The auncient order, societie, and unitie laudable, of Prince Authure, and his knightly armory of the Round Table With a threefold assertion frendly in fauour and furtherance of English archery at this day. Translated and collected by R.R. — Devise des armes des chevaliers de la table ronde. English.

The auncient order, societie, and unitie laudable, of Prince Authure, and his knightly armory of the Round Table With a threefold assertion frendly in fauour and furtherance of English archery at this day. Translated and collected by R.R. — Devise des armes des chevaliers de la table ronde. English.

Table of contents

Title page

To the Right worshipful M. Thomas Smith Esquier chiefe Customer to her Maiestie in the port of London, and to the worshipfull Socyety of Archers, here yearely celebrating the renowmed memory of the magnificent Prince Arthure and his Knightly traine of the Round Table, Grace, Mercy, Peace, and Plenitude of temporall and eternall Beatitude in Christ Iesus our onely Lord and Sauiour, Amen.

A Praise of the Bovve and Commendation of this Booke, written by Thomas Churchyard Gent.

THE AVTHOR his French Preface, thus Englished.

Of the Inuention of ARMES: and for what cause the same were founde out: And of what Nacyon they haue beene established.

Of the Matter of substance of ARMES, and whereof they are made.

§

Of the signification of Golde in Armes. 1.

Of the signification of Siluer in Armes. 2.

Of the Signification of Gueles or Red in Armes. 3.

Of the signification of AZVRE. 4.

Of the signification of SABLE. 5.

Of the signification of SYNOPLE. 6.

Of the signification of PVRPLE. 7.

Of Nyne thinges which are in the Escucheon making The third Part therof.

Of the nombre where vntill a Man may nomber all Things which are in Armories: And when one ought to mencyon any thing without Nomber, or Strawyng.

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A Breefe Repetition of the Table Rounde.

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THE FIRST ASSERTION and is Sacred Historicall.

THE SECOND ASSERTION and ys Prophane Hystoricall.

THE THIRDE ASSERTION Englishe Hystoricall.

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THE AVNCIENT Order, Societie, and Vnitie Laudable, of Prince Arthure, and his Knightly Armory of the Round Table. With a Threefold Assertion frendly in fauour and furtherance of English Archery at this day.

Translated and Collected by R. R.

Psal. 133. vers. 1. & vers. 4.

O how happy a thing it is and ioyfull for to see,

Brethren together fast to hold the Band of Amitie.

Euē so the Lord bestoweth on thē his blessings manifold

Whose harts and minds without all guile, this knot do keepe and hold.

LONDON Imprinted by Iohn Wolfe dwelling in Distaffe lane neere the signe of the Castle 1583.

To the Right worshipful M. Thomas Smith Esquier chiefe Customer to her Maiestie in the port of London, and to the worshipfull Socyety of Archers, here yearely celebrating the renowmed memory of the magnificent Prince Arthure and his Knightly traine of the Round Table, Grace, Mercy, Peace, and Plenitude of temporall and eternall Beatitude in Christ Iesus our onely Lord and Sauiour, Amen.

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ISAAC the Sonne of Abraham and childe of promise signified Ioy (Right worshipfull Patrone and worshipfull good Citizens.) And Iacob his sonne otherwise called Israel signified strong with God, also by interpretation. Wherein as we see Isaac the father, Ioy goeth before, and Iacob the sonne strong with God followeth: This maketh a most apt mistery of Gods almightie power and wil, and a most conuenient order in accomplishing of the same. For as in those ancient Ludis Saecularibus dedicated in honour of Apollo and Diana, the Trompeter ioyfully going before sounded the signification of some great Nouel which should ensue therupon, when he also said vnto the people, Come to the games which no mortal man hath seene or shal see the like: So here semblably portendeth this Ioye in the father before going some strange or rare euent in the sonne strong with God following him.Genes 32. And so in deede it was. For, Iacob as we reade wrestled with the Angel of God, and by prayer preuailing with him, bare away the blessing. And what was that? verely that he should thenceforth Preuaile both with God & man. This wrestling then may be a famous example, & an earnest tryal of al the faithfull children of God, by excellent enterprises and exercises of life euen in the beholding eye and sight of the same God of Abraham, Isaac and Iacob. The 12. Tribes of Israel proceding from Iacobs loynes were the Lordes elect & Gods peculiar people, and so mighty a Nation as none more mighty vnder the sunne, in whom the oracle of Gods Angel promised to Iacob, was altogither by Gods prouidence performed.Exod. 18. These had a Ruler, euen Moyses ordained by God himselfe, and one which spake face to face with God: He was commanded also to chuse men of courage ouer them as his Substitutes, namely Rulers ouer thousands, Rulers ouer handreds, and Rulers ouer tennes, and it is written, that they made Israel a holy nation. The Lord him selfe also commanded these to set [Page] markes on the mountaine of Sina,Ibidem. and sanctifie it. He enioined them yearly to celebrate the feaste of the Lordes passeouer,Exod. 12. to obserue that day in their posterity for euer. And in their peace [...] in the day of their gladnes that they should blow their Trompets ouer their sacrifices and ouer theyr peace offerings,Numb. 10. that they might be a remembrance for them before their God. Likewise in their warres to blowe an alarme with the Trompet, to the ende they might be remembred before the Lord their God;Ibidem. and be saued from their enimies.Ibidem. And then did the same Moises as grand captaine and guide go before them with the Arke of the Testament, the foresaid 12. Tribes marching orderly after the same: for whose defence against their enimies on a time he praied thus vnto God. Rise vp Lord and let thine enimies be scattered, and let them that hate thee fly before thee. And when the Arke rested he praied thus for them. Returne Oh Lord vnto thee many thousands of Israel. Hercules in peace was famous among the heathen for ordaining those games of wrestling, running & learned exercises at Olimpus by him dedicated to the honour of Iupiter. Cesar in peace time prouident for wars was also famous among the Romains for ordaining those sword plaies to the better exercise and encouragement of young men against the time of nedeful wars the more boldly and skilfully to encounter with their enimies. And Anthonius sirnamed Pius, in time of warres was more famous among them for exercising al maner of mighty and sauage beastes to be rid vpon and trained for the battel, as well as his owne souldiours fearcely to foile his enimies: who of him selfe also was said to be so coragius and valiant, that he slewe with his shafts 100. Lions of his enimies power at one bickering. But Apollo aboue al others was most famous (in war times for recouery of peace) at Delphos when being named the God of wisdome and Prince of Archers with his 1000. shaftes slaying and nailing to the ground that perillous serpent Pithon, he deliuered the people from perill thereof to liue in peace afterward, and betaking himselfe thereupon to his pleasant pastime accustomed of hunting Deere and Goate, did also institute by this his cheualry, those games in Latin called Pithij after the name of the serpent slaine. All these foure (I say) were famous in their estate and condition, for maintenance of cheualry and actuity in peace time and warres: and haue their due commendations accordingly as it standeth with credit: But bicause these were without the knowledge of god, & mere prophane, therefore their actions, fame and memory are the more obscure and lesse permanent with glory. But contrariwise immortal Fame followeth the noble ordinances & actions of the Faithful which alwaies haue bene, are and shal be within the watch of Gods heauenly Eie, within the helpe of his holy hand, and within the precinct of his almighty and eternall protection. As it is most notably verified by Ecclesiastes 10. cap. where it is said, He that is cheefe among brethren is honorable, [Page]So are they that feare the Lord in his sight. ver. 21.

Here is that indissoluble band of amity betwene God & goodmen which the wiseman affirmeth of Sap. 7. For she is an infinite treasure vnto men, which whoso vse become pertakers of the loue of god, and are accepted for the gifts of knowledge. ver. 14.

Here is that euerlasting knot of peace & loue which the princely Prophet Dauid so highly praiseth betwene Brethrē in & for God their father. viz [...]. Psal. 133. As the dewe of Hermon which falleth vpon the mountaines of Sion, for there the Lord appointed the blessing of life for euer.

And here is that Round Table of cheefest Cheualry ordained by the Lord of Lords, and King of Kinges, euen Iehouah the God of hoastes before whose heauenly presence (of immense maiesty and immortall magnificence) enuironed round about with Patriarckes, Prophets, Princes, Apostles, Euangelistes, Angels, Archangels, and Soules of the righteous, incessantly shal be sounded Amen.Reuel. [...]. Praised be God, praise ye our God al his holy ones, and ye which feare him, smal and great.

Amongst which number of mighty Kings, Conquerours and warriers in sacred histories most famous. (Right worshipful Patrone and worshipfull Citizens) let not I beseech you the noble ordenance of that princely Prophet and Conqueror King Dauid dye in obliuion, but liue in your perpetuall memories, 1. Cron. 11. & 12. how he for maintenance of princely chiualry and knighthood, had not onely about him 30. Mighty men of armes, and of the 12. Tribes with him retaining a mighty number as it were like the hoast of God.2. Reg. 2. But also the first statute that euer he enacted after he was King, was instituted, that all the Children of Israel should learne to shoote in the Bowe: which exercise by so noble and chosen a King established as he mencioneth thereof many times in his Psalmody. So I beseech you remember how he promised the Lord of hostes,Psal. 119. vers. 15. That he as at a marke would aime to walke in the waies of the Lord.

Our ancient Arthures noble ordinance order and famous memory like as your worships do yearely with worthy solemnity celebrate as the Israelites did their daies of gladnes in their peace time. So if I were worthy with Cicero to exhort you,Lib. 2. de offic. to prefer al duty auailable to maintaine Neghborhood and fellowship of men aboue that duty which consisteth in knowledge & science. I would herein encourage your worthy good wils to way and consider what our most noble and famous Kings of England in that your famous accustomed exercise of shooting, haue most renowmedly enterprised & eftsoones renewed. But touching your famous order & fellowship of knights in shooting,Ann. 1279. 5. Edw. 1. though in K. E. 1. his time A valiant Knight and manly Mortimer at Kenelworth appointed a knightly game, which was called[Page]the Round Table of 100. knightes and so manie Ladies (nameth not expressely shooting to be one) yet for exercise of armes thither came many warlike knightes of diuers knigdomes. And the most famous & victorious king E. 3. builded at Winchester an house called the Round Table of an exceeding compasse,Ann. 1344. 18. Ed. 3. to the exercise of like or farre greater Cheualry therein: when he also was the first king (for memory therof most magnificent) which instituted euen there also the most noble order of S. George his knightes of the honorable Garter yet vsed: whose perpetuall fame for his princely actions, encouragement and euent by the exercise of shooting in his wars as I haue in this booke inserted as most worthy: So the most famous,Ann. 1485. 1. Henr. 7. prudent, politike and graue Prince K. Henry the 7. was the first Phenix in chusing out a number of Chiefe Archers to giue daily attendance vpon his person, whom he named his Garde. But the high and mighty renowmed prince his son K. H. 8. not onely with great prowes and praise proceeded in that which his father had begon:Ann 1509. 1. Henr. 8. But also added greater dignity vnto the same, like a most roial renowmed Dauid, enacting a good & godly statute for the vse and exercise of shooting in euery degree.Ann. 33. H. 8. cap. 9. And furthermore for the maintenance of the same laudable exercise in this honorable City of London by his gracious Charter confirmed vnto the worshipful Citizens of the same, This your now famous order of Knightes of Prince Arthures Round Table or Society: Like as in his life time whē he sawe a good Archer in deede, he chose him and ordained such a one for a knight of the same order. After the conquerous Dauid ensuing the daies of a most prudent and peaceable Salomon, we reade he had also a puisant power,Cantie. 3. 60. valiant men of the mightiest in Israel, & 24000. Lords of the Tribes of Israel monthly by course seruing through out the yeare:1. Cron. 27. his peace and prosperitie in al respectes so surpassing his princely Progenitors, as the Quene of Saba seeing the same was astonished therat saying:3. Reg. 10. Thou exceedest the fame that I hard: Blessed be the Lord thy God which loued thee to set thee on his throne as king in the stead of the Lord thy God. ver. 8. The like wherof (for the time he liued) as it appeared in that gracious Prince and blessed K. E. the 6. So since that tyme God hath for these many yeares much more manifested as wel to vs at home, as our neighbours about vs, the incōparable peace, prosperity & blessed estate of our sacred Salomon Queene Elizabeth and this her Maiesties Israel euen the allotted inheritance of the Lorde most admirable. This then being so true, as none can iustlie denie, Oh what Causes haue we al and euery one of vs highly to praise God therefore, and pray vnto him for the long continuance of the same. What causes of mutuall gratulation and reioising thereat haue we in al degrees, and to studie for the augmentation and preseruation of this aboundant blessednes. Herein for one minimus exminoribus, [Page] I acknowledge my selfe (Right worshipful Patrone & worshipful Citizens) answering with poore Pederectus, Plutarchus in Apophtheg. not worthy to be chosen in the number of 300. which in this Citie for this purpose excell others in worthines of learning, liberal art or humane dexteritie, but yet cherely and frendly I will take my leaue of your good Worships, reioicing that this Citie hath 300. such persons better then my selfe am in any point able to satisfie your so worthy and notable expectation: Notwithstanding thinking my selfe as much bounden herein as the best, and as much beholding vnto my countrie as the most which can do better, I haue brought forth at this present this simple show of my best abilitie & sincere good wil towards the premises. And as an addition vnto my last yeares translatiō of the assertion of Prince Arthure incident in purpose and conuenient in order. I dedicate this ancient order, societie & vnitie of Prince Arthur & his knightly armorie, vnto you the famous & worshipful president & to you the knights of English Archery in the same order with a condigne commendation and encouragement vnto my natiue countrie vniuersallie therunto. Hūbly & hartely beseching you to accept in good part this my poore paines, as partly in fauour & furtherance of the lawdable exercise of shooting in this our prosperous peace time, vnder the blessed gouernment of this our so sacred Salomon Queene. The continuance whereof with continuall praier let vs all craue at the hands of the highest Iehoua that it would please him many mo yeares to multiplie the same in his manifold mercies, to the continuall honour and glory of his blessed name, our mutuall consolation in this our happy Israel, and to the publike comfort and commoditie of his vniuersal Church. And finallie that we with our neighbors & they with vs Famously continuing in the Concord & Vnitie of Christian Faith, & true religion of the Gospel of Christ Iesus. May in fine by his merites and mercies enioy those blessed Ioies celestiall which Eie hath not sene the like, eare hath not heard the like, nor hart hath not conceiued the like: which God in mercy hath ordained for them that loue him. To whom be al power, dominion, praise, honor, and glory, for euer and euer, Amen.

Your worthy good worships most humble and dutiful Orator Richard Robinson Citizen of London.

A Praise of the Bovve and Commendation of this Booke, written by Thomas Churchyard Gent.

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IN forraine land and natiue soyle, where soldiars I haue seen:

And chefly in the martial dais (whē youth was fresh & green)

I haue beheld both Bow & shot, the Bow for Archers meet:

The shot for vse of powlders force, and lads of liuely spreet.

And iudging by experience great, in place where both were tried:

I found where shot was graunted good, the Bow was not denied.

First ere we found out shot aright, the Bow great battels won:

And long the Bow great glory gate, before we knew the Gun.

As lo this Booke doth mention make, & shewes in verses good:

For murthering shot came in of late, when Bovv in honor stood.

In elders daies when manhode shone, as bright as blasing starre,

And christian hart and noble mind, disdaind this turkish warre.

The Bow was vsed as force of mā, & strēgth of arms might draw

To glad the frend and daunt the foe, and hold the world in awe.

But whē that strēgth and courage fail'd, and cūning crept in place

The shot and roring Canon came, stout people to deface.

[Page] The Bow not fit for cowards hand, for cowards strēgth doth faile:

VVhen man drawes arrow to the head, and then doth foe assaile.

with sword and dagger Lion-like, that bends both brow and taile

And grins and gapes with gnashing teeth, to make his enemy quail

The shot lies lurking in a hole, and spies aduantage great:

Then bullet, match, and powders force, do work a wicked feate.

The Archer showes a manly face, in field and euery where:

And when his arrowes all are spent, he dies with courage there.

The shot no sooner all discharg'd, but legs for life must shift:

These bold and venterous nimble boyes, can find no further drift.

But geue the charging horsmen place, the Archers do not so:

For foure and twenty headed shafts, belongs to euery Bow.

And surely shoote the Archers may, at many a thing ye know.

When men in broyles and battailes doubt, how warres and world wil goe.

There is a knight a soldiar great, in court doth white staffe beare:

That knowes what Bowes haue done in field, against both shielde and speare.

Yea many more are yet aliue, that honours Bovv indeed:

And can record what noble actes the Bow hath done at need.

I saw in sundry soyles my selfe, much shot discharg'd in vaine:

Yet graūt we must that through the same are thousands daily slain

But enterlard the shot with Bow, and tel me then your mind:

A gallant course of wars vnknown, in field then shal you finde.

Fiue thousand Bowes that shooteth still, in Battel may do good:

They gall the horse, or kill the man, or draw some desperate blood.

And thick as moates in ayer they flee, which hinder much the sight

And haply makes when horses is hurt, the mounted man alight.

[Page] VVel, speak of shot what best you may, the Bovv is braue in field:

And sure in skirmish Archers oft, makes f [...]ble shot to yeelde.

A rare deuise I will set out, to strengthen Man and Bovv,

And when the plaine deuice thereof the world shall see and know.

The Bovv shall come againe in fame, and win his wonted grace:

Looke out of hand for my discourse, til then come Bovv in place,

And take thine Ancient, rowme & vse, as Arthures Knights thee gaue,

Thou art a fearfull fore in field, and yet a pastime braue.

That brings vp youth, and pleasures age, a noble thing in view

An auncient arte, a worthy guise, that scornes all practise new.

An exercise that all men loue, an vse of Armes and strength,

And to this English soyle of ours, wilt bring great fame at length.

So cease I heere, in prayse of Bovv, thinke of me what you please,

A longer matter shall I show, before I crosse the Seaes.

Finis qd. T. Churchyard.

THE AVTHOR his French Preface, thus Englished.

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WIlling I am to set down (for the beginning of this TREATICE) a briefe declaration and aduertisement vnto the READERS, for their more easy vnderstanding of the state and Condition of ARMORY: And to knowe howe one ought to Blason the sayde ARMORIES, Escuchons and Enseignes, and such other things of Semblable state and manner. But first of all, wee will speake and treate of him or them, who first founde out and inuented the deuyse of ARMES, and for what cause the same was done.

Eccles. 10.

The Glory of the Rich, Of the Honorable, and of the Pore, is the feare of God.

Of the Inuention of ARMES: and for what cause the same were founde out: And of what Nacyon they haue beene established.

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THE most valiant and victorious Alexander Sirnamed the Greate, for the excellency of his Noble deedes in Battell, & who was King of Macedony: Likewise the pollitike Iulius Caesar, and many other Noble Kings, Princes and Lordes (desiring to know how their Vassailes & Subiectes might beare them selues valiantly, and in communication treate of all deedes of Armes, and also to the end to ratifie their prowesses and valiencies, and that euery one were truely and iustly recompensed, according to his deseruinges, and that he had well deserued the same,) vouched safe to ordaine and institute, that in their Escucheons should bee painted or purtrayed Some certaine Figure, or likenes of any thing: wherby one might more easily knowe and discerne their deedes of Armes, and also for the better discerning and Judgement of their excellent valiantnesse. This Figure, Signe, Marcke or difference was called Armes: Which Armes haue beene assigned by the sayde Princes and Lordes, not onely of those same valiant and couragious Personages, but also by those of their blood and posteritie: To the end, that in Remembring the foresaide valiancies, they should be the more enclined, and encoraged to ensew and Imitate the Noble exploites of their Auncetors, which haue gone before them.

Of the Matter of substance of ARMES, and whereof they are made.

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ALL Armes are composed of Three things only, that is to say, of Mettall, of Couloure, or of Pens, alias Furres, or of any the sayde thinges. In Armes are onely two Mettals: That is to say, Gold and Siluer. Fiue Couloures are there also: 1. Gueules, or Red, which is of vermiliō coulour, 2. Azure, which is of Pers or Blew: 3. Sable, which is Black: 4. Sinople, which is Green: and 5. Pourpre or Purple, which is made of Azure and Vyolet. And there are also two Pennes, or Furres, onely: That is to say, Vair, and Hermines.

And it is to be noted, that one ought to blazon on this maner. saying. vizt.

Such a Lord beareth of GOLD, of AZVRE, or of HERMYNES: and also the same COVLOVRES & the PENNES or Furres: And although that the Hermyne bee of Siluer and of Sable, and the Vair, bee of Siluer, and of Azure, yet, notwithstanding in blazoning, them wee must name them by Hermynes, of Siluer and of Sable, and not (onely) the Vair, of Siluer and of Azur: But wee say onely, Such a LORD beareth of HERMYNES, or hee beareth of Vair, seeyng that the Hermyne is of other Mettall or Coulour then Siluer, or Sable is: And that Sable and the Vair is of other Coloure then of Siluer or Azur. In which case wee say: Such a Lord beareth Vair and Hermynes, or Synople, or other like.

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Of the signification of Golde in Armes.
1.

GOLDE in Armes sygnifieth soure Vertues. vizt. Noblenes, (2) Good will, (3) Restora tyue, & (4) Hautynes or Magnimity.

In Stones, it signifieth the Carboncle.

Of Planets it hath the Sonne.

Of the four Elaments the Fyer.

Of Gomplexions: The Person Sanguyn.

Of the xii. Sygnes, Aries, Taurus and Sagittarius.

And Of the Dayes in the weeke: The Sonday.

Of the signification of Siluer in Armes.
⟨2.⟩

SILVER in Armes signifieth fyue Vertues. vizt. (1.) Humility, (2.) Beauty, (3.) Purity, (4.) Clearenes, and (4.) Innocency.

In Complexions: The Person Flegmaticke.

Of Planets: The Moone.

Of the foure Elaments. The Water.

Of the xii. Signes: Cancer, Leo, Scorpio and Pisces.

Of Precious stones: The Pearle.

And of the Dayes in the weeke: Mondaye.

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Of the Signification of Gueles or Red in Armes.
⟨3.⟩

GVELLES or Red in Armories, signifieth Valyantnes

In Complexions: The Person Cholerique.

Of Elaments: Fyer.

Of the xii. Siges: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Of Precious stones: The Ruby.

In Mettalls: The Latyn Copper, and

Of the Dayes in the Weeke, Saturday.

Of the signification of AZVRE.
4.

AZVRE in Vertue signifieth Renowme and Beauty.

In Complexions: The person Sanguyn.

Of the Planets, Venus.

Of the xii. Signes: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.

Of Precious stones, The Saphyr.

Of the Dayes in the weeke: Fryday.

Of the foure Elaments: The Ayer.

And of Mettalls, the Siluer: whereof wee make Azure cullor.

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Of the signification of SABLE.
⟨5.⟩

SABLE, sygnifieth in ARMES, Mournyng & Sorow:

In Complexion, the Person Melancholique.

Of the seuen Planets, Mars,

Of the xii. Sygnes, Taurus, Virgo and Capricornus.

Of Precious stones, the Dyamant.

Of the Dayes in the weeke: Tewsdaye.

Of the Elementes, the Earth.

And of Mettalles, Iron: whereof, wee make Blacke Colour.

Of the signification of SYNOPLE.
⟨6.⟩

SYNOPLE, or Greene, in Vertue: signifieth, 3. poinctes,

Honour, Loue and Curtesie.

Of the Seauen Planets, Mercury.

Of Precious stones: The Emeralde.

Of the Dayes in the weeke: Wensday.

Of Mettalls: the Quick-siluer, whereof greene couloure is

made: And it signifieth also: Plants, Trees, Herbes, and all green thinges that groweth vppon the earth.

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Of the signification of PVRPLE.
7.

POVRPRE or Purple in Armes signifieth moderation: and hath in Vertue 3. poinctes,

Liberality, Aboundance, and Riches.

Of the Seauen Planets, in hath Iupiter.

Of Precious stones: The Balay.

Of the Dayes in the Weeke, Thursday.

Of Mettalls, it hathe Tynne.

Of Nyne thinges which are in the Escucheon making The third Part therof.

NYNE things there are in the Escucheon to be cōsidered of. Vizt. Cheef, Pal, Band, or gard; Fesse, Cheuron, Gyron, Orle, Crosse, and Saultoir: These thnges ought to containe the Third Part of the Escucheon. And you shall also note, that Sixe of the sayd Nyne thinges, that it is to say: Band, Pal, Fess. Gyron, Cheuron and Orle, when they are of many peeces they do blason them selues from one onely moity or quantity, as if we say: Such a Lorde beareth of GOLD, in one BAND of SABLE, of v. or vi. peeces.

Also more, when the Crosse and the Saultoir onely maketh the Third part of the Escucheon, Yet, notwithstanding, if hee haue in one Escucheon many Crosses, then ought he to blason, according to the nomber which is there.

Of the nombre where vntill a Man may nomber all Things which are in Armories: And when one ought to mencyon any thing without Nomber, or Strawyng.

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TORTEAVX, or Pellets: Besans, and Cotices, Do nomber themselues vntill, VIII.

Lozēges or Dyamont sqwares, and Checquers, nomber themselues ontill, VI.

Beastes, Byrdes, Flowers and Fishes, and generally all other things which are in ARMES: Nomber themselues vntill, VI.

And if they passe the said Nombers: wee blazon them with out nombring or Strewyng, As in the Ariues of Laual where one mentioneth D'or, to xvi. AEgles d' Azure: And in those of Peulle, where one mentioneth D'or enterlased with AEgles, d'Azure without nombring. So, as one may finde them by the Figures tricked, and described in the blazon of Armes. Who so will knowe more, hee shall there finde written more largely, and also in the blazon of Coloures.

Thus much concerning knowledge of Armes blazoned: Wherof (the French Author vncertaine by name) on this maner introduceth.

¶Now, To the Armorie of Prince ARTHVRE and the KNIGHTS of his Round Table florishing by the fame of Englishe Archery, at this daye. A• 1583.

[figure]

ELIZABETH (Gods Fulnes) Hee graunt oure QVEENE to Raigne With longe and Perfect Blessednes, His glorye to Mentaine.

[Page]

Prince Arthures Armes for that Society of Archers in London.

M. Thomas Smlth Cheef Customar for her Maiesty in the Port of London.

AMonges praiseworthy Monuments which English KINGES haue made

For maintenaunce of Manly acts, whose Fame shall neuer fade,

King HENRY the 8▪ hath condigne praise and Princely memory,

(For chusing Knights of ARTHVRES traine to mentaine Archery):

Anno. 1543. S. W. Bowyer Maior.

Whose Maiesty at Myle end with his NOBLES vsed this game,

That Citizens and Subiects all might exercise the same.

But specially for CITIZENS hee made this Order theare,

Anno. 1544. S. Martin Bowes. Maior.

One Cheeftayne chose and certeyn Knights to sport them once a yeare.

His Daughter deare. ELIZABETH our Soueraigne QVEENE likewise,

Confirmes this Order still, and doth mentaine this exercyse

Eche Subiect pray and praise GOD for her long and prosperous Raigne;

Iob. 29.

Our Bowes in our handes stronger then with Honour shall remaine.

[Page]

S. Lancelot du Lac
1.

H. O.

IN Siluer Shield, Three Bandes of Blew

Hee bare, full valyant hee,

And ventrous was, one of the Cheefest

Approued in Cheualry:

Of Knights which did the Table Rounde

adorne with condigne prayse:

His factes and fame in bookes compilde

Are founde in these our dayes.

[Page]

S. Boort de Gauues
2.

H. K.

IN Siluer Sheelde with Hermynes Black

Hee bare Three Bandes of Red:

Valyant and hardy was this Knight,

His Chronicles haue spred:

Who more of him will knowe, let them

Reade of the Table Rounde:

Eke Lancelot his booke and those

Which vertewes faine forth sounde.

[Page]

S. Gowainede Orcany
3.

E. D.

IN Purple Shield, an Aegle spled

All Golde, Sir Gawayn gaue

One of the Knights most conquerous

Hee merits tame to haue

Amongst them which the Table Rounde

Enobled with Renowne

By deeds of Armes in Contreyes cause,

To bring her foes a downe.

[Page]

Messyr Tristran de Lyonis
4.

G. T.

IN Sheeld all Greene one Lyon of Gold

And armèe Gules hee bare

That no lesse worthy is this Knight

Of fame, then others are,

For hee so vertuously behaued

Himselfe in all assayes,

And valyant in his conquests, that

A Booke his fame displayes.

[Page]

Sir Lyonnet de Gauues
5.

W. C.

IN Siluer Sheelde nyne Starres Sable

Three bandes of Red bare hee:

A warlike wight, and worthy Knight

As any others might bee:

And who considereth well his Armes

Including vertewes rare,

May him with the most valyantst Knights

condignely heare compare.

[Page]

Helyas le Blanc
6.

H.

IN Siluer Sheeld 3. Barres of Red

One Lambeau ouerthwart

Of Sable, with three feet, hee bare,

As one which played his part,

About the Table Rounde Renowmed,

And euer ready prest

For noblenes and honoures state

To do his very best.

[Page]

Hector des Mares.
7.

W. O.

IN Siluer Sheelde Three Barres all Red

A middes the same The Sonne

All Azure, bare this noble Knight,

Which highe Renowne hath wonne

By valyancy and venterous deedes

Exploited farre and neare:

Who doth deserue dewe memory

As fame may witnesse beare.

[Page]

Blyomberyes de Gauues.
8.

[figure]

IN Siluer Shield with half Moones sett,

Three Barres all red hee bare.

Aboute the Table Rounde hee was,

A conquerour most rare:

Who for his warlike prowesse and

His Martiall mighty skill,

Was much esteemed, and of his Prince

beloued with great goodwill.

[Page]

Messire Gaherryet.
9.

[figure]

IN Purple Sheelde, splead Aegle Golde

With feete depainted Red,

A Barr all Red ouerthwart, hee bare

Whose valiant actes compted

Amongst those of the Table Rounde,

As Launcelot and the rest

May seeme to calenge condigne praise,

and fame euen with the best.

[Page]

Keux le seneschall.
10.

[figure]

IN Azure Sheelde Two siluer Wings,

(By office Seneschall

Or Steward) bare this Noble Knight

To whome might well bee fall.

With dew Renowme enregistred

For prowesse rare to bee

Amongst them of the Table Rounde,

Renowmed by valiency.

[Page]

Messire Iuaine.
11.

[figure]

IN Azure shield, A Lyon Golde

Armé with Red, this Knight

Did beare: who sought to amplify

By all dew meanes and might

The Table rounde: hee valiant was,

And hardy found in proof:

Therefore hee merits memory

Vnto his dewe behoof.

[Page]

Bruor le Noir.
12.

W. B.

IN Siluer Sheelde, a Lyon Rampant,

Y checquered Blacke and Red

(Of warlike nature conquerous)

He bare, eke Reputed

Amongst them of the Table Rounde,

Coragious, sierce and bolde:

He was, with prowesse euer prest,

Dame Honour to vpholde.

[Page]

S. Segurades.
13.

T. T.

IN Golden Sheelde, this gallant Knight

A Rock all Sable bare

One of the Table Rounde, hee was

Of estimacyon rare,

Firme as Rock amiddes the Seayes

Eke stedfast hee of mynde

was, all aduersities to dure

from tyme to tyme enclyned.

[Page]

S. Patris le Hardy.
14.

I. A.

IN Siluer Sheelde a Freture Red

of peeces sixe bare hee,

A true and perfect Practizer,

Of Noble Cheualrie,

About the Table Rounde eke one

full well which vnderstood.

Eche tricke and trauell longing to

Cheualrie and Knighthood.

[Page]

S. Saphar le Mefcogneu.
15.

I. E.

IN Sheelde one half part Gold and Greene

Ychecquerd, thother Vair,

Of great estate this Knight did beare,

With hauty courage raire.

And though as tuching Parentage

Vnknowne, so named hee was:

Yet by his deedes hee was discernd

Most valiant in eche case.

[Page]

S. Sagremor le Desree.
16.

B. S.

IN Sheelde (whereof Sable 3. partes)

Two Golden starres fixt there:

The fourth part Siluer with a starre

of Sable) did hee beare.

Both by his name and armes therfore

It doth appeare full well,

That hee one of the Table Rounde,

In prowesse did excell.

[Page]

Le Roy Ban de Benock
17.

I. W.

IN Siluer Shield Three Bandes of Blew

Did beare this Kingly Knight

And for King Arthures dewe Renowme

exprest his force and might

Dulce and debonaire hee was

To serue at all assay

In euery Noble feate of armes

And beare the bell away.

[Page]

Le Roy de Claris.
18.

T. H.

IN Sheelde of Golde one Crosse Potence

All Red this Noble King,

And Kingly Knight of Table Rounde

Did beare, most florishing.

In factes and fame both farre and neare

For the magnificence

Of Princely prowesse, pricke and praise

To get by valyence.

[Page]

Le Morhoult de Ireland
19.

T. M.

IN Siluer Sheelde One fesse of peeces

Fyue through out the same

Hee bare a Lyon Rampant Red,

and arme greene, whose name

Might seeme to signifie in truth

Eche mighty enterprise

A pray most fit for his Corage,

As is the Irish guise.

[Page]

Danayn le Roux,
20.

I. L.

IN Shield all Red a Porpentyne

Of Gold armé Azure,

This Knight bare, (of the Table Rounde)

One bould aud hardy sure.

Of quality hee hath his name

Of courage venterous,

Of Pollicy and power also,

To bee most conquerous.

[Page]

S. Brallain, sirnamed, as ye would say: Le Cheuallier aux deux Espées.
21.

T. C.

In Sheelde all Siluer Sable Bore

With three Blew Starres bare hee

Whole faith and factes with glistering fame

Shine in the highest degree,

As one whose vertues amplesied

His Princes highe Renowme

Amongst those cheef in Cheualry

About the Table Rounde.

[Page]

Galehault,
22.

R. B.

IN Siluer Sheelde with Azure Starres,

A Lyon Red Rampant

Armé greene this Knight dyd beare,

as ond of force puissant

Which dyd the Table Rounde adorne,

And amplify also

With hautynes and valyancy,

As others many mo.

[Page]

Lamorat de Listenoys
23.

W. H.

IN Purple shield, with Crossets Golde,

A Leoperd Siluer hee

Arme Red, did beare as one

Descended of degree

Both Noble bold and valiant

In feates of armes yfound

As other famous Knightes eke which

were of the Table Round.

[Page]

Messire Gullat.
24.

W. D.

IN Siluer Sheelde, One Crosse all Red

full Christian like hee bare

Of hart and courage conquerous,

A knight hee was euen rare

Thus admirable was hee held,

Well wee may eke suppose

He wanne his armes, as Christes frend

Ageanst vnchristened foes.

[Page]

S. Gueherries
25.

C. B.

IN Purple Sheelde bordered about,

With litle rondles Red

Spled Aegle Golde with Siluer feete

Hee bare emblazoned:

Of valyant corage prompt hee was

For to atcomplish tho,

All Noble feates of armes, and gaine

Dewe fame that longd thereto.

[Page]

Aggrauain le Orguelleux
26.

W. M.

IN Purple Sheelde, spled Aegle Golde

With Members Red bare hee

Ouerthwart the brest a Barre of Greene,

As one that seemed to bee

Of nature like vnto his name

Both fearce and promptly prest

With Martiall might still to surmount,

For fame and doo his best.

[Page]

Dodynel le sauage
27.

W. D.

IN Siluer Sheelde Aegle Azure

Hee bare with Golden feete

Full Noble. mighty, valiant,

And therfore one most meete

For constancy and corage great

Enregistred to bee

Amongst them of the Table Rounde,

Renowmed by valyancy.

[Page]

Osement Coeur hardy
28.

I. E.

A Sheelde yquartered Siluer, and Red

Hee bare in deeds the same,

Of valiant and coragius hart

as hee was calde by name,

Whose vertues meete to bee aduaunst

Dame Honour hathe assigned,

After his death by fame to lyue,

And to bee borne in mynde.

[Page]

Mador de la Port
29.

N. G.

IN Sable Sheelde Seauen Apples so

of Siluer couloured Red

This Knight did beare, whose nature well

to his Armes answered.

Dulce and debonaire, in vertue

One which was frutefull founde:

And therefore meete amongst the rest

To adorne the Table Rounde.

[Page]

Dynadem d'Estrangore
30.

T. C.

IN Siluer shield, a Lyon Black

With Greene all arme [...] hee

Did beare one of the Table Rounde

Which eke in his Degree

Endeuoured with his Comperes

The state therof t'aduaunce

Not letting for any labour Toylle,

nor any one mi [...]chance.

[Page]

Eglantine Rochemont
31.

T. B.

IN Siluer Sheelde the Ragged Staff

All Red did beare this Knight,

One of the Table Rounde hee was,

which shewed his force and might

Strong and stedfast put in trust,

By try all firme and sure.

A staffe of stay in all as [...]ay.

With honour to endure.

[Page]

Guallogrenant de windesor.
32.

R. B.

IN Sheelde all Red Two Gemmels Gold

And Sable this Knight bare

Coragius eke and conquerous

He was reputed rare:

Not shrinking to shew forth his force

And puysance allway prest

Aduenterusly and valyantly,

For fame to do his best.

[Page]

Sir Brandelys
33.

T. C.

IN a Red Sheeld 3. Swordes Siluer

Handles and pommells Azure

Thintitulation of his armes

Heare signify for sure

That hee was actiue, warlike and

Could weelde his weapons well

To aduaunce Dame honours dewe renowme

Her frowarde foes and qwell.

[Page]

Sir Leonard le hardy
34.

W. B.

IN Siluer Shield Three Lozenges

Of Siluer and Sable

Hee bare and was a worthy Knight

about the Round Table,

Whome though both God and Nature made

Deformd of Personage:

Yet by his doughty deedes hee was

Most famous in that age.

[Page]

Bruyant des Isles.
35.

T. B.

IN Sable Sheelde a Ronning Dog

Of Siluer armee Red

This Knight did beare, of noble race

For hee was descended:

Louing all honour and prowesse,

Dispaching eke with speede

By course and recourse to and fro,

What so hee had decreed.

[Page]

Henry le Ioyeux
36.

H. S.

IN Siluer Shield Three Crosses fixt

Of Sable all beare hee,

And not without cause had hee name

As ioyfull one to bee:

For pleasantly and curteously

Hee could himself demene:

And in his Matters quite himselfe

Full manly this is plaine.

[Page]

Meliadus del Espinoy
37.

I. B.

IN Golden Sheelde Three Crosses Red

Called Florones did hee beare,

And was Sirnamed del Espinoy

By difference to appeare

From King Melyadus in race:

His Armes full Noble tho,

And of great approbation were

In Christian faith also.

[Page]

Meliadus le Noir oeil
38.

I. R.

IN Siluer Sheeld 3. Cheurons all

Of Sable, bare this Knight.

Who in ech warlike enterprise

Did shew his force and might:

Though hee Meliadus so was

Sirnamed with the black eye,

His vertewes cleare and sinceare yet

Were famous farre and nye.

[Page]

Surados des sept Fountaines
39.

I. W.

IN Sheelde half Golde, half Azure eke

With Siluer droppes beset

This Knight dyd beare, as one which was

in estimation great:

Sirnamed Knight of Fountaines seauen,

By reason in eche place

Betweeue those Fountaines seuerall

He ranne his Martiall race.

[Page]

Lucan le Bouteiller
40.

I. M.

IN Golden Sheelde A Wolf passant

Red, armêe eke Sable,

This Knight the Butler cald did beare,

One of the Rounde Table:

Ferce and greedy of his pray

whome that hee did pur [...]ew,

And prompt againe with prowesse wheare

And whome hee would reskew.

[Page]

Persides le Gent
41.

VV. C.

IN Siluer Sheelde, with Gonstones set

Of Azure, bare this Knight,

Though he Sirnamed Ientle was

Yet, theare no martiall might

Or warlike force did want in him,

To abandon furious foo,

With shot of gonne to shake or rend

Their force and ouerthrow.

[Page]

Tuscane le Romane
42.

T. P.

IN Golden Sheelde a Hand Sable

Holding a Sworde All Red

This valyant Romane Knight did beare,

Is Rightly reputed.

Of hart and corage Conquerus,

Ready for Frend and foes

Both to defend, and to destroy,

His shaking sworde hee showes.

[Page]

Godfry le Lacois
43.

I. P.

IN Sheelde All Red a Towre of Golde

Masonned with Sable.

This Knight did beare and worthely well

Was of the Rounde Table:

I Fortresse of fidelity,

And tower of trust was hee,

To saue his Frendes, withstand his foes,

And purchas dignity.

[Page]

Thor le Filz de Arez
44.

I. VV.

A Golden shield, most seemly set

With Sable trosses short

This knight did beare, at which his armes

might trewly well import,

That hee was valyantly inclyned

To seates of armes, no lesse

Studing honour to augment,

His [...]ame and to encrease.

[Page]

Perceual de Galles
45.

VV. A.

A Purple Sheelde with Crossets Gold

Beset this Knight did beare,

As hee in voyde allotted place

Of the Rounde Table theare,

Which sat him downe in seate ordained

As for A Bachellour:

Of whome a Booke compild there is

With fame and dew Honour.

[Page]

Sadoc de Vencon
46.

I. N.

A Shield, wherin a Sea was set

Of Siluer and Sable

This Knight did beare, which signified

A mistery admirable.

Some great and profounde prowesse sure

Theare seemed in him to bee,

With ebbes and floodes of prosperus state

And of aduersity.

[Page]

Gringalois le Fort
47.

W. R.

IN Sable Sheelde, an Vnicorne

All Siluer, bare this Knight

Beloued for his vertewes ra [...]e,

And for his Martiall might.

Strong, valyant, and victorius

Agenst his noysome foo

Comforting and rescewyng Frendes,

Which were distrest also.

[Page]

Malaquin le Galoys
48.

W. T.

IN Siluer Sheelde, A Siluer Cup

ycouered this Knight bare

Which with those of the Table Rounde

For vertue might compare.

Ne could they want his Company,

Nor Prince his prowesse misse,

In all those conquests, deedes of armes,

And other seates of his.

[Page]

Talemor le Volant
49.

I. R.

IN a Greene Shield, A Siluer Doue

Membres Red this Knight

Did beare, so swift in valyant race

As Doue was in her flight,

Embracing honour with both winges

Deuoide of Enuyes gall,

Aduauncing vertewe, loue and fame

Surmounting therewithall.

[Page]

Arain du Pin
50.

H. B.

A Greene Sheelde with 3 Pyneaples

All Golde this Knight did beare

Why hee so called was, (The cause

Not small) may well appeare.

First for his lofty of spring, next

For honour, vertewes hyre,

Thirdly for fame most florishing,

Whereto hee did aspyer.

[Page]

Messire Palamides
51.

A. VV.

A Sheelde of Siluer and Sable

Ychequered hare this Knight,

Is what hee was, and whence hee came

By name that so hee hight:

It seemes hee was by valyancy

An Imitator trew,

Of that Noble Palamydes

From Troy, wich did issew.

[Page]

Sir Hebis
52.

VV. B.

IN Sheelde, two parts Sable with

Two Barres thereon Argent

The third part Azure with demy pale

Yeallow and Blew content.

About the Table Rounde although

One of the last hee bee,

Yet for his seruice iust and trew

Not least was his degree.

[Page]

S. Lamwell of Cardyff
53.

E. P.

A Sheelde Red, where (a Lady fayre

In Mantell clothed Greene,

On Siluer palfrey mounted is,

As though shee were some Queene)

This Knight did beare: as one which did

By seruice dewe attend,

Or els in some distressed case

His Lady deare desend.

[Page]

S. Phetipace of VVinchelsey
54.

T. C.

A Sheelde sour partyed Gold and Blew

A pale Argent downeright,

With 3. Red Crosses ouerthwart.

A Barre of Sable pight

This Knight did beare: betokning well

Noblenes and Renowne:

Which liues aloft by lasting fame,

Though Death and Dolour frowne.

[Page]

S. Plaine de force
55.

P. D.

IN Golden Sheelde a Fesse all Red

With an arme armèe Argent

Holding a Siluer Columne broke

Hee bare, whereby is ment

To his Sirname, as full of force

His nature right did gree,

Wrestling with one which was most strong,

By strength got victory.

[Page]

S. Bodovier of VVinchelsey
56.

[figure]

A Sheeld half Argent with a Fesse,

A Tryangle, therein eke Red.

With three mullets Azure, thother half Gules

A Siluer Arme holding a Sword armed,

The handle of Gold, this Knight did beare:

As one which was of highe estate,

Idding thereto such valyant actes,

Which dubbed him Knight twice fortunate.

[Page]

S. Degraine sans Mal
57.

I. P.

A Sheeld, the first part Red, an Arme

Siluer armed, with Ring of Gold,

The second part vert and Azure, the thirde

Gold & Azure, the 4 part Gules doth hold.

Hee bare these, as by valyant force,

Reaping Reward for verte was rare,

Detesting all vice (thus reuyded fame)

May him with most worthiest knights compare.

[Page]

S. Pryamus
58.

T. H.

IN Sable Sheeld Three Gryffons Golde

Passant Carbonckled with eke Golde

This comely Knight condignely bare

For his demerites manyfold,

As whether hee were S. Pryam of Troy

Or els from whence hee haue his name,

Great was his force, his foes to anoy,

Defending his Frends from harme & blame.

Here ende the Knights names and their Commendations.

Retaine the Good, Refraine the ill.

Repute not amisse of my Goodwill.

ꝙ. Richard. R.

A Breefe Repetition of the Table Rounde.

[Page]

IN so much as wee haue spoken of the Noble Knightes of the Round Table, which were in the tyme of the most Magnificient King Arthure of Great Brittayne, and that wee haue in brief and roundly explained the deuise of euery their Escucheon and plaine Armories: It is good as mee seemeth and of great congruity to declare also some what, of thestate and institution of that Round Table. Because peraduenture many which haue seene those Armories, may yet bee ignorant what thing yt Round Table was. I say therfore yt the Rounde Table was one ordenance and institution which King Arthure of great Britayne made and ordained, (as I haue layde): And it was on this maner made to defend the Island of Malogres within the said Kingdome of Great Brittaine. By this ordenance ought & were bound to come & assist him once in the year at ye feast of Whytsontyde all trauayling Knights, and theare to enranck themselues at the sayd table, and were set downe in great honour and reuerence, feasting in the presence and Companie of the saide King Arthure. And moreouer, euery Knight of this order was bound to rehearse and recon vp all his feates of armes, valyant actes and conquestes which they had exployted, by the labour and trauaill of their Bodyes for the honour of Nobility, and estate of Knighthood and as well for the honour of their Ladyes as for other purposes tending vnto al honour and glory: In such sort that they all, and euery of thē so aspired to that estate, that they mightely amplified the said Round Table, whereby the nomber of them was very great. Like as one may see by their Armories and Escucheons, which haue beene assembled together, and so blazoned: to th' ende that they which sawe and behelde them [Page] might take good Example thereat, and better vnderstande the condicion of the Arte of Warre: And so knowe what the estate of Nobility and Knighthood were for the augmētation of vertewe and attainement of Glory and praise. Whereby many young Princes and Lordes might come to more greate perfection in following the feates and deedes of them which were also nombred and named The Knights of the Rounde Table, or trauelings Knights. And it was no maruaile made amōgst them if such personages (as exploited euery excellent deede of armes and matters of prowesse) were be loued: Because Honour and Glory are the Rewardes of Vertue, as saith the Philosopher. And for so muchas (euery one seeing him selfe to bee beloued and reuerenced) that same vertewe which in him is loued or embraced of others, encreaseth & is augmented more and more I speake thus much for the Imitation of those which are vertewous. and for the nature of the Imitation of vertue it selfe. Yee haue here seene in open appearāce therfore thescutcheons, deuises & Armories of the noble & valiant Knights of the Round Table, which you may beholde & consider of to the same effect and ende.

Psalm. 145. Vers. 11. & 12.

Gods Sainctes do blesse him, and they do His Kingdomes Glory show,

And blase his power to cause the Sonnes of men the same to know.

Psalm. 149. Vers.. 2.

Let Israell reioyce in him, that made him of no thing,

And let the Seede of Syon eke bee Ioyfull in their King.

§

§

[Page]

THE FIRST ASSERTION and is Sacred Historicall.

GOD the Author of Peace and Loue did so therein delyte,

That of one Man hee Members twaine dyd make & them vnyte:

To whom when Children twaine hée gaue,

Genes. 2. & 3

the more to multiply

This Peace and Loue, Sathan possest one of them by and by.

Cayn it was who did maligne His Brother Habell so,

That hée ne ceast by cruell Death this bond to breake in to:

Wherefore when hee had issew left, the Lorde of loue decréede,

That Cayns hatred should bée rewed for that his filthy déede.

Chap. 4.

As learned Lyra writes thereon how Lamech old and blinde:

[...]G. Alleij. [...].

With Bow and shafts did walke the woods, some wished pray to finde.

His Boy that lead him through the same (as séemed him) espyde

Some beast, which nathles Cayn was, where hée himselfe did hyde,

So that (saith Lyra,

Genes 5

) Lamech slew a man there in his wounde:

Lo heare was harmles Abels death with his reuenged founde.

If Lyra thus wée may beleeue, Lo here the Bowe and shaft,

Ordained Gods weapon of reuenge on Murders cruell crafte

Lo here the Bowe and arrowe, was first chosen instrument,

As guerdon dew for wicked déede by Goddes most iust iudgement.

A Figure of Goddes Peace and Loue the rayne bow yet was set,

Chap. 9.

As couenant twixt him and the earth that hée no more would let

The furious floods consume the Lande, which frutefull afterward

Hée made for humaine vse to serue his chosen and sauegard.

Ismael in the wildernes an infant crying lay,

Genes. 23.

Gods Angell heard the same, and did vnto his Mother say,

Hagar sée thou bée of good cheare, thy Childe vp forthwith take,

And cherish it for God will sure a People great him make.

So this Child grewe, and it is sayd an Archer hee became

And afterward in the wildernes did dwell, called Paran.

Isaac waring old did byd Esaw his eldest Sonne,

[...]. 27.

His Bowe and quyuer for to take into the féeldes and ronne,

To kill some venson, which hée did, but yet in the meane while,

Jacob the younger brother could full kindly him beguyle:

[Page] Whereby we sée whom God doth loue, vnlikely though they séeme,

Are soonest blest, when worldlings of their will are frustrate cleene.

Ioseph the sonne of Iacob so found fauour with his God,

Genes. 49.

That He was reconed as a braunch which should increase abroad:

Of him t'is said, His Bow bode fast, his armes eke strengthened were,

Euen by the handes of Iacobs God as did full well appeare.

Ruben, Gad, and halfe Manasse Tribes three elected, in field

With manly might did shoote in Bow, and carry sword and shéeld:

Leuit. 1.

What time with Hagarites Iethur, Nephis, and Noab they

Fought valiantly,

1, Paral. 5.

the Lord did them assist in all assay.

Iosuah discomfiting fiue Kings,

Iosuah. 10.

(though Tribes that did him ayde,

As there to handle Bowes and shafts are not expressly said)

Yet there a Booke is mencioned,

Vers 13.

euen Iashar so by name.

Or Liber

Not now in vse (which some affirme) showed shootings auncient fame.

And sure the Lord Iehoua himselfe doth meane thereby his power,

Deu. [...] 32.

When threatning wise the wicked ones he brings thus in terror,

His Arowes on them he will send (he meaneth in angry moode:)

Vers. 33.

And eke His Bow that he will bend,

Vers. 42.

And dye his shafts in bloud:

These shafts of his so sharpe no stone can cause them to rebound,

But through the thréefold armed coate they pearce with mortal wound.

Balaam in his prophecie of Israels happy state,

Nume 24.

Saith, that his force the Vnicorne in strength should coequate.

Vers. 42.

The Nations, he shold eate also, and broose his enemies bones:

Yea, He should shoot his Arowes through those great & mighty ones.

Debora she euen Baracks wyfe who iudged Israell,

Iudges. 5, [...].

In that her song for victorie, which God gaue her, doth tell,

How God deliuered Iabin King of Canaan to her hand,

Whose Archers noyse was so appeast eche were throughont her Land.

That where none earst could water drawe, now all deuoid of feare,

Might haue inough sith those their foes so happily vanquisht were.

Whereby we note, although the wicked such defences haue,

Yet for because in vse of them Gods goodnes they depraue,

And arrogate vnto themselues, all glorie, hope, and praise,

Therefore theyr good things turne to euill sometime, if not alwayes.

Hanna the wife of Elcana when shée did pray so ioyed,

1. Samuel 2.

The Bow with mightie men was broke to her rebuke employed:

And waykeilngs girded forth them selues with strēgth (she said) like mē

As who say God makes simple soules do great things now and then.

[Page] Ionathas, the Sonne of Saule king Dauids mortall foe,

Was Dauids faithfull Frend, when hée this watchword gaue him to,

That hee should three dayes hyde him by the stone Ezel by name,

1. Samuel 10. Cap.

Duriug the time of Saule his wrath and furious raging flame.

Then Ionathas sayd hée would shoot thrée Arrowes at that stone,

As at a marck, and after hee would make a Boy to rome,

And seeke the shaftes, when if I say vnto the Boy once, (See,)

The arrowes are on this side thée, bring them and come, saith hée,

The matter then goeth well for thee, no hurt as liueth the Lorde:

But if I say vnto the Boy, (Behold:) by this watchworde,

The arrowes are beyonde thée, then, make haste and get thée away,

For God hath so dismissed thee, This Ionathas could say.

Saule and Ionathas his Sonne,

1 Samuel. 31. Cap.

with his two Brethren mo,

When the Philistyans fought with them, felt God his iudgements so

By the Archers and Bowemen of th' vncircumcysed theare,

Saule wounded was, but his thrée Sonnes outright dispatched were.

Dauid then before hée was of Iuda annoynted King.

Ouer Saule and Ionathas moarned, thus lamenting,

The Bow saith hée of Ionathas turned neuer back in vaine,

Neither Saules Sword once empty went from the blood of the slaine:

Sée theare the minde of Goddes elect, in doyng good for ill,

Sée pity showed for cruelty, for mallys eke goodwill.

Dauid enduring yet long warres euen with that house of Saule,

2 Samuel. 1. Cap.

By Goddes goodwill exalted was, when his foes had the falle,

And prospered so that hée was King ouer all Israell:

Hée conquered Ierusalem and Iebusytes so fell,

Who did deny him to come theare, when yet victoriously,

Hee wan the Castle of Syon, which hée called his Citty,

When hee made Ioab generall,

1. Croun. 11.

which Iebusites first smote,

With whome were mighty Men of armes euen many a one to note:

When one or other of twelue trybes came to him day by day,

1. Croun. 21.

Vntill he had a full great hoast, Like the hoast of God to say:

Who doth consider well all this most amply may beholde,

Gods fauour towardes Dauid théef and mercies manyfold.

So as Hee againe A man was founde euen after Goddes owne hart,

Psalm. 89 D Luthers Wordes.

Yea a King to whome both faith and promise God did sure imparte:

Whose Psalmody his sacred zeale to God wardes did declare,

Whose Regiment did shewe for his a Princely prudent care,

[Page] As when he first enacted that eche Childe within his Lande,

2. Sam.

Should be instructed for to shoot, their Enemies to withstande.

1. Chap. vers 18.

In peace time prouident for warres (he said): He was at peace,

Psalm. 119.

With them that hated peaces: In warres, he did at no time cease,

To serue his God, that he would graunt assured state and stay,

As at a marke that he might ayme to walke ech godly way.

Idem. ve. 15.

For why, he had experience good, whome God doth so elect,

Ought not to feare what euer fall, his duty to neglect:

But trusteth,

Psa. 7. ver 14.

God hath mortall Darts, yea arrowes keene and sharp,

For them that him do persecute, whiles they do mischief warp:

And though the wicked bend their Bowes,

Psal. 11. ve. 2.

& make their Arrowes prest

To shoot in secret, and to hurt the sounde, and harmles brest:

Yet God his fiery Thunderboultes can cast them heare and theare,

Psalm. 18. vers. 13.

And with his fiery lightning shafts can foyle his foes with feare:

And as a marke he will them set, in a most open place,

Psal. 21 vers. 12.

And charge his bow-strings readily against his Enemies face.

Gods Arrowes sharp and kéene which are,

Psalm. 45.

their harts so sore shal sting,

That Folke shall and knéele to him,

Vers. 6.

as to the mightiest King:

In Syon brake he shaft and bowe,

Psal. 76.

the sworde, the speare and shielde,

And brake the Ray,

Vers. 3.

to ouerthrow the Battell in the fielde:

So that his Children shall not feare,

Psal. 91. vers. 5.

nor yet become afflight,

For all the shafts that flye by day, nor terrour in the night.

Yet for an ordenary meane King Dauid doth aduance,

The Bowe and shaft, as mans defence, and for his foes noyance:

Extolling eke the exercyse by that same troupe or traine,

Of Shooters, which in peace or warres Gods glorie do maintaine.

As when [...] Children come to age (saith he) and actyuenes,

Oh well ys he whose quyuer with such shafts the Lord doth blesse:

Psalm. 127. vers. 4. & 5.

Whether Prince so peopled be, or Parent Children such,

And so many be blest with all, they néede not feare the gruch,

Or gréeuous force of Enemy,

Rom 8.

If God be on their side:

In which respect the prayer of Dauid may be applyde,

When for Gods safe deliuerance from eche such Enemy,

Psalm. 147.

(Thine Arrowes shoot and them consume) vnto the Lorde prayth he.

Vers. 6.

Then séeth he, God taking his parte, it nought his foes shall boote,

For,

Psalm 58. vers. 7.

They no hurt at all shall do, when they their shafts shall shoote:

So Dauid and his Princes all after his warres, offered,

Towards the building of Gods house▪ and thankes to him rendred,

[Page] And when he had raigned .xl. yéers iust ouer Israell,

1. Croun. 29.

In his owne Citty hee slept and lay, which Zyon was to tell.

Whose Sonne that wise King Salomon succéeded in his throane,

1. Reg. 2.

A Prince of peace and glory such, as like was neuer a one:

Him all the foresaid Potentates, in eche thing méete obaide.

His charets .xiiij C. tho, and Horsemen, it is sayde,

Twelue M. were which hee nothing so much had care vppon,

2. Croun. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

As for to builde the Temple, and to pray in Gibeon,

To keepe the Arck yeelde peace offrings, and still aduance Gods worde,

With instruments of musick sweete lauding the liuing Lorde:

The race of whose Raigne .xl. yeares then béeyng consummate,

2. Croun.

In the City of Dauid eke he slept intumulate.

Asa King of Iuda did destroy all Idolles theare,

Commanding his, the lyuing God truly to serue and feare:

Ere hee with the Aethiopian King and his huge hoast would feight,

2. Croun. 14

He prayde vnto Iehoue, and hée did heare his prayer streight:

Of the trybe of Beniamyn, which bare both Bow and shield,

A valiant hoaste hée had which got the victory in that fielde.

Iehosophat of Iuda King,

3. Cro 17.

his fathers rowme possest,

Who prospered trusting in his God, and was with riches blest,

He toke of Strangers tribute, and had of Beniamyns trybe

200000 warlike wights with Bowe and shéeld to byde.

Ahab, King of Israell, in following the aduise,

Of those 400 Prophets dyd but fondly enterprise,

[...]. Crou. 18.

At Ramoth theare in Gilead geanst the King of Aram,

To feight regarding not Michah, euen then a certen Man

Drewe a Bowe and smote Ahab betwéene his ioyntes and eke

The Brigandyne, that so hée dyed to late for helpe to seeke.

Vzzia chosen to be King of Iuda dyd obay

The Lorde Iehoue,

[...]. Cro. 26.

and on a time did giue a bold assay,

To warr against the Phylistens, with bowes and arrowes fell,

And God in eche his enterprise dyd prosper him full well.

Iosyas King of Iuda, was a Prince of godly mynde,

The temple he restored, and his prayer heard did fynde,

When he a couenaunt made with God.

[...]. Cro. 35

But when vniusty hée

Genst the AEgiptian King would feight neglecting Ieremy,

And that same King which did dehorte him from that wilfull feight

The Archers shot and wounded him vnto the death there streight.

[Page] Iehu annoynted of the Lorde,

2 King. 9.

tooke bowe and arrowes kéene,

And strongly smote Iehoram tho, his armed armes betwéene

The arrowe pearst euen through his hart, God would it so to bée,

The whordomes of their Iesabell, and wich-crafts plagued hée.

Elysha sayd vnto Ioas,

4. King 13.

then king of Israell

Open a window Eastward and, shoote as I shall thee tell:

The Arrow of health that it may bee, The Arow of the Lords health,

Against all Syria to subuert them and their common wealth.

Iob,

Iob. 16.

when the Lord afflicted him, by Metaphor did mone

The Lorde hath set mee as a marke (saith he) for him alone,

And that his Arches hemd him in, and compassed him rounde,

They spared mee no whit (saith he) but sore my loynes did wounde:

When eke Gods iudgements in his wrath vpon the vngodly,

Hée prooues doth light to their deserts, he saith, though they do fly

The Iron weapons warlike yet,

Iob. 20.

with the Steele bow they shall

Bee shot, and on them shaftes most sharp by lots must light and fall:

But nombring vp Goddes benefits on him then multiplide.

Iob 29.

His bow, with honour stronger dyd in his owne hand abide.

Esay,

Esay. 5.

the Prophet of the Lorde, when he dyd prophecy

Of Ierusalems Kuine, and of her captiuity,

Pronounced vnto her Goddes wrath, in these wordes verament,

That all Goddes arrowes sharp should bee, and all his bowes eke bent.

Fortelling how Ierusalem for sinne,

Chap. 7.

beseged should bée

With arrowes and with bowes shall one agenst her come, saith hée.

Ere that the Medes and Persians should Babylon destroy:

Chap. 13.

With Bowes (saith hée) they shall assaile thy Children to anoy.

Of Idumeas ruyn and, of all Arabyas too:

He verifiyng said,

Chap. 22.

they fled from drawne sword and bent Bowe,

And that the residew which were euen their owne Archers strong,

Of Kedars Sonnes a few or none should them befound among.

The same Esay reporteth eke, when Hezekiah King

Of Iuda heard the blasphemy of Rabsechas rayling.

Chap. 37.

Sent from Senacherib, he asked counsell of Esay.

Who promisd him the victory, and that without delay.

But as for the Assyrian king, he neuer enter shall

This Citty, nor once shoot a shaft (saith hée) to worck her thrall.

This Prophet tellls when as the Lord would chuse his people so,

Chap. 41.

Subdewing kings he gaue them as The dust his sworde vnto.

[Page] And scatered them vnto his Bowe as stuble, signifiying.

No power can scape his mightie hand, him to resist applying.

He prophecyeth in the person of (Christ) the faithfull to assure,

That God his secret fauour, and his feruent loue should dure,

Towardes them. Vnder the shadowe of his hand, he hath hyd me,

And in his quyuer a chosen shaft he me hath hydd,

Chap 49.

saith he,

Lastly, I read that Esay saith, God will his Church enlarge,

By the Apostles,

Chap. 66.

Ministers, and his Disciples charge:

In Affrica, Cilicia, in Parthia, and Italy.

To them (he saith) that draw the Bow, not knowing his glory,

Nor haue not heard his fame as yet, ne yet his glory seene,

To those same Gentiles preach he will, that they may him estéeme,

Ieremy,

Chap. 50.

in prophecying of Babylon that whoore,

Her wickednes and Idolles (saith) God will them plague full sore,

And that of mightie Nations, he, a multitude will bring,

Out of the North (in batle aray,) themselues enarmouring:

Their Arrowes shall be as of one that is most strong certaine:

Vers 9.

And expert too, for none of them shall once returne in vaine:

He showes, the Lorde commaunds, they shall Put themselues in aray,

Geanst Babell round about,

Vers. 14.

all ye (that bend the Bowe) I say.

Shoote at her (saith he) spare no shaftes, for she against the Lorde

Hath sinned, so that he the same hath greeuously abhorde.

The voyce of them that flée and scape from out of Babylon

Shall be,

Vers 28.

To shew (Goddes vengeance great ouer her) vnto Syon.

Call vp the Archers geanst Babell, all ye that bend the Bowe,

Besige her round about, let none escape, not hye nor lowe.

Rewarde her after her owne workes, for she hath sinned. Thus

Saith Ieremy, shall she be serued for sinnes flagitius.

Yea, more he addes that: Many Kings from th'earth shall raised be

Against her,

Vers. 41.

they shall holde the Bow and Buckler, eke saith he:

But drawing nearer to her end (To him that bendes the bow,

Chap. 51.

And him that lifts vp brygandyne,

Vers. [...].

by these wordes he doth show,

The Lord will say, spare not her youngmen, but slay all her hoast,

Make bright the Arrowes,

Vers. 10.

gather the shields, as if ye spare no cost:

The Lord hath raised vp the spirite in the King of the Medes:

His purpose is geanst Babell, to destroy her feete and heades.

And afterward, he veryfieth:

Chap. 5 [...].

The strong men of Babell

Are taken,

Vers. 5 [...].

and their bowes are broke: God graunt it hap so well:

[Page] But in his Lamentacions yet,

Lamentat.

this Prophet doth auowe,

God bent his bowe,

Chap. 11.

and made him as a marke for the arrowe:

The arrowe of his quyuer he caused to enter into my raines.

vers. 12. &. 13

This speech doth shew the Prophets grief, for his frends grief & paines,

Ezechiel much alike foresheweth of Gog and Magogs fall,

Ezech.

Which fought against Gods People sore,

Chap. 39.

and that with power not smal

Wherefore, the Lord of hoastes by him doth fearcely thus inuay

Gogs Bow out of his left hand, he will smyte and dasshe away.

And out of his right hand will cause the Shaftes to fall downe flat.

A fyre on Magog will he send, so as forthwith on that,

They which inhabite Cityes do, throughout all Israell

Shall go forth and set fiery flame vppon his weapons fell,

Vppon his shields and Bucklers, and vpon eche shafte and Bowe,

Yea vpon their staues euen in their handes, to burne them on a rowe,

For seauen yeares space: Thus saith the Lorde, at my table ye shall

With Horses, Charyots and valiant men of Warre be filled withall,

So that the Lorde himselfe doth say, by this Prophet Ezechiel,

Iacob I will redeeme and shewe mercy on Israell:

Oseas the Prophet well concludes then this said prophecy,

Ose. 1.

With bow nor sworde God his will saue, but with his mere mercy.

Zacharias zealus in the Lorde confirmes a truth twofolde,

Zacha. 9.

Threatning Gentiles destruction,

Vers. 10.

which are so wilfull bolde,

To warre against the Lordes Iuda, he telleth them therfore

The Bow of their Batle shalbe broke, and God will then restore

Peace to the heathen folke on earth, which had vnquyet rest.

And so where warres did worke much woo, Gods peace shal make them blest

But when he speakes of Iudaes blisse,

Vers. 11.

enlarged, he doth show,

That God his chosen Iuda hath bent out euen as a Bowe.

In raising vp of Syons sonnes, O Grecia, then saith he:

Beholde euen as a Gyants sworde,

Nehem.

so strong I haue made thee.

Nehemyas chosen of the Lorde Ierusalems walle to builde,

By Sanballat,

Chap. 4.

Tobyas, and the Arabians then withhyld

Was hindered much,

vers. 16.

yet with th'one half of Iudaes yong men there,

And with th'other half, which helde, the Bow, the shield and speare,

With manly courage Reard, it was the walle and prosperous stood,

The Rulers saw the same with ioy maugre th'enemies mood.

Fsdras prophecying (against Asia and Babilon,

Fsdras,

Egipt,

Chap. 9.

Syria, and of eche gréeuous affliction,

[Page] Which vppon all the worlde shal comme by Goddes decréed iudgement

Saith, Strong is his righ hande by whome his Bow shall so bee bent,

His arrowes which hee shoots, are sharp and shall not misse, he saies,

When they begin for to bee shot into the latter dayes.

Iudith a worthie Wydow was, and handmayde of the Lorde

Which prayde to God in her distresse,

Iudith. 12.

and walked in his worde

What tyme that Tyrant proude assailde Nabuchadnezer hée

With Olophernes his Chéeftaine, and all their huge army

To come against Gods Israell, Tuelue thousand Archers stoute,

And sixescore thousand others mo of that his Rakehell Rowte,

Beholde God heard this woman weike, when she for hers so praide:

Thy power Oh God in multitude consisteth not, she saide,

Nor thy might in stronge men remaines: But thou the hope onely,

Of humble myndes deffendst wayklyngs and which forsaken bee,

Those thou protectst. Her prayer so did please the lyuing Lorde

As by his might this woman weyke conld vse the pearsing sworde

That shée cut of the Captaines head, so mightie in mischeef,

His members quayld, Gods will preuaild, and hers found ioy for gréef.

Iudas Machabeus, he, the first which bare that name,

One of the Worthies nyne so cald deserues immortall fame

For valiantly encountering with Demetrius and his hoast,

[...]. Mac. 9.

Whose Archers marching in forwarde, for all their heathnish boast.

Iudas in the Lordes quarrell, yet his Brethren dyd comfort,

Though there he lost his life in feelde the same for to support,

Iohn the deuyne Reuailes to all those that true Christians bée,

[...]euel. 6.

Firme consolation in distresse by Christe our Lorde saith he,

Beholde a white Horse, and he which vppon the same doth sit,

A bow had ready drawne in hand: A Crowne and giuen him fit,

And hee should go forth conquering, and ouercome eche wheare,

This Christe our King doth signify, which such a rule shall beare,

Through out the worlde, that hée shall shoote the shafts of his gospell,

To saue for euer his elect, conquering sinne, death and hell.

THE SECOND ASSERTION and ys Prophane Hystoricall.

PASS on my penne from Pristine soyle of sacred Parnasse mount,

And raunge the Rurall prophane féeldes to shew of what account.

The Bow and Shaft haue béene to fore in learned Writers dayes:

[Page] Let Claudianus first infer thereof his frendly praise:

Hee saith that Nature first of all the vse of Shooting gaue,

In the Porpentyne, that beast, who séemes sharp prickes to haue,

Which strongly smyte what so they hit: whereby some learned men

In finding this did imitate with Bowes and shafts as then.

Pliny referres to Scythes, this, the Sonne of Iupiter.

Plato, Chalimachus and Galen more Noble writers ferr

Affirme Apollo, paterne chief and Patrone first to bée,

Of Shooting in the Aethnickes dayes: as they in one agrée.

So Ouid iumpes with their accord,

Lib. 1.

wen lo in that his fable,

Hée telles how th'earth brought Python forth a serpent admirable

What tyme the Delyan God which neuer vsde before that drift,

Metamor,

Th'art of Shooting, but at Deare and Roes which ronne so swift:

A thousand shaftes dyd spend vppon that vgly monster theare,

And none of them but forst the bloud to issew out of her.

So that his quyuer almost voyde, he naild her to the grounde,

And dyd her nobly at the last by shooting sharp confounde:

Wherfore that he more famous might make this his enterprise,

A great and solempne game he dyd thencforth himself deuyse

Which of the Serpent slaine the name of Pythians sports did beare,

Who for mastry in feats of force should oken garland weare.

Moreouer,

Lib. eodem.

Ouid doth declare Apollo, after that

With Gupid (for his Archery) the god of loue did chat:

And séemed to chyde him as a childe with martiall might to mell

Thy bowe and shafts more méete (saith he) are with me for to dwell,

But Cupid thought this vncouth spéech, and to contend with him

Did nothing bash (at beast saith he) I graunt that bow of thyne

Thou fréely vse: And so at thée his shafts shall spend my Bowe,

And looke how much inferiour is eche beast to God, so knowe

And holde for truth, that euen so much thy glory lesse shall bée

In shootings noble exercyse, then myne is in degrée:

Apollo afterwardes approued these Cupides words most trewe

When he was wounded with his shafte as sequell did ensewe

When hée, which God of phisicks arte and surgery was calde,

Could make no medicyn for reléef of himself so enthralde,

In Daphnes loue: who for because a Virgin shée would bée,

He proffering kisses swéete in vaine, the Goddes then prayed shée,

Th'earth might rather her deuoure all quick euen as she was.

[Page] Then yéelde vnto Apolloes loue: But sée the altered case,

Well saith this God, sith thou my loue thus scornefull doost abuse,

Into my Tree thou changd shalt be, and thée Ile alwaies vse

Thou shalt adorne my golden lookes, and eke my pleasant harp.

Thou shalt adorne my Quyuer full of arrowes keene and sharp.

The valiant Knights and Emperours thou shalt adorne also.

Before the Capitoll eke stand, with triumphes stately show

For Conquerours and victors such, as valiant acts haue done,

Before Augustus Pallaice doore, as braue as is the sunne.

This Poët eke full conningly in couert wise doth shewe,

Examples vertues to embrace, and vyces to eschewe.

As where he doth on fained Goddes and Goddesses there treat,

Sometimes he toucheth their reuenge, for crimes and vyces great.

Like, as when Ioue had companie of the Nymphe Parhâsis,

A Knight of Phoebus troupe,

Lib. 2.

which bare, a bowe sometyme ywis,

She drawyng neare a certaine wood vnbending there her bowe,

Metamor.

Layde her quyuer vnder her head, and coucht her selfe a low,

Soone Iupiter spyed her and, with her stroue for some play,

(In'haste her quyuer almost forgot) as then she fled away.

Whome when Dyana so discryde, as she was following deare,

By Iunoes iustice was transformd into an vggly Beare.

Phebus hearing that his loue Coronis,

Eodem.

on a time.

The fairest Nymphe in Thessaly, with one Isthis had lyne.

A Gentleman although he were, Phebus this brookt not well.

But threw his garland from his head, his harp toth'ground eke fell.

His colour changed his fury flamed, his bow and shafts he takes,

To slay the Mother and the Childe, all meane and might he makes.

Phebe or Diana she,

Lib. 3.

the Goddesse of hunting game.

To bath her selfe in Cristall streame awearied once came,

Metamor.

And being (with her troupe of Nymphes about her) in the déepe.

Her bowe and quyuer did betake to one of them to kéepe,

With that comes Cadmus nephew by, a huntsman euen that way,

Whome wandringly (whiles to beholde this Goddesse) he did stay,

She cast an angry looke on him, as though she would haue shot,

A shafte at him, had her bow béene bent, as she had it not.

Yet Nathles water sprinckling she, his face, and head vppon

Apaire of olde Hartes hornes, his head had growyng vp anon,

By which this metamorphose he, who was a Man of late,

[Page]

And Huntsman two, to beast is like, whome his owne bounds did hate

So that of them he chased was vp hill and downe the dale,

Who after those his houndes before, did hallow lowd and hale:

With turne, and returne, skip and skud, they followe him as their pray,

Whose folly causd his fate so yll with finall death that day.

Salmasis Dianas nymph (but water fairy) went

Oft times vnto a certaine poole,

Lib. 4.

to hunt was her intent:

Metamor.

Yet she with loue of Mercuries sonne surprisde, in pleasures past

Her youthfull yeares: (vnknowen to Phoebe) her sisters at the last

Would oft perswade her painefull life, which profit might procure,

Her idle time in casting dart, or shooting to enure,

But she neglecting their aduise a wanton still would be,

And striue with him her louer so, vntill both he and she

Were chaunged from their former shape, one monster made, and were

An Hermaphrodite which both man and woman did appeare.

Alpheys (a Riuer cald) described her race of auncient Loue,

Which would not leaue her,

Lib. 15.

till she cride vnto Diana aboue,

Helpe Lady deare: for I thy true and trustie squyer (saith she)

Which haue thy Bow and arrowes oft times carried after thée,

Am now attacht of Cupids Knight, preserue my Virgins state:

Therewith the Goddesse béeing mooued, a cloude did dissipate,

And couer so her Nymphe therewith, that she in safetie was.

Her Louer frustrate of his will, away from her did passe.

Ceypheys Lordes within his Court a while at quiet were,

Lib eodem Metamor.

But when a sodaine rumour they (I wot neare what) did heare,

Ceyphey affirmed himselfe to be no occasioner of the same,

One Atis nimble with the dart, but which did better frame

In handlyng Bowe and shaft, forthwith at Persey gan to bend,

Whom Pallas shrouded with her shield, and did from harme defend.

Then Persey tooke a fierbrand and dasht in Atis face,

Bée baltering him about therewith that slaine outright he was:

Whose death Lycab of Assur Land reuengd with Atis Bowe,

And with his shaftes, that Persey then quite dead he laide alowe.

Of discord and dissention here loe thus they rewed the end,

With mischiefe they are ouermacht which mischiefe doe pretend.

And though the partie which begins, when he hath mischiefe done

Hath his pertaker euill, yet God his wrath can no man shone:

[Page] [...] what the guyltlesse want in power, the same performe God will,

[...] take their quarrell as his owne, the Killers for to kill.

Phebus bright and Mayas sonne (saith Ouid) both tyme when

Came th'one from Delphos, and th'other from the mount Cyllen.

Apollo Phebus yet so close could step to Chyon, where

He pleasure tooke which was forspoke by Mercury his Compere

Which Chyon in Appolloes eares dispraysing Dame Dyane,

Herselfe vnto hym to preferre, it so to passe then came.

Phebe offended therwithall, her venging Bow streight bent

And shot her through the toung as for her worthie punishment:

Of Ouid I omit here more, as touching tales to write,

And now to other Wryters passe of Archery which recyte.

Apollo, Chéefest of Archers was by Poets doome enstalde

Whome they the Bearer of the Bow and mighty Shooter calde,

Whereupon Claudianus saith.

Mars Clipeo melior, Phebus prestantior arcu: In English. vizt.

Mars with ye Buckler better was: But Apollo him with the Bow did passe.

And Valerius Flaccus: saith.

Arcupotens aduerte precor nunc denique Apollo.

Apollo mighty Archer how? Turne thée I pray thée to mée now.

Hyppochoon, Mnestion, and Eurytion all thrée

Were Archers, which (as Virgill saith) contendted valiantly,

Euen for the garland all at ones, when pastymes funerall

By AEnéas were celebrate for his Father naturall,

Virgill.

Namley Anchyses: when AEney forsaking Affrica,

And sayling so through Italy, came into Silicia,

Eke Coryney of Italy (saith Virgill) shot full well,

But Asyla the Troyan dyd in shooting farre excell.

Acastus, hée the Hunter was, an Archer tall and good,

Who went with Meleager for to kill the Bore in wood.

Which spoylde the Cuntry Caledon (of whome Ouid pardy

Saith) fierce Leucippus, and Acast with shafts so Noble hée.

Parys an Archer strong so was, that hée did ouerthrowe

Achilles with one shaft onely and wounded him also.

Virgill. Ouid in Epistell.

The same Paris is of himself so said to make good proof,

His shaft was not more to be feard, then when she flew aloof.

Lycota conning Archer,

Ouid. lib. 12

was more conningly cast downe

[Page] Mopsus of Crete for shootings skill of Silius hath renowne

Ilerdes such an Archer was whose shaft so surely aymed,

[...]

That Birdes hye houering in the ayer,

Sil. 1 [...].

he killed more then maymed,

Ne was hée onely warryer stout, but huntsman skilfull so

In euery course that hée could kill the hynde, the bucke or doo.

Alcon an Archer was of Crete,

Vale Fl [...]c.

whose child a Dragon fell

Perforce had caught away from him:

Lib 1. Argo.

at which hée did leuell,

His shafts with such deliuery sure, that hée the Dragon slew,

His childe harmelesse and from that beast did manfully reskew.

Enarus,

Saxo Gram maticus.

was an Archer so endewed with strength and art,

Hée bent his Bowe with such a force, nought could his shoot reuert.

Deucaleon, Hypereseus Sonne, by Hypso the Nymphe was

An Archer which in shooting farre did others much surpasse.

Vale. Fl [...]c.

AEthalides an Orator was,

Lib. 1. Argo.

which for his eloquent tonque

Men dyd beléeue of Mercury,

Lib. 1 Arg.

hée was the onely sonne,

And that this Man in Archery had fortune ioyned with fame,

Valerius Flaccus in his booke doth verify the same.

Catenos,

Quint Cur. Lib. 6. de gest Alexander.

hée a Souldiour did his shaft so surely leuell.

That birdes hye mounting in the skye hée downe starck dead could fel.

Toco a certen Souldiour was an Archer of such skill,

Although in Cuppes his tongue could walke more voyd of wit thē wil,

Saxo. gram.

That hée at banquets oft would boast an apple very small

A farre of held he fech of could euen his first shaft withall.

Aspares one inhabitant in Garamantia Lande,

Pontanus.

By fyne deliuering of his shafts, is praisde for eye and hand.

Euritus,

Idem.

King of Ochaly, and Father of Ioles,

The art of shooting taught vnto the valiant Hercules.

Hercules, a Shooter such did shew himselfe to bée

So strong in stroke,

Pontanus

so sure sure in ayme, so certen with the eye,

Hée Centaur Nessus ouerthrew though from him farre hée stood:

And of the hartes (as swifte as winde) hee bathde his shafts in blood,

Besides these hée the Harpyas (a Rauenous byrde by kinde)

Could cause to tumble out of the ayer, as fethers tost with winde.

Comodus the Emperour,

Herodia.

Sonne of Marck and Faustine, was

So sure a Shooter coumpted, that when beasts aloof did passe,

Lib. 1.

Or swiftly ronne he neuer mist, but one or other sure,

He slew with shafte, and none escapte nor could his [...] [...]

[Page] But wat his eye once destned had if so hée might yt sée,

The same was sure with Bow and shaft his pryzed pray to bée.

Domitian the Emperour hée in shooting so excelled,

[...]x. Aurel.

That now and then a childe which forth his fingers streched held,

He made his marcke twixt fingers twaine aloof held vp and wyde:

The Childe vnharmed was, and eke his shafts did surely glyde.

Againe two honderth beastes hée did with arrowes kill most sharp,

Some of their heads two shafts had like the hornes of a wilde hart.

Tranquil.

Eight Contreyes, Geta, Scithia, and with them the Ithurians,

The Parsij, Parthi, Sarmati, Cretii, Arimaspyans,

And almoste all the Countreyes of the worlde towardes the east

Were noted much in archery to haue their skill encreast.

And these by seuerall Epithets had seuerall properties,

Eche one his owne pertaining to this shootings exercyse,

The Poets terme the Ithuryan Bowe: the Parthyans shafts they name:

The Getian string,

Sabellicus in Oraculo.

and Quyuers eke were attribute by fame

Vnto them of Sarmatia, and so semblably ensewed

In all the other Contreyes their owne propertyes renewed.

And though in shooting eche of these skilfull and practized were,

The Parthyans yet and Persians chéef prick and praise did beare:

So excellent Archers were they déemed, that as they ranne the way,

They shot behinde them, that therwith their Enemies they could slaye:

And turning euen from them they could so hurt them which pursewed,

As if with wachfull eyes they had euen face to face them vewed.

Whereof Lucane the Poet thus mencyoneth.

Lucanus.

Ocyor & missa Parthi post terga sagitta: That is in English.

More swifter then Parthyan shaft so quick: behind their backe which is let slipis

Cyaxares King of the Medes,

Herodian in Clio.

which great Grandfather was

To Cyrus, kept of Scythians, (which did with Bowe surpas)

A sorte of shooters for the nonce, euen to enstruct and teache

His Sonne Astyages, that arte most skilfully to reache.

Cyrus a Childe, in this arte was so deligent educate,

That Xenophon who writ the same,

Xenophon in institut. Cyri.

would neuer haue nominate

The vse and proffit greatly so with Princely state to grée,

Had not nature experience and effect enforst to hée,

As Tully saith most congruent, not onely for to showe

What Cyrus did, but what a Prince by dewty ought to doo,

Both in pastimes for pleasure, and in seryous matters when

[Page] The same may proffet Prince, himself and also other men.

Darius King of Persia, the first that name which bare,

Dyd shew how fit a thing it ought to bée,

Strabo.

and nothing race

A PRINCE to practize Archery,

Lib. 15.

as for the same pretence

Hee left for worthy memory on his tombe this sentence.

DARIVS the King lyeth buried heare,

Which in shooting & ryding had neuer his peare.

Theodosius the Emperour had commendations Dew,

Themist. in Orat. 6.

Giuen him by Themistius his Philosopher trewe,

For thrée things which hée of a Childe did vse especially,

As Shooting, Ryding well on Horse, and feats of Cheualry.

Cyrus what time hée conquered in manner all the world,

Herodianus in Clio.

Among his Persians made this Lawe, and left it sure enrould,

Their Children should from fiue yeares age vntill the yeare twenty

Learne thrée things well, To ryde, To shoot. Tell truth and neuer lye.

Leo the Noble Emperour did full Christianly ordaine

A Law,

Leo de Stratagem. 20.

eche man in time of peace should shooting so mentaine:

Till hée were xl. yeares of age, and that eche house priuate

Should haue a Bowe and xl. shafts in order like and rate,

Ready for eche vse of néede: The omitting of which Lawe

(Saith Leo) among the youth, hath béene th'effycient ouerthrawe

Of Romane glory erst so braue, with losse of a great deale

Of th'Empire selfe, and hynderance of our florishing publike veale.

AEthiopians of the world the furdest Southward are,

Whose excellency in shooting,

Herodo. in Thalia.

that same historie doth declare

When to their King, Cambyses King of Persia once did sende

Ambassadours with many gifts: Their subtill drifte and ende

Th'ethiopian King discust to prooue them very spyes,

And blamed their King Cambyses for such vniust enterpryse:

But princely intertaining them, a Fowe he tooke (which bent

And drawne by him vnbent againe) vnto their King hée sent

The same with gréeting (and saith hée) deliuer it him from mée,

And say when any Persian can shoot in the same that hée,

Then set on AEthyopians, but in meane time let him yéelde

Thankes vnto God, that hath not giuen the Persians force in féelde

To conquer other mens Contreyes. The bowe when as it came

Among them, none at all was found which once could stirr the same:

[Page] Saue onely Smerdis Brother to Cambyses who, the string

Two fingers styrd, and furder could not, for the which doing,

Cambyses him so sore enuyed, as doth the story say,

That his owne Brother Smerdis hée therfore outright did slay.

Sesostris,

Herodot. in Euterp.

the most mighty king that Ruled AEgipt Lande.

Ouercame a great part of the worlde, and that by Archers band

The Arabyans, Iewes, and Syrians hée brought in subiection,

And further into Scithia went, then elsse did any one:

Hée ouer came eke Thracya till the Coastes of Germany,

In token wheare of euery such obtained victory,

Images hée dyd erect after his owne likenes

In th'one hand Bow, in th'other shaft holding for to witnesse,

What weapons in his conquest, hée did vse in those his dayes,

Whereby he gained glory condigne, and eke a lastingpraise.

Teweer amongst the Graecians for his shooting bare the bell

Who (when Hector the Graecyans ships by fire thought to quell:

Diod, Sic.

)

With his Bow droue them backe agen: Neither could noble Troy

Haue béene destroyd by Graecyans, if with shootings dire anoy

Of Hercules shaftes, it had not bene assaulted as it was,

Whereby the ruyn of the same the soner came to passe.

THE THIRDE ASSERTION Englishe Hystoricall.

RElinquishing those prophane feates and fautors, now my penne

Approche theprowesse and the praise of natiue Elglishmen:

From Brute the Troyans time, who as hée vsed shooting theare

When vnwares he his Father slew, in forest hunting deare.

After hée had by that mischaunce his Syluius deare bereft,

Anno ante Christ. 1108

Aryued in this our Albyon then his natiue Troy so left.

The Brytons his successors ruled this Lande, till Caesar hée

Conquered the same, not long before Christes natiuity:

The Romanes held the Brittaines in their rule and tribute long,

The Romans continewed. 483. yeares

Agricola a Capteyn (sent the Romanes from among)

With shot of arrowes and of darts did gréeue the Brittons much

They with huge swords and bucklers smal eke kept the Romans tuch.

Hengist a Saxon hether came,

Post Christum. 490.

in kent whose Kingdome was.

And ward vppon the Brytons till he lyued in quyet case

[Page] ARTHVRE the mirrour of manhood,

Anno post. Xpū. 518.

and Champion of Cheualrie.

Subdewed the Saxons to him tho, with many a victorie

Among the Brittons after his time, west Saxons still bare sway,

Alfird,

872.

a Godly learned King a Saxon, stories saye

By cruell pursute of the Danes which troubled then this Land,

Dyd wander with his Bow and shafts their force and did withstand:

For God not onely victor him full many a time did make

Ouer the Paganes, but by him enforst their force to slake.

Harolde the Dane vsurpt and tooke on him to raigne as king,

Vntill the tyme of Willyam Duke of Normandies coming:

Whose powers together béeing met Haroldes was ouermatcht,

And hée (a shaft shot into his head) at once was so dispacht.

Willyam the Duke had conquerd there this Land & ruled the same,

An. a xpō. nato. 1066.

But not in bondage would shée lyue thoug he her ouercame

It's worth the reading therfore heare to shew how Stigand then

Archbishop,

1. W. 1.

and how Egelstyn that Abbot playde the men:

Archb. and Abot of Cantirbury

For fréedome of their Cuutrey, thus therfore they did deuise,

A power of Horsemen and footemen should for time exercyse

Alongst their féeldes as't were lanelike long boughes & large to beare,

To make the Duke should thether come, when hée therof did heare.

And as they said it hapned so, the Duke came with his traine,

Who seeing this thought it had bene euen mouing trées certaine:

Whereto approching with meane space (discomfited in minde)

Hée pawsd, the Kentish power a far did smell him in the winde.

Who (when within their army him enclosed got they had)

Down cast their boughs vp bent their Bowes their shafts to shoot most glad.

The trompets sound, their Banners waue, their weapōs busied were,

To feight with whome they so desyrde in Euntryes quarrel there.

So hée, who thought he had in his fist the whole land late so fast,

Began his life now to despaire, affrighted and agast:

Then they oracion frendly framed, condicions graunt hée should,

Their wonted fréedome that they might in certaine order holde:

Hee thereto grées, confirmes the graunt by pledge sufficyent so,

That by this meanes those liberties continwed hetherto.

Willyam Rufus was his sonne,

Anno 1100

who ruled not so well,

As that men could not wéepe for ioy of his death to heare tell,

13. W. 2.

To his owne subiectes wicked hée and so to strangers was:

But most wicked vnto himselfe when Gods will taking place

[Page] In Hamshyer that new forrest, as hée hunted on a time,

A Knight in shooting at a Deare gaue him his fatall fine.

But now of Noble Princes I will penne the noble praise,

Euen such as worthie Archery mentained in their dayes.

Henry the First of England King,

Anno. 1105.

fought many a battel strong

Agenst the French with Archers stout,

Anno. 1119. & 1128. 6. 20. & 29. of H. 1.

his other powers among:

A victor eke hée still preuaild in warres: and in peace tyme,

His People vnto shooting did them selues greatly enclyne.

Stephen, King of England stoutly dyd with Archers in his hande

As also by his other powers the Scottish broylles withstand:

Anno. 1139.

He made warres eke genst Robert then the Earle of Glocester

Who did inuade his Kingdome with ten knights and in nomber

Of Archers iust so many,

4. St. 1.

which on horseback passed through

The midst of all the Realme, but yet resisted well enough.

Henry the second valyantly aduentured Irelands soyle

With warlike power,

Anno 1171.

some Archers were,

17 H 2.

with labour small and toyle

The Archbishops and Bishops did receiue him for their King,

And hée them ruled like worthie prince in loue and peace tendring.

Richard Coeur de Lyon cald a king and Conquerour was,

With Phillip king of France,

Anno. 1191.

who did vnto Ierusalem passe:

Olde Chronicles report,

2. Ric▪ 1.

his power had Archers them among,

Whose force confounded Pagans fell and layde them dead along.

In this Kings time was Robyn Hood: that Archer and outlawe,

And litle Iohn his partener eke, vnto them which did drawe

One hondred tall and good Archers, on whome foure hondred men

Were their power neuer so strong could not giue onset then:

The Abbots Monkes and Carles rich, these onely did molest

And reskewd woemen when they saw of théeues them so opprest,

Restoring poore mens goods, and eke aboundantly reléeued

Poore Trauellers which wanted food, or were with sicknes gréeued.

And, heare because of Archery I do by penne explane

The vse, the proffet, and the praise, to England by the same,

My self remembreth of a childe in Contreye natiue mine:

(1553.)

A May game was of Robyn-hood and of his traine that time

To traine vp young men,

(7. E. 6.)

stripplings and, eche other younger childe

In shooting, yearely this with solempne feast was by the Guylde,

Or Brother hood of Townsmen done, with sport, with ioy, and loue

To proffet which in present tyme, and afterward did proue.

[Page] Iohn King,

1210.

subdewed Ireland with manly force and might

Of Horsemen, Archers, speares, and such as put their foes to slight.

Edward the second that valyant Prince,

1513.

when Scotland hée reseewed,

From them,

7. E. 2.

whose force his Father had not long before subdewed,

In his hoste for his second ward had Archers and footmen,

Scotland.

But many of the Enemies were slaine by Archers then.

Edward that victorious King the thirde so cald by name,

Anno 1540

When his noble Nauy agenst the French Kings nauy came,

The Batle on the Sea.

Hee had the winde most wishfully and sonne so at his back,

His purpose and his enterprise that hée no time did slack:

13. E. 3.

A shower of English arrowes sharp from long bowes powered downe,

Vppon the Frenchmen, whereby fell to our men great renowne,

When at that Bickering Frenchmen there to leaue their ships were faine,

And leape into the seayes for want of landing place certaine.

Therles of Northampton,

1544.

and of Oxeford fought also,

With Charles Duke of Brittayne,

17. E. 4.

as the Chronicles do shoe:

At Morleys where oure men of armes,

Batle at Morles.

and Archers valyant might

Subdewed that Contrey, foilde their foes, and wan that field outright.

That yeare the King the noble Earle of Darby eke did send,

Gascoyne.

Newly create first King of Man, with an army to thend

Hee Gascoyne by strong power might win,

Anno. dicit.

which hée wt great goodwill,

And Archers ayde, (as God would giue him leaue) did so fulfull:

For many a walled Towne hée theare and castle also wonne,

With skermishes which made his foes to flée away and ronne,

So that hée dubbed there. 50. Knights as Chronicles declare,

And to his King with honour dewe did homewards then repare.

The noble King in person came agenst the French at length,

And made the English Dragon mount in feelde with force and strength:

Cressy.

When Oleflam that Frenchmen bare, went flittering to and fro,

Which ayded was at Cressy feelde by other Kings twaine me,

Of Boheme and of Malogres: their men innumerable,

The English fiftéene hondreth scarse nothing like comparable.

K. Edward hée corageously endured from noone to night,

The English Archers did their best with arrowes long and light.

Their Footemen (being plast among their Horsemen gréeued and gald,

With Archers girdes) were troden downe and so sore ouerhalde,

That great and gréeuous was their crye, but greater was the showte,

Which in pursute our Shooters gaue th'enimies hoast throughout:

[Page] Their aray was broke, they scattered were, and by our armed men

Were many of them beaten downe, the rest did flee as then.

And see,

Anno. dict.

about that present time. The Scots with power inuade

This Realme as farre as Dyrham come,

Dyrham.

with weapon and with blade:

Th'archbishop of Yorke and States there left as then which were,

With the Archers tall a nomber good and shout of Lankashier

Encountring with the King of Scots and all his hoste, in fine,

Dauid their King sore wounded was with shafts that present time.

A nomber of his chéef Lordes and Knights were taken there captiues,

Of common Souldiours most parte slame, a few fled with their lyues.

K. Edward yet did vnderstand Calys betrayed should bée,

Anno. 1349.

Hée therefore as a valyant Prince gathered an Army,

Of horse and man,

[...]4. E4.

of billes and bowes, of speares and swordes also,

Embarcked in an Nauy meete, and Calys comes hee to:

About their Kingly Conquerour this English Army clings,

Callys.

As who (next God) would cleaue to him aboue all earthly things,

Hée with a Kingly courage doth likewise vnto them call,

Hée placeth them in Batle ray and princely cheares them all.

But specially to his Archers which, stood on the hilles there drye

Doo well yee Archers play the men, and know (saith hee) that I

Am EDWARD of Windsore: herewith, thēselues they did prepare,

To set vppon their Enemies, no force nor might they spare.

The shafts from hilles so hye sent downe into the valleys lowe,

Did wash the Frenchmen euery wheare like mighty flakes of snow,

But such a washing as that was with woundes and wofull plight,

They seldome saw, which with the same were foyld and slaine outright.

God giuing him this victory, the King doth order take,

For all things meete, and his returne to England streight dothe make:

Wheare hée the first Feast did ordaine of S. George the Marter,

And made the First most noble Knights of thorder of the Garter.

After this yet euen that yeare the Spainyards did beset

The Brittaine Sea,

Winchelsey.

with Forty and foure Ships like Castles great:

The King againe 50. great Ships with Pynnaces preparde,

The 2. Batle on the Sea.

More like vnto small Cotages. Hee then and Prince Edward

His Sonne with Nobles Knights and Squiers, and their retenue smal,

Amongst whome (lo the Archers were not least nor worst of all)

Embarckt them selues & Crosse the Seays till such time as they meete

With their prouoking Enemies, I meane the Spanish fleete:

[Page] To bickering and then they fell on both sides for best game,

Twentie and seuen Spanish shippes by night did flie with shame,

Which left Seauentéene for English spoyle, and prise the eeuen before,

The Realme fared better by the same against their wils full sore.

Edward the Blacke Prince so syrnamed King Edward the 3. his son,

Anno. 1356.

(Who lately with the Spanyards fought) as Generall now is come,

29. E. 3.

With men of Armes foure thousand, and one thousand soldiours such,

As Armour bare, of Archers eke, two thousand which kept tuch,

Vnder conduct of Earles thrée,

30. E. 3.

of Oxford, Salisbury,

And Suffolke, which to méete the king of Fraunce did make them redy:

By Poytiers Towne, in pitched field the Prince himselfe doth take,

Poyters.

Looke at large in Iohn Stowes. Chronicle.

Chéefe charge vpon himselfe, And doth a graue oration make

To his Soldiours all, but specially, his Archers worthines

He doth extoll, from time to time, Exhorting them no lesse,

To hold on their fidelitie and prooued Prowesse still,

Which they did séeme most dutifull at that time to fulfill:

When they so fast their arrowes shot vpon the French that day,

Their quiuers emptied were apace, then catch that can or may,

From euery wounded corps a shaft, in haste and it bestowed,

Vpon another where he could, to pay the debt he owed.

Thus passed they the time with toyle, when all their shafts were spent,

To lay on load with Sword and Bill, to hand strokes toot they went,

The French King and his sonne they tooke, and almost all his peares,

And Thirtie thousand slew besides in those their warlike feares.

Prince Edward (God thus giuing him a valiant victorie,)

Returneth to his Father streight, and with him his armie.

Richard the second in his time (the Scots inuading so

His land,

1385.

so far as Warck Castle) to stoppe his faithlesse foe,

8. R. 2.

Who now had brent within his land,

Warck Castle.

his promisse likewise broke,

Against him sent a chosen power, to giue him battell stroke.

Th' Earle of Buckingam did leade a thousand Launses tall,

Two Thousand Archers, made his hoste, most faithfull and loyall,

But when they came into the field of th'enemies to haue sight:

They neuer shewed their faces, nor once signe that they would fight.

Wherefore the Earle with his power pursued them homewards then,

Burning their Countrey as he could, and so made hither againe.

Againe the King to Scotland ward his power did addresse,

Anno. 1385.

Of Knights,

8. R. 2.

of Squiers, and Archers stoute, whose number to expresse,

[Page] The like not heard of in those dayes, which enterd Scotland Roade:

Who thither come,

Scotland.

their Enemies fled their sight and not aboade.

The King and all his states holding a Parlement as then,

At Westminster a stur began,

1369.

through Criminall causes,

18. R. 2.

when

Four thousand of the Kings Archers (the parliament about)

Encompassed,

Westminst.

as though some euill were worcking in the rowte:

Their Bowes were bent, and they ready the same for to withstand,

But that the King in person was euen presently at hand,

Which did appease the sturr supposde that afterward would fall,

So all was hwisht, and euery man went well apaide withall.

The king in Person went with power ouer into Ireland

To Diblyn,

1399.

where he being come did streight way vnderstand,

[...]1. Ric. 2.

His common Enemy Mack more so sauage ferce and fell,

Ireland.

Against all dewty did resist, and others made rebell:

His grace thought meete to make out then the Earle of Glocester,

With Launces tall two hondreth and 2000 Archers thether:

The Enemy and all his power to bring vnder his bande,

For I will haue him, (saith the king,) or els out of this Lande

A liue hence will I neuer go. The Chronicles at large

Declare what thereof did ensew in that enioyned charge.

Henry the 4. of England King,

1402.

a certen power sent forth.

3. [...]. 4.

The Earle of Nor thumberland,

Scotland.

and others in the North,

With armed men and Archers tall appointed all aright,

Who with the Scots their army and their Archers eke should feght.

Our Archers with theirs changed no ground, and both did manly well:

(So as the nobles and the rest on both partes truth to tell,

While they did stand as lookers on) our English Archery

Slew many a Scot and looke the flower of all their Cheualry:

Henry the 5. that pereles Prince and Conquerour puisant

Agenst the French at Agincourt about him attendant

Had but 7000 feighting men,

Anno. 1315.

and many of them sick,

2. H 5.

Yet most of them a yeard in length their shaftes there drew to prick,

Euen all the Cheualry in france, and downeright so them slew,

Which 40000 coumpted were:

26. persons.

Of oure Men slaine but few.

To Troys in Campaine Championlike this King with army came

Of 16000 Souldiours and the most part of the same

Were English Archers which behaued them with the rest so well,

An 1420.

And valyent,

[...]. H. 5.

that the victory vnto the king then fell.

[Page] Richard the thirde and Henry Earle of Richmond met in féeld

At Bosworth where both partes were strong with horse,

Anno. 1485.

sword, bow, & sheeld

Richard,

2. R. 3.

two for wings had, in midst of whome his Archers were

Th' Earle 2. wings of horsmen had and Archers few, did bere

Themselues eche vnto others so, that after long felle fight

The King was slaine, and to the Earle the victory did light:

Who there was Crowned King in feeld, as God him grace did giue,

Not suffering Tyrants longer then hée thinkes good heare to liue.

K. Henry the 7. that noble Prince (the Earle of Richmond yore,

Anno. 1490

Sent Sir Humfrey Talbot but,

5 H 7.

with Archers iust sixeschore

To Newports seege in Flaunders soyle: these Archers euery one

An arrowe shot which made the flemings groueling for to grone:

So that 8000 of them slaine by shafts and gonne shot were,

Of Englishmen in all the hoast, and not one hondreth theare.

At Black heath feelde the King his power with Cornish rebells met,

Anno. 1497.

Whose Archers drawing a clothyeards length of force were very gret:

12 H. 7.

But greater was the power of God (assistant with the King,

His Army, and his Archers eke,) those Rebells conquering:

Of whome 2000 staine there was, and infinite captiues,

Which had (their guerdon dew to such) the losse of all their liues.

Henry the 8. that mighty Prince and mirour of Maiesty

Ayded the Douches of Sauoy with power of Archery,

Anno. 1511.

Fiftéene hondreth tall good men men,

3. H 8.

genst Duke of Gelderland

Which did full great good Seruice there her Enemies to withstand

Sir Edward Poynings did conduct this Army to and fro.

Of whome the Chronicles much fame and valyancy do sho.

This mighty Prince did, also ayde the King of Aragon

Agenst French power where as I read our Archers many one

Of the French Horsemen galled so,

Anno 1522.

that foundring,

4. H 8.

downe they fell,

And chasing their footemen also, slew many, as stories tell.

K. Henries Ship,

Anno. dict.

the Regent cald with Carik French grapling,

Our Archers geanst French-crosbowes shot & held them such tackling:

So as in fine the Englishmen the Carick layde aboarde,

Where vnto them the pryze and pray the Lorde God did affoard.

Arde and Gwynes,

Anno 1513.

and Turwyn too with Turney testified

Our Archers force,

5 H 8.

which freshly shot, as then was veryfied:

King Henry in his Campe at Arkes, by Culpepers Conduct

Did cause 200 Archers stout to bee at fall instruct,

Turwyn & Turney.

[Page] Vnder the Banner of S. George to issew manly owte,

Anno. dict.

Which set to fercely on the French and flew so through the rowte,

That (they forthwith disconfited) twice twelue of them were slaine,

And Twelue score taken Prisoners were, not small yet was the gaine

Oure English got, when as the brason ordeinance and féelde peeces,

Before time lost they wan againe, with bootyes spoyle and fleeces.

Whiles the King in France was on this manner busied theare,

Anno. 1513.

The Scottish King began as fast his broyles in England heare:

5 H 8.

Genst whome the noble Norffolke Duke with Northren noble harts

Of Archers Cheshyer,

Floddon Feelde.

Lankasshyer, and others playd their partes

Euen brant against that Flodden-hill so swift their arrowes flew,

K. Ieamy and many a noble Scot wherby they downeright slew.

Two Knights I read wanne worthy praise in France, at the Turne Pike

Neare Hames, with xvi. Archers and no mo which put to flight

So many Frenchmen as then sled:

Anno. 1520.

Both English Knights these were,

12. H. 8.

Sir William Walgraue and Sir George that Somersets name did bere

These turned so many owte of their Iacks at Turnepike nere to Hame

All France it turned to reproch and, them to perpetuall fame.

Among that thousand Souldiours which the Citty of London sent.

Anno dict.

Archers, Harquebushes, Pikes, and Billes conuenient,

Which past from Douer to Calys: what seruice Bowemen there

Perfourmed, the Chronicles thereof at large do witnesse beare.

But to bée, bréef, what Archers haue accomplisht Cheualry?

In this Kings dayes to Gods dew praise and Contreyes vtility?

1523. 1524.

The Duke of Suffolke passing Some,

1542.

and Earle of Surrey then

Which Iedworth brent.

1543.

And those two Knightes withall the Northern men

Which ouerthrew the Scottish power.

1544.

And those to Laundersay

Sent by the King.

Eodem.

As also vnder Lorde Edward Seymer they

To Scotland which embarcked were. To Mutterell eke in Fraunce

Which sent were, and the same beséeged, by (Gods will,) not by chance

All these and euery hoaste of them (I say) in this Kings time

Some part of prowesse, praise, and proffet to the Bowe resine.

K. Edward the 6 that Mirrour myld and pearle of Princely grace,

His Vnckle the Duke of Somerset did send in rightfull case,

With Army vnder his conduct agenst the Scottish power,

1549.

Eche Army other did affront with countenance sterne and stower:

Our Archers marched in aray at Muskeleborow féelde,

They shot their shaftes so sharp to foyle the Scots or make them yéelde,

[Page] God gaue our men the victory, such they 14000 slewe

Of Scottes, and 1400▪ were tane Prisoners of their crewe,

Many of them Gentlemen: and but English thréeschore

At that time slaine, the rest aliue did praise the Lorde therefore.

Queene Maryes dayes most miserable and troublesome though they were

Of Archers actes (nothing or small) the Chronicles witnesse beare.

§

§

ELIZABETH Gods Vizegerent our Gracious Soueraigne deare,

Which Ruleth now in Righteousnes her Subiects euery where:

Whome God a Mother ouer vs hath made in mylde mercy,

A Nurce of Peace and Amity eke to Nations farre and nye:

Began her raigne with Rooted truthe. whence blossomes all proceed

Of Blessings, as the Blissall God doth Blessed make in deede.

Whose Frutes appearing at the first of Amity, Loue, and Peace,

First to her owne, to Others next, do more and more encrease:

First to her owne, Gods tender milcke of Gospell trewe gaue shee,

To vs, as Mothers Children giue by God his gift moste free:

To Others next as Nurse shee giues to Nacyons farre and neare,

The pappe of Peace and Amity the frutes of Faith sinceare

In One respect our prosperous state so long possest, this showeth,

In th'Other a bettered state from worse to better by her groweth:

To witnesse this our publike Wealth and Peace Domestic Calles,

Her Treasures spent in our defence geanst Forayn foes and bralles.

Her Ancient Laws and Lyberties, & League shee firme maintaines

To keep in Mutuall Amity vs with Neighbours, oh what gaines,

Is ours yt is not hers? what paines, what cares, what cost, what cost, what charge?

Hath shee not had in forraine soile, to set the bond at large?

Witnes hereof, our Neighbours Woes, her Grace, and wee may bee,

That their welfare with oures also might in one will agree.

The state of Fraunce of Scotland, and of Contreyes so distrest,

May witnes this, that they with vs by her are better blest:

[Page]

[...]

[Page]

[...]

[Page] When woe to welfare altered is, when bale to blisse is chaungd,

Who frō this Bonde of Brotherhood now in Christ would be estrangd?

Ye Children then of Iacobs God, as Branches frutes which beare,

Pray that your Bowes may stil fast byde & armes strong euery wheare:

[...]

Pray that this threefold Bond of Blisse neuer infringed may bee,

Of Naturall loue, of Publike peace, and Mutuall amity:

Pray that our firme defence from God and Prince contenewe may,

Pray, that yearely; from yeare to yeare and many a yeare I say,

God her will graunt vs Nestors yeares A Mother in Israell,

And that wee all Coheyres with Christ in Heauen aboue may dwell.

So be it. ꝙ R. Robinson.

Luke. 2.

Glory to God on hye, On Earth Peace,

And to Men a Goodwill.

§

§

At London Printed by R. I. for Iohn VVolf: Dwelling in Distaffe Lane, Oueragainst the signe of the Castle.

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

The auncient order, societie, and unitie laudable, of Prince Authure, and his knightly armory of the Round Table With a threefold assertion frendly in fauour and furtherance of English archery at this day. Translated and collected by R.R.Devise des armes des chevaliers de la table ronde. English.

Edition statement

1583

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2005-12 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A21693

ID [STC]

STC 800

ID [STC]

ESTC S100245

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99836091

ID [PROQUEST]

99836091

ID [VID]

338

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Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A21693)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 338)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English Books, 1475-1640 ; 277:05)

Source

— The auncient order, societie, and unitie laudable, of Prince Authure, and his knightly armory of the Round Table With a threefold assertion frendly in fauour and furtherance of English archery at this day. Translated and collected by R.R., Devise des armes des chevaliers de la table ronde. English., Robinson, Richard, citizen of London..

Extent

[106] p. : ill.

Imprinted by [R. Jones for] Iohn Wolfe dwelling in Distaffe lane neere the signe of the Castle,. London :: 1583.. (R.R. = Richard Robinson.) (In verse.) (Printer's name from STC.) (Colophon reads: At London printed by R.I. for Iohn VVolf: dwelling in Distaffe Lane, ouer-against the signe of the Castle.) (Signatures: pi¹ ***⁴ A-M⁴.) (Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery.)

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