Browne, Britannia’s Pastorals (1613)

Britannia’s Pastorals is a long, unfinished pastoral poem written by William Browne of Tavistock(c. 1591–1643), with the first book published in 1613 and the second in 1616. While the main work was released around these dates, Browne was actively contributing to other pastoral projects, including The Shepherd’s Pipe (1614), during this period.

In the 5th Pastoral poem, Browne references wrestling, in a manner consistent with the style he would’ve been familiar with as a Devonshire native:

As when the gallant youth which liue vpon
The western downes of louely Albion;
Meeting, some festiuall to solemnize,
Choose out two, skil’d in wrastling exercise,
Who strongly, at the wrist or COLLER cling.
Whilst arme in arme the people make a ring