King addressed himself unto him and said Cavalier I do pronounce you free and would have all esteem you so Also since your merits do claim a better name then that of slave I do ordain it shall be changed and hereafter to preserve the memory of your brave Act in killing a Lion be called Rosilion and Rosanirus Cavalier This title will oblige both my daughter and me to remember our engagements unto you The joyes and thanks of the new Rosilion were great but not greater then those of the Princess after he had humbly kissed the Kings hands he did the same unto that Princess with a thousand protestations of eternal service the expressions of which had not ended so soon if his wounds in his shoulder had not constrained him to bed and to keep it for some dayes The Princese had much ado to hide her excessive contentment to see him made free for an act so noble and to give him some private knowledge of it she wrote this Letter unto him The Princess ROSANIRAS Letter unto ROSILION YOur courage is victorius and can conquer Fortune since it has so generously restored that unto you which she most unjustly detained from you I would not have your virtue make a stop here but would have you lift up your eyes unto somthing that is above you Hope well for I would have you do so and I will hope as well as you When she had done she knew not which way to convey it unto him but at last hearing that his wound bled still and they could not stop it she sent it unto him under the notion of a medecine to stench blood lapt up in a little tafaty supposing he would be so inquisitive as to see what was in it and it happened as she supposed for Rosilion receiving it with all the honour and thanks that such a favour could deserve at first he hung it about his neck thinking it to be a real receipt But in the morning when he was awake and thinking upon the favour which the Princess had done him he had a desire to see what was in the Taffaty in a conceit that the Receipt was writ by the fair hand of his adored Rosanira which treasure he should esteem as dear as his life he took it then from his neck and opening it he found the Letter which he read then he kissed it with such raptures of joy and admiration that his wounds began to bleed a fresh and had not the man who waited upon him heard him sigh this accident doubtless had done him much harm before any notice could have been taken of it But the man being very careful of his master ran presently to his Bed and seeing his complexion changed he asked him how he did Friend said he unto him help me a little to put this on which I have in my hand for it is the Receipt which the Princess sent me to stop blood and which I would needs see but I no sooner took it from about My Neck then my wound began to bleed Alas Sir said the man I have oft heard say that such things ought not to be seen for if they be they presently lose their vertue and if you have read it expect no good from it I did read it indeed said Rosilion little thinking that such a thing could take away its strength Upon this he kissed it and put it about his neck again which done he perceived the blood to run still Friend said he thou toldest me right the Receipt has lost its vertue run therefore and call some to apply another remedy Whilst the Physicians and Chyrurgions were applying some powder of his hair burned and some other restringent things Rosilion whose mind ran more upon the wound of his heart then that of his shoulder did think this accident to be a very good occasion of thanking the Princess for the extraordinary favour which she had done him thinking it to be infinitely beyond his merits and retaining this thought in his memory till every one was retired he called for Ink and Paper and writ what love did dictate unto him afterwards lapping it up in the same form that Rosaniras Receipt was and taking the other out of the Taffaty he put this in the room of it After he had lapped it up he bade Merisin so was the man called that waited upon him to go unto the Princess and thank her for the great care she was pleased to have of him in sending that Receipt but his curiosity was such that thinking he had been cured he read it and then his wound began presently to bleed again That he knew no better remedy for his disease then that Receipt and most humbly beseech her to send him another in lieu of that which he returned back Merisin was diligent and faithful in delivery of his message and though the Princess did very well understand the meaning of Rosilion yet the durst not to take any notice of it But taking the Taffaty Friend said she unto him tell your master he was too inquisitive he should have been contented with the good which the Receipt would have done him without desires of knowing what it was tell him I will make him the same Receipt but bid him take heed of suffering it to be seen for if he do it may much prejudice him Then going into her Closet and shutting the door she was long in debate with her self whether she should read what she doubted he had written thinking it somtimes a dishonour unto her self to love Rosilion considering the condition wherein he was when first he came into her service but presently beginning to flatter her passion and who can blame me said she for loving him that saved the life of the King my father 't is true that fortune conducted him hither without Liberty but being as it were in his cradle the greatest King upon earth cannot defend himself against such an accident To be the first whom Fortune was pleased to spit her venome at Surely past ages can furnish out with examples of the like and perhaps we may meet with a great abundance of that deplorable number and never go out of Gaul but very few who by their valour could recover their lost liberty as Rosilion hath done Then looking upon the Taffaty but who can tell said she that I do love him but himself If he is of so base an extract as he is esteemed he never dare be so bold as to think of any such affection and much less to publish it and if his birth be as high as his actions and courage who can blame me if I suffer him to love me But whosoever he be the very truth is I do love him and have already hinted as much unto him Why then should I not read his answer The worst is if it do contain more then does become him I will send him a blank paper by way of Reply in lieu of that which he hath writ unto me Upon this
while and fixed his eyes upon the ground which offended Duriana extreamly and moved her to say what is the reason Ardilan you do not answer me Is the news so bad you cannot endure to hear it I thought that when I made this motion you would have entertained it with open arms and given Heaven thanks for it but on the contrary you are as mute as if you were tongue tyed Duriana answered Ardilan the silence which you observe in me and which makes you suspect my good will towards you does not proceed from that cause which you imagine but from abundance of difficulty which I do foresee in the business and which you your self will confesse When I acquainted the King with my desires of marrying you he told me that as soon as I was once married I would then no longer care for the love which he bore unto Dorinde and when I vowed the contrary unto him no no replied he I know better then you do how the enjoyment of the party loved will take up the mind of a man and if it should do the like by you then I am no better then dead for unto whom then can I speak concerning this businesse and therefore I do positively command you as you value my Love not to think upon any marriage until mine be past But Duriana said he and took her hand be assured that ere it be long I will give you your desired satisfaction Duriana smelling his falshood and not being able to dissemble her displeasure if it be so said she that the King does really intend to marry Dorinde why does he not do it Where is the stick Oh Duriana answered he the affaires of Kings are not so soon dispatched as the affaires of a private person A great Prince has considerations of his estate and good of his people which we cannot dive into Did you but know what affection the King has unto Dorinde you would wonder at it as I have done many a time but he cannot nor ought not lay aside all other considerations and rush hastily upon marriage but on the contrary he is Wise and Prudent and can lay aside his passion until he has put every thing in order and so as he may enjoy his contentments without any danger or inconveniency believe it that when the time is fit he will not need any Solicitor nor any to put him in mind of Dorinde for his love unto her is enough to bring her into his memory Then Duriana finding that the advice which I gave her was but too true Well Ardilan said she unto him I am so little versed in the business of State that I will leave it unto those who know how to manage it but since you cannot marry me until the King be married and since his marriage cannot be accomplished until business of State gives him leave I think it fit that you see me no more nor speak unto me concerning Dorinde until the Wisdome of the King hath set all his State affairs in order so as he may have leasure to make good his word and give you leave to make good yours Upon this not staying for his answer she came into my Chamber in a pelting chase against Ardilan and against the King and told me her whole Discourse in such a passionate manner that I could not chuse but laugh at her anger But see how fortune was bent to disturb my tranquility and to shower miseries upon me Duriana as she talked with Ardilan and pulled her handkerchief out of her pocket she pulled out also the paper of Verses which Sigismond sent unto me and which she unknown to me had taken out of my pocket as she looked for my handkerchief to be washed This paper being but little and she half out of her wits she dropt it on the ground as she came away from him The crafty fellow did presently take it up and went away with it as fast as he could to his lodging there unseen by any he unfolded the paper and read it over several times but could not judge who write it nor to whom it was directed yet he had a strong opinion that it was intended either unto her or unto me and to which of these two soever it was it would serve him for a good excuse to the King concerning his negotiation To lose no time therefore he went as fast as he could to Gondebaut from whom he did not conceal a sillable of his conference with Duriana after a long discourse together and when the Kings hopes were all blasted Ardilan continued thus I cannot imagine Sir what divel it is that thus thwarts your desires I cannot think it to be Clotilda for I hold her to be more discreet and better advised then to commit such a fault and besides her obligations unto you are so great as it were the height of ingratitude if she offer to displease you in any thing but yet it is very strange yonder fool Duriana as she pulled out her handkerchief did drope this paper which unseen to her I took up and by it I find that there is some lurking Lover or other that courts either her or Dorinde I know not the hand but you may see Sir whether you can pick any more out of it then I can Upon this the King took it and no sooner cast his eye upon it but he knew it to be the hand of the Prince Sigismond Oh Ardilan said he in a great fury wonder no more from whence the alteration in Dorinde proceeds It is Sigismond that loves her and doubtlesse she loves him also heer 's his hand and from hence Durianas discourse was grounded Upon this laying the paper down upon the Table and folding his arms together he began to walk a great pace up and down the Chamber and was a long quarter of an hour before he uttered one word At last in a great rage I will make them both repent it said he and if I do not punish them according to their deserts let me no longer be taken for King Gondebaut And to begin go Ardilan said he go immediately unto Clotilda and tell her from me that I understand Dorindes behaviour is so scandalous and shameful as I would have her send her away this very night unto Arcingentorix her father and let her understand the reason why I would not have her entertain her any longer From thence go unto Sigismond and command him from me to retire himself into Gallogurio unto which place I confine him until he further hear my pleasure bid him begone in the morning before day and let none seen him and that if he fail in my commands I will put him into a place where he shall lear his duty Afterwards beginning to walk again stamping his foot against the floor and pulling his hat over his eyes he used all the actions of a distracted person Ardilan seeing him in this condition he was the most perplexed man in the world for he foresaw that
the mean time lift up your eyes to heaven and believe that the great Causer of all things knows what it best for you Mistrust not his providence his prudence his prudence nor his puissance nor grumble at any bad Fortune which he sends for this soveraign Wisdom knows best what is fit for mortals Comfort your self therefore and hope that in their turns you shall enjoy all delights and contentments that are necessary for you and in the mean time I offer unto you all the assistance that your desires and my ability can make The wise discourse of this old man made a deep impression in my heart insomuch as I thought some good Angel had directed me unto this place to keep me from despair and therefore after I had wiped away my tears from my eyes I answered him thus Father for well may I call you so since you bestow such paternal counsel upon me I would to God I knew the stability of heaven as by experience I know the inconstancy and instability of the earth Let the Gods do what they please and give me contentment when and in what measure they think most expedient for me but hitherto they have poured upon me such torrents of afflictions that I verily believe but for your consolation I had been overwhelmed with black despair Daughter replied the old man I am very glad that heaven hath made me an Instrument of any comfort unto you and since you do find some amendment hope that ere long you will be quite recovered for as you see bodies are subject unto infirmities so are our souls bodies by sensible diseases souls by passions which are moved in us by good and evil fortunes and as the diseases of the body have their beginnings progress and declines even so it is in the diseases of the soul and I have experimentally found that when a disease either of body or soul begins once to decline it is presently after cured for then the body assumes its vigour and strength and expels those evil humours which caused the disease so likewise when it once re-assumes it strength it presently expels those opinions which troubled the soul by false appearances But I must tell you withal that diseases are seldom cured without remedâ—es and the remedy for an afflicted soul is commonly to open and reveal the affliction unto some that can administer consolation for then the soul does vomit up that obnoxious humour which offended it and is afterwards capable of receiving the comforts and counsels of a prudent friend I know that I am not he who can give you consolation but if you will trust me I will try if I can give any ease unto your malady Father said I unto him the wounds which I have received from Fortune are such as cannot be cured by any words but if you be as pitiful and charitable as you seem the best remedy you can give is to conduct me to my Native Country which is Forrests where I am most confident of some consolation The Gods will recompence you for so charitable an office and I am not in so miserable a condition but I am able to satisfie their pains The old man then looking upon his children with an eye of compassion see what here is said he unto me It is not many moneths since my wife who was all the comfort I had left me with these little Infants loadned with age and poverty As for poverty I strive against it as well as I can by my wary management of that little which I have Alas should I leave these little ones but one day they would starve you see I have none but they with me As for neighbours I know none whom I would commit your tender youth unto for I should think my self culpable should any harm happen unto you What then should I do I am loth to leave you destitute of help and should I leave my little ones I know not what would become of them But daughter here is my bed which I will leave unto you if you will but be pleased to let two of my eldest children lie with you and for this night let us recommend our selves unto the protection of the great Tautares Upon this it being dark he lighted a little dry wood which served for a candle and stuck it in a Turnip which supplied the want to a candlestick and setting it upon the Table he bolted the door with a Hazle-stick and went to his homely hard bed with his little children As for me I laid me down upon his bed in my clothes and being weary with travel also having confidence in the man I slept soundly In the morning I waked very early yet not before the old man had already ordered every thing for his little family with a resolution of going with me and not leaving me till he had shewed me Forrests hoping as he told me that God would keep his children better then he could himself whilst he was doing that office of charity for me I gave heaven humble thanks for moving his heart unto it and after he had given directions unto the eldest of his children what to do he offered himself unto me as my guide with a promise unto them to return before it was night because as he said it was not above four leagues from thence to Forrests and that though he was very old yet his desire of doing me that office and returning unto his children again would add wings unto his feet and make him go as fast as if he were younger So we set forwards with each of us a staff in our hands and because I desired him to conduct me the least frequented way he could he was so observant of my request that before it was noon without coming into any high way unless to cross it he brought me unto a high mountain where staying he shewed me the Town of Fevres not far off and a little from thence Marcelles and by consequence the great plain of Forrests Upon this I asked him where was the River of Lignon Yonder it is said he and that which runs by that Town which I call Fevres is the River Loire Then cast your eye a little upon your right hand and there you may plainly see the River of Lignon Yonder Town under those two great hills is called Boen and the River of Lignon washes the walls of that Town From hence you may observe its whole course which turning and winding it self through yonder delectable plain makes it the most pleasant place in all Europe Then the good old man desired leave to return back lest he should be too long from his little Family and I taking a Ring from my finger Here Father said I unto him take this in testimony of my thanks for your pains and I acknowledge my self infinitely beholding unto you besides Daughter said he unto me you take from me a greater reward which I expected from heaven and yet I will not refuse what you give me that
tell the Nymph that the Sacrifice was ready and that the Nails of Brass were washed clean and pure with the Lustralian water so as the Prince Godomar expected only the Queen Argira who at last came holding the Princess Rosanira by the hand who was so fair that day as she ravished the eyes of all those that looked upon her her Dress was modest and by reason of her affliction rather too much then too little but so neat and handsome that envie it self could not find the least fault she leaned upon the arm of Rosilion whose countenance was very sad and his looks somthing wilde but by his walk and garb and all the rest of his actions appeared to be of no mean extraction There was very few that knew him for the Queen desired it so so as for a long time together nothing could be heard amongst all the assembly but enquiry who they were but none being able to satisfie their curiosity they all set themselves to behold the ceremony First came ten Trumpetters who from time to time sounded all together Next them followed men who were crowned with flowers and in habits trimm'd all over with Violets dancing before the Victims carrying in their hands little Daggers which they knocked against one another to a kind of Tune After them came the carriers of Basins and Dishes to receive the blood of the Victims after them followed many Victimaries with axes hatches and several other Instruments to slay the Victims all having caps of flowers upon their heads Next followed the Victims which were seven Oxen to be offered unto Jupiter and as many unto Minerva with guilded horns and dressed over with Garlands of Flowers These Victims were followed by some Sacrifices one of them carrying the Vessel that held the Lustralian water who followed a Flamin who with a branch of Misleto sprinkled this holy water upon all the Assistants Another carried a box of Aromatique Drugs as Incense Myrrh and Aloes Another carried upon his head a vessel of Wine which was to be used in the Sacrifice another carryed salt and another honey and another water After all these followed twelve Players upon Flutes and some Choristers who sung Hymns in praise of Jupiter and Minerva Next followed the Epulian Triomvires who are those that were wont to tell the people when they ought to make any Banquets unto the Gods After these followed the Flamins the last of which was Diale the Flamin of Jupiter with his cap made of white wool and in a Surplice of finest Linnen so pure and white that not the least spot appeared in it Afterwards came the Colledge of Augures each having in their hands an Augurian staf Last of all came the high Priest with most comly gravity clad in a garment of white linnen this Surplice of purest white hung down to the ground he had upon his head a kind of cap which might rather be called a Vail hanging down on both sides He held in one hand his Crosier and in the other his Pastoral staff on each side of him was two Flamins who carried in their hands a great Nail of Brass which had been purified and consecrated After all this pomp the Prince Godomar came all alone with a Crown upon his head and a Scepter in his hand and following him a great croud of Cavaliers and Souldiers In this order they came unto the Temple where the Queen Argira the Nymph Rosanira and the rest of the Ladies were with Rosilion and Adrastes and every one having taken their places Proclamation was made that all should keep silence upon pain of punishment Then the Flamin Diale who was Sacrificer that day called for the Lustralian water and after he had washed his hands did sprinkle it upon all that were to be assistants at the Sacrifice then falling down upon his knees he confessed himself to be a man poluted with many sins and begged a pardon of the Gods not only for his own but for the sins of all the Assistants then taking a Torch which was made of Virgins wax which was lighted at a clear burning fire he kindled the wood that was upon the Altar and commanding the Victims to be brought near he turned towards the east side of the Altar He first invoked Janus and Vesta and afterwards Jupiter calling him Father Omnipotent and Good and after him he invoked all the rest of the Gods Afterwards addressing his prayer particularly unto Jupiter and Minerva he declared that it was unto them only this Sacrifice was offered And these were the words of his prayer which a Flamin pronounced after him word for word OH most great and good Father Son of Saturn Jupiter omnipotent the beginning and ending of all who art fulness in the self who art every where in all and above all The Creator Preserver and Director of the world the Destiny upon whom the order of things depend the Nature which produceth all things thy Providence which foresees all things the Eternity that was before and will be after all things Oh thou Jove who for the benefit of Mortals conceived Minerva in thy Brain Oh most mighty Minerva who teaches mortals to be wise to judge justly and to do rightly Goddess of eternal Virginity Physician unto those who are deprived of their understandings Receive oh Great and Omnipotent Deities the Prayers and Sacrifice which Amasis our great Nymph does offer unto you for the safety and welfare of her self and people and because there is nothing in the whole Universe more pleasing unto you then man and nothing in man more then the Understanding Grant Oh Great and Good Jupiter and oh Goddess of Prudence and Understanding Minerva the request which this great Nymph makes unto you That those sacred Nails which the Prince Godomar our Protector and as Soveraign Magistrate is to drive according unto your Ordinances may obtain for Rosilion and Adrastes the same favour which Orestes formerly obtained near the City of Githea when sitting upon thy Stone Oh Jupiter he was cured of his distraction After these words were uttered in a loud and so distinct a voice that all or most of the people might hear as they were upon their knees he caused the Victims to be brought near he cut off the hair which grow between their horns and cast it into the fire which was the first beginning of the Sacrifice Afterwards he turned towards the East and commanded the Victimaries to do their offices which they did accordingly Then he viewed the Intrals and found the Hearts the Livers and the Brains very sound yet of a more dusky colour then usual but not to affright the Assembly they took no notice of them because it portended dissentions wars and tumults After the Victims were viewed the fat of them was burned and consumed upon the Altars and they poured out wine and oyl and sprinkled Incense thereupon The fire burned till all was consumed but they observed the flame to be blew like brimstone and not burning
because he left Damon at a time when he might be most serviceable about his person Almost at the end of the Town they all parted after abundance of thanks unto Clindor who accompanied Licidas as far as possibly he could As for Adrastes he acknowledged himself so obliged unto Palemon for the care he had of his cure that he offered himself several times to go with Halladine in his room but he would not permit him because he thought it no satisfaction of his vow if he should go only by proxy But at last after many difficulties his importunity so far prevailed as to accompany him This action of Adrastes gained more upon the good will of Doris then all his former Courtship had done That night Halladâ—ne stayed at the house of Thamires where he entertained all the company with all imaginable welcome but when they were to draw blood from the face of Celidea her pain was not a little for blood was to be drawn from every Scar and the Chirurgion hardly left any part of her face unscarified because otherwise the Sympathetical salve would not work perfect effect The little sticks then being all dipped in blood and dry they were all lapped up very carefully in linnen clothes and put into a box ' So betimes in the morning Palemon Adrastes and Halladine all three set forwards towards Lions All this while neither Amasis nor Adamas forgot Climanthes and it was the next morning he was to come unto Galathea So as order was taken with Leonide and Silvia over night to be up betimes the next morning and to be at the place appointed to receive him and bring him in those also who were to seiz upon him were provided And the sun no sooner begun to appear but this imposture came to the garden door where the two Nymphs received him as he did very handsomly counterfeit that sanctity whereof he made profession so Leonide and Sâ—lvia did as well personate a great veneration and respect of his person which puffed up his soul into such a swelling pride that he went as if he admired himself The Nymph Galathea took him into her closet as it was concluded upon to the end the Nymph Amasis Prince Godomar Alcidon and Adamas might hear what he said being placed in such convenient corners that they might hear and see and not be seen The gravity of his pace when he came into the presence of Galathea was admirable but much more the impudence with which he began to speak unto her Madam said he unto her with a severe and Majestick look you have before you an Ambassadour not from a Prince King or any Monarch upon earth but from the great and omnipotent Prince of heaven Consider well how great a favour this is and how you ought to receive him visits and embassies from mortal Princes what faces soever they put on them are all aimed at the profit of the sender but mine cannot be suspected to have any such interrested aim since all things are the gifts of God who needs not any thing the world can give Hark therefore O Nymph unto what I shall say yet do not heariâ—â— on your of curiosity but with a full resolution to obey and correspond unto the good will of this great God unto you Then he paused a while and Galathea was so surprized at the admirable impudence of this Imposture that she could not answer a word afterwards he begun thus This great God said that unto me arise Climanthis my servant go and talk with Galathea chide her for a fault which she hath committed and tell her that punishment is ready to fall upon her head God hath already the whip in his hand his arm is lifted up and there wants nothing but to let it fall again He who must be your husband and you his wife will this very day be hunting and pass by the four several wayes at Termes there you may see him that is the very nick of time let it slip and be eternally miserable see him and be eternally happy He uttered these words in such an imperious tone as if a god himself had pronounced them Then changing his behaviour and assuming his accustomed countenance and speech he continued Now O great Nymph you know the will of heaven be more careful to observe it then formerly you have been for otherwise the anger of this great God will overwhelme you And because communication with this great God forbids any converse with men unless by his particular command give me leave to prophane my self no longer since I have done all that I had in commission The Nymph who admired the goodness of God in such an Imposture to live she much desired to be out of his company and therefore left him without any answer but that she would be alwayes obedient unto whatsoever the gods commanded her But said she before she went must I go alone or in company unto Termes only with one Nymph answered he but replied she what will those that see me say have a thin Scarf over your face answered he and you may so disguise your self that none can know you at what hour asked she shall I see this Huntsman To morrow said he betwixt six and seven of the clock in the morning for so the god did tell me Then said the Nymph go and thank your God for me and assure him that I will go and satisfie his commands Upon this the Nymph left him and referred him into the hands of Leonide and Silvia who accompanied him as far as the Garden door which they had no sooner shut but those who by the command of Adamas watched for his coming seized upon him and carried him away immediatly to a prison which was prepared for him when they took him and put him into prison he called them prophane and impious persons and Atheists for daring to lay any violent hands upon one that was a friend to the great God But when they laid Irons upon his feet and hands he changed colour and began to tremble and more when he saw them begin to clog him with more chains The gravity wherewith he menaced them hitherto began to be more mild and calm and now he fell to prayers and supplications Sirs said he unto them what offences have I given unto you why should you be so severe against me what advantage will my ruine be unto you If by any cunning I have endeavoured to get something and to arive at some Grandure unto whom have I done any wrong where is he that can complain against me Is it not permitted the birds who never sow nor reap to fly into the fields and feed upon what they can find If I by any harmless art would get a livelyhood why will they unjustly punish me for it Sir be not you any instrument of such injuries unless you do not fear the punishment of the gods I am not yet so miserable and destitute of friends but if you will shew any pity upon
her thou child of the most wicked father that ever lived what do you think I caused you to be brought hither for I cannot tell Sir answered she and looked sweetly upon him But O the unresistable power of beauty This Polemas who flamed with fury and breathed nothing but death and blood against this woman he was no sooner touched with the Luster of her eye but as snow melts before the Sun so his fury and his rage did vanish at her beauty yet making some resistance against the first glance O most miserable daughter of a Father far unworthy of such a child To morrow said he thy body shall be a covering to my whole Army for I will have thee fastned to the points of several Pikes and opposed against the blows of those wicked Rebels in the Town and in this condition shalt thou go with a torch in thy hand and set fire to the gates of that Town Sir answered Astrea if ever I did you any wrong let the gods forsake me and if I be innocent let them defend me as she uttered these words tears flowed from her eyes which moved compassion not only in Polemas but all that saw her Yet seigning the contrary if these tears said he could mollifie the heart of Adamas and make him open the gates of the Town they might do you some good but otherwise assure your self they will do no good at all Astrea now saw that they took her for Alexis and though she looked for a most certain death yet would she die rather then discover her self hoping by this means to save the life of Alexis who otherwise would doubtless be taken and brought into her room Her desire therefore to die for her moved her to say thus I with Sir my father had no occasion to wish you ill but to think that the consideration of my life or death will move him to do any thing against his duty is infinitly to deceive your self for what will it advantage him whether I live or die you know Sir that we who are as it were cast out into the world are commonly but hindrances to our parents We shall see said Polemas how he will take it for let him assure himself henceforward that he has nere a daughter The loss wherewith you menace him replied Astrea will not much trouble him nor me Upon this Polemas commanded he she should be safely guarded until Silvia came and afterwards to be bound together because the next morning they should run both the same fortune This command was no sooner given but they brought a Shepherdess who desired to speak with her As soon as Astrea saw her she knew her to be Alexis in her clothes Oh how it grieved her to the soulâ— for knowing that all the ill they intended unto her was only because they thought her to be the daughter of Adamas she feared that if Alexis was known all the harm would fall upon her and to give her a hint of it Oh fair Shepherdess said she unto her what fate brought you hither where they seek only for me as being the daughter of Adamas It is fate indeed answered Alexis that brought me hither and the best that ever was Astrea since it brought me hither to undeceive those that took you for me Ah Astrea cryed out Astrea Why should you offer to Sacrifice your self innocently for another Alexis giving her no answer but turning towards Polemas who heard them yet knew not their meanings Sir said she unto him you see how I am all wet and dirty but it is by reason of the haste I made to prevent your errour What errour said Polemas do you mean Your errour replyed she in taking this Shepherdess for me who am the Daughter of Adamas How said Polemas are you the daughter of that wicked man Sir answered she if you call Adamas wicked I am the daughter of him you call so Sir answered Astrea believe her not some distemper in her Brain makes her speaks thus she is Astrea the daughter of Alces and Hyppolita and I am the daughter of the great Druide Adamas as indeed you may see by my habit And because those who were tying the hands of Astrea did stay upon this dispute she held her hands unto them Nay nay said she tye only mine for I assure you I am the Druide Alexis But Alexis on the contrary opposed her Sir said she thrusting away the hands of Astrea and holding her own let not her clothes deceive you for we changed them this morning as we many times were accustomed to do Consider that she is too young to have been so long at Carnates as I have been If you please to ask her any particular questions concerning the Druides daughters and of their Statutes I dare say her answers will let you see she attributes to her self more then is her due Polemas and all the company were even ravished with admiration at this contest which of them should be the party exposed to death After he had a while looked upon them both and considered how vehemently they maintained their cause Alas poor silly wenches said he unto them Why should you thus dispute about the matter Do you think any great recompence will be given unto her that is the daughter of Adamas No no you are much mistaken for all she must expect is a most certain death and to morrow she shall be tyed to the points of our Pikes with a Link in her hand and shall set fire upon the Gate of the Town where she can look for no less then death either from their hands or from ours unless paternal affection move the heart of her wicked father to open the Gates and let us enter Sir said Alexis I knew as much before and my compassion upon this innocent Shepherdess moved me to make all the haste I could left she should suffer those pains that are due unto me And why said Polemas do you think them due unto you Because they say answered she that the child is to bear the iniquity of the Father and since so It is not reasonable that I who am Alexis should not suffer for Adamas who is my Father but Astrea who is only an innocent Shepherdess Sir said Astrea and interrupted these arguments which Astrea urges moves me to tell you again that she is out of her wits and that I am the same whom my habit speaks me and I would not have that harmless Shepherdess expose her self to death for me It is I that ought to pay for my Father and not you Astrea whom it nothing concerns Alexis then interrupting Ah fairest Shepherdess said she unto her What a most strange errour are you possessed withal Why should you without any reason soon desire to end your days Preserve your self for the happiness of him that must enjoy you he still the glory of Forrests and an honour unto the Banks of Lignon Let me pay what I owe unto Nature as the daughter of Adamas and
Ligdamon at that time did testifie that the man escaped and though they saw him when he went away yet they had so many other prisoners in their hands that they could not follow him O most omnipotent Tautates cried out the stranger lifting up his eyes to heaven and would have done so his hands had they not been tyed is it possible I should be so happy and that my despair should help that person to escape Certainly said all the company we saw him out of the ditch I am very glad on 't said Ligdamon But to see the strange effects of inward joy one might perceive the eyes and the countenance of this man so to change that he seemed not the same he was a minute before and addressing his speech unto Ligdamon Cavalier said he unto him with a mild and temperate voice in giving life unto one you have given it unto two for if she of whom I complained had died nothing could have kept me alive I say she for you must know that though you saw her in the habit of a man yet she is the most generous and brave woman that ever was upon the earth and that you may see what cause I had to love and admire her give me leave to relate the history of all my troubles Ligdamon who saw him much changed and his speech more moderate and discreet he had an opinion that this news had settled his mind and pittying to hear him talk so tyed Stranger said he unto him I should be very glad to hear you but am sorry to see you in that condition and yet I dare not suffer you to be untyed lest you should do some act of inhumanity against your self No no Sir answered he your courtesie has more obliged me then so and the assurance of so many persons that she is alive whom I so much lamented does command me to live that I may serve both you and her Upon this assurance said Ligdamon I will command you shall be untyed you shall go with me to my lodging where you shall find better accomodation then in this place This unask'd for favour said the stranger obliges me to pass my word never to forsake you until you dismiss me and to tell you that being neither any Officer nor Souldier unto your enemies nor having passed any promise to serve them I would never whilst I live bear arms against you nor ever go into your enemies army but with a sword in my hand to fight your quarrel were it not that she for whose sake I am your prisoner is in their Camp and I cannot dispose of my self until I have found her Upon this the corporal untyed him and he went with Ligdamon unto his lodging where he was put into good clothes for his own were plundered from him by those who took him and those which remained upon him he had torn to pieces in his rage afterwards Ligdamon causing him to sit down and they two being alone in the chamber he began thus The sequel of the History of LIPANDAS THose who never knew the Grandure and Puissance of that god which is called Love ought to learn by my example how to honour and reverence him unless they will incur the same punishments which I have for abusing those who did adore him and for not doing so great reverence unto that great Deity as is due for know Sir that as soon as I left my Nurse I began so much to despise love and all that followed him that to tell me one was a lover was enough to make me scorn him when at any time I chanced to hear of any extraordinary effect of that passion I used by way of mockery to say that they changed the name of things and that this which they called love was indeed madness and so ought to be called When I was at any meetings where I saw many idolizing a fair face and were so tyed by the eyes that they could not move out of the presence of those fair ones I was wont to say that the men did but mock the women and the women the men when some would needs prove that he was forced to a beauty and that her charms were inevitable I presently concluded him to be only a Sophister that to shew his wit would argue for or against any argument that was propounded Nay more then al this from my very infancy to the Autumn of my age I could never find in any of those who were cryed up for such high beauties any thing more amiable then in other women So as I may say that as there are some who are born blind others deaf others without a taste or at least a taste different from others so was I born without any sentiment of love or beauty and all my delectation at that time was in hunting or in wars which I followed wheresoever I could see the seat was Now Sir I lived in this contempt of love and beauty until of very late when that God who would not suffer any mortal to trample his honour and his laws so under foot did make me know his power by a way as extraordinary as my crime Those who knew me called me by the name of Lipandas born in a city of the Neustrians called Rothomagues and of Parents who there held the prime rank And whereas my countrey maintained great wars against the Romans and they against the Franks I had occasions enough of shewing my valour without stirring out of the Neustrian limits or at least out of our Army and therefore a place of great concernment being in the power of our Lords which was called Callice the government of it was committed unto me and I kept it several years About a month since one whose name was Lidias coming from great Brittain unto which he was fled for Sanctuary landed in this place Ligdamon upon this laying his hand upon the strangers stay a while Cavalier I beseech you said he unto him are you the same Lipandas who being Governour of Calais did imprison Lidias for the death of Arontes I am the very same answered he but what knowledge could you have of me in a place so distant from the Neustrians Content your self replyed Ligdamon that I know what you tell me and more that a young woman of great Britain called Melander armed like a Cavalier did fight with you about the liberty of that Lidias afterwards to deliver him did put her self into prison and when the Franks surprized Calais was delivered out of your hands I perceive replyed the stranger that you do know almost all I have to tell you and therefore my discourse will be shorter then I intended Then looking upon him a little better Oh heavens cryed he out why do I make any relations of it unto you for if I be not much mistaken it is Lidias unto whom I speak To Lidias answered Ligdamon No but to one that has paid very dear for his resemblance unto that Lidias as you shall understand
as supporters of his Crown then as the objects of his hatred and arms Ligonias delivered this message in such a mild and handsome manner as did most sensibly melt the King into compassion and as violent as his passion was he could not forget that those whom he accused were such as he gave being land education unto yet having a kind of fear that Ligonias had invented what he had told him I cannot believe said he that any repentance can come from one in whom ingratitude is so predominate If your Majesty do doubt of what I tell you replied Ligonias I have that in my hands which will plead my justification and conceiving that I could not meet with a better opportunity of presenting a Letter which Sigismond had writ unto him he took it out of his pocket and kneeling down presented it unto the King Gondebaut changed colour two or three times and was in a great dispute between affection and anger yet in fine paternal love prevailing he received the Letter in which he found these words SIGISMONDS Letter unto GONDEBAUT My Lord IF the heal of your anger against me have not excluded out of your soul all manner of pity I most humbly beseech you to look upon these few lines and to believe that they are not like me altogether unworthy of your view You will find in them abuâ—dance of grief that afflicts my sad soul for displeasing you and if there be any hopes of a pardon they will not want words expressing my repentance The truth is my sorrows are much above my crime but I hope and desire that both may be below and lesse then your compassion I will not my Lord make any mention of my past actions It is enough and too much thaâ— they have displeased you and it were a kind of a second crime to offer a justification I most humbly beseech you only to consider that they are not of so black and horrid a die as in justice to merit your hatred and my banishment yet if if it be your dire doom I will not murmure against any of your ordinances but I dare be so bold as to request that the interest of Amasis may not be mingled with my disgrace That great Nymph doth desire from you a peace which her innocence most justly merits and if you should refuse this favour it is to be feared you would have all the world to fight with and become your own enemy It is in your power to remedy all these disorders in a moment and by reâ—eiving the amity of this Princesse you may boast that you have overcome her by the arms of your goodnesse This Sir is the last favour that I will ask of you but will wait for the return of this Cavalier who will tell me whether Godomar is to be as miserable as my self if no pardon be to be hoped for from you dispair must then be the portion of them whom heaven had done a favour unto if it had never given them life since it is the worst of fate to be thrown out of your service and affection Whilst Gondebaut read this Letter Ligonias observed all his motions as so well that he conceived very good hopes in the successe of his voyage He saw the King pull out his handkerchief and wipe his eyes two or three times afterwards he heard him sigh several times and at last His demands said he are of such consequence as I must think better upon them toâ—morrow you shall know my answer In saying so he began to walk up and down the chamber again and Ligonias would have left him if Clotilda had not at the same time entred unto whom Gondebaut shewing the Letter of Sigismond and Ligonias giving her a short relation of his service she seconded the request of that Cavalier and had such a perswasive influence upon the King as she obtained from him at that very instant all manner of advantageous promises towards Sigismond and Godomar The affairs of Amasis and these Princes were in this condition whilst Adamas as I told you before was with Belinde and entertaing her with all imaginable Carresses and welcome He was then walking with her in the great chamber where Alexis Diana Astrea and Phillis already were and almost at the same time Ceroinea Doris Florice Palanice Delphire Dorisea and others came also all whom saluting Belinde she was even astonished at their beauties and handsome behaviour Presently after entred Paris but with as much joy as Diaana was of repentance for ever giving him leave to propound a marriage unto her mother Whilst they were in the height of their complements they saw come into the chamber a Shepherd who at the first they knew not his complexion was as pale as death it self his eyes shrunk into his head upon which hardly a hair was to be seen his cheeks lean his looks languishing and his feeble legs which testified the weaknesse of him that owned them As soon as he entred he did his humble reverence unto the Druide and unto Belinde who at the first gave him but a cold reception but presently after Adamas looking more attentively upon him O God said he and embraced him I beseech you are not you Adrastes how comes it to passe you are so soon returned and so extreamly changed At the name of Adrastes all the Shepherdesses came about him and Doris not imagining he would ever return without Palemon she began at the first to be much troubled and to fear she should never see him again following therefore the suggestion of her fears she approached unto him and as soon as he had returned an answer unto the Druide good Adrastes said she unto him what news of Palemon The Shepherd then looking upon her with a kind of smile which was mixed with indifferency better news of him fair Doris said he then you expect if at the least I may judge of your thoughts by the palenesse in your cheeks You may indeed answered she tell me better then I do expect but if he be not returned with you I am sure it is impossible it should be so good as I desire I wish you could enjoy that contentment answered the Shepherd but since heaven is yet pleased to deprive you of that happinesse all I can do for your satisfaction is to give you an accompt of his actions and mine since our departure from you until the time of my departure from him Upon this he retired a little as having a desire to talk with her in private but Adamas who perhaps was as full of curiosity as she he stayed him and said that if the news which he was to relate unto Doris was not of so great a secrecy he would be glad to hear it and the Shepherd being well disposed unto it they all sat down and fixing his languishing looks upon Doris he began his relation in this manner The Sequel of the History of ADRASTES IF fair Shepherdesse the sad accidents of my life were not
seeming still more and more desirous to hear Olicarsis they all sate round about him and he began thus The History of OLICARSIS and AZAHIDES THat morning when this Shepherdess came and interrupted us meaning Phillis I was beginning to relate unto you pâ—rt of those passages which hapned in the Empiredome of the East and in that of the West since Vrsaces Eudoxe Olimbres and Placidia were recompenced all the pains which Love had made them suffer and because it is in some sort necessary I should tell them unto you to make you the more admire at the Fatality which brought me hither I will now begin my discourse where I left last first begging your excuse if by a Narration perhaps too long I shall offend your ears and patience Give me leave to tell you then that the affection which I testified unto the sage Eudoxe during her captivity unto Genserick did purchase me so great a share in the friendship of Vrsaces and Olimbres as we may all say that ever since we have been all one and the same This was the reason that when they departed I beseeched the King to let me got with them and their design was to prefer me unto Marcian as conceiving that sage Emperour would love me when he once knew me but Ginserick who perhaps doubted or feared that the remembrance of my imprisonment would beget some resentmeats in me against him he would not upon any terms give me leave But on the contrary thinking that honours and riches were the most powerful charms that he could use to keep me about his person he began to put me upon imployments which were very troublesome unto me since they diverted me from my studies but yet very honourable they were since they were the greatest offices in all his Dominions A correspondency betwixt Vrsaces Olimbres and me did not yet die notwithstanding the Rigour of this separation but as if absence were a means to link us in affection the more firmly it did encrease amongst us at that distance We were exceedingly vigilant and careful in sending unto each other and as I gave them an accompt of all my businesse and negotiations so I believe they did participate unto me their most intimate thoughts Thus I heard of their return unto Marcian the Carresses wherewith that Emperour did solemnize their marriage and in fine the greatest part of that which I shall tell you in the Sequel of this discousre Be pleased to know that Marcian shas no sooner entred upon the seventh year of his Empiredome but as it is the quality of virtue to beget much envy and jealousie so the merit of that sage Emperour did raise those two passions in the minds of Ardabures and Aspar who having been much in Constantinople did think that to obtain the Empire there needed no more but to take the Crown from off the head of Marcian They began therefore to plot and make parties against him and finding that his life would be a main obstacle in their way what will not ambition do to get a Crown they dispatched him by poyson Judge I beseech you how nearly his death did concern Vrsaces and Olimbres and how nearly they resented it since they were beholding unto him for the greatest part of their well-beings This was the cause that they in some sort suspecting the Authours of this abominable Patricide they did generally oppose themselves against their designes and negotiated so well that Ardabures and Aspar being failed in their pretentions a great Grecian was chosen Emperour called Leon and born in the Town of Bestique It is true that their Faction being extreamly strong they would not consent unto this election but upon condition that the Raigns of the Empire should be for a time in the hands of Aspar Leon made no difficulty to receive him as a partner but he made them all know presently after that Empiredom admits of no Competitours and that when he consented unto it he promised no less then an impossibility In the mean time Leon amidst his joyes to see the Empire of the East submitted unto him he did not forget what Vrsaces and Olimbres had done in his favour and knowing that Martians affection unto them was very great he thought it but just he should succeed him as well in his love to them as in his crowns Expressing himself then as kindly as possibly he could he desired them to continue their affections to him and protested that when any opportunities presented themselves wherein he might honour them he would prefer them before all other persons whatsoever Look now upon Leon for a while peaceable in the East but so were not we in Africa for Majoranus who succeeded Maximus in the Empire of the West to get Sicily out of the hands of Genserick who was become the Master of it he made attempts that was worthy of his courage and in his design as they say of coming to burn us in our houses he was miserably murdered by the same Souldiers who made choice of him His death which shewed all the world how short a while the favours of Fortune do last did give us some rest and made Genserick rouz up his former courage and designs so as raising a Puissant Army he put himself into a condition to resist all men whom he accounted his enemies And certainly his preparations were not in vain for soon after the death of Majoranus Soverian who succeeded him prepared himself to prosecute the designs of his Predecessonâ— but hearing of our forces he presently changed advice and turned his arms against the Alans whom he defeated near Bergamus and there killed their King Beringus Perhaps this victory had blown up his courage and carryed him upon some new enterprise against us but his death which was almost as sudden as his Predecessours thought not so violent did at once stifle his designs and hopes upon Rome During this time Genserick as I told you before had ready shipt a brave and gallant Army so as not to let it lie idle he resolved to give Rome a second visit invited unto it as I think by the memory of his first spoils His design was not so secretly carried but the Emperour Leon was advertised of it who not to let Italy perish in that disorder wherein it then was did send Anthemius to defend it from the invasion of the Vandals But Genserick who quickly knew that he should be molested in his enterprize by the pretentions of one Gervandus who since was exiled he hasted away and having made Thrasimond Lieutenant General of his Army did leave his other Son in Carthage with an express prohibition not to ordain any thing before he had communicated unto me and taken my advice I remained therefore by this means in Africa where if I had entertained any had intentions I had not wanted means to put them in execution but ever being an hater of all evil actions I would sooner have died then done them Besides thus I did
down at his beds feet and then he continued thus It is probable Clotilda that you do know what sperit Dorinde is of and that being of so ambitious a temper as she is no doubt but though Sigismond be very amiable and hansome yet she loves him as much for his quality as his person Now you must know that when such persons of her quality do arrive at any high degree of honour they alwayes become most insufferable and use a most tirannicall and dominering authority over all they think the Sunnes does shine only to please them and charge the earth with ingratitude if it do not produce her fairest flowers in all places where they shall honour it with their feet Truth is they are full of so much dangerous vanity that judging falsly of all things if they think any one to be an obstacle unto their fortune or ambition they presently are plotting to ruine them and are never quiet till they have done it I speak this partly in relation unto you Clotilda to the end you may secure your self so as though I should faile you yet that you may never fall into such extremities as I have mentioned which doubtlesse will come to passe if Dorinde ever bring about her designes for as soon as ever Sigismond marry her she who as you know is only the Daughter of Arcingentorix will become so proud to see her self Queen of the Burgundians as for getting her self she will also forget what is due unto your merit and quality The vast difference that is betwixt her extraction and yours will make her so ashamed to appear where you should be as perhaps will beget such a hatred in her soul that your life may be in danger This is the danger which threatens you and if you do come to a fatall end it is meerly your own fault since the remedy is yet in your own hands which is Clotilda by all meanes to quench this fire which has already broken out into such great flames Judge Madam how easily the spirit of a young lady might receive all the impressions The King had no sooner done his discourse but he had infused a strange mistrust in to the soul of this young Princesse that all these misfortunes would come to passe in case this affection continued So as forgetting what she owed unto the amity of Sigismond and preparing her self to do whatsoever the King commanded against Dorinde Sir answered she my fears of being miserable shall not be the motive to make me obey you but it shall be my desires to make you know that I will never be ungrateful unto your goodness Therefore I most humbly beseech you to tell me what I must do that I may presently begin it and by that you may judge of my affection Truth is said the King haste is very requisite in the business for in such matters delays are dangerous and often marre all you must therefore of necessity get that half Ring which is in the hands of Sigismond with all possible expedition Oh Sir said Clotilda and interrupted I doubt it is impossible for did you see with what care he kept it you would wonder he looked upon it he kissed it he laid to his heart he talked to it as if Dorinde were present and therefore I am afraid that being so transported with this passion it will be a great difficulty to get it from him It is not my design to attempt it openly said the King or by violence you know such ways have been already used without effect but I would have us go about it by cunning and do all that possibly we can to deceive him Oh replied Clotilda it is hard deceiving such mistrustful spirits as his you may be deceived replied Gondebaut so you will do as I shall direct which doubtless will be an easie matter to do since he takes you under the notion of a confident and not as one who would divert his affection Clotilda promising to do her best the King continued thus You daughter have seen this Ring and you know what mettle and size it is get another made of the same and as like it as you can then breaking it in two keep the one half Sigismond will certainly come to you as he did the last night and will be as cerimonious to this Ring as before when he does take your half in one hand and take his in the other and when he asks for it again in lieu of his give him yours it is impossible he should perceive it for not having the other to compare them together nor mistrusting your design he will beleive it the same he brought from Marcelles which done we will proceed further and to morrow I will tell you how Clotilda thought this invention to be excellent and very feasable and after she had sworn to use her best endeavours Well Clotilda said Gondebaut you must now give me this contentment since you have sworn it and I desire it This invention is the only Remedy we have and I will use it If you do your best endeavours you shall ere long see how much I love you and if on the contrary I find you fail me and that my design do come to be discovered which can no way be but by want of good-will or gross indiscretion be certain I will take it as the greatest injury I ever received from any enemy To which Clotilda answered that she would sooner dye then fail in the least of his Commands After which the King kissed her she went out of the Chamber and he got out of his bed I wil not abuse your ears Madam with too precise a relation of every particular circumstance which is not fully pertinent to my purpose It will suffice you know that all this day was spent in hunting and part of the night in dancing After which Sigismond failed not to accompany Clotilda in her Chamber for in the absence of Dorinde he took delight in nothing so much as in talking with her Amongst other discourse they fell into talk of the Ring and as soon as Sigismond had taken it out of his Box he shewed it unto the Princess who took it into her hand as if she desired to look upon the fashion of it whe she had it she put both her hands behind her she left Sigismonds Ring on the stool and kept only that which she had provided afterwards holding out both her hands to him shut I hold a wager said she unto him that you guess not in which it is The Prince who never mistrusted her fallacie I hold a wager said he and smiled it is in that hand In saying so he touched Clotildas right hand and opening it he found only the counterfeit of that which he sought for yet supposing it to be the very same which Dorinde gave him he innocently took it and looking upon the Princess Oh Sister said he and smiled you must know that love can do any thing and though he be blind
yet nothing can be hid from him In ssaying so he laid this counterfeit part of the Ring to his lips and Clotilde seeing him kiss it with so much devotion and zeal she could not chuse but smile but presently after hearing him sigh her soul resented some little kind of compassion and therefore she said unto her self Oh Sigismond didst thou but know how much misery my Artifice is preparing for thee thou wouldst turn all thy sighs of love into sighs of rage and dispair Upon this thought she repented that ever consented unto this Treason but then calling to memory the discourse of Gondebaut and considering how inevitable her ruine would be if she did not pursue her enterprise she thought it best to finish what she had so happily begun But because the night was far spent and Sigismond who would never have been weary of her company did not think of retiring she put him in minde of it and when he was gone she went to bed The next morning she got up betimes because she imagined the King would send for her to what she had done And indeed she was no sooner drest but a Messenger came according to her expectation As soon as she came into his Chamber Come Clotilda said the King unto her have we gotten this Ring we cannot get it answered Clotilde and smiled out of his hands why replied Gondebaut and began to be angry because it is not there answered Clotilda and still smiled for it is in mine and that you may not doubt of it see here the accomplishment of your desire and my promise Upon this the King took it and seeming highly satisfied with the diligence of Clotilda Do not think said he that whilst you were at work I was idle they have promised to bring me a man hither this morning whose name is Squillinder and who if I mistake not did formerly live in Forrests and fled hither for refuge Now they tell me this man is the rarest in the world at counterfetting all manner of hands which if he be he shall write a Letter from Sigismond unto Dorinde that will do the deed only one thing troubles me I cannot think upon one that is fit to execute the rest of my plot for he must be a man of excellent wit and judgment and one if possible that has some colour of preâ—â—ence with Dorinde after that Sigismond has quitted his ininterest Then Clotilda began to think a little afterwards upon a sudden There are many said she who have loved her and I know two who do at this very instant loue her and are here you may chuse which of them you think most fit for your purpose Then she named Periander and Merindor As soon as the King heard my name he clapped his hands together and seemed to be extreamly glad I am certain said he this Cavileir will do whatsoever I shall bid him There needed no more but to consult with me about him Oh Great Gods what Soveraign Authority has Kings over us And how hard it is for us to resist the charms of their Commands especially when they come with any appearance of Justice Gondebaut had not sooner sent for me but he told me all that I have told you and after this and a world of mountainous promises in case I could win Dorinde to marry me he did insensibly engage me to do whatsoever he would He had no sooner got his promise from me but I saw a young man enter who since they told me was Nephew unto Ardilan whom Godamar killed he brought with him this Squillinder whom I spoke of before and who perhaps Madam you have heard of since he lived in your Provinces He did not only live here answered the Nymph but was born here in a Town called Argental and I know him to be a man of good wit if he would well imploy it However replied Merindor he is extreamly subtle and one may know it by his very looks and mind But Madam to hold you in this discourse no longer Gondebaut did make very much of him and having imparted his mind unto him he shewed unto him one of Sigismonds Letters And after an injunction of eternal silence and a large recompence if he would but counterfeit the hand he set him to work he himself dictating this Letter The counterfeit Letter of SIGISMOND unto DORINDE IT is rather thy Tyranny of Gondebaut then any consent of my will which has made me a Husband unto a Daughter unto the King of the Theurons My despair is so great that I cannot entertain you with those sorrows which I suffer by reason of this constraint And this half Ring which I send you back will tell you that there is no remedy left against my misfortune I wish I were able to give you any consolation but since I cannot comfort my self what can I invent to comfort you The Truth is Dorinde I am married and I wish I could also say that I were dead but Heaven is pleased to let me live only to resent our separation with more sadness Let that Necessity which hath forced me to violate my Faith unto you excuse my change And if you have any inclination to oblige me find that happiness in the Arms of Merindor which our bad destinies denies you to find from Sigismond Whilst the King did dictate Squillander did write this Letter and when hee had done Gondebaut compared it with Sigismonds but found them so extreamly alike as had hee not seen it written before his face hee would have sworn it to be the hand of his Son This done Gondebaut dismissed Squillander and commanded Ardilan to recompence double to what the Fellow could expect After this hee turned himself unto mee See here Menandor said hee unto mee now all depends upon your good management of the matter I have already told you that if you proceed handsomly you shall receive advantages from mee beyond your imagination besides the satisfaction of your Love unto Dorinde you have wit enough to manage this mater aright and though you had no interest in it but mine yet that is enough to make mee hope well in your proceeding I would have you go about it as soon as possibly you can and that you go unto Dorinde as sent from Sigismond When you come first to her upon the first opportunity of discourses tell her that shee is not to pretend any more unto the Crown of the Burgundians since it is already destiny'd from the daughter of the King of Theurons to whose Ambassadors Sigismond and I have signed the Articles I know that this will much afflict her but a man of your accomplishments will make her take this losse with little grief especially if you tell her as your Love will dictate unto you that still shee shall be a Queen and raign soveraignly in your heart I answered him That I was wholly devoted to obey his commands but there was one obstacle in my way which was that I was engaged to
of blind inclination which moves some to affect one person above another so this Princesse had ever a kind of natural affection more towards the Prince Sigismond than towards his brother Godomar and this was the reason that at this time she acquainted him only with my businesse she related the whole passage unto him shewed him the Kings Letter and asked him what she should say unto me and what she should do Sigismond was at the first extreamly astonished afterward he asked her how she came to know the businesse and how I carried my self in it to whom the Princesse answered Dorinde carries her self as she ought to do and will not do any thing without my advice for it was from her I came to know the businesse Now observe I beseech you how dangerous it is to acquaint young men with such matters Sigismond had never cast his eyes upon me but only by way of indifferency as upon the rest of my Companions had it not been for this But dear Companions well may we say some are happy beyond their hopes and others more unfortunate then they could imagine and I am one of those whom fortune has made the butt for the worst of her arrows Could any ever have imagined that Clotilda by reprehending the Fathers fault should cause the Son to commit it No certainly and but my cross fate must needs have it so surely it had never been Now the designs of the young Prince is wholly upon me and because he did not know whether his addresse would be as welcome unto me as his Fathers he resolved at the first to hide his affection from Clotilda knowing very well that she would diswade him from it if possibly she could and perhaps divert me also But he did extreamly disapprove of the Kings intention seemed to wonder at it and to vilifie me in such a manner as if I should be the last of all the Court whom he could love Then turning his discourse upon Gondebaut sister said he for so he called her we must upon any terms take some course or other to prevent this businesse from going any farther for though Dorinde has hitherto carried her self very well in the matter yet it is to be feared that a long continuance of Courtship may make her change her mind A place may make a brave resistance to the first and second assault yet yeild at the third besides Love you know is a contagious disease and infects another party Truly brother answered the Princesse I am not well acquainted with the nature of that disease but adhere much unto your opinion of it and therefore I desire your advice I should be very reserved in giving it answered the Prince as well because it concerns my King as because that King is my Father but that the honour of our family and particularly yours dear Sister is at the stake and therefore I shall be the more open and free in giving it Let me tell you therefore that considering the Kings humour and disposition I do foresee much mischief may come of this matter if you if you do not oppose in its first beginning and believe this for certain that when it has once taken root you can never do it or if you do it will be with much heartburning and discontent Let not the disease gather strength it is very dangerous in all diseases but most especially in Love above all others This is my advice at the first and if we find that the disease do yet still increase we must have recourse unto other remedies which time and occasion may discover unto us but above all things make sure that Dorinde do not deceive her self and that she do not deceive you for Love is a thing of such a subtle nature as that it does seise upon a heart unperceived and if it do so in her assure your self Sister your labour will be all lost Such a thing may be answered the Princesse but I fear it not for I know Dorinde to be so discreet and wise that she will never do any act prejudicial unto her self or me The next morning Clotilda took me aside and said thus unto me I have thought Dorinde upon your businesse or indeed ours for I am concerned it it and perhaps more then you are It is a business wherein you must shew both your prudence and your courage your courage in scorning any thing that may wound your reputation and your prudence in doing it so that the King may not be offended either against you or me First you must conceive that the King courts you only to ruine you and that as soon as it is known your honour is lost think upon those noble Ancestors from whom you are descended consider what abundance of hazard and pains they took in getting that reputation which they left unto their posterity I hope you will not be the first that for want of courage will suffer this anciently descended reputation to be stayned as for matter of prudence you must Dorinde fight this enemy not by striving and contending but by flying from him Love is of such a nature as is sooner overcome by flight then resistance and the Love of Kings above all others for puissant Princes are alwayes extreamly offended against any thing which does resist them they are jealous of their power and will at any rate preserve it unresistable I advice you therefore that in the practice of this prudence you do not resist but flye from this enemy that is that you shun all occasions of being in any place where Gondebaut may have any discourse with you and if he chance to find such an opportunity seem as if you did not understand what he said and be so far from being perswaded that he loves you as to seem absolutely ignorant in all matters of love If you carry it so perhaps you may divert his intention or at the least tyer him out and above all be sure that I be advertised of all passages betwixt you and be assured that as long as you do so I will never forsake you This was the sage counsel which Clotilda gave me and which I resolved to follow most punctually as well because of her reasons which she alledged unto me as because I had been formerly deceived by such as used the same language he did in his Letter I returned the Princesse most humble and hearty thanks for the honour of her advice and promised all exact observance Afterwards I kissed her hand in testimony of my devotion unto her service and so went out of the Closset least any should observe or suspect any businesse more then ordinary to be betwixt us The King rested some dayes and never spoke unto me to see what effects his Letter would produce But Ardilan in the mean time was not idle for being a subtle and witty fellow and having found the opportunity of talking with Duriana every morning as she went unto the Temple he had so gained her what by his
disobay in the least then turning towards Ardilan he commanded him to send for a Smith who being brought presently come friend said the King look at the foot of that horse there is a nail that stands higher then the rest pull it out for question lesse that is the cause of his lameness the Smith looking at the horses foot found it presently as the King said and pulling the nail out the horse was as well as before In the mean time Merindor delivered his message and the Governess returned with him bringing another horse for me which the King seeing farewel iaid he unto me all contentment for this day and setting spurs to his horse he rid away the same way that Merindor came leaving me alone with Companion and two Cavaliers that stayed with us The King in the mean time meeting Merindor and his Company go go said he unto him you did not observe that the horse was only stamped with a nail which being pulled out the horse will be as ever he was The King spoke this as he galloped away to shew that this was all he cared and so he rode till he overtook the chase Consider now I beseech you what mortal enemies men are unto us and what abundance of pains they will take to ruine poor women but oh Heaven how hard it is to avoid their treachery especially when we fall into the hands of a subtle person that has authority I had sufficient experience of their falshood and the wounds which their persidy had made in my soul were yet fresh I wanted not any good counsel and yet I must confess the flatteries of Gondebaut were pleasing unto me maugre my resolution and I delighted the submission of so great a King so as I advise all women to beware of such enemies and shun them as Syrens without lending the least care unto them As soon as I was come up to the company I acquainted Clotilda with all that Gondebaut had said unto me and with all my answers and she thought that I had done very prudently in it but when I told her of his invention to lame my horse purposly to speak with me Oh Dorinde said she unto me I am extreamly afraid of some mis-fortune and let me tell you my mind freely that if he do not fall off as soon as you have given him his answer you must marry Madam answered I I hope to carry my self so as shall never displease you but as for marriage I must heartily beseech you let it be the last remedy for I do so much abominate all men living that the very name of a husband is odious unto me and I can never live with one but be most miserable As soon as night came Clotilda acquainted Sigismond with the passage who seeing the freedom of my discourse did plainly perceive that I had no mind to the King but fearing least I should change and desiring to prevent it Sister said he unto her I have a great desire to speak with Dorinde I can discover her intention better then you for you must know that if she do dislike the addresse of the King all his labour will be but lost but on the other side if it please her all our pains will be to no purpose and you may incur much danger I cannot believe her so subtle answered Clotilda as to hide any thing from me and besides if you should sound her she will be much more reserued to you then to me Refer that unto me answered he and after two or three tryals I shall tell you more of my mind The King on the other side told Ardilan all that I had said unto him and it was resolved as necessary that Duriana should be acquainted with the Kings affection unto me for the crafty Ardilan had so tampered with her what by gifts and what by promises of marriages that in all likelyhood she was wholly at his dispose But to set a handsom glosse upon the matter they must seem as if the Kings intention was to marry me thinking by this gilded bait to draw both Duriana and me to swallow the hook sooner The next morning Ardilan failed not to speak unto Duriana after many protestation of affection and promises of marriages Duriana said he unto her to let you see how inseperably in am yours I will trust you with such a secret as if ever it be discovered I am utterly ruined and I will so tye my self unto you by this freedom as you may see nothing can seperate me from you Know therefore Duriana that the King is so extreamly in love with Dorinde that he never enjoys any contentment or rest but when he sees her and yet carries it out so discreetly that I believe none takes any notice of it I protest answered Duriana with much admiration you amaze me in telling me the King loves my Mistris for such persons can hardly love without discovery but I beseech you tell me how does she take it I cannot tell answered he she has not given him his answer but I am sure she is ill advised if she reject such an advantagious fortune Advantagious answered Duriana presently how do you mean it Without all doubt highly advantagious replied he and so perhaps that when you know all you will wonder more for most certainly if she carry her self towards him as she ought to do the King will marry her How how said she and clapped her hands together the King marry Dorinde and my Mistris become Queen of the Burgundians doubtless she may answered he if she will but accept of her fortune Oh Ardilan said she and took him about the neck doubtless you but mock me I protest before Heaven I do not mock answered he and you will find all I say to be most certainly true if she be well advised why should you think it a thing so strange or impossible Do you not remember his affection unto Criseide and how he would have married her And can you think that stranger of a better family or more meritorious then Dorinde No Duriana believe me the King is resolved upon it he has told me as much and I know his mind most perfectly but to tell you truly I am afraid your Mistris is not so well advised as she should be and in lieu of being Queen of the Burgundians will make her self the most miserable woman in all the Kingdom for if ever she acquaint Clotilda with it most certainly she will give her ill counsel and strive to divert her for many reasons especially because she cannot brook that a person so inferiour should become her Lady and Mistris nor obey one who obayes her now Moreover you must know but of this my dear Duriana you must take no notice you must know I say that Clotilda is none of the Kings welwishers the quarrel is irreconcilable for Chilperick her father having usurped the Crown of the Burgundians from Gondebaut his elder brother he took his measures so ill that he
else would help me to undeceive my self One night therefore when she was in bed and according to her custom called me I said unto her not without a blush This candle Madam which I hold in my hand for I alwayes used to hold one by her as I kneeled will let you see that I am ashamed of what I shall say unto you but since it is necessary you should know it my duty bids me not conceale it Be pleased therefore to know Madam that Duriana brought me a very pleassant news this morning but truly Madam I cannot well tell whether I should assume so much boldness as to tell you Dorinde said she out with it freely and boldly and be assured that though it make me angry with him yet it shall make me pleased with you what is it some Letter Oh Madam answered I it is some thing else then a Letter what then said she some present Yes a present answered I and the greatest that could be sent but it is only in words But tell me said she what message did Duriana bring you from him I beseech you Madam said I and smiled first laugh before I tell you for I assure you it will make you laugh when you hear it be pleased to know then that Duriana came to me in post hast when I was in bed to tell me that the King would marry me How replied Clotilda the King marry you Ardilan replied I swore it unto Duriana with a thousand oaths and gave her in charge to tell me as much Oh Sweet-heart replied the Princesse prensently take heed of believing it it is mear poyson under a gilded Pill and will ruine you bid Duriana return this answer that if the Kings intention be honourable and advantagious to you let him acquaint me with it and most certainly I shall never contradict him which if he do not do then believe it that he would deceive you For why should the King marry in secret Or if he would how can he think it will be concealed No no Dorinde assure your self it is not the Kings design but only Ardilans who cares not how he does engage his Master so he can but obtain his desires and therefore my advice is that if you do not presently see these words made good to forbid Duriana strictly from having any farther conference with Ardilan so as he may have no farther hopes of deceiving you I wonder Duriana should have so little discretion as to bring you any such messages assure your self this subtle fellow has suborned her either by gifts or some trick or other and if so I advice you to be rid of her assoon as possibly you can for there is no wisdom in keeping persons of that temper about one Madam replied I I shall be alwayes most observant of all your commands and as for Duriana I do wonder at her as much as you and shall keep such an observant eye over all her actions as I shall discover the truth Some dayes passed before I could find a heart to break off quite with the King for hopes of grandure had so dazled my eyes as caused me to delay it In the time the young Sigismond who was advertised of all passages seeming to divert me from the Kings Love lost no occasion to expresse his own but so cautiously that Clotilda did not perceive it but on the contrary would sooner have believed any thing else but when he was in a place where none could hear his discourse he did nothing else but express his affection and I must needs confess that if I were to chuse the sons Love would have made me reject the Fathers and therefore it was that I never acquainted Clotilda with it as I ought though I knew it to be my duty for I was afraid to incense both the Father and the Son against me at one time One day when we were in the Athenian Gardens for winter was then past and Trees began to put on the livery of the Spring Sigismond who of late was continually amongst us took me under the arm and having seperated me a little from the rest of the Company my dearest fair one said he unto me I assure my self that you cannot chuse but see the extream affection which I have unto you and since it is so it seems somthing strange that no symptomes of any pitty should appear unto you Sir said I unto him though your language he only to make your self merry in jesting with me yet I think my self much obliged unto you for it and be what it will I take it as coming from Prince Sigismond in such a reverential manner as I ought to do Did I think said he that your heart consented unto your tongue I should extreamly complain against you but I know such answers are ordinary in the mouths of such fair ones as you are and therefore I conjure you by what you esteem most dear to tell me whether you do not know that the Prince Sigismond is really in love with you Your conjuration Sir said I unto him has so much prevalency in it as to draw any truth be it never so secret from my soul Be pleased therefore to know Sir that it is true I think you wish me very well but it is no more then you own unto any that honours you as I do Fair one replied he presently you think a right for there is nothing under the Sun more certain then my affection unto you and I will sooner hate my self then not love you in the highest degree These thoughts Sir said I unto him cannot avail you any thing at all and may be very prejudicial unto me These thoughts replied he are they which can give me the greatest contentment that I can hope for in this world and cannot be any way prejudicial unto you for take this as a most infallible maxime that nothing which brings you any displeasure can be pleasing unto me I do know very well Sir said I unto him that Prince Sigismond is courtesie in the very abstract and a servant unto all Ladies in general Truth is replied he I do infinitely honour all your sexe but my fairest it is for your sake Good Sir said I and interrupted him consider this that all the pains you take in your fluent Language admit your words to be true is but so much labour lost and an honour unto me so dearly bought as if ever it be known will undo me for what can you hope for Sir from me And if this Discourse should ever come to be known it would turn to my disadvantage Dorinde answered he with a more serious look I will not say unto you as the King does that I will marry you for I will never deceive you but I will say and swear by all that is Sacred that I wish with all my soul I might marry you And I cannot think that though this should come to be known unto the world any would blame you for it but rather
belching out his venome against Dorinde one of the Temple of Venus did say aloud that one in such a habit as I had came that morning to consult with the Oracle Ardilan hearing this did ask him what answer the Oracle gave I cannot tell applied the man but as I remember the substance of it was that in Forrests they should find a remedy for what they sought after I saw that this wicked varlet went as fast as ever he could towards the Kings Pallace But all this while said the Prince what is become of Dorinde Alas Sir said Dariana I can tell you no more but that I left her at the bridge hid in a bush which is on the other side of the river O God cried the Prince some wolf will devour her O most cruel father if it be lawful for me to call thee so canst thou find a heart to murder me in this manner upon this he was silent and sighed and walked up and down the chamber Afterward he commanded Dariana to go out unto Dorindes house as soon as it was night he bad her fear nothing and commanded Cerastes to conduct her thither in the evening Almost at the same time the Priâ—ce Godomar and the prudent Avitus came in to his chamber and told him how extreamly angry the King was that he had rescued this woman out of the hands of those who were bringing her unto him Father said the Prince unto the wise Avitus I beseech you tell the King that I cannot endure any should do Dorinde a displeasure or any that belongs unto her I will hazard the last drop of my blood but I will make them repent it whosoever they be except the king Let him not think strange at what I have done as for this woman she is as safe in my hands as amongst those varlets that used her so ill and when he pleaseth I will bring her unto him beseech him from me to trouble himself no further for it was I who caused Dorinde to do what she hath done and if he do hinder me from following her so that any harm happen unto that fair one Let him consider that he has no more a son of me for I do solemnly protest that I will not live to be his son any longer O Sir answered the prudent Avitus is it possible that passion should have such a power over you Do you not consider who you are and what duty you ow unto him I know not father answered the Prince who I am but I know what I would be for I wish that I had been in my grave ten years ago Then walking up and down very fast he did nothing for a long while together but sigh so extreamly as if his soul were ready to depart from his body Prince Godomar who loved his brother most tenderly intreated the wise governour to go unto the King and allay his anger as much as he could and in the mean time I will said he use my best arguments to perswade Sigismond unto his duty for I am afraid lest the King through the councel of the wicked Ardilan should make him take some violent course if not prevented by your wise admonitions Avitus who thought he spake very prudently went away without saying any thing to the Prince whose anger had so blinded him as he scarsly saw any thing that was before his eyes When they were alone the young Godomar lockt the dore and after he had walked two or three turns with him he said thus I cannot brother indure to see you thus extreamly troubled and I beseech you most heartily to make use of me and believe that no consideration whatsoever shall make me shrink from any service that you will require from me Brother said Sigismond unto him pardon me if I do not answer you for I am so much distracted by these accidents that I assure you I did not understand what you said I said brother applied Godomar that I am so sotry to see you thus perplexed as I will do you any service in the world you shall command me Brother answered Sigismond I never doubted your kindness unto me but brother said Godomar if you do not imploy it in any service I shall not think you love me for I see how much you are troubled and when will you make use of your friend if not now Brother answered Sigismond I will acquaint you with my perplexities and then we will consider upon the best expedients Brother answered Sigismond you must know that Dorinde is gone and I should have accompanied her but the malice of Ardilan hath hindred me This poor Lady had none with her but Dariana and she has left her as you see so as she is in the wild woods all night long and knows not whither to go but I am most troubled that Ardilan knowing the answer of the Oracle will most undoubtedly acquaint Gondebaut with it and he who is enraged against her because she hath preferred my affection before his will infallibly pursue her and if he find her do her some harm which if he do I vow by Hercules and all the rest of the gods that no respect neither of King nor father shall hinder me from taking such revenge as it shall forever be remembred and that Traitour Ardilan may be sure that I will pull his heart out though he should hide himself in hell The young Godomar stood silent a while and then said unto him I do foresee brother that all these things which you do fear may come to pass for when I was last with the King Ardilan came unto him and told him all that you tell me concerning the Oracle and presently after I saw them whisper together very close and at last the King raising his voice he called for Clorantes the Captain of the guard and after another close consultation with him go said he unto him and prepare your self with all the hast you can and in the mean time your dispatch shall be made I do ingage that he sent Clorantes to follow Dorinde you know that of all the Guard the King hath greatest confidence in him and he the least respect unto us so as if you think good I will tell you what I will do I will with some of my friends take horse and follow after him to hinder him from offering any violence unto that Lady O brother said Sigismond may I exspect so good an office from you I am extreamly offended answered Godomar that you should make any question or doubt of it Brother said he unto him then I beseech you pardon my passion I do accept of your offer and believe it there is no other way under heaven to preserve my life let us then see said Godomar whom I should carry with me and assure your self I will guard Dorinde safe from their hands After some more such discourse as this they advised together which of all the Cavaliers in the court they should chuse who would be faithful unto
added he and smiled that you will defend us from any wrongs we may receive from the beauty of these Ladies whom we see about you Sir answered the Nymph were the defence which you are to undertake no harder then that which you propound unto us the danger would not be great and yet said she with a smiling countenance since generous Cavaliers are obliged to take upon them the protection of Ladies my daughter and I do accept of your offer and we beseech you to consider that we are not able to defend you from those wrongs which you foresee For it were a shame unto so brave and valiant a Prince to look for any relief from Ladies who are feeble and so timerous as we are Upon this Dorinde came and cast her self at his feet to thank for the pains he had teken for her beseeching him not to forsake her and I believe the Mymph Amasis had said something unto her which prompted her thereunto the Prince seeing her in that habit did hardly know her if she had not spoke but knowing her rather by her tongue then face he very graciously took her up and saluted her Fair one said he unto her the Prince Sigismond has so great a care of you that you need not doubt any of those who have any dependency upon him will ever forsake you besides you are now under the wings of this great Nymph who is pleased to honour you so far as to take you into her protection as I have commission from Prince Sigismond my brother ' most humbly to beseech her to do Your virtue and merits will also oblige her unto it and us to assist you in all that we can to the uttermost of our power upon this turning towards Amasis he said unto her in a loud voice The cause Madam of my voyage and why I armed my self was only in defence of this fair one and most-humbly to beseech you that you would be pleased to let her remain safe in your dominions and in requital of the favour the Prince Sigismond my brother and I do promise for us and all our friends to serve you upon all occasions whatsoever Sir answered the Nymph I do receive this fair Lady into my protection as well for her own merits and virtue as at the instance of two such great Princes I do give unto her as much power and freedome as I have my self assuring you she shall sure no worse then Galathea my daughter After such thanks as are usual upon such offers Alcidon saluted Godomar who understanding by Adamas who he was did receive him with so much honour and so kind an aspect as from that day this Prince won the heart and affection of that generous Cavalier At last Godomar after much other such discourse was conducted to his chamber where the Nymphs left him to disarm and refresh himself for it was extreamly hot and whilst his arms were taking off he related unto Periander and Merindor how since they parted he marched a long way without meeting any At the last said he we came to the top of a hill where we discovered all this goodly plain and looking about every way we espied about half a league from us a troop of horse which we thought to be Cloraentes This invited us after we had observed which way they took to take the same track and sometimes upon a Trot and very often upon a Gallop we made such haste we overtook them as they were passing over a little river where they watred their horses We found it to be the Lieutenant unto â—lorantes with fifteen or sixteen horse we understood from him that they divided their Troop where we did ours and because they said that they had commands to be that evening at the same place where they parted I thought it not good to leave them since if by fortune any one of the companies had met with Dorinde we should find them with their Rendezvous Not making my self known unto them one of my men told them that the king having sent us upon the same designe we thought that we could not do better then to stay togeâ—her and help each other if occasion were They were very glad of the motion and so we mâ—rched all the rest of the day together At the evening we came to the place of appointment where we found Cerastes who had met with the very same encounter and who told me that Clorâ—ntes was killed and almost all his Troop as he understood by some wounded men that had escaped That Dorinde was the cause of it and that of necessity it must be the Troop of Bellimartes which had met with this happy encounter You may imagine that the Lieutenant was much astonished at this accident and being a man of courage I saw him resolved to follow after those that had relieved Dâ—rinde knowing that their enemy was but a few in number Then discovering my face I said unto him nay Sir if you intend to revenge Clorantes never look any further for it was I and those that belong unto me that rescued this innocent woman out of his rude hands Tell king Gondebaut it was his son that did it and will do so as ofâ— as I find any Lady injured If he complain tell him that the order of Knighthood which he hath conferred upon me obliged me unto this defence if he dislike the action let him complain against himself for getting such a son that has too much courage to suffer any woman to be injured in his presence and he not relieve her The souldiers were so damped at the sight of me and to hear this language that they were all ready to run away At last doing me that honour which was due unto me they excused themselves as well as they could and were extremely glad when I gave them leave to be gone That night they went no further then the town where we had quartered because their wounded fellows were retired thither but I assure my self that the next day they told Gonâ—ebaut such a story as will not incense him a little against me but when the heat of passion is cooled I hope he will think we have done no more then Cavaliers of honour ought to do As for us when these men were gone because it was very late we lodged in a place which is called Ponsius where we heard the whole story of the combate with Clorantes and that three of our Cavaliers were slain which grieved me extremely And lastly that you had carried Dorinde into this Town for safety This news made me resolve to wend my course this way and not unto the appointed rendezvous Thus Godomar related all his adventure and had dressed himself when Alcander and those of his company came to kiss his hands for though he had seen them yet had he not spoke unto them After he had imbraced them what good fortune my good friends said he unto them brought you hither where I am very glad to see
Your sorrows replied she and smiled are doubtless to be condoled but I do not see which way I am any addition unto them or if I be I am sure it is very innocently That innocency said he is not enough to repair my loss which you have caused without some other cordial Doubtless their discourse had continued longer had they not been interrupted by the same accident which severed Cercinea and me And judge whether destiny did not drive us both unto this affection since the words by which we made the first overtures of our loves unto these Ladies were almost the very same although we did not consult together about it Now though these few words wrought no great effects yet they served at the least to open the eyes of Cercinea and Palanice and let them know that we were in love with them And upon the next opportunity of discourse with them we found not the difficulty so great to make them understand us It was not long before we had that opportunity for when the first dayes of mourning are past it is customary to return those visits which we received and you may well imagine that my brother and I were not very backward in paying such debts unto those fair ones with whom we might have what opportunity of speech we pleased Florice who accompanied us thither and observed that I had talked very long unto Cercinea when we were returned she took me aside and said unto me I forgot brother to advertise you when I shewed you Cercinea that you should have a special care of being surpised by her beauty for she is so engaged another way as I fear you will take abundance of pains for very small contentment O my dear sister answered I your councel comes too late for I am already so deeply engaged that there is no hopes of any retreat till death O Heavens brother cried she I pity you extremely and am very sorry that I was the cause of your seeing her for there is not a beauty in all the countrey more likely to make one in love then she You must know that Clorian brother unto Palanice does so possess her as I believe none whomsoever can divert her from him Sister said I unto her you astonish me extremely in telling me she is so engaged unto a man perhaps answered she I do not mean as you do when I say that she is engaged unto Clorian my meaning is that he being brother unto Palanice and Palanice the most intimate friend of Cercinea and besides the husband which Palanice had for you must know she was married being uncle unto Cercinea and as long as he lived she was alwayes with his wife these considerations hath caused Cercinea to honour her as much as if her husband was living so as Palanice has a great command over her and she loving her brother Clorian extremely well she gives him such access unto Cercinea and has such a hand over her that she dare hardly turn her eye without her leave Not that I will say she loves him or that any thing has passed between them that is unhandsome for she is esteemed to be a very virtuous and discreet Lady But certain it is that she being without father or mother she suffers the sister of Clorian to have so much authority over her as it is not credible any else can be entertain'd If it be so said I that Clorian loves her and that Palanice has all the power why is not the marriage compleated very many answered she who are ignorant of the cause and yet see their affections have asked the same question but in answer to it you must know that Cercinea has two brothers the one of which is extremely in love with Palanice and because he loves him not and to colour it pretends she will not marry again he is resolved that Cercinea shall never marry Clorian unless Palanice take him for her husband and Palanice being obstinate is the cause why Clorians contentment is retarded This sister replied I is the best news you could tel me for certainly if I had no hopes of Cercinea there was no hopes in my life But Sister if you love me let me be acquainted with the Brother of Cercinea that I may if it be possible gain him Brother answered she and smiled I would acquaint you with another secret if I durst and which perhaps may be more advantagious to you Dear Sister said I unto her I conjure you as you love my life conceal nothing that may advantage me in this business for heavens sake out with it since nothing ought to be hidden betwixt us Florice smiled since you desire it so seriously said she I will tell it unto you but Brother upon condition you receive this testimony of my affection to you as the greatest that I can do you Know then that Cercinea has two brothers the elder is called Selenes and the younger Lucindor The elder as I told you is desperately in love with Palanice and Luciâ—dor at this word she stopped and smiled and Lucindor said I is in love with Palanice too Nay nay replyed she and smiled it is not so and then laying her hand upon her eyes which made her more confident to speak she said and Lucindor says he loves me though I do not believe him but I dare boldly say that at my entreaty he will do you the best service he can for I am confident he will not deny me any thing I ask Oh dearest Sister said I and took her hand my life and my death is in your hands and if you do not help me in this condition which you your self have caused you are the most merciless Sister that ever was Oh Heavens Alcander said she unto me what a task do you put upon me And what will Lucindor say of me Do you not consider how I shall engage my self unto him Sister said I very seriously I beseech you hear me and mistake me not but be assured that if my affection to Cercinea were not qualified with all the conditions of a vertuous Love I would rather die then employ you in it I do love her with intention to marry her not abuse her And as for Lucindor he being the Brother of Cercinea I will think him to be a man of merit and if he be why may he not marry you Your young years will not let you continue long in a widowed habit and for my part I will never advise you should Oh Brother replyed she talk no more of that I beseech you for Theombres is yet too fresh in my memory to entertain any such thoughts Oh the grossest piece of folly that ever was replyed I Do not I know that you married him only out of obedience to my Father and yours And what great affection could you therefore have unto him Ah Alcander answered she and smiled you are very pleasantly disposed why might not I conceive affection unto Theombres in three moneths space as well
she took a pair of Scissars and with a trembling hand began to open the Taffaty and found a paper which contained these words The Answer of ROSILION unto the Princcss ROSANIRA YES My Fairest Princess I will hope since you command me But what is it you are pleased I should hope for Oh that it were the honour of your Favour which Favour would raise me above all the good fortunes of men and would surpass all the merits of humanes But it is absolutely impossible for me to give thanks equal unto such superlative benefits She blushed extreamly when she read this Letter and yet she could not chuse but like it thinking that if he were too bold it was she that taught him to commit the fault and therefore easily excused him and lest Merisin or those that waited in the anti-chamber should enter into any suspition she writ back this answer The Princess ROSANIRAS Reply unto ROSILION PErsevere still and hope for that which will afford you most contentment for in doing so you do but as you are allowed But remember that Fidelity Discretion and Silence are the Victimes which ought to be offered upon those Altars on which you will sacrifice Thus lapping up these short lines with more care then did the first she called for one of her women and commanded her to give that Receipt unto Merisin to carry speedily unto his master and to tell him that if he looked in it this time let him never hope for any more Rosilion understood very well what the Princess meant when Merisin delivered his message yet he had such a longing desire to see what answer she returned that he was all impatience to be alone that he might kiss that happy Paper when he received it there was much company with him for he was very well beloved and a Favourite is always followed by many of those flies which use to fly away as soon as any misfortune comes so as to be handsomly rid of them he seemed desirous to take his rest and commanded Merisin to leave him alone and not to come into his chamber till he called for him When he was alone he took the Taffaty and after a thousand kisses he read the Princess Letter with such an excess of joy and contentment as he was hardly able to contain it within the narrow compass of his soul but when he was a little cooler and had long looked upon this paper he remembred that many people were present in the chamber when Merisin delivered his message unto him and especially an old Cavalier whom the King had sent unto him and who without all doubt would make relation of it unto the King again which might move some or perhaps the King himself out of curiosity to see this Receipt He took out that therefore which the Princess had written and placed in lieu of it another paper scribled over with a few odd Characters such as his pen did drop at random and hung it about his neck as he did the Letter And happy it was he did so for the King being desirous that every one should know how much he esteemed Rosilion to the end all the Court might imitate him he himself would needs go visit him as soon as the wound in his thigh would permit him and carried with him the two Princesses Cephise and Rosanira telling them that the great generosity of that Cavalier and the good service which he had done him did very well deserve their extraordinary care of him Though this unexpected visit of the King did surprize him yet the sight of the Princess Rosanira was the height of contentment unto him and such as not knowing what thanks to return for such an unaccustomed favour he could not find words to express his resentments of it Policander came up to him took his hand asked him how he did and whether the Receipt which his daughter had sent him had done him any good Very much Sir answered he and so much that I think I do owe my life unto it 'T is very well answered the King for both she and I are obliged to have a care of your recovery But Daughter said he and turned towards the Princess pray tell me who gave you this Receipt Sir answered Rosanira and was a little surprized it is so long since I first had it that truly I have forgotten who gave it unto me but I do very well remember that whosoever it was he told me that it would not fail yet having no experience of it I laid it up and made no reckoning of it The King then turning towards Rosilion I believe said he that this which you wear about your neck is the Receipt It is Sir answered he and since I found so much benefit by it I would not leave it off Policander very desirous to know what it was did take it from his neck and would have opened it But the Princess who trembled for fear of discovery did presently lay her hand upon it and would not let him Sir said she if you do see what it is it will be unprofitable to Rosilion And did not you see it answered he I did replyed she but it was because otherwise I could not make it yet if any other see it the vertue of it is lost These superstitions said Policander are to be observed by little children and their Nurses and to tell you truly I have known so many of these kind of Receipts which never wrought any effect that I will see what this is Then calling for a pair of scissars he opened the Taffaty and took out the paper Judge Madam in what a perplexity Rosanira was she was indeed more dead then alive and could not devise what excuse she could use to cover the crime which she had committed yet when she saw it was not the same paper which she had written she took a little heart but she was presently surprized with a second fear not inferiour to the first for she thought it to be some reply which Rosilion intended to send but casting her eye upon him she saw him smile which gave her some courage and more when she observed that nothing but Cyphers and Figures were in the paper Oh how glad she was and how she applauded the prudence of him whom a little before she condemned for suffering it so easily to be seen when it so nearly concerned his life What Daughter said he and was astonished after he had a while considered it does your Receipt consist of nothing but such odd Characters and scriblings as this You see Sir said she and smiled all there is I hope then said the King and laughed that it will cure me if I be ill Then lapping up the paper as it was he put it himself about Rosilions neck who kissing his hand assured him that he had received so much good from it that he would keep it most carefully as long as he lived But said the Princess it will not now do you any good
arguments to exasperate those Kings and prompt them to revenge all who remembring their particular injuries which they had received and finding arms ready in their hands they all agreed without more delay to fall into the Dominions of King Policander whom they found sleeping in a dull security all unarmed and never dreaming of such an unexpected invasion A long and drowsie peace had so lulled him asleep that he had lost all his old souldiers and he knew not where to get new ones besides the people were all so drowned in an universal tranquility that they hardly knew what a sword was It was an easie matter for Celiodantes finding him in this condition to foil him at every encounter Now the Queens designe was observe what a strange animosity she had against Policander either to make the son kill the father in this warre or else the father to kill the son and though they knew not themselves to be father and son yet it was a great satisfaction unto her to know that she was so revenged Policander did what he could in this urgent extremity and making a virtue of necessity did muster together some Cavaliers as well of his own Vassals as of his Allies and took the field with the Prince Arionthes his son And though he knew it was full of danger to hazard a battel yet not being able to endure to see what plunder and ravage our Army made in his Dominions although he was the weaker yet he resolved to venture it I will passe over all the circumstances of the battle and only tell you that Celiodantes got the day and Arionthes the only son of Policander was killed and that the father had much ado to save himself by getting into Avarick with some reliques of his broken Army but the inhabitants of that town and those that fled thither were so affrighted that I believe if our Army had pursued close the gates had been opened unto them But it was thought better to forrage the countrey for victuals and so besiege that great City which they foresaw would continue long because it was fortified with great ditches Towers and Ramparts and because of the great abundance of men as well burgers as strangers which fled thither but the main aim was the person of Policander who against the opinion of his councel would needs shut up himself in the Town with a resolution to be buried in the ruines of his Kingdome The Corps of Arionthes was found amongst the dead and with all honour and civility sent unto his father to shew that hatred did not go beyond life nor that any revenge should be taken of the dead Policander received the body of his son with a dry eye and shewed so much constancy and magnanimity in the sad conjuncture of woes that the virtue of this King began to melt the enraged heart of the Queen and in some sort to pity his misfortune Come come Argira said she unto her self canst thou find a heart to see him who once loved thee to be so miserable is the sight of thee so fatal as to bring ruine upon all those that look upon thee Consider that he whose Kingdome thou wouldst now demolish and whose life thou wouldst have is the same person whom once thou didst love above all the world and one who is the father of thy son Is his fault without any excuse and though it be wilt thou remember one single displeasure more then all the services which thou hast received from him These considerations and many more such like did so mollifie her heart that she began to seek for a good pretence of letting him alone in Peace and to withdraw our Army out of his Dominions but not daring to declare her mind unto any lest she should offend the united Kings she laid siege before Avarick her design was when she consented to the siege to make Policander her prisoner and then after she had made him acknowledge his offence to restore him unto his Crown of Kingdomes But things fell out farre otherwise for a while after Rosilion who was following his adventures in Germany and the Macromands he was advertised by common fame how these Kings had invaded the King of the Boyers and how he was blockt up in the City of Avarick which could not long hold out When he first heard this news he could not believe it because he knew Policander to be a King of great equity and Justice and would not give any of his neighbours the least occasion of warre Yet not to slight it he wended his course towards the Boyers and Ambaries And by fortune as he was going out of the Countrey of the Lepontes he met a messenger which the Princess Rosanira had sent unto him who had wandered several dayes all over the Alps after the fame of his exploits he met with him then in this place and because Rosilion han not changed his arms he knew him by the Lion that he wore upon his shield with some strange words which he had taken for his devise which was a cause that many called him the Knight of the Lion Sir said he unto him and presented the Letters from Rosanira I have been in quest of you above this moneth to tell you that you are extremely desired by her that writ this Letter and wish'd for by all the Boyers as the only remedy and hopes they have in all their misfortunes Rosilion gave no answer but opened the Letter and found these words The Princess ROSANIRAS Letter unto ROSILION YOur victories are great but not so great as our misfortunes our Army is defeated all the countrey undone Arionthes dead and Policander and Rosanira lockt up in their lost town Iudge you whether this be not a large field in which Rosilion may imploy his Arms and his Courage I shall not need Madam to relate the astonishment and sorrows of Rosilion when he had read the Letter and heard all the particulars from the mouth of the Messenger But so it was that taking the way towards the Boyens and making all the haste his Horse would give him leave he came into the Territories of King Policander where he found many Cavaliers and Officers already assembled and wanted nothing but a General whom they would obey for the principal of the Boyens and Ambares some were slain with the Prince Arionâ—hes and others were shut up with Policander in Avaricke so as these who wanted no good will but only a General to conduct them received Rosilion with a common consent as well for the love they knew the King bore unto him as for the brave exploits which Fame had reported of him And though the number of these Cavaliers and Souldiers were not above five hundred Horse and three thousand Foot and though our Army consisted of above eight thousand Horse and forty thousand Foot yet Rosilion trusting in the justice of Policanders cause and in the good Fortune which alwaies accompanied him he was not at all dismayed
if Rosilion had not been yet they united both against him and contracted friendship so far as to ruine their common enemy and doubtless to ruine one another after if they could The wise Orontes heard of all these passages he thought either one or both of these men might be made fit instruments for his designe He addressed himself therefore unto them he made the overture of Peace and so advantagious were his propositions to Policander that they embraced them conceiving there was no better way to put Rosilion by his pretensions then this And though the marriage of Celiodantes did blast all the hopes of their own children yet they liked better to fall into the hands of the King of Picts who would be obliged unto them then into the hands of Rosilion whose fortune hung all at the point of his Sword Both of them therefore receiving this overture of peace very willingly and desiring to promote it they consulted together to speak unto the King but severally to the end he might not think it a compact against Rosilion And they carried it so prudently and used so much artifice that Policander after some kind of difficulty by reason of his promise unto Rosilion and after their proposition of giving Cephise in lieu of Rosanira he consented unto it knowing very well that the marriage betwixt Celiodantes and Rosanira was the only Cement of this peace which he apprehended to be so advantageous to him Sir said they unto him We beseech you consider in what condition you were not long since and in what by the great mercy of God you are in now your prudence bids you not to lose that good fortune which presents it self for a few slight considerations Never was any King of the Boyers so great and redoubtable as you may be if you will consent unto this match adding thereby unto your own crown besides so many Alliances which the King Celiodantes will bring you two great kingdomes which he enjoyes All which advantages you can never pretend unto if you give the Princess unto Rosilion who though a man indeed of great merit yet has he no estate but his sword besides Sir the Princes and Lords who are Subjects unto your Crown will stomach more then they make appear to be by your will subjected unto one who they saw within these few years a slave sold by a Merchant Assure your self Sir if you will please to honour them so far as to ask their opinions they will with bonefires and all expressions of joy approve of this last proposition And as for the services which Rosilion hath done unto your Crown will he not be recompenced to the full if he be made King of the Lemovices a state so full of Cavaliers and great men that there is not a Prince in all Gaul but might 〈◊〉 be contented with it But say Sir this recompence should not be made ye◠〈◊〉 he be so faithful and affectionate to your service as you believe him he will not look upon his own interests but will be the first to advise you unto this peace upon these propositions but if his ambition have so blinded his eyes as he will not see the good of your state Prudence Sir will bid you look to your self for his obligations unto you are such as though he gave you his life yet were he still your debtour They added many other advantageous arguments to further their designes and used such Rhetorique as moved the King to follow their counsels and he gave them commission to conclude this Peace and Alliance And at the same time left Rosilion seeing himself disappointed of his hopes and having the command of the Army should do him any ill service he dispatched a messenger to give him many thanks and commendations to command him at the same time to come presently unto him and to refer the charge of the Army unto the Marshal of the Boyers a man whose fidelity Policander could not suspect These things could not be carried so close but Rosanira was some way or other advertised of them and she received the news very sadly For she loved Rosilion and harboured at her heart a secret hatred against Celiodantes because of her brothers death whereof she said him to be the Authour so as not knowing any better remedy she resolved to acquaint Rosilion with all possible speed to the end he might break off this pernicious designe before it was fully concluded The messenger whom she sent unto him made such extraordinary haste that he delivered Rosaniras Letter unto Rosilion two dayes before Policanders came unto him So as if he had been so minded as to do the King any ill service he might easily have done it but any such designs were so farre from his thoughts that on the contrary he imployed his time in making more haste to take a Town that was besieged and to find out some handsome excuse for quitting the Army and taking that journey which the Princess commanded And indeed he took such pains that the very same day the Kings messenger came to the Army he forced the Town by a general assault where he shewed so much valour and Prudence that if he had continued but a moneth longer in the Army there had been no need of making any other peace but that of conquest for there was only a few small Towns and some petty Islands which remained in the power of the enemy As soon as ever he received the Kings command he obeyed it and leaving behind him very good orders for the Army he came in all possible post haste unto him and gave him an accompt of his charge and state of the Army and how near he was to the obtaining of a perfect and entire victory Policander thanked him made him as welcome as possibly he could and told him that when he had a little refreshed himself after his journey he would communicate unto him the cause of his sending for him So without saying any more he let him go to his lodging Rosilion who was not ignorant of the Kings intention had much ado to conceal his knowledge yet fearing to offend the Princess he constrained himself and so disguised his looks that the King was ignorant of his knowing any thing but impatiently longing to see Rosanira as well because he had been long deprived of that happiness as to understand more at large what she had writ unto him in a few words therefore he went unto her whom he found in the same mind he left her but extremely afflicted at the resolution of the King her father to bestow her upon King Celiodantes upon a Treaty of peace but because many eyes were upon her and lest passion should make appear the good correspondeney betwixt them she told him in a low voice that if he would meet her after supper in the place where they were wont to walk they would talk together without so many witnesses of their actions upon this she retired leaving Rosilion
also to receive those places which Policanders Forces held and to restore them unto those Kings to whom they of right belonged Also to release all prisoners on both sides according to the Letters which Policander writ unto the General and Officers of his Army So as the next morning Orontes went again unto the Queen to communicate unto her all those Commissions which he had and to beseech her he might put them in execution But she slept on so as it was very late before he could be admitted unto any speech with her And when her Lady of Honour told her that he desired to speak with her Sweetheart said she unto her I am but in a very ill condition to hear of any business but since his affairs are so pressing bid him do as the King his master has commanded him and so turned to the other side As soon as Orontes had gotten this permission he assembled together all the Magistrates and Principal Cavaliers to whom he imparted the news of this peace and commanded them to publish and observe it in all the Provinces of the Kingdom And after he had taken in all those places which Policanders men detained he went unto the General of the Boyens and Ambarres Army which was upon the Armorique Coast where he was still continuing his last victories whom he acquainted with Policanders will and who had already received the same intelligence by one of his principal Officers Peace was presently proclaimed and places and prisoners generally rendred and released and so welcome was the news to all sides that even those who had the advantage were glad of it so weary were all of war and desirous of peace In the mean time Orontes advertised the King his master how Argira received the news of Peace and of his marriage at which he did not wonder no more then Policander both being of opinion that it was an effect of the ill will which she bore unto the King of the Boyens but they made no great reckoning of it assuring themselves that time would salve the sore and she be as well contented as either of them The consummation of the marriage was deferred only till the return of Orontes and those whom Policander had sent to see the Treaty performed on both sides And one morning as Policander was going to the Temple according to his custom a poor fellow seeing him pass by and not suffered by the Guards to come near him King Policander cryed he out in a loud voice Command that I may tell you my name and so as none may hear me The King casting his eyes upon him and seeing him to be an old ragged fellow did think him to be one that would beg and being ever of a charitable inclination he commanded his Almoner to give him somthing Upon this the poor man cryed louder No no King I come not to beg though perhaps I have need enough but only to tell you my name Those who heard him thought him to be some mad man and therefore would have repulsed him but the King looking better upon him did remember that he had formerly seen him and commanded to let him come nearer The poor man kneeling down upon the ground and in a better posture then his habit promised Sir said he in so low a voice that none could hear but the King I am Veronces Policander hearing that name presently remembred both by his voice and gesture that it was the same Veronces who served him when he courted Argira and whom he left with her so as being astonished to see him so unexpectedly after a long opinion of his death he could not chuse but cast his arms about his neck and embrace him as affectionately as if he had been his son Every one wondered at these extraordinary caresses but the King called for one of the Officers in his chamber and commanded him to treat that man very kindly to put good clothes upon his back and money in his purse and at night to conduct him to his chamber Veronces was so over-joyed to see the King acknowledge him that he could not speak a word more but cryed for joy At night the Officer conducted him into the Kings chamber who after some fresh caresses asked him where he had been lost so long Sir answered he the question which you are pleased to ask is of too great importance to be answered before so much company and therefore I beseech you let it be in private Policander then taking him by the hand and thinking it to be some business which concerned the Queen Argira he carried him into his Closet where Veronces seeing himself alone with the King he began thus I have wondred Sir a thousand times when I was in the Abyss of my misery why the Gods should keep me so long alive thinking that if the afflictions of men were equally divided I have suffered above my share and more then any other upon this consideration I must needs confess I did somtimes begin to murmure against the wise Government of the Gods and accuse them of injustice for having so little care of humanes But now when I see their all-wise providence in preserving me to do you a service of such importance I must needs say they are all-wisdom and goodness in keeping me alive and conducting me opportunely unto this place where I do not think any but my self can shew you the greatest errour that ever could happen in your Family Be pleased therefore to know Sir that since you commanded me to stay with the Princess Argira who was presently after Queen of the Santons and since by the death of the King her Father was Queen also of the Picts I may say my life hath been nothing but a continual chain of miseries and disasters one no sooner ended but another immediately began and I think Fortune would never have been tyred with tormenting me had it not been to do you service But I think this favour so great that I think all my past torments and miserable time well employed since I have so much life left as to serve my master Imagine Sir that in seeing Veronces you see a messenger of God sent unto you or rather a soul that has been retained at least these twenty years in hell has at last got leave to pass over the River Styx purposely to advise you of a fault which would have eclipsed all your glory made all your contentments bitter and have sunk you in sorrows For the truth is Sir I have been prisoner these twenty years without any hopes of liberty until this general Peace by which I receive the favour of heaven and the light of the Sun which has been so long a stranger to my eyes Enjoying therefore this benefit I came to understand that you are giving the Princess Rosanira unto the King Celiodantes in marriage As soon as I heard this news I made all the haste I could unto you to speak with you before the marriage be consummated
marriage But in that there was no need of any addresses unto me for you had commission ample enough for it without my approbation Madam answered Orontes 't is most true I had such commission but it was with a limitation to act in it according unto your pleasure and I am to beseech you from Policander and your Son you would be pleased to take so much pains as to be at the Celebration of the marriage Did not you tell me said she and interrupted that the marriage was already past Pardon me Madam I most humbly beseech you said he I might perhaps tell you that the marriage and the Articles of peace were concluded upon but the consummation of the marriage was not to be before your health would permit you to be there or till you excused your self O Orontes cryed she out with a joyful countenance how I have been tormented since your first coming by not understanding the businesse of your voyage for you must know that when I understood the King my Son made so small accompt of me it did so grieve me to the soul that my life has been odious unto me O Madam replied Orontes entertain no such opinion I beseech you but believe though he used all the expedition he could in concluding the peace without imparting it unto you because he thought it so necessary and and advantageous to make himself King of two great kingdomes that he thought you would blame him if he used any delay yet for the marriage assure your self Madam he was not so hasty since the retardment of it could not be of such importance and the King Policander himself desires you should be present at it The Queen upon this so changed her countenance as if she had not been the same and took order for her departure the next morning Policander supposed that the Queen had prudently concealed the cause of her displeasure from Orontes and he longed extremely to hear the relation of Verances confirmed from her own mouth The Queen being arived and received with all the honours that Policander could do unto her and to the general joyes of all except Rosanira who by reason of her affection unto Rosilion could not in heart approve of this marriage with Celiodantes The next morning King Policander went to visit her and after all Ceremonies of civility and complement she desited to speak with him only in the presence of the Princess Rosanira and the King her Son so as every one quitting the room but they the Queen began in this manner I am sure Policander when first you resented the fury of my Sons Arms and of those united with him by my contrivance to your ruine you were then not a little astonished Do you remember what affection I shewed unto you when as a Knight errant you came into the Court of the King my Father if you do you could not expect a lesse revenge upon your ingratitude from my wrong'd affection and when you have heard me out you will confesse that love and hatred had never so strong an influence upon any as it had upon the Soul of Argira But you Madam said she unto the Princess I beseech you wave your ill opinion of me until you know by experience what power these two passions of love and hatred have over a Soul that loves well And you Son said she unto Celiodantes stay until the end of my discourse and then I assure my self you will commend my fault and think your self beholding unto me Then beginning her discourse at the arival of Policander in the Court of the King of Picts she related all his Courtship of her and the promises which she received from him not concealing any particulars of their affection how closly she carried her being with child and her delivery The sorrows she resented when she heard he had married Clorisena contrary to his promise how she was forced by her fathers command to marry the King of the Santons by whom she had a Son She represented her grief to see this Son alwayes with her and to be deprived of the other her resolution was to change them her contrivances about it her curiosity to know the Fortunes of these children from the Sibil Mesuline whose answer she still kept in writing how she put the true Celiodantes into the hands of Verances and how extremely grieved she was when she thought them both lost The King Policander who knew all these things from Verances he was not so much astonished as the rest But Celiodantes who saw himself deprived of Rosanira and of two kingdomes of which he thought to be Legitimate Lord he was strangely confounded yet it was no small contentment unto him to see he had found such a father as Policander whose virtue and valour was held in high esteem amongst all the Princes of his time And to hide his discontents when the King his father opened his arms to embrace him he kneeled down and said Sir although I have this day lost that which I loved most dear yet the Princess Rosanira will give me leave to rejoyce that I have found such a Father as the great King Policander Son said he wives if one be lost another may be found so cannot fathers especially such as I shall be unto you And for my part I think this day the happyest I ever lived since in it I have found a Treasure which I esteem more then my Life and since now I find that never was any Cavalier more obliged to a Lady then Policander is unto the Queen Argira your mother Then raising him up and kissing him he suffered him to kisse Rosanira as his sister who made it appear by her eyes that she loved him much better as a Brother then as a Husband In the mean while King Policander addressing himself unto the Queen Argira I beseech you Madam said he unto her Did you never since hear of the true Celiodantes nor of Verances Never answered she though I have made all the enquiry that possibly I could and yet I am in some assured hopes he is not lost by reason of the Prediction which I received from the Sybil Melusine For it is not probable she should be a lyer only in this before you say any more Madam said the King I would have you see one who perhaps may tell you some news of him then going himself to the door he brought in Verances and taking him by the hand presented him to the Queen Madam said he unto her do you know this man As soon as she cast her eye upon him although he was grown very old and lean yet she cried out Ah Verances where is the charge I committed into your hands Verances kneeling down upon the ground with tears in his eyes Madam said he unto her force and violence hath disabled me from giving you a good accompt O ye gods cryed she and joyned her hands together is my Son lost and is the Sybil a lyar Tell me Verances said she
Gods said she must the Sybil be a Liar only unto me Here is thy prediction oh Melusine said she and pulled a paper out of her pocket written with thy own hand I must to my grief upbraid thee with it and tell the world thou art an Impostor a Deceiver and not to be believed The King then taking the paper and reading it he did admire it that the Sybil should so foresee all that hapned unto her son and the incestuous marriage which was intended But when he read these words In Forrests where shall be Prince Godomar The other shall his senses there recover Then Fate shall kind be both to one and other Oh Madam cryed he out Do not condemn this great Sybil. Then taking Verances by the hand Verances said he in what place do they say the childe was sold Alas Sir answered he they know nothing but that he was sent up the River Loyre with other Merchandise Well replyed the King what age might the childe be then About six years old answered Verances Was he black or fair said the King Sir said Verances he was the fairest childe that ever eye beheld fair hair and curled full eyes and lively visage somthing oval complexion fresh and delicate big for his age and full made in all proportions so handsom and in every action so becoming as it was impossible to see and not to love him What was his name said the King His right name answered Verances was Celiodantes but lest he should be known I gave him the name of Kinicson by reason of a stone which had that name writ about it and which the Queen did put about his neck Oh ye infinite Gods cryed out Policander lifting up his hands and eyes to heaven open our eyes that we may find out the truth which hath been so obscurely hid from our eyes Then turning towards the Queen Madam said he unto her as you have given me one son so I will give you another unless I be the most mistaken man alive For tell me Daughter said he unto the Princess Rosanira do you remember the name which Rosilion had when the Merchants presented him unto me Sir answered she almost out of her self his name was as you may see writ upon this stone which formerly he gave me when he waited upon the Princess my Sister and me for said she having nothing else to give me for a New-years gift when they gathered the Misleto of the New year he gave me this then pulling it out of her breast I have ever since kept it said she because he told me it was very fortunate The King no sooner saw it but he knew it to be the very same which he himself had long worn and afterwards gave it unto the Queen Argira who also as soon as she cast her eye upon it she cryed out and said Oh happy mark of my past contentments I do demand of thee him unto whom I gave thee whom if thou dost restore unto me I will call the most fortunate stone that ever was then she kissed it and laid it unto her breast But all this was nothing to the joys of Verances when he saw it for truly he seemed to be absolutely out of his wits The Princess who durst not shew her joys for fear of giving too much knowledge of her affection unto Rosilion she waited with extream impatience until he was fully known that she might be a sharer in their demonstrations of joy In the mean time the King taking the stone and reading the inscription about the Lyon he found it to be Kinic Kinicson which signifies a King the son of a King Here is the name said he which he had when the Merchants sold him unto me as a slave for I do very well remember it and that afterwards when he killed the Lion which was ready to devour me I changed it into Rosilion as well in memory of that generous act as because he was my daughters Cavalier and from Rosanira and the Lion I formed the name Rosilion When he was first brought unto me he was about the same age which Verances mentions his face was according to his description and all circumstances makes me believe Rosilion to be the same whom the Queen lost And yet I conceive that a business of this importance ought not to be divulged until some more certain testimonies appear for this stone might be taken from him and put upon another and that name might be given unto him by chance especially seeing him so handsome as he might well be thought worthy of that name which indeed does signifie the Son of a King and therefore before any notice be taken I would have it made out by more infallible circumstances and proofs Sir said Verances presently he loved me so well as I am confident that as soon as he hears my name he will know me If I do see him said the Queen I can know him by a most undoubted mark for I remember that when I put him into the hands of Verances I was in some fears of losing him and therefore to know him would have given him a mark with a hot Iron and looking which was the most convenient place I found upon his hand a Rose so perfect that I thought it mark sufficient Oh Madam said the Princess presently assure your self then that Rosilion is your son for I have seen a Rose upon his left hand so perfectly drawn by Nature as is beyond all imitation of Art Oh Sir said the Queen and clapped her hands together what can you desire more Is it possible to give more certain assurances The name the age the stone the merchants and the mark upon his hand makes it most apparent that he is the very same and above all the prediction of the Sybil Melusine puts in out of all doubt considering the condition wherein he is Madam said Verances I most humbly beseech you give me leave to go unto him and speak with him before he hear any thing of this news and I shall give you a most perfect account Upon this he went presently to the Lodging of Rosilion whose malady was not at that time in its height of Fury but only a distraction of the understanding which made him conceit himself somtimes to be in the Army and commanding as if he were the General otherwhiles he fancied that he saw Rosanira and spoke unto her somtimes he would upbraid the King with breach of promise and such conceptions And when he fell into these humours he would talk so temperately and urge such solid reasons and arguments that if he did not somtimes rove presently from one thing unto another one would not have judged him to be out of his senses When Verances came unto him he was walking up and down the chamber and said not a word but as soon as he was told that Rosanira had sent to visit him he left walking and received him whom they presented unto him so very kindly and gave
cure of the Prince Rosilion especially because it is impossible but the business will be divulged if it be retarded since there are many in your Train who know of it And since the sacrifice is already resolved upon and prepared for the Shepherd Adrastes the deferring of it would give occasion unto many to seek out for the cause of it and perhaps find it out But besides all these considerations the important affairs now in agitation and which the Nymph will impart unto you do require a speedy course to be taken in it so as Madam without more delay let it be effected to morrow Father said the queen you motion a thing which suits much with my approbation though I durst not trouble the Nymph so far as to move it but since her service requires it so I beseech you let us joyn our petitions together for a speedy conclusion of it Adamas then turning towards the Nymph Madam said he unto her if you please I shall see the sacrifice in readiness and shall acquaint the high Priest and Prince Godomar and therefore I beseech you give this satisfaction unto the queen The Nymph consented and sending for Galathea she retired and left the queen Argira to as much rest as her troubled soul would give her leave to take The next morning the high Priest accompanied with many Flamins and the most part of the Colledge of Augustalians presented himself before the Nymph to let her understand what was necessary to be done in the publique action which she intended and amongst other things that she should chuse a Soveraign Magistrate unto whom she should refer the Soveraign Power as long as the business was in hand For said he this Ceremony did come from Numa Pompilius and at that time Rome was under the command of Kings and it was they who were wont to drive the Nail But after Kings were abolished they used always to elect a Dictator For this solemn action must not be performed by any but such a one as hath no superiour unless the Gods Now Madam I present these things unto you that you may put in effect those good and pious intentions which you have towards Adrastes and the other stranger and in order thereunto to make choise of him who being made Soveraign Magistrate may execute all conditions necessary For though Madam you be the Soveraign Lady of the Country yet according unto our Customs you are not capable of medling herein because in all sacrifices unto Jupiter men only must be ministers The Nymph who was already advertized of the necessity in making this election and who also thought it advantagious to her affairs yet seeming to have no other design but the care of these two Persons Father answered she I am so much desirous to obtain this favour from the gods that I intend not only to make choise of such a man so quallified as you mention but also to do any thing else that you shall think either expedient or necessary and since we are not well experienced in such solemn Actions I pray give me a full relation of all that is to be be done Madam said the high Priest two things are necessary to be done The one a sacrifice the other an election of a soveraign Magistrate for after the sacrifice offered unto Jupiter and Minerva he whom you chuse must drive a nail of brass which we must consecrate and make pure and clean with Lustralian water into the wall of Jupiters Temple which is towards the Sanctuary of Minerva and this to be done after the nail hath three times touched the temples of the diseased person Then for the sacrifice we will take such order as it shall be in readiness at what hour to morrow you shall please to appoint But Madam as for the election of this Soveraign it is requisite you make choise of him to day publickly and that you give unto him a Scepter a Globe as formerly they were wont at Rome and because that was a Republique and every one had a share in it that Dictatour was chosen by the votes and suffrages of all the people but in this place where you have the sole interest you alone must make this election so it be in publick that every one may know your intention Adamas understanding that the Ceremony was to be performed in this manner Madam said he unto her knowing it your pleasure to observe all these things I have-taken order for all things requisite in this election so as they have already begun to erect scaffolds and I assure my self that presently after dinner all things will be in readiness After this the Nymph appointing the high Priest to take order for the sacrifice next morning she referred the ordering of all the rest unto the Druide intending presently after dinner to make this Election unto which the Prince Godomar Alcedon Damon and Adamas were of opinion that it was requisite to summon Polemas to the end he might have no colour or excuse for the Arms which was in a low voice commonly spoken that he was preparing And though the Nymph knew very well he would not come yet she approved of their opinions and dispatched Clindor presently unto him On the other side Prince Godomar thinking it necessary to advertise the Prince Sigismond of all passages and being unwilling to imploy any of his own men left he should receive some course treatment from King Gondebaut he beseeched the Nymph to permit that Leontidas the son of Clindor might be the man conceiving him to be man of courage and wit and a person whom he might trust in the business since Dorinde lay at his house and since he believed that she had acquainted him with the cause of her coming The Nymph liked very well of it and sent Letters by him unto the King unto Prince Sigismond and unto the Princess Clotilda Unto the King by way of joy for the honour she received from the presence of Prince Godomar his son not taking notice that she knew any thing of the cause which moved him thither Unto Prince Sigismond by way of assurance to give Dorinde for his sake all possible assistance and unto Clotilda to desire the continuation of her favours And because Godomar thought that perhaps the King would not suffer Leontidas to see his brother he advised him to go unto him secretly if he could the night before and to speak unto Gondebaut according to the advice of Sigismond having then given him full instructions and Dorindes picture he recommended him unto the Protection of Tharamis Dorinde on the other side who as she thought had so much cause to complain against all men in general and in particular against Sigismond she knew not what message to send unto him for when she remembred how she was left all night in the wood in expectation of him she could not afford him a good thought when she considered what Godomar told her sometimes she thought him partial and spoke in
in every corner was advertised of all the passages concerning this Ceremony as well of the election of Prince Godomar as the recovery of the two distracted persons and also of Queen Argiras expressions of interesting her self in the Protection of the Nymph when she declared her self to be a Queen He was advertised also of one Dorinde a Lady that fled into Marcelles but though he heard of the combate about her upon the banks of Lignon yet he knew not the cause and when he was thinking seriously upon these things he was advertised of some Cavaliers strangers who desired to speak with him and who came as they said from King Gondebaut Polemas commanded they should enter and after a very honourable reception of them the chief of them spoke thus The King my master Sir who loves you as well as any neighbour he hath has sent me to acquaint you that he hath great occasion to complain against the Nymph Amasis who values his friendship at so low a rate as that she harbours within her Dominions those who have most traiterously assassinated Clorantes the Captain of his Guard who would have took out of their hands a woman which run away from the Princess Clotilda after she had committed most foul crimes which are unfit to be published in respect of the Princess honour And though the Prince Godomar whom he disclaims for his son be the chief of those against whom he complains yet he conceives the Nymph ought not to receive such runagate subjects of his without his consent he hath sent me to make these complaints unto you and commanded me to tell you that he would gladly live in peace with his friends and that offences committed against their wills shall not make any separation betwixt him and them and therefore if you think it expedient I will go unto Marcelles and declare unto the Nymph how much the King my master is offended I will demand from her a restitution of Prince Godomar and Dorinde or else declare open war And in testimony that all I say is true here Sir is a Letter from the King my Master unto you Upon this Polemas took the Letter Cavalier answered he I am very sorry the Nymph has given any cause of discontent unto that great King If she would be ruled by my advice no such complaints should ever be but truly these new Councellours go upon Maximes which are much contrary unto mine and such truly as I do not understand I pray god she do not repent of them when it is too late Then opening the Letter which he found to be a Letter of Credence The King said he unto the Cavalier tells me I may believe whatsoever you shall say unto me from him and therefore speak freely your mind for there is no Prince upon the earth whom I take to be my master but yours The stranger upon this thanked for his favourable declaration and beseeched that he might speak unto him in a place where there was fewer witnesses Polemas then taking him by the hand he carried him into a private closset and shut the door The stranger then began to speak and told him of the Kings affection unto Dorinde yet in as favourable a sense for his Master as possibly he could of the love of the Prince Sigismond unto the same woman of the Kings just anger when he heard that the Prince intended to marry her of the Kings design in marrying her unto Periander or Merindor to divert that Prince of the detention of that Prince of the Kings command unto Clorantes to follow her of Prince Godomars going out of Lyons with many Cavaliers of Ardilans death whom the Prince Godomar killed at the gate of the Town and briefly how Clorantes was killed with almost all his company as he was in quest of Dorinde whom he found in the habit of a Shepherdess upon the banks of Lignon Now Sir continued he the King is informed that this Dorinde and the Prince Godomar are fled into Marcelles and that the Nymph hath promised to protect them How to protect them said Polemas hath she invested the Prince Godomar with absolute Authority in all her Dominions Yes Sir replied the stranger and hath thereby so disobliged the King that he is fully determined to come himself and fetch him out of Marcelles But that you may know how much you are obliged unto the King he lets you know that this is the nick of time to put your generous design into execution for Clidamant is dead How said Polemas is Clidamant dead why Sir said the stranger did you not know that before It is long since the King sent you word of it but I verily believe the Letter which imported it was intercepted by the death of Clorantes but be pleased to know that dead he is and Lindamor so wounded that there is no hopes of his life also all those that were under his conduct are squandered and gone O heavens said Polemas this is news beyond my hopes now Sir said the stranger the King to testifie his affection unto you will under colour of Prince Godomar and Dorinde raise a great Army against the Nymph and will himself in person come and besiege Marcelles he will invest you with the Soveraign Authority make you Count of the Segusians and content himself that you should only hold it of him as Duke and Earl of the Burgundians thinking your merits and affection unto him alwayes expressed does deserve no less then his assistance upon this occasion The joyes and thanks of Polemas were great and his promises and protestations were greater but indeed his joyes were extream for Clidemant and Lindamor were two great rubs unto him the one to his ambition and the other to his affection and they being thus removed gave him assured hopes in his designe He desired the stranger therefore that he might impart this news unto four of his friends whose advice he used in all affairs and calling for Ligonias Peledontes Argonides and Listander he related the whole matter unto them whereat they seemed so extremely transported with joy that they were hardly themselves At last it was resolved upon that this Cavalier should go unto the Nymph and demand the Prince Godomar and Dorinde and in case she would not restore them as they verily believed she would not then to declare war from the King of the Burgundians and lest he should receive any harm either in going or coming Polemas should appoint him a Convoy of six Troops of Horse So in this resolution they parted The same night Climanthes came to Polemas to relate unto him all that he had said unto Leonide and Silvia But Polemas having not so much patience as to hear out all his discourse he embraced him Oh my dear friend said he unto him I have other kind of news to impart unto you Clidemant and Lindamore are dead with all their men and the King of the Burgundians will come himself and make me Count of the
enough unto them and all those that were instrumental in it But she was afraid left Rosilions malady being only a wounded imagination he should return into it again And therefore said she I thought good to tell him that it was caused by Inchantment and that Prince Godomar dis-enchanted him for he did no more remember any thing that was past since his distraction then a childe in the cradle I thought it therefore expedient as well upon this consideration as for the preservation of his Reputation not to let him be known here but to carry him away secretly as he came Adamas then upon the Nymphs command represented unto her the contentment which Prince Godomar and she received at that satisfaction which she found in her journey That it was very prudently considered of her to carry away the Prince Rosilion But before her departure it was necessary for the observation of that solemn Vow which she had publiquely made that she knew the danger wherein that State was which she had sworn to preserve and defend Upon this he acquainted her with the enterprise of Polemas with his correspondencies with his Neighbour Princes especially with the Burgundian King with the assistance that King had promised unto him with his pretended offence against Prince Godomar and Dorinde with the death of Prince Clidemant with the absence of Lindamore and his Forces Briefly the Druide omitted nothing that was necessary to be imparted unto her so as Madam concluded he if you do not assist the Nymph as you have voluntarily obliged your self by solemn vow I know not what will become of her The Queen then who gave a very attentive ear unto all this turning towards the Nymph I am very glad Madam said she unto her to know all that this great Druide hath related unto me that I may testifie unto the Gods and you how I can keep my promise It seems to be the will of heaven my son should receive this favour from this place purposely to interest him and me also in your affairs I assure you that if you will give me but a moneths time I will bring so many fighting armed men into the field as though the King of the Burgundians be a great Prince yet he shall not be able to hurt you Whilst the Nymph was returning thanks and the Queen confirming her promise of present aid one came and acquainted the Queen Argira that a Boyen Cavalier was come unto her from King Policander As soon as the Queen saw him what News said she unto him do you bring me from the King Not good answered he but Madam he does passionately desire to see you Upon this he presented King Policanders Letter unto her The Queen took it with a troubled hand and with extream inquietude broke open the Seal she read it and then with tears in her eyes shewed it unto the Nymph who read these words King POLICANDERS Letter unto the Queen ARGIRA DEath is a thing so natural and common that it never troubles me but to die before I see you does extreamly perplex my soul because I would gladly discharge my self of that Debt and Duty which I owe unto you Come therefore Madam with as much haste as possibly you can if you desire my Soul should depart contentedly in giving you satisfaction This Bearer will acquaint you with the condition wherein he left me Oh Heavens cryed out the Queen great joys are commonly followed with great sorrows Then addressing her self to the Cavalier she enquired of the Kings sickness what the Physitians thought of him She understood that they thought him in great danger of his life and that she must make haste if she came time enough to see him alive The Princess whose courage was equal to her quality mustering together all her vertues and generosity after the effusion of some tears she resolved upon a course worthy of her self and addressing her self unto the Nymph Madam said she unto her you see I am constrained to depart for the good of my children and happiness of all the remainder of my life But I promise to arm in your defence not only the Boyens Ambarres and Lemovices but all the Picts the Santons and the Bituriges Nay more either my Allies and Confederates shall fail me or the Armorique Cities and other Kings my Confederates shall do the same If King Policander be not able to come in person my two children shall who dare not refuse when they see me come my self In assurance of what I say I will leave Rosanira with you who I beseech you may keep Galathea company till I return This pawn shall remain with you not only to put me in mind of my promise but to invite Celiodantes as her Brother and Rosilion as her Lover to come and relieve her Upon this retiring her self she took order for her departure acquainted Rosilion with Policanders sickness and how necessary it was to make all possible haste that therefore she was constrained to leave Rosanira in the hands of the Nymph with almost all her women and that they would very shortly return unto her again but for the present there was a necessity of leaving her for a time upon some reasons which she would impart unto him by the way Rosanira would gladly have followed the Queen Argira but she was the better contented to stay with the Nymph by reason of the great League of Amity already contracted betwixt her and Galathea All things being ready the Queen Argira departed with Rosilion and carried with her only five and twenty Souldiers leaving the rest with the Princess Rosanira with a charge to obey the Nymph and the Prince Godomar in whatsoever they should command She was no sooner out of sight of Marcelles but the Guards upon the top of the Tower espied some Horsemen whom they thought to be armed because the Sun shining upon their Armes did make a great glistering The Prince Godomar was presently acquainted and Adamas also who gave orders unto the Guards at the Port to have their Horse in readiness A while after they discovered them to be six Troops of Horse who accompanied some persons that were unarmed When they came near the Town they stayed and those who were unarmed who were to the number of twenty advanced and told the Guard at the Gate that there was Alerantes an Envoy whom the Burgundian King had sent unto the Nymph Amasis As soon as she was acquainted with it by the counsel of the Prince Adamas Alcidon and Damon she sent those Horse which the Queen Argira left to receive him and being brought into her presence she would not hear him until Prince Godomar was present also and because Alerantes was unwilling to speak before him Then said she unto him I dare not hear you without his permission because I have transferred all the Soveraign power into his hands Since Madam you will have it so said he I must according to the commands of my Soveraign Lord tell you
that considering the good correspondency which hath always been betwixt you he complains exceedingly against you that you should not only receive into your protection a woman called Dorinde who most ignominiously ran away out of the house of the Princess Clotilda his Neece but also have protected all those that murdered Clorintes the Captain of his Guard particularly the Prince Godomar who he now disclaims for his son and takes for his most cruel enemy And because Madam perhaps you do not know how much he is displeased at your harbouring of such as are his enemies he lets you know by me and summons you to deliver into his hands Dorinde as the shame of his house and Prince Godomar as the Ring-leader of Rebels In so doing he offers you all amity and assistance if otherwise you must expect the fury of his Arms. The Nymph not at all daunted she addressed her self unto the Prince Sir said she It belongs unto you to give an answer Though Madam answered he it was your pleasure to confer all authority upon me and so consequently it belongs unto me to answer yet I beseech you to return such a one as you shall please and believe this sword shall maintain whatever you shall say Amasis upon this turned towards Alerantes Cavalier said she I cannot believe that a King so wise as Gondebaut would ever give you any commission to speak so unworthily of so great a Prince as his own Son nor of so wise and well born a woman as Dorinde and therefore without expectance of any answer from me get out of my Dominions as soon as you can or otherwise you shall find such entertainment as your arrogance deserves Madam answered he I came not without my Commission and here are Letters of Credence written unto you by the Kings own hand The Nymph took them and presented them unto the Prince who reading them assured her they were written by the Burgundian King Then said the Nymph I shall talk with you after another fashion Tell therefore unto King Gondebaut that as for Dorinde my Dominions shall be always free unto any that are oppressed And as for Prince Godomar it is not he that is in my Dominions but I that am in his he being the absolute Lord of all the Segusians and of all Forrests As for the war which he threatens upon me tell him that it is men indeed who begins wars but it is the Gods only who gives victories and in that confidence I fear not the injustice of his Arms. Thus spoke the Nymph and all that heard her applauded her courage when Godomar saw she had no more to say for my part said he tell the King that though he dis-own me for his Son yet I will never do any act that shall be unworthy of the Name and to testifie the truth of what I say tell him that as long as this sword will last I will defend the honour of such Ladies as are unjustly oppressed and maliciously aspersed As for Dorinde whom I take into my protection I will defend her with my sword in my hand against any that will offer to wrong her And if there be any that carries the Title of Cavalier who will speak any ill of her or maintain the words which you have spoke against her or against us who have delivered her out of the hands of those who would injuriously have carried her away here is a pawn said he and gave him his Glove which imports a challenge I except against none but the King my Father knowing very well that Prince Sigismond my brother will arm himself with me in the same quarrel if Paternal authority do not oppress him As for war which he threatens upon this great Nymph tell him I beseech one thing from him which is that he will not come himself unless he have a mind to see his Army back'd in pieces before his face but if he have a mind to be rid of any bad servants he may send them hither and we shall quickly discharge him of them Alerantes turning towards the Nymph Madam said he Is this all the satisfaction I must carry unto the King my Master If King Gondebaut answered she be not contented with these answers tell him he could expect no other from such as he would oppress and who yet fears not the violence of his unjust Arms wherewith he threatens a woman I would not willingly answered Alerantes make this declaration but since you do so little esteem the grandeur of the King my Lord and so much slight the clemency which he offers I must let you know from him that he is your mortal enemy that he does defie you and all that adhere unto you that he declares the Segusians and all Forrests to be an enemies Country and therefore liable to the plunder and inevitable fury of his Army As he spoke these words he broke a staff which he held in his hand in the midst and threw the pieces at the feet of the Nymph Thus said he in the presence of Gods and men be all amity broke of betwixt you for ever The Nymph enraged with anger and setting her foot upon the broken staff and thus said she do I trample upon this emblem of our broken alliance I do not value any of his thundring threats but hope that Tautates will blast them all Then Alerantes without doing any reverence or any action of respect or honour retired when Godomar said unto him what answer do you give unto the challenge which I offered We shall come ere long answered he with an Army of threescore thousand men That said the Prince is either too many or too few Too many for a particular combate and too few to fight against the Justice of the Gods Alerantes returned him no answer but shaking his head in a menacing manner he went out of the Castle and taking horse when he was some twenty paces out of the Town he made a stop and turned about Oh ye titular Gods of the City of Marcelles cryed he out in a loud voice and all ye other Gods and Goddesses who are here adored I beseech you be auspicious unto the Arms of the King my Lord and be pleased to come into the Royal City of Lions where he vows to build you a Temple to erect Altars and adore you with all manner of Reverence and Honour When he had repeated these words thrice over he took a Javelin and ran with all his force against the walls of the Town then setting spurs to his Horse he rid as fast as he could unto the six Troops which waited for him This action incensed the people extreamly and had not Adamas restrained them doubtless they would have done him some displeasure but he told them that Ambassadors were no ways culpable of the message they brought nor deserved any punishment and that by the Law of Nations they were to pass freely And seeing all the City much startled at the noise of this war he
your desiled hands upon the most perfect workmanship of the gods and not shut your eyes but seeing Polemas himself coming to look how they were tyed O thou most cruel Tyger cryed Alexis unto him hast thou a heart of see die the fairest and most innocent woman that ever was If Adamas have offended thee discharge thy chollour upon me that an his daughter but what injury has Astrea done thee or Alces her father yet all this was to no purpose and seeing a Souldier take the arms of Astrea to ty them he grew wild and furious and was so transported with rage that pulling out the Souldiers sword for his hands were not yet tyed he gave him such a blow as laid him dead upon the ground and ran to another and doubtlesse had done some brave exploit upon Polemas or the Captain if many Souldiers had not upon a sudden fallen upon him and certainly had killed him if the Captain had not restrained them saying that it was not for the service of Polemas but that he was to be preserved alive to make the gates of the Town be opened unto them The Captain thus got him out of their hands and afterwards coming nearer unto him brave woman said he unto him it is better for thee to shew thy courage in taking thy death patiently then in fury for thou seest that force cannot save thee Cavalier said Alexis I value not my life at a straw for I have kept it but too long and I care not how soon it be taken away but I cannot endure to see this poor harmlesse innocent woman so unworthily used I had rather you would run your sword through my heart for I cannot endure fo see it and live What is it said the Captain that you call unworthy usage you know we have command to ty her unto the end of a Pike and to drive you before us to the gate of the Town with burning links in your hands to fire them if they be not opened I know it answered Alexis but generous Cavalier since without offence to the gods you may do it command that she be not treaed as a person culpable for I do protest before the gods she is innocent and if she must be tyed let her arm be tyed unto mine let the knots be as fast as you will but if you will oblige me in the highest degree of courtesie let both the Pikes be tyed unto me and that she who is without crime may be only subject to the shot of the Town which she may receive at randome and not unto the thrusts of the rude Souldiers who perhaps fancying she has a mind to run away though she have no such intention may be so barbarous as to pierce her sides This stranger a little moved at the earnest entreaties of Alexis it shall never be said answered he that I will refuse so small a favour unto one that is going to die and taking a cord he tyed their arms together and putting Astrea between him and Silvia he tyed the other arm unto the Nymph and the other arm of that Nymph unto Lidias and Silvia all the while turning her head the other way thinking Lidias to be Ligdamon Afterwards he tyed two Pikes unto Alexis and one a piece unto Silvia and Lidias so as Astrea only was without the point of a Pike to her sides When they began to march the whole Army was moved to pity them and if any one would have begun certainly these would haue been a tumultuous mutiny But Polemas accompanying him he restrained the compassion of many and though he saw Astrea had no Pike tyed unto her as the rest had yet he seemed to take no notice of it because her beauty had infused some resentment of pity unto him In the mean time Alexis had several motions to tell Astrea now at the end of his dayes that she was tyed unto Celadon but defferring it till he saw himself wounded he still pressed to be before her and to put her behind him purposely to guard her from the shot that came from the Town but she perceiving his designe pressed also forward to get before him so as in lieu of being backward they went forward faster then those that followed after them desired The walls of the Town were all lined with souldiers who sent whole showeâ—s arrows and stones upon the enemy But when they saw those four persons appear tyed unto Pikes and followed by those â—â—to whom they served for Bucklers they were all amazed at this novelty and as iâ— their arms were fallen out of their hands they ceased shooting without any command given so to do only to behold what would be the issue of this spectacle But Ligdamon who with Lipandas and Melander were upon the battlements of the gate no sooner cast his eye upon them but presently he knew Silvia Whether it was that he knew her by her habit or whether the eyes of a lover can see their Son as soon as ever it begins to shine I know not but he knew her and the horse no sooner opened to make a lane for them but he cryed out like one that was desperate and desired he might go out and deliver her out of the hands of those Barbarians And because the Prince Godomar was unwilling to suffer him he beseeched Alcidon by Daphnide and Damon by Madonthe to intercede for him that the gates might be opened He begged it upon his knees and conjured the Prince as he was a Cavalier and obliged to relieved distressed Ladies that he would let him go to the place where Silvia was so unworthily treated And because Godomar told him that he would only ruine himself by it and that when it was fit time he might and should do what he pleased for her O Sir answered he my life is spent unprofitable if I now do not imploy it for Silvia and if you will not let me go I vow by all the gods these hands of mine shall deprive me of life But the Prince being unwilling that upon any terms the gates should be opened and those without the Town coming nearer Melander as she thought saw Lidias tyed unto Silvia O God cryed she out and pointed with her hand yonder is Lidias And Lipandas speaking because Ligdamon as one out of his senses answered not certainly said he it is he who doubtlesse will pay very deer for his resemblance unto Ligdamon Ah Ligdamon said she and clapped her hands together will you suffer Silvia to die and shall I see Lidias perish and we not perish with them Ligdamon then seeing that the Prince would not yield and that every one gazed to see what the enemy did he embraced Lipandas and recommended Melander unto him desiring him not to forsake her and after he had bid adieu unto them both he set his foot upon the battlements and leaped down into the ditch in the sight of the whole Army and all those that were upon the walls Melander though a
thither Phocion Sylvander Thamires Hylas Corilus Stella Celidea and some others the rest of the Shepherds were put under several Captains and Officers and had their Quarters assigned them After the Druide had seen the Gates of the Town shut he carried away his new guests and Alcander committed Pelidontes to a place of security intending to present him unto the Nymph in the morning Diana and Phillis having now nothing in their minds but the loss of their companion they asked Adamas by the way whether he heard any thing of Alexis and Astrea To which he answered in so faint a manner as made them think he knew nothing that was good concerning them He told them that the last news he heard of them was that they were prisoners unto Polimas and that they received very harsh entertainment from him At this discourse Phillis and Diana could not refrain from Tears and coming to his house he carried them into a very fair chamber neither Leonide nor Astrea knowing of their arrival After this calling for his Neece to keep them company he met her and charged her not to tell those Shepherdesses that Astrea and Alexis were there Leonide who knew her Uncles design only winked at him for at the same instant the Shepherdess came upon her with a thousand expressions of great affection Whilst they were in the midst of their mutual caresses the Druide left them with a promise of returning presently again and he went unto the chamber of Alexis where Astrea was for say what the Chyrurgions would Celadon would not suffer Astrea to part from him And after he had been a while with them he told them of the arrival of Phocion Sylvander Hylas Licidas Thamires and at last of Diana Phillis and other Shepherdesses of Forrest at which Alexis seemed to be very glad but especially Astrea who hearing that Diana and Phillis were in the house of Adamas beseeched her Mistris to let her go and bid them welcome Alexis consented upon condition she would bring them into her chamber and though Adamas was at first against it by reason of his wounds yet at last he consented upon condition also they should stay but a while and that they should be in another chamber since it was not handsome they should see the dressing of his wounds which he received in the fight Celadan obeyed whatsoever Adamas desired and then the Druide taking Astrea by the hand he carried her to the chamber door where her companions were and desiring her not to enter until a while after him as soon as he was come to Diana You shall see here one said he unto her whom you little expected to meet and one who perhaps you will love when you know her Upon this Astrea entred and such a sudden surprisal did so amuze them that they could hardly salute each other At last being a little recollected they began to embrace each other so affectionately and so long that they were ready to stifle themselves Their caresses had continued longer if Adamas had not interrupted them who taking them by their hands Nay said he unto them this is not all I will also conduct you unto the chamber of Alexis upon condition you will not stay with her too long because of some wounds which she hath received which causeth her to keep in bed and that Astrea may have more time to tell you all their adventures I will let her lie in your chamber Then he carried Diana and Phillis unto the chamber where Alexis was and though she was full of pain especially by reason of a wound which she received in her shoulder yet she received them with such an aspect as testified abundance of joy to see them Their discourse was not long for it was late and their stay might have been prejudicial to the health of Celadon therefore Leonide conducting them into their chamber they all sate down upon the bed where Astrea made a punctual relation of every passage that had hapned unto her since the time of her taking away On the other side Phocion Licidas and the rest whom Clindor entertained all heard what brave exploits Alexis had done in the habit of Astrea and Phocion was so joyed to hear of his Neeces deliverance that had it not been very late and unseasonable to trouble Adamas at that time of the night he would have gone to see her that very hour Amasis had already visited almost all those who were wounded in the last assault and amongst all the discontents which she received at the insolency of Polemas it was no small consolation unto her to consider how many brave men were armed in her defence But Polemas was almost stark mad as well at the loss which he had received in the two assaults as at the taking of Pelidontes being come into his chamber and unwilling that any should be witnesses of his despair as soon as he saw himself alone he threw his hat upon the Table scratched his head with one hand and thumped his breast with the other then walked up and down the room a great pace at last he stopped upon a sudden and stamped upon the floor with his foot Will ye alwaies be my enemies Oh ye Gods who dispose of Scepters and Crowns said he Is my ambition to have some Empiredome over the spirit of that Beauty so great a crime that Love and the perfections of Galathea will never pardon it Though there be a Law which forbids what I have done and renders my Arms unjust yet Am I the first that has violated that Law Or whom you have let go unpunished Then beginning to walk again But said he this Nymph does not love me Lindamore is Lord of her thoughts as she is Lady of his liberty Most of my men are murdred burned and defeated Gondebaut perhaps will not assist me Alexis is escaped Pelidontes is prisoner Oh most cruel Gods Oh miserable Polemas The most miserable of all men living What canst thou do to unravel thy self out of this labyrinth of confusion How wilt thou compose into order this Chaos of thy affairs Upon this casting himself upon his bed he called for him that waited in his chamber and commanded him to go for Ligonias who as soon as he entred was astonished to see Polemas in that posture wherein he found him one leg lay a cross over one knee one hand upon his brest and the other with a handkerchief wiping his eyes which the sire of his love and anger together had made extreamly red and because he spoke not a word unto Ligonias but lay sadly in this manner a long while Sir said Ligonias unto him perhaps you have a disposition to take some rest So I have said he and turned towards him I do seek for rest and would buy it at the price of my blood but I fear it is impossible for me to find it unless in my grave Upon this Polemas fetched a profound sigh and Ligonias with a cold countenance said thus
say thus The Law of death is so common unto all men as you ought not to think it strange I should pay that debt which I ow unto Nature Did not Kings use to die as well as other men you had some reason to wonder I should be excluded from that priviledge and that my Scepter and my Crown should not defend me against the blows of death but a Monarch has no more right to live then the poorest Shepherd we do dayly see their ashes and their Monuments as this methinks should be a great consolation unto you all to know that I die because the gods will have it so and that they never made any man who was not subject unto death therefore my dearest Argira if you have any consideration of my rest and have any desire to please me I beseech you stop the current of your tears which do but grieve me I do not require any greater testimonies of your love then those you have already given me and wish for no more but leave to die Policander uttered these words with such a dying voice as if his soul had gone out of his mouth at the last word the Queen was deeply overwhelmed in sorrows as Rosilion whose groans did testifie the sadness of his soul The wrong Celidontes unto whom Policander had already given the Crown of the Ambarres of the Boyers and of the Lemovices upon condition he would marry Cephise was so extreamly afflicted that he could not rejoyce at the return of Argira nor resent that contentment which at another time the recovery would have been unto him At last the King perceiving himself every minute to grow weaker and weaker and finding himself not able to hold out any longer he began to strive with himself Argira said he with a deep sigh I conjure you by that which you love best and I think that is my memory to have a care of those whom I leave under your tuition Make them by your example of virtue to abhor vice and considering that riches are as fading as our selves remember that all the good or bad which we are to have in the other world depends only upon the merit of our actions in this life And you Rosilion said he holding out his feeble hand or rather the true Celiodantes forgive that crime which in my ignorance I committed against you Do not accuse me of ingratitude and may Rosanira whom I give unto you long enjoy those Grandeurs wherein you shall share as King of the Santons and Picts Love him for my sake who hath so long usurped your name In saying so he turned towards the wrong Celiodantes and you my son said he unto him pay back with interest the good will he shall bear unto you Love Peace Never take up Arms but in a just cause Have God still on your side and above all carry your self well towards Argira This is all I desire from you Farewel my Sons farewel dear Argira farewel Ro At this word he expired and his eye remaining still fixed upon Rosilion they knew his intention was to have named him but could not pronounce the last part of his name which the Queen perceiving and finding Policander to be as cold as marble it was an hundred to one but she had followed him that very hour All former considerations of her voyage which should have been consolations unto her were quite forgotten and not one thought could keep her from a present despair one would have thought that she had drowned her reason in her tears and that she had sought for the soul of Policander in the roots of that hair which she pulled from her head The wrong Celiodantes was almost out of himself and though the death of the King did leave him an Empire yet he testified that he thought the loss of his person made him no gainer Cephise and Rosilion were no less afflicted and all the Cavaliers present expressed abundance of grief for the loss of their Prince They came all unto the Queen and swore fidelity unto her and Celiodantes but she was not in a condition to hear what they said unto her and if the Ladies had not got her into bed perhaps she had died Thus they all retired almost as sad for the sickness of the Queen as for the loss of the King But as in the vicissitude of things nothing is durable so the sorrows of Argira of Celiodantes and of Rosilion at the last lessened and their reason having escaped the shipwrack of the first resentment the Queen began to remember that aid which she had promised unto the Nymph and she thought upon nothing more then her preservation At the end of a few days the people over whom Policander reigned did put the Scepter and Crown upon the head of Celiodantes with the same ceremonies as they were accustomed to crown their Kings and Rosilion making all haste to the Picts did levie by the Queens permission twelve thousand men and afterwards taking leave of Celiodantes his brother did take the field with his Arâ—â— being resolved to relieve Rosanira and oppose all violence that should be offered unto Amasis The Sequel of the History of LIPANDAS AMERINA MELANDRE and LIDIAS DUring this while Lipandas recovered of his wounds but not of his passion and though this Cavalier had not much acquaintance with Melandre yet did he know her spirit and that she was the most generous woman in the world This was a cause that as soon as the Truce was concluded and Polemas raised the siege he was grieved to the very soul He was not sorry that Amasis had great hopes in that relief which was promised unto her but when he considered that this took from him the means of shewing his courage and of overcoming the soul of Melandre by those testimonies of his valour which he intended he grew almost desperate yet knowing no remedy he resolved to wait with all possible patience until the end of this cessation of Arms and afterwards to perform such glorious exploits as she should in some sort of think it an honour to be served by a Cavalier so full of courage and affection In the mean time it was permitted him to see her and because in this liberty he lost not a minute of time which afforded him the opportunity of entertaining her he endeavoured a thousand times to make her sensible of his passion But she would never be moved unto any further then pity for she appeared always so prepossessed with the thought of Lidias as he could hardly ever hope for any alteration in her inclination As oft as he considered by how many Laws he was obliged rather to die then leave loving her he was confounded â—he mentioned the combate wherein he was overcome when she exposed her self unto the fury of his Arms for the liberty of Lidias and telling her it was a kind of miracle she should go off the field with that advantage which she had he endeavoured to perswade her that it was
that to the reparation of a crime repentance is not alwayes sufficient he fled away therefore in a disguise as soon as he had divided the piece of gold with Guyemant and because he could not better commit his safety unto any then those whose fidelity and courage he had tryed he desired although I was extreamly wounded that I would bear him company until he came unto Basin Duke of Turin into whose protection he resolved to fly I who after the death of Clidemant did not at all value my life did consent unto his desire and though I knew unto what danger I exposed my self yet I would go with him And so we departed after he had bid adieu unto Guyemant who shed tears at this sad separation Childerick in this departure did shew the generosity of his courage which was the only good quality he had for without so much as any changing colour dear friend said he unto Guyemant I do depart in pursuance of that councel which you have given me and I would have you believe that my departure is a very great argument of that power which you have over me but for you I had washed away the crime which I committed with my own blood and had not lived a minute after the loss of my Crown But since you promise me to labour for my reestablishment I am resolved to live that you may know I do not despair of that help which I may receive from your prudence After this intreating him afresh to imploy his wisdome in order thereunto and embracing very affectionately we took horse being accompanied with some Segusian Cavaliers which then I had with me and within a few dayes after we came to the city of Rhemois by which Childerick would passe to acquaint the Queen his mother with his exile It is the most lamentable spectacle that is imaginable to this sad encounter for as soon as Childerick entred into the Queens chamber he did cast himself at her feet and that Princesse who knew not the cause of his coming looking upon him with a more joyful aspect then his misfortune required she advanced to embrace him but he gently thrusting her back Madam said he unto her do not prophane your pious hands by touching the sinful corps of him whom the gods do hate and who hath most shamefully dishonoured you How said the Queen and was extreamly astonished are not you Childerick my son the King of the Franks I am indeed Childerick answered he whose crimes have made him unworthy the glory of being called your son as the Franks have already taken from him the quality of King Upon this the Queen suspecting the misfortune which had hapned unto him O Childerick cryed she out what is this you say In saying so she arose up with a stream of tears in her eyes and the Prince being retreated back two or three paces she went unto him and taking his hand she carried him into her closet She then sent presently for me and as soon as I entred I offered to kisse her feet but she embracing me ah Lindamor said she unto me how truly did Merovens Prophecy and how unfortunate am I to see the effects of that which that poor King so much feared Madam said I unto her it is a misfortune which is now come to passe and which none but the gods can now revoke It is true Lindamor answered she but if Childerick had been virtuous it was in his power to prevent it I who knew what just cause she had to accuse him but desired to infuse some consolation unto those sorrows which I saw her suffer Madam said I unto her we are sometimes hurried unto things by such a secret and vehement violence as it is almost impossible we should resist it and it seems there is a kind of fatality in it which is unavoidable But said she and interrupted a man of any sound judgement and that has any respect unto the gods will never obey the unruly fury of a brutish appetite and how vehement and violent soever their inclinations be that push him forward he will still find such arms in his virtue as will be to surmount them but added she and sighed Childerick had ever such an inclination unto vice as he alwayes held those for his mortal enemies who endeavoured to divert him His passion at thee unto Silviana replied I could not absolutely be termed vitious since notwithstanding the inequallity of their conditions it had virtue for its object but indeed after he was out of any hopes to enjoy her he ought to have extinguished the desires of it and not to have endeavoured to dishonour her Did he offer any violence said the Queen unto me unto Silviana I did not well know what answer to return when casting his eyes upon me Nay nay said he go on boldly and satisfie the Queens curiosity make me as enormous as you can you cannot describe me so wicked as my own conscience tells me I am Sir answered I and turned towards him since you are pleased to command me and since the Queen desires to be informed of all passages I will not conceal any thing from her Then I related all unto her yet adding some arguments that might in some sort extenuate his crime and render it pardonable I had no sooner ended my discourse but this afflicted Princesse addressing her self unto her son Now Childerick said she unto him you find a recompence for all your actions now you are without a Crown without a Scepter and in a condition to seek the protection of another now you are deposed from the title of a King to assume that of a Tyrant and I without any other consolation amidst so many calamities but what I receive in admiring the just judgement of the gods in your punishment O ye most just Deities said she lifting up her eyes and hands to heaven I do call you all as witnesses of my innocency and do earnestly beseech you to turn away your anger from our family you only do know the thoughts of my soul and punish mâ— if ever I have neglected any care in the good education of my son either by discourse or example In saying so she begun to shed such abundance of tears that I had much ado to restrain mine Childerick after he had studied a little upon it Madam said he unto her though I had a soul that was altogether insensible of any sorrow for my sins yet your tears are able to inspire me with repentance And believe it my soul is so exceedingly sorry for what I have done that I would most willingly do any pennance in the world to repair it but not knowing any satisfaction that equal the grandure of my sin I do most humbly beg of you Madam a pardon for this offence to the end the gods after your example may cease to pursue me since they have already made me very sensible of the effects of their vengeance The Queen was so full of sorrow that
unless you be an enemy unto your self you cannot part from us The way of our lives is sweet our conversation not at all babarous and if any evill should happen unto you there is no place in the world where you can find better helps then amongst us My quietness replied Tircis depends upon the last munite of my life which cannot come so soon as it is desired and Cleon who doubless loves me more then ever she did does blame me for being so long from her I beseech you therfore even by that with is most dear unto you not to take it ill if I follow my first resolution and that you take so much pains as to assure Adamas and all those unto whom my name is known that what place soever my fate does guide me I shall most inviolably preserve the memory of their courtisies But said Silvander I beseech you tell me whither you intend to go that we may sometimes have the happiness to hear from you and let you know the passages upon the banks of Lignon It will be hard for me replied the disconsolate shepheard to tell you that which I do not know my self I shall confine my self to the woods and rocks where I shall not merit the honour of your memory and where I presume you will not bestow any thoughts upon an object so displeasing as mine In saying so he embraced Silvander and Silvander doing the like unto him May you even said he find full satisfaction unto all your desires And may you Silvander replied Tircis ever enjoy those favours and that happiness which heaven owes unto your merit Upon this they parted and Tircis wandering into the woods not knowing which way to take Silvander went towards the house of Adamas He did not yet know the sad news with the return of Paris brought unto him and had been longer ignorant of it if Lucinder by fortune walking with a young man who brought him the news from Lyons had not informed him of it as very welcome news He told him also of Bellinde and that shepheard who presently began to suspect the cause of their coming was so damped at it that he could not chuse but let his sorrows appear in his face yet he did conceal from that Cavelier the cause of his resentment and least knowing of Bellindes coming they should tax him with incivility if he did not go and present his service unto her he gave a check unto those thoughts which perswaded him that since her coming was only about the contentment if Paris he ought to fly from her presence He went therefore into the house where Bellinde receved him with extraordinary kindness And since he was come dinner was brought up and all the Company sat down at the Table Dinner was no sooner done but Alcander Silenies and Lucindor resolved to leave forrests and go unto the bankes of Arar and there reap those sweet contentments which they expected from the enjoyment of their Mistresses Cercenea Palanice and Florice were easily perswaded therunto and therefore as soon as they rose from the table they went unto Adamas And after a thousand wel-expressed complements of thanks for his love and civilities to them they bad adieu unto him and all the rest if the Company and seemed very sorry to part Florica Circenea and Palanice could not restrain their tears when they took their leaves of Alexis Diana Astrea especially Phillis unto whom they thought themselves most particularly obliged for drawing them out of those perplexities in which the Oracle had long held them yet considering that they came not thither to stay always there after they had obtained the end of their coming they bad their adieus with less regret and set forwards notwithstanding the earnest entreaties of Adamas to stay longer at his house Thaumantes Delphire Dorisea and the rest of that Company not thinking to find a fairer day for their return into their several habitations from which they had been so long absent they also desired the Druides leave to be gone unto which he consenting because he would stay them no longer from the pleasure of seeing their friends and flocks he heartily beseeched them to visit him sometimes and protested they should be most heartily wellcome unto him the sheapheards gave him a thousand thanks and after they had taken leave of all the Company they departed extreamly well satisfied with the Druides entertainment of them and those fair shepherdesses whom they left in his house Alexis was not a little glad of their departure because she thought that now she could with less constraint enjoy the caresses of Astrea and talk of her passion But Silvander who hoped to find better opportunities of talk with Diana amongst such a multitude of Company he was very sorry for their departure and heartily desired they would have stayed longer at the Druides desires In the mean time Adamas who could not forget his resolution not to let the day pass before he had undeceived Astrea as soon as he had rendred all civilities unto those that went from his house he went into his garden where after two or three turns thinking what course he had best take to bring his intention to pass he caused Leonide to be called and communicated his design unto her After this he carried her into his closset and having made choice amongst his books of one which he thought most fit for the use he did intend it he put it into the hands of his Neece and directed her what to doe and how she should carry her self to make Celadon happy in his dear Astrea The Nimph did promise to obey him most faithfully and returning into the great Chamber she addressed her self unto Alexis who was talking with Silvander and Astrea whilst Diana was puzled to find out answeres unto the discourse of Paris For though she gave him but cold entertainement yet he did not stickâ— to shy them unto her Can any wish fairest Diana to be more happy then I am since the Gods are pleased to let me enjoy her whom of all the world I love best I cannot tell answered Diana very faintly whom you mean But I doe not wonder at your good fortune for it cannot be better then you deserve My meaning is replied Paris that the gods have assured me by their Oracle that you must be mine and that 's the reason why I am so full of joy for to tell you most truly my affection unto you i most violent and of all the favours that heaven can shower upon me none can be more dear unto me then the honour to enjoy you Diana then casting her eye upon Silvander who had fixed his upon her That said she with a deep sigh is the least of ten thousand and I cannot chuse but wonder you should take the pains to look after it I am so mean a thing in comparison of you that the disproportion affrights me and hinders me from any joy in that from whence any other then my self
them any longer as bad sone I swear Clotilda answered the king you have hit upon my very thought but not of all For I was thinking too what will become of Dorinde should I consent unto her return Sigismond would doubtless dote upon her as he did before and I should be very sorry to be an eye witness of it It she remain with Amasis I fear that at this word he stopt and shook his head two or three times and sighed but Clotilda who smelt his meaning and knew he feared that her absence would be a great regret of heart unto him yet she would not take the least notice of it but dissembling her thoughts as well as she could Sir replied she if she do remain with Amasis you need not doubt but to find out many wayes to cure the mind of Sigismond of his passion towards her Be pleased therefore to leth live still with that sage Nimph and command your sons to return home for absence is an excellent remedie to cure the wounds of love besides such others as your wisdom may make use of Gondebaut began to smile at the thought of Clotilda little thinking that she had hit right upon his And this young Princess knowing very well how to lay hold upon this opportunity and take him in that good humour Oh Sir said she I do long exceedingly to see Sigismond again that I may chide him for his follies and shew him how little care he has of his honour in engaging himself so inconsiderately to love a woman far below his merit and quality Ah Cotilda said the king with a deep sigh it is not without reason that love is always painted blind For and I speak it knowingly he does blind our eyes and so much disorder our judgments that we cannot consider any thing but our own pleasures In saying so he began to walk and Clotilda fearing to waken that passion which the absence of Dorinde had lulled asleep But good Sir said she unto him is it your pleasure that Amasis should enjoy that peace which our Princes have desired in her behalf All your people doe abhor that war and for your part I cannot think it will be prosperous or any way advantageous to you because it is began upon such a weak foundation Though I should make a peace with Amasis answered Gondebaut Dorinde will not be included Clotilda who knew the thoughts of his heart and knew that all this discourse proceeded from his passion but seeming not to understand his meaning Sir said she I cannot think but you will pardon her for alas she is unworthy of your prinely anger Upon this Gondebaut was even ready to say that she was not unworthy of his love yet being unwilling to shew that he entertained any advantageous thoughts of Dorinde he turned his discourse and looking upon Clotilda since you desire the return of Sigismond said he unto her and of Godomar you shall see how willing I am to content you and how ready I am to forgive and forget their faults let me therefore give Ligonias that answer which he stays for and leave me for a while that I may dispatch some letters Clotilda upon this kneeled down and having kissed his hand she went out of the closset and set to seek for Ligonias with whom she talked whilst Gondebaut was writing As soon as she thought the king had done she entred in with him and Gondebaut causing him to come neerer Cavalier said he unto him I do give you full and absolute power to treat and conclude a peace with Amasis tell her that no other considerations moved me unto it but the knowledge which I have of her virtue and goodness Assure her that if the wicked design of Polemas had been well known unto me I had never offered to countenance his persidy for injustice did never please me Here said he is a letter unto Sigismond tell that son of mine that I do pardon him and command him to leave Dorinde there and bring Godomar with him In saying so he permitted Ligonias to kiss his hand and the king embracing him as a testimony of that esteem which he had of him he gave him leave to depart and commanded six of the bravest Cavaliers in all his court to accompany him in his journey Ligonias also received Clotildas letter and commands not without returning unto that young Princesâ— many most hearty thanks for her good negotiaton After which he departed with a resolution to make as much haste as possibly he could Ligonias riding most part of the night he came to Marcelles in the morning before Amasis was up He went first unto the quarters of Prince Sigismond whom he found newly out of his bed after a saluting complement he presented King Gondebauts letter unto him At the first Sigismond durst not ask him what was the success of his comission least he should hear some ill newes but after he had embraced him and found more signs of Joy then sorrow in his face well Ligonias said he unto him what does the Burgundian King intend to do To have you with him again Sir answered the Cavalier upon any termes in the worâ—d I do beleive it said the Prince but upon what termes does he mean termes of his anger or termes of his goodness Ligonias smiling at this question Sir said he unto him upon such termes as an indulgent Father desires to see his child he does desire to see you Sir with a thousand protestations and assurances to forgive and forget that offence which as he conceived he had received from you And to promise to correspond with Amasis as you would have him and as I shall conclude with her by virtue of that power which he hath given unto me This replied Sigismond is the best newes that ever could come or I expect but said he did he not mention Dorinde Yes Sir answered Ligonias the most express command of all concernes her for he does desire that you will leave her here and bring Prince Godomar with you In this said Sigismond he has fully satisfied my own desire for I was resolved not to expose her any more unto the mercy of his passion and am extreamly glad he has commanded it to be so since I can so willingly and so easily obey him In saying so he opened King Gondebauts letter and found it thus written GONDEBAUTS Letter unto SIGISMOND THat pity makes a thunder bolt to fall out of the hands of the gods is it which disarmes me of that anger where with I intended to destroy you Your repentance has a strong influence upon me and your Letter which desires a peace with Amasis has this operation to remember me that I am your Father and to forget that I was her enemy My hatred towards her was not so just as my resentments against you and yet I am disposed equally to forget both to the end your obligation being the greater the greater also may be your acknowledgment of it That which
I do now desire of you is your return and you will no sooner return unto that duty which nature obliges you unto but you shall find me extreamly affectionate unto my own blood Let your presence then be accompanied with Godomar and live so hereafter as there may no 〈◊〉 correspondency arise betwixt us Adieu The reading of this Letter did go to the very heart of Sigismond and did let him know that with what fury soever the heart of a Father be incensed against his children it is hard for him to forget that duty which Nature does exact from his affection now did Sigismond in some sort repent that ever he had displeased him and when he began to consider how happily things stood he did assuredly believe it to be done by the Providence of the gods and heartily rejoyced at the peace which was procured unto the two Princesses Amasis and Galathea He was still upon this thought when he opened the Letter from Clotilda and finding therein her earnest desires of his speedy return and her joyes for his victory he was pleased beyond all expression or thought and resolved with himself to give her that satisfaction In fine after some discourse upon Clotilda with Ligonias without any more stay in this place continued he let us go unto Rosilion my brother is already gone to his chamber and let us impart unto them the good news you have brought us I shall wait upon you Sir answered Ligonias whither you please provided we lose no time to advertise the Nymph for I would not upon any terms hinder her one minute of that pleasure which she will have when she hears the news With such discourse as this Sigismond dressed himself and hearing that Gondebaut had sent some Cavaliers to accompany him he caused them to be sent for and kindly entertained them After this they went all out and as soon as they entred into Rosilions chamber both he and Godomar ran to embrace Ligonias and wondering at the haste which he had made they asked him concerning all those things whereof Sigismond was fully informed and having answered that Sigismond could tell them See here said Sigismond what testimonies I have received of the Kings clemency Pray see continued he and the Letter unto Rosilion how kindly he writes That Prince then having read the Letter Now said he may Amasis rejoyce and believe that her safety is settled upon such a sure foundation as cannot be shaken I am so full of joy said Godomar as I will accompt this day the happiest day of my life It shall be a holy day to us all said Sigismond and I do believe Lindamor will have a share in it As they were thus discoursing they understood that the Nymph was ready and might be seen Godomar stayed with Ligonias and Sigismond with Rasilion went to bid her good morrow and acquaint her with the happy return of that Cavalier at which Amasis was so joyed as one might judge she built all the happinesse of her life upon it But because she was to receive Ligonias as an Envoy from the Burgundian King to treat and conclude so solemn a peace As soon as Rosanira Galathea Madonthe Dorinde Daphnide Silvia and the rest were come into her chamber she went down into the Hall to give audience unto this welcome Embassadour Godomar was presently advertised of it and preparing himself to bring in Ligonias he caused him to walk before the six Cavaliers of Gondebaut and Godomar leading him by the hand conducted him unto Amasis The Nymph advanced two or three steps to receive him and the Cavalier kneeling down upon the ground and at the Nymphs request rising up again Madam said he unto her Gondebaut the King of the Burgundians does consent unto the peace which you desired He would have it ever hereafter to be so solid and firm as that it cannot be broken without the sin of perjury upon the first Violator He never had begun this warre but at the solicitation of Polemas who colouring his perfidie with specious pretences of right implored his Arms but since that rebellious subject has found the punishment of his treason he is resolved that the end of his life shall be the end of all your dissentions and in lieu of ever attempting any thing that may be prejudicial unto you he will live with you no longer as an enemy but as a neighbour and friend After this Ligonias held his peace and Amasis answered him I do with abundance of joy accept the favour and kindnesse of Gondebaut I shall hold it alwayes a great glory to render him what is due unto his merit and quality and since he is pleased tâ— honour me so far as to live peaceably and in quiet with me I shall cherish his amity as one of the principal supporters of my estate In saying so she pulled off her glove and laying her hand upon that of Ligonias This said she is a Symbole of that Faith which I do swear in the presence of gods and men never to violate or falsifie Ligonias having sworn the same and this said she taking two pieces of a broken Javelin shall be a testimony of our Re-union In saying so she tied both the pieces of the Javelin together and the said for a testimony unto future times that this peace shall be pure and inviolable this Javelin shall be consumed by the purest of all the elements and then in the presence of all the company she threw it into a fire which was expressely kindled for it This Ceremony was no sooner ended but Amasis caused the Peace to be proclaimed and the People in joy of such good news made Bonfires in every part of the Town and every one danced and feasted in sign of joy Adamas was presently advertised of it by a Cavalier whom the Nymph sent unto him and though he resented this good news with joy yet was there a mixture of those misfortunes which hapned the day before in his house The prosperity of Amasis did extreamly glad him but the disgrace of Celadon did infinitly afflict him He knew very well that his duty was to wait upon the Nymph and to rejoyce with her at this new peace but the interest he had in this Shepherd was a chain which tied him to his house So not being able to forsake Celadon in this distresse he beseeched Amasis to excuse him for he had some businesse of great consequâ—nâ—e at home of which he would come and give her an accompt as soon as ever he had any leisure Amasis received these excuses and Sigismond left he should give his Father any discontent resolved to depart that very same day after some discourse with Dorinde he bad Godomar therefore prepare himself and desired him to invite Rosilion Lindamor Damon Alcidon and other Cavaliers to come and spend some dayes at Lions in the court of Gondebaut which Godomar promising to do he acquitted himself so well as he obtained a promise from Rosilion upon
she received the affection of his Master as a most high honour that for want of paper and ink they could not thank him any other way but by voice and if he expected any other answer from them they should be glad to give it unto himself the next time he honoured them with a visit The young man told them that he was gone abroad and would not return till night but as soon as he did he would obey their commands After this he went out In the mean time as I told you before I went unto Genserick and falling upon the subject whereupon I intended to talk with him I told him in what a sad and miserable condition I found Eudoxe after he left her I told him also what inventions I used to make her tell me the cause of her grief and that when I knew it I came expresly from her most humbly to beseech him once more not to make any attempts against her I laid before him how angâ—y the gods would be at such ingratitude and that he rendred himself culpable of a most horrid crime if after the spoils over which she had made him triumph he should ravish away her honour I put him in mind of the Ancestors from whom that Princesse was descended and of such men unto whom she had the honour to be allied That it was abominable she who is the daughter and wife of Emperours should be treated as a slave especially since he had never thought upon the conquest of Rome if she had not invited him I told him also that he was beholding unto her for the glory wherewith history would honour his life and that it was not just but shamefully he should eclipse the luster of it by an act To foul and horrid and indeed I used all the best Rhetorick I had to perswade with him but in lieu of lending any ear to reason became all rage and mixing jealousie with his fury he began unhappily for me to fear that I had some thoughts to enjoy the same happinesse over which he was resolved to triumph This blind passion did so disorder his judgement as without any thoughts of Eudoxes virtue he suspected me to be guilty of that crime from which I would have reclaimed him and therefore with a fury that sparkled in his eyes he swore he would that very night have his fill either of love or revenge and forbidding me ever to see her again he commanded me to retire unto my own house where my chamber was to be my prison upon pain of the greatest punishments his anger could invent I must tell you it was not the fear of death that made me obey him but being resolved to give unto that wise Princess the remedy which she intended to imploy when all things were in desperation I went and confined my self to my chamber hoping my captivity would not continue long since it would end by the death of Eudoxe and my self I no sooner came into my chamber but I went into my closset where I kept all those secrets and wonders in Nature which I had been in collecting above fourty years and because with abundance of study I had knowledge in all rare and admirable secrets it was not long before I found such ingredients as would compound a poyson so subtil as would quickly accomplish my design first I took black Agarick which I had pounded into powder and having incorporated it with the juice of Thapsis I mingled an essence with it which was extracted from the leaves of Lethale commonly called deadly Nightshade and the leaves of Texo which the Gauls call If or Ewe afterwards I put into it Aconite or Wolf-bane and of all these together having made an extract I put in a little scumm of the deaf Aspick and as soon as I had put the one half of this into a little glass I took ink and paper and writ this note unto Eudoxe The Note of OLICARSIS unto EVDOXE IT is now time Madam to take that remedie which I have prepared against your miseries The injustice of Genserick hath slighted my perswasions and having involved me in your misfortunes he hath inspired me also to die with you This night he hath vowed to accomplish his wicked designs by the loss of your honour unless you prevent him by the losse of your life Consult therefore with your courage upon it and be assured that you never had a more glorious occasion to imploy it All things being ready I called a slave which waited upon me and who used to follow me when I went to visit the Princesse with one hand I gave him the little glass telling him it was a Medicine which she desired of me and indeed I did not lie with my other hand I gave him the Note which I pretended to be a direction how she should use it but above all I charged him to be very secret and to make as much haste back as possibly he could Be pleased to know that because I would be out of the dinn and trouble of the people I lodged in the most dark and private corner of the Town I could chuse and because such places are commonly the receptacles of Thieves and Rogues rather then students it chanced that three or four young men that were conscious of some robberies murders were come for a refuge into a lodging very near mine Justices were presently advertised of their coming and intended to surprize them in the beginning of the night These Thieves were stout and desperate and by consequence terrible unto almost every one so as to run the lesse danger it was contrived to catch them in snares and in order thereunto they laid in the streets several cords about a foot from the ground and distant one from another about five or six paces After this all the neighbours were commanded to stand ready in their Arms to fall upon them when they were caught in the snares The stratagem did take according to their desires but harke I beseech you what hapned before my slave who as I told you was gone upon his errand and as fortune was went through this street And had not gone above twenty or thirty paces but running very fast his foot was catched in a snare and down fell he with his nose next the ground now as it is naturall upon such accidents to save the face with the hands as much as one can he broke the glass in a hundred peices and had like to have broak his neck At the noise and out-cry which he made upon his fall some neighbours opened their dores who as I told you had command to fall upon those theeves and thought that it was now their time to fall on But when they saw only the poor slave whose blood gushed out at his nose they came gently to him and without farther enquiry whither he went would have lent him a light to pass the street with more safty but he who saw the cause of his voyage broken he
Genserick unto what he would Olimbres even ravished at this beseeched him to negotiate so with the King as to get him to go unto the house where Eudoxe was and told him that the only expedient was to invite him unto a dinner in that place which indeed was the finest seat about all Carthage Thrasimond thought this no hard matter to do and therefore making the proposition unto the King they appointed a day for it In the interim the Cavalier acquainted Eudoxe with his resolution and though she did find some difficulty in it yet she did approve on 't being assured of Vrsaces his love of Thrasimonds promises and Olimbres his fidelity The day appointed being come Genserick Thrasimond Olimbres and many others of the best rank in all Carthage went betimes in the morning unto the house where the Prince had ordered the Tables in the dining room to be near unto the chamber of the Princesses And there as soon as dinner was done Olimbres addressing himself unto the King did beg that leave which before he had asked Genserick then in a most affectionate manner dear Olimbres said he unto him I do find your desires so just and reasonable as I should be extreamly ashamed to oppose them any longer 'T is true I am very sorry that I have not given any testimony of that affection which I bear unto you but till occasions fall out that I may I beseech you accept of my good intentions and be assured that I would do any thing which would be contentment unto you Sir replied Olimbres after many thanks you may if you please do two high favours for me in one moment and did I not fear denial I should assume so much boldnesse as to ask them of you Upon this the King making a solemn vow not to deny him any thing he would ask Olimbres kneeled down upon the ground Sir said he since it is your Royal pleasure to say so I do ask of you the liberty of Eudoxe and Olicarsis In saying so Thrasimond opened the chamber door where the Princesse was trembling with her two daughters and the King surprized at an accident so little expected stood a while and knew not what he did At last being moved at the tears of Eudoxe who came presently and cast her self at his feet having Placidia in one hand and her sister in the other he granted the request of Olimbres and promised for the future to treat her as a Princess not as a slave Thrasimond who would also make use of his time he beseeched Genserick to give him the young Eudoxe for his wife and the King knowing what advantages this would be unto him did consent unto it Amidst this common joy I was not forgotten for Genserick at that very instant sent for me but I who knew I was never to go out of prison until I went to execution I confesse that I had so prepared my self for death as I thought they only jested with me At last my own eyes cleared me all those suspicions for being brought into the Kings presence there I saw Eudoxe at liberty and received a pardon for my life The news of this accident was quickly spred all over the Town and the Princesses were waited upon unto their lodgings with all usual magnificence Vrsaces was the only one unsatisfied as fearing the King would fall into his passionate fits again but presently after he found by the Kingâ— repentant tears that he would never make more attempts against the chastity of Eudoxe but had quenched his flames with tears and indeed a little while after he sent her back to Constantinople with her two Daughters in a most honourable Equipage unto which she was no sooner come but Vrsaces having married Eudoxe in great solemnity he received that happiness which Fortune had made him pay so dear for And where Olimbres by the command of Marcian and consent of Eudoxe he found his long'd for happinesse in the arms of Placidia as a reward of his fidelity The great Olicarsis had no sooner ended his discourse but Phillis entred yet so out of breath that she astonished all the company especially Adamas and Belinde who feared extreamly that she brought them some ill news concerning Astrea Diana and Alexis therefore the Druide who thought it best that if any disaster had hapned not to acquaint Belinde with it upon such a sudden he rose up and went to meet her and Phillis no sooner was come up to him but with extream amazement O Father said she unto him I can tell you the strangest accident that ever was heard or seen Astrea and Diana are found they are both asleep close by the Fountain of Loves verity Abundance of Shepherds Shepherdesses stand looking upon them but not one has so much courage as to go near them For and this is the greatest wonder the two Unicorns lie close by them with their heads upon the knees of my companions they grinn and roar so terribly at any that offer to come near them that not a Shepherd dares attempt it This did extreamly astonish the Druide for he plainly saw the design of the two Shepherdesses but that which most troubled him was his fears that they were dead already and that none daring to come nearer them it was credible they all thought them so yet being unwilling to tell Belinde what he thought he went unto her and told her what Phillis had seen Belinde rose up presently and in her excess of joy forgetting her duty unto Rosanira and Galathea she went out of the Gallery intending to run unto the place where she thought Diana was but Adamas would not suffer her be not so hasty sage Belinde said he unto her you need not take the pains of going to them for we will send some others Pardon me answered Belinde I must not defer it one minute longer I cannot live if I do not immediatly see her and since Phillis has told me where she is if you love me let me go unto her and bring her back My intention Madam answered the Druide is not to hinder you from seeing her but on the contrary I will make as much haste as you yet since Phillis does know so well where these two Shepherdesses are let her be my guide and never trouble your self for I will take upon me the charge of bringing her back However Father said Galathea do not refuse our company for it is a sight so remarkable as all of us will be glad to be spectatours of it Surely said Belinde when she saw Adamas consenting unto it I am she that has most interest in these women and why should not I also see them and believe it I must for I had rather incur your displeasure in disobeying you then not see them in what place soever they be Adamas would willingly have disswaded her as thinking still that these fair ones were not in such a condition as would give her any contentment but all his arguments being not so
read in those fair eyes the cause your comming hither Oh sleep be not thou as cruell unto me as thou art sweet unto this in humain fair one Oh thou god of rest and comfort let her look once upon me before I die But continued she and reprehended her self I have no reason to invoke thee since the cruelty of Astrea shews me that Divinities themselves are sometimes insensible Fairest Diana said Silvander and gently kissed her fair hands receive these few teares which I now drop upon the Lillies of your hand as the last testimony of your shepherds love Receive oh ye fairest lips this sad and deplorable adieu and if it be possible my passion can inspire any thing into your soul let not my name die in your memory In saying so be adventured to kisse her and yet she did not waken for she had been so long without sleep and was so very weary as she slept most soundly Alexis on her side she stole the same favour from the ruby lips of Astrea and afterwards looking upon Silvander but shepherd said he unto him unto whom are we debtors for these favours but to their insensibility Let us retreat Silvander and not mixe such sweets with so many bitters which we use to tast let us leave these beauties whom we have so religiously adored unto their rest and not stay till they shall awake and condemn this last action of our lives of too much presumption Let us go Silvander whither our destinies do call us come on answered Silvander let us go and die But said he before he went and kissed the hand of Diana adieu the fairest that ever lived upon the bankes of Lignon adieu Diana adieu the object of my love and the cause of my torments Upon this he rose up and heard Alexis say and thou the fairest and most inhumane that ever was dear Astrea if it happen that the fury of the Lyons and Unicornes do leave so much reliques of me as may let you know my deplorable and generous end know also that my love made choise of this kind of death and your rigour was the cause of it I do not desire from heaven any revenge upon your cruelty but I beseech the gods to make my innocency and fidelity to known unto you as you may never doubt but that as I have been the most faithfull of all lovers so you have been the most cruell of all Mistresses in saying so she rose up and taking Silvander by the hand they went both togeather towards the fountain This encounter passed whilst Lycidas went to advertise Phillis of the place where he had found the shepherdesses and before they returned Alexis and Silvander were got so near the inchanted fountain that the two Unicornes which first espied them left the Lyons to guard it and came straight towards them Alexis who looked for nothing but death stood still and Silvander who looked for no less did open his armes to receive that mortall wound which would take him away from the number of men but the Unicornes which came most furious towards them passed by and did them no harm This accident which was far beyond their hopes did extreamly astonish them but desiring to know what would be the issue they turned about and looked after them They saw them go gently towards Diana and Astrea and after they had gazed a while upon the ground they layed themselves down upon the ground and leaned their heades upon those shepherdesses at first they feared that these Animals would have done them some injury and therefore they advanced to releive them yet as soon as they saw them laid down they stopt and admired to see so much sweetness from them as in nature they might well expect most cruelty They were in these considerations when they saw Lycidas and Phillis comming so as fearing to be perceived they laid them down upon the groud and hiding themselves behind a little bush observed a while their actions and astonishment at last when they saw Phillis leave Lycidas a while after espied Hylas and Adrastes and all the rest unto whom that shepherdess had told the newes of finding Astrea and Diana Alexis then seeing a great number of persons assembling themselves togeather he turned towards Silvander shepherd said he unto him pray go you unto that good company you had much better be with them then with me whose Company is so contageous as does infect all that are with me with a desire of dâ—ing Your Company answered Silvander does not produce the same effects in me since on the contrary I may say it has hindred me or at least deferred my death For certainly had not you diverted me yesterday from my resolution I should ere this have paid that tribute which I owe unto nature But as for you Celadon continued he why should you so willfully fly from the looks of your fair shepherdess though Astrea was angry with you yet it was only out of a passionate fit which she could not resist and since it was so violent as could not last long Follow my advice go and appease the spirit of that fair shepherdess who doubtless is in extream impatience to know what is become of you you will thereby oblige all the shepherds and shepherdesses in this Countrey for I am sure there is not one who is not much interested in you eyther by blood or affection But I poor silly wretch I wonder who would care whether I do live or die First Diana she will find a subject of incomparable satisfaction by my death because thereby she will be rid of him whose presence will eternally accuse her and make her appear culpable of perfidy as for the rest of shepherds and shepherdesses alas why should any of them be sensible of my miseryes since my death must needs be as indifferent unto them as my life For not being known unto any no my own self not knowing what I am why should any make me the object of his amity a vagabond and a miserable wretch who has resented the very worst of fortunes malice Your merit replied Alexis hath supplied all those defects which you alleadge and has given you as much esteem from all of any quality in this Countrey then if you had been descended from the most illustrious families in all Forrests No no assure your self Silvander your death would be infinitly lamented by all and every one will lament your loss as losing the glory of the Province in losing you who are the most perfectly accomplished shepherd in it so as your will in exposing your self unto the fury of the Lyons is not just because you do not only offend the gods by distroying their most perfect work but also men by ravishing from them the rarest example of virtue they ever had Follow my advice Silvander let me die alone reserve the remainder of your dayes for actions that will be glorious unto you and restore him back unto Diana for who I know her soul has
did a little lessen that extream grief which hung upon her soul Thus did this day pass in the house of Adamas whilst love produced contrarie effects in Marcelles Amasis was every day in hopes to obtain a firm and universall peace very shortly Sigismond was ravished with those charmes with he found in the face and affection of Dorinde Rosilion fully assured of Rosaniras constancy and love was restless till he went to enjoy those favours which she could not grant him but in the presence of her Argira Damon was even upon the point of marriage with Madonthe who thought she owed her self unto the merits and valour of her Cavelier Alcidon found nothing in the mind of Daphnide to contend with and waited for nothing but the disenchantment of the foutain to commemorate his joyes Ligdamon and Silvia also held good correspondency But amongst all these felicities the happiness of Lindamor might pass for extream This Cavelier being resolved to follow the Counsel which Adamas gave him he was no sooner out of bed but he went into Sigismonds Chamber where finding Rosilion who came to go a hunting with him he was very glad to meet with this opportunity of talking with them when they were both together So after he had bidden them good morrow and told them that he would shew them the best places to find sport But Sirs said he unto them and smiled If I do take upon me the honour to wait upon you in this chase may I not hope you will be pleased to favour me in that which I do intend to pursue Sigismond who partly knew his meaning for Dorinde had told him some particulars of the Caveliers love for my part answered he you need not doubt but I shall be most ready to serve you and give all the assistance that possibly I can provided you will but direct me which way And for my part said Rosilion presently I am most confident that Lindamor makes no doubt of me For he knows how much I esteem him Sirs replied Lindamor I do embrace your good wills as my most Soveraign happiness and I will assume the boldness to acquaint you with my business that you may judge whether the assistance which I desire from you be fit to be obtained If I mistake not said Sigismond we have now leasure to tell you for I do not think we shall see the Nimph untill it be late Yet Sirs replied Lindamor that is not the principal cause of my coming hither for my design was only to come and present my most humble service unto you But since you are pleased I should make use of this time and that in relating unto you the most secret actions of my life I shall let you know such thoughts as my heart has harboured this two or three years last past I do most humbly beseech you not to condemn my presumption in suffering my ambition to soar far higher then eyther my merit or my birth ought to aspire but rather to believe that it is an effect of Galatheas power who robbing me of my reason has not left my judgment so sound as it ought to be but yet sound enough to know that I am no way worthy of her Give me then leave to tell you great Sirs that Adamas being pleased to take so much pains at to come unto my Chamber this morning and like an officious and charitable friend having propounded unto me some expedients to render me the prossession of this fair Nimph the more easily he found none more necessary nor more likely to prove effectuall then your favours upon which he advised me to build the foundation of my fortune For said he unto me if those Princes will but honour you so far as to become your advocate and intercede for you unto the Nimph most certainly she will deny them nothing they can ask This great Sirs was the advice of this grave Druide which without any farther dispute I am resolved to follow though I must confess how great soever the necessity be of your assistance yet it is grand presumpsiton in me to offer so much trouble unto you But since your flowing goodness towards me bids me hope for the honour of your assistance let me freely tell you that the happiness or the misery of my life does meerly depend upon the confession or deniall of Amasis unto the request which you shall prefer unto her in my behalf for the possession of Galathea And that you may know your only difficulty is to obtain the consent of that great Nimph though it be a little vanity in me to say it yet I must tell you that her fair complasence towards me does put me into great hopes of gaining her consent Upon this Lindamor began to relate some arguments of Galatheas good will after he had hinted upon the most probable and remarkable accidents Generous Lindamor replied Rosilion you need no other mediators in your behalf but those qualities which are eminent in your courage and virtue they alone are able to acquire Empires since they do adorn you with illustrious merit However I am most willing to take upon me this commission with Sigismond and Godomar who doubtless are better able to serve you then I am but however I am infinitely desirous to have the glory of contributing something unto your contenment T' is true indeed answered Sigismond I do not think that my brother and I are altogether unproffitable but I cannot grant that we have more prevalency then you unto whom Amasis is highly beholding However it be said Godomar we do all owe this office unto the valour of Lindamor and I conceive it requisite that upon the first opportunity we find we sound the mind of Amasis who doubless will be inclinable unto it by way of recompence for all the great services which she hath received from him Lindamor having committed the matter to them he accompanied them into the Nimphes Chamber where Rosanira Galathea Daphnide Madonthe Silvia and many others were already come Afterwards all went unto the Temple and stayed there till dinner time After which Amasis was very desirous to take the air and shew unto her princely guests the sport of hunting and many other delightfull diversions On the other side Clotilda desiring to strike when the iron was hot and to take Gondebaut when he was in a good mind least he should forget the promises which he had made in Sigismonds favour she went unto him in his closset in hopes to make all friends She found him with that Princes lettet in his hand yet his browe seemed as if his mind was not well satisfied But she in a surprised manner said unto him think no more upon it Sir The promise which you have already made must without more thinking upon it be out of hand performed Do not suffer this seperation of your two sons Sigismond and Godomar from you to be laid in your dish or accused as a bad father And let not the world look upon