Actus primus. Scaena prima.

MIdas, where the Gods bestowe benefits they aske thankes, but where they receiue good turns they giue rewards. Thou hast filled my belly with meate, mine eares with musicke, mine eies with wonders. Baccnus of all the Gods is the best fellow, and Midas amongst men a king of fellows. All thy grounds are vineyards, thy corne grapes, thy cham­bers sellers, thy houshold stuffe standing cuppes: and therfore aske any thing it shalbe graunted. Wouldest thou haue the pipes of thy conducts to run wine, the vdders of thy beasts to drop nectar, or thy trees to bud ambrosia? Desirest thou to be fortunate in thy loue, or in thy victories famous, or to haue the yeres of thy life as many as the haires on thy head? Nothing shalbe de­nied, so great is Bacchus, so happie is Midas.

Bacchus, for a king to begge of a God it is no shame, but to aske with aduise, wisdom; geue me leaue to consult: least desiring things aboue my reach, I bee fiered with Phaeton: or against nature, & be drowned with Icarus: & so perishing, the world shal both laugh and wonder, crying, Magnis tamen excidit ausis.

Consult, Bacchus will consent.

Now my Lords, let me heare your opinions, what wish may make Mydas most happie, and his Sub­iects best content?

Were I a king I would wish to possesse my mi­stresse, for what sweetnes can there be found in life, but loue? whose wounds the more mortall they are to the heart, the more immortal they make the possessors: and [Page] who knoweth not that the possessing of that must bee most pretious, the pursuing whereof is so pleasing.

Loue is a pastime for children, breeding no­thing but follie, and nourishing nothing but idlenes. I would wish to be monarch of the world, conquering kingdomes like villages, and being greatest on the earth be commaunder of the whole earth: for what is there that more tickles the mind of a king, then a hope to bee the only king, wringing out of euery countrie tribute, and in his owne to sit in triumph. Those that call con­querors ambitious, are like those that tea [...]ne thrift co­uetousnes, clenlines pride, honestie precisenes. Com­maund the world, Midas, a greater thing you cannot desire, a lesse you should not.

What say you Mellacrites?

Nothing, but that these two haue said nothing. I would wish that eueriething I touched might turne to gold: this is the sinewes of warre, and the sweetnesse of peace. Is it not gold that maketh the chastest to yeeld to lust, the honestest to lewdnes, the wisest to follie, the faithfullest to deceit, and the most holy in heart, to be most hollow of hart? In this word Gold are all the po­wers of the gods, the desires of men, the woonders of the worlde, the miracles of nature, the losenes of for­tune and triumphs of time. By gold may you shake the courts of other Princes, and haue your own setled, one spade of gold vndermines faster then an hundred mat­tocks of steele. Would one be thought religious & de­uout? Quantum quisque sua nummorum seruat in arca, tan­tum habet & fidei: Religions ballance are golden bags. Desire you vertue? querenda pecunia primum est, virtus post nummos: the first staire of vertue is money. Doeth anie thirst after gentrie, and wish to be esteemed beau­tiful? [Page] & genus & formam regina pecunia donat: king Coin hath a mint to stamp gentlemen, and art to make amia­blenes. I denie not but loue is sweet, and the marrowe of a mans minde, that to conquere kings is the quintes­sence of the thoughts of kings: why ţhen follow both, Aurea sunt ver [...] nunc saecula, plurimus auro venit honos, auro conciliatur amor: it is a world for gold, honor and loue are both taken vp on interest. Doth Midas determine to tempt the mindes of true Subiectes? to drawe them from obedience to trecherie, from their allegiance and othes to treason and periurie? quid non mortalia pectora cogit aurisacra fames? what holes doth not gold bore in mens hearts? Such vertue is there in golde, that being bred in the barrennest ground, and troden vnder foote, it mounteth to sit on Princes heads. Wish gold Midas, or wish not to be Midas. In the councel of the gods, was not Anubis with his long nose of gold, preserred be­fore Neptunes, whose stature was but brasse? And Aescu­lapius more honored for his golden beard, then Apollo for his sweet harmonie?

To haue gold and not loue, (which cannot be purchast by gold) is to be a slaue to gold.

To possesse mountains of gold, and a mistresse more precious then gold, and not to commaunde the world, is to make Mydas new prentise to a mint, and Iorneiman to a woman

To enioy a faire Ladie in loue, and wante faire gold to geue: to haue thousands of people to fight, and no peny to paye, wil make ones mistresse wilde, and his soldiers tame. Iupiter was a god, but he knew gold was a greater: and flewe into those grates with his golden winges, where he coulde not enter with his Swannes wings. What staide Atlantas course with Hippoma [...]? [Page] an apple of gold; what made the three goddesses striue? an apple of gold. If therfore thou make not thy mistres a goldfinch, thou mayst chance to find her a wagtaile: beleeue me, Res est ingeniosa dare. Besides, how many gates of cities this golden key hath opened, we may re­member of late, and ought to feare hereafter. That iron world is worne out, the golden is now come, Sub Ioue nunc mundus iussa sequare Iouis.

Gold is but the guts of the earth.

I had rather haue the earthes guttes, then the Moones braines. What is it that gold cannot cōmand, or hath not conquered? Iustice her selfe, that sitteth wimpled about the eyes, doth it not because shee will take no gold, but that she would not be seene blushing when she takes it: the ballance she holdeth are not to weie the right of the cause, but the weight of the bribe: she wil put vp her naked sword if thou offer her a gol­den scabberd.

Cease you to dispute, I am determined. It is gold, Bacchus, that Mydas desireth, let euery thing that Mydas toucheth be turned to gold, so shalt thou blesse thy guest, and manifest thy godhead. Let it be golde Bacchus.

Midas thy wish cleaueth to thy last word. Take vp this stone.

Fortunate Mydas. It is gold Mellacrites, gold, it is gold.

This stick.

Gold Mellacrites, my sweet boy al is gold: for euer honoured be Bacchus, that aboue measure hath made Mydas fortunate.

If Mydas be pleased Bacchus is, I will to my tem­ple with Silenus, for by this time there are many to offer [Page] vnto me sacrifices: Paenam pro munere poscis.

Come my Lords, I wil with golde paue my court, and deck with gold my turrets, these petty ilands neer to Phrygia shal totter, and other kingdoms be tur­ned topsie turuie: I wil commaund both the affections of men, and the fortunes. Chastitie wil growe cheape where gold is not thought deere. Celia, chast Celia shall yeeld. You my Lords shall haue my handes in your houses, turning your brasen gates to fine gold. Thus shal Mydas be monarch of the world, the darer of for­tune, the commander of loue. Come let vs in.

We follow, desiring that our thoughtes may be touched with thy finger, that they also may become gold.

Wel I feare the euent, because of Bacchus last words, paenam pro munere poscis.

Tush, he is a dronken god, els he woulde not haue geuen so great a gift. Now it is done, I care not for any thing he can doe.

Actus. 1. Sce. 2.

THou seruest Mellacrites, and I his daughter, which is the better man?

The Masculin gender is more worthy then the feminine, therfore Licio backare.

That is when those two genders are at iarre, but when they belong both to one thing, then.

What then?

Then they agree like the fiddle and the stick.

Pulchrè sanè. Gods blessing on thy blewe nose, but Licio, my mistres is a proper woman.

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I but thou knowest nother properties.

I care not for her qualities, so I may embrace her quantitie.

Are you so peart?

I and so expert, that I can aswel tel the thoughts of a womans heart by her eyes, as the change of the weather by an almanack.

Sir boy you must not be saucie.

No, but faithful and seruiceable.

Lock vp your lips or I wil lop them off. But sir­rha, for thy better instructions I wil vnfold euery wrin­kle of my mistres disposition.

I pray thee doe.

But for this time I wil only handle the head and purtenance.

Nothing els?

Why, wil not that be a long houres work to de­scribe, that is almost a whole daies work to dresse?

Proceed.

First, she hath a head as round as a tennis ball.

I would my bed were a hazard.

Why?

Nothing, but that I would haue her head there among other balles.

Video, pro Intelligo. Then hath she an haukes eye.

O that I were a partridge head.

To what end?

That she might tire with her eyes on my coun­tenance.

Wouldst thou be hanged?

Scilicet.

Well, she hath the tongue of a Parrat?

Thats a leaden dagger in a veluette iheath, to [Page] haue a black tongue in a faire mouth.

Tush, it is not for the blacknesse, but for the bab­ling, for euerie houre she wil crie walk knaue, walke.

Then will I mutter, a rope for Parrat, a rope.

So maist thou be hanged, not by the lippes, but by the neck. Then sir hath she a calues tooth.

O monstrous mouth! I would then it had been a sheepes eye, and a neates tongue.

It is not for the bignes, but the sweetnes: all her teeth are as sweet as the sweet tooth of a calfe.

Sweetly meant.

She hath the eares of a Want.

Doth she want eares?

I say the eares of a Want, a Mole, thou dost want wit to vnderstand me. She wil heare though she be ne­uer so low on the grounde.

Why then if one aske her a question, it is likely she wil hearken to it.

Hearken thou after that, shee hath the nose of a sowe.

Then belike there she weares her wedding ring.

No, she can smel a knaue a mile off.

Let vs go farther Licio, she hath both vs in the wind.

She hath a bettle brow.

What, is she beetle browed?

Thou hast a beetle head, I say the brow of a bee­tle, a little flie, whose brow is as black as veluet.

What lips hath she?

Tush, the lips are no part of the head, only made for a double leafe dore for the mouth.

What is then the chin?

That is only the threshold to the dore.

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I perceiue you are driuen to the wall that stands behind the dore, for this is ridiculous: but now you can say no more of the head, begin with the purtenances, for that was your promise.

The purtenances, it is impossible to reckon them vp, much lesse to tell the nature of them. Hoods, front­lets, wires, caules, curling-irons, perriwigs, bodkins, fil­lets, hairlaces, ribbons, roles, knotstrings, glasses, combs, caps, hats, coifes, kerchers, clothes, earerings, borders, crippins, shadowes, spots, and so many other trifles, as both I want the words of arte to name them, time to vt­ter them, and witte to remember them: these be but a fewe notes.

Notes quoth you, I note one thing.

What is that?

That if euerie part require so much as the head, it wil make the richest husband in the world ake at the heart.

But soft here comes Pipenetta, what newes?

I would not be in your coats for any thing.

Indeed if thou shouldest rigge vp and downe in our iackets, thou wouldst be thought a very tomboy.

I meane I would not be in your cases.

Neither shalt thou Pipenetta, for first, they are too little for thy bodie, and then too faire to pull ouer so fowle askinne.

These boyes be droonk, I would not be in your takings.

I thinke so, for we take nothing in our hands but weapons, it is for thee to vse needles and pinnes, a sam­pler, not a buckler.

Nay then wee shall neuer haue done, I meane I would not be so courst as you shalbe.

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Worse and worse. Wee are no chase (prettie mops,) for Decre we are not, neither red nor fallowe, because we are Batchelers, and haue not cornu copia, we want heads: Hares we cannot be, because they are male one yere, and the next female, we change not our sex: Badgers we are not, for our legs are one as long as ano­ther: and who wil take vs to be Foxes, that stand so nere a goose, and bite not?

Fooles you are, and therefore good game for wise men to hunt: but for knaues I leaue you, for ho­nest wenches to talke of.

Nay stay sweet Pipenetta, we are but disposed to be merrie.

I maruel how old you wil be before you be dis­posed to be honest. But this is the matter, my master is gone abroad, and wants his page to wayt on him: my mistresse would rise, and lacks your worshippe to fetch her haire.

Why, is it not on her head?

Me thinks it should, but I meane the haire that she must weare to day.

Why, doth she weare any but her owne?

In faith sir no, I am sure it is her owne when shee paies for it. But do you heare the strange newes at the Court?

No, except this be it, to haue ones haire lie all night out of the house from ones head.

Tush, euerie thing that Mydas toucheth is gold.

The deuil it is.

Indeed gold is the deuil.

Thou art deceiued wench, angels are gold. But is it true?

True? Why the meat that he tutcheth turneth to [Page] gold, so doth the drinke, so doth his raiment.

I would he would geue me a good boxe on the eare, that I might haue a golden cheeke.

How happie shal we be if hee woulde but stroke our heads, that we might haue golden haires. But let vs all in, least he lose the vertue of the gift before wee taste the benefit.

If he take a cudgel and that turn to gold, yet bea­ting you with it, you shal only feele the weight of gold

What difference to be beaten with gold, and to be beaten gold?

As much as to say, drinke before you goe, and goe before you drinke.

Come let vs goe, least we drinke of a drie cuppe for our long tarrying.

Actus. 2. Scae. 1.

FAire Caelia, thou seest of gold there is sacie­tie, of loue there cannot.

If thou shouldst wish that whatsoe­uer thou thoughtest might be loue, as Mydas what euer he toucht might be gold, it may be loue would bee as lothsome to thine eares, as gold is to his eyes, and make thy heart pinch with melancholie, as his guts doe with famine.

No sweet Caelia, in loue there is varietie.

Indeed men varie in their loue.

They varie their loue, yet change it not.

Loue and change are at variance, therefore if they varie, they must change.

Men change the manner of their loue, not the humor: the meanes how to obteine, not the mistresse [Page] they honor. So did Iupiter, that could not intreat Danac by golden words, possesse his loue by a golden shoure, not altering his affection, but vsing art.

The same Iupiter was an Aegle, a Swan, a Bull, and for euerie Saint a new shape, as men haue for euery mistres a new shadow. If you take example of the gods, who more wanton, more wauering? if of your selues, being but men, who wil think you more constant then gods? Eristus, if gold could haue allured mine eies, thou knowest Mydas that commaundeth all thinges to bee gold, had conquered: if threats might haue feared my heart, Mydas being a king, might haue commaunded my affections: if loue, golde, or authoritie might haue inchaunted me, Mydas had obteyned by loue, golde, and authoritie, Quorum si singula nostram flectere non po­terant, potuissent omnia mentem.

Ah Caelia, if kinges saye they loue, and yet dissemble, who dare say that they dissemble, and not loue? They commaunde the affections of others yeeld, and their owne to be beleeued. My teares which haue made furrowes in my cheekes, and in mine eyes fountaines: my sighes, which haue made of my heart a furnace, and kindled in my head flames: my body that melteth by peecemeale, and my mind that pineth at an instant, may witnesse that my loue is both vnspotted, & vnspeakeable, Quorum si singula duram flectere non pote­rant, deberent omnia ment [...]m. But soft, here commeth the Princesse, with the rest of the Lords.

Mellacrites, I cannot tell whether I should more mislike thy councell, or Mydas consent, but the couetous humor of you both I contemne and wonder at, being vnfit for a king, whose honor should consiste in liberalitie, not greedines; and vnworthy the calling [Page] of Mellacrites, whose fame should rise by the Souldiers god, Mars, not by the merchants god, Gold.

Madam, things past cannot be recalled, but re­pented; and therefore are rather to be pittied than puni­shed. It now behoueth vs how to redresse the misera­ble estate of our king, not to dispute of the occasion. Your highnes sees, and without griefe you cannot see, that his meat turneth to massie gold in his mouth, and his wine slideth downe his throte like liquide golde: if he touch his roabes they are turned to gold, and what is not that toucheth him, but becommeth golde?

I Mellacrites, if thy tongue had been turned to gold before thou gauest our king such councel, Mydas heart had been ful of ease, and thy mouth of gold.

If my aduise had taken place, Mydas that now sitteth ouer head and eares in crownes, had worn vpon his head many kings crownes, and been conquerour of the world, that now is commaunder of drosse. That greedines of Mellacrites, whose heart-stringes are made of Plutus purse-stringes, hath made Mydas a lumpe of earth, that should be a god on earth; and thy effeminate minde Eristus, whose eyes are stitcht on Caelias face, and thoughts gyude to her beautie, hath bredde in all the court such a tender wantonnes, that nothing is thoght of but loue, a passion proceeding of beastly lust, and co­loured with a courtlie name of loue. Thus whilest we follow the nature of things, we forget the names. Since this vnsatiable thirst of gold, and vntemperat humor of lust crept into the kings court, Souldiers haue begged almes of Artificers, and with their helmet on their head been glad to follow a Louer with a gloue in his hatte, which so much abateth the courage of true Captaines, that they must account it more honorable, in the court [Page] to be a cowarde so rich and amorus, than in a campe to be valiant, if poore and maimed. He is more fauoured that pricks his finger with his mistres needle, then hee that breakes his launce on his enemies face: and he that hath his mouth full of fair words, than he that hath his bodie ful of deep scarres. If one be olde, & haue siluer haires on his beard, so he haue golden ruddocks in his bagges, he must be wise and honourable. If young and haue curled locks on his head, amarous glaunces with his eyes, smooth speeches in his mouth, euerie Ladies lap shalbe his pillow, euery Ladies face his glasse, euery Ladies eare a sheath for his flatteries; only Souldiers, if they be old, must beg in their owne countries; if yong, trie the fortune of warres in another. Hee is the man; that being let bloud caries his arme in a scarfe of his mistres fauour, not he that beares his legge on a stilt for his Countries safetie.

Stay Martius, though I know loue to growe to such losenes, and hoarding to such miserie, that I maye rather grieue at both, than remedie either: yet thy ani­mating my father to continuall armes, to conquere crowns, hath only brought him into imminent danger of his owne head. The loue hee hath followed, I feare vnnaturall; the riches he hath got, I know vnmeasura­ble; the warres he hath leuied, I doubt vnlawfull; hath drawn his bodie with graie haires to the graues mouth; and his minde with eating cares to desperate determi­nations: ambition hath but two steps, the lowest bloud; the highest enuie: both these hath my vnhappie father climbde, digging mines of gold with the liues of men, and now enuied of the whole world, is enuironed with enemies round about the world, not knowing that am­bition hath one heele nayled in hell, though she stretch [Page] her finger to touch the heauens. I woulde the Gods would remoue this punishment, so that Mydas would be penitent. Let him thrust thee, Eristus with thy loue, into Italie, where they honour lust for a God, as the Ae­gyptians did dogs: thee, Mellacrites with thy greedi­nes of gold, to the vtmost partes of the West, where all the guts of the earth are gold: and thee, Martius, that soundest but bloud and terror, into those barbarous Nations, where nothing is to be found but bloud and terror. Let Phrygia be an example of chastitie, not luste; liberalitie, not couetousnes; valor, not tyrannie. I wish not your bodies banisht, but your mindes, that my fa­ther and your king, may be our honor, and the worlds wonder. And thou Caelia, and all you Ladies, learn this of Sophronia, that beautie in a minute is both a blossome and a blast: Loue, a worme which seeming to liue in the eye, dies in the hart. You be all yong, and faire, endeuor all to be wise & vertuous, that when, like roses, you shal fall from the stalke, you may be gathered & put to the still.

Madam, I am free from loue, and vnfortunate to be beloued.

To be free from loue is strange, but to thinke scorne to be beloued, monstrous.

Eristus, thy tongue doth itch to talke of loue, and my eares tingle to heare it. I charge you all, if you owe any duetie to your king, to goe presently vnto the temple of Bacchus, offer praise-giftes, and sacrifice, that Mydas may be released of his wish, or his life: this I en­treate you, this Mydas commaunds you. Iarre not with your selues, agree in one for your king, if euer you took Mydas for your lawful king.

Madam we will goe, and omit nothing that [Page] duety may performe, or paynes.

Goe speedelie, least Mydas die before you re­turne: and you Caelia shal go with me, that with talk we may beguyle the time, and my father think of no meat.

I attend.

Actus 2. Scaena 2.

AHmy girle, is not this a golden world?

It is all one as if it were lead with mee, and yet as golden with mee as with the king, for I see it, and feele it not, he feeles it, & enioyes it not.

Gold is but the earths garbadge, a weed bred by the sunne, the very rubbish of barren ground.

Tush Licio, thou art vnlettered, al the earth is an egge, the white, siluer, the yolk, gold.

Why thou foole, what hen should lay that egge?

I warrant a Goose.

Nay I beleeue a Bull.

Blirt to you both, it was layd by the Sunne.

The Sun is rather a cock than a hen.

Tis true girle, els how could Titan haue troaden Daphne?

I weep ouer both your wits, if I proue in euerie respect no difference between an egge and golde, will you not then graunt gold to be an egge?

Yes, but I beleue thy idle imagination wil make it an addle egge.

Let vs heare. Proceed Doctor egge.

Gold wilbe crackt: A common saying, a crackt crowne.

I thats a broken head.

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Nay then I see thou hast a broken wit.

Wel, suppose gold wil crack.

So wil an eg.

On.

An egge is rosted in the fire.

Well.

So is gold tried in the fire.

Foorth.

An egge (as Physicions say) will make one lustie.

Conclude.

And who knowes not that gold will make one frolike?

Pipenetta this is true, for it is called egge, as a thing that doth egge on, so doth gold.

Let vs heare all.

Egges potcht are for a weake stomach, & golde boyld, for a consuming bodie.

Spoken like a Physicion.

Or a foole of necessitie.

An egge is eaten at one sup, and a portague lost at one cast.

Gamester-like concluded.

Egs make custards, and gold makes spoones to eat them.

A reason dowe-baked.

O! the ouen of his wit was not throwly heated.

Only this ods I finde betweene mony and egs, which makes me wonder, that being more pence in the world than egs, that one should haue three egges for a peny, and not three pence for an egge.

A wonderful matter, but your wisdome is ouer­shotte in your comparison, for egs haue chickens, gold hath none.

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Mops I pittie thee, gold hath egs, change an an­gel into ten shillings, and all those peeces are the angels egges.

He hath made a spoke, wilt thou eat an egge? but soft, here come our masters, let vs shrinke aside.

A short answere, yet a sound, Bacchus is pithy and pitifull.

I vnderstand no Oracles, shal the water turne euery thing to gold, what then shal become of the fish: shal he be free from gold? what then shal become of vs, of his crowne, of our Countrie? I like not these riddles.

Thou Martius art so warlike, that thou wouldest cut of the wish with a sworde, not cure it with a salue: but the Gods that can geue the desires of the heart, can as easilie withdraw the torment. Suppose Vulcan should so temper thy sword, that were thy heart neuer so vale­ant, thine arme neuer so strong, yet thy blade shoulde neuer draw bloud, wouldest not thou wish to haue a weaker hand, and a sharper edge?

Yes.

If Mars should answere thee thus, go bath thy sword in water, and wash thy hands in milke, and thy sword shal cleaue adamant, and thy heart answere the sharpnes of thy sword, wouldst not thou trie the con­clusion?

What els?

Then let Mydas beleeue til he haue tried, and thinke that the Gods rule as wel by geuing remedies, as graunting wishes. But Eristus is mum.

Caelia hath sealed his mouth.

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Caelia hath sealed her face in my heart, which I am no more ashamed to confesse, than thou that Mars hath made a scarre in thy face Martius. But let vs in to the king. Sir boies you wait wel.

We durst not go to Bacchus, for if I see a grape, my head akes.

And if I finde a cudgell Ile make your shoul­ders ake.

And you Licio, wait on your selfe.

I cannot chuse sir, I am alwaies so neer my selfe.

Ile be as neere you as yourskin presently.

Actus 3. Scae. 1.

Miserable Mydas, as vnaduised in thy wish, as in thy suc­cesse vnfortunat. O vnquenchable thirst of gold, which turneth mens heads to lead, and makest them blockish; their hearts to iron, and makest them couetous; their eyes to delight in the view, and makest them blinde in the vse. I that did possesse mynes of golde, could not bee contented till my minde were also a myne. Could not the treasure of Phrygia, nor the tributes of Greece, nor mountaines in the East, whose guts are gold, satisfie thy minde with gold? Ambition eateth gold, & drin­keth blood; climeth so high by other mens heads, that she breaketh her owne necke. What should I doo with a world of ground, whose bodie must be content with seauen foote of earth? or why did I couet to get so ma­nie crownes, hauing my self but one head? Those that tooke small vessells at the sea, I accompted Pyrates; and [Page] my selfe that suppressed whole Fleetes, a Conquerour: as though robberies of Mydas might masque vnder the names of triumphs, and the traffique of other Nations bee called treacherie. Thou hast pampred vp thy selfe with slaughter, as Diomedes did his horse with blood; so vnsatiable thy thirst, so heauie thy sword. Two bookes haue I alwaies carried in my bosome, calling them the dagger, and the sword; in which the names of all Prin­ces, Noblemen, and Gentlemen were dedicated to slaughter, or if not (which worse is) to slauerie. O my Lords, when I call to minde my cruelties in Lycaonia, my vsurping in Getulia, my oppression in Sola: then do I finde neither mercies in my conquests, nor colour for my warres, nor measure in my taxes. I haue written my lawes in blood, and made my Gods of golde; I haue caused the mothers wombes to bee their childrens tombes, cradles to swimme in blood like boates, and the temples of the Gods a stewes for strumpets. Haue not I made the sea to groane vnder the number of my ships: and haue they not perished, that there was not two left to make a number? Haue I not thrust my sub­iects into a Camp, like oxen into a Cart; whom hauing made slaues by vniust warres, I vse now as slaues for all warres? Haue not I entised the subiects of my neigh­bor Princes to destroy their natural Kings? like moaths that eate the cloth in which they were bred, like vipers that gnawe the bowels of which they were borne, and like woormes that consume the wood in which they were ingendred? To what kingdome haue not I pre­tended clayme? as though I had been by the Gods created heire apparant to the world, making euerie tri­fle a title; and all the territories about me, traitours to me. Why did I wish that all might bee gold I toucht, [Page] but that I thought all mens hearts would bee touched with gold, that what pollicie could not compasse, nor prowes, gold might haue commaunded, and conque­red. A bridge of gold did I mean to make in that Iland where all my nauie could not make a breach. Those I­landes did I long to touch, that I might turne them to gold, and my selfe to glorie. But vnhappie Mydas, who by the same meanes perisheth himself, that he thought to conquere others: being now become a shame to the world, a scorne to that petie Prince, and to thy self a consumption. A petie Prince, Mydas? no, a Prince protected by the Gods, by Nature, by his own vertue, and his Subiects obedience. Haue not all treasons beene discouered by miracle, not counsell? that doo the Gods chalenge. Is not the Countrie walled with huge waues? that dooth Nature claime. Is hee not through the whole world a wonder, for wisdome and temperance? that is his owne strength. Doe not all his Subiects (like Bees) swarme to preserue the King of Bees? that their loyaltie mainteineth. My Lords, I faint both for lack of food, & want of grace. I will to the ri­uer, where if I be rid of this intollerable disease of gold, I will next shake off that vntemperat desire of gouern­ment, and measure my Territories, not by the great­nesse of my minde, but the right of my Succession.

I am not a little sorrie, that because all that your Highnesse toucheth turneth to pure golde, and therefore all your Princely affections should be con­uerted to drosse. Doeth your Maiestie begin to melt your owne Crowne, that should make it with other Monarchies massie? Begin you to make incloasure of of your minde, and to debate of inheritance, when the sworde proclaimes you conqueror? If your Highnes [Page] heart be not of kingdome proofe, euery pelting Prince will batter it. Though you lose this garish golde, let your minde be still of steele, and let the sharpest sword decide the right of Scepters.

Euerie little king is a king, and the title con­sisteth not in the compasse of grounde, but in the right of inheritance.

Are not conquests good titles?

Conquests are great thefts.

If your Highnesse would be aduised by mee, then would I rob for kingdomes, and if I obteyned, fain woulde I see him that durste call the Conquerour a theefe.

Martius, thy councell hath shed as much bloud as would make another sea. Valor I cannot call it, and barbarousnesse is a worde too milde. Come Mellaorites, let vs goe, and come you Eristus, that if I obteine mercie of Bacchus, wee may offer Sacrifice to Bacchus. Martius, if you be not disposed to goe, dis­pose as you will of your selfe.

I will humbly attend on your Highnesse, as still hoping to haue my hearts desire, and you your height of honor.

Actus 3. Scae. 2.

AH Licio, a bots on the Barbar, euer since I consened him of the golden beard I haue had the toothach.

I thinke Motto hath poysoned thy gummes.

It is a deadlie paine.

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I knew a dog run mad with it.

I beleeue it Licio, and thereof it is that they cal it a dogged paine. Thou knowest I haue tried all old wo­mens medicins, and cunning mens charms, but interim my teeth ake.

I am glad I haue heard the wags, to be quittance for ouer-hearing vs. We wil take the vantage, they shall finde vs quick Barbers. Ile tel Motto my master, and then we will haue Quid pro quo, a tooth for a beard.

Licio, to make me merrie I pray thee go forward with the description of thy mistres: thou must beginne now at the paps.

Indeed (Petulus) a good beginning for thee, for thou canst eat pappe now, because thou canst bite no­thing els. But I haue not mind on those matters. If the king lose his golden wish, wee shall haue but a brasen Court, but what became of the beard, Petulus?

I haue pawnd it, for I durst not coyn it.

What doest thou pay for the pawning?

Twelue pence in the pound for the moneth.

What for the herbage?

It is not at herbage.

Yes Petulus, if it be a beard it must be at herbadge, for a beard is a badge of haire; and a badge of haire, hairbadge.

Dello, thou knowest Mydas toucht his beard, and twas gold.

Well.

That the Pages cosend me of it.

No lie.

That I must be reuenged.

In good time.

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Thou knowest I haue taught thee the knack­ing of the hands, the tickling on a mans haires, like the tuning of a Cittern.

True.

Besides, I instructed thee in the phrases of our eloquent occupation, as how sir will you be trimmed? wil you haue your beard like a spade, or a bodkin? a penthouse on your vpper lip, or an allie on your chin? alowe curle on your head like a Bull, or dangling lock like a spaniel? your mustachoes sharp at the endes, like shomakers aules, or hanging down to your mouth like Goates flakes? your loue-locks wreathed with a silken twist, or shaggie to fal on your shoulders?

I confesse you haue taught me Tullie de or atore, the very art of trimming.

Wel for all this I desire no more at thy hands, than to keep secrete the reuenge I haue prepared for the Pages.

O sir, you know I am a Barber, and cannot tittle tattle, I am one of those whose tongues are swelde with silence.

Indeed thou shouldst be no blab, because a bar­ber, therefore be secrete. Was it not a good cure Dello, to ease the toothach, and neuer touch the tooth?

O master, he that is your patient for the tooth­ach, I warrant is patient of all aches.

I did but rub his gummes, and presentlie the rewme euaporated.

Deus bone, is that worde come into the Barbers bason.

I sir and why not? My master is a Barber and a Surgeon.

In good time.

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O Motto, I am almost dead with the toothach, al my gummes are swollen, and my teeth stande in my head like thornes.

It may be that it is only the breding of a beard, and being the first beard, you shall haue a hard trauel.

Old foole, doest thou thinke haires will breede in my teeth?

As likelie sir, for any thing I know, as on your chinne.

O teeth, ô torments, ô torments, ô teeth!

May I but touch them Dello, Ile teach his tong to tel a tale, what villenie it is to cosen one of a bearde, but stand not thou nigh, for it is ods when he spits, but that all his teeth flie in thy face.

Good Motto geue some ease, for at thy comming in, I ouer-heard of a cure thou hadst done.

My teeth: I wil not haue this paine, thats certain.

I, so did you ouer-heare me, when you cose­ned me of a beard: but I forget all.

My master is mild and mercifull: and mercifull, because a Barber, for when he hath the throat at com­maund, you know hee taketh reuenge but on a sillie haire.

How now Petulus, do they still ake?

I Motto.

Let me rub your gummes with this leafe.

Doe Motto, and for thy labor I wil requite thee. Out rascal, what hast thou done? al my nether teeth are lose, and wag like the keyes of a paire of virginals.

O sir, if you wil, I wil sing to them, your mouth beeing the instrument.

Doe Dello.

Out villen, thou bitest. I cannot tune these vir­ginal keyes.

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They were the Iackes aboue, the keyes beneath were easie.

A bots on your Iacks and Iawes too.

They were virginalls of your masters making.

O my teeth, good Motto what wil ease my pain?

Nothing in the world, but to let me lay a gol­den beard to your chinne.

It is at pawne.

You are like to fetch it out with your teeth, or goe without your teeth.

Motto withdraw thy selfe, it may be thou shalt drawe my teeth; attend my resolution. A doubtfull dispute, whether I were best to loose my golden beard, or my bone tooth? Helpe me Lycio to determine.

Your teeth ake Petulus, your beard doth not.

I but Lycio, if I part from my beard, my heart will ake.

If your tooth be hollow it must be stopt, or puld out; and stop it the Barbar wil not, without the beard.

My heart is hollow too, and nothing can stop it but gold.

Thou canst not eate meate without teeth.

Nor buy it without money.

Thou maist get more gold, if thou loose these, more teeth thou canst not.

I but the golden beard will last me ten yeres in porredge, and then to what vse are teeth?

If thou want teeth, thy toung will catch cold.

Tis true, and if I lacke money my whole bodie may go naked. But Lycio, let the Barbar haue his beard, I will haue a deuice (by thy helpe) to get it againe, & a cousenage beyond that, maugre his beard.

Thats the best way, both to ease thy paines, [Page] and trie our wits.

Barber, eleuen of my teeth haue gone on a Iury, to trie whether the beard bee thine, they haue chosen my tongue for the foreman, which cryeth, guiltie.

Guilded, nay boy, al my beard was gold. It was not guilt, I wil not be so ouer-matcht.

You cannot pose my master in a beard. Come to his house you shall sit vpon twentie, all his cushions are stuft with beards,

Let him goe home with thee, ease him, and thou shalt haue thy beard.

I am content, but I wil haue the beard in my hand to be sure.

And I thy finger in my mouth to be sure of ease.

Agreed.

Dello, sing a song to the tune of my teeth do ake.

I will.

Actus 3. Scae. 3.

LAdies, here must we attend the happy return of my father, but in the mean season what pa­stime shal we vse to passe the time? I wil agree to any, so it be not to talke of loue.

Then sleepe is the best exercise.

Why Suauia, are you so light, that you must chat of loue; or so heauie, that you must needes sleepe? Penelope in the absence of her Lord beguyled the daies with spinning.

Indeed she spun a fair threed, if it were to make a string to the bow wherin she drew herwoers.

Why Suauia, it was a bow which she knew to be aboue thy strength, and therein she shewde her wit.

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Qui latus arguerit corneus arcus erat: it was made of horne madam, and therin she shewde her meaning.

Why, doest thou not think she was chast?

Yes, of all her woers.

To talke with thee is to lose time, not well to spend it, how say you Amerula, what shal we do?

Tel tales.

What say you Caelia?

Sing.

What think you Camilla?

Daunce.

You see Suauia, that there are other things to keep one from idlenes; besides loue: nay that there is nothing to make idlenes, but loue.

Well, let mee stande by and feede mine owne thoughts with sweetenes, whilest they fil your eyes and eares, with songs and dauncings.

Amerula, begin thy tale.

There dwelt somtimes in Phrygia, a Lady very fair, but passing froward, as much maruelled at for beu­tie, as for peeuishnes misliked. Hie she was in the instep, but short in the heele; strait laced, but loose bodied. It came to passe, that a gentleman, as yong in wit as yeres, and in yeres a very boy, chanced to glaunce his eies on her, & there were they dazeled on her beautie, as larkes that are caught in the Sunne with the glittering of a glasse. In her faire lookes were his thoughts intangled, like the birdes of Canarie, that fal into a silken net. Dote he did without measure, and die he must without her loue. She on the other side, as one that knew her good, began to look askaunce, yet felt the passions of loue ea­ting into her heart, though shee dissembled them with her eyes.

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Ha, ha, he.

Why laughest thou?

To see you (Madame) so tame as to be brought to heare a tale of loue, that before were so wylde you would not come to the name; and that Amerula could deuise how to spend the time with a tale, onely that she might not talke of loue, and now to make loue onely her tale.

Indeed I was ouershot in iudgement, and she in discretion. Amerula, another tale or none, this is too louely.

Nay let me heare anie woman tell a tale of x. lines long without it tend to loue, & I wil be bound neuer to come at the Court. And you Caelia that would fain trip on your petitoes; can you perswade me totake delight to dance, & not loue? or you that cannot rule your feet, can guid your affections, hauing the one as vnstaid as the other vnsteadie: dauncing is loue sauce, therefore I dare be so sawcie, as if you loue to daunce, to say you daunce for loue. But Camilla she will sing, whose voice if it should vtter her thoughts, would make the tune of a hart out of tune. She that hath crochets in her head, hath also loue conceipts. I dare sweare she harpeth not onely on plaine song: & before you (Sophronia) none of them all vse plaine dealing; but because they see you so curious they frame themselues counterfet. For my selfe, as I knowe honest loue to bee a thing inseperable from our sex, so doo I thinke it most allowable in the Court; vnlesse we would haue all our thoughts made of Church-worke, and so carrie a holie face, and a hol­low hart.

Ladies, how like you Suauia in her louing vaine?

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Wé are content at this time to sooth her in her vanitie.

Shee casts all our mindes in the mould of her owne head, and yet erreth as farre from our mea­nings, as she doth from her owne modestie.

Amerula, if you were not bitter, your name had been ill bestowed: but I think it as lawfull in the Court to bee counted louing and chast, as you in the Temple to seeme religious, and be spitefull.

I meruaile you will reply anie more Ame­rula, her toung is so nimble it will neuer lye still.

The liker thy feete Camilla, which were taught not to stand still.

So, no more Ladies: let our comming to sport not tourne to spight. Loue thou Suauia, if thou thinke it sweete: sing thou Caelia for thine owne content: tell thou tales, and daunce thou Camilla: and so euerie one vsing hir own delight, shall haue no cause to be discontent. But here cōmeth Martius & the rest. What newes Martius of my Soueraigne and Father Mydas?

Madam, he no sooner bathed his lims in the riuer, but it turnde to a golden stream, the sands to fine gold, and all to gold that was cast into the water. My­das dismaid at the sodaine alteration, assaied againe to touch a stone, but he could not alter the nature of the stone. Then went we with him to the Temple of Bac­chus, where we offred a launce wreathed about with y­uie. Garlands of ripe grapes, and skinnes of Wolues and Panthers, and a great standing cup of the water, which so lately was turnd to golde. Bacchus accepted our giftes, commaunding Mydas to honour the Gods, and also in wishing to bee as wise, as he meant to haue [Page] made him fortunate.

Happie Sophronia, that hast liued to heare these newes, and happie Mydas, if thou liue better to gouern thy fortune. But what is become of our king?

Mydas ouerioyed with this good fortune, de­termined to vse some solace in the woods; where, by chaunce we roufed a great bore, he eager of the sport, outrid vs: and wee thinking hee had been come to his Pallace some other way, came our selues the next way. If he be not returned, he cannot be long: we haue also lost our pages, which we thinke are with him.

The Gods shield him from all harmes: the woods are full of Tygers, and he of courage: wilde beasts make no difference between a king & a clowne; nor hunters in the heat of their pastime, feare no more the fiersnes of the boare, thā the fearfulnes of the hare. But I hope well, let vs in to see all well.

Actus 4. Scaena 1.

PAn wilt thou contend with Apollo, who tunes the heauens, and makes them all hang by har­mony? Orpheus that caused trees to moue with the sweetnes of his harp, offreth yerely homage to my lute: so doth Arion, that brought Dolphins to his su­gred notes; and Amphion, that by musicke reard the walls of Thebes. Onely Pan with his harsh whistle (which makes beasts shake for feare, not men dance for ioy) seekes to compare with Apollo.

Pan is a God, Apollo is no more. Comparisons cannot bee odious, where the Dieties are equall. This pipe (my sweete pipe) was once a Nymph, a faire [Page] Nymph; once my louely Mistres, now my heauenly musicke. Tell mee Apollo, is there anie instrument so sweete to play on, as ones Mistres? Had thy lute been of lawrell, and the strings of Daphnes haire; thy tunes might haue beene compared to my noates: for then Daphne would haue added to thy stroake sweetnes, & to thy thoughts melodie.

Doth Pan talke of the passions of loue? of the passions of deuine loue? O, how that word Daphne wounds Apollo, pronounced by the barbrous mouth of Pan. I feare his breath will blaste the faire Greene, if I dazel not his eyes, that he may not behold it. Thy pipe a Nimph? some hag rather, hanting these shady groues, and desiring not thy loue, but the fellowship of such a monster. What God is Pan but the god of beastes, of woods, and hilles? excluded from heauen, and in earth not honoured. Breake thy pipe, or with my sweet lute will I breake thy heart. Let not loue enter into those sauage lips, a word for Ioue, for Apollo, for the heauen­lie gods, whose thoughts are gods, & Gods are all loue.

Apollo, I tolde thee before that Pan was a God, I tell thee now againe, as great a god as Apollo, I had al­most said a greater: and because thou shalt know I care not to tel my thoghts, I say a greater. Pan feeles the pas­sions of loue deeply engrauen in his heart, with as faire Nimphs, with as great fortune, as Apollo, as Neptune, as Ioue; and better than Pan can none describe loue. Not Apollo, not Neptune, not Ioue. My Temple is in Ar­cadie, where they burne continuall flames to Pan. In Arcadie is mine Oracle, where Erato the Nymphe geeueth aunsweres for Pan. In Arcadie the place of Loue, is the honour of Pan. I but I am God of hilles. So I am Apollo, and that of Hilles [Page] so high, as I can prie into the iugling of the highest Gods. Of woods? So I am Apollo, of woods so thicke, that thou with thy beames canst not pierce them. I knew Apolloes prying, I knewe mine owne iealouzie. Sunne and shadow cousen one another. Be thou Sun still, the shadow is fast at thy heeles Apollo. I as neere to thy loue, as thou to mine. A Carter with his whistle & his whip in true eare, mooues as much as Phoebus with his fierie chariot, and winged horses. Loue-leaues are as wel for countrie porridge, as heauenly nectar. Loue made Iupiter a goose, and Neptune a swine, and both for loue of an earthlie mistresse. What hath made Pan, or any God on earth (for gods on earth can change their shapes) turne themselues for an heauenly Goddesse? Beleeue me Apollo, our groues are pleasanter than your heauens, our Milk-maides than your Goddesses, our rude ditties to a pipe than your sonnets to a lute. Heere is flat faith amo amas; where you crie, ô vtinam amarent vel non amassem. I let passe (Apollo) thy hard words, as calling Pan monster; which is as much, as to call all monsters: for Pan is all, Apollo but one. But touch thy strings, and let these Nymphs decyde.

Those Nymphes shall decide, vnlesse thy rude speach haue made them deafe: as for anie other aun­swere to Pan, take this, that it becommeth not Apollo to aunswere Pan. Pan is all, and all is Pan; thou art Pan and all, all Pan and tinkerly. But to this musick, wher­in all thy shame shall be seene, and all my skill.

In the chase, I lost all my companie, and mis­sed the game too, I thinke Mydas shall in all things be vnfortunate.

What is he that talketh?

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Mydas the vnfortunate King of Phrygia.

To be a King is next being to a God. Thy for­tune is not bad: what is thy follie?

To abuse a God.

An vngratefull part of a King. But Mydas, see­ing by chaunce thou art come, or sent by some God of purpose; none can in the earth better iudge of Gods, than Kings. Sit downe with these Nymphes. I am A­pollo, this Pan, both Gods. We contend for souereign­tie in Musicke. Seeing it happens in earth, we must be iudged of those on earth; in which there are none more worthie than Kings and Nymphes. Therefore giue eare, that thy iudgement erre not.

If Gods you be, althogh I dare wish nothing of Gods, being so deeply wounded with wishing; yet let my iudgement preuaile before these Nymphes, if we agree not, because I am a King.

There must be no condition, but iudge My­das, and iudge Nymphes.

Then thus I begin both my song and my play.

O diuine Apollo, ô sweete consent!

If the God of Musicke should not be aboue our reach, who should?

I like it not.

Now let me tune my pipes. I cannot pipe & sing, thats the ods in the instrument, not the art: but I will pipe and then sing; and then iudge both of the art and instrument.

Hast thou done Pan?

I, and done well, as I thinke.

Now Nymphes, what say you?

Wee all say that Apollo hath shewed himselfe [Page] both a God, and of musicke the God; Pan himselfe a rude Satyre, neither keeping measure, nor time; his piping as farre out of tune, as his bodie out of forme. To thee diuine Apollo, wee giue the prize and reue­rence.

But what saies Mydas?

Mee thinkes theres more sweetnesse in the pipe of Pan, than Apolloes lute; I brooke not that nice tickling of strings, that contents mee that makes one start. What a shrilnes came into mine eares out of that pipe, and what a goodly noise it made? Apollo, I must needes iudge that Pan deserueth most praise.

Blessed be Mydas, worthie to be a God: these girles, whose eares doo but itch with daintines, gene the verdit without weying the virtue; they haue been brought vp in chambers with soft musicke, not where I make the woods ring with my pipe, Mydas.

Wretched, vnworthie to bee a King, thou shalt know what it is to displease Apollo. I will leaue thee but the two last letters of they name, to be thy whole name; which if thou canst not gesse, touch thine cares, they shall tell thee.

What hast thou done Apollo? the eares of an Asse vpon the head of a King?

And well worthie, when the dulnes of an asse is in the eares of a King.

Helpe Pan, or Mydas perisheth.

I cannot vndoo what Apollo hath done, nor giue thee anie amends, vnlesse to those eares thou wilt haue added these hornes.

It were verie well, that it might bee hard to iudge whether he were more Ox or Asse.

Farewell Mydas.

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Mydas farewell.

I warrant they bee daintie eares, nothing can please them but Pans pipe.

He hath the aduantage of all eares, except the mouse; for els theres none so sharpe of hearing, as the Asse. Farewell Mydas.

Mydas farewell.

Farewell Mydas.

Ah Mydas, why was not thy whole bodie metamorphosed, that there might haue been no parte left of Mydas? Where shall I shrowd this shame? or how may I bee restored to mine olde shape? Apollo is angrie: blame not Apollo, whom being God of musick thou didst both dislike and dishonour; preferring the barbarous noyse of Pans pipe, before the sweete melo­lodie of Apolloes lute. If I returne to Phrygia, I shall bee pointed at; if liue in these woods, fauage beasts must be my cōpanions: & what other companions should My­das hope for than beasts, being of all beasts himselfe the dullest? Had it not bin better for thee to haue perished by a golden death, than now to lead a beastly life? Vn­fortunat in thy wish, vnwise in thy iudgmēt; first a gol­den foole, now a leaden asse. What wil they say in Les­bos (if happely these newes come to Lesbos?) If they come Mydas? yes, report flies as swift as thoghts, gathe­ring wings in the aire, & dubling rumors by her owne running, insomuch as hauing here the eares of an asse, it wil there be told, all my haires are asseseares. Then will this bee the by-word; Is Mydas that sought to bee Mo­narch of the world, become the mock of the world? are his goldē mynes turnd into water, as free for euery one that wil fetch, as for himself, that possessed thē by wish? Ah poore Mydas, are his conceipts become blockish, [Page] his counsells vnfortunate, his iudgements vnskilfull? Ah foolish Mydas, aiust reward, for thy pride to wexe poore, for thy ouerweening to wexe dull, for thy am­bition to wexe humble, for thy crueltie to say, Sis (que) mi­ser semper, nec sis miserabilis vlli. But I must seeke to co­uer my shame by arte, least beeing once discouered to these pettie Kings of Mysia, Pisidia and Galatia, they all ioyne to adde to mine Asses eares, of all the beasts the dullest, a sheepes heart, of all the beasts the fearfullest: and so cast lots for those Kingdomes, that I haue won with so manie liues, & kept with so manie enuies.

Actus 4. Scae. 2.

IMuse what the Nymphs ment, that so sang in the groues, Mydas of Phrygia hath Asses eares.

I maruel not, for one of them plainly told me he had Asses eares.

I, but it is not safe to say it: he is a great King, & his hands are longer than his eares: therfore forvs that keep sheepe, it is wisedome enough to tell sheepe.

Tis true, yet since Mydas grew so mischeuous, as to blurre his diademe with blood, which should gli­ster with nothing but pittie; and so miserable, that hee made gold his god, that was framde to be his slaue, ma­nie broad speeches haue flowen abroad: in his owne Countrey they sticke not to call him Tyrant, and else where vsurper. They flatly say, that he eateth into o­ther dominions, as the sea doth into the land, not kno­wing, that in swallowing a poore Iland as big as Lesbos, he may cast vp three territories thrice as big as Phrygia: [Page] for what the sea winneth in the marshe, it looseth in the sand.

Take me with you, but speak softlie, for these reedes may haue eares, and heare vs.

Suppose they haue, yet they may be without tongues, to bewray vs.

Nay let them haue tongues too, wee haue eyes to see that they haue none, and therfore if they heare, & speak, they know not from whence it comes.

Well, then this I say, when a Lion doeth so much degenerat from Princely kind, that he wil borow of the beasts, I say he is no Lion, but a monster; peec'd with the craftines of the fox, the crueltie of the tyger, the rauening of the woolfe, the dissembling of Hyena, he is worthie also to haue the eares of an asse.

He seekes to conquere Lesbos, and like a foo­lish gamester, hauing a bagfull of his owne, ventures it all to winne a groat of another.

Hee that fishes for Lesbos, muste haue such a woodden net, as all the trees in Phrygia wil not serue to make the cod, nor all the woods in Pisidia prouide the corks.

Nay, he meanes to angle for it with an hook of gold, and a bait of gold, and so to strike the fish with a pleasing bait, that wil slide out of an open net.

Tush, tush, those Ilanders are too subtil to nibble at craft, and too richet to swallowe treasure: if that be his hope, he may as wel diue to the bottome of the sea, and bring vp an Anchor of a thousand weight, as plod with his gold to corrupt a people so wise. And besides, a Nation (as I haue heard) so valiant, that are re­dier to strike than ward.

More than al this Amintas (though we dare not [Page] so much as mutter it,) their king is such a one as daze­leth the cleerest eyes with Maiestie, daunteth the vali­antest hearts with courage, and for vertue filleth all the world with wonder. If beautie goe beyond sight, con­fidence aboue valour, and vertue exceed miracle, what is it to be thought, but that Mydas goeth to vndermine that by the simplicitie of man, that is fastened to a rock, by the prouidence of the gods.

We poore commons (who tasting warre, are made to rellish nothing but taxes) can do nothing but grieue, to see things vnlawful practised, to obtein things impossible. All his mines doe but gilde his combe, to make it glister in the warres, and cut oures that are for­ced to follow him in his warres.

Well, that must be borne, not blam'd, that can­not be changed: for my part, if I may enioy the fleece of my sillie flock with quietnes, I will neuer care three flocks for his ambition.

Let this suffice, we may talke too much, and being ouer-heard, be all vndone. I am so iealous, that me thinks the very reedes bow downe, as though they listned to our talke: and soft, I heare some comming, let vs in, and meet at a place more meet.

Actus 4. Scae. 3.

IS not hunting a tedious occupation?

I and troublesome, for if you call a dog a dog, you are vndone.

You be both fooles, and besides, base-min­ded, hunting is for kings, not peasants. Such as you, [Page] are vnworthie to be hounds, much lesse huntsmen, that know not when a hound is fleet, faire flewde, and well hangd, being ignorant of the deepenesse of a houndes mouth, and the sweetnes.

Why I hope sir a curres mouth is no deeper than the sea, nor sweeter than a hony combe.

Prettie cockscombe, a hound wil swalow thee as easilie, as a great pit a small pibble.

Indeed hunting were a pleasant sport, but the dogges make such barking, that one cannot heare the hounds crie.

Ile make thee crie. If I catch thee in the forest thou shalt be leasht.

Whats that?

Doest thou not vnderstand their language?

Not I.

Tis the best Calamance in the world, as casilie deciphered, as the characters in a nutmeg.

I pray thee speake some.

I will.

But speake in order or Ile pay you.

To it Petulus.

There was a boy leasht on the single, because when he was imbost, he tooke soyle.

Whats that:

Why, a boy was beaten on the taile with a lea­thern thong, bicause when he somde at the mouth with running, he went into the water.

This is worse than fustian, mumme you were best. Hunting is an honorable pastime, and for my part, I had as leife hunt a deere in a parke, as court a Ladie in a chamber.

Geue mee a pastie for a Parke, and let mee [Page] shake off a whole kennel of teeth for hounds, then shalt thou see a notable champing, after that will I carouse a boule of wine, and so in the stomack let the Venison take soyle.

He hath laid the plot to be prudent, why tis pa­stie crust, eat enough and it will make you wise, an olde prouerb.

I, and eloquent, for you must tipple wine freely, & foecundi calices quem non fecere disertum.

Fecere dizardum. Leaue off these toyes, and let vs seek out Mydas, whom we lost in the chase.

Ile warrant hee hath by this started a couey of Bucks, or roused a scull of Phesants.

Treason to two braue sports, hauking & hun­ting, thou shouldest say, start a hare, rowse the deere, spring the partridge.

Ile warrant that was deuised by some Country swad, that seeing a hare skip vp, which made him start, he presently said, he started the hare.

I, and some lubber lying besides a spring, & seeing a partridge come by, said he did spring the partridge.

Well, remember all this.

Remember all? nay then had we good memo­ries, for there be more phrases than thou hast haires, but let me see, I pray thee whats this about thy neck?

A bugle.

If it had stoode on thy head I should haue called it a horne. Wel, tis hard to haue ones browes imbroide­red with bugle.

But canst thou blowe it?

What els?

But not away.

No, twil make Boreas out of breath, to blow his hornes away.

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There was good blowing Ile warrant before they came there.

Well, tis a shrowd blow.

Spare your windes in this, or Ile winde your neckes in a cord: but soft I heard my masters blaste.

Some haue felt it.

Thy mother when such a fly blow was buzd out; but I must be gone, I perceiue Mydas is come. Ex.

Then let not vs tarrie, for now shal we shaue the Barbars house. The world will grow full of wyles see­ing Mydas hath lost his golden wish.

I care not, my head shall dig deuises, and my tongue stampe them; so as my mouth shall be a mynt, and my braynes a myne.

Then help vs to cousen the Barbar.

The Barbar shal know euerie haire of my chin to be as good as a choakpeare for his purse.

Actus 4. Scaena 4.

I Maruell what Mydas meaneth to bee so melan­choly since his hunting.

It is a good word in Mydas, otherwise I should tearme it in another blockishnes. I cannot tell whether it bee a sowernesse commonly incident to age, or a se­uerenesse perticular to the Kings of Phrygia, or a suspi­tion cleauing to great Estates; but mee thinkes he see­meth so iealous of vs al, and becomes so ouerth wart to all others, that either I must coniecture his wits are not his owne, or his meaning verie hard to some.

For my part, I neither care nor wonder, I see all his expeditions for warres are laid in water: for now [Page] when he should execute, he begins to consult; and suf­fers the enemies to bid vs good morrowe at our owne doores, to whom wee long since might haue giuen the last Good night in their owne beds. Hee weareth (I know not whether for warmth or wantonnes) a great Tyara on his head, as though his head were not heauie enough, vnlesse hee loaded it with great rolles: an at­tyre neuer vsed (that I could heare of) but of old wo­men, or pelting priestes. This will make Pisidia wan­ton, Lycaonia stiffe, all his Territories wauering; and hee that hath coutcht so manie Kingdomes in one Crowne, wil haue his Kingdome scattered into as ma­nie Crownes, as he possesseth Countries. I will rouse him vp, and if his eares be not Asses eares, I will make them tingle. I respect not my life, I knowe it is my duetie, and certainly I dare sweare Warre is my pro­fession.

Martius, we will all ioyne: and though I haue been (as in Phrygia they tearme) a braue Courtier, that is, (as they expound it) a fine Louer; yet will I set both aside, Loue and Courting, and followe Martius: for neuer shall it bee sayd, Bella gerant alij, semper E­ristus amet.

And I (Martius) that honored gold for a god, and accounted all other gods but lead, wil follow Mar­tius, and say; Vilius argentum est aur [...], virtutibus aurum.

My Lords, I giue you thankes, and am glad: for there are no stouter soldiers in the world, than those that are made of louers, nor anie more liberall in wars, than they that in peace haue beene couetous. Then doubt not, if courage and coyne can preuaile, but wee shall preuaile; & besides, nothing can preuaile but for­tune. But here comes Sophronia, I wil first talk with her.

Madame, either our King hath no eares to heare, or no care to consider, both in what state we stand beeing his subiects, and what danger he is in being our King. Du­tie is not regarded, courage contemned; altogether careles of vs, and his owne safetie.

Martius, I mislike not thy plaine dealing: but pittie my Fathers traunce; a traunce I must call that, where nature cannot moue, nor counsaile, nor musick, nor phisicke, nor daunger, nor death, nor all. But that which maketh me most both to sorrow and wonder, is that musick (a methridat for melancholy) should make him mad; crying still, Vno nam (que) modo Pan & Apollo no­cent. None hath accesse to him but Motto, as thogh me­lancholy were to be shau'n with a razor, not cur'd with a medicin. But stay, what noise is this in those reedes?

What sound is this? who dares vtter that he heares?

I dare Mellacrites, the words are plaine, Mydas the King hath asses eares.

This is strange, and yet to be told the King.

So dare I Camilla: for it concerneth me in du­tie, & vs all in discretion. But soft, let vs hearken better.

Mydas of Phrygia hath asses eares.

This is monstrous, & either portends some mis­chiefe to the king, or vnto the state confusion. Mydas of Phrygia hath asses ears? It is vnpossible, let vs with speed to the king to know his resolutiō, for to some oracle he must send. Til his maiesty be acquainted with this mat­ter, wee dare not roote out the reedes; himselfe must both heare the sound, and gesse at the reason.

Vnfortunate Mydas, that beeing so great a king, there should out of the earth spring so great a shame.

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It may bee that his wishing for golde, be­ing but drosse of the world, is by all the Gods accoun­ted foolish, and so discouered out of the earth: for, a King to thirst for golde in steede of honour, to pre­ferre heapes of worldly coyne before triumphes in warlike Conquests, was in my minde no Princely minde.

Let vs not debate the cause, but seeke to pre­uent the snares; for in my minde it foretelleth that which woundeth my minde. Let vs in.

Actus 5. Scaena 1.

SOphronia, thou seest I am become a shame to the world, and a wonder. Mine eares glowe. Mine eares? Ah miserable Mydas, to haue such eares as make thy checkes blush, thy head monstrous, and thy hart desperate? Yet in blushing I am impudent, for I walke in the streetes; in deformitie I seeme comely, for I haue left off my Tyara; and my heart the more heauie it is for griefe, the more hope it conceiueth of recouerie.

Dread Soueraigne and louing Syre, there are nine dayes past, and therefore the wonder is past; there are manie yeares to come, and therefore a reme­die to bee hoped for. Though your cares belong, yet is there roome left on your head for a diademe: thogh they resemble the eares of the dullest beast, yet should they not daunt the spirit of so great a King. The Gods dally with men, kings are no more: they disgrace kings, lest they shuld be thoght gods: sacrifice pleaseth them, [Page] so that if you know by the Oracle what God wrought it, you shall by humble submission, by that God be re­leased.

Sophronia, I commend thy care and courage, but let me heare these reedes, that these lothsome eares may be glutted with the report, and that is as good as a remedie.

Mydas of Phrygia hath asses eares.

Mydas of Phrygia hath asses eares? So he hath, vnhappie Mydas. If these reedes sing my shame so lowde, wil men whisper it softly? No, all the world al­readie rings of it and as impossible it is to staye the ru­mor, as to catch the wind in a nette that bloweth in the aier; or to stop the wind of al mens mouths that breathe out aier. I will to Apollo, whose Oracle must be my doome, and I fear me, my dishonor, because my doom was his, if kings may disgrace gods. and gods they dis­grace, when they forget their dueties.

What saith Mydas?

Nothing, but that Apollo must determineal, or Mydas see ruine of al. To Apollo wil I offer an Iuory lute for his sweet harmonie, and berries of baies as blacke as icat, for his loue Daphne, pure simples for his physicke, and continuall incense for his prophecying.

Apollo may discouer some odde riddle, but not geue the redresse, for yet did I neuer heare that his ora­cles were without doubtfulnes, nor his remedies with out impossibilities. This superstition of yours is able to bring errors among the common sort, not ease to your discontented mind.

Dost thou not know Martius, that when Bacchus commaunded mee to bathe my selfe in Pactolus, thou thoughtedst it a meere mockerie, before with thine [Page] eyes thou sawest the remedie.

I, Bacchus gaue the wish, and therefore was like also to geue the remedie.

And who knowes whether Apollo gaue me these eares, and therefore may release the punishment. Wel, replie not, for I wil to Delphos: in the meane time let it be proclaimed, that if there be any so cunning, that can tell the reason of these reedes creaking, he shal haue my daughter to his wife, or if she refuse it, a Dukedome for his paines: and withal, that whosoeuer is so bolde as to say that Mydas hath asses eares, shal presently lose his.

Deare father then go forwards, prepare for the sacrifice, and dispose of Sophronia as it beste pleaseth you.

Come let vs in.

Actus 5. Scaena 2.

WHat a rascall was Motto to cosen vs, and say there were thirtie men in a roome that would vndoe vs, and when all came to all, they were but table-men.

I and then to geeue vs an inuentorie of all his goods, only to redeeme the beard, but we will be euen with him; and Ile be forsworne but Ile be reuenged.

And here I vow by my conceald beard, if euer it chaunce to be discouered to the worlde, that it maye make a pike deuant, I wil haue it so sharp poynted, that it shall stab Motto like a poynado.

And I protest by these haires on my head, which are but casualties, for alas who knowes not how soone they are lost, Autumne shaues like a razor: if these locks [Page] be rooted against winde and weather, spring and fall, I sweare they shal not be lopped, till Motto by my kna­uerie be so bauld, that I may write verses on his scalpe. In witnesse whereof I eate this haire: now must thou Petulus kisse thy beard, for that was the book thou swa­rest by.

Nay I woulde I coulde come but to kisse my chinne, which is as yet the couer of my booke, but my word shall stand. Now let vs read the inuentorie, weele share it equally.

What els?

An inuentorie of all Mottoes moueable baddes and goods, as also of such debts as are owing him, with such houshold stuffe as cannot be remoued. Inprimis, in the bed-chamber, one fowl wife, & fiue smal children.

Ile not share in that.

I am content, take thou all. These be his moue­able baddes.

And from me they shall be remoueables.

Item in the seruants chamber, two paire of curst queanes tongues.

Tongs thou wouldst say.

Nay they pinch worse than tongs.

They are moueables Ile warrant.

Item, one pair of hornes in the bridechamber, on the beds head.

The beasts head, for Motto is stuft in the head, and these are among vnmoueable goods.

Wel, Foelix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum, hap­pie are they whom other mens hornes do make to be­ware. Item, a broken pate owing me by one of the Cole house, for notching his head like a ches-boorde. Take thou that, and I geue thee al the rest of his debts.

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Noli me tangere, I refuse the executorship, be­cause I wil not meddle with his desperate debts. Item, an hundred shrewd turnes owing me by the Pages in the Court, because I will not trust them for trimming.

Thats due debt.

Wel, because Motto is poore, they shalbe paid him cum recumbentibus. All the Pages shall enter into re­cognisance, but ecce, Pipenetta chaunts it.

Hey ho, would I were a witch, that I might be a Dutchesse.

I know not whether thy fortune is to be a Dut­ches, but sure I am thy face serues thee wel for a witch, whats the matter?

The matter, marry tis proclaymde, that who soeuer can tell the cause, and the reeds song, shal either haue Sophronia to wife, or (if she refuse it) a Dukedome for his wisdome. Besides, whosoeuer saith, that Mydas hath asses eares, shal lose theirs.

Ile be a Duke, I finde honor to bud in my head, and mee thinkes euerie ioynt of mine armes, from the shoulder to the little finger, saies send for the Herauld. Mine armes are all armarie, gules, sables, azure, or, vert, pur, post, pare, &c.

And my heart is like a harth where Cupid is ma­king a fire, for Sophronia shalbe my wife: me thinks Ve­nus and Nature stande with each of them a paire of bel­lowes, the one cooling my lowe birth, the other kind­ling my loftie affections.

Apollo wil help me because I can sing.

Mercurie me, because I can lie.

All the Gods me, because I can lie, sing, sweare, and loue. But soft, here comes Motto, now shal we haue [Page] a fit time to be reuenged, if by deuise we can make him say, Mydas hath asses eares.

Let vs not seeme to bee angrie about the Inuen­torie, and you shall see my wit to bee the hangman for his tongue.

Why fooles, hath a Barbar a tongue?

Weele make him haue a tongue, that his teeth that looke lyke a combe shall bee the cizzars to cut it off.

I pray let mee haue the odde endes. I feare no­thing so much as to be tongue tawde.

Thou shalt haue all the shauings, and then a wo­mans tongue ympt with a Barbars, will prooue a razor or a raser.

How now Motto, what all a mort?

I am as melancholy as a cat.

Melancholy? marie gup, is melancholy a word for a barbars mouth? thou shouldst say, heauie, dull, and doltish: melancholy is the creast of Courtiers armes, and now euerie base companion, beeing in his muble fubles, sayes he is melancholy.

Motto, thou shouldst say thou art lumpish. If thou encroach vpon our courtly tearmes, weele troūce thee: belike if thou shouldst spit often, thou wouldst call it the rewme. Motto, in men of reputation & credit it is the rewme; in such mechanicall mushrumpes, it is a catarre, a pose, the water euill. You were best weare a veluet patch on your temples too.

What a world it is to see egges forwarder than cocks? these infants are as cunning in diseases, as I that haue runne them ouer all, backward and forward. I tell you boyes, it is melancholy that now troubleth me.

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My master could tickle you with diseases, and that olde ones, that haue continued in his Auncestors boanes these three hundred yeres. He is the last of the familie that is left vneaten.

What meanst thou Dello?

He meanes you are the last of the stocke aliue, the rest the wormes haue eaten.

A pox of those sawcie wormes, that eate men before they be dead.

But tell vs Motto, why art thou sad?

Because al the Court is sad.

Why are they sad in Court?

Because the King hath a paine in his eares.

Belike it is the wennes.

It may be, for his eares are swolne verie big.

Ten to one Motto knowes of the asses eares.

If he know it, we shall: for it is as hard for a bar­bar to keepe a secrete in his mouth, as a burning coale in his hand. Thou shalt see mee wring it out by wit. Motto, twas told me that the King will discharge you of your office, because you cut his eare when you last trimd him.

Tis a lye; and yet if I had, he might wel spare an inch or two.

It will out, I feele him comming.

Master, take heed, you will blab alanone, these wags are craftie.

Let me alone.

Why Motto, what difference between the kings eares, and thine?

Asmuch as betweene an asses eares and mine.

O, Motto is modest; to mitigate the matter, hee calls his owne eares, asses eares.

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Nay, I meane the Kings are asses eares.

Treason, treason!

I told you master, you haue made a faire hand; for now you haue made your lips cizars to cut off your eares.

Perij, vnles you pitie me, Motto is in a pit.

Nay Motto, treson is a worse pain than toothach.

Now Motto, thou knowest thine eares are ours to commaund.

Your seruants, or handmaides.

Then will I lead my maide by the hand.

Out villen, thou wringst too hard.

Not so hard as he bit me.

Thou seest boy we are both mortall. I enioye mine eares, but durante placito; nor thou thy finger, but fauente dento.

Yea Motto, hast thou Latin?

Alas, he that hath drawen so manie teeth, and neuer askt Latin for a tooth, is ill brought vp.

Well Motto, let vs haue the beard, without co­uin fraud, or delay, at one entier paiment, & thou shalt scape a paiment.

I protest by cizars, brush and combe, bason, ball and apron, by razor, eare-pike and rubbing cloa­thes, and all the tria sequuntur triaes in our secret occu­pation (for you knowe it is no blabbing arte) that you shall haue the beard, in manner and forme following. Not onely the golden beard and euerie haire, (though it be not haire) but a dozen of beards, to stuffe two do­zen of cushions.

Then they be big ones.

They be halfe a yeard broad, and a nayle, three quarters long, and a foote thicke; so sir shall you [Page] finde them stufte enough, and soft enough. All my mi­stres lynes that she dryes her cloathes on, are made on­ly of Mustachio stuffe. And if I durst tell the truth, as lustie as I am heere, I lye vppon a bed of beards; a bots of their bristles, and they that owe them, they are har­der than flockes.

A fine discourse: well Motto, we giue thee mer­cie, but we will not loose the beard. Remember nowe our snuentorie. Item, wee will not let thee goe out of our hands, till we haue the beard in our hands.

Then followe.

Actus 5. Scaen. 3.

THis is Delphos. Sacred Apollo, whose Ora­cles be all diuine, though doubtfull: aun­swere poore Mydas, and pitie him.

I maruell there is no answere.

Fond Mydas, how canst thou aske pitie of him whom thou hast so much abusde; or why doost thou a­buse the world, both to seeme ignorant in not acknow­ledging an offence; and impudent, so openly to craue pardon. Apollo will not aunswere, but Mydas must not cease. Apollo, diuine Apollo, Mydas hath asses eares, yet let pitie sinke into thine eares, and tell when he shall be free from this shame, or what may mittigate his sinne?

Tush, Apollo is tuning his pipes, or at barly­breake with Daphne, or assaying on some Shepheardes coate, or taking measure of a serpents skinne. Were I Mydas, I would rather cut these eares off close from my head, than stand whimpring before such a blinde God.

Thou art barbrous not valiant. Gods must bee [Page] entreated, not commanded: thou wouldst quench fire with a sword, and ad to my shame (which is more than any Prince can endure) thy rudenesse, (which is more than any sensible creature would folow.) Diuine Apollo what shal become of Mydas? Accept this lute, these ber­ries, these simples, these tapers; if Apollo take any delight in musick, in Daphne, in phisicke, in eternitie.

It were good to expound these oracles, that the learned men in Phrygia were assembled, otherwise the remedie wil be as impossible to be had, as the cause to be sifted.

I foresaw some old saw, which should be dout­full. Who would gad to such gods, that must be hono­red if they speake without sence: and the Oracle won­dred at, as though it were aboue sence?

No more Martius, I am the learnedst in Phry­gia to interprete these Oracles and though shame hath hetherto caused me to conceale it, now I must vnfould it by necessitie. Thus destinie bringeth me, not only to be cause of all my shame, but reporter. Thou Sophronia, and you my Lordes, hearken; When I had bathed my felf in Pactolus, and saw my wish to float in the waues, I wished the waues to ouerflow my bodie, so melanco­lie my fortune made me, so mad my follie: yet by hun­ting I thought to ease my heart. And comming at last to the hill Tmolus, I perceyued Apollo and Pan conten­ding for excellencie in musick: among Nimphs they required also my iudgement. I (whom the losse of gold made discontent, and the possessing desperate) eyther [Page] dnlled with the humors of my weak brain, or deceaued by thicknes of my deaffe eares, preferd the harsh noyse of Pans pipe, before the sweete stroke of Apollos Lute, which caused Phoebus in iustice (as I now confesse, and then as I sawe in anger) to set these eares on my head, that haue wroong so many teares from mine eyes. For stretching my hands to Lesbos, I find that all the Gods haue spurnde at my practises, and those Ilandes scornd them. My pride the gods disdaine; my pollicie men: my mines haue bin emptied by souldiers, my souldiers spoyled by warres, my wars without successe, because vsurping, my vsurping without end, because my ambi­tion aboue measure. I wil therfore yeeld my self to Bac­chus, and acknowledge my wish to be vanitie. to Apol­lo, and confesse my iudgement to be foolish: to Mars, and say my warres are vniust: to Diana, and tell my af­fection hath been vnnaturall. And I doubt not, what a God hath done to make me know my selfe, al the gods wil help to vndo, that I may come to my selfe.

Is it possible that Mydas should be so ouershot in iudgement? Vnhappy Mydas, whose wits melt with his gold, and whose gold is consumed with his wits.

What talketh Sophronia to her selfe?

Nothing, but that since Mydas hath confessed his fault to vs, he also acknowledge it to Apollo.

I wil Sophronia. Sacred Apollo, things passed cannot be recalled, repented they may be: behold, My­das not only submitting himselfe to punishment, but confessing his peeuishnes, being glad for shame to call that peeuishnes, which indeed was follie. Whatsoeuer Apollo shal commaund, Mydas will execute.

Then attend Mydas. I accept thy submission, and sacrifice, so as yerelie at this temple thou offer Sa­crifice [Page] in submission: withal, take Apollos councel, which if thou scorne, thou shalt finde thy destinie. I will not speake in riddles, all shalbe plaine, because thou art dul, but all certaine, if thou be obstinate.

It may be Sophronia, that neither you, nor anie els, vnderstand Apollo, because none of you haue the hart of a king: but my thoughts expound my fortunes, and my fortunes hang vpon my thoughts. That great Apollo, that ioynd to my head Asses eares, hath put into my heart a Lions minde. I see that by obscure shadows, which you cannot discerne in fresh colours. Apollo in the depth of his darke answere, is to mee the glistering of a bright sunne. I perceiue (and yet not too late) that Les­bos wil not be touched by gold, by force it cannot: that the Gods haue pitched it out of the world, as not to bee controlde by any in the world. Though my hande bee golde, yet I must not thinke to span ouer the maine O­cean. Though my souldiers be valiant, I must not ther­fore thinke my quarrels iust. There is no way to nayle the crowne of Phrygia fast to my daughters head, but in letting the crownes of others sitte in quiet on theirs,

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Mydas?

How darest thou replie seeing me resolued? thy counsell hath spilt more bloud than all my souldiers lances, let none be so hardie as to looke to crosse me. Sa­cred Appollo; if sacrifice yerely at thy temple, and sub­mission hourely in mine owne Court, if fulfilling thy counsell, and correcting my councellors, may shake off these Asses eares, I heere before thee vow to shake off al enuies abrode, and at home all tyrannie.

Honored be Apollo, Mydas is restored.

Fortunate Mydas, that feelst thy head light­ned of dul eares, and thy heart of deadly sorows. Come my Lords, let vs repaire to our Palace, in which Apol­lo shall haue astately statue erected: euery month will we solemnize there a feast, and here euery yere a sacri­fice. Phrygia shalbe gouerned by Gods, not men, leaste the Gods make beasts of men. So my counsell of warre shal not make conquests in their owne conceiptes, nor my councellers in peace make me poor, to enrich them selues. So blessed be Apollo, quiet be Lesbos, happie be Mydas: and to begin this solemnitie, let vs sing to A­pollo, for, so much as Musick, nothing can content A­pollo.