CANTO the Fifth.
The Argument.
The house of Astragon; where in distress
Of Nature, Gondibert, for Art's redress
Was by old Ulfin brought: where Arts hard strife,
In studying Nature for the ayd of Life,
Is by full wealth and conduct easie made;
And Truth much visited, though in her shade.
The house of Astragon; where in distress
Of Nature, Gondibert, for Art's redress
Was by old Ulfin brought: where Arts hard strife,
In studying Nature for the ayd of Life,
Is by full wealth and conduct easie made;
And Truth much visited, though in her shade.
1.
FRom Brescia swiftly ore the bord'ring Plain,
Return we to the House of Astragon;
Where Gondibert, and his succesfull Train,
Kindly lament the Victorie they won.
FRom Brescia swiftly ore the bord'ring Plain,
Return we to the House of Astragon;
Where Gondibert, and his succesfull Train,
Kindly lament the Victorie they won.
2.
But though I Fame's great Book shall open now,
Expect a while, till she that Decad reads,
Which does this Dukes eternal Story show,
And aged Ulfin cites for special deeds.
But though I Fame's great Book shall open now,
Expect a while, till she that Decad reads,
Which does this Dukes eternal Story show,
And aged Ulfin cites for special deeds.
3.
Where Friendship is renown'd in Ulfinore;
Where th' ancient musick of delightfull verse;
Does it no less in Goltho's Breast adore,
And th' union of their equal hearts rehearse.
Where Friendship is renown'd in Ulfinore;
Where th' ancient musick of delightfull verse;
Does it no less in Goltho's Breast adore,
And th' union of their equal hearts rehearse.
4.
These wearie Victors the descending Sun
Led hither, where swift Night did them surprise;
And where, for vatiant toils, wise Astragon,
With sweet rewards of sleep, did fill their Eyes.
These wearie Victors the descending Sun
Led hither, where swift Night did them surprise;
And where, for vatiant toils, wise Astragon,
With sweet rewards of sleep, did fill their Eyes.
5.
When to the needie World Day did appear,
And freely op'd her Treasurie of light,
His house (where Art and Nature Tenants were)
The pleasure grew, and bus'ness of their sight.
When to the needie World Day did appear,
And freely op'd her Treasurie of light,
His house (where Art and Nature Tenants were)
The pleasure grew, and bus'ness of their sight.
6.
Where Ulfin (who an old Domestick seems,
And rules as Master in the Owners Breast)
Leads Goltho to admire what he esteems;
And thus, what he had long observ'd, exprest.
Where Ulfin (who an old Domestick seems,
And rules as Master in the Owners Breast)
Leads Goltho to admire what he esteems;
And thus, what he had long observ'd, exprest.
7.
Here Art by such a diligence is serv'd,
As does th' unwearied Planets imitate;
Whose motion (life of Nature) has preserv'd
The world, which God vouchsaf'd but to create.
Here Art by such a diligence is serv'd,
As does th' unwearied Planets imitate;
Whose motion (life of Nature) has preserv'd
The world, which God vouchsaf'd but to create.
8.
Those heights, which else Dwarf-life could never reach,
Here by the wings of Diligence they climb;
Truth (skar'd with Terms frō Canting Schools) they teach;
And buy it with their best sav'd Treasure, Time.
Those heights, which else Dwarf-life could never reach,
Here by the wings of Diligence they climb;
Truth (skar'd with Terms frō Canting Schools) they teach;
And buy it with their best sav'd Treasure, Time.
9.
Here all Men seem Recov'rers of time past;
As busie as intentive Emmets are;
As alarm'd Armies that intrench in haste;
Or Cities, whom unlook'd-for Sieges skare.
Here all Men seem Recov'rers of time past;
As busie as intentive Emmets are;
As alarm'd Armies that intrench in haste;
Or Cities, whom unlook'd-for Sieges skare.
10.
Much it delights the wise observers Eye,
That all these toils direct to sev'ral skils;
Some from the Mine to the hot Fornace hie,
And some from flowrie Fields to weeping Stils.
Much it delights the wise observers Eye,
That all these toils direct to sev'ral skils;
Some from the Mine to the hot Fornace hie,
And some from flowrie Fields to weeping Stils.
11.
The first to hopefull Chymicks matter bring,
Where Med'cine they extract for instant cure;
These bear the sweeter burthens of the Spring;
Whose virtues (longer known) though slow, are sure.
The first to hopefull Chymicks matter bring,
Where Med'cine they extract for instant cure;
These bear the sweeter burthens of the Spring;
Whose virtues (longer known) though slow, are sure.
12.
See there wet Divers from Fossone sent!
Who of the Seas deep Dwellers knowledge give;
Which (more unquiet than their Element)
By hungrie war, upon each other live.
See there wet Divers from Fossone sent!
Who of the Seas deep Dwellers knowledge give;
Which (more unquiet than their Element)
By hungrie war, upon each other live.
13.
Pearl to their Lord, and Cordial Coral these
Present; which must in sharpest liquids melt;
He with Nigella cures that dull disease
They get, who long with stupid Fish have dwelt.
Pearl to their Lord, and Cordial Coral these
Present; which must in sharpest liquids melt;
He with Nigella cures that dull disease
They get, who long with stupid Fish have dwelt.
14.
Others through Quarries dig, deeply below
Where Desart Rivers, cold, and private run;
Where Bodies conservation best they know,
And Mines long growth, and how their veins begun.
Others through Quarries dig, deeply below
Where Desart Rivers, cold, and private run;
Where Bodies conservation best they know,
And Mines long growth, and how their veins begun.
15.
He shews them now Tow'rs of prodigious height,
Where Nature's Friends, Philosophers, remain,
To censure Meteors in their cause and flight;
And watch the Wind's authoritie on Rain.
He shews them now Tow'rs of prodigious height,
Where Nature's Friends, Philosophers, remain,
To censure Meteors in their cause and flight;
And watch the Wind's authoritie on Rain.
16.
Others with Optick Tubes the Moons scant sace
(Vast Tubes, which like long Cedars mounted lie)
Attract through Glasses to so near a space,
As if they came not to survey, but prie.
Others with Optick Tubes the Moons scant sace
(Vast Tubes, which like long Cedars mounted lie)
Attract through Glasses to so near a space,
As if they came not to survey, but prie.
17.
Nine hastie Centuries are now fulfill'd,
Since Opticks first were known to Astragon;
By whom the Moderns are become so skill'd,
They dream of seeing to the Maker's Throne.
Nine hastie Centuries are now fulfill'd,
Since Opticks first were known to Astragon;
By whom the Moderns are become so skill'd,
They dream of seeing to the Maker's Throne.
18.
And wisely Astragon thus busie grew,
To seek the Stars remote societies;
And judge the walks of th'old, by finding new;
For Nature's law in correspondence lies.
And wisely Astragon thus busie grew,
To seek the Stars remote societies;
And judge the walks of th'old, by finding new;
For Nature's law in correspondence lies.
19.
Man's pride (grown to Religion) he abates,
By moving our lov'd Earth; which we think fix'd;
Think all to it, and it to none relates;
With others motion scorn to have it mix'd:
Man's pride (grown to Religion) he abates,
By moving our lov'd Earth; which we think fix'd;
Think all to it, and it to none relates;
With others motion scorn to have it mix'd:
20.
As if 'twere great and stately to stand still
Whilst other Orbs dance on; or else think all
Those vast bright Globes (to shew God's needless skill)
Were made but to attend our little Ball.
As if 'twere great and stately to stand still
Whilst other Orbs dance on; or else think all
Those vast bright Globes (to shew God's needless skill)
Were made but to attend our little Ball.
21.
Now near a sever'd Building they discern'd
(Which seem'd, as in a pleasant shade, retir'd)
A Throng, by whose glad diligence they learn'd,
They came frome Toils which their own choice desir'd.
Now near a sever'd Building they discern'd
(Which seem'd, as in a pleasant shade, retir'd)
A Throng, by whose glad diligence they learn'd,
They came frome Toils which their own choice desir'd.
22.
This they approch, and as they enter it
Their Eyes were stay'd, by reading ore the Gate,
Great Natures Office, in large letters writ;
And next, they mark'd who there in office sate.
This they approch, and as they enter it
Their Eyes were stay'd, by reading ore the Gate,
Great Natures Office, in large letters writ;
And next, they mark'd who there in office sate.
23.
Old busie Men, yet much for wisdom fam'd;
Hastie to know, though not by haste beguild;
These fitly, Natures Registers were nam'd;
The Throng were their Intelligencers styl'd:
Old busie Men, yet much for wisdom fam'd;
Hastie to know, though not by haste beguild;
These fitly, Natures Registers were nam'd;
The Throng were their Intelligencers styl'd:
24.
Who stop by snares, and by their chace oretake
All hidden Beasts the closser Forrest yields;
All that by secret sence their rescue make,
Or trust their force, or swiftness in the Fields.
Who stop by snares, and by their chace oretake
All hidden Beasts the closser Forrest yields;
All that by secret sence their rescue make,
Or trust their force, or swiftness in the Fields.
25.
And of this Throng, some their imployment have
In fleeting Rivers, some fixed Lakes beset;
Where Nature's self, by shifts, can nothing save
From trifling Angles, or the swall'wing Net.
And of this Throng, some their imployment have
In fleeting Rivers, some fixed Lakes beset;
Where Nature's self, by shifts, can nothing save
From trifling Angles, or the swall'wing Net.
26.
Some, in the spacious Ayr, their Prey oretake,
Cos'ning, with hunger, Faulcons of their wings;
Whilst all their patient observations make,
Which each to Natures Office duely brings.
Some, in the spacious Ayr, their Prey oretake,
Cos'ning, with hunger, Faulcons of their wings;
Whilst all their patient observations make,
Which each to Natures Office duely brings.
27.
And there of ev'ry Fish, and Foul, and Beast,
The wiles those learned Registers record,
Courage, and fears, their motion and their rest;
Which they prepare for their more learned Lord.
And there of ev'ry Fish, and Foul, and Beast,
The wiles those learned Registers record,
Courage, and fears, their motion and their rest;
Which they prepare for their more learned Lord.
28.
From hence to Nature's Nurserie they go;
Where seems to grow all that in Eden grew;
And more (if Art her mingled Species show)
Than th'Hebrew King, Nature's Historian, knew.
From hence to Nature's Nurserie they go;
Where seems to grow all that in Eden grew;
And more (if Art her mingled Species show)
Than th'Hebrew King, Nature's Historian, knew.
29.
Impatient Simplers climb for Blossoms here:
When Dews (Heav'n's secret milk) in unseen showrs
First feed the early Childhood of the year;
And in ripe Summer, stoop for Hearbs and Flowers.
Impatient Simplers climb for Blossoms here:
When Dews (Heav'n's secret milk) in unseen showrs
First feed the early Childhood of the year;
And in ripe Summer, stoop for Hearbs and Flowers.
30.
In Autumn, Seed, and Berries they provide;
Where Nature a remaining force preserves;
In Winter dig for Roots, where she does hide
That stock, which if consum'd, the next Spring stervs.
In Autumn, Seed, and Berries they provide;
Where Nature a remaining force preserves;
In Winter dig for Roots, where she does hide
That stock, which if consum'd, the next Spring stervs.
31.
From hence (fresh Nature's flowrishing Estate!)
They to her wither'd Receptacle come:
Where she appears the loathsome Slave of Fate;
For here her various Dead possess the Room.
From hence (fresh Nature's flowrishing Estate!)
They to her wither'd Receptacle come:
Where she appears the loathsome Slave of Fate;
For here her various Dead possess the Room.
32.
This dismall Gall'ry, lofty, long and wide;
Was hung with Skelitons of ev'ry kind;
Humane, and all that learned humane pride
Thinks made t'obey Man's high immortal Mind.
This dismall Gall'ry, lofty, long and wide;
Was hung with Skelitons of ev'ry kind;
Humane, and all that learned humane pride
Thinks made t'obey Man's high immortal Mind.
33.
Yet on that Wall hangs he too, who so thought;
And she dry'd by him, whom that He obay'd;
By her an El'phant that with Heards had fought,
Of which the smallest Beast made her afraid.
Yet on that Wall hangs he too, who so thought;
And she dry'd by him, whom that He obay'd;
By her an El'phant that with Heards had fought,
Of which the smallest Beast made her afraid.
34.
Next it, a Whale is high in Cables ty'd,
Whose strength might Herds of Elephants controul;
Then all, (in payres of ev'ry kind) they spyd,
Which Death's wrack leaves, of Fishes, Beasts & Fowl.
Next it, a Whale is high in Cables ty'd,
Whose strength might Herds of Elephants controul;
Then all, (in payres of ev'ry kind) they spyd,
Which Death's wrack leaves, of Fishes, Beasts & Fowl.
35.
These Astragon (to watch with curious Eie
The diff'rent Tenements of living breath)
Collects, with what far Travailers supplie;
And this was call'd, The Cabinet of Death.
These Astragon (to watch with curious Eie
The diff'rent Tenements of living breath)
Collects, with what far Travailers supplie;
And this was call'd, The Cabinet of Death.
36.
Which some the Monument of Bodies, name;
The Ark, which saves from Graves all dying kinds;
This to a structure led, long known to Fame,
And call'd, The Monument of vanish'd Minds.
Which some the Monument of Bodies, name;
The Ark, which saves from Graves all dying kinds;
This to a structure led, long known to Fame,
And call'd, The Monument of vanish'd Minds.
37.
Where, when they thought they saw in well sought Books,
Th'assembled souls of all that Men held wise,
It bred such awful rev'rence in their looks,
As if they saw the buryd writers rise.
Where, when they thought they saw in well sought Books,
Th'assembled souls of all that Men held wise,
It bred such awful rev'rence in their looks,
As if they saw the buryd writers rise.
38.
Such heaps of written thoughts (Gold of the Dead▪
Which Time does still disperse, but not devour)
Made them presume all was from Deluge free'd,
Which long-liv'd Authours writ ere Noah's Showr.
Such heaps of written thoughts (Gold of the Dead▪
Which Time does still disperse, but not devour)
Made them presume all was from Deluge free'd,
Which long-liv'd Authours writ ere Noah's Showr.
39.
They saw Egyptian Roles, which vastly great,
Did like faln Pillars lie, and did display
The tale of Natures life, from her first hear,
Till by the Flood o're-cool'd, she felt decay.
They saw Egyptian Roles, which vastly great,
Did like faln Pillars lie, and did display
The tale of Natures life, from her first hear,
Till by the Flood o're-cool'd, she felt decay.
40.
And large as these (for Pens were Pencils then)
Others that Egypts chiefest Science show'd;
Whose River forc'd Geometry on Men,
Which did distinguish what the Nyle o're-flow'd.
And large as these (for Pens were Pencils then)
Others that Egypts chiefest Science show'd;
Whose River forc'd Geometry on Men,
Which did distinguish what the Nyle o're-flow'd.
41.
Near them, in Piles, Chaldean Cos'ners lie;
Who the hid bus'ness of the Stars relate;
Who make a Trade of worshipp'd Prophesie;
And seem to pick the Cabinet of Fate.
Near them, in Piles, Chaldean Cos'ners lie;
Who the hid bus'ness of the Stars relate;
Who make a Trade of worshipp'd Prophesie;
And seem to pick the Cabinet of Fate.
42.
There Persian Magi stand, for wisdom prais'd;
Long since wise States-men, now Magicians thought;
Altars and Arts are soon to fiction rais'd,
And both would have, that miracles are wrought.
There Persian Magi stand, for wisdom prais'd;
Long since wise States-men, now Magicians thought;
Altars and Arts are soon to fiction rais'd,
And both would have, that miracles are wrought.
43.
In a dark Text, these States-men left their Minds;
For well they knew, that Monarch's Misterie
(Like that of Priests) but little rev'rence finds,
When they the Curtain ope to ev'ry Eye.
In a dark Text, these States-men left their Minds;
For well they knew, that Monarch's Misterie
(Like that of Priests) but little rev'rence finds,
When they the Curtain ope to ev'ry Eye.
44.
Behind this Throng, the talking Greeks had place;
Who Nature turn'd to Art, and Truth disguise,
As skill does native beautie oft deface;
With Terms they charm the weak, and pose the wise.
Behind this Throng, the talking Greeks had place;
Who Nature turn'd to Art, and Truth disguise,
As skill does native beautie oft deface;
With Terms they charm the weak, and pose the wise.
45.
Now they the Hebrew, Greek, and Roman spie;
Who for the Peoples ease, yoak'd them with Law;
Whom else, ungovern'd lusts would drive awrie;
And each his own way frowardly would draw.
Now they the Hebrew, Greek, and Roman spie;
Who for the Peoples ease, yoak'd them with Law;
Whom else, ungovern'd lusts would drive awrie;
And each his own way frowardly would draw.
46.
In little Tomes these grave first Lawyers lie,
In Volumes their Interpreters below;
Who first made Law an Art, than Misterie;
So clearest springs, when troubled, cloudie grow.
In little Tomes these grave first Lawyers lie,
In Volumes their Interpreters below;
Who first made Law an Art, than Misterie;
So clearest springs, when troubled, cloudie grow.
47.
But here, the Souls chief Book did all precede;
Our Map tow'rds heav'n to common Crowds deny'd;
Who proudly aym to teach, ere they can read;
And all must stray, where each will be a Guide.
But here, the Souls chief Book did all precede;
Our Map tow'rds heav'n to common Crowds deny'd;
Who proudly aym to teach, ere they can read;
And all must stray, where each will be a Guide.
48.
About this sacred little Book did stand
Unwieldy Volumes, and in number great;
And long it was since any Readers hand
Had reach'd them from their unfrequented Seat.
About this sacred little Book did stand
Unwieldy Volumes, and in number great;
And long it was since any Readers hand
Had reach'd them from their unfrequented Seat.
49.
For a deep Dust (which Time does softly shed,
Where onely Time does come) their Covers bear;
On which, grave Spiders, streets of webs have spred;
Subtle, and slight, as the grave Writers were.
For a deep Dust (which Time does softly shed,
Where onely Time does come) their Covers bear;
On which, grave Spiders, streets of webs have spred;
Subtle, and slight, as the grave Writers were.
50.
In these, Heav'ns holy fire does vainly burn;
Nor warms, nor lights, but is in sparkles spent,
Where froward Authours, with disputes, have torn
The Garment seamless as the Firmament.
In these, Heav'ns holy fire does vainly burn;
Nor warms, nor lights, but is in sparkles spent,
Where froward Authours, with disputes, have torn
The Garment seamless as the Firmament.
51.
These are the old Polemicks, long since read,
And shut by Astragon; who thought it just,
They, like the Authours (Truth's Tormentors) dead,
Should lie unvisited, and lost in dust.
These are the old Polemicks, long since read,
And shut by Astragon; who thought it just,
They, like the Authours (Truth's Tormentors) dead,
Should lie unvisited, and lost in dust.
52.
Here the Arabian's Gospel open lay,
(Men injure Truth, who Fiction nicely hide)
Where they the Monk's audacious stealth survay,
From the World's first, and greater second Guide.
Here the Arabian's Gospel open lay,
(Men injure Truth, who Fiction nicely hide)
Where they the Monk's audacious stealth survay,
From the World's first, and greater second Guide.
53.
The Curious much perus'd this, then, new Book;
As if some secret ways to Heav'n it taught;
For straying from the old, men newer look,
And prise the found, not finding those they sought.
The Curious much perus'd this, then, new Book;
As if some secret ways to Heav'n it taught;
For straying from the old, men newer look,
And prise the found, not finding those they sought.
54.
We, in Tradition (Heav'ns dark Map) descrie
Heav'n worse than ancient Maps far Indian show;
Therefore in new, we search where Heav'n does lie;
The Minds sought Ophir, which we long to know.
We, in Tradition (Heav'ns dark Map) descrie
Heav'n worse than ancient Maps far Indian show;
Therefore in new, we search where Heav'n does lie;
The Minds sought Ophir, which we long to know.
55.
Or as a Planter, though good Land he spies,
Seeks new, and when no more so good he finds,
Doubly esteems the first; so Truth men prise;
Truth, the discov'ry made by trav'ling Minds.
Or as a Planter, though good Land he spies,
Seeks new, and when no more so good he finds,
Doubly esteems the first; so Truth men prise;
Truth, the discov'ry made by trav'ling Minds.
56.
And this false Book, till truly understood
By Astragon, was openly display'd
As counterfeit, false Princes, rather shou'd
Be shewn abroad, than in closs Prison laid.
And this false Book, till truly understood
By Astragon, was openly display'd
As counterfeit, false Princes, rather shou'd
Be shewn abroad, than in closs Prison laid.
57.
Now to the old Philosophers they come;
Who follow'd Nature with such just despair,
As some do Kings far off; and when at home,
Like Courtiers boast, that they deep secret share.
Now to the old Philosophers they come;
Who follow'd Nature with such just despair,
As some do Kings far off; and when at home,
Like Courtiers boast, that they deep secret share.
58.
Near them are grave dull Moralists, who give
Counsel to such, as still in publick dwell;
At sea, at Courts, in Camps, and Cities live,
And scorn experience from th'unpractis'd Cell.
Near them are grave dull Moralists, who give
Counsel to such, as still in publick dwell;
At sea, at Courts, in Camps, and Cities live,
And scorn experience from th'unpractis'd Cell.
59.
Æsop with these stands high, and they below;
His pleasant wisdom mocks their gravitie;
Who Virtue like a tedious Matron show,
He dresses Nature to invite the Eye.
Æsop with these stands high, and they below;
His pleasant wisdom mocks their gravitie;
Who Virtue like a tedious Matron show,
He dresses Nature to invite the Eye.
60.
High skill their Ethicks seems whilst he stoops down
To make the People wise; their learned pride
Makes all obscure, that Men may prise the Gown,
With ease lie teaches, what with pain they hide.
High skill their Ethicks seems whilst he stoops down
To make the People wise; their learned pride
Makes all obscure, that Men may prise the Gown,
With ease lie teaches, what with pain they hide.
61.
And next (as if their bus'ness rul'd Mankind)
Historians stand, big as their living looks;
Who thought swift Time they could in fetters bind;
Till his Confessions they had ta'ne in books.
And next (as if their bus'ness rul'd Mankind)
Historians stand, big as their living looks;
Who thought swift Time they could in fetters bind;
Till his Confessions they had ta'ne in books.
62.
But Time oft scap'd them in the shades of Night;
And was in Princes Closets oft conceal'd,
And hid in Battels smoke; so what they write
Of Courts and Camps, is oft by guess reveal'd.
But Time oft scap'd them in the shades of Night;
And was in Princes Closets oft conceal'd,
And hid in Battels smoke; so what they write
Of Courts and Camps, is oft by guess reveal'd.
63.
Near these, Physitians stood; who but reprieve
Life like a Judge, whom greater pow'r does aw;
And cannot an Almighty pardon give;
So much yields Subject Art to Nature's Law.
Near these, Physitians stood; who but reprieve
Life like a Judge, whom greater pow'r does aw;
And cannot an Almighty pardon give;
So much yields Subject Art to Nature's Law.
64.
And not weak Art, but Nature we upbraid,
When our frail essence proudly we take ill;
Think we are rob'd, when first we are decay'd,
And those were murder'd whom her law did kill.
And not weak Art, but Nature we upbraid,
When our frail essence proudly we take ill;
Think we are rob'd, when first we are decay'd,
And those were murder'd whom her law did kill.
95.
Now they refresh, after this long survay,
With pleasant Poets, who the Soul sublime;
Fame's Heraulds, in whose Triumphs they make way;
And place all those whom Honour helps to climb.
Now they refresh, after this long survay,
With pleasant Poets, who the Soul sublime;
Fame's Heraulds, in whose Triumphs they make way;
And place all those whom Honour helps to climb.
66.
And he, who seem'd to lead this ravish'd Race,
Was Heav'ns lov'd Laureat, that in Jewry writ;
Whose Harp approach'd Gods Ear, though none his Face
Durst see, and first made inspiration, wit.
And he, who seem'd to lead this ravish'd Race,
Was Heav'ns lov'd Laureat, that in Jewry writ;
Whose Harp approach'd Gods Ear, though none his Face
Durst see, and first made inspiration, wit.
67.
And his Attendants, such blest Poets are,
As make unblemish'd Love, Courts best delight;
And sing the prosp'rous Battels of just War;
By these the loving, Love, and valiant, fight.
And his Attendants, such blest Poets are,
As make unblemish'd Love, Courts best delight;
And sing the prosp'rous Battels of just War;
By these the loving, Love, and valiant, fight.
68.
O hireless Science! and of all alone
The liberal! Meanly the rest each State
In pension treats, but this depends on none;
Whose worth they rev'rendly forbear to rate.
O hireless Science! and of all alone
The liberal! Meanly the rest each State
In pension treats, but this depends on none;
Whose worth they rev'rendly forbear to rate.