miseries but the greatest extreames are least permanent Mars thus rufling in this martiall Isle was crost by counter-working of some other god for Cupid grieued that he could fasten no shafts in their flintie hearts whose eares were stopped from loues inâ—…icing by the continuall clattering of Armour a melodie not fitting his mothers humour sware solemnly to alter this or spend all the shafts in his quiuer Each part wearied with daiely massacres did for a certaine time conclude a Truce from Armes Thus had the wily wagge meanes to effect his stratageme The two chiefe of these two Factions had each a child the one a sonne the other a daughter both so graced with rare qualities of the minde â—…o endued with perfections of the bodie that they seemed the mirror of that age and wonder of their time To these ornaments was added the fâ—…iendly fauour of smiling Fortune so largely bestowed that the summe of Aristotles felicitie might seeme to bee in them accomplished Dihnohin for so was he named passing oft in this time of truce by the house of his fathers enemie and viewing Gatesinea so was shee called felt himselfe surprised with a suddaine change and so long hee carried loue in his eies that at last it sunke downe to his heart and his affection was so much the more vehement how much the lesse his loue seemed possible to be obtained Gatesinea seeing Dihnohin yong and faire began first earnestly to looke then secretly to like and lastly so deepely to loue that as her happe was without hope so were her passions without patience Thus these two louers vnited with an vnknown sympathy of affections smothering their secret thoughts in hatefull silence liu'd discontent not knowing how to cure so dangerous a disease Shee voide of comfort reuealed her loue to her nurce praising Dihnohin and complaining of her hard fortune and the vnhappie discord of those two noble families whose dissention was the onely obstacle of her desire The old nurce though sorie that her yong mistresse was so affected yet thinking it impossible to alter her setled resolution did apply a medicine of comfort to mitigate the extremity of her sorrow not vsing disswasions for well shee knew that striuing to quench the fire shee should more increase the flame But Dihnohin seeking accesse vnto his mistresse found for what â—…aÌ„not Loue atchieue that the chamber of Gatesinea being in the backe part of her fathers house stood towards a garden hauing one window looking into a little narrowe lane through which none or very fewe and they very seldome did passe When Titan hasting to plunge his fierie chariot in Theâ—…is lappe had gladded Oceanus with his returne the torâ—…ented Lâ—…uer taking a Lute in his hand went to the place which so late he found and there did in sad melodie sound foorth his sorrowes Gatâ—…sinea wondring to heare musicke at her windowe looked out and discerned her beloued Dihnohin whose affections when shee sawe like her owne shee was rauished with incredible ioyes and had presently vttered some signe of her content had not maidenly modestie and the presence of her nurce staid her who perswaded her that hauing Dihnohin at the aduantage shee should not so easily offer her loue lest hee might little esteeme it hauing so lightly got it The perplexed Louer repairing oft to his accustomed place with more pleasure to Gatesinea than content to himselfe resolued in the ende to make a full triall of his good or badde fortune and no more to vse sâ—…ch dumbe demonstrations Comming therefore late as he was wont to the window he tarried till he perceiued by some signes that his mistresse was come into her chamber accompanied only with her nurce then fingring his Lute and framing his voice he vtter'd this passionate Dittie making euery rest a deepe-fetched sigh Dihnohins Sâ—…nnet I rashly vâ—…w'd fâ—…nd wretch why did I so When I was free that Loue should not inthrall me Ah fâ—…lish bâ—…ast the cause of all my woe And this misfortune that dâ—…th now bâ—…fall me Loues God iâ—…cens'd did 〈◊〉 thâ—…t I should smart That done he shot and strâ—…cke me to the heart Sweet was the wound but bitter was the painâ—… Sweet is the bondage to so faire a creature Ifcoie thoughts dâ—…e not Beuties brightnesse staine Nor crueltie wrong so diuine a feature Louâ—… pittie mee and let it quite my cost By Loue to finde what I by Loue haue lost Heau'ns pride Earths wonder Natures pâ—…erelesse choice Faire harbour of my soules decâ—…ying gladnesse Yield him some ease whose faâ—…nt and trembling voice Doth sue for pittiâ—… ouerwhelm'd with sadnesse In thee it rests faire Saint to saue or spill His life whose loue is ledde by Reasons will Scarce had he finished this sorrowfull Sonnet when Gatesinea opening the casement cast him downe a Garland compacted of sundry sweet smelling floures which she had gathered in her fathers garden making that her afternoons taske Dihnohin taking vp the fauour which his Mistris had throwne him and redoubling many kisses on that eâ—…e-pleasing object departed the happiest aliue prowde that shee had applauded his humour and grac'd his conceit with so â—…ire a guerdon But Gatesinea restlesse in her passions could not be satisfied till she had conceiued some possible means of Dihnohins and her meeting Loue the whetstone of wit brought this possibilitie to a plaine likelihoode and proceeding a steppe farther made this likelihoode seeme a certaintie and thus it was she had a doore out of her chamber into the garden and out of the garden ther was a litle doore that opened into the narrow lane whither Dihnohin was accustomed to come who being that way let in they might as she thought there safely conferre of their loue This doubt onely rested how Dihnohin might be certified of Gatesineas deuise which taske the Nurse vndertooke promising such care in the deliuerie of heâ—… message that no suspition should thence arise Which promise she fully performed and knowing that great trouble might grow of that enterprise if she 〈◊〉 the enemy of Dihnohiâ—…s father and waiting on his daughter were seene openly to talke with Dihnohin she vsed such warinesse and secrecie that he was by her cerâ—…ified of Gatesinaes purpose without suspition or discouery of her intent Dihnohin liberally rewarded the nurse for her lucky tidings willing her to doe his humble duety to his mistris and assure her of his diligent attendaunce at the appoynted time place The two louers longing for nights approch thought Phoebus envying their blisse did slacke his course more than he was wont declining too slowly But when a generall darkenesse had ouerspread the earth and dayes light was eclipsed by Titans departure to the other Hemisphere Dihnohin comming to the garden doore was let in by the Nurse and louingly receiued of Gatâ—…sinea What greetings were vsed when the two louers met they can best conceiue that haue knowne like fortune But when common cerimonies of curtesie had passed betweene them they retired into the Arbour
perceiving without casting of her water where she was pained shaped her this reply For mine owne part Madam as yet I never had experience of what force Love is and therefore ignorant of the disdaine and sorrow which such as you are sustaine yet neverthelesse I verily beleeve that the passion both of the one and the other is so great and vnmeasurable that the surplusage of the alterations that trouble and moleâ—…t the spirit is nothing in respect of this inexplicable distresse But I behold and perceive the imbecility of humane minds and how soone through vnlawful desires they are disquieted which with no lesse tranquilitie are digested in the stomacke and thoughts then the sea sands when they are encountred with the tumultuous blasts of powerfull Borâ—…as Ah Madam where is the great chastitie that made you once more renowned then all the Ladies in Lemnos I beseech you labour to containe your selfe in that honest estimation wherein hitherto you have lived to the great content both of your parents and frends But if Reason be curbd by incontinency and that you deliberate to follow the vice of wantonnesse for the accomplishment of your desires then by all meanes let diligent regard in such sort intimate secrecy that neither the house from whence you are descended be dishonoured nor your selfe merit infamy or ignominious punishment While they were thus talking a page brought word that divers Ladies were come to visit the Queene which caused them to surâ—…ease their talke When the Ladies salutations were ended and Cleodâ—…ra againe left to her cogitations she could not feele one minute of such ease as was requisite for vnâ—…essantly she rolled the stone with Sysiphus turned the wheele with Ixion and filled the bottomlesse tubbes with Belides in so much that when shee could finde no meanes to mittigate her maladie shee fell into these bitter complaints Ah Cleodora ah wretched Cleodora how art thou without reason which sufferest reason to yeelde vnto appetite wisedome to sensuall will and a free minde vnto servile love but I perceive when the Iviâ—… risâ—…th it wreatheth about the Elâ—…e when the Hop groweth hie it hath neede of a poale and when virgins waxe in yeares they follow that which belongeth to their youth Love love yâ—…a but they love expecting some good hap alas both love and live without all hope for Eliosto is my sonne and yet if he were not he liketh not me Sith then Cleodora thou art pinched and hast none to pittie thy passions dissemble thy affection though it shorten thy life For better it were to die with griefe then to live with shame The spunge is full of water yet is not seene the leafe of the tree Alpina though it be wet looks always dry a wise lover be she never so much tormented behaves herself as thogh she were not toucht Yea but fire cannot be hid in the flax without smoke nor musk in the bosome without smell nor love in the breast without suspicion Then seeke some meanes to manifest thy love to Eliosto for as the stone Draconites can by no means be polished vnlesse the Lapidarie burne it so thy mimd can by no medcine be cured vnlesse Eliosto ease it Thus resolved without longer stay she called vnto her Lucilla her chiefe attendant who from her infancie had bin brought vp with her In this Lucilla shee conceyved her greatest hope vnto whom she said Lucilla since I had reason to discerne good from evill thou knowest how I have tendered thee and how willing I would be to seeke thy preferment make triall when thou please so shalt thou be assured of that which justly thou maist hold in suspence But leaving these conjuring words I must Lucilla commit vnto thy secrecies a matter of import whereon my honour and reputation dependeth for I tell thee Lucilla I have made choyse of thee amongst all those which I may commaund as of her I love and have best cause so to doe having had such societie else should I rather choose to die ten thousand deaths then reveale it Luciâ—…la which had her whole hope of good from the Queene hearing her speeches with teares standing in her eyes proceeding of joy for the honour done her by the Queene protested vnto her by heavens Maker and what else he framed to be secret in her determinations and doe her best endevour to accomplish whatsoever shee commanded Cleodora taking her word for currant in whom she never found deceit said Lucilla that it is incident to all creatures in their kind to love I know thy wittes be not so simple but thou canst conceive and he that made vs directeth our likings as best pleaseth him be it Prince or Beggar from the highest to the simplest and he my Lucilla hath linked my liking albeit extraordinarily to a most bravâ—… Gentleman on whom I think if Affection which is blind deceive me not is worthy to be favoured of the most beautifull To keepe thee with idle speeches is now no time having other matters enow whereon wee must discourse therefore that thou mayst know to whom my love is intended Eliosto my sonne is he Eliosto famous for his valour renowned for his bountie and admired for his courtesie He he Lucilla is the joy of my heart and my hearts sole delight without whom I cannot live nor I wil not live neither may I live such is the service which my heart hath vowed in love vnto him therfore if thou love me as thou hast professd by thy industrie seeke to save my life which cannot but perish in not obtaining my desires Lucilla listning to her discourse willing to become second in this tragedie had her braines alreadie beaten in the search of the charge committed vnto her yet would she not sodainâ—…ly answer any thing Considering how displeasing speeches spoken out of time be to lovers corasives yet chering the Queene she requested vntill the next morning respite for answer which willingly she granted affying greatly in her whose jâ—…dgement above all others she esteemed most sound and perfect whom to her studie we leave Eliosto by reason of the affable countenance and courteous vsage wherewith dayly she did gratifie him had his intrailes so fried with the scorching flames of his methoâ—…s beautie O inspeakable wickednesse that his colour was châ—…nged and his streâ—…gth impaired and he through great griefe â—…nd extremity of his love enforced to withdraw himselfe into his Chamber where casting himselfe on his bed with a million of carefull thoughts he determined to seeke her favour and then by contrary motions fearing the successe of his suit by reason of affinitie which might give cause of great dislike and disparagement thereof said Ah thrice vnfortunate Eliosto what strange fits be these that burne thee with heate and yet thou shakest with cold thy body in a shivering sweate and in a flaming ice melting like wax and yet as hard as Adaâ—…ant Is it love then woulde it were death for likeher it is thou shalt loose
exclaimed on his misfortune cursing the tydings bringer of the Kings repaire to the Park and his tongue for not revealing his griefe his Physition being so readie to heare that despairing of his hope he was likely to mischiefe himselfe yet Reason affirming That the learnedst Phisition could not discover the disease of his patient without he shew it how neare soever he ghesse Entring further into consideration of her favourable speaches shaking off feare like a hardie Souldier he determined in writing to let her know his love since he had no hope to meet her againe at the like advantage Therefore like the condemned hoping of pardon lived Eliosto yet desirous to be resolved either of comfort or despaire he called for pen and ynke and wrote thus To the onely mistresse of my heart the most beautifull Cleodora happinesse and hearts content IF Iupiter being a God was vanquished by love and many mightie Monarches have beene forced to seeke the love of beautifull Ladies I have lesse cause to accuse my fortune or exclaime against his soveraigntie who hath framed my heart to like and love your excellencie how long I have honoured you onely I omit and desist to impart the many griefes endured for your sake Now as you are by nature pitifull so vouchsafe to credite the lines of me your sworne servant and by your favour reclaime from the gates of death my soule which vpon deniall is readie to leave her earthly mansion Therefore peerlesse Ladie if thou holde the life of thy servant in any regard grant me thy love and with thy love gratious liking so shall I live to honour thee or die through thy crueltie I write not as a Poet but as a passionate lover of your highnesse and therefore if thou dislike these lines atâ—…ribute the shortnesse of my stile to my ardencie which without flatterie hath delivered the summe of my miserie and hope shal be by your gracious courtesie mitigated So attending your answere either of life or death I wish thy ioyes never to have end and my selfe a speedie death without your liking Your Graces in life most humble Eliosto What man living hath either heard or read of such sensuall and incontinent designes such libidinous and incestuous affection Thou Hyppolite for not yeelding to the lust of Phaedra thy Stepmother wast through her false accusation by thy father pursued till the Charioâ—… wherein thou fleddest brake and thou miserably among the sharpe stones rent to peeces but by thy fall thou hast preserved thy name from blacke mouthed infamie who onely is delighted with her brazen Trumpet to sound the harsh tunes of our foule defame as for thee Eliosâ—…o whom the Fates likewise have reserved to perpetuitie must with thy licencious Phaedra abide continually the detestable brand of vnspeakable ignominie But I digresse When he had ended these lines sealed and directed the same he could not find by many devises which hee sought how it should be brought to his mothers hands at length after many and sundry wayes invented this was thought best calling to mind Lucilâ—…a the Queenes Maid which he often noted to be in some regard with her determined to procure her either for courtesie or reward to deliver it And verie early in the morning as soone as he could get readie addressed himselfe to the Court attending the comming of his mother thither as she vsually did but vnhappie Elâ—…osto it â—…ell not out so well with him that day for the Queeâ—…e distempered in her thoughts had her mind so much on loue as she enâ—…oyed no sleepe by night nor content by day so that she was enforced with weaknesse to keepe her Chamber to the great discomfort and griefe of all the Ladies But Cupid which is alwayes benigne to them that serve him brought him this pleasure It fortuned that Lucilla with whom Eliostoes chief desire was to have some speech passed into the Garden either to walke or for some occasion of the Queenes I know not whether whom he followed with a fearâ—…full countenance more like a novice in Loves schoole then any way skilfull in such enterprises yet whetâ—…ed on by the hopes which his heart conceyved he saluted the Gentlewoman who was not a little abashed to see the Prince so neare her nor could she iudge any cause of his comming vnto her Lucilla being willing to heare what he would say with a face blushing shewing a kind countenance she enquired of his health with other ordinarie prattle vnto which hee answered and returning her many thanks said Mistresse Lucilla though my deserts have never merited favour at your hands yet let me crave your furtherance in a sute for that I heare my mother is weake and not willing to bee troubled so that I cannot attaine vnto hir speech and besides my businesse of importance compelleth me very shortly to leave the Court to deliver this Letter into her owne hands and at your leysure to returne me such answer as she shall please to deliver in doing which you shal both do me a favour of great esteeme and cause me her eaâ—…ter not to wound this your kindnes with oblivion The Gentlewoman which did know where the Queenes shooe did wring her began immediatly to coniecture his disease and to shootâ—… at that which indeed she hit without any great aime supposing the Prince to be wounded with like affection was glad to become so happie a Messenger to her who could willingly vouchsafe him as partner of her best fortunes yet making a kind deniall she said Sir though I could willingly doe you more service then modestie will I acquaint you with yet it is not the part of our Country Gentlemen to make poasts of women having Pages fit for that purpose if I refuse your request attribute it to no discourtesie in me which am verie loath to offend her hâ—…ghnesse not knowing whether the sentence of your Paper may breed any discontent or no. That many Messengers have incurred displeasure yea and losse of life as the cause hath deserved I hope it is not vnknowne vnto you yet hath the harmlesse bearer knownâ—… as little what he carried as I desirous to know of you Sweet Lucilla quoth the Prince that it is wisdome by others harmes to beware I denie not yet notwithstanding it is discourtesie not to fulfill the request of a Gentleman which hath evermore shewed himselfe most dutifull vnto her Maiestie can I therfore frame my heart to preiudice that Ladie of incomparable vertue No no heavens never permit me life if in the least thought I once offend her Lucilla noting by the often change of his colour in telling his tale that his heart was not his owne but had some more businesse in hand then willingly he would reveale loath to move his patience by her deniall answered Sir perswading my self of your loyaltie I will for this time become your Embassador although it should impaire my credite with her Excellence whose favour I hold as deare as my life and that
belong None might craue peculiar riâ—…ht Sith they were of equall might He said Beauty ne're preuailed But where Loue the heart assailed Beautie for it selfe admired His shafts causde to be desired For where Loue bredno remorse There had Beautie little fâ—…rce Psyche was more faire then any Lou'd of few though lik't of many Yet so lik't that none affected Sisters sped but shee reiected Yet quoth Beautie Psyche gaind Cupids heart to her enchainde Where was then his wonted might Uanquish'd by a womans sight Thus fell Loue into a trip Thus shee gald him with a quip He said t' was his owne prâ—…curement Shee said it waâ—… her allurement Loue said Beautie pleasd the eie But he wrought hearts sympathie Hee said heart when eie had viewd Was by Beauties force subdu'd He said Beauty soone decaid Shee sâ—…id Loue no longer staid Then while beautie was in prime Thus did both giue place to Time Cupid grieu'd with these replies Fram'd by her in taunting wise Sware by dreadfull Stygian lake Greatest vâ—…w that Gods can make That he would no more discend Till he did this quarrell end Vowing by his godheads might Beauties darlings to despite Thus he saâ—…es and vp he flâ—…es Swiftly through the Empire skies If meâ—… might this strife decide As by men it should be tride Then would all agree in one Beautie can preuaile alone Beautie able to â—…thrall Eies and heart and thoughts and al Yâ—…t three powers in one aâ—…enting Stroke mine heart heart soone releâ—…ting Eyeâ—… saw beauty and admirde it Loue saw heart through eyes he fir'd it But faire lookes did first constraine Cupids shafts to shape my paine Fairer vertue Beauties â—…ewell Bade me not pronounce Loue cruell Loue that forc'd me to affect Beauties worth by Vertue deckâ—… Then O three of all the chiefe Ease at last my â—…oathed griefe The Queene hearing all those extreames to growe from affection was in such sort by them captiuated that vailing top-gallant she returned to Eliosto this finall and comfortable resolution The flaxe gentle Eliosto soone flameth and yeeldes but a flash the kinde mushrome soone ripens and as soone rottes the best Emphemerum in the riuer Hippanis is made in a moment and marrd in a minute but contrariwise it must be immoderate heate that engendreth the Salamander which ingendred neuer dieth vntil the fire be extinguished Long time it is before the Lawrell flourisheth which flourishing neuer fadeth with summers blaze or falleth with winters blast The Elephant is borne tenne yeares in the dammes belly but once brought foorth liueth three hundred Therefore thinke me not vnworthie to be worne Eliosto because so long to be wooed For light beliâ—…fe hath commonly light loue The fish Alphya is engendred with a small showre of raine and therfore is counted no meate for a veluet mouth But good chaffer is not so soone cheapned that which is deere of price is deere and pretious yea that Castle which beares most brunt is deemed most worthy when it is scaled Neither doe I yet condescend to thy petition vnlesse I were pushed therto by thy pâ—…mise that thou wilt be as faithfull ' as thy protestations are faire Not like the Lightning which flasheth and presently â—…adeth Nor resembling the stone Mâ—…hrax which is of a rose colour but scorched with 〈◊〉 beams becomes chargeable but rather immitating the jem Thraâ—…ias most burning when thou 〈◊〉 ouerwhelmed with roaring and raging disasters On which conditions thy promises placing â—…nd reposing the irremoâ—…eable foundation of my faithsull refolution I make thy person the prison of my heart and not only vâ—…uchsafe thee of some graâ—…ts of grant but thâ—…t thou mayst assure thy selfe the feedes of thy sute to haue beene sowne in a fertile soile for euery graine of Loue buried in my breast I will yeeld thee an eare of fifty corns With that the impatient Louers as if Mars had combatted with Dâ—…me Cytherea for â—…uffring her Boy to make him the marke of his game rose in armes where Loue conquered Pleasure Desire tooke incestuous Delight captiue and litle Cupid like a valiant carpet knight flew into Uenus his mothers bosome Lucilla suspecting no lesse was thunder-stricken with that sodâ—…ine and sorrowfull imagination that bursting out of an extasie wherein she had long stoode like one beholding 〈◊〉 head lamenting as if shee woulde haue died and in dying made an attonement with Death she sate weeping and wailing for that outragious accident wringing her liliâ—… white handes and fixing her blubbered eyes on the comfortlesse ground clad in sable habite witnessing her hearts sadnesse and stiâ—…l crying on the names of Eliosto and Cleodora stil casting out woful inuectiues against the Destinies calling her selfe a most accursed wretch born vnder such vnfortunate planets with that she might heare certaine trumpets sound whereby shee gathered as it was indeede that the King was returning from hunting giuing therefore these Louâ—…rs drenâ—…ht in the full channell of Pleasure this aduertisement for that time they parted Now Eliosto after this was more impatient in his passions For loue so fiercely assayled him that neither Company nor Musike could mittigate his maâ—…yrdome bâ—…t did rather far increase his maladie Shame would not let him craue counsell in this case nor feare of his fathers displeasure reveale it to any friend but was faine to make a Secretary of himselfe and to participate his thoughts with his owne troubled mind Liuing thus a day or two distracted he called to minde the counsell of Cleodora which was that he should insinuate himselfe into the fauor of her maid Lucilla who both could and would pleasure them in their loues Her therefore hee determined to make one of his câ—…mplices not for that hee certainely thence expected helpe neither meant desperately to detect his intâ—…mate secrets without some hope but as the Merchant when with the cruell confederacie of the rocke and surges rage the ship like to a weake stickler hauing all his plancke-ribs rent and riuen asunder committeth his wearied body to the conuoy of a floating boorde as the souldier who being hemmed in on euery side with his enemies rankes neither stands amazed with feare yeelding his naked breasts to the mercilesse jaueline nor desperately rusheth against the poynt of the pike which is not fortitude but folly but to perfourme Natures iniunctions gathereth him selfe wisely within his weapon and striueth with courage to acquite him selfe valiantly Or as the wise phisition which forsaketh not his patient though hee can not finde any soueraigne medicine for his maladie but ministreth such as meere coniectures teach him lest hee discoraged should deliuer to death his patient discomforted Euen so Eliosto thinking to prooue Lucilla though not sure to preuaile sent for her who speedily comming he courteously entertained and with these perswasions indeuoured to make her a fauourite to his purposes To whom as they sate together in his lodging Friend Lucilla quoth the Prince for so your courtesie in speedy comming at my request willeth me to call
shee might espie her beloued sonne what ioy it caused let them iudge which haue made better experience in louers delights The Queene hauing the sight of her so long desired obiect sent Lucilla to entertaine him and to conduct him vnto her presence Cleodora staying to frame her countenance for his welcome bethought her selfe of sundry meanes eâ—…tsoones doubting by hir too pleasant and kinde vsage to be held too forward in loue than what discontent her lowring aspects might mooue vnto him whom she most desired to please In this quandary sitting vppon a pallet and leaning her head on her pillowe Lucilla had brought the Prince in who doing his duty very feebly for the remembrance of his attempt had astonisht him was by the queen againe saluted attending like the guiltie condemned his sentence from her mouth which was to giue him either life or death Eliosto thus at a non plus ouercome with the beholding of her excellent perfection was by her the mirror of affabilitie and courtesie remooued out of his dumpes in this maner Eliosto whether I should chastice thy presumption in writing to me so boldâ—…ly or no I am not yet resolued but before I acquainted my Lord therewith I thought good to heare thee speake for that I would not so sodainly disgrace thee whome so often I haue fauoured as well to heare thy intent in committing so great a foly as what thou canst say in excuse thereof Princes are not to be ieasted with nor in such maner by their kinred to be assailed therfore thou hast greatly erred in that which is committed incurred the danger of our chiefest lawes by which were thy fact knowne thou art already condemned The prince standing at the barre where Beautie sate chiefe iudge was surprised with many griefes so that hardly he could vtter a word yet reuiued by the hope of those comfortable and sweete sayings pronounced by Lucilla hee shaped her this reply Gratious Lady in that I haue presumed faâ—…e I â—…an not but acknowledge yet that I haue incurred such punishment as your Highnesâ—…e would iâ—…flict vpon me I denie vnlesse death be the guerdon assigned the saithfull for duetifull seruice and entire affection vrged me to seekethy fauor in loue without the which I cannot liue so deepely are thy vertuous perfections imprinted in my heart which if Ienioy not I desire no longer to breathe Therefore madam if thou disdaine his loue that liuing dieth continually for thee doe but say the word and this blade so often embrued in the blood of 〈◊〉 enemies shall sacrifice his masters owne true heart before thy face that thy cruell selfe may witnesâ—…e how faithfully Eliosto hath loued thee The Queene grieued to heare these speeches moued with great compunction could hardly forbeare shedding of teares yet modestie the ornament of womankinde caused her to faine a counterfeit shewe of displeasure to him whose teares wroong drops of blood from her tender heart yet that snee might not too suddainly confesse her desires nor giue him cause of vtter despaire made this answer Eliosto that thou maist see and seeing report in all places where euer thou shalt become of womens pittie I graunt thee pardon for thy fault and with it that life which was wholly at my disposing For louing mee as thy prince I heartily thanke thee but in seeking to obtaine my loue as thy Concubine in that I defie thee let each estate frame it selfe in affection as it becommeth equalitie so shall men sooner obtaine their desires and their loues in more tranquilitie be maintained Thou knowest that such absurde actions are in the extreamest degree of sinne Wilt thou therefore wish me in violating the faith which I haue plighted vnto thy father purchafe vnto my selfe such a name the remembrance whereof is not lesse grieuous vnto mee than death No no desist not any further to prosecute thy suâ—…te let reason vanquish thy brain-sicke humour which so affâ—…icts thâ—…e in doing which thou shalt make demonstration of that true nobilitie wherewith thou art endued for no greater conquest can be imagined than that which vpon a mans vntâ—…med affections is atchieued Do this and thou 〈◊〉 finde Cleodora thy louing and faithfull friend who 〈◊〉 be as carefull with fauours to aduance thee as I haue found chee prompt and ready by thy seruice to pleasure me Aâ—…as good Madame answered the Prince it is a thing farre more easie to giue counsell than once giuen to follow it The full gorged Churle little regardeth the staruing creature at his gate but could you conceiue the leasâ—… part of many thousand griefes that afflict me you would at the length pittie me though further fauour from you I receiued none If thy heart be not harder than the Adamant yield thy grace sweet Lady to augment my life or vtterly for euer deny me your good will I expect but your answer for my resolution is no other than I haue protested dastards feare to die but the noble mind preferreth death which endeth all sorrowes before a life to be continued with discontent The Queene as full of anguish as hee of sorrow beeing at her wits ende turned her speeches to an other matter and requested him to contriue as cunningly as he could his fancie in a fiction willing therefore to shew his Mistresse for such I must now tearme her that he was not ignorant in musicke taking a Lute in his hand began to warble out this Roundelay Loue was arm'd with fatall bow Shafts which Mother did bestow Mother gaue but Father fram'd Father Mother both werâ—… blam'd Wantâ—…n Goddesse did beguile Husband with afained smile For a kisse shee did obtaine Labour neuer spent in vaine Thaâ—… her sonne by Vulcans trade Might the chiefest God be made Thus shee wonne him to her will Wily worke of Womans skill But the Boy more prowd then wise Waues his wings and forth he flies Soone as he on earth had lighted Thus the fondlâ—…ng was despighted As he vaunted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 olde Thinking all that glistered gold Tearming in a 〈◊〉 thought Which his selfe conceit had â—…rought Heau'â—… his footstooâ—…e gods his marke Men his obiects Earth his parke Gods and men his hunting game Beautie natures darling came Beautie clad in natiue hue Whom the Graces did indue With rich plentie of their gifts Beautie cause of wittie shifts Beautie with whose worth delighted Poets haue sweete Hymnes 〈◊〉 Faire as is thâ—… ruddie morne Leauing restfull Bowre forlorâ—…e Mâ—…rne did with Vermiâ—…ion redde Rising from â—…ld Tithons bedde Thus the fairest of all faire Denide to grace the liquid aire Passing by where Loue did stand Holding powerfull bowe in hand Not saluting as shee went Him that ragde in discontent Boyliâ—…g wrath must issue finde Wrath that boyld in troubled minde For the ease of whose vnrest Thus his furie was exprest Loue said he was Beauties better She said Loue was natures debter Loue exclaimde on Beauties pride Which all duties force denide Shee said Loue receiu'd no wrong Where no dutie did
you I am to imparte a matter vnto you of no small importaunce in which I must first desire your diligence faith and secrecie Long since I had layd these affaires in your faithfull bosome but that I scarce knew your nature which since the deerest of mine acqâ—…aintance being the most familiar of your friendes the most friendly of my familiars haue with no small commendations deliuered vnto me saying also that you deserued to be inscribed in the catalogue of my acquaintance I euer soght to ioyne hands with you in friendship which now willingly breaketh forth into a flame and displaieth it selfe vnto your sight and if it shall please you to accept the same you shal henceforth find me as forward to shew my selfe gratefull as at this time I am desirous you should gratifie mee in this action To these Lucilla bowed hir selfe and Eliosto proceeded Since the matter is to be vnfolded between friends I need not vse any glozing phrase flowers of Rhetoricke or colours of eloquence thou knowest gentle Lucilla how diâ—…ficult it is to loue and how much difficult not to loue Is the iron faulty because it cleaueth to the forcible Adamant the needle because it is drawne by the vertue of the Loadstone gold in that it cannot withstand the hidden strength of the Chrysocol or the rush because it moueth to the jeate or Amber or is flesh and blood to be blamed because subiect to Beautie No no gentle Lucilla It is the attractiue force of flowering beautie which bewitcheth the wisest encl anteth the seuerest curseth Sobriety from her Court dislodgeth Vertue from her castle The conquerd must obey by constraint for me to striue against the streame is furie to beare a saile against the wind frenzie Wherefore exiling all mistrust from the bottome of mine heart I wil briefly display vnto thee the whole shrine of my secrets then will I vnfolde both our ensuing profits and also the meanes of eschewing our perill I loue my mother Cleodora neither is the fault if any fault be to be fathered by me but by Fortune who holdeth the helme or stearne of al humane life I was not earst acquainted with mothers manners nor inuitiated in the elements of her country curtesies I thought that womens eies had euer beene true embassadours of their hearts I tooke their lookes for their sutors and their glaunces to be tokens of their speciall good-wil alas herein I failed in my physiognomie for noting Cleodora often sweetely to smile on me and gathering thereby as I thought infallible signes of her fauour towards my selfe and on the other side supposing that I should shewe my selfe to be but of a very cold constitution in that I could not loue or prooue my selfe an haggard or faint-hearted foole to expect any further at a womans handes whose modestie restraineth her from opening her minde any otherwise than by her eies onely Wherefore I moâ—…e forward than fortunate first set my fort into the fielde thinking my selfe a worthier personage because loued of such a Ladie and then first thinking my selfe vnworthy at least vnworthy of such a creature so not suspecting otherwise than that all was sure on my side with the better courage I marched thither where I found contrary to expectatiâ—…n the gates of Louâ—… fast locked and my passage to Affection gaine-said but shame it was to retire nay it was vnpossible to returne for by dealing with the flame I had so seared and singed my wings that I was safe enough for flying further Therefore now pittying my selfe who was earst so pittifull for her sake I fought by all meanes I could by often rubbing to force out some fire in the hard flintie walles of her heart whereby in time I found her so tractable yea and her intire loue shining forth in such aboundance that I could not without much diligence and industrie deuise how to couer the light thereof our loue was still letted but so farre from beeing lessened that now if thou vouchsafest not thine helping hand it will deface with the fowlest blot our whole familie to the ruine both of thy Mistresse and my selfe Although for the honourable loue which my soule beareth to our famous house I could perswade my selfe to abandon the Court my Country to leaue my father yea which thing is greatest and most grieuous to forgoe my deerest mother hoping that Time might weare out the Impressa of her image â—…rom mine heart if thus much I were not acquainted with her determinate resolution that shee will either flie with me or follow me yet if shee bee intercepted shee will teare the prison of her daintie bodie with her naked hands so that her soule freed from earthly fetters will still accompany me Then what lowd laughter would this affoard to our enuious foes what lamentation would it bring to our friends who the more the enuious should triumph umphat hir grief the more would she grieue at hir triumph Therefore sweete Lucilla wee commit to thee the reines of our coach hoping thou wilt with as great speede as we both exspect guide vs to the height of our desires what preiudice can arise for that I once or twice enter commons with my father especially when his eyes see nought wherat they may grieue nor any perceiue whereat they may grudge which done we shall beginne to loue with reason who now are led with rage and after our heat is mitigated call our selues to account and counsell how we may break off our commenced course Thou knowest how our wishes may be compâ—…ssed how our willes may be accomplished thou art acquainted with the roomes and lodgings of the Court thou canst procure me accesse without suspition and regresse without danger this cannot bee doone without thy helpe and cannot be left vndone without our mishap Now what profite may hereby proceede what discommodity you shall preuent I appeale to none other Iudge than to thine owne disâ—…retion for heereby thou shalt preserue our houses fame and deserue mee thy eternall friend Be not mercilesse good Lucilla because I intreate thee nor voyde of pitty because I pray thee I haue committed to thee my body which is my selfe and Cleodora who is my soule vse them faithfully who doubted not to conceiue of thee friendly let it suffice that thou couldest as well hurt as helpe kill as cure as well sincke as saue vs. Heereupon Lucilla somewhile deliberating and in deliberation making faire weather in her face which betokened the like to betide Eâ—…sosto in his loue And although Eliosto quoth shee as you pretend the yroâ—… naturally cleaueth to the forcible Adamant and nature can not be exanthorated yet the adamant leeseth his power when the iron is rubbd ouer with the Sideritie though thâ—… needle be drawne vnto the loadstone yet the operation of the loadstone is annihilated by opposition of the more vertuous Theomedes the Chrysocoll beeing steeped in the iuyce of garlike leeseth his effect the jeat cannot preuaile against the rush vnlesse your selfe