shewed him the blood of Heracles which dropt upon her as he held her I should be too long and tedious if I did relate all the complaints which passed betwixt Maximus and her But so it was that Revenge was resolved upon but he desired her upon any termes not to shorten her daies lest she should incense the gods against her telling her that he would carve her so much revenge as should give her satisfaction He told her that since there was not an act of her will consenting he should not think her the lesse chaste nor lesse worthy of being his Wife then before And that in order to his designe he would have her assure Valentinian that she had never acquainted any with it to the end he might think himselfe the more secure She carried the matter so that the Emperour never made question of it and she gave him back her Husbands Ring the better to perswade him About this time Eudoxe was brought to bed of a Daughter which was called Eudoxe after her own name and about a year after was delivered of another who bore the name of her Grandmother Placidia In the mean time we were in Gaul expecting Attilas where Aetius was making all necessary preparations This Barbarian having gathered together a very vast Army as I told you he intended to fall upon Constantinople but being prevented in that by the wise conduct of Marcianus and not being able to maintain that world of People which followed him either in Pannonia or Germany which was growne almost desart by the passage of so many Nations through it he determined to fall upon the Western Empire which was already well shaked and begun to totter The assistance which Genserick King of the Vandals promised unto him was no small spur unto his designe This Vandal having gotten the Daughter of Thierres King of the Goths in marriage unto Honorius his Son he had a conceit that she would poyson him and under this pretence he cut off her nose and sent her back into Gaul unto her Father and standing in fear of his anger he thought it most expedient for him to fortifie himselfe with the friendship of the Hunnes by promising them all manner of assistance Attilas who promised unto his ambition no lesse then all the Western Empire having recruited and put his Army into good equipage he marched towards Gaul but first dispatched an Envoy unto Thierres then the most puissant King of all those that possessed it for he held almost all Spain and a great part of Gaul that is to say from the Pirennian Mountains unto the Loyre And because Attilas feared the grandure of this puissant Barbarian he let him understand that his comming into Gaul was only against the Romans and that they two would divide the Empire betwixt them as soon as it was overthrowne He sent the same message unto Gondioch King of the Burgundians and unto the valiant Merovius King of the Francks and successour unto Clodion the Son of Pharamond He treated and transacted so secretly with Singiban King of the Almaines as he promised to take his part But Aetius who was as wise a Captain as was in the whole world knowing his subtlety did discover it unto these Kings giving them to understand that when the Romans were defeated Attilas would turn all his forces against them and make them Tributaries to himselfe as he had already done Valamer and Ardarick and the rest of his Neighbours and that the amity of the Emperour Valentinian was more necessary and honourable for them Necessary in respect that the Roman Empire was so great and surely established that it was impossible for them having so puissant a Neighbour to their enemy to sleep quietly in their houses As for Attilas he was but a storme which looked foul but would quickly be blowne over That the Amity of the Emperour was more honourable unto them because Valentinian was a great Prince and a good and that they were already linked in amity with him That he had given the Burgundians their habitations where they dwelt and that the amity of Vualius with Constantius the Father of Valentinian had gotten the Visigots all that they held in Gaul Briefly That they had experience already of the Roman Empire which might put them out of all doubt Whereas it would be a mad solly in them to trust Attilas whose ambition was such as that against all rights both divine and human he would not suffer his Brother Bleda to be his partner but miserably put him to death These Remonstrances caused the Francks the Visigots the Burgundians and the Almaines to confederate themselves with Aetius against Attilas who after some years fell into Gaul with five hundred thousand fighting men The first he fell upon was the Francks plundering and firing almost all their Townes but it was only of such as had not the courage to passe over the Rheine with the first who took up their habitations in Gaul At the last he came to a Citty of Carnutes called Orleans which he besieged and doubtlesse had taken it if the Francks and Visigots had not appeared with such an Army as constrained him to rise and go away This Army and that of Aetius was composed as well as the Army of Attilas of severall Nations as of Francks Visigots Sarmatians Almaines Armoriguans Laâ—esiuns Burgundians Saxons Râ—barolds Auvergnians Heduois and severall other people of Gaul together with Lombardian Auxiliaries Attilas mistaken in his attempt for he thought that Sigâ—ban King of the Almaines would have put Orleans into his hands not knowing well whether he should fight or return retreated unto the plain of Mauriack when enquiring of the Priests what would be the issue of the Battle they answered that he should lose it but the chiefe of the enemies side should be killed Attilas who thought that this must needs be Aetius he resolved to fight not caring which way it went so this great Captain might dy hoping afterwards to recruit another Army when his enemies wanting such a Conductor he would presently make the Roman Empire a Tributary The next morning therefore Battle was given I could give you a particular relation of all the Fight for I was in it and fought next Aetius that day but it would be too long and not pertinent to our discourse But so it was that Attilas was overcome and forced into his Camp which he had fenced about with his Carriages And because he had an opinion the Enemy would fall upon him there he caused a great heap to be made of all the Saddles and Baggage of the Army intending to set it on fire and to burne there rather then to fall into the hands of his enemies I saw him that day and the next morning also and one might plainly see by his minde and garb the vanity which was in the soul of that man But Priseus Secretary unto Valentinian who was sent into Syria before he came into Pannonia he told me that he never
in all his life saw a more imperious or haughty minded man aiming at no lesse then the Monarchy of the whole world and then gave himselfe the title of King of the Hunnes Medes Goths Danes and Gepides He also took upon him the title of The terrour of the world and the scourge of god And because I asked him whether his stature was equall to his courage he answered me That he was rather low then tall that he had a large breast a great head little eyes but quick and sparkling his nose flat his hair browne his strutting pace shewed the pride of his minde and the whole Symmetry of his face spoke him to be a lover of War Moreover he was subtle and though he was couragious yet seldome used to fight in person unlesse in great extremity reserving himselfe alwaies for a great necessity As he was very cruell and inhumain to his enemies so was he very sweet and courteous to such as submitted or having offended asked pardon unto whom he would alwaies keep promise inviolable and defend them against all whomsoever This character which Priseus gave of Attilas at his return to Rome did cause Honorica Sister unto Valentinian to desire a Marriage with him as afterwards I shall tell you But in the mean time to return unto Aetius be pleased to know kinde Silvander that this great Captain being out of Attilas's danger yet he knew that he was entring into a greater for should the Francks Burgundians and Visigots come to know their own strength they might much offend the Empire To keep them therefore in some fear he thought it expedient to save Attilas thinking that the fear they would have of so great an enemy would keep them alwaies united to the Emperour And because Thierres King of the Visigots was slain in this Battle and Thorismond and Thierres his Children in revenge of their Father would needs force Attilas in his Camp he seemed to love them much more then he hated Attilas and advised them to return in all haste unto Tholouse with the rest of their Army lest their Brothers who were left there should seize upon the King dome in their absence Thorismond who was of a distrustfull nature and knowing that he had three other Brothers in the Country called Frederick Rotomer and Honorick also taking Aetius for his friend without more delay he took the Body of his Father and went in all haste into Aquitain where he was very well received his Brothers having no such intention as Aetius perswaded him These Forces being thus separated from our Army it remained so weak that every one was of opinion that it was best to let Attilas go away and that a prudent Captain will make a Bridge of gold sometimes for his enemy to passe over Thus therefore this enemy of the Empire escaped the hands of Aetius and though this great Souldier had a good intention in it yet afterwards the Emperour took it very ill I alwaies followed Aetius in all this last expedition and durst not leave the Army as well because severall occasions of fighting presented themselves as because the fair Eudoxe commanded me so to do being desirous I should be absent from her lest any should take notice of my familiarity with her god only knowes how much it was against my will and how often I resolved to depart setting all considerations of duty and discreâ—â— behinde me but when I remembered the expresse command which she had laid upon me I could not disobey it Yet I stayed therefore in the Army about twelve years at the end of which time this Battle which I have told you of was fought 'T is true that in this long exile I received many Letters from Eudoxe by which she did still continue unto me assurances of her favour And because I had a great desire to do something which was worthy the amity of so great a Princesse I let passe no occasion of signalizing my selfe and giving testimonies of my courage by this means I got much reputation in the Army but more in the opinion of the fair Eudoxe who comming to the knowledge of it by Letters which Aetius writ unto the Emperour she rejoyced at it I shall as long as I live remember a Letter which I received from her after this great Battle it was thus written Eudoxe's Letter unto Ursaces IT is only my Cavalier that can astonish his enemies by his arme and his friends by his valour Twice to relieve the Roman Eagle and recover it from the Francks and Gepides thrice in one day to set Aetius upon his Horse when he was ready to be trodden in pieces by his enemies are actions most worthy of him who has my heart Since fortune hath hitherto seconded your valour I do forbid you to venture your selfe so far for the future as you have done for the time past And I command you to preserve your selfe not as your own but as mine have a care therefore of that which I give you to keep And when Aetius leaves the Army come you also and give me an account of it that as you have shared with him in his pains and dangers you may share also with him in that honour and welcome which all Italy will give him and which I will prepare for you During the time I was in the Army I fell into a great intimacy with a young Roman Cavalier called Olimbres the same you see here many good Offices passed betwixt one another as in such places many occasions fall out which tie such knots of friendship as never are loosed so as nothing ever since could separate us This Cavalier in respect of the amity betwixt us was so much in favour with Eudoxe that he was called to the Senate and created a Senator And certainly next her he prised my friendship at the highest rate unlesse Placidias for you must know that the intimacy of affection which was betwixt us would never let us part since the first beginning of our acquaintance unlesse it were in the service of each other So as he seeing me resolved upon a return for Rome when Aetius returned he would needs come with me and since nothing could be so secret which was not communicated unto one another I freely acquainted him with my affection to Eudoxe and her favours to me yet imposed a strict injunction of secrecy upon him and to take no notice of it lest she should be offended at me This declaration was a cause that he growing into familiarity with Eudoxe he presumed so high as to cast his eye upon Placidia her Daughter and began to court her when she was not above twelve years of age shewing in this a sympathy of humour betwixt him and me for it was at the same age when I began to court her Mother whom this her Daughter did much resemble Olimbres was younger then I being then not above seven and twenty years of age and I about thirty five and the fair Eudoxe about
apprehend him And it hapned as I alwaies feared for there he was taken and carried to Lyons whither presently I followed and very opportunely for him for the Judges whom I continually solicited had so much pitty of me that they shewed him favour and so maugre all the pursuit of his enemies he was delivered As I had abundance of trouble in the businesse so courteous Shepheard I had abundance of joy to see him out of all danger But because his Prison had made him very sick he was forced to stay a few daies in Lyons and I with him endeavouring to cheer him up as well as possibly I could At last being out of danger he entreated me to go unto his house and prepare all things for the entertainment of his friends whom he would invite to rejoyce with him for his good successe in his businesse When I was gone these debauched fellowes seeing they could not revenge themselves by Law they resolved to murder him in his bed and entring into his lodging gave him two or three stabbs with a Dagger and leaving him dead as they thought fled Judge kinde Shepheard what cause have I to grieve at this fatall accident Thus ended Cloris her story with eyes swimming in tears which dropped upon her fair breast like links of Pearl Now generous Shepheard this which I am now about to tell you is a fresh gale of Love The sorrowes which I saw in this Shepheardesse moved me unto so much compassion that though her face perhaps was not able to cause love yet plain pitty touched me so to the quick that I must confesse neither Carlis Stilliana Aymea Floriana nor all of them together ever tyed me in such strong chaines as this poor desolate Cloris not that I did not love those but because there was yet a place void in my soul for this Thus see me resolved upon Cloris as upon the rest but I knew it was to no purpose to mention my love unto her untill Rosidor were either dead or recovered for her sorrowes had taken up all her soul Thus came we to Lyons where every one parted and my new affection unto Cloris moved me to wait upon her to her lodging where I did visit Rosidor purposely to be acquainted with her for I knew the way to get into the favour of the Wife was to begin with the Husband She thought he had been much more wounded than she found him for what one fears is alwaies apprehended in the worse sense and changed colour when she saw him up and walking about the Chamber But see how things happen the sorrowes of Cloris in the Boat was the ground of my affection and now her joyes and contentment makes it die which argues that a disease may be cured by its contraries for I entred into the house a captive and went out a man of liberty and Master of my selfe But considering this accident I called Aymea and Floriante into my memory again Now am I presently in quest of their lodgings and enquiring of every one I met with at last by fortune I found them both together The next morning was the great Feast of Venus and according to the custome of the day the preceding day unto the Festivall the Maids do sing in the Temple Authems unto the honour of that goddesse and remain there untill midnight I heard that the Step-mother of Aymea would be then there in performance of her vow Floriante at the earnest request of Aymea promised to be there also And I resolved to disguise my selfe in the habit of a Virgin and to get in when it was dark and when I was in I stayed in the most blinde and least frequented corner of the Temple till it was nine or ten of the clock Then was the dores shut and not a man but my self in unlesse some that might be as full of curiosity as my selfe and so disguised but when the Hymnes began then came I out of my lurking corner And because the Temple was very large and had no lights but such as was about the Altar I might the more safely mingle amongst the rest of the Virgins without fear of being knowne Then looking about me where Aymea was I saw her carry a taper unto a young Virgin who rising up aprpoached the Altar and after some certain ceremonies she began to sing some staves which at the end of every stave was answered by all the company as a Chorus I know not whether it was the dimnesse of the light For it does often hide the imperfections of a complexion or what it was or whether she was really very faire but so it was that as soone as ever I saw her I loved her Some affirme that Love proceeds from the eyes of the party loved but this cannot be for her eye never looked upon me nor did mine see her so much as to know her againe and this was the reason that I thrust in amongst the Shepherdesses that stood neerest her But but as ill luck was after I had with much dainger gotten neere her she ended her Anthem and carried her taper into its wonted place so as it became so darke that though neere her yet could I not well see her Yet in hope that eyther she or some other would ere long sing again I stayed there a little longer but I perceived the light was carried into another Quire and presently after one that was there began to sing as my new and unknown Mistriss had done before the difference betwixt them both in voice and face was very great for neither was comparable unto her that I began to love so as not being able to hold out any longer I addressed my selfe unto a Lady was the further off from any company and counterfetting my voice as well as possible I could I asked her who it was that sung the last before Certainly said she you are a meere stranger that askes this question and does not know her Perhaps said I I should know her did I heare her named Who does not know that said she by her face does ask that question in vain but to satisfie you her name is Cyrcenna the fairest Virgin that is in all the Country and so known unto every-one that if you do not know her certainly you are of another world Hitherto I counterfeited my voice so well that as the night deceived her eyes so my words did her eares but not forgetting my selfe I told her that in recompence of that favour she had done me no man could be more her servant then my selfe How 's this said she unto me who are you that useth any such lauguage unto me then observing me a little more neerely she found by my dresse and Garb what I was Then in a great amaze she said unto me how durst you be so bold as thus to break the holy lawes of this sacred place do you not know that you must expiate this crime with the losse of your life The truth is I did not
Ligdamon who ever had an eye upon him assoon as he saw him upon the ground did ride up and lay about him so couragiously that he made a Wall of dead bodies about Clidaman who in the mean time had leasure to recover himselfe from under his Horse and who doubtlesse without my Masters help and valour had been troden to pieces for Ligdamon lighted from his Horse and set Clidaman on the back of him whilst he himselfe was so wounded and pressed with enemies that he could not get upon that Horse which I led Now was our party forced to recoile wanting the invincible Arme of my Master and we were in such a desperate condition and we were amidst so many enemies as there was no hopes of any life However Ligdamon would never render himselfe and though he was wounded and weary yet there was not an enemy seeing what deadly blowes came from his Arme that was so bold as to lay hold of him At the last five or six came galloping up with all their fury and he having run his sword into the first Horse it broke at the very bilt and the horse being run through the heart fell upon him I ran to help him up but halfe a score more that was fallen upon him hindred me Thus both of us halfe dead were carried away and the accident was the more dylasterous because almost at the very same time our Party recovered what they had lost by the reliefe which Childerick brought from the Rear guard and were Masters of the Field burning all the enemies Hutts most part of them being taken or killed As for us we were carried unto their principall City called Rhotomages where my Master was no sooner arrived but many came to visit him some said they were his Cosens others his friends though he knew not one of them For my part I knew neither what to say nor think of it when I saw so many strangers carrassing and making so very much of him yet much more was our amazement when a Lady well attended came to visit him saying he was her Son with so many demonstrations of affection as he was almost out of himselfe and much more when she said Oh Lydias my Child how great are both my joyes and fears at the sight of you in this place Alas how am I afraid to see you in this cruell Town since your enemy Arontes is dead of those wounds which you gave him and since you are condemned to death by Justice For my part I know no other way but to ransome you presently and hide you till you be able to get away Ligdamon was extreamly amazed at all this and knew that he was taken for some other but he could not answer her because at the very same instant he who took him came into the Chamber with two Officers of the Town to take a list of the names and qualities of the Prisoners for many being taken they intended to exchange them The poor Lady was much affrighted thinking they came to seize upon him and carry him to Prison and hearing them ask his name she told them her selfe but my Master said his name was Ligdamon a Segusian She had an opinion that he would dissemble his name and to remove all suspicion went presently to her house with a resolution to ransome him before he was known The truth was my Master did so resemble Lydias that every one did take him for the same This Lydias was a young Gallant of that Country and being in love with a great Beauty had fought with Arontes his Rivall and killed him yet had time enough to escape the hands of Justice but after the death of Arontes was so prosecuted by his friends that Lydias though absent was condemned to death Ligdamon was so wounded that he could not think of these things I foreseeing what danger might ensure still pressed the Mother to ransome him which she did yet not so secretly but the Enemies of Lydias were acquainted with it so as the very same day that this good Lady paid the ransome and carried him to her house the Officers of Justice came and carried him to Prison say what Ligdamon could Thus being by every one taken for Lydias he was in very great danger but much more the next morning when he was examined upon such interrogatories of which he was so ignorant that he knew not what to answer However the Judges persisted in their former judgment and confirmed it giving him no longer term than the healing of his wounds The noise was presently all about the Town that Lydias was a Prisoner and condemned to die not only as a Murderer but as a Rebell being taken in Armes for the Franks and therefore as the custome of that time and place was for such an offence he was to be put into a Den of Lions nothing else was talked of through all the Town At last it came to my ears upon which I disguised my selfe and with the help of that good Lady who had paid his ransome I came to Paris unto Merovea and Childerick whom I acquainted with the accident at which they were much astonished thinking it almost impossible two persons should resemble so much as to finde no difference but to prevent any danger they presently sent two Heraulds of Armes to acquaint the enemy with their errour But all this conduced to no purpose but confirmed them in their opinion and rather hasted the execution of the Sentence than otherwise The wounds of Ligdamon were now healed so as they pronounced the Sentence That he should die by Lions which should be his Executioners yet being of a noble Family they would do him so much favour as to let him wear his Sword and Dagger as Armes belonging to a Cavalier with which if he had so much courage he might defend himselfe or at least generously revenge his death At that time they returned unto Merovea that thus they alwaies punished their own Country-men who were Traitors unto their Country Thus see poor Ligdamon in most pittifull danger yet his Courage that never fainted unlesse in matters of Love seeing there was no other remedy resolved to defend himselfe as well as he could Lydias being one of the best Families of the Neustrians almost all the Citty assembled to behold this Spectacle When he was ready to be put into this close horrour his only request was that he might fight with these Lions one after another The people hearing this just demand did approve of it by their acclamations and clapping of hands in spite of the prosecutors Now see Ligdamon alone in a great Court and the Lions seeing their prey through some Bars did roar so horridly as would have chilled the blood of any but him who taking notice which dore first opened lest he should be surprised he saw a huge hungry Lion come out who at the first pawing with his foot upon the ground and striking himselfe with his taile he began to stretch forth his
his perjury to him I have long since said he sworn unto the Neustrian Lords to maintain Justice and I am more obliged to keep my first oth than my second The first day passed on I did not think much but when I heard no newes of Lydias I sent a man to enquire of him by him I understood what Lypandas had done and the term he had set And though I did foresee his cruelties yet I resolved to get Lydias out of his hands nothing being so dear unto me as his preservation and by fortune the very same day you took me Prisoner I was going unto him and all the sadnesse you see in me and those deep sighes you have observed to escape from me did proceed not from your imprisonment for that is sweet unto me compared with my expectations of the other but they proceed from my fears that this unworthy Lypandas will put Lydias into the hands of his enemies who gape for his life for of those fifteen daies that were prefixed ten of them are already past so as I am out of all hopes to do this good office for my poor Lydias Upon these words her tears hindred her tongue and she was forced to be silent with so many apparent signes of sorrow that Clidaman was moved unto compassion and to comfort her said thus unto her Courageous Melandre do not let your spirit droop for this but rouse up the generosity of your soul The gods who have preserved you in greater dangers will not let you sink under lesse You may assure your selfe that I will use my utmost power to give you your desired contentment But since I am under a Prince whom I would not displease I must obtain your liberty from him and will promise you to solicite him with all my power So upon these fair promises he went immediately to Childerick and beseeched him he would be pleased to favour him so far as to mediate unto the King his Father for the liberty of this young Prisoner The young Prince who loved my Son and knew that his Father would be glad to oblige Clidaman went presently to Merovea who granted his Sons request Then because the time was short he went immediately unto Melandre and having drawn her aside said thus unto her Sorrowfull Cavalier I hope now you will change that Epithite since better fortune begins to shine upon you The heavens begin now to smile upon you and in testimony of what I say know that now you are at liberty and may dispose of your selfe as you please the Prince of the Franks hath given me the dispose of you and the duty of a Cavalier obliges me not only to give you your liberty but to offer you all the assistance I am able Melandre hearing this unhop't for language did leap up for joy and casting her selfe at his feet did kisse them by way of gratitude and when she saw that she was to pay no ransome which she could never have paid in the compasse of that fifteen daies Noble Cavalier said she you do make it appear that you do know what it is to Love since you are so pittifull unto such as are possessed with it I pray the heavens to make you as happy as you are courteous and worthy of all good fortune Needs would she have gone away that very night but Clidaman would not permit her because it was dark yet the next morning as soon as day did appear away she went and never stayed untill she came at Calice where by good fortune she arrived the very day before the expiration of the time She had made her comming known unto Lypandas that very night had she not been jealous of his perfidie whom she was to deal withall and she stayed untill the morning to the end there might be more witnesses of the wrong he should do her in failing of his promise The day being come and past noon when all the principall men of the Town to honour the Governour came unto his house in comes the sorrowfull Cavalier and presents himselfe unto him At the first he was not known for none had ever seen him but in the Combat where fear had altered his countenance and now every one drew neer to hear what he would say Lypandas said he I come here to summon you to be as good as your promise from the friends and kindred of Lydias otherwise they tell you by mee that they will publish you unto the world for a false and perfidious promise-breaker Stranger answered Lypandas go and tell them that Lydias is yet better then he shall be within these few daies for before this day be don I will transfer him over unto such hands as will revenge my quarrell As for my promise I think my selfe to be absolved from it by putting him into the hands of Justice As for any new conditions I do insist upon my first which is that he with whom I fought do put himselfe into my hands to the end I may have my will of him and release Lydias What will you doe with him said he when you have him When I once have him answered he and when I am to render you an account of my actions then you shall know Since it is so said the sad Cavalier send for Lydias and him whom you desire shall put himselfe into your hands Lypandas who did extreamly desire to be revenged upon his enemy sent for Lydias Lydias who knew this to bee the last day for his terme did thinke this sending for had been to transferre him over into the hands of the Law But though hee did foresee a certaine death yet hee did rather desire it than to see him who had fought in his cause in any danger When hee came before Lypandas he said thus unto him Lydias this is the last day that is prefixed you to bring your Champion into my hands The young Cavalier is come hither to that end which if he do then you are at liberty Melander all this while did so turn her face from Lydias that he could not know her and so said thus Yes Lypandas I have promised and I will perform I would you would be as punctual in all your promises But 't is no matter I am he whom you desire and who values not any cruelty or rigour you can use against me so my friend here may be out of his pain Then every one fixed their eyes upon her and remembring the actions she used when she fought they knew her to be the same Her beauty her youth and her affection moved every heart unto pitty but Lypandas who being extreamly incensed against her commanded her presently to prison and to let Lydias go Lydias seeing himself so infinitely obliged would not suffer it but Melander came to him and said in his ear Go Lydias as for me I know how to get out easily when I will Go and serve Merovea and particularly Clidaman who is the procurer of your liberty and tell him you
this affection to her but it was heaven that forced mee to love her whether I would or no. For I did often absent my self from her and opposed all manner of arguments that reason could suggest against it but that did rather augment than diminish my affection which in the end grew to a most extreame height About this time Calidon returned out of the Boyen Province and was some eighteen years of age or thereabouts He was taller than usually that age allows any handsomly proportioned his complexion for a brown extreamly fair his mind his garb and his discourse was higher than perhaps his quality required but yet not at all proud nor vain-glorious I must confesse that when I saw him so much improved I loved him better than I did before For before I did love him onely in consideration of Consanguinity and upon the recommendation of my Uncle but when I found him to be so amiable so extreamly well accomplished and every way so well improved that I having neither Wife nor Child or then intending to marry resolved to make him my Heir after my death unto all my estate which perhaps was not very inconsiderable And to oblige him unto a reciprocal good will unto me I declared as much unto all my Kindred and Neighbours Now because I did foresee that dwelling in my house it was almost impossible but he should fall in love with the fair Celidea I gave him a most strict charge to look upon her onely with the eyes of a Brother and not of a Lover He protested with a thousand asseverations and oaths that he would obey me in this and all things else and would not doe any thing in the world that should displease me Yet before the Moon had run a full course he was charmed with Celidea and not daring to declare it unto her or me or any else after he had languished a while hee was forced to keep his bed his eyes shrunk into his head his complexion grown yellow and grown so lean and altered as he was not knowable I brought the most knowing and experienced Physicians in all the Country unto him If Fame cryed up any man I spared neither cost nor pains till I got him I caused Sacrifices to be offered upon every Altar of the Country to appease Tautates Hesus Tharamis and Belinus if Calidon by chance had offended them I sent to enquire of every Oracle and Augurer I sent for all the Bardi to come and pray with him I sent also for the best Musicians to try if Musick would allay the Melancholly which oppressed his soul To bee short there was not one sage Sarronide which at my request did not come to visit him and give him wise precepts against grief and sorrow But all these had no operation nor could all the teares which I shed by his beds side get him to tell me the cause of his disease Thus languishing in this manner and no remedies could doe any good upon him there was an old Physician a friend of mine who hearing of my sorrows for Calidon came unto me to comfort me in my affliction and after as good and wise advice as any humane Prudence could give hee bade me resign Calidon and my own will into the hands of Tautates and to believe that if I did it unfeignedly I should receive more comfort than I could from all men living When he was ready to goe away he desired to see Calidon We went both into his chamber he fell into talk with him and considered him very seriously he felt his pulse observed his actions and gestures turned him every way to finde out his disease And after hee had been two hours with him Young man said hee unto him chear up and bee assured that you shall not dye of this disease I have found out the cause and I have known many sick of the same but never knew one dye of it Then going out of the Chamber he took me aside and said thus unto me The age I have attained unto is great and though I have not employed all my time very well yet not all unprofitably I have studyed the art of Physick very long and have attained unto no meane reputation I have been employed by many of the best quality amongst the Boyens the Seguanonans and the Allobrogians Long experience have I had in my Art which makes me speak with more assurance than any that is younger than my self can Let me tell you that Calidons disease proceeds not from the body but the mind and if his body be sick it is because of the near union it hath to his sick mind which makes it resent the pain as if it were its own as we see one friend sensible of the pain of another And though these kinde of maladies be very painfull yet are they not so dangerous as those of the body for the mind is not subject to corruption or dissolution of parts but onely to change its quality I tell you this that you may not despair of the young mans cure whose Malady I think I have very rightly discovered And by all symptomes I finde that he is extreame passionately in Love and is either sleighted or else dares not declare it As soon as ever the Physician said so I presently apprehended that certainly it was with the fair Celidea and because of my forbidding him hee durst not speak of it When the Physician perceived me sad in lieu of rejoycing at the matter hee asked mee the reason to whom I answered that I was more in fear of him than ever because his malady was without the compasse of my cure and he might love one I had no power over or else a stranger or perhaps some enemy and therefore I saw no reason to rejoice There is a remedy said he against any thing but death and therefore never fear but I shall keep Calidon alive and if you will please to give me leave to be with him a few dayes I shall discover well enough whether he be in love with any that has any dependance upon you or with a stranger You cannot hope said I unto him ever to get it from his own mouth No no said he that 's not the way but fear not I shall bring it about Matters of Love be they never so close may easily be discovered if prudent artifice be used But great Nymph I should be extreamly tedious if I should relate every trivial passage therefore for brevities sake I shall onely tell you that this Physician was for seven or eight daies never from Calidons bed side In the mean time he advised me to get all the young Shepheardesses in the neighbourhood to come and see him under pretence of sorrow for his sicknesse As for the Physician hee was alwaies holding him by the arme and felt his Pulse to know when any caused an extraordinary motion in him So it was that Celidea at that time was gone a journey with Cleontine and stayed away
you the Armes of all Asia of all Affrica and of all the rest of Europe whereof Italy is but a poor pittance Judge great King what likelyhood there is that you or any human upon earth should withstand so many Provinces conquer so many Kings and get to himselfe so many Worlds for so may the Kingdomes and vast extent of the Roman Empire be called so as the ruine of Italy will bring upon you the hatred of god and man Men will revenge the wrong done unto the capitall City upon earth the gods will be offended at the ruine of that Towne which is the miracle of the world and which they have raised to that height to please themselves and astonish men If you will but be pleased to take all these things into your wise and serious consideration you will finde it much better to make your selfe friends and to oblige my two Brothers and their Empires confirming by a good correspondency with them that alliance which is already betwixt you Why Sir did you honour me to make me your Wife Was it to make my two Brothers your enemies was it to ruine my Country was it to see my friends and kindred carried away Captive into a strange Country Oh! What a sad and fatall marriage was this unto me Had it not been much better for me that the first day the Towne was taken had been the last of my life Upon this that wise and prudent Princesse fell down all tears at the feet of Ataulfus and kissed them with so many sighes and groanes as the Kings pitty did surmount the cruelty of his nature so as he took her up kissed her and said unto her Cease cease all your tears and sighes my dearest Placidia I do freely give unto you your City and Country and to make it appear how much I do desire your contentment I do vow and swear by the soul of my dead Father that I will never turne my armes against any of your Brothers whose friendship and amity for your sake I will by all waies court The King of the Gothes thus mollified and vanquished he concluded a Peace with Honorius and went out of Italy into those Provinces which were agreed by Alarick his Predecessor he should have But his people who were of a martiall temper and had lived many years in Armes they could not endure to hear upon any tearmes of Peace and therefore by a publick sedition did put him to death Now was Placidia in no lesse danger then at the taking of Rome for a popular tumult is like a torrent that carries away all that will stop its fury Yet this wise Princesse who foresaw such a danger long beforehand she obliged the prime Officers in the Army by all the good offices that possibly she could imagine and indeed as long as she was amongst them she was honoured and loved more then ever any Queen was This generous spirit did not shrink from her zeal and love unto her Country and her Brothers in the least manner by the death of her Husband but after she had a while lamented her sad mishap she transacted the matter so that a Grandee Prince amongst the Gothes of whose amity she was well affored was chosen King his name was Segerick This new King acknowledging his obligations unto Placidia and thinking the amity of the Roman Emperours very necessary for the establishment of his Crowne he shewed himselfe so affectionate unto it and her as he procured unto himselfe the odium of the Army who presently after did murder him as they had done before Ataulfus But this generous Queen who could never be daunted by any misfortue nor weary with any paines for the good and security of the Empire she brought it so to passe that Vulius was chosen King This Vulius was a great and a wise Commander who having before his eyes the example of two Kings his Predecessors he resolved by prudence to avoyd the like end At his first comming to his Crowne therefore he made a shew as if he were a professed enemy unto the Empire made great preparations against it and faining to be farre out with the wise Placidia he sent to denounce warre against her Brother Who being advertised underhand by his Sister he spread abroad reports of a puissant Army which he would raise against the Goths and so frighted these Barbarians by the aide of Vulius that in conclusion the people demanded peace which was concluded to the great contentment of Placidia Who now seeing the Empire setled and secured on that side desired to be out of their hands and went into Italy Where she was received by her Brother and the people as if she had been a great Generall unto whom the tryumph belonged It seemes now fortune was weary of tormenting this wise Princess And she was so beloved and honoured by every one especially Honorius himselfe as remembring the cares and paines she had taken in delivering the Empire from the Tyrannique Arms of the Goths and how much both he and all Europe was beholding to her They resolved seeing he had no Children to marry her unto one whom he would allie unto the Empire to the end she might after him be Mistresse of those Dominions which she had so long and so prudently preserved In order unto this designe he look't upon one of the greatest Captaines in all the Armie whose valour and wise conduct did render him most worthy of a great command his name was Constantius a man of a very antlent Familiy and high vertue His Picture is next unto that of Placidia in whose aspect you may observe such a grandure of spirit and corrage as is not commone And indeed he was one of the greatest Personages that the Empire had a long time before This was he unto whom Honorius gave his Sister And at the same time sent him into Spaine with a great Armie against the Almaines the Swedes and the Vandals The good King Vulius hearing that Constantius was husband unto the wise Placidia he assisted him with all his forces and followed himselfe in person This was the reason why Constantius at his returne gave Aquitaine unto the said Vulius where he lived quietly and in good corespondency with the Romans This great Constantius got the better of the Almanes killed their King called Acatius and afterwards vanquished the Swedes And doubtlesse the Vandals had been driven out but for the revolt which Attalus had caused in Rome intending to declare himselfe Emperor because Honorius had no Children nor had named any successor For Constantius leaving his Enterprise in Spaine unperfect he came to Rome and seizing upon the rebell he confined himselfe unto the Hippodrome At which Honorius was so well pleased that he made him his associate and declared him Augustus Fortune who commonly seconds one favour with another did so by Constantius So as now behold him a conquerer in Spaine Tryumphant at Rome and an Associate in the Empire One great favour more
life could not end upon a more noble account nor in a better cause Having ambuscado'd my selfe in a Wood neer the way of Hostia I saw some part of this great Army march in very bad order but my aime being only at Eudoxe I kept my selfe still close till I saw some Chariots comming in which I perceived some Ladies and supposing them to be the same I did expect I encouraged my men telling them that this would be an act worthy of a Roman name Upon setting spurs to my Horse and they most couragiously following me we charged these Chariots whose Guard was above ten thousand Barbarians I shal not relate the passage of this charge for it is impertinent But so it was that we routed them and had Eudoxe been there as I thought she was doubtlesse I had delivered her out of these barbarous hands but as ill luck was she was still behinde and those Ladies which I saw were such as had been taken in the City and Country and were to be carried with the rest of the Booty into Affrica Oh heavens how was I grieved when I saw my selfe thus mistaken and had all the Army on my back for upon this Tumult the Vanguard recoyled and the Reerguard advanced and drew into Battalia so as I was environed on all sides with so great a number of enemies as we could expect nothing but ruine Some ran away others stayed for my part I laid me down amongst the dead and was stripped of my clothes as they were and it was happy for me for my clothes being carried by a Souldier Eudoxe knew them and shewed them unto Olimbres who would not leave her All that she said was I see Ursaces at the last hath met with that Rest which Fortune ever denyed him Upon this expression she swouned in her Chariot Olimbres running after him who had my clothes he asked where he got them and being told the place he went presently unto it and sought till he found me how sad was he when he saw me However he got leave of the Vandal to do me the last office of buriall He would needs return to Rome and have me carried also upon Boughs I was so jogged in the carriage that I gave some signes of life Olimbres seeing this was beyond all measure glad and brought me into the first house they came unto where I received such Cordialls as I recovered out of my long swoun You may imagine Silvander how glad I was when carrying my friend to his grave I found him alive those who saw me did plainly see that his life was as deer unto me as my own yet we had both been happy had we ended our daies then for then I should not have grieved at the absence and ravishment of the fair Eudoxe nor Olimbres at parting from his dear Placidia This consideration made me resolve upon death as soon as I heard this persidious Genserick had carried Eudoxe and her two Daughters away but the great care which my friend had of me kept me from the execution of my designe as long as my wounds kept me in bed But when I had recovered my selfe of these wounds and was able to get upon a Horse I stole away as secretly as possibly I could from him and taking the way towards Tuscany I hid my self in the Appennine Mountaines intending to die with hunger or some such hardship not being willing to shed my blood for fear of offending the great god who punisheth Homicides At the last the languishment of this life made me resolve upon a more sudden death and when casting off all consideration of heaven I would have run my sword to my heart my dear Olimbres came and stayed my arme so by this means gave me a life the second time Then afterwards when I still persisted in my resolution to effect my intentions a young man came in whose beauty and wisdome did make us think that comming in such a nick of time he was some messenger sent from god purposely to divert me from my designe I must confesse that at the first I thought him so and was so obedient to his words that I had no minde to kill my selfe hoping to receive from him some supernaturall aid so as being thus deceived we all three went unto the next Town to get Olimbres dressed of a great wound which I gave him when he offered to take the sword out of my hand where with I would have killed my selfe But when I understood that this young man was a Segusian as you are and that he came to the place where I was by meer chance I confesse I took a stronger resolution of dying then before and doubtlesse had but for this young man whose name was Celadon as afterwards he told me who used such strong arguments and gave me such good reasons that I resolved to stay till the recovery of Olimbres There was in this place an old and grave Chirurgeon who dressed the wound of my friend whose age and travells in severall Countries had got him great knowledge and experience this man took speciall notice of our sorrowes and as one word may sometimes discover what we desire to keep secret so I did not so well dissemble the matter but he did partly suspect my designe so as one day he took me aside and said thus unto me Think it not strange Sir that I unasked intrude my selfe to give you some counsell my age your merit and my duty to god invites me to it take therefore in good part what I shall say I know that you are seized with extream sorrowes and that you have a designe against your own life Do not offer it for god after your death will most severely punish all murderers of themselves And besides to kill ones selfe argues a defect in courage as if you durst not look a dysaster in the face and as those who fly for fear of their enemies so such as kill themselves for fear of any dysaster do flye out of the world for want of courage and because they dare not abide one of fortune's blowes God hath given unto man judgment and prudence to make his election by solid and sound reason and because man being possessed with passion can neither judge nor chuse aright he hath given him a communicative soul to the end that making choice of one or more friends he may ask counsell of them in all matters of importance And because friends are very often interested in their friends businesse this god not leaving man without a good guide hath given him Judges and Kings to order and decide all manner of doubts and controversies This great Creator of men loving them as his Children would furnish them with all that is necessary both to live and to die and to that end hath inspired the Massilians to constitute prudent Judges it seeming unto them that death is no injury but a tribute of nature and therefore it would be unjustly done to deny that remedy
replyed unto him Celadon said she I have seen you in a place where all in it have thought you not so ignorant in matters of Love Fair Nymph answered hee in what place soever that was there was much beauty in it if you were there but as too great a fire rather burns than warms so your beauties are too high for our Rustique hearts for they do rather make us admire than love and adore rather than serve With such discourses as this all this faire company went homeward where Dinner waited for them As soon as day did break Leonida according as it was resolved upon over night by Adamas her companion and Celadon did come unto the Shepheards chamber to dresse him in those clothes which her Uncle had brought But the little Merill who by Galathea's command did alwayes stay with Celadon as well to be a spye over the actions of Leonida as to wait upon the Shepheard did a long while hinder their design At last some noise or other that was made in the Court made Meril run out to see what the matter was Then Celadon did rise immediatly and the Nymph see what love will doe did help to dresse him for without her hee knew not how to put his clothes on handsomly Presently after Meril returnes yet Celadon hearing him went into a Wardrobe and hee was no sooner entred but Meril asked where Celadon was He is in the Wardrobe said the Nymph and will come out presently what wouldst thou have with him I would tell him sayd the boy that Amasis is coming hither Leonida was a little surprised that she could not finish what she had begun yet that she might goe and give Celadon some counsel she sayd unto Meril Go little Meril run and acquaint thy Lady lest she be surprised The Boy ran as fast as he could and Celadon came out laughing at the news Oh why do you laugh said the Nymph her comming will hinder your going out Come come said hee make haste and dresse me for amongst so many Nymphs I shall the more easily steal away But whilst they were very busie at their work Galathea entred and upon such a sudden that Celadon could not get into the Closet You may well imagine how both Leonida and Celadon were surprised at this accident Yet the crafty Leonida seeing Galathea enter she held Celadon and would not let him hide himself but turning towards Galathea and seeming much troubled Madam said she if you doe not use some means that my Lady come not hither we are all undone for my part I am doing what I can to disguise Celadon in a womans habit but I am afraid I shall not have time enough Galathea who knew not at the first what to think of this Metamorphosis did much commend this witty invention of Leonida's and when she saw Celadon so well disguised she could not chuse but laugh and said unto Leonida Friend but for you we had been all undone for we could never have hidden Celadon amongst so many Nymphs as will come with Amasis but now wee are well enough and may safely shew him unto all your companions who will take him for a woman Thus Galathea after it was agreed upon that Celadon should say he was Cosen unto Adamas and called Lucinde went out to meet her Mother I must ingenuously confesse said Celadon after she was gone I was never in my life so astonished as at these three accidents First at the coming of Amasis Secondly at Galathea's surprising us and thirdly at your sudden invention Shepheard said Leonide what I do proceeds from my desires to rid you out of your pain and I would to the gods you knew my heart then would you find what happinesse I wish you By way of gratitude for so great an obligation said the Shepheard I cannot chuse but tender you my life since you have preserved it Thus they talked till Meril came into the Chamber and seeing Celadon almost drest hee was ravished and said no live person could know him for hee that was continually with him had he not seen him dressing should have been mistaken Who told thee said Celadon that I was disguised My Lady said he and commanded me to say your name was Lucinde the Cosen of Adamas and to acquaint the Druide with it who could not chuse but laugh when hee heard it and promised to doe as my Lady commanded him In the mean time Amasis was come out of her Coach and met Galathea at the stairs foot with Silvia and Adamas Daughter said she unto her me-thinks you have been too long in solitude and I am come to disorder you a little The good news I have received from Clidaman and Lindamor does so rejoyce mee that I cannot contain my joyes alone and therefore I am come to make you a participant with me and would have you goe with me unto Marcelles where Bonefires shall be made through every street I doe much rejoice at your happinesse Madam said Galathea and wish it may continue eternally But truly Madam this place pleaseth me so well that I have no desiring Genius to leave it No more you shall long replyed Amasis but because I will not goe thither untill night let us walke together and I will acquaint you with the news I have received Then Adamas made a low reverence and said Certainly Madam your news is very good since you are stirring so early to impart it unto your Daughter I have received it said shee two or three daies since but found that I could not enjoy the contentment of it alone and truly the news deserves to be divulged Thus they talked until they came into the Garden when as they began to walk Amasis took Galathea on one side and Adamas on the other and then she proceeded thus The History of Lydias and Melandre Considering the strange variety of accidents which are caused by Love me-thinkes it must needs be confessed that the Wheel of Love does turn about as fast as the Wheel of Fortune and that Passion causeth as many changes and alterations in humane affairs as any thing else The examples of these are so frequently before our eyes that it is impertinent to instance them And yet when you have heard this which I intend to relate you will confess you never heard of any more remarkable It is known unto you how Clidaman by hazard and Lot became a servant unto Silvia and how Guyemant in bringing a Letter unto her from his Brother fell in love with her And since that I believe you are not ignorant of their design in departing both together to goe unto Merovea Nor how I sent a great number of the young Cavalrie under the conduct of Lindamor after them But I beleeve you do not know what they have done since they went And therefore I do at this time intend to make a relation of their voyage unto you for it is worthy of knowledge As soon as Clidaman came unto the Army Guyemant
who was known brought him to kisse the hands of Merovea and Childerick under the notion of a young Cavalier descended from a noble Family who desired to serve them Hee was received with open Armes especially coming at a time when the enemy did menace them with a Battle But when Lindamor came and it was known who Clidaman was he was honoured and carrassed beyond all expressions for he had already so signalized himself that both friends and enemies did know and esteem him Amongst other Prisoners which he and Guyemant took for they alwayes went out together in any enterprise there was one amongst them that came out of Great Britane so handsome but so sad that he moved Clidaman to pitty him And because his imprisonment made him seem extreamly sad one day he sent for him and after he had asked him several questions of his Being and Quality he asked him the cause of his sadnesse telling him that if it did proceed from his imprisonment hee ought like a man of courage to endure it and thank the heavens that he fell into their hands since he was in a place where he had all civil treatment and that his want of liberty proceeded onely from the command of Merovea who had charged that no prisoners should yet be ransomed yet hee would doe his best endeavour to procure him his liberty The young man thanked him but it was with a deep sigh which Clidaman more wondering at did aske him the cause Unto which he answered Sir this sadnesse which you see in my face and those sighs which so often steal from my breast doe not proceed from my imprisonment which you speak of but from another more strict than it for my ransome will ere long disoblige me from this but nothing lesse than death can bring me out of the other I should also endure it with patience did I not foresee my own death and the ruin of the person who keeps me so close in prison Clidaman did by his speech imagine that it was Love which troubled him and by himselfe considering the pain of his prisoner his pitty moved him to promise him that he would procure his liberty as soon as possible knowing by experience what passions and perplexities of mind useth to accompany them that are deeply in love Sir said hee unto him since you know the power of Love and that your noble Country makes mee beleeve that what knowledge soever you have of mee you will not alter your good will unto mee therefore upon a promise not to discover mee I will tell you a thing which will make you wonder Then Clidaman promising secresie he began thus Cavalier bee pleased to know that this habit which you see mee wear is not my own but Love that is able to metamorphise women into men hath made me assume this dresse for I am not a man but a woman one that is descended from as good a Family as any is in Brittain and my name is Melandre who conducted by strange fortune is fallen into your hands There was a man whose name is Lydias that fled out of his own Country and came to London having killed a man in Duell and to avoid the rigour of the Law was forced to forsake his Country Being in London as it is the custom of our Nation he found so much civility and courtesy that there was not a house of any noble note where he was not familiar and amongst the rest he was as free to my Fathers house as he could be unto his own Now because he intended to stay there untill he could safely return into his own Country he intended the better to conform himselfe unto the British humour where every one has a particular Mistresse to seem as if he were in Love And in this resolution I cannot tell whether good or bad he fixed his eyes upon me and either out of affection or convenience he began to professe himselfe my servant I will not tire you with a long discourse upon those dissimulations those courtships and those oathes that he used unto me But so it was that after a long addresse of courtship for he stayed there two years his handsomness his courtesy his discretion and his valour had such an influence upon me that I did love him without any dissimulation I should blush to confess thus much did I not think you a person that hath tryed the force of Love or to tell you that the beginning of my love was the end of my tranquillity Things being thus it hapned that the Franks after they had gotten the better in so many Battles against the Roman Emperours against the Goths and against the Gaules they turned their Armes against the Neustrians and brought them unto such termes as they were foroed to send unto London their antient Allie to demand aid who according to the Alliance made between them did grant them aid by the consent of the King and States This newes was presently divulged throughout all the Realm and we who were in the chiefe City first heard of it Lydias began to think upon his return the very first houre assuring himselfe that his Countrymen being in need of such as he would easily absolve him from the death of Arontes Yet because he ever promised me that if he went he would carry me with him he concealed his designe from me either as intending to deceive me or else fearing I should hinder his departure Yet as there can be no fire so closely covered but there will be some smoak so he could not so closely hide his hot desire of departure but I heard of it Assoon as I came to the knowledge of it the first time I saw him I took him aside Well Lydias said I unto him are you then resolved I shall not know your intentions of leaving me Do you think my affection so feeble that it is not able to follow the worst of your fortune If your affairs do urge you to return into your Country why should you not let me go with you Ask my Fathers consent unto our Marriage I am confident he will be glad of our alliance for I know he loves you But Lydias do not perjure your selfe so much as to leave me here desolate behinde you for if you do the gods will punish you Unto all this he faintly answered That he had no thought of returning but that he valued his presence with me above all affairs and that I did him wrong to doubt of it but his actions should force me to confess it Yet for all these fair words this perjur'd man went away within two or three daies after with the first Forces that went out of great Brittain and took his time so justly that he came to the Sea-side just as they were Embarquing themselves and so he Embarqued with them We were presently advertised of his departure yet I was so perswaded that he loved me as I was the last that did believe it so as he was gone eight