with me purposing to keepe her to protect me from danger while I would practise the ruine of the Prince by any deuiliâ—h plot and to be the cause of as much hurt as might be to his worthinesse but otherwise and better for the good of all these parts it happened I being in all my charmes and spells preuented by a greater power yet was I glad I had the child with whom I tooke my way to the sea where fitting downe and looking on the sweetenesse and delicacie of the babe vnawares by Robbers I was set vpon no helpe being left me by learning or art to relieue me in that aduenture death being onely expected by me they prooued more mercifull sauing my life but took what I had from me and the child which most of al I esteemd then wofully did I returne to mine owne Country there I fell to my books and called others of that art vnto my aide but doe what I or they could we were barrd from knowledge or guesse what was become of the child or what course it should run heauenly powers hiding it from mee to keepe her safety neerer to her till this yeare it was discouered to mee that shee was safe in the conduct of a great Prince her estate vnknowne to her selfe and him nor was her inprisonment hid from me though the place and manner was her disguise was shewed mee being Shepherdesses attire since which time I haue bestowed my time and labour in seeking her and now Sir where I stole her here I find heâ— this being your daughter and I Sir the Traytor This then being done they all againe embraced her but Vrania desired to know one thing more which was how the Mantell and Purse was left vnto her That said the old man was done by him or her I know not which that protected you nor can you know that till you finish an aduenture which is onely left for you to end Then did euery one adiudge the old Prince to no lesse then death but the King nor Amphilanthus would consent to it saying Their ioyes and welcomes should noâ— bee mixed with bloud then did he professe repentance and for that and their great mercies he receiued pardon and so returned towards his country halfe way in his â—ourney he died thus the aduenture concluded they went forth to the Iusts which were ready to begin with their presence The first day was concluded by a match made of twelue to twelue with sword speare which were to their renownes performed then the Pâ—inces determined to manifest their valours yet euery one priuately taking this resolution made a shrewd mistaking among them for the King and Queene being placed there entred a Knight in black armour his deuise the Woâ—ld burning and Cupid houering in the flame this Knight was straight encountred by a Prince of Apulia a braue and valiant Gentleman but too weake for himâ— then the Princes of Vihin of Milan Sauoy Florence Mantua Modina and many others met him and so the earth as his Liuery Amphilanthus seeing this stole away hoping to reuenge his Country men against this stranger so taking a white armour like a young Knight came in and fitly for then did the black knight want worke but long he did not complaine of that for this encounter was strong and furious the black Knight taking him for some such an one as the other kind-hearted Princes were which made him â—it the more carelesly and so gaue the Prince the aduantage to shake him shrewdly which he meaning to mend the next time with great rage met him who neuer yet was ouerthrowne or neere the hazard of it but so terrible was the meeting as both their horses were strooke vpon their buttocks yet againe recouerd three courses they ran thus without aduantage wherefore by the lawes of those Iusts they were to end it with the sword which they did fighting without mercy or feare the white armour of Amphilanthus looking pale with rage to see his bloud while the other mourned for his masters hurts which were many Long they fought on horseback theÌ„ both agreeing their horses being faint they lighted and so continued the fight till the King sent downe Vrania to intreate them that they would giue ouer since they hoped the quarrell was not deadly besides the greatest pitie such Knights should bee lost at the time when pleasure not warre should be exercised They at her desire yeelded while all iudgements gaue them the honour of the most worthy to be admired Combatants Italy had euer knowne Faint they were and so sat downe taking one another by the hand as witnesse their malice was ended and so might euery one truly belieue when they beheld their faces for the black Knight was Parselius who faigned himselfe not well of purpose to bee the abler to combat all commers The two friends did then condemne each one himselfe for hurting the other but these chances often happen among Knights so they went to the King whose grief was great to see their hurts but knowing by his Chirurgions none of them were dangerous though painfull his content was infinite to see their valors Vrania was sorry for Parselius but tended Amphilanthus wholly till he came abroad which was some two daies after strange happines wrought by diuine power to work such change who once would haue left all friends for Parselius During which time the sport ceased and began again with his presence the other Princes euery one had their trials in full manner and Steriamus for his honour had this aduenture befall him The fame of this meeting and the Iusts being noised ouer all those parts there came most Knights and Princes to whose eares the tidings came among which was the Prince of Piemont as proud and insolent as those vices could corrupt man withall this man pufft vp with ambition in the worst kind aspired to loue Vrania and therefore put himselfe to the bold discouering of it and not content with that demanded a fauour of her to weare which she refusd hating vice so much as for that shee abhorred him He scorning to be denied when hee should haue hated himselfe for such an attempt gaue some speeches not befitting her to take and withall snatched a gloue from her which hee sware to weare yet mildly she tooke small notice of either of them but her spirit made her colour shew she was offended this was in the chamber of Amphilanthus in the window Steriamus standing by and seeing it grew offended and so much as it making his â—iâ—s giue testimony of the furie he had boyling within him he spake these words Presumption hath causd in you this vnmannerlinesse but truth in mee prouokes these words lay downe the gloue againe and your selfe at her feete humbly submit and yeeld your life to her disposing for hauing done so vnpardonable an act and leaue your hopes to her mercy or here receiue this from me that you shall haue my heart or I yours to satisfie
diligent prying that bringing him to discouer her going into her Cabinet with his stranger pretending there to shew him â—ome iewels They were no sooner within the roome shee hauing but put the doore a little to not close but her inraged enemy came and finding meanes of discerning what was to be seene lost it not but stood still looking inâ— She whose thoughts caried her to higher points then care took no heed of that which most concern'd her for there hee saw her with all passionate ardency seeke and sue for the strangers loue yet he vnmoueable was no further wrought then if he had seene a delicate play-boy acte a louing womans part and knowing him a Boy lik'd onely his action then with much adoe he brought forth these words Alas Madam why seeke you at my hands your dishonour and my shame How dare you venter your honour in the power of a stranger who likely would vse it to his glory and your reproch Besides you know I loue one whose worth and truth must not be hurt or blotted in my fault my life not worthy to satisfie the crime should her vnspotted loyaltie suffer for my sinne Yet satisfie my desire said she and then loue whom you will Loue whom you will cry'd out the furious forsaken rushing into the roome as much vnexpected and vnwelcome as thunder in winter which is counted prodigious The Queene stood amazed while hee vsed these speeches Fie faithlesse Woman verifier of that fault whereof I hoped women had been slandred and not subiect vnto haue I obeyed you in your wicked and abominable treasons thus to be rewarded She finding hee had not onely found her but also had discouered her false-hood withal considering his rage she fell at his feet asking pardon Pardon your selfe said he if you can and me who want it as drought doth water Be your protestations vowes and daily giuen oathes come to this With that most furiously hee ran towards he but the Morean in humanitie sau'd her from hurt by him but to hinder that he was forc'd to struggle with him who was a strong man and then had double power This noyse cal'd in some that waited without others ran to tell the king either to shew forwardnesse in seruice or indeed busines not caring what they carry so it be newes wanting the chiefest part which is iudgement to know where when and what to tell But in briefe the king came and finding this vnfortunat disorder not being able to win from them by faire meanes the truth to auoyde all ill committed them to prison from whence for the speedier and so more secure proceeding the next morning they were brought to publike arraignement but the King was not present fearing those things which after brake forth would then be blowne forth And indeed it was so for the accused being demaunded what he could say in his owne defence said Nothing but wherein he must accuse himselfe Being vrged to that hee confest all finishing his speech thus For her sake by her consent knowledge and command I slew the King shee hauing giuen mee her faith which as a faith I esteemd but alas it was a shadow put in a false light that she would marry me this added to a naturall ambition I had to greatnesse not iudicially weighing how heauy in iustice this weight of honor should bee so diuellishly sought for or attained For this hee was condemned to die the manner by foure wild horses but before his execution she was examined with whom few words were vsed before she confest her selfe guilty She was likewise condemned for being a subiect shee was vnder the law and so had her head struck off the stranger was deliuered free againe Many pitied her to whom she had done good for none can be found so ill that some will not commiserate yet the most like the base world left her hauing held with her while her power shin'd but now set with her light running to the rising strength not to the declin'd few said shee was wrongfully put to death either for loue to her or to make busines for no sooner was she dead but one of her antienter fauorites rose in rebellion the people apt to take any occasion to stirre new afflictions but a great party he hath goâ—ten and so much gaind as the King is now shut vp in the great City of Constantinople the Rebell as the vnlawfull king doth call him besieging him and vowing neuer to lay downe Armes till he hath gotten him in his power and now do they all cry out for Antissius honouring the very name as a god wishing for you Sir and vowing if they can recouer you to make you their King Thus haue I left them the Generall for so he is called hauing inioyned me to find you out they are infinite strong and want but you and some braue men to gouerne them Goe now I beseech you neuer had Romania more need nor shall you euer finde a fitter time The Princes sat a while in consultation at last they resolu'd presently to take the iourney in hand not holding it good to loose so fit an opportunitie The Squire of Amphilanthus was sent to find Parselius in Italy and to acquaint him with their affaires withall to entreat his company This concluded on all went to rest Steriamus desiring that because his name was not yet knowne by desert it might be still kept secret and most he desired it by reason of his vow They agreed to it and he was only call'd The true despis'd which was all the deuice in his shield Amphilanthus did desire to be held vnknowne too but his reason was that it was not so safe for so famous a man to be commonly knowne in so great imminent dangers besides the renowne of him might make many refuse the combate with him who else hee might for sport or profit encounter hee had Loue painted in his shield and was call'd The Knight of Loue. Towards Romania with prosperous winds they sailed chusing the way by sea as the shortest and lesse troublesome In a fit and short time they arriu'd in Romania landing a little from the Towne for feare of vnknowne dangers and so they past to the Armie where Antissius and his Vncle being knowne vnspeakable ioy was made the Generall yeelding all into his hands and taking his authority from him Vpon this the Vsurper sent for a Truce but that was denied then hee desired rather then to continue immur'd in that kind besides ready to bee famisht that they would bring three Knights into the field the which number hee would also bring himselfe being one and those sixe to end the businesse which side ouercomming the other should depart with peace and neuer make more warreâ— one against another This was accepted Amphilanthus and Steriamus being two the third they had not yet appointed nor would till the day of combate still expecting some famous Knight or Parselius himselfe might come to fill the number if none then
a looking-glasse betweene two which to haue wherein she might see her faire follies best yet if euer prid were to be commended it was there to be esteemed for certainely that held her vertuous and so by that meanes one of the greatest sinnes grew like a vertue but no neerer being one then the shadow of the purest Lilley in the water is one neither hauing colour or sweetenesse of the Lilley only shape but blacke and nothing of it selfe no more good is in pride but as it is sometimes and here especially vsed for a shadowed vertue Ollorandus when Amphilanthus resolud to aduenture this place did likewise thinke to doe so too for such a friend he was as he imployd himselfe wholly to be his imitator then did he best in his own opinion when he did any thing or said any thing like Amphilanthus but yet he kept an vnuiolable affection to his Melysinda whō he went to fetch to the aduenture but as he went he met the newes of the Emperours death which hastned him home faster if it could be or if wings can be giuen of more speed then those of loue with which hee flew yet hee had the fortune that trauelling Princes haue for this chanced to him A Gentleman he met all in mourning his face more expressing it then his cloathes though in the exactest fashion for shape and blacknes armes he had none but his owne armes foulded within each other his hat downe in his eyes his pace slow his sighs many his teares had spent themselues so liberally before as now he had none left to shed the spring dry and stop'd with heauy sorrow his speech when vrg'd by Ollorandus to speak was as if frozen and only melted or thawed by good manners to giue answere though but no deeper the thawe peirced then to make a little moistnes to freeze the harder on it for so few was his words and so long before gain'd as it was almost like a hope of great content a louer promiseth himselfe when he thinkes after a long absence he shall enioy his loues sight a whole day when that day comes his fed imagination in conceit is so soone made to sterue againe with the speedy passing of that time as it is worse then if not had and indeed scarce is it had because the expectation so much excells the enioying so did the King in this for when he had got him to answere once he prouoked him with such discourse as he thought should procure a large scope of replye but he only looked on him sigh'd cry'd I am the perfect scorne of fortune what neede I or can I say more The Bohemian would not thus be satisfied but stil vrged the Gentleman stood still bare-headed in respect to him but more words hee got not of him for a great space at last fearing that too great inciuility would bee layed to his charge hee thus spake Sir said hee what offence haue I giuen you that you should seeke this reuenge on mee to make mee wound my selfe with my owne miseries relation Alasse consider when misfortune is befalne on how doth euery one that loues him striue to keepe his discourse from his friends eares if hearing bee painefull what is the telling it when the soule euery word that is spoken feeles torment insencible tasting the harme knowing euery corner of it as an Architecture doth in the framed building his imagination casteth yet seeing their satisfaction can be obtained but by this I will speake what I am loath any but my owne heart should know out of two reasons being so deare to me one because my dearest deare was the Actor the other that the fulnesse of the griefe stor'd vp might choake and kill my heart and so send me to her but your importunity hath preuaild and I haue now set open the two gates of my silence to the ruine the enemy speech will bring to my soule I was borne to honour and dignity wealth and what men most esteeme I had plenty of I was fauoured by the King imploy'd by his Maiesty in office and command but what did I gouerne when I was ouerrul'd by loue A Lady I affected she loued me and spar'd not to giue me all testimonies of it another sought me I grew proud of it and accepted her affection likewise the former saw it wept to me and tax'd me for it I protested against it and yet was guilty shee at last by my vnpardonable offence being certaine of it for I neglected her this second I doted on bewitch'd by her charmes she onely had power ouer me shee could onely make mee doe any thing I left the Court almost for her neuer thinking my selfe at rest but when I was with her businesses were tedious to me sought before by mee for I did loue imployment till I imployed my selfe so ill as to bee her seruant◠shee as I thought as fond of mee I ioyed in that and to satisfie her left all the world vnsatisfied of me and as many to scorne my weaknesse as in former time admir'd and loued my readinesse my poore true loue liu'd this while disdaind forsaken and almost contemn'd more wretched creature I who was ordain'd to doe that ill to spoyle my selfe with all In this time of my blindnesse another got my place in my masters brest growing so powerfull and dangerous as I was forced to oppose him for hee spared none to worke his owne ends on I was vnfortunate in that likewise for then was hee so mighty and besides so ill as hee forgetting all but himselfe brought many into the Kings displeasure I repin'd at that and seeing at last no remedy tooke armes with many other my friends but too weake wee were and I taken by composition in mine owne Castle yeelding on condition all the rest should bee spard that was granted and I alone carried to the Prison the greatest Traytors are carried vnto being called the Kings Prison there I lay ten dayes till euery thing was ready for my arraignment then was I brought forth and after by the great men condemn'd I could not say they did vniustly for a subiect ought not vpon any termes to weare armes against his rightfull King I was contented with the censure setled my selfe to dye and was grieued for nothing but that I should not kisse my loue before my death The night before my appointed execution when I was meditating on my end my Keeper came vnto me and with teares told me the compassion he had of my estate I desired him to forbeare putting me into thoughts that might withdraw me frō those more necessary befitting me at that time He would not as hauing a furder purpose giue ouer but proceeded till at last I found by him he had some plot for my deliuery then I was more troubled between two doubts one of the truth of this thing whether it were for my good or only a trap to take me in so to make my death more terrible
grieu'd I am in soule to tell the truth for you must and cannot choose but hate me when I shall say what yet my heart loth to let me speake my eyes will waste themselues in streames before I can vâ—ter it and my soule rend when I must say you cannot bee blessed in loue your wofull and sinfull mother being the cause and roote of all this mischiefe I blush in soule guiltinesse I mourne in the knowledge of my sinne I am more faulty then euer woman was and a meere staine to my sexe you cannot my dearest heart enioy this Lady nor you sweet Lady haue your loue I am the Monster that keepes the gates against you and the Serpent that deserues death from you for double iniury Then kneel'd shee downe pardon mee cryde shee you perfectest and best though most vnfortunate Louers I am the wretch that hath vndone you and my selâ—e your loue 's vnlawfull I am the shamefull cause thereof your loues cannot imbrace I am the Diuorcer your wishes if granted would bee wickednesse and I am the ground brought forth this poyson wonder not but shun me as the Pestilence I am not to bee neerer suffer'd then the Plague for such I am to you to you deare two the life of my poore life the reason of all this was loue and your loue by this sinfull loue is cross'd you are poore soules deceiu'd and couzened turne your affections now to chast and iust desires for you are ah that I must say so Brother and Sister children to one man They miserable soules could not looke vpon each other the grouâ—d was their highest obiect swell and almost burst they did with griefe their senses shut vp as in an Apoplexie at last all rose from the earth into which they rather would haue gone the old woman to her chamber where falling into passions her weaknes could not sustain but she with heart afflicted oppressed with shame and vnsufferable woe dyed being found in the morning in her bed a pittifull corps of an afflicted minde The youth and his Sister wept and sate that night together wringing their hands as their hearts and soules smarted for this harme In the morning for feare of spies they parted their misery being to shew themselues as carefull as before their honours and the Parents lying on it though their wofull fortunes might haue giuen liberty which was their greatest Prison liberty they before did couet now had is onely hated Sobs and groanes were the words they said farewell withall their eyes so fill'd with cloudes of teares as if yet pitty were had not to let them see their extreamest misery but through a scarfe of loue shed water The noise of the Ladies death was soone spread abroad the house comming to the young Lords eares who with much sorrow which hee dissembled not his supposed father being absent tooke order for her buriall himselfe soon after went thence priuatly like Caunus from Biblis yet the comparison holds not clearly because these Louers were chaste and pure after the secret was disclos'd Wandring about hee happened on this Desart and into a little round place in proportion like this you came from where you descended the stayres Shee follow'd him or fortune whither she would guide her who was so kinde as to bring her to this place where they continued some short space life not allowing too much sorrow to such vnfortunate though worthy creatures but would to assist them loose it selfe parting with them leauing their bodies cleare reliques of spotlesse truth and cross'd affections malice They saw each other and bewail'd their chance but to fauour each other came no neerer then through those bushes to behold their wofull selues as in Mooneshine glimmering and as colde At last as they had iustly at once begun their loues they iustly at one instant died a little before meeting pitty not letting the one outliue the other or loue couetous would receiue both parts at once againe into possession loth to spare any part of such perfection The bodies by diuine prouidence kept safe the woefull Prince Father to them by destiny brought to them hauing searched and all his seruants for them Vnder a great Cyprus Tree which grew where the stone is now they lay intwined in each others armes dying with as chast and in as chast embracements as they had liued her groanes of death called him who had as little life yet some thing more strength finding her end comming hee kissed her hand and dying lippes then tore some of those branches downe honouring againe poore Caparissus wearing his Funerall memory making two Coronets one for her another for him selfe and so Crowned but most with loyall spotles loue they ended leauing no staine but misfortune to touch them withal much honour to be rendred to their loues The Prince finding them thus fell downe on them and as it were breathing his last likewise into them but hee was to out liue them and to grace their Funeralls he therefore rose commanding that stately Tree to be cut downe whose pride had beene such as not to let any tree grow within the compasse of his armes of the body hee made a Coffin into which with precious balmes he layd the bodies as one then did hee get the rarest workman and by his directions make this place the comming to it he would haue this way as most vnusuall and strange as their liues the place els on the other side would haue suffered another and finer comming to it though painefull the ascent being so highe for indeed it was a place as cut out of the maine Rocke and wrought into the heart of it all of one side hauing light in aboundance but hee had as it were made his way in the middest thereof as if to pierce the Center as that part in their hearts had beene sealed When this stately and sumptuous building was finished he went into Chios where dwelt an ancient and rare Magitian this man he made his instrument to fulfill his intent who did so well performe it as hee accomplished what Art could frame my selfe my Wife the old woman that conducted your Maiesty and my Sonne that brought you hither were heere established by them this booke hee gaue mee to deliuer to you when you came and the time appointed when a woman should raigne heere louing as well as much deseruing but more happily enioying to her comfort which is your selfe I was commanded to tell this story to none els nor deliuer this Booke wherin this is more exactly expressed and yet all this in the presence of the King your chosen mate These I haue obserued and now haue but two things more to do which are these to shew you the Tombe then opened he that place which seem'd like an Altar wherein lay the two Louers adorn'd as they dyed with the same Garlands whose honour was to continue greene still as hopefull of their memory The candles hee then lighted telling them that hee and his
as still visited with company and gaue by the fauours testimony of quantity of victuals which well ordred had been noble now a little troublesome but it pleased reasonably well this company who free and hauing rid hard had gaind good appetites it appearing to them like a Garden full of fruite when the hot weather troubleth them they sat downe the Lady most kindly freely and busily bestirring her self entertaining them the fine Gentleman ciuilly discoursing with them Leonius at last growing so farre in with him as he got him to tell this story I am great Prince said he called Curardinus borne of a good Family in this Countrie beloued and serued but as all things must see conclusions so did Fate appoint our greatnesse to conclude thus My father liued after his fathers death many yeares will esteemed of by the King oâ— these Countries emploid in office by him and held among the best in ranke of his fauour but matching himselfe after the death of his first wife with a young Lady of a great and noble family but too great as the King imagined or was perswaded by his enemies suspition grew into his heart or rather shewed it selfe for few Kings are without that seruant to attend them against my father who to auoide all cause giuing left the Court and retird himselfe to his owne home where he liued pleasantly and was for an addition of his happinesse blessed with children a blessing to a father what euer the being borne proue after to the children I was his first and after some yeares before I came to perfectablenesse to gouerne his estate at least according to the lawes of this place hee died leauing mee heire to his fortunes honors and dislikes of the King I then desired leaue to trauaile that was refused me and all things as offices commands and places soeuer my father held of the Crowne giuen away to others This was a disgrace and truly a vexation vnto me and most that hee would not permit mee the fauour granted to euery subiect but obedience taught mee patience and I was contented by necessitie In this forst pleasure I went vp down among my friends where I was desird and so liu'd a solitary and priuate trauelling life where remouing imitated trauell and each odde accident an Aduenture By my mothers side I had and haue many noble and braue friends as any man can haue the men equally or aboue any valiant and wise the woman in that height of excellency for beauty and witt among them I haue much liued who haue found the like fauour so as we are not only neere it in blood but allyed in thwart fortune kept backe by all meanes from any aduancement or honor vnlesse the imployment were such as might giue a blow if not a certaine ruine to any of vs a comfortable estate when Subiects liue in such dislike with their Prince yet did he vse vs openly well let vs come to waite vpon him wee shall be welcom'd and smil'd vpon sometimes but aske any thing and bee surely denyed after not for a good space look'd on this hath cast vs much downe and greeued vs more then hurt vs. Are you a single man said Leonius No Sir replyed the dainty melancholy I am married and haue beene long the more my misfortune in some kind because I haue with that marryage lost one loued me more then I could aspire to hope of requitall and loue 's me still I was not altogether to blame indeed for I knew not her affection so great to me she not aduenturing to speake it I not thinking my selfe so happy daring to imagine it but after some time she tould me of it How did I then curse all my fortunes and yet at last chid my selfe for it since said I I was borne to be wretched and all other crosses haue beene but as forerunners of my misery this the only Master peece of affliction wee met wept many times together and yet those teares produced pleasure because so shed and then we could be merry and neuer but in the highest griefe contented because together for therein our last happinesse consisted But her father marryed her whose iudgement told her obedience was requisite to a rich but worthlesse fellow this was an other vexation to her and doubly by that meanes it wrought in me to see her greeued and such a Clowne to posses what I most loued and held deere he no more esteeming her nor indeede vnderstanding her worth then a Beast or one of his Goats Miserable Lady but most miserable I that saw and could but grieue for it besides this he grew yet more brutish and vsed her ill growing so intirely iealous as none went away vnsuspected her worth beauty and noblenes inuited all eyes and hearts to her seruice but so chast and iust she was as but with courteous requitall any preuailed but her worthlesse Mate thought so ill of himselfe as that made him thinke well enough of any to wrong her withall Iealousie 's roote being selfe knowledge of vnworthynes Thus most sweete Creature she liued discontents brought her to many harmes bringing diseases and the worst sicknes of mind finding still additions to her first disquiet and miserable losse as her affection was pleased to call the missing of me which surely she could neuer haue know had I but guessed her thoughts A good space I held in with him but at last fell like the rest and most dangerously in that time I met her my hearts ioy and soules delight at her fathers she was sad but most louing to me I sad to see her so but most glad to see her loue holding her I remember by the hand if said I thou wert vnmarryed would'st thou not marry againe No I protest said she but liue wholy to be directed by you which I had euer don had I knowne how to liue with honour and fit to be your seruant Yet should you bee free you would not doe so much Yes I vow said I and bound it with a kisse vpon her fairest hand deerest remembrance how dost thou yet please me to bring before me these pass'd yet sweete delights to make tryall of her faith and word keeping she was by heauenly assistance vntyed from her bond and freed from her clog the rude and brutish Thing her Husband being taken from her no hand but the hand of the best and highest parting her as from aboue seeing and commiserating her estate all that were vnmarryed in the whole Country came and sought her shee refused all Widdowers Batchelers all were alike to be denyed old young middle-aged runne one race of being refused Her father much disliked it her friends and kindred and such perswaded but endlesly her resolution was like the Earth fixed and her constancy like the Sunne certaine and richly faire some also came to me seeing the grace I had with her to get mee to preferr them alasse how far they went astray yet I answer'd all of them
instantly withdrew her selfe from the windowe threw her selfe vpon her bedd ctyed out onely against misfortune and so brake her heart and dyed her last words being yet though honour and life bee lost I dye iust and truely thine my onely deare Ala and this Ala was all for all my name shee spake death either then wholly possessing her or shee desirous still to hold mee neere her kept that last part in her for her to ende with and mee to liue by yet truely had I like to haue gone with her with her though asunder I may say for our soules vnited had gone together but alas I was not so happy though had I had a spirit like hers or weapons suffered mee I had soone ouertaken her or came to her as her soule parted but I was hindred and â—he had all my powerfull spirit the shew of my falling and the truth of her death was thus The Villaine had dressed mee and a stuff'd-man-likeâ—thing in sutes alike his intent being this and such was the performance in some kinde though too hasty they were that if the King ouercame I should bee throwne downe if the other the counterfeit piece should bee cast foorth that all hope being taken from her shee might the sooner yeeld to him but the Executioners seeing the King downe threw out the framd Alarinus which brought as much mischiefe as all ill could doe for shee seeing it imagining it to be mee dyed and left all misery to dwell with vs especially in me I fell from the window in â— swound thinking the day lost they heeded not any thing more but confident of the Champions victory tended mee striuing to saue me to this misery The doores within a little while after were opened and I fetch'd foorth to death I thought but so it happened not nor neere so much good befell mee for I no sooner saw liberty with the King who came for mee but I mette the cruellest of deaths encountring her death O Myra my best and last Loue thy memory liues in mee and I liue but to remember thee now let mee know if so much loue so much misfortune chastity and deare true Loue rested in your Mistresse else I must not yeeld Hee then twin'd his handes one in another wrung them and sighing wept then lay downe on his side leaning his elbow on the ground and his face on his hand when the Bauarian followed thus Loue I confesse you haue had plentifully shewed vnto you yet as grieâ—e is felt but by one's selfe none being able to compare with the knowledge vnlesse hee felt the equall weight no more can I yet see but that my losse is the greater My selfe am called Peryneus Duke of Bauaria but vassell to misfortune my Lady was called Elina daughter to the Duke of Saxony that now is brother in law to the Emperour that then was she was brought vp with the Empresse and there I fell in loue with her she asmuch did affect me although at that time there were three of vs fiercely wooing her the other two were the Dukes of Brunswicke and Wertenberge the one infinite rich but as poore in naturall perfections for hee is weake in iudgement and discourse else faire and white The other as louely as a man can bee or indeed a woman for delicate clearenesse and sweetnesse but wanting in estate as the other in wisedome My selfe the third and such as you see gained the loue from the other two and the hate of the one while shee was liuing now hee vseth mee well but so shee had beene still would I had still beene hated My ill fortune it was also that the Empresse liked mee shee was not so true a wise as Vlisses had but yet shee was and had a braue Woman and belou'd of many shee nobly requiting most for gratitude is a great matter in Louers This sweet Bird of beauty and vertue Elyna saw the Empresse Loue as clearely as her owne could make it transparent through which shee saw likewise sorrow and was sad as dispayring I hauing that countenance as carefully beholding her as her loue cared for mee I fear'd shee lou'd I sawe shee lou'd and grieued because shee loued For O me I durst not thinke it was my selfe the King of the Romans then now my Lord the Emperour after his receiuing that Title for ouerthrowing the vsurping Duke of Sax in whose place and to whose honour and estate my Ladies Father by the Emperours and Princes fauours succeeded came to Prage where the Court was to entertaine him all triumps were prouided none thought enough to welcome him who had saued the Empire from ruine Sports of Field were most in vse the King most affecting them at those excercises I was one and then called the seruant to the Dutchesse she pleased to honour me with a fauour but the greatest honour was that she sent it by Elina who comming into the Chamber of Presence hauing layd it on her Fardingale I approached like the rest but aboue all others in affection to her shee that day honoured me more then vsually wee was wont turning from the rest and looking on mee bashfully for feare of them sadly because imployed against her selfe as for another sweetly but slowly bringâ—ng foorth these words I am said shee O dearest shee entreated by many to giue fauours this day but my Lord I am determined to deny all because not able to conâ—tent all yet to you who haue not asked I must present this Scarfe giuing me a maruellous rich one of Crimson Tafaty embrodered with gold siluer and dainty coloured Silkes euen to the height of richnesse and delicacy but the delicatest delicacie was that shee presented it mee I kissed my hand to take it and kissed that part where shee had touched it blush I did and tremble with ioy and wonder till shee looking on me my Lord said shee are you amazed me thinkes you should know the Sender this shee spake so low as none but I heard it and I was sorry I then had hearing rather would I haue beene deceiued and thought graced by her then assuredly honour'd by the Dutchesse I bowed lowe vnto her saying I had been richer in content if she had giuen me a Shooe-string of hers She starâ—ed smil'd and with her eyes kindly shewed shee liked my words but gaue no answer so I departed and with the rest of the Court performed what was expected of vs oft times I confesse I looked vp to to the window were shee stood and thence tooke spirit anâ— hope grew then and still increased when I sawe shee entertained and not reiected my humble affection Thus were wee fortunate but how much longer can that word last then it is spoken Alas no longer for no sooner were wee truely assured of what our soules called blisse enioying hearts wishes in loues happy remembrance that yet said this is and was when miserable Fate her Aunt discerned it wearing quickely then glasse eyes to make euery mote seeme thousands and so
and because it self betokened truth By this time her husband was come who told vs 't was time to goe rest We obay'd and this was the last time that euer I saw my deere and most worthily accounted deere Limena for the next morning I was by day to be at the Citie and so from thence to returne to the Campe. Thus tooke I my leaue and my last leaue of vertuous Limena whose sad face but sadder soule foretold our following harme and succeeding ruine For within few dayes after my returne to the Camp there came a Messenger early in the morning and O too early for my fortune whom I strait knew to be Limenas faithfull Seruant At first it brought ioy to me seeing a letter in his hand but soone was that turn'd to as much mourning cursing my hands that tooke it and eyes that read so lamentable a letter the contents nay that it selfe being this and the verie same my Mistris sent and wo is me the last she ere can send Vrania read it while he with teares and groanes gaue the true period to it The Letter said thus MY onely Lord thinke not this or the manner strange I now send knowing already some part of the vndeserued course taken with me only pitie her who for your sake suffers patiently accept these my last lines and with them the sincerest loue that euer woman gaue to man I haue not time to speake what I would therefore let this satisfie you that the many threatnings I haue heard are come in some kind to endâ— for I must presently die and for you which death is most welcome since for you I must haue it and more pleasing then life without you Grant me then these last requests which euen by your loue I coniure you not to denie me that you loue my poore memory and as you will loue that or euer loued me reuenge not my death on my murtherer who how vnworthy soeuer hee was or is yet hee is my Husband This is all and this grant as I will faithfully die Yours Alas faire Shepherdesse said he is this a letter without much sorrow to be read and is not this a creature of all others to be belou'd Neuer let him breath that will not heartily and most heartily lament such a misfortune T is true said Vrania reason and worth being companions but yet I heare not the certaintie or manner of her death then will I not faile to lament with you Alas said hee heare it of mee onely fit to tell that storie After my departure from his house to the Citie and so to the Campe the iealous wretch finding my Ladie retired into a Cabinet she had where she vsed to passe away some part of her vnpleasant life comming in he shut the dore drawing his sword and looking with as much furie as iealous spite could with rage demonstrate his breath short his sword he held in his hand his eyes sparkling as thicke and fast as an vnperfectly kindled fire with much blowing giues to the Blower his tongue stammeringly with rage bringing foorth these words thou hast wrong'd mee vild creature I say thou hast wronged mee shee who was compounded of vertue and her spirit seeing his wild and distracted countenance guest the worst wherfore mildely shee gaue this answere Philargus saide shee I knowe in mine owne heart I haue not wrong'd you and God knowes I haue not wrong'd my selfe these speeches said he are but the followers of your continued ill and false liuing but thinke no longer to deceiue me nor cousen your selfe with the hope of being able for in both you shall finde as much want as I doe of your faith to me but if you will speake confesse the truth O me the truth that you haue shamed your selfe in my dishonour say you haue wrong'd me giuing your honour and mine to the loose and wanton pleasure of Perissus was I not great enough amiable delicate enough but for lasciuiousnesse you must seeke and woo him Yet Limena I did thus deserue you that once better then my selfe I lou'd you which affection liues in the extremitie â—till but hath chang'd the nature being now as full of hate as then abounding in loue which shall instantly be manifested if you consent not to my will which is that without dissembling speeches or flattring finenes you confesse your shamefull loue to the robber of my blisse you may denie it for how easie is it to be faultie in words when in the truth of truth you are so faultie but take heede vnfainedly answere or here I vow to sacrifice your blood to your wanton loue My Lord said she threatnings are but meanes to strengthen free and pure hearts against the threatners and this hath your words wrought in me in whom it were a foolish basenesse for feare of your sword or breath to confesse what you demaund if it were trueâ— farre more did I deserue eternall punishment if I would belye him and my selfe for dread of a bare threatning since sure that sword were it not for danger to it selfe would if any noblenesse were in it or his master choose rather to dye it selfe in the blood of a man then be seene in the wranglings betweene vs yet doe I not denie my loue to Perissus in all noble and worthy affection being I thinke nurst with me for so long haue I borne this respectiue loue to him as I knowe no part of my memory can tell me the beginning Thus partly you haue your will in assurance that that vnseperable loue I beare him was before I knewe you or perfectly my selfe and shall be while I am yet alwayes thus in a vertuous and religious fashion O God cry'd out Philargus what doe I heare or what can you stile vertuous and religious since it is to one besides your husband hath shame possest you and excellent modesty abandoned you you haue in part satisfied me indeed but thus to see that I haue iust occasion to seeke satisfaction for this iniury wherefore resolue instantly to die or obey me write a letter straight before mine eyes vnto him coniure him with those sweete charmes which haue vndone mine honour and content to come vnto you Let me truely knowe his answere and be secret or I vow thou shalt not many minutes outliue the refusall Shee sweetest soule brought into this danger like one being betweene a flaming fire and a swallowing gulfe must venture into one or standing still perish by one stood a while not amazed for her spirit scorned so low a passion but iudicially considering with her selfe what might be good in so much ill she with modest constancy and constant determination made this answer This wretched and vnfortunate body is I confesse in your hands to dispose of to death if you will but yet it is not vnblest with such a mind as will suffer it to end with any such staine as so wicked a plott and miserable consent might purchase nor will I blott my fathers house
with Treason Treason Nay the worst of Treasons to be a Traytor to my friend Wherefore my Lord pardon me for I will with more willingnesse die then execute your minde and more happily shall I end sauing him innocent from ill deliuering my soule pure and I vnspotted of the crime you tax me of or a thought of such dishonour to my selfe I might haue saide to you but that this cruell course makes me thus part my honour from you yet can you not part infamy and reproach from you nor me said he Prepare then quickly this shall be your last My Lord said shee behold before your eyes the most distress'd of women who if you will thus murder is here ready then vntying a daintie embrodered wast coate see here said she the breast and a most heauenly breast it was which you so dearely loued or made me thinke so calling it purest warme snow yet neuer was the colour purer then my loue to you but now 't is ready to receiue that stroake shall bring my heart blood cherish'd by you once to dye it in reuenge of this my wrong reuenge nay such reuenge will my death haue as though by you I die I pittie your ensuing ouerthrow Whether these words or that sight which not to be seene without adoring wrought most I knowe not but both together so well preuaile as hee stood in a strange kind of fashion which she who now was to act her part for life or death tooke aduantage of and this your cruelty will more appeare wheÌ„ it is known you gaue no time for consideration or repentance said she you deserue no such fauor from me said he but rather that I should with out giuing care to that bewitching tongue haue reueng'd my harme but since I haue committed this first like faultie men I must fall into another Charity but in no desert of yours procures this fauour for you two dayes I giue you at the end of which be sure to content me with your answere or content your selfe with present death The ioy she at this conceiued was as if assured life had beene giuen her wherefore humbly thanking him she promised to satisfie him so fully at that time as he should she hop'd be pleased with it Away â—hee went leauing her to her busie thoughts yet somewhat comforted since so shee might acquaint mee with her afflictions for which cause grieuing that I should be ignorant of the true meanes to her end she so prettily gain'd that little time for the rarest lampe of excellent life to endure Then called she a faithfull seruant of hers and the same who brought me the dolefull letter First she coniured him by the faith hee bare her to obey what shee commaunded and to bee secret then related shee this soule rendring storie to him which shee inioyn'd him truly to discouer to mee by his helpe getting pen and paper and hauing written that dolorous yet sweete because louing letter sent him to mee that day shee was to giue her answere which shee assured him should bee a direct refusall esteeming death more pleasing and noble then to betray me who for my now griefe mixt with that blessing shee inricht with her incomparable affection giuing him charge to deliuer it to mine owne hands and besides to stay with mee assuring him I would most kindly intreat him for her sake which shee might truly warrant him being Commandresse of my soule Hee found mee in my Tent ready to goe forth with a wan and sad countenance hee gaue that and my death together then telling the lamentable storie I now deliuered you With flouds of teares and stormes of sighes hee concluded And by this is the rarest peece of woman-kinde destroyed Had I growne into an ordinary passion like his of weeping sobbing or crying it had not been fit for the excessiue losse I was falne into wherefore like a true Cast-away of fortune I was at that instant metamorphosed into miserie it selfe no other thing being able to equall mee no more then any except the owne fellow to a cockle shell can fit the other This change yet in mee which to my selfe was so sudden as I felt it not was so marked by my friends and by all admired as those who feared the least doubted my end which would it then had happened since if so the earth no longer had borne such a wretch this sad place been molested with a guest perpetually filling it and these places neere with my vnceasing complaints Despaire hauing left mee no more ground for hope but this that ere long I shall ease them all death prouing mercifull vnto mee in deliuering this griefe-full body to the rest of a desired graue My Lord Perissus said Vrania how idle and vnprofitable indeed are these courses since if shee bee dead what good can they bring to her and not being certaine of her death how vnfit are they for so braue a Prince who will as it were by will without reason wilfully lose himselfe will not any till the contrarie bee knowne as properly hope as vainely despaire and can it bee imagined her husband who passion of loue did in his furie so much temper should haue so cruell a hand guided by so sauage a heart or seene by so pitilesse eyes as to be able to murder so sweet a beauty No my Lord I cannot beleeue but she is liuing and that you shal find it so if vnreasonable stubborne resolution bar you not and so hinder you from the eternall happinesse you might enioy Only rare Shepherdesse said the loue-kill'd Perissus how comfortable might these speeches bee to one who were able to receiue them or had a heart could let in one signe of ioy but to me they are rather bitter since they but cherish mee the longer to liue in despairefull miserie No shee is dead and with her is all vertue and beauteous constancy gone She is dead for how can goodnesse or pitie bee expected from him who knew nothing more then desire of ill and crueltie Thou art dead and with thee all my ioyes departed all faith loue and worth are dead to enioy some part of which in short time I will bee with thee that though in life wee were kept asunder in death we may bee ioyn'd together till which happie hower I will thus still lament thy losse If you bee resolu'd said the daintie Vrania folly it were to offer to perswade you from so resolute a determination yet being so braue a Prince stored with all vertuous parts discretion and iudgement mee thinks should not suffer you to burie them in the poore graue of Loues passion the poorest of all other these inuite mee as from your selfe to speake to your selfe Leaue these teares and woman-like complaints no way befitting the valiant Perissus but like a braue Prince if you know shee bee dead reuenge her death on her murderers and after if you will celebrate her funeralls with your owne life giuing that will bee a famous act so may
they come to enioy their right they may know the better to command hauing so well learn'd to obey and serue And most delicate Shepherdes do you I pray accept of this young maid for your friend and companion since if you bee the King of Naples daughter or any other Princes you need not scorne the companie of the Albanian Kings daughter Parselius taking the old King in his armâ—s And is it my good fortune most famous King of Albania said hee to haue it in my power to serue so excellent a Prince Doubt not then but I will with all faithfull loue and diligence as soone as I haue concluded this â—earch with meeting my dearest friend in Italie goe into Morea and from thence carry such forces as shall with my other friends I will ioyne with me restore you to your right and pull downe that Macedonian Vsurper were it but for wronging you But since I haue so faire an occasion to reuenge such iniuries offered so vertuous a Prince as your selfe in keeping a kingdome and vsurping another from his rightfull Queene I am doubly bound your sonnes I accept to bee my companions and as brothers to me will I be carefull of them the like did Vrania promise for the young Lady Then the old king before ouer-charged with sorrow was now so rauished with ioy as not being able to sustaine bursting into flouds of kind teares and his soule turn'd into a passion of ioy vnsupportable being onely able to kisse the Prince Parselius and Vrania imbracing blessing and kissing his children giuing them charge faithfully and louingly to obserueâ— and loue that braue Prince and sweet Shepherdes like a child for quiet ending gaue vp the ghost in their armes he best did loue Great sorrow was made among them for his death but then growing almost night Vrania for that time went home leauing the three to attend the Kings body till the next morning directing Parselius to the sad abiding of the perplexed Perissus promising to come to the Caue by Sunne rising to dispose of all things Vrania being come home little meate contented her making haste to her lodging that there shee might discourse with her selfe of all her afflictions priuately and freely throwing her selfe on her bed she thus beganne Alas Vrania how doth miserie loue thee that thus makes thee continuallie her companion What is this new paine thou feel'st What passion is this thy heart doth entertaine I haue heard my imagined Father and many more talke of a thing called Loue and describe it to be a delightfull paine a sought and cherish'd torment yet I hope this is not that for â—laue am I enough already to sorrow no neede haue I then to be oppressed with passion Passion O passion yet thou rulest Me. Ignorant creature to loue a stranger and a Prince what hope hast thou that because thou art not knowne thou shouldst be knowne to loue in the best place I had rather yet offend so then in a meane choice since if I be daughter of Italy I chose but in mine owne ranke if meaner ambition is more noble then basenesse Well then if I doe loue my onely fault is in too soone louing but neither in loue nor choice Loue pleade for me since if I offend It is by thy power and my faults must as made be salu'd by thee I confesse I am wonne and lost if thou braue Prince pittie not and saue me Sweet Chastity how did I loue and honor thee Nay almost vowe my selfe vnto thee but I haue fail'd Loue is the more powerfull God and I was borne his subiect with that she rose vp and went to the window to see if it were day neuer knowing before what it was to wish for any thing except the knowledge of her selfe now longs for day watches the houres deemes euery minute a yeare and euery houre an Age till she againe inioy'd Parselius sight who all that night tooke as little rest hope loue and feare so vexing him and tyrannizing ouer him as sleepe durst not close nor seaze his eyes to any the least slumber all his content being in thinking on Vrania wishing from his soule shee were the lost Princesse that then they might happily inioy which wish by loue was chid since loue was able in him to make her great enough and those wishes were but to adde to that which ought to be so perfect as it selfe should of it selfe be sufficient to make happines which is the greatest greatnes Then did he resolue whatsoeuer she was to make her his Wife his Father Country Friend and all must loue Vrania Thus all must yeeld to her or lose him already yeelded Hee whose youth and manlike conuersation scorn'd the poore name and power of loue is now become his Bondman cries out on nothing but Vrania thinks of nothing hopes for nothing but the gaine of her perfections to his loue accusing this night for spitefully being longer then any other that euer he knew affection and desire making it appeare tedious vnto him and why because it kept Vrania from him O would he say how happy wert thou Parselius to land on this shore where thou hast gaind the Goddesse of the earth to bee thy Mistris Vrania to be thy loue But then would a louers feare take him making him tremblingly sigh and say But if she should not loue again wretch of all men what would become of thee Courage then ioyning with hope would bring him from that sad despaire giuing him this comfort Yet sure said he her heart was not fram'd of so excellent temper her face of such beauty and her selfe wholly made in perfectnesse to haue cruelty lodged in her No shee was made for loue then she must loue and if so pity will claime some part and if any or to any who more deserues it then my selfe who most affecteth herâ— With that he went to the mouth of the rocke from whence he might discouerall the plaines carefully and louingly beholding them You blessed Plaines said he which daily haue that treasure which the rest of the world wanting confesseth sence of pouerty dull earth ignorant of your riches neither knowing nor caring how to glory sufficiently for bearing and continually touching such perfections why dost not thou with all excellencies striue to delight her sending forth soft and tender grasse mixt with sweetest flowers when she will grace thee suffering thee to kisse her feete as shee doth tread on thee but when she lies on thee dost thou not then make thy selfe delicate and change thy hardnes to daintines and softnes Happy most happy in her sweet weight and yet when she doth leaue thee do not the flowers vade and grasse die for her departure Then hee perceiu'd her comming a farre off downe the plaines her flocke some feeding but most leaping and want only playing before her And well may you doe this most lucky flocke said hee hauing such a Commandresse and so faire a Guardian well doth ioy become you shewing you
in his armes He soone alas and so foreuer left his deare imbracement turning on him who hurt him repaying the wrong with giuing him his death but then soone followed his owne the wound being mortall which he had receiued yet not so suddenly but that he saw the destruction of his enemies We being as fierce as rage and reuenge could make vs then he remaining alone besides my selfe aliue and yet dying giuing me infinite thankes for my loue and willing rescue lent him with many dolefull and in affection lamentable groanes and complaints he tooke his leaue of his onely and best beloued then of me to whom he committed the care of her and his body then kissing her departed But what shall I say of her imagine great Prince and all this braue company what she did You will say she wept tore her haire rent her clothes cri'd sobd groand No she did not thus she onely imbraced him kissed him and with as deadly a palenesse as death could with most cunning counterfeit and not execute She entreated me to conduct her to the next Religious house where shee would remaine till she might follow him I admird her patience but since more wonder'd at her worth O women how excellent are you when you take the right way else I must confesse you are the children of men and like them fault-full The body we tooke with the helpe of a Litter which passed by hauing before conuayd a hurt Knight to the same Monastery next to that place and in that we conuayd it thither where we buried him and almost drownd him in our teares Thinking then to haue remou'd she fell ill not sicke in body but dead in heart which appear'd for within two dayes she dyed leauing this world to meet and once more ioy in him who more then a world or ten thousand worlds she loued and still desired which made her choose death being her then greater ioy burying them together a little without the house the order of that place not permitting them to be layd within it After this sad but honest performance of my word I went on in my Iourney meeting within few dayes after a Page belonging to my dead friend who with his Masters Armour followed him loue and obedience bringing it into his mind The armor was good being that which I now weare mine owne hackt and cut in many places With much sorrow the youth receiu'd the wofull tidings of his Master then obtained I so much as to haue those armes which with violeÌ„t sorrow he consented to helping me to arme my selfe in them though so as had I been any but his dead Lords friend he sooner and more willingly would haue wound into his funerall shirt He tooke my armour and laid it together vnder a tree which grew in the mid'st of a faire and pleasant plaine then although against my will he kist my hands and with as much true-felt sorrow as could lodge in so young yeares tooke his leaue of me only beseeching me when I remembred my vnfortunate friends I would also with some pity thinke on his misery this was my aduenture And then past I by sea till on a rock I suffered shipwrack being taken vp by this famous Pirat whom you so valiantly haue slaine being I assure you none of your least victories he hauing had as much strength and skill as in any one man need remaine but knowing me and some power I haue with the king of Cecile my deere and worthy friend Pâ—rissus his Vncle whose excellent company I gain'd in Achaya he then being there and with whom I trauelled many moneths almost yeares till I began this search this man on condition I would mediate for him to the King or his Nephew let me goe at libertie and arm'd in his ship till such time as we fortunâ—d to land alwaies concluded that while I was with him I should defend him with my best meanes This made me resist you till heauen told me my error which I repent and heartily aske pardon for and this sure was the reason that my Page imagined my death if hee found as by all likelihood he did my armes Then did Parselius againe imbrace Leandrus turning to the Squire of Amphilantus he demanded what he knew of his Master Truly replide he nothing but the ioy I conceiue to heare by this gentle Knight that he is liuing I parted from him in a great storme hauing been in Germany sent thither with an army from the Pope to assist the Emperour against the Duke of Saxony who was slaine by his hand and for this act was by the Emperour and the other Princes made King of the Romans hauing protected the Empire against such an enemy since till now neuer hauing heard newes of him but he ment to seeke still for you and therefore left Germany and in the Mediterran sea my selfe ship and all my Lords treasure was taken by this Pirat whom your valour hath destroyed Thus with prosperous wind and infinite ioy for Amphilanthus his new title and honâ—ur they sailed towards Italy hoping to land not farre from the Towne where the king of Naples at that time kept his Court which was at that great Citie but being within the sight of the shore because it then was euening they resolu'd not to land till the next morning and so take the day before them This thought the best like mens counsells proou'd the worst for in the night rose a terrible and fearefull storme being so violent as it tooke not away rest only but knowledge from the Pilot being onely able within some howers to assure them that they were far distant from Italy The tempest continued in as great iâ— not greater furie nor any more comfort had they saue that now they enioyed light and yet could that light scarce be counted day being but as day-breake before the Sun-rising so as it was but as to distinguish the time of day from night or as if it were to hold a candle to them the more to see their danger so thicke cloudy and vncomfortable as they could discerne nothing but what was nearest them which was perill Cunning now preuail'd not for the most skilfull confessed that now he was artlesse heauenly powers working aboue the knowledge of earthly creatures which way they were by force carried was vtterly vnknown to them sailes tackling were gone the mast either by force or hope of safety cast ouer-board thunder lightning wind raine they wanted not none being able to expresse the desperatenes of this storme but by saying it was the picture of the last day for violence but like the world for strangenes and vncertainty Thus they continued in the day hauing only the shadow of a day and in the night feareful flames which yet they thankt because by theÌ„ they could discerne themselues When heauen did think this storme had lasted long enough crosse to those though crosâ— yet still most louing louers it commanded the seas to be at quiet which
Lamentation braue Princes is that which I must treat of but first I must tell you as one of the parts of this story I am called Seleucius brother I am to the king of Romania Lord to this young knight and thus from me the most vnfortunate of Princes heare the wofull'st and most disastrous history that euer Princely eares gaue attention to I was brother and somtime heire to this vnhappy king being thought lost but after found in such an aduenture of enchantment as this seemes to be Return'd married and was blest with two children of whom I am sure this Gentleman hath already discoursed vnto you wherefore that part I wil leaue and come to the last My Nephew Antissius being come from the fruitles search of his sister Antissia my brother would needs marry him to a Lady in the country which he although neuer hauing bin in loue might haue questioned yet he euer loued to obay his father and so they were married O Antissius worthy Antissius with that the teares ran downe his long white beard resembling drops in snow stopping his breatâ— that scarce the last word could bee heard In this time did all the Princes ioyne concluding it with sobs and groanes euery one hauing equall feeling of sorrow though for seueral things At last he cry'd out these words Pardon great Prince this sad interruption in my story which I am forst to do heart-rending sorrow making me euer doe so when I think of much more name my deerest Nephew and his vnfortunate losse being such a wound to that country as none can imagine but our selues who daily feele the misery He being married by his fathers commaÌ„d who longed to see some fruit from so worâ—hy a stock his obedience hauing mastred his affection which rather was to follow Armes then fall into the armes of Loue he worthily lou'd his wife and louingly liu'd with her within that yeare being blest with a Son whom after his father they called Antissius with this ioy'd-at birth began the ruin of all yet not because of his birth for in him we haue yet our last hope but by reason that the Grandmother liu'd but to kisse her babe after whose death the king again maried and her whose wickednes I am sure hath come vnto your eares This malitious creature after â—he had caused Antissius to bee banisht and most honest men to lose their liues or places she yet not satisfied with such sins as neuer the earth sufferd in one body the waight of more treason adultery witchcraft and murder were plentifully in her yet while he liu'd she was not contented Wherefore to bring this to passe was now her only study In this time some one or two honest hearts were left who gaue the king warning of her ventring their heads to saue his body from harme her immoderate desires so much knowne as they cried out against her shee being a Queene salued not nor couered her sin which in her greatnes appeared the greater fault a spot being more markt in a Diamond then in an ordinary piece of glasse Long time it was ere his honest and vnspotted loue would belieue it or hearken to it while shee delighted her selfe in her owne shame and his dishonor At last â—hough extreame loath he seem'd to see it slaking his violent loue to her oft refraining her bed made her discerne it though delighting her self so much with others had somewhat blinded her from seeing what but for policy she cared little for But then did shee neuer leaue the poore man with her flatterings and disfembling falshoods till she had gaind the cause and ground of his most iust offence and deserued mistrust and vnusuall strangenes which at last vndone by her bewitching fawnings she gained Then had she enough vowing to be reuengd on al and vnder this colour to execute her malice and purge her spleene vpon the famous Prince his son which by her cruell practises she at last vnfortunately brought to passe For first by meanes as she pretended that she was slandred she got her good honest husband to banish any who had in the least spoken of her lightnes putting into that number those whom she hated hauing suffred as she alleagd as much by their slanderous reports as almost if it had been a truth shee had merited wishing she had still continued widow rather then to come to this height of honour and hauing it to fall so low as into the shame of dishonor beseeching him throughly to reuenge her or to permit her to retire to the most lonely and priuate lifeâ— rather then there openly to sinke vnder shame and infamie or if she could be found faulty then to cut off her head farre vnfit to liue wife to so vertuous and good a king To satisfie her whose dissemblings were of force to bring new heate into his aged heart which like old wood will presently kindle he strooke off the heads of those loyall seruants who had honestly though vndiscreetly told him of her sinne men not louing that discourse of any This done he came to receiue thanks but she telling him this was nothing and vnlesse hee would doe more to right her so shamefully wrongd she would go away and execute some mischiefe on her selfe her spirit and conscience not being able to sustaine themselues induring such abuse and then if euer he lou'd her he would be sorry he had wrongd so true and faithfully louing a wife while he did credit pickthanking Counsellors He seeing this passion in his deere wife vowed reuengefull iustice on all she could accuse Vpon this vow and some other assurance which was giuen by execution her holy Maiesty seem'd somewhat satisfied and then contenâ—ed as it were to liue hauing new life giuen in her iustice and faith-trying honour She came abroad but oft-times blushing modesty was the colour put vpon it when indeed it was affection to a young Lord in the Court who after shee found she could not win with all inticements and loue-showes shee accused him for seeking her and so with many more lost his head Now was Antissius and his vertuous wife confind to a Castle some twenty miles from the Court he being accused of popularity and aspiring to the Crowne This was the power of that insatiable Monster as shee could and would banish from him his best and onely true comforts My Nephewes misfortune increasing and his hate to liue growing euery day stronger in him he gaind for all this the Queenes leaue to goe and liue with me She willing to it hoping his former ill vsage would prouoke him to that hee might die for else shee would finde a meanes to compasse it But few plots needed this being the beginning and his soone following ouerthrow for the people finding her gouernment absolute and that being bent to the ruin of the land followed the vertuous Prince in great numbers and at al times which he as much as in him lay did put off auoid yet not so but
that the Queene wrought cunningly enough vpon it to mixe iealousie with the fathers loue to his sonne shee neuer ceasing to wish the subiects loue as great and firme to his Maiestie as shee and all others saw their hearts were placed vpon his worthy sonne which though he for his affection to him did not yet make vse of yet it is a fine thing said she to bee a king and a terrible matter to be tempted were you not safely blessed with so honest a son And therefore you must trust more to the loyaltie of Antissius then the faith of his people who he might perceiue regarded nothing lesse then their due respect to him Sparingly she spake well of him but freely to make suspition Thus now was he falne into the path which led to the court of her malice for buzing these things in his old and fearefull eares shee at last brought to this fulnesse of ill One day as she had appointed being priuately with the King in a Gallery two of the Counsell came in in hast yet a dissembling feare in their faces counterfeiâ—ing need but doubt and vnwillingnesse to discouer what mou'd in them this sudden approch The King vrg'd them when with teares they told him that they had gaind knowledge of a dangerous conspiracy which was plotted to be instantly executed vpon the persons of his Maiesty and his most royal Queen by Antissius and my self the treason being this to depose him kil the Queen banish the Counsell I make himselfe Monarch of Romania dispose the offices already disposed of among his fauourites and the whole realme as he best liked to his followers and associats and in this kind make a conquest of it Then alas sir said they what will become of poore Romania when your vertue and wisdome shall be put by their gouernment and his greene capacity and those young wild headed Counsellors shall rule ouer vs who were fitter at schoole to learne obedience and loyalty then to sway a Scepter besides the wrong and sin of taking the lawfull Prince from among his people This related and seconded by the Queen who stil in a double maner clear'd condemn'd poore Antissius whose iust and vertuous heart neuer thought of such a treason nor of her if not with sorrow for her wickednes It wrought so far in the iealous brest of the old man as he manifested his crediting it and with all the feare hee conceiu'd of it expressing as much hate to his son as such a wicked practise might iustly challenge Then hastily as feare is alwaies sudden he demaunded aduice with the best and readiest way to auoide the danger They yet hauing gone but halfe way of their diuelish progresse replied That since it pleased him to haue such confidence in them as to aske their aduice in so great a busines they would as honestly discharge themselues and this they held the safest and the best course which was that the Prince who they must still loue and reuerence and whose fault cut their hearts to thinke of should be sent for but in such manner as he should haue no cause to distrust lest then he went about to gaine by force what they before had been inform'd he hoped to compasse by a priuate conspiracie This aduice and the plot it selfe he imparted to some more of the Counsell who already were sufficiently instructed in their parts and so accordingly agreed consenting nay commending the graue carefull and honest aduice of the other two Then was a Messenger straight dispatched to the Prince who like a braue but innocent Hart came into the toile with order to come himselfe his wife and Soâ—ne vnto the King whose age and weaknesse being great and his affection only left strong in him towards him and his would haue them neerer to him and for that he would recompeÌ„ce him for the iniuries in former times done to him I was not at home for had I bin the iourney surely had bin hindred while Antissius doubting no treason his noble heart being free from thinking any in haste hoping that way to expresse the ioy hee felt by these vnexpected glad tidings posted to the Court leauing word that I who was to returne in a very short time after should with all conuenient speed accompany his wife and sonne to the King Few daies he had rid before he was encountred with a troope of horse vnder the commaund of an ancient friend of his and a friend indeed he was in this action being betrayd as well as he sent vnder colour of loue to the Prince who since hee had or at least it being thought hee had so much dislik'd his father as hee had forbid him his once heeld-deerest sight and that the people had taken notice of it in a dangerous kind to preuent any bold or hazardus attempt might happen by a rude multitude the Queene had sent this troupe to guard him and that she knowing the loue this Gentleman bare Antissius had made choice of him to conduct his person thither Antissius was somewhat troubled with this accident wondring why she should be on the sudden so kind knowing thâ—t there was none whose ruin she and her godly crew more shot at yet could not he who saw only with the eies of vertue pierce into this plot Mildly and gratiously hee saluted the Captaine and his men yet telling them his innocency had been guard enough for his person They went on but when they were within â—ight of the great Citie of Constantinople the Court then being there they perceiued a farre greater number of Souldiers with which sight hee saw his end and soone heard he sentence of his death for then did they set vpon him crying Downe with that Traytor that disobedient child the incurable griefe of his louing father the dishonour of our Countrie and the Canker of the States quiet With these cries they rushed violently vpon the Prince The first troope seeing this Treason did their best to defend Antissius but their liues could not buy his safetie in vaine striuing to alter destiny the period of his dayes being come with a blow giuen him by a trayterous villaine which strake his head in two Griefe of this accident turn'd to fury his party â—ighting as if Antisius had beene in euery one and so to bee defended but that was past their loues onely liuing to him Yet dyed it too for none were left of the whole Troope but the Captaine and some tenne more The Queenes men hauing gain'd almost what they sought fully to giue her satisfaction in his death yet wanted part since they could not get his bodie to be made a present to her cruelty For the Captaine perceiuing their drift hinder'd them of it taking him vp when he saw the vnluky blow giuen and in the heate of the â—â—ight fled away with it knowing this a better piece of seruice then to haue lost his life in reuenge at that time since to better purpose he might saue it in
falling into that way which brought them directly to the Castle where young Antissius and his Vncle were by Parselius left There they found them and met the honest Captaine who was brought thither by the Romanian Knight who after the whole discourse was told to Amphilanthus as before it had been to Parselius by the old Prince and young Knight continued the story thus After that deuill of women the Kings wife had wrought the ruine of Romania Proclamations out for the bringing of either or both of you for which large summes of money were offered but if you could be deliuer'd in aliue those summes and great honours with braue possessions you my Lord made a Traytor and you Sir hauing your head at sale Then obtained she that her sonne was made heire apparant to the Crowne and that if the King happned to die while the new Prince was vnder yeares that then she would gouerne as Protectresse till hee came of age This sure shee grew wearie of the old man whose age and dotage she hauing imploy'd them to her vse was now cloy'd with them troubled her to bee rid of him was then her study At last finding an easie way as she thought shee cald one of her seruants to her being one who ambitiously sought to win the honour of being her fauourite leading him into a priuate Cabinet where she plotted al her wickednes there she began with false and forged flattrings to intice him to her purpose dissimulation and protestation of her affections she wanted not to draw him into the yoke of her witch-craft And what said she though the world doe taxe me for louing many doe not you accuse me my onely deere for sooner will I die then wrong your loue If my fashion which is free and familiar make you doubt me consider why it is since it were neither wisdome nor safety for vs to vse you only kindly in al sights The graces others haue is but to blind their eies which els would be cleere sighted to our ill and this euen by the loue you beare me I coniure you to belieue and this should you well find were I at liberty and free What freedome would you aske To be my selfe said shee and so to take a husband I could loue as I loue you and so would make you were the old man dead Is that the bar cride he deere Lady He is dead or euen as good for two daies is his longest terme of life That done enioy me who am onely thine and verily the thing is easie safe and doubtlesse doe it then and by it purchase me He long time bewitcht with her craft allur'd by her beautie and continued in error by her falsehoods beleeu'd she spake vnfained from her heart letting himselfe couet that which with murder and treacherous murder they must gaine froÌ„ the true owner But he lookt no further then his loue to compasse which no meanes seem'd ill so partiall was he to his vild desires Thus was his word engaged and the kings life limited which end of time being come they inticed the graue man into a Parke where they murdred him bringing home the old body besmear'd in his owne bloud couerd with their mantles as the fault was with their fained talles which were that in the Wood certaine men hired as it was likely by you set vpon him killed him and wounded them shewing some slight wounds which they had for the greater shew of truth giuen themselues The Queene being brought to this sad fight tooke on strangely rending her clothes crying and euen howling so as most did pitie her and few or none accuse her guilty of the crime so cunning was she in her deepe deceits Then was the Councel cald who came in shew sad but in harts ioyfull wicked men louing nothing more then change they brought also the young king to his mother The people being assembled and the false report of the kings death deliuerd wherwith they were satisfied pitying the wounded body yet crediting the murderers Thus was the poore doting King rewarded for his fondnes A funerall was made with all ceremonious cost and pompe the young vnlawfull king being that day crowned as soone as the body was interred This was yet but one part of the play the other soone followed She thinking her selfe no way secure so many knowing of her sin to auoide punishment on earth would run yet faster to meet more punishments cause in the other world by heaping murders vpon murders for inuiting all those except her Minion to a priuate banquet she poison'd them reseruing the fauourite for some other vertuous purpose who being in the pride of his desires expecting when he should be made her husband often vrg'd it but shee put it off with pretence of feare least that the too sudden marriage might giue occasion to the world to doubt what was most true and what their guiltinesse made them mistruâ—t Thus it past a while like a calme tide after a tempest her sonne and shee being in full possession of all the neighbour kings sent to condole the death of the king and to congratulate the other whether out of loue or desire of peace a sweete thing to spritelesse Princes Among the rest came one who accompanied the Embassadour of Morea a Gentleman of excellent parts winning the loue of all that conuersed with him hauing a modest gouernment ouer a strong and daintie wit but as hee was in this happie hee was crost with the violent loue of the chastlesse Queene who affected him after her wonted fashion but so fondly and intemperately as shee caus'd most to looke with gazing eyes on her hee was not of the highest stature though farre from being low his haire faire and that beard hee had something inclind to yellow Shee saw this Gentleman who since I learnd was Sonne to the Duke of Mantinea and Captaine of a troope of Horse which was part of the Kings Guard and the Noblest part because that Companie must euer bee choice men and all Gentlemen Shee wooed him plainely said Shee loued him Yet could not this preuaile wroth in him withstanding all her baites which being meant as refusals prou'd inticements to bring her on like a Spaniell that fawnes on the mans crueltie Her passions then growne immoderate and vngouernable yeares increasing in her and strength of iudgement failing her more then in her youth gaue such open testimonie of her loue as her latter seruant but companion in mischiefe perceiu'd it his confidence hauing been such as that blinded him long time giuing libertie and assurance in that to her and her ends which neuer were but either politike or lasciuious But he as hauing new sight giuen him to see her shame and his owne together hate taking the place of loue his desires flew to the ruine of her as before to the continuance of their dayes in their owne pleasures neuer enough enioy'd Hee plotted to vndoe her and watched the opportunity which he obtaind by his
strongly hath continued the honour in keeping the conquest as I am and euer must bee your deuoted Seruant my loue being wholly dedicated to you and this I would faine long since haue said but I feared your displeasure nor had I now ventured but that me thought you bid me bee bold taking your discourse wholly to my selfe Then did you take it right said shee for I confesse with that shee blush'd so prettily and look'd so modestly amorous as shee neede haue said no more to make him know she lou'd him Yet he couetous to haue the word spoken taking her in his armes be not so cruell my onely life said he to barre me from the hearing of my blisse Why then said shee I must confesse I loue you Blessednâ—sse to my soule cryd he these words are now my dearer selfe canst thou affect poore me I honor your worth and loue your selfe said shee but let your loue be manifested to me in your vertuous carriage towards me Vertue said hee made choice for me then can she not abuse her selfe and vertue in you made me most to loue you then assure your selfe that onely vertue shall gouerne me Thus they louingly and chastly liu'd a while only pleas'd with discourse but that grew to leaue place to more enioying it selfe being loath that any time should be spent without it enuying the night that kept them so long absent to auoid which he so earnestly sued and she so much lou'd as she could not refuse what hee desired for their equall contents so as making two of her maides and his Squire onely acquainted one morning they stole out of the Castle by a back doore which opened iust vpon the Mote and hauing a bote there wherein they vsed to row for pleasure they crâ—st the water and so walked vnto an Hermitage hard by where after they had heard Prayeâ—s the Hermit plaid the Priest and married them With infinite ioy they returnd to come to the height of their desires where wee will â—eaue them a little and speake of Berlandis Squire to Amphilanthus who longing to see his Lord and seeing little hope of getting Parselius thence resoluâ—d to try how he might get him from that lazie life and win him againe to follow Armes but alas this was as impossible as it was for Vrania to belieue that Parselius would forsake her Many times he vrg'd him many times he told him of aduentures which himselfe and his Cosen had past to theiâ— eternall fames oft hee remembred him of the promises hee had made and vowes which ought to bee performed but these wrought nothing vowes he remembred not but this last holy one which was most religiously to bee obserued promises hee had made but those might stay till some other time or till he had longer solaced himselfe in these new delights To conclude Berlandis concluded to leaue him and so telling and taking his leaue of him departed with this message to Amphilanthus that he would in short time come vnto him in the meane time intreated to bee pardoned since in his time hee had a little absented himselfe from him vpon a like though not so iust an occasion Then hee charged Berlandis not to let any know where hee had left him except his owne Lord and to intreate likewise his secrecie to all others to denie his finding of him Thus Parselius obscured himselfe for some time while the fame of his Brother brauely fild the world and had shind alone like the greatest light had not one eclips'd it with his greater power which was and is Incomparable Amphilanthus who with his two companions left Romania intending to goe to Morea as I before said hasting thither as in pretence of the Albanian businesse After they had taken ship they came downe the Archipelago and amongst those Islands staying at Sio for fresh water and to take in some passengers left by that ship there at her going to Constantinople into the which Iland the Knight of the Forrest would needes perswade the rest to enter seeing it delightfull and louing naturally to see nouelties and venture as farre and oft-times as happilie as any this motion was agreeable to Steriamus whose heart yet faild him for all Amphilanthus did warrant him to goe where his soule was Prisoner for feare of offending her though so much hee loued as if hee had been sure to see her and with that sight to die instantly rather then liue and not see her he would so haue suffered death But Amphilanthus was loath to loose time yet hee was contented to content his Friend so as they passed vp a good way into the Iland themselues alone without any other not so much as their Squires with them long they had not gone before they met three fine young Maides apparreld after the Greeke manner carrying each of them a basket wherein were seuerall delicate fruites the knight of the Forrest went to them desiring to bee resolu'd of the manner of that place and whether they could let them vnderstand any aduenture The maides with much sweetnes and modest fashion replied They were but of meane Parentage and not accustomed to such businesses but said they this last night a braue Gentleman lay at our Fathers house much complaining of the losse of a young Prince called Dolorindus Prince of Negropont who landed here and since was neuer heard of much hee seemd to doubt his danger and especially to feare Treason the Lord of this Iland being indeed the most cruell and treacherous man breathing old and yet so ill as his white haires haue gaind that colour from black since he practised villany for these fortie yeares plotting nothing but the destruction of braue Knights and delicate Ladies of which hee hath store in his Castle where in darke and vgly prisons he continues them onely letting them haue light when he sends for them and sports himselfe in their torments and this proceedes from no other cause but out of a generall hate to all where vertue liues and beautie dwells His wife of as sweet a condition who is worne away to bare bones with meere hatefull fretting to heare that any should liue inricht with goodnesse From this paire are brought a forth couple of as hopefull branches as can proceede from so good stocks their parents ill which they haue bin many yeares practised in to come to perfection being fully flowing in them so as they in this kind excell hauing so many yeares fewer and yet as much sinne in them falshood and all treason abounding with ill nature in them one of them being a Daughter and the elder called Ramiletta the most cunning dissembling flattering false Creature that euer sweete ayre suffered to breath in without corrupting it with her poysonous treasons the other a Sonne vilde craftie and beyond measure luxurious These three are now gone a iourney whither I cannot tell you but surely to some villanous purpose brauely they are attended on and richlie set forth the old woman onely left
then my Lord said shee you shall haue it my desire to know you was caused by an vnresisting power your excellencies haue ouer my yeelding affections to you the first time I saw you I receiued the wound I now perish in if you fauour not Amphilanthus was rather sorrie then glad to heare this speech being to him like as where the law is that a man condemned to die may bee saued if a Maide begge him for her husband so hee may bee saued from death but wedded against his heart to another affection before hauing wounded him hee can scarce entertaine this but considering gratefulnesse is required as a chiefe vertue in euerie worthie man he curteously replied that till that time fortune had neuer so honoured him as to bring him to the height of so much happinesse as to be graced with such an affection Shee who loued and desired tooke the least word hee spake for a blessed consent was about to answere againe when they saw Ollorandus come with her husband to them who with much adoe as he counterfeited had told who they were the good man hearing that these were two of them relieu'd and won Romania to quiet by their owne valor but especially reioycing that Amphilanthus of whom the world was fild with same was there came to welcom him nor would be deny'd but they must lodge with him in his tent Luceania was not greeu'd at this motion though Amphilanthus would willingly haue gone backe to his Milan Tent where he might haue comforted himselfe with discoursing to his owne thoughts But the Lady now keepes him prettily well from those passions with continuall discourse of other things Much he enquired after the manner of ending the enchaunment which hee longed for that then hee might againe see what he only coueted Loue still increasing in her as longing grew in him to see his deerest Loue. Hee kindly entertain'd her fauours and courâ—uously requited them and one day the more to expresse his respect to her hee tooke this course which in his owne minde was plotted rather to get more freedome and to make proofe of his valour his friend and hee onely acquainting Luceania and her Lord with it changing their armors and colors the better to be vnknowne came in the morning with Trumpets before them challenging euery one that desired to trie his strength to the Iust to breake sixe staues a piece and this to continue sixe dayes in defence of their Mistrisses beauty Amphilanthus was in Watchet and White Ollorandus in Orange colour hee hauing no fauour and therefore in spite wore that colour the other had a scarfe which Lucenia sent him the night before which hee wore on his right arme This challenge brought forth all the knights and they the Ladies the first was an Italian and encountred Ollorandus who was to hold the first three dayes if so long hee could without foyle by Amphilanthus appointment if not then he to come in This Italian was strong and the stronger for that he was in loue and more because his Mistrisse at that time made him the bolder being fauourd with her sight and blessed with her louing wishes But these could not preuaile against the Bohemian who had the stronger spirit waiting on him of perfect loue which ouerthrew the Italian lying on the ground flatly confessing his ouerthrow Two dayes he thus kept the field without shew of loosing the honor to any but then came one who encountred him with such cleane strength and valour as he was forc'd to confesse hee matched him nor did it turne to any dishonour to him when it was knowne who it was being Polarchus Bastard sonne to the king of that Iland but soone did Amphilanthus reuenge his friend and so by conquest kept the field though hee confest hee had seldome felt such an encounter as the last of the sixe courses the other fiue hauing lasted without any aduantage this with the losse of his stirrops but the falling back of the other vpon his horses backe and trumbling downe striuing to recouer his saddle Thus he redeemd his friends mischance maintaining the field against all commers in the defence of his mistrisses beauty Two dayes hee held it in which time hee woone the same of the brauest Knight The last day they were a little hindred from that sport by the comming of a great and braue troope of knights hauing with them two of the beauties the world could hold excellent they rode in a Chariot of watchet Veluer embroidred with crimson silke and Pearle the inside the outside with purle of siluer and yet that riches poore in comparison of the incomparable brightnesse and clearenesse of their owne beauâ—ies Soone were they knowne for who could be ignorant of the perfâ—ctions of Pamphilia and Limena for hee that neuer saw Pamphilia but by report seeing this vnspeakable beauty said it could be no other then that peerelesse Queene none else could so excell in true perfection Two Knights rid on each side of the Chariot one in armour of Gold enameld with leaues of Lawrell the other all blacke thus they came with great magnificence and state when Amphilanthus was ready to encounter a new knight that would needs haue the fauour to be throwne downe by the conquering Prince who soone receiud the honour his vanquishing power gaue all other kissing his mother without desire oâ— pleasure Then did the Prince looke about him casting his eyes by chance towards the troope at which sight hee straight knowing the neuer enough exalted Princesse he went towards her his eies meeting the vnresisting power of her eies who was soueraign of al harts telling the new Queen that certainly now the charmes must haue conclusion she being come to aduenture for them I hope my Lord said she there will be an end of them since I know I am able to bring one part to the conclusions demand being that I thinke you haue not been much troubled with all and in truth I cannot blame you much since libertie is an excellent profit But what colour shall wee haue next the last I saw was Crimson now Watchet and White do you adde to your inconstancy as fast as to your colours None can bee accused deere Ladie said he for their change if it bee but till they know the best therefore little fault hath yet been in me but now I know the best change shall no more know mee Euery change brings this thought said shee but here is the Queene Limena whose noble vertues were rescued by your friend and my brother from crueltie and death though not of them but her person dying they must if not for him haue remaind the outward tombes of her honor Then kist he her hands and so conducted the two Queenes to the fittest place to see those begun sports and to be beheld of the Knights Amphilanthus continuing his still enioyed victories none parting from him without flat falles or apparant losse of honour Then the Knight of Victorie and the Black
onely sure for his owne honour then her safety hee sent often to her this made her take ioy assuring her selfe he now felt he was bound to loue her since thus she was neere death for him this made her hope he would be gratefull in affection though not passionate Much did he flatter then and protest respect of her aboue his life and that her life and safety were more deare to him then his owne heart bloud Expresseles consolation were these vowes but broken greatest plagues what should we trust when man the excellentest creature doth thus excell in ill No sooner was she amended but he sent againe with all shew of affection his comming he excused as out of care to her lest others would haue visited her too and so might trouble her in weakenes bring danger to her health These glosses were to her like faith beleeud cheerish'd til soone was she made to know mens words are onely breath their oathes winde and vowes water to begin with her ensuing griefe her new borne hopes soone died those tyes she had knit vp were broken asunder in more violence which death brought heauy misery vnto the mother of these misaduentures for soone after fell his direct leauing her not scanting any contempt or scorne but turning all shew of fauour to her after that fell a new change for then this dainty woman must yeeld her fortunes to a new choyce in him and to an other whose beauty wins him from her craftinesse Then did she likewise fall to new dislikes crying out 'gainst disloyalty complaind of her misfortune cursd her credulity and fond hopes neuer ceasing complaints nor reuilings for her thoughts chusing the first forsaken louer to heare her accuse him euen vnto her face he who had from her chang'd lately to her and now from her vnto an other loue cruell this needs must bee to see him blamd and for that fault which she had suffered for alas then would she say what hap haue I to accuse my Fate and still to heare the accusation from an other to the same purpose Disloyall Lincus hath thy poore louer Alena deseru'd this hate canst thou without shame consider my wrongs thinke on my deserts I challeng none but leaue them to thy selfe to iudge I am your lost forsaken I am yet your truest loue and I am indeed the vnhappiest sufferer of your blame Pelia complaines of your disloyalty and to mee from whom you flew to her if shee dislike what shall I doe who beare the marks of shame and losse for you my reputation marr'd my honour in the dust are these requitalls to be scornd despised and hated at the last vnkind man for worse I cannot call you yet turne backe againe and look on my desearts if not on me and you shal find cleerenes in them to discerne these other faults by purenes to tel you none but it self deserues you griefe to mooue all your compassions to it lastly iust claimes to make you gratefull but you I see despise all vertuous wayes goe on your course then while I mourne for you and my extreamest crosse Thus did she oft complaine yet neuer shund his sight least he should thinke his change could alter her◠the more he saw her patience the more and insolentlyer did hee presse on it striuing of purpose to afflict her most which the sight of his alteration needs must bring when she beheld him kisse his new loues hand with melting heart and passionate respect smile in her eyes begge for her grace write to her praise and expression of his loue these alas cryd shee were the baites that first betrayed me thus once he did to me thus fond was hee of mee thus careles of all else but now transformed as is his truth and faith Many perswaded her to keepe away to scorn as much as he to hate as much as he no would she cry his fault shal neuer make me il nor wil I chang though he so fickle bee yet bee assured I loue him not nor can bee more deceiued by him or any other onely thus far the remnant of my loue extends that I wonll take any course though painefull dangerous and hazard my life to keepe him from least harme Thus did a loiall louer liue and this is cōmonly the end of loyaltie to men who neuer knew but the end of their owne wills which are to delight only Perissus excepted And to satisfie you I haue giuen you this short example of true loue faigned I confesse the story is yet such may be and will bee louers Fates Pamphilia gaue great attention to it and the more because her last aduenture and this discourse did somewhat neere concurre as ending in misfortune why said she to her selfe should all chuse these or such like wofull histories of purpose to torment me with feare that I may liue to see like woes alas Loue sheild me from such harme I now behold cleere ioy so did Siluania and Alena and Pelia yet what conclusion haue they vtter ruine and distresse for reward These thoughts so inwardly afflicted her as she sat still her colour not changing nor any motion in her outward part while the soule onely wrought in her yet not to let the world be ignorant of her operation sent teares from out her eyes to witnesse the affliction that she felt teares which did fall with such louelynes as louelines did fall and bide with them So much did Limena loue her as shee greeu'd for those teares and with cryes gaue testimony of her sorrow while she vnstirr'd still let them slide vpon her softest cheeks as if she did consent to honour her true teares with touching that earths-heauenly place her heart did beate with paine and I thinke greefe that her eyes should be more happy in ability to demonstrate her paine then that which best knowing her mind could attaine vnto I feele said it the torment they shew it like players of an others part and so did it swell as Limena was forced to helpe and with comfort and perswasions appease the rage Thus they continued till Nanio the dwarfe came to them telling his Lady the happy tydings of Rosindy's arriuall with Selarinus this awaked her and made her melancholy companion yeeld to her better friend ioy back they went together and with much content met the King Rosindy and his companion in the Hall where the King and all the Court were assembled ioy plentifully disposing it selfe to euery one Amphilanthus holding his course towards St. Maura was thither brought safely and speedily then going to the Rocke he tooke Vrania in his armes vsing these wordes My dearest Sister and the one halfe of my life Fortune neuer fauourable to vs hath ordain'd a strange aduenture for vs and the more cruell is it since not to be auoyded nor to be executed but by my hands who best loue you yet blame me not since I haue assured hope of good successe yet apparent death in the action I must
the priuatest places and striuing to gaine the sea which soone after I obtaind getting the opportunity of a youths passing into Italy who had sought Perissus to bring him notice of his Vncles death the King of Sicily with him I passed and so came into this country where euer since I haue romingly endured neuer in any one place setled The youth Menander and I parted at the sea he I thinke going to seeke his Master or rather you then did shee close her speech with multitudes of teares which truly mooud mee to much compassion beginning then to hold her deare to me I perswaded her to leaue that life and liue with me who would accompany her sorrowes rather then afflict her with mirth and besides it might bee in my company shee might gaine remedy for her torture No remedy but death said shee can I haue and too long O me haue I sought that yet to obay you I will abide some time here and but here in these woods beseeehing you not to vrge me to the Court when the poorest place much better doth agree with my estate I to enioy her conuersation granted to any thing concluding that I should often visit her and so passe our times together in louing discourse This said Amphilanthus by your fauour sweete sister prooues you loue the water it seemes hath not so thorowly washed away your affection but reliques remaine of the old passion No truly dearâ—st brother said shee all those thoughts are cleane droun'd but yet I will goe on with my story Doe deare Sister said he and begin againe at But yet She blusht to find he had taken her and yet daintily proceeded That promise most religiously was kept betweene vs euery day I visiting my Shepherdesse But one day as we were together discoursing and walking in the wood we heard one not farre from vs sadly to sing an od kind of song which I remember getting afterwards the coppy of it and if I bee not deceiu'd sweet Cosin said she you will like it also the song was this speaking as if she had by him and the words directed to her as his thoughts were YOu powers diuine of loue-commanding eyes Within whose lids are kept the fires of loue Close not your selues to ruiue me who lies In bands of death while you in darkenesse moue One looke doth giue a sparck to kindle flames To burne my heart a martyr to your might Receiuing one kind smile I find new frames For loue to build me wholly to your light My soule doth fixe all thoughts vpon your will Gazing vnto amazement greedy how To see those blessed lights of loues-heauen bow Themselues on wretched me who else they kill You then that rule loues God in mercy flourish Gods must not murder but their creatures nourish Pamphilia much commended it which pleased Vrania infinitely touching as she thought her one estate while a proper song and well composd truly said Amphilanthus is this to be so much liked but my cosin only doth it to please you No in truth said Pamphilia it deserues in my iudgement much liking he smild on her Vrania going on you seeme Brother said she a little willing to crosse me this day but I will proceed in discourse The song you are pleasd to iest at being ended the same voyce againe did begin to lament in this manner If scorne be ordaind the reward for true loue then I am fully requited if firme affection must be rewarded with contempt and forsaking I am richly pay'd but if these deserue a sweet payment which alone consisteth in deare loue then am I iniurd and none more causelesly afflicted or cruelly reiected Loue suffer what thou wilt faith indure all neglect but euer be your selues pure and vnspotted Vnkind Liana yet pardon me for calling thee so since my heart grieues at that word vnkind yet giue me leaue to tell thee I haue not deseru'd this punishment from thee nor merited this rigor if anothers offence may make me faulty I am most guilty els as free as my loue still is to thee from blame or thought of staine in it art thou not then vniust sweete Iudge of all my harmes to punish me without a fault committed Pitie me yet and recall the censure wrongfully giuen on me condemned without a cause and still led on towards execution in daily tortures without merit Did any man die for anothers act then I must also suffer that tiranny else consider falfe iudgement is a shame vnto the Iudge and will lie heauy on his conscience call backe then e're I die this vnmerited verdict since my truth with-stands thy cruelty I would with Liana haue gone to see who this was that thus accused her but that we heard him againe say some Verses which being concluded we went to him but as wee went we heard another speake vnto him thus Alanius why doe you thus accuse Liana and torment your selfe with that which were shee certaine of shee would and must pity you nor can you blame her for flying you seeing as we both belieued your vnkindnesse and foule error Alas said Alanius farre be it from me euer to blame her nor can my soule permit me to loue her lesse though she were curst nay were she false I yet should loue her best but being by you assured of her truth giue me leaue to blame her rashnes and curse my owne ill fortune and vnluckie life which gaue and giues such dislike and smart vnto my dearer selfe and my sad daies Liana now knew not what to doe when she was certaine this complainer was Alanius and the other as she did imagine Menander but I willing to reconcile such broken fortunes made her goe towards him accompaning her sorrowes my selfe When being neere him and he looking vp perceiuing her without ceremony or regarding me ran vnto her and kneeling downe cry'd out these words Alas my deare Liana what hath your vnhappy slaue Alanius deseru'd to be thus pitilesse tortured heare but the truth and before you rashly censure me consider my great wrongs which I still suffer by mistakes in you Liana who loued as much as he and was as equally perplexed yet now a little more if possible bearing her owne and his sorrow for her affliction as being his and caused by her she lifted him vp from the ground and with teares said Think not my Alanius thy Liana can be other to thee then thou wilt haue her be yet blame me not directly for these things since here Menander can resolue thee of the cause yet let that passe and now bee confident thy loue hath such command mee as hadst thou been false she would not say as we imagined thy repentance and thy loued sight should haue destroyd all those thoughts where in offence might haue been borne to thee and so forgetfulnes in mee had gouernd with the memory of thy loue Then rising with a kisse the louers reconcil'd themselues and cast away their mourning but the story being strange where
and remained like a distracted creature till she vrging him and he desiring to satisfie her swore they were none of his nor that euer he receiued any from her O miserable man said he thus to be betrayd what haue I done to be thus plagued and insufferably afflicted Alas my deerest I neuer heard from thee neuer writ to thee but if I had sweetnes and loue should haue beene the subiect and not this False Terichillus this I feare comes from thee for this is thy hand I know it is the same in iest that thou wert wont to counterfeit and hast thou practisd it for this vnkind and cruell man Shee seeing his sorrow and his clearenesse receiued much comfort and taking him againe by the hand happy am I my Lord said shee that shall now ende contented blessed in your loue and cleare from the end I fear'd you had sent me be happy my onely deare and liue with all content let that Lady whosoeuer you shall choose loue you no lesse then I doe let her be as iust and loyall but so much more fortunate for your sake as to liue to enioy you longer Had you beene cruell as you were accused falsely my loue had pardoned it and welcommer had my death beene to me sent by you then life if in dislike of you My soule lou'd you and loues you nor euer suffer'd it shewe of dislike against you I had cleerly passed into the other world without blameing you yet am I happy to see you and your truth before I part I must leaue you my onely loue I must goe and yet this I will beseech you to keep of me the memory of your truest loue and let that memory bee put with loue and not moou'd with rage to reuenge these wrongs he hath done you a fauour it may be in keeping you for a worthyer but neuer can you haue a truer He weeping told her he tooke that last ill that shee would say hee could haue a worthier O no said he that cannot be thy worth cannot be equal'd no more then my wrongs reueng'd sufficiently They both wept then spake a little and so tooke their leaues shee seeing his sorrow was afflicted for it he finding it sought to couer it so he kissed her and went out of the chāber with as dying a heart as she had almost no sooner was he gone but she calling her womā to her willed her to burne those papers thē taking ◠ring from off her finger which was a pointed Diamōd she euer wore had vowed to doe so till she died or married charged her to giue it Antonarus then turning her to the other side tell him said she I bequeath this my truest loue and last loue to him so I coniure him to keepe these She went to performe her command he instantly with the rest of the company came in but there they found her dead It was alas too late to recouer her but not to giue a more happy end how hee tooke it onely such a loue can expresse which began but when she was dying and enioyed but in death He instantly left the Court and hearing Terichillus had stollen away vpon his comming guiltinesse condemning him he went in search of him putting on an armour as blacke as his sorrowes so he trauelled cloathed in sorrow accompanied with remembrance of her chast and loyall loue her death the treason that caused it the iniury done him yet her spotlesse affection All these were motiues the more he ran from one to the other still the first held him and wrapt him fast in all Thus he went caught in himselfe till hee met Terichillus in a plaine betweene two hills to whom he sent his Squire who was all his company not to discourse with him but to call him to answere the wrongs done to him and his loue when the Squire came to him hee made no answer but this he had cause to call him to account and he would satisfie him so he prepared himselfe and they met where they fought a cruell fight but Antonarus hauing iustice on his side got so much the better as hee had Terichillus vnder him and at his mercy which when he had confest asked pardon of him for his fault he tooke him vp with these words Rise Terichillus thy shame and conscience are sufficient reuengers I will not shed thy bloud which cannot cleanse so foule a fault or satisfie for losse of her so chaste and immaculate make it more cleare and purer if thou canst with true repentance while mine eyes and heart drops fulfill and serue for her funerall Then leap'd he vpon his horse leauing my brother hurt and wounded more with scorne and hate of himselfe so to be saued then kindly thanking him that had done it Away Antonarus posted and came into Morauia to visit me who indeed was onely his seruant Infant Loue on my side haueing made me so he stayd not long but told me all this story for which I lou'd him better then before gratefulnesse hauing large command ouer my hart Hee neuer by my words had knowledge of my loue to him till two yeares after passing by that way and priuately desiring to see me vnfortunately for vs both I did confesse it hee embraced it and so wee lou'd my brother still continuing his hate but in my Fathers time of life did make no publique shew of it Vpon the death of him he tooke the title and first began with open proclamations of his hate and the first forbidding me his company yet where were these proclaimd but in his house and to his priuate friends yet I went further and did warne my loue of him this was the cause hee came not in his sight nor to his knowledge and in hunts-mans habit was the last time I did see him for my brother returned with his wife the watches were made new and stronger ouer me yet loue made them fruitles for on a time appointed we met and meant to keepe together then boldly I writ to my brother telling him what I had done and that I hoped he would excuse me since I had taken him for my husband whom loue and youth had chosen for mee and now was gone with him whom most I loued to liue with and whom I now was happily to obay My brother grew infinitely inraged with this and straight sent out many horses to stay and interrupt our passage but in vaine for we were passed and had laid such spies for them as kept vs free Into Selesia we came finding and bringing with me all content in hauing my owne hearts desire with me Antonarus welcommed me with gift of all his estate I returned that to him againe taking a farre greater as I esteemd it which was himselfe and his true loue my best and only fortune Terichillus this while imagined himself highly iniured wherefore he sent Antonarus word that so ill he tooke this affront as he would with armes regaine his honour touched He replied that
so vnfortunate as to be a louer of all variety and so for that I may like changing men or delight in Camelions With this the Princesse came a Lady not of highest stature nor low so hansome as one well might see there had bin excellent beauty but decay'd as loue was withered to her who now resembled the ruines of a faire building her countenance graue but curteous shewing rather retirednes then much giuen to conuersation her pace slow and her apparrell careles her clothes were of Tawny cut with Willow color and embroidered with Willow garlands of that color and gold to shew the forsaken part was noble She came towards them and with a modest gesture saluted the Prince who with his helmet off presented the true Amphilanthus to her eyes she desired to know of whence he was and what aduenture brought him thither He told her he was of Italy and that his blessed fortune had brought him where he might repaire an iniury done to a wronged Prince and serue her in the busines Alas said she what seruice can I haue in that since none liues wrongd so much as I nor can one of that countrie or all that Nation right the iniurie receiued by one and yet deare one â—o me That one that wronged you answered he shall right you or my life shall pay for it tell me where you thinke he is If I did know said she and with all vnderstood a danger to him by reuealing him for all the haâ—me I haue receiued I would conceale him and thus haplesse liue rather then be a meanes to harme his person which still I hold deare How happy is that Prince said he â— and yet vnfortunate to be so iniured as to be defamed by a suborner and a traiterous man falsely assuming thus a Princes name Wrong him not with that taxe said she for sure I could not loue a meaner man not any but that Prince and so the brauest Amphilanthus But you it seemes haue heard of his light loue his change and falshood Alas heare with that what man nay euen your selfe hath lou'd and neuer changed may not then Amphilanthus doe the like What a perplexitie this was to him iudge brauest louers but she did proceed What shame then is it to him and to whom can harme insue saue to vs wretched trusting women Madam said hee I seeke to cleare the Prince and to let you discerne the wrong he beares that one so base and so persidious hath taken his name on him She was speaking when a Knight who newly there arriu'd kneeled to him telling him he was most glad to find him so neare home but sorry for the newes hee brought which was he must repaire with all the speede hee could into his Country for otherwise he could not enioy the blessing of his aged fathers sight who then was ready to yeeld vnto death withall hee gaue him letters from the Lords and from his brother While hee thus discoursed the Prince tooke them and then the Lady askt of the stranger who this Prince was to whom he had vsed such reuerence He answered Amphilanthus of Naples Prince and now he thought the King She then turning to him My Lord said she I must needes blame your name that hath brought me my discontent yet honor your person though the loue to that was the sweet betrayer of my blisse Then did she freely confesse what the Lady before had related which being heard by the young Prince of Venice for it was he that came vnto him with the newes he assured Amphilanthus that hee had met the Knight and by him had been ouerthrowne so as truly Sir said he he is valiant and as strong as a man need bee to maintaine so bold a charge as to counterfeit your strength he hath also now got a companion who calls himselfe Ollorandus and thus they passe your fame makes few except strangers meddle with them But I seeing his face and with that his falshood ventured to fight with him hauing iustice on my â—ide which I hoped would bring me victory but I see that a good arme must hold the ballance else sometimes truth may fal as I did to the ground Amphilanthus confident of the truth of the deceit took his leaue of the Lady who earnestly desired his presence to her house but he taking the occasion of the Venetians comming would excuse himselfe and keepe him free from temptations till hee saw the perfect commandresse of his dearest loue The Lady was troubled yet at last like other crosses shee did beare with that but in the night she thus lamented Wretched woman aboue all accursed must my affection first be placed on worth that worths name abuse me and my trust which were I better hope of that I was betraid and cousned by a false and treacherous man then by the Prince No sure I was deceiued for none but he that did betray me spake of him here one cals him away vnto his country O I was deceiu'd and am and shall be haplesse Emilina borne to ill nursed to misfortune and must die by change Alas Amphilanthus I did loue thee most best and my youngest loue and most innocent was giuen to thee I knew not loue when I did find that I loued thee my heart was thine before I knew it was mine owne to giue thou tookest it I thought did prize it too thou calledst it thine thine owne beâ—t heart didst cherish it and kindly made of it said I did arme the God of loue himselfe giuing him sight and power and when in Verse I once did waile a little absence which I was to suffer by thy going for one weeke from mee in that small space thou didst repay my lines calling me sweet more kind telling me if I did harme mine eyes I should disarme loue and vndoe the throne of him and his and yet all this is falfe and thou O thou vntrue Deceiued I am yet why didst thou plot for my ruine If to gaine by me why didst thou not make all the Country thine as well as me No I doe see thy conquest was but me and I was only for a prey to â—atisfie thy will variety of loues not faire possessions are thy aimd at-games Yet Amphilanthus true or false I must still loue thee best and though thou wrong me I must loue thee still What torments haue I alas for thee indurd How haue I searched my heart and found thy Image as if lim'd in each small corner of it but all ioyn'd in that seruice made it round and yours yet are you false O me that I must liue and say Amphilanthus is proued false and vnto me yet this braue Stranger saies hee is abused well bee it so I loued him as that Prince and so my crosses came Is it not possible O cruel man Prince or whatsoeuer els that thou wilt back returne Come home againe and be thy first sweete selfe kind louing and if not a Prince I 'le make thee
one and rather would I wish thou wert not one but with that title throw thy fault away and bee a louer iust and excellent thou maist be so for where doth lodge more abilitie of good of valor vertue and all else but constancy which I wil pardon come vnto me I forget that euer I was left that thou wert false vnkind and will remember onely our first ioyes thinke all this other time was absence or a dreame which happines likely contrary to what appeares O let this be so my deare and only deare I doe forgiue thee I inuite thee come accept my state a gift laid at thy feeâ— my selfe thy vassall these are worthy thanks and these I will performe Leaue those inticing beauties and great wits that snare-like catch hold for meere aduantage to them and their ends ticing thee by fine Brades of vowed locks and plaited haire a dainty shew nor didst vse with me my haire vnworthie of the honor to be worne by thee thou thinkst I know not this yes and do grieue for it yet will be silent to thee I am a woman free and freely offer I not begge but giue and aske but loue for principality and rule of me many I know doe seeke thee and thy gentle disposition apt to bee deceiued as I was when I loued will be abused Beware cast those deare eyes that wonne my freedome on my faith and zeale and then discouer what a difference there is betwixt feruent loue whose ends are loue such where only vse gaine attends desier But if thou wilt continue thus be yet still safe let their loues to thee bee as firme as mine let dangers flie from thee safetie bee neere and all ill shun thee blessings prosper with thee and bee thou blessed with them Then turnd she fighingly within her bed al night she thus did passe those houres with such distracted passions and so full her mind was stor'd with memorie of him as shee did call all actions into mind and as new done did liuely make presentment to her eyes and so of all past happinesse shee knew Then mixt she them with her new discontents and so comparing them make her poore selfe the stage where ioy and sorrow acted diuers parts her heart the sad sceane where the storie lay oft did shee call him false then loue inraged made her recall that and complaine of spite concluding still I cannot yet but loue though thus forsaken and forelorne I liue Amphilanthus gone he fell into discourse with the young Venetian who related vnto him what he had heard of the counterfet Prince then did hee proceed how hee vnderstood hee had taken his way by sea into Greece and thence for Asia and there no question said he the dainty Pamphilia will be the kingdome he 'le first visit and good welcome surely said Amphilanthus he 'le find there Thus they rid on the King contemplating his Mistrisse beholding her as present as if by and the Venetian plotting how to gaine the louing Emelina to his wife but that was difficulter to bee gaind then their arriuall without more aduentures into Italy so as being thither come the King was met with many who were going some to seeke and some from seeking him were return'd At last he came to Naples where he found his father sicke and past recouery yet so much comforted to see his sonne as life in the last power did expresse it both with face and smile but that as ioyfull newes crost by the next vnlucky messenger is as a greater crosse then if at first time knowne so did his death more heauily incounter the good hope his sonne did then receiue He dead the Lords and Commons all with one consent and that consent accompanied with gladnesse in their good receiued Amphilanthus for their King A maruelous braue funerall was then prepared within which time the Princes neere and farre as fast as notice came sent their Embassadors to condole and congratulate his happy beginning The funerall once passed straight followed the Coronation where the Embassadours did assist of Morea France great Brittany Bohemia Romania and the sweet and delicate Pamphilia all being done the Embassadours tooke their leaues the King presenting them with presents rich and fit for him to giue and them to take then the next businesse was to settle all his estate in good or quiet gouernment to which end he did appoint the Prince his brother to be Regent and setled such a graue and honest Counecll as he was secure though absent of his Kingdomes good Then went hee with some forces hee had raised which were in number twentie thousand Foote and fiue thousand Horse to the place appointed to ship them for Epirus directing them the time of putting forth which way he resolued the rest would passe into Albania the Princes of Florence Milan Ferrara Naples Modina Apulia and many more officers of this Field in this braue army went but he trusting the army with these commanders himselfe accompanied onely with the Prince of Venice landed in Morea from thence being able easily to meet his men and time enough for any seruice Being landed hee heard nothing but Drums and Trumpets and such warlike musique which well pleas'd his eares much hast hee made till he came to the Court where he found great sadnes for an vnhappy accident befalne Selarinus which was this going as hee thought safe enough because disguis'd into Epirus the proud Queene of that Country who had denyed passage for the Armie got notice of him and that notice gaue dainger of his life for her Mother beeing Daughter to one of the Kings or Lords of Albania treachery and falshood hauing deuided it into fiue parts he and the other Townes had made a combination neuer to suffer eyther to be harm'd but contrariwise to harme any should molest the other and to seeke all meanes to ruine the two brothers whose fame had though with honor vnluckely come to their eares vertue in them hauing brought the worlds companion malice with her This was not only agreed of among this wicked confederacy but also taught as a necessary lesson to their Children this Daughter hauing marryed her selfe to the like vow else a maide and faire but proud insolent and as those creatures are commonly ignorant enough She first to giue occasion of offence denyed passage for the Armies hauing so much foolish pride about her as she was blinded from knowledge that thâ—se forces could passe with her losse of her Realme if they pleased but she who saw but as through a prospectiue glasse brought all things neerer or farther as shee pleas'd to turne the ends to her sight so she drew danger to her and put assurance with iudgment and goodnes from her laying waite through all her Country for either of those Knights or any other who belonged to the vnited kings that by chance or hope of disguises surely might offer to passe that way It was Selarinus his mishape first and onely at
sitting downe vpon it so as the light might serue to shew her beauty she thus spake Your name and comming into my power so nearely agreeing cannoâ— giue you other hope then to follow them who haue before runne into this danger of breaking my commands which are not without death to be satisfied especially if you like those wilfull men will not obey me yet this fauor you haue to lead you to happinesse that I neuer honourd any before with thus much kindnes which in an other if not so great a Queene might be called loue But I that scorne subiection cannot allow such a power only confesse my liking you hath made me pitty you and pitty brought mee to offer you an vnusuall honor for till this time did neuer any thought wherin ill might lurke inhabit nor euer was I mou'd to thus much shew of immodesty yet flatter not your selfe with thought of ouer much gaine since my attendants witnesse my truth and such boldnes as durst not bee matched with loosenes But indeed I must say I did like you when I saw you first and so well as I then resolu'd to be courteous to you that hath made mee willing to speake with you and to be truely resolu'd of you the night time I chose by reason my spirit hauing hitherto euer commanded and not in the least yeelded to any authority I should now be ashamed to giue occasion of the contrary conceit either by my countenance or fashon which I doubted would be so much more alter'd as my desires to faor you might purchase mee yet hope not more then your duty and respect to me may lawfully challeng least you fall into as great a hazard as a Larke doth who to shun the Hobby lyes downe till the nett be laid ouer her and so is caught by her owne folly or base yeelding But if you yeeld to me it shall bee noble if you refuse death honour will not permit mee to demand ought but noble things honour likewise ties you to obedience you a Knight I a Queene able to crowne you with the title of a King as it may bee with the honour of my loue feare not noblenesse dares aduenture any thing that 's noble I come not to you with threatning Armes or weapons to indanger you only with loue arm'd fully and so I would conquer What needs Armes replied the distressed Prince where such vnmatched power raignes weapons where beautie dwells or can refusall liue where such perfections authorise yeelding Command mee great Queene I am your seruant your prisoner what vse of words when the heart submits or speech when I am in your â—oyall hands a Vassall at command She was pleased and well liked this anâ—were her pride and power satisfied yet out of pride ordering her actions so as calling her maides she went away assuring her selfe that his loue must bee â—nswerable to her ambitious coueting it and seruile to her will but her maids â—omming to her they brought a marueilous louely banket of seuerall sorts of â—ruites both preserues and other as that time afforded and the delicatest â—ines Greece did know Then tooke she him by the hand with a countenance of maiesty and loue mix'd neither too high in state nor with shew of subâ—isse affection She was no sooner gone but Selarinus shut the doore grieued â—o the hart that he should be so tempted to iniure Philistella whose loue was â—o ingrauen by truth in his breast as he vowed to die rather then consent to â—ny greater kindnes then that night he had yeelded vnto The rest of which â—ime hee spent in thinking of his loue and weeping out compassion on his woes that were remediles yet such were his teares as they made prints in â—is soule for euery one shed seem'd like a drop throwne on fire that makes 〈◊〉 blacke but quencheth it not so did those spots of falshood as hee tearmd â—hem disgrace not disanull his vowed faith Deare Starre said he which â—nely giues me light how maiest thou darken thy selfe from fauouring me â—nd how iustly may I condemn'd demand no pardon My dearer life hadst â—hou heard my words or seene my manner mightst not thou too iustly cenâ—ure me I am vnworthy of thy smallest grace and vnable to excuse my erâ—or yet this consider I must get liberty to serue thee and how but by deceit â—f each one may vse deceit it will be surely permitted if not allowed to enioy â—heir loues then for that purpose beare with me but let me deceiue her to â—ee true to thee and to be with thee Pardon then this ill and giue leaue to vse Art to be more plaine with thee my bodies liberty lies in her to graunt my heartâ—s in thine to kil or saue sweet now be like thy like gentle and sweet â—nd be assurd I will not liue to be vntrue vnto thy loued selfe Then turnd he â—n his bed sigh'd and wept and so continued till the day appeared then rose and drest himselfe his Page and the attendants first appointed by the Queene waiting vpon him When he was ready he walk'd about the roome at last he â—ooked out at the window not to see but to be vnseene to lament breathing his priuate sighs into the aire the chiefe of his attendants thinking hee had â—tood admiring those sweet fine delights told him if it pleased him hee might goe into that Garden for such leaue he had Hee willing to haue any signe of freedome quicklie gaue consent so little a place as a Garden being like fresh-water comfortable to stenched fish so this to a priâ—oner Downe they went the walkes were extreame high and no way to bee climb'd gaue them certaine assurance of his safety wherefore they left him When he was alone he threw himselfe vpon the ground beate his breast and still cried out O me wretched of all men why am I thus punished for ambitions choice Loue thou didst choose or say I did why Loue I doe the more deserue thy fauour when choice and loue are honourd in the choice Where he had cast himselfe it was vnder a faire shade of Oranges a purling brooke whispering close by him which still he â—hought said Philistella see see I see my wrong cry'd he but better consider my true loue to thee auoid temptations poore distressed Selarinus and proud lasciuious Queen forbeare thy shame and mine Then came she in for from her cabinet she might behold that garden plainely and perceiuing him she said within her selfe my loue is there my loue commands my loue inuites the time allowes and all things with my longings now agree As she was thus resolud she left her Cabinet and hasted towards the Garden to win assure and so enioy him whom she found enioying as much griefe as absence and imprisonment could bring a loyall louer He saw her not till she threw her selfe downe by him he started vp and with humilitie demanded pardon for his boldnesse in not rising to her Maiestie which fault might be excused
Crimson her armes fingers and necke adorn'd with the richest Iewels her buskins were of white laced vp with Rubies her hayre comb'd downe and a Crowne of infinite valew on her head a Scepter in her hand which at the opening of the Tombe she cast downe raysing her selfe a little vp and throwing her armes abroad ready to welcome her heart vnto her as if before gone thence The sudden light to so much darkenesse at the first daseled her eyes but when she recouer'd and saw in stead of Polidorus two strangers she crossed her armes lay downe againe seeming so like a dead body as they were afraid they had but heard a voyce which caused their search but that she had beene dead that spirit which shee once had had guided them to her But soone were they put beyond that amazednes by her speech If said she you be of Polidorus seruants directed by him to bring me his death quickly giue me mine likewise and then most welcome or doe but fauour me so much as to shut me vp againe this is the Throne and Tombe which I must haue and only will enioy The Kings whose hearts were mollified with loue were so tempered to pitty as they were not able to know what to doe but gazed on her who appeard the most peerelesse Tombe their eyes had euer beheld and the strangest they saw shee lay still like her owne monument curiously cut Alas said Amphilanthus what comfort can a victory bring that finds such a conclusion to accompanie it selfe with all A victory cryd shee then raised she her sweete saddest selfe a little on one arme I beseech you both or either said she bee so charitable to tell me the truth they loath to tell her what must bring her death yet still besought and that implor'd with teares they look'd on one another sigh'd and with their eyes intreated each to speake at last braue Amphilanthus as kind as excellent in all other vertues gaue these words Madam said he to obay you whom we must after sue to for a fauour I will discouer that which my soule as for you doth grieue for The Army is ouerthrowne and your beloued Lord who wee haue heard you so much speake ofâ— slaine said shee I see it in your face though you will not in pitty speake it Charitable Sir how am I bound to you but I beseech you add one fauour more vnto your first and then an other as the last to that where is his body Laid said he in the cheife Church among the other Kings by Steriamus owne command It was an noble act of him said shee whom Heauens protect for it mercy in Conquerors being as excellent as their fortunes the last request I le make Sir is this that by your fauours I may bee layd by him since I will not aske to haue him brought to mee I amâ— and was his wife deerely beloued of him and heere for safety and by mine owne petition left by him I was Daughter to a King the vnfortunate Plamergus but my greatest happinesse I euer gloryed in was his true loue lay me then braue Sir with my Lord and only deere Polidorus and thus my deere my soule to thine doth flye Amphilanthus did beseech Selarinus weept to her all would not serue shee stretched her selfe straight out and by curious Art laid her selfe forth fit to be carryed to her buriall dying as if the word dead had kild her excellent griefe and most excellent strength of passion that can bring so resolute and braue an end The Kings then chang'd their discourse from loue to sorrow they stayed by her seeking all meanes to recouer her but finding she was gone and so all hope of life in her they went into the Court where they found the King new risen from Councell and all his Princes and Lords about him He went to meete them but seeing such sorrow in their faces wondred and a little feard but soone he was brought out of that they telling him the cause and sad aduenture Then he sent for the Guard who had kept the late King Polidorus of whom he vnderstood how he with teares intreated to be laid in a Tombe made by himselfe in the Orchard but they though he besought them to goe to the Conqueror as he calld Steriamus and beseech that honor from hiÌ„m to performe a vow which hee had made they vnwilling to busie themselues fearing to distast the King had neuer let his last request be knowne some said they thought his wounds and paines of them had made him raue others that being dead what matter was it where his body lay comparing him vnto himselfe who being gone said he what care I where my body is bestowed But these things Steriamus liked not being so infinitely offended with themâ— as had it beene a fault they might haue dyed for they had surely payd their liues for such neglect but not ascending to that height he banished them hating neglect to any creature dying imagining his soule that dyes vnsatisfied must part with trouble from the body and for that was grieued and this Iustice did he vnto loue for which loue must be iust to him Then made he Proclamation for their banishment and straight himselfe went with the whole assembly of Kings and Princes fetching her and went as the cheife mourner with her weeping to her graue the other Kings did carry her and were as they thought honourd with the waight of such worth and constancy she seeming on their shoulders like her Efâ—gie carryed to her owne Funerall The Tombe was graced that night with her lying on it the next morning with solemne state opened and she layd by her Lord this noble act did Steriamus as the first in Albania the beginning to his famous life This being past and a Commander left in that towne which was the chiefe seate of the Kings of those parts and from whence all the Auncesters tooke their claime the new and rightfull King marched againe towards the third king guided by his new seruants and followed with many great men of Albania who like the world ranne with the streame of Fortune and left the ouerthrowne party as soone as it was made miserable with that knowledge Antissius had had his time for leading Leaâ—drus now desired to haue the next it was granted him and so they marched Amphilanthus now in the head of his owne troups Steriamus hauing a Guard of them next his person as their Country woman guarded his heaâ—t safe from hurt or change the Albanians next to them which were in number that went forth with him after the two victories as many as were lost so the Army was of the same bignesse as when it came into Albania Perissus after hee had left Neraena in all her rages for his neglect yet saluing it as desirous to deceiue her selfe with saying that the danger hee found him selfe in of change to his first and only loue made him for feare leaue her not being able
was that I should vnderstand I belieued them and blame mee not braue Sir for neuer was man Lord of so many womens soules as this my Lord had rule of who without flatterie did deserue it neuer being vnthankfull for their loues Thus my beliefe gaue my faith I euer after constantly louing him hee shewed as much to me thus we loued or thought we loued which no sooner had possession but freedome followed as the second to loue and this brought mee to my onely playing part of miserie For being young and full of ioy inriched with the treasure of his affection I fell into a snare closely couered and so more dangerous being caught by the craft of one whose wit was to strong for mee being as plentifull in wickednesse as excesse could make or execution demonstrate in fulnesse I so true a louer as I thought on nothing else if ought it was how to indeare myselfe in his fauor by respecting and louing those hee loued a way much vsed and to some profitably practised this yet threw me into the Gulfe of mischiefe giuing welcome to that Wretch who vnder shew of respect spoild my only comfort stealing like rust and eating my heart with as marring and harmefull deceits The loue I saw my Lord bare him was the chiefe cause that made me like him trusting his choice aboue mine owne iudgement for I knew him once thanklesse enough to another from whom my Lord tooke him to bee his companion-like seruant His discourse was delicate and so vnusuall his wit not lying the same way that other good ordinary ones did and so excelling for what pleasinger then varietie or sweeter then flatterie which hee was filled with all and made mee giue or credit to a treacherous deceitâ— which perswaded mee hee was full of honest plainenes so prety and familiar his discourses were as shewed a pleasing innocency yet indued with admirable learning This moued me to trust considering that the greater his knowledge was the more he should know truth but contrariwise he was the breach to my misery My Lord imploidâ— him in some occasions abroad whether by his own desire to see or his wil to be certaine of some forraine knowledge he went away leauing me secure and happiest in my Lords affection Many letters I receiued froÌ„ him wherin he witnessed his truth which indeed did wel for only paper and inke said it not being worthy or honest enough to blush for his shame but in the time of his absence my loued loue did like all men alter it may bee caused by greater beautie it may â—ee prouoked to it by my imperfections but some thing it was I dare not say a naturall inconstancy bâ—t rather taxe my selfe with the blame then touch him made me vnfortunate This vnworthy man found it and as vildly pursued it smoothing me with flatteries while he glos'd with him and her to whom he had chang'd as long as euer hee discernd curtesie in him towards me which at last most cruelly was likewise taken from mee hee followed mee but then look'd on me as a rainy day doth on the earth after a flattering morning I was deceiued and indeed vndone but t was by him and for him whom I lou'd yet after some respect I found therefore I pardon forgiue him Sometime this lasted succeeding as I should haue told you the death of my husband and sonne by him for marryed I was and hauing ambition enough to hold mee from that in hope of obtayning him for my husband while the King still fauour'd mee and if I might with arrogancy say loued me But my loue to my chosen refus'd all others and he at last refused me which when the crafty vnhonest man directly saw hee not only as I told you left obseruing mee but proudly sought my loue if I scornd his basenesse a thing raised by my Father to be knowne but made by my Lord to shew in light Consider you who needs must know what can be yeelded by a spirit true to noble birth and more noble loue to a worme boldly crawling before the best and lifting vp an vnualued head as if a braue beast but a beast indeed he was and I the misfortune had to be a taster of his Villany vnder colour of visiting me after my losse he gaind still in my true heart a confidence of his renewing respect to mee which I prized him for confessing still and purely all the flames I felt for his Lord and soone after this he shewed his dishonesty and such neglect as if I were a blab or one desirous to doe ill I might yet mischeefe him But I am farre from that and will doe well let all other ills succeed that can for goodnesse and truth shall gouerne me yet because all his falshood shall not remaine hid or be vnknowne I will tell you somewhat that hee did for some-thing it concearns this story Hee came to me and found me apt or tooke occasion to thinke so for hee spake of loue and proceeded so farr as he brought it to my fortune I answered moderatly yet so home to my owne hart as he saw I was the same how euer he was changed for whose change my affliction was and so I discouer'd my paines and sorrowes as he said I complain'd fitly to be commiserated and that he pittied me Doe not so said I for I contemne pitty from thence hee grew to aspire to winne me and so boldly and â—aucely at lasâ— carryed himselfe as if my deerest knew it though he now shunns me he much more would scorne him that durst attempt to winne her whom he had once loued and yet holds as his owne though in despised sort And more to shew his villany he only serues and seekes and sues to haue her grace who hee perceiueth keeps my loue from me thinking himselfe base villaine good enough for me who now doe weare the wretched liuery of losse what is euer shun'd I haue in store forsaken and forlorne in loue Yet be it as it is and they continue as they doe I am and euer will be my selfe But what said Amphilanthus is the cause of this extreamity of griefe Haue I not told you Sir said she being forsaken and despised and why only for louing Dull I haue beene called for constancy is now termed so and his assurance of my faith made him leaue mee a thing hee thinks soone wonne or rather held at pleasure confident assurance of firmnesse growing to coÌ„tempt this course doe vnfortunate poore coÌ„stant louers run What is become said Amphilanthus of this man He liues said she I hope to shame himselfe Where is your loue said hâ— Fixed truely in my heart other where I can giue a small account of but as I haue heard liuing with a new loue bewitched sure with some charmes else could he not continue closed alone within her armes while armes and all true noblenes is buried in his losse for lost he is since hee fell to her power Why did
so temperately carried himselfe as she sought and he granted when he had done sufficient to make her sure and finding himselfe so deare to her hee tooke occasion to demand many things of that Countrey and of her Castle She to indeare her selfe to him told him of her power and at last all her secrets concerning the Prisoners he counterfeited an admiration of her wâ—tt and seem'd so highly to esteeme of it as if it rather were a miracle to be told then found in a woman shee to make him assured of it carried him into the Caues and Prisons where she shewed him many so miserable as they appear'd their owne Ghosts their bodies quite consum'd In a Caue a little lightsommer but no more pleasant was the worthy Parselius and his friend Leandrus both chain'd togeather in chaines and in each others armes complaining and weeping their sorrowes to those walles and diâ—mall roomes O Parselius said hee how wretched art thou thus to be held not onely in fetters but from thy sweetest loue what will become of her when she shall heare that I am lost What will my friends say of me how will all accuse me yet how can I right my selfe or they succour me Braue Rosindy would thou didst but know my estate I know thou wouldst free me or if not thou wouldst yet certainly comfort my wife thou art to succeede me likewise be mine heire in louing Dalinea cheerishing her dearest soule my afflictioÌ„ is nothing to me must not she suffer too I could beare all more if thou wert not likewise to endure paine vnsufferable to know that Dalinea must be afflicted death were nothing nor these dying paines if I could be sure she dearest she could but be patient wheÌ„ I consider her affection to me the torments and violent passions she breath'd in my first absence doe not they make me see her death Oh my sweet soule I would rather forgiue thee for forgetting me then for dying for me yet the latter were the worthier and none indeed is worthy of thee for none but I can so firmely loue thee must this body so louingly embraced and kindly held within her purest armes be bound in yrons like a thiefe must I cherished and daily tended by her lye here naked on the bare stones and die like a vaâ—lell these armes that haue conquer'd be sham'd like a murtherer these eyes that haue seene all the world's beauty nay Dalinea haue bin kiss'd by her must these eyes now gaze on dead walls expect sight but to see death instead of all my former happinesse O Leandrus had I died and by it kept thee free my soule would haue reioyced and Dalinea bin better contented but to die here and thee with me shee can neuer absolue me Deare brother said Leandrus comfort your selfe and if it be but to be the abler to die brauely what neede we lament our fortunes doth that for vs be patient and death if not dislik'd will seeme enough pleasing make it to vs desired it will then be welcome and beleeue it the more we pitie our selues the more we shall hate that which we shall goe to and therefore the more to be sought thinke but how fine a thing it is to be free from all vexation when wee shall neither trauell nor feare misaduentures neither be taken by misfortune nor shaken with the harmes of others when neither loue nor hate afflicteth vs where all things are at one stay no fall to hurt vs nor rysing to corrupt vs when friends shall neither be disconteÌ„td nor contented but in death Dalinea wil be held from me cry'd he else I like al the other wel Could you wish her here with you said Leandrus No cursed were I then sigh'd he but I would faine once more behold her ere I died To be more torture to her saide Leandrus content your selfe dearest Parselius said he and be confident the Heauens ordaine all things for the best then doe not repine you haue made your selfe already famous sufficient to gaine sorrow for your end and reuenge be then braue and resolute and make bold Death by your constant suffering quake to assaile you O my Dalinea doest thou thinke of me thy poore but loyall Parselius said he thus did he waile and Leandrus discreetly comfort being in equall misery Polarchos and his Mistris harkning to them she glorying in their distresse he in soule lamenting them but must counterfet till fit oportunity was offer'd which in short time he gain'd for so fond hee had made her of him as she gaue him the keyes of the Prison and what else hee demaunded Then did he prouide armours for them and one night in the dead time of the night when all saue his carefull eyes and Rosidi's were shut stole downe into the vault and there discoursed with them letting them see both hope and ioy in them Soone did this worke so with them as they recouer'd strength and after some time were fit to goe with them the night being come for their escape the honest Morean who yet without his Wench would not goe and Rosindy went for them carried them into an Orchard thicke close where they were to tarry his coÌ„ming which was about some houre before day She loth to part with him as being the last time of enioying her soule foretelling some harme but being so ill not able to tell her any good to her selfe or to preuent hurt was onely troubled he as willing to stay for the same reason of being the last for she was pleasing but when he roâ—e and put on his mantle and other cloaths he againe sat down on the bed and taking her hand kiss'd it she tooke him in her armes and kiss'd him farewell deâ—re Lady said hee my better selfe cry'd she farewell Hee presently went downe hauing the keyes a back-way into the Garden and Orchard where they stai'd with his Armor then arming himselfe he toke his way with them to their horses which attended them at the further gate A litle sad he was to goe though glad considering the cause but so long had hee dissembled and so feelingly acted his part as he was caught indeed such were her allurements her sweetnesses louingnesses delicasies and pleasures as shee was fit for any seruant and yet such her changing she deseru'd none that had worth in him yet had he plaid himselfe almost into loue with her Being farre enough the rest made sport with their companion to see his passions and he truely confesâ—ed he could willingly haue stayed with her but if euer said he one more be made such a stale as I haue beene loue will bee vndone for it will turne that way more delight lodging by halfe in this sort then in twenty marriages They were glad he had his content and they by that their liberty so they posted till they ouertooke Meriana who was much molested with Rosindi's stay and well contented when she saw him and happily did esteemâ— of her
try it but she excused it with her vowe to liue and die in that place concluding her dayes with her former resolution He parted thence and so left the Lady Pastora on the Rocke as hard as her fortune and as white as her faith Steriamus holds on his way and at last is within sight of the Rocke whither he must goe being there arriued he came to the house and at the gate he found Leandrus fearefull to attempt least he should not gaine the honour of concluding but he hartened him and so together aduenture Steriamus absolutely thinking it belonged to him and Vrania who had beene disguis'd and therefore that might be enough to answer those things that like Oracles are neuer without antiquitie As soone as they entered Steriamus like the other his Leaders ran to the Chaire and tooke Vrania who with him went to the others a place being reserued for her now were all almost in couples as they wished Rosindy and Meriana Selarinus and Philistella Antissius and Selarina the rest as they would and came coupled Polarchos and his soone wonne Lady Parselius and Dalinea Philarchos and Orilena but still Pamphilia sits leaning her cheeke on her hand her eyes lifted vpwards as asking helpe at her feete lay Leandrus gazing on her and as much imploring pity from her as she begged it from another with whom her heart was her eies not in the absence of her heart turning to any other lower then the top of the roome and there staied by the roofe not with desire to behold any thing but her loue and now his mâ—mory all ioyed in others loues and a fine sight it was to see them in their various habits yet all to one purpose imitating the world which for all the changes and varieties she hath must haue but one conclusion and one end Perissus arriues in Sicely without any aduenture and with as constant a loue as he brought Limena met him to whom he related all his fortunes and the accidents in the late warr there he encountred the two young Princes of Corinthia to whom they came of purpose to shew their thankfulnes for the honor done vnto them both in Knighting them bringing them to the knowledge of the wrong doer and to be esteemed accounted friends to the true and excellent Amphilanthus He fâ—asted them with great kindnes intreated their stay company to the inchantment which they consented to before their going thence which was not in three months were fit for the adueÌ„ture being both surprised by that secret serpent Loue the elder falling in loue with a sister to Limena borne many yeeres after her and by a second Wife whom her father tooke after the death of her mother she was a most delicate young Lady and worthy of a braue seruant which he proued both loyall and for hiâ— valour deseruing fame The other with a Lady neare of kin to the King who was an heire and willingly bestowed vpon him with consent of all especially liked by Perissus who by this meanes held him alwaies there with him giuing him great preferments and offices about his person proâ—ing a Gallant Gentlemen and a faithfull seruant to him and his Crowne fighting a hard and cruell combat in defence of the Kings honour against a Traytor in that Country whose head he brought and presented to the King This he did in the iourney towards the Rocke passing by the Castle where the ill man liued who came forth and chalenged the King but the youth of Corinthia begg'd the liberty of the combat and brauely performed it in the end they came to the Island and there with the rest were shut vp the places being almost full for daily some or other came By this was newes of the inchantment come to Amphilanthus who with Ollorandus were newly returned from their iourney going into Hungary to visit Melysinda they had raised some pretty aduentures in their trauels and had a more pleasing time of it then in any they had made before being free and better disposed and hauing got againe some of their old passions or memories of them about them which made Amphilanthus willinger to try the aduenture and release Pamphilia of whom he had let in a more courteous opinion then he had when he first blamed her or thought she had done amisse yet no further it passed Musalina must needs see this inchantment with her went Lucenia to see this also and to be an Actor in it so like an Amason Musalina attires her selfe though vnfit habits for her who was no hater of mankind Lucenia like an AEgyptian and towards the place they trauell Lucenia vsed among them like a countrey Lady in the progresse hauing on to see but little respected meeting with the proud Queene of Bulgaria but now Leonius must be spoken of who going directly into Greece met nothing there for many dayes but the sorrow for the lost Ladies hee had no disposition to sorrow therefore meant not as yet to visit the Court but as others did he being as much as many ingaged in good nature to follow the search determined vpon that but then he came into a part of Arcadia not taking the directest but pleasantest way to the Sea at the entring into this Paradice on Earth for sweetnes delicasies springâ—ng there as plâ—ntifully as Primiroses in other poorer places he liked and wonder'd not sufficiently as he thought being able to contemplate the fulnes and richnes of the bounty of that Prouince riding sometimes sometimes walking bâ—holding the rarenes of it yet when he had seene all the varieties encrease in varying to pleasure he was yet set vppon by a more admirable sight which was the most delightfull obiect for man to like and this as well to be liked as any being a faire and daintie woman appearing a Shepheardesse but such an one as AEnona was in her time framed as if but to be remembred and set as a foile to the excellency of the perfections in this creature so much surpassing description as conceit doth commonly excell expression The young Knight beheld this shining Starre with amazednes while she past not farre off from him her aparrell a gowne of gray cut square a fine ruffe about her necke a litle before it was open the rest couered with pure white strips but a more pure whitenesse appeared when the skinne was seene as white and soft as Swannes downe on the breast her haire carelesly throwne vp neither tiyde nor vntyde but cast into a delightfull neglectiuenes some pretty flowers and knoâ— of ash-colour ribon being here and there placed between the loose fastenings of her haire gloues she wore none shewing the innocent vertue she was inriched withall her legges and feete so delicately shaped as they would rather seeme fram'd for showe then vse yet were they but fine enough to carry the body they were made to serue She went with a modest but cheerefull pace and being a litle pass'd looked backe againe with which he
one and one as both I was against this I confesse in other times but now thinke no such loue as when we may discourse of it and in our discourse know how she behaues her selfe and so be able to discouer which she most affects and so striue to gaine the others part but she most louing most discreet iudicially carried her hand euenly when he kissed one I had the other shee faâ—e betweene vs still and euer gaue vs euen and indifferent graces but now being cloyde I thinke with this blessing we must diuide and she take one which she cannot doe therefore Sir you must decide the question shee sayes she will take either with equall loue we will with equall content take or misse She then was to say something for her selfe who thus did speake My Lord said she you heare by these two the story related of my loue I cannot but confesse it is true onely I beseech you not to thinke any lightnesse was more in these aâ—â—ections then in the indifference of my choice I loued this faire man I confesse first I had not then seene the other but when I perceiued his louelines beauty me thought was more ordinary and therefore I prized him dearer but when the faire youth came againe brownnes appeared nothing so pleasing both together mee thought they were both fit to be beloued and the rather both because different complexions would hold one still to loue one of them whâ—n affection to swâ—etnesse and delicatenesse possessed me I looked on him when loue to fairenes and whitenes claymed place I turned to the other thus mee thinkes I loued equally and so it was but one loue being still to one end content and to be contented wâ—th those had made themselues one in all things euen loue to me It is most true I am now brought to choose one for my father will haue me marry I cannot find in my heart to refuse either or haue power to choose whether I hope this freedome which hath continued with vs will not be a cause now to make mee lesse esteemed my loue is the same it was and therefore Sir which you will allot me to I must take The first then spake againe doe not great Iudge I beseech you fauour me although I first did tell my tale and first did loue to wrong my friend hee more deserues her then my selfe and him she chose I did choose her therefore bestowe her Sir on him No said the other I lou'd her for your sake and loue to you made my affection grow to her therefore Sir as hee first did loue and chose for loues sake onely of her selfe be not so cruell to bestow her from him he most and best deserues her let him haue her This while she cast her eyes between them as they spake so amorously as it seem'd she cryd within her selfe sweet Iudge adiudge mee both hee sate a while still at last he brought forth this iudgement Both louing both beloued treason it were to part such blessednes nor am I able to cut so euenly by a threed as to goe iust in the middle way between these affections to giue her to either I can hardly doe it since they beg for either You faire indifferent creatures are not it seemes to bee displeased nor will I offend either therefore this shall be my iudgement Take the Garland and you who hold it now tye her scarfe ouer her eyes then both shall come at once to you and to which you giue the Garland hee shall bee your husband blinde Loue made this equality blinde fortune is onely fit to decide it She tooke the Garland when the other two both at once kneeld to the Iudge and at once spake these words all one and so iustly deliuer'd as shewed their hearts one beseeching him that since the Garland did so well in her hand she might keepe it still and crowne her selfe as Lady of the oddest passion they would as before passionatly louing equally leaue her and now faire Mayde said they to auoid your trouble in choyce or after choosing we will both leaue you seeke and take a third and crowne him with a single loue if you can Ollorandus liked the oddnes of this best of all she blush'd and faine would haue spoken but they went away and left her like all-changing women to glory in her owne folly or to couer her selfe with her owne shame yet shee â—ooke a changers boldnesse on her My Lord said she I humbly thanke you for your iudgement and your noble care of me I am no more troubled with their leauing then I should haue ioyed in hauing them onely I am sorry that you must be a witnesse that the fault lyes on your sexe when you come if euer againe to censure Louers be more pittifull to vs and this is all I liu'd before I loued them and shall I trust liue and loue againe without them So they parted Ollorandus hauing had sport for his paines in sitting so long and the standers by satisfied with vncertainty and so all partâ—d The King towards Prague he met his Melysinda three daies iourney neerer hauing knowledge of his comming by the messenger that brought him the newes of the Emperours death Then they together went to that ancient braue City thence to a place where all the Princes by a generall consent met and chose Amphilanthus their Emperour who by being King of the Romanes might claime it not one voice was against him but all like one cracke of Thunder sounded his name Then was the Prince of Transiluania dispatched to him who met him as is before said and returnd with the answere whereupon Ollorandus was his Deputy till his arriuall which was not long after the fine Nimph and delicate Veralinda liued together this time passing the heate of the day at the Fountaine and in the shadow the rest abroad neuer weary of any time but night which they accused of too great cruelty in holding theÌ„ asunder which faire Veralinda often would haue helped in her wish but her Father would not permit it One day as shee was sitting alone expecting her deare companion the graue Shepherd her Father came vnto her and looking steedily on her wept she was amazed and sweetest soule weept too to see his teares he then embracing her my dearer heart said he I must leaue thee and this makes my teares Alas Sir said shee let mee neuer see that day or heare those bitter words againe It is most true said he I am commanded and I must obey the God that gaue mee thee appointeth this grieue not for this it will I hope bee for eternall ioy to you I am warned in my sleepe to send you hence vnto an Island where you shall be blessed with happiest successe goe then and take this Cabinet with you but open not the Boxe vntill the aduenture you shall see be ended then open it and remember me She was amazd but he did comfort her How shall I goe said shee
he take comfort in any thing else this is the crueller to me now he is changed like giuen to the heart strikes sure for curing yet is this though most true vanity in me to remember I haue done Thus shee would complaine but only to him who knew the continuance of her loue and had seene her once to be couerd but like flames the more pressed to rise the higher and now blowne elsewhere by a wauering winde The Ladies had euery day letters from the trauelling Court Pamphilia had some from her brothers and Cousen Leonius but els shee heard no newes Amphilanthus had forgot to write but she at last gain'd one letter from him by one from her which was respectiue and yet sad his answer was short but complementall this said she was not wont to be his stile but I must be content nothing did she see or heare but still of his glory and his loue This was once said shee belonging vnto meâ— but I was not worthy of them sure else he had not alter'd Meriana likewise to make her discourse passe away the time would often tell her storiâ—s she had knowne of his affection Alas would she say would some good body would tell her he was once and but lately as kindly mine for it grieues me more to heare her speak of it since each word wounds my soule then if all should only talke of it because I know she loues me vnwillingly will hurt me she is deceiu'd and betrai'd in this course she would not be a meanes to cut my life-strings with this cruelty some noble body tell her how hee lou'd me how I still loue him and then she will no more molest me nor abase our loues Sweet Meriana those dayes now are pass'd of my best delights be not you an increaser of my woe but curst remembrance for no new act of his in this change presents it selfe but giues a deaths blow to our ancient loues I could almost be brought to tell it her my selfe and would were it not to discouer his forgetfulnes and cruelty but rather then my lips shall giue the least way to discouer any fault in him I wil conceale all though they breake my heart and if I only could be saued by accusing him I sooner would be secret and so dye no my loue will not let me vse thee ill then be it as it is I le liue forsaken and forlorne yet silently I will indure this wrong nor once blame him to any others eare for deare alas he is to me deare to my eyes deare to my thoughts and dearest to my heart since he will rauish that poore part of all the ioy and sweet content it euer had conuerting it to bitter lasting paine Cruelly she thus remain'd perplex'd and cloathd in the wofulâ—'st robe of griefe what a miserable spectacle was this to see her once the comfort of the Court the starre that guided all the sweet delights now the poore testimony of another creature griefe hauing so decayed her as she seem'd scarce so like her selfe as an ill picture to the life her chamber her thoughts were only bound to her or rather she to them and thus did she remaine the sad example of forsaken loue The other Ladies louing in mirth and happinesse wanton with it like Kids in the Sunne for blessing shin'd on them and that this afflicted Lady did she said once know The Emperour and all his Kings and Princes held their way for Italy at last ariuing at Rome where the Pope sent the whole Clergy and Nobility to meete him without the Towne and with great pompe and ioy conducted him to the chiefe Church to giue thanks then vnto the Castle Triumphs began that night and the next day continued and many dayes to expresse the content of the Emperours arriuall but by his command all dangerous sports of the field were forbidden because he would haue no bloud mixed with his entering Iust they did but their speares had burs at the points for feare of piercing after Supper they had Barriers and all imitation of that braue warre they had lately brauely beene in and the Concluders of it To Naples he went to see his owne Country and People where hee was affectionately and sumptuously entertain'd surpassing all other places in magnificence as in affection to their owne Prince thence hee went to most parts of Italy that were in his way or not much out of it till he came to the neerest part of Germany and so passd without any aduenture carying the keyes as one may say of all those places to open his passage which way hee pleas'd neuer so pleasant a iourney all hearts contented leauing discontent as an vnprofitable thing at home Buda Prague Vienna all places he saw that were of worth traueld ouer the most part of Germany to see the strengths sometime for pleasure visited others At Franckford he was crown'd with the greatest applause content that euer Emperor was with the best reason for he was the most worthy and famous that euer reign'd oâ—er them but to all this ioy a little sorrow would needs come in for Leandrus after the Coronation whether with heate or ouer-exercising himselfe at these triumphs striuing to excell all in shew of loue fell sicke of a Plurisie a disease little known then which not being seene time enough or then taken he died thereof before his death writing a letter to Pamphilia and inclosing an infinite rich Ring within it which he besought her although he belieued shee cared not for it yet to keepe in memory of him who most affectionately and loyally loued her so as though her loue should not suffer in his death but as he loued her yet she might when she looked on that say â—he Master of this loued me These he gaue in charge to Leonius to send her which hee did comming to ger one morning after she had endured a sad and vnquiet night for she hauing got away from the company shut her doore pretending to sleepe but poore Lady little rest did shee enioy carrying the enemy within her selfe that held her eyes vnclosed her heart oppressed and be friended her in nothing except furnishing her with teares and new cause still to shed them O Pamphilia cride she was thy creation for thy ruine was thy birth giuen thee to haue a life wholly in affliction were all contrarieties to pleasure ioyned together for thee to possesse and vertues giuen thee to be vndone by else why was this rare excellent qualitie of constancy alotted thee was iudgement giuen me to make the worthiest choice wholly to discerne I chose well but to bee rewarded with that leane benefit and losse to bee my gaine Did I reiect the firme and spotles loue of that excellent Prince Steriamus the humble suites of all the greatest subiects and neighbour Princes slighted the earnestnesse of the noble Prince Leandrus refused all and made my selfe a Vassell in affection to him that weighes
my choicest friend these teares I shed for thee and pay them as the offâ—rings to thy death O loue O crueltie see how you gouerne mee Then came the King and Queene and all the braue Ladies some to comfort some to aduise some and many to gaze most verily belieuing her sadnesse before had been for absence now expressed for his death but that death-sorrowing-cause was before happened that molested her yet she took this vpon her though in respect of his faith to her shee was sorry to set a colour of deceit vpon any thing that concerned him but this businesse neuer concerned her self and yet her noble gratefulnesse chid her for it She wept they comforted they counselled shee lay silent and grieued beyond their helpe her parents most louingly and kindly aduised she shewed both humilitie in the suffering and humble thankefulnesse for their cares yet did modestly and respectiuely let them see t was lonelines she desired which they granted her No sooner were they out of the doore but they were called againe by a shrike her woman gaue for she with violence of passion held in before them hauing no vent would burst ouercame her they stroue to recouer her Father Mother Friend Sisters Vrania al did their best at last they brought her out of her swound when she sighed groaned and cri'd O cruell then againe fainted and thus did shee thrice but at last comming to her selfe shee was saying more but her senses comming apace to her she found it vnfit and too many Counsellors by wherefore she againe desired to be alone and that was all she required of them which for her satisfaction was allowed her and being alone she thus began or rather continued her complaints which could haue no new beginning neuer hauing end What haue I done but sorrow nay what shall I euer else doe salues I can haue none to ease me nor so much as giue me shew of it O Vrania how maist thou in thy heart chide the murderer of thy affectionate but miserable Cosin Parselius how wilt thou deny acquaintance and friendship with so wauering a creature did not he say and write he loued me did not his still winning eyes assure me and his sweete charming speech confirme me in this beleife I am not then deceiued deceiued O yes but not in iudgment but by faulshood O faulshood what pitty is it that thou shouldest inuest thy selfe in so sweete and delicate attyre once I remember I told him of his change when he lelft Antissia he denyed it not but excused it with hauing chosen better and so to chuse was no fault but it seemes the best is not found vnhappy I must behold these dayes and be left who most vnchangeably loue him Then came Vrania againe vnto her whose hand Pamphilia tooke and wringing it wept and sighed hauing scarce breath left her to breath her sighs with Vrania seeing her passion and the assurance of her end if thus she continued whom as her selfe she loued like such a friend and a discreet Counsellor ioyned in commission with her friendship she thus spake My deerest Cousen said shee let neither my presence hauing put my selfe contrary to your seeming desires of lonelynes into your company nor my speech wholy proceeding from affection be displeasing to you Stoppe these teares which else will find no stay but in your end giue not occasion for loue to see so much his victory and to tryumph ouer your braue and matchlesse spirit or for Man to glory that our weaknes meeting their faulshood can submit so low as to their tyranny Where is that iudgment and discreet gouern'd spirit for which this and all other places that haue beene happy with the knowledge of your name hath made you famous will you now fall vnder the low groanes of the meanest esteemed passion Where is that resolution which full of braue knowledge despised the greatest Princes when they wore loues liuery must this sinke while his tossing follies swimme shall your excellent vertues bee drowned in the Sea of weaknesse call your powers together you that haue been admired for a Masculine spirit will you descend below the poorest Femenine in loue If he be dead you loued loue his memory discreetly how would he grieue if he could into that ioyfull place where he is see you torment your selfe nay sorrow infinitely to see such inability in her whom he had chosen to rule himselfe and his if your people knew this how can they hope of your gouernment that can no better gouerne one poore passion how can you command others that cannot master your selfe or make laws that cannot counsel or soueraignise ouer a poore thought yet it may be you are not in some kind faulty altogether in this since it may bee a liuing loue perplexeth you if so it is worse for will you lie here wasting your dayes and hopeful time in this tormenting fashion keeping that secret which told it may be would helpe you let passion since possessing you breathe it selfe forth and though you will not demand helpe yet if the blessing of your affection were knowne to him who it may be liues ignorant of the happinesse all content without question would be offered you speak then and as to your selfe if you will not trust mee and I will but by chance ouer-heare you I am sure you cannot affect impossibilities If hee be false will you vex your selfe when you may rather bee glad you discouer it before too far misfortune assayled you as longer ingagement would produce if cruell were it not better he matched else-where then that you had fallen into that vnhappinesse if vnconstant which is a thing familiar with men take a good heart and hate that humour by your owne worthy constancy and seeke to preserue your excellent beauty and let not so vncertaine a qualitie hurt you beautie is besides a vertue counted among men of that excellent worth as it wil draw their hearts as Adamants doe Iron yet in this the comparison is not so proper their hearts too tender to resist an easier inuitement but I say beauty will sooner compasse ones desires in loue then any other vertue since that is the attractiue power though worth is often made the glosse of their change which they are in many places forced to take such paines to find found is scarce enough to be called so not being more then iust will serue turne to be termed worth not worth the trauell of seeking yet if some better then no shadow for their fault Preserue your health then that must continue your beauty let not the world blame you with iust cause you haue grieued enough for men euerlastingly to curse themselues that one of their kind should giue occasion of sorrow to the most deseruing woman all is yet well you may with care recouer what is something touched and in time see his repentance which you may pity or bee more wise and respect in stead of louing him who how worthy in
Pamphilias hee would not knowe it As they pass'd they saw a handsome and well cloathed woman neither walking running or staying but as if she had made a motion of them all and imployd them to her vanity shee one while cryed another chafed smil'd scratch'd her head stamp'd rail'd and all at Loue blind foolish thing said she be thou for euer hated and abandoned haue I not better deseru'd of thee then thus to be handled Must I be a miserable Testimony of thy cruelty when I merited thy best fauours I hate thee froward Childe and will neuer leaue reuiling thee till thou doest requite mee if neuer shame light on thee and thy Baby gouernment Haue I beene a quiet patient of all thy folliesâ— Suffered my selfe to fall vnder thy Tyranny to serue thy wilfulnesse and obey thy vaine employments Are these tollerable or am I not fit to be rewarded Peeuish Boy either speedily requite and pacifie me or be sure to be set forth in thy colours no Bird beares so various or seuerall calourd a Plume as thou dost in changeablenesse which shall not be neglected but set foorth to the life then Sir it may you will say I am bitter but the world shall see that you are vniust Waiward Babe I admire thou hast a face to doe all this withall 't was well faign'd at first that thou hadst no eyes which indeed is the true face for thou canst neither see truth nor be seene truly by it Vnworthy creature an inuention fram'd a thought lighter then thought a Bubble made by breath in a Shell blowne by a straw fired with a frowne reuiued by a smile and ruin'd by an neglect a stately and constant building that breath can destroy that looke can establish or the least of dislike sacke In this fury shee would haue persisted but this Troope had beene and were Louers wherefore they went to her who seem'd like a moouing or stirring water-worke she turn'd to them and from them againe shee cryd and groan'd then scornfully seem'd to defie passion and with a faint forged countenance would haue appeared sociable No greater diuersity is there in womens dispositions who are richer in that vanity then men then she had in her selfe so as good women might hope all the superfluous vanity of that sexe had beene collected and setled by vncertainty in her The Queene of Naples intreated Perissus to speake to her he did so she answr'ed iust like her demeanour at last the Queenes drew neerer to her and demanding some questions of her she answer'd them thus I am said shee a Gentlewoman though vngently vsed by Loue my name not worthy of Knowledge my estate ouerthrowne by mifortune my friends not to be named as being vnfit to consanguinate with miserie and indeed such a wretched forlorne soule as I am onely the shaddow of that kind men most contemne but for their owne sakes and necescities sometimes respect I haue most of my time beene among those of highest ranke but meanest requitall else I had not thus suffered I am a cast-downe-wretch not worthy of life or your presence let me then on these reasons petition departure you shall be noble in granting and I happy in being permitted my owne course Limena well liked this odd manner in her and would not licence her to be freed from them but desired to heare more for said shee I haue beene as you are afflicted and neuer felt more felicitie then in discoursing my woes besides I see you are apt to discouer your passions to these places why not then as well to vs who are and euer will be sensible of passion She lookd vpon her and with a noise betweene sighing and long breathing scorning directly to sigh she answered her that shee should haue what shee sought Then said the Queene I desire to know your losse your despiser aud yet dislike It is this said she I loued a Gentleman who was brother to the Dutches I seru'd hee loued me and swore it perfidious man I belieued him and granted what he asked he made of me as we doe of the best fortunes and was contented with nothing so much as with my Loue nor did I ioy or indeed glory in any thing but his affection this vndid mee and I a poore yeelded creature and spoiled by him remaind the poore Trophy of his victory and my losse I sought yet long time after I writ to him both in Verse and prose but alike to his vnderstanding and alike taken and receiu'd Hee remembred my kindnesses and thank'd me but yet rewarded them no further like a King that takes a Present and likes it but thinks it was his Subiects due to present it and so meanes not to reward the bringer scarse the giuer no more did he for I was both giuer and bringer and yet as one cast off and forlorne I vrgâ—d Faith and constancy hee confest it with faire words but alas his rewards were miserable and dry I then after a long and most laborious suit and toyle to winne or rather keepe but part what I once had had recouer'd not so much as dammages but all lay still on me I then writ some Verses to him which I haue in memory hauing made them vpon the subiect of many vnhappy Women but bringing them all to my sadd estate the Verses are long and teadious therefore if you please I will let them passe and continue my discourse Nay I pray said the Queene let vs haue them and the story too we haue time enough for both and no time being able to be better spent we can affoord the euening into the bargaine rather then misse such a relation Then Madam said shee when I saw no merit no loue no remembrance nor any thing could worke against a newe choice which he had made I framd these lines as my last peece resoluing if they preuailed not to let all goe and fall to the resolution or indeed more properly distraction I am now in the Lines be these DEare though vnconstant these I send to you As witnesses that still my Loue is true Receiue these Lines as Images of Death That beare the Infants of my latest breath And to my tryumph though I dye in woe With welcome glory since you will it so Especially my ending is the lesse When I Examples see of my distresse As Dido one whose misery was had By Loue for which shee in Deathes robes was clad Yet lost shee lesse then I for I possest And loue enioy'd she lik'd what was profest Most cruell and the death-lik'st kind of ill To lose the blessing of contentments will Faire Ariadne neuer tooke more care Then I did how you might in safety fare Her thrid my life was to draw you from harme My study wholly how I might all charme That dangerous were while pleasures you optain'd And I the hazard with the labour gain'd Yet shee this his life sau'd he her honor lost That false Prince Theseus flying left her crost With his abandoning
feare of seeming too vaine and boasting of my happines therefore I will with your permission ouerpasse them and follow the high way to my misfortune Hee loued a farr greater Lady then my selfe when I aspired to winne him I preuailed she grew infinitely despised but I was blessed and with little pitty at last compassion beheld her though with much respect ioying to thinke I had coÌ„pass'd my desires crossed my Riuall after this had coÌ„tinued some time I thought I saw my selfe cheife how was I ioyed and how triumphed I in my victory but then as a braue Hauke hauing seazed the prey after a delicate flight is taken off from it as if she gained but for another so did I but get him from another and to another must leaue him yet held I chiefe a while and thought I had got a preferment in being the Lady his respects were shewed vnto the rest but as I had been second and to receiue fauours by stealth which are surest and heartilest giuen from the soule as I too well know which grieued mee to see any other haue but I was to be patient and obedient loue taught me obseruance this was an affliction but nothing to that which followed for then hee fell in loue againe with one to whom either his affection so subiected him or her peremtorie power abased him as he quite left me and looked vpon me if by chance I came in his way like a Iudge on a Thiefe or offender sternly and curstly I melted with sorrow I pined and starued with vnkindnesse but all this preuailed not I then gaue Hope quite ouer and embraced Despaire and with much adoe got quiet in vnqâ—ietnesse Into the Country I retyrd leauing the braue City resoluing neuer to see Court or company more but one time a neare Kinsman of his and one most inward with him came to my house where I dwelt I bid him welcome after my old manner but hee found sadnesse in me suteable to my state he disliked it not yet after supper sought to perswade me from such melancholly and retirednesse which he said was not onely hurtfull to me but to my honour the world speaking and guessing strangely about it What is that to me said I Is it not as fit the world should see my sorrow for my losse as my content for enioying I neuer was sparing to manifest the one I will not bee ashamed or afraid to suffer for the other with as much confidence as sorrow which truly felt will licence me He said refraining the Towne and my Parents would bee too meane a part for mee therefore it were much better and nobler to shew it if I desired that then to sit at home as if I would couer it for thus my brauery in bearing appeared not I finding him presse me so farre began to draw so neere to hope as to thinke it might be he was set on then my thought I saw he had commission and heard directly the words of my loue deliuerd by him as a Bird taught repeating his lesson yet I dissembled a while till so long we had discoursed as I was forced to discouer my conceit which thus I did If said I these speeches haue proceeded only from your well-wishes to mee I must be sorry for them since they tie me in a stricter band then I willingly would bee oblieged in my merits or power being so small as I shall alwaies be forced to remaine indebted for it and so much as I shall not hope to be able to pay the due but if they come from another fauour me so much to let me vnderstand whence they are that I may make my resolutions according He that had not bin nice to declare what concerned me especially if good plainely told me that hee could not be iust in this to vs both yet because he would begin as he wished the succeeding might be happy therefore Madam said he I was commanded by my friend and Cosin to perswade you to come vp and he will if you please to accept of his seruice deserue by loue to be yours againe May I belieue this cryd I as you will belieue any thing spoken by your truest friend and seruant I gaue credit to him and with him as onely to visit my Parents and taking the opportunitie of hauing his company went to the Citie as soone as I came to my fathers house I saw a well knowne seruant of the Knights I loued I felt instantly my blood euen spring in my breast as warming mee with hope and almost ioy soone after he came and supped there carrying so fine and curteous a fashion to me as might haue wonne a new heart but mine was his before and if euer I was sorrie it was bestowed it was at that time when my thought he deserued the noblest and best heart to bee giuen him for that gentle returne of loue which as my onely content and hoped for blessing I most willinglie embraced then did I forget not onely all my â—orrowes before and my paine but was an new creature made of ioy All perceiued the alteration and ioyed with mee some seeing the causâ— others that knew not the first chance admired me and grew merry at my pleasures but long had not they this cause of mirth nor I the happines for after a confident and setled beliefe of his constancy not then euer to remoue he grew a little slacke again by degrees as one that dies with bleeding looseth the outward sense of sight so by little little growes to death so did his fauors to my death of parting with theÌ„ I finding this grew to my late estate again and sorrowed at last fell sick in which sicknes he came vnto me I then spake some thing to him not so freely I confesse as I thought to haue done but so much as hee I saw vnderstood me sufficiently but so coldly he answered me his fashion being so different from loue as if he had but heard a tale not the truth nor so much as looking on me like the complainer or suter At last he said that I should haue no cause to doubt him I made my selfe for all mine owne eies iudgement stroue against me belieue he meant iustly which indeed I cannot say he then did but after proued it true for he tooke away all doubt and gaue me certaine knowledge but of what alas my perpetuall misery for such a stranger he grew as hee seemd either ashamd to know mee or disdaind the knowledge of me One day I found him with his loue I comming to visit her Lord what a poore salutation he gaue me yet at last as I was going away hee spake to mee taking occasion of doing something neare the place where I stood I answerd him but thought I to my selfe am I or must I euer be the Vicar of the Empire to his loue neuer enioying but in a second place vnlesse the first be gone and then in the interim raigne but
Selarina drew neere to the Shepheard who with low reuerence welcomed her She demanded many things of him he gaue her true and witty satisfaction at last she desired to know the cause of the Shepheards shunning her hee answered that he did the like when he discerned any company being vrged vnto it by a violent melancholly which would not permit him time for recreation if any but himselfe came neere him She asked the reason He replyed that secret was his friends and therefore besought pardon if mine owne said he I should be happy in hauing such royall eares to giue hearing to my story she still vrged so much as he was forced to obay Then Madame said he since your Maiestie will haue it I must yeeld one's Princesse hauing power to search all Subiects hearts This man my companion and my selfe were sonns to two of the best men in this Island he was called Sirelius my selfe Procatus we were bred together at Schoole first after we went to the Court of your Lords Grandfather where we liued and in good reputation hee meriâ—ing all mens good oppinions by his owne noblenes and excellent parts my selfe I thinke for his sake was respected expecting something in me who was frieÌ„d to so much worthines At last he fell in loue with a young Lady the only daughter of her father mother a great marryage she was likely to be but the true riches he sought was her loue answerable to his affections She was very young hauing so few yeares as her Parents were loath she should heare of a husband yet at last his deserts and store of friends brought the marriage about and some honours were giuen to the father in requitall of his consent The Lady grew on and the time of marryage came which was solemnized by the Kings command at the Court where great tryumphs were Masques and banquets and such Court delights neuer man with greater ioy receiued a wife nor any woman expressed more comfort in a match but where such violence is seldome is their loue lasting for within lesse then two yeares after the marryage whether his fondnes ran to Icalousy or her youth and loue to change gaue occasion I dare not iudge but discoÌ„tents grew disliks of all sides spread them selues the father tooke part with the Son in law the Mother with the Daughter to that extremity this â—lew as no fire flamed or sparkled higher Most mens eyes were vpon them to see whither this would come and for whom all this storme was raised it was discouerd that this stir was about a young Lord who deseru'd alas not the least suspition for any goodnes that for himselfe could inuite loue from any aboue a common creature such an one he might purchase or shee because hee was a Lord take vpon trust to find more then promised his pride was such as he would loose rather then beg his ignorance such as none that had vnderstanding of worth would or could accept his vncertainty such as he was alwaies making loue and his fortune such as he was still refused and his insolency requited with scorne yet of this fine Gentleman my noble friend was mistrustfull his wife I must confesse carrying a little too much respect to the other and yet on my conscience it was more out of her spirit that disdaind to be curbd then extraordinary liking of him and that often is seene and proues the way to make truth of mistrust He forbad him his house and her his company she refused to obay if by chance shee might meete him Her Cabinets hee broke open threatned her seruants to make them confesse letters he found but only such as between friends might passe in complement yet they appeared to iealousie to be amorous He was so distemperd as he vsed her ill her father a phantastical thing vaine as Courtiers rash as mad-men ignorant as women would needs out of folly ill nature and way wardnesse which hee cald care of his honour and his friends quiet kill his daughter and so cut off the blame or spot this her offence might lay vpon his noble bloud as he termed it which by any other men must with much curiositie haue been sought for and as rarely found as Pearles in ordinary Oysters but what time chose he to execute his fury in but before her husband whose loue though crackt was not quite broken nor so much crusht but that hee held his hand which with a Dagger was giuing her a cruel vntimely end yet a little scratch he gaue her iust on her hart which otherwise had laine opeÌ„ to the disgrace of an vnmerciful vnworthy father She cryd out the husband held his wife who poore Lady was ready to fall vnder the weight of vnkindnes and danger It was a strange sight to behold a father incensed for a husbands sake against an onely child that husband to be the shield of her defence from whom if at al the wrong was to rise This at last with much ado was appeased a seeming content sprung out of these blusters among theÌ„ the Lord left to his pride wherwith he pufft himself vp was fild with it like a dropsie or a blader blowne with wind the quarrel was taken vp too between them easily might it be for my friend could not by any meanes prouoke him to fight chosing rather to giue satisfaction by oath promise neuer of seeing her more to be tide to any conditions then drawing his sword Matters thus pacified God blessed them with a son and daughter after which she died leauing them as witnesses of her loue and to speake for remembrance of her after her death A widdower he continued long his children bred with much care and affection with the Grandfather trauel he did both out of his own loue to it and imployment from the State but all this could not roote out the aptnesse of his disposition to loue so as hee fell enamoured of a beautifull young Lady daughter to a great Duke in Romania whose perfections and yeares called at eyes to admire her and his to be her Vassels With much sute and meanes he Courted her employing all his friends to his assistance of gayning her shee was not allowed the greatest liberty but affected it as much as any shee saw how braue his former wife had liued and in what liberall fashion she might also with him continue these were sweete motiues to a great minde and a low estate of meanes where honour call'd for plenty to supply what she was indued with Her father was against it vehemently and shut her vp but these courses preuaile no more with a louer then to increase loues force in fetters as any Creature for keeping close growes the more furious when libertie comes and so did her loue grow to that heate as wheras mild perswasions might at first haue beene acceptable now nothing but marryage will content her which so much gayned in my friends breast as he
bringing Beauty and Youth in excellency before his eyes to make mee excellingly vnfortunate hee was caught with those faire allurements and I tyed to mischiefe by that taking Woe is mee I lost all my comfort all my ioy by that but at last a greater ill tooke mee for another got him from vs both who had long sought it but while he held fast to me she could not gaine him beauty was the vntying of my blisse and wit her losse yet I had the fairer share in loosing that a faire creature was my vndoer like the fortune of Paris she a terrible harme to haue her ioy and hopes bereft her by a witt which gaining discouer'd her want But I pittied her though shee had robbéd mee as if I should haue compassion of a Thiefe that another causeth to be executed who hee had before stolne from me and was forgiuen so I forgaue her and was sorry for her who long outliued not her losse Was shee a marryed woman said Perselina when shee dyed Shee was answered Pelarina Did shee much loue said the beautifull Princesse Like Women that loue the ordinary way of loue said the other whose affection greatnesse gifts or such ends entice not the vertue of loue it selfe after her death hee vsed mee a little better then before as if againe casting his eyes on me for loue or vse Why said Perselina could you haue patience to endure him after hee had vsed you so vildly as to change Patience Madam said she yes and a greater wonder in me affection continued strong towards him and doth though his Mistresse call'd it dulnesse when I told her good natures would haue giuen it the title of patience but I excusd her for it to witnesse my patience I haue been with her in companies abroad nay at her owne house and seene all what I had once enioyed giuen to her my eyes looked not on as if blear'd my hand vntouched as if poysonous hers kist babies look'd in her eyes smiles flowing to her frownes plentifully shewing themselues on me I haue hunted with them I haue gone as one day I must needs remember aboue the rest a Fouling with them where so much fauour I receiued from him who was once mine as she being a little parted from vs to shoote at a Fowle he went as fast from mee as hee could without running while his scorne rann to me An other Gentleman was there and none els he was of his Family and kindred and as true louer of me as I was of his cousens but him I as much shunn'd and rather then goe softly with him I went apace after my flyer the way of necessity leading me to follow my disdainer When they met with what loue did he take her hand and kisse it I following vnmarkt but weary and dabled like a hunted Hare in Winter tyred with my disgrace and weary of my wrongs sweeting with passionate paine and durted in despaire yet loued I still A bracelet he wore of her haire braided and tyed about his left arme a peice of it one day hung out I saw it and griefe with it and yet a little ioy tooke me when I discern'd he knew it should not be seene by me and that he had so much shame or pitty as hee turn'd from me blushd and put it vp out of sight I would faine haue said your newe fauours too much discouer themselues but I fear'd or rather was loth to displease him at first he was a little or much more strange but after he grew sociable and I continued humble finding fault with nothing but embracing all small curtesies or the lookes like them as welcome and so vsed them yet so much it was marked and I discern'd my losse publikely noted as I grew sensible of it and so a small deale wiser for needes I would be free I tried all meanes possible but what force can peruaile against an impregnable strength or steely heart of Faith and loue Yet I vsed all instrumentall meanes that could be thought on I look'd off as oft as my heart could let me I look'd then when I could not choose with resolution to dislike saying in my selfe haue I suffered this for you that scorne mee I would faine haue found fault with his shape his fashion or any thing blaming my selfe for doting on snch an one but these would not serue for the more I looked I saw more cause of Loue gazing though to death willingly I absented my selfe and in absence had got so much heart as warranted me to see him againe and haue my desire of carelessenesse I ventured assured as I thought but couzened I was meerely for though I came in like a Giant swolne with pride of my owne power and assurance of my conquest the true Knight Loue came armed against mee in armes of fire and truth I yeelded and could but like a poore miserable Poet confesse my selfe in Rime thus finding my error with the blisse I confesse of seeing him who I found I could not but loue for all other resolutions DI◠I boast of liberty 'T was an insolency vaine I doe onely looke on thee and I captiue am againe And so indeed I was for I neuer knew loue stronger in me as then of necessity it ought to bee contending with iudgement multitudes I could reherse of his fauours and disgraces to mee of his mistresses feares and smiles but to what ende All can but shew I was blessed and am vnfortunate my face and life say that for mee onely this appertaines to the Story I at last was againe made beleeue he loued me and I was euer in that a wauering religious glad of it proud of it ioyed with it and vtterly ruin'd by it ◠He was in shew as he was wont to be I saw it gladed at heart for it others told me of it I was like a Birde nice and blusht yet receiu'd it willingly ad so as I had cause after finding his neglect againe to grow with shame and teares to repent my credulity and to manifest it with my true penitence I therefore tooke this Pilgrimage vpon mee which now I haue in a kind ended I haue seene Hiersalem confest my sinnes asked forgiuenesse and remission which I hope my desire of pardon though not my merits hath purchased mee and thus I am returnd But are you free from loue said Perselina In troth no Madam said the other I loue him stil but I hope it is now but charitably yet I am afraid to try my selfe left I should finde my spirit like my selfe fraile The Princesse smiled at her pretty innocent confession thinking that shee had learned so truly to consesse as shee could doe no other yet in that shee was deceiu'd for vnlesse shee would shee could bee silent But was your iourney and vow wholly made vpon this wherin you were faulty but in vertue or beliefe to it Mix'd Madam said shee I professe and mixture made it I did so farre beleeue as I granted what I
Riuall and the Lady in truth I was sorry for her because she had been friendly and kind to strangers and whose bloud I would haue reuenged but mine told me her husband had but righted himself Then came her women crying and tearing their haire them he took and sent to prison only I got liberty for my friend and when all this stir was ouer I took my leaue and left the Country and louing also for the good man telling me how he was wrongd made me see her damnable falshood so as he was but the chiefe of many abused by her we al his followers and alike vsed for in the very abusing him he seased on them kild them both This great Queene is a story scarce fit for your Excellency to heare but this is the truth which you desired and thus you haue it now if men be faulty you see women can be so likewise if wee erre your sex will not let vs passe vnrequited The Queene said little to it but on they went in their iourny much kindesse affection and respect vsed and increasing among them at last in Bulgaria they arriued where at the first entry they were entertaind with multituds of people to welcome them the King liked it well so did the Queene for the part of humilitie but shee could not indure their rudenes in pressing which she said made her hot and the smell of the folkes troubled her whose daintines could not brooke any sauour but perfumes with little patience therefore she sufferd this hearty welcome To their great citie they came there they were againe met with the chief and people but she was now vsed to it and so a little the easelier boare it Then the King feasted the Prince of Iambolly and triumphs were made which lasted sixteene daies in which time the seruant and proud Mistris had many prety fine passages A hunting they went he attending her who sometimes would bee fierce vpon it another while rid softly as if onely to make him learne to ride fast or slow as her pleasure was but still to bee her attendant it was his principall lesson to obserue At her comming backe to see her ride betweene her husband and her seruant what a sight it was but what a glory to her onely her imaginations which were aboue any height of pride could tell but he must goe now to his owne command a pitifull thing yet necessary he could not dissemble but shewed with a sad or dull countenance he was sorry she with Maiestie and greatnesse but no mirth gaue testimonie shee reioyced not if in this time hee had no strickt assurance of her loue none will pitie his parting howsoeuer she carried her selfe like a braue and commanding Queene ouer her owne and his passions The King brought him some part of his way then parting louingly and some thought most willingly on the Kings side The Prince with the Prince of Thiques going together who after neuer or seldome parted the King returned and with his wife liued as such a couple could doe Leonius and his beautifull Veralinda returning towards Frigia first going to Argos by the Kings directions wherein they met a delicate Aduenture as they were within some few leagues of the Sea a Lady on horseback attended on with many other Ladies and as many Knights but by her side rode one who seemed to be the chiefe and yet his countenance sad and melancholly said for him that he commanded not himselfe how euer hee did the rest his Hat off freely left to view a delicate curld head of haire browne but bright in delicacy a faire forehead amorous though then sad eies which yet in sadnes soueraignized his mouth not needing to speake but only seene allured vnto it what hearts it pleased to take and refuse enough he had of each sort his lips being so louely and louingly ioyned as one may belieue would not willingly part from their mutuall kissing The Lady was great and therefore faire full of spirit and intising pleasing and richly shee was attired and brauely seru'd an excellent hors-woman and hunts-woman she was though these be no properer commendations as some haue said then to say a man is a fine Semster or Needle-man yet qualities that were and are commended at this day allowed of and admired When they came nearer to them they sent to know if they might bee so bold to present themselues vnto them whom by inquiry they had obtained knowledge of The new louing couple admitted them Veralinda kissing the Lady and Leonius embracing the Knight Veralinda then soone after askt the Lady what those many Doggs and Bowes were for which she perceiued amongst them She answered they were her Hounds and that shee was going to hunt when her better fortunes brought her to her presence the Bowes were either if a Stag came fairely to her to shoot at him or to saue the Dogs from death at a bay by giuing his death to him Veralinda had neuer seene hunting and therefore was desirous to enioy that sport Leonius was as well pleased because hee was best pleased when giuing her content the old King trauelled on the young folkes promising soone after to ouertake him The Lady then brought these dainty Princes to a large Wood about the sides they placed themselues the Doggs and Hunts men were put into it to beate and bring forth the Deare which in short time the Hounds came forth with a mighty Stagge the Hunts-men following incouraging their Doggs with Voyce and Horne that Veralinda thought this Consort was the delightfulst that euer her eares had heard and such life it put into her as she spared neither horse nor way but followed with great affection the sport through Woods ouer Plaines through Thicks Brakes ouer Hills no place staid her The Lady kept with her and commending her euen vnto a fury for riding at last by a Pond side where the Stagge had taken soile he gaue a bay to the Doggs then came in the sweete sad Gentleman and with so temperate a brauery shot the Beast as euen his hurt reioiced him turning his face to him fully beholding him and as his last piece offerd himselfe a sacrifice vnto him falling by degrees as a great house will doe but yet runnes to the place it came from so to the earth fell hee Veralinda was then cald to take the say shee was ignorant of those ceremonies yet apt to learne and willing to instruction she did as she was directed Then the Hounds must bee rewarded and the Hunts-men giue him a peale of Hornes melody in stead of Bells harmony for his funerall All which ended the Lady besought the Prince and Princesse to honour her so much as to goe with her to her house which not farre off was â—it to lodge in night being growne vpon them They consented and rode thither where they found an ancient house hansome great and where it seemd good hospitalitie was kept but little curiositie obserued for all roomes appeared
neither mee nor these expressions of loue I haue done all this and I yet haue not done enough for O how worthy is he though vnkind to mee you might yet most cruell man haue shewed more gratefulnesse and I had been contented no colour you haue to excuse that with all for you knew my loue you seemed to cherish it all eyes saw it too for my face shewed it I stroue for nothing more then meanâ—s to declare it mine eyes did looke but for meanes to shew how they and I were won by you my lipps haue parted from themselues to let my tongue make true confession of that you then seemd with expressefull ioy and content to entertaine Where is that loue now gone where is that content you embraced departed and with that instant forgotten the Heauens will yet for me witnes my vnchanged heart and vnstained affection the aire hath been and is so fild with my complaints and protestations as I wonder it doth not like Ordinance rattle in your eares the Sunne hath blushed for you the Moone been pale and wan nay hid her face from my teares which I haue shed for your inconstancy All things heauenly and earthly pitie me except your selfe from whom onely good by pitie may arise Why did I open my heart alone to your loue shutting it to all other motions to be thus carelessely throwne off but I am well enough requited since had I fortunatly held these passions in me the fiercenes of them might by this haue rid me of these during torments haue left this poore body a loyall sacrifice to loue the loue of the most vngrateful Vngrateful why do I cal him so pardoÌ„ me dearest though despising deere I wrong you more in this title which is the worst that can be giuen to maÌ„ then you haue iniur'd me though with vnmerrited deceit it was a certaine and too great confidence ioyned with assurance of what I most desired that betrayed mee and my ioyes with it else I might sooner haue seene if not maskt with innocent belief and abusd with trust or am I punished for aspiring to the ioy soules on earth can beâ—t and chiefliest couet as blest with inioying in hauing your fixed loue Oh confidence I feare t is you that I must curse you are the honest though vnfortunat chanced-ill that haue vntied my hope Was it good nature made him so refraine my sight and presence nay vnlesse by force my words and that because you cannot loue still nor wil say so in charitie you will auoide all if so be yet more mercifull and multiply your pitie with this free increase kil me at once for all torture me not with sorrowes I will truly and religiously confesse I am not worthy of you but it is not my fault I wish I were so fit as you might euer loue and such an one as all the world might thinke fit for you then I know you would be iust nor wish I this for any benefit but for your loue for else in the comparison of other gaine vnto my selfe or any other then your loued selfe I rather would wish to be a Black-moore or any thing more dreadfull then allure affection to me if not from you thus would I be to merit your loued fauour the other to shew my selfe purer then either purest White or Black but faith will not preuaile I am forsaken and despised why dye I not it is not fit no t is not fit I still must liue and feele more cause of woe or better to say to see my cause of woe Cruell forsaker looke but once on mee or rather on my loue there you shall find if vnremoueable affection and zealous truth can seeme deserts I will and doe deserue you in them better then any and more then any if not not my selfe againe shall doe my câ—aselesse plaints may some way claime reward my nights spent wholly in salt floods of teares eyes turned to swelling Riuers may lament that they and I should thus regardlesse passe some other motiues which your selfe best knowes might tie you in a bond more kind and gratefull but these I vrge not be your owne best selfe and as once you were then will you still be free from cruelty if not accused by Iustice selfe and then too large a punishment will second the offence Offence alas I cannot call it one for I am yours and may not you dispose of yours as best doth like your selfe Yet is there meanes to helpe if you please to assist if not condemned I will remaine till I may haue my end which most I wish and speedily I trust to gaine then if your once most vallued vertuous gratefulnesse be sent t will be too late only this good I may receiue or my cold ashes for mee that when my death shall come vnto your eares your matchlesse heart may be content to let a sad thought hold you for a while and if so too too much for mee who still do wish your blessednesse In this manner vnluckie Princesse shee passed that night till day appeared Ay mee sad night said shee haue you now left mee too shall light afresh perplex mee my waylings â—itter were to bide in you afflictions sounded best in you darke blacke and terrible as you were is my state vncomfortable and affrighred howers suted better with my woes my fortune like your face my hopes blacker then your saddest Mantle whose dulnesse changeth them into despaire yet liked I you farre better then this flattering approaching day you truely shewed my selfe vnto my selfe you were mine eyes to make mee see my selfe and how farre distant I remaind from comfort in my want Then turned she in her bed and put her sad afflicted face into the pillow to hide day from her which she needed not her eyes labouring so fast to deliuer themselues of her teares as their shewers were sufficient clouds to dim all sight with them As she thus lay her Maide that waited next vnto her came in but not daring though so bold as to come into the chamber being more then without extraordinary businesse she durst doe to speake to her a little opened the curtaine and laid a letter by her shee started at it and asked from whom it came from the Prince Leonius said she With that she instantly went out againe Pamphilia opened it and finding another within her heart rise a little in deluding hope but by the little day that was her bed standing to the window she saw quickly what it was And is it come to this said she most true Leandrus I could methinks for thy sake blame my selfe for being cruell to thee yet maist thou rather thanke me who would not dissemble with thee not hauing any loue for thee that I would not deceiue thee This token of thy earnest faith and loue I le keep for thee and weare it for thee nor euer part with it vntill I die and then bequeath it to that Person I shall most affect and make