FOOTNOTES:

[264] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[265] Dyce remarks that Marlowe's copy had "ales mihi missus" for "imitatrix ales."

[266] So Dyce for "goodly" of the old eds. ("piae volucres").

[267] Shrill.

[268] So Dyce for "not" of the old eds.

[269] So Dyce for "It is as great."

[270] "Miluus."

[271] "Graculus."

[272] Old eds. "crowes."

[273] Old eds. "words."

[274] Marlowe was very weak in Latin prosedy. The original has "manibus rapiuntur avaris."

[275] Old eds. "goodly" ("pias volueres").



ELEGIA VII.[276]

Amicae se purgat, quod ancillam non amet.

Dost me of new crimes always guilty frame? To overcome, so oft to fight I shame. If on the marble theatre I look, One among many is, to grieve thee, took. If some fair wench me secretly behold, Thou arguest she doth secret marks unfold. If I praise any, thy poor hairs thou tearest; If blame, dissembling of my fault thou fearest. If I look well, thou think'st thou dost not move, If ill, thou say'st I die for others' love. 10 Would I were culpable of some offence, They that deserve pain, bear't with patience. Now rash accusing, and thy vain belief, Forbid thine anger to procure my grief. Lo, how the miserable great-eared ass, Dulled with much beating, slowly forth doth pass! Behold Cypassis, wont to dress thy head, Is charged to violate her mistress' bed! The gods from this sin rid me of suspicion, To like a base wench of despised condition. 20 With Venus' game who will a servant grace? Or any back, made rough with stripes, embrace? Add she was diligent thy locks to braid, And, for her skill, to thee a grateful maid. Should I solicit her that is so just,— To take repulse, and cause her show my lust? I swear by Venus, and the winged boy's bow, Myself unguilty of this crime I know.

FOOTNOTES:

[276] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.



ELEGIA VIII.[277]

Ad Cypassim ancillam Corinnae.

Cypassis, that a thousand ways trim'st hair, Worthy to kemb none but a goddess fair, Our pleasant scapes show thee no clown to be, Apt to thy mistress, but more apt to me. Who that our bodies were comprest bewrayed? Whence knows Corinna that with thee I played? Yet blushed I not, nor used I any saying, That might be urged to witness our false playing. What if a man with bondwomen offend, To prove him foolish did I e'er contend? 10 Achilles burnt with face of captive Briseis, Great Agamemnon loved his servant Chryseis.[278] Greater than these myself I not esteem: What graced kings, in me no shame I deem. But when on thee her angry eyes did rush, In both thy[279] cheeks she did perceive thee[280] blush. But being present,[281] might that work the best, By Venus deity how did I protest! Thou goddess dost command a warm south blast, My self oaths in Carpathian seas to cast. 20 For which good turn my sweet reward repay, Let me lie with thee, brown Cypass, to-day. Ungrate, why feign'st new fears, and dost refuse? Well may'st thou one thing for thy mistress use.[282] If thou deniest, fool, I'll our deeds express, And as a traitor mine own faults confess; Telling thy mistress where I was with thee, How oft, and by what means, we did agree.

FOOTNOTES:

[277] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[278] "Serva Phoebas" (i.e. Cassandra).

[279] Old eds. "my."

[280] So ed. B.—Ed. C "the."

[281]

"At quanto, si forte refers, praesentior ipse, Per Veneris feci numina magna fidem."

[282] The original has "Unum est e dominis emeruisse satis."



ELEGIA IX.[283]

Ad Cupidinem.

O Cupid, that dost never cease my smart! O boy, that liest so slothful in my heart! Why me that always was the soldier found, Dost harm, and in thy[284] tents why dost me wound? Why burns thy brand, why strikes thy bow thy friends? More glory by thy vanquished foes ascends. Did not Pelides whom his spear did grieve, Being required, with speedy help relieve? Hunters leave taken beasts, pursue the chase, And than things found do ever further pace. 10 We people wholly given thee, feel thine-arms, Thy dull hand stays thy striving enemies' harms. Dost joy to have thy hooked arrows shaked In naked bones? love hath my bones left naked. So many men and maidens without love, Hence with great laud thou may'st a triumph move. Rome, if her strength the huge world had not filled, With strawy cabins now her courts should build. The weary soldier hath the conquered fields, His sword, laid by, safe, tho' rude places yields;[285] 20 The dock inharbours ships drawn from the floods, Horse freed from service range abroad the woods. And time it was for me to live in quiet, That have so oft served pretty wenches' diet. Yet should I curse a God, if he but said, "Live without love," so sweet ill is a maid. For when my loathing it of heat deprives me, I know not whither my mind's whirlwind drives me. Even as a headstrong courser bears away His rider, vainly striving him to stay; 30 Or as a sudden gale thrusts into sea The haven-touching bark, now near the lea; So wavering Cupid brings me back amain, And purple Love resumes his darts again. Strike, boy, I offer thee my naked breast, Here thou hast strength, here thy right hand doth rest. Here of themselves thy shafts come, as if shot; Better than I their quiver knows them not: Hapless is he that all the night lies quiet. And slumbering, thinks himself much blessed by it. 40 Fool, what is sleep but image of cold death, Long shalt thou rest when Fates expire thy breath. But me let crafty damsel's words deceive, Great joys by hope I inly shall conceive. Now let her flatter me, now chide me hard, Let me[286] enjoy her oft, oft be debarred. Cupid, by thee, Mars in great doubt doth trample, And thy stepfather fights by thy example. Light art thou, and more windy than thy wings; Joys with uncertain faith thou tak'st and brings: 50 Yet Love, if thou with thy fair mother hear, Within my breast no desert empire bear; Subdue the wandering wenches to thy reign, So of both people shalt thou homage gain.

FOOTNOTES:

[283] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[284] So ed. B.—Ed. C "my."

[285] In some strange fashion Marlowe has mistaken the substantive "rudis" (the staff received by the gladiator on his discharge) with the adjective "rudis" (rude). The original has "Tutaque deposito poscitur ense rudis."

[286] Old eds. "Let her enjoy me;" but the original has "Saepe fruar domina."



ELEGIA X.

Ad Graecinum quod eodem tempore duas amet.

Graecinus (well I wot) thou told'st me once, I could not be in love with two at once; By thee deceived, by thee surprised am I, For now I love two women equally: Both are well favoured, both rich in array, Which is the loveliest[287] it is hard to say: This seems the fairest, so doth that to me; And[288] this doth please me most, and so doth she; Even as a boat tossed by contrary wind, So with this love and that wavers my mind. 10 Venus, why doublest thou my endless smart? Was not one wench enough to grieve my heart? Why add'st thou stars to heaven, leaves to green woods, And to the deep[289] vast sea fresh water-floods? Yet this is better far than lie alone: Let such as be mine enemies have none; Yea, let my foes sleep in an empty bed, And in the midst their bodies largely spread: But may soft[290] love rouse up my drowsy eyes, And from my mistress' bosom let me rise! 20 Let one wench cloy me with sweet love's delight, If one can do't; if not, two every night. Though I am slender, I have store of pith, Nor want I strength, but weight, to press her with: Pleasure adds fuel to my lustful fire, I pay them home with that they most desire: Oft have I spent the night in wantonness, And in the morn been lively ne'ertheless, He's happy who Love's mutual skirmish slays; And to the gods for that death Ovid prays. 30 Let soldiers[291] chase their enemies amain, And with their blood eternal honour gain, Let merchants seek wealth and[292] with perjured lips, Being wrecked, carouse the sea tired by their ships; But when I die, would I might droop with doing, And in the midst thereof, set[293] my soul going, That at my funerals some may weeping cry, "Even as he led his life, so did he die."

FOOTNOTES:

[287] "Artibus in dubio est haec sit an illa prior." Dyce suggests that Marlowe read "Artubus."

[288] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[289] Eds. B, C, "vast deep sea."

[290] The original has "saevus" (for which Marlowe seems to have read "suavis").

[291] Isham copy and ed. A "souldiour ... his," and in the next line "his blood."

[292] So Cunningham for—

"Let merchants seek wealth with perjured lips And being wrecked," &c.

[293] So Isham copy and eds. B, C—Ed. A "let."



ELEGIA XI.[294]

Ad amicam navigantem.

The lofty pine, from high Mount Pelion raught,[295] Ill ways by rough seas wondering waves first taught; Which rashly 'twixt the sharp rocks in the deep, Carried the famous golden-fleeced sheep. O would that no oars might in seas have sunk! The Argo[296] wrecked had deadly waters drunk. Lo, country gods and know[n] bed to forsake Corinna means, and dangerous ways to take. For thee the East and West winds make me pale, With icy Boreas, and the Southern gale. 10 Thou shalt admire no woods or cities there, The unjust seas all bluish do appear. The ocean hath no painted stones or shells, The sucking[297] shore with their abundance swells. Maids on the shore, with marble-white feet tread, So far 'tis safe; but to go farther, dread. Let others tell how winds fierce battles wage, How Scylla's and Charybdis' waters rage; And with what rock[s] the feared Ceraunia threat; In what gulf either Syrtes have their seat. 20 Let others tell this, and what each one speaks Believe; no tempest the believer wreaks.[298] Too late you look back, when with anchors weighed, The crooked bark hath her swift sails displayed. The careful shipman now fears angry gusts, And with the waters sees death near him thrusts. But if that Triton toss the troubled flood, In all thy face will be no crimson blood. Then wilt thou Leda's noble twin-stars pray, And, he is happy whom the earth holds, say. 30 It is more safe to sleep, to read a book, The Thracian harp with cunning to have strook. But if my words with winged storm hence slip, Yet, Galatea, favour thou her ship. The loss of such a wench much blame will gather, Both to the sea-nymphs and the sea-nymphs' father. Go, minding to return with prosperous wind, Whose blast may hither strongly be inclined. Let Nereus bend the waves unto this shore, Hither the winds blow, here the spring-tide roar. 40 Request mild Zephyr's help for thy avail, And with thy hand assist thy swelling sail. I from the shore thy known ship first will see, And say it brings her that preserveth me. I'll clip[299] and kiss thee with all contentation; For thy return shall fall the vowed oblation; And in the form of beds we'll strew soft sand; Each little hill shall for a table stand: There, wine being filled, thou many things shalt tell, How, almost wrecked, thy ship in main seas fell. 50 And hasting to me, neither darksome night, Nor violent south-winds did thee aught affright, I'll think all true, though it be feigned matter! Mine own desires why should myself not flatter? Let the bright day-star cause in heaven this day be, To bring that happy time so soon as may be.

FOOTNOTES:

[294] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[295] "Caesa."

[296] Old eds. "Argos."

[297] "Bibuli litoris illa mora est."

[298] Dyce was doubtless right in supposing "wreaks" to be used metri causa for "wrecks." Cunningham wanted to give the meaning "recks;" but that meaning does not suit the context. The original has "credenti nulla procella nocet."

[299] "Excipiamque humeris."



ELEGIA XII.[300]

Exultat, quod amica potitus sit.

About my temples go, triumphant bays! Conquered Corinna in my bosom lays. She whom her husband, guard, and gate, as foes, Lest art should win her, firmly did enclose: That victory doth chiefly triumph merit, Which without bloodshed doth the prey inherit. No little ditched towns, no lowly walls, But to my share a captive damsel falls. When Troy by ten years' battle tumbled down, With the Atrides many gained renown: 10 But I no partner of my glory brook, Nor can another say his help I took. I, guide and soldier, won the field and wear her, I was both horseman, footman, standard-bearer. Nor in my act hath fortune mingled chance: O care-got[301] triumph hitherwards advance! Nor is my war's cause new; but for a queen, Europe and Asia in firm peace had been; The Lapiths and the Centaurs, for a woman, To cruel arms their drunken selves did summon; 20 A woman forced the Trojans new to enter Wars, just Latinus, in thy kingdom's centre; A woman against late-built Rome did send The Sabine fathers, who sharp wars intend. I saw how bulls for a white heifer strive, She looking on them did more courage give. And me with many, but me[302] without murther, Cupid commands to move his ensigns further.

FOOTNOTES:

[300] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[301] "Cura parte triumphe mea."

[302] Ed. B "but yet me."—Ed. C "but yet without."



ELEGIA XIII.[303]

Ad Isidem, ut parientem Corinnam servet.

While rashly her womb's burden she casts out, Weary Corinna hath her life in doubt. She, secretly from[304] me, such harm attempted, Angry I was, but fear my wrath exempted. But she conceived of me; or I am sure I oft have done what might as much procure. Thou that frequent'st Canopus' pleasant fields, Memphis, and Pharos that sweet date-trees yields, And where swift Nile in his large channel skipping,[305] By seven huge mouths into the sea is slipping. 10 By feared Anubis' visage I thee pray,— So in thy temples shall Osiris stay, And the dull snake about thy offerings creep, And in thy pomp horned Apis with thee keep,— Turn thy looks hither, and in one spare twain: Thou givest my mistress life, she mine again. She oft hath served thee upon certain days, Where the French[306] rout engirt themselves with bays. On labouring women thou dost pity take, Whose bodies with their heavy burdens ache; 20 My wench, Lucina, I entreat thee favour; Worthy she is, thou should'st in mercy save her. In white, with incense, I'll thine altars greet, Myself will bring vowed gifts before thy feet, Subscribing Naso with Corinna saved: Do but deserve gifts with this title graved. But, if in so great fear I may advise thee, To have this skirmish fought let it suffice thee.

FOOTNOTES:

[303] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[304] Old eds. "with," which must be a printer's error. (The original has "clam me.")

[305] Old eds. "slipping."

[306] "Gallica turma" (i.e. the company of Galli, the priests of Isis).



ELEGIA XIV.[307]

In amicam, quod abortivum ipsa fecerit.

What helps it woman to be free from war, Nor, being armed, fierce troops to follow far, If without battle self-wrought wounds annoy them. And their own privy-weaponed hands destroy them Who unborn infants first to slay invented, Deserved thereby with death to be tormented. Because thy belly should rough wrinkles lack, Wilt thou thy womb-inclosed offspring wrack? Had ancient mothers this vile custom cherished, All human kind by their default[308] had perished; 10 Or[309] stones, our stock's original should be hurled, Again, by some, in this unpeopled world. Who should have Priam's wealthy substance won, If watery Thetis had her child fordone? In swelling womb her twins had Ilia killed, He had not been that conquering Rome bid build. Had Venus spoiled her belly's Trojan fruit, The earth of Caesars had been destitute. Thou also that wert born fair, had'st decayed, If such a work thy mother had assayed. 20 Myself, that better die with loving may, Had seen, my mother killing me, no[310] day. Why tak'st increasing grapes from vinetrees full? With cruel hand why dost green apples pull? Fruits ripe will fall; let springing things increase; Life is no light price of a small surcease.[311] Why with hid irons are your bowels torn? And why dire poison give you babes unborn? At Colchis, stained with children's blood, men rail, And mother-murdered Itys they[312] bewail. 30 Both unkind parents; but, for causes sad, Their wedlocks' pledges[313] venged their husbands bad. What Tereus, what Iaeson you provokes, To plague your bodies with such harmful strokes? Armenian tigers never did so ill, Nor dares the lioness her young whelps kill. But tender damsels do it, though with pain; Oft dies she that her paunch-wrapt[314] child hath slain: She dies, and with loose hairs to grave is sent, And whoe'er see her, worthily[315] lament. 40 But in the air let these words come to naught, And my presages of no weight be thought. Forgive her, gracious gods, this one delict, And on the next fault punishment inflict.

FOOTNOTES:

[307] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[308] "Vitio."

[309] Old eds. "On."

[310] Old eds. "to-day."

[311] "Est pretium parvae non leve vita morae."

[312] Dyce's suggestion for "thee" of the old eds. The original has "Aque sua caesum matre queruntur Ityn."

[313]

"Sed tristibus utraque causis Jactura socii sanguinis ulta virum."

[314] An inelegant translation of "Saepe suos uteros quae necat ipse perit."

[315] Marlowe has given a meaning the very opposite of the original—"Et clamant 'Merito' qui modo cumque vident."



ELEGIA XV.[316]

Ad annulum, quem dono amicae dedit.

Thou ring that shalt my fair girl's finger bind, Wherein is seen the giver's loving mind: Be welcome to her, gladly let her take thee, And, her small joints encircling, round hoop make thee. Fit her so well, as she is fit for me, And of just compass for her knuckles be. Blest ring, thou in my mistress' hand shall lie, Myself, poor wretch, mine own gifts now envy. O would that suddenly into my gift, I could myself by secret magic shift! 10 Then would I wish thee touch my mistress' pap, And hide thy left hand underneath her lap, I would get off, though strait and sticking fast, And in her bosom strangely fall at last. Then I, that I may seal her privy leaves, Lest to the wax the hold-fast dry gem cleaves, Would first my beauteous wench's moist lips touch; Only I'll sign naught that may grieve me much. I would not out, might I in one place hit: But in less compass her small fingers knit. 20 My life! that I will shame thee never fear, Or be[317] a load thou should'st refuse to bear. Wear me, when warmest showers thy members wash, And through the gem let thy lost waters pash, But seeing thee, I think my thing will swell, And even the ring perform a man's part well. Vain things why wish I? go, small gift, from hand; Let her my faith, with thee given, understand.

FOOTNOTES:

[316] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[317] Old eds. "by."



ELEGIA XVI.[318]

Ad amicam, ut ad rura sua veniat.

Sulmo, Peligny's third part, me contains, A small, but wholesome soil with watery veins, Although the sun to rive[319] the earth incline, And the Icarian froward dog-star shine; Pelignian fields with liquid rivers flow, And on the soft ground fertile green grass grow; With corn the earth abounds, with vines much more, And some few pastures Pallas' olives bore; And by the rising herbs, where clear springs slide, A grassy turf the moistened earth doth hide. 10 But absent is my fire; lies I'll tell none, My heat is here, what moves my heat is gone. Pollux and Castor, might I stand betwixt, In heaven without thee would I not be fixt. Upon the cold earth pensive let them lay, That mean to travel some long irksome way. Or else will maidens young men's mates to go, If they determine to persever so. Then on the rough Alps should I tread aloft, My hard way with my mistress would seem soft. 20 With her I durst the Libyan Syrts break through, And raging seas in boisterous south-winds plough. No barking dogs, that Scylla's entrails bear, Nor thy gulfs, crook'd Malea, would I fear. No flowing waves with drowned ships forth-poured By cloyed Charybdis, and again devoured. But if stern Neptune's windy power prevail, And waters' force force helping Gods to fail, With thy white arms upon my shoulders seize; So sweet a burden I will bear with ease. 30 The youth oft swimming to his Hero kind, Had then swum over, but the way was blind. But without thee, although vine-planted ground Contains me; though the streams the[320] fields surround; Though hinds in brooks the running waters bring, And cool gales shake the tall trees' leafy spring; Healthful Peligny, I esteem naught worth, Nor do I like the country of my birth. Scythia, Cilicia, Britain are as good, And rocks dyed crimson with Prometheus' blood. 40 Elms love the vines; the vines with elms abide, Why doth my mistress from me oft divide? Thou swear'dst,[321] division should not twixt us rise, By me, and by my stars, thy radiant eyes; Maids' words more vain and light than falling leaves, Which, as it seems, hence wind and sea bereaves. If any godly care of me thou hast, Add deeds unto thy promises at last. And with swift nags drawing thy little coach (Their reins let loose), right soon my house approach. 50 But when she comes, you[322] swelling mounts, sink down, And falling valleys be the smooth ways' crown.[323]

FOOTNOTES:

[318] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[319] "Findat."

[320] Ed. B "in fields."—Ed. C "in field."

[321] Old eds. "swearest."

[322] Old eds. "your."

[323] "Et faciles curvis vallibus este viae."



ELEGIA XVII.[324]

Quod Corinnae soli sit serviturus.

To serve a wench if any think it shame, He being judge, I am convinced of blame. Let me be slandered, while my fire she hides, That Paphos, and[325] flood-beat Cythera guides. Would I had been my mistress' gentle prey, Since some fair one I should of force obey. Beauty gives heart; Corinna's looks excell; Ay me, why is it known to her so well? But by her glass disdainful pride she learns, Nor she herself, but first trimmed up, discerns. 10 Not though thy face in all things make thee reign, (O face, most cunning mine eyes to detain!) Thou ought'st therefore to scorn me for thy mate, Small things with greater may be copulate. Love-snared Calypso is supposed to pray A mortal nymph's[326] refusing lord to stay. Who doubts, with Peleus Thetis did consort, Egeria with just Numa had good sport. Venus with Vulcan, though, smith's tools laid by, With his stump foot he halts ill-favouredly. 20 This kind of verse is not alike; yet fit, With shorter numbers the heroic sit. And thou, my light, accept me howsoever; Lay in the mid bed, there be my lawgiver. My stay no crime, my flight no joy shall breed, Nor of our love, to be ashamed we need. For great revenues I good verses have, And many by me to get glory crave. I know a wench reports herself Corinne; What would not she give that fair name to win? 30 But sundry floods in one bank never go, Eurotas cold, and poplar-bearing Po; Nor in my books shall one but thou be writ, Thou dost alone give matter to my wit.

FOOTNOTES:

[324] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[325] Old eds. "and the."

[326] Marlowe reads "nymphae" for "nymphe."



ELEGIA XVIII.[327]

Ad Macrum, quod de amoribus scribat.

To tragic verse while thou Achilles train'st, And new sworn soldiers' maiden arms retain'st, We, Macer, sit in Venus' slothful shade, And tender love hath great things hateful made. Often at length, my wench depart I bid, She in my lap sits still as erst she did. I said, "It irks me:" half to weeping framed, "Ay me!" she cries, "to love why art ashamed?" Then wreathes about my neck her winding arms, And thousand kisses gives, that work my harms: 10 I yield, and back my wit from battles bring, Domestic acts, and mine own wars to sing. Yet tragedies, and sceptres fill'd my lines, But though I apt were for such high designs, Love laughed at my cloak, and buskins painted, And rule, so soon with private hands acquainted. My mistress' deity also drew me fro it, And love triumpheth o'er his buskined poet. What lawful is, or we profess love's art: (Alas, my precepts turn myself to smart!) 20 We write, or what Penelope sends Ulysses, Or Phillis' tears that her Demophoon misses. What thankless Jason, Macareus, and Paris, Phedra, and Hippolyte may read, my care is. And what poor Dido, with her drawn sword sharp, Doth say, with her that loved the Aonian harp. As[328] soon as from strange lands Sabinus came, And writings did from divers places frame, White-cheeked Penelope knew Ulysses' sign, The step-dame read Hippolytus' lustless line. 30 AEneas to Elisa answer gives, And Phillis hath to read, if now she lives. Jason's sad letter doth Hypsipyle greet; Sappho her vowed harp lays at Phoebus' feet. Nor of thee, Macer, that resound'st forth arms, Is golden love hid in Mars' mid alarms. There Paris is, and Helen's crimes record, With Laodamia, mate to her dead lord, Unless I err to these thou more incline, Than wars, and from thy tents wilt come to mine. 40

FOOTNOTES:

[327] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[328] The original has "Quam cito de toto rediit meus orbe Sabinus," &c.



ELEGIA XIX.[329]

Ad rivalem cui uxor curae non erat.

Fool, if to keep thy wife thou hast no need, Keep her from me, my more desire to breed; We scorn things lawful; stolen sweets we affect; Cruel is he that loves whom none protect. Let us, both lovers, hope and fear alike, And may repulse place for our wishes strike.[330] What should I do with fortune that ne'er fails me? Nothing I love that at all times avails me. Wily Corinna saw this blemish in me, And craftily knows by what means to win me. 10 Ah, often, that her hale[331] head ached, she lying, Willed me, whose slow feet sought delay, be flying! Ah, oft, how much she might, she feigned offence; And, doing wrong, made show of innocence. So, having vexed, she nourished my warm fire, And was again most apt to my desire. To please me, what fair terms and sweet words has she! Great gods! what kisses, and how many ga'[332] she! Thou also that late took'st mine eyes away, Oft cozen[333] me, oft, being wooed, say nay; 20 And on thy threshold let me lie dispread, Suff'ring much cold by hoary night's frost bred. So shall my love continue many years; This doth delight me, this my courage cheers. Fat love, and too much fulsome, me annoys, Even as sweet meat a glutted stomach cloys. In brazen tower had not Danaee dwelt, A mother's joy by Jove she had not felt. While Juno Ioe keeps, when horns she wore, Jove liked her better than he did before. 30 Who covets lawful things takes leaves from woods, And drinks stolen waters in surrounding floods. Her lover let her mock that long will reign: Ay me, let not my warnings cause my pain! Whatever haps, by sufferance harm is done, What flies I follow, what follows me I shun. But thou, of thy fair damsel too secure, Begin to shut thy house at evening sure. Search at the door who knocks oft in the dark, In night's deep silence why the ban-dogs[334] bark. 40 Whither[335] the subtle maid lines[336] brings and carries, Why she alone in empty bed oft tarries. Let this care sometimes bite thee to the quick, That to deceits it may me forward prick. To steal sands from the shore he loves a-life[337] That can affect[338] a foolish wittol's wife. Now I forewarn, unless to keep her stronger Thou dost begin, she shall be mine no longer. Long have I borne much, hoping time would beat thee To guard her well, that well I might entreat thee.[339] 50 Thou suffer'st what no husband can endure, But of my love it will an end procure. Shall I, poor soul, be never interdicted? Nor never with night's sharp revenge afflicted. In sleeping shall I fearless draw my breath? Wilt nothing do, why I should wish thy death? Can I but loathe a husband grown a bawd? By thy default thou dost our joys defraud. Some other seek that may in patience strive with thee, To pleasure me, forbid me to corrive with thee.[340] 60

FOOTNOTES:

[329] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[330] "Et faciat voto rara repulsa locum."

[331] Old eds, "haole"—The construction is not plain without a reference to the original:—

"Ah, quotiens sani capitis mentita dolores, Cunctantem tardo jussit abire pede."

[332] So Dyce for "gave" of the old eds.

[333] The reading of the original is "Saepe time insidias."

[334] Dogs tied up on account of their fierceness.

[335] Old eds. "Whether" (a common form of "whither").

[336] "Tabellas."

[337] As dearly as life.

[338] Old eds. "effect."

[339]

"Multa diuque tuli; speravi saepe futurum Cum bene servasses ut bene verba darem."

[340] "Me tibi rivalem si juvat esse, veta."



P. OVIDII MASONIS AMORUM.

LIBER TERTIUS.



ELEGIA I.[341]

Deliberatio poetae, utrum elegos pergat scribere an potius tragoedias.

An old wood stands, uncut of long years' space, 'Tis credible some godhead[342] haunts the place. In midst thereof a stone-paved sacred spring, Where round about small birds most sweetly sing. Here while I walk, hid close in shady grove, To find what work my muse might move, I strove, Elegia came with hairs perfumed sweet, And one, I think, was longer, of her feet: A decent form, thin robe, a lover's look, By her foot's blemish greater grace she took. 10 Then with huge steps came violent Tragedy, Stern was her front, her cloak[343] on ground did lie. Her left hand held abroad a regal sceptre, The Lydian buskin [in] fit paces kept her. And first she[344] said, "When will thy love be spent, O poet careless of thy argument? Wine-bibbing banquets tell thy naughtiness, Each cross-way's corner doth as much express. Oft some points at the prophet passing by, And, 'This is he whom fierce love burns,' they cry. 20 A laughing-stock thou art to all the city; While without shame thou sing'st thy lewdness' ditty. 'Tis time to move great things in lofty style, Long hast thou loitered; greater works compile. The subject hides thy wit; men's acts resound; This thou wilt say to be a worthy ground. Thy muse hath played what may mild girls content, And by those numbers is thy first youth spent. Now give the Roman Tragedy a name, To fill my laws thy wanton spirit frame." 30 This said, she moved her buskins gaily varnished, And seven times shook her head with thick locks garnished. The other smiled (I wot), with wanton eyes: Err I, or myrtle in her right hand lies? "With lofty words stout Tragedy," she said, "Why tread'st me down? art thou aye gravely play'd? Thou deign'st unequal lines should thee rehearse; Thou fight'st against me using mine own verse. Thy lofty style with mine I not compare, Small doors unfitting for large houses are. 40 Light am I, and with me, my care, light Love; Not stronger am I, than the thing I move. Venus without me should be rustical: This goddess' company doth to me befal. What gate thy stately words cannot unlock, My flattering speeches soon wide open knock. And I deserve more than thou canst in verity, By suffering much not borne by thy severity. By me Corinna learns, cozening her guard, To get the door with little noise unbarred; 50 And slipped from bed, clothed in a loose nightgown, To move her feet unheard in setting[345] down. Ah, how oft on hard doors hung I engraved, From no man's reading fearing to be saved! But, till the keeper[346] went forth, I forget not, The maid to hide me in her bosom let not. What gift with me was on her birthday sent, But cruelly by her was drowned and rent. First of thy mind the happy seeds I knew;[347] Thou hast my gift, which she would from thee sue." 60 She left;[348] I said, "You both I must beseech, To empty air[349] may go my fearful speech. With sceptres and high buskins th' one would dress me, So through the world should bright renown express me. The other gives my love a conquering name; Come, therefore, and to long verse shorter frame. Grant, Tragedy, thy poet time's least tittle: Thy labour ever lasts; she asks but little." She gave me leave; soft loves, in time make haste; Some greater work will urge me on at last. 70

FOOTNOTES:

[341] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[342] Old eds. "good head."

[343] So Dyce—Old eds. "looke." ("Palla jacebat humi.")

[344] Old eds. "he."

[345] Old eds. "sitting." ("Atque impercussos nocte movere pedes.")

[346] Ed. B "keepes;" ed. C "keepers." This line and the next are a translation of:—

"Quin ego me memini, dum custos saevus abiret, Ancillae missam delituisse sinu."

[347] The original has

"Prima tuae movi felicia semina mentis."

(Marlowe's copy read "novi.")

[348] "Desierat."

[349] "In vacuas auras." (The true reading is "aures.")



ELEGIA II.[350]

Ad amicam cursum equorum spectantem.

I sit not here the noble horse to see; Yet whom thou favour'st, pray may conqueror be. To sit and talk with thee I hither came, That thou may'st know with love thou mak'st me flame. Thou view'st the course; I thee: let either heed What please them, and their eyes let either feed. What horse-driver thou favour'st most is best, Because on him thy care doth hap to rest. Such chance let me have: I would bravely run, On swift steeds mounted till the race were done. 10 Now would I slack the reins, now lash their hide, With wheels bent inward now the ring-turn ride, In running if I see thee, I shall stay, And from my hands the reins will slip away. Ah, Pelops from his coach was almost felled, Hippodamia's looks while he beheld! Yet he attained, by her support, to have her: Let us all conquer by our mistress' favour. In vain, why fly'st back? force conjoins us now: The place's laws this benefit allow. 20 But spare my wench, thou at her right hand seated; By thy sides touching ill she is entreated.[351] And sit thou rounder,[352] that behind us see; For shame press not her back with thy hard knee. But on the ground thy clothes too loosely lie: Gather them up, or lift them, lo, will I. Envious[353] garments, so good legs to hide! The more thou look'st, the more the gown's envied. Swift Atalanta's flying legs, like these, Wish in his hands grasped did Hippomenes. 30 Coat-tucked Diana's legs are painted like them, When strong wild beasts, she, stronger, hunts to strike them. Ere these were seen, I burnt: what will these do? Flames into flame, floods thou pour'st seas into, By these I judge; delight me may the rest, Which lie hid, under her thin veil supprest. Yet in the meantime wilt small winds bestow, That from thy fan, moved by my hand, may blow? Or is my heat of mind, not of the sky? Is't women's love my captive breast doth fry? 40 While thus I speak, black dust her white robes ray;[354] Foul dust, from her fair body go away! Now comes the pomp; themselves let all men cheer;[355] The shout is nigh; the golden pomp comes here. First, Victory is brought with large spread wing: Goddess, come here; make my love conquering. Applaud you Neptune, that dare trust his wave, The sea I use not: me my earth must have. Soldier applaud thy Mars, no wars we move, Peace pleaseth me, and in mid peace is love. 50 With augurs Phoebus, Phoebe with hunters stands. To thee Minerva turn the craftsmen's hands. Ceres and Bacchus countrymen adore, Champions please[356] Pollux, Castor loves horsemen more. Thee, gentle Venus, and the boy that flies, We praise: great goddess aid my enterprise. Let my new mistress grant to be beloved; She becked, and prosperous signs gave as she moved. What Venus promised, promise thou we pray Greater than her, by her leave, thou'rt, I'll say. 60 The gods, and their rich pomp witness with me, For evermore thou shalt my mistress be. Thy legs hang down, thou may'st, if that be best, Awhile[357] thy tiptoes on the footstool[358] rest. Now greatest spectacles the Praetor sends, Four chariot-horses from the lists' even ends. I see whom thou affect'st: he shall subdue; The horses seem as thy[359] desire they knew. Alas, he runs too far about the ring; What dost? thy waggon in less compass bring. 70 What dost, unhappy? her good wishes fade: Let with strong hand the rein to bend be made. One slow we favour, Romans, him revoke: And each give signs by casting up his cloak. They call him back; lest their gowns toss thy hair, To hide thee in my bosom straight repair. But now again the barriers open lie, And forth the gay troops on swift horses fly. At least now conquer, and outrun the rest: My mistress' wish confirm with my request. 80 My mistress hath her wish; my wish remain: He holds the palm: my palm is yet to gain. She smiled, and with quick eyes behight[360] some grace: Pay it not here, but in another place.

FOOTNOTES:

[350] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[351] "Contactu lateris laeditur ista tui."

[352] "Tua contraha crura."

[353]

"Invida vestis eras quod tam bona crura tegebas! Quoque magis spectes ... invida vestis eras."

[354] Defile.

[355] A strange rendering of "linguis animisque favete."

[356] Ed. B "pleace;" ed. C "place."

[357] Old eds. "Or while."

[358] "Cancellis" (i.e. the rails).

[359] Old eds. "they."

[360] "Promisit."



ELEGIA III.[361]

De amica quae perjuraverat.

What, are there gods? herself she hath forswore, And yet remains the face she had before. How long her locks were ere her oath she took, So long they be since she her faith forsook. Fair white with rose-red was before commixt; Now shine her looks pure white and red betwixt. Her foot was small: her foot's form is most fit: Comely tall was she, comely tall she's yet. Sharp eyes she had: radiant like stars they be, By which she, perjured oft, hath lied to[362] me. 10 In sooth, th' eternal powers grant maids society Falsely to swear; their beauty hath some deity. By her eyes, I remember, late she swore, And by mine eyes, and mine were pained sore. Say gods: if she unpunished you deceive, For other faults why do I loss receive. But did you not so envy[363] Cepheus' daughter, For her ill-beauteous mother judged to slaughter. 'Tis not enough, she shakes your record off, And, unrevenged, mocked gods with me doth scoff. 20 But by my pain to purge her perjuries, Cozened, I am the cozener's sacrifice. God is a name, no substance, feared in vain, And doth the world in fond belief detain. Or if there be a God, he loves fine wenches, And all things too much in their sole power drenches. Mars girts his deadly sword on for my harm; Pallas' lance strikes me with unconquered arm; At me Apollo bends his pliant bow; At me Jove's right hand lightning hath to throw. 30 The wronged gods dread fair ones to offend, And fear those, that to fear them least intend. Who now will care the altars to perfume? Tut, men should not their courage so consume. Jove throws down woods and castles with his fire, But bids his darts from perjured girls retire. Poor Semele among so many burned, Her own request to her own torment turned. But when her lover came, had she drawn back, The father's thigh should unborn Bacchus lack. 40 Why grieve I? and of heaven reproaches pen? The gods have eyes, and breasts as well as men. Were I a god, I should give women leave, With lying lips my godhead to deceive. Myself would swear the wenches true did swear, And I would be none of the gods severe. But yet their gift more moderately use, Or in mine eyes, good wench, no pain transfuse.

FOOTNOTES:

[361] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[362] Old eds. "by."

[363]

"At non invidiae vobis Cepheia virgo est, Pro male formosa jussa parente mori?"

("Invidiae" here means "discredit, odium.")



ELEGIA IV.[364]

Ad virum servantem conjugem.

Rude man, 'tis vain thy damsel to commend To keeper's trust: their wits should them defend. Who, without fear, is chaste, is chaste in sooth: Who, because means want, doeth not, she doth. Though thou her body guard, her mind is stained; Nor, 'less[365] she will, can any be restrained. Nor can'st by watching keep her mind from sin, All being shut out, the adulterer is within. Who may offend, sins least; power to do ill The fainting seeds of naughtiness doth kill. 10 Forbear to kindle vice by prohibition; Sooner shall kindness gain thy will's fruition. I saw a horse against the bit stiff-necked, Like lightning go, his struggling mouth being checked: When he perceived the reins let slack, he stayed, And on his loose mane the loose bridle laid. How to attain what is denied we think, Even as the sick desire forbidden drink. Argus had either way an hundred eyes, Yet by deceit Love did them all surprise. 20 In stone and iron walls Danaee shut, Came forth a mother, though a maid there put. Penelope, though no watch looked unto her, Was not defiled by any gallant wooer. What's kept, we covet more: the care makes theft, Few love what others have unguarded left. Nor doth her face please, but her husband's love: I know not what men think should thee so move[366] She is not chaste that's kept, but a dear whore:[367] Thy fear is than her body valued more. 30 Although thou chafe, stolen pleasure is sweet play; She pleaseth best, "I fear," if any say. A free-born wench, no right 'tis up to lock, So use we women of strange nations' stock. Because the keeper may come say, "I did it," She must be honest to thy servant's credit. He is too clownish whom a lewd wife grieves, And this town's well-known custom not believes; Where Mars his sons not without fault did breed, Remus and Romulus, Ilia's twin-born seed. 40 Cannot a fair one, if not chaste, please thee? Never can these by any means agree. Kindly thy mistress use, if thou be wise; Look gently, and rough husbands' laws despise. Honour what friends thy wife gives, she'll give many, Least labour so shall win great grace of any. So shalt thou go with youths to feasts together, And see at home much that thou ne'er brought'st thither.

FOOTNOTES:

[364] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[365] Old eds. "least." ("Nec custodiri, ni velit, ulla potest.")

[366] The original has "Nescio quid, quod te ceperit, esse putant."

[367] Dyce calls this line an "erroneous version of 'Non proba sit quam vir servat, sed adultera; cara est.'" But Merkel's reading is "Non proba fit quam vir servat, sed adultera cara"—which is accurately rendered by Marlowe.



ELEGIA VI.[368]

Ad amnem dum iter faceret ad amicam.

Flood with reed-grown[369] slime banks, till I be past Thy waters stay: I to my mistress haste. Thou hast no bridge, nor boat with ropes to throw, That may transport me, without oars to row. Thee I have passed, and knew thy stream none such, When thy wave's brim did scarce my ankles touch. With snow thawed from the next hill now thou gushest,[370] And in thy foul deep waters thick thou rushest. What helps my haste? what to have ta'en small rest? What day and night to travel in her quest? 10 If standing here I can by no means get My foot upon the further bank to set. Now wish I those wings noble Perseus had, Bearing the head with dreadful adders[371] clad; Now wish the chariot, whence corn fields were found, First to be thrown upon the untilled ground: I speak old poet's wonderful inventions, Ne'er was, nor [e'er] shall be, what my verse mentions. Rather, thou large bank-overflowing river, Slide in thy bounds; so shalt thou run for ever. 20 Trust me, land-stream, thou shalt no envy lack, If I a lover be by thee held back. Great floods ought to assist young men in love, Great floods the force of it do often prove. In mid Bithynia,[372] 'tis said, Inachus Grew pale, and, in cold fords, hot lecherous. Troy had not yet been ten years' siege out stander, When nymph Neaera rapt thy looks, Scamander. What, not Alpheus in strange lands to run, The Arcadian virgin's constant love hath won? 30 And Creusa unto Xanthus first affied, They say Peneus near Phthia's town did hide. What should I name Asop,[373] that Thebe loved, Thebe who mother of five daughters proved, If, Acheloeus, I ask where thy horns stand, Thou say'st, broke with Alcides' angry hand. Not Calydon, nor AEtolia did please; One Deianira was more worth than these. Rich Nile by seven mouths to the vast sea flowing, Who so well keeps his water's head from knowing, 40 Is by Evadne thought to take such flame, As his deep whirlpools could not quench the same. Dry Enipeus, Tyro to embrace, Fly back his stream[374] charged; the stream charged, gave place. Nor pass I thee, who hollow rocks down tumbling, In Tibur's field with watery foam art rumbling. Whom Ilia pleased, though in her looks grief revelled, Her cheeks were scratched, her goodly hairs dishevelled. She, wailing Mar's sin and her uncle's crime, Strayed barefoot through sole places[375] on a time. 50 Her, from his swift waves, the bold flood perceived, And from the mid ford his hoarse voice upheaved, Saying, "Why sadly tread'st my banks upon, Ilia sprung from Idaean Laomedon? Where's thy attire? why wanderest here alone? To stay thy tresses white veil hast thou none? Why weep'st and spoil'st with tears thy watery eyes? And fiercely knock'st thy breast that open lies? His heart consists of flint and hardest steel, That seeing thy tears can any joy then feel. 60 Fear not: to thee our court stands open wide, There shalt be loved: Ilia, lay fear aside. Thou o'er a hundred nymphs or more shalt reign, For five score nymphs or more our floods contain. Nor, Roman stock, scorn me so much I crave, Gifts than my promise greater thou shalt have."[376] This said he: she her modest eyes held down. Her woful bosom a warm shower did drown. Thrice she prepared to fly, thrice she did stay, By fear deprived of strength to run away. 70 Yet rending with enraged thumb her tresses, Her trembling mouth these unmeet sounds expresses: "O would in my forefathers' tomb deep laid, My bones had been while yet I was a maid: Why being a vestal am I wooed to wed, Deflowered and stained in unlawful bed. Why stay I? men point at me for a whore, Shame, that should make me blush, I have no more." This said; her coat hoodwinked her fearful eyes, And into water desperately she flies. 80 'Tis said the slippery stream held up her breast, And kindly gave her what she liked best. And I believe some wench thou hast affected, But woods and groves keep your faults undetected. While thus I speak the waters more abounded, And from the channel all abroad surrounded. Mad stream, why dost our mutual joys defer? Clown, from my journey why dost me deter? How would'st thou flow wert thou a noble flood? If thy great fame in every region stood? 90 Thou hast no name, but com'st from snowy mountains; No certain house thou hast, nor any fountains; Thy springs are nought but rain and melted snow, Which wealth cold winter doth on thee bestow. Either thou art muddy in mid-winter tide, Or full of dust dost on the dry earth slide. What thirsty traveller ever drunk of thee? Who said with grateful voice, "Perpetual be!" Harmful to beasts, and to the fields thou proves, Perchance these[377] others, me mine own loss moves. 100 To this I fondly[378] loves of floods told plainly, I shame so great names to have used so vainly. I know not what expecting, I ere while, Named Acheloeus, Inachus, and Nile.[379] But for thy merits I wish thee, white stream,[380] Dry winters aye, and suns in heat extreme.

FOOTNOTES:

[368] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.—In the old copies this elegy is marked "Elegia v." The fifth elegy (beginning "Nox erat et somnus," &c.) was not contained in Marlowe's copy.

[369] Old eds. "redde-growne."

[370] So Dyce for "rushest" of the old eds.

[371] So Dyce for "arrowes" of the old eds.

[372] The original has "Inachus in Melie Bithynide pallidus isse." &c.—Dyce suggests that Marlowe's copy had "in media Bithynide."

[373] Old eds. "Aesope."

[374] Old eds. "shame."

[375] "Loca sola."

[376] The original has "Desit famosus qui notet ora pudor" (or "Desint ... quae," &c.)

[377] "Forsitan haec alios, me mea damna movent."

[378] "Demens."

[379] Old eds. "Ile."

[380] Marlowe read "nunc candide" for "non candide."



ELEGIA VII.

Quod ab amica receptus, cum ea coire non potuit, conqueritur.

Either she was foul, or her attire was bad, Or she was not the wench I wished to have had. Idly I lay with her, as if I loved not, And like a burden grieved the bed that moved not. Though both of us performed our true intent, Yet could I not cast anchor where I meant. She on my neck her ivory arms did throw, Her[381] arms far whiter than the Scythian snow. And eagerly she kissed me with her tongue, And under mine her wanton thigh she flung, 10 Yea, and she soothed me up, and called me "Sir,"[382] And used all speech that might provoke and stir. Yet like as if cold hemlock I had drunk, It mocked me, hung down the head and sunk. Like a dull cipher, or rude block I lay, Or shade, or body was I, who can say? What will my age do, age I cannot shun, Seeing[383] in my prime my force is spent and done? I blush, that being youthful, hot, and lusty, I prove neither youth nor man, but old and rusty. 20 Pure rose she, like a nun to sacrifice, Or one that with her tender brother lies. Yet boarded I the golden Chie[384] twice, And Libas, and the white-cheeked Pitho thrice. Corinna craved it in a summer's night, And nine sweet bouts had we[385] before daylight. What, waste my limbs through some Thessalian charms? May spells and drugs do silly souls such harms? With virgin wax hath some imbast[386] my joints? And pierced my liver with sharp needle-points?[387] 30 Charms change corn to grass and make it die: By charms are running springs and fountains dry. By charms mast drops from oaks, from vines grapes fall, And fruit from trees when there's no wind at all. Why might not then my sinews be enchanted? And I grow faint as with some spirit haunted? To this, add shame: shame to perform it quailed me, And was the second cause why vigour failed me. My idle thoughts delighted her no more, Than did the robe or garment which she wore. 40 Yet might her touch make youthful Pylius fire, And Tithon livelier than his years require. Even her I had, and she had me in vain, What might I crave more, if I ask again? I think the great gods grieved they had bestowed, This[388] benefit: which lewdly[389] I foreslowed.[390] I wished to be received in, in[391] I get me. To kiss, I kiss;[392] to lie with her, she let me. Why was I blest? why made king to refuse[393] it? Chuff-like had I not gold and could not use it? 50 So in a spring thrives he that told so much,[394] And looks upon the fruits he cannot touch. Hath any rose so from a fresh young maid, As she might straight have gone to church and prayed? Well, I believe, she kissed not as she should, Nor used the sleight and[395] cunning which she could. Huge oaks, hard adamants might she have moved, And with sweet words caus[ed] deaf rocks to have loved. Worthy she was to move both gods and men, But neither was I man nor lived then. 60 Can deaf ears[396] take delight when Phaemius sings? Or Thamyris in curious painted things? What sweet thought is there but I had the same? And one gave place still as another came. Yet notwithstanding, like one dead it lay, Drooping more than a rose pulled yesterday. Now, when he should not jet, he bolts upright, And craves his task, and seeks to be at fight. Lie down with shame, and see thou stir no more. Seeing thou[397] would'st deceive me as before. 70 Thou cozenest me: by thee surprised am I, And bide sore loss[398] with endless infamy. Nay more, the wench did not disdain a whit To take it in her hand, and play with it. But when she saw it would by no means stand, But still drooped down, regarding not her hand, "Why mock'st thou me," she cried, "or being ill, Who bade thee lie down here against thy will? Either thou art witched with blood of frogs[399] new dead, Or jaded cam'st thou from some other's bed." 80 With that, her loose gown on, from me she cast her; In skipping out her naked feet much graced her. And lest her maid should know of this disgrace, To cover it, spilt water in the place.

FOOTNOTES:

[381] So eds. B, C.—Isham copy and ed. A:—

"That were as white as is the Scithian snow."

[382] "Dominumque vocavit."

[383] So Isham copy and ed. A.—Eds. B, C "When."

[384] "Flava Chlide."

[385] So Isham copy and ed. A.—Eds. B, C "we had."

[386] The verb "embase" or "imbase" is frequently found in the sense of "abase." Here the meaning seems to be "weakened, enfeebled." (Ovid's words are "Sagave poenicea defixit nomina cera.")

[387] So Isham copy and ed. A ("needle points").—Eds. B, C "needles' points."

[388] So Isham copy and ed. A.—Eds. B, C "The."

[389] "Turpiter."

[390] Neglected.

[391] So eds. B, C.—Isham copy "received in, and in I got me."

[392] So old eds.—Dyce reads "kiss'd."

[393] So eds. B, C.—Isham copy and ed. A "and refusde it."

[394] "Sic aret mediis taciti vulgator in undis."

[395] So eds. B, C.—Isham copy and ed. A "nor."

[396] Isham copy "yeares;" ed. A "yeres;" eds. B, C "eare."

[397] So eds. B, C.—Isham copy and ed. A "Seeing now thou."

[398] So eds. B, C.—Isham copy and ed. A "great hurt."

[399] The original has "Aut te trajectis Aeaea venefica lanis," &c. (As Dyce remarks, Marlowe read "ranis.")



ELEGIA VIII.[400]

Quod ad amica non recipiatur, dolet.

What man will now take liberal arts in hand, Or think soft verse in any stead to stand? Wit was sometimes more precious than gold; Now poverty great barbarism we hold. When our books did my mistress fair content, I might not go whither my papers went. She praised me, yet the gate shut fast upon her, I here and there go, witty with dishonour. See a rich chuff, whose wounds great wealth inferred, For bloodshed knighted, before me preferred. 10 Fool, can'st thou him in thy white arms embrace? Fool, can'st thou lie in his enfolding space? Know'st not this head[401] a helm was wont to bear? This side that serves thee, a sharp sword did wear. His left hand, whereon gold doth ill alight, A target bore: blood-sprinkled was his right. Can'st touch that hand wherewith some one lies dead? Ah, whither is thy breast's soft nature fled? Behold the signs of ancient fight, his scars! Whate'er he hath, his body gained in wars. 20 Perhaps he'll tell how oft he slew a man, Confessing this, why dost thou touch him than?[402] I, the pure priest of Phoebus and the Muses, At thy deaf doors in verse sing my abuses. Not what we slothful know,[403] let wise men learn, But follow trembling camps and battles stern. And for a good verse draw the first dart forth:[404] Homer without this shall be nothing worth. Jove, being admonished gold had sovereign power, To win the maid came in a golden shower. 30 Till then, rough was her father, she severe, The posts of brass, the walls of iron were. But when in gifts the wise adulterer came, She held her lap ope to receive the same. Yet when old Saturn heaven's rule possest, All gain in darkness the deep earth supprest. Gold, silver, iron's heavy weight, and brass, In hell were harboured; here was found no mass. But better things it gave, corn without ploughs, Apples, and honey in oaks' hollow boughs. 40 With strong ploughshares no man the earth did cleave, The ditcher no marks on the ground did leave. Nor hanging oars the troubled seas did sweep, Men kept the shore and sailed not into deep. Against thyself, man's nature, thou wert cunning, And to thine own loss was thy wit swift running. Why gird'st thy cities with a towered wall, Why let'st discordant hands to armour fall? What dost with seas? with th' earth thou wert content; Why seek'st not heaven, the third realm, to frequent? 50 Heaven thou affects: with Romulus, temples brave, Bacchus, Alcides, and now Caesar have. Gold from the earth instead of fruits we pluck; Soldiers by blood to be enriched have luck. Courts shut the poor out; wealth gives estimation. Thence grows the judge, and knight of reputation. All,[405] they possess: they govern fields and laws, They manage peace and raw war's bloody jaws. Only our loves let not such rich churls gain: 'Tis well if some wench for the poor remain. 60 Now, Sabine-like, though chaste she seems to live, One her[406] commands, who many things can give. For me, she doth keeper[407] and husband fear, If I should give, both would the house forbear. If of scorned lovers god be venger just, O let him change goods so ill-got to dust.

FOOTNOTES:

[400] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[401] So ed. B.—Ed. C "his." ("Caput hoc galeam portare solebat.")

[402] Then.

[403] Old eds. knew.

[404] Marlowe has quite mistaken the meaning of the original "Proque bono versu primum deducite pilum."

[405] A very loose rendering of Ovid's couplet—

"Omnia possideant; illis Campusque Forumque Serviat; hi pacem crudaque bella gerant."

[406] So Dyce for "she" of the old eds. ("Imperat ut captae qui dare multa potest.")

[407] The original has "Me prohibet custos: in me timet illa maritum."



ELEGIA IX.[408]

Tibulli mortem deflet.

If Thetis and the Morn their sons did wail, And envious Fates great goddesses assail; Sad Elegy,[409] thy woful hairs unbind: Ah, now a name too true thou hast I find. Tibullus, thy work's poet, and thy fame, Burns his dead body in the funeral flame. Lo, Cupid brings his quiver spoiled quite, His broken bow, his firebrand without light! How piteously with drooping wings he stands, And knocks his bare breast with self-angry hands. 10 The locks spread on his neck receive his tears, And shaking sobs his mouth for speeches bears. So[410] at AEneas' burial, men report, Fair-faced Ilus, he went forth thy court. And Venus grieves, Tibullus' life being spent, As when the wild boar Adon's groin had rent. The gods' care we are called, and men of piety, And some there be that think we have a deity. Outrageous death profanes all holy things, And on all creatures obscure darkness brings. 20 To Thracian Orpheus what did parents good? Or songs amazing wild beasts of the wood? Where[411] Linus by his father Phoebus laid, To sing with his unequalled harp is said. See Homer from whose fountain ever filled Pierian dew to poets is distilled: Him the last day in black Avern hath drowned: Verses alone are with continuance crowned. The work of poets lasts: Troy's labour's fame, And that slow web night's falsehood did unframe. 30 So Nemesis, so Delia famous are, The one his first love, th' other his new care. What profit to us hath our pure life bred? What to have lain alone in empty bed? When bad Fates take good men, I am forbod By secret thoughts to think there is a God. Live godly, thou shalt die; though honour heaven, Yet shall thy life be forcibly bereaven. Trust in good verse, Tibullus feels death's pains, Scarce rests of all what a small urn contains. 40 Thee, sacred poet, could sad flames destroy? Nor feared they thy body to annoy? The holy gods' gilt temples they might fire, That durst to so great wickedness aspire. Eryx' bright empress turned her looks aside, And some, that she refrained tears, have denied. Yet better is't, than if Corcyra's Isle, Had thee unknown interred in ground most vile. Thy dying eyes here did thy mother close, Nor did thy ashes her last offerings lose. 50 Part of her sorrow here thy sister bearing, Comes forth, her unkembed[412] locks asunder tearing. Nemesis and thy first wench join their kisses With thine, nor this last fire their presence misses. Delia departing, "Happier loved," she saith, "Was I: thou liv'dst, while thou esteem'dst my faith." Nemesis answers, "What's my loss to thee? His fainting hand in death engrasped me." If aught remains of us but name and spirit, Tibullus doth Elysium's joy inherit. 60 Their youthful brows with ivy girt to meet him, With Calvus learned Catullus comes, and greet him; And thou, if falsely charged to wrong thy friend, Callus, that car'dst[413] not blood and life to spend, With these thy soul walks: souls if death release, The godly[414] sweet Tibullus doth increase. Thy bones, I pray, may in the urn safe rest, And may th' earth's weight thy ashes naught molest.

FOOTNOTES:

[408] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[409] Ed. B "Eeliga"—Ed. C "Elegia."

[410]

"Fratris in Aeneae sic illum funere dicunt Egressum tectis, pulcher Iule, tuis."

[411] The original has—

"Aelinon in silvis idem pater, aelinon, altis Dicitur invita concinuisse lyra."

In Marlowe's copy the couplet must have been very different.

[412] Old eds. "vnkeembe" and "unkeemb'd."

[413] Old eds. "carst."

[414] "Auxisti numeros, culte Tibulle, pios."



ELEGIA X.[415]

Ad Cererem, conquerens quod ejus sacris cum amica concumbere non permittatur.

Come were the times of Ceres' sacrifice; In empty bed alone my mistress lies. Golden-haired Ceres crowned with ears of corn, Why are our pleasures by thy means forborne? Thee, goddess, bountiful all nations judge, Nor less at man's prosperity any grudge. Rude husbandmen baked not their corn before, Nor on the earth was known the name of floor.[416] On mast of oaks, first oracles, men fed; This was their meat, the soft grass was their bed. 10 First Ceres taught the seed in fields to swell, And ripe-eared corn with sharp-edged scythes to fell. She first constrained bulls' necks to bear the yoke, And untilled ground with crooked ploughshares broke. Who thinks her to be glad at lovers' smart, And worshipped by their pain and lying apart? Nor is she, though she loves the fertile fields, A clown, nor no love from her warm breast yields: Be witness Crete (nor Crete doth all things feign) Crete proud that Jove her nursery maintain. 20 There, he who rules the world's star-spangled towers, A little boy drunk teat-distilling showers. Faith to the witness Jove's praise doth apply; Ceres, I think, no known fault will deny. The goddess saw Iasion on Candian Ide, With strong hand striking wild beasts' bristled hide. She saw, and as her marrow took the flame, Was divers ways distract with love and shame. Love conquered shame, the furrows dry were burned, And corn with least part of itself returned. 30 When well-tossed mattocks did the ground prepare, Being fit-broken with the crooked share, And seeds were equally in large fields cast, The ploughman's hopes were frustrate at the last. The grain-rich goddess in high woods did stray, Her long hair's ear-wrought garland fell away. Only was Crete fruitful that plenteous year; Where Ceres went, each place was harvest there. Ida, the seat of groves, did sing[417] with corn, Which by the wild boar in the woods was shorn. 40 Law-giving Minos did such years desire, And wished the goddess long might feel love's fire. Ceres, what sports[418] to thee so grievous were, As in thy sacrifice we them forbear? Why am I sad, when Proserpine is found, And Juno-like with Dis reigns under ground? Festival days ask Venus, songs, and wine, These gifts are meet to please the powers divine.

FOOTNOTES:

[415] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[416] Threshing-floor ("area").

[417] Marlowe has made the school-boy's mistake of confusing "caneo" and "cano."

[418] The original has

"Quod tibi secubitus tristes, dea flava, fuissent, Hoc cogor sacris nunc ego ferre tuis."

Marlowe appears to have read "Qui tibi concubitus," &c.



ELEGIA XI.[419]

Ad amicam a cujus amore discedere non potest.

Long have I borne much, mad thy faults me make; Dishonest love, my wearied breast forsake! Now have I freed myself, and fled the chain, And what I have borne, shame to bear again. We vanquish, and tread tamed love under feet, Victorious wreaths[420] at length my temples greet. Suffer, and harden: good grows by this grief, Oft bitter juice brings to the sick relief. I have sustained, so oft thrust from the door, To lay my body on the hard moist floor. 10 I know not whom thou lewdly didst embrace, When I to watch supplied a servant's place. I saw when forth a tired lover went. His side past service, and his courage spent, Yet this is less than if he had seen me; May that shame fall mine enemies' chance to be. When have not I, fixed to thy side, close laid? I have thy husband, guard, and fellow played. The people by my company she pleased; My love was cause that more men's love she seized. 20 What, should I tell her vain tongue's filthy lies, And, to my loss, god-wronging perjuries? What secret becks in banquets with her youths, With privy signs, and talk dissembling truths? Hearing her to be sick, I thither ran, But with my rival sick she was not than. These hardened me, with what I keep obscure:[421] Some other seek, who will these things endure. Now my ship in the wished haven crowned, With joy hears Neptune's swelling waters sound. 30 Leave thy once-powerful words, and flatteries, I am not as I was before, unwise. Now love and hate my light breast each way move, But victory, I think, will hap to love. I'll hate, if I can; if not, love 'gainst my will, Bulls hate the yoke, yet what they hate have still. I fly her lust, but follow beauty's creature, I loathe her manners, love her body's feature. Nor with thee, nor without thee can I live, And doubt to which desire the palm to give. 40 Or less fair, or less lewd would thou might'st be: Beauty with lewdness doth right ill agree. Her deeds gain hate, her face entreateth love; Ah, she doth more worth than her vices prove! Spare me, oh, by our fellow bed, by all The gods, who by thee, to be perjured fall.[422] And by thy face to me a power divine, And by thine eyes, whose radiance burns out mine! Whate'er thou art, mine art thou: choose this course, Wilt have me willing, or to love by force. 50 Rather I'll hoist up sail, and use the wind, That I may love yet, though against my mind.

FOOTNOTES:

[419] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[420] The original has "Venerunt capiti cornua sera meo."

[421] "Et que taceo."

[422] "Qui dant fallendos se tibi saepe, deos."



ELEGIA XII.[423]

Dolet amicam suam ita suis carminibus innotuisse ut rivales multos sibi pararit.

What day was that, which all sad haps to bring, White birds to lovers did not[424] always sing? Or is I think my wish against the stars? Or shall I plain some god against me wars? Who mine was called, whom I loved more than any, I fear with me is common now to many. Err I? or by my books[425] is she so known? 'Tis so: by my wit her abuse is grown. And justly: for her praise why did I tell? The wench by my fault is set forth to sell. 10 The bawd I play, lovers to her I guide: Her gate by my hands is set open wide. 'Tis doubtful whether verse avail or harm, Against my good they were an envious charm. When Thebes, when Troy, when Caesar should be writ, Alone Corinna moves my wanton wit. With Muse opposed, would I my lines had done, And Phoebus had forsook my work begun! Nor, as use will not poets' record hear, Would I my words would any credit bear. 20 Scylla by us her father's rich hair steals, And Scylla's womb mad raging dogs conceals. We cause feet fly, we mingle hares with snakes, Victorious Perseus a winged steed's back takes. Our verse great Tityus a huge space outspreads, And gives the viper-curled dog three heads. We make Enceladus use a thousand arms, And men enthralled by mermaid's[426] singing charms. The east winds in Ulysses' bags we shut, And blabbing Tantalus in mid-waters put. 30 Niobe flint, Callist we make a bear, Bird-changed Progne doth her Itys tear.[427] Jove turns himself into a swan, or gold, Or his bull's horns Europa's hand doth hold. Proteus what should I name? teeth, Thebes' first seed? Oxen in whose mouths burning flames did breed? Heaven-star, Electra,[428] that bewailed her sisters? The ships, whose godhead in the sea now glisters? The sun turned back from Atreus' cursed table? 39 And sweet-touched harp that to move stones was able? Poets' large power is boundless and immense, Nor have their words true history's pretence. And my wench ought to have seemed falsely praised, Now your credulity harm to me hath raised.

FOOTNOTES:

[423] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[424] Marlowe has put his negative in the wrong place and made nonsense of the couplet:—

"Quis fuit ille dies quo tristia semper amanti Omina non albae concinuistis aves?"

[425] Old eds. "lookes."

[426] "Ambiguae captos virginis ore viros." ("Ambigua virgo" is the sphinx.)

[427] The original has "Concinit Odrysium Cecropis ales Ityn."

[428] Marlowe's copy must have been very corrupt here. The true reading is

"Flere genis electra tuas, auriga, sorores?"



ELEGIA XIII.[429]

De Junonis festo.

When fruit-filled Tuscia should a wife give me, We touched the walls, Camillus, won by thee. The priests to Juno did prepare chaste feasts, With famous pageants, and their home-bred beasts. To know their rites well recompensed my stay, Though thither leads a rough steep hilly way. There stands an old wood with thick trees dark clouded: Who sees it grants some deity there is shrouded. An altar takes men's incense and oblation, An altar made after the ancient fashion. 10 Here, when the pipe with solemn tunes doth sound, The annual pomp goes on the covered[430] ground. White heifers by glad people forth are led, Which with the grass of Tuscan fields are fed, And calves from whose feared front no threatening flies, And little pigs, base hogsties' sacrifice, And rams with horns their hard heads wreathed back; Only the goddess-hated goat did lack, By whom disclosed, she in the high woods took, Is said to have attempted flight forsook. 20 Now[431] is the goat brought through the boys with darts, And give[n] to him that the first wound imparts. Where Juno comes, each youth and pretty maid, Show[432] large ways, with their garments there displayed. Jewels and gold their virgin tresses crown, And stately robes to their gilt feet hang down. As is the use, the nuns in white veils clad, Upon their heads the holy mysteries had. When the chief pomp comes, loud[433] the people hollow; And she her vestal virgin priests doth follow. 30 Such was the Greek pomp, Agamemnon dead; Which fact[434] and country wealth, Halesus fled. And having wandered now through sea and land, Built walls high towered with a prosperous hand. He to th' Hetrurians Juno's feast commended: Let me and them by it be aye befriended.

FOOTNOTES:

[429] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[430] "It per velatas annua pompa vias."

[431]

"Nunc quoque per pueros jaculis incessitur index Et pretium auctori vulneris ipsa datur."

[432] "Praeverrunt latas veste jacente vias."—Dyce remarks that Marlowe read "Praebuerant."

[433] "Ore favent populi." (In Henry's monumental edition of Virgil's AEneid, vol. iii. pp. 25-27, there is a very interesting note on the meaning of the formula "ore favete." He denies the correctness of the ordinary interpretation "be silent.")

[434] "Et scelus et patrias fugit Halaesus opes."



ELEGIA XIV.

Ad amicam, si peccatura est, ut occulte peccet.

Seeing thou art fair, I bar not thy false playing, But let not me, poor soul, know[435] of thy straying. Nor do I give thee counsel to live chaste, But that thou would'st dissemble, when 'tis past. She hath not trod awry, that doth deny it. Such as confess have lost their good names by it. What madness is't to tell night-pranks[436] by day? And[437] hidden secrets openly to bewray? The strumpet with the stranger will not do, Before the room be clear and door put-to. 10 Will you make shipwreck of your honest name, And let the world be witness of the same? Be more advised, walk as a puritan, And I shall think you chaste, do what you can. Slip still, only deny it when 'tis done, And, before folk,[438] immodest speeches shun. The bed is for lascivious toyings meet, There use all tricks,[439] and tread shame under feet. When you are up and dressed, be sage and grave, And in the bed hide all the faults you have. 20 Be not ashamed to strip you, being there, And mingle thighs, yours ever mine to bear.[440] There in your rosy lips my tongue entomb, Practise a thousand sports when there you come. Forbear no wanton words you there would speak, And with your pastime let the bedstead creak; But with your robes put on an honest face, And blush, and seem as you were full of grace. Deceive all; let me err; and think I'm right, And like a wittol think thee void of slight. 30 Why see I lines so oft received and given? This bed and that by tumbling made uneven? Like one start up your hair tost and displaced, And with a wanton's tooth your neck new-rased. Grant this, that what you do I may not see; If you weigh not ill speeches, yet weigh me. My soul fleets[441] when I think what you have done, And thorough[442] every vein doth cold blood run. Then thee whom I must love, I hate in vain, And would be dead, but dead[443] with thee remain. 40 I'll not sift much, but hold thee soon excused. Say but thou wert injuriously accused. Though while the deed be doing you be took, And I see when you ope the two-leaved book,[444] Swear I was blind; deny[445] if you be wise, And I will trust your words more than mine eyes. From him that yields, the palm[446] is quickly got, Teach but your tongue to say, "I did it not," And being justified by two words, think The cause acquits you not, but I[447] that wink. 50

FOOTNOTES:

[435] So Isham copy and eds. B, C.—Ed. A "wit."

[436] So Isham copy.—Ed. A "night-sports."

[437] So eds. B, C.—Isham copy and ed. A "Or."

[438] So Isham copy.—Ed. A "people."

[439] So Isham copy.—Ed. A "toyes."

[440] So eds. B, C.—Isham copy and ed. A "mine ever yours."

[441] "Mens abit."

[442] So eds. B, C.—Isham copy and ed. A "through."

[443] So eds. B, C.—Isham copy and ed. A "dying."

[444] The original has

"Et fuerint oculis probra videnda meis."

[445] So eds. B, C.—Isham copy and ed. A "yeeld not."

[446] So eds. B, C.—Isham copy and ed. A "garland."

[447] So Isham copy and eds. A, B.—Ed. C "that I."



ELEGIA XV.[448]

Ad Venerem, quod elegis finem imponat.

Tender Loves' mother[449] a new poet get, This last end to my Elegies is set.[450] Which I, Peligny's foster-child, have framed, Nor am I by such wanton toys defamed. Heir of an ancient house, if help that can, Not only by war's rage[451] made gentleman. In Virgil Mantua joys: in Catull Verone; Of me Peligny's nation boasts alone; Whom liberty to honest arms compelled, When careful Rome in doubt their prowess held.[452] 10 And some guest viewing watery Sulmo's walls, Where little ground to be enclosed befalls, "How such a poet could you bring forth?" says: "How small soe'er, I'll you for greatest praise." Both loves, to whom my heart long time did yield,[453] Your golden ensigns pluck[454] out of my field. Horned Bacchus graver fury doth distil, A greater ground with great horse is to till. Weak Elegies, delightful Muse, farewell; A work that, after my death, here shall dwell. 20

FOOTNOTES:

[448] Not in Isham copy or ed. A.

[449] "Tenerorum mater amorum."

[450] "Marlowe's copy of Ovid had 'Traditur haec elegis ultima charta meis.'"—Dyce. (The true reading is "Raditur hic ... meta meis.")

[451] "Non modo militiae turbine factus eques."

[452] "Cum timuit socias anxia turba manus."

[453] "Marlowe's copy of Ovid had 'Culte puer, puerique parens mihi tempore longo.' (instead of what we now read 'Amathusia culti.')"—Dyce.

[454] Old eds. "pluckt."



EPIGRAMS BY J[OHN] D[AVIES].



EPIGRAMS BY J[OHN] D[AVIES].[455]



AD MUSAM. I.

Fly, merry Muse, unto that merry town, Where thou mayst plays, revels, and triumphs see; The house of fame, and theatre of renown, Where all good wits and spirits love to be. Fall in between their hands that praise and love thee,[456] And be to them a laughter and a jest: But as for them which scorning shall reprove[457] thee, Disdain their wits, and think thine own the best. But if thou find any so gross and dull, That thinks I do to private taxing[458] lean, 10 Bid him go hang, for he is but a gull, And knows not what an epigram doth[459] mean, Which taxeth,[460] under a particular name, A general vice which merits public blame.

FOOTNOTES:

[455] Dyce has carefully recorded the readings of a MS. copy (Harl. MS. 1836) of the present epigrams. As in most cases the variations are unimportant, I have not thought it necessary to reproduce Dyce's elaborate collation. Where the MS. readings are distinctly preferable I have adopted them; but in such cases I have been careful to record the readings of the printed copies.

[456] So Dyce.—Old eds. "loue and praise thee;" MS. "Seeme to love thee."

[457] So Isham copy and MS. Ed. A "approve."

[458] Censuring. Dyce compares the Induction to the Knight of the Burning Pestle:—

"Fly far from hence All private taxes."

[459] So MS.—Old eds. "does."

[460] MS. "Which carrieth under a peculiar name."



OF A GULL. II.

Oft in my laughing rhymes I name a gull; But this new term will many questions breed; Therefore at first I will express at full, Who is a true and perfect gull indeed. A gull is he who fears a velvet gown, And, when a wench is brave, dares not speak to her; A gull is he which traverseth the town, And is for marriage known a common wooer; A gull is he which, while he proudly wears A silver-hilted rapier by his side, 10 Endures the lie[461] and knocks about the ears, Whilst in his sheath his sleeping sword doth bide; A gull is he which wears good handsome clothes, And stands in presence stroking up his hair, And fills up his unperfect speech with oaths, But speaks not one wise word throughout the year: But, to define a gull in terms precise,— A gull is he which seems and is not wise.[462]

FOOTNOTES:

[461] So MS.—Old eds. "lies."

[462] "To this epigram there is an evident allusion in the following one

'TO CANDIDUS. Friend Candidus, thou often doost demaund What humours men by gulling understand. Our English Martiall hath full pleasantly In his close nips describde a gull to thee: I'le follow him, and set downe my conceit What a gull is—oh, word of much receit! He is a gull whose indiscretion Cracks his purse-strings to be in fashion; He is a gull who is long in taking roote In barraine soyle where can be but small fruite; He is a gull who runnes himselfe in debt For twelue dayes' wonder, hoping so to get; He is a gull whose conscience is a block, Not to take interest, but wastes his stock; He is a gull who cannot haue a whore, But brags how much he spends upon her score; He is a gull that for commoditie Payes tenne times ten, and sells the same for three; He is a gull who, passing finicall, Peiseth each word to be rhetoricall; And, to conclude, who selfe-conceitedly Thinks al men guls, ther's none more gull then he.'

Guilpin's Skialetheia, &c. 1598, Epig. 20." —Dyce.



IN REFUM. III.

Rufus the courtier, at the theatre, Leaving the best and most conspicuous place, Doth either to the stage[463] himself transfer, Or through a grate[464] doth show his double face, For that the clamorous fry of Inns of Court Fill up the private rooms of greater price, And such a place where all may have resort He in his singularity doth despise. Yet doth not his particular humour shun The common stews and brothels of the town, 10 Though all the world in troops do thither run, Clean and unclean, the gentle and the clown: Then why should Rufus in his pride abhor A common seat, that loves a common whore?

FOOTNOTES:

[463] It was a common practice for gallants to sit upon hired stools in the stage, especially at the private theatres. From the Induction to Marston's Malcontent it appears that the custom was not tolerated at some of the public theatres. The ordinary charge for the use of a stool was sixpence.

[464] Malone was no doubt right in supposing that there is here an allusion to the "private boxes" placed at each side of the balcony at the back of the stage. They must have been very dark and uncomfortable. In the Gull's Horn-Book Dekker says that "much new Satin was there dampned by being smothered to death in darkness."



IN QUINTUM. IV.

Quintus the dancer useth evermore His feet in measure and in rule to move: Yet on a time he call'd his mistress whore, And thought with that sweet word to win her love. O, had his tongue like to his feet been taught, It never would have utter'd such a thought!



IN PLURIMOS. V.[465]

Faustinus, Sextus, Cinna, Ponticus, With Gella, Lesbia, Thais, Rhodope, Rode all to Staines,[466] for no cause serious, But for their mirth and for their lechery. Scarce were they settled in their lodging, when Wenches with wenches, men with men fell out, Men with their wenches, wenches with their men; Which straight dissolves[467] this ill-assembled rout. But since the devil brought them thus together, To my discoursing thoughts it is a wonder, 10 Why presently as soon as they came thither, The self-same devil did them part asunder. Doubtless, it seems, it was a foolish devil, That thus did part them ere they did some evil.

FOOTNOTES:

[465] MS. "In meritriculas Londinensis."

[466] MS. "Ware."

[467] MS. "dissolv'd"



IN TITUM. VI.

Titus, the brave and valorous young gallant, Three years together in his town hath been; Yet my Lord Chancellor's[468] tomb he hath not seen, Nor the new water-work,[469] nor the elephant. I cannot tell the cause without a smile,— He hath been in the Counter all this while.

FOOTNOTES:

[468] Sir Christopher Hatton's tomb. See Dugdale's History of St. Paul's Cathedral, ed. 1658, p. 83.

[469] "The new water-work was at London Bridge. The elephant was an object of great wonder and long remembered. A curious illustration of this is found in the Metamorphosis of the Walnut Tree of Borestall, written about 1645, when the poet [William Basse] brings trees of all descriptions to the funeral, particularly a gigantic oak—

"The youth of these our times that did behold This motion strange of this unwieldy plant Now boldly brag with us that are men old, That of our age they no advantage want, Though in our youth we saw an elephant." —Cunningham.



IN FAUSTUM. VII.

Faustus, nor lord nor knight, nor wise nor old, To every place about the town doth ride; He rides into the fields[470] plays to behold, He rides to take boat at the water-side, He rides to Paul's, he rides to th' ordinary, He rides unto the house of bawdry too,— Thither his horse so often doth him carry, That shortly he will quite forget to go.

FOOTNOTES:

[470] See the admirable account of "The Theatre and Curtain" in Mr. Halliwell-Phillipps' Outlines of the Life of Shakespeare, ed. 3, pp. 385-433. It is there shown that the access to the Theatre play-house was through Finsbury Fields to the west of the western boundary-wall of the grounds of the dissolved Holywell Priory.



IN KATAM.[471] VIII.

Kate, being pleas'd, wish'd that her pleasure could Endure as long as a buff-jerkin would. Content thee, Kate; although thy pleasure wasteth, Thy pleasure's place like a buff-jerkin lasteth, For no buff-jerkin hath been oftener worn, Nor hath more scrapings or more dressings borne.

FOOTNOTES:

[471] Not in MS.



IN LIBRUM. IX.

Liber doth vaunt how chastely he hath liv'd Since he hath been in town, seven years[472] and more, For that he swears he hath four only swiv'd, A maid, a wife, a widow, and a whore: Then, Liber, thou hast swiv'd all womenkind, For a fifth sort, I know, thou canst not find.

FOOTNOTES:

[472] MS. "knowen this towne 7 yeares."



IN MEDONTEM. X.

Great Captain Medon wears a chain of gold Which at five hundred crowns is valued, For that it was his grandsire's chain of old, When great King Henry Boulogne conquered. And wear it, Medon, for it may ensue, That thou, by virtue of this massy chain, A stronger town than Boulogne mayst subdue, If wise men's saws be not reputed vain; For what said Philip, king of Macedon? "There is no castle so well fortified, 10 But if an ass laden with gold comes on, The guard will stoop, and gates fly open wide."



IN GELAM. XI.

Gella, if thou dost love thyself, take heed Lest thou my rhymes unto thy lover read; For straight thou grinn'st, and then thy lover seeth Thy canker-eaten gums and rotten teeth.



IN QUINTUM.[473] XII.

Quintus his wit, infus'd into his brain, Mislikes the place, and fled into his feet; And there it wanders up and down the street,[474] Dabbled in the dirt, and soaked in the rain. Doubtless his wit intends not to aspire, Which leaves his head, to travel in the mire.

FOOTNOTES:

[473] Not in MS.

[474] Old eds. "streets."



IN SEVERUM. XIII.

The puritan Severus oft doth read This text, that doth pronounce vain speech a sin,— "That thing defiles a man, that doth proceed From out the mouth, not that which enters in." Hence is it that we seldom hear him swear; And therefore like a Pharisee, he vaunts: But he devours more capons in a year Than would suffice a hundred protestants. And, sooth, those sectaries are gluttons all, As well the thread-bare cobbler as the knight; 10 For those poor slaves which have not wherewithal, Feed on the rich, till they devour them quite; And so, like Pharaoh's kine, they eat up clean Those that be fat, yet still themselves be lean.



IN LEUCAM. XIV.[475]

Leuca in presence once a fart did let: Some laugh'd a little; she forsook the place; And, mad with shame, did eke her glove forget, Which she return'd to fetch with bashful grace; And when she would have said "this is[476] my glove," "My fart," quod she; which did more laughter move.