A RELATION OF THE ROYALL, MAGNIFICENT, AND sumptuous Entertainement, giuen to the High, and Mighty Princesse, Queene ANNE, at the renowned Citie of Bristoll, by the Mayor, Sheriffes, and Aldermen thereof; in the Moneth of Iune last past, 1613.
TOGETHER WITH, The Oration, Gifts, Triumphes, Water-Combats, and other Showes there made.
LONDON: Printed for Iohn Budge, and are to be solde at the great South-doore of Paules, and at Britaines-Bursse. 1613.
TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL, Abell Kitchin, Mayor; and the VVorshipfull, Christopher Cary, and Iohn Barker, Sheriffes of the Citty of BRISTOLL; health.
RIght VVorshipfull and VVorshipfuls, considering that the Libraries of the Greekes and Romaines are plentifully stuffed with the records of their owne atchieuements: whereby they haue not onely preserued their names, but haue also gotten thereby an euerlasting fame vnto all posterities: therefore hauing so fit an occasion to manifest my loue, and so worthy a subiect to expresse my dutie, I haue thought good to tempt your acceptance in this small presentment of her Maiesties royall Entertainment: which although it be not beautified with refined words, nor yet sufficiently adorned with Poetical [Page] tearmes as the worthinesse of the subiect requireth, yet resting on your fauourable censures, and therewithall, desiring you that euen as the skilfull Geometritian, who at the games of Olimpus by the bignes of Hercules foot gessed of the stature of his whole body: euen so by the outward view of this small treatise you would vouchsafe to measure the willingnes of mine inward intent, if that my power were correspondent to my ready heart. I haue therefore aduentured, vnder your fauourable protection, for to lay open vnto the whole world, the truth of this forepast Triumph, for three chiefe and especiall causes.
First, that such a memorable example of sincere affection, by true and loyall Subiects expressed to their Soueraigne, should not be forgotten. Secondly, that it might be a meane to stirre vp all succeeding ages in imitation of the like, to shew both dutifull obedience, and ready seruice, vnto their gracious Prince. Thirdly, and lastly, that it might stop the slanderous mouthes of backe-biting and detracting Sichophants, who by secret Libels or open raylings oppose themselues alwayes against the truth: enuying all those by the splendor of whose admired vertues, their hypocriticall shewes of fained pietie are eclipsed.
Finally, if you but daigne to shew a fauourable aspect vpon these Orphan-Lines, I will neyther feare the distaste of the Cinick, nor the sole conceite of the Censorious: for although many carpes are expected when curious eyes come a-fishing, yet our patience shall suppe vp, and make roome for better seruices, when Zo-ilus with his barkings, or Momus with his detractions, waites to serue the Table: meane while prostituting these rude Lines to the sole approbation of your iudicious Censures, and my selfe to your Seruice, I rest
Yours humbly deuoted, ROBERT NAILE.
To the Christian Reader Health.
MOst gentle READER (here hehold) I preffer vnto thee
The Prentice Mitte, though simply dight: accepted let it be:
Expect not heare refined phrase in these my Verse I sing,
My Muse hath neuer dranke as yet of the Castalian Spring;
Nor seene Parnassus lofty pride (as Poets now adayes)
Who by vnequalized workes haue wonne immortall prayse.
No selfe-conceite of learned skill, nor yet desire of prayse
Hath now inforc'd my barren Muse, from silent sleepe to raise
Her artlesse penne, to write this Theame, the which the Muses nine
To blaze their fame and worthy name, shall all in one combine,
Here shalt thou finde the simple truth, though clad in poore array,
Which will not blush to shew her face when falshoode shall decay.
Here maist thou see that pearle of price (true Loyaltie, I meane)
With heart and hand by Bristoll-men presented to their Queene.
A worthy subiect is my taske, if that my slender skill
Could counteruaile the worth thereof according to my will.
To courteous Readers who by chance shall these my Lines peruse,
My Prentice yeares, and want of age, will want of Art excuse:
But for the scandalizing sort I passe them not a straw,
Who, like the Spider, poyson sucke, whence Bees their hony draw:
Who would not eate the Hay, nor let the Horse to taste a bite:
But to the partiall Readers hands these lines I recommend,
The Maiden fruits of all my workes, as to my speciall friend;
Aecept it therefore in good part, I humbly thee require,
Which if thou grant, I haue obtain'd the summe of my desire.
ROBERT NAILE.
To the Author, and his Booke.
FRom hidden Embers of obscuritie
The glorious Lampe of light most clearely shines,
Whose splendor bright shall still admired be
By the suruiuors of succeeding times,
Such loyall hearts adioyned with true loue,
Inspired by the God of heauen aboue.
Whose worthy vertues are by thee displaid,
And truely penn'd; for truth no painting seekes,
Nor Poets skill doth shee implore for ayde;
But for her badge Simplicitie she keepes,
For euermore she doth desire the light,
Triumphing fearelesse ouer Enuies spight.
Hence Greeks and Romaines with your painted stiles,
And glorious shewes of former triumphs wonne:
For Bristoll hath out-stript your fame the whiles,
Whose prayse immortall shineth as the Sunne,
The truth hereof we with our eyes haue seene,
In entertainment of our gracious Queene.
IOHN PAYNE:
THE QVEENES Maiesties Entertainement at BRISTOLL.
IF auncient Records of renowne vnto our yeeres declare
What deedes by our fore-fathers times, of old atchieued were;
If they for vs such care haue had, that their successors be,
By writing of their famous acts, that we the same might see:
Shall wee to our suruiuors then our selues ingratefull proue,
By not recording things which may succeeding ages moue
In imitation of the like, to get a glorious name;
And to enroll themselues in Bookes of neuer-dying fame?
The monuments so much renown'd that mighty Monarches reare,
Piramids and Colosso's great doe moulder downe and weare
In tract of time; so that no forme nor fashion they retaine,
Whereby the Passengers may say, Here once they did remaine:
But vertuous deedes, which by the Muse preserued are for aye,
Shall still abide when date of these is passed cleane away:
For vertues fame immortall is, and neuer shall it dye,
Though vnder ground, consum'd to dust, a thousand yeares we lye.
Great Peleus Sonne, by Hectors death, had neuer famous beene,
Had Homer grac'd him not with his immortalizing penne.
Shall I let sleepe in silence then what these mine eyes haue seene,
Bristols renowned prayse, set forth in welcomming our Queene?
The graue and auncient Counsell first, in gownes of Scarlet dye,
Attended on (each by a Page) did ride triumphantly,
With foot-cloaths were their Horses deckt; no cost they thought too much
For to expresse their willing hearts, their loue to her was such,
[Page]To Bristols vtmost auncient bounds, marcht on this gallant Traine,
To meete her Grace, for whose approach, with ioy they did remaine:
Next after them the Companies, each after their degree,
With ioyfull hearts, marcht on to meete her Gracious Maiestie.
Simile.
Like as the drie and thirstie ground, by Phoebus burning dart,With extreame heate, for long time vext, and pierced to the hart,
With yawning throate, wide gaping seemes, the moisty clouds to call,
That with their watry drops they would into her bosome fall,
Thereby to coole her thirsty throate, and arme her breast so well,
That Phoebus stinging darts she may with moisture colde expell:
Euen so all sorts, both olde and yong, with hearts and voyce did craue
The wished presence of her Grace in compleate ioy to haue.
And last of all, though last, not least, chiefe subiect of my Verse,
Three bands there were, whose worthy praise my Muse cannot reherse;
The first in white and violet clad, the second blacke and white,
The third with white and scarlet was, in martiall order dight:
But least that curious carping fooles, obiecting, thus may say,
Renowned valour seldome lurkes, where is apparrell gay.
(I answere them) Nay, this hath beene by flying fame enroll'd,
That Bristoll Bands in all attempts, haue beene of courage bolde:
For as to please her Princely sight, they spared not their goods;
Like so, for to protect her Grace, they will not spare their bloods.
The hardy Pilot neuer is, but in a storme, descride:
The perfect gold not known from brasse, but when by touch-stone tride
Euen so, when storms shall threaten wrack, and blustring billowes beate,
Then shall appeare, and not till then, where is true valours seate.
But haste, my Muse, for too-too long the time thou hast delaid;
To bad men, more will not suffice; to good enough is said.
No sooner did her Graces Traine approach our Cities bound,
And that her Harold gan draw neere, with blast of Trumpets sound,
Submissiue prostrate on his knees, the Mayor then fell downe,
And the Recorder by his side, a man of great renowne,
With graue aspect and perfect voyce, his silence then he brake,
These words vnto her Princely Grace, or not vnlike, he spake.
The Oration to her Maiestie.
THE rarest Iemmes, that mortall men, to Princes can impart,
(Renowned Lady) true Loue is, proceeding from the hart:
This is the gift that God requires, this is the perfect band,
The seale that revnites the force and sinewes of our Land;
This Bristols Iemme, set clearely forth, in euery subiect true,
On whom your Grace shall bend your face, or daigne to take a view,
Prostrates it selfe in lowly wise vnto your Graces sight,
To serue our Soueraigne King and Queene, with all our force and might.
Bristoll a Citie of renowne, hath neuer traitor beene
To Soueraigne Rule, or Regall Raigne; or false to King or Queene,
VVith thankfulnesse recordeth still full many a fauour great
Inioy'd by famous Kings and Queenes that ruled Englands seate:
But to your gracious Maiestie, as to our Soueraigne sweet,
For preseruation of our weale, we render praises meet;
Our liberties by you preseru'd, and many other things;
You are the fruitful root from whence our hopeful branches springs
Ingratefull should we then be thought, and iustly be condemned,
For pretermitting dutie bound, vnto your Grace descended
From auncient Christian Kings, adorn'd with outward graces, blest
With inward Princely vertues rare, which farre surpasse the rest:
VVith Royall Imps blest from aboue, to raigne and rule this Land,
As long (we hope) as Sunne and Moone, in Firmament shall stand.
Yet this respect of Princely guifts could not our Citie moue
For to inuite your Maiestie; was it for want of loue?
Farre be it from their loyall hearts! nay, rather did they feare
Too meane for such a Princely Guest, your entertainment here
Expected, should approue it selfe, vnto their griefe of minde,
VVhen as your Princely Grace the same should insufficient finde.
[Page]But now with double bands of loue indebted to your Grace,
Wee finde our selues most strictly bound, since that vnto this place
(Of your accord and Princely loue) you haue approched neare,
To make our Citie by this meanes more famous to appeare:
Most humble thankes I yeeld therefore, vnto your Maiestie,
In name of all these Citizens, whose seruice till they dye
Deuoted is vnto your Grace, as to their Soueraigne good,
Not fearing (if occasion were) to seale it with their blood:
Requiring pardon of your Grace for what amisse you finde,
Imputing it not to neglect, but to the want of time:
Accepting this our token small, a pledge of louing hearts,
Who will continue subiects true vntill their liues depart;
Treading the steps of Princes great, as by records we finde,
Who neuer did respect so much the gift as giuers minde.
This done, Bristoll, which to our ioy and great content hath beene
For euermore accounted still the Chamber of the Queene
Of England, is and euer will, as yet hath beene to fore,
Vnto Queene ANNE, our gracious Queene, much bound for euermore.
And I this Cities worthlesse mouth, which tasted haue full oft
Your Princely fauours bountifull, on me bestow'd for nought
Of worthinesse in mee you found, for which I will intreate,
For you and all your Royall Traine, vnto the Mercy-seate
Of God, that he may blesse you still, and send you long to raigne
Vnto his glory and our good, the truth for to maintaine.
The end of the Oration.
THe graue Recorder hauing then concluded this his speech,
The Mayor he his Present gaue, and did her Grace beseech
For to accept it in good part, as pledge of their good will,
Which to her Soueraigne Maiestie they would continue still;
A rich imbrodered Purse it was, most sumptuous to behold
In outward shew, the in-side was cramm'd full of massie gold.
[Page]In gracious wise the Queene receiu'd the present he her gaue,
And render'd thankes, more thankes then they of her could wish or craue
And lastly, all the Magistrates in order passing by,
With reuerence did (as dutie bound) salute her Maiestie.
When she had passed thus along vnto the Citie gate,
Attended on by great and small, and many a noble state,
There first her eyes beheld what earst her heart could not conceiue,
Through sodaine admiration rapt, scarce could she credit giue
Vnto her sight; for since she first set foot on English ground,
Such braue couragious hardy men, at once, she neuer found.
Admiring at this sodaine sight, she viewes these martiall Bands,
How each in his assigned place, in order firmely stands
On eyther side of Bristoll streetes firme ioyned like a wall
To guard her Grace vnto the Court, lest ought might her befall
Through rashnesse of the multitude, which might her grace annoy,
By pressing on for to behold, their loue, their life, their ioy.
First stood a rancke of hardy Pikes, much like a thorny Wood:
Next after them the nimble Shot in order ready stood.
Here waues the Ancients in the winde, there stands the Fife and drum,
Attending when her Maiestie would through their squadrons come:
All to their Captaines Colours were with scarfes and feathers bright
Adorn'd, not wanting ought was fit to please her Princely sight.
Each man for Martiall discipline doth a Commander seeme,
As though in warres from tender yeeres, they exercis'd had beene.
Like some great Princesse who intends to purchase Iewels rare,
Simile
Which by some forraigne Ieweller to her presented are:
First, through his Casket doth she looke, with curious searching eye,
Where she may to her hearts content some precious Iemme descry:
The first she sets her hands vpon seemes glorious in her sight,
A second doth more better please her curious appetite:
The third anone she doth behold, which doth the rest excell,
So that each latter choyse doth seeme the former to refell.
That quite confounded in her mind, she knowes not which to chuse,
But still shee thinkes she takes the worst, and doth the best refuse:
Euen so our gracious soueraigne Queene, as through the street she past
Each seuerall obiect pleas'd her well whereon her eyes she cast.
[Page]But as amidst these armed Troopes, she passing forward went,
Each Martialist vnto her view, did seeme more excellent:
So that, protesting, thus she did vnto her Nobles say,
Braue Bristoll-men from all the Land, hath borne the price away.
For this their famous enterprise their credit I will raise,
Renowned Fame shall spread their name, and glory sound their praise.
No thundring shot nor ratling drums, throughout the streets were herd
Whiles that her Grace to Court-ward went, most strictly was obserued
The Proclamation former made, wherein did plaine appeare
The reuerend Counsels Prouidence, the Souldiers Loue and feare:
But when she was conducted safe, with all her Noble traine,
Vnto her Royall Court, whereas with ioy she did remaine,
And in her Presence-chamber plac'd, there for to take a view
Of all the Royall pastimes made by this braue Martiall Crew,
Who marcht along on Bristols Key, with Ensignes braue displaid:
And opposite against the Court each Band in order staid,
Expecting when by sound of Drumme they should commanded be
For to discharge their ratling Shot before her Maiestie.
Thus ready ranged stood these Bands, expecting nought but time,
That temporizing space (I meane) wherewith we must refine
Our outward acts, and all our deeds, whereby we shall be tride
As perfect gold which in the fire is seauen-times purified.
Had Hanibal of Carthage knowne what triumph great he lost
By times neglect, when he had slaine the mightie Romaine host,
If he forth-with had marcht to Rome with his victorious bands,
Romes lofty pride no doubt had stoop'd to his vnconquered hands:
But when (preuented by report) hee came too late to speede,
An answere fit he then receiu'd for this his sloathfull deede;
O Hanibal, full well thou knowest a victory to get,
But how to vse it once obtain'd, thou hast not learned yet.
Musicke with time, as natiue twinnes, afford sweet harmonie,
Arions Harp (time not obseru'd) resounds harsh melodie.
Each hearb and plant, each fruitfull tree their times appointed know:
A time there is for Husbandmen to reape, a time to sow;
Therefore I say attend on time while time attends on thee:
For time once lost, for gold nor gaine cannot attained be.
[Page]This precious Iewell Time (I say) did these our Troopes attend,
That their fore-sight no slanderous tongues in ought might discōmend
But vvhen at length (by tokens made) was time conuenient found,
Two thundering Peales of shot were heard, which seem'd to shake the ground:
And next, for halfe an houres space, the roaring Cannons cry,
With fiery smoake did seem to choake, and quench bright Phoebus eye.
The ayrie Regions were inflam'd, as if that Phaëton
(As Poets faine) had rul'd againe the Chariot of the Sunne.
But when the Cannons were discharg'd, and that the skies waxt cleare,
And Phoebus with his glistering beames gan brightly to appeare,
A ioyfull shout by thousands made, which thither did repayre,
In token of contented ioy, resounded in the ayre.
The Bels most ioyfully did ring, with Musickes simphony,
And still these words (God saue our Queene) re-ecchoed in the skie.
In auncient Writers doe I finde when (Romes rare pearle of price)
Pompey was chosen chiefe of Seas, by Senators aduice,
Thence to expell the roysterous rout of brauing Pirates might,
Such was his fame through triumphes wonne in all the Romaines sight,
That all applauding his renowne with clamorous shouts and cryes,
So did they pierce the thin vast ayre extant beneath the skies,
With horrid noyse, that flying Fowles, amazed, fell to ground
Through great astonishment and feare of this their thundering sound.
Much more should we doe for our Queene, inflam'd with ardent loue
Of her attractiue vertues rare, proceeding from aboue,
And for King Iames our Soueraignes sake, whom God preserue & keep
From all detested treacheries, both waking and asleepe:
For he our Albion Thesius true, hath curb'd our enemie,
Romes Minotaure, a restlesse foe to Britaines Progenie.
Nay, mighty Ioue, in mercy great, hath clos'd this monsters Iawes
From hurting of his Daniel deare; or tearing with his Pawes
The holy Saints and Martyres all, whose bloud did oft imbrew
This Monsters blacke bloud-thirsty throate (which innocents he slew)
But now (thankes be to God therefore) we are escaped free,
By our most gracious Soueraigne King, from this our misery,
Who rules vs with most gentle loue, from all oppressions free,
Defending vs by peace, from strife, and former tyranny.
To free poore Codrus innocence from Craesus greedy iawes:
To all his friends, he succour sends which are opprest by might:
Protecting Irus from his foes, and doth maintaine his right,
When glorious Titan diues in west, and hides him from our eyes,
For to enlight the darksome night, pale Cinthia doth a rise,
Like so bright Sell declin'd with vs, when by Impartiall death,
The vitall thred was cut in twaine of Queene Elizabeth:
Yet did no dusky night succeed, for in Elizaes roome,
As from the Phoenix ashes doth another Phoenix come:
For why, no sooner Brittain had her former bright eye lost,
But straight another did begin to shine from Northeren cost,
With hands vpheld, may we therefore giue thankes vnto our God,
Who like a father did forbeare, to strike vs with his rod.
Sending to vs in mercy great, such an Athenian King,
Whose learned fame and Pietie, throughout the world doth ring:
Another Cicero for wit and learned Eloquence,
A valiant Caeser bountifull, for rare Magnificence:
For to conclude, he doth maintaine Gods true and perfect word,
Which cutteth sinne from off our soules, as a two-edged sword:
But soft my Muse, attempt thou not so high an enterprise,
His vertues rare for to behold doth daze thy tender eyes,
So great a taske shall rest for men of most approued praise,
As none but Eagles fixe their eyes on Solls resplendant rayes:
The Souldiers hauing thus with ioy, this first dayes triumph done,
Which did delight her graces sight and all that look'd there on:
Returning backe before the Court, each band in good aray,
With thundering shot their leaues they tooke, and homewards marcht away.
Thus did her graces Court excell, with great renowne and fame,
Where thousands for to see her face, to Bristoll flocking came:
Whereas her Gracious Maiestie, their kindnesse to requite,
In open view her selfe did shew to all the peoples sight.
It weare too long for to rehearse, the braue pastime and sport,
Which by the Citizens were made, for to delight her Court,
Their loue by proffered seruice shewen to guard her Maiestie,
But mine intent is to conclude each thing with breuity:
[Page]And for to imitate aright, in this the curious Sunne,
Simile.
Who doth intend for her delight a Nosegay sweet to frame:
Shee crops not rudely of those hearbes, on which she seaseth first,
But doth select the rarest sort, reiecting those are worst,
Like so few words will beautifie what doth from truth proceed,
For too much matter Pell-mell mixt, doth a confusion breed.
Wise Caliepie, Queene of Eloquence, assist my stammering tongue
To finish this triumphant shew, which now I haue begun:
Lest that my Muse, for want of aide vnder her burden fall,
As Vines vnpropped oftentimes vpon the ground doe crall.
No sooner had swift Phaebus steeds, beganne their course to runne,
Sunday
Shining with most resplendant rayes vpon our Horrison,
But that each Souldier did prepare, to guard her Maiestie
Vnto the temple of the Lord with great solemnity:
Not clad in armes as earst they weare, with thundering shot that ror'd,
But with good harts to sanctifie, the sabboth of the Lord,
Who hath sixe dayes allotted vs to purchase worldly wealth,
The seauenth alone he hath reseru'd, for good of our soules health:
That we this day might praise his name and rest our selues from sinne,
As God did rest when he had made the world and all therein:
Quite from the Court vnto the Church this worthy guard was seene,
In ranckes close standing one by one, to safe conduct the Queene,
But when the Mayor graue and wise, in most triumphant sort,
With all the reuerend Councell came on foote vnto the Court:
In seemely wise attired all with gownes of Scarlet dye,
For to attend vnto the Church her gracious Maiestie,
Who mounted like faire Cinthia bright, into her sumptuous Coach,
Drawen by foure milke-white coursers braue, and next her did approach
The Ladies on their trampling steeds, like faire Diana's traine,
Hunting in the Arcadian woods, (as doe the Poets faine.)
Formost of all in their degrees, vnto the Church did goe,
The reuerend Senate, two and two, all marching on a row:
Lastly on foote (before her grace with all her Noble traine,
Of Lords and Knights) into the Church the worthy Mayor came,
The Queene then set in chaire of state with all the residue
(In their degrees) the Mayor and Shriefes, and the Nobilitie,
[Page]Where learned Docter ROBSON did, a godly Sermon frame,
In setting forth Gods mighty workes, and lauding of his name,
Which Sermon being finished, she backe return'd to Court,
Guarded a long from Church againe, in most triumphant sort.
The reuerend Mayor and the Shriefes their loue for to expresse,
Did feast with most delitious cheare, and dainties numberlesse
Her Noble traine; who did admire, as though Earth, Ayre, and Sea,
Withall their dainties had conspir'd, Bristoll to dignifie,
Whose true affection to her Prince, and peerelesse Progenie,
Doth rest vnparagond, as yet, vnto posterity,
With their true loue set forth in part, before the worlds bright eye,
Their hearts, their hands, their life, their lands, to please her Maiestie:
And to content her Princely grace, shall euermore be prest,
For whose most heauenly guifts diuine we from aboue are blest
By mighty Ioue, who through his loue, hath sent vs such a King,
That turnes our blustring winters blasts into a gladsome spring.
Deere mother England, with salt teares bend thou thine aged knee,
And render thankes vnto thy God, who hath deliuered thee,
When most vndoubted was thy feare, then did he comfort bring,
Shrouding thee safe from Tigers pawes with his all-couering wing:
For what a terrour had it beene, vnto thine heart to see
Through sodaine strife, thy streetes exempt from popularity,
When children fatherlesse each where, should in the streetes be found,
Thy fathers childlesse sighing sore, and in deepe dolours drown'd,
Thy trusty friends bereau'd of life, sisters rapt from the brother,
No kinsman left for to lament or to inter each other,
Thy Virgins bath'd in teares thy youth amaz'd themselues to see,
Through griefe of heart bereft of strength and of validity:
Thy lofty towers tumbled downe, as in the Romains ire,
Ierusalem was brought to ground, by famine, sword, and fire?
But since that God hath now vouchsaft, not for our merits sake,
But of his mercy and great loue, these iudgments iust to take
From vs, who haue by sinne deserued to taste the bitter cup,
Fild with the dregges of Gods iust wrath, and for to drinke it vp:
Let vs giue thankes to God therefore, that nought but thankes doth craue,
Who hath vs rais'd from death to life, as Lazarus from graue,
[Page]Continuing still vnto our ioy, the perfect Lampe of light,
His sacred word, our spirituall food, and heauenly soules delight.
Now bloudy Mars is tied in chaines with fierce Bellena bound,
His armes and Adamantine coate, lies rusting on the ground:
Grizely Thanattos who did still his gastly steps attend,
Hath lost his stinging force and might, (by bondage of his friend:)
Harsh discord thirsting after bloud, with sweet concord is drown'd,
Whiles peace with plenty in our streetes doth euery where abound:
Now may the Lambes securely feed, from Wolfe, and Tigers clawes,
Since Pan our watchfull Shepheard hath shut vp these monsters iawes,
For all these benefits therefore receiued by our King,
We will expresse our thankfulnesse and loue, (wee owe to him
And to his royall Progeny) vnto our Soueraigne Queene,
Whose like throughout the worlds vast bounds cannot againe be seene.
But soft my Muse, let Ancors fall, strike sailes, thy swift course stay,
Welcome to shore, remember that this is a Sabboth day:
What twixt Euterpes mirth and sad Melpemens tragicke stile,
(Thy sences luld) thou hadst almost spleeted thy barke ere-while
Vpon the rocke Obliuion cal'd: moreouer harke giue eare,
Mundayes triumph implores thine ayde to make his fame appeare:
Varietie and change doth best content mans appetite,
Each obiect faire seemes fowle if still presented to our sight,
Sweet Orpheus musicke cloyes our eares, if that it common be,
Our nature is so apt and prone to mutability:
By good aduice therefore it was prouided that her Grace,
With all her traime might not dislike their tarying in this place,
For euery day shee soiourn'd here, in most triumphant sort
A seuerall pastime was ordain'd, for to delight her Court,
And as at her first entrance here she did with ioy behold,
A martiall troupe of warlike men, of courage stout and bould:
Like so, for Mundaies pastime was prepared for her sight,
Betwixt two gallies and a ship, a bloudy water fight,
But yet a while I must looke backe, ere farther I proceede,
Least that my Muse should taxed be for too too hasty speede,
This water fight (by fame diuulg'd) full many a thousand drew,
Both farre and neere for to behold, and take a perfect view,
[Page]Of Turkes and turkish gallies both, describ'd in liuely wise,
By worthy Brutes who oft haue seene, their habit, forme, and guise:
Nay, many a Christian Marchant man, hath too too often knowen,
(Though by constraint) to Christ his flocke their loue and kindnesse shewen,
When with the losse of all their goods, (O barberous cruelty!)
These cursed Turkes (more deere then life) from them their liberty
With endles bondage haue restrain'd, for gally-slaues condemn'd,
There bound in chaines for to remaine till death their liues doth end:
We Christians much more pitty shew, to dumbe and sencles things
Then they to Christians will afford (such deadly rancour stings,
There cankered hearts with pride puft vp, inflam'd with rage and Ire,
That nothing can aswage their wrath, nor quench this burning fire,
But Christian bloud by their curst hands powred vpon the ground,
By Christ redeem'd, then when naught else sufficient could be found,)
We for our Cattell houses frame, against cold winters showers,
Naked they row, when th'angry skies their stormy blasts down powers:
We giue our cattell prouender, of sundry sorts of graine,
They scarsely bread and water giue, their liues for to maintaine,
We doe not presse our beasts with worke, beyond their strength and force,
With restles rowing they oppresse their slaues without remorce,
And when they haue their vtmost done, their tiranizing Lords
Barbarian-like, torment their flesh with scourging whips of cords:
For why, no words can ought auaile, neither can sighes suffice
To mollifie their stony hearts, once bent to Tirannize.
Woe worth the sinnes of Christendome, which haue incenst Gods ire,
In iudgments iust for to lay wast, by famine, sword, and fire,
Europe, his chosen Heritage, (which doth Christs name adore)
By letting in proud Ottoman, that Erimanthean Bore,
Whose cursed race, hath rais'd their names by Christian Princes fall,
While mongst themselues they disagree'd through ciuill strife & braule
Witnesse the Graetian Empire lost, by Christian Kings neglect,
To these accursed Infidels whiles each seemes to respect
Their seuerall discords and debates, not knowing that the flame
Once kindled in our neighbours house, will make vs feare the same.
Of all things which God did create, of Birds, Beasts, Fish, and Fowle,
The Lord into mans face alone did breath a liuing soule,
[Page]That he which beares the forme of God imprinted in his face
Should frame himselfe in heart thereto, as God hath giuen him grace:
But man corrupted at the first, by sinne, through Adame fall,
Hath euer since a rebell beene, and proued worst of all.
For why? each beast obseruing kinde, his nature doth expresse:
But man the Lawes of God aboue, and Nature doth transgresse.
No Tiger seekes a Tigers bloud his greedy maw to fill,
In Natures Schoole this learn'd, they keepe inuiolable still:
But man to mankinde often proues most cruell, fierce, and fell;
Yea, Christians vnto Christians are (I tremble for to tell)
As bad, nay, some more worse then Turks; who through their ciuill broyles,
Present the Turkes occasion fit to glory in their spoyles.
When Christian Princes disagree, and each 'gainst other rise,
Then doe the Turks with might and maine their ruine straight deuise,
For how can wee expect good fruit where euill is the tree?
Or credit Turks, who mortall foes vnto all Christians be?
Ye Christian Kings and Potentates, ioyne both your hearts and hands
To chase this off-scumme Scithian-brood from you and all your lands.
Vnite your Forces Christian-like from Europe to expell
Proud Ottoman, too dangerous a neighbour neare to dwell:
Whose Moony Standards still attend, expecting but a prey,
To satisfie their greedy lusts, impatient of delay.
Christ is the head of Christendome, and we the members be,
Ioyned in one through faith in him, with perfect vnitie:
Euen as the members of a man, the head, the hands, the feete,
Each in his office doth his part, the body for to keepe
In perfect health: like so should we yeeld helping hands to others,
Whom God hath made through faith in Christ, more near & dear then brothers.
When Amphitrites flowing waues began to fill their banks,
Full forty thousand eyes at least, expected when our ranckes
From Court-ward would conduct the Queene vnto the Riuers side,
For to behold by worthy Brutes this water-combat tride:
Who came accompanyed at length with all her noble Court;
The Mayor with the Councell roade, to shew her Grace this sport.
One of the Bands in warlike wise marching triumphantly,
Guarded vnto the water side her gracious Maiestie.
[Page]The other two on eyther side were of the Riuer plac'd,
Whose thundering Shot resounding shrill, this famous triumph grac'd
Where placed in her Royall Tent, bedeckt with Flora's pride,
She did attend to see the end of this braue combat tride.
O that I could in these my verse, to Virgils veyne aspire,
That all ensuing ages might this glorious act admire,
Thereby to kindle in their breast a like desire of fame,
By loyall tokens of their loue to equalize the same!
But since that wishes are but vaine, whereby to purchase skill,
My want of wealth in learning shall, and not my want of will,
Condemned be: therefore, my Muse, feare not for to indite
This worthy triumph as it was perform'd in order right.
Formost of all an English Ship came stemming with the tyde,
And right before her Graces Tent at Anchor did she ride,
Her Colours were the bloudy Crosse (to Britaines foes well knowne)
A worthy Captaine was her guide, whose skilfull Art was showne:
Her Souldiers braue resolued hearts no danger could impaire.
Her Flags and lofty Pendants seem'd to beautifie the ayre:
But whiles at Anchor there they lay, they gan discry from farre
Two Turkish Gallies well prepar'd, most mighty men of warre:
They saw how close they ply'd their Oares, to boord her if thy can,
Then euery mate begins to stirre, minding to play the man:
Each one betakes him to his Armes, to entertaine this guest.
In emulation which of them should guard his Quarter best.
Some runneth here, some runneth there, all wants for to supply,
As hony Bees in Summer time, when Phoebus gins to fry:
Their fights hung forth, their Musket-shot, and Murderers each one
Were ready prim'd expecting nought but when the Turks would come
Whose Moony Standerds at the last, they plainely gan descry,
Full well prouided both for armes, and for artillery.
Their Admirall had all her men apparrelled in blew,
The other red, so neare they did resemble Turkes in hew,
With Targs and Cemitaurs, so that had sharpe ey'd Licuus seene,
He would haue iudged that these men Turks naturall had beene,
But when by swiftnesse of their Oares they did approach them nigh,
Amaine, amaine, your top-sailes strike, these fained Turks did cry:
[Page]Oh! hoy! so! hoy! From whence your ship? Of England. Whither bound?
For Bristoll port. What will yee yeeld, or else sinke and be drown'd?
Wee'll fight it to the vtmost man, the Christians did reply:
We had much rather lose our liues then lose our liberty.
Then did the Fife and Drummes beginne deaths fierce alarum sound,
The thundring shot with horrid noyse, did all things else confound:
But when with Musket-shot they had on each part done their best,
Their sharpe-edg'd Cemitaurs they drew, for to performe the rest.
At once both Gallies fell aboard (a Turkish stratagem)
Seeking by numbers to suppresse our neuer-daunted Men,
Who with like courage did sustaine the fierce Barbarians force,
Confronting them with their bright swords: who without all remorse,
Prest on with might and maine. So that to the beholders eye,
Each 'gainst their opposite did shew their vtmost crueltie.
Like as the waters whose swift course is stopped by a bay,
Which though not long, yet for a while, their fury doth delay,
Till re-vniting of their force, they cast it to the ground,
So that no mention of the same remaineth to be found:
Euen so these Turkes were for a while repulsed with disgrace
By Christians, till their numbers fail'd for to supply each place:
Whereas the Turkes on all parts did their victory beginne,
Though not by valour yet by force their chiefest hope to winne.
On eyther part no slacknesse found, but each man firmely stood.
That Amphitrites siluer waues were stain'd with crimson blood.
This fight so brauely was maintain'd, that winged Ʋictory
Now on the Christians, then on Turkes, did looke impartially.
The Bands which by the Riuer stood, on each side did their best,
With thundring shot to aide their friends, by numbers thus opprest.
Meane whiles the Turks with high applause their victory pursu'd,
Longing to see their Turkish blades with Christian bloud imbru'd.
But trust who list (vntill deceiu'd) Fortunes inconstant chance,
Which mighty Monarches casteth downe, and meaner doth aduance:
When greatest hope of good successe, when health and wealth is highest
Then wofull wracke, disease, and want, with griefe approcheth nighest.
For whiles vpon these Turkes attempts she sweetly seem'd to smile,
Bending her browes, she turnes her face, intending greatest guile.
[Page]The Christians well perceiuing that their forces nought auail'd
To daunt these proud insulting Turkes which fiercely them assail'd.
With fained feare retyring backe, they chast them cleane away,
(By fiery force) depriu'd of this their misconceiued prey.
Like as the greedy rauening Wolfe, with pinching hunger prest,
Leauing the Woods, through hils and dales, disdaining quiet rest,
He fearelesse rangeth vp and downe, not ceasing till he finde
The harmelesse flocke of tender Lambes, the obiect of his minde:
Where ready prest to seize vpon his long desired pray,
And satisfie his greedy lust, impatient of delay,
The Mastiue dog pursues his theft, whom hastily he flyes,
Amaz'd with feare, being dispossest of this his wished prise:
Euen so these Turkes prouokt by thirst of honour and renowne,
Striuing for to adorne their heads with a victorious crowne:
Whose Laurell Branches (Fames desert) are not by cowards gain'd,
But by true valiant noble hearts with sweaty browes obtain'd.
When that they thought all dangers past, which might themselues oppose
To their designes, then were they made a spoile vnto their foes:
For oft-times when we glory most in Sun-shine of delights,
Then Winter stormes our ioyfull course with sharpe affliction bites,
Some of these Turkes incenst with rage, not fearing this mischance,
Were mounted vp into the shrowdes, their prowesse to aduance,
Where thirsting for to win renowne, withall their force and might,
Against the fury of their foes maintain'd an eager fight:
But when their fortune once declin'd, the Christians they forsooke,
Leaping into the Brinish waues, and so their Gallies tooke:
But yet these drops that cool'd their heate, quench'd not the burning fire
Of fierce reuenge for their disgrace, but more inflam'd their Ire.
And wrathfull rage: remembring that how much more hard the paine,
So much more excellent shall be the triumph they obtaine.
Thus arm'd with hope, (for hope is swift, and flyes with Swallows wings,
Of mighty Monarches it makes Gods, and meaner creatures Kings,)
The second time they did attempt, although vnto their cost,
To re-obtaine from Christians hands, their former honour lost.
Then might you see the fiery bals like Comets blazing bright,
The dusky smoke of powdered shot, which dim'd and daz'd their sight.
[Page]The moony Targs aduanc'd on high from harme to guard their heads
The Christians valour in defence, which nought their fury dreads:
The fierce aspect on eyther part sufficient to affright
And terrifie great Mars himselfe, the dauntlesse God of fight.
For to conclude, they came aboord, where entertain'd they were
By these braue Brutes, with Martiall stroakes, vntill the former snare
Once more had dispossest their hope the victory to winne;
Constrayning them (to get aboord their Gallyes) backe to swimme.
Amidst their fight one of these Turkes, thirsting to get renowne,
Ere that the Christians him descri'd, had tooke their Colours downe.
Wherewith vnto the Bowspret got, he leapt into the maine,
And tooke his Gally with triumph of this his glorious gaine.
The valiant heart which once hath felt the vtmost force and might
Of enuious Fortune, courage takes, and thriues in her despight,
That by his resolution bold he doth abate her ire,
Who sought to worke his ouer-throw by famine, sword, or fire:
Euen so these Christians hauing once repulst this furious foe,
Whose first assault might seeme to threat their wrack, & dreadfull woe,
Their valiant hearts were more inflam'd by Turkes disgracefull foyle,
Hoping their Trophyes for to raise by those Barbarians spoyle,
Who foure times twise did boord their ship, with lofty shouts and cryes,
And foure times twice they were repulst from this their wished prise.
So that through feare discouraged, they tooke themselues to flight,
And left some of their braue consorts by Christians tooke in fight,
Which captiues brought before her Grace, on bended knees did craue
For mercy, which her Maiestie with pardon freely gaue.
Loe here behold by this triumph, as in a mirror plaine,
How mighty Ioue against all foes our quarrell doth maintaine,
Confounding all their priuie plots, and close Conspiracies,
Who for to vndermine our state, against vs doe arise.
Their vaine attempts and boundles thoughts, he turnes to their decay
Entrapped in the selfe-same snare, they did for others lay,
For God which bounds the raging Seas, hath bounded their desire:
And turns to smoke their proud attempts wherto their thoughts aspire.
This braue exploite thus finished, the Queene with all her traine
Attending on, her Princely Grace, to Court return'd againe.
[Page]By which time Phoebus gan to hide his Chariot in the West,
And each thing liuing tooke themselues vnto their wonted rest.
But when that Philomell began her sugred notes to sing
At faire Auroraes first approach, which present comfort brings.
By chasing hence the darkesome night with her deluding dreames,
And bringing in the ioyfull light by Sols all-searching beames.
When euery man with ioyfull heart, his sleepy bed forsakes,
And to his daily labours eke, himselfe againe betakes:
The vtmost date expired was vpon this present day,
Of our most gracious Queenes abode in Bristoll for to stay.
Wherefore the reuerend Counsell came vnto her Princely Court,
For to attend her Maiestie, prepar'd in seemely sort:
Whereas our Queene most graciously vouchsaf'd to thanke them all,
Both Mayor, Sheriffes and Aldermen, who on their knees did fall,
And humbly kist her Royall hand, such fauour did she shew,
And loue, for loue, which to her Grace, in dutie, they did owe.
And furthermore, for to expresse her loue to loyall hearts,
And bounty by rewarding all according to deserts,
A Ring with Diamonds beset, most graciously she sent
Vnto the Mayor as a pledge of her most kinde intent,
In ought she might for Bristols good, in rightfull cause obtaine,
By suite prefer'd vnto King IAMES our gracious Soueraigne.
Such tender loue hath now possest her Graces Princely breast,
That she for Bristols weale will be for euer ready prest:
For as the fixed Stars moue not within the Firmament,
So loue by vertuous deedes obtain'd is alwayes permanent.
In solemne wise her farewell tooke, through Bristoll streetes she past,
Where (as at her first entrance here) a worthy guard was plac'd:
The Mayor; with the Councell graue, before her Grace did ride,
Her Courtly traine of worthy Peeres attended by her side.
The streetes on eyther side were prest with numbers infinite,
Who in her gracious countenance had fixed their delight:
Whose ioyfull hearts expressed were, when they beheld her face,
And with loud voyces did cry out, The Lord preserue your Grace!
Thus roade they with her Grace as farre as Bristols bounds extend,
Where this their ioyfull Iourney was compell'd to take an end.
[Page]In humble wise the Mayor then his lofty Steede forsooke,
And of her Grace on bended knees, prostrate, his farewell tooke,
And all the rest her Subiects true did seeme to change their cheare,
And mourne her absence as the childe that loseth parents deare.
The Martiall Bands in number three, by three braue peales of Shot
Exprest their loue, that cursed hate might not their honour blot.
Thus haue you here impartially presented to your view,
A patterne of most loyall hearts vnto their Soueraigne true,
Who not alone in hearts but hands, haue manifested plaine
Their loue vnto our gracious Queene, which Enuy cannot staine,
Although that vertue seldome scapes, through Enuy, free from blame,
For why detraction will not spare to blot Diana's name:
Yet vertue by how much the more hid from the worlds bright eye,
By cursed hate, so much the more it mounteth vpon high,
Whose Rose-bound head for her deserts, shall gaine a glorious crowne;
Incompast with a three-fold Wreath, Loue, Honour and Renowne,
Therefore let Enuy fret and fume, and spit her poysoned bane,
For vertuous deedes shall still inioy a neuer-dying fame.
FINIS.