VENUTIUS

I long have missed those honourable wars, Which warlike Room against the Britain's hold: But since we hear, and that by true report, And credible intelligence from many, Who lately have returned from the Camp, That Wales and Room begin fresh bleeding war, I do intend with speed to see the Army, And pay my love, as tribute unto Room. But yet I grieve, that such intestine jar Is fallen betwixt such and heroic Prince, As is the King of Wales, and powerful Room. The Romans do in multitudes exceed, He, well instructed in true fortitude, A Graduate in Martial discipline, And needs no Tutor: for in pupil age He was brought up in honours rudiments, And learned the elements of warlike Arts. Then much I muse, why Caesar should begin, That scarce hath ended with the Bryttish wars; Or who's the Author of these firebrands Dissension thus hath kindled. Come, soldier, prithee let me see: I long to hear from noble Caradoc. He reads it. Soldier, come hither, where is Caradoc ? Soldier, I wish, if wishes could prevail, Thy princely Master were with us awhile, Till all these clouds of black contention Were either overblown, or else dissolved. Fame hath not left a man, more fit for talk Or disputation in bright honours schools, Then is thy noble Master. When I behold His noble portraiture but in conceit, Me thinks, I see the real thing it self Of perfect Honour and Nobility, And not fantastically apprehend Only the airy fictions of the brain. I now repent, that thus long I have spent My honour and my time, in aiding Room, And thus far have digressed from Nature's laws, To aid a foreign Nation against mine own. Were but thy Master here, he soon should see, He hath his wish, and Wales her liberty. Brave Prince, as welcome to Venusius, As sleep to wearied Nature. But now the time Fits not for frivolous compliments. Awhile Repose your self with me, where you shall be As secret, as men would keep their sins From the world's eye, whilst in the mean time, I Prepare my forces. Wife, view this noble Prince: This is that man, that, in despite of Room, This nine years space hath bravely waged war, And now by Treason's forced unto his friends. Then, wife, as thou dost tender our regard, Respect this Prince, and keep him privately, Until I do return. Farewell, noble Prince. Exit. Thus, noble Lords, Venusius armed comes, In love to Wales, and that much wronged Prince, Who now at York, lives private from his foes, From whence we now will call him, and awake His ancient courage, that long time hath slept, Upon the downy pillows of repose. Good Angels, guide us: this our latest strife Shall set a perjod to our death or life.