1 Robert Waring, the son of Edward Waring, of Lea in Staffordshire, and of Oldbury in Shropshire, was born in Staffordshire, in 1613, was elected into Christ Church, Oxford, from Westminster School, and took the degree of Master of Arts. In 1647 he was chosen proctor and historical professor: but, following the loyal example of his companions in taking up arms for the king, he was ejected by the Parliamentary visitors. He then travelled into France with Sir William Whitmore, "a great patron of distressed cavaliers," but returning to England, he contracted an inveterate disorder which terminated his existence in 1658.-GILCHRIST. William Bew was born at Hagborne in Berkshire, and after being educated at Winchester School, removed to New College, Oxford, of which he became fellow in 1637, and where he took his degree as Master of Arts in 1644. When his rebellious subjects took up arms against the king, Bew joined the soldiers of his sovereign, and had a majority of horse. Being chosen proctor for 1648, he was set aside by the Farliamentary visitors, and, being ejected from his fellowship by the same authority, he quitted England and served the Swedes in their war against the Poles. Hitherto arms appear to have been his profession,-but more peaceable times arriving, with the return of Charles II., Bew returned, and being restored to his fellow IN BEN. JONSON. Quòd martes Epico tonat cothurno, Ιωνσωνῳ ποτε φύντι παρεστη ποτνια Μούσα, εμνησε, Ικρι' αμειψαμενου μαρμαρεῶν ψαλιδων. Η και ἀπιπταμενη, βρεφεος παλάμησιν ενῆκε Πλινθον, ἀρειότερης συμβολον οικοδομής. TO HIS MUCH AND WORTHILY-ESTEEMED FRIEND, THE AUTHOR OF "CINTHIA'S REVENGE." Written [These lines are prefixed to Cinthia's Revenge: or Menander's Extasie. by John Stephens, Gent., London. 1613. Mr. W. C. Hazlitt (to whose valuable Hand Book I am indebted for a knowledge of the existence of this and the three following pieces) states his conviction that "although the name of Stephens appears upon the title, internal evidence establishes the authorship of Swallow."-F. C.] [From "The New English Canaan. Containing an Abstract of New England in three Books, written upon tenne Yeares Knowledge and Experiment of the Country. [By Thomas Morton.] Amsterdam, 1627. 4to.-F. C.] I sing the adventures of nine worthy wights, And pity 'tis I cannot call them knights, Since they had brawn and brain, and were right able To be installéd of Prince Arthur's table; By Archimede's art, which they mis conster Unto their land would prove a hideous monster. Seven heads it had, and twice so many feet, Arguing the body to be wondrous great; Per fas aut nefas they'll erect a throne. 1 To roave, or rove, a term of archery; means here to take a guess. Clubs are turned trumps: so now the lot is cast With fire and sword to Hydra's den they haste, Mars in the ascendant, Sol in Cancer now, And Lerna Lake to Pluto's Court must bow. What though they are rebuked by thundering Jove, 'Tis neither gods or men that can re move Their minds from making this a dismal day: These nine will now be actors in this play, And summon Hydra to appear anon Before their witless combination. But his undaunted spirit, nursed with meat Such as the Cyclops gave their babes to eat, Scorned their base accons, for with Cecrops charm He knew he could defend himself from harm Of Minos, Eacus, and Radamand, Princes of Limbo, who must out of hand Consult 'bout Hydra what must now be done. Who having sate in Counsel one by one Return this answer to the Stygian fiends; And first grim Minos spake, Most loving friends, Hydra prognosticks ruin to our state, And that our kingdom will grow desolate; But if one head from thence be ta'en away, The body and the members will decay." "To take in hand," said Eacus, "this task, Is such as hare-brained Phaeton did ask Of Phoebus to begird the world about, Which, granted, put the nether lands to rout. Presumptuous fools learn wit at too much cost, For life and labour both at once he lost." Stern Radamantus being last to speak, Made a great hum, and thus did silence break: "What if with rattling chains or iron bands, Hydra be bound either by feet or hands, That up they tossed their bonnets and did cry, "Long live our Court in great prosperity!" The Sessions ended, some did straight devise Court Revels, antics, and a world of joys; Brave Christmas gambols, therewith open hall Kept to the full, and sport the Divell and all! Labours despised, the looms are laid away, There Charon, Cerberus, and the rout of fiends, Had lap enough, and so their pastime ends. |