127

NOTE.

The following is the original title-page of Astrœa':

HYMNES OF

ASTRA, IN

Acrosticke verse

London

Printed for J. S.
1599

[4° pp. 27: register A. B. C. D. of 4 leaves each.]

Throughout, the Poet spells Astroa': probably Asteria (Αστερία) were more accurate. Our text for these 'Hymnes' is, as in Nosce Teipsum, the edition of 1622: but throughout, compared with the first, as supra. Titlepage in 1622 edition is as follows:

HYMNES

of

ASTREA

In Acrosticke Verse.

London

Printed by A. M. for Richard Hawkins.

1622. [8vo.]

With reference to Elizabeth who is so glorified in these Hymnes' as Astræa,' cf. the Conference between a Gentleman-Usher and a Post' in our Memorial-Intro

duction. I have since found that another copy of this interesting MS. is preserved among the Harleian MSS.: No. cclxxxvi fol. 248. I would here call attention to the correspondence between the metaphor of the Senses serving the Intellect in ‘Nosce Teipsum' and in the 'Conference' as flatteringly descriptive of the position held by her 'ministers' to the Queen. In Davison's Rhapsody' the name for Elizabeth is Astræa.

G.

Hymnes to Astroa.

HYMNE I.

OF ASTRA. 1

EARLY before the day doth spring,
Let us awake my Muse, and sing;
It is no time to slumber,

So many ioyes this time doth bring,

as Time will faile to number.

But whereto shall we bend our layes?
Euen vp to Heauen, againe to raise2
The Mayd, which thence descended;

ath brought againe the golden dayes,
and all the world amended.

Rudenesse it selfe she doth refine,
Euen like an Alchymist diuine;
rosse times of yron turning

Into the purest forme of gold;

ot to corrupt, till heauen waxe old,

and be refined with burning.

1 Here spelled 'Astrea.' G.

to praise or exalt. G.

I

ETERNALL Virgin, Goddesse true,
Let me presume to sing to you.
Joue, euen great Ioue hath leasure
Sometimes to heare the vulgar crue,
and heares them oft with pleasure.

Blessed Astræa, I in part

Enioy the blessings you impart ;
The Peace, the milke and hony,
Humanitie, and civil Art,

a richer dower then money.

Right glad am I that now I liue, Euen in these dayes whereto you giue

reat happinesse and glory;

If after you I should be borne,

o doubt I should my birth-day scorne, admiring your sweet storie.

HYMNE III.

TO THE SPRING.

EARTH now is greene, and heauen is blew,
I iuely Spring which makes all new,
Jolly Spring, doth enter;

Sweete yong sun-beames doe subdue
angry, agèd Winter.

Blasts are milde, and seas are calme,

Euery

meadow flowes with balme,

The Earth weares all her riches;

harmonious birdes sing such a psalme,

as eare and heart bewitches.

Reserue (sweet Spring) this Nymph of ours,

Eternall garlands of thy flowers,

Greene garlands neuer wasting;

In her shall last our State's faire Spring,

2ow and for euer flourishing,

As long as Heauen is lasting.