The Sad condition of a distracted kingdome, expressed, in a fable of Philo the Jew

The Sad condition of a distracted kingdome, expressed, in a fable of Philo the Jew

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Title page

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE ALGERNON Earle of Northumberland, PHILIP Earle of Pembroke, and Montgomerie.

To the right Honourable Algernon Percie, Earle of Northumberland, &c.

The Fable of PHILO the JEW, Amplified.

TAE ARGUMENT.

§

The Conclusion.

Errata.

§

[Page]

THE SAD CONDITION OF A Distracted Kingdome. Expressed, IN A FABLE OF PHILO, THE JEW.

Exempla credntur.

Quae socci superant risum, luctumque Cothurni.

Claudian.

LONDON, Printed by B. A. 1645.

TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE ALGERNON Earle of Northumberland, PHILIP Earle of Pembroke, and Montgomerie.

[Page]

[Page]

Right Honourable,

THE Authour of this Fable, in his own Age, and in succeeding times, was ever by the ripest wits esteemed learned, eloquent, and ingenious. I am confident your Honours impartiall Iudgements will censure my expressions upon Philoes invention ingenuous and harmlesse; these are the issue of some spare houres in these miserable times, exposed to the world under your Honours protection; unto whom the Author professeth himself a

Most humble servant, A. RIVERS.

To the right Honourable Algernon Percie, Earle of Northumberland, &c.

[Page]

MY LORD,

SO many glorious titles crowne

Your Noble Stemme, as easily they put down

Great Romes Aemilians, Scipio's, Fabio's, whose

One single Tribe adventured to oppose

Themselves their Cities Wall: and with their bloud,

Preserve Rome from the innumerous Multitude

Of Veia [...]s, How oft have our Ancestours

Seen, and extold like Piety of Yours?

How many Victories have the PERCIES got?

What Trophies reard of the subdued SCOT?

How many of your Martiall Linage are

In FAMES BOOK, written Thunderbolts of VVAR.

Who with HEROICK Actions adde new Grace,

To Charlemain's MARTELLVS, PEPINS race,

From whom you are discendants; and we know

How much GRADIVUS and the MVSES owe

To your Progenitours: and dare rehearse

Our better VOVVES and SERVICES in verse.

Be Greatest FABIVS, be great ALGERNON,

And emulate your PERCIES CRESCENT MOON

Shewre down your influence: make our clouded night

By your wise Counsailes, then the day more bright.

Your Honours humble Servant, A, RIVERS,

The Fable of PHILO the JEW, Amplified.

[Page]

TAE ARGUMENT.

PHILO the most learned and eloquent amongst the Jewes, recites a very pleasant and witty Storie: Namely,Phi. lib. de Plantations Noemi. that God after he had with singular art and wisedome created the Vniverse, commanded the Angels to tell him what they thought of the Work and workmanship: And that one of those blessed Spirits with much freedome answered, that in his judgement there wanted (as a complement to so exquisite an opifice) a strong Voice very audible and penetrating, which without intermission passing from one corner of the Earth to the other, should be the continuall Trumpet of Gods praise, and preach even to the most ignorant his supream wisedome, and ineffable skill in the production of the very least and most contemptible Creatures.

This ingenious Fable of Philo is the Argument, and gave occasion to the following Treatise. And though there are those (and not unlearned) who judge it too much to savour of the Pedagogue, when Authors are quoted, yet we think, we shall give authority to our lines, if we expresse the grounds of our invention, and from whence we fetch, and to what direct our Allusions.

§

WHo gave himself existence,

Gen. 1.

gave us all

The being that we have, ordered this Ball

We trample with a word, and without sweat

Gave essence, and existence to the great

And lesser Creatures, and requir'd no more

Materials pre-existent, then a poore

Nothing, and thence with an all potent hand

First made, then perfected Fire, Ayre, Sea, Land.

[Page] Nor is the worke by patterne, but he takes

Himselfe, and of his worke th' Idea makes.

VVhen did God make those intellective Peeres

Guardians of Mankind,

The Greek Doctors hold the Angels to have bin created before the world: the Latin D. with the World; which opinion is more probable, though the other is not er [...]onious. D. Th. 1. p. q. 61. art. 3.

Guiders of the Spheres?

Lets reckon every imaginarie Age

Before they undertook the Pupillage

Of Adams Orphans, or shall we agree

As parcels of large Natures Machin, he

Gave them Coevall being. How e're wee'l joyne

In this, the workmanship was most divine.

Did he suite Heaven with a more glorious Robe

Then is the garment of our Earthly Globe?

Is the stuffe other then of things below?

Or an extracted Quintessence? be't so

Or what it will, we are sure with singular Art

God finished, and polisht every part.

And viewing all as in a maze he stood

And with much Complacence pronounc't all's Good.

VVhen Babels frantick Architects intend

Their Tower should as Heavens Pallaces ascend,

Gen. 6.

God goes i'th sacred Triads Companie

To view what this presumptuous work should bee,

And disallowing their transcendent Pride,

He stayes the work, and workmen doth divide.

So many Ages past, attended by

His glorious Courtiers, he Commands them eye,

And curiously observe the worlds vast frame;

Then tell him what was wanting in the same.

For he had heard (although he let it passe)

How Momus had desir'd a looking glasse

Should in the brest of man be plac't, to show

VVhat were his inward thoughts, that all might know

VVhose ends were crooked, whose pretensions right,

Discern the just man from the Hypocrite.

[Page] A fond request, and contrary to that,

VVhich when man formed was God leveld at.

For he created Men with libertie

In will, and action, and if all should see

VVhat are the deep designes at which they aime,

Both action, and invention, would be lame.

As Moyses from Mount Nebo viewd the soile

Of Fertile Chanaan,

Deut. 34.

which by warlike toile

The Tribes must gaine, and with their weapons meet

Those Regions, which must make their warfare sweet.

So in a Moment helpt with glories light,

These Angels have presented to their sight

The Universe, the Heavens, the Earth, the Seas,

And whatsoever is containd in these.

In Heaven they see an immense Amplitude,

And spatious Tabernacles for the Good

(VVho imitating Angels, and by Grace

Vanquish the ill with good shall have a place)

The many Orbes are objects of their sight,

The fixt and wandring Tapers of the Night,

VVee'l not believe, but they both see,

Cornelius a lapide, in Gonesin.

and know

VVhat distance is 'twixt Heaven and us below.

Should I tell you, that some huge Milstone hurld

From th' highest Heaven to th' Center of the world

VVould aske twice threescore yeares 'fore it descend,

To the said Centre and his journie end.

And wee'l allow for every hower, the while

It is in motion, at least forty mile.

Then guesse what distance is 'twixt Heaven and us,

By the swift motion of this ponderous

Descendant. Spake I so, you'le laugh and say

How know you this? or who hath rid the way?

How many are the stages? with the Sun

VVho took post horse, and through the Zodiack run?

[Page] The Angels know this truth; yet in lesse time

Then one short hour, a soul that's pure can climbe

To th' top of the Empyrean Heavens; such force

And expedition hath a vertuous course

Of life. Our Angels with amazement viewd

The flaming Sun, still burning, nere renewed;

Who by the lending of his glorious light

Or the with-holding, measures day and night.

'Tis strange so vast a Body every day

And every night, should travail so much way,

As from the East to West, and then return

To make another journey the next morn.

We daily see't and therefore make it light,

Because it is so daily in our sight.

Whose hand but the Almighties can sustain

Those Magazines of Snow,

Pererius in Dan▪ esteemes this out of the greatest miracles in nature.

of Hail, of Rain

Ith' Ayrie Regions, that they not descend

At once, and with a deluge make an end

Of all. VVho firmes the Earth, and with just lines

The East, the VVest, the South, the North designes?

On what substantiall B [...]ses do's it stand?

Or is it propt only by Gods right hand?

VVho wrought and put on the main Seas their shrowds

And like some new-born babe wrapt 'em in Clouds

For swadling clouts?

Job. 38.

who a confining barre

Could set upon 'em, bid 'em passe so farre

And passe no further? Thus the Oceans bounds

Circling not swallowing the embraced grounds,

Are a new wonder. Then amidst the waves

They hear how that unweldie Monster raves

The VVhale: and laugh at his complaints, because

They are injurious to the wholsome Lawes

Of God, and nature. Let us hear his song

Then vindicate Gods providence from wrong.

[Page] Is not the whole circumference of the Maine

The Baltick Sea, the Seas of France and Spaine,

The waves that glide by India, Africa,

Sufficient space for him to feed, and play

And chase the Orke. Myriads of miles at least

Are thought a prison by this Monstrous Beast,

And Nature is injurious that hath put

Him in a Goale, and in a dungeon shut.

Are Londoners in prison 'cause the Line

Limits their gadding, and the [...] Outworks confine

Their pleasant walkes; the Ocean that surrounds

Our Island, washing all our English grounds

Speaks England but a Goale. Mans noble mind

VVithin this house compos'd of clay confinde,

Although it can ith' twinkling of an eye

On wings of swift imagination flye

Thorough the Vniverse, transcend the skie

And comment even on Gods immensitie;

Yet is a Captive and close prisoner,

(Our mixed Elements the Goalers are)

And only death can grant a full discharge,

And with his warrant the thrald soul inlarge▪

But wherefore will Leviathan complaine

VVho for his rendevous hath all the Maine

And hundreth Seas? Because he cannot go

Into the Straits of Archipelago.

There the wise God of nature doth provide,

VVhere ships continually and Navies ride,

Many Charihdaes, Scyllaes dangerous rocks

Facing that Isle, where fed the fleecie flocks

Of Polypheme. That for the generall good

And his own safety, no Atlantick flood

Should bear this Monster: but where billowes break

At great Alcides Pillars, there they speak

[Page] A Non plus ultra to the VVhale. For if

He enter should the Levant Sea, no Skif,

No vessell could be safe: nor he himselfe;

But every rock, and every shallow shelfe

VVould menace death, and danger: to prevent

VVhich inconveniences, wise nature meant,

He should be barr'd those Deeps, his duller eye

Not able Rocks and dangerous Syrts to spye;

VVhich would his too unweldy body teare

Peece-meale, and he must every minute feare

Present destruction. Should he be pursu'de

By covetous man (and certainly he wou'de)

VVhat rills of brinish water can he throw,

Into the ayre, able to overthrow

The largest ship, and with his massie taile,

More spread then some huge Carrike under saile,

Or'ewhelme and drowne all vessels. To save these

Mischiefs, he ne're shall wallow in those Seas.

Now judge who is the Prisoner, who has cause

To grudge, and challenge Gods▪ and Natures Lawes.

So frantick Man like Absolon takes joy

In that,

Reg. 2. 18.

which shall his happinesse destroy.

The shrub envies the Cedar, and the Oake,

VVhen that stands firme, these feel the thundring stroke

Of angry Heaven. Poore men although despis'd

Are fafe, when oft the Rich are sacrific'd.

VVee'd saile in plenty, but our puft up sailes

Are driven as well by rough as prosperous gales;

Those promise shipwrack more then these aport,

The Cottage hath lesse danger then the Court.

Was it not Villers Mothers Adage, shee

Vntill a Courtier ne're knew miserie.

And Straffords Father did advise his Sonne,

To run that race his Ancestors had run.

[Page] Had he obayed his prudent sire, and lead

A private life, no Troops had seen his head

Chopt off, and the inconstant Multitude

First thirsting, then triumphing in his bloud.

This Canterbury, conscious of his parts,

How greedily, and with what wilie arts

Got he to be a States-man; with what sweat

And study did he labour to be great?

But whereto serves his Grace, his dignities,

But to make more deplorde the Precipice?

Yet all like Frantick Icarus will flye

Alost, although they perish in the skye.

And Phaeton will beg to guide the Sunne

A day, although before that day be done

He rue his rash attempt. Such things are sweet

That are prohibited, or else not meet.

God meanes to give us bread not stinging scorpions,

When he raines on us blessings or afflictions.

But we divert his purpose, and misuse

His providence,

The Duke of Alva observed to be erected, and magnanimous in adversity; Insolent and insulting in prosperity.

not knowing how to use

What he intends for blessings. Many are

Like D' Alva's Duke oppressed better far

Then in prosperity. But we will runne

The wild goose chase untill we are undone.

If in adversity say God's unjust;

If in prosperity, follow what lust,

Spleen, avarice, and ambition dictate, look

On lately glorious London. 'Tis a book

Worth the perusall: nay let's trace about

The Circuite of the Kingdome, and find out

What Devill, what Enyo sowed these tares

Amongst us, and engendred all these warres,

That have destroyed out Brittish Isle, and rent

The Kingdome, 'twixt the King and Parliament.

[Page] Who sayes who's faulty? He or they? The King

A God on Earth,

Psal.

a consecrated thing

Cannot transgresse, and being the only source

Whence Iustice, and our Laws derive their fotce

Must needs be pure.

Exod.

They Iethro's Elders are,

Englands supreamest Senate, whom the care

Of the whole Kingdome chose, to cure the sick

Condition of the Body Politick.

And 'twere a fin t'imagine these should erre

Their own, before the [...] publike good prefer.

How then rise all these tumults, these sad jarres

The clamour of the Drum, intestine warres?

VVhat is the Origen? where springs the cause

Of all these plagues we suffer, 'gainst the lawes

Of reason, dictating that every State

Preserve it selfe, not set wide ope a gate

To its own destruction, and as Trojans did

(Cheated by perjur'd Synon) fondly bid

Their foes, nay haile themselves the fatall Steed

Stuft with Vlisses, Pyrrhw, Diomed,

VVho issuing forth shall Dardans Town destroy,

VVith flames consume the lofty Towers of Troy.

Speak better Muses, what wrong'd Deitie

Hath brought on England so much miserie?

VVho has inflamde our English blouds to sheath

Their swords in English breasts, and to make Death

Ride in such triumph; where our English are

The sad attendants of his duskie Car.

VVhen the Assyrians shall be punish'd,

Reg. 7.

God

Fetches no hostile forces from abroad,

But skares the souldiers with a Pannick fright,

And makes Assirians with Assyrians fight:

They on themselves their spleen and malice spend,

Brother kils brother, friend his dearest friend.

[Page] Nor can they bragge of Conquest, as no blade

But their own swords this bloody slaughter made.

We drinke the Dutch downe, and our whoring's more

Then the hot Spaniards, more hard to the poore

Then Iewes we are; blaspheaming, swearing, play,

Our prophanation of the Sabborn day;

Cheating our Neighbour: and we have so many

Religions with us, that we scarce have any.

These sinnes which gliblie we as water drink

Have fil'd the cup of vengeance to the brink,

Iob. 15. 16.

Which God kept still,

Ps. 7. 4.

and would not give command

It should be powred upon Sea and Land

By his revenging Ministers, but would

So order Iustice that Egyptians should

Punish Egyptians:

Apoc. 7.

heare the Prophets tale

How the deluding ruine did prevaile

In wicked Iorams raine,

Isai. 19.

and be bold,

To say Names,

Reg. 3. 32.

changed, of Vs the story told.

Heavens Gates were opend, and a Parliament

Proclaimd concerning England: thither went

The Cherubin, and Seraphin, the Peeres

VVhose constant care it is to volve the spheeres.

Angels, Archangels, Principalities,

The Thrones, Powers, Vertues, Dominations, these

Make the grand Senate, and the VVrit Records;

There's no Lower House, but all of them are Lords.

The Pursuivants, Informers, Goalers waite,

And are attendants; when the Kingdomes State

At VVestminster Assembles, to peach those,

They vote the Common-weales, and Peaces foes.

To take 'em to their stricter Custodie,

VVhen 'tis thought fit by the grave Committee.

So the black fiends to their Creators Grace,

Ingratefull, though they forfeited their place

[Page] In Heaven, yet when like consultations are,

Approach the sacred Court, but stand off far,

From glories throne; and answer questions made

Touching the lives of men with whom they trade:

For did not Satan fully speak his sence,

When God demanded of Iobs innocence?

lob. 1.

The Synod sat, and the Assembly fild,

(Though Heaven is alwayes full) Iehovah wild

One of the Cherubs to relate the Cause

Of their Convokement. After some short pause

A volume is produced, which begins,

And ends with the relation of our sins.

And every page was blotted, every line,

With faults of Peter, Paul, Iohn, Iames, thine, mine,

And all were true; should they have been deni'd,

The Devills would them all have justifi'd.

There was alledg'd we drink the Dutch downe, whore

More then the Spaniard, not releive the poore;

All our dissemblings, and hypocrisies,

Thefts, cheating, swearing, cursing, blasphemies;

How we Religion out the Kingdome fright,

When for opinions, and our sects we fight.

Corruptions in the practise of our lawes;

How many injust Verdicts? and the Cause

By bribes, or favour thrives. A letter can

Corrupt a Iudge, undoe an honest man.

The Tribe of Levi stand before the Bar,

But as their Acts i'th high Commission are

Examin'd; some good Angels undertake

Next Parliament should with them order take.

Th' inditement being at last fully read out,

The Court was silent, and all lookd about;

No Advocate stood up, and if there had

Been some defendant, our Cause was so bad,

[Page] No Rhetorick could availe, God does demand

How he shall chastise this transgressing Land,

The Angels being all mercy would not speak;

When a rude multitude of Devills break

Into the Conclave, and their ready aide

Offering, advise some forraign foe invade

The Land, as had the Danes, and Saxons done,

And Bastard William the whole Kingdome wonne▪

But others judge too slow this punishment,

Therefore think best a pestilence should be sent

Pestilence▪

And in a moment many thousands kill,

And hell with soules, the grave with bodies fill.

A meaguer Elve, whose thin jawes downwards fall,

His teeth appeare,

Famine.

his cheeks no flesh at all

But skin and bones, like some anatomie

You see in Chirurgeons Hall, requests that he

May be chiefe actour in this businesse, and

He would bring Egypts famine on the Land.

And this might seem their fitter punishment;

Whom wealth and plenty had made insolent.

'Midst these debates from the Abisse of hell

(VVhere constant horrour and confusion dwell)

A furie came; who flying through the ayre,

VVith smoake and flashes, and with thunder, tare

Huge Rocks asunder; blasted the green corn,

Gave death to blossomes, kild the fruit new born.

The ruddie tincture from the Roses fled,

The purple violet hung downe his head;

The Heliotrope enamor'd of the Sun

Fearing his love was lost, the world undone▪

Dreading now only an eternall shade,

Pluckt in his glorious colours and decay'd.

Natures vast frame forgets the pristine state,

And all her creatures turn retrogradate.

[Page] So have I seen the boisterous blasts conspire

VVith angry heaven, and the Aetherean fire

By furious whirlwinds and tempestuous weather,

To dammage the whole Vniverse together,

And as the Monster mounted on his way

Towards Heaven, the Sun forgetting it was day

Vnable, or afraid t' endure the fight

Puts out his glorious Taper, and made night.

The Fiend arriv'd at the Olympian Gates

Crav'd audience, and admittance of the States.

Our sins gave easie entrance, (only sinne

Can make the Devill ground on mortals winne)

Admitted, backward from his threatning front,

He twirld the Serpent that hung dangling on't.

And with a hideous Roare uttered these words:

" You Citizens of Sion, and blest Lords

" Constant possessours of that Grace and roome,

" VVhich we have lost by Heavens severest doome,

" You much deliberate; and of your Consults,

" VVhat other benefit, but delay results?

" Have you resolved that the British Land

" Merits chastisement? Does your pleasure stand,

" It shall be punisht? Leave the manner how

" And meanes to me; only doe you allow.

" Nor sword, nor plague, nor famine, but all these

" By my invention shall bring miseries

" More then enough upon this Isle; I aske

" Commission: grant it; then be it my taske

" To act the Minister of Vengeance. VVayes

" I have innumerable: since Adams dayes

" I have couversed with his Of-spring: can

" Tell Arts, how to inveigle foolish Man,

" Make him trrnsgresse the precepts of his God;

" Violate all Lawes, then whip him with a Rod

[Page] " Sharper then Scorpions: bound up by himselfe▪

The Court amaz'd at what the Stygian El [...]e

Had boasted, bid him tell the manner how

Hee'd act it: they would his designes allow.

Nor should he doubt of their most firm assent

It should be voted in the Parliament.

Hell and the Devils capred at these words,

And with a hushing murmure thankt the Lords.

The Fiend erected with such ample Ieave,

Vnfolds how he would his inventions weave.

" I'le strait about the Isle my progresse make

" And with me for my fit associates take

" Suspition, Anger, Hatred, Discontent,

" Murmure, dislike at present Government;

" Envy and Rancour, Feares and Iealousies,

" Open detractions, more close calumnies,

" Conspiracie, Rebellion alwayes quaking

" For feare to be surpriz'd: Treason still waking

" To doe a mischiefe. Griping penury

" Dogging at the heeles of prodigality.

" Ambitious hopes to raise what is decaid,

" And what Peace cannot purchase, by the blade.

" These I'le disperse through the whole Kingdome, and

" Make Sons against their Fathers, Brothers band

" Against their Brothers, when good Abell slain

" Fell down,

Gen. 4▪

I at the elbow stood of Cain.

" Such industries I have, I can set strife

" 'Twixt freind and dearest freind; man and his wife.

" The Nobles, Commons, Gentrie, Il'e inflame

" With such dire furies, that the very name

" Of Peace shall be detested. Death and blood

" To Nobles, Gentry, and the multitude

" Shall be most deare: with violence they shall break

" Ope Ianus Temple, and the Drum shall speak

[Page] " In every Village warre, the Rurall swaine

" Shall leave his tillage, Shepheards leave the plaine:

" The Prentice shall forget what doe you lack?

" And joy to March with iron on his back,

" The Murrion on his head. And to advance,

" The common cause, with Gun, with sword, with launce;

" The Citizen weary of rest, lay down

" The Robe of Peace, his gracefull livery gown;

" Exchange security for doubtfull warres,

" And deem it honour to return with scarres

" From the unnaturall conflict; women shall,

" Animate their husbands by the sword to fall:

" Wives, VViddowes, Virgins, freely give their gold,

" And with their Iewels bloody strifes uphold.

" Though by the warre no other good they reap,

" Then to make VViddowes, VVives, and Virgins cheap,

" Men easily numbred; VViddowes shall be rife,

" And no great businesse then to get a wife.

" Midst these combustions turmoiles, the Glebe Land,

" Shall unmanured and untilled stand.

" The plough shall be neglected, and the corn

" By th'horse hoofe trampled, fade before full born

" 'Tis fit for sickle. Graziers sell away

" Their beasts, lest kept they prove the souldiers pray▪

" Then want and griping penury shall kill

" The wretches that survive, and Church-yards fill

" VVith starved corps; what warre and famine leave,

" Contagious pestilence shall of life bereave.

" So warre, plague, famine, in a league shall joyne

" To serve you, and performe what I designe.

The glorious Senate of the starry Hall

Voted allowance, and confirmed all

The Fiend demanded. So the sacred Court

Dissolves, and every Burges does resort

[Page] To his happy mansion; all the furies play,

And hell triumphing keeps a holy day.

For when their Rivall man suffers annoy

They have some slight, but momentary joy.

The Parliament thus ended, now begins

Our misery, and we may thank our sins,

Or rather curse 'em, that have brought these woes

On England, made our selves domestick foes

Vnto our selves. No fights with France and Spaine,

Though we successive warfare with those twaine

Have lately wagde, issued so large a flood,

As these uncivill broyles of English blood.

One onely Sidney slaine, i'th Belgck fights,

But numbers numberlesse of Lords and Knights

Have perisht in these Conflicts. Let us look

VVith gushing eyes on Linsey, Daubeny, Brook,

Northampton, Denbigh, Greenvill, Grandison,

Should we count all, when would the list be done.

Nor can the Conquerour true Trophees raise,

As mournfull Cipres not triumphant baies

Become the victour, whose felicity

Is purchast, with his Countries misery.

Great Rome abhor'd any triumphant Car

Should grace successes of a Civill VVar;

VVhere so much blood, as might whole Regions get

Pollutes the Chariot, and the Consuls seat.

Have we no doubts of Holland, France, and Spaine?

Are the Irish quiet? No hopes to regain

The Electorall rights? Or will we not? That we

So prodigall in mutuall murthers be?

Our England is a shambles; our selves keep

The Butchershop: and are our selves the sheep.

And when at last we almost all are slain,

VVho'l keep us safe from Holland France and Spain?

[Page] But wee'l leave England weltring in its blood,

Permit Leviathan in the Ocean flood.

To range, and folowing our main intent,

Lift up our eyes to'th spangled firmament;

Where we shall see the Angels, who survaid

By Gods command the Fabrick which he made;

Having past Heaven, the Ayre, the Sea, the Land

At fight of the Ant, in admiration stand.

Are there not other objects to delight,

The Angels contemplation? Does the sight

Of fierce Martichora deterre their view?

Dare they not eye him as he does pursue

Both Man and Beast? This horrid Monster made

By our Step mother, Nature to invade

And murther Mortals; seems a subject more

Worthy their admiration then the poore

Emmet.

Ex Phile. [...] aliis. [...]ich. [...] sacra & humana.

VVhat in his little compound can

In them breed wonder, when't doth not in Man?

But whose more curious pen had yet the power

Rightly to character the Martichore

His formidable shape, strength that exceeds

The greatest Lyons parched Africk breeds.

Body proportioned like that royall Beast

That awes the Forrest, Monarck of the rest.

The head, and face (O strange) just like the head

And face of Man, the skin a Tinto red.

Two slambewes for the eyes, the eye lids flush

Of brisled haire resembles Moyses bush

Still burning,

Exod. 3

not consuming: Eares nor long,

Nor short, tide with a crisped thong

Are still erect. His mouth stands open'd wide,

Three rowes of Teeth, like Combes on either side▪

Insinuate a new Hell, that every houre

Consume, yet alwayes covet to devoure,

[Page] Then in his brushie Taile the wondrous strength,

In magnitude a Cubit, three in length:

With which as some stor'd Magazine well arm'd

He enters battaile, and with fury warm'd

Assailes the Huntsmen, who pursue him; and

Disdaining to be chased▪ makes a stand

And as the Porcupine or Ostrich throwes,

His piercing darts amongst his thickest foes.

So Roman Legions the swift Parthians dread

VVhen as pursu'd, retreating they make head

Against their following foes, and dare assaile

VVith winged shafts flying as stormes of haile

'Midst the condensed Brigades. In such guise

The inraged Monster, with much fury eyes

VVhere he shall shoot, then with innumerous store

Of forked Iavelins, his pursuers gore.

The Taile, his Quiver, and his Bow, which he

Can mannage with such rare dexteritie

This way, that way, backwards and forwards bend,

On every side his dangerous arrowes send,

That no side is secure; more, he will take

His very nailes, and of them weapons make.

Then the bird swifter he, swifter then winde,

VVho ever chac'd him but was left behind?

Miles nor demensions, cannot hinder him,

Come to broad Rivers hee'l leap o're, not swim.

If any Creature would the Angels move

To wonder, here would be a Theame above

The silly Ant. Fond mortall so speak I,

But they are better furnisht to descry

The artifice of the best Makers hand,

And at his workmanship amazed stand.

They see the Causes joynd with the effects,

VVe see the Creatures, and make them the Text▪

[Page] Of some short wonder, but not mount so high

As to the Cause, one onely Deitie.

Who only could in his al-knowing mind

(The true Idea that showes every kind

Of Creatures) first their Natures represent

Vnto himselfe, then being omnipotent

Existence give, store them with qualities

VVhich passe the ignorant, amaze the wise.

This, this eternall Mover had a will

In the small Ant to shew his infinite skill.

And it shall be our better Muses charge

To speake the Angels wonderment at large.

And thinke the subject well deserves our Rimes

When th' Oracles of Learning, and their times

Bazil? and Ierome (what a paire of men)

On the like Theame imploy'd their sacred pen.

'Tis certain there's some more extensive Art

I'th' Fabrick of the World, then of a Part.

Yet as much skill to make a Gnat or Flye,

As to create the ninefold Hierarchy.

Why so? Cannot an Actor merit praise

I'th' Idiots part, as well as he that playes

The haughty Monarch, and at every straine

Expresses Pompey, or great Tamerlane.

According to the bulke we value not

The Artists skill, but truly estimate

Him perfect in his opifice, when he

Makes his expressions just as they should be.

And our great Artist in the silly Ant,

Hath showne more skill then in the Elephant.

Here's a vast body able to containe

And act all functions which he should ordaine.

But in the Pismire how can every sence

Be so compleat, and have their Residence?

[Page] So fit for action, marke the gracefull eyes,

The tast, the smell, the feeling, nimble thighs

Alwayes in motion. Where the Mussicles?

For spleen, gaul, liver, where receptacles?

Yet sure all these are there: the wits the arts

Contain'd, and practis'd in those slender parts

May seem a Prodigie. VVhat vertues crowne

The Ants, with which they easily put downe

Most of our Mortals▪ Prudence, Fortitude,

Religion, scarce knowne of the multitude,

Observ'd exactly in their Common weale

VVhere all are daily labourers, none feele,

Or know what's want. VVorthy to have for sons,

The great Achilles frugall Myrmidons.

Lycurgus gloried that he form'd a State

In Sparta where no loytring Runnagate

VVas to be hir'd to goe on Errands; were

Our Land so fortunate, we should not feare

In travel to be made the Felons prey,

At home to have our goods purloind away.

Now idlenesse hath fild full every Goale,

Made hard necessity so far prevaile

That the every must supply what labour ought;

And late repentance at the Gallowes bought,

Be dearely rated. These combustions have

Planted a Nursery to make fat the Grave,

The Gibbets groane, undoe a flourishing Land;

VVhilst high wayes eccho with the theeves word, stand▪

For what can be expected of such men

Bred up to spoile and rapine in the Den

Of Cacus? loosely dissipating what

By plundering, their, and pillaging was got.

But when the clamour of the Drum shall cease,

And England be made happy with a Peace

[Page] The selfe-same riotous and licentious course

Begun, must be maintained with a worse.

Had not as Rome,

Polib. lib. 1. At large relates the remarkable passages of the Mercenary Warre. And out of him Sir Walter Raleigh in his history of the World.

proud Carthage as great powers▪

As large command at Sea, as lofty Towers;

As populous a Citie, VValls as strong?

In which presuming; they made war so long

VVith mighty Rome, in Sicilie and Spaine,

And as their losse was equall, so their gaine.

Yet when the warres are done and leagues are made,

By Mercinaries, Carthage is betraid;

And their own souldiers ruine Carthage more

Then all the warres they ever wag'd before.

As ceasing Hippo, Tunis, Vtica,

Solliciting disgusted Africa;

They siege the Citie, and the world had seen

Carthage in flames, had not Hamilcar been.

VVill not the cashirde souldiers imitate

Th [...]se stipendiaries, and undoe our State?

VVill not new Spendi and new Mathos rise,

And for Remattos make a sacrifice

Of glorious London? and our Civill Iarres

Conclude at last as theirs with sociall warres?

Men bred in ease, accustomed to spoile

VVill make a booty of their native soile.

And conscious of the mischiefs they have done

(VVith Spendius from his Roman Master run)

Fearing the penall Lawes and Iustice course,

Secure their wicked acts by acting worse.

No such Republick 'mongst the Pismires is,

But every one taught what belongs to his

Duty, performes it cheerfully, and spares

No honest toile, but with much labour cares

To feed the following winter. In one day

VVe consume all, the next look out for prey

[Page] And so we get a booty, never look

How 'tis obtaind, whether by hook or crook.

They hoard up corn, but not as Farmers doe

And covetous Curmudgions, that undoe

The poore and country, to bring out again,

And dearly sell it in a dearth of graine.

But as good souldiers our industrious Ants

Are provident, and skilfull, what sad wants

Follow a winter siege, oppresse a Towne

Beleaguered, in the spring goe up, and downe

In Summer, and in Autumne, bring in grain

And plenteous Ammunition, to maintain

Their Forts and selves besieg'd by raine, haile, Snowes,

Continuall Frosts, (the Emmets yearly foes)

To prevent which, they alwayes carefull are

And keep themselves in a defensive warre.

Nor doe these little creatures alwayes toyle,

That would their bodies and continuance spoyle;

But have some seasons in their Common-wealth

Ordered by nature, to preserve their health;

VVherein they celebrate their wakes, hold fares

And sequestrated from Domestick cares,

Receive each other with much charity,

Offer their vowes to hospitality▪

(A Deity conserving friendship) and

Did we their speech and Commerce understand,

Their friendly colloquies, kind salutations,

Free entertainment, harmlesse recreations;

VVee'd judge ther's more true happinesse, true mirth

In those Meandred Cavernes of the Earth,

Amongst these little Chits, then in the Feasts

Of mighty Potentates, where Royall Guests

Are entertaind with all magnificence;

And much contention to please every sence.

[Page] Marke Antonie, Lucullus, and Apicius;

Never as these made banquets so delicious.

Yet all the Kates which in one meale they eate,

Mounts only to some twenty cornes of wheat.

Fresh River water fild in some Nutshell

Shall quench their thirst, and please 'em wondrous well:

No healths, but hearty draughts walk round about,

For they by rules of nature have found out,

Much drinking hurts the health, empties the purse:

The deadly bane of wisdome; madnesse, nurse,

The fruitfull Mother of fantastick fits,

Broacher of quarrels, deluge of best wits.

Therefore our Ants who much respect their gaine,

Love Peace, are Witty, still preserve their braine.

How else could they keep Marts, labour, have health?

How in such Peace conserve their Common-wealth?

Their Kerimas expired they retire

And rest themselves, till Titans cheerfull fire

Shall warme the world. Then hating nothing more

Then sloth, in thickest Cohorts they explore

The adjacent Regions, and bring forage home:

Some laden are with wheat, with barley some,

And in the way how curteously they meet,

And their deare freinds comming full loaden greet?

Congratulate their labours, civilly,

Decline the path, gently let them passe by?

VVhen as a Coach-man and a Car-man chance

To meet together, both strive to advance

Though one ride empty, th' other full, and all

The streets are cumbred as these Carters braule.

Nay swords sometimes are drawne, and clubs and staves;

And Constables are fetcht to part the knaves,

The coached Madamoisels affrighted crie,

And skipping out take for their sanctuarie

[Page] The nearest shop. Our Ants are better taught,

And empty yeild the way to such who fraught,

With Ammunition travaile. The pert Elves

Venture on burthens bigger then themselves,

And master 'em as forwards, backwards they

Heave at the burthen, and try every way;

Nay when the single strength of one or two

Helps not, they prove what multitudes can doe

Flocking together in condensed bands,

And easily conveigh through many hands

Their wished loade. So have I seen in Spaine

By many Ants, a well-growne Lyzard slaine;

And hurried to their holes. There's not more sport

In Paris Garden, when they set a sort

Of Mastive Dogs upon a single Beare,

And Beare and Dog shall one another teare,

Tug, weary, bite, then when these shall assaile

The Lyzard; seize on sides, back, head and tail,

Here, there stop him, as if he were in nets,

And when with violent force from them he gets,

The gathered multitude trip up his heeles,

Yet still he strives; but as a Drunkard reeles

Stopt by so many, nor can he get far,

So vigilant the Interlopers are▪

Here he falls, there he rises, makes a stand,

(And stand he must) whilst they with their black band

Assault on all sides, and the eager hounds

Following the chase, inflict many slight wounds

VVhich multiplyed, prove fatall: he must yeild

At last, who 'gainst a Myriad fights a field.

VVas it Achilles, or his Myrmidons,

That slew the first and best of Priams sonnes?

'Tis certaine Hector was the better Knight,

But what one man, can with a thousand fight?

[Page] Pharaoh is plagu'd with multitude of Flyes,

And Caesar prickt with many bodkins dies.

The battaile done, and having got the day

They busied are how to dispose the prey▪

The slaughtred corps for winter must provide,

Therefore with skill their Stations they divide.

Heave at the carcasse here, there, every where;

And by degrees to their dark Cavernes beare.

So stones of ponderous weight we often see

Carried with art, and like dexterity,

To repaire Paules. And if the putrifi'd

Corps shall annoy their Garners not well dri'd,

VVith the same skill they bring it forth again

Expose to the ayre, to heate, to cold, to raine,

Vntill at last 'tis season'd and made good,

Then carry it back to make their winter food.

Of which they are so carefull, that no weather,

Shall hinder them their winter crop to gather.

And shame our souldiers that goe out to plunder,

And having got a petty booty, under

Some Taverne, or poore Alehouse roofe devoure

Their naughtily gotten prey in one short houre.

Emmets no more then men immortall are

But sometimes die, yet with more pious care

Then many men, they shall be buryed,

And obsequies performed to the dead.

Vnlesse you see Sir Richard and the Knave

His Clarke; the Sexton that shall dig the grave,

Keep your dead bodies, of them Mummie make:

No needy soules will churlish Charon take

For passengers into his leaking boate,

That are not able to defray their groat.

How many vertues in our Emmets shine?

VVhat providence, what piety? what divine

[Page] Religion? how much charity to men?

As they dig Treasures out the Minerals, then

Hide them in holes with much sollicitude,

Not avaritious but for mankinds good▪

For know amongst the Northerne Indians are

A race of Ants more great, more fit for warre

Then these with us, yet qualifi'd as these

With the same graces, the same industries.

These as laborious as the others spare

No Summer travaile,

Caufin.

but with serious care

Fill Granaries with corne, and in the spring

And Autumne daily Ammunition bring

Against the winter, nor then will they rest,

But digging i'th earths bowels, where the best

Silver and gold lie hid, take out the Ore,

And in their Cells the precious mettalls store.

Calepin.

And knowing how much damage gold do [...]s man,

Hoard up,

Verb. sormic▪

and hide with all the care they can

That strong supporter of uncivill [...]arres

Treasons reward, that sinewes of the warres;

That implement of pride and lawlesse pleasures

Ambitions nurse, suckled by golden treasures

What made great Walstein aime to be a King,

But golden Rivers and a silver spring:

The fomenters and hatchers of all evill,

Albert. Walstone Duke of Freid land. Ferdinand. the [...]conds Generall, making a prey of both Imperials and the enemy, in a short time heaped up infinite Treasures.

The best deserving vassalles of the Devill.

As Caesars Generall, Villages and Townes

He plundered; Nobles, Citizens, and Clownes,

And got such summes that nothing could content

His swelling spirits, but regall government.

What has man got by all the Indian pelfe,

But many talents to undoe himselfe.

Our England, Ireland, Italy, France, Spaine,

Dane, Polak, German, had sufficient gaine

[Page] Before we understood what Inguts were

But when we had full Carracks of them, there

Stept in ambition, and deep Policie

Aimes at an Europian Monarchie

Encourag'd and supported, by that plate

That comes from Peru,

Philip of Macedon was w [...]n [...] to say an Asse loaden with gold, would enter any City.

a most easie gate

To enter Kingdomes (did not Philips Asse

At any time through any City passe)

Where the sword could not? then the world combines

And strong against the house of Austria joynes.

VVhy was the Spaniard rich? why did he bring

The gold from India to undoe his King?

'Twas Charles the fifts wise word, wars had not been

So long in Europe, had not Christians seen

So much of Spanish gold: Monarkes defray

Out their own stock,

Philip 2. Philip 4.

Rebellious souldiers pay

As Philip did, and Philips sonne hath lost

The Netherlanders, yet was at the cost

To loose 'em. And sad warre shall never cease

Either by Conquest or a happy Peace,

So long as King and States find any Coyne

To maintaine warre. The Chieftaines shall combine

On either side: here they shall loose, gaine there;

This yeare the States shall winne, the King next yeare.

The pay-masters defraud the Captains, they

Cheat with false musters them; and of their pay

The souldiers, All the Mines of Potasie,

Cannot content the avarice of these three.

Else how should they maintaine themselves? how keep

Their wenches, goe so gallant, play, drink deep?

Meane while the Nobles, Peasants, Citizens

Fast and doe pennance for the souldiers sins.

But now a mighty inundation comes

Vpon the Hesperean Monark, 'as his summes

[Page] Exhausted, every smaller Bird resumes

His propper feathers from the Austrian plumes.

The Pythagorean Schollers dare divine

And Monarchies, and Common-weales consigne

To some fixt space, which ended they decay,

And in their Empires others beare the sway.

Revolve the Chronicles, sixe vultures flow

On either side of Romulus, to shew

Rome should six hundreth yeares like some new Moon

Be still augmenting, and those ages run;

Six hundreth yeares Rome daily should goe downe,

Vntill at last shee lost the Imperiall Crowne.

Let us come nearer. Meronius Race

Shall rule two hundreth thirty eight yeares space,

Then Pepin, and his Martialists shall come,

And inthroniz'd accomplish the same summe.

VVhich made compleat, nor past, they are cast downe;

And Capet, Valois, Burbon weare the Crown?

Are times expired, are the moments run?

Must the Hesperean Monarchy be done,

Must other Nations in his Empire come,

Give Lawes to more then halfe our Christendome?

Great Richelieu that Cardinall of France,

Vindex revolting from Nero is observed to roule the first stone, which thrust Nero out the Empire. Tacitus.

VVith Spaines destruction striving to advance

The French affaires, as Vindex roules a stone

Likely to justle Caesar out his Throne.

This haughty Prelate like the Ivie growes

About the Mother Queen, and overthrowes

The Tree which gave him strength. (So many rise

By those of whom they make a sacrifice)

(VVe daily see so much) preferd by her

To th' King, and sworne a Privy Counsellour:

As Hannibal, vowes an eternall hate

Against the Spaniard, and chiefe Potentate

[Page] Of Germany. Can such soules that should be

The Thrones of Love, Temples of Lenitie

Conceive such fires? can Church-men who should breath

The Oracles of Peace, speak blood and death?

And make our world a new Calvaria; fild

With skuls of Gentry, and Plebeians kild.

Nay one great Monark to supply a roome,

The King of Swedeland.

Vouchsafes amongst the rest to have his tombe▪

Say (Mary) why hast thou this fire-brand hurld

Amongst us to consume the wretched World?

Mary Medises Queen of France, the raiser of Cardinall Ric helieu, and by him made forsake the Kingdome.

Blood was shed fast enough. Why didst thou goe,

And fetch a fury from the depths below;

To make the world a shambles? But thy sins

Are well rewarded, as he first begins

With thy confusion: makes thee a Runnagate,

[...] in this Kindome, and that State.

So Agrippine will have her Nero raigne,

Though as he swayes his Mother shall be slaine.

Imperiall Cities are sollicited,

The Princes, the Electours, and the Swede,

Lewes and Adolph in strong leagues shall joyn

To share Beme, Austria, Franconie, and Rhine.

The couquering Swede shall think't a point of State

Not to surrender the Palatinate:

(Although he had ingag'd his Royall word,

Such small fidelity attends the sword.)

VVhat pen can write how many plagues invade

Afflicted Germany? Fire, Famine, Blade,

And pestilence. Ride forty leagues, and you

Shall scarce a Village or a Cottage view.

I'th' way lie many famish'd corps, that are

The bleeding Test [...] of an inhumane warre.

England reflect and feare 'twill be thy fate

To be as Germany so unfortunate,

[Page] Vnlesse the sager Councels of our King

And Parliament a mediation bring;

And make our Albion happy. VVhy should we

(The same blood, Language, Land) so cruell be

Vnto ovr selves▪ at last when all is done,

The Sonne shall grieve his Father is undone:

The Father that his Sonne is slaine; the Mother

Abhorre her Sonne because he kild his Brother▪

Saturity of Bread, long ease, much pelfe,

Makes wanton England fight against it selfe.

VVhat France and Spaine could not, abundant store

Of gold, has made us miserablie poore.

Therefore our Indian Ants in love to man

Treasure up gold, and with what art they can

Keep't from us, that the ready impliments

Of strife remov'd, we buy not penitence

At too deare rates. Yet all their industry,

Cannot prevent their neighbours treachery.

For when Sol mounted high on Le [...]'s back,

Or pressing Virgo through the Zodiak

Shall drive his steeds▪ and with his scorching fire,

Cause the laborious Emmets to retire

Vnto their Cells: the false inhabitants

Of Darda steale the treasure of our Ants

Hid in remoter Magazins, but they

Knowing by th' sent the theeves have made a prey

Of their concealed wealth, like eager hounds

Pursue the flying Felons, and with wounds

Recover the lost booty, then returne

(Their gold amongst them, in much Triumph borne.)

The Conclusion.

WHen the Angels had the ample world survaid,

And here and there in much amazement staid,

[Page] " They all agreeing one sole Deitie

Could of so rare a work the workman be▪

" One added 'twere a Luciferian pride

" VVhat's wanting, what's superfluous to decide;

" Since he made all whose wisdome best could see,

" VVhat, and how fashion'd, things he made, should be.

" Yet since we have a freedome to unfold

" Our sence, had I been Counsellour I would

" Have had a voice, more audible and higher

" Then of that Trump, which when a generall fire

" Consumes the world, shall summon soules to come

" To judgement; and receive their latest doome.

" This every day and houre should walke the round

" O'th' spatious Globe, and to the creatures sound

" The praise of their Creatour; with what art

" He made the world, and polisht every part.

" How Heaven and Earth at his appointment stand,

" Supported with a finger of his hand.

" How he the watry Meteors, snowes, hailes, raines

" I'th' aiery Regions, with a word sustaines;

" Gives limits to the swelling Ocean:Note: Iob. then

" Extoll his works amongst the sonnes of men.

" His orderd providence, supreamer love,

" Even to his enemies: as from above,

" He sent his only Sonne to pay the price

" Of Adams debt, and be a sacrifice

" For mans transgression; with his pretious bloud

" Purchast for sinfull man, Beatitude.

" So shall the learned and unlearned know,

" VVhence, why, and how the streames of graces flow,

" And wakened by this voice, their spirits raise,

" And be the Organs of their Makers praise▪

" Having spoke thus a Seraphin replies,

" If this were granted, I would then advise

[Page] " The VVarlike Drum eternally should cease,

" And the world gently lul'd asleep by Peace.

" The noyse of warre being like the noise of hell,

" (VVhere constant horrour and confusion dwell.)Note: Iob. 7.

" VVhere Eccho Drums, and Guns, and Trumpets sound;

" Th' harmonious streines of Piety are drownd.

" VVe all love man, let's at Iehovah's Throne

" Petition, hee'd all differences attone.

" And Kings and Common-weales to union bring,

" That all may joyntly Allelujahs sing

" In Heaven; where are no jarres, no warres, no strife,

" But full fruition of a blessed life.

Errata.

PAge 9. line 16. for deluding ruine, read deluding spirit. Ibid. for Iorams raigne, read Iorams ruine.

FINIS.

Information about this book

Title statement

The Sad condition of a distracted kingdome, expressed, in a fable of Philo the Jew

Edition statement

1645

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2004-08 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A54808

ID [STC]

Wing P2130

ID [STC]

ESTC R40672

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

19501527

ID [OCLC]

ocm 19501527

ID [VID]

108899

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Early English books online.

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A54808)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 108899)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1675:20)

Source

— The Sad condition of a distracted kingdome, expressed, in a fable of Philo the Jew, Philo, of Alexandria., Rivers, J. A. (John Abbot).

Extent

[4], 31 p.

Printed by B.A.,. London :: 1645.. (Attributed to Judaeus Philo by Wing.) (Dedication signed: A. Rivers.) (Errata: p. 31.) (Reproduction of original in the Huntington Library.) (Includes bibliographical references.)

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