former as a portrait of the author, in opposition to the testimony of the author himself, who has printed "a supply of the description of Monsr. Pandorsus Waldolynnatus, that merry American philosopher, or the wise man of the new world; being antipode to Æsop, placed with him as parallel in the front," &c. "As the East and West are opposite, so stand To the edition of 1622 is prefixed a metrical address "to the over-wise, over-wilfull, over-curious, or overcaptious readers;" from which it appears, that under the figure of animals he had been understood to libel professions, and vent his private spleen against individuals. Hence he says, "Esop must make no lyons roar, nor eagles For feare some quirle be found, to prove he meant His Mother Hubbert's tale, there would be sport, Up to the stars, and yet no star accounted," &c. The poems themselves, which are of an obscure satirical cast, are veiled under the following titles: 1. Ibis. Dedicated to the religious knight Sir Edmund Mondeford, and his Lady, a true lover of learning. 2. Venaticum Iter. Dedicated to the example of Temperance, Sir Henry Bedingfield, Kut. and to his Lady, the example of Love. 3. Gryps. Dedicated to the courtly and accomplisht Knight, Sir Henry Rich, and his most equal Lady. 4. Sphinx. Hyena. Dedicated to the wise and valiant souldier Sir John Pooly, Knt. and his good Lady. 5. Hippopotamus. Dedicated to the magnificent Knt. Sir Hugh Smith and his worthy Lady. 6. Phoenix. Dedicated to the honorable Knt. Sir Robt. Riche, and his noble Lady. 7. Unio. Dedicated to the true lover of his country Sir Arthur Heveningham Knt. and his truly religious Lady. 8. Struthiocamelus. Dedicated to the vertuous Knt. Sir John Heveningham, and his charitable 9. Onocratalus. Dedicated to the right hopeful 10. The Asse. Dedicated to the learned and judicious Knt. Sir Hamond Le Strange. 11. Curiale. Dedicated to the good acceptance of Master Floyde, Admiral to the Queen's Magistie, and her Counsel.. 12. Solarium. Dedicated to the absolute and open enemies of ignorance and darkness, and the true lovers and followers of light and knowledge, Sir John Crofts and his happy Lady. * By these dedications principally to Suffolk and Norfolk gentry, it is probable the author belonged to one of those counties. Editor. A second A second title-page now follows, thus insèribed: Certaine Pieces of this age parabolized. viz. 1. Duellum Britannicum. 2. Regalis Justitia Jacobi. 3. Aquignispicium 4. Antidotum Cecillianum By Thomas Scot, Gentleman. Scire tuum nihil est. The first of these parabolisations is dedicated to the eternall memorie of that admirable combat performed by two valorous knights, Sir Robert Mansell, appellant, and Sir John Haydon, defendant, where both equally expressing fortitude and skill, in giving and receiving wounds, scaped death notwithstanding, by the only favour of Providence. This poem memorizes a duel between Sir Geo. Wharton and James Stewart, Esq. in which both parties fell, Anno 1 09.* Justitia Jacobi is dedicated to the grave, reverend, and judicious knight, Sir Robt. Gardiner, sometime Lord Justice of Ireland This poem commemorates the equitable decision of King James in condemning Lord Sanquhar to death for the hired assassination of Turner, a fencing-master. Aquignispicium is dedicated to the free and bountiful housekeeper, Sir Le Strange Mordant, Knt. Bart. This poem has reference to the Armada, Powder Plot, burning of Newmarket, &c. Antidotum Cecillianum: dedicated to the Commonwealth, and to the honour of the illustrious family of the Cecils, one of whom is thus panegyrized. "O Cecill! lov'd of God, good men, the King; See Memoirs of Peers of James I. p. 339. Also Ritson's Ancient Songs, p. 199; and The Minstrelsy of the Scotish Border, iii. 123 Which lets them fall, who with high flight presumes Next follow Satyra Aulica, dedicated to the right worthy Henry Doile, Esq. An Irish Banquet, or the Mayor's feast of Youghall: a satire hid under the mask of mythology. A concluding apology" to all those knights, ladies, and gentlemen, to whom his dedications were made:" excusing himself from not having placed them in their due ranks of precedence, from being no herald. A third title now presents itself, which announces The Second Part of Philomythie or Philomythologie. Containing Certaine Tales of true libertie, false friendship, power united, faction and ambition. By Thomas Scot, Gent, London Printed by John Legatt for Francis Constable. 1625. These are also dark parables or allegoric tires, and appear thus inscribed: Monarchia. To all the worthy professors of the Law, who make not private wealth, but the good and peace of the commonwealth the end of their studies and practice. The Cony-burrow. To the lovers of worth, and friends of vertue, who follow truth with a single heart, and speake it with a single tongue. The House of Fame. To all the noble attendants of VOL. III. royaltie royaltie in the camp of vertue, who fight for the honour of the church and commonwealth. Satellitium To all that stand sentinell, that watch and ward in defence of this kingdome, especially to the strength and guard of the state. The following favourable specimen is taken from the opening of Satellitium. "Who guarded round about with Parthian bows, Of hardy Switzers, or the valiant Scot; And, after these, with walls of steel and brass That both his own may find, and neighbours know By vertuous deeds to stop the mouths of those, From the great disparity of merit between this and the preceding article, there is little reason to suppose them by the same author, though they bear the same name. T. P. ART. |