arrests, A25, Cy, D, H49, HN, O'F, P, Q, S, S96, W]

[215 whisperd 1633, D, H49, L74, N, TCD, W: whispers 1635-69]

[216 Topcliffe would have ravish'd him quite away JC, O'F, Q (JC and O'F alter to Pursevant)]

[217 of om. Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, P, Q, S, W]

[222 whom 1633, A25, B, D, H49, L74, N, P, Q, S, S96, TCD, W: or whom 1635-69, O'F]

[223 He cares not, His 1633 and MSS.: He cares not hee. His 1635-69]

[224 rusheth] rushes 1639-69]

[226 still 1635-69, Q, and other MSS.: yet still 1633, L74, N, TCD]

[229 I leave] Ile leave B, Cy, D, H49, W]

[230 men which from A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, Q, S, S96, TCD, W: men from 1633-69]

[232 sinnes?). Being Ed: sinnes) being 1633-39: sinnes?) being 1650-69: all the editions and some MSS. close the sentence at 236 wine.]

[236 Living barrells of beefe, flaggons of wine. 1633-54: Living, barrels of beef, and flaggons of wine. 1669]

[237 Spie.] Spie; 1633]

[238 Seas of Wit and Arts, B, Cy, L74, N, P, Q, TCD: Seas of Wits and Arts, 1633, D, H49, JC, Lec, S: Seas of witt and art, A25, HN: Great seas of witt and art, O'F, S96: Seas of all Wits and Arts, conj. Lowell]

[239 Drowne] To drowne O'F, S96]

[240 Which] Who MSS. am but a scarce brooke, 1633, L74, Lec, N, TCD: am but a scant brooke, 1635-69: am a scant brooke, B, HN, JC, O'F, P, Q, W: am a shallow brooke, Cy, D, H49, S, S96]

[241 the 1633-69: their A25, B, Cy, D, HN, JC, O'F, Q, S, W: these L74, N, TCD

Although] though 1633 and MSS.]

[242 the knowne merit 1633-69, JC, Lec, N, O'F, Q, TCD: known om. B, Cy, D, H49, HN, L74, P, S, W]

[243 wise man] wise men 1650-69, B, HN, L74, P, TCD, W]

Satyre V.

Thou shalt not laugh in this leafe, Muse, nor they Whom any pitty warmes; He which did lay Rules to make Courtiers, (hee being understood May make good Courtiers, but who Courtiers good?) Frees from the sting of jests all who in extreme 5 Are wreched or wicked: of these two a theame Charity and liberty give me. What is hee Who Officers rage, and Suiters misery Can write, and jest? If all things be in all, As I thinke, since all, which were, are, and shall 10 Bee, be made of the same elements: Each thing, each thing implyes or represents. Then man is a world; in which, Officers Are the vast ravishing seas; and Suiters, Springs; now full, now shallow, now drye; which, to 15 That which drownes them, run: These selfe reasons do Prove the world a man, in which, officers Are the devouring stomacke, and Suiters The excrements, which they voyd. All men are dust; How much worse are Suiters, who to mens lust 20 Are made preyes? O worse then dust, or wormes meat, For they do eate you now, whose selves wormes shall eate. They are the mills which grinde you, yet you are The winde which drives them; and a wastfull warre Is fought against you, and you fight it; they 25 Adulterate lawe, and you prepare their way Like wittals; th'issue your owne ruine is. Greatest and fairest Empresse, know you this? Alas, no more then Thames calme head doth know Whose meades her armes drowne, or whose corne o'rflow: 30 You Sir, whose righteousnes she loves, whom I By having leave to serve, am most richly For service paid, authoriz'd, now beginne To know and weed out this enormous sinne. O Age of rusty iron! Some better wit 35 Call it some worse name, if ought equall it; The iron Age that was, when justice was sold; now Injustice is sold dearer farre. Allow All demands, fees, and duties, gamsters, anon The mony which you sweat, and sweare for, is gon 40 Into other hands: So controverted lands Scape, like Angelica, the strivers hands. If Law be in the Judges heart, and hee Have no heart to resist letter, or fee, Where wilt thou appeale? powre of the Courts below 45 Flow from the first maine head, and these can throw Thee, if they sucke thee in, to misery, To fetters, halters; But if the injury Steele thee to dare complaine, Alas, thou go'st Against the stream, when upwards: when thou art most 50 Heavy and most faint; and in these labours they, 'Gainst whom thou should'st complaine, will in the way Become great seas, o'r which, when thou shalt bee Forc'd to make golden bridges, thou shalt see That all thy gold was drown'd in them before; 55 All things follow their like, only who have may have more. Judges are Gods; he who made and said them so, Meant not that men should be forc'd to them to goe, By meanes of Angels; When supplications We send to God, to Dominations, 60 Powers, Cherubins, and all heavens Courts, if wee Should pay fees as here, Daily bread would be Scarce to Kings; so 'tis. Would it not anger A Stoicke, a coward, yea a Martyr, To see a Pursivant come in, and call 65 All his cloathes, Copes; Bookes, Primers; and all His Plate, Challices; and mistake them away, And aske a fee for comming? Oh, ne'r may Faire lawes white reverend name be strumpeted, To warrant thefts: she is established 70 Recorder to Destiny, on earth, and shee Speakes Fates words, and but tells us who must bee Rich, who poore, who in chaires, who in jayles: Shee is all faire, but yet hath foule long nailes, With which she scracheth Suiters; In bodies 75 Of men, so in law, nailes are th'extremities, So Officers stretch to more then Law can doe, As our nailes reach what no else part comes to. Why barest thou to yon Officer? Foole, Hath hee Got those goods, for which erst men bar'd to thee? 80 Foole, twice, thrice, thou hast bought wrong, and now hungerly Beg'st right; But that dole comes not till these dye. Thou had'st much, and lawes Urim and Thummim trie Thou wouldst for more; and for all hast paper Enough to cloath all the great Carricks Pepper. 85 Sell that, and by that thou much more shalt leese, Then Haman, when he sold his Antiquities. O wretch that thy fortunes should moralize Esops fables, and make tales, prophesies. Thou'art the swimming dog whom shadows cosened, 90 And div'st, neare drowning, for what's vanished.

[Satyre V. 1633-69, A25, B, D, JC, Lec, O'F, Q, S, W: Satyre the third. P: no title, L74, N, TCD (in L74 it is third, in N, TCD fourth in order)]

[1 shalt] shal 1669]

[9 and] in 1669]

[12 implyes 1635-69: spelt employes 1633 and some MSS.

represents. 1635-69: represents, 1633]

[13 Officers] Officers, 1633-69]

[14 ravishing 1633-69: ravenous Q: ravening P, S]

[19 voyd. All 1669: voyd; all 1633-54

dust; W: dust, 1633-69]

[21 preyes? 1669: preyes. 1633-54]

[26 their 1633, D, L74, Lec, N, S, TCD, W: the 1635-69, O'F, P, Q]

[27 wittals; W: wittals, 1633-69

is.] is; 1633]

[33 authoriz'd, 1635-54: authorized, 1633: authoriz'd. 1669]

[35-6 Some ... equall it;] in brackets 1635-54]

[37-9

The iron Age that was, when justice was sold, now Injustice is sold deerer farre; allow All demands, fees, and duties; gamsters, anon

1633, D, JC (All claym'd fees), Lec, N, Q (All claym'd fees), TCD, W (All claym'd fees):

The iron Age that was, when justice was sold (now Injustice is sold dearer) did allow All claim'd fees and duties. Gamesters, anon

1635-54, B, O'F, P (the last two omit that was), Chambers (no italics):

The iron Age was, when justice was sold, now Injustice is sold dearer far, allow All claim'd fees and duties, Gamesters, anon

1669 ]

[46 Flow] Flows O'F, Chambers. See note]

[49 complaine,] complaine; 1633

go'st] goest 1633-39]

[50 when upwards: 1633-54, A25, B, D, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, Q, S, TCD, W: upwards, 1669, Chambers]

[52 the, 1633: thy 1635-69]

[56 only who have] only, who have, 1633

more.] more 1633]

[57 he ... so, 1633-54: and he who made them so, 1669: he ... and cal'd (changed to stil'd) them so, O'F]

[58 that] om. 1669]

[59 supplications] supplication 1635-54]

[61 Courts, 1635-69, B, JC, L74, O'F, P, Q, W: Court, 1633, D, Lec, N, S, TCD]

[63 'tis. Would 1669: 'tis, would 1633: 'tis; Would 1635-54]

[68 aske 1669, A25, B, D, JC, L74, N, O'F, P, Q, S, W: lack 1633-54, Lec

comming?] comming; 1633]

[72 Speakes Fates words, and but tells us &c. Q, W, Chambers: Speakes Fates words, and tells who must bee 1633-69]

[76 men,] men; 1633

th'extremities, A25, B, D, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, Q, S, TCD, W: extremities, 1633: extremities. 1635-69]

[78 comes to.] can come to. Q]

[80 which erst men bar'd 1635-69, B, O'F, Q, S, W: which men bared 1633, D, Lec, N, TCD: which men erst bar'd A25, L74, P]

[85: great] om. Q

Carricks 1633-35: Charricks 1639-69]

[87 Haman, 1633: Hammon, 1635-69, P: MSS. generally vary between Haman and Hammond

when 1633, 1669, D, L74, Lec, N, P, TCD: if 1635-54, A25, B, JC, O'F, Q, S]

[90 Thou'art Ed: Thou art 1633-69

cosened,] cozeneth, 1669]

[91 And 1633: Which 1635-69: Whoe Q

div'st, 1633-54, N, P, S, TCD: div'st 1669: div'dst D, L74, Lec (altered from div'st), W: div'd A25, B, JC, O'F, S (Grosart), Q

what's vanished. N: what vanished. 1633-54 and rest of MSS.: what vanisheth. 1669]

Vpon Mr. Thomas Coryats Crudities.

Oh to what height will love of greatnesse drive Thy leavened spirit, Sesqui-superlative? Venice vast lake thou hadst seen, and would seek than Some vaster thing, and found'st a Curtizan. That inland Sea having discovered well, 5 A Cellar gulfe, where one might saile to hell From Heydelberg, thou longdst to see: And thou This Booke, greater then all, producest now. Infinite worke, which doth so far extend, That none can study it to any end. 10 'Tis no one thing, it is not fruit nor roote; Nor poorely limited with head or foot. If man be therefore man, because he can Reason, and laugh, thy booke doth halfe make man. One halfe being made, thy modestie was such, 15 That thou on th'other half wouldst never touch. When wilt thou be at full, great Lunatique? Not till thou exceed the world? Canst thou be like A prosperous nose-borne wenne, which sometimes growes To be farre greater then the Mother-nose? 20 Goe then; and as to thee, when thou didst go, Munster did Townes, and Gesner Authors show, Mount now to Gallo-belgicus; appear As deepe a States-man, as a Gazettier. Homely and familiarly, when thou com'st back, 25 Talke of Will. Conquerour, and Prester Iack. Go bashfull man, lest here thou blush to looke Vpon the progresse of thy glorious booke, To which both Indies sacrifices send; The West sent gold, which thou didst freely spend, 30 (Meaning to see't no more) upon the presse. The East sends hither her deliciousnesse; And thy leaves must imbrace what comes from thence, The Myrrhe, the Pepper, and the Frankincense. This magnifies thy leaves; but if they stoope 35 To neighbour wares, when Merchants do unhoope Voluminous barrels; if thy leaves do then Convey these wares in parcels unto men; If for vast Tons of Currans, and of Figs, Of Medicinall and Aromatique twigs, 40 Thy leaves a better method do provide, Divide to pounds, and ounces sub-divide; If they stoope lower yet, and vent our wares, Home-manufactures, to thick popular Faires, If omni-praegnant there, upon warme stalls, 45 They hatch all wares for which the buyer calls; Then thus thy leaves we justly may commend, That they all kinde of matter comprehend. Thus thou, by means which th'Ancients never took, A Pandect makest, and Vniversall Booke. 50 The bravest Heroes, for publike good, Scattered in divers Lands their limbs and blood. Worst malefactors, to whom men are prize, Do publike good, cut in Anatomies; So will thy booke in peeces; for a Lord 55 Which casts at Portescues, and all the board, Provide whole books; each leafe enough will be For friends to passe time, and keep company. Can all carouse up thee? no, thou must fit Measures; and fill out for the half-pint wit: 60 Some shall wrap pils, and save a friends life so, Some shall stop muskets, and so kill a foe. Thou shalt not ease the Criticks of next age So much, at once their hunger to asswage: Nor shall wit-pirats hope to finde thee lye 65 All in one bottome, in one Librarie. Some Leaves may paste strings there in other books, And so one may, which on another looks, Pilfer, alas, a little wit from you; [Sidenote *: I meane from one page which shall paste strings in a booke[1]] But hardly[*] much; and yet I think this true; 70 As Sibyls was, your booke is mysticall, For every peece is as much worth as all. Therefore mine impotency I confesse, The healths which my braine bears must be far lesse: Thy Gyant-wit'orethrowes me, I am gone; 75 And rather then read all, I would reade none.

I. D.

[Footnote 1: I meane &c. side-note in 1611]

[Vpon Mr. &c. 1649, where it was placed with The Token (p. 72), at the end of the Funerall Elegies: appeared originally in Coryats Crudities (1611: see note) with heading Incipit Joannes Donne.]

[2 leavened 1611: learned 1649-69 and mod. edd.]

[7 longdst 1611: long'st 1649-69]

[19 sometimes.] sometime 1611]

[24 Gazettier. 1611: Garretteir 1649-69]

[28 booke,] booke. 1611]

[37 barrels; 1649-69: barrels, 1611]

[56 board, 1611: board 1649-69]

In eundem Macaronicon.

Quot, dos haec, +Linguists+ perfetti, Disticha fairont, Tot cuerdos +States-men+, hic livre fara tuus. Es sat a my l'honneur estre hic inteso; Car +I leave+ L'honra, de personne nestre creduto, tibi.

Explicit Joannes Donne.

[In eundem &c. 1611, concluding the above]

[Illustration: JOHN DONNE, 1613

Viri seraphici Joannis Donne Qua- dragenarij Effigies vera, Qui post eam ætatem Sacris initiatus Ec- clesiæ S^{ti} Pauli Decanus obijt.

Año { Do[~m] 1631º { Ætatis suæ 59º

("A true portrait of that seraphic man John Donne at the age of 40; he was later ordained into holy orders and died Dean of St Paul's in the year of our Lord 1631 at the age of 59")

From the engraving prefixed to his son's edition of the Letters to Several Persons of Honour 1651, 1654]

LETTERS

TO SEVERALL PERSONAGES.

THE STORME.

To Mr. Christopher Brooke.

Thou which art I, ('tis nothing to be soe) Thou which art still thy selfe, by these shalt know Part of our passage; And, a hand, or eye By Hilliard drawne, is worth an history, By a worse painter made; and (without pride) 5 When by thy judgment they are dignifi'd, My lines are such: 'Tis the preheminence Of friendship onely to'impute excellence. England to whom we'owe, what we be, and have, Sad that her sonnes did seeke a forraine grave 10 (For, Fates, or Fortunes drifts none can soothsay, Honour and misery have one face and way.) From out her pregnant intrailes sigh'd a winde Which at th'ayres middle marble roome did finde Such strong resistance, that it selfe it threw 15 Downeward againe; and so when it did view How in the port, our fleet deare time did leese, Withering like prisoners, which lye but for fees, Mildly it kist our sailes, and, fresh and sweet, As to a stomack sterv'd, whose insides meete, 20 Meate comes, it came; and swole our sailes, when wee So joyd, as Sara'her swelling joy'd to see. But 'twas but so kinde, as our countrimen, Which bring friends one dayes way, and leave them then. Then like two mighty Kings, which dwelling farre 25 Asunder, meet against a third to warre, The South and West winds joyn'd, and, as they blew, Waves like a rowling trench before them threw. Sooner then you read this line, did the gale, Like shot, not fear'd till felt, our sailes assaile; 30 And what at first was call'd a gust, the same Hath now a stormes, anon a tempests name. Ionas, I pitty thee, and curse those men, Who when the storm rag'd most, did wake thee then; Sleepe is paines easiest salue, and doth fullfill 35 All offices of death, except to kill. But when I wakt, I saw, that I saw not; I, and the Sunne, which should teach mee'had forgot East, West, Day, Night, and I could onely say, If'the world had lasted, now it had beene day. 40 Thousands our noyses were, yet wee'mongst all Could none by his right name, but thunder call: Lightning was all our light, and it rain'd more Then if the Sunne had drunke the sea before. Some coffin'd in their cabbins lye,'equally 45 Griev'd that they are not dead, and yet must dye; And as sin-burd'ned soules from graves will creepe, At the last day, some forth their cabbins peepe: And tremblingly'aske what newes, and doe heare so, Like jealous husbands, what they would not know. 50 Some sitting on the hatches, would seeme there, With hideous gazing to feare away feare. Then note they the ships sicknesses, the Mast Shak'd with this ague, and the Hold and Wast With a salt dropsie clog'd, and all our tacklings 55 Snapping, like too-high-stretched treble strings. And from our totterd sailes, ragges drop downe so, As from one hang'd in chaines, a yeare agoe. Even our Ordinance plac'd for our defence, Strive to breake loose, and scape away from thence. 60 Pumping hath tir'd our men, and what's the gaine? Seas into seas throwne, we suck in againe; Hearing hath deaf'd our saylers; and if they Knew how to heare, there's none knowes what to say. Compar'd to these stormes, death is but a qualme, 65 Hell somewhat lightsome, and the'Bermuda calme. Darknesse, lights elder brother, his birth-right Claims o'r this world, and to heaven hath chas'd light. All things are one, and that one none can be, Since all formes, uniforme deformity 70 Doth cover, so that wee, except God say Another Fiat, shall have no more day. So violent, yet long these furies bee, That though thine absence sterve me,'I wish not thee.

[The Storme. To Mr. Christopher Brooke. 1633 (1635-69 add from the Iland voyage with the Earle of Essex): The Storme, A Storme or Storme; A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, Q, S, TCD, W: some add To Mr. C: B: or a longer note to the same effect as 1635-69: to S^r Basil Brooke JC, S]

[2 these 1633 and most MSS.: this 1635-69, O'F, S]

[4 an 1633: a 1635-69]

[7 such: Ed: such. 1633-69]

[11 soothsay, 1650-54: spelt Southsay 1633-39: gainsay 1669]

[12 and way. 1633, 1669: one way. 1635-54]

[18 lye] laie Q]

[19 fresh W: fresh, 1633-69]

[20 As W: As, 1633-69]

[23 'twas 1650-69: 'twas, 1633-39]

[30 fear'd] fear'd, 1633]

[37 not; Ed: not. 1633-69]

[38 I, and the Sunne, 1633-69 and most MSS.: yea, and the Sunne, Q]

[39 Day, Night, D, W: day, night, 1633-69

could onely say 1633-69: could but say Cy, HN, JC, L74, Q, N, S, TCD, W: could then but say O'F: could say H49, Lec: should say D]

[40 lasted, now 1633, 1669: lasted, yet 1635-54: Lasted yet, O'F]

[42 his] this 1669]

[44 before.] before; 1633]

[46 dye; Ed: dye. 1633-69]

[47 graves 1669, A25, B, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, TCD, W: grave 1633-54, Cy]

[49 tremblingly 1633, A25, D, H49, HN, L74, Lec, N, TCD, W: trembling 1635-69, Cy, JC, O'F, P, S]

[50 Like 1633, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, Lec, N, TCD, W: As 1635-69]

[53 Then] There 1669]

[54 this] an 1635-69]

[56 too-high-stretched 1633, A25, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, S, TCD, W (MS. spelling generally to and stretcht): too-too-high-stretch'd 1635-54: to too-high-stretch'd 1669, B, O'F]

[59 Even our Ordinance 1633 and MSS.: Yea even our Ordinance 1635-69]

[60 Strive 1633, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, Lec, S, TCD, W: Strives 1635-69, Chambers: Striv'd A25, B, Cy]

[66 Hell] Hell's S

lightsome] light B, Cy

and the'Bermuda 1633, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, TCD, W: and the Bermudas B, Cy, HN, P, S, Q: the Bermudas 1635-54, O'F: the Bermuda's 1669]

[67 elder A25, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, N, O'F, P, Q, S, TCD, W: eldest 1633-69, B, Lec]

[68 Claims 1635-69 and MSS.: Claim'd 1633 this 1633, D, H49, HN, L74, Lec, N, TCD: the 1635-69, A25, B, Cy, O'F, P, Q, S]

THE CALME.

Our storme is past, and that storms tyrannous rage, A stupid calme, but nothing it, doth swage. The fable is inverted, and farre more A blocke afflicts, now, then a storke before. Stormes chafe, and soone weare out themselves, or us; 5 In calmes, Heaven laughs to see us languish thus. As steady'as I can wish, that my thoughts were, Smooth as thy mistresse glasse, or what shines there, The sea is now. And, as the Iles which wee Seeke, when wee can move, our ships rooted bee. 10 As water did in stormes, now pitch runs out: As lead, when a fir'd Church becomes one spout. And all our beauty, and our trimme, decayes, Like courts removing, or like ended playes. The fighting place now seamens ragges supply; 15 And all the tackling is a frippery. No use of lanthornes; and in one place lay Feathers and dust, to day and yesterday. Earths hollownesses, which the worlds lungs are, Have no more winde then the upper valt of aire. 20 We can nor lost friends, nor sought foes recover, But meteorlike, save that wee move not, hover. Onely the Calenture together drawes Deare friends, which meet dead in great fishes jawes: And on the hatches as on Altars lyes 25 Each one, his owne Priest, and owne Sacrifice. Who live, that miracle do multiply Where walkers in hot Ovens, doe not dye. If in despite of these, wee swimme, that hath No more refreshing, then our brimstone Bath, 30 But from the sea, into the ship we turne, Like parboyl'd wretches, on the coales to burne. Like Bajazet encag'd, the shepheards scoffe, Or like slacke sinew'd Sampson, his haire off, Languish our ships. Now, as a Miriade 35 Of Ants, durst th'Emperours lov'd snake invade, The crawling Gallies, Sea-goales, finny chips, Might brave our Pinnaces, now bed-ridde ships. Whether a rotten state, and hope of gaine, Or to disuse mee from the queasie paine 40 Of being belov'd, and loving, or the thirst Of honour, or faire death, out pusht mee first, I lose my end: for here as well as I A desperate may live, and a coward die. Stagge, dogge, and all which from, or towards flies, 45 Is paid with life, or pray, or doing dyes. Fate grudges us all, and doth subtly lay A scourge,'gainst which wee all forget to pray, He that at sea prayes for more winde, as well Under the poles may begge cold, heat in hell. 50 What are wee then? How little more alas Is man now, then before he was? he was Nothing; for us, wee are for nothing fit; Chance, or our selves still disproportion it. Wee have no power, no will, no sense; I lye, 55 I should not then thus feele this miserie.

[The Calme. 1633-69: similarly, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, Q, S, TCD]

[4 storke] stroke 1639]

[7 can wish, that my 1633, A25, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, S, TCD: could wish that my Q: could wish my 1635-69, Chambers, who makes no note of 1633 reading]

[9 the Iles 1633-69: these isles D, H49, Lec, Chambers (no note): those Iles B, Cy, HN, JC, L74, N, P, Q, TCD]

[11 out: 1635-69: out 1633]

[14 ended] ending 1669]

[15 ragges] rage 1669]

[17 No] Now 1669]

[21 lost] lefte Cy, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, P, TCD]

[24 jawes: 1633, A25, B, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, Lec, N, Q, S, TCD: mawes, 1635-69, O'F, P, Chambers]

[29 these,] this, L74, Q, TCD]

[30 our 1633, B, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, Lec, N, S, TCD: a 1635-69, A25, P]

[33 shepheards 1650-69: sheepheards 1633-39]

[37 Sea-goales, (or gayles &c.) 1633, 1669, Cy, D, H49, HN, L74, Lec, N, P, S, TCD: Sea-gulls, 1635-54, O'F, Chambers: Sea-snayles, B, JC]

[38 our Pinnaces, now 1635-54, B, O'F: our venices, now 1633, A25, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, Q, S, TCD: with Vinice's, our 1669]

[40 Or] Or, 1633-69]

[44 and a coward 1633, MSS.: and coward 1635-69: a coward P, S]

[45 and all] and each B, Q, S]

[48 forget 1633-54, D, H49, Lec, P, S: forgot 1669, A25, HN, JC, L74, N, Q, TCD]

[50 poles] pole JC, Q]

[52-3 he was? he was Nothing; for us, wee are for nothing fit; 1633, N, P, S, TCD (but MSS. have no stop after Nothing): he was, he was? Nothing; for us, wee are for nothing fit; 1635-54: he was, he was? Nothing for us, we are for nothing fit; 1669, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, L74, Lec, O'F, Q: but the MSS. have not all got a mark of interrogation or other stop after second he was. See note]

To S^r Henry Wotton.

Sir, more then kisses, letters mingle Soules; For, thus friends absent speake. This ease controules The tediousnesse of my life: But for these I could ideate nothing, which could please, But I should wither in one day, and passe 5 To'a bottle'of Hay, that am a locke of Grasse. Life is a voyage, and in our lifes wayes Countries, Courts, Towns are Rockes, or Remoraes; They breake or stop all ships, yet our state's such, That though then pitch they staine worse, wee must touch. 10 If in the furnace of the even line, Or under th'adverse icy poles thou pine, Thou know'st two temperate Regions girded in, Dwell there: But Oh, what refuge canst thou winne Parch'd in the Court, and in the country frozen? 15 Shall cities, built of both extremes, be chosen? Can dung and garlike be'a perfume? or can A Scorpion and Torpedo cure a man? Cities are worst of all three; of all three (O knottie riddle) each is worst equally. 20 Cities are Sepulchers; they who dwell there Are carcases, as if no such there were. And Courts are Theaters, where some men play Princes, some slaves, all to one end, and of one clay. The Country is a desert, where no good, 25 Gain'd (as habits, not borne,) is understood. There men become beasts, and prone to more evils; In cities blockes, and in a lewd court, devills. As in the first Chaos confusedly Each elements qualities were in the'other three; 30 So pride, lust, covetize, being feverall To these three places, yet all are in all, And mingled thus, their issue incestuous. Falshood is denizon'd. Virtue is barbarous. Let no man say there, Virtues flintie wall 35 Shall locke vice in mee, I'll do none, but know all. Men are spunges, which to poure out, receive, Who know false play, rather then lose, deceive. For in best understandings, sinne beganne, Angels sinn'd first, then Devills, and then man. 40 Onely perchance beast sinne not; wretched wee Are beasts in all, but white integritie. I thinke if men, which in these places live Durst looke for themselves, and themselves retrive, They would like strangers greet themselves, seeing than 45 Utopian youth, growne old Italian. Be thou thine owne home, and in thy selfe dwell; Inne any where, continuance maketh hell. And seeing the snaile, which every where doth rome, Carrying his owne house still, still is at home, 50 Follow (for he is easie pac'd) this snaile, Bee thine owne Palace, or the world's thy gaile. And in the worlds sea, do not like corke sleepe Upon the waters face; nor in the deepe Sinke like a lead without a line: but as 55 Fishes glide, leaving no print where they passe, Nor making sound; so closely thy course goe, let men dispute, whether thou breathe, or no. Onely'in this one thing, be no Galenist: To make Courts hot ambitions wholesome, do not take 60 A dramme of Countries dulnesse; do not adde Correctives, but as chymiques, purge the bad. But, Sir, I advise not you, I rather doe Say o'er those lessons, which I learn'd of you: Whom, free from German schismes, and lightness 65 Of France, and faire Italies faithlesnesse, Having from these suck'd all they had of worth, And brought home that faith, which you carried forth, I throughly love. But if my selfe, I'have wonne To know my rules, I have, and you have 70 DONNE:

[To S^r Henry Wotton. 1633-69 (Sir 1669): same or no title, A18, A25, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD: To M^r H. W. B, W (B adds J. D.). See note]

[4 I could invent nothing at all to please, 1669]

[6 bottle] botle 1633 To a lock of hay, that am a Bottle of grass. 1669]

[7 lifes 1633: lives 1635-69]

[10 though ... worse, in brackets 1650-69]

[11 even 1669, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S96, TC, W: raging 1633-54: other P: over S]

[12 poles A25, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, P, O'F, S, W: pole 1633-69, A18, HN, N, TC]

[16 cities, ... extremes, Ed: cities ... extremes 1633-69]

[17 dung and garlike 1633, A18, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, TC, W (dung, 1633): dung, or garlike 1635-69, A25, Cy, O'F, P, S a perfume] a om. 1635-54, Chambers]

[18 Scorpion Ed: Scorpion, 1633-69

and Torpedo A18, D, H49, N, TC, W: or Torpedo 1633-69, A25, B, Cy, JC, Lec, O'F, P, S. See note]

[19 of all three 1633: of all three? 1635-69]

[22 no such 1633, A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, N, S, TC, W: none such 1635-69, O'F, P

there were. 1635-69, A36, B, D, H49, JC, O'F, P, S, W: they were. 1633, Lec: then were A18, N, TC]

[24 and of one clay. 1633 and MSS. generally: of one clay. 1635-39: of one day. 1650-54: and at one daye. A25: Princes, some slaves, and all end in one day. 1669]

[25-6

The Country is a desert, where no good, Gain'd, as habits, not borne, is understood.

1633, 1669, A18, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, JC, Lec, N, S96, TC, W

The Country is a desert, where the good, Gain'd inhabits not, borne, is not understood.

1635-54, O'F, P, S

The Country is a desert, where noe good Gain'd doth inhabit, nor born's understood.

A25]

[27 more 1633, A25, W: meere Cy, D, H49, JC, Lec, S96: men (a slip for mere) A18, N, TC: all 1635-69. See note]

[33 issue incestuous, 1633, A18, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, TC, W: issue is incestuous. 1635-69, P, S: issues monsterous. A25]

[35 there] then Lec]

[44 for themselves, A18, A25, B, D, H49, HN, JC, Lec, N, S, S96, TC, W: in themselves, 1633-69: into themselves, themselves retrive, Cy, O'F, P]

[45 than] then 1663]

[45-6 than ... Italian.] that ... Italianate. Cy, P]

[47 Be thou 1633, Lec: Be then 1635-69 and MSS.]

[50 home, Ed: home. 1633: home: 1635-69]

[52 gaile. 1635-69: goale; 1633]

[57 so D, W: so 1633-69]

[58-9 breathe,] breath, 1633

or no. Onely'in this one thing, be no Galenist: Ed: or no: Onley ... Galenist. 1633, A18, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, TC, W: or no: Onely in this be no Galenist. 1635-69, Cy, O'F, S]

[64 you:] you. 1633]

[65 German 1633 and all MSS.: Germanies 1635-69, Grosart and Chambers (without note)]

To S^r Henry Goodyere.

Who makes the Past, a patterne for next yeare, Turnes no new leafe, but still the same things reads, Seene things, he sees againe, heard things doth heare, And makes his life, but like a paire of beads.

A Palace, when'tis that, which it should be, 5 Leaves growing, and stands such, or else decayes: But hee which dwels there, is not so; for hee Strives to urge upward, and his fortune raise;

So had your body'her morning, hath her noone, And shall not better; her next change is night: 10 But her faire larger guest, to'whom Sun and Moone Are sparkes, and short liv'd, claimes another right.

The noble Soule by age growes lustier, Her appetite, and her digestion mend, Wee must not sterve, nor hope to pamper her 15 With womens milke, and pappe unto the end.

Provide you manlyer dyet; you have seene All libraries, which are Schools, Camps, and Courts; But aske your Garners if you have not beene In harvests, too indulgent to your sports. 20

Would you redeeme it? then your selfe transplant A while from hence. Perchance outlandish ground Beares no more wit, then ours, but yet more scant Are those diversions there, which here abound.

To be a stranger hath that benefit, 25 Wee can beginnings, but not habits choke. Goe; whither? Hence; you get, if you forget; New faults, till they prescribe in us, are smoake.

Our soule, whose country'is heaven, and God her father, Into this world, corruptions sinke, is sent, 30 Yet, so much in her travaile she doth gather, That she returnes home, wiser then she went;

It payes you well, if it teach you to spare, And make you,'ashm'd, to make your hawks praise, yours, Which when herselfe she lessens in the aire, 35 You then first say, that high enough she toures.

However, keepe the lively tast you hold Of God, love him as now, but feare him more, And in your afternoones thinke what you told And promis'd him, at morning prayer before. 40

Let falshood like a discord anger you, Else be not froward. But why doe I touch Things, of which none is in your practise new, And Tables, or fruit-trenchers teach as much;

But thus I make you keepe your promise Sir, 45 Riding I had you, though you still staid there, And in these thoughts, although you never stirre, You came with mee to Micham, and are here.

[To Sir Henry Goodyere. 1633-69: so with Goodyere variously spelt A25, B, C, Cy, D, H49, Lec: To S^r Henry Goodyere (H: G: A18, N, TC) moveing him to travell. A18, N, O'F, TC]

[1 Past, 1633-54, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, TC: Last 1669, Chambers]

[2 reads,] read, 1650-54]

[6 decayes:] decayes, 1633]

[16 womens] womans 1669]

[17 dyet; Ed: dyet, 1633 (with a larger interval than is usually given to a comma), 1669: dyet. 1635-54]

[20 harvests, 1633-54, A18, B, D, H49, Lec, TC: harvest, 1669, A25, C, Cy, N, O'F, Chambers]

[27 Goe; A18, B, TC: Goe, 1633-69

Hence; A18, TC: hence; 1633: hence 1635-54: Hence. 1669]

[28 in us, 1633, A18, A25, C, Cy, D, H49, Lec, N, TC: to us, 1635-69, B, O'F]

[34 you,'asham'd, Ed: you'asham'd, 1633-69: you asham'd Chambers and Grolier. See note]

[37 However, 1633-39: However 1650-69: Howsoever A18, B, D, N, O'F, TC]

[38 as] om. 1639-69]

[42 froward.] froward; 1633]

[44 Tables 1633-54, Lec: Fables 1669, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, N, O'F, TC]

[45 make] made A18, N, TC]

[48 with mee to] to mee at A18, N, TC]

To M^r Rowland Woodward.

Like one who'in her third widdowhood doth professe Her selfe a Nunne, tyed to retirednesse, So'affects my muse now, a chast fallownesse;

Since shee to few, yet to too many'hath showne How love-song weeds, and Satyrique thornes are growne 5 Where seeds of better Arts, were early sown.

Though to use, and love Poëtrie, to mee, Betroth'd to no'one Art, be no'adulterie; Omissions of good, ill, as ill deeds bee.

For though to us it seeme,'and be light and thinne, 10 Yet in those faithfull scales, where God throwes in Mens workes, vanity weighs as much as sinne.

If our Soules have stain'd their first white, yet wee May cloth them with faith, and deare honestie, Which God imputes, as native puritie. 15

There is no Vertue, but Religion: Wise, valiant, sober, just, are names, which none Want, which want not Vice-covering discretion.

Seeke wee then our selves in our selves; for as Men force the Sunne with much more force to passe, 20 By gathering his beames with a christall glasse;

So wee, If wee into our selves will turne, Blowing our sparkes of vertue, may outburne The straw, which doth about our hearts sojourne.

You know, Physitians, when they would infuse 25 Into any'oyle, the Soules of Simples, use Places, where they may lie still warme, to chuse.

So workes retirednesse in us; To rome Giddily, and be every where, but at home, Such freedome doth a banishment become. 30

Wee are but farmers of our selves, yet may, If we can stocke our selves, and thrive, uplay Much, much deare treasure for the great rent day.

Manure thy selfe then, to thy selfe be'approv'd, And with vaine outward things be no more mov'd, 35 But to know, that I love thee'and would be lov'd.

[To M^r Rowland Woodward. 1633-69: similarly or without heading, A18, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCC, TCD: A Letter of Doctor Dunne to one that desired some of his papers. B: To M^r R. W. W]

[1 professe] professe, 1633]

[2 retirednesse, 1633-69, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, O'F, P, S: a retirednesse, A18, L74, N, TC, W]

[3 fallownesse; Ed: fallownesse. 1633-54: fallowness, 1669: holinesse Cy, P, S96]

[4 too] so W showne 1633, 1669: flowne, 1635-54]

[5 How love-song weeds, 1633: How long loves weeds, 1635-54, O'F: How Love-song weeds, 1669]

[6 sown. 1633, 1669: sown? 1635-54: sown; Chambers, who retains the full-stop after fallownesse]

[10 to us it] to use it, Cy, P, S96

seeme,'and be light 1633, A18, B, D, H40, H49, L74, N, S, S96, TC, W: seem but light 1635-69, Cy, O'F, P, and Chambers, who attributes to 1633 the reading seem and be but light]

[13 white] whites Cy, O'F, P]

[14 honestie] integritie Cy, P, S, S96]

[15 puritie.] puritie, 1633]

[16 Religion: 1669: Religion, 1633: Religion. 1635-54]

[23 our] the A18, L74, N, TC

sparkes 1633-54, B, Cy, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S96, TC, W: spark 1669, A18, H40, S, Chambers]

[25 infuse] infuse 1633]

[26 Soules 1633-69, Cy, P: soule B, D, H40, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TC, W]

[28 To 1635-69: to 1633]

[29 Giddily, 1669: Giddily 1633-54]

[31 farmers 1635-69, and all MSS., where it is generally spelt fermers: termers 1633]

[33 deare 1633, and most MSS.: good 1635-69, Cy, O'F, P, S96]

[34 approv'd 1633-54, A18, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC, W: improv'd 1669, B, Chambers]

[36 lov'd. 1633-69: belov'd. A18, L74, N, P, S, S96, TC]

To S^r Henry Wootton.

Here's no more newes, then vertue,'I may as well Tell you Cales, or S^t Michaels tale for newes, as tell That vice doth here habitually dwell.

Yet, as to'get stomachs, we walke up and downe, And toyle to sweeten rest, so, may God frowne, 5 If, but to loth both, I haunt Court, or Towne.

For here no one is from the'extremitie Of vice, by any other reason free, But that the next to'him, still, is worse then hee.

In this worlds warfare, they whom rugged Fate, 10 (Gods Commissary,) doth so throughly hate, As in'the Courts Squadron to marshall their state:

If they stand arm'd with seely honesty, With wishing prayers, and neat integritie, Like Indians'gainst Spanish hosts they bee. 15

Suspitious boldnesse to this place belongs, And to'have as many eares as all have tongues; Tender to know, tough to acknowledge wrongs.

Beleeve mee Sir, in my youths giddiest dayes, When to be like the Court, was a playes praise, 20 Playes were not so like Courts, as Courts'are like playes.

Then let us at these mimicke antiques jeast, Whose deepest projects, and egregious gests Are but dull Moralls of a game at Chests.

But now'tis incongruity to smile, 25 Therefore I end; and bid farewell a while, At Court; though From Court, were the better stile.

[To S^r Henry Wootton. 1633-69: do. or A Letter to &c. B, Cy, D, H49, L74, Lec, S, S96 (of these Cy and S add From Court and From y^e Court): From Court. P: To M^r H. W. 20 Jul. 1598 at Court. HN: To M^r H. W. 20 July 15098 (sic) At Court. W: Jo: D: to M^r H: W: A18, N, TC: Another Letter. JC]

[1 newes] new 1669]

[2 Tell you Cales, (Calis, 1633) or S^t Michaels tale for newes, as tell 1633, A18, B (tales), Cy (and S^t Michaels tales), D, H49, JC, L74, N, O'F (tales), P, S, S96 (tales), TC, W (MSS. waver in spelling--but Cales Cy, HN, P:) Tell you Calis, or Saint Michaels tales, as tell 1635-54, Chambers (Calais): Tell Calis, or Saint Michaels Mount, as tell 1669: Tell you Calais, or Saint Michaels Mount as tell 1719: All modern editions read Calais]

[6 or] and 1669]

[9 to'him, still, 1633: to him, still, 1635-69: to him is still A18, L74, N, O'F, TC]

[12 state: 1635-69: state 1633]

[14 wishing prayers, 1633, A18, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, S, S96, TC, W: wishing, prayers, 1669, HN: wishes, prayers, 1635-54, B, Cy, O'F, P, Chambers]

[20 playes] players 1639-69]

[21 are like 1633, A18, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, S, S96 (are now like), TC, W: are om. (metri causa) 1635-69, B, Cy, JC, O'F]

are egregeous guests, And but dull Morals at a game of Chests.

[25 now'tis] 'tis an 1669]

[27 At Court; though, From Court, &c. W: At Court, though from Court, &c. 1633-69]

H: W: in Hiber: belligeranti.

Went you to conquer? and have so much lost Yourself, that what in you was best and most, Respective friendship, should so quickly dye? In publique gaine my share'is not such that I Would lose your love for Ireland: better cheap 5 I pardon death (who though he do not reap Yet gleanes hee many of our frends away) Then that your waking mind should bee a prey To lethargies. Lett shott, and boggs, and skeines With bodies deale, as fate bids and restreynes; 10 Ere sicknesses attack, yong death is best, Who payes before his death doth scape arrest. Lett not your soule (at first with graces fill'd, And since, and thorough crooked lymbecks, still'd In many schools and courts, which quicken it,) 15 It self unto the Irish negligence submit. I aske not labored letters which should weare Long papers out: nor letters which should feare Dishonest carriage: or a seers art: Nor such as from the brayne come, but the hart. 20

[H: W: &c. Burley MS. (JD in margin) i.e. Henrico Wottoni in Hibernia belligeranti]

[2 that] y^t Bur, and similarly y^e (the), y^r (your), w^{ch} (which), w^{th} (with) throughout]

[2-3 most, Respective friendship,] no commas, Bur]

[4 share'is] share is Bur]

[9 lethargies.] letargies. Bur]

[10 restreynes;] restreynes Bur]

[11 attack,] attack Bur

best,] best Bur]

[13 (at first] Bur closes bracket after first and again after 15 quicken it,]

[14 since,] since Bur]

[19 art:] art Bur]

To the Countesse of Bedford.

MADAME,

Reason is our Soules left hand, Faith her right, By these wee reach divinity, that's you; Their loves, who have the blessings of your light, Grew from their reason, mine from faire faith grew.

But as, although a squint lefthandednesse 5 Be'ungracious, yet we cannot want that hand, So would I, not to encrease, but to expresse My faith, as I beleeve, so understand.

Therefore I study you first in your Saints, Those friends, whom your election glorifies, 10 Then in your deeds, accesses, and restraints, And what you reade, and what your selfe devize.

But soone, the reasons why you'are lov'd by all, Grow infinite, and so passe reasons reach, Then backe againe to'implicite faith I fall, 15 And rest on what the Catholique voice doth teach;

That you are good: and not one Heretique Denies it: if he did, yet you are so. For, rockes, which high top'd and deep rooted sticke, Waves wash, not undermine, nor overthrow. 20

In every thing there naturally growes A Balsamum to keepe it fresh, and new, If'twere not injur'd by extrinsique blowes; Your birth and beauty are this Balme in you.

But you of learning and religion, 25 And vertue,'and such ingredients, have made A methridate, whose operation Keepes off, or cures what can be done or said.

Yet, this is not your physicke, but your food, A dyet fit for you; for you are here 30 The first good Angell, since the worlds frame stood, That ever did in womans shape appeare.

Since you are then Gods masterpeece, and so His Factor for our loves; do as you doe, Make your returne home gracious; and bestow 35 This life on that; so make one life of two. For so God helpe mee,'I would not misse you there For all the good which you can do me here.

[To the Countesse of Bedford. 1633-69: do. or To the Countesse of B. B, Cy, D, H49, L74, Lec, M, N, O'F, RP31, S, S96, TCD]

[3 blessings 1633, D, H49, Lec: blessing 1635-69, B, Cy, L74, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD

light, 1633-69: sight, B, Cy, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, O'F, RP31, S, TCD]

[4 faire 1633-69, L74, N, TCD: farr B, Cy, D, H49, Lec, M, O'F, RP31, S, S96]

[16 what] that Chambers

voice 1635-69, B, Cy, D, H49, L74, Lec, M, N, O'F, S96, TCD: faith 1633, RP31, S]

[19 high top'd and deep rooted 1633, N, TCD: high to sense deepe-rooted 1635-54, O'F, Chambers (who has overlooked 1633 reading:) high to sense and deepe-rooted S96: high to sun and deepe-rooted L74, RP31, S: high do seem, deep-rooted 1669, Cy (but MS. with and): high to some, and deepe-rooted D, H49, Lec: high to seeme, and deepe-rooted B. See note]

[25 But Ed: But, 1633-69]

[36 This, 1635-69, B, Cy, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, O'F, RP31, S, TCD, Grosart and Chambers: Thy 1633, Grolier. See note]

You have refin'd mee, and to worthyest things (Vertue, Art, Beauty, Fortune,) now I see Rarenesse, or use, not nature value brings; And such, as they are circumstanc'd, they bee. Two ills can ne're perplexe us, sinne to'excuse; 5 But of two good things, we may leave and chuse.

Therefore at Court, which is not vertues clime, (Where a transcendent height, (as, lownesse mee) Makes her not be, or not show) all my rime Your vertues challenge, which there rarest bee; 10 For, as darke texts need notes: there some must bee To usher vertue, and say, This is shee.

So in the country'is beauty; to this place You are the season (Madame) you the day, 'Tis but a grave of spices, till your face 15 Exhale them, and a thick close bud display. Widow'd and reclus'd else, her sweets she'enshrines; As China, when the Sunne at Brasill dines.

Out from your chariot, morning breaks at night, And falsifies both computations so; 20 Since a new world doth rise here from your light, We your new creatures, by new recknings goe. This showes that you from nature lothly stray, That suffer not an artificiall day.

In this you'have made the Court the Antipodes, 25 And will'd your Delegate, the vulgar Sunne, To doe profane autumnall offices, Whilst here to you, wee sacrificers runne; And whether Priests, or Organs, you wee'obey, We sound your influence, and your Dictates say. 30

Yet to that Deity which dwels in you, Your vertuous Soule, I now not sacrifice; These are Petitions and not Hymnes; they sue But that I may survay the edifice. In all Religions as much care hath bin 35 Of Temples frames, and beauty,'as Rites within.

As all which goe to Rome, doe not thereby Esteeme religions, and hold fast the best, But serve discourse, and curiosity, With that which doth religion but invest, 40 And shunne th'entangling laborinths of Schooles, And make it wit, to thinke the wiser fooles:

So in this pilgrimage I would behold You as you'are vertues temple, not as shee, What walls of tender christall her enfold, 45 What eyes, hands, bosome, her pure Altars bee; And after this survay, oppose to all Bablers of Chappels, you th'Escuriall.

Yet not as consecrate, but merely'as faire, On these I cast a lay and country eye. 50 Of past and future stories, which are rare, I finde you all record, and prophecie. Purge but the booke of Fate, that it admit No sad nor guilty legends, you are it.

If good and lovely were not one, of both 55 You were the transcript, and originall, The Elements, the Parent, and the Growth, And every peece of you, is both their All: So'intire are all your deeds, and you, that you Must do the same thinge still; you cannot two. 60

But these (as nice thinne Schoole divinity Serves heresie to furder or represse) Tast of Poëtique rage, or flattery, And need not, where all hearts one truth professe; Oft from new proofes, and new phrase, new doubts grow, 65 As strange attire aliens the men wee know.

Leaving then busie praise, and all appeale To higher Courts, senses decree is true, The Mine, the Magazine, the Commonweale, The story of beauty,'in Twicknam is, and you. 70 Who hath seene one, would both; As, who had bin In Paradise, would seeke the Cherubin.

[the Countesse of Bedford. 1633-69: similarly or with no title, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, Lec, N, O'F, TCD]

[2 (Vertue, ... Fortune,)] brackets Ed: Fortune, 1633: Fortune; 1635-69, Grolier: Fortune. Chambers. See note]

[5 ne're] nere 1633]

[6 and] or 1669]

[8-9 1633 begins to bracket (Where ... not show) but does not finish, putting a colon after show: the others drop the larger brackets, retaining the smaller (as ... mee)]

[9 be] see 1669

show] show: 1633-54: show. 1669]

[11 notes: there some 1633-54: notes some: there 1669]

[17 enshrines; 1719: enshrines 1633-69]

[20 computations so; 1633-69: computations; so, Chambers]

[42 fooles:] fooles. 1633]

[48 Bablers 1633: Babblers 1635-54: Builders 1669]

[49 faire, Ed: faire; 1633-69]

[50 eye.] eye, 1633]

[52 and prophecie] all prophecye B, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, TCD prophecie.] prophecie, 1633 some copies]

[57 Parent] Parents 1669 Growth, 1669: Growth 1633-54]

[58 both 1633 and MSS.: worth 1635-69, O'F All: Ed: All, 1633-69]

[60 thinge B, Cy, D, H40, H49, N, O'F: things 1633-69, Lec]

[61 nice thinne 1633-54: nicest 1669]

[66 aliens 1633, 1669 and MSS.: alters 1635-54, O'F]

[67 and] end 1669, not lend as in Chambers' note

appeale Ed: appeale, 1633-69]

[68 true, 1633: true. 1635-69]

[71 had bin 1633-35: hath bin 1639-69. See note]

To S^r Edward Herbert. at Iulyers.

Man is a lumpe, where all beasts kneaded bee, Wisdome makes him an Arke where all agree; The foole, in whom these beasts do live at jarre, Is sport to others, and a Theater; Nor scapes hee so, but is himselfe their prey, 5 All which was man in him, is eate away, And now his beasts on one another feed, Yet couple'in anger, and new monsters breed. How happy'is hee, which hath due place assign'd To'his beasts, and disaforested his minde! 10 Empail'd himselfe to keepe them out, not in; Can sow, and dares trust corne, where they have bin; Can use his horse, goate, wolfe, and every beast, And is not Asse himselfe to all the rest. Else, man not onely is the heard of swine, 15 But he's those devills too, which did incline Them to a headlong rage, and made them worse: For man can adde weight to heavens heaviest curse. As Soules (they say) by our first touch, take in The poysonous tincture of Originall sinne, 20 So, to the punishments which God doth fling, Our apprehension contributes the sting. To us, as to his chickins, he doth cast Hemlocke, and wee as men, his hemlocke taste; We do infuse to what he meant for meat, 25 Corrosivenesse, or intense cold or heat. For, God no such specifique poyson hath As kills we know not how; his fiercest wrath Hath no antipathy, but may be good At lest for physicke, if not for our food. 30 Thus man, that might be'his pleasure, is his rod, And is his devill, that might be his God. Since then our businesse is, to rectifie Nature, to what she was, wee'are led awry By them, who man to us in little show; 35 Greater then due, no forme we can bestow On him; for Man into himselfe can draw All; All his faith can swallow,'or reason chaw. All that is fill'd, and all that which doth fill, All the round world, to man is but a pill, 40 In all it workes not, but it is in all Poysonous, or purgative, or cordiall, For, knowledge kindles Calentures in some, And is to others icy Opium. As brave as true, is that profession than 45 Which you doe use to make; that you know man. This makes it credible; you have dwelt upon All worthy bookes, and now are such an one. Actions are authors, and of those in you Your friends finde every day a mart of new. 50

[To S^r Edward &c. 1633, D, H49, Lec, O'F: A Letter to S^r Edward Herbert (or Harbert). B, Cy (which adds Incerti Authoris), S96: To Sir E. H. A18, N, TC: no title, P: Elegia Vicesima Tertia. S: To S^r Edward Herbert, now (since 1669) Lord Herbert of Cherbury, being at the siege of Iulyers. 1635-69]

[4 Theater; Ed: Theater, 1633-69: Theater. D]

[5 prey, Ed: prey; 1633-69]

[8 breed.] breed; 1633]

[10 minde! Ed: minde? 1633-69]

[17 a headlong] a om. 1669: an headlong 1635-54]

[24 taste; Ed: taste. 1633-69]

[28 we know 1633 and MSS.: men know 1635-69, O'F]

[35 show; 1669: show, 1633-54, Chambers]

[36 due, 1633-69: due; Chambers. See note]

[38 All; All 1669: All: All 1635-54: All, All 1633

chaw. 1633: chaw, 1635-69, Grolier]

[39 fill, 1633-54: fill 1669: fill; Grolier]

[44 icy] jcy 1633]

[47-8 credible; ... bookes, Ed: credible, ... bookes; 1633-69: credible ... bookes Grolier]

T'have written then, when you writ, seem'd to mee Worst of spirituall vices, Simony, And not t'have written then, seemes little lesse Then worst of civill vices, thanklessenesse. In this, my debt I seem'd loath to confesse, 5 In that, I seem'd to shunne beholdingnesse. But 'tis not soe; nothings, as I am, may Pay all they have, and yet have all to pay. Such borrow in their payments, and owe more By having leave to write so, then before. 10 Yet since rich mines in barren grounds are showne, May not I yeeld (not gold) but coale or stone? Temples were not demolish'd, though prophane: Here Peter Ioves, there Paul hath Dian's Fane. So whether my hymnes you admit or chuse, 15 In me you'have hallowed a Pagan Muse, And denizend a stranger, who mistaught By blamers of the times they mard, hath sought Vertues in corners, which now bravely doe Shine in the worlds best part, or all It; You. 20 I have beene told, that vertue in Courtiers hearts Suffers an Ostracisme, and departs. Profit, ease, fitnesse, plenty, bid it goe, But whither, only knowing you, I know; Your (or you) vertue two vast uses serves, 25 It ransomes one sex, and one Court preserves. There's nothing but your worth, which being true, Is knowne to any other, not to you: And you can never know it; To admit No knowledge of your worth, is some of it. 30 But since to you, your praises discords bee, Stoop, others ills to meditate with mee. Oh! to confesse wee know not what we should, Is halfe excuse; wee know not what we would: Lightnesse depresseth us, emptinesse fills, 35 We sweat and faint, yet still goe downe the hills. As new Philosophy arrests the Sunne, And bids the passive earth about it runne, So wee have dull'd our minde, it hath no ends; Onely the bodie's busie, and pretends; 40 As dead low earth ecclipses and controules The quick high Moone: so doth the body, Soules. In none but us, are such mixt engines found, As hands of double office: For, the ground We till with them; and them to heav'n wee raise; 45 Who prayer-lesse labours, or, without this, prayes, Doth but one halfe, that's none; He which said, Plough And looke not back, to looke up doth allow. Good seed degenerates, and oft obeyes The soyles disease, and into cockle strayes; 50 Let the minds thoughts be but transplanted so, Into the body,'and bastardly they grow. What hate could hurt our bodies like our love? Wee (but no forraine tyrants could) remove These not ingrav'd, but inborne dignities, 55 Caskets of soules; Temples, and Palaces: For, bodies shall from death redeemed bee, Soules but preserv'd, not naturally free. As men to'our prisons, new soules to us are sent, Which learne vice there, and come in innocent. 60 First seeds of every creature are in us, What ere the world hath bad, or pretious, Mans body can produce, hence hath it beene That stones, wormes, frogges, and snakes in man are seene: But who ere saw, though nature can worke soe, 65 That pearle, or gold, or corne in man did grow? We'have added to the world Virginia,'and sent Two new starres lately to the firmament; Why grudge wee us (not heaven) the dignity T'increase with ours, those faire soules company. 70 But I must end this letter, though it doe Stand on two truths, neither is true to you, Vertue hath some perversenesse; For she will Neither beleeve her good, nor others ill. Even in you, vertues best paradise, 75 Vertue hath some, but wise degrees of vice. Too many vertues, or too much of one Begets in you unjust suspition; And ignorance of vice, makes vertue lesse, Quenching compassion of our wrechednesse. 80 But these are riddles; Some aspersion Of vice becomes well some complexion. Statesmen purge vice with vice, and may corrode The bad with bad, a spider with a toad: For so, ill thralls not them, but they tame ill 85 And make her do much good against her will, But in your Commonwealth, or world in you, Vice hath no office, or good worke to doe. Take then no vitious purge, but be content With cordiall vertue, your knowne nourishment. 90

[the &c. 1633-69: To the Countesse of B. N, O'F, TCD]

[5 debt 1669, N, O'F, TCD: doubt 1633-54]

[7 soe; Ed: soe, 1633-54: soe. 1669

nothings, 1635-54: nothing, 1633, N, TCD: Nothing 1669

may] may, 1633]

[14 hath] have 1633: om. N, TCD (have inserted)

Dian's 1635-54: Dian's 1633: Dina's 1669]

[20 or all It; You. 1635-54: or all it, you. 1669, N, O'F, TCD: or all, in you. 1633 (you, some copies)]

[25 Your (or you) vertue O'F: Your, or you vertue, 1633-54: You, or you vertue, 1669]

[26 preserves. Ed: preserves; 1633-69]

[28 you:] you. 1633-39]

[30 is some] it some 1633]

[32 Stoop, others ills] Stoop (Stop 1633) others ills, 1633-54: Stoop others ills 1669]

[34 excuse; Ed: excuse, 1633-69, Grosart (who transposes should and would), Chambers: excuse Grolier. See note

would: Ed: would] 1633-69]

[36 the hills. Ed: the hills; 1633-69]

[37 Philosophy. Phylosophy 1633 some copies, 1669]

[45 raise;] raise 1633]

[46 this,] these 1669]

[50 strayes; Ed: strayes. 1633-69]

[51 Let] Let but 1669]

[54 Wee (but no forraine tyrants could) remove Ed: Wee but no forraine tyrants could, remove O'F: Wee but no forraigne tyrants could remove, 1633-54 (tyrans 1633): We, but no forrain tyrants, could remove 1669, Chambers and Grolier. See note]

[55 dignities, Ed: dignities 1633-69]

[56 Palaces: 1633-35: Palaces. 1639-69]

[58 not naturally free. Ed: not naturally free; 1633, N, TCD: borne naturally free; 1635-69, O'F]

[59 prisons, new soules 1633: prisons now, soules 1635-69, O'F: prisons, now soules N, TCD]

[60 vice 1635-69, O'F: it 1633, N, TCD]

[66 That] That, 1633

grow? 1639-69: grow. 1633-35]

[74 ill.] ill, 1633-35]

[75 you, 1669: you 1635-54: your 1633]

[78 suspition; Ed: suspition. 1633-69]

[79 makes] make 1635-39]

[87 Commonwealth, ... you,] no commas 1633]

On New-yeares day.

This twilight of two yeares, not past nor next, Some embleme is of mee, or I of this, Who Meteor-like, of stuffe and forme perplext, Whose what, and where, in disputation is, If I should call mee any thing, should misse. 5

I summe the yeares, and mee, and finde mee not Debtor to th'old, nor Creditor to th'new, That cannot say, My thankes I have forgot, Nor trust I this with hopes, and yet scarce true This bravery is, since these times shew'd mee you. 10

In recompence I would show future times What you were, and teach them to'urge towards such. Verse embalmes vertue;'and Tombs, or Thrones of rimes, Preserve fraile transitory fame, as much As spice doth bodies from corrupt aires touch. 15

Mine are short-liv'd; the tincture of your name Creates in them, but dissipates as fast, New spirits: for, strong agents with the same Force that doth warme and cherish, us doe wast; Kept hot with strong extracts, no bodies last: 20

So, my verse built of your just praise, might want Reason and likelihood, the firmest Base, And made of miracle, now faith is scant, Will vanish soone, and so possesse no place, And you, and it, too much grace might disgrace. 25

When all (as truth commands assent) confesse All truth of you, yet they will doubt how I, One corne of one low anthills dust, and lesse, Should name, know, or expresse a thing so high, And not an inch, measure infinity. 30

I cannot tell them, nor my selfe, nor you, But leave, lest truth b'endanger'd by my praise, And turne to God, who knowes I thinke this true, And useth oft, when such a heart mis-sayes, To make it good, for, such a praiser prayes. 35

Hee will best teach you, how you should lay out His stock of beauty, learning, favour, blood; He will perplex security with doubt, And cleare those doubts; hide from you,'and shew you good, And so increase your appetite and food; 40

Hee will teach you, that good and bad have not One latitude in cloysters, and in Court; Indifferent there the greatest space hath got; Some pitty'is not good there, some vaine disport, On this side sinne, with that place may comport. 45

Yet he, as hee bounds seas, will fixe your houres, Which pleasure, and delight may not ingresse, And though what none else lost, be truliest yours, Hee will make you, what you did not, possesse, By using others, not vice, but weakenesse. 50

He will make you speake truths, and credibly, And make you doubt, that others doe not so: Hee will provide you keyes, and locks, to spie, And scape spies, to good ends, and hee will show What you may not acknowledge, what not know. 55

For your owne conscience, he gives innocence, But for your fame, a discreet warinesse, And though to scape, then to revenge offence Be better, he showes both, and to represse Ioy, when your state swells, sadnesse when'tis lesse. 60

From need of teares he will defend your soule, Or make a rebaptizing of one teare; Hee cannot, (that's, he will not) dis-inroule Your name; and when with active joy we heare This private Ghospell, then'tis our New Yeare. 65

[To the &c. 1633-69: To the Countesse of B. at New-yeares tide. N, O'F, TCD]

[3-4 (Meteor-like, ... disputation is,) 1635-69]

[9 true Ed: true, 1633 true. 1635-69]

[10 is, Ed: is 1633-69 (in 1633 the interval shows that a comma was intended)

times] time 1633]

[12 such. Ed: such, 1633-69]

[16 short-liv'd] short liv'd 1633]

[17 fast,] fast 1633]

[18 spirits: Ed: spirit: 1633: spirits; 1635-69]

[19 cherish, us doe 1633: cherish us, doe 1635-69]

[27 I, Ed: I 1633-69]

[28 (One corne ... and lesse,) 1635-69]

[29 name, know,] no commas 1633-69]

[30 And not an inch, 1633: And (not an inch) 1635-69

infinity.] infinite. 1669]

[35 praiser prayes. 1635-69, O'F: prayer prayes. 1633: prayer praise. N, TCD]

[37 blood;] blood, 1633]

[39 doubts;] doubts, 1633]

[42 Court; Ed: Court, 1633-69]

[43 got; Ed: got, 1633-69]

[44 pitty' 1633-69: piety James Russell Lowell, in Grolier note. See note]

[45 On this side sinne, Ed (from Chambers): On this side, sinne; 1633: On this side, sin, 1635-69. See note]

[46 he, Ed: he 1633-69]

[47 Which] With 1633]

[55 may] will 1669]

[58-9 (though to scape ... Be better,) 1635-69]

[65 New Yeare.] new yeare, 1633]

To the Countesse of Huntingdon.

Man to Gods image; Eve, to mans was made, Nor finde wee that God breath'd a soule in her, Canons will not Church functions you invade, Nor lawes to civill office you preferre.

Who vagrant transitory Comets sees, 5 Wonders, because they'are rare; But a new starre Whose motion with the firmament agrees, Is miracle; for, there no new things are;

In woman so perchance milde innocence A seldome comet is, but active good 10 A miracle, which reason scapes, and sense; For, Art and Nature this in them withstood.

As such a starre, the Magi led to view The manger-cradled infant, God below: By vertues beames by fame deriv'd from you, 15 May apt soules, and the worst may, vertue know.

If the worlds age, and death be argued well By the Sunnes fall, which now towards earth doth bend, Then we might feare that vertue, since she fell So low as woman, should be neare her end. 20

But she's not stoop'd, but rais'd; exil'd by men She fled to heaven, that's heavenly things, that's you; She was in all men, thinly scatter'd then, But now amass'd, contracted in a few.

She guilded us: But you are gold, and Shee; 25 Us she inform'd, but transubstantiates you; Soft dispositions which ductile bee, Elixarlike, she makes not cleane, but new.

Though you a wifes and mothers name retaine, 'Tis not as woman, for all are not soe, 30 But vertue having made you vertue,'is faine T'adhere in these names, her and you to show,

Else, being alike pure, wee should neither see; As, water being into ayre rarify'd, Neither appeare, till in one cloud they bee, 35 So, for our sakes you do low names abide;

Taught by great constellations, which being fram'd, Of the most starres, take low names, Crab and Bull, When single planets by the Gods are nam'd, You covet not great names, of great things full. 40

So you, as woman, one doth comprehend, And in the vaile of kindred others see; To some ye are reveal'd, as in a friend, And as a vertuous Prince farre off, to mee.

To whom, because from you all vertues flow, 45 And 'tis not none, to dare contemplate you, I, which doe so, as your true subject owe Some tribute for that, so these lines are due.

If you can thinke these flatteries, they are, For then your judgement is below my praise, 50 If they were so, oft, flatteries worke as farre, As Counsels, and as farre th'endeavour raise.

So my ill reaching you might there grow good, But I remaine a poyson'd fountaine still; But not your beauty, vertue, knowledge, blood 55 Are more above all flattery, then my will.

And if I flatter any,'tis not you But my owne judgement, who did long agoe Pronounce, that all these praises should be true, And vertue should your beauty,'and birth outgrow. 60

Now that my prophesies are all fulfill'd, Rather then God should not be honour'd too, And all these gifts confess'd, which hee instill'd, Your selfe were bound to say that which I doe.

So I, but your Recorder am in this, 65 Or mouth, or Speaker of the universe, A ministeriall Notary, for'tis Not I, but you and fame, that make this verse;

I was your Prophet in your yonger dayes, And now your Chaplaine, God in you to praise. 70

[To the &c. 1633-69, O'F: To the C. of H. N, TCD]

[1 image;] image, 1633

mans] man 1650-69]

[9 woman] women 1669]

[13 the] which 1633

Magi] Magis N, O'F, TCD: compare p. 243, l. 390]

[14 below: Ed: below. 1633-69]

[15 beames by ... you, 1633: beames (by ... you) 1633-69]

[16 may, Ed: may 1633-69]

[22 you; Ed: you, 1633-69]

[24 amass'd, 1633, O'F: a masse 1635-69, N, TCD]

[25-6 But you are gold, and Shee; ... transubstantiates you; Ed: But you are gold, and Shee, ... transubstantiates you, 1633:

but you are gold; and she, Informed us, but transubstantiates you,

1635-69, Chambers (but no comma after and she and colon or full stop after you 1650-69, Chambers)]

[33 see; Ed: see, 1633-69]

[37-9 (which being ... are nam'd) 1635-69]

[42 vaile] vale 1669]

[43 ye 1633: you 1635-69]

[47 doe so, 1635-69, O'F: doe N, TCD: to you 1633]

[48 due.] due, 1633]

[55 But 1633, N, O'F, TCD: And 1635-69, Chambers]

[64 that] thar 1633]

[66 or Speaker 1633: and Speaker 1635-69]

[67 Notary,] notary, 1633]

To M^r T. W.

All haile sweet Poët, more full of more strong fire, Then hath or shall enkindle any spirit, I lov'd what nature gave thee, but this merit Of wit and Art I love not but admire; Who have before or shall write after thee, 5 Their workes, though toughly laboured, will bee Like infancie or age to mans firme stay, Or earely and late twilights to mid-day.

Men say, and truly, that they better be Which be envyed then pittied: therefore I, 10 Because I wish thee best, doe thee envie: O wouldst thou, by like reason, pitty mee! But care not for mee: I, that ever was In Natures, and in Fortunes gifts, alas, (Before thy grace got in the Muses Schoole 15 A monster and a begger,) am now a foole.

Oh how I grieve, that late borne modesty Hath got such root in easie waxen hearts, That men may not themselves, their owne good parts Extoll, without suspect of surquedrie, 20 For, but thy selfe, no subject can be found Worthy thy quill, nor any quill resound Thy worth but thine: how good it were to see A Poëm in thy praise, and writ by thee.

Now if this song be too'harsh for rime, yet, as 25 The Painters bad god made a good devill, 'Twill be good prose, although the verse be evill, If thou forget the rime as thou dost passe. Then write, that I may follow, and so bee Thy debter, thy'eccho, thy foyle, thy zanee. 30 I shall be thought, if mine like thine I shape, All the worlds Lyon, though I be thy Ape.

[To M^r T. W.: P, S, W: To M. I. W. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: A Letter. To M^r T. W. O'F: Ad amicum. S96: no title, B, Cy]

[1 more full] and full 1669]

[2 any spirit, 1633, A18, Cy, N, P, TC, W: my dull spirit, 1635-69, B, O'F, S]

[3 this merit 1633, A18, Cy, N, P, S, TC, W: thy merit 1635-69, B, O'F, Chambers]

[11 thee ... thee] the ... the 1669]

[12 mee! Ed: mee. W: mee, 1633-69]

[13 mee: Ed: mee, 1633-69

ever was] never was B, P, S96]

[14-16

In Natures, and in Fortunes gifts, alas, (Before ... and a begger,)

Ed:

In Natures, and in fortunes gifts, (alas, Before thy grace got in the Muses Schoole) A monster and a begger,

1633 (some copies: others read 15 Before by thy grace &c., which is also the Grolier conjecture), A18, Cy, N, P, S, TC, W (but W and some of the other MSS. have no brackets):

In Natures, and in fortunes gifts, alas, (But for thy grace got in the Muses Schoole) A Monster and a beggar,

1635-69, O'F, Chambers

In fortunes, nor (or S96) in natures gifts alas, But by thy grace, &c.

B, S96. See note]

[16 am now a foole. Cy, O'F, P, S, S96, W: am a foole. 1633-69, A18, B, N, TC]

[23 worth 1669, B, Cy, O'F, P, S, S96, W: worke 1633-54, A18, N, TC]

[27 evill, W: evill. 1633-69, Chambers]

[28 passe. W: passe, 1633-69, Chambers]

[29 that I 1669, B, Cy, N, O'F, P, S, W: then I 1633-54, A18, N, TC]

[30 Thy debter, thy'eccho 1633-54: Thy eccho, thy debtor 1669

thy zanee.] and thy Zanee. A18, N, TC]

[31 if ... shape] brackets 1635-69]

To M T. W.

Hast thee harsh verse, as fast as thy lame measure Will give thee leave, to him, my pain and pleasure. I have given thee, and yet thou art too weake, Feete, and a reasoning soule and tongue to speake. Plead for me, and so by thine and my labour 5 I am thy Creator, thou my Saviour. Tell him, all questions, which men have defended Both of the place and paines of hell, are ended; And 'tis decreed our hell is but privation Of him, at least in this earths habitation: 10 And 'tis where I am, where in every street Infections follow, overtake, and meete: Live I or die, by you my love is sent, And you'are my pawnes, or else my Testament.

[To M^r T. W.: O'F, W: To M. T. W. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD]

[1 verse, 1669: verse 1633-54]

[2 to him, my pain and pleasure. W, and Chambers (without comma): to him; My pain, and pleasure 1633-69: to him. My pain and pleasure, Grolier]

[4 Feete, ... soule W: no comma 1633: Feete ... soule, 1635-69]

[5-6 These lines only in W]

[9 our] that W]

[14 And you'are 1633, A18, N, TC, W: You are 1635-69, O'F

pawnes] om. with space, W]

Pregnant again with th'old twins Hope, and Feare, Oft have I askt for thee, both how and where Thou wert, and what my hopes of letters were;

As in our streets sly beggers narrowly Watch motions of the givers hand and eye, 5 And evermore conceive some hope thereby.

And now thy Almes is given, thy letter'is read, The body risen againe, the which was dead, And thy poore starveling bountifully fed.

After this banquet my Soule doth say grace, 10 And praise thee for'it, and zealously imbrace Thy love; though I thinke thy love in this case To be as gluttons, which say 'midst their meat, They love that best of which they most do eat.

[To M^r T. W. O'F, W: To M. T. W. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD]

[5 Watch] Marke W

and eye, A18, A23, N, O'F, TC, W: or eye, 1633-69]

[12 love; Ed: love, 1633-69]

At once, from hence, my lines and I depart, I to my soft still walks, they to my Heart; I to the Nurse, they to the child of Art;

Yet as a firme house, though the Carpenter Perish, doth stand: As an Embassadour 5 Lyes safe, how e'r his king be in danger:

So, though I languish, prest with Melancholy, My verse, the strict Map of my misery, Shall live to see that, for whose want I dye.

Therefore I envie them, and doe repent, 10 That from unhappy mee, things happy'are sent; Yet as a Picture, or bare Sacrament, Accept these lines, and if in them there be Merit of love, bestow that love on mee.

[To M^r T. W. W: An Old Letter. D, H49: A Letter. S96: Letter. O'F: no heading, and following the preceding without any interval, 1633, A18, N, TC: Incerto. 1635-69]

[5 As W: as 1633-69]

[7 Melancholy] Malancholy 1633]

[14 of love,] of love 1633]

To M^r R. W.

Zealously my Muse doth salute all thee, Enquiring of that mistique trinitee Whereof thou,'and all to whom heavens do infuse Like fyer, are made; thy body, mind, and Muse. Dost thou recover sicknes, or prevent? 5 Or is thy Mind travail'd with discontent? Or art thou parted from the world and mee, In a good skorn of the worlds vanitee? Or is thy devout Muse retyr'd to sing Vpon her tender Elegiaque string? 10 Our Minds part not, joyne then thy Muse with myne, For myne is barren thus devorc'd from thyne.

[To M^r R. W. A23, W: first printed in Gosse's Life and Letters of John Donne, &c., 1899]

[1 thee,] thee W]

Mvse not that by thy mind thy body is led: For by thy mind, my mind's distempered. So thy Care lives long, for I bearing part It eates not only thyne, but my swolne hart. And when it gives us intermission 5 We take new harts for it to feede upon. But as a Lay Mans Genius doth controule Body and mind; the Muse beeing the Soules Soule Of Poets, that methinks should ease our anguish, Although our bodyes wither and minds languish. 10 Wright then, that my griefes which thine got may bee Cured by thy charming soveraigne melodee.

[M^r R. W. A23, W: printed here for the first time]

To M^r C. B.

Thy friend, whom thy deserts to thee enchaine, Urg'd by this unexcusable occasion, Thee and the Saint of his affection Leaving behinde, doth of both wants complaine; And let the love I beare to both sustaine 5 No blott nor maime by this division, Strong is this love which ties our hearts in one, And strong that love pursu'd with amorous paine; But though besides thy selfe I leave behind Heavens liberall, and earths thrice-fairer Sunne, 10 Going to where sterne winter aye doth wonne, Yet, loves hot fires, which martyr my sad minde, Doe send forth scalding sighes, which have the Art To melt all Ice, but that which walls her heart.

[To M^r C. B.: A23, W: To M. C. B. 1633-69, A18, N, O'F, TCC, TCD]

[9 thy self] my self 1669]

[10 liberall,] liberall 1633

earths 1633, 1669, A18, A23, N, O'F, TC, W: the 1635-54, Chambers

thrice fairer A23, W: thrice-faire 1633-69, A18, N, TC]

[11 sterne 1633, A18, A23, N, TC, W: sterv'd 1633-69, O'F]

[13 forth] out A18, N, TC]

To M^r E. G.

Even as lame things thirst their perfection, so The slimy rimes bred in our vale below, Bearing with them much of my love and hart, Fly unto that Parnassus, where thou art. There thou oreseest London: Here I have beene, 5 By staying in London, too much overseene. Now pleasures dearth our City doth posses, Our Theaters are fill'd with emptines; As lancke and thin is every street and way As a woman deliver'd yesterday. 10 Nothing whereat to laugh my spleen espyes But bearbaitings or Law exercise. Therefore I'le leave it, and in the Country strive Pleasure, now fled from London, to retrive. Do thou so too: and fill not like a Bee 15 Thy thighs with hony, but as plenteously As Russian Marchants, thy selfes whole vessell load, And then at Winter retaile it here abroad. Blesse us with Suffolks sweets; and as it is Thy garden, make thy hive and warehouse this. 20

[To M^r E. G. W: first printed in Gosse's Life and Letters of John Donne, &c. 1899]

[5-6 beene, ... London,] no commas, W]

[6 staying] staing W]

[7 dearth] dirth W]

[7-8 posses, ... emptines;] posses ... emptines. W]

If, as mine is, thy life a slumber be, Seeme, when thou read'st these lines, to dreame of me, Never did Morpheus nor his brother weare Shapes soe like those Shapes, whom they would appeare, As this my letter is like me, for it 5 Hath my name, words, hand, feet, heart, minde and wit; It is my deed of gift of mee to thee, It is my Will, my selfe the Legacie. So thy retyrings I love, yea envie, Bred in thee by a wise melancholy, 10 That I rejoyce, that unto where thou art, Though I stay here, I can thus send my heart, As kindly'as any enamored Patient His Picture to his absent Love hath sent.

All newes I thinke sooner reach thee then mee; 15 Havens are Heavens, and Ships wing'd Angels be, The which both Gospell, and sterne threatnings bring; Guyanaes harvest is nip'd in the spring, I feare; And with us (me thinkes) Fate deales so As with the Jewes guide God did; he did show 20 Him the rich land, but bar'd his entry in: Oh, slownes is our punishment and sinne. Perchance, these Spanish businesse being done, Which as the Earth betweene the Moone and Sun Eclipse the light which Guyana would give, 25 Our discontinued hopes we shall retrive: But if (as all th'All must) hopes smoake away, Is not Almightie Vertue'an India?

If men be worlds, there is in every one Some thing to answere in some proportion 30 All the worlds riches: And in good men, this, Vertue, our formes forme and our soules soule, is.

[To M^r R. W. A18, A23, N, O'F, TCC, TCD, W: To M. R. W. 1633-69: no breaks, W: two stanzas of fourteen lines and a quatrain, 1633: twenty-eight lines continuous and a quatrain, 1633-69]

[3 brother 1633-69, A18, N, O'F, TC: brethren W]

[6 hand,] hands O'F, TC]

[21 in: 1650-69, W: in, 1633-39]

[22 Oh, A23, N, O'F, TC: Ah, W: Our 1633-69

sinne. W: sinne; 1633-69]

[23 businesse 1633, A18, N, TC: busnesses W: businesses 1635-69

done] donne W]

[27 all th'All W: All th'All 1633-69]

[31 men, this, Ed: men, this 1633-69]

[32 soules soule, is. Chambers: soules soule is. 1633-69]

Kindly I envy thy songs perfection Built of all th'elements as our bodyes are: That Litle of earth that is in it, is a faire Delicious garden where all sweetes are sowne. In it is cherishing fyer which dryes in mee 5 Griefe which did drowne me: and halfe quench'd by it Are satirique fyres which urg'd me to have writt In skorne of all: for now I admyre thee. And as Ayre doth fullfill the hollownes Of rotten walls; so it myne emptines, 10 Where tost and mov'd it did beget this sound Which as a lame Eccho of thyne doth rebound. Oh, I was dead; but since thy song new Life did give, I recreated, even by thy creature, live.

[To M^r R. W. W: published here for the first time]

[6 which] w^{ch} W, and so always]

[10 emptines,] emptines. W]

[13-14 Oh, ... give, ... recreated, ... creature,] no commas, W]

To M^r S. B.

O Thou which to search out the secret parts Of the India, or rather Paradise Of knowledge, hast with courage and advise Lately launch'd into the vast Sea of Arts, Disdaine not in thy constant travailing 5 To doe as other Voyagers, and make Some turnes into lesse Creekes, and wisely take Fresh water at the Heliconian spring; I sing not, Siren like, to tempt; for I Am harsh; nor as those Scismatiques with you, 10 Which draw all wits of good hope to their crew; But seeing in you bright sparkes of Poetry, I, though I brought no fuell, had desire With these Articulate blasts to blow the fire.

[To M^r S. B. O'F: To M. S. B. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD, W]

[10 harsh; 1650-69: harsh, 1633-39]

[12 seeing] seing 1633: seene TCD, W: seeme TCC]

[13 I, though] I thought 1650-54

had] but 1650-54]

To M^r I. L.

Of that short Roll of friends writ in my heart Which with thy name begins, since their depart, Whether in the English Provinces they be, Or drinke of Po, Sequan, or Danubie, There's none that sometimes greets us not, and yet 5 Your Trent is Lethe; that past, us you forget. You doe not duties of Societies, If from the'embrace of a lov'd wife you rise, View your fat Beasts, stretch'd Barnes, and labour'd fields, Eate, play, ryde, take all joyes which all day yeelds, 10 And then againe to your embracements goe: Some houres on us your frends, and some bestow Upon your Muse, else both wee shall repent, I that my love, she that her guifts on you are spent.

[To M^r I. L. W: To M. I. L. 1633-69: To M. I. L. A18, N, TCC, TCD: To M^r T. L. O'F]

[5 sometimes] sometime 1635-39, Chambers]

[6 Lethe; W: Lethe', 1633-69

forget. 1639-69, W: forget, 1633-35]

[13 your] thy W]

[14 you] thee W

spent.] spent 1633]

To M^r B. B.

Is not thy sacred hunger of science Yet satisfy'd? Is not thy braines rich hive Fulfil'd with hony which thou dost derive From the Arts spirits and their Quintessence? Then weane thy selfe at last, and thee withdraw 5 From Cambridge thy old nurse, and, as the rest, Here toughly chew, and sturdily digest Th'immense vast volumes of our common law; And begin soone, lest my griefe grieve thee too, Which is, that that which I should have begun 10 In my youthes morning, now late must be done; And I as Giddy Travellers must doe, Which stray or sleepe all day, and having lost Light and strength, darke and tir'd must then ride post.

If thou unto thy Muse be marryed, 15 Embrace her ever, ever multiply, Be far from me that strange Adulterie To tempt thee and procure her widowhed. My Muse, (for I had one,) because I'am cold, Divorc'd her selfe: the cause being in me, 20 That I can take no new in Bigamye, Not my will only but power doth withhold. Hence comes it, that these Rymes which never had Mother, want matter, and they only have A little forme, the which their Father gave; 25 They are prophane, imperfect, oh, too bad To be counted Children of Poetry Except confirm'd and Bishoped by thee.

[To M^r B. B. O'F, W: To M. B. B. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD]

[12 I ... Travellers 1650-69: I, ... Travellers, 1633-39]

[13 stray] stay W: compare Sat. III. 78]

[16 ever, ever multiply, 1633-69, A18, N, O'F, TC: still: encrease and multiply; W]

[18 widowhed. W: widdowhood, 1633-39: widdowhood; 1650-69]

[19 Muse, A18, N, O'F, TC, W: nurse, 1633-69]

[20 selfe: W: selfe, 1633-69

in me, 1633-69: in me; Grolier: in me. Chambers. See note]

Blest are your North parts, for all this long time My Sun is with you, cold and darke'is our Clime: Heavens Sun, which staid so long from us this yeare, Staid in your North (I thinke) for she was there, And hether by kinde nature drawne from thence, 5 Here rages, chafes, and threatens pestilence; Yet I, as long as shee from hence doth staie, Thinke this no South, no Sommer, nor no day. With thee my kinde and unkinde heart is run, There sacrifice it to that beauteous Sun: 10 And since thou art in Paradise and need'st crave No joyes addition, helpe thy friend to save. So may thy pastures with their flowery feasts, As suddenly as Lard, fat thy leane beasts; So may thy woods oft poll'd, yet ever weare 15 A greene, and when thee list, a golden haire; So may all thy sheepe bring forth Twins; and so In chace and race may thy horse all out goe; So may thy love and courage ne'r be cold; Thy Sonne ne'r Ward; Thy lov'd wife ne'r seem old; But maist thou wish great things, and them attaine, 21 As thou telst her, and none but her, my paine.

[To M^r I. L. Ed: To M. I. L. A18, N, TCC, TCD, W: To M^r T. L. O'F: To M. I. P. 1633-69]

[6 rages, chafes, Ed: rages chafes 1633-39: rages, chafes 1650-69: rages, burnes, W]

[11-12 these lines from W: they have not previously been printed]

[16 when thee list, Ed: when thee list 1633, A18, N, TC: (when she list) 1635-69, O'F: when thou wilt W]

[20 lov'd wife] fair wife W]

[22 her, ... her, Ed: her ... her 1633: her, ... her 1635-69]

To Sir H. W. at his going Ambassador to Venice.

After those reverend papers, whose soule is Our good and great Kings lov'd hand and fear'd name, By which to you he derives much of his, And (how he may) makes you almost the same,

A Taper of his Torch, a copie writ 5 From his Originall, and a faire beame Of the same warme, and dazeling Sun, though it Must in another Sphere his vertue streame:

After those learned papers which your hand Hath stor'd with notes of use and pleasure too, 10 From which rich treasury you may command Fit matter whether you will write or doe:

After those loving papers, where friends tend With glad griefe, to your Sea-ward steps, farewel, Which thicken on you now, as prayers ascend 15 To heaven in troupes at'a good mans passing bell:

Admit this honest paper, and allow It such an audience as your selfe would aske; What you must say at Venice this meanes now, And hath for nature, what you have for taske: 20

To sweare much love, not to be chang'd before Honour alone will to your fortune fit; Nor shall I then honour your forture, more Then I have done your honour wanting it.

But'tis an easier load (though both oppresse) 25 To want, then governe greatnesse, for wee are In that, our owne and onely business, In this, wee must for others vices care;

'Tis therefore well your spirits now are plac'd In their last Furnace, in activity; 30 Which fits them (Schooles and Courts and Warres o'rpast) To touch and test in any best degree.

For mee, (if there be such a thing as I) Fortune (if there be such a thing as thee) Spies that I beare so well her tyranny, 35 That she thinks nothing else so fit for mee;

But though she part us, to heare my oft prayers For your increase, God is as neere mee here; And to send you what I shall begge, his staires In length and ease are alike every where. 40

[To Sir H. W. at his &c. 1633-54: To Sir Henry Wotton, at his &c. 1669, A18, N, O'F, TCC, TCD: printed in Walton's Life of Sir Henry Wotton, 1670, as a 'letter, sent by him to Sir Henry Wotton, the morning before he left England', i.e. July 13 (O.S.), 1604]

[10 pleasure 1635-69, A18, N, O'F, TC, Walton: pleasures 1633]

[13 where 1633, A18, N, TC: which 1635-69, O'F, Walton]

[16 in troupes] on troops Walton]

[19 must ... meanes] would ... sayes Walton]

[20 hath] has Walton

taske: Ed: taske. 1633-69]

[21 not] nor Walton]

[24 honour wanting it 1633: noble-wanting-wit. 1635-69, O'F: honour-wanting-wit. Walton: noble wanting it. A18, N, TCC, TCD]

[31 Warres Ed: warres 1633-69: tents Burley MS.]

[32 test] tast 1669 and Walton]

[35 Spies] Finds Walton]

To M^rs M. H.

Mad paper stay, and grudge not here to burne With all those sonnes whom my braine did create, At lest lye hid with mee, till thou returne To rags againe, which is thy native state.

What though thou have enough unworthinesse 5 To come unto great place as others doe, That's much; emboldens, pulls, thrusts I confesse, But'tis not all; Thou should'st be wicked too.

And, that thou canst not learne, or not of mee; Yet thou wilt goe? Goe, since thou goest to her 10 Who lacks but faults to be a Prince, for shee, Truth, whom they dare not pardon, dares preferre.

But when thou com'st to that perplexing eye Which equally claimes love and reverence, Thou wilt not long dispute it, thou wilt die; 15 And, having little now, have then no sense.

Yet when her warme redeeming hand, which is A miracle; and made such to worke more, Doth touch thee (saples leafe) thou grow'st by this Her creature; glorify'd more then before. 20

Then as a mother which delights to heare Her early child mis-speake halfe uttered words, Or, because majesty doth never feare Ill or bold speech, she Audience affords.

And then, cold speechlesse wretch, thou diest againe, 25 And wisely; what discourse is left for thee? For, speech of ill, and her, thou must abstaine, And is there any good which is not shee?

Yet maist thou praise her servants, though not her, And wit, and vertue,'and honour her attend, 30 And since they'are but her cloathes, thou shalt not erre, If thou her shape and beauty'and grace commend.

Who knowes thy destiny? when thou hast done, Perchance her Cabinet may harbour thee, Whither all noble ambitious wits doe runne, 35 A nest almost as full of Good as shee.

When thou art there, if any, whom wee know, Were sav'd before, and did that heaven partake, When she revolves his papers, marke what show Of favour, she alone, to them doth make. 40

Marke, if to get them, she o'r skip the rest, Marke, if shee read them twice, or kisse the name; Marke, if she doe the same that they protest, Marke, if she marke whether her woman came.

Marke, if slight things be'objected, and o'r blowne, 45 Marke, if her oathes against him be not still Reserv'd, and that shee grieves she's not her owne, And chides the doctrine that denies Freewill.

I bid thee not doe this to be my spie; Nor to make my selfe her familiar; 50 But so much I doe love her choyce, that I Would faine love him that shall be lov'd of her.

[To M^rs M. H. O'F: To M. M. H. 1633-69, A18, N, TCC, TCD: no title, A25, B, C, P: Elegie. S96]

[2 sonnes] Sunnes B, S96

my 1633: thy 1635-69: Chambers attributes thy to 1633]

[3 returne] returne. 1633]

[7 That's much; emboldens, A18, N, TC: That's much, emboldens, 1633-54: That's much emboldness, 1669: That's much, it emboldens, B, P]

[8 all; Thou A18, N, TC: all, thou 1633-69]

[10 goe? Goe, Ed: goe, Goe, 1633-69]

[14 reverence, Ed: reverence. 1633: reverence: 1635-69]

[22 mis-speake] mispeake 1633]

[27 For, 1633: From 1635-69, and MSS.

her, Ed: her 1633-69]

[31 erre, 1669: erre 1633-54]

[40 she alone, 1633: she, alone, 1635-69]

[41 get them, she o'r skip] get them, she do skip A18 (doth), N, TC: get them, she skip oare A25, C, O'F (skips): get to them, shee skipp B, P]

[44 whether 1633: whither 1635-69]

[47 grieves 1633: grieve 1635-69]

Honour is so sublime perfection, And so refinde; that when God was alone And creaturelesse at first, himselfe had none;

But as of the elements, these which wee tread, Produce all things with which wee'are joy'd or fed, 5 And, those are barren both above our head:

So from low persons doth all honour flow; Kings, whom they would have honoured, to us show, And but direct our honour, not bestow.

For when from herbs the pure part must be wonne 10 From grosse, by Stilling, this is better done By despis'd dung, then by the fire or Sunne.

Care not then, Madame,'how low your praysers lye; In labourers balads oft more piety God findes, then in Te Deums melodie. 15

And, ordinance rais'd on Towers, so many mile Send not their voice, nor last so long a while As fires from th'earths low vaults in Sicil Isle.

Should I say I liv'd darker then were true, Your radiation can all clouds subdue; 20 But one,'tis best light to contemplate you.

You, for whose body God made better clay, Or tooke Soules stuffe such as shall late decay, Or such as needs small change at the last day.

This, as an Amber drop enwraps a Bee, 25 Covering discovers your quicke Soule; that we May in your through-shine front your hearts thoughts see.

You teach (though wee learne not) a thing unknowne To our late times, the use of specular stone, Through which all things within without were shown. 30

Of such were Temples; so and of such you are; Beeing and seeming is your equall care, And vertues whole summe is but know and dare.

But as our Soules of growth and Soules of sense Have birthright of our reasons Soule, yet hence 35 They fly not from that, nor seeke presidence:

Natures first lesson, so, discretion, Must not grudge zeale a place, nor yet keepe none, Not banish it selfe, nor religion.

Discretion is a wisemans Soule, and so 40 Religion is a Christians, and you know How these are one; her yea, is not her no.

Nor may we hope to sodder still and knit These two, and dare to breake them; nor must wit Be colleague to religion, but be it. 45

In those poor types of God (round circles) so Religions tipes the peeclesse centers flow, And are in all the lines which all wayes goe.

If either ever wrought in you alone Or principally, then religion 50 Wrought your ends, and your wayes discretion.

Goe thither stil, goe the same way you went, Who so would change, do covet or repent; Neither can reach you, great and innocent.

[To the Countesse of Bedford. 1633-69, B, O'F, S96: To the Countess of B. N, TCD]

[10 part] parts N, O'F, TCD]

[12 or Sunne. 1633, B, N, O'F, S96, TCD: or Sun: 1669: of Sunne: 1635-54, Chambers]

[13 praysers N, O'F, TCD: prayers S96: prayses 1633-69]

[16 Towers,] Towers 1633]

[20-1 subdue; But one, Ed: subdue; But One Chambers: subdue, But one, 1633-69: subdue But one; Grolier and Grosart. See note]

[26 Covering discovers] Coverings discover 1669]

[27 your hearts thoughts B, N, O'F, S96, TCD: our hearts thoughts 1633-69. See note]

[31 so and of such N, TCD: so and such 1633-69, B, O'F, S96]

[33 is but to know and dare. N]

[36-7

They fly not from that, nor seeke presidence: Natures first lesson, so, discretion, &c.

1633-69 (presidence. 1633; precedence: 1669)

They fly not from that, nor seek precedence, Natures first lesson; so discretion &c.

Chambers and Grolier (discretion, Grolier). See note]

[40-2] These lines precede 34-9 in 1635-69, B, N, S96, TCD: om. O'F]

[42 one; Ed: one, 1633-69 yea, ... no] ital. Ed.]

[48 all wayes 1719: alwayes 1633-69]

[50-1

'twas Religion, Yet you neglected not Discretion.

S96]

[53 do covet] doth covet 1669, O'F, S96]

Begun in France but never perfected.

Though I be dead, and buried, yet I have (Living in you,) Court enough in my grave, As oft as there I thinke my selfe to bee, So many resurrections waken mee. That thankfullnesse your favours have begot 5 In mee, embalmes mee, that I doe not rot. This season as 'tis Easter, as 'tis spring, Must both to growth and to confession bring My thoughts dispos'd unto your influence; so, These verses bud, so these confessions grow. 10 First I confesse I have to others lent Your flock, and over prodigally spent Your treasure, for since I had never knowne Vertue or beautie, but as they are growne In you, I should not thinke or say they shine, 15 (So as I have) in any other Mine. Next I confesse this my confession, For, 'tis some fault thus much to touch upon Your praise to you, where half rights seeme too much, And make your minds sincere complexion blush. 20 Next I confesse my'impenitence, for I Can scarce repent my first fault, since thereby Remote low Spirits, which shall ne'r read you, May in lesse lessons finde enough to doe, By studying copies, not Originals, 25 Desunt cætera.

[To the Countesse &c. 1633-69 (following in 1635-69 That unripe side &c., p. 417, and If her disdaine &c., p. 430), O'F]

[5 begot] forgot 1633 some copies]

[6 embalmes mee, Ed: embalmes mee; 1633-69

rot. Ed: rot; 1633-69]

[9 influence; Ed: influence, 1633-69]

[10 grow. Ed: grow; 1633-69]

[14 or 1633-39: and 1650-69]

[16 Mine. Ed: Mine; 1633-69]

[18 upon Ed: upon, 1633-69]

A Letter to the Lady Carey, and M^rs Essex Riche, From Amyens.

Here where by All All Saints invoked are, 'Twere too much schisme to be singular, And 'gainst a practise generall to warre.

Yet turning to Saincts, should my'humility To other Sainct then you directed bee, 5 That were to make my schisme, heresie.

Nor would I be a Convertite so cold, As not to tell it; If this be too bold, Pardons are in this market cheaply sold.

Where, because Faith is in too low degree, 10 I thought it some Apostleship in mee To speake things which by faith alone I see.

That is, of you, who are a firmament Of virtues, where no one is growne, or spent, They'are your materials, not your ornament. 15

Others whom wee call vertuous, are not so In their whole substance, but, their vertues grow But in their humours, and at seasons show.

For when through tastlesse flat humilitie In dow bak'd men some harmelessenes we see, 20 'Tis but his flegme that's Vertuous, and not Hee:

Soe is the Blood sometimes; who ever ran To danger unimportun'd, he was than No better then a sanguine Vertuous man.

So cloysterall men, who, in pretence of feare 25 All contributions to this life forbeare, Have Vertue in Melancholy, and only there.

Spirituall Cholerique Crytiques, which in all Religions find faults, and forgive no fall, Have, through this zeale, Vertue but in their Gall. 30

We'are thus but parcel guilt; to Gold we'are growne When Vertue is our Soules complexion; Who knowes his Vertues name or place, hath none.

Vertue'is but aguish, when 'tis severall, By occasion wak'd, and circumstantiall. 35 True vertue is Soule, Alwaies in all deeds All.

This Vertue thinking to give dignitie To your soule, found there no infirmitie, For, your soule was as good Vertue, as shee;

Shee therefore wrought upon that part of you 40 Which is scarce lesse then soule, as she could do, And so hath made your beauty, Vertue too.

Hence comes it, that your Beauty wounds not hearts, As Others, with prophane and sensuall Darts, But as an influence, vertuous thoughts imparts. 45

But if such friends by the honor of your sight Grow capable of this so great a light, As to partake your vertues, and their might,

What must I thinke that influence must doe, Where it findes sympathie and matter too, 50 Vertue, and beauty of the same stuffe, as you?

Which is, your noble worthie sister, shee Of whom, if what in this my Extasie And revelation of you both I see,

I should write here, as in short Galleries 55 The Master at the end large glasses ties, So to present the roome twice to our eyes,

So I should give this letter length, and say That which I said of you; there is no way From either, but by the other, not to stray. 60

May therefore this be enough to testifie My true devotion, free from flattery; He that beleeves himselfe, doth never lie.

[A Letter to &c. 1633-69, D, H49, Lec: To the Lady Carey and her Sister M^rs Essex Rich. From Amiens. O'F: To the Lady Co: of C. N, TCD: To the Ladie Carey. or A Letter to the Ladie Carey. B, Cy, S96: no title, P: To M^rs Essex Rich and her sister frô Amiens. M]

[13 who are] who is 1633]

[19 humilitie 1633-54, B, Cy, D, H49, Lec, M, N, O'F, P, S96, TCD: humidity 1669, Chambers]

[26 contributions] contribution B, D, N, TCD]

[30 this zeale, 1635-69, B, Cy, D, H49, N, O'F, P, S96, TCD: their zeale, 1633, Lec]

[31 Gold] Golds 1633 some copies]

[33 aguish,] anguish, 1650-54]

[57 our eyes,] your eyes, Cy, D, H49, Lec, P]

[60 by the] to the 1669

other, 1669: other 1633-54]

To the Countesse of Salisbury. August. 1614.

Faire, great, and good, since seeing you, wee see What Heaven can doe, and what any Earth can be: Since now your beauty shines, now when the Sunne Growne stale, is to so low a value runne, That his disshevel'd beames and scattered fires 5 Serve but for Ladies Periwigs and Tyres In lovers Sonnets: you come to repaire Gods booke of creatures, teaching what is faire. Since now, when all is withered, shrunke, and dri'd, All Vertues ebb'd out to a dead low tyde, 10 All the worlds frame being crumbled into sand, Where every man thinks by himselfe to stand, Integritie, friendship, and confidence, (Ciments of greatnes) being vapor'd hence, And narrow man being fill'd with little shares, 15 Court, Citie, Church, are all shops of small-wares, All having blowne to sparkes their noble fire, And drawne their sound gold-ingot into wyre; All trying by a love of littlenesse To make abridgments, and to draw to lesse, 20 Even that nothing, which at first we were; Since in these times, your greatnesse doth appeare, And that we learne by it, that man to get Towards him that's infinite, must first be great. Since in an age so ill, as none is fit 25 So much as to accuse, much lesse mend it, (For who can judge, or witnesse of those times Where all alike are guiltie of the crimes?) Where he that would be good, is thought by all A monster, or at best fantasticall; 30 Since now you durst be good, and that I doe Discerne, by daring to contemplate you, That there may be degrees of faire, great, good, Through your light, largenesse, vertue understood: If in this sacrifice of mine, be showne 35 Any small sparke of these, call it your owne. And if things like these, have been said by mee Of others; call not that Idolatrie. For had God made man first, and man had seene The third daies fruits, and flowers, and various greene, 40 He might have said the best that he could say Of those faire creatures, which were made that day; And when next day he had admir'd the birth Of Sun, Moone, Stars, fairer then late-prais'd earth, Hee might have said the best that he could say, 45 And not be chid for praising yesterday; So though some things are not together true, As, that another is worthiest, and, that you: Yet, to say so, doth not condemne a man, If when he spoke them, they were both true than. 50 How faire a proofe of this, in our soule growes? Wee first have soules of growth, and sense, and those, When our last soule, our soule immortall came, Were swallowed into it, and have no name. Nor doth he injure those soules, which doth cast 55 The power and praise of both them, on the last; No more doe I wrong any; I adore The same things now, which I ador'd before, The subject chang'd, and measure; the same thing In a low constable, and in the King 60 I reverence; His power to work on mee: So did I humbly reverence each degree Of faire, great, good; but more, now I am come From having found their walkes, to find their home. And as I owe my first soules thankes, that they 65 For my last soule did fit and mould my clay, So am I debtor unto them, whose worth, Enabled me to profit, and take forth This new great lesson, thus to study you; Which none, not reading others, first, could doe. 70 Nor lacke I light to read this booke, though I In a darke Cave, yea in a Grave doe lie; For as your fellow Angells, so you doe Illustrate them who come to study you. The first whom we in Histories doe finde 75 To have profest all Arts, was one borne blinde: He lackt those eyes beasts have as well as wee, Not those, by which Angels are seene and see; So, though I'am borne without those eyes to live, Which fortune, who hath none her selfe, doth give, 80 Which are, fit meanes to see bright courts and you, Yet may I see you thus, as now I doe; I shall by that, all goodnesse have discern'd, And though I burne my librarie, be learn'd.

[To the Countesse &c. 1633-69, D, H49, Lec: To the Countess of Salisbury. O'F: To the Countess of S. N, TCD]

[2 and what 1633, 1669, D, H49, Lec: what 1635-54, N, O'F, TCD]

[16 Court,] Courts, 1669]

[17 noble fire,] nobler fire, O'F]

[24 him] him, 1633

that's 1650-69: thats 1633-39]

[29-30 Chambers includes in parenthesis]

[30 fantasticall; Ed: fantasticall: 1633-69]

[34 light, largenesse,] lights largeness, 1669]

[38 Idolatrie.] Adulterie: N, TCD]

[40 greene,] greene 1633]

[42 day; Ed: day: 1633-69]

[46 yesterday; Ed: yesterday: 1633-69]

[54 name. 1633-39: name 1654-69]

[57 any; I adore 1633, D, Lec, N, TCD: any, if I adore 1635-69, O'F (if being inserted)]

[61 mee: D, N, TCD: mee; 1633-69]

[63 good; Ed: good, 1633-69]

[77-8 om. D, H49, Lec]

To the Lady Bedford.

You that are she and you, that's double shee, In her dead face, halfe of your selfe shall see; Shee was the other part, for so they doe Which build them friendships, become one of two; So two, that but themselves no third can fit, 5 Which were to be so, when they were not yet; Twinnes, though their birth Cusco, and Musco take, As divers starres one Constellation make; Pair'd like two eyes, have equall motion, so Both but one meanes to see, one way to goe. 10 Had you dy'd first, a carcasse shee had beene; And wee your rich Tombe in her face had seene; She like the Soule is gone, and you here stay, Not a live friend; but th'other halfe of clay. And since you act that part, As men say, here 15 Lies such a Prince, when but one part is there, And do all honour and devotion due Unto the whole, so wee all reverence you; For, such a friendship who would not adore In you, who are all what both were before, 20 Not all, as if some perished by this, But so, as all in you contracted is. As of this all, though many parts decay, The pure which elemented them shall stay; And though diffus'd, and spread in infinite, 25 Shall recollect, and in one All unite: So madame, as her Soule to heaven is fled, Her flesh rests in the earth, as in the bed; Her vertues do, as to their proper spheare, Returne to dwell with you, of whom they were: 30 As perfect motions are all circular, So they to you, their sea, whence lesse streames are. Shee was all spices, you all metalls; so In you two wee did both rich Indies know. And as no fire, nor rust can spend or waste 35 One dramme of gold, but what was first shall last, Though it bee forc'd in water, earth, salt, aire, Expans'd in infinite, none will impaire; So, to your selfe you may additions take, But nothing can you lesse, or changed make. 40 Seeke not in seeking new, to seeme to doubt, That you can match her, or not be without; But let some faithfull booke in her roome be, Yet but of Iudith no such booke as shee.

[To the &c. 1635-69, O'F: Elegie to the Lady Bedford. 1633, Cy, H40, L74, N, P, TCD: Elegia Sexta. S: In 1633, Cy, H40, N, TCD it follows, in P precedes, the Funerall Elegy Death (p. 284), to which it is apparently a covering letter: In L74 it follows the Elegy on the Lady Marckham: O'F places it among the Letters, S among the Elegies]

[1 she and you,] she, and you 1633-69, Chambers. See note]

[4 two;] the two; 1669]

[6 yet; Ed: yet 1633-39: yet. 1650-69]

[8 make; Ed: make, 1633-69]

[10 goe. Ed: goe; 1633-69]

[13 stay,] stay 1633-35

th'other] thother 1633

clay. Ed: clay; 1633-69]

[16 there, Ed: there; 1633-69]

[17 honour] honour: 1633

due] due; 1633]

[20 were] was 1633]

[22 as all in you] as in you all O'F: that in you all Cy, H40, L74, N, S

is. Ed: is; 1633-69]

[28 the bed;] a bed; Cy, H40, L74, N, O'F, S: her bed; P]

[30 were:] were; 1633]

[32 are.] are; 1633]

[34 know.] know; 1633]

[41 doubt, 1633: doubt; 1635-69]

[42 can] twice in 1633]

AN ANATOMIE OF THE WORLD.

Wherein,

By occasion of the untimely death of Mistris ELIZABETH DRVRY, the frailty and the decay of this whole World is represented.

The first Anniversary.

To the praise of the dead,

and the ANATOMIE.

Well dy'd the World, that we might live to see This world of wit, in his Anatomie: No evill wants his good; so wilder heires Bedew their Fathers Tombes, with forced teares, Whose state requites their losse: whiles thus we gain, 5 Well may wee walke in blacks, but not complaine. Yet how can I consent the world is dead While this Muse lives? which in his spirits stead Seemes to informe a World; and bids it bee, In spight of losse or fraile mortalitie? 10 And thou the subject of this welborne thought, Thrice noble maid, couldst not have found nor sought A fitter time to yeeld to thy sad Fate, Then whiles this spirit lives, that can relate Thy worth so well to our last Nephews eyne, 15 That they shall wonder both at his and thine: Admired match! where strives in mutuall grace The cunning pencill, and the comely face: A taske which thy faire goodnesse made too much For the bold pride of vulgar pens to touch; 20 Enough is us to praise them that praise thee, And say, that but enough those prayses bee, Which hadst thou liv'd, had hid their fearfull head From th'angry checkings of thy modest red: Death barres reward and shame: when envy's gone, 25 And gaine, 'tis safe to give the dead their owne. As then the wise Egyptians wont to lay More on their Tombes, then houses: these of clay, But those of brasse, or marble were: so wee Give more unto thy Ghost, then unto thee. 30 Yet what wee give to thee, thou gav'st to us, And may'st but thanke thy selfe, for being thus: Yet what thou gav'st, and wert, O happy maid, Thy grace profest all due, where 'tis repayd. So these high songs that to thee suited bin 35 Serve but to sound thy Makers praise, in thine, Which thy deare soule as sweetly sings to him Amid the Quire of Saints, and Seraphim, As any Angels tongue can sing of thee; The subjects differ, though the skill agree: 40 For as by infant-yeares men judge of age, Thy early love, thy vertues, did presage What an high part thou bear'st in those best songs, Whereto no burden, nor no end belongs. Sing on thou virgin Soule, whose lossfull gaine 45 Thy lovesick parents have bewail'd in vaine; Never may thy Name be in our songs forgot, Till wee shall sing thy ditty and thy note.

[An Anatomie &c. 1611-33: Anatomie &c. 1635-69

The first Anniversary. 1612-69: om. 1611. See note

To the praise of the dead &c. 1611-69 (Dead 1611)]

[8 While] Whiles 1639-69]

[21 is] it is 1699]

[25 shame: 1611, 1612-25: shame, 1633-69]

[26 gaine, 1633-69: gaine; 1612-25]

[34 where] were 1621-25]

[35 bin 1633-39: bine 1611: bine, 1612-21: bine. 1625: bin, 1650-69]

[36 praise, in thine, 1611, 1612-25: praise and thine, 1633-69]

[38 Quire 1611, 1612-25: quire 1633-69]

[39 tongue 1611, 1612-39: tongues 1650-69]

[41 infant-yeares 1611, 1621-25: infant yeares 1633-69]

[42 vertues, 1611, 1612-25: vertues 1633-69

presage 1612-25: presage, 1633-69]

[43 What an hie ... best songs, 1611-12: What hie ... best songs 1621-25: What high ... best of songs, 1633-69]

[47 our 1611, 1612-54: om. 1669

forgot,] forgot. 1621-25]

An Anatomy of the World.

[Sidenote: The entrie into the worke.] When that rich Soule which to her heaven is gone, Whom all do celebrate, who know they have one, (For who is sure he hath a Soule, unlesse It see, and judge, and follow worthinesse, And by Deedes praise it? hee who doth not this, 5 May lodge an In-mate soule, but 'tis not his.) When that Queene ended here her progresse time, And, as t'her standing house to heaven did climbe, Where loath to make the Saints attend her long, She's now a part both of the Quire, and Song, 10 This World, in that great earthquake languished; For in a common bath of teares it bled, Which drew the strongest vitall spirits out: But succour'd then with a perplexed doubt, Whether the world did lose, or gaine in this, 15 (Because since now no other way there is, But goodnesse, to see her, whom all would see, All must endeavour to be good as shee,) This great consumption to a fever turn'd, And so the world had fits; it joy'd, it mourn'd; 20 And, as men thinke, that Agues physick are, And th'Ague being spent, give over care, So thou sicke World, mistak'st thy selfe to bee Well, when alas, thou'rt in a Lethargie. Her death did wound and tame thee than, and than 25 Thou might'st have better spar'd the Sunne, or Man. That wound was deep, but 'tis more misery, That thou hast lost thy sense and memory. 'Twas heavy then to heare thy voyce of mone, But this is worse, that thou art speechlesse growne. 30 Thou hast forgot thy name, thou hadst; thou wast Nothing but shee, and her thou hast o'rpast. For as a child kept from the Font, untill A prince, expected long, come to fulfill The ceremonies, thou unnam'd had'st laid, 35 Had not her comming, thee her Palace made: Her name defin'd thee, gave thee forme, and frame, And thou forgett'st to celebrate thy name. Some moneths she hath beene dead (but being dead, Measures of times are all determined) 40 But long she'ath beene away, long, long, yet none Offers to tell us who it is that's gone. But as in states doubtfull of future heires, When sicknesse without remedie empaires The present Prince, they're loth it should be said, 45 The Prince doth languish, or the Prince is dead: So mankinde feeling now a generall thaw, A strong example gone, equall to law, The Cyment which did faithfully compact, And glue all vertues, now resolv'd, and slack'd, 50 Thought it some blasphemy to say sh'was dead, Or that our weaknesse was discovered In that confession; therefore spoke no more Then tongues, the Soule being gone, the losse deplore. But though it be too late to succour thee, 55 Sicke World, yea, dead, yea putrified, since shee Thy'intrinsique balme, and thy preservative, Can never be renew'd, thou never live, I (since no man can make thee live) will try, What wee may gaine by thy Anatomy. 60 Her death hath taught us dearely, that thou art Corrupt and mortall in thy purest part. Let no man say, the world it selfe being dead, 'Tis labour lost to have discovered The worlds infirmities, since there is none 65 Alive to study this dissection; [Sidenote: What life the world hath stil.] For there's a kinde of World remaining still, Though shee which did inanimate and fill The world, be gone, yet in this last long night, Her Ghost doth walke; that is, a glimmering light, 70 A faint weake love of vertue, and of good, Reflects from her, on them which understood Her worth; and though she have shut in all day, The twilight of her memory doth stay; Which, from the carcasse of the old world, free, 75 Creates a new world, and new creatures bee Produc'd: the matter and the stuffe of this, Her vertue, and the forme our practice is: And though to be thus elemented, arme These creatures, from home-borne intrinsique harme, 80 (For all assum'd unto this dignitie, So many weedlesse Paradises bee, Which of themselves produce no venemous sinne, Except some forraine Serpent bring it in) Yet, because outward stormes the strongest breake, 85 And strength it selfe by confidence growes weake, This new world may be safer, being told [Sidenote: The sicknesses of the World.] The dangers and diseases of the old: For with due temper men doe then forgoe, Or covet things, when they their true worth know. 90 [Sidenote: Impossibility of health.] There is no health; Physitians say that wee, At best, enjoy but a neutralitie. And can there bee worse sicknesse, then to know That we are never well, nor can be so? Wee are borne ruinous: poore mothers cry, 95 That children come not right, nor orderly; Except they headlong come and fall upon An ominous precipitation. How witty's ruine! how importunate Upon mankinde! it labour'd to frustrate 100 Even Gods purpose; and made woman, sent For mans reliefe, cause of his languishment. They were to good ends, and they are so still, But accessory, and principall in ill; For that first marriage was our funerall: 105 One woman at one blow, then kill'd us all, And singly, one by one, they kill us now. We doe delightfully our selves allow To that consumption; and profusely blinde, Wee kill our selves to propagate our kinde. 110 And yet we do not that; we are not men: There is not now that mankinde, which was then, When as, the Sunne and man did seeme to strive, [Sidenote: Shortnesse of life.] (Joynt tenants of the world) who should survive; When, Stagge, and Raven, and the long-liv'd tree, 115 Compar'd with man, dy'd in minoritie; When, if a slow pac'd starre had stolne away From the observers marking, he might stay Two or three hundred yeares to see't againe, And then make up his observation plaine; 120 When, as the age was long, the sise was great; Mans growth confess'd, and recompenc'd the meat; So spacious and large, that every Soule Did a faire Kingdome, and large Realme controule: And when the very stature, thus erect, 125 Did that soule a good way towards heaven direct. Where is this mankinde now? who lives to age, Fit to be made Methusalem his page? Alas, we scarce live long enough to try Whether a true made clocke run right, or lie. 130 Old Grandsires talke of yesterday with sorrow, And for our children wee reserve to morrow. So short is life, that every peasant strives, In a torne house, or field, to have three lives. And as in lasting, so in length is man 135 [Sidenote: Smalnesse of stature.] Contracted to an inch, who was a spanne; For had a man at first in forrests stray'd, Or shipwrack'd in the Sea, one would have laid A wager, that an Elephant, or Whale, That met him, would not hastily assaile 140 A thing so equall to him: now alas, The Fairies, and the Pigmies well may passe As credible; mankinde decayes so soone, We'are scarce our Fathers shadowes cast at noone: Onely death addes t'our length: nor are wee growne 145 In stature to be men, till we are none. But this were light, did our lesse volume hold All the old Text; or had wee chang'd to gold Their silver; or dispos'd into lesse glasse Spirits of vertue, which then scatter'd was. 150 But 'tis not so: w'are not retir'd, but dampt; And as our bodies, so our mindes are crampt: 'Tis shrinking, not close weaving that hath thus, In minde, and body both bedwarfed us. Wee seeme ambitious, Gods whole worke t'undoe; 155 Of nothing hee made us, and we strive too, To bring our selves to nothing backe; and wee Doe what wee can, to do't so soone as hee. With new diseases on our selves we warre, And with new Physicke, a worse Engin farre. 160 Thus man, this worlds Vice-Emperour, in whom All faculties, all graces are at home; And if in other creatures they appeare, They're but mans Ministers, and Legats there, To worke on their rebellions, and reduce 165 Them to Civility, and to mans use: This man, whom God did wooe, and loth t'attend Till man came up, did downe to man descend, This man, so great, that all that is, is his, Oh what a trifle, and poore thing he is! 170 If man were any thing, he's nothing now: Helpe, or at least some time to wast, allow T'his other wants, yet when he did depart With her whom we lament, hee lost his heart. She, of whom th'Ancients seem'd to prophesie, 175 When they call'd vertues by the name of shee; Shee in whom vertue was so much refin'd, That for Allay unto so pure a minde Shee tooke the weaker Sex; shee that could drive The poysonous tincture, and the staine of Eve, 180 Out of her thoughts, and deeds; and purifie All, by a true religious Alchymie; Shee, shee is dead; shee's dead: when thou knowest this, Thou knowest how poore a trifling thing man is. And learn'st thus much by our Anatomie, 185 The heart being perish'd, no part can be free. And that except thou feed (not banquet) on The supernaturall food, Religion, Thy better Growth growes withered, and scant; Be more then man, or thou'rt lesse then an Ant. 190 Then, as mankinde, so is the worlds whole frame Quite out of joynt, almost created lame: For, before God had made up all the rest, Corruption entred, and deprav'd the best: It seis'd the Angels, and then first of all 195 The world did in her cradle take a fall, And turn'd her braines, and tooke a generall maime, Wronging each joynt of th'universall frame. The noblest part, man, felt it first; and than Both beasts and plants, curst in the curse of man. 200 [Sidenote: Decay of nature in other parts.] So did the world from the first houre decay, That evening was beginning of the day, And now the Springs and Sommers which we see, Like sonnes of women after fiftie bee. And new Philosophy calls all in doubt, 205 The Element of fire is quite put out; The Sun is lost, and th'earth, and no mans wit Can well direct him where to looke for it. And freely men confesse that this world's spent, When in the Planets, and the Firmament 210 They seeke so many new; they see that this Is crumbled out againe to his Atomies. 'Tis all in peeces, all cohaerence gone; All just supply, and all Relation: Prince, Subject, Father, Sonne, are things forgot, 215 For every man alone thinkes he hath got To be a Phœnix, and that then can bee None of that kinde, of which he is, but hee. This is the worlds condition now, and now She that should all parts to reunion bow, 220 She that had all Magnetique force alone, To draw, and fasten sundred parts in one; She whom wise nature had invented then When she observ'd that every sort of men Did in their voyage in this worlds Sea stray, 225 And needed a new compasse for their way; She that was best, and first originall Of all faire copies, and the generall Steward to Fate; she whose rich eyes, and brest Guilt the West Indies, and perfum'd the East; 230 Whose having breath'd in this world, did bestow Spice on those Iles, and bad them still smell so, And that rich Indie which doth gold interre, Is but as single money, coyn'd from her: She to whom this world must it selfe refer, 235 As Suburbs, or the Microcosme of her, Shee, shee is dead; shee's dead: when thou knowst this, Thou knowst how lame a cripple this world is. And learn'st thus much by our Anatomy, That this worlds generall sickenesse doth not lie 240 In any humour, or one certaine part; But as thou sawest it rotten at the heart, Thou seest a Hectique feaver hath got hold Of the whole substance, not to be contrould, And that thou hast but one way, not t'admit 245 The worlds infection, to be none of it. For the worlds subtilst immateriall parts Feele this consuming wound, and ages darts. For the worlds beauty is decai'd, or gone, [Sidenote: Disformity of parts.] Beauty, that's colour, and proportion. 250 We thinke the heavens enjoy their Sphericall, Their round proportion embracing all. But yet their various and perplexed course, Observ'd in divers ages, doth enforce Men to finde out so many Eccentrique parts, 255 Such divers downe-right lines, such overthwarts, As disproportion that pure forme: It teares The Firmament in eight and forty sheires, And in these Constellations then arise New starres, and old doe vanish from our eyes: 260 As though heav'n suffered earthquakes, peace or war, When new Towers rise, and old demolish't are. They have impal'd within a Zodiake The free-borne Sun, and keepe twelve Signes awake To watch his steps; the Goat and Crab controule, 265 And fright him backe, who else to either Pole (Did not these Tropiques fetter him) might runne: For his course is not round; nor can the Sunne Perfit a Circle, or maintaine his way One inch direct; but where he rose to-day 270 He comes no more, but with a couzening line, Steales by that point, and so is Serpentine: And seeming weary with his reeling thus, He meanes to sleepe, being now falne nearer us. So, of the Starres which boast that they doe runne 275 In Circle still, none ends where he begun. All their proportion's lame, it sinkes, it swels. For of Meridians, and Parallels, Man hath weav'd out a net, and this net throwne Upon the Heavens, and now they are his owne. 280 Loth to goe up the hill, or labour thus To goe to heaven, we make heaven come to us. We spur, we reine the starres, and in their race They're diversly content t'obey our pace. But keepes the earth her round proportion still? 285 Doth not a Tenarif, or higher Hill Rise so high like a Rocke, that one might thinke The floating Moone would shipwracke there, and sinke? Seas are so deepe, that Whales being strooke to day, Perchance to morrow, scarse at middle way 290 Of their wish'd journies end, the bottome, die. And men, to sound depths, so much line untie, As one might justly thinke, that there would rise At end thereof, one of th'Antipodies: If under all, a Vault infernall bee, 295 (Which sure is spacious, except that we Invent another torment, that there must Millions into a straight hot roome be thrust) Then solidnesse, and roundnesse have no place. Are these but warts, and pock-holes in the face 300 Of th'earth? Thinke so: but yet confesse, in this The worlds proportion disfigured is; [Sidenote: Disorder in the world.] That those two legges whereon it doth rely, Reward and punishment are bent awry. And, Oh, it can no more be questioned, 305 That beauties best, proportion, is dead, Since even griefe it selfe, which now alone Is left us, is without proportion. Shee by whose lines proportion should bee Examin'd, measure of all Symmetree, 310 Whom had that Ancient seen, who thought soules made Of Harmony, he would at next have said That Harmony was shee, and thence infer, That soules were but Resultances from her, And did from her into our bodies goe, 315 As to our eyes, the formes from objects flow: Shee, who if those great Doctors truly said That the Arke to mans proportions was made, Had been a type for that, as that might be A type of her in this, that contrary 320 Both Elements, and Passions liv'd at peace In her, who caus'd all Civill war to cease. Shee, after whom, what forme so'er we see, Is discord, and rude incongruitie; Shee, shee is dead, shee's dead; when thou knowst this 325 Thou knowst how ugly a monster this world is: And learn'st thus much by our Anatomie, That here is nothing to enamour thee: And that, not only faults in inward parts, Corruptions in our braines, or in our hearts, 330 Poysoning the fountaines, whence our actions spring, Endanger us: but that if every thing Be not done fitly'and in proportion, To satisfie wise, and good lookers on, (Since most men be such as most thinke they bee) 335 They're lothsome too, by this Deformitee. For good, and well, must in our actions meete; Wicked is not much worse than indiscreet. But beauties other second Element, Colour, and lustre now, is as neere spent. 340 And had the world his just proportion, Were it a ring still, yet the stone is gone. As a compassionate Turcoyse which doth tell By looking pale, the wearer is not well, As gold falls sicke being stung with Mercury, 345 All the worlds parts of such complexion bee. When nature was most busie, the first weeke, Swadling the new borne earth, God seem'd to like That she should sport her selfe sometimes, and play, To mingle, and vary colours every day: 350 And then, as though shee could not make inow, Himselfe his various Rainbow did allow. Sight is the noblest sense of any one, Yet sight hath only colour to feed on, And colour is decai'd: summers robe growes 355 Duskie, and like an oft dyed garment showes. Our blushing red, which us'd in cheekes to spred, Is inward sunke, and only our soules are red. Perchance the world might have recovered, If she whom we lament had not beene dead: 360 But shee, in whom all white, and red, and blew (Beauties ingredients) voluntary grew, As in an unvext Paradise; from whom Did all things verdure, and their lustre come, Whose composition was miraculous, 365 Being all colour, all Diaphanous, (For Ayre, and Fire but thick grosse bodies were, And liveliest stones but drowsie, and pale to her,) Shee, shee, is dead; shee's dead: when thou know'st this, Thou knowst how wan a Ghost this our world is: 370 And learn'st thus much by our Anatomie, That it should more affright, then pleasure thee. And that, since all faire colour then did sinke, 'Tis now but wicked vanitie, to thinke [Sidenote: Weaknesse in the want of correspondence of heaven and earth.] To colour vicious deeds with good pretence, 375 Or with bought colors to illude mens sense. Nor in ought more this worlds decay appeares, Then that her influence the heav'n forbeares, Or that the Elements doe not feele this, The father, or the mother barren is. 380 The cloudes conceive not raine, or doe not powre, In the due birth time, downe the balmy showre; Th'Ayre doth not motherly sit on the earth, To hatch her seasons, and give all things birth; Spring-times were common cradles, but are tombes; 385 And false-conceptions fill the generall wombes; Th'Ayre showes such Meteors, as none can see, Not only what they meane, but what they bee; Earth such new wormes, as would have troubled much Th'Ægyptian Mages to have made more such. 390 What Artist now dares boast that he can bring Heaven hither, or constellate any thing, So as the influence of those starres may bee Imprison'd in an Hearbe, or Charme, or Tree, And doe by touch, all which those stars could doe? 395 The art is lost, and correspondence too. For heaven gives little, and the earth takes lesse, And man least knowes their trade and purposes. If this commerce twixt heaven and earth were not Embarr'd, and all this traffique quite forgot, 400 She, for whose losse we have lamented thus, Would worke more fully, and pow'rfully on us: Since herbes, and roots, by dying lose not all, But they, yea Ashes too, are medicinall, Death could not quench her vertue so, but that 405 It would be (if not follow'd) wondred at: And all the world would be one dying Swan, To sing her funerall praise, and vanish than. But as some Serpents poyson hurteth not, Except it be from the live Serpent shot, 410 So doth her vertue need her here, to fit That unto us; shee working more then it. But shee, in whom to such maturity Vertue was growne, past growth, that it must die; She, from whose influence all Impressions came, 415 But, by Receivers impotencies, lame, Who, though she could not transubstantiate All states to gold, yet guilded every state, So that some Princes have some temperance; Some Counsellers some purpose to advance 420 The common profit; and some people have Some stay, no more then Kings should give, to crave; Some women have some taciturnity, Some nunneries some graines of chastitie. She that did thus much, and much more could doe, 425 But that our age was Iron, and rustie too, Shee, shee is dead; shee's dead; when thou knowst this, Thou knowst how drie a Cinder this world is. And learn'st thus much by our Anatomy, That 'tis in vaine to dew, or mollifie 430 It with thy teares, or sweat, or blood: nothing Is worth our travaile, griefe, or perishing, But those rich joyes, which did possesse her heart, Of which she's now partaker, and a part. [Sidenote: Conclusion.] But as in cutting up a man that's dead, 435 The body will not last out, to have read On every part, and therefore men direct Their speech to parts, that are of most effect; So the worlds carcasse would not last, if I Were punctuall in this Anatomy; 440 Nor smels it well to hearers, if one tell Them their disease, who faine would think they're well. Here therefore be the end: And, blessed maid, Of whom is meant what ever hath been said, Or shall be spoken well by any tongue, 445 Whose name refines course lines, and makes prose song, Accept this tribute, and his first yeares rent, Who till his darke short tapers end be spent, As oft as thy feast sees this widowed earth, Will yearely celebrate thy second birth, 450 That is, thy death; for though the soule of man Be got when man is made, 'tis borne but than When man doth die; our body's as the wombe, And, as a Mid-wife, death directs it home. And you her creatures, whom she workes upon, 455 And have your last, and best concoction From her example, and her vertue, if you In reverence to her, do thinke it due, That no one should her praises thus rehearse, As matter fit for Chronicle, not verse; 460 Vouchsafe to call to minde that God did make A last, and lasting'st peece, a song. He spake To Moses to deliver unto all, That song, because hee knew they would let fall The Law, the Prophets, and the History, 465 But keepe the song still in their memory: Such an opinion (in due measure) made Me this great Office boldly to invade: Nor could incomprehensiblenesse deterre Mee, from thus trying to emprison her, 470 Which when I saw that a strict grave could doe, I saw not why verse might not do so too. Verse hath a middle nature: heaven keepes Soules, The Grave keepes bodies, Verse the Fame enroules.

[An Anatomy &c. 1611-69 The first Anniversary. 1612-69 (First 1612-25): om. 1611]

[The entrie &c. 1612-21: om. 1625-33: 1611 and 1635-69 have no notes]

[2 Whom 1611, 1612-25, 1669: Who 1633: whõ 1635-54]

[5 Deedes 1611, 1612-25: deeds, 1633-69]

[6 In-mate 1611-12: Inmate 1621-25: immate 1633: inmate 1635-69]

[10 Song, 1611: Song. 1612-33: Song: 1635-69]

[14 then 1611, 1612-39: them 1650-69]

[18 shee, 1611: shee 1612, 1669: shee. 1621-54]

[22 care, 1611-21: care. 1625-33]

[24 Lethargie.] Letargee. 1611, 1612-25]

[26 Man. 1611, 1621-25: man. 1633-69]

[31 name, 1611, 1612-25: name 1633-69]

[33 Font, 1611: Fount, 1612-69]

[36 Palace 1611-12, 1621-25: palace 1633-69]

[40 times 1611, 1612-33: time 1635-69]

[48 law, 1612, 1669: law. 1611, 1621-25: law; 1633-54]

[50 glue] give 1650-69]

[What life &c. 1612-21: om. 1625-33]

[70 walke; 1611, 1612-25: walke, 1633-69]

[71 good, 1633: good 1612-25, 1635-69]

[75 old world, free, 1611-12, 1633-69: old world, free 1621-25]

[79 though] thought 1621-33]

[80 home-borne] homborne 1611, 1621-25: homeborne 1633-69]

[85 Yet, 1612-25: Yet 1633-69]

[The sicknesses &c. 1612: The sicknesse &c. 1621: The sicknes &c. 1625-33]

[89 then] them 1650-69]

[99 ruine! Ed: ruine? 1611, 1612-25: ruine, 1633-69]

[100 mankinde! Ed: mankinde? 1611, 1612-69]

[113 When as, the Sunne and man 1633-39: no commas 1650-69: When as the Sunne and man, 1611, 1612-25]

[114 survive; 1650-69: survive. 1611, 1612-39]

[116 minoritie; 1650-69: minoritee. 1611, 1621-25: minoritie, 1633-39]

[131 Grandsires 1611, 1612-21: Gransires 1625-69

sorrow, 1611-21: sorrow. 1625: sorrow: 1633-69]

[133 peasant 1611, 1612-25: pesant 1633-69]

[134 lives. 1611, 1633: lives 1612: lives, 1621-25]

[135 man 1611: man. 1612-25: man, 1633-69]

[145 addes 1611-21: adds 1635-69: ads 1625, 1633]

[149 silver; 1611-12: silver 1621-25: silver, 1633-69]

[150 scatter'd] scattred 1612-25]

[152 bodies, 1611-25: bodies 1633-39]

[153 close weaving 1633-69: close-weaning 1611-12: close weaning 1621-25]

[161 Thus man, 1611, 1612-33: This man, 1635-69, Chambers]

[166 use:] use. 1611, 1621-33]

[167 t'attend] t'atend 1633]

[169 man, 1611: man 1612-69]

[171 any thing, 1611-12: any thing; 1621-33]

[172 wast, 1633: wast, 1611: waste, 1635-69]

[178 Allay 1611, 1612-25: allay 1633-69]

[179 Sex; 1611: Sex, 1621-25: Sex: 1633-69]

[181 thoughts, 1611-12, 1635-69: thought, 1621-33]

[183 Shee, shee 1611, 1612-25: She, she 1633-69]

[186 no] no no 1621]

[188 Religion, 1611, 1650-69: Religion. 1612-25: Religion: 1633-39]

[189 Growth 1611: grouth 1612-25: growth 1633-69

withered] whithered 1621-25]

[191 Then, 1611, 1621-25: Then 1633-69]

[195 Angels, 1612-69: Angells: 1611]

[200 man. 1611, 1612-25: man, 1633-39: man: 1650-69]

[210 Firmament 1611-12: firmament 1621-69]

[212 Atomies.] Atomis. 1611, 1612-25]

[213 cohaerence 1611, 1612-25: coherence 1633-69]

[217 then 1611, 1612-69: there Grosart, who with Chambers attributes to 1669]

[223 invented] innented 1621]

[228 copies, 1633-69: copies; 1611-12: copies 1621-25]

[229 Fate; 1612-69: Fate: 1611

brest 1611: brest: 1612-25: breast, 1633]

[230 West Indies, 1611: West-Indies, 1621-69

East; 1611: East, 1621-69]

[234 money, 1611-21: money 1625-69]

[237 knowst 1611: knowest 1612-69: and so in 238]

[237 this,] this 1633-35]

[238 is. 1611, 1612-33: is, 1635-69]

[244 contrould,] contrould. 1611, 1612-25]

[251 Sphericall, 1650-69: Sphericall 1611, 1612-39]

[252 all. 1611, 1612-25: all, 1633-69]

[257 forme: 1633-69: forme. 1611, 1612-25]

[258 sheires, 1633-35: sheeres, 1611, 1612-25: shieres, 1639-69]

[267 Tropiques 1611, 1612-25: tropiques 1633-69]

[273 with] of 1635-69]

[284 pace.] peace. 1612-33]

[286 Tenarif, 1611, 1612-25: Tenarus 1633-69

Hill 1611, 1612-25: hill 1633-69]

[288 there, 1611, 1612-21: there 1625-69]

[289 strooke 1611, 1612-25: strucke 1633-69]

[290 to morrow, 1611, 1612-25: to morrow 1633-69]

[295 Vault 1611, 1612-25: vault 1633-69]

[298 straight] strait 1611-25]

[300 pock-holes] pockholes 1633-69]

[301 th'earth?] th'earth; 1633]

[306 beauties best, proportion, 1611, 1612-39: beauty's best proportion Chambers: 1650-69 drop the second comma]

[313 infer, 1611-12: infer. 1621-25: infer 1633-69]

[318 proportions 1611-12: proportion 1621-69]

[321 Elements, 1611-12: Elements 1621-69]

[325 Shee, shee 1611, 1612-25: She, she 1633-69

shee's] she's 1633-69

knowst 1611: knowest 1612-25: know'st 1633-69]

[326 knowst 1611, 1612-25: knowest 1633-69]

[336 Deformitee. 1611, 1612-25: deformitie. 1633-69]

[351 inow, 1611, 1612-25: enough, 1633: enow, 1635-69]

[352 allow.] allow, 1621-33]

[366 Diaphanous, 1611, 1612-25: diaphanous, 1633-69]

[369 Shee, shee, 1611, 1612-25 (shee 1625): She, she 1633-69 (but Shee, 1633, in pass-over word)]

[370 knowst 1611: knowest 1621-69]

[374 vanitie, to thinke 1633-69: vanity to think, 1611, 1612-25]

[379-80 feele this, ... barren is. 1611, 1612-69: feele this. ... barren is; Chambers. See note]

[383 Th'Ayre 1611, 1612-21: Th'ayre 1625-69]

[387 Th'Ayre 1611: Th'ayre 1612-69]

[390 Mages] No change of type, 1611-12]

[394 Charme, 1611-21: Charme 1625-54]

[404 Ashes 1611, 1612-25: ashes 1633-69]

[407 Swan, 1611, 1612-25: swan, 1633-69]

[415 Impressions 1611: Impression 1612-25: impression 1633-69]

[416 But, 1611: But 1621-69

Receivers 1611-12: rest no capital]

[421 have] have, 1633]

[427 is dead;] is dead, 1633-69

shee's dead; 1611-25: she's dead; 1633-69]

[431 nothing] no thing 1611-21]

[442 they're] thy're 1633]

[443 And, 1611, 1612-25: and, 1633-69]

[467 (in due measure) 1611, 1612-25 (but 1625 drops second bracket): commas 1633-69]

[468 Office 1611, 1612-25: office 1633-69]

[473 nature: 1611-25: nature, 1633-69]

A Funerall ELEGIE.

'Tis lost, to trust a Tombe with such a guest, Or to confine her in a marble chest. Alas, what's Marble, Jeat, or Porphyrie, Priz'd with the Chrysolite of either eye, Or with those Pearles, and Rubies, which she was? 5 Joyne the two Indies in one Tombe, 'tis glasse; And so is all to her materials, Though every inch were ten Escurials, Yet she's demolish'd: can wee keepe her then In works of hands, or of the wits of men? 10 Can these memorials, ragges of paper, give Life to that name, by which name they must live? Sickly, alas, short-liv'd, aborted bee Those carcasse verses, whose soule is not shee. And can shee, who no longer would be shee, 15 Being such a Tabernacle, stoop to be In paper wrapt; or, when shee would not lie In such a house, dwell in an Elegie? But 'tis no matter; wee may well allow Verse to live so long as the world will now, 20 For her death wounded it. The world containes Princes for armes, and Counsellors for braines, Lawyers for tongues, Divines for hearts, and more, The Rich for stomackes, and for backes, the Poore; The Officers for hands, Merchants for feet, 25 By which, remote and distant Countries meet. But those fine spirits which do tune, and set This Organ, are those peeces which beget Wonder and love; and these were shee; and shee Being spent, the world must needs decrepit bee; 30 For since death will proceed to triumph still, He can finde nothing, after her, to kill, Except the world it selfe, so great as shee. Thus brave and confident may Nature bee, Death cannot give her such another blow, 35 Because shee cannot such another show. But must wee say she's dead? may't not be said That as a sundred clocke is peecemeale laid, Not to be lost, but by the makers hand Repollish'd, without errour then to stand, 40 Or as the Affrique Niger streame enwombs It selfe into the earth, and after comes (Having first made a naturall bridge, to passe For many leagues) farre greater then it was, May't not be said, that her grave shall restore 45 Her, greater, purer, firmer, then before? Heaven may say this, and joy in't, but can wee Who live, and lacke her, here this vantage see? What is't to us, alas, if there have beene An Angell made a Throne, or Cherubin? 50 Wee lose by't: and as aged men are glad Being tastlesse growne, to joy in joyes they had, So now the sick starv'd world must feed upon This joy, that we had her, who now is gone. Rejoyce then Nature, and this World, that you, 55 Fearing the last fires hastning to subdue Your force and vigour, ere it were neere gone, Wisely bestow'd and laid it all on one. One, whose cleare body was so pure and thinne, Because it need disguise no thought within. 60 'Twas but a through-light scarfe, her minde t'inroule; Or exhalation breath'd out from her Soule. One, whom all men who durst no more, admir'd: And whom, who ere had worth enough, desir'd; As when a Temple's built, Saints emulate 65 To which of them, it shall be consecrate. But, as when heaven lookes on us with new eyes, Those new starres every Artist exercise, What place they should assigne to them they doubt, Argue,'and agree not, till those starres goe out: 70 So the world studied whose this peece should be, Till shee can be no bodies else, nor shee: But like a Lampe of Balsamum, desir'd Rather t'adorne, then last, she soone expir'd, Cloath'd in her virgin white integritie, 75 For marriage, though it doe not staine, doth dye. To scape th'infirmities which wait upon Woman, she went away, before sh'was one; And the worlds busie noyse to overcome, Tooke so much death, as serv'd for opium; 80 For though she could not, nor could chuse to dye, She'ath yeelded to too long an extasie: Hee which not knowing her said History, Should come to reade the booke of destiny, How faire, and chast, humble, and high she'ad been, 85 Much promis'd, much perform'd, at not fifteene, And measuring future things, by things before, Should turne the leafe to reade, and reade no more, Would thinke that either destiny mistooke, Or that some leaves were torne out of the booke. 90 But 'tis not so; Fate did but usher her To yeares of reasons use, and then inferre Her destiny to her selfe, which liberty She tooke but for thus much, thus much to die. Her modestie not suffering her to bee 95 Fellow-Commissioner with Destinie, She did no more but die; if after her Any shall live, which dare true good prefer, Every such person is her deligate, T'accomplish that which should have beene her Fate. 100 They shall make up that Booke and shall have thanks Of Fate, and her, for filling up their blankes. For future vertuous deeds are Legacies, Which from the gift of her example rise; And 'tis in heav'n part of spirituall mirth, 105 To see how well the good play her, on earth.

[Funerall ELEGIE. 1611, 1612-69: whole poem printed in italics 1612-25: in roman 1611]

[1 lost, 1611, 1612-25: lost 1633: losse 1635-69]

[2 chest. 1611-21: chest, 1625-69]

[8 Escurials,] escurials. 1611-25]

[13 aborted 1611, 1612-33: abortive 1635-69]

[17 or, 1612-25: or 1633-69]

[18 a] an 1635-69]

[22-5 Princes, Counsellors &c. all in capitals except Officers 1611, 1612-25: later editions erratic]

[24: backes, 1611: backes 1612-25: backs 1633-69

Poore] spelt Pore 1611-12]

[28 peeces] peeces, 1633-69]

[30 1625 inserts marginal note, Smalnesse of stature. See p. 235]

[33 as 1611-21: om. 1625: was 1633-69]

[47 in't,] in't; 1612-21: in'ts, 1625]

[48 her, here 1611, 1612-25: her, here, 1633: her here, 1635-69]

[58 one. 1612-25: one; 1633-69]

[64 worth] worke 1633]

[74 expir'd, 1633-69: expir'd; 1611, 1612-25]

[75 integritie, 1633-69: integritie; 1611-25]

[76 it doe 1611, 1612-25: it doth 1633-69

dye. 1611, 1612-69 (spelt die 1633-69): Chambers closes the sentence at 74 expir'd and prints 75-7 thus--

Clothed in her virgin white integrity --For marriage, though it doth not stain, doth dye-- To 'scape &c.

]

[83 said 1611, 1612-33: sad 1635-69]

[94 tooke 1611, 1612-25: tooke, 1633-69]

[98 prefer, 1611, 1612-25: prefer; 1633-69]

OF THE PROGRESSE OF THE SOULE.

By occasion of the Religious death of Mistris ELIZABETH DRVRY, the incommodities of the Soule in this life, and her exaltation in the next, are contemplated.

The second Anniversary.

The Harbinger to the

PROGRESSE.

Two Soules move here, and mine (a third) must move Paces of admiration, and of love; Thy Soule (deare virgin) whose this tribute is, Mov'd from this mortall Spheare to lively blisse; And yet moves still, and still aspires to see 5 The worlds last day, thy glories full degree: Like as those starres which thou o'r-lookest farre, Are in their place, and yet still moved are: No soule (whiles with the luggage of this clay It clogged is) can follow thee halfe way; 10 Or see thy flight, which doth our thoughts outgoe So fast, that now the lightning moves but slow: But now thou art as high in heaven flowne As heaven's from us; what soule besides thine owne Can tell thy joyes, or say he can relate 15 Thy glorious Journals in that blessed state? I envie thee (Rich soule) I envy thee, Although I cannot yet thy glory see: And thou (great spirit) which hers follow'd hast So fast, as none can follow thine so fast; 20 So far, as none can follow thine so farre, (And if this flesh did not the passage barre Hadst caught her) let me wonder at thy flight Which long agone hadst lost the vulgar sight, And now mak'st proud the better eyes, that they 25 Can see thee less'ned in thine ayery way; So while thou mak'st her soule by progresse knowne Thou mak'st a noble progresse of thine owne, From this worlds carkasse having mounted high To that pure life of immortalitie; 30 Since thine aspiring thoughts themselves so raise That more may not beseeme a creatures praise, Yet still thou vow'st her more; and every yeare Mak'st a new progresse, while thou wandrest here; Still upward mount; and let thy Makers praise 35 Honor thy Laura, and adorne thy laies. And since thy Muse her head in heaven shrouds, Oh let her never stoope below the clouds: And if those glorious sainted soules may know Or what wee doe, or what wee sing below, 40 Those acts, those songs shall still content them best Which praise those awfull Powers that make them blest.

[Of the Progresse &c. 1612-69: The second Anniversary. 1612-69 (in 1612-21 it stands at head of page)]

[The Harbinger &c.] In 1612-25 this poem printed in italics]

[8 are:] are 1612-25]

[12 that now] as now 1635-69, Chambers]

[27 soule] soules 1612]

[28 owne, 1635-69: owne. 1612-33]

[34 while] whilst 1669]

[35 upward] upwards 1612]

The second Anniversarie.

[Sidenote: The entrance.[1]] Nothing could make me sooner to confesse That this world had an everlastingnesse, Then to consider, that a yeare is runne, Since both this lower world's, and the Sunnes Sunne, The Lustre, and the vigor of this All, 5 Did set; 'twere blasphemie to say, did fall. But as a ship which hath strooke saile, doth runne By force of that force which before, it wonne: Or as sometimes in a beheaded man, Though at those two Red seas, which freely ranne, 10 One from the Trunke, another from the Head, His soule be sail'd, to her eternall bed, His eyes will twinckle, and his tongue will roll, As though he beckned, and cal'd backe his soule, He graspes his hands, and he pulls up his feet, 15 And seemes to reach, and to step forth to meet His soule; when all these motions which we saw, Are but as Ice, which crackles at a thaw: Or as a Lute, which in moist weather, rings Her knell alone, by cracking of her strings: 20 So struggles this dead world, now shee is gone; For there is motion in corruption. As some daies are at the Creation nam'd, Before the Sunne, the which fram'd daies, was fram'd, So after this Sunne's set, some shew appeares, 25 And orderly vicissitude of yeares. Yet a new Deluge, and of Lethe flood, Hath drown'd us all, All have forgot all good, Forgetting her, the maine reserve of all. Yet in this deluge, grosse and generall, 30 Thou seest me strive for life; my life shall bee, To be hereafter prais'd, for praysing thee; Immortall Maid, who though thou would'st refuse The name of Mother, be unto my Muse A Father, since her chast Ambition is, 35 Yearely to bring forth such a child as this. These Hymnes may worke on future wits, and so May great Grand children of thy prayses grow. And so, though not revive, embalme and spice The world, which else would putrifie with vice. 40 For thus, Man may extend thy progeny, Untill man doe but vanish, and not die. These Hymnes thy issue, may encrease so long, As till Gods great Venite change the song. [Sidenote: A iust disestimation[2] of this world.] Thirst for that time, O my insatiate soule, 45 And serve thy thirst, with Gods safe-sealing Bowle. Be thirstie still, and drinke still till thou goe To th'only Health, to be Hydroptique so. Forget this rotten world; And unto thee Let thine owne times as an old storie bee. 50 Be not concern'd: studie not why, nor when; Doe not so much as not beleeve a man. For though to erre, be worst, to try truths forth, Is far more businesse, then this world is worth. The world is but a carkasse; thou art fed 55 By it, but as a worme, that carkasse bred; And why should'st thou, poore worme, consider more, When this world will grow better then before, Then those thy fellow wormes doe thinke upon That carkasses last resurrection. 60 Forget this world, and scarce thinke of it so, As of old clothes, cast off a yeare agoe. To be thus stupid is Alacritie; Men thus Lethargique have best Memory. Look upward; that's towards her, whose happy state 65 We now lament not, but congratulate. Shee, to whom all this world was but a stage, Where all sat harkning how her youthfull age Should be emploi'd, because in all shee did, Some Figure of the Golden times was hid. 70 Who could not lacke, what e'r this world could give, Because shee was the forme, that made it live; Nor could complaine, that this world was unfit To be staid in, then when shee was in it; Shee that first tried indifferent desires 75 By vertue, and vertue by religious fires, Shee to whose person Paradise adher'd, As Courts to Princes, shee whose eyes ensphear'd Star-light enough, t'have made the South controule, (Had shee beene there) the Star-full Northerne Pole, 80 Shee, shee is gone; she is gone; when thou knowest this, What fragmentary rubbidge this world is Thou knowest, and that it is not worth a thought; He honors it too much that thinkes it nought. [Sidenote: Contemplation of our state in our death-bed.] Thinke then, my soule, that death is but a Groome, 85 Which brings a Taper to the outward roome, Whence thou spiest first a little glimmering light, And after brings it nearer to thy sight: For such approaches doth heaven make in death. Thinke thy selfe labouring now with broken breath, 90 And thinke those broken and soft Notes to bee Division, and thy happyest Harmonie. Thinke thee laid on thy death-bed, loose and slacke; And thinke that, but unbinding of a packe, To take one precious thing, thy soule from thence. 95 Thinke thy selfe parch'd with fevers violence, Anger thine ague more, by calling it Thy Physicke; chide the slacknesse of the fit. Thinke that thou hear'st thy knell, and think no more, But that, as Bels cal'd thee to Church before, 100 So this, to the Triumphant Church, calls thee. Thinke Satans Sergeants round about thee bee, And thinke that but for Legacies they thrust; Give one thy Pride, to'another give thy Lust: Give them those sinnes which they gave thee before, 105 And trust th'immaculate blood to wash thy score. Thinke thy friends weeping round, and thinke that they Weepe but because they goe not yet thy way. Thinke that they close thine eyes, and thinke in this, That they confesse much in the world, amisse, 110 Who dare not trust a dead mans eye with that, Which they from God, and Angels cover not. Thinke that they shroud thee up, and think from thence They reinvest thee in white innocence. Thinke that thy body rots, and (if so low, 115 Thy soule exalted so, thy thoughts can goe,) Think thee a Prince, who of themselves create Wormes which insensibly devoure their State. Thinke that they bury thee, and thinke that right Laies thee to sleepe but a Saint Lucies night. 120 Thinke these things cheerefully: and if thou bee Drowsie or slacke, remember then that shee, Shee whose Complexion was so even made, That which of her Ingredients should invade The other three, no Feare, no Art could guesse: 125 So far were all remov'd from more or lesse. But as in Mithridate, or just perfumes, Where all good things being met, no one presumes To governe, or to triumph on the rest, Only because all were, no part was best. 130 And as, though all doe know, that quantities Are made of lines, and lines from Points arise, None can these lines or quantities unjoynt, And say this is a line, or this a point, So though the Elements and Humors were 135 In her, one could not say, this governes there. Whose even constitution might have wonne Any disease to venter on the Sunne, Rather then her: and make a spirit feare, That hee to disuniting subject were. 140 To whose proportions if we would compare Cubes, th'are unstable; Circles, Angular; She who was such a chaine as Fate employes To bring mankinde all Fortunes it enjoyes; So fast, so even wrought, as one would thinke, 145 No Accident could threaten any linke; Shee, shee embrac'd a sicknesse, gave it meat, The purest blood, and breath, that e'r it eate; And hath taught us, that though a good man hath Title to heaven, and plead it by his Faith, 150 And though he may pretend a conquest, since Heaven was content to suffer violence, Yea though hee plead a long possession too, (For they're in heaven on earth who heavens workes do) Though hee had right and power and place, before, 155 Yet Death must usher, and unlocke the doore. [Sidenote: Incommodities of the Soule in the Body.[3]] Thinke further on thy selfe, my Soule, and thinke How thou at first wast made but in a sinke; Thinke that it argued some infirmitie, That those two soules, which then thou foundst in me, 160 Thou fedst upon, and drewst into thee, both My second soule of sense, and first of growth. Thinke but how poore thou wast, how obnoxious; Whom a small lumpe of flesh could poyson thus. This curded milke, this poore unlittered whelpe 165 My body, could, beyond escape or helpe, Infect thee with Originall sinne, and thou Couldst neither then refuse, nor leave it now. Thinke that no stubborne sullen Anchorit, Which fixt to a pillar, or a grave, doth sit 170 Bedded, and bath'd in all his ordures, dwels So fowly as our Soules in their first-built Cels. Thinke in how poore a prison thou didst lie After, enabled but to suck, and crie. Thinke, when'twas growne to most,'twas a poore Inne, 175 A Province pack'd up in two yards of skinne, And that usurp'd or threatned with the rage Of sicknesses, or their true mother, Age. But thinke that Death hath now enfranchis'd thee, [Sidenote: Her liberty by death.] Thou hast thy'expansion now, and libertie; 180 Thinke that a rustie Peece, discharg'd, is flowne In peeces, and the bullet is his owne, And freely flies: This to thy Soule allow, Thinke thy shell broke, thinke thy Soule hatch'd but now. And think this slow-pac'd soule, which late did cleave 185 To'a body, and went but by the bodies leave, Twenty, perchance, or thirty mile a day, Dispatches in a minute all the way Twixt heaven, and earth; she stayes not in the ayre, To looke what Meteors there themselves prepare; 190 She carries no desire to know, nor sense, Whether th'ayres middle region be intense; For th'Element of fire, she doth not know, Whether she past by such a place or no; She baits not at the Moone, nor cares to trie 195 Whether in that new world, men live, and die. Venus retards her not, to'enquire, how shee Can, (being one starre) Hesper, and Vesper bee; Hee that charm'd Argus eyes, sweet Mercury, Workes not on her, who now is growne all eye; 200 Who, if she meet the body of the Sunne, Goes through, not staying till his course be runne; Who findes in Mars his Campe no corps of Guard; Nor is by Iove, nor by his father barr'd; But ere she can consider how she went, 205 At once is at, and through the Firmament. And as these starres were but so many beads Strung on one string, speed undistinguish'd leads Her through those Spheares, as through the beads, a string, Whose quick succession makes it still one thing: 210 As doth the pith, which, lest our bodies slacke, Strings fast the little bones of necke, and backe; So by the Soule doth death string Heaven and Earth; For when our Soule enjoyes this her third birth, (Creation gave her one, a second, grace,) 215 Heaven is as neare, and present to her face, As colours are, and objects, in a roome Where darknesse was before, when Tapers come. This must, my Soule, thy long-short Progresse bee; To'advance these thoughts, remember then, that she, 220 She; whose faire body no such prison was, But that a Soule might well be pleas'd to passe An age in her; she whose rich beauty lent Mintage to other beauties, for they went But for so much as they were like to her; 225 Shee, in whose body (if we dare preferre This low world, to so high a marke as shee,) The Westerne treasure, Easterne spicerie, Europe, and Afrique, and the unknowne rest Were easily found, or what in them was best; 230 And when w'have made this large discoverie Of all, in her some one part then will bee Twenty such parts, whose plenty and riches is Enough to make twenty such worlds as this; Shee, whom had they knowne who did first betroth 235 The Tutelar Angels, and assign'd one, both To Nations, Cities, and to Companies, To Functions, Offices, and Dignities, And to each severall man, to him, and him, They would have given her one for every limbe; 240 She, of whose soule, if wee may say, 'twas Gold, Her body was th'Electrum, and did hold Many degrees of that; wee understood Her by her sight; her pure, and eloquent blood Spoke in her cheekes, and so distinctly wrought, 245 That one might almost say, her body thought; Shee, shee, thus richly and largely hous'd, is gone: And chides us slow-pac'd snailes who crawle upon Our prisons prison, earth, nor thinke us well, Longer, then whil'st wee beare our brittle shell. 250 [Sidenote: Her ignorance in this life and knowledge in the next.[4]] But 'twere but little to have chang'd our roome, If, as we were in this our living Tombe Oppress'd with ignorance, wee still were so. Poore soule, in this thy flesh what dost thou know? Thou know'st thy selfe so little, as thou know'st not, 255 How thou didst die, nor how thou wast begot. Thou neither know'st, how thou at first cam'st in, Nor how thou took'st the poyson of mans sinne. Nor dost thou, (though thou know'st, that thou art so) By what way thou art made immortall, know. 260 Thou art too narrow, wretch, to comprehend Even thy selfe: yea though thou wouldst but bend To know thy body. Have not all soules thought For many ages, that our body'is wrought Of Ayre, and Fire, and other Elements? 265 And now they thinke of new ingredients, And one Soule thinkes one, and another way Another thinkes, and 'tis an even lay. Knowst thou but how the stone doth enter in The bladders cave, and never breake the skinne? 270 Know'st thou how blood, which to the heart doth flow, Doth from one ventricle to th'other goe? And for the putrid stuffe, which thou dost spit, Know'st thou how thy lungs have attracted it? There are no passages, so that there is 275 (For ought thou know'st) piercing of substances. And of those many opinions which men raise Of Nailes and Haires, dost thou know which to praise? What hope have wee to know our selves, when wee Know not the least things, which for our use be? 280 Wee see in Authors, too stiffe to recant, A hundred controversies of an Ant; And yet one watches, starves, freeses, and sweats, To know but Catechismes and Alphabets Of unconcerning things, matters of fact; 285 How others on our stage their parts did Act; What Cæsar did, yea, and what Cicero said. Why grasse is greene, or why our blood is red, Are mysteries which none have reach'd unto. In this low forme, poore soule, what wilt thou doe? 290 When wilt thou shake off this Pedantery, Of being taught by sense, and Fantasie? Thou look'st through spectacles; small things seeme great Below; But up unto the watch-towre get, And see all things despoyl'd of fallacies: 295 Thou shalt not peepe through lattices of eyes, Nor heare through Labyrinths of eares, nor learne By circuit, or collections to discerne. In heaven thou straight know'st all, concerning it, And what concernes it not, shalt straight forget. 300 There thou (but in no other schoole) maist bee Perchance, as learned, and as full, as shee, Shee who all libraries had throughly read At home in her owne thoughts, and practised So much good as would make as many more: 305 Shee whose example they must all implore, Who would or doe, or thinke well, and confesse That all the vertuous Actions they expresse, Are but a new, and worse edition Of her some one thought, or one action: 310 She who in th'art of knowing Heaven, was growne Here upon earth, to such perfection, That she hath, ever since to Heaven she came, (In a far fairer print,) but read the same: Shee, shee not satisfied with all this waight, 315 (For so much knowledge, as would over-fraight Another, did but ballast her) is gone As well t'enjoy, as get perfection. And cals us after her, in that shee tooke, (Taking her selfe) our best, and worthiest booke. 320 [Sidenote: Of our company in this life, and in the next.] Returne not, my Soule, from this extasie, And meditation of what thou shalt bee, To earthly thoughts, till it to thee appeare, With whom thy conversation must be there. With whom wilt thou converse? what station 325 Canst thou choose out, free from infection, That will not give thee theirs, nor drinke in thine? Shalt thou not finde a spungie slacke Divine Drinke and sucke in th'instructions of Great men, And for the word of God, vent them agen? 330 Are there not some Courts (and then, no things bee So like as Courts) which, in this let us see, That wits and tongues of Libellers are weake, Because they do more ill, then these can speake? The poyson's gone through all, poysons affect 335 Chiefly the chiefest parts, but some effect In nailes, and haires, yea excrements, will show; So lyes the poyson of sinne in the most low. Up, up, my drowsie Soule, where thy new eare Shall in the Angels songs no discord heare; 340 Where thou shalt see the blessed Mother-maid Joy in not being that, which men have said. Where she is exalted more for being good, Then for her interest of Mother-hood. Up to those Patriarchs, which did longer sit 345 Expecting Christ, then they'have enjoy'd him yet. Up to those Prophets, which now gladly see Their Prophesies growne to be Historie. Up to th'Apostles, who did bravely runne All the Suns course, with more light then the Sunne. 350 Up to those Martyrs, who did calmly bleed Oyle to th'Apostles Lamps, dew to their seed. Up to those Virgins, who thought, that almost They made joyntenants with the Holy Ghost, If they to any should his Temple give. 355 Up, up, for in that squadron there doth live She, who hath carried thither new degrees (As to their number) to their dignities. Shee, who being to her selfe a State, injoy'd All royalties which any State employ'd; 360 For shee made warres, and triumph'd; reason still Did not o'rthrow, but rectifie her will: And she made peace, for no peace is like this, That beauty, and chastity together kisse: She did high justice, for she crucified 365 Every first motion of rebellious pride: And she gave pardons, and was liberall, For, onely her selfe except, she pardon'd all: Shee coy'nd, in this, that her impressions gave To all our actions all the worth they have: 370 She gave protections; the thoughts of her brest Satans rude Officers could ne'r arrest. As these prerogatives being met in one, Made her a soveraigne State; religion Made her a Church; and these two made her all. 375 She who was all this All, and could not fall To worse, by company, (for she was still More Antidote, then all the world was ill,) Shee, shee doth leave it, and by Death, survive All this, in Heaven; whither who doth not strive 380 The more, because shees there, he doth not know That accidentall joyes in Heaven doe grow. But pause, my soule; And study, ere thou fall On accidentall joyes, th'essentiall. [Sidenote: Of essentiall joy in this life and in the next.] Still before Accessories doe abide 385 A triall, must the principall be tride. And what essentiall joy can'st thou expect Here upon earth? what permanent effect Of transitory causes? Dost thou love Beauty? (And beauty worthy'st is to move) 390 Poore cousened cousenor, that she, and that thou, Which did begin to love, are neither now; You are both fluid, chang'd since yesterday; Next day repaires, (but ill) last dayes decay. Nor are, (although the river keepe the name) 395 Yesterdaies waters, and to daies the same. So flowes her face, and thine eyes, neither now That Saint, nor Pilgrime, which your loving vow Concern'd, remaines; but whil'st you thinke you bee Constant, you'are hourely in inconstancie. 400 Honour may have pretence unto our love, Because that God did live so long above Without this Honour, and then lov'd it so, That he at last made Creatures to bestow Honour on him; not that he needed it, 405 But that, to his hands, man might grow more fit. But since all Honours from inferiours flow, (For they doe give it; Princes doe but shew Whom they would have so honor'd) and that this On such opinions, and capacities 410 Is built, as rise and fall, to more and lesse: Alas, 'tis but a casuall happinesse. Hath ever any man to'himselfe assign'd This or that happinesse to'arrest his minde, But that another man which takes a worse, 415 Thinks him a foole for having tane that course? They who did labour Babels tower to'erect, Might have considered, that for that effect, All this whole solid Earth could not allow Nor furnish forth materialls enow; 420 And that this Center, to raise such a place, Was farre too little, to have beene the Base; No more affords this world, foundation To erect true joy, were all the meanes in one. But as the Heathen made them severall gods, 425 Of all Gods Benefits, and all his Rods, (For as the Wine, and Corne, and Onions are Gods unto them, so Agues bee, and Warre) And as by changing that whole precious Gold To such small Copper coynes, they lost the old, 430 And lost their only God, who ever must Be sought alone, and not in such a thrust: So much mankinde true happinesse mistakes; No Joy enjoyes that man, that many makes. Then, Soule, to thy first pitch worke up againe; 435 Know that all lines which circles doe containe, For once that they the Center touch, doe touch Twice the circumference; and be thou such; Double on heaven thy thoughts on earth emploid; All will not serve; Only who have enjoy'd 440 The sight of God, in fulnesse, can thinke it; For it is both the object, and the wit. This is essentiall joy, where neither hee Can suffer diminution, nor wee; 'Tis such a full, and such a filling good; 445 Had th'Angels once look'd on him, they had stood. To fill the place of one of them, or more, Shee whom wee celebrate, is gone before. She, who had Here so much essentiall joy, As no chance could distract, much lesse destroy; 450 Who with Gods presence was acquainted so, (Hearing, and speaking to him) as to know His face in any naturall Stone, or Tree, Better then when in Images they bee: Who kept by diligent devotion, 455 Gods Image, in such reparation, Within her heart, that what decay was growne, Was her first Parents fault, and not her owne: Who being solicited to any act, Still heard God pleading his safe precontract; 460 Who by a faithfull confidence, was here Betroth'd to God, and now is married there; Whose twilights were more cleare, then our mid-day; Who dreamt devoutlier, then most use to pray; Who being here fil'd with grace, yet strove to bee, 465 Both where more grace, and more capacitie At once is given: she to Heaven is gone, Who made this world in some proportion A heaven, and here, became unto us all, Joy, (as our joyes admit) essentiall. 470 [Sidenote: Of accidentall joys in both places.] But could this low world joyes essentiall touch, Heavens accidentall joyes would passe them much. How poore and lame, must then our casuall bee? If thy Prince will his subjects to call thee My Lord, and this doe swell thee, thou art than, 475 By being greater, growne to bee lesse Man. When no Physitian of redresse can speake, A joyfull casuall violence may breake A dangerous Apostem in thy breast; And whil'st thou joyest in this, the dangerous rest, 480 The bag may rise up, and so strangle thee. What e'r was casuall, may ever bee. What should the nature change? Or make the same Certaine, which was but casuall, when it came? All casuall joy doth loud and plainly say, 485 Only by comming, that it can away. Only in Heaven joyes strength is never spent; And accidentall things are permanent. Joy of a soules arrivall ne'r decaies; For that soule ever joyes and ever staies. 490 Joy that their last great Consummation Approaches in the resurrection; When earthly bodies more celestiall Shall be, then Angels were, for they could fall; This kinde of joy doth every day admit 495 Degrees of growth, but none of losing it. In this fresh joy, 'tis no small part, that shee, Shee, in whose goodnesse, he that names degree, Doth injure her; ('Tis losse to be cal'd best, There where the stuffe is not such as the rest) 500 Shee, who left such a bodie, as even shee Only in Heaven could learne, how it can bee Made better; for shee rather was two soules, Or like to full on both sides written Rols, Where eyes might reade upon the outward skin, 505 As strong Records for God, as mindes within; Shee, who by making full perfection grow, Peeces a Circle, and still keepes it so, Long'd for, and longing for it, to heaven is gone, Where shee receives, and gives addition. 510 [Sidenote: Conclusion.] Here in a place, where mis-devotion frames A thousand Prayers to Saints, whose very names The ancient Church knew not, Heaven knows not yet: And where, what lawes of Poetry admit, Lawes of Religion have at least the same, 515 Immortall Maide, I might invoke thy name. Could any Saint provoke that appetite, Thou here should'st make me a French convertite. But thou would'st not; nor would'st thou be content, To take this, for my second yeares true Rent, 520 Did this Coine beare any other stampe, then his, That gave thee power to doe, me, to say this. Since his will is, that to posteritie, Thou should'st for life, and death, a patterne bee, And that the world should notice have of this, 525 The purpose, and th'authoritie is his; Thou art the Proclamation; and I am The Trumpet, at whose voyce the people came.

[Footnote 1: The entrance. 1612-21: om. 1625-33: no notes, 1635-69]

[Footnote 2: disestimation] estimation 1625]

[Footnote 3: Incommodities &c. 1612-21: om. 1625-33]

[Footnote 4: Her ignorance &c.: 1612-25: om. 1633]

[5 All, 1612: all, 1625-69]

[10 Though] Through 1612-25]

[12 be fail'd,] he fail'd, 1621-33]

[13 twinckle] twincke 1625]

[20 strings: Ed: strings. 1612-69]

[23 are Ed: are, 1612-69]

[24 was fram'd, 1612-25: was fram'd: 1633-69]

[27 Deluge, 1612-25: deluge, 1633-69]

[29 all. Ed: all, 1612-33: all; 1635-69]

[33 Maid, 1612-25, 1669: maid, 1633-54]

[35 is, 1612-25: is 1633-69]

[43 thy] they 1621-25

issue, 1612-33: issue 1635-69. See note]

[46 safe-sealing] safe-fealing 1621-39]

[47 goe] goe; 1612-25]

[48 Health, 1612-33: Health; 1635-69, Chambers and Grolier

so. 1612-21: so, 1625-69, Chambers and Grolier. See note]

[50 bee. Ed: bee 1612-35: bee, 1639-69]

[51 why, 1612-21: why 1625-69

nor] or 1669]

[57 more, 1612-25: more 1633-69]

[67 was but] twas but 1612-25]

[81 Shee, shee 1621-25: Shee, she 1633-69]

[82 is] is. 1612-25]

[96 parch'd 1612-21, 1639-69: pach'd 1625: patch'd 1633-35]

[99 knell,] knell 1633]

[101 So this, 1612-33: So, this 1635-69]

[103 thrust;] trust; 1669]

[113 shroud] shourd 1621-25]

[116 exalted] exhalted 1621

goe,] goe. 1612-21]

[123 Complexion 1612-25: complexion 1633-69]

[124 Ingredients 1612-25: ingredients 1633-69]

[134 a point, 1612-21: a-point. 1625: a point: 1633-69]

[136 there. 1612-25: there, 1633-69]

[137 wonne] worne 1612-25: woon 1633]

[140 to 1612-25: too 1633-69]

[146 Accident 1612-25: accident 1633-69]

[156 Death 1612-25: death 1633-69]

[161 thee, both 1612-25: thee both 1633-69]

[172 first-built 1612-25: first built 1633-69]

[173 didst] dost 1669]

[177 the rage 1612-25: a rage 1633-69]

[179 Death 1612-25: death 1633-69]

[181 Peece, discharg'd, 1612: Peece, discharg'd 1625: Peece discharg'd 1633: Peece discharg'd, 1635-69]

[183 This 1612-25: this 1633-69]

[185 soule, 1612-21: soule 1625-69]

[187 Twenty, perchance,] Twentie, perchance 1625: Twenty perchance 1633-69]

[197 Venus] no ital. 1612-25, and so with Hesper &c.

retards] recards 1612-25]

[201 Who, if 1612-25: Who if 1633-69]

[204 barr'd;] bard; 1612-39]

[209 the] those 1669]

[214 her] om. 1650-69]

[219-20 text 1612-25 (but soul 1612-25, and then 1625 and shee 1612-25):

This must, my Soule, thy long-short Progresse bee, To'advance these thoughts; Remember then that she,

1633-69, Chambers and Grolier. See note]

[231 discoverie] Discoveree. 1612-25]

[232 Of all,] Of all 1612-25]

[236 assign'd Ed: assigned 1612-69]

[238 Dignities, 1612-25: dignities, 1633-69]

[241 Gold, 1612-25: gold, 1633-69]

[243 understood] unstood 1621-25]

[249 well,] well 1612-25]

[251 little] little 1633]

[265 Ayre, and Fire, 1612-25: aire, and fire, 1633-69]

[266 ingredients, 1612: ingredients. 1621-69]

[268 'tis] ty's 1612-21]

[270 breake 1612: brake 1621-33: break 1635-69]

[287 said. 1612-25: said, 1633-69]

[291 Pedantery] Pedantry 1650-69]

[292 taught] thought 1612-25]

[300 shalt] shall 1612-25, 1669]

[308 all] aie 1612-21: are 1625]

[314 print,] point, 1612-33]

[323 earthly] early 1625]

[324 there.] there, 1633-39]

[326 choose 1612-25: chose 1633-69]

[327 will not] will nor 1612-25]

[328 Divine 1612-25: Divine, 1633-69]

[329 Great 1612-25: great 1633-69]

[333 wits 1612-25: wits, 1633-69]

[336 some] some, 1633]

[338 lyes] wise 1612-25]

[353 thought] thoughts 1612-25]

[366 rebellious] rebellions 1635-69]

[369 impressions 1612-25: rest impression]

[378 ill,)] last bracket dropped 1612-33]

[380 whither] spelt whether 1612-33]

[383 study, 1635-69: study 1612-33]

[391 that ... that] no italics 1612-25]

[397 eies, 1612-21: eyes 1625: eyes; 1633-69, Chambers. See note]

[398 Saint, 1612-25: Saint 1633-69

vow] row 1612-25]

[399 remaines;] remaines, 1612-25]

[402 that] in italics 1633-69]

[404 Creatures 1612-25: creatures 1633-69]

[416 Thinks] Thinke 1612-25]

[420 enow] enough 1633]

[421 this 1612: his 1621-69]

[421-2 place, ... little, 1612: place ... little, 1621-33]

[423 affords] affoords 1612-25

world, foundation 1633-69: worlds, foundatione 1612-25]

[426 Benefits ... Rods] capitals from 1612-25]

[428 Warre] no capital 1612-39]

[429 that] the 1625]

[433 much] much, 1633-39]

[435 up] upon 1612-25]

[449 Here 1612-25: here 1633-69]

[463 cleare,] cleane, 1635]

[475 My Lord] no italics 1612-25]

[477 redresse] Reders 1612-25]

[482 What e'r] What eye 1612-25]

[500 where] waere 1612]

[501 even] ever 1625]

[506: within; Ed: within, 1612-39: within. 1650-69]

[516: invoke] inroque 1612-25]

[518 French 1635-69: french 1612-33]

[520 Rent] Rent. 1633]

EPICEDES AND OBSEQVIES

Vpon

The deaths of sundry Personages.

Elegie upon the untimely death of the incomparable Prince Henry.

Looke to mee faith, and looke to my faith, God; For both my centers feele this period. Of waight one center, one of greatnesse is; And Reason is that center, Faith is this; For into'our reason flow, and there do end 5 All, that this naturall world doth comprehend: Quotidian things, and equidistant hence, Shut in, for man, in one circumference. But for th'enormous greatnesses, which are So disproportion'd, and so angulare, 10 As is Gods essence, place and providence, Where, how, when, what soules do, departed hence, These things (eccentrique else) on faith do strike; Yet neither all, nor upon all, alike. For reason, put to'her best extension, 15 Almost meetes faith, and makes both centers one. And nothing ever came so neare to this, As contemplation of that Prince, wee misse. For all that faith might credit mankinde could, Reason still seconded, that this prince would. 20 If then least moving of the center, make More, then if whole hell belch'd, the world to shake, What must this do, centers distracted so, That wee see not what to beleeve or know? Was it not well beleev'd till now, that hee, 25 Whose reputation was an extasie On neighbour States, which knew not why to wake, Till hee discover'd what wayes he would take; For whom, what Princes angled, when they tryed, Met a Torpedo, and were stupified; 30 And others studies, how he would be bent; Was his great fathers greatest instrument, And activ'st spirit, to convey and tie This soule of peace, through Christianity? Was it not well beleev'd, that hee would make 35 This generall peace, th'Eternall overtake, And that his times might have stretch'd out so farre, As to touch those, of which they emblems are? For to confirme this just beleefe, that now The last dayes came, wee saw heav'n did allow, 40 That, but from his aspect and exercise, In peacefull times, Rumors of war did rise. But now this faith is heresie: we must Still stay, and vexe our great-grand-mother, Dust. Oh, is God prodigall? hath he spent his store 45 Of plagues, on us; and onely now, when more Would ease us much, doth he grudge misery; And will not let's enjoy our curse; to dy? As, for the earth throwne lowest downe of all, T'were an ambition to desire to fall, 50 So God, in our desire to dye, doth know Our plot for ease, in being wretched so. Therefore we live; though such a life wee have, As but so many mandrakes on his grave. What had his growth, and generation done, 55 When, what we are, his putrefaction Sustaines in us; Earth, which griefes animate? Nor hath our world now, other Soule then that. And could griefe get so high as heav'n, that Quire, Forgetting this their new joy, would desire 60 (With griefe to see him) hee had staid below, To rectifie our errours, They foreknow. Is th'other center, Reason, faster then? Where should we looke for that, now we'are not men? For if our Reason be'our connexion 65 Of causes, now to us there can be none. For, as, if all the substances were spent, 'Twere madnesse, to enquire of accident, So is't to looke for reason, hee being gone, The onely subject reason wrought upon. 70 If Fate have such a chaine, whose divers links Industrious man discerneth, as hee thinks; When miracle doth come, and so steale in A new linke, man knowes not, where to begin: At a much deader fault must reason bee, 75 Death having broke off such a linke as hee. But now, for us, with busie proofe to come, That we'have no reason, would prove wee had some. So would just lamentations: Therefore wee May safelyer say, that we are dead, then hee. 80 So, if our griefs wee do not well declare, We'have double excuse; he'is not dead; and we are. Yet I would not dy yet; for though I bee Too narrow, to thinke him, as hee is hee, (Our Soules best baiting, and midd-period, 85 In her long journey, of considering God) Yet, (no dishonour) I can reach him thus, As he embrac'd the fires of love, with us. Oh may I, (since I live) but see, or heare, That she-Intelligence which mov'd this spheare, 90 I pardon Fate, my life: Who ere thou bee, Which hast the noble conscience, thou art shee, I conjure thee by all the charmes he spoke, By th'oathes, which onely you two never broke, By all the soules yee sigh'd, that if you see 95 These lines, you wish, I knew your history. So much, as you, two mutuall heav'ns were here, I were an Angell, singing what you were.

[Epicedes &c. 1635-69: Elegie upon &c. 1613, in the Lachrymae Lachrymarum &c. of Joshua Sylvester. See note: Elegie on Prince Henry. 1633-54, O'F: similarly, Cy, N, TCD: An Elegie on the untimely &c. 1669]

[8 man 1633-69: men 1613]

[17 neare] nere 1633]

[18 that 1633-69: the 1613]

[19 might credit 1633-69: could credit 1613]

[21 moving 1633-69: movings 1613]

[22 shake, 1650-69: shake. 1633-39]

[26 extasie Ed: exstasie, 1633-69]

[31 bent; Ed: bent, 1613, 1633-69]

[34 through 1613-33: to 1635-69

Christianity? 1669: Christianity: 1633-54]

[42 did 1633: should 1613, 1635-69]

[44 great-grand-mother, 1613: great grand mother, 1633: great grand-mother, 1635-69]

[46 us;] us, 1633]

[48 to dy? Ed: to dy. 1633: to die! 1635-54: no stop, 1669]

[57 animate?] animate; 1633]

[66 Of 1633-69: With 1613]

[67 as, 1613: as 1633-69]

[69 So is't to] So is' to 1669]

[71 Fate 1633-69: Faith 1613]

[72 thinks; Ed: thinks, 1613, 1633-69]

[73 come, 1633-69: joine; 1613

so steale in 1633-69: to steal-in 1613]

[77 proofe 1633-69: proofes 1613]

[78 some. 1633: some, 1635-69]

[80 hee. 1633: hee, 1635-69]

[82 and we are. 1633-54: we are. 1613, 1669]

[83 I would not 1633-54: would not I 1669]

[91 Who Ed: who 1633-69]

[92 shee, 1633-69: she. Chambers]

[97 So much, as you, 1633-69: So, much as you Chambers]

I have learn'd by those lawes wherein I am a[1] little conversant, that hee which bestowes any cost upon the dead, obliges him which is dead, but not the[2] heire; I do not therefore send this paper to your Ladyship, that you should thanke mee for it, or thinke that I thanke you in it; your favours and benefits to mee are so much above my merits, that they are even above my gratitude, if that were to be judged by words which must expresse it: But, Madame, since your noble brothers fortune being yours, the evidences also concerning it are yours,[3] so his vertue[4] being yours, the evidences concerning it,[5] belong also to you, of which by your acceptance this may be one peece, in which quality I humbly present it, and as a testimony how intirely your familie possesseth

Your Ladiships most humble and thankfull servant

[To the Countesse &c. 1633-69, and in most of the MSS. as next page]

[Footnote 1: a 1633-54: om. 1669]

[Footnote 2: the] his 1669]

[Footnote 3: yours, 1633: yours: 1635-69]

[Footnote 4: vertue 1633: vertues 1635-69]

[Footnote 5: it, 1633: that 1635-69]

Obsequies to the Lord Harrington, brother to the Lady Lucy, Countesse of Bedford.

Faire soule, which wast, not onely, as all soules bee, Then when thou wast infused, harmony, But did'st continue so; and now dost beare A part in Gods great organ, this whole Spheare: If looking up to God; or downe to us, 5 Thou finde that any way is pervious, Twixt heav'n and earth, and that mans actions doe Come to your knowledge, and affections too, See, and with joy, mee to that good degree Of goodnesse growne, that I can studie thee, 10 And, by these meditations refin'd, Can unapparell and enlarge my minde, And so can make by this soft extasie, This place a map of heav'n, my selfe of thee. Thou seest mee here at midnight, now all rest; 15 Times dead-low water; when all mindes devest To morrows businesse, when the labourers have Such rest in bed, that their last Church-yard grave, Subject to change, will scarce be'a type of this, Now when the clyent, whose last hearing is 20 To morrow, sleeps, when the condemned man, (Who when hee opes his eyes, must shut them than Againe by death,) although sad watch hee keepe, Doth practice dying by a little sleepe, Thou at this midnight seest mee, and as soone 25 As that Sunne rises to mee, midnight's noone, All the world growes transparent, and I see Through all, both Church and State, in seeing thee; And I discerne by favour of this light, My selfe, the hardest object of the sight. 30 God is the glasse; as thou when thou dost see Him who sees all, seest all concerning thee, So, yet unglorified, I comprehend All, in these mirrors of thy wayes, and end. Though God be our true glasse, through which we see 35 All, since the beeing of all things is hee, Yet are the trunkes which doe to us derive Things, in proportion fit, by perspective, Deeds of good men; for by their living here, Vertues, indeed remote, seeme to be neare. 40 But where can I affirme, or where arrest My thoughts on his deeds? which shall I call best? For fluid vertue cannot be look'd on, Nor can endure a contemplation. As bodies change, and as I do not weare 45 Those Spirits, humors, blood I did last yeare, And, as if on a streame I fixe mine eye, That drop, which I looked on, is presently Pusht with more waters from my sight, and gone, So in this sea of vertues, can no one 50 Bee'insisted on; vertues, as rivers, passe, Yet still remaines that vertuous man there was. And as if man feed on mans flesh, and so Part of his body to another owe, Yet at the last two perfect bodies rise, 55 Because God knowes where every Atome lyes; So, if one knowledge were made of all those, Who knew his minutes well, hee might dispose His vertues into names, and ranks; but I Should injure Nature, Vertue, and Destinie, 60 Should I divide and discontinue so, Vertue, which did in one intirenesse grow. For as, hee that would say, spirits are fram'd Of all the purest parts that can be nam'd, Honours not spirits halfe so much, as hee 65 Which sayes, they have no parts, but simple bee; So is't of vertue; for a point and one Are much entirer then a million. And had Fate meant to have his vertues told, It would have let him live to have beene old; 70 So, then that vertue in season, and then this, We might have seene, and said, that now he is Witty, now wise, now temperate, now just: In good short lives, vertues are faine to thrust, And to be sure betimes to get a place, 75 When they would exercise, lacke time, and space. So was it in this person, forc'd to bee For lack of time, his owne epitome: So to exhibit in few yeares as much, As all the long breath'd Chronicles can touch. 80 As when an Angell down from heav'n doth flye, Our quick thought cannot keepe him company, Wee cannot thinke, now hee is at the Sunne, Now through the Moon, now he through th'aire doth run, Yet when he's come, we know he did repaire 85 To all twixt Heav'n and Earth, Sunne, Moon, and Aire; And as this Angell in an instant knowes, And yet wee know, this sodaine knowledge growes By quick amassing severall formes of things, Which he successively to order brings; 90 When they, whose slow-pac'd lame thoughts cannot goe So fast as hee, thinke that he doth not so; Just as a perfect reader doth not dwell, On every syllable, nor stay to spell, Yet without doubt, hee doth distinctly see 95 And lay together every A, and B; So, in short liv'd good men, is'not understood Each severall vertue, but the compound good; For, they all vertues paths in that pace tread, As Angells goe, and know, and as men read. 100 O why should then these men, these lumps of Balme Sent hither, this worlds tempests to becalme, Before by deeds they are diffus'd and spred, And so make us alive, themselves be dead? O Soule, O circle, why so quickly bee 105 Thy ends, thy birth and death, clos'd up in thee? Since one foot of thy compasse still was plac'd In heav'n, the other might securely'have pac'd In the most large extent, through every path, Which the whole world, or man the abridgment hath. 110 Thou knowst, that though the tropique circles have (Yea and those small ones which the Poles engrave,) All the same roundnesse, evennesse, and all The endlesnesse of the equinoctiall; Yet, when we come to measure distances, 115 How here, how there, the Sunne affected is, When he doth faintly worke, and when prevaile, Onely great circles, than can be our scale: So, though thy circle to thy selfe expresse All, tending to thy endlesse happinesse, 120 And wee, by our good use of it may trye, Both how to live well young, and how to die, Yet, since we must be old, and age endures His Torrid Zone at Court, and calentures Of hot ambitions, irrelegions ice, 125 Zeales agues, and hydroptique avarice, Infirmities which need the scale of truth, As well as lust, and ignorance of youth; Why did'st thou not for these give medicines too, And by thy doing tell us what to doe? 130 Though as small pocket-clocks, whose every wheele Doth each mismotion and distemper feele, Whose hand gets shaking palsies, and whose string (His sinewes) slackens, and whose Soule, the spring, Expires, or languishes, whose pulse, the flye, 135 Either beates not, or beates unevenly, Whose voice, the Bell, doth rattle, or grow dumbe, Or idle,'as men, which to their last houres come, If these clockes be not wound, or be wound still, Or be not set, or set at every will; 140 So, youth is easiest to destruction, If then wee follow all, or follow none. Yet, as in great clocks, which in steeples chime, Plac'd to informe whole towns, to'imploy their time, An error doth more harme, being generall, 145 When, small clocks faults, only'on the wearer fall; So worke the faults of age, on which the eye Of children, servants, or the State relie. Why wouldst not thou then, which hadst such a soule, A clock so true, as might the Sunne controule, 150 And daily hadst from him, who gave it thee, Instructions, such as it could never be Disordered, stay here, as a generall And great Sun-dyall, to have set us All? O why wouldst thou be any instrument 155 To this unnaturall course, or why consent To this, not miracle, but Prodigie, That when the ebbs, longer then flowings be, Vertue, whose flood did with thy youth begin, Should so much faster ebb out, then flow in? 160 Though her flood was blowne in, by thy first breath, All is at once sunke in the whirle-poole death. Which word I would not name, but that I see Death, else a desert, growne a Court by thee. Now I grow sure, that if a man would have 165 Good companie, his entry is a grave. Mee thinkes all Cities, now, but Anthills bee, Where, when the severall labourers I see, For children, house, Provision, taking paine, They'are all but Ants, carrying eggs, straw, and grain; 170 And Church-yards are our cities, unto which The most repaire, that are in goodnesse rich. There is the best concourse, and confluence, There are the holy suburbs, and from thence Begins Gods City, New Jerusalem, 175 Which doth extend her utmost gates to them. At that gate then Triumphant soule, dost thou Begin thy Triumph; But since lawes allow That at the Triumph day, the people may, All that they will, 'gainst the Triumpher say, 180 Let me here use that freedome, and expresse My griefe, though not to make thy Triumph lesse. By law, to Triumphs none admitted bee, Till they as Magistrates get victorie; Though then to thy force, all youthes foes did yield, 185 Yet till fit time had brought thee to that field, To which thy ranke in this state destin'd thee, That there thy counsailes might get victorie, And so in that capacitie remove All jealousies 'twixt Prince and subjects love, 190 Thou could'st no title, to this triumph have, Thou didst intrude on death, usurp'dst a grave. Then (though victoriously) thou hadst fought as yet But with thine owne affections, with the heate Of youths desires, and colds of ignorance, 195 But till thou should'st successefully advance Thine armes 'gainst forraine enemies, which are Both Envy, and acclamations popular, (For, both these engines equally defeate, Though by a divers Mine, those which are great,) 200 Till then thy War was but a civill War, For which to Triumph, none admitted are. No more are they, who though with good successe, In a defensive war, their power expresse; Before men triumph, the dominion 205 Must be enlarg'd and not preserv'd alone; Why should'st thou then, whose battailes were to win Thy selfe, from those straits nature put thee in, And to deliver up to God that state, Of which he gave thee the vicariate, 210 (Which is thy soule and body) as intire As he, who takes endeavours, doth require, But didst not stay, t'enlarge his kingdome too, By making others, what thou didst, to doe; Why shouldst thou Triumph now, when Heav'n no more 216 Hath got, by getting thee, then't had before? For, Heav'n and thou, even when thou livedst here, Of one another in possession were. But this from Triumph most disables thee, That, that place which is conquered, must bee 220 Left safe from present warre, and likely doubt Of imminent commotions to breake out: And hath he left us so? or can it bee His territory was no more then Hee? No, we were all his charge, the Diocis 225 Of ev'ry exemplar man, the whole world is, And he was joyned in commission With Tutelar Angels, sent to every one. But though this freedome to upbraid, and chide Him who Triumph'd, were lawfull, it was ty'd 230 With this, that it might never reference have Unto the Senate, who this triumph gave; Men might at Pompey jeast, but they might not At that authoritie, by which he got Leave to Triumph, before, by age, he might; 235 So, though, triumphant soule, I dare to write, Mov'd with a reverentiall anger, thus, That thou so earely wouldst abandon us; Yet I am farre from daring to dispute With that great soveraigntie, whose absolute 240 Prerogative hath thus dispens'd with thee, 'Gainst natures lawes, which just impugners bee Of early triumphs; And I (though with paine) Lessen our losse, to magnifie thy gaine Of triumph, when I say, It was more fit, 245 That all men should lacke thee, then thou lack it. Though then in our time, be not suffered That testimonie of love, unto the dead, To die with them, and in their graves be hid, As Saxon wives, and French soldurii did; 250 And though in no degree I can expresse Griefe in great Alexanders great excesse, Who at his friends death, made whole townes devest Their walls and bullwarks which became them best: Doe not, faire soule, this sacrifice refuse, 255 That in thy grave I doe interre my Muse, Who, by my griefe, great as thy worth, being cast Behind hand, yet hath spoke, and spoke her last.

[Obsequies to &c. B, S96 and similarly A25, C, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, TCD: Obsequies to the Lord Harringtons brother. To the Countesse of Bedford. 1633-54: Obsequies on the Lord Harrington, &c. To the Countess of Bedford. 1669]

[7 mans 1633, D, H49: mens 1635-69 and most MSS.]

[11 these 1633-69: those B, D, H49, JC, O'F, S, TCD]

[15 midnight, now 1633-69: midnight; now Chambers: midnight now, Grolier]

[26 that Sunne] this Sunne N, TCD]

[30 hardest] hardyest 1669]

[34 end. D: end; 1633-69]

[35 our true glasse, 1633-69 (glass, 1633): truly our glass A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD

see] see. 1633 some copies, 1635]

[38 Things, in proportion fit, by perspective, D: Things, in proportion fit by perspective, 1633: Things, in proportion, fit by perspective, 1635-54, Chambers: Things in proportion, fit by perspective, 1669. See note]

[39 men; D: men, 1633: men: 1635-69]

living 1633: beeing 1635-69, Chambers and Grolier]

[40 neare. 1635-69: nere; 1633]

[44 contemplation. Ed: contemplation; 1633-69]

[51 on; Ed: on, 1633-69]

[52 was. Ed: was; 1633-69]

[53 feed 1635-69 and MSS.: feeds 1633]

[63 would 1633: should 1635-69]

[69 to have his 1633, A25, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, S, S96, TCD: to'have had his 1635-69, O'F, Chambers]

[70 old; Ed: old, 1633-39: old. 1650-69]

[71 So, then that Ed: So then, that 1633: So, then, that 1635-69]

[76 exercise] exercse 1633 some copies: encrease D, H49, Lec: exercise: they S

lacke 1633-54: last 1669

time] room A25, B, JC, O'F, S, S96, TCD]

[78 epitome: D: epitome. 1633-69]

[80 Chronicles] Chroniclers 1669

can touch.] can touch; 1633]

[84 he] om. 1669, O'F]

[86 Aire; 1669: Aire. 1633-35: Air, 1639-54]

[87 instant] instant, 1633]

[98 good; Ed: good. 1633-69]

[102 this A25, B, C, D, H49, JC, N, O'F, S, TCD: the 1633-69

tempests A25, D, H49, JC, N, S96, TCD: tempest 1633-69, O'F, S]

[106 death, Ed: death 1633-69]

[110 man] man, 1633

hath.] hath, 1633 some copies, 1633-39]

[117 When ... when 1633-69, D, H49, Lec: Where ... where rest of MSS.]

[118 circles, than can D: circles, then, can 1633-69]

[121 it] that many MSS.]

[125 ambitions,] ambition, 1669]

[126 agues, Ed: agues; 1633-69]

[127-8 in brackets 1635-69]

[128 As well as lust, 1669: As well, as lust 1633-54]

[130 tell us 1633, 1669, A25, D, H49, N, S, TCD: set us 1635-54, B, O'F, S96, and Chambers]

[133 hand gets A25, B, C, D, H49, JC, N, S, TCD: hands get 1633-54: hands gets 1669. See note]

[135 flye, 1633: flee, 1635-69]

[138 houres come, 1633-54: hour come, 1669: hours are come, Chambers]

[142 none. 1635-69: none; 1633]

[146 fall; Ed: fall. 1633-69]

[154 great] grave A25, C]

[155 wouldst] wouldest 1639-54

any 1633-35, and MSS.: an 1639-69, Chambers]

[158 when 1633-69: where C, D, H49, N, O'F, S, TCD: whereas B]

[161 was 1633: were 1635-69]

[165 grow sure, 1633, D, H49, Lec: am sure, 1635-69]

[170 and 1633-69: or A25, B, C, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD]

[176 them. D: them; 1633, 1639-69: them, 1635]

[178 Triumph; 1633: Triumph. 1635-69]

[184 victorie; Ed: victorie, 1633-69]

[186 brought] wrought 1639, Chambers]

[192 usurp'dst B, D, H49, N, TCD: usurp'st 1633, Lec, S96: usurpe 1635-69, A25, JC, O'F, Chambers]

[193 Then 1635-69: That 1633]

[198 acclamations 1669, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD: acclamation 1633-54]

[202 are. D: are; 1633-69]

[204 expresse; Ed: expresse. 1633-69]

[212 endeavours, 1633-54, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD: Indentours, 1669, Chambers]

[216 'thad] t'had 1633-39]

[218 were. D: were; 1633-69]

[222 out: 1635-69: out. 1633]

[224 His 1633-54: This 1669

then 1633-69: but D, H49, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD]

[231 reference] reverence 1650-54]

[239 I am] am I B, O'F, S, S96]

[241 with 1633-69, O'F: for A25, D, H49, Lec, N, TCD]

[247 time,] times, 1669, B, JC, O'F, N, S, S96, TCD]

[250 soldurii D, H49, Lec: soldarii 1633-69]

[251 expresse] expresse, 1633]

[257 Who, 1633: Which, 1639-69]

Elegie on the Lady Marckham.

Man is the World, and death th'Ocean, To which God gives the lower parts of man. This Sea invirons all, and though as yet God hath set markes, and bounds, twixt us and it, Yet doth it rore, and gnaw, and still pretend, 5 And breaks our bankes, when ere it takes a friend. Then our land waters (teares of passion) vent; Our waters, then, above our firmament, (Teares which our Soule doth for her sins let fall) Take all a brackish taft, and Funerall, 10 And even these teares, which should wash sin, are sin. We, after Gods Noe, drowne our world againe. Nothing but man of all invenom'd things Doth worke upon itselfe, with inborne stings. Teares are false Spectacles, we cannot see 15 Through passions mist, what wee are, or what shee. In her this sea of death hath made no breach, But as the tide doth wash the slimie beach, And leaves embroder'd workes upon the sand, So is her flesh refin'd by deaths cold hand. 20 As men of China,'after an ages stay, Do take up Porcelane, where they buried Clay; So at this grave, her limbecke, which refines The Diamonds, Rubies, Saphires, Pearles, and Mines, Of which this flesh was, her soule shall inspire 25 Flesh of such stuffe, as God, when his last fire Annuls this world, to recompence it, shall, Make and name then, th'Elixar of this All. They say, the sea, when it gaines, loseth too; If carnall Death (the yonger brother) doe 30 Usurpe the body,'our soule, which subject is To th'elder death, by sinne, is freed by this; They perish both, when they attempt the just; For, graves our trophies are, and both deaths dust. So, unobnoxious now, she'hath buried both; 35 For, none to death sinnes, that to sinne is loth, Nor doe they die, which are not loth to die; So hath she this, and that virginity. Grace was in her extremely diligent, That kept her from sinne, yet made her repent. 40 Of what small spots pure white complaines! Alas, How little poyson cracks a christall glasse! She sinn'd, but just enough to let us see That God's word must be true, All, sinners be. Soe much did zeale her conscience rarefie 45 That, extreme truth lack'd little of a lye, Making omissions, acts; laying the touch Of sinne, on things that sometimes may be such. As Moses Cherubines, whose natures doe Surpasse all speed, by him are winged too: 50 So would her soule, already'in heaven, seeme then, To clyme by teares, the common staires of men. How fit she was for God, I am content To speake, that Death his vaine hast may repent. How fit for us, how even and how sweet, 55 How good in all her titles, and how meet, To have reform'd this forward heresie, That women can no parts of friendship bee; How Morall, how Divine shall not be told, Lest they that heare her vertues, thinke her old: 60 And lest we take Deaths part, and make him glad Of such a prey, and to his tryumph adde.

[Elegie &c. 1633-54: An Elegie &c. 1669: similarly, A18, A25, B, C, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, S96, TC]

[6 And breaks 1633-54: To break 1669

bankes D, Cy, H40, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, P, TCC: bounds A25, C: banke, 1633-69, N (s added), TCD]

[8 firmament,] firmament. 1633]

[10 Funerall, Ed: Funerall. 1633-69]

[11 these D, H49, Lec: those 1633-69]

[12 after Gods Noe, drowne 1633-54 (No, 1633-54): after God, new drown 1669

our world 1669, B, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S96, TCD: the world 1633-54, A18, A25, JC, TCC]

[16 mist] mistes Cy, L74, N, TCD]

[19 embroder'd 1635-54: embroderd 1633: embroider'd 1669]

[21 stay, Ed: stay 1633-69]

[25 which Ed: which, 1633-69]

[28 then, 1633: then 1635-39: them 1650-69]

[34 and both deaths dust. Ed: and both Deaths' dust. Grolier: and both, deaths dust. 1633: and both death's dust. 1635-69 and Chambers: and both dead dust. D, Cy, H40, H49, JC, Lec, S96. See note]

[36 loth, Ed: loth. 1633-69]

[37 die; Ed: die, 1633-69]

[42 cracks 1633-69, A25, Cy, P (crackt): breakes A18, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, S96, TC

glasse! Ed: glasse? 1633-69]

[44-5 omitted in 1633 between foot of one page and top of next]

[45 rarefie,] rectify, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, S96]

[48 sometimes 1633 and MSS.: sometime 1635-69, and Chambers]

[52 teares,] tears Chambers

the ... men in brackets A18, N, TC]

[54 Death D: death 1633-69]

[58 women 1635-69, A18, A25, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, TC: woman 1633, Cy

parts] parte Cy, JC. This line written in large letters in several MSS.]

[60 vertues, 1633-35, 1669: vertue, 1639-54

thinke] thinks 1639

old: Ed: old. 1633-69]

[62 tryumph 1633-69, A25, D, H40, Lec: triumphes A18, B, H49, JC, L74, N, O'F, P, S96, TC]

Elegie on M^{ris} Boulstred.

Death I recant, and say, unsaid by mee What ere hath slip'd, that might diminish thee. Spirituall treason, atheisme 'tis, to say, That any can thy Summons disobey. Th'earths face is but thy Table; there are set 5 Plants, cattell, men, dishes for Death to eate. In a rude hunger now hee millions drawes Into his bloody, or plaguy, or sterv'd jawes. Now hee will seeme to spare, and doth more wast, Eating the best first, well preserv'd to last. 10 Now wantonly he spoiles, and eates us not, But breakes off friends, and lets us peecemeale rot. Nor will this earth serve him; he sinkes the deepe Where harmelesse fish monastique silence keepe, Who (were Death dead) by Roes of living sand, 15 Might spunge that element, and make it land. He rounds the aire, and breakes the hymnique notes In birds (Heavens choristers,) organique throats, Which (if they did not dye) might seeme to bee A tenth ranke in the heavenly hierarchie. 20 O strong and long-liv'd death, how cam'st thou in? And how without Creation didst begin? Thou hast, and shalt see dead, before thou dyest, All the foure Monarchies, and Antichrist. How could I thinke thee nothing, that see now 25 In all this All, nothing else is, but thou. Our births and lives, vices, and vertues, bee Wastfull consumptions, and degrees of thee. For, wee to live, our bellowes weare, and breath, Nor are wee mortall, dying, dead, but death. 30 And though thou beest, O mighty bird of prey, So much reclaim'd by God, that thou must lay All that thou kill'st at his feet, yet doth hee Reserve but few, and leaves the most to thee. And of those few, now thou hast overthrowne 35 One whom thy blow makes, not ours, nor thine own. She was more stories high: hopelesse to come To her Soule, thou'hast offer'd at her lower roome. Her Soule and body was a King and Court: But thou hast both of Captaine mist and fort. 40 As houses fall not, though the King remove, Bodies of Saints rest for their soules above. Death gets 'twixt soules and bodies such a place As sinne insinuates 'twixt just men and grace, Both worke a separation, no divorce. 45 Her Soule is gone to usher up her corse Which shall be'almost another soule, for there Bodies are purer, then best Soules are here, Because in her, her virtues did outgoe Her yeares, would'st thou, O emulous death, do so? 50 And kill her young to thy losse? must the cost Of beauty,'and wit, apt to doe harme, be lost? What though thou found'st her proofe 'gainst sins of youth? Oh, every age a diverse sinne pursueth. Thou should'st have stay'd, and taken better hold, 55 Shortly, ambitious; covetous, when old, She might have prov'd: and such devotion Might once have stray'd to superstition. If all her vertues must have growne, yet might Abundant virtue'have bred a proud delight. 60 Had she persever'd just, there would have bin Some that would sinne, mis-thinking she did sinne. Such as would call her friendship, love, and faine To sociablenesse, a name profane; Or sinne, by tempting, or, not daring that, 65 By wishing, though they never told her what. Thus might'st thou'have slain more soules, had'st thou not crost Thy selfe, and to triumph, thine army lost. Yet though these wayes be lost, thou hast left one, Which is, immoderate griefe that she is gone. 70 But we may scape that sinne, yet weepe as much, Our teares are due, because we are not such. Some teares, that knot of friends, her death must cost, Because the chaine is broke, though no linke lost.

[Elegie on M^{ris} Boulstred. 1633-69, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, TCC, TCD: in Cy, O'F, P this and the Elegie, Death, be not proud (p. 416) are given as one poem. See note]

[5 there are set] and the meate A18, L74, N, TC]

[6 dishes 1633, 1650-69: dished 1635-39, A18, L74, N, O'F, S96, TC]

[10 first,] fruite or fruites A18, H49, L74, N, TC: first fruit P]

[14 keepe, 1635-39: keepe. 1633, 1650-69]

[15 by Roes 1633: the Roes 1635-54: the Rows 1669: by rows A18, N, O'F, P, S96, TC]

[18 birds Ed: birds, 1633-69 (Heavens choristers)] brackets from HN]

[27 lives, 1635-69, A25, Cy, O'F, P, S: lifes, HN: life, 1633, A18, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, TC]

[34 to thee. 1633: for thee. 1635-69]

[35 thou hast 1633-69: hast thou HN]

[36 blow] blow, 1633]

[41 King 1633, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, Lec, N, O'F, P, TC: Kings 1635-69]

[45 worke 1633-69, HN, O'F, S: workes A18, Cy, D, H49, L74, N, P, TC: makes Lec. See note]

[56 Shortly,] Shortly 1633

ambitious; 1635-69: ambitious, 1633]

[62 mis-thinking] mistaking Cy, HN, O'F (but altered to text)]

[64 profane; 1669: profane, 1635-54: profane. 1633]

[74 though 1635-69, A18, A25, HN, L74, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC: but 1633, D, H40, H49, Lec]

[Here follow in 1635-54 By our first strange (p. 111), Madame, That I (p. 291), and Death be not proud, (p. 422). In 1669 My Fortune and (p. 292) precedes Madame, That I]

ELEGIE.

Death.

Language thou art too narrow, and too weake To ease us now; great sorrow cannot speake; If we could sigh out accents, and weepe words, Griefe weares, and lessens, that tears breath affords. Sad hearts, the lesse they seeme the more they are, 5 (So guiltiest men stand mutest at the barre) Not that they know not, feele not their estate, But extreme sense hath made them desperate. Sorrow, to whom we owe all that we bee; Tyrant, in the fift and greatest Monarchy, 10 Was't, that she did possesse all hearts before, Thou hast kil'd her, to make thy Empire more? Knew'st thou some would, that knew her not, lament, As in a deluge perish th'innocent? Was't not enough to have that palace wonne, 15 But thou must raze it too, that was undone? Had'st thou staid there, and look'd out at her eyes, All had ador'd thee that now from thee flies, For they let out more light, then they tooke in, They told not when, but did the day beginne. 20 She was too Saphirine, and cleare for thee; Clay, flint, and jeat now thy fit dwellings be; Alas, shee was too pure, but not too weake; Who e'r saw Christall Ordinance but would break? And if wee be thy conquest, by her fall 25 Th'hast lost thy end, for in her perish all; Or if we live, we live but to rebell, They know her better now, that knew her well. If we should vapour out, and pine, and die; Since, shee first went, that were not miserie. 30 Shee chang'd our world with hers; now she is gone, Mirth and prosperity is oppression; For of all morall vertues she was all, The Ethicks speake of vertues Cardinall. Her soule was Paradise; the Cherubin 35 Set to keepe it was grace, that kept out sinne. Shee had no more then let in death, for wee All reape consumption from one fruitfull tree. God tooke her hence, lest some of us should love Her, like that plant, him and his lawes above, 40 And when wee teares, hee mercy shed in this, To raise our mindes to heaven where now she is; Who if her vertues would have let her stay Wee'had had a Saint, have now a holiday. Her heart was that strange bush, where, sacred fire, 45 Religion, did not consume, but'inspire Such piety, so chast use of Gods day, That what we turne to feast, she turn'd to pray, And did prefigure here, in devout tast, The rest of her high Sabaoth, which shall last. 50 Angels did hand her up, who next God dwell, (For she was of that order whence most fell) Her body left with us, lest some had said, Shee could not die, except they saw her dead; For from lesse vertue, and lesse beautiousnesse, 55 The Gentiles fram'd them Gods and Goddesses. The ravenous earth that now wooes her to be Earth too, will be a Lemnia; and the tree That wraps that christall in a wooden Tombe, Shall be tooke up spruce, fill'd with diamond; 60 And we her sad glad friends all beare a part Of griefe, for all would waste a Stoicks heart.

[Elegie. 1633: Elegie XI. Death. 1635-54 (being places among the Elegies): Elegie XI. 1669: An Elegie upon the death of M^{ris} Boulstred. A18, B, Cy, H40, L74, N, O'F, P, S, TCC, TCD: no title, HN]

[2 sorrow 1633, B, Cy, H40, HN, L74, N, P, TC: sorrowes 1635-69, O'F, S]

[8 desperate. Ed: desperate; 1633-69]

[10 Tyrant, 1633, 1669 (no comma): Tyran, 1635-54]

[20 beginne. Ed: beginne; 1633-69]

[21 for 1635-69: to 1633]

[26 for in her 1633 and all the MSS.: in her we 1635-69, Chambers]

[28 They ... that ... well; 1633, Cy, H40, HN, L74, N, S, TC: That know her better now, who knew her well. 1635-69, B, O'F, P, S96]

[29 and pine, and] or pine, or Cy, H40, HN, O'F, P, S, S96: or pine, and L74, TCC]

[30 miserie. Ed: miserie; 1633-69]

[34 The Ethicks speake 1633, A18, Cy, H40, L74, N, P, TC: That Ethickes speake 1635-69, B, O'F, S: The ethenickes spake HN

Cardinall. Ed: Cardinall; 1633-69]

[36 that kept out] to keep out HN, P

sinne. Ed: sinne; 1633-69]

[37 She had no more; then let in death for we 1669]

[38 tree. Ed: tree; 1633-69]

[41-2 And when we see his mercy shewne in this 'Twill &c. S]

[44 holiday. Ed: holiday; 1633-69

All the MSS. omit have, but O'F inserts it later]

[48 That what 1633-69: That when HN

turne] turn'd Cy, HN, P, S96

to feast, Ed: to feast, 1633-69

feast] feasts L74, N, O'F, TC

to pray, Ed: to pray, 1633-69]

[50 last.] last; 1633]

[53 Her body left 1633, A18, HN, N, TC: Her bodie's left 1635-69]

[56 fram'd] fain'd Cy, P: form'd H40, HN]

[57 wooes] woes 1633

be] be, 1633]

[58 All the MSS. omit a before Lemnia, but O'F inserts]

[61 sad glad 1633-69: glad sad B, Cy, L74, N, O'F, P, S, S96]

[62 waste 1633, A18, Cy, H40, HN, L74, N, P, TC: breake 1635-69, B, O'F]

Elegie on the L. C.

Sorrow, who to this house scarce knew the way: Is, Oh, heire of it, our All is his prey. This strange chance claimes strange wonder, and to us Nothing can be so strange, as to weepe thus. 'Tis well his lifes loud speaking workes deserve, 5 And give praise too, our cold tongues could not serve: 'Tis well, hee kept teares from our eyes before, That to fit this deepe ill, we might have store. Oh, if a sweet briar, climbe up by'a tree, If to a paradise that transplanted bee, 10 Or fell'd, and burnt for holy sacrifice, Yet, that must wither, which by it did rise, As we for him dead: though no familie Ere rigg'd a soule for heavens discoverie With whom more Venturers more boldly dare 15 Venture their states, with him in joy to share. Wee lose what all friends lov'd, him; he gaines now But life by death, which worst foes would allow, If hee could have foes, in whose practise grew All vertues, whose names subtile Schoolmen knew. 20 What ease, can hope that wee shall see'him, beget, When wee must die first, and cannot dye yet? His children are his pictures, Oh they bee Pictures of him dead, senselesse, cold as he. Here needs no marble Tombe, since hee is gone, 25 He, and about him, his, are turn'd to stone.

[Elegie &c. 1635-69, following Death be not proud (p. 422): Elegie, Funerall Elegie, or no title, B, Cy, HN, O'F, S96: Elegie VI. (being placed among the Elegies) 1633: Elegie. (being eighth among Elegies) D, H49, Lec: Elegia tercia. S: Elegie XIII^a. JC, W]

[1 who 1633-39: that 1650-69]

[2 prey. 1633: prey, 1633-54: Pay. 1669]

[4 thus. 1669: thus; 1633-54]

[13 dead: 1633-69: dead. HN, Grolier]

[16 Venture their states] Venter estates B

share. D, H49, Lec, W: share 1633: share, 1635-69, Chambers and Grolier. See note]

[17 him;] him, 1633]

[20 names] name 1635-69

knew. Ed: knew; 1635-69]

[24 he. 1650-69: he, 1633-39]

An hymne to the Saints, and to Marquesse Hamylton.

To Sir Robert Carr.

SIR,

I Presume you rather try what you can doe in me, then what I can doe in verse; you know my uttermost when it was best, and even then I did best when I had least truth for my subjects. In this present case there is so much truth as it defeats all Poetry. Call therefore this paper by what name you will, and, if it bee not worthy of him, nor of you, nor of mee, smother it, and bee that the sacrifice. If you had commanded mee to have waited on his body to Scotland and preached there, I would have embraced the obligation with more alacrity; But, I thanke you that you would command me that which I was loath to doe, for, even that hath given a tincture of merit to the obedience of

Your poore friend and servant in Christ Jesus

[2 verse; 1635-69: verse, 1633]

[3 best] at the best A18, TCC

subjects. 1635-69: subjects, 1633: subject, A18, TCC]

[6-7 of him ... sacrifice. 1635-69: of you nor of him, we will smother it, and be it your sacrifice. 1633: of him, nor of you, nor of anye; smother it, and bee that the sacrifice. A18, TCC]

[9 the 1635-69: your 1633, A18, TCC

more] much 1633]

[10 loath] loather 1633]

in Christ Jesus] om. A18, TCC]

Whether that soule which now comes up to you Fill any former ranke or make a new; Whether it take a name nam'd there before, Or be a name it selfe, and order more Then was in heaven till now; (for may not hee 5 Bee so, if every severall Angell bee A kind alone?) What ever order grow Greater by him in heaven, wee doe not so. One of your orders growes by his accesse; But, by his losse grow all our orders lesse; 10 The name of Father, Master, Friend, the name Of Subject and of Prince, in one are lame; Faire mirth is dampt, and conversation black, The household widdow'd, and the garter slack; The Chappell wants an eare, Councell a tongue; 15 Story, a theame; and Musicke lacks a song; Blest order that hath him! the losse of him Gangreend all Orders here; all lost a limbe. Never made body such hast to confesse What a soule was; All former comelinesse 20 Fled, in a minute, when the soule was gone, And, having lost that beauty, would have none; So fell our Monasteries, in one instant growne Not to lesse houses, but, to heapes of stone; So sent this body that faire forme it wore, 25 Unto the spheare of formes, and doth (before His soule shall fill up his sepulchrall stone,) Anticipate a Resurrection; For, as in his fame, now, his soule is here, So, in the forme thereof his bodie's there. 30 And if, faire soule, not with first Innocents Thy station be, but with the Pænitents, (And, who shall dare to aske then when I am Dy'd scarlet in the blood of that pure Lambe, Whether that colour, which is scarlet then, 35 Were black or white before in eyes of men?) When thou rememb'rest what sins thou didst finde Amongst those many friends now left behinde, And seest such sinners as they are, with thee Got thither by repentance, Let it bee 40 Thy wish to wish all there, to wish them cleane; Wim him a David, her a Magdalen.

[An hymne &c. 1633-69, in all of which it is classed with the Divine Poems, following Resurrection. In 1635-69 it is preceded by the letter To Sir Robert Carr.: in 1633 the letter follows, and has no heading: similarly in A18, O'F, TCC. See note]

[1 Whether] Whither 1633, and so in 3]

[2 new; Ed: new, 1633-69]

[6 so,] so? 1633]

[7 alone?) 1635-54: alone;) 1633: alone) 1669]

[8 so. Ed: so; 1633-69]

[12 are 1633, A18, TCC: is 1635-69, O'F]

[16 song; 1633: song. 1635-69]

[17 him! Ed: him, 1633-69]

[18 Gangreend 1635-69: Gangred 1633

limbe. 1633-35: limbe: 1639-69]

[22 none; Ed: none: 1650-69: none, 1633-39]

[23 one instant 1633: an instant 1635-69]

[25 this 1633, A18, TCC: his 1635-69]

[29 For, as in his 1633-39: For, as it his 1650-54: For, as it is his 1669]

[30 there. Ed: there; 1633-39: there, 1650-69]

[36 in eyes] in the eyes A18, O'F, TCC]

EPITAPHS.

EPITAPH ON HIMSELFE.

That I might make your Cabinet my tombe, And for my fame which I love next my soule, Next to my soule provide the happiest roome, Admit to that place this last funerall Scrowle. Others by Wills give Legacies, but I 5 Dying, of you doe beg a Legacie.

My fortune and my will this custome breake, When we are senselesse grown to make stones speak, Though no stone tell thee what I was, yet thou In my graves inside see what thou art now: 10 Yet th'art not yet so good; till us death lay To ripe and mellow there, w'are stubborne clay, Parents make us earth, and soules dignifie Vs to be glasse, here to grow gold we lie; Whilst in our soules sinne bred and pampered is, 15 Our soules become worme-eaten Carkasses.

[Epitaph. B, D, H40, H49

On himselfe. 1635-69

To the Countesse of Bedford. O'F, S96: no heading, and epistle only, A25, C The introductory epistle, and the first ten lines of the epitaph, the whole with heading Elegie., is printed 1635-54 among the Funerall Elegies. The full epitaph without epistle and with heading On himselfe. is included among the Divine Poems, where it follows the Lamentations of Jeremy. In his note Chambers (II. 234) reverses these facts. In 1669 On himselfe. is transferred to the Funerall Elegies and is followed immediately by the Elegie, i.e. the epistle and incomplete epitaph. They are here given for the first time in a separate group]

[5 Others by Wills 1635-69: Others by testaments A25, C, O'F (altered to wills), S96: Men by testament B: Then by testament H40: O then by testament D, H49]

[10 now: 1650-69: now, 1635-39]

[12 there, 1635, 1669: thee, 1639-54]

Omnibus.

My Fortune and my choice this custome break, When we are speechlesse grown, to make stones speak, Though no stone tell thee what I was, yet thou In my graves inside seest what thou art now: Yet thou'art not yet so good, till death us lay 5 To ripe and mellow here, we are stubborne Clay. Parents make us earth, and soules dignifie Vs to be glasse; here to grow gold we lie. Whilst in our soules sinne bred and pamper'd is, Our soules become wormeaten carkases; 10 So we our selves miraculously destroy. Here bodies with lesse miracle enjoy Such priviledges, enabled here to scale Heaven, when the Trumpets ayre shall them exhale. Heare this, and mend thy selfe, and thou mendst me, 15 By making me being dead, doe good to thee, And thinke me well compos'd, that I could now A last-sicke houre to syllables allow.

[Omnibus. D, H49: To all. H40, RP31: Another on the same. (i.e. M^{rs} Boulstred) P: On himselfe. 1635-69: no title, B, S96: in MSS. this complete epitaph follows the epistle (p. 291); but in B they are separated by various poems and in P the epistle is not given]

[3 tell] tel 1635]

[4 seest] see D, H49: compare incomplete version.]

[5 Yet 1635-69: Nay S96

thou'art Ed: thou art 1635-69]

[8 lie. Ed: lie; 1635-69]

[14 them] then 1669]

[16 to thee, B, D, H40, H49, O'F, S96: for thee, 1635-69]

INFINITATI SACRUM,

16. Augusti 1601.

METEMPSYCHOSIS.

Poêma Satyricon.

EPISTLE.

Others at the Porches and entries of their Buildings set their Armes; I, my picture; if any colours can deliver a minde so plaine, and flat, and through light as mine. Naturally at a new Author, I doubt, and sticke, and doe not say quickly, good. I censure much and taxe; And this liberty costs mee more then others, by how much my owne things are worse then others. Yet I would not be so rebellious against my selfe, as not to doe it, since I love it; nor so unjust to others, to do it sine talione. As long as I give them as good hold upon mee, they must pardon mee my bitings. I forbid no reprehender, but him that like the Trent Councell forbids not bookes, but Authors, damning what ever such a name hath or shall write. None writes so ill, that he gives not some thing exemplary, to follow, or flie. Now when I beginne this booke, I have no purpose to come into any mans debt[1]; how my stocke will hold out I know not; perchance waste, perchance increase in use; if I doe borrow any thing of Antiquitie, besides that I make account that I pay it to posterity, with as much and as good: You shall still finde mee to acknowledge it, and to thanke not him onely that hath digg'd out treasure for mee, but that hath lighted mee a candle to the place. All which I will bid you remember, (for I will have no such Readers as I can teach) is, that the Pithagorian doctrine doth not onely carry one soule from man to man, nor man to beast, but indifferently to plants also: and therefore you must not grudge to finde the same soule in an Emperour, in a Post-horse, and in a Mucheron,[2] since no unreadinesse in the soule, but an indisposition in the organs workes this. And therefore though this soule could not move when it was a Melon, yet it may remember, and now tell mee,[3] at what lascivious banquet it was serv'd. And though it could not speake, when it was a spider, yet it can remember and now tell me, who used it for poyson to attaine dignitie. How ever the bodies have dull'd her other faculties, her memory hath ever been her owne, which makes me so seriously deliver you by her relation all her passages from her first making when shee was that apple[4] which Eve eate,[5] to this time when shee is hee,[6] whose life you shall finde in the end of this booke.

[Infinitati &c. 1633-69: (in 1633 it is the first poem; in 1633-69 it follows the Funerall Elegies, from which it is separated by some prose letters, and precedes Divine Poems as here), A18, G, N, TCC, TCD

Metempsychosis. 1650-69: Metempsycosis. 1633-39]

[Footnote 1: debt; Ed: debt, 1633-69]

[Footnote 2: Mucheron, 1633, N, TC: Mushrome, G: Maceron, 1635-69, O'F]

[Footnote 3: and can now tell mee, 1635-69]

[Footnote 4: apple] aple 1633]

[Footnote 5: eate, 1633-69: ate, O'F: eat, mod. editors]

[Footnote 6: shee is hee, 1633, A18, G, N, TC: shee is shee, 1635-69]

THE PROGRESSE OF THE SOULE.

First Song.

I sing the progresse of a deathlesse soule, Whom Fate, which God made, but doth not controule, Plac'd in most shapes; all times before the law Yoak'd us, and when, and since, in this I sing. And the great world to his aged evening; 5 From infant morne, through manly noone I draw. What the gold Chaldee, or silver Persian saw, Greeke brasse, or Roman iron, is in this one; A worke t'outweare Seths pillars, bricke and stone, And (holy writt excepted) made to yeeld to none. 10

Thee, eye of heaven, this great Soule envies not, By thy male force, is all wee have, begot. In the first East, thou now beginst to shine, Suck'st early balme, and Iland spices there, And wilt anon in thy loose-rein'd careere 15 At Tagus, Po, Sene, Thames, and Danow dine, And see at night thy Westerne land of Myne, Yet hast thou not more nations seene then shee, That before thee, one day beganne to bee, And thy fraile light being quench'd, shall long, long out live thee. 20

Nor, holy Ianus, in whose soveraigne boate The Church, and all the Monarchies did floate; That swimming Colledge, and free Hospitall Of all mankinde, that cage and vivarie Of fowles, and beasts, in whose wombe, Destinie 25 Us, and our latest nephewes did install (From thence are all deriv'd, that fill this All,) Did'st thou in that great stewardship embarke So diverse shapes into that floating parke, As have beene moved, and inform'd by this heavenly sparke. 30

IV.

Great Destiny the Commissary of God, That hast mark'd out a path and period For every thing; who, where wee of-spring tooke, Our wayes and ends seest at one instant; Thou Knot of all causes, thou whose changelesse brow 35 Ne'r smiles nor frownes, O vouch thou safe to looke And shew my story, in thy eternall booke: That (if my prayer be fit) I may'understand So much my selfe, as to know with what hand, How scant, or liberall this my lifes race is spand. 40

To my sixe lustres almost now outwore, Except thy booke owe mee so many more, Except my legend be free from the letts Of steepe ambition, sleepie povertie, Spirit-quenching sicknesse, dull captivitie, 45 Distracting businesse, and from beauties nets, And all that calls from this, and to others whets, O let me not launch out, but let mee save Th'expense of braine and spirit; that my grave His right and due, a whole unwasted man may have. 50

But if my dayes be long, and good enough, In vaine this sea shall enlarge, or enrough It selfe; for I will through the wave, and fome, And shall, in sad lone wayes a lively spright, Make my darke heavy Poëm light, and light. 55 For though through many streights, and lands I roame, I launch at paradise, and I saile towards home; The course I there began, shall here be staid, Sailes hoised there, stroke here, and anchors laid In Thames, which were at Tigrys, and Euphrates waide. 60

For the great soule which here amongst us now Doth dwell, and moves that hand, and tongue, and brow, Which, as the Moone the sea, moves us; to heare Whose story, with long patience you will long; (For 'tis the crowne, and last straine of my song) 65 This soule to whom Luther, and Mahomet were Prisons of flesh; this soule which oft did teare, And mend the wracks of th'Empire, and late Rome, And liv'd when every great change did come, Had first in paradise, a low, but fatall roome. 70

Yet no low roome, nor then the greatest, lesse, If (as devout and sharpe men fitly guesse) That Crosse, our joy, and griefe, where nailes did tye That All, which alwayes was all, every where; Which could not sinne, and yet all sinnes did beare; 75 Which could not die, yet could not chuse but die; Stood in the selfe same roome in Calvarie, Where first grew the forbidden learned tree, For on that tree hung in security This Soule, made by the Makers will from pulling free. 80

Prince of the orchard, faire as dawning morne, Fenc'd with the law, and ripe as soone as borne That apple grew, which this Soule did enlive, Till the then climing serpent, that now creeps For that offence, for which all mankinde weepes, 85 Tooke it, and t'her whom the first man did wive (Whom and her race, only forbiddings drive) He gave it, she, t'her husband, both did eate; So perished the eaters, and the meate: And wee (for treason taints the blood) thence die and sweat. 90

Man all at once was there by woman slaine, And one by one we'are here slaine o'er againe By them. The mother poison'd the well-head, The daughters here corrupt us, Rivolets; No smalnesse scapes, no greatnesse breaks their nets; 95 She thrust us out, and by them we are led Astray, from turning, to whence we are fled. Were prisoners Judges, 'twould seeme rigorous, Shee sinn'd, we beare; part of our paine is, thus To love them, whose fault to this painfull love yoak'd us. 100

So fast in us doth this corruption grow, That now wee dare aske why wee should be so. Would God (disputes the curious Rebell) make A law, and would not have it kept? Or can His creatures will, crosse his? Of every man 105 For one, will God (and be just) vengeance take? Who sinn'd? t'was not forbidden to the snake Nor her, who was not then made; nor is't writ That Adam cropt, or knew the apple; yet The worme and she, and he, and wee endure for it. 110

XII.

But snatch mee heavenly Spirit from this vaine Reckoning their vanities, lesse is their gaine Then hazard still, to meditate on ill, Though with good minde; their reasons, like those toyes Of glassie bubbles, which the gamesome boyes 115 Stretch to so nice a thinnes through a quill That they themselves breake, doe themselves spill: Arguing is heretiques game, and Exercise As wrastlers, perfects them; Not liberties Of speech, but silence; hands, not tongues, end heresies. 120

XIII.

Just in that instant when the serpents gripe, Broke the slight veines, and tender conduit-pipe, Through which this soule from the trees root did draw Life, and growth to this apple, fled away This loose soule, old, one and another day. 125 As lightning, which one scarce dares say, he saw, 'Tis so soone gone, (and better proofe the law Of sense, then faith requires) swiftly she flew To a darke and foggie Plot; Her, her fates threw There through th'earths pores, and in a Plant hous'd her anew. 130

XIV.

The plant thus abled, to it selfe did force A place, where no place was; by natures course As aire from water, water fleets away From thicker bodies, by this root thronged so His spungie confines gave him place to grow: 135 Just as in our streets, when the people stay To see the Prince, and have so fill'd the way That weesels scarce could passe, when she comes nere They throng and cleave up, and a passage cleare, As if, for that time, their round bodies flatned were. 140

XV.

His right arme he thrust out towards the East, West-ward his left; th'ends did themselves digest Into ten lesser strings, these fingers were: And as a slumberer stretching on his bed, This way he this, and that way scattered 145 His other legge, which feet with toes upbeare. Grew on his middle parts, the first day, haire, To show, that in loves businesse hee should still A dealer bee, and be us'd well, or ill: His apples kindle, his leaves, force of conception kill. 150

XVI.

A mouth, but dumbe, he hath; blinde eyes, deafe eares, And to his shoulders dangle subtile haires; A young Colossus there hee stands upright, And as that ground by him were conquered A leafie garland weares he on his head 155 Enchas'd with little fruits, so red and bright That for them you would call your Loves lips white; So, of a lone unhaunted place possest, Did this soules second Inne, built by the guest, This living buried man, this quiet mandrake, rest. 160

XVII.

No lustfull woman came this plant to grieve, But 'twas because there was none yet but Eve: And she (with other purpose) kill'd it quite; Her sinne had now brought in infirmities, And so her cradled child, the moist red eyes 165 Had never shut, nor slept since it saw light; Poppie she knew, she knew the mandrakes might, And tore up both, and so coold her childs blood; Unvirtuous weeds might long unvex'd have stood; But hee's short liv'd, that with his death can doe most good. 170

XVIII.

To an unfetterd soules quick nimble hast Are falling stars, and hearts thoughts, but slow pac'd: Thinner then burnt aire flies this soule, and she Whom foure new comming, and foure parting Suns Had found, and left the Mandrakes tenant, runnes 175 Thoughtlesse of change, when her firme destiny Confin'd, and enjayld her, that seem'd so free, Into a small blew shell, the which a poore Warme bird orespread, and sat still evermore, Till her inclos'd child kickt, and pick'd it selfe a dore. 180

XIX.

Outcrept a sparrow, this soules moving Inne, On whose raw armes stiffe feathers now begin, As childrens teeth through gummes, to breake with paine, His flesh is jelly yet, and his bones threds, All a new downy mantle overspreads, 185 A mouth he opes, which would as much containe As his late house, and the first houre speaks plaine, And chirps alowd for meat. Meat fit for men His father steales for him, and so feeds then One, that within a moneth, will beate him from his hen. 190

XX.

In this worlds youth wise nature did make hast, Things ripened sooner, and did longer last; Already this hot cocke, in bush and tree, In field and tent, oreflutters his next hen; He asks her not, who did so tast, nor when, 195 Nor if his sister, or his neece shee be; Nor doth she pule for his inconstancie If in her sight he change, nor doth refuse The next that calls; both liberty doe use; Where store is of both kindes, both kindes may freely chuse. 200

XXI.

Men, till they tooke laws which made freedome lesse, Their daughters, and their sisters did ingresse; Till now unlawfull, therefore ill, 'twas not. So jolly, that it can move, this soule is, The body so free of his kindnesses, 205 That selfe-preserving it hath now forgot, And slackneth so the soules, and bodies knot, Which temperance streightens; freely on his she friends He blood, and spirit, pith, and marrow spends, Ill steward of himself, himselfe in three yeares ends. 210

XXII.

Else might he long have liv'd; man did not know Of gummie blood, which doth in holly grow, How to make bird-lime, nor how to deceive With faind calls, hid nets, or enwrapping snare, The free inhabitants of the Plyant aire. 215 Man to beget, and woman to conceive Askt not of rootes, nor of cock-sparrowes, leave: Yet chuseth hee, though none of these he feares, Pleasantly three, then streightned twenty yeares To live, and to encrease his race, himselfe outweares. 220

XXIII.

This cole with overblowing quench'd and dead, The Soule from her too active organs fled T'a brooke. A female fishes sandie Roe With the males jelly, newly lev'ned was, For they had intertouch'd as they did passe, 225 And one of those small bodies, fitted so, This soule inform'd, and abled it to rowe It selfe with finnie oares, which she did fit: Her scales seem'd yet of parchment, and as yet Perchance a fish, but by no name you could call it. 230

XXIV.

When goodly, like a ship in her full trim, A swan, so white that you may unto him Compare all whitenesse, but himselfe to none, Glided along, and as he glided watch'd, And with his arched necke this poore fish catch'd. 235 It mov'd with state, as if to looke upon Low things it scorn'd, and yet before that one Could thinke he sought it, he had swallowed cleare This, and much such, and unblam'd devour'd there All, but who too swift, too great, or well armed were. 240

XXV.

Now swome a prison in a prison put, And now this Soule in double walls was shut, Till melted with the Swans digestive fire, She left her house the fish, and vapour'd forth; Fate not affording bodies of more worth 245 For her as yet, bids her againe retire T'another fish, to any new desire Made a new prey; For, he that can to none Resistance make, nor complaint, sure is gone. Weaknesse invites, but silence feasts oppression. 250

XXVI.

Pace with her native streame, this fish doth keepe, And journeyes with her, towards the glassie deepe, But oft retarded, once with a hidden net Though with greate windowes, for when Need first taught These tricks to catch food, then they were not wrought 255 As now, with curious greedinesse to let None scape, but few, and fit for use, to get, As, in this trap a ravenous pike was tane, Who, though himselfe distrest, would faine have slain This wretch; So hardly are ill habits left again. 260

XXVII.

Here by her smallnesse shee two deaths orepast, Once innocence scap'd, and left the oppressor fast. The net through-swome, she keepes the liquid path, And whether she leape up sometimes to breath And suck in aire, or finde it underneath, 265 Or working parts like mills or limbecks hath To make the water thinne, and airelike faith Cares not; but safe the Place she's come unto Where fresh, with salt waves meet, and what to doe She knowes not, but betweene both makes a boord or two. 270

XXVIII.

So farre from hiding her guests, water is, That she showes them in bigger quantities Then they are. Thus doubtfull of her way, For game and not for hunger a sea Pie Spied through this traiterous spectacle, from high, 275 The seely fish where it disputing lay, And t'end her doubts and her, beares her away: Exalted she'is, but to the exalters good, As are by great ones, men which lowly stood. It's rais'd, to be the Raisers instrument and food. 280

XXIX.

Is any kinde subject to rape like fish? Ill unto man, they neither doe, nor wish: Fishers they kill not, nor with noise awake, They doe not hunt, nor strive to make a prey Of beasts, nor their yong sonnes to beare away; 285 Foules they pursue not, nor do undertake To spoile the nests industrious birds do make; Yet them all these unkinde kinds feed upon, To kill them is an occupation, And lawes make Fasts, and Lents for their destruction. 290

XXX.

A sudden stiffe land-winde in that selfe houre To sea-ward forc'd this bird, that did devour The fish; he cares not, for with ease he flies, Fat gluttonies best orator: at last So long hee hath flowen, and hath flowen so fast 295 That many leagues at sea, now tir'd hee lyes, And with his prey, that till then languisht, dies: The soules no longer foes, two wayes did erre, The fish I follow, and keepe no calender Of the other; he lives yet in some great officer. 300

XXXI.

Into an embrion fish, our Soule is throwne, And in due time throwne out againe, and growne To such vastnesse as, if unmanacled From Greece, Morea were, and that by some Earthquake unrooted, loose Morea swome, 305 Or seas from Africks body had severed And torne the hopefull Promontories head, This fish would seeme these, and, when all hopes faile, A great ship overset, or without faile Hulling, might (when this was a whelp) be like this whale. 310

XXXII.

At every stroake his brazen finnes do take, More circles in the broken sea they make Then cannons voices, when the aire they teare: His ribs are pillars, and his high arch'd roofe Of barke that blunts best steele, is thunder-proofe: 315 Swimme in him swallow'd Dolphins, without feare, And feele no sides, as if his vast wombe were Some Inland sea, and ever as hee went Hee spouted rivers up, as if he ment To joyne our seas, with seas above the firmament. 320

XXXIII.

He hunts not fish, but as an officer, Stayes in his court, at his owne net, and there All suitors of all sorts themselves enthrall; So on his backe lyes this whale wantoning, And in his gulfe-like throat, sucks every thing 325 That passeth neare. Fish chaseth fish, and all, Flyer and follower, in this whirlepoole fall; O might not states of more equality Consist? and is it of necessity That thousand guiltlesse smals, to make one great, must die? 330

XXXIV.

Now drinkes he up seas, and he eates up flocks, He justles Ilands, and he shakes firme rockes. Now in a roomefull house this Soule doth float, And like a Prince she sends her faculties To all her limbes, distant as Provinces. 335 The Sunne hath twenty times both crab and goate Parched, since first lanch'd forth this living boate; 'Tis greatest now, and to destruction Nearest; There's no pause at perfection; Greatnesse a period hath, but hath no station. 340

XXXV.

Two little fishes whom hee never harm'd, Nor fed on their kinde, two not throughly arm'd With hope that they could kill him, nor could doe Good to themselves by his death (they did not eate His flesh, nor suck those oyles, which thence outstreat) 345 Conspir'd against him, and it might undoe The plot or all, that the plotters were two, But that they fishes were, and could not speake. How shall a Tyran wife strong projects breake, If wreches can on them the common anger wreake? 350

XXXVI.

The flaile-finn'd Thresher, and steel-beak'd Sword-fish Onely attempt to doe, what all doe wish. The Thresher backs him, and to beate begins; The sluggard Whale yeelds to oppression, And t'hide himselfe from shame and danger, downe 355 Begins to sinke; the Swordfish upward spins, And gores him with his beake; his staffe-like finnes, So well the one, his sword the other plyes, That now a scoffe, and prey, this tyran dyes, And (his owne dole) feeds with himselfe all companies. 360

XXXVII.

Who will revenge his death? or who will call Those to account, that thought, and wrought his fall? The heires of slaine kings, wee see are often so Transported with the joy of what they get, That they, revenge and obsequies forget, 365 Nor will against such men the people goe, Because h'is now dead, to whom they should show Love in that act; Some kings by vice being growne So needy of subjects love, that of their own They thinke they lose, if love be to the dead Prince shown. 370

XXXVIII.

This Soule, now free from prison, and passion, Hath yet a little indignation That so small hammers should so soone downe beat So great a castle. And having for her house Got the streight cloyster of a wreched mouse 375 (As basest men that have not what to eate, Nor enjoy ought, doe farre more hate the great Then they, who good repos'd estates possesse) This Soule, late taught that great things might by lesse Be slain, to gallant mischiefe doth herselfe addresse. 380

XXXIX.

Natures great master-peece, an Elephant, The onely harmlesse great thing; the giant Of beasts; who thought, no more had gone, to make one wise But to be just, and thankfull, loth to offend, (Yet nature hath given him no knees to bend) 385 Himselfe he up-props, on himselfe relies, And foe to none, suspects no enemies, Still sleeping stood; vex't not his fantasie Blacke dreames; like an unbent bow, carelesly His sinewy Proboscis did remisly lie: 390

XL.

In which as in a gallery this mouse Walk'd, and surveid the roomes of this vast house, And to the braine, the soules bedchamber, went, And gnaw'd the life cords there; Like a whole towne Cleane undermin'd, the slaine beast tumbled downe; 395 With him the murtherer dies, whom envy sent To kill, not scape, (for, only hee that ment To die, did ever kill a man of better roome,) And thus he made his foe, his prey, and tombe: Who cares not to turn back, may any whither come. 400

XLI.

Next, hous'd this Soule a Wolves yet unborne whelp, Till the best midwife, Nature, gave it helpe, To issue. It could kill, as soone as goe. Abel, as white, and milde as his sheepe were, (Who, in that trade, of Church, and kingdomes, there 405 Was the first type) was still infested soe, With this wolfe, that it bred his losse and woe; And yet his bitch, his sentinell attends The flocke so neere, so well warnes and defends, That the wolfe, (hopelesse else) to corrupt her, intends. 410

XLII.

Hee tooke a course, which since, succesfully, Great men have often taken, to espie The counsels, or to breake the plots of foes. To Abels tent he stealeth in the darke, On whose skirts the bitch slept; ere she could barke, 415 Attach'd her with streight gripes, yet hee call'd those, Embracements of love; to loves worke he goes, Where deeds move more then words; nor doth she show, Nor <make> resist, nor needs hee streighten so His prey, for, were shee loose, she would nor barke, nor goe. 420

XLIII.

Hee hath engag'd her; his, she wholy bides; Who not her owne, none others secrets hides. If to the flocke he come, and Abell there, She faines hoarse barkings, but she biteth not, Her faith is quite, but not her love forgot. 425 At last a trap, of which some every where Abell had plac'd, ends all his losse, and feare, By the Wolves death; and now just time it was That a quicke soule should give life to that masse Of blood in Abels bitch, and thither this did passe. 430

XLIV.

Some have their wives, their sisters some begot, But in the lives of Emperours you shall not Reade of a lust the which may equall this; This wolfe begot himselfe, and finished What he began alive, when hee was dead; 435 Sonne to himselfe, and father too, hee is A ridling lust, for which Schoolemen would misse A proper name. The whelpe of both these lay In Abels tent, and with soft Moaba, His sister, being yong, it us'd to sport and play. 440

XLV.

Hee soone for her too harsh, and churlish grew, And Abell (the dam dead) would use this new For the field. Being of two kindes thus made, He, as his dam, from sheepe drove wolves away, And as his Sire, he made them his owne prey. 445 Five yeares he liv'd, and cosened with his trade, Then hopelesse that his faults were hid, betraid Himselfe by flight, and by all followed, From dogges, a wolfe; from wolves, a dogge he fled; And, like a spie to both sides false, he perished. 450

XLVI.

It quickned next a toyfull Ape, and so Gamesome it was, that it might freely goe From tent to tent, and with the children play. His organs now so like theirs hee doth finde, That why he cannot laugh, and speake his minde, 455 He wonders. Much with all, most he doth stay With Adams fift daughter Siphatecia, Doth gaze on her, and, where she passeth, passe, Gathers her fruits, and tumbles on the grasse, And wisest of that kinde, the first true lover was. 460

XLVII.

He was the first that more desir'd to have One then another; first that ere did crave Love by mute signes, and had no power to speake; First that could make love faces, or could doe The valters sombersalts, or us'd to wooe 465 With hoiting gambolls, his owne bones to breake To make his mistresse merry; or to wreake Her anger on himselfe. Sinnes against kinde They easily doe, that can let feed their minde With outward beauty; beauty they in boyes and beasts do find 470

XLVIII.

By this misled, too low things men have prov'd, And too high; beasts and angels have beene lov'd. This Ape, though else through-vaine, in this was wise, He reach'd at things too high, but open way There was, and he knew not she would say nay; 475 His toyes prevaile not, likelier meanes he tries, He gazeth on her face with teare-shot eyes, And up lifts subtly with his russet pawe Her kidskinne apron without feare or awe Of nature; nature hath no gaole, though shee hath law. 480

XLIX.

First she was silly and knew not what he ment. That vertue, by his touches, chaft and spent, Succeeds an itchie warmth, that melts her quite; She knew not first, nowe cares not what he doth, And willing halfe and more, more then halfe <loth>, 485 She neither puls nor pushes, but outright Now cries, and now repents; when Tethlemite Her brother, entred, and a great stone threw After the Ape, who, thus prevented, flew. This house thus batter'd downe, the Soule possest a new. 490

L.

And whether by this change she lose or win, She comes out next, where the Ape would have gone in. Adam and Eve had mingled bloods, and now Like Chimiques equall fires, her temperate wombe Had stew'd and form'd it: and part did become 495 A spungie liver, that did richly allow, Like a free conduit, on a high hils brow, Life-keeping moisture unto every part; Part hardned it selfe to a thicker heart, Whose busie furnaces lifes spirits do impart. 500

LI.

Another part became the well of sense, The tender well-arm'd feeling braine, from whence, Those sinowie strings which do our bodies tie, Are raveld out; and fast there by one end, Did this Soule limbes, these limbes a soule attend; 505 And now they joyn'd: keeping some quality Of every past shape, she knew treachery, Rapine, deceit, and lust, and ills enow To be a woman. Themech she is now, Sister and wife to Caine, Caine that first did plow. 510

LII.

Who ere thou beest that read'st this sullen Writ, Which just so much courts thee, as thou dost it, Let me arrest thy thoughts; wonder with mee, Why plowing, building, ruling and the rest, Or most of those arts, whence our lives are blest, 515 By cursed Cains race invented be, And blest Seth vext us with Astronomie. Ther's nothing simply good, nor ill alone, Of every quality comparison, The onely measure is, and judge, opinion. 520

The end of the Progresse of the Soule.

[7 gold] cold 1635-54]

[10 writt 1635-69, G: writs 1633, A18, N, TC: Writ's Chambers]

[12 begot.] begot, 1633]

[13 East] east 1633 some copies

beginst] begins 1633]

[16 Danow dine,] Danon dine, 1633]

[17 Myne, 1633 (but mine, in some copies): Mine, 1635-69]

[19 one day before thee O'F]

[21 Nor, holy Ianus, Ed: Nor holy Ianus 1633-69]

[27 From thence] For, thence G

All,)] All) 1633-69]

[31 Commissary] commissary 1633 some copies]

[33 every thing; Ed: every thing, 1633-69]

[34 instant; 1633: instant. 1635-69]

[36 vouch thou safe A18, G, N, O'F, TC: vouch safe thou 1633-69]

[37 booke: Ed: booke. 1633-69]

[45 Spirit-quenching] Spright-quenching G]

[54 shall, Ed: shall 1633: hold 1635-69

lone 1635-69: love 1633, A18, G, N, TC

wayes Ed: wayes, 1633-69

spright, Ed: spright 1633-69]

[59 hoised] hoisted G]

[61 For the] For this G, N, TCD: For that O'F]

[63 Which, Ed: Which 1633-69]

us; Ed: us, 1633-69]

[69 when] where A18, G, N, O'F, TC]

[71 no low] nor low Chambers]

[74 every where; Ed: every where 1633: every where, 1635-69]

[83 enlive, G: enlive 1633-69: om. 1633 some copies, and A18, N, TC]

[93 poyson'd 1669: poisoned 1633-54]

[94 corrupt us, 1635-69: corrupts us, 1633: corrupt as G

Rivolets; Ed: Rivolets, 1635-69: om. 1633, A18, N, TC]

[95 breaks] breake 1633 some copies

nets; Ed: nets, 1633-69]

[96 thrust] thrusts 1633 (thrust in some copies)]

[97 fled.] fled, 1633]

[99 beare; 1635-69, G: here, 1633: heare, A18, N, TC]

[108 is't] i'st 1633]

[112 vanities, 1633, G: vanitie, 1635-69]

[114 minde; Ed: minde, 1633-69 reasons, Ed: reasons 1633: reason's 1635-69, Chambers and Grolier]

[115 which] with 1633 some copies]

[117 breake, doe 1633, A18, G, N, TC: breake, and doe 1635-69, Chambers

spill: Ed: spill, 1633-69]

[119 perfects] perfect 1633 some copies]

[125 day. 1635-69: day, 1633 (corrected in some copies)]

[126 dares] dare 1669]

[127 proofe] proofes O'F]

[130 earths pores, 1669, A18, G, N: earths-pores, 1633: earth-pores, 1633 (some copies), 1635-54

anew] a new 1633]

[135 grow: 1650-69: grow, 1633-39]

[137 the Prince, and have so fill'd G: the Princesse, and so fill'd 1633 (but some copies read the Prince, and so fill'd): the Prince, and so fill up 1635-69: the Prince, and so fill'd A18, N, TC]

[144 bed, Ed: bed; 1633-69]

[146 upbeare. Ed: upbeare; 1633: up beare; 1635-69]

[147 middle parts 1633, G, O'F: middle part 1635-69: mid-parts A18, N, TC]

[150 kindle, G: kinde, 1633, A18, N, O'F, TC: kindle; 1635-69]

[157 white; 1633: white, 1635-69]

[159 guest, Ed: guest 1633-69. See note]

[165 moist red 1633-35: moist-red 1639-69]

[166 slept] sleept 1633-35

light; Ed: light, 1633-69]

[167 mandrakes might, Ed: mandrakes might; 1633-54: mandrakes-might: 1669]

[180 inclos'd 1635-69, G: encloth'd A18, N, TC: encloth'd altered to unclothed then to enclosed O'F: uncloath'd 1633

pick'd] peck'd A18, G, TC]

[181 Outcrept 1633-35: Out crept 1639-69]

[185 a new downy 1635-69, A18, G, TC: downy a new 1633

overspreades, 1633-39: overspreads 1650-69]

[193 cocke, Ed: cocke 1633-69

tree,] tree 1633]

[194 tent, Ed: tent 1633-69

hen; Ed: hen, 1633-69]

[196 be; Ed: be, 1633-69]

[202 ingresse; Ed: ingresse, 1633-69]

[203-5

Till now unlawfull, therefore ill; 'twas not So jolly, that it can move this soule; Is The body so free of his kindnesses,

1633, and 1669 (Till now,):

Till now, unlawfull, therefore ill 'twas not So jolly, that it can more this soule. Is The body, so free of his kindnesses,

1635-54

Till now, unlawful, therefore ill 'twas not. So jolly, that it can move this soul, is The body, so free of his kindnesses,

Chambers, and Grolier but 203 not; and no commas in 204. See note]

[206 selfe-preserving] no hyphen 1633-39]

[207 soules,] souls 1669]

[208 temperance] têperance 1633-39]

[212 grow,] grow 1633-39]

[214 hid G: his 1633-69, A18, N, TC

snare,] snare 1633-69]

[220 encrease his race,] encrease, 1633]

[223 brooke. A Ed: brooke; a 1633-69]

[225 they had intertouch'd 1635-69, G, O'F: they intertouched 1633: they intertouch'd A18, N, TC]

[227 abled] able 1669

rowe] roe 1633]

[228 fit: Ed: fit, 1633-69]

[240 armed were.] arm'd were 1633]

[249 sure is gone, 1633-39: is sure gone. 1650-54: is sure gone, 1669]

[251 her A18, G, N, O'F, TC: the 1633-69]

[254-7 for when ... use, to get,] in brackets 1635-69]

[254 Need G: need 1633-69]

[255 then] thê 1633]

[257 use, Ed: use 1633-69]

[262 fast. Ed: fast; 1633-69]

[266 mills Ed: mills, 1633-69]

[267 water 1635-69, G: wether 1633, A18, TC

airelike 1633-35: ayre like 1639-69 and Chambers

faith 1633-69: faith, Chambers. See note]

[268 not; Ed: not, 1633-69]

[270 two.] two 1633]

[271 is,] is 1633]

[273 Thus doubtfull 1633, A18, G, N, TC: Thus her doubtfull 1635-69]

[277 away: Ed: away, 1633-69]

[279 in brackets 1635-69

stood. 1633-39: stood, 1650-69]

[280 It's rais'd 1633-69: It rais'd some copies of 1633, A18, G, N, TC]

[287 industrious] industruous 1633]

[290 Fasts, and Lents 1635-69: fasts, and lents 1633]

[296 That many leagues at sea, G: That leagues o'er-past at sea, 1633-69: That leagues at sea, A18, N, O'F (which inserts o'r past), TC. See note]

[297 dies:] dies, 1633]

[301 throwne,] throwne 1633]

[303 vastnesse as, if Grolier: vastnesse, as if 1633-69, Chambers]

[307 head, 1633: head; 1635-69: head. Chambers. See note]

[311 take,] take 1633]

[315 thunder-proofe: Ed: thunder-proofe, 1633-69]

[316 swallow'd] swallowed 1633]

[322 at] as A18, G, TCC]

[337 this 1633: his 1635-69

boate; Ed: boate, 1635-69: boate. 1633]

[339 perfection; Ed: perfection. 1633-35: perfection, 1639-69]

[344-5 brackets, 1719: death: ... outstreat, 1633-69

did not eate] doe not eate G]

[349 Tyran] Tyrant 1669]

[351 flaile-finn'd] flaile-find 1633: flaile-finnd 1635-39]

[358 well] were 1633]

[359 tyran] tyrant 1669]

[365 they, revenge 1635-69: they revenge, 1633: they, revenge, 1633 some copies]

[367 h'is 1633: he's 1635-69]

[368 act; Ed: act. 1633-69]

[383 who thought, no more had gone, to make one wise 1633, G, A18, N, TC (the last four MSS. all drop more, N and TCD leaving a space): who thought none had, to make him wise, 1635-69]

[386 relies,] relies 1633]

[389 dreames; Ed: dreames, 1633-69]

[390: lie: 1635: lie. 1633, 1639-69]

[395 downe; Ed: downe, 1633-69]

[396 dies,] dies 1633]

[397-8 brackets, Ed: scape, ... roome, 1633: scape; ... roome, 1635-69

ment] went A18, N, TC]

[403 goe. Ed: goe, 1633: goe: 1635-69]

[405 Who,] Who 1633

trade, 1635-69: trade 1633]

[413 foes. Ed: foes, 1633-69]

[419 Nor <make> resist, Ed: Nor much resist, 1633-69: Nowe must resist N: Nowe much resist A18, G, TC: Resistance much O'F

needs] need O'F]

[420 nor barke, 1633-39: not barke 1650-69, A18, N, TC]

[422 hides.] hides, 1633]

[427 plac'd, ends] plac'd end 1633 some copies]

[435 dead; Ed: dead, 1633-39: dead. 1650-69]

[443 field. Being Ed: field, being 1633-69

thus] om. 1633]

[453 play. Ed: play, 1633-69]

[470 beauty; Ed: beauty, 1633-69]

[472 lov'd. Ed: lov'd; 1633-69]

[479 or] of 1669]

[480 shee hath] shee have A18, N, TC]

[481 ment. Ed: ment, 1633-69]

483 quite; Ed: quite, 1633-69]

[484 nowe 1633, G: nor 1635-69, Chambers: then A18, TC]

[485 <loth>, Ed: Tooth 1633, G: A18, N, TC leave a blank space: in TCC a later hand has inserted loath: wroth, 1635-69]

[487 Tethlemite A18, G, N, O'F, TC: Tethelemite 1633: Thelemite 1635-69]

[489 flew. 1635-69: flew, 1633]

[492 in. 1650-69: in, 1633-39]

[498 Life-keeping] Life keeping 1633

part; Ed: part, 1633-69]

[502 well-arm'd 1669: well arm'd 1633-54]

[503 sinowie] sinewy 1639-54: sinew 1669]

[504 out; Ed: out, 1633-69]

[505 this Soule] a Soule A18, N, TC attend; Ed: attend, 1633-69]

[506-7 joyn'd: ... past shape, 1633: joyn'd, ... past shape; 1635-69, Chambers, Grolier. See note]

[513 thoughts; 1650-69: thoughts, 1633-39]

[517 Astronomie.] Astronomie, 1633]

[519 comparison, 1633, 1669 (no comma): Comparison, 1635-54]

[520 opinion. 1633: Opinion. 1635-69]

[The end &c. 1635-69: om. 1633]

DIVINE POEMS.

To E. of D. with six holy Sonnets.

See Sir, how as the Suns hot Masculine flame Begets strange creatures on Niles durty slime, In me, your fatherly yet lusty Ryme (For, these songs are their fruits) have wrought the same; But though the ingendring force from whence they came 5 Bee strong enough, and nature doe admit Seaven to be borne at once, I send as yet But six; they say, the seaventh hath still some maime. I choose your judgement, which the same degree Doth with her sister, your invention, hold, 10 As fire these drossie Rymes to purifie, Or as Elixar, to change them to gold; You are that Alchimist which alwaies had Wit, whose one spark could make good things of bad.

[Divine Poems. A18, N, TC: In 1635-69 this is the title at head of each page, but the new section is headed Holy Sonnets.

To E. of D. &c. so headed 1633-69 but placed among Letters &c., and so in O'F and (but L. of D.) W: removed hither by Grosart.]

[4 their fruits] the fruit W]

[6 doe 1633: doth 1635-69]

[8 six;] six, 1633

maime. W: maime; 1633-69]

[11 drossie] drosse 1650-54]

To the Lady Magdalen Herbert: of St. Mary Magdalen.

Her of your name, whose fair inheritance Bethina was, and jointure Magdalo: An active faith so highly did advance, That she once knew, more than the Church did know, The Resurrection; so much good there is 5 Deliver'd of her, that some Fathers be Loth to believe one Woman could do this; But, think these Magdalens were two or three. Increase their number, Lady, and their fame: To their Devotion, add your Innocence; 10 Take so much of th'example, as of the name; The latter half; and in some recompence That they did harbour Christ himself, a Guest, Harbour these Hymns, to his dear name addrest.

J.D.

[To the Lady Magdalen Herbert: &c. Ed: To the Lady Magdalen Herbert, of &c. Walton's The Life of M^r George Herbert. (1670, pp. 25-6.) See note]

[4 know, 1675: know 1670]

HOLY SONNETS.

La Corona.

1. Deigne at my hands this crown of prayer and praise, Weav'd in my low devout melancholie, Thou which of good, hast, yea art treasury, All changing unchang'd Antient of dayes; But doe not, with a vile crowne of fraile bayes, 5 Reward my muses white sincerity, But what thy thorny crowne gain'd, that give mee, A crowne of Glory, which doth flower alwayes; The ends crowne our workes, but thou crown'st our ends, For, at our end begins our endlesse rest; 10 The first last end, now zealously possest, With a strong sober thirst, my soule attends. 'Tis time that heart and voice be lifted high, Salvation to all that will is nigh.

[HOLY SONNETS. 1633-69, being general title to the two groups: Holy Sonnets written 20 years since. H49.]

[La Corona. 1633-69, A18, D, H49, N, S, TCC, TCD, W: The Crowne. B, O'F, S96]

[2 low 1633, A18, D, H49, N, TC, W (spelt lowe in MSS.): lone 1635-69, B, O'F, S: loves S96]

[3 treasury, 1633-69: a Treasurie, B, O'F, S, S96]

[4 dayes; Ed: dayes, 1633-69]

[10 For] So W end 1633, A18, B, D, H49, N, O'F, TC, W: ends 1635-69, S96

rest; Ed: rest, 1633-69]

[11 The] This B, S, S96, W

zealously] soberly B, S96, W: O'F corrects]

[13 heart and voice] voice and heart B, O'F, S, S96, W]

[14 nigh.] nigh, 1633]

ANNVNCIATION.

2. Salvation to all that will is nigh; That All, which alwayes is All every where, Which cannot sinne, and yet all sinnes must beare, Which cannot die, yet cannot chuse but die, Loe, faithfull Virgin, yeelds himselfe to lye 5 In prison, in thy wombe; and though he there Can take no sinne, nor thou give, yet he'will weare Taken from thence, flesh, which deaths force may trie. Ere by the spheares time was created, thou Wast in his minde, who is thy Sonne, and Brother; 10 Whom thou conceiv'st, conceiv'd; yea thou art now Thy Makers maker, and thy Fathers mother; Thou'hast light in darke; and shutst in little roome, Immensity cloysterd in thy deare wombe.

[Annunciation.]

[1 nigh; 1669: nigh, 1633-54]

[9 created,] begotten, B, S, S96, W: O'F corrects]

[10 Brother; Ed: Brother, 1633-69]

[11 conceiv'st, 1633: conceiv'st 1635-69: conceiv'dst, O'F, S, W, and Grolier conceiv'd;] conceived; 1635-69]

[12 mother; Ed: mother, 1633-69]

NATIVITIE.

3. Immensitie cloysterd in thy deare wombe, Now leaves his welbelov'd imprisonment, There he hath made himselfe to his intent Weake enough, now into our world to come; But Oh, for thee, for him, hath th'Inne no roome? 5 Yet lay him in this stall, and from the Orient, Starres, and wisemen will travell to prevent Th'effect of Herods jealous generall doome. Seest thou, my Soule, with thy faiths eyes, how he Which fils all place, yet none holds him, doth lye? 10 Was not his pity towards thee wondrous high, That would have need to be pittied by thee? Kisse him, and with him into Egypt goe, With his kinde mother, who partakes thy woe.

[Nativitie.]

[6 this] his 1669]

[7 will] shall B, O'F, S, S96, W]

[8 effect 1669, A18, B, N, O'F, S, S96, TC, W: effects 1633-54, D, H49 jealous] dire and B, O'F, S, S96, W: zealous A18, N, TC

doome.] doome; 1633]

[9 eyes, 1633, B, D, H49, O'F, S, S96, W: eye, 1635-69, A18, N, TC]

TEMPLE.

4. With his kinde mother who partakes thy woe, Ioseph turne backe; see where your child doth sit, Blowing, yea blowing out those sparks of wit, Which himselfe on the Doctors did bestow; The Word but lately could not speake, and loe, 5 It sodenly speakes wonders, whence comes it, That all which was, and all which should be writ, A shallow seeming child, should deeply know? His Godhead was not soule to his manhood, Nor had time mellowed him to this ripenesse, 10 But as for one which hath a long taske, 'tis good, With the Sunne to beginne his businesse, He in his ages morning thus began By miracles exceeding power of man.

[Temple.]

[5 loe, Ed: loe 1633-69]

[6 wonders, 1633-39: wonders: 1650-69]

[11 for] to W

a long taske, 1633-69, D, H49: long taskes B, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD, W: longe taske A18, TCC

'tis] 'Tis 1633: thinks W]

CRVCIFYING.

5. By miracles exceeding power of man, Hee faith in some, envie in some begat, For, what weake spirits admire, ambitious, hate; In both affections many to him ran, But Oh! the worst are most, they will and can, 5 Alas, and do, unto the immaculate, Whose creature Fate is, now prescribe a Fate, Measuring selfe-lifes infinity to'a span, Nay to an inch. Loe, where condemned hee Beares his owne crosse, with paine, yet by and by 10 When it beares him, he must beare more and die. Now thou art lifted up, draw mee to thee, And at thy death giving such liberall dole, Moyst, with one drop of thy blood, my dry soule.

[Crucifying.]

[3 weake] meeke B, O'F, S, S96, W]

[8 to'a span, B, N, O'F, S, S96, TC, W: to span, 1633-69, A18, D, H49]

[9 inch. Loe, 1635-69: inch, loe, 1633]

[11 die. 1635-69: die; 1633]

RESVRRECTION.

6. Moyst with one drop of thy blood, my dry soule Shall (though she now be in extreme degree Too stony hard, and yet too fleshly,) bee Freed by that drop, from being starv'd, hard, or foule, And life, by this death abled, shall controule 5 Death, whom thy death slue; nor shall to mee Feare of first or last death, bring miserie, If in thy little booke my name thou enroule, Flesh in that long sleep is not putrified, But made that there, of which, and for which 'twas; 10 Nor can by other meanes be glorified. May then sinnes sleep, and deaths soone from me passe, That wak't from both, I againe risen may Salute the last, and everlasting day.

[Resurrection.]

[1 soule 1635: soule, 1633, 1639-69]

[5 this] thy B, O'F, S, S96, W]

[6 shall to] shall nowe to A18, N, O'F, TC]

[8 little 1633, A18, D, H49, TC: life 1635-69, B, O'F, S, S96, W]

[9 that long] that last long O'F, S, S96, W: that D, H49]

[11 glorified] purified S, S96, W, and O'F (which corrects to glorified)]

[12 deaths A18, N, S96, TC, W: death 1633-69, D, H49]

ASCENTION.

7. Salute the last and everlasting day, Joy at the uprising of this Sunne, and Sonne, Yee whose just teares, or tribulation Have purely washt, or burnt your drossie clay; Behold the Highest, parting hence away, 5 Lightens the darke clouds, which hee treads upon, Nor doth hee by ascending, show alone, But first hee, and hee first enters the way. O strong Ramme, which hast batter'd heaven for mee, Mild Lambe, which with thy blood, hast mark'd the path; 10 Bright Torch, which shin'st, that I the way may see, Oh, with thy owne blood quench thy owne just wrath, And if thy holy Spirit, my Muse did raise, Deigne at my hands this crowne of prayer and praise.

[Ascention.]

[3 just 1633, A18, D, H49, N, TC: true 1635-69, B, S, S96, W]

[8 way.] way, 1633]

[10 Lambe, D, W: lambe 1633-69]

[11 Torch, D, W: torch, 1633-69

the way] thy wayes B, S, S96, W: thee A18, TCC]

Holy Sonnets.

Thou hast made me, And shall thy worke decay? Repaire me now, for now mine end doth haste, I runne to death, and death meets me as fast, And all my pleasures are like yesterday; I dare not move my dimme eyes any way, 5 Despaire behind, and death before doth cast Such terrour, and my feeble flesh doth waste By sinne in it, which it t'wards hell doth weigh; Onely thou art above, and when towards thee By thy leave I can looke, I rise againe; 10 But our old subtle foe so tempteth me, That not one houre my selfe I can sustaine; Thy Grace may wing me to prevent his art, And thou like Adamant draw mine iron heart.

[Holy Sonnets. 1633-69 (following La Corona as second group under the same general title), W: Devine Meditations. B, O'F, S96: no title, A18, D, H49, N, TCC, TCD. See note]

[I. 1635-69, B, O'F, S96, W: omitted 1633, A18, D, H49, N, TCC, TCD]

[4 yesterday; Ed: yesterday, 1635-69]

[7 feeble 1635-69: febled B, O'F, S96, W]

[12 my selfe I can 1635-69: I can myself B, S96, W

sustaine; 1669: sustaine, 1635-54]