[1049]As she before had done. N.[1050]The certaine truth. N.[1051]By Fortune false with death so dearely bought. N.[1052]She sometimes sets vp. N.[1053]As I that thought this land from Britaines to regaine,In field with all my Picts were vanquished and slaine. N.[1054]Their happie fate. N.[1055]For vnto change of chaunce subiected is their state. N.[1056]She enriched well. N.[1057]And vnresisted to. N.[1058]Take. N.[1059]Against the law of arms. N.[1060]Fit we found to worke our harmes. N.[1061]King Artebane we did subdue in fight. N.[1062]Slew his men that did with stand. N.[1063]Mappes. N.[1064]Rome honour’d mee. N.[1065]Geta far more mild. N.[1066]To rule my sonnes, I was vnblest. N.[1067]Despite, and auarice. N.[1068]Be. N.[1069]My. N.[1070]Probably a line of this stanza was dropt at the press.[1071]My wicked children sought my death. N.[1072]That by my death the empire he might sway,T’obtaine the same he often gaue th’assay. N.[1073]To Britaine ouer seas from Rome went I. N.[1074]And tame the stout that tribute did denie. N.[1075]So in throne to raigne. N.[1076]Reape our tribute. N.[1077]In league with them. N.[1078]I made edict. N.[1079]Sixe score miles and twelue.There was some error of the press in this number. According toLanquet, it should befivescore and twelve, while the Polychronicon, which appears to be the poet’s authority, says, “he made a walle in Brytayne that stretcheth six score myle andtweynevnto the see.”[1080]Fulgentius stout without delay. N.[1081]To Scythia sail’d, and there his chance did tell. N.[1082]And with an host of Picts. N.[1083]And vnsure. N.[1084]A wall an hundred mile. N.[1085]Our ancient race (as I can shew with skill.) N.[1086]Ioue’s. N.[1087]Their foule sin. N.[1088]As God did make the zones hot, milde, and cold,So did he make like men the same to hold. N.[1089]Is no fit clime, whence man should. N.[1090]As they do vse. N.[1091]But of proud Rome’s Seuerus. N.[1092]Made to keepe me out. N.[1093]And taking land. N.[1094]The cries and shouts of men to skies resound. N.[1095]I made my way. N.[1096]Where with my Picts the Parthique I did stay. N.[1097]For as I conquest sought,With my life blood the conquest deare was bought. N.[1098]Gifts. N.[1099]Do. N.[1100]Germanie. N.[1101]I fauour had, and liu’d belou’d alway. N.[1102]Appointed it my right. N.[1103]Iustice had from N.[1104]But gaue an end to causes. N.[1105]Le stories tell if I do faine in this. N.[1106]In warres as stout, but. N.[1107]I not opprest the weaker sort. N.[1108]Pleasure all, both. N.[1109]But brother’s treason caused all our ill. N.[1110]Hight Antonine. N.[1111]Was, as may appeare. N.[1112]To kill. N.[1113]That so by them his sire might poisoned bee. N.[1114]This when our sire Seuerus wist and saw. N.[1115]That bloodie beast was bent. N.[1116]Perswading vs true concord for to hold. N.[1117]Oft. N.[1118]T’enlarge his power for th’empire him addrest. N.[1119]Pursuing warre: neere Yorke. N.[1120]I was foretold my life. N.[1121]Apart from his, that did my death deuise. N.[1122]My seruants were allur’d. N.[1123]By poison to procure my life’s decay. N.[1124]Because they would not to his will be wrought,To bring them vnto death he daily sought. N.[1125]In danger I was forst. N.[1126]Not long to wrecke. N.[1127]That in the euen he came to spill my blood,As I vnarmed with my mother stood. N.[1128]She him besought. N.[1129]Fates. N.[1130]Antonine that wretch. N.[1131]Now maist thou deeme. N.[1132]He to his sire of sonnes was most vnkind. N.[1133]What monster wrought his faithfull friends such woe. N.[1134]Throng.[1135]Their deathes my wicked heart could glad. N.[1136]And some who did my trecherie disclose. N.[1137]All my friends I sought to make. N.[1138]To forsake. N.[1139]To which in shew I granted N.[1140]Perceiue then one alone. N.[1141]I said, I should by foes be forc’d to die. N.[1142]All resorted to my tent. N.[1143]Our foe is slaine. N.[1144]I promist if the soldiers me would saue. N.[1145]Should haue. N.[1146]At large in that one day. N.[1147]Seuerus treasure I did make away. N.[1148]The souldiers all perceiuing well my mind. N.[1149]By them the Emperour. N.[1150]Ill. N.[1151]My brother’s house and fame I did deface. N.[1152]Coach. N.[1153]Cau’lling. N.[1154]So that few men. N.[1155]Could with like strength such weightie burthens beare. N.[1156]With eie to view. N.[1157]Giue her me to wife. N.[1158]To vse their hand. N.[1159]The king scarse scap’d. N.[1160]Of all wise men. N.[1161]What he did write againe. N.[1162]To campe. N.[1163]The sword at length shall iustly shed his bloud. N.[1164]There are some lines by Turbervile, entitled: 'The author here declareth why he wrote these histories, and forewente the translation of the learned poet, Lucan.’[1165]This seems as if Blenerhasset thought Lord Buckhurst and Sackville different persons![1166]Neither the printer’s address, author’s epistle, or any of the prose inductions, are inserted in the edition of 1610.[1167]Not in the edition 1610; Higgins having inserted a life of Guidericus among the additions to Part I. after the appearance of the above by Blener-Hasset. See p. 286.[1168]How Carassvs a hvsbandman’s sonne, and after King of Britaine, was slaine in battell by Alectus a Roman, Anno Dom. 293. N.[1169]Picts. N.[1170]And did so far preuaile. N.[1171]To bring the barbarous Picts. N.[1172]of th’ armed Picts. N.[1173]Rome. N.[1174]The Picts preuented of their wished pray. N.[1175]For his gray grotes. N.[1176]The end of th’act. N.[1177]Bred such sterne debate. N.[1178]Our author, in the Epistle to his Friend, (see p. 350,) describes himself to have been “altogether destitute” of books, and that his memory and invention, or diligence, were forced to supply the place of chronicles. Any attempt, therefore, to trace the supposed authorities seems useless if not irrelevant; and where errors of fact are discovered they must probably be considered excusable, from the peculiar disadvantages under which the work was composed. Thus the beauty of queen Helena, her piety, skill in music, and knowledge of the liberal arts, added to the presumption of her having founded seventy colleges, too firmly established her fame to make it doubtful that the remembrance of her might be “smothered with oblivion.” (See theChronicle of St. Alban’s,Geoffery of Monmouth,Grafton,&c.) Neither is the “little report of the chronicles,” in another respect, inconsequential. Several of them agree in her having, at an advanced period of life, at the instigation of her son Constantine the great, travelled to Jerusalem for the purpose of seeking for theHOLY CROSS, and having fortunately discovered it. And hence is supposed to originate the name of St. Helena in the Roman Calendar, and the festival held May the third, called “the Invention of the Cross.” Later writers have placed the birth-place of Saint Helena in Bythinia.[1179]How Qveene Helena of Britaine married Constantivs the Emperour, and much aduanced the Christian faith through the whole world, An. Dom. 289. N.[1180]So. N.[1181]They. N.[1182]Heere at your commaund. N.[1183]Grace. N.[1184]Shape. N.[1185]Misprint for land. It was not altered by Niccols.[1186]A. N.[1187]Anno Dom. 446. N.[1188]Hauens some with forewinds haue. N.[1189]Choakt. N.[1190]One. N.[1191]One. N.[1192]The barbarous Picts, with speede themselues addrest. N.[1193]Picts. N.[1194]The poet has studiously avoided naming the young and beautiful Rowena, and has also neglected, or forgot, to avail himself of depicting the amusing incident of her introducing the wassail bowl, though repeated in several of the chronicles. The following description is from one of the earliest authorities. “And whenne nyghte come, that the kyng shude gone into his chambre, for to take ther his nyghtes reste, Ronewen, that was Engestis doughter, come with a coupe of golde in here hande, and knelede before the kyng, and said to him: “Whatsail.” And the kyng wiste nought what it was to mene, ne what he shulde answere: for as moche as him selfe, ne none of his brutons, yette couthe none englisshe speke, ne vnderstonde hit, but speken tho that same langage that brutons yet done: na the lees a latymere tolde the kyng the ful vnderstandyng ther of whatsaill; and that that other shulde answere: “Drynk, haill.” And that was the firste tyme that “whatsaill,” and “drinke haill,” comen vp in this lande; and frame that tyme into this tyme hit hath bene wel vsede. The kyng Vortiger sawe the fairenesse of Ronewenne, and his armes laide aboute hire nek, and thrise swetely he kissed hire; and anone right he was anamerede of hire, and he desirede to haue hire to his wife, and axede of Engeste hire fadere, and Engeste grauntede, vpon this couenaunt, that the kyng shulde yeue him all the cuntre of Kente that he myght dwelle in and alle his peple. The kyng him graunted preuely with a good wille. And anone after he spousede the damysell that was moche confusion to himselfe: and therfore all the brutons becomen so wrothe for encheson that he had spousede a woman of mysbileue wherfore thai wente alle fro him and no thing to him toke kepe, ne helpe him in thinges that he hadd to done.” MS. Brute.[1195]Queene. N.[1196]Sic.[1197]Bereaue vs of. N.[1198]How Vter Pendragon was inamovred on the wife of Gorolus Duke of Cornewall, whom he slew, and after was poisoned by the Saxons, Anno Dom. 500.[1199]That wounds my fame, which now too late I rew. N.[1200]There in the church. N.[1201]Misprint for Cirens. Syrens. N.[1202]Ut sup.Syrens. N.[1203]I learn’d with losse of my renowne at last. N.[1204]Like basiliske doth spoile the gazing wight. N.[1205]I sent the duke away to warres in haste. N.[1206]This stanza wants the fifth line in the original edition.[1207]Niccols substituted the following lines in place of the eighteenth and nineteenth stanzas.[Vnconquered beautie whence had’st thou that powerTo make stoutVterstoope to his owne shame,That neuer stoopt to foes? why for that flowerOf sweete delight inIgren, that faire dame,Did I forgoe the golden flower of fame?Victorious beautie and base yeelding lustDid cast greatVter’sconquests in the dust.Yet no such blame as writers do recordDo I deserue for this vnhappie deedProudGorolus, the bright-cheektIgren’slord,Receiu’d no wrong but his owne merits meed,When in the field I made his heart to bleed,If thoughts of treason merit death and shame,His trecherous deeds did well deserue the same.His gracelesse treason he in act did show,For when I sent him toNathaliodhight,In bloodie field against theSaxonfoe,He swolne in heart with enuie and despightOf his associates good, did leaue the fight,And leauing stoutNathaliodfor a prayVnto the foes, from field he fled away.By which enforc’d I was withMarsto riseFromVenus’bed, and arme me for the field,Where like a storme in thunder clad from skies,Vpon my foes I fell, they could not shieldThemselues from death, few scap’t that did not yeeld:OccaandOssaboth I downe did bring,And led them captiue like a conquering king.Againe I then gan thinke vpon my loue,Vpon mineIgrendeare, against whose lordI finding cause, for that he late did proueFaithlesse to me, did with my lust accord’Gainst him, as ’gainst my foe to draw my sword,Whom by his castle calledDunilioc,I slew with blade in battailes bloodie stroke.Then did I take mineIgrenas mine owneAnd crown’d her queene in my emperiall chaire,On whom greatArthurI begot anone:And after him myAnnahight the faire,In seeming blisse I long liu’d void of care,For thrice nine yeares withIgrenI did raigne,And ’gainst theSaxonsdid my state maintaine.But for the rape ofGorolushis wife,The heauens did powre down vengeance on my head,I by vntimely death did end my life,My sad soule hence enforc’d by poison fled,BySaxonswrought, who often wish’d me dead,And left behind for all my deeds of fameIust cause for writers’ pens to speake my shame.] N.
[1049]As she before had done. N.
[1049]As she before had done. N.
[1050]The certaine truth. N.
[1050]The certaine truth. N.
[1051]By Fortune false with death so dearely bought. N.
[1051]By Fortune false with death so dearely bought. N.
[1052]She sometimes sets vp. N.
[1052]She sometimes sets vp. N.
[1053]As I that thought this land from Britaines to regaine,In field with all my Picts were vanquished and slaine. N.
[1053]
As I that thought this land from Britaines to regaine,In field with all my Picts were vanquished and slaine. N.
As I that thought this land from Britaines to regaine,In field with all my Picts were vanquished and slaine. N.
As I that thought this land from Britaines to regaine,In field with all my Picts were vanquished and slaine. N.
As I that thought this land from Britaines to regaine,
In field with all my Picts were vanquished and slaine. N.
[1054]Their happie fate. N.
[1054]Their happie fate. N.
[1055]For vnto change of chaunce subiected is their state. N.
[1055]For vnto change of chaunce subiected is their state. N.
[1056]She enriched well. N.
[1056]She enriched well. N.
[1057]And vnresisted to. N.
[1057]And vnresisted to. N.
[1058]Take. N.
[1058]Take. N.
[1059]Against the law of arms. N.
[1059]Against the law of arms. N.
[1060]Fit we found to worke our harmes. N.
[1060]Fit we found to worke our harmes. N.
[1061]King Artebane we did subdue in fight. N.
[1061]King Artebane we did subdue in fight. N.
[1062]Slew his men that did with stand. N.
[1062]Slew his men that did with stand. N.
[1063]Mappes. N.
[1063]Mappes. N.
[1064]Rome honour’d mee. N.
[1064]Rome honour’d mee. N.
[1065]Geta far more mild. N.
[1065]Geta far more mild. N.
[1066]To rule my sonnes, I was vnblest. N.
[1066]To rule my sonnes, I was vnblest. N.
[1067]Despite, and auarice. N.
[1067]Despite, and auarice. N.
[1068]Be. N.
[1068]Be. N.
[1069]My. N.
[1069]My. N.
[1070]Probably a line of this stanza was dropt at the press.
[1070]Probably a line of this stanza was dropt at the press.
[1071]My wicked children sought my death. N.
[1071]My wicked children sought my death. N.
[1072]That by my death the empire he might sway,T’obtaine the same he often gaue th’assay. N.
[1072]
That by my death the empire he might sway,T’obtaine the same he often gaue th’assay. N.
That by my death the empire he might sway,T’obtaine the same he often gaue th’assay. N.
That by my death the empire he might sway,T’obtaine the same he often gaue th’assay. N.
That by my death the empire he might sway,
T’obtaine the same he often gaue th’assay. N.
[1073]To Britaine ouer seas from Rome went I. N.
[1073]To Britaine ouer seas from Rome went I. N.
[1074]And tame the stout that tribute did denie. N.
[1074]And tame the stout that tribute did denie. N.
[1075]So in throne to raigne. N.
[1075]So in throne to raigne. N.
[1076]Reape our tribute. N.
[1076]Reape our tribute. N.
[1077]In league with them. N.
[1077]In league with them. N.
[1078]I made edict. N.
[1078]I made edict. N.
[1079]Sixe score miles and twelue.There was some error of the press in this number. According toLanquet, it should befivescore and twelve, while the Polychronicon, which appears to be the poet’s authority, says, “he made a walle in Brytayne that stretcheth six score myle andtweynevnto the see.”
[1079]Sixe score miles and twelue.There was some error of the press in this number. According toLanquet, it should befivescore and twelve, while the Polychronicon, which appears to be the poet’s authority, says, “he made a walle in Brytayne that stretcheth six score myle andtweynevnto the see.”
[1080]Fulgentius stout without delay. N.
[1080]Fulgentius stout without delay. N.
[1081]To Scythia sail’d, and there his chance did tell. N.
[1081]To Scythia sail’d, and there his chance did tell. N.
[1082]And with an host of Picts. N.
[1082]And with an host of Picts. N.
[1083]And vnsure. N.
[1083]And vnsure. N.
[1084]A wall an hundred mile. N.
[1084]A wall an hundred mile. N.
[1085]Our ancient race (as I can shew with skill.) N.
[1085]Our ancient race (as I can shew with skill.) N.
[1086]Ioue’s. N.
[1086]Ioue’s. N.
[1087]Their foule sin. N.
[1087]Their foule sin. N.
[1088]As God did make the zones hot, milde, and cold,So did he make like men the same to hold. N.
[1088]
As God did make the zones hot, milde, and cold,So did he make like men the same to hold. N.
As God did make the zones hot, milde, and cold,So did he make like men the same to hold. N.
As God did make the zones hot, milde, and cold,So did he make like men the same to hold. N.
As God did make the zones hot, milde, and cold,
So did he make like men the same to hold. N.
[1089]Is no fit clime, whence man should. N.
[1089]Is no fit clime, whence man should. N.
[1090]As they do vse. N.
[1090]As they do vse. N.
[1091]But of proud Rome’s Seuerus. N.
[1091]But of proud Rome’s Seuerus. N.
[1092]Made to keepe me out. N.
[1092]Made to keepe me out. N.
[1093]And taking land. N.
[1093]And taking land. N.
[1094]The cries and shouts of men to skies resound. N.
[1094]The cries and shouts of men to skies resound. N.
[1095]I made my way. N.
[1095]I made my way. N.
[1096]Where with my Picts the Parthique I did stay. N.
[1096]Where with my Picts the Parthique I did stay. N.
[1097]For as I conquest sought,With my life blood the conquest deare was bought. N.
[1097]
For as I conquest sought,With my life blood the conquest deare was bought. N.
For as I conquest sought,With my life blood the conquest deare was bought. N.
For as I conquest sought,With my life blood the conquest deare was bought. N.
For as I conquest sought,
With my life blood the conquest deare was bought. N.
[1098]Gifts. N.
[1098]Gifts. N.
[1099]Do. N.
[1099]Do. N.
[1100]Germanie. N.
[1100]Germanie. N.
[1101]I fauour had, and liu’d belou’d alway. N.
[1101]I fauour had, and liu’d belou’d alway. N.
[1102]Appointed it my right. N.
[1102]Appointed it my right. N.
[1103]Iustice had from N.
[1103]Iustice had from N.
[1104]But gaue an end to causes. N.
[1104]But gaue an end to causes. N.
[1105]Le stories tell if I do faine in this. N.
[1105]Le stories tell if I do faine in this. N.
[1106]In warres as stout, but. N.
[1106]In warres as stout, but. N.
[1107]I not opprest the weaker sort. N.
[1107]I not opprest the weaker sort. N.
[1108]Pleasure all, both. N.
[1108]Pleasure all, both. N.
[1109]But brother’s treason caused all our ill. N.
[1109]But brother’s treason caused all our ill. N.
[1110]Hight Antonine. N.
[1110]Hight Antonine. N.
[1111]Was, as may appeare. N.
[1111]Was, as may appeare. N.
[1112]To kill. N.
[1112]To kill. N.
[1113]That so by them his sire might poisoned bee. N.
[1113]That so by them his sire might poisoned bee. N.
[1114]This when our sire Seuerus wist and saw. N.
[1114]This when our sire Seuerus wist and saw. N.
[1115]That bloodie beast was bent. N.
[1115]That bloodie beast was bent. N.
[1116]Perswading vs true concord for to hold. N.
[1116]Perswading vs true concord for to hold. N.
[1117]Oft. N.
[1117]Oft. N.
[1118]T’enlarge his power for th’empire him addrest. N.
[1118]T’enlarge his power for th’empire him addrest. N.
[1119]Pursuing warre: neere Yorke. N.
[1119]Pursuing warre: neere Yorke. N.
[1120]I was foretold my life. N.
[1120]I was foretold my life. N.
[1121]Apart from his, that did my death deuise. N.
[1121]Apart from his, that did my death deuise. N.
[1122]My seruants were allur’d. N.
[1122]My seruants were allur’d. N.
[1123]By poison to procure my life’s decay. N.
[1123]By poison to procure my life’s decay. N.
[1124]Because they would not to his will be wrought,To bring them vnto death he daily sought. N.
[1124]
Because they would not to his will be wrought,To bring them vnto death he daily sought. N.
Because they would not to his will be wrought,To bring them vnto death he daily sought. N.
Because they would not to his will be wrought,To bring them vnto death he daily sought. N.
Because they would not to his will be wrought,
To bring them vnto death he daily sought. N.
[1125]In danger I was forst. N.
[1125]In danger I was forst. N.
[1126]Not long to wrecke. N.
[1126]Not long to wrecke. N.
[1127]That in the euen he came to spill my blood,As I vnarmed with my mother stood. N.
[1127]
That in the euen he came to spill my blood,As I vnarmed with my mother stood. N.
That in the euen he came to spill my blood,As I vnarmed with my mother stood. N.
That in the euen he came to spill my blood,As I vnarmed with my mother stood. N.
That in the euen he came to spill my blood,
As I vnarmed with my mother stood. N.
[1128]She him besought. N.
[1128]She him besought. N.
[1129]Fates. N.
[1129]Fates. N.
[1130]Antonine that wretch. N.
[1130]Antonine that wretch. N.
[1131]Now maist thou deeme. N.
[1131]Now maist thou deeme. N.
[1132]He to his sire of sonnes was most vnkind. N.
[1132]He to his sire of sonnes was most vnkind. N.
[1133]What monster wrought his faithfull friends such woe. N.
[1133]What monster wrought his faithfull friends such woe. N.
[1134]Throng.
[1134]Throng.
[1135]Their deathes my wicked heart could glad. N.
[1135]Their deathes my wicked heart could glad. N.
[1136]And some who did my trecherie disclose. N.
[1136]And some who did my trecherie disclose. N.
[1137]All my friends I sought to make. N.
[1137]All my friends I sought to make. N.
[1138]To forsake. N.
[1138]To forsake. N.
[1139]To which in shew I granted N.
[1139]To which in shew I granted N.
[1140]Perceiue then one alone. N.
[1140]Perceiue then one alone. N.
[1141]I said, I should by foes be forc’d to die. N.
[1141]I said, I should by foes be forc’d to die. N.
[1142]All resorted to my tent. N.
[1142]All resorted to my tent. N.
[1143]Our foe is slaine. N.
[1143]Our foe is slaine. N.
[1144]I promist if the soldiers me would saue. N.
[1144]I promist if the soldiers me would saue. N.
[1145]Should haue. N.
[1145]Should haue. N.
[1146]At large in that one day. N.
[1146]At large in that one day. N.
[1147]Seuerus treasure I did make away. N.
[1147]Seuerus treasure I did make away. N.
[1148]The souldiers all perceiuing well my mind. N.
[1148]The souldiers all perceiuing well my mind. N.
[1149]By them the Emperour. N.
[1149]By them the Emperour. N.
[1150]Ill. N.
[1150]Ill. N.
[1151]My brother’s house and fame I did deface. N.
[1151]My brother’s house and fame I did deface. N.
[1152]Coach. N.
[1152]Coach. N.
[1153]Cau’lling. N.
[1153]Cau’lling. N.
[1154]So that few men. N.
[1154]So that few men. N.
[1155]Could with like strength such weightie burthens beare. N.
[1155]Could with like strength such weightie burthens beare. N.
[1156]With eie to view. N.
[1156]With eie to view. N.
[1157]Giue her me to wife. N.
[1157]Giue her me to wife. N.
[1158]To vse their hand. N.
[1158]To vse their hand. N.
[1159]The king scarse scap’d. N.
[1159]The king scarse scap’d. N.
[1160]Of all wise men. N.
[1160]Of all wise men. N.
[1161]What he did write againe. N.
[1161]What he did write againe. N.
[1162]To campe. N.
[1162]To campe. N.
[1163]The sword at length shall iustly shed his bloud. N.
[1163]The sword at length shall iustly shed his bloud. N.
[1164]There are some lines by Turbervile, entitled: 'The author here declareth why he wrote these histories, and forewente the translation of the learned poet, Lucan.’
[1164]There are some lines by Turbervile, entitled: 'The author here declareth why he wrote these histories, and forewente the translation of the learned poet, Lucan.’
[1165]This seems as if Blenerhasset thought Lord Buckhurst and Sackville different persons!
[1165]This seems as if Blenerhasset thought Lord Buckhurst and Sackville different persons!
[1166]Neither the printer’s address, author’s epistle, or any of the prose inductions, are inserted in the edition of 1610.
[1166]Neither the printer’s address, author’s epistle, or any of the prose inductions, are inserted in the edition of 1610.
[1167]Not in the edition 1610; Higgins having inserted a life of Guidericus among the additions to Part I. after the appearance of the above by Blener-Hasset. See p. 286.
[1167]Not in the edition 1610; Higgins having inserted a life of Guidericus among the additions to Part I. after the appearance of the above by Blener-Hasset. See p. 286.
[1168]How Carassvs a hvsbandman’s sonne, and after King of Britaine, was slaine in battell by Alectus a Roman, Anno Dom. 293. N.
[1168]How Carassvs a hvsbandman’s sonne, and after King of Britaine, was slaine in battell by Alectus a Roman, Anno Dom. 293. N.
[1169]Picts. N.
[1169]Picts. N.
[1170]And did so far preuaile. N.
[1170]And did so far preuaile. N.
[1171]To bring the barbarous Picts. N.
[1171]To bring the barbarous Picts. N.
[1172]of th’ armed Picts. N.
[1172]of th’ armed Picts. N.
[1173]Rome. N.
[1173]Rome. N.
[1174]The Picts preuented of their wished pray. N.
[1174]The Picts preuented of their wished pray. N.
[1175]For his gray grotes. N.
[1175]For his gray grotes. N.
[1176]The end of th’act. N.
[1176]The end of th’act. N.
[1177]Bred such sterne debate. N.
[1177]Bred such sterne debate. N.
[1178]Our author, in the Epistle to his Friend, (see p. 350,) describes himself to have been “altogether destitute” of books, and that his memory and invention, or diligence, were forced to supply the place of chronicles. Any attempt, therefore, to trace the supposed authorities seems useless if not irrelevant; and where errors of fact are discovered they must probably be considered excusable, from the peculiar disadvantages under which the work was composed. Thus the beauty of queen Helena, her piety, skill in music, and knowledge of the liberal arts, added to the presumption of her having founded seventy colleges, too firmly established her fame to make it doubtful that the remembrance of her might be “smothered with oblivion.” (See theChronicle of St. Alban’s,Geoffery of Monmouth,Grafton,&c.) Neither is the “little report of the chronicles,” in another respect, inconsequential. Several of them agree in her having, at an advanced period of life, at the instigation of her son Constantine the great, travelled to Jerusalem for the purpose of seeking for theHOLY CROSS, and having fortunately discovered it. And hence is supposed to originate the name of St. Helena in the Roman Calendar, and the festival held May the third, called “the Invention of the Cross.” Later writers have placed the birth-place of Saint Helena in Bythinia.
[1178]Our author, in the Epistle to his Friend, (see p. 350,) describes himself to have been “altogether destitute” of books, and that his memory and invention, or diligence, were forced to supply the place of chronicles. Any attempt, therefore, to trace the supposed authorities seems useless if not irrelevant; and where errors of fact are discovered they must probably be considered excusable, from the peculiar disadvantages under which the work was composed. Thus the beauty of queen Helena, her piety, skill in music, and knowledge of the liberal arts, added to the presumption of her having founded seventy colleges, too firmly established her fame to make it doubtful that the remembrance of her might be “smothered with oblivion.” (See theChronicle of St. Alban’s,Geoffery of Monmouth,Grafton,&c.) Neither is the “little report of the chronicles,” in another respect, inconsequential. Several of them agree in her having, at an advanced period of life, at the instigation of her son Constantine the great, travelled to Jerusalem for the purpose of seeking for theHOLY CROSS, and having fortunately discovered it. And hence is supposed to originate the name of St. Helena in the Roman Calendar, and the festival held May the third, called “the Invention of the Cross.” Later writers have placed the birth-place of Saint Helena in Bythinia.
[1179]How Qveene Helena of Britaine married Constantivs the Emperour, and much aduanced the Christian faith through the whole world, An. Dom. 289. N.
[1179]How Qveene Helena of Britaine married Constantivs the Emperour, and much aduanced the Christian faith through the whole world, An. Dom. 289. N.
[1180]So. N.
[1180]So. N.
[1181]They. N.
[1181]They. N.
[1182]Heere at your commaund. N.
[1182]Heere at your commaund. N.
[1183]Grace. N.
[1183]Grace. N.
[1184]Shape. N.
[1184]Shape. N.
[1185]Misprint for land. It was not altered by Niccols.
[1185]Misprint for land. It was not altered by Niccols.
[1186]A. N.
[1186]A. N.
[1187]Anno Dom. 446. N.
[1187]Anno Dom. 446. N.
[1188]Hauens some with forewinds haue. N.
[1188]Hauens some with forewinds haue. N.
[1189]Choakt. N.
[1189]Choakt. N.
[1190]One. N.
[1190]One. N.
[1191]One. N.
[1191]One. N.
[1192]The barbarous Picts, with speede themselues addrest. N.
[1192]The barbarous Picts, with speede themselues addrest. N.
[1193]Picts. N.
[1193]Picts. N.
[1194]The poet has studiously avoided naming the young and beautiful Rowena, and has also neglected, or forgot, to avail himself of depicting the amusing incident of her introducing the wassail bowl, though repeated in several of the chronicles. The following description is from one of the earliest authorities. “And whenne nyghte come, that the kyng shude gone into his chambre, for to take ther his nyghtes reste, Ronewen, that was Engestis doughter, come with a coupe of golde in here hande, and knelede before the kyng, and said to him: “Whatsail.” And the kyng wiste nought what it was to mene, ne what he shulde answere: for as moche as him selfe, ne none of his brutons, yette couthe none englisshe speke, ne vnderstonde hit, but speken tho that same langage that brutons yet done: na the lees a latymere tolde the kyng the ful vnderstandyng ther of whatsaill; and that that other shulde answere: “Drynk, haill.” And that was the firste tyme that “whatsaill,” and “drinke haill,” comen vp in this lande; and frame that tyme into this tyme hit hath bene wel vsede. The kyng Vortiger sawe the fairenesse of Ronewenne, and his armes laide aboute hire nek, and thrise swetely he kissed hire; and anone right he was anamerede of hire, and he desirede to haue hire to his wife, and axede of Engeste hire fadere, and Engeste grauntede, vpon this couenaunt, that the kyng shulde yeue him all the cuntre of Kente that he myght dwelle in and alle his peple. The kyng him graunted preuely with a good wille. And anone after he spousede the damysell that was moche confusion to himselfe: and therfore all the brutons becomen so wrothe for encheson that he had spousede a woman of mysbileue wherfore thai wente alle fro him and no thing to him toke kepe, ne helpe him in thinges that he hadd to done.” MS. Brute.
[1194]The poet has studiously avoided naming the young and beautiful Rowena, and has also neglected, or forgot, to avail himself of depicting the amusing incident of her introducing the wassail bowl, though repeated in several of the chronicles. The following description is from one of the earliest authorities. “And whenne nyghte come, that the kyng shude gone into his chambre, for to take ther his nyghtes reste, Ronewen, that was Engestis doughter, come with a coupe of golde in here hande, and knelede before the kyng, and said to him: “Whatsail.” And the kyng wiste nought what it was to mene, ne what he shulde answere: for as moche as him selfe, ne none of his brutons, yette couthe none englisshe speke, ne vnderstonde hit, but speken tho that same langage that brutons yet done: na the lees a latymere tolde the kyng the ful vnderstandyng ther of whatsaill; and that that other shulde answere: “Drynk, haill.” And that was the firste tyme that “whatsaill,” and “drinke haill,” comen vp in this lande; and frame that tyme into this tyme hit hath bene wel vsede. The kyng Vortiger sawe the fairenesse of Ronewenne, and his armes laide aboute hire nek, and thrise swetely he kissed hire; and anone right he was anamerede of hire, and he desirede to haue hire to his wife, and axede of Engeste hire fadere, and Engeste grauntede, vpon this couenaunt, that the kyng shulde yeue him all the cuntre of Kente that he myght dwelle in and alle his peple. The kyng him graunted preuely with a good wille. And anone after he spousede the damysell that was moche confusion to himselfe: and therfore all the brutons becomen so wrothe for encheson that he had spousede a woman of mysbileue wherfore thai wente alle fro him and no thing to him toke kepe, ne helpe him in thinges that he hadd to done.” MS. Brute.
[1195]Queene. N.
[1195]Queene. N.
[1196]Sic.
[1196]Sic.
[1197]Bereaue vs of. N.
[1197]Bereaue vs of. N.
[1198]How Vter Pendragon was inamovred on the wife of Gorolus Duke of Cornewall, whom he slew, and after was poisoned by the Saxons, Anno Dom. 500.
[1198]How Vter Pendragon was inamovred on the wife of Gorolus Duke of Cornewall, whom he slew, and after was poisoned by the Saxons, Anno Dom. 500.
[1199]That wounds my fame, which now too late I rew. N.
[1199]That wounds my fame, which now too late I rew. N.
[1200]There in the church. N.
[1200]There in the church. N.
[1201]Misprint for Cirens. Syrens. N.
[1201]Misprint for Cirens. Syrens. N.
[1202]Ut sup.Syrens. N.
[1202]Ut sup.Syrens. N.
[1203]I learn’d with losse of my renowne at last. N.
[1203]I learn’d with losse of my renowne at last. N.
[1204]Like basiliske doth spoile the gazing wight. N.
[1204]Like basiliske doth spoile the gazing wight. N.
[1205]I sent the duke away to warres in haste. N.
[1205]I sent the duke away to warres in haste. N.
[1206]This stanza wants the fifth line in the original edition.
[1206]This stanza wants the fifth line in the original edition.
[1207]Niccols substituted the following lines in place of the eighteenth and nineteenth stanzas.[Vnconquered beautie whence had’st thou that powerTo make stoutVterstoope to his owne shame,That neuer stoopt to foes? why for that flowerOf sweete delight inIgren, that faire dame,Did I forgoe the golden flower of fame?Victorious beautie and base yeelding lustDid cast greatVter’sconquests in the dust.Yet no such blame as writers do recordDo I deserue for this vnhappie deedProudGorolus, the bright-cheektIgren’slord,Receiu’d no wrong but his owne merits meed,When in the field I made his heart to bleed,If thoughts of treason merit death and shame,His trecherous deeds did well deserue the same.His gracelesse treason he in act did show,For when I sent him toNathaliodhight,In bloodie field against theSaxonfoe,He swolne in heart with enuie and despightOf his associates good, did leaue the fight,And leauing stoutNathaliodfor a prayVnto the foes, from field he fled away.By which enforc’d I was withMarsto riseFromVenus’bed, and arme me for the field,Where like a storme in thunder clad from skies,Vpon my foes I fell, they could not shieldThemselues from death, few scap’t that did not yeeld:OccaandOssaboth I downe did bring,And led them captiue like a conquering king.Againe I then gan thinke vpon my loue,Vpon mineIgrendeare, against whose lordI finding cause, for that he late did proueFaithlesse to me, did with my lust accord’Gainst him, as ’gainst my foe to draw my sword,Whom by his castle calledDunilioc,I slew with blade in battailes bloodie stroke.Then did I take mineIgrenas mine owneAnd crown’d her queene in my emperiall chaire,On whom greatArthurI begot anone:And after him myAnnahight the faire,In seeming blisse I long liu’d void of care,For thrice nine yeares withIgrenI did raigne,And ’gainst theSaxonsdid my state maintaine.But for the rape ofGorolushis wife,The heauens did powre down vengeance on my head,I by vntimely death did end my life,My sad soule hence enforc’d by poison fled,BySaxonswrought, who often wish’d me dead,And left behind for all my deeds of fameIust cause for writers’ pens to speake my shame.] N.
[1207]Niccols substituted the following lines in place of the eighteenth and nineteenth stanzas.
[Vnconquered beautie whence had’st thou that powerTo make stoutVterstoope to his owne shame,That neuer stoopt to foes? why for that flowerOf sweete delight inIgren, that faire dame,Did I forgoe the golden flower of fame?Victorious beautie and base yeelding lustDid cast greatVter’sconquests in the dust.Yet no such blame as writers do recordDo I deserue for this vnhappie deedProudGorolus, the bright-cheektIgren’slord,Receiu’d no wrong but his owne merits meed,When in the field I made his heart to bleed,If thoughts of treason merit death and shame,His trecherous deeds did well deserue the same.His gracelesse treason he in act did show,For when I sent him toNathaliodhight,In bloodie field against theSaxonfoe,He swolne in heart with enuie and despightOf his associates good, did leaue the fight,And leauing stoutNathaliodfor a prayVnto the foes, from field he fled away.By which enforc’d I was withMarsto riseFromVenus’bed, and arme me for the field,Where like a storme in thunder clad from skies,Vpon my foes I fell, they could not shieldThemselues from death, few scap’t that did not yeeld:OccaandOssaboth I downe did bring,And led them captiue like a conquering king.Againe I then gan thinke vpon my loue,Vpon mineIgrendeare, against whose lordI finding cause, for that he late did proueFaithlesse to me, did with my lust accord’Gainst him, as ’gainst my foe to draw my sword,Whom by his castle calledDunilioc,I slew with blade in battailes bloodie stroke.Then did I take mineIgrenas mine owneAnd crown’d her queene in my emperiall chaire,On whom greatArthurI begot anone:And after him myAnnahight the faire,In seeming blisse I long liu’d void of care,For thrice nine yeares withIgrenI did raigne,And ’gainst theSaxonsdid my state maintaine.But for the rape ofGorolushis wife,The heauens did powre down vengeance on my head,I by vntimely death did end my life,My sad soule hence enforc’d by poison fled,BySaxonswrought, who often wish’d me dead,And left behind for all my deeds of fameIust cause for writers’ pens to speake my shame.] N.
[Vnconquered beautie whence had’st thou that powerTo make stoutVterstoope to his owne shame,That neuer stoopt to foes? why for that flowerOf sweete delight inIgren, that faire dame,Did I forgoe the golden flower of fame?Victorious beautie and base yeelding lustDid cast greatVter’sconquests in the dust.Yet no such blame as writers do recordDo I deserue for this vnhappie deedProudGorolus, the bright-cheektIgren’slord,Receiu’d no wrong but his owne merits meed,When in the field I made his heart to bleed,If thoughts of treason merit death and shame,His trecherous deeds did well deserue the same.His gracelesse treason he in act did show,For when I sent him toNathaliodhight,In bloodie field against theSaxonfoe,He swolne in heart with enuie and despightOf his associates good, did leaue the fight,And leauing stoutNathaliodfor a prayVnto the foes, from field he fled away.By which enforc’d I was withMarsto riseFromVenus’bed, and arme me for the field,Where like a storme in thunder clad from skies,Vpon my foes I fell, they could not shieldThemselues from death, few scap’t that did not yeeld:OccaandOssaboth I downe did bring,And led them captiue like a conquering king.Againe I then gan thinke vpon my loue,Vpon mineIgrendeare, against whose lordI finding cause, for that he late did proueFaithlesse to me, did with my lust accord’Gainst him, as ’gainst my foe to draw my sword,Whom by his castle calledDunilioc,I slew with blade in battailes bloodie stroke.Then did I take mineIgrenas mine owneAnd crown’d her queene in my emperiall chaire,On whom greatArthurI begot anone:And after him myAnnahight the faire,In seeming blisse I long liu’d void of care,For thrice nine yeares withIgrenI did raigne,And ’gainst theSaxonsdid my state maintaine.But for the rape ofGorolushis wife,The heauens did powre down vengeance on my head,I by vntimely death did end my life,My sad soule hence enforc’d by poison fled,BySaxonswrought, who often wish’d me dead,And left behind for all my deeds of fameIust cause for writers’ pens to speake my shame.] N.
[Vnconquered beautie whence had’st thou that powerTo make stoutVterstoope to his owne shame,That neuer stoopt to foes? why for that flowerOf sweete delight inIgren, that faire dame,Did I forgoe the golden flower of fame?Victorious beautie and base yeelding lustDid cast greatVter’sconquests in the dust.
[Vnconquered beautie whence had’st thou that power
To make stoutVterstoope to his owne shame,
That neuer stoopt to foes? why for that flower
Of sweete delight inIgren, that faire dame,
Did I forgoe the golden flower of fame?
Victorious beautie and base yeelding lust
Did cast greatVter’sconquests in the dust.
Yet no such blame as writers do recordDo I deserue for this vnhappie deedProudGorolus, the bright-cheektIgren’slord,Receiu’d no wrong but his owne merits meed,When in the field I made his heart to bleed,If thoughts of treason merit death and shame,His trecherous deeds did well deserue the same.
Yet no such blame as writers do record
Do I deserue for this vnhappie deed
ProudGorolus, the bright-cheektIgren’slord,
Receiu’d no wrong but his owne merits meed,
When in the field I made his heart to bleed,
If thoughts of treason merit death and shame,
His trecherous deeds did well deserue the same.
His gracelesse treason he in act did show,For when I sent him toNathaliodhight,In bloodie field against theSaxonfoe,He swolne in heart with enuie and despightOf his associates good, did leaue the fight,And leauing stoutNathaliodfor a prayVnto the foes, from field he fled away.
His gracelesse treason he in act did show,
For when I sent him toNathaliodhight,
In bloodie field against theSaxonfoe,
He swolne in heart with enuie and despight
Of his associates good, did leaue the fight,
And leauing stoutNathaliodfor a pray
Vnto the foes, from field he fled away.
By which enforc’d I was withMarsto riseFromVenus’bed, and arme me for the field,Where like a storme in thunder clad from skies,Vpon my foes I fell, they could not shieldThemselues from death, few scap’t that did not yeeld:OccaandOssaboth I downe did bring,And led them captiue like a conquering king.
By which enforc’d I was withMarsto rise
FromVenus’bed, and arme me for the field,
Where like a storme in thunder clad from skies,
Vpon my foes I fell, they could not shield
Themselues from death, few scap’t that did not yeeld:
OccaandOssaboth I downe did bring,
And led them captiue like a conquering king.
Againe I then gan thinke vpon my loue,Vpon mineIgrendeare, against whose lordI finding cause, for that he late did proueFaithlesse to me, did with my lust accord’Gainst him, as ’gainst my foe to draw my sword,Whom by his castle calledDunilioc,I slew with blade in battailes bloodie stroke.
Againe I then gan thinke vpon my loue,
Vpon mineIgrendeare, against whose lord
I finding cause, for that he late did proue
Faithlesse to me, did with my lust accord
’Gainst him, as ’gainst my foe to draw my sword,
Whom by his castle calledDunilioc,
I slew with blade in battailes bloodie stroke.
Then did I take mineIgrenas mine owneAnd crown’d her queene in my emperiall chaire,On whom greatArthurI begot anone:And after him myAnnahight the faire,In seeming blisse I long liu’d void of care,For thrice nine yeares withIgrenI did raigne,And ’gainst theSaxonsdid my state maintaine.
Then did I take mineIgrenas mine owne
And crown’d her queene in my emperiall chaire,
On whom greatArthurI begot anone:
And after him myAnnahight the faire,
In seeming blisse I long liu’d void of care,
For thrice nine yeares withIgrenI did raigne,
And ’gainst theSaxonsdid my state maintaine.
But for the rape ofGorolushis wife,The heauens did powre down vengeance on my head,I by vntimely death did end my life,My sad soule hence enforc’d by poison fled,BySaxonswrought, who often wish’d me dead,And left behind for all my deeds of fameIust cause for writers’ pens to speake my shame.] N.
But for the rape ofGorolushis wife,
The heauens did powre down vengeance on my head,
I by vntimely death did end my life,
My sad soule hence enforc’d by poison fled,
BySaxonswrought, who often wish’d me dead,
And left behind for all my deeds of fame
Iust cause for writers’ pens to speake my shame.] N.