The Life and Complete Works in Prose and Verse of Robert Greene (Volume 14) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1883. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE FIRST PART OF THE most tyrannicall Tragedie and raigne of Selimus, Emperour of the Turkes, and grandfather to him that now raigneth. Enter Baiazet Emperour of Turkie, Mustaffa, Cherseoly, and the Iannisaries. Baiazet. Eaue me my Lords vntill I call you foorth, For I am heauie and disconsolate. Exeunt all but Baiazet. 1 So Baiazet, now thou remainst alone, Vnrip the thoughts that harbour in thy brest And eate thee vp; for arbiter heres none, That may discrie the cause of thy vnrest, Vnlesse these walks thy secret thoughts declare: And Princes walks they say, vnfaithful are. Why, thats the profit of great regiment, That all of vs are subiect vnto feares, And this vaine shew and glorious intent, Priuie suspition on each scruple reares. 20 I, though on all the world we make extent, From the South-pole vnto the Northren beares, And stretch our raign from East to Western shore, Yet doubt and care are with vs euermore. Look how the earth clad in her sommers pride, Embroyder e]th her mantle gorgioufly With fragrant hearbes, and flowers gaily dide, Spreading / abroade her spangled Tapistrie: Yet vnder all a loathsome snake doth hide. Such is our life, vnder Crownes, cares do lie, 30 And feare, the scepter still attends vpon. Oh who can take delight in kingly throne? Publike disorders ioyn'd with priuate carke, Care of our friends, and of our children deare, Do tosfe our liues, as waues a silly barke. Though we be fearelesse, 'tis not without feare, For hidden mischiefe lurketh in the darke: And stormes may fall, be the day nere so cleare. He knowes not what it is to be a King, That thinks a scepter is a pleasant thing. 40 Twice fifteene times hath faire Latonaes sonne Walked about the world with his great light Since I began, --would I had nere begunne-- To sway this ..