SATEROS

Thus have I served in my Princes wars, Against the Persian and the Asian Powers: The coalblack More that revels in the Straights Have I repelled with my lose of blood. My scars are witness of my hard escapes: My wrinkles in my face (made old by care, When yet my years are in their chiefest prime) Are glasses of my grief, lights of my languor, That live disgraced, and have deserved honour. Unto the Gods and Prince do soldiers honour, And Wertenberg thou one of these, I would adore thee. I thank you sir. 2 pages missing may say to you with some surplusage: my wood they bring me home, my hay and corn in harvest: their cattle, servants, sons, and selves, are at my command. I humbly take my leave adored Mars, Prove a good night Raven Venus I entreat. Thanks to your highness. Not very well I promise you. I remember in deed such a reasoning, before that vile monster Contempt, but you I have forgotten. True, true, now I call you mind, by this token I was not able to reach commons, and so was cashiered out of your company. Its no great matter. But whats your business with me now, that you seek for me so hastily? Thats to too sure. And what of that? But I am sure I will, therefore dispatch on peril of your life. Why now fellows, what are you? Yes Ralph but what are these? Why Wertenberg in prison? That was but a small matter. No Ralph, thou shalt be still with me, I have and host of worthy soldiers Ready to march, to them now will I go, Heavens and good fortune quell our furious foe. To mighty Mars and wary Mercury Poor Sateros gives thanks and vows his duty. It shall be done. Go too Rap cease. Thanks Noble Lord. My thoughts are free from hate, let me not live, When soldiers fail good Letters to defend. The Duke wants men sir, and therefore must ye serve your self, though not as a captain, yet in a place fit ting your person. You offer me money, why man I'll deal kindly with you, you shall have some of me, bear take it, be not nice. In the Dukes name I charge you with horse and furni tu e to be ready to morrow by break of day, for the busi nes asks speed. So dost thou well: But fellow tell me why Wertenberg thou in. I think you all have been of such condition But now betake you to another course, The Duke hath given you life and liberty, Where otherwise your deed deserved death, If now you do offend under my charge, Look for no favour but the martial law, Death on the next tree without all remission, And if you Like not this I will return ye From whence you came to bide the doom of law, Speak, will you live and serve as true men should? Be not offended sir, we seek God Mars. In good time sir, be brief I pray. Why you S by your pen can do as well I know 'tis nothing but Facsimile. Well I forget your scorns given me in peace, And rate all envy at and humble price, I'll do my duty, do not you neglect, Arms will not Art, Art should not arms reject. If thou be Mars, the cause which makes me doubt, is that I see thy body leapt in soft silk which was wont to be clad in hard steel, and thy head so childishly laid on a woman's lap. Pardon I humbly beseech thee, the plainness of thy poor servant, and vouchsafe to read my poor petition. Of both your Godheads duteous leave I take. Alas sir, you must needs be exelent: for Piers & Plain your poor tenants pray for you: their bred and cheese is seldom denied to any, when your small beer is scarce common to ma nigh. You know what will be made of a fat ox as well as the Gram sier, of the tallow as well as the Butcher, of a tod of wool as well as the Stapler. I master Courtier, thats to deal as you do. Where you would be as tame. Where I frequent this habit serves my turn: and as goodly a sighed were it to see you there in your silks, as the schol ler skirmishing in his long gown, or the country Gentleman ri ding on a fat Ox with a mole spade on his neck. No sir I must turn one of your meals into three. And every one a sufficient banquet for me. Thats a practice of thine own art: it makes thy come pany born withal, where otherwise thou Wertenberg no fit guest, for tales at some tables are as good as testerns. Especially being alone so solitary in this wood. Hold thy peace good Ralph. Sir take no heed what he does say, His foolish humour you do see, But tell me pray are you a Herald. I should have rather took you to have been, Appelles prentice, you were with colours so provided. In ancient times have Heralds been esteemed, And held companions for the greatest Kings. Augustus Caesar made a law, so did Antonius too, That without Herralds graven advice Princes should nothing do. I thank you both that have us warned by your skill. I pre thee come away, Gentlemen with thanks I take my leave. Faith sir as I may. No: for if thy name be Contempt as the Scholar said, I abhor and defy thee. Contempt herein thou reasonest Like thy self, Base minded men I know there are in field, That do delight in murder, rape and blood, As there are tares in corn and weeds with flowers, And envious snakes among the fleeting fish: But for the noble soldier, he is joust To punish wrongs, protect the innocent, Weaken the tyrant and confirm the right, Want cannot make him basely mutinous, Wealth cannot make him proudly insolent, In honourable thoughts dwell his content, And he is foe to all that love contempt. Yea Lady. Thanks Ladies for your courtesies, but the sighed of three such Goddesses on the sudden, hath driven me into certain muses. Your names good Ladies? First would I request of this Lady, whither she write with this Estridge quill of purpose, or for want of other. Why lend you not Thalia then some pens? But gentle Clio, me thinks your ink is dry. What did you register when you did write? A heavy tale good Lady you unfold, Are there no worthy things to write as were of old. A lamentable thing it is, but tell us I entreat, Where might we find adored Mars. Fair Venus be propitious I will fight To maintain true love and defend the right, No, Upstarted scorner's are fit slaves for thee. A silly man at your command, Be not afraid of me. Faith Master Scholar yet it stands not with your protestation. Might I without offence entreat three things, I should be greatly bound. Next Ladies why do you twain stand idle, and let Thalia take the pain. The third and last thing I require is if you can: show me the mighty Mats his court. Ladies the gifts that I can give, Is humbly thrice to thank you all. At Venus Court sir do you say that Mars is to be found?