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-Introduction. 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 Astr[oe]a._ HYMNE I. OF ASTR[OE]A.[168] $E$ arly before the day doth spring, $L$ et us awake my Muse, and sing; $I$ t is no time to slumber, $S$ o many ioyes this time doth bring, $A$ s Time will faile to number. $B$ ut whereto shall we bend our layes? $E$ uen vp to Heauen, againe to raise[169] $T$ he Mayd, which thence descended; $H$ ath brought againe the golden dayes, $A$ nd all the world amended. $R$ udenesse it selfe she doth refine, $E$ uen like an Alchymist diuine; $G$ rosse times of yron turning $I$ nto the purest forme of gold; $N$ ot to corrupt, till heauen waxe old, $A$ nd be refined with burning. [Footnote 168: Here spelled 'Astrea.' G.] [Footnote 169: = to praise or exalt. G.] HYMNE II. TO ASTRÆA. $E$ ternall Virgin, _Goddesse_ true, $L$ et me presume to sing to you. $I$ oue, euen great _Ioue_ hath leasure $S$ ometimes to heare the vulgar crue, $A$ nd heares them oft with pleasure. $B$ lessèd _Astræa_, I in part $E$ nioy the blessings you impart; $T$ he Peace, the milke and hony, $H$ umanitie, and civil _Art_, $A$ richer dower then money. $R$ ight glad am I that now I liue, $E$ uen in these dayes whereto you giue $G$ reat happinesse and glory; $I$ f after you I should be borne, $N$ o doubt I should my birth-day scorne, $A$ dmiring your sweet storie. HYMNE III. TO THE SPRING. $E$ arth now is greene, and heauen is blew, $L$ iuely Spring which makes all new, $I$ olly Spring, doth enter; $S$ weete yong sun-beames doe subdue $A$ ngry, agèd Winter. $B$ lasts are milde, and seas are calme, $E$ uery meadow flowes with balme, $T$ he Earth weares all her riches; $H$ armonious birdes sing such a psalme, $A$ s eare and heart bewitches. $R$ eserue (sweet Spring) this Nymph of ours, $E$ ternall garlands of thy flowers, $G$ reene garlands neuer wasting; $I$ n her shall last our _State's_ faire Spring, $N$ ow and for euer flourishing, $A$ s long as Heauen is lasting. HYMNE IV. TO THE MONETH OF MAY.