ranne to death But one day as I past among the rocks which were both steepe yet easie to ascend the countrie hilly the earth blacke the mourning onely couerd with Heath and stones to expresse the ill nature of that soile I went still in it till at last descending one of the steepest and most ragged of those hills the top of which was crownd with milke white rocks in bignesse strange and fashion farre more rare I sat downe in a stone of mighty height which like a chaire in iust proportion did giue mee roome and ease Yet some thing vnsafe it was to looke downe for those whose eyes will dazell if on any high place for the height was great and that stood as if onely framd to sit and see the bottome directly vnder Looking a while I saw some folkes below and as it were a Spring where they did drinke I left the rocke then and did straight descend vnto the Plaine the descent was not tedious but slippery When I thither came of all the company one man was able to declare any thing of the nature of it for the rest were strangers and not the same Countrimen I ciuilly demanded if that spring were medicinable or what made them with so much affectionate ceremony to drinke and as it were adore it That man made answere it was that diuine and sacred water which did cure all harmes I blamd him knowing he had said too much since only one was fit to bee termed so but he more seruant to adoration then diuinity told me many strange works that water had performd I did for nouelties take of the streame drinking of it I found it did me no harme Then I demanded what it would procure he said Quiet of spirit comfort in this life How long I demanded ought we to drinke thereof Seuen times he replied and thrice seuen dayes I liuing not farre off resolu'd the task and dranke and found such good as soone I was alterd in al things but my truth which now alone to me remaines vnharmd my whole condition alterd I grew free and free from loue to which I late was slaue Then finding this true vertue in my selfe and my poore selfe returnd to me againe I did embrace it in the same true sort that loue held me and so we did agree I loue my selfe my selfe now loueth me But after to auoid all new delights or to bee sued too or intised againe â— put on these habits hoping by purenesse and vowed chastity to win Diana's fauour which now is all my ambition and my hope Thus here I liue in expectation not assurance of her acceptance into this Brooke I oftentimes doe goe and now was going iust as you did come remembrance of my faith I keepe and ioy alone in that without desire or thought of loues varietie My daies remaining I haue giuen to truth and as a Nimph I still will here remaine my name I also changed with my life from Allarina to Siluiana these habits keepe me from discourse with men my vow from yeelding so I now liue free and vncontrold of Fortunes selfe My Mistrisse I adore â— keepe her Feasts deuoutly and thus I doe remaine your humblest Vassall mighty Princesse else sole Mistrisse of my thoughts and freedomes rule Happy you are said the excellent Queene so to bee able to master your selfe but did you neuer see him since you wore these habits Oft-times great Princesse said she I haue seene him and so perceiued desire new in him to win me back but now it is too late I must confesse who once had told me I could haue beheld his face without my soules affection to it I should hardly haue belieued it much more to find my heart so free from loue as now it is and as he made himselfe to me euen a meere stranger so are now mine eyâ—s and thoughts as farre from touch of loue as if I had been borne neuer to know loue or such passions when as once my eyes hung after him as steru'd without his sight my soule lou'd him as a blessing and I was indeed only his now am I free my selfe void of those troubles loue prouoked in me I can with quietnes heare all his acts see him this day intolerably fond of one I hated then change to a new all that mooues not me saue only that I out of pity pity their ill haps Once I was iealous vext if hee did throw by chance a looke on any but my selfe that fault he punisht with his sterne neglect plagueing me in the sharpest kind striuing to make me see his change and scornefully expressing to my sight disdaine of me and fondnesse in such loues These are requited now he growne to pitie when I scorne to take it he to loue me when I am vowed else-where thus loue rewarded is with scorne and scorne with pitilesse regard returning home I cannot yet belieue said Pamphilia but you loue him still for all this liberall and excellent discourse I neuer will liue houre said Siluiana to hate him though I am made free from bond of vaine affection thus much truly I doe still remaine his friend and seruant to defend him from all harmes I may by my respect make void and were it in my way to doe him though a iust ill turne and many leagues off I might doâ— him good that iourney I would take yet loue I not ought but faire chastitie This sweet discourse concluded the braue Queene tooke leaue of the fine Nymph and so returnd with promise when she hunted in those parts she would find her then going to the Court she went into her chamber to take rest little of that sufficed her for though great as any yet in loue was as much subiect as the meanest borne Pamphilia said she can thy great spirit permit thee to bee bound when such as Allarina can haue strength to master and command euen loue it selfe Scorne such seruilitie where subiects soueraignize neuer let so meane a thing ore-rule thy greatest power either command like thy self or fall downe vassall in despaire Why should fond loue insult or venture in thy sight let his babish tricks be priz'd by creatures vnder thee but disdaine thou such a gouernment Shall blindnes master thee and guide thee looke then sure to fall Shall way ward folly rule thee looke to be despis'd Shall foolish wantonnes intice thee hate such vice Shall children make thee follow their vaine tricks scorne then thy selfâ— and all such vanities Yet when all this is said and that the truest knowledge tells me these are true my wounded heart with bleeding doth professe vassalladge to the great and powerfull might of loue I am prisoner guard me then deere loue keepe me but safely free from yeelding and keepe me as thou hast already made me thine Much of the time she had to be at rest she thus imploy'd then rysing the day telling her all brightnesse waited on her she rose and went to the sweete Limena
Who could but you haue beheld her dying and not succour her With that the Prince went to him desiring to heare the whole discourse who hauing vrgd the passionate Man spake thus I am not tied said he to make the relation but I must know one thing before I speake which is whether you bee a louer or not if you bee I shall the more willingly speake because you will vnderstand mee else I shall be loth to bestow much passionate breath so much in vaine to one that will no more esteeme of it then of an old tale The Prince gaue him full satisfaction of hâ—s being a louer when the Man said thus This vnfortunate piece of mankind you see here is called Cilandrus I am of Corinth borneâ— and bred a Merchant a Knight in that City had a daughter cald Lendrina of admirable beauty and such as by the iust admiring it brought many and most to be her seruants all gazing on her as on a Meteor she knew her perfections otherwise she had not deserued them but being too exact in knowledge was proud of their rarenesse and so farre as she thought them not fit to be bestowed on any none being worthy of them Men of all sorts sued vnto her she had answers of all kinds answerable to their estates to bestow on them but the Prince he saw her and liked her she thought he must not for her owne honour being an assured credit as shee esteemed it or bee sought by him who shee falsely imagined might command all entertained him but how not fondly nor so kindly but as she vsed him respectiuely yet she made him sue and labour for his ends She would meete him at places appointed but as if she were without him to haue gone to them by chance met him Out of the Towne she would goe to a house of her fathers thither would he goe to visit her and to see how the aire the pretended cause of her going agreed with her She accepted of his visits and tooke them as graces to her and would fauour him so farre as to come to the Towne with him so as he attended her to her house for she loued the noise of loue as wel as loue it selfe thinking it a braue thing to heare it said the Prince visits Lendrina the Prince seekes and sues to her the Prince is in loue with Lendrina This folly puft her vp so as she in time grew like a Rose ouer-blowne loosing her more in youth exquisite beauty yet her mind was as full of ambition and pride I yet reuerenced her for surely she was honest folly and vanity rather working then want of vertue though stoor'd with those vices A Nobleman also of that Towne fell enamoured of her although he would not haue had it said so becaâ—se a braue but vnfortunate Lady lou'd him to that height of expression and length of time as gratefulnesse boldly challenged loue but that she scarce had being forced to be contented with a few good words seldome visits and cold promises she poore Lady louing so feruently as if nothing else did mooue That made Lendrina proud to haue his loue from her but when her beauty began to fade the Prince his affection grew like a coole euening after a hot day yet still showing loue this discouerd how did shee rumble vp her wits and not only hers but also the best braines of her friends or helps in her affections busines What poasting was there vp an downe what consultations plots for meetings but with whom with the other Lord and he braue Gentleman abused by their crafts made belieue her affection was such to him as for him she would leaue the Prince and in comparison of her loue to him hated all else Hee began to belieue it and some reason hee had because shee made her high mind stoope to come to places where shee might encounter him his true louer heard of it and so farre it wrought in her kind heart as she fell sicke almost to death but something he did comfort her although so faint his words were and weake his protestations as but that she willing to cosen her selfe with good opinion of him shee might haue thought them dissemblings which for the good I beare her and deserued honour she meriteth God grant she find not so and this should all Louers wish for when she dyes loue will neuer find so certaine an habitation and that want he will shortly haue for the noble Lady cannot long sustaine with this induring and this grieues me for I honour and loue her most of any woman except her for whom these my sorrows are deep and remedilesse are the wounds vnkindnesse brings in loue grieuous the cruelty vngratitude brings forth but these are as vsuall now among vs as faire seasons in Sommer He came one day into a roome where she remained and woare a colour which she had procured him once for her sake hating it to leaue and neuer more to weare she looked on it as he doth on the Axe whose head is to be taken off with it her heart smarted and shee was perplexed yet durst she not find falt but sadly told him she had not seene him weare that colour in many yeares before No quoth he nor now but a little it is in great request said she at this time is it said he Why who doth loue it She feared to tell him whom she doubted and was well assured affected it but put it off and laid it on another Alas poore and pure loue what gouernours hast thou and fond commanders that thou canst not bee iust vnto thy selfe for feare of ouerseers and yet what ouerseers feare you but those that ouersee their true respect and makes you blind to truth I saw her another time for being a louer like her I loued solitarinesse alone laid by a Riuer side the most pleasant place that my eyes euer saw and fittest for passion to gaine libertie in hauing all such delicasies in sight and varietie as these her speeches will let you vnderstand to be sweet but silent hearers of her paines O Heauens Earth Plaines Mountaines Hills Forrests Riuers Springs Caues Feilds Hearbs Vines Woods Groues Flowers Masse Rocks Trees witnesse my faith and loue and say for me that you grew not spring not runne not flow not sencibly increase nourish graze prosper and inrich but these and they oft told haue bin in me and my estate I haue been happy like your best rich yeere I haue despaird and do like dearth I haue flowed and swom in pleasure I am dried in sorrow and despaire I haue bin all and now am nothing but a poore sad thing to say I was force me not deare remembrance to these harmes if you helpe not I shall waste enough and doe These tooke I to my selfe and paraleld my fortunes with her woes but what auaild shee cryd and grieued remedilesly so do I too My thinks said Leonius you rather or as willingly set forth her sorrowes as
bringing Beauty and Youth in excellency before his eyes to make mee excellingly vnfortunate hee was caught with those faire allurements and I tyed to mischiefe by that taking Woe is mee I lost all my comfort all my ioy by that but at last a greater ill tooke mee for another got him from vs both who had long sought it but while he held fast to me she could not gaine him beauty was the vntying of my blisse and wit her losse yet I had the fairer share in loosing that a faire creature was my vndoer like the fortune of Paris she a terrible harme to haue her ioy and hopes bereft her by a witt which gaining discouer'd her want But I pittied her though shee had robbéd mee as if I should haue compassion of a Thiefe that another causeth to be executed who hee had before stolne from me and was forgiuen so I forgaue her and was sorry for her who long outliued not her losse Was shee a marryed woman said Perselina when shee dyed Shee was answered Pelarina Did shee much loue said the beautifull Princesse Like Women that loue the ordinary way of loue said the other whose affection greatnesse gifts or such ends entice not the vertue of loue it selfe after her death hee vsed mee a little better then before as if againe casting his eyes on me for loue or vse Why said Perselina could you haue patience to endure him after hee had vsed you so vildly as to change Patience Madam said she yes and a greater wonder in me affection continued strong towards him and doth though his Mistresse call'd it dulnesse when I told her good natures would haue giuen it the title of patience but I excusd her for it to witnesse my patience I haue been with her in companies abroad nay at her owne house and seene all what I had once enioyed giuen to her my eyes looked not on as if blear'd my hand vntouched as if poysonous hers kist babies look'd in her eyes smiles flowing to her frownes plentifully shewing themselues on me I haue hunted with them I haue gone as one day I must needs remember aboue the rest a Fouling with them where so much fauour I receiued from him who was once mine as she being a little parted from vs to shoote at a Fowle he went as fast from mee as hee could without running while his scorne rann to me An other Gentleman was there and none els he was of his Family and kindred and as true louer of me as I was of his cousens but him I as much shunn'd and rather then goe softly with him I went apace after my flyer the way of necessity leading me to follow my disdainer When they met with what loue did he take her hand and kisse it I following vnmarkt but weary and dabled like a hunted Hare in Winter tyred with my disgrace and weary of my wrongs sweeting with passionate paine and durted in despaire yet loued I still A bracelet he wore of her haire braided and tyed about his left arme a peice of it one day hung out I saw it and griefe with it and yet a little ioy tooke me when I discern'd he knew it should not be seene by me and that he had so much shame or pitty as hee turn'd from me blushd and put it vp out of sight I would faine haue said your newe fauours too much discouer themselues but I fear'd or rather was loth to displease him at first he was a little or much more strange but after he grew sociable and I continued humble finding fault with nothing but embracing all small curtesies or the lookes like them as welcome and so vsed them yet so much it was marked and I discern'd my losse publikely noted as I grew sensible of it and so a small deale wiser for needes I would be free I tried all meanes possible but what force can peruaile against an impregnable strength or steely heart of Faith and loue Yet I vsed all instrumentall meanes that could be thought on I look'd off as oft as my heart could let me I look'd then when I could not choose with resolution to dislike saying in my selfe haue I suffered this for you that scorne mee I would faine haue found fault with his shape his fashion or any thing blaming my selfe for doting on snch an one but these would not serue for the more I looked I saw more cause of Loue gazing though to death willingly I absented my selfe and in absence had got so much heart as warranted me to see him againe and haue my desire of carelessenesse I ventured assured as I thought but couzened I was meerely for though I came in like a Giant swolne with pride of my owne power and assurance of my conquest the true Knight Loue came armed against mee in armes of fire and truth I yeelded and could but like a poore miserable Poet confesse my selfe in Rime thus finding my error with the blisse I confesse of seeing him who I found I could not but loue for all other resolutions DI◠I boast of liberty 'T was an insolency vaine I doe onely looke on thee and I captiue am againe And so indeed I was for I neuer knew loue stronger in me as then of necessity it ought to bee contending with iudgement multitudes I could reherse of his fauours and disgraces to mee of his mistresses feares and smiles but to what ende All can but shew I was blessed and am vnfortunate my face and life say that for mee onely this appertaines to the Story I at last was againe made beleeue he loued me and I was euer in that a wauering religious glad of it proud of it ioyed with it and vtterly ruin'd by it ◠He was in shew as he was wont to be I saw it gladed at heart for it others told me of it I was like a Birde nice and blusht yet receiu'd it willingly ad so as I had cause after finding his neglect againe to grow with shame and teares to repent my credulity and to manifest it with my true penitence I therefore tooke this Pilgrimage vpon mee which now I haue in a kind ended I haue seene Hiersalem confest my sinnes asked forgiuenesse and remission which I hope my desire of pardon though not my merits hath purchased mee and thus I am returnd But are you free from loue said Perselina In troth no Madam said the other I loue him stil but I hope it is now but charitably yet I am afraid to try my selfe left I should finde my spirit like my selfe fraile The Princesse smiled at her pretty innocent confession thinking that shee had learned so truly to consesse as shee could doe no other yet in that shee was deceiu'd for vnlesse shee would shee could bee silent But was your iourney and vow wholly made vpon this wherin you were faulty but in vertue or beliefe to it Mix'd Madam said shee I professe and mixture made it I did so farre beleeue as I granted what I
three thus free in discourse intreated that hee might be admitted Celina was perswaded by them and so they cald him in then began they againe to talk at last they went to prety playes as chusing of Kings and Queenes the lot fell on Celina who commanded the Venetian to stay no longer in those parts but to goe vnto his friends and in witnesse of his captiuitie to trauell vnarmd till he met them or was forced by iniurie to put them on This was more then sport yet hee obayed and hauing liberty to take his leaue of the Lady hee kissed her hand and departed The last Shepheardesse that so reuiled loue being called Lemnia sigh'd at this parting louing good coÌ„pany or him who had gaind fâ—oÌ„ her a more kind conceit then she had had formerly of mankind as if the spring to the summer of her loue which increased by a strange heat growing in absence to the height of flaming as if the fire of loue were so vniuersal as the warmth like that of the Sun would heat worlds at a time so his force seru'd in absence to scorch nay burne her heart Shee looked after him as long as shee could see him and marking his louing lookes backe cast and sad on Celina she liked pittied and lou'd his manner so him and at last stole in to be a louer before shee was aware a crafty Ladd this Cupid is poore creatures how you are beguiled by him Celina and Derina had enough now to please themselues and vexe her withall yet sometimes and often the latter part fell to them while she pleased her selfe with her passions these three now soundly captiue might daunce the trickes of Loue to the tune of Sorrow Celina loues one whose heart and soule was her friends Lemnia a Prince stranger and louing Celina Derina a braue youth but married to the Forrest Loâ—ds Sister poore soules and the poorest louing thus hopelessely All they could doe in their best humours was to lament absence in the curstest and worst to raile at Loue and their misfortune curse sight hearing beleeuing and all that were assistants instruments or sufferers to these passions but the Venetian hauing as the rest had at first done sworne to obey what euer he was commanded went with sad steps vp the Hill his heart falling faster into despaire then his feet ascended When he came into the Garden hee met the Lady who told him some were with her Lord about businesse therefore intreated him to stay hee obeyed her and being loth to haue his ill known which might be imputed to folly in him to auoyd her question intreated to heare her story which thus shee related My name said shee is Belizia daughter to the Earle Marshall of this Countrey neere allied I am to the greatest of this Land but onely tyed to this Forrest Lord for whose sake I haue forsaken all and liue heere a lonely life with him much my friends and Kindred were displeased withall his meanes being small tâ—ough his honour and worth great which I looked on loued and so to them gaue my heart and had not this misfortue hapned the celebration of my gift had beene perform'd to our onely ioyes this next weeke but now must be deferrd though I trust to be one day happy for all this misery neuer man hath beene so louing nor so constant nor if I may speake for my selfe neuer any woman hath beene so firme and passionate none yet so secret for many yeares I loued before I acknowledged it nay before any thought I could thinke on such a flame yet when discouer'd some remembred I had beene a good friend to his pretty godhead neuer suffering him to be abused when my power could helpe his honours defence One of his Sistâ—rs was the first mistrusted me and telling me of it I denied it but so blushingly and faintly as that was a perfect confession She loued me so well as she was glad of it being sure to haue a perpetuall tye on me by this meanes which though shee might haue assured her selfe of beefore yet Louers loue strictest tyes to bind their loued to them so much indeed wee loued as but the faire Celina I affected her onely and best of woman kinde The ill man you tooke yesterday my friends had rather haue bestowed me on but he was contrary to my heart to like would so I had been to his then had not my deere beene wounded nor hee come to so vntimely an end for this last night before his time for execution by the Lawe appointed hee strangled himselfe in the Prison hauing nothing but his garters to execute his wicked enterprise withall when this Story was thus telling one came vnto the Lady to let her know that many Ladies were come to visit her shee then though vnwillingly tooke leaue of the Venetian whose good and faire behauiour gaue content where euer he did come but he said hee was compell'd by necessity so hee tooke his way first taking leaue of the Lord his Squire carrying his Armes he not being to weare any while hee was in Brittany by his cruell Loues command Hee trauelled till he came to London admiring the brauery and sumptuousnesse of the Citty but most of the Court arriuing iust against a mighty tryumph was to be made in honour of the King and some strange Princes who came of purpose to honour themselues with kissing his hands Nobly and courteously was hee receiued at the Court much was hee peâ—plexed with passion much pittied by all and as much hee was troubled that hee was barred from exercising himselfe in those sports which by reason of his promise to Celina hee could not doe not being able to weare armes while he was in Brittany if not for defence yet at the Ring he ranne and did it so finely as the King and all admir'd him heere hee stayed the conclusion of the tryumphs then remembring his friends and oath he took his leaue taking towards that place where he arriued iust as the Florentine did but when he saw Leurenius in a Court Suit of Willow colour Sattin embrodered with Gold his Armour trust vp carried on a Horse after him What Metamorphosis is here cry'd he Is this Leurenius the braue Venetian Prince and my friend While I was worthy I was so but now am nothing reply'd he but sorrow and despaire What is the cause said he what makes you trauell contrary to our vow vnarm'dâ— Ouercome cryd hee by the power not equallable of a Shepherdesse and by her command to leaue this Countrey and to trauell vnarmed till I met with you hauing heard my story and my former ill fortune she added this to me the worst of ills Brittany said the Duke of Florence hath beene counted the most pleasant delightfull and happiest Countrey in the world being for all bounty of contents a world it selfe nothing missing or wanting to the full plenty of happinesse Yes said Leurenius pitty wants in the heart of Celina and in
of my profession and heere is the triall of false or faithfull Louers Those that are false may enter this Towre which is Cupids Towre or the Towre of Desire but therein once inclosed they endure torments fit for such a fault Into the second any Louer may enter which is the Towre of Loue but there they suffer vnexpressable tortures in seuerall kindes as their affections are most incident to as Ieloâ—sie Despaire Feare Hope Longings and such like The third which is guarded by Constancy can bee entred by none till the valiantest Knight with the loyallest Lâ—dy come together and open that gate when all these Charmes shal haue conclusion Till then all that venture into these Towres remaine prisoners this is the truth Now if your hearts will serue you aduenture it They thanked the old man for his relation but told him they had some Vowes to performe first which ended they would aduenture for imprisonment in so rare a prison The old Priest left them and they weary laid them downe neere the Towre of Desire refreshing themselues with some little meate which Vranias mayde had in her Scrip but wanting drinke they all went to the Riuer whereof they had but drunke when in them seuerall Passions did instantly abound Parselius forgot all but his promise to the dead King of Albania for the setling his Sonnes in that Kingdome Leandrus afflicted with the losse of Antissia must straight into Morea to finde her and take her from Amphilanthus Steriamus and Selarinus would not be refused the honour of Knight-hood Mars hauing so possessed them with his warlike disposition as worlds to their imaginations were too little to conquer therefore Albania was already wonne Vrania whose heart before was onely fed by the sweet lookes and pleasing conuersation of Parselius loues him now so much as she imagines she must try the aduenture to let him see her loyalty is such as for his loue and by it she would end the Inchantment Selarina thought she saw within the Gardens a young Prince with a Crowne vpon his head who beckned to her wherefore she would goe at such a call Vrania's maide beheld as she beleeu'd Allimarlus in the second Towre kissing and embracing a Blackmoore which so farre inraged her being passionatly in loue with him as she must goe to reuenge her selfe of that iniurie These distractions carried them all as their passions guided them Parselius hauing knighted the two Princes tooke their way to the next Port Vrania now not seene or thought on Leandrus hasting another way to finde meanes for his Iourney Selarina to the Towre and knockt with that feruent desire to accomplish her ende as the gate opened all the three rush'd in â—triuing who should be first But Selarina was then soone made to know shee should not contend with Vrania wherefore she was lockt into the first tower burning with desire to come to that sweete Prince which still she sees before her hee calling shee with vncessant desire striuing to goe to him Vrania went on when entring the second tower guarded by Venus she was therein inclosed when as thus much sense came to her as to know she had left Parselius which strak her into a mourning passion confessing that an vnpardonable fault and what he in iustice â—ould not excuse Then despaire possest her so as there she remaind louing in despaire and despairing mourn'd The shepherdesse her seruant continuing her first passion got into that Tower too where she stil saw her affliction striuing with as much spitefull iealousie as that fury could vex her withall to come at the Moore to pull her from her knight Thus were the women for their punishment left prisoners in the throne of Loueâ— which Throne and punishments are daily built in all humane hearts But how did the honest Allimarlus carry himselfe in all these changes Alas with much griefe â—nd sorrow for this misfortune he not hauing drank being the onâ—ly sensible man left wherefore fearing more the harme of Parselius and his companions then the Ladies who were without question safe though farre from being â—ree he followed them lest harme might from those furious humors grow They made such haste as no rest could inuite their stay till they were tired with their owne minds trauell and then all three lying downe in one anothers armes they yeelded vnto sleepe In which new torments vexed them for then did they come a little to themselues or a little more from themselues in another kind and as men long held in a trance awaked Parselius weeping for Vrania's vnkindnesse who had as hee dreamed forsaken him and left him sleeping while shee went with another The two Princes bewailing the death of their Sister who they imagined taken violently from them and sacrificed to Venus Thus they againe fall into strange and new distractions which grieu'd the young Knights verie soule to see but hauing no hope of seeing them restored while they continued in that Iland soothing them vp in their owne opinions knowing it dangerous and idle to crosse mad men with gentle peswasions gain'd Parselius to goe with him when hee promis'd to bring him where Vrania with her new friend did abide and then he might recouer her and kill his enemie The other hee likewise gaind promising they should haue the meanes to kill their aduersaries likewise Thus he got them thence trauelling in this sort till they came to the sea side where they found a small Barke and in her two persons an old man and a little Boy being Fishersâ—â— and hauing taken some had then newly put a shoâ—e to dresse and so to satisfie their hungers with their gaine The Romanian Knight saluted the old man intreating that that companie might goe into his boate and time it was to preuent the comming harme for then were they ready to râ—nne into the sea but by force they got them into the Barke where no sooner they were hauing freed themselues from the land which was the nature of those charmes but their good spirits againe possess'd them Then did Parselius bewaile Vrania crie out of his miserable fortune in hauing lost her beseech euery one to pitie with him so great a mischiefe The knight wept to see these changes but then mildly told him all that had happened Grieu'd Parselius did remaine but considering heauenly powers had caused this he the more quietly endur'd it yet not without a bleeding hart and often showring eies O Vrania would hee cry how iustly maist thou hate me for leauing thee Damn'd country can it be that thou wert ordain'd for loue to haue a Throne in and yet to be the hel of louers Much more he cri'd and sorrowed out while the old man had gain'd the knowledge of this aduenture from Allimarlâ—s who was by him knowne so as beseeching Parselius to lay by his mourning or at least to giue eare to this story said hee which will encrease compassion and passion in you with that the graue old man began thus
of Antissia whose iealousie infinitely vpon this increased and the more meanes were sought to alter it the greater did the heate grow like a Smith that puts water into his Forge to make the fire more violently hot The sweet but sad Princesse not mistrusting this went as appointed into the Groue the suspitious Lady whose heart now lay in her eies to discouer her soone and secrâ—tly followed her where she discern'd being in the Euening a knight so like in proportion to hers or so had the power of doubt made him as shee euer belieued it to be himselfe but when she saw their affectionate imbracements then was her heart like to breake not being able to sustaine but for feare of discouering as softly but lesse quietly being confident her confidence in his loue which had before but flattered her to his own ends and not for loue had beene a bayt to draw on her destruction With this dolorous opinion shee retired into her Chamber where she fell into the most grieuous complaints that euer poore afflicted suspitious Lady had endured The Princes continuing in the Wood with all loue and kindnesse the black Knight beginning his discourse My best and onely deare Sister know that after my departure hence I past thorow most part of Greece to seeke aduentures till I came into Macedon where I found the King dead and an Vsurper strongly placed and setled in his roome the same of Meriana's beauty I likewise encountred but alas shee was shut vp in prison by that Traytor and so close kept as none could gaine a sight of her but with much danger The Villaine though her neere Kinsman keeping her thus with intent to marry her if he can gaine her consent if not so to hold her inclos'd during her life But by a blessed chance as it may happen I got the sight of her truely so rare a creature as my commendations which cannot with all worldly eloquence if with best art imploid to set forth the neerest of her praise come neere to the lowest degree of her perfections what then should I venture to commend her whose delicacie may receiue wrong by my vnperfect tongue not sufficient to extoll her Let it suffice my eyes saw that which made my heart her slaue and thus I compassed my ioy I lay in a house the Master whereof had serued her Father and Mother wayting in the Queenes chamber and now hath libertie to see her when hee will or hath any businesse with her as to bring her new apparrell or such necessarie things hee being Master of the Wardrobe This man with whom I often conferred concerning the Princesse finding my longing to behold her and heartily wishing her libertie brake with mee about it I hearkned to him and so wee grew so farre as wee were fast enough to each other for betraying our purpose Then hee caused mee to put on a suite of one of his seruants who was iust of my stature and taking new apparrell to carrie her sent it by mee withall his excuse that hee was not then able himselfe to come I went with it imagining my selfe more then a Prince in being so happie to be his Seruant to such an end When I came the Maides that attended her told her of my comming and of my selfe being a stranger and neuer there before shee sent for me demaunding many things of me which as well as so much amazednesse as I was in beholding her could permit me I answered Shee tooke delight to see me so mou'd imagining it had been out of baâ—hfulnes which she made sport with Thus for some time it continued till one day my Master went himselfe with whom the Princesse had much discourse concerning me and among the rest shee very much prest to know what Country man I was and at last directly who I was for said shee either hee is a verie foolish fellow or some other then he seemes to bee which I rather doe imagine therefore faile not but tell mee by the respect and loue you beare mee what you know of him Hee who loued mee as his Sonne was loath to discouer mee directlie for feare of danger yet considering that if at all hee were much better tell who I was and the cause of my disguise which would purchase mee more good then dissembling Vpon promise of her being no way offended nor discouering it which if knowne would cost my life he told her all and withall added my extreame affection to her When shee at first heard it shee seemd offended yet after said she was contented to keepe counsell vpon condition that I presently went thence and neuer more attempted to come where shee was in so disguis'd a habit to wrong her When I receiu'd this message of death I knew not whether I should thank or blame my friend in an agonie I was afflicted to the highest perplexed in soule in briefe I was but torment and with it tormented my selfe Words I had none nor other action but going straight to my chamber throwing my selfe on the bed and there lay I sencelesse speechlesse and motion-lesse for some houres as they told mee in which time hee went to her againe telling her how hee had left mee and that shee had kild a braue Prince and her hopefull kinsman adding How doe you thinke Madam euer to bee freed when you vse such as would venture for your freedome with this scorne long enough will you remaine here and bee a Prisoner for any hope you can haue of deliuerie by these fashions but it may bee you affect this life or meane to marrie Clotorindus if so I haue done amisse for which I beseech you pardon me and him with whom I will likewise leaue Macedon for what shall I doe here where worth is contemned and slauerie esteemed When shee heard the honest speech of my Master and saw the likelihood of loosing him in whom onely shee could haue assurance of truth and trust shee told him his loue and truth had gaind his pardon for shee would not haue him goe by any meanes For mee shee would haue mee sent to her with whom shee would speake since shee could not belieue such a Prince would take such a course for her loue and direct me what I should doe if shee found I was the man he spake of Hee returning told mee of it and the time being come I resolu'd though for it I did die since shee did mistrust mee to goe like my selfe so as putting on my owne clothes and my Sword by my side but my Masters cloake vpon them I past into the Garden and so into a Gallerie the honest man directing mee there to tarrie till shee came vnto mee When shee appeared it was like a blazing Starre foretelling my lost life and liberty if she did still perseuerâ— in her crueltie But when shee spake my heart was so possessed as I had not one word to answere her onely throwing off my disguise kneeling downe and gazing on her was the manner of
scarce could parly much lesse foes get in Yet worse then foes your slighâ—ings proue to be When careles you no pitie take on me Make good my dreames wherein you kind appeare Be to mine eyes as to my soule most deare From your accustomed strangenesse at last turne An ancient house once fir'd will quickly burne And wast vnhelp'd my long loue claimes a time To haue aid granted to this height I clime A Diamond pure and hard an vnshak't tree A burning house find helpe and prize in mee Being ready she went into the Garden Woods where shee saw Antissia sadly walking her eyes on the earth her sighes breathing like a sweet gale claiming pitie from aboue for the earth she said would yeeld her none yet she besought that too and at last passion procured alteration from mourning she began to sing a Song or rather part of one which was thus STay mine eyes these floods of teares Seemes but follies weakely growing Babes at nurse such wayling beares Frowardnesse such drops bestowing But Niâ—be must shew my fate She wept and grieu'd her selfe a state My sorrowes like her Babes appeare Daily added by increasing She lost them I loose my Deare Not one spar'd from woes ne're ceasing She made a râ—ck heauen drops downe teares Which pitie shewes and on her weares Assuredly more there was of this Song or else she had with her vnframed and vnfashioned thoughts as vnfashionably framd these lines But then Pamphilia came to her saying Sweete Antissia leaue these dolorous complaints when wee are parted let oâ—â— hearts bleed teares but let vs not depriue our selues of this little comfortâ— at least let vs flatter our selues and thinke wee now feele some and when absence makes vs know the contrary then mourne Alas said Antissia I foresee my harme my Spirit tells mee once being gone gone will my ioyes bee altogether sadnesse will presage any thing said Pamphilia especially where that may procure more sadnesse melancholy the nurse of such passions being glad when her authoritie is esteemd and yeelded to and so much hath it wrought in me as I haue many houres sate looking on the fire in it making as many sad bodies as children do varietie of faces being pleased or displeased or as mine owne fancies haue felt paines and all this was but melancholy and truely that is enough to spoile any so strangely it growes vpon one and so pleasing is the snare as till it hath ruind one no fault is found with it but like death embraced by the ancient braue men like honour and delight This I haue found and smarted with it leaue it then and nip it in the bud lest it blow to ouerthrow your life and happinesse for my sake bee a little more chearefull and I will promise you when you are gone I will as much bewaile absence Antissia tooke her hand and though against her will kissed it saying Admired Princesse let your poore vnfortunate friend and seruant bee in absence but sometimes remembred with a wish to see her with you and that will bring an vnspeakable content to that distressed creature on whom fortune tries her curstest power in despitefull rage and cruelty Doubt not me more deare Antissia said shee for those wishes shall bee and attended with others for your happinesse then distrust not me for Pamphilia must bee iust Thus in kind discourse they continued promising to each other what was in loue demaunded to demonstrate their affections till it was time to retire Little meate that Dinner serued them whose hearts had filled their Stomacks with loue and sorrow after Dinner going againe to that sad place that night being the last lying together and with sad but louing discourse passing those darke houres day being loath to see Antisius teares but greiu'd and afraid to see Pamphilia weepe did hide her face till the Sunne greedy of so pretious and sweete a dew looking red with hast came into the roome where they blushingly ashamed so to bee surprized put on their clothes not to be in danger of his heate No sooner were they ready but Antissia was call'd for who the sweetest Lady accompanied to her Coatch with maine teares and sad because parting kisse taking leaue of each other Antissia by her sorrow foretelling her comming or indeed but shewing her already befallen losse Pamphilia was sorry for her going because she was now assured of her loue the Court did in generall lament such loue and respect she had gain'd by her courteous and sweete behauiour many wishing her married to Parselius that so they might still keepe her with them so many well wishes she had as surely made her iourney more prosperous for safety and speedily considering the way shee arriued at Constantinople being louingly and kindly entertayned by the King and affectionatly by her Vncle whose ioy was greatest knowing what hazard she had suffer'd ayming now at nothing more then how to get the braue Leandrus to performe what before was determined betweene their Parents She gone preparation was made for the iourney of Pamphilia rich Chariots Coaches furniture for Horses and all other necessary things that could bee demanded for seruice or state the Liueries for her seruants being of the same colours the Chaâ—â—ots and other furnitures were and them all of her owne chosen colurs which were Watchet and Crimson as the Chariots were Watchet embroydred with Crimson and purle of Siluer one with Pearle all the rest alike The King and Queene did accompany her to the sea-side al the other Princes bringing her aboord and there kissing her hands Thus away she went sailing with gentle and pleasant wind till the Pilate told the king that a great fleet followed them by their colors and the shapes of the ships shewing they were Italians Wherefore they not knowing the businesse prepared for the worst when they perceiued out of the greatest and fairest of these ships Knights vnarmd and Ladies armd with beauty able to conquer worlds of hearts to issue and enter a delicate Galley which straight made way by oares towards them The King seeing it and Pamphilia being aboue any Princesse courteous commanded their ship to strike saile least harme might befall them in their comming aboord Straight came they into the ship the first and chiefe of those Knights with a graue and manly fashion deliuering these words holding a Lady most exact in all perfections by the hand Most incomparable Princesse the fame of whose worth the world is fild withall and yet wants another to be able to comprehend the fulnesse of it Be pleased to know that this Lady and my selfe are your deuoted Seruants Perissus and Limena of Cecillia rescued and saued from ruine and death by your magnanimious brother Parselius to whom we were now going to manifest our gratefulnesse to him but hearing by a ship which came from Morea iust as we were putting a shore that the Prince is neither there nor hath been of sometimes heard of withall of your iourney we resolued to
you heede faire maid loue is a power that will though once gainsaid the second time come in with armes and make your chastest thoughts contribute to his taxe had you beene in the chamber or but mark'd the piercing darts hee sent by lookes of loue such as had beene enough to burne a heart that would contend but yeelding to make ioy glory in greater pride then euer ioy did know I found some verses too which hee hath made and giuen his mistresse by them you may ghesse in what estate his restlesse burning soule continues flaming to my vtter shame and ruine of my name Then tooke hee forth some verses which indeed I doe confesse I made and most vnfortunately lost those lines gaue full assurance of the truth and bred as true a hate in her to vs which though she stroue to couer and dissemble with show of sorrow onely for my griefe yet hee perceiu'd as hauing eyes of Art and those directed by a diuellish wit these found what hee did seeke then wrought hee still on that and so at last came to his practise end which happened the day before the feast had full conclusion in this haplesse kind The iealous and despightfull Melinea when dancing did begin of purpose let the paper fall but so as Selinea must bee next to take it vp which soone she did and opening it discerned it was my hand and that the subiect of those lines was loue which was most true but alas falsly held from her to whom they and my firmest thoughts were onely bent and dedicated with affections zeale and zealous loue these and my negligence in not seeking to confirme her trust confident of her loue made her alas belieue too soone The paper was with faigned anger snatched quickly from my mistris shee with blushing said Why Melinea I thought you had not beene one so much giuen to Poetry till now I made them not said shee No sighing said the other I know that with which shee looked on mee but with so cruell eyes and yet affection went with them though shadowed with her scorne which might be pitty call'd These strake my heart in sunder with their sight O mee cryed I haue I fram'd these to spoyle my fortunes which should haue procur'd my blisse by telling what I could not vtter speach tyed by a power of a greater might Alas that euer I did take a penne in hand to be the Traytor to my ioy this griefe made me as guilty seeme by shame and silence which did then possesse my most distracted senses as if I had been as false as they made me appeare The dauncing went still on but she who was the best like to her heart she rul'd her feete in sad and walking pace now was the plot well forward hee wrought still and finding fault there was no nimbler sports came and intreated me to take his wife and so begin a more delightfull daunce Hee saw my griefe she found his drift two hated mee to death all were disorderd but I onely lost thus pass'd the night the morning come to part we were directed by our words giuen at the meeting Faine I would haue spoken but shee who thought me false auoided it and gaue but liberty to say farewell which euen with teares I did She loath now to behold me who of late she lou'd cast downe her eyes not gracing me with one poore looke which though disgracefull yet as hers had beene more welcome then the sweetest smiles that euer louer ioyd in from his Loue. Thus we were parted to dispaire and losse yet meant I not to leaue my mistris so but quickly found a meanes to visit her when she continuing still her cruell frownes to mee I got yet liberty by my cares watch to speake with her although against her minde but then more cruell then the fiercest Lyons enrag'd by famine did bring forth these words False man said shee haue you not yet enough that your deceipt hath come vnto mine eyes For false you are else had you lou'd me still you would haue diligently cleer'd this doubt but O you thinke this not enough nor I sufficiently afflicted with your fault but more you would intice me for more paine glory in your iniustice and make triumphes for your ill blaze to the world the sinne of your ingratitude and change and that once done hope then to winne againe but who none but so lucklesse and vnblessed a soule as I was who did trust you cruell you the worst and falsest of your changing sexe This being said but force could hold her wherefore for feare of further rage I let her goe remaining like the Creatures Metamorphos'd into stones Yet at last I went into my Chamber and there framd some lamentable lines to let her see how cruelly shee had with scorne and strange mistaking martyr'd mee When I deliuered them shee tooke them with these words I le reade them said shee onely to perceiue how well your vaine continues in this change or if you please I le be you messenger and giue them Melinea from your selfe These wounded mee more then the sharpest Sword but more alas grew my mishapp for she hating so much as once before she lou'd desir'd me to loue my selfe so well as to refraine to shew my eyes to her where so much false ingratitude did dwell and for my sake shee would not onely doe the like for mee in keeping from my sight least I with seeing her should see my shame but would for my foule fault hate all mens loues this I besought her to recall she said it fixed was then went I thence and mourned a while vnseene at last my Fathers miserie called me to succour him that done againe I sought to gaine her pardon but alas in vaine for she resolud to nothing but my griefe shunn'd as she promisd my then loathed sight After her husband dyed I then did woe her offered marriage sought with more then Vassal-like desire but nothing mooud her vntill loue againe did take anew the conquest of her heart making her contrary to all her likings which shee till then had publish'd choose a braue yong Lord in truth a worthy man but contrary in all the outward markes which heretofore she said could winne her loue When I saw this I knew there was no hope I left her and the Countrey blaming fate that thus had made me causelesly accursed Farewell said I deere Lady of my soule and farewell all loue to your wayward sex where iudgement liues but in the shallow being of an outward sight curst is that man that puts least trust in you more certainely the ficklest weather hath more staidnesse feathers and more profit drops of raine in Snow which melts with it while you spoile onely me thus I departed when she married last and then for her sake vowed as she had done but with more manly constancy to hold a true and a loyall oath neuer to loue or chuse a Creature of so light a kinde as
gouernd at thy birth what plague was borne with thee or for thee that thou must but haue a vertue and loose all thereby Yet 't is all one deere loue maintaine thy force well in my heart and rule as still thou hast more worthy more deseruing of all loue there breaths not then the Lord of my true loue Ioy then Pamphilia if but in thy choice and though henceforth thy loue but slighted be ioy that at this time he esteemeth me Then went shee to the Ash where her sad sonnet was ingraued vnder which she writ TEares some times flow from mirth as well as sorrow Pardon me then if I againe doe borrow Of thy moist rine some smiling drops approouing Ioy for true ioy which now proceeds from louing As she past on she heard some follow her wherefore looking backe she discernd Vrania and Amphilanthus to whom she straight returnd and with them walked as while vp and downe the wood til Amphilanthus aduised them to sit downe so laying his Mantle on the grasse the two incomparable Princesses laid themselues vpon it the king casting himselfe at their feete as though the only man for truth of perfection that the world held yet that truth made him know that they were so to be honourd by him then laying his head in Vrania's lap and holding Pamphilia by the hand he began to discourse which they so well liked as they past a great part of the day there together Pamphilia still desiring him to tell of his aduentures which hee did so passing finely as his honour was as great in modestly vsing his victories in relation as in gaining them but when hee spake of Steriamus his finding him and his passions he did it so pretily as neither could procure too much fauor for him nor offend her with telling it yet still did she hasten the end of those discourses which he no whit dislikt but Vrania desird stil to heare more particularly of him as if she had then known what fortune they were to haue together at last the king proceeded to the comming to the Iland now cald Stalamine anciently Lemnos where said he the Lady is called Nerena a woman the most ignorantly proud that euer mine eyes saw this Ladies ill fortune was to fall in loue with Steriamus who poore man was in such fetters as her affection seemd rather a new torture then a pleasure to him yet left she not her suite telling him she was a Princesse descended from the kings of Romania absolute Lady of that Iland and for his honor if he knew truly what honour it was to him his loue He told her 'T were more credit he was sure for her to be more sparingly and silently modest then with so much boldnesse to proclaime affection to any stranger Why said shee did euer any man so fondly shew his â—olly till now as to refuse the profferd loue of a Princesse and such an one as if a man would by marriage bee happy should bee onely chosen as that blessing I am said hee truly ashamed to see such impudent pride in that sexe most to be reuerenced but to let you know that you too farre exceede the limits of truth and vnderstanding by vainely ouer-esteeming your selfe I will assure you that I loue a Princesse whose feete you are not worthy to kisse nor name with so fond a tongue nor see if not as the Images in old time were with adoration nor heare but as Oracles and yet this is a woman and indeed the perfectest while you serue for the contrarie How call you this creature said she Steriamus was so vext that plainly she cald you so as he in very fury flung out of the house nor for the two daies which wee staid there afterwards euer came more in shee perplexing him still leauing him in no place quiet till she got your name Then made shee a vow to see you and follow him till shee could win him letting her proud heart bow to nothing but his loue wherein the power of loue is truely manifested I would be sorry said Pampilia to see her vpon these termes since she must fild with so much spite against me with all malice behold me I wish she were here said Vrania since it is a rare thing surely to see so amorous a Lady Thus pleasantly they passed a while till they thought it time to attend the King who about that houre still came forth into the Hal where they found him and the aduenture soone following which he last spake of for the kings being set there entred a Lady of some beauty attended on by ten knights all in Tawny her selfe likewise apparreld in that colour her Pages and the rest of her seruants hauing that liuerie The knights being halfe way to the State stood still making as it were a guard for the Princesse to passe through who went directly to the king then making a modest but no very low reuerence she thus spake Although your Maiesty may well wonder first at my comming then at the cause yet I hope that excuse I bring with it will pleade for my iustification It is not I am most assured vnknowne to you although one of the greatest Christned Kings that loues power is such as can command ouer your hearts when to all other powers you scorne so much as yeelding This hath made me a subiect though borne absolute for whatsoeuer I seeme here to be yet I am a Princesse and Lady of the sweet and rich Stalamine but alas to this Iland of mine came three knights knights I call theÌ„ because they honor that title with esteeming it higher then their own titles for Princes they were the rarest some of them of Princes as when you heare them namd you wil confesse with me One of these my heart betraying me it self neuer before toucht vnto the subiectioÌ„ of his loue wherof if he had bin so fortunat as to be able to see the happines was falleÌ„ vnto him in it he might haue iustly boasted of it But hee slighting what his better iudgement would haue reuerenc'd refused my affection mine which onely was worthy of gaine being so well knowing as to dispise liberty in giuing it selfe to any of meaner qualitie then Steriamus whose proud refusall yet makes me loue him and take this iourney in his search comming hither where I hop'd to find him both because I heard he liued much in this Court and that hee had bestowed his loue vpoÌ„ your surpassing daughter Pamphilia these brought me assurance to win him hauing giuen my selfe leaue to show so much humility as to follow him next to see that beauty which he so admired and as if in scorne contemned mine in comparison of it which I thinke Sir if you well behold you will iudge rather to merit admiration then contemptâ— Faire Lady said the King that Prince you speake of hath been much in my Court and not long since but now indeed is absent not haue we heard any thing of
breake shee thus did wander in her rauing thoughts then did sleepe couet place but she was calld to goe a hunting with the King and Queene which she obayed and as her manner was as soone as the Stagge was roused and Doggs let in vnto his ouerthrow she followed them and left the rest that either were not so well hors'd or lese affecting such a violent sport behind and brauely in followed the pleasant chase which did continue till the Sun was set Then did they with much glory view their spoyles ioying as in a conquest of great gaine but what did most content the fairest Queene was the sweete euening in which she inioyed all the content the dainty Ayre could giue which was as cleere as her cleere heart in loue and that as cleere as cleerest sweetest ayre But as she rode softly to coole her selfe a delicate sweete voyce inuited her to stay and so to see the owner of that musique the voyce did draw them to a pleasant Groue and then vnto a swift sweete Riuers side where on the brinke amonst the seges sate a Nimph of all perfections that were chast hard by her on the banke her quiuer lay her bow by that and she vndressing was to bath and wash her in that pleasant streame Pamphilia was almost amas'd to see so rare and exquisite a creature as shee was wherefore commanding all the men to stay shee and her Ladyes only went to her whose modesty and bashfullnes was such as she euen quaked to see those women there and well might shee who neuer saw her selfe in shaddow but shee diued to hide her selfe from her owne eyes yet had shee lou'd The Queene perceiuing that she was afraid most mildly spake thus to her Sweete Nimph bee not thus dismaid wee are none such as will giue cause of any harme to you wee are your friends and following the sport which you oft do by chance or hunters fortune are benighted going vnto the Court wee heard your voyce which hath a power sufficient to attract all creatures like the sweete youths Harpe that drew dumbe things to admire his choysest tunes let me not now disturbe you sweetest Nimph nor barre vs from such heauenly harmony then did shee sweetly make this fine replye Great Princesse pardon I beseech this rudnesse in mee which hath made me dumbe till now vnable to giue answer but my lipps vnseald by your great Grace my speech made fâ—ee to satisfie your will I must confesse when I did see you first I was amas'd and did wish my selfe againe in this faire Riuer so to hide my worthlesse selfe from your all iudging eyes Oft haue I seene you hunt in these faire plaines and somtimes taste of this then blessed brook behinde the seges I did once lye hid when you dry and farre from all places fit to entertaine your vertues in sate downe and drank of this cleere water O said I how blessed wert thou if thou couldest but know into what happinesse thou shalt arriueâ— first to bee touched by those best deerest lipps and so to passe into her royall breast How did I thinke I saw the â—treames which were below haste as for sorrow they had miss'd that fate and those aboue come hastely to catch if not to touch yet one kind looke on them this while I lou'd and so was sencible but since Dispaire had marryed mee and I wedded my selfe to chast Dianas life Let me intreat you sweete Nimph said the Queene to tell me all your story and this night will be more pleasing to me if so spent then any that my fortunes yet haue knowne she then with reuerence due to her state thus did beginne her tale My name great Queene said shee is Allarina a Sheepheardesse by birth and first profession and so had still beene had I not lucklesly profess'd a Louers name and left my former happy because contented life At fourteene yeares of age I first felt paine but young and ignorant I scarce did know what was my torment â— distempered was slept not nor fed my coulor waxed pale my mirth decayed and sighs did wholy breath my breathâ— admire my change the Sheepheards generally did bewaile my ill the sheepherdesses would my parents grieued for me I for my part knew only that I knew not what I ayld till one day walking to a pleasant wood which was vpon a hill I did consider with my selfe what was the first originall of all this paine I could not suddenly find out the ground till at the last considering well each thing I found his name most pleasing was to mee and so as I did in my heart euer thanke the meanes that did bring him to bee but spoken of None in my thoughts appeard so excellent none spake like him none sung like him nothing could hee doe that did not seeme best and nothing done by others but did shew dull and quite voyd of any pleasingnes so excellent appeard he vnto mee When this came to my mind then straight I sight blush'd and layd my hand vpon my panting heart and then cryd out I hope this is not loue but loue no sooner was by poore me nam'd but as if cald he straight possess'd my heart alas I yeelded then to know I lou'd and loue ioy'd I confess'd I was his slaue and such a slaue was I alas soone growne as but that slauery â— did affect my health then alterd and my mother put me into the hands of a Phisitian to bee recouered as shee hop'd by him but all in vaine it was not in his power the cure was not ordaind for him Then came my loue to visite me which gaue me life and comfort thus I did remaine and fiue yeares loued him yet hee ignorant that my affection so was placed on him I surely borne for this conclusion could not permit my selfe to say or shew I lou'd more then in poore sad lookes blushing when he did aske me of my sheepe vnsteddily and with a downe cast looke not daring to behold what most I loued for feare of burning what was scorched before I gaue my answers vnresoluedly hee by all this perceiued that I lou'd for t was not sillines he saw that made that innocent-like fashion shew in me wherefore he meant to watch me and so find where my loue was but then it was too late for not imagining it was himselfe hee marryed After this I grieued and almost dyed but remedy was past and I vndone yet one night blessed night for me my desires he came fetched me to his sisters house where being set betweene vs two hee fell into discourse of many pretty things and all of loue and all as I did finde to gayne by arte to know were I did like at last we fel vnto a foolish sport which was to tell truly what we were asked and so to draw a lot who should demand it fell to him who pretily to couer his intent he first demanded of his sister what life shee thought the
the priuatest places and striuing to gaine the sea which soone after I obtaind getting the opportunity of a youths passing into Italy who had sought Perissus to bring him notice of his Vncles death the King of Sicily with him I passed and so came into this country where euer since I haue romingly endured neuer in any one place setled The youth Menander and I parted at the sea he I thinke going to seeke his Master or rather you then did shee close her speech with multitudes of teares which truly mooud mee to much compassion beginning then to hold her deare to me I perswaded her to leaue that life and liue with me who would accompany her sorrowes rather then afflict her with mirth and besides it might bee in my company shee might gaine remedy for her torture No remedy but death said shee can I haue and too long O me haue I sought that yet to obay you I will abide some time here and but here in these woods beseeehing you not to vrge me to the Court when the poorest place much better doth agree with my estate I to enioy her conuersation granted to any thing concluding that I should often visit her and so passe our times together in louing discourse This said Amphilanthus by your fauour sweete sister prooues you loue the water it seemes hath not so thorowly washed away your affection but reliques remaine of the old passion No truly dearâ—st brother said shee all those thoughts are cleane droun'd but yet I will goe on with my story Doe deare Sister said he and begin againe at But yet She blusht to find he had taken her and yet daintily proceeded That promise most religiously was kept betweene vs euery day I visiting my Shepherdesse But one day as we were together discoursing and walking in the wood we heard one not farre from vs sadly to sing an od kind of song which I remember getting afterwards the coppy of it and if I bee not deceiu'd sweet Cosin said she you will like it also the song was this speaking as if she had by him and the words directed to her as his thoughts were YOu powers diuine of loue-commanding eyes Within whose lids are kept the fires of loue Close not your selues to ruiue me who lies In bands of death while you in darkenesse moue One looke doth giue a sparck to kindle flames To burne my heart a martyr to your might Receiuing one kind smile I find new frames For loue to build me wholly to your light My soule doth fixe all thoughts vpon your will Gazing vnto amazement greedy how To see those blessed lights of loues-heauen bow Themselues on wretched me who else they kill You then that rule loues God in mercy flourish Gods must not murder but their creatures nourish Pamphilia much commended it which pleased Vrania infinitely touching as she thought her one estate while a proper song and well composd truly said Amphilanthus is this to be so much liked but my cosin only doth it to please you No in truth said Pamphilia it deserues in my iudgement much liking he smild on her Vrania going on you seeme Brother said she a little willing to crosse me this day but I will proceed in discourse The song you are pleasd to iest at being ended the same voyce againe did begin to lament in this manner If scorne be ordaind the reward for true loue then I am fully requited if firme affection must be rewarded with contempt and forsaking I am richly pay'd but if these deserue a sweet payment which alone consisteth in deare loue then am I iniurd and none more causelesly afflicted or cruelly reiected Loue suffer what thou wilt faith indure all neglect but euer be your selues pure and vnspotted Vnkind Liana yet pardon me for calling thee so since my heart grieues at that word vnkind yet giue me leaue to tell thee I haue not deseru'd this punishment from thee nor merited this rigor if anothers offence may make me faulty I am most guilty els as free as my loue still is to thee from blame or thought of staine in it art thou not then vniust sweete Iudge of all my harmes to punish me without a fault committed Pitie me yet and recall the censure wrongfully giuen on me condemned without a cause and still led on towards execution in daily tortures without merit Did any man die for anothers act then I must also suffer that tiranny else consider falfe iudgement is a shame vnto the Iudge and will lie heauy on his conscience call backe then e're I die this vnmerited verdict since my truth with-stands thy cruelty I would with Liana haue gone to see who this was that thus accused her but that we heard him againe say some Verses which being concluded we went to him but as wee went we heard another speake vnto him thus Alanius why doe you thus accuse Liana and torment your selfe with that which were shee certaine of shee would and must pity you nor can you blame her for flying you seeing as we both belieued your vnkindnesse and foule error Alas said Alanius farre be it from me euer to blame her nor can my soule permit me to loue her lesse though she were curst nay were she false I yet should loue her best but being by you assured of her truth giue me leaue to blame her rashnes and curse my owne ill fortune and vnluckie life which gaue and giues such dislike and smart vnto my dearer selfe and my sad daies Liana now knew not what to doe when she was certaine this complainer was Alanius and the other as she did imagine Menander but I willing to reconcile such broken fortunes made her goe towards him accompaning her sorrowes my selfe When being neere him and he looking vp perceiuing her without ceremony or regarding me ran vnto her and kneeling downe cry'd out these words Alas my deare Liana what hath your vnhappy slaue Alanius deseru'd to be thus pitilesse tortured heare but the truth and before you rashly censure me consider my great wrongs which I still suffer by mistakes in you Liana who loued as much as he and was as equally perplexed yet now a little more if possible bearing her owne and his sorrow for her affliction as being his and caused by her she lifted him vp from the ground and with teares said Think not my Alanius thy Liana can be other to thee then thou wilt haue her be yet blame me not directly for these things since here Menander can resolue thee of the cause yet let that passe and now bee confident thy loue hath such command mee as hadst thou been false she would not say as we imagined thy repentance and thy loued sight should haue destroyd all those thoughts where in offence might haue been borne to thee and so forgetfulnes in mee had gouernd with the memory of thy loue Then rising with a kisse the louers reconcil'd themselues and cast away their mourning but the story being strange where
one of their fellow prisoners in the Castle of loue wherefore desirous to heare that discourse especially louing to heare loue descâ—ibed and related by a woman out of whose lipps those sweet passions more sweetely proceeded hee gaue occasion for it as they walked along a dainty pleasant brooke the bankes whereof were of such sweetnesse as the plenty of the most delicate smelling flowers could yeeld vnto them being shadowed from the Sunnes parching by Mirtle and that Mirtle preserued by high and braue trees whose breadth and large boughs spread to giue content to those who vnder them would submit to solitarinesse This place said Amphilanthus were fitter much for louers then such free Princes as liue here Is there any free from that passion my Lord said she Only such said hee as you are whose sence of loue doth rather from you command harts to your seruice then presume to bring you into the fetters being rather his commandres then subiect An vntoward gouernment answered she assuredly I haue yet had I neuer hauing enioyed quiet minut since I knew this state but that rebellious passions haue euer tormented me Can that be cry'd Amphilanthus I am sensible of them said she Alas said Amphilanthus that I might be so fortunat to merit so great a happines as to vnderstaÌ„d the way that bold loue takes to coÌ„quer such perfection That may soone be gaind said shee for requite me with your story and I will truly discourse my fortunes to you Neuer let mee bee rewarded for my paine said hee if I refuse this noble offer Begin you Sir said shee I will obay in that also said he and then did he tell her the whole story of his affection onely keeping her name secret because Ollorandus knew her and had mistrust of it but no assurance after which she began thus My Lord so ill it seemes loue hath carried himselfe as it is a kind of fault in a woman to confesse any such matter yet I knowing my selfe innocent of ill and now ingaged by your freedome to make a requitall I will venture to speak of this Lord Loue. My father had a sister married to one of the noblest and greatest Princes of this Countrie as rich in possessions as any yet possessed he not so much treasures as hee did vertues being richer in them then any other of this land true noblenesse and noble hospitalitie abounding in him He had to inherit his estate two Sonnes and one Daughter children fit for such a father truly and lawfully being heires to both his estates of riches and vertuous qualities Many yeares this good Lord liued but age claiming the due belonging to time and a sore disease taking him hee dyed leauing his honours vertues and chiefe estate to his eldest sonne called Laurimello who had been much in my fathers house his father putting that trust in his brother in Law as to leaue his dearest part of comfort with him besides my Fathers estate lay neare to the Citie of Buda which was a conueniency by reason of the Courts lying there for his seeing and frequenting that by reason whereof after his fathers death he brought his sister likewise thither betweene whom and my selfe there grew an entire friendship She being great and her brother beloued and honoured aboue any other Prince many sought her for wife but shee knowing her perfections and greatnesse was nice in accepting any nor indeed had shee much mind to marry louing her liberty more then mariages bondage Among others that offered their seruice to her there was one called Charimellus who by his friends and parents was sent to sue for her fauour thither hee came but I comming with her into the roome where her suiter was and her brother with many more hee cast his eyes on mee which brought him that misfortune as to bee so suddenly surprised as he knew not scarce how to salute her which made her scorne him laughing at his bashfulnesse which caused so much blushing and trembling in him I regarded not his traunces beginning so much as to thinke from whence it proceeded but out of good nature was sorry for the man who in troth deserued much pitie and merited great respect but my heart elsewhere placed held mine eies in their set way not marking any thing but mine own fortunes no more then one starre troubles it selfe with anothers course but my cosin who would not keepe her thoughts from imparting them to her friends liberally vsed her wit on him whose part I tooke ignorant of the cause I had till some dayes being passed in which she gaue him refusall he discouered his loue to me and withall protesting how he was surprised at my first sight I told him I could not belieue one fight on such an instant could worke such an alteration nor if it were true that I would so soone accept of a refused suiter since my fortunes I trusted would not be such as to bind me to take my cosins leauings This answer grieu'd him yet did it no way allay his affection but rather like snow which plaid with all doth make ones hands burne so did the cold despaire of my words make his hart hot glow in loue towards me my friends liked and lou'd him he being of a sweet and mild disposition valiant and accompanied with many braue and noble conditions and such a one as none I thinke could haue disliked that had been ordaind to marry with iudgement onely or had not their heart before settled as mine was Long he pursued his loue at last he gained my fathers consent my mothers and most of my friends the estate and antiquitie of his house besides his person meriting any subiect for wife When I saw this and the danger I was in to bee bestowed I then wholly employd my time in studying how I might gaine mine owne desires and finely put this off While this was in my mind a third businesse came in which was another match offerd my father for me whose estate was greater and neerer to our dwelling to which my father being more then ordinarily affectionate to me quickly harkned and willingly embraced Then was I in more danger then before my heart so perplexed as I knew not what I did Poore Charimellus came vnto me wept to me presented his affection to my memory and eies I pittied him and truly had as much compassion vpon him as I or any other whose soule was in anothers keeping could haue of him and so much fauour I did grant him as to promise to speake with my Father and directly to refuse the new proffered match This contented him hoping my refusall had been onely for his good I performed my promise and spake with my father telling him how much he was afflicted how passionately he loued me what reasons I had rather to accept of him then any other how the world had taken such notice alreadie of his two yeares suite as it would be a disgrace to him and a touch to me to take
for who but hee could hold her eyes so fast so eagerly did they behold each other as if they fear'd one part of sight had fail'd to make a full conclusion of their blisse or as if they through them would looke into their hearts to see the setled dwelling of each others faith there was affection discouered at the height and as true loue would wish freely giuen and taken Most blessed paire said Amphilanthus sighing in him selfe alas may I not liue to see such good may not my deere behold me with such lookes such smiles such louing blushes may not her vertue freely grant this to me yes I haue seene such but accuâ—sed man must not enioy but what curst Desteny wil allow my wants Then made he some excellent verses the subiect being desire and absence and so much was he transported as he stood not like a beholder but as an Actor of loues parts Ollorandus talking this time with the husband returning all into the house Amphilanthus passing in his accustomed manner the braue Laurimello leading his beloued Lady by the hand after supper they walked abroad againe and so till bed time pass'd those houres in pleasant sweete discourse the Lady making her owne words true for neuer did any woman make such free yet modest shew of loue as she did yet exprest with such fine iudgement sweet chastity as that loue was in her deem'd a vertue and his wanton faults commended by the witt and dainty manner of her earnest loue The next day the two Princes tooke there leaues and so for Buda tooke their iourney Ollorandus contenting himselfe with the hop'd for ioyes he should receiue in the conuersation of Melisinda and Amphilanthus thinking how to returne vnto his deerer selfe blaming and condemning himselfe for being so long absent and accusing fortune for such cruelty as not onely to make him loose the comfort others had but also to make him witnesse of their gaine by that to behold his perpetuall harme and vnbearable want To Buda at last they came where they were entertained Amphilanthus as his merit and dignity required Ollarandus with such affection as all the schoole of loue could instruct Melysinda with Rodolindus with triumph and feast giuing them testimony of their welcome Many dayes the feasts continued and still increased the banquet of loue betweene the King and his Mistris when Amphilanthus was intreated to shew is skill in armes which he did in a iust wherein he encountered the King â—â—dolindus then vnknowne for the manifesting of his vallour would disguiâ—â—d meete the incomparable Prince who not vnderstanding any reason why 〈◊〉 spare him but to adde to his honor gaue him such vnkind greetings that â—â—though hee were as valiant and strong as any in Hungary yet at the fift â—â—urse he was throwne to the ground much brused which hurt he neuer â—ecouer'd but within some few months after deceased leauing his delicate â—ife as pefect and excellent a widdow These iusts being done Amphilanthus desired liberty of Ollorandus to reâ—â—rne who though infinitely grieu'd to yeeld vnto it yet iudging by himâ—elfe the causes that mou'd him he consented telling him he would also acâ—ompany him but by no means would he consent to that no more louing 〈◊〉 part then to be parted from his loue Alone he resolu'd to goe but for â—is dwarfe who attended him sending his new Squire vnto his Mistris to â—duertise her of his safty and of his speedy repayring to her The first dayes â—ourney the Queene with the two Kings accompanied him then parting Amphilanthus tooke towards Stiria and so that way to goe into Italy in â—hich Country hee mette a very fine and strange encounter in a delicate â—â—adow being newly entered Stiria there was a fountaine about â—hich were many Ladyes sitting all apparrel'd after that Country manner â—ut in one colour which was willow colour imbrodered with gold neateâ—y but not extraordinarily rich they were as hee perceiued being neere â—hem some singing some playing with the water others discoursing one to â—nother all busied and yet none busie but in play They hearing his horse â—ook'd vp hee saluted them and alighting came to them with whom he had many pretty passages of witt at last he disired to know who they were they â—nswer'd seruants as their liuery might testifie and Ladyes of honor to the Princesse of Stiria who was absolute Lady of that Country being subiect to none and yet not free Where is that Princesse said Amphilanthus not farr hence answered one of them being walked into yonder wood where she is the sadest and most discontented of any Princes liuing May the cause be knowne said he To such an one as will offer his helpe said the first of them I will doe my best said he else shall I forsweare armes when I am so vnworthy a man as not to serue braue Ladyes Then Sir answered she I will tell you the matter as well as I can but not so passionately as my Lady her selfe would doe if she were to relate it Emilina for so is the Princesse cal'd hauing beene sought of most of these Princes which are neighbours to this Country and many more neighbours to loue refus'd them all some of them so louing as loue might haue pleaded and won for them others haue conquer'd by their valour some haue gaind pitty by their afflicted passions but all were as one thing a louer reiected she hauing wholy resolu'd within her selfe to giue her possessions her heart and all to the renowned Prince of Naples and lately King of the Romans Amphilanthus whose fame had won more in her though in person then to her neuer seene then all they with their continuall petition At last this Prince came whose name had so souereignis'd as she stood not to behold or examine what causes might in him mooue her affection but as Amphilanthus she lou'd him He subtill aboue all men and as any faulse flatter'd her and so much wrought with her as he gain'd what he desir'd and what he most esteem'd for had she giuen him les she had as she beleeued wronged her feruent loue hee seem'd as passionate as she and surely was so but vnconstant creature he did change and so will all you doe While he lou'd none loued more earnestly more fondly none more carefully but how can loyalty be where varyety pleaseth scarse cold hee indure any to looke vpon her much lesse suffer or permit her to vse any but himselfe familiarly which hee need not finde fault withall for so did shee loue as she neuer look'd on other with the eyes of more then ciuill curtesie Some while this continued the marryage was expected hee gaind her promise to haue onely him she neuer doubting prest not for his vowes more crediting his word which she assured her loue of then seeking by desire of stricter vowes to make him thinke she did mistrust least action of his gaue her steddy trust and so shee trusted till shee was deceiued for
conclude They found she was not pleas'd therefore they sought some other way to please and rising walked into an other wood and so vnto a pond which they did fish and passe the time with all while poore Antissia thought herselfe each fish Amphilanthus stil the nette that caught her in all shapes or fashions she could be framed in Then came his going all the night before his whole discourse and manner was to purchase still more loue greedy as couetous of such gaine hee wished not any thing that he enioyed not all was as hee wished At supper poore Antissias eyes were neuer off from him she did lament his going her heart wept hee looked as glad to see she lou'd him still for what man liues that glories not in multitudes of womens loues so he though now neither fond nor louing to her yet seem'd to like her loue if only that his might be the more prized wonne from so braue and passionate a Lady and thus she often caught his eyes which on what condition soeuer yet being on her were esteem'd and gaue content as debters doe with faire words to procure their Creditors to stâ—y a longer time so did she but prolonging the time in her torments to her greater losse Amphilanthus being to depart offer'd to take his leaue but Pamphillia refused it telling him she would bee ready the next morning before his going which she was and with Antissia brought him a mile or more from the Court into a Forrest then tooke leaue hee making all hast to the Campe. The Ladyes to auoyd idlenesse the Queene especially to preuent friuolous discourse called for her hounds and went to hunt a Stagg it was a sport shee loued well and now the better presenting it selfe so fitly to her seruice The Rainger told her of a great Deere which he saw in a wood as hee came to her she followed him and so vncoupling the Dogs put them into the wood The Stagge came forth with as much scorne and contempt in his face and fashion as a Prince who should rather be attended then pursued hating that such poore things as hounds should meddle with him as if hee were rather to be attended then hunted But quickly he was made to acknowledge that he was Pamphilias subiect and by yeelding his life as a sacrifice for his presumption shewed if hee had not beene a beast he had sooner acknowledged it both in dutie to her and for his honor which he could receiue but by letting her delicate hand cut open his breast there to see it written But during the hunting he was yet more vnhappy for the most excellent Queene after one round scarce made him happy with pursuing him taking into a Groue faigning an excuse and there lighting pass'd most part of the time in calling her thoughts into strict examination which when she had done she found them so true as she could see none to accuse the least of them or the busiest for being a thoughts time seuer'd from her loue When shee found them so iust Deere companions in my solitarynes said she furnish me with your excellency in constancy and I will serue you with thankfull loyalty Then tooke she a knife and in the rine of an Oake insculped a sypher which contained the letters or rather the Anagram of his name shee most and only lou'd By that time the Stagge came by grieued at her vnkindnesse that shee would not honor his death with her presence which shee by his pittifull countenance perceiuing tooke her horse againe and came in to his death As shee returned Antissia told her she was much alter'd for once she knew her so fond of that sport as she loued it more then â—ny delight shee desired her to haue a more noble opinion of her then to thinke she was subiect to change which was a thing she so in finitly hated as she would abhorr her owne soule when it left louing what it once had loued That was not hunting sure said Antissia for you loue not that so well as first you did Enter not into my loue sweete Princesse said she I will neuer offend you answered the other so home they went each going to her Chamber Antissia in as great a rage as when she mistrusted Rosindy to bee Amphilanthus but more discreetly she now carried it Pamphilia to her lodgings where shee remain'd till they were called to dinner the Queene with the greatest respect in the world entertaning Antissia whose heart now fill'd with enuy receiued it with no more delight then one would doe a bitter potion yet was her fashion sweetned with discretion for the time shee stayed which was not long taking her way to Romania whither being arriued she cald her sad but froward thoughts together thanking her Fate that brought her to see Amphilanthus but cursing her Desteny that gaue her assurance of his change Oh my heart said she how canst thou beare these torments and yet hold continually furnished with new discontents accursed eyes that made thee subiect to so excellent falshood so pleasing deceit Pamphilia I confesse that thou art most excellent and meriting all but yet not comparable were thy selfe only vertue to make vp the losse that Amphilanthus hath lost and broken in his faith and worth Faire and deere gaining eyes why smile you still in your disguising loue betrayers of my liberty why ioyne you hope together with your selues not to be seene much lesse beheld with freedome only like the fauning Crocadile to win and kill deere lips that seem'd to open but to let the hearts desirs to come vnto mine eares seuerd you deceitfully your selues to ruine me that onely excellent and loued breath could it be thought it should proue poyson to my choycest blisse far-well delights the truest flatterers and thou dispaire infold me I am thine Then writ she certaine verses they were these I Who doe feele the highest part of griefe shall I be left without reliefe I who for you doe cruell torments beare will you alasse leaue me in feare Know comfort neuer could more welcome bee then in this needfull time to mee One drop of comfort will be higher prized then seas of ioyes if once despiz'd Turne not the tortures which for you I try vpon my hart to make me dye Haue I offended 't was at your desire when by your vowes you felt loues fire What I did erre in was to please your will can you get and the ofspring kill The greatest fault which I committed haue is you did aske I freely gaue Kindly relent let causlesse curstnes flye giue but one sigh I bless'd shall dye But O you cannot I haue much displeas'd striuing to gaine I losse haue seaz'd My state I see and you your ends haue gain'd I 'me lost since you haue me obtain'd And since I cannot please your first desire I 'le blow and nourish scorners fire As Salimanders in the fire doe liue so shall those flames my being giue And though against your
will I liue and moue forsaken creatures liue and loue Doe you proceed and you may well confesse you wrong'd my care while I care lesse With great spleene against him and affection to her selfe for her brauenesse she read these lines ouer againe but then whether iudgment of seeing them but poore ones or humble loue telling her she had committed treason to that throne moued her I cannot iustly tell but some thing there was that so much molested her as she leap'd from her stoole ranne to the fire threw in the paper cryd out pardon me great Queene of loue I am guilty I plead no other mercy take on me thy poorest vassall I loue still I must loue still and him and only him although I be forsaken The sweete Riuers she visited and on their banks continually did lye and weepe and chid her eyes because they wept no faster seeing them but drop vnto the streame My heart said she yeelds more plentifull deere shed teares then you Alas Antissia how doe I pitty thee how doe I still lament thy hap as if a stranger for I am not she but meere disdaine yet then she stayd soft fury cry'd she I must not permit your harshnesse to creepe into my heart no I shall neuer hate I lou'd too much and doe to alter now Then tooke she forth a picture hee had giuen her willingly when she did aske it that she wept on kiss'd it wip't it wept and wip't and kiss'd againe Alas that thou alone said she the shadow should be true when the true substance is so false cold Cristall how well doth thy coldnesse sute his loue to mee which once was hot now colder then thy selfe but were it chast like thee I yet were bless'd for 't is not losse alone but change that martyrs me The picture she then shut and put it where it was which was vpon her heart she there continually did cherish it and that still comfort her when by it shee did see hee had loued her and though now quite bereaued of happines in that yet did that cleere her from the folly idle loue without reward had else condemned her in Oft would shee read the papers she had gaind from him in his owne hand and of his making though not all to her yet being in that time she did not feare shee tooke them so and so was satisfied Read them she did euen many millions of times then lay them vp againe and as her greatest priz'd and only blessing left kept them still neere apt many times to flatter her poore selfe with hope he had not cleane left her who did so kindly let her keepe those things contrary to his manner with others as he reported to her self for from them he tooke at vâ—rying all they had of hisâ— as from Lucenia who hee told shee could not esteeme of his shadow so little prizing the substance but theÌ„ as many bold assurances told her she was deceiued The Meads she much frequented walking in their plaines especially shee did affect one more then all the rest a Willow tree growing in the midst and plentifully spreading branches witnessing forsakennes round about so as she might be held in that sad shade from the heat of Sun-hope-ioy Miserable Antissia waild she her selfe in how few yeares hast thou made a shift to see the whole world of misfortune yet of the worst and the only worst is disdaine and losse in loue Then carued she in the trunke of that tree till she had imbroiderd it all ouer with characters of her sorrow in the crowne of this tree she made a seat big enough for her selfe to sit inâ— the armes and branches incompassing her as if shee were the hat to weare the Crowne of Willow or they were but the flowers of it and her selfe the forsaken compasse out of which so large and flourishing a crowne of despised loue proceeded so as take it either way shee was either crownd or did crowne that wretched estate of losse a pitifull honor and griefefull goueâ—â—ment but this was the reward for her affection and which most poore louing women purchase Melysinda was yet more fortunate for within some two moneths after Amphilanthus his departure her husband by a bruise he receiued at the Iusts held there had an Impostume bred within him which was not discouerd till helpe was past so as he died leauing her a braue and faire Widdow Good nature made her sorry for him but shee tooke it not so heauily though teares she shed as to giue cause to the world to lament the marring of so excellent beauty for the losse of a husband who if he could haue been by sorrow brought againe there had been reason for it but otherwise shee must haue run into the danger of being thought vnreasonable too much to sorrow and as if dislike what heauenly powers willd wherefore obediently to them and discreetly to the world she grieued sufficiently for him keeping as strict a course of mourning as the most curious could not thinke it in any place or manner too little She saw no man in two moneths after his death the first were the Counsell in which time they had gouernd then came shee forth to them into a priuate roome where they onely were her face couerd below the eyes with a Scarfe throwne carelessely ouer not a Vaile for so much finenesse had been much and too little mourning another piece of mourning came and couered her chinne to her lippes and a little past her Gowne made with a wide long sleâ—ue to the ground was of blacke Cloth a Mantle ouer it of the same to which was a Traiâ—ie carried by two Ladies of her Bed-chamber likewise in cloth but their faces bare the whole Court hung with Cloth no Roome that mourned not as if each had a particular losse no people of the Court or that came to the Court but were in that dolefull liuery Embassadours from all kingdomes to condole And thus she liued till Ollorandus came vnto her six moneths after which hindred his going to the army in Albania loue euer hauing or taking the liberty to coÌ„mand scorning then but to be obayd which the faire cosins Vrania and Philistella made experience of to whom the newes of Selarinus his imprisonment came and presently after the happy deliuery and Coronation of him to mitigate the â—ury of her sorrow which was such as tormented Vrania to see whose heart was perplexed especially for parting and absence often bursting into passions like these Can you tell mee you poorest eyes where my loyall heart remaines haue you not perceiued it in his louing and still answering lookes from which and in which truest beauty smiles did it not there descry the ioy it selfe striuing to let you knowe the place it happily obtained playing and making baby pastimes as it lay closed in that shrine of glory but much more triumphed it when you might knowe his breast embraced it surprising the run-away as by sweet force made his while
greatest hearts for pitty cries and wailes neglectedâ— nay so dyes If thus you then be placed no maruell sure you leaue my poore afflicted body desolate where nothing but distemper or loues paines inhabite yet cast your lookes this way see my petition for your safe returne heare mee make vowes that none but you can bring content your absence mastring mee your presence bringing blisse yet absent your loued Image and your dearest selfe remaines infigured in my chastest breast and myrrour-like presents you to my sight yet coldly like a Statue made of stone or as the picture while loues sweetest race runs to the warmth of sight If then remembrance or the perfect memory of you be but a picture whereof I am made the liuely case faithfully keeping that rich portraict still from change or thought that relique to displace nourishing and with it liuing as oyle and lampes doe simpathise in life each looke alluring wishings to our ioyes Restore that life-peece now and make me bless'd crowne my soules longing with thy grant and come to see mâ—e triumph in thy dearest sight my onely selfe my onely loue These passions was she in when Philistella found her in the walkes speaking vnto her selfe and walking with so fast and vnused a fashion differing from her graue and discreet manner as if loue had lay'd a wager with discretion yet hee would make her at that time to fulfill his will forget her selfe and wholly serue him he won that and iudgement made her asham'd when Philistella came vnto her and told her shee wonder'd to see her so Loue loue faire Philistella cryed shee can doe this and more but happy you can keepe your paines more secret and more close that is not not e'er yet hath beene my hap said she for no eye hath beheld mee but together sawe my loue No sweetest Cousin saide Vrania wrong not your great wit with taxing it vniustly haue I not seene how prettily and with an excellent disdaine you did refuse his humble suite in loue his eyes haue beene euen ready to burst out in teares when you haue smiled and changed your first discourse as if of purpose to deny his plaints Alasse would I thinke happy Philistella how art thou aboue thy sexe most fortunate poore me had I but one such or the like content it were for mee eternall happinesse while she reiecteth loue did Steriamus loue like as his brother doth were I not of all women blessed but his affections are in an other seate enthronised these thoughts while you like Summer florish'd nipp'd my dayes yet now I praise my desteny nothing except sad absence grieueth mee while you whether not grieu'd or not so louing I cannot well iudge feele not or shew not that you haue the sence which absence brings vs louers Sweetest Vrania answerd she my soule can tell you I dissemble not nor did my manner or my face couer yet my flames when I did heare my deare and only Lord imprisoned was did I not faint and loose my strength as hating that since not sufficient to release my loue Was not the Court distempred and my Parents grieued fearing my comming danger when the harme was neerer to mee then they could imagine Wept I not when the mastring griefe was passed sighed I not still cryd against proud and curst treacheries how did I hide the boyling heate of sorrow I containd Wau'd I not with each passion vp and downe as boughs blowne with the wind some times resolu'd to die other times to liue for a reuenge and still distracted more I sought to turne more fast tied still my heart like leade in fire melting with the heate of fury call you this discreete and wise behauiour could loue no better bee dissembled or the sparkes no finelier raked vp in discretion But now I see you smile at me while you indeed doe better and more curiously like cunning workemen best beguile our eyes It s well sweet daintiest Princesse you may flout your friends But said Vrania when did you see me one whole day and not sigh or weepe or steale away to do them I heere vow vnto Loue which vow I will not break that neuer creature felt more paine nor euer any more discouerd it I doe confesse it as a weaknesse in me but I cannot helpe it if I did see him one poore instant space alone me thought it was my duty to goe to him if he spake to another was I not nor am I not thinke I as worthy or as fit to talke with as her selfe Almost suspition oft-times grew in me but absolute fondnesse neuer was away I doe not thinke in houres while I haue stood at audiences which the King hath giuen I haue been one minute altogether ioyned with my eyes held from him I haue looked off t is true but like a Deare at feede start vp for feare but straight againe returnd vnto the food which from his eyes I tooke yet I am secret and discreet in loue Neuer credit mee deare Cosin if I speake not truth I found not that you did requite his loue till your owne lippes to honour me deliuered it I shall the better credit this and loue my fashion so much more said Philistella since you commend me but in troth I spake as guiltinesse forced mee but now wee are so free let me be bold to aske this question In this heate of loue did not your former passion neuer come glancing into your eyes could you behold Parselius with freedome and Steriamus with affection I will said Vrania as to my confessor tell you the truth it was mee thought a wonderfull odde change and passing different affection I did feele when I did alter for though I were freed from my first loue and had a power to choose againe yet was I not so amply cured from memorie but that I did resemble one newly come out of a vision distracted scarce able to tell whether it were a fixion or the truth yet I resolued and so by force of heauenly prouidence lost the first and liue in second choice and this deare soueraigne good receiued I from Leucadia But when I had thus far proceeded then did feare accompany my change lest Steriamus should despise my second loue not hauing giuen him my first as the best which in troth in some sort he had obtaind for I liked him before I loued the other Oft did I study how I might compasse my blessing when for my most and future happinesse hee was as much engaged vnto me and so was Melisseas Prophecy performed for wee from death in shew rose vnto a new loue he feared likewise that I would scorne his gift and after many vehement and affectionate suings hee presented me with a little booke of Verses among which were many to excuse himselfe and to commend a second loue I remember one Sonnet being this BLame me not dearest though grieued for your sake Loue mild to you on me triumphing sits Sifting the choysest ashes of my wits
Crimson her armes fingers and necke adorn'd with the richest Iewels her buskins were of white laced vp with Rubies her hayre comb'd downe and a Crowne of infinite valew on her head a Scepter in her hand which at the opening of the Tombe she cast downe raysing her selfe a little vp and throwing her armes abroad ready to welcome her heart vnto her as if before gone thence The sudden light to so much darkenesse at the first daseled her eyes but when she recouer'd and saw in stead of Polidorus two strangers she crossed her armes lay downe againe seeming so like a dead body as they were afraid they had but heard a voyce which caused their search but that she had beene dead that spirit which shee once had had guided them to her But soone were they put beyond that amazednes by her speech If said she you be of Polidorus seruants directed by him to bring me his death quickly giue me mine likewise and then most welcome or doe but fauour me so much as to shut me vp againe this is the Throne and Tombe which I must haue and only will enioy The Kings whose hearts were mollified with loue were so tempered to pitty as they were not able to know what to doe but gazed on her who appeard the most peerelesse Tombe their eyes had euer beheld and the strangest they saw shee lay still like her owne monument curiously cut Alas said Amphilanthus what comfort can a victory bring that finds such a conclusion to accompanie it selfe with all A victory cryd shee then raised she her sweete saddest selfe a little on one arme I beseech you both or either said she bee so charitable to tell me the truth they loath to tell her what must bring her death yet still besought and that implor'd with teares they look'd on one another sigh'd and with their eyes intreated each to speake at last braue Amphilanthus as kind as excellent in all other vertues gaue these words Madam said he to obay you whom we must after sue to for a fauour I will discouer that which my soule as for you doth grieue for The Army is ouerthrowne and your beloued Lord who wee haue heard you so much speake ofâ— slaine said shee I see it in your face though you will not in pitty speake it Charitable Sir how am I bound to you but I beseech you add one fauour more vnto your first and then an other as the last to that where is his body Laid said he in the cheife Church among the other Kings by Steriamus owne command It was an noble act of him said shee whom Heauens protect for it mercy in Conquerors being as excellent as their fortunes the last request I le make Sir is this that by your fauours I may bee layd by him since I will not aske to haue him brought to mee I amâ— and was his wife deerely beloued of him and heere for safety and by mine owne petition left by him I was Daughter to a King the vnfortunate Plamergus but my greatest happinesse I euer gloryed in was his true loue lay me then braue Sir with my Lord and only deere Polidorus and thus my deere my soule to thine doth flye Amphilanthus did beseech Selarinus weept to her all would not serue shee stretched her selfe straight out and by curious Art laid her selfe forth fit to be carryed to her buriall dying as if the word dead had kild her excellent griefe and most excellent strength of passion that can bring so resolute and braue an end The Kings then chang'd their discourse from loue to sorrow they stayed by her seeking all meanes to recouer her but finding she was gone and so all hope of life in her they went into the Court where they found the King new risen from Councell and all his Princes and Lords about him He went to meete them but seeing such sorrow in their faces wondred and a little feard but soone he was brought out of that they telling him the cause and sad aduenture Then he sent for the Guard who had kept the late King Polidorus of whom he vnderstood how he with teares intreated to be laid in a Tombe made by himselfe in the Orchard but they though he besought them to goe to the Conqueror as he calld Steriamus and beseech that honor from hiÌ„m to performe a vow which hee had made they vnwilling to busie themselues fearing to distast the King had neuer let his last request be knowne some said they thought his wounds and paines of them had made him raue others that being dead what matter was it where his body lay comparing him vnto himselfe who being gone said he what care I where my body is bestowed But these things Steriamus liked not being so infinitely offended with themâ— as had it beene a fault they might haue dyed for they had surely payd their liues for such neglect but not ascending to that height he banished them hating neglect to any creature dying imagining his soule that dyes vnsatisfied must part with trouble from the body and for that was grieued and this Iustice did he vnto loue for which loue must be iust to him Then made he Proclamation for their banishment and straight himselfe went with the whole assembly of Kings and Princes fetching her and went as the cheife mourner with her weeping to her graue the other Kings did carry her and were as they thought honourd with the waight of such worth and constancy she seeming on their shoulders like her Efâ—gie carryed to her owne Funerall The Tombe was graced that night with her lying on it the next morning with solemne state opened and she layd by her Lord this noble act did Steriamus as the first in Albania the beginning to his famous life This being past and a Commander left in that towne which was the chiefe seate of the Kings of those parts and from whence all the Auncesters tooke their claime the new and rightfull King marched againe towards the third king guided by his new seruants and followed with many great men of Albania who like the world ranne with the streame of Fortune and left the ouerthrowne party as soone as it was made miserable with that knowledge Antissius had had his time for leading Leaâ—drus now desired to haue the next it was granted him and so they marched Amphilanthus now in the head of his owne troups Steriamus hauing a Guard of them next his person as their Country woman guarded his heaâ—t safe from hurt or change the Albanians next to them which were in number that went forth with him after the two victories as many as were lost so the Army was of the same bignesse as when it came into Albania Perissus after hee had left Neraena in all her rages for his neglect yet saluing it as desirous to deceiue her selfe with saying that the danger hee found him selfe in of change to his first and only loue made him for feare leaue her not being able
it were to be famished there Pamphilia most patiently tooke it at least most silently She climbing the Rocke till at the top she discouer'd a fine Country and discerned before her a delicate plaine in the midst whereof was a most sumptuous building of Marble shee ioyfully cal'd to the other who followed her and viewing it I feare this storme and aduenture said Vrania euer since I was carried to Ciprus if it be an inchantment woe be to vs who may be bewitched to the misery of neuer seeing our desires fulfil'd once was I made wretched by such a mischeife Let it be what it will said Pamphilia I will see the end of it led as in a dreame by the leader not with bewitching dull spirit but craft You may said Vrania hauing had such sucâ—esse in the last yet take heed all aduentures were not framed for you to finish Nor for you to be enchanted in answered shee So they went on the two other marking what they did who sent some one or two of their seruants to discouer what this was They found a round building like a Theater carued curiously and in mighty pillars light they might in many places discerne betweene the pillars of the vpper row but what was within they could not discouer nor find the gate to enter it With this they returnd the Ladyes proceeded and arriuing there found it iust as the seruants had described but more curiously beholding it they found in one of the pillars a letter ingrauen and on an other another letter They vnderstood not the meaning while Pamphilia more desirous of knowledge then the rest went as far behind that pillar as she could and there perceiued a space as if halfe of the pillar and then a plaine place so halfe of the other behind it had left a passage through theÌ„ She came backe and finding her imagination likely she lookd ' vpon the middle plaine which made the space while the foure pillars making a square and therein found a key-hole She looked for the key while the other three did likewise busie them selues in such search hauing found in euery plaine such a place Pamphilia at last found the key at the foote of one of the pillars She tooke it and tryd to open it which presently it did as if opening it selfe willingly to her power or renting it selfe asunder to let her goe into it Instantly appeard as magnificent a Theater as Art could frame The other Princes seeing it open came to Pamphilia and all of them stood gazing on it there was a Throne which nine steps ascended vnto on the top were fowre rich chayers of Marble in which were most delicate and sumptuous imbroider'd cushions a Carpet of rich embrodery lying before and vnder them Needs this richnes must be neerer beheld and like women must see nouelties nay euen Pamphilia was inticed to vanity in this kind In they goe and venture to ascend the Throne when instantly the sweetest musicke and most inchanting harmony of voyces so ouerruld their sences as they thought no more of any thing but went vp and sate downe in the chayers The gate was instantly lock'd againe and so was all thought in them shut vp for their comming forth thence till the man most louing and most beloued vsed his force who should release them but himselfe be inclosed till by the freeing of the sweetest and loueliest creature that poore hahits had disguised greatnesse in he should be redeem'd and then should all bee finished To say these braue princes were in paine I should say amisse for all the comfort their owne hearts could imagine to them selues they felt there seeing before them as they thought their loues smiling and ioying in them thus flattering loue deceiu'd the true and brought contrary effects to the most good and this those braue Princes felt when at the concluding of the last battel iust as they had takeÌ„ possessioÌ„ of the greater townes of that Kingdome and setled all things in quiet receiued the people into subiection taken their oaths to Steriamus crownd him as their manner was in the Army and so returnd to the cheife Citty resoluing thence to send newes to Morea and euery one to their loues of their braue and happy successe there arriued a messenger with the heauy tidings of the losse of the whole worlds beauty Steriamus fell into such passion as none thought he would haue enioyed the Kingdome longer then one doth their loue in a vision crying out haue I loâ—t the Kingdome of my hearts content to gaine a poore Country of earth and durt haue I gain'd to loose more then earth can giue mee must I bee crowned King to dye a begger neuer was man in such perplexity nor any so molested as Amphilanthus who wisely couered his passions much condemning their indiscretions that went with them to Sea lamented and hartily greeued for the misaduenture and so resolu'd to goe instantly in search of them Olorandus had arriued there some weekes before and well for the last battaile was hard and terrible as being the last the Rebells could hope on all but this last ouercome He helpd well and so had Perissus in the former without whose asistance the businesse had not so cleerely pass'd yet did they not fully end with their victory but with the losse of almost as many men as the other partly lost in that battaile so as only their gaine was by the noble valour of the peerelesse Kings but now must they vndergoe a more dangerous businesâ— Amphilanthus and Ollorandus went together Steriamus and Selarinus parted Antissius going with him Steriamus would goe alone and by none could be disswaded Leandrus with Parselius Dolorindus was gone before neuer shewing his face after his folly concerning Amphilanthus Perissus and Philarchos ioynd companions Excellent care was taken in the choice of the Lieutenants the two first met Knights by Amphilanthus had the charge as principall of the Counsell of Albania being of great bloud and Tireneus of Epirus Philarchos and Perissus went to Morea to comfort the King and Queene and to see Orilena Rosindy and Polarchos tooke together but first went to Macedon to see Meriana Thus all deuided Amphilanthus must first be attended who hauing the part allotted him to goe to the Sea as if the businesse most concerned him and the hopefullest shipped in Epirus as soone as he could and came all along the Coaâ—t visiting euery Iland and searching in all ships for tidings complaining in himselfe that such misfortune should be and at so much an vnlooked for time when all happinesse appeared ready to embrace them As hee passed his heart on a sudden leaped within him but straight againe teares followed to see how he was void of all comfort yet did it truly offer him helpe but he must not take nor giue it for by the fatall Rocke he passed when that ioy was in him and no sooner passed but was possessed againe with sorrow Alas Pamphilia his helpe was neare thee but thou
was that I should vnderstand I belieued them and blame mee not braue Sir for neuer was man Lord of so many womens soules as this my Lord had rule of who without flatterie did deserue it neuer being vnthankfull for their loues Thus my beliefe gaue my faith I euer after constantly louing him hee shewed as much to me thus we loued or thought we loued which no sooner had possession but freedome followed as the second to loue and this brought mee to my onely playing part of miserie For being young and full of ioy inriched with the treasure of his affection I fell into a snare closely couered and so more dangerous being caught by the craft of one whose wit was to strong for mee being as plentifull in wickednesse as excesse could make or execution demonstrate in fulnesse I so true a louer as I thought on nothing else if ought it was how to indeare myselfe in his fauor by respecting and louing those hee loued a way much vsed and to some profitably practised this yet threw me into the Gulfe of mischiefe giuing welcome to that Wretch who vnder shew of respect spoild my only comfort stealing like rust and eating my heart with as marring and harmefull deceits The loue I saw my Lord bare him was the chiefe cause that made me like him trusting his choice aboue mine owne iudgement for I knew him once thanklesse enough to another from whom my Lord tooke him to bee his companion-like seruant His discourse was delicate and so vnusuall his wit not lying the same way that other good ordinary ones did and so excelling for what pleasinger then varietie or sweeter then flatterie which hee was filled with all and made mee giue or credit to a treacherous deceitâ— which perswaded mee hee was full of honest plainenes so prety and familiar his discourses were as shewed a pleasing innocency yet indued with admirable learning This moued me to trust considering that the greater his knowledge was the more he should know truth but contrariwise he was the breach to my misery My Lord imploidâ— him in some occasions abroad whether by his own desire to see or his wil to be certaine of some forraine knowledge he went away leauing me secure and happiest in my Lords affection Many letters I receiued froÌ„ him wherin he witnessed his truth which indeed did wel for only paper and inke said it not being worthy or honest enough to blush for his shame but in the time of his absence my loued loue did like all men alter it may bee caused by greater beautie it may â—ee prouoked to it by my imperfections but some thing it was I dare not say a naturall inconstancy bâ—t rather taxe my selfe with the blame then touch him made me vnfortunate This vnworthy man found it and as vildly pursued it smoothing me with flatteries while he glos'd with him and her to whom he had chang'd as long as euer hee discernd curtesie in him towards me which at last most cruelly was likewise taken from mee hee followed mee but then look'd on me as a rainy day doth on the earth after a flattering morning I was deceiued and indeed vndone but t was by him and for him whom I lou'd yet after some respect I found therefore I pardon forgiue him Sometime this lasted succeeding as I should haue told you the death of my husband and sonne by him for marryed I was and hauing ambition enough to hold mee from that in hope of obtayning him for my husband while the King still fauour'd mee and if I might with arrogancy say loued me But my loue to my chosen refus'd all others and he at last refused me which when the crafty vnhonest man directly saw hee not only as I told you left obseruing mee but proudly sought my loue if I scornd his basenesse a thing raised by my Father to be knowne but made by my Lord to shew in light Consider you who needs must know what can be yeelded by a spirit true to noble birth and more noble loue to a worme boldly crawling before the best and lifting vp an vnualued head as if a braue beast but a beast indeed he was and I the misfortune had to be a taster of his Villany vnder colour of visiting me after my losse he gaind still in my true heart a confidence of his renewing respect to mee which I prized him for confessing still and purely all the flames I felt for his Lord and soone after this he shewed his dishonesty and such neglect as if I were a blab or one desirous to doe ill I might yet mischeefe him But I am farre from that and will doe well let all other ills succeed that can for goodnesse and truth shall gouerne me yet because all his falshood shall not remaine hid or be vnknowne I will tell you somewhat that hee did for some-thing it concearns this story Hee came to me and found me apt or tooke occasion to thinke so for hee spake of loue and proceeded so farr as he brought it to my fortune I answered moderatly yet so home to my owne hart as he saw I was the same how euer he was changed for whose change my affliction was and so I discouer'd my paines and sorrowes as he said I complain'd fitly to be commiserated and that he pittied me Doe not so said I for I contemne pitty from thence hee grew to aspire to winne me and so boldly and â—aucely at lasâ— carryed himselfe as if my deerest knew it though he now shunns me he much more would scorne him that durst attempt to winne her whom he had once loued and yet holds as his owne though in despised sort And more to shew his villany he only serues and seekes and sues to haue her grace who hee perceiueth keeps my loue from me thinking himselfe base villaine good enough for me who now doe weare the wretched liuery of losse what is euer shun'd I haue in store forsaken and forlorne in loue Yet be it as it is and they continue as they doe I am and euer will be my selfe But what said Amphilanthus is the cause of this extreamity of griefe Haue I not told you Sir said she being forsaken and despised and why only for louing Dull I haue beene called for constancy is now termed so and his assurance of my faith made him leaue mee a thing hee thinks soone wonne or rather held at pleasure confident assurance of firmnesse growing to coÌ„tempt this course doe vnfortunate poore coÌ„stant louers run What is become said Amphilanthus of this man He liues said she I hope to shame himselfe Where is your loue said hâ— Fixed truely in my heart other where I can giue a small account of but as I haue heard liuing with a new loue bewitched sure with some charmes else could he not continue closed alone within her armes while armes and all true noblenes is buried in his losse for lost he is since hee fell to her power Why did
me leaue me smarting affliction scourge to loyall hearts yet leaue you hold me being left by him who onely holds my loue Thus passed I part of the night the rest in an exercise mine vndoer taught mee putting my thoâ—ghts in some kind of measure which else were measurelesse this was Poetry a thing hee was most excellent in That night and many more were ended in that manner till at last taking a resolution which was made by necessity I came abroad againe meeting at my fathers chamber one day with my still deâ—re though forsaken He wished me much ioy I told him hee might best wiâ—h it hauing caused so much sorrow to me hee told mee my chosen loue hee hoped would bring content vnto mee Then had you been more kind and true said I. Treborius is the man must hold your affection said he The Forrest Heire cryd I hath made you change and mee forsaken liuing thus vnhappily made free Free said hee and betrothed Pardon mee my Lord said I I neither am nor will bee till I wed Will you begin said hee to vse that vice you euer till now contemned dissembling a thing protested against by your vertue It is that thing I most abhorre answered I but if I would vse it my faith should hinder it from you Heauen then beare witnesse of my wrong cryd hee and pitie mine said I. With this the company came about vs so as for that time wee said no more then did hee seeke meanes how to regaine my affection which he feared was lost to him while alas my labour was how to couer that which so truly was his as I doubted my selfe for being a safe keeper of it from him determining all chastitie in loue not so much as entertaining his outwaâ—d complements farther then ciuilitie commanded Treborius followed his sute my father vrged mee and I cast away by fortune threw my fortunes at his feete to bestow them truly then not worth the accepting yet loue in the man made him seeke me and with as much ioy receiue me The time was appointed all our friends and kindred inuited and as a principall guest my lost loue was intreated to come who obayed but his sad demeanor shewed it was no pleasure to him to see me giuen to another if hee were troubled how was I afflicted In the morning before I was quite dressed according to the manner of our Countries libertie the chiefe strangers came into my chamber permitted by custom to see the Bride dressed among the rest or before the rest he came in yet said nothing onely lookes spake for him I was to the soule perplexed and being ready to enter into my miserable estate I went into a great window which had a curtaine ouer it A Lady whom I most respected and so did all those whose happines was to know her worth being for all noble vertues and excellent parts to be admird would not be denied to go with me Befoâ—e her I performd a vowed sacrifice which was of a lock of haire that I had worne constantly many yeares this haire was his though not giuen to me by himselfe but by an ancient seruant of his vnknown to his Lord. The vow was that if euer I should be so vnfortunate as to marry any but himselfe that morning before my marriage to burne it to my losse and loue This next my heart I euer carried and with the losse of that finished my vow that fatall day before the perfectest of women not without teares as since that noble Lady hath told me when with her fauour shee would giue libertie to her selfe to speake with me vnworthy of her iudgement making mee often call my selfe to mind yet I thinke rather to bee resolued of what shee could but coniecture then to renew my torment with memorie of my distresse But this finished the marriage followed what torture was it to mee standing betweene my loue and Treborius when I was to giue my selfe from my loue to him How willingly would I haue turned to the other hand but contrary to my soule I gaue my selfe to him my heart to my first loue Thus more then equally did I deuide my selfe within a short time after I went with my husband to his house wishing neuer more to see any light or company which in some sort I enioyd for one whole yeare but then the King going to see his Country in Progresse my husbands house was found fit in his way so as he lay there and was by him freely and brauely entertained he being as bountifull in his house as any man but this brought further trouble for such a liking the King had to the place as often in the yeare he visited it much his Maiestie was pleased to grace mee I thinke for my friends respect but howsoeuer mine eyes ascended no higher then a subiects loue Many times by the Kings command I was after at the Court once I remember being at the entertainement of the King of Slauonia brother to his Maiestie there was tilting course of field and many such braue exercises but so farre short all the Gallants and the King himselfe being one came of my loues perfectnesse as they seemd but foyles placed to set forth the lusture of his excellence The sports brake vp and the King Queene and Court accompanied the Slauonian King to the Sea who was from thence to take a further voyage with my husband I returned my heart so filled with loue as nothing but it selfe could find biding or entrance there Treborius out of loue to me loued my friends and those he saw I most respected which made me so willing to requite his affection as I studied how to content him euer sauing my first loue perfect to the owner and truly such I found his kindnes as I haue been sorry I had no loue left for him yet could I not in the kindest humour spare him any from the other By the way as we returnd how would the good man praise his person his fashion speech horse-manship conuersation pleasing mirth concluding still he was the only exact piece of man-kind and framed alone without equall and as if hee were made to honour all vertues and they framed to serue him I tooke such ioy in these as still I bore him vp in them seeing in his words the picture of my heart and thoughts liuely drawne he maintained them to content me while I best satisfied seemed to commend his witty descriptions as if they and not the subiect pleased me Thus did I dissemble and thus onely for my loue and with him that loued me yet this may be pardoned if pardon may bee giuen for such a fault since loue did warrant mee and I obayd my Lord. Other times though for it I blamd my selfe because I wrongd his kindnes I would commend his ordinary talke when hee praised rude sports or told the plaine Iests of his Hunts-men yet the best their vocation could afford laugh and bee merry with them but why because oft-times
try it but she excused it with her vowe to liue and die in that place concluding her dayes with her former resolution He parted thence and so left the Lady Pastora on the Rocke as hard as her fortune and as white as her faith Steriamus holds on his way and at last is within sight of the Rocke whither he must goe being there arriued he came to the house and at the gate he found Leandrus fearefull to attempt least he should not gaine the honour of concluding but he hartened him and so together aduenture Steriamus absolutely thinking it belonged to him and Vrania who had beene disguis'd and therefore that might be enough to answer those things that like Oracles are neuer without antiquitie As soone as they entered Steriamus like the other his Leaders ran to the Chaire and tooke Vrania who with him went to the others a place being reserued for her now were all almost in couples as they wished Rosindy and Meriana Selarinus and Philistella Antissius and Selarina the rest as they would and came coupled Polarchos and his soone wonne Lady Parselius and Dalinea Philarchos and Orilena but still Pamphilia sits leaning her cheeke on her hand her eyes lifted vpwards as asking helpe at her feete lay Leandrus gazing on her and as much imploring pity from her as she begged it from another with whom her heart was her eies not in the absence of her heart turning to any other lower then the top of the roome and there staied by the roofe not with desire to behold any thing but her loue and now his mâ—mory all ioyed in others loues and a fine sight it was to see them in their various habits yet all to one purpose imitating the world which for all the changes and varieties she hath must haue but one conclusion and one end Perissus arriues in Sicely without any aduenture and with as constant a loue as he brought Limena met him to whom he related all his fortunes and the accidents in the late warr there he encountred the two young Princes of Corinthia to whom they came of purpose to shew their thankfulnes for the honor done vnto them both in Knighting them bringing them to the knowledge of the wrong doer and to be esteemed accounted friends to the true and excellent Amphilanthus He fâ—asted them with great kindnes intreated their stay company to the inchantment which they consented to before their going thence which was not in three months were fit for the adueÌ„ture being both surprised by that secret serpent Loue the elder falling in loue with a sister to Limena borne many yeeres after her and by a second Wife whom her father tooke after the death of her mother she was a most delicate young Lady and worthy of a braue seruant which he proued both loyall and for hiâ— valour deseruing fame The other with a Lady neare of kin to the King who was an heire and willingly bestowed vpon him with consent of all especially liked by Perissus who by this meanes held him alwaies there with him giuing him great preferments and offices about his person proâ—ing a Gallant Gentlemen and a faithfull seruant to him and his Crowne fighting a hard and cruell combat in defence of the Kings honour against a Traytor in that Country whose head he brought and presented to the King This he did in the iourney towards the Rocke passing by the Castle where the ill man liued who came forth and chalenged the King but the youth of Corinthia begg'd the liberty of the combat and brauely performed it in the end they came to the Island and there with the rest were shut vp the places being almost full for daily some or other came By this was newes of the inchantment come to Amphilanthus who with Ollorandus were newly returned from their iourney going into Hungary to visit Melysinda they had raised some pretty aduentures in their trauels and had a more pleasing time of it then in any they had made before being free and better disposed and hauing got againe some of their old passions or memories of them about them which made Amphilanthus willinger to try the aduenture and release Pamphilia of whom he had let in a more courteous opinion then he had when he first blamed her or thought she had done amisse yet no further it passed Musalina must needs see this inchantment with her went Lucenia to see this also and to be an Actor in it so like an Amason Musalina attires her selfe though vnfit habits for her who was no hater of mankind Lucenia like an AEgyptian and towards the place they trauell Lucenia vsed among them like a countrey Lady in the progresse hauing on to see but little respected meeting with the proud Queene of Bulgaria but now Leonius must be spoken of who going directly into Greece met nothing there for many dayes but the sorrow for the lost Ladies hee had no disposition to sorrow therefore meant not as yet to visit the Court but as others did he being as much as many ingaged in good nature to follow the search determined vpon that but then he came into a part of Arcadia not taking the directest but pleasantest way to the Sea at the entring into this Paradice on Earth for sweetnes delicasies springâ—ng there as plâ—ntifully as Primiroses in other poorer places he liked and wonder'd not sufficiently as he thought being able to contemplate the fulnes and richnes of the bounty of that Prouince riding sometimes sometimes walking bâ—holding the rarenes of it yet when he had seene all the varieties encrease in varying to pleasure he was yet set vppon by a more admirable sight which was the most delightfull obiect for man to like and this as well to be liked as any being a faire and daintie woman appearing a Shepheardesse but such an one as AEnona was in her time framed as if but to be remembred and set as a foile to the excellency of the perfections in this creature so much surpassing description as conceit doth commonly excell expression The young Knight beheld this shining Starre with amazednes while she past not farre off from him her aparrell a gowne of gray cut square a fine ruffe about her necke a litle before it was open the rest couered with pure white strips but a more pure whitenesse appeared when the skinne was seene as white and soft as Swannes downe on the breast her haire carelesly throwne vp neither tiyde nor vntyde but cast into a delightfull neglectiuenes some pretty flowers and knoâ— of ash-colour ribon being here and there placed between the loose fastenings of her haire gloues she wore none shewing the innocent vertue she was inriched withall her legges and feete so delicately shaped as they would rather seeme fram'd for showe then vse yet were they but fine enough to carry the body they were made to serue She went with a modest but cheerefull pace and being a litle pass'd looked backe againe with which he
the presence Musalina with great respect and shew of loue did put her selfe often into her company shee after her sad fashion did entertaine her few wordes seru'd her turne and yet because shee would not bee thought too couetous shee gaue thâ—m store of sighes to counterpoise the want of speech The Qâ—eene of Bulgaria one day would needs tell Musalina Pamphilia of so much an admired Lady was the dullest shee euer saw Musalina desired her for her owne sake to speake that but to her for said she the world will doubt much of that iudgement that taxeth her for dulnesse so she againe vrg'd discourse to the sad Lady shee answer'd short but smartly enough at last Musalina ask'd her what was become of the Rhodian Lady return'd said shee with sorrow and sufficient shame if there can bee sufficient for such a fault Then did Musalina desire to know the story which so daintâ—ly and sharply Pamyhilia related to her as in it she made her see she vnderstood loue in all fortunes perfectly this discourse might haue made the Queene see her error but shee neuer went so farre as to weigh the excellency of the discourse but heeded only the tale fitter for her capacity Then came Meriana who but newly acquainted with Pamphilia yet had giuen so full a loue to her as if growing many yeares and with her best louers pittied her with her Pamphilia often discours'd and with a younger and halfe Sister of hers who was a Lady of that sweetnesse and delicacie as she was indeed the most delicatest of that time for admirable beauty hauing a minde answerable for excellency to that body which was without compare for exquisite perfection They two were the onely Ladies except Vrania that she would keepe company withall for these were so discreet and free from the vanities of other women as were onely â—it to accompany so much worth in sadnesse Musalina would come in for one but Pamphilia would seeke them if absent One night after supper Meriana and Pamphilia went from the company by themselues into the Garden the Moone shin'd and the euening was sweet and pleasing both were if pleasure could be to either one of them troubled with absence the other with losse pleased with that time and walke Meriana intreated Pamphilia to fauour her so much as to say some verses to her for said shee I heare deare Sister you are excellâ—nt in Poetry I haue written something said Pamphilia but so sad they are as onâ—ly fit me to heare and keepe Not so deare Pamphilia said she for beleeue it your Sister hath no ioyfull heart what face soeuer I show therefore saddest verses will please me best you shall haue such said shee but I seldome make any but Sonnets and they are not so sweet in rehearsing as others that come more roundly off but if you will heare some I that can denye you nothing will say one to you which I made not long since and so is the freshest in my minde VNquiet griefe search further in my heart If place bee found which thou hast not possest Or so much space can build hopes smallest rest Take it 't is thine mine is the lodge of smart Dispaire dispaire hath vs'd the skilfulst art To ruine hope and murther easefull rest O me dispaire my Vine of hope hath prest Raâ—ish'd the grapes the leaues left for my part Yet Ruler griefe nor thou Despaire deny This last request proclaimes 't was not suspect Graffed this bud of sorrow in my brest But knowledge dayly doth my losse descry Cold loue 's now match'd with care change with respect When true flames liud these false fires were supprest Meriana lik'd them extreamly well commending them aboue measure and earnestly desiring the Copy the other promised her it and many more so they walkd on a while when the delicate Ladyes Persâ—lina and Philistella came vnto them and telling them it grew late they went in for that night the two Sisters together and Pamphilia with her Sister to her lodgingâ— where likewise they parted Philistella to rest but the distempered Pamphilia to her nightly complaints to teares sobbes and groanes and this was her quiet Seldome would these braue Ladies let her bee alone in the day time and Veralinda would bee much with her all indeed seeking her contentment but she must not haue it the Queene of Naples as earnestly as any or aboue any wishing it Dancings and all Court sports were daily in action among them while she sate with much adoe beholding them but her selfe none of the number shee that before was excelling in her apparrell more delicate then any and none comming neere her for daintinesse in that kinde now wore only black and in wearing that as carelesse as before extreame curious her hayre that was before but with greatest care dressed shee onely kept cleane and neglectiuely wore it no iewels came about her so as she was a mourner in stead of the most sumptuous habits shee was wonâ— to honour the Court withall with her trusty seruant the Duke of Pergamâ—s she did only conuerse for the men kinde and would sometimes let him sâ—e her weepe who did heartily pitty her and best might for hee had seene her bless'd and knowne the time shee was as much happy as now distressed When she did sigh and grieue he would also mourne neuer would he say could I haue imagined to â—ee this change had beauty wonne him worth inuited him beyond either in you more tollerable had this beene but pray thâ—e torment me not cryed she with this she is I confesse as worthy as any and deserues as much as woman can doe to be belou'd and so much as were I a man I should loue her no fault is in the choyce but in his vnkindnes to me vnkindnes which is the only murderer of my blisse had he done aâ—y thing but so vnkindly leaue me I had been satisfied had he by degrees giuen me my death more easily I had gain'd it or had he plainly told me his determination to loue no longer it had more iustly come but suddenly and vndeseruedly to cast me off in stead of loue to giue me frownes for smiles scornes for respect contempt and all vnlook'd for or vnmistrusted it wounds my very â—oule I innocently like my loue went towards him smil'd with the same true ioy I alwayes felt in his sight hee held his countenance graue and saluted me like a Queene but not as a friend or louer this was strange as I at first thought it strooke me to the heart yet would I not see it but spake as I was vsed telling him I hoped that poore Pamphilia should be honour'd with his presence once againe He soberly I am loth to say curstly râ—plyed it was too late my â—oule shook with those words and too soone did they shew my misery Who did or could euer thinke to see him thus cruellâ— what did he seeme to delight in more then me or in comparison of me did
he take comfort in any thing else this is the crueller to me now he is changed like giuen to the heart strikes sure for curing yet is this though most true vanity in me to remember I haue done Thus shee would complaine but only to him who knew the continuance of her loue and had seene her once to be couerd but like flames the more pressed to rise the higher and now blowne elsewhere by a wauering winde The Ladies had euery day letters from the trauelling Court Pamphilia had some from her brothers and Cousen Leonius but els shee heard no newes Amphilanthus had forgot to write but she at last gain'd one letter from him by one from her which was respectiue and yet sad his answer was short but complementall this said she was not wont to be his stile but I must be content nothing did she see or heare but still of his glory and his loue This was once said shee belonging vnto meâ— but I was not worthy of them sure else he had not alter'd Meriana likewise to make her discourse passe away the time would often tell her storiâ—s she had knowne of his affection Alas would she say would some good body would tell her he was once and but lately as kindly mine for it grieues me more to heare her speak of it since each word wounds my soule then if all should only talke of it because I know she loues me vnwillingly will hurt me she is deceiu'd and betrai'd in this course she would not be a meanes to cut my life-strings with this cruelty some noble body tell her how hee lou'd me how I still loue him and then she will no more molest me nor abase our loues Sweet Meriana those dayes now are pass'd of my best delights be not you an increaser of my woe but curst remembrance for no new act of his in this change presents it selfe but giues a deaths blow to our ancient loues I could almost be brought to tell it her my selfe and would were it not to discouer his forgetfulnes and cruelty but rather then my lips shall giue the least way to discouer any fault in him I wil conceale all though they breake my heart and if I only could be saued by accusing him I sooner would be secret and so dye no my loue will not let me vse thee ill then be it as it is I le liue forsaken and forlorne yet silently I will indure this wrong nor once blame him to any others eare for deare alas he is to me deare to my eyes deare to my thoughts and dearest to my heart since he will rauish that poore part of all the ioy and sweet content it euer had conuerting it to bitter lasting paine Cruelly she thus remain'd perplex'd and cloathd in the wofulâ—'st robe of griefe what a miserable spectacle was this to see her once the comfort of the Court the starre that guided all the sweet delights now the poore testimony of another creature griefe hauing so decayed her as she seem'd scarce so like her selfe as an ill picture to the life her chamber her thoughts were only bound to her or rather she to them and thus did she remaine the sad example of forsaken loue The other Ladies louing in mirth and happinesse wanton with it like Kids in the Sunne for blessing shin'd on them and that this afflicted Lady did she said once know The Emperour and all his Kings and Princes held their way for Italy at last ariuing at Rome where the Pope sent the whole Clergy and Nobility to meete him without the Towne and with great pompe and ioy conducted him to the chiefe Church to giue thanks then vnto the Castle Triumphs began that night and the next day continued and many dayes to expresse the content of the Emperours arriuall but by his command all dangerous sports of the field were forbidden because he would haue no bloud mixed with his entering Iust they did but their speares had burs at the points for feare of piercing after Supper they had Barriers and all imitation of that braue warre they had lately brauely beene in and the Concluders of it To Naples he went to see his owne Country and People where hee was affectionately and sumptuously entertain'd surpassing all other places in magnificence as in affection to their owne Prince thence hee went to most parts of Italy that were in his way or not much out of it till he came to the neerest part of Germany and so passd without any aduenture carying the keyes as one may say of all those places to open his passage which way hee pleas'd neuer so pleasant a iourney all hearts contented leauing discontent as an vnprofitable thing at home Buda Prague Vienna all places he saw that were of worth traueld ouer the most part of Germany to see the strengths sometime for pleasure visited others At Franckford he was crown'd with the greatest applause content that euer Emperor was with the best reason for he was the most worthy and famous that euer reign'd oâ—er them but to all this ioy a little sorrow would needs come in for Leandrus after the Coronation whether with heate or ouer-exercising himselfe at these triumphs striuing to excell all in shew of loue fell sicke of a Plurisie a disease little known then which not being seene time enough or then taken he died thereof before his death writing a letter to Pamphilia and inclosing an infinite rich Ring within it which he besought her although he belieued shee cared not for it yet to keepe in memory of him who most affectionately and loyally loued her so as though her loue should not suffer in his death but as he loued her yet she might when she looked on that say â—he Master of this loued me These he gaue in charge to Leonius to send her which hee did comming to ger one morning after she had endured a sad and vnquiet night for she hauing got away from the company shut her doore pretending to sleepe but poore Lady little rest did shee enioy carrying the enemy within her selfe that held her eyes vnclosed her heart oppressed and be friended her in nothing except furnishing her with teares and new cause still to shed them O Pamphilia cride she was thy creation for thy ruine was thy birth giuen thee to haue a life wholly in affliction were all contrarieties to pleasure ioyned together for thee to possesse and vertues giuen thee to be vndone by else why was this rare excellent qualitie of constancy alotted thee was iudgement giuen me to make the worthiest choice wholly to discerne I chose well but to bee rewarded with that leane benefit and losse to bee my gaine Did I reiect the firme and spotles loue of that excellent Prince Steriamus the humble suites of all the greatest subiects and neighbour Princes slighted the earnestnesse of the noble Prince Leandrus refused all and made my selfe a Vassell in affection to him that weighes
her truth and loue Leaning her desolate alone to proue His Loue or â—â—ded or but giuen for neede Caus'd her with misery to gaine that meed I Ariadne am alike oppress'd Alike deseruiug and alike distress'd Vngratefull Demophon to Phillis faire A Thracian Lady causs'd by like dispaire Or greater farr for after feruent loue In which bless'd time he freely still did proue What is desir'd or lou'd he left this Queene And bliss for a lesse Kingdome which had beene Before his fathers aud by reason right For Theseus was his Sire that King of spight Thus did he both inherit state and ill While Phillis selfe her louely selfe did kill Making a Tree her Throne a Cord the end Of her affections which his shame did send I strangled am with your vnkindnes choak'd While cruelty is with occassions cloak'd Medea Witch with her enchanting skill Did purchasâ— what was craued by her will Yet was by Iason left at last which showes Loue only free from all bewitching blowes But his owne witchcraft which is worst of ills Neuer absenting till all ioy it spills Charms it may be with-held you now from me Breake through them leaue that Circes so oft free The Syrâ—ns songe Calypsoâ—s sweete delights And looke on faith which light is of true lights Turne backe the eyes of your chang'd heart and see How much you sought how foâ—dly once sought me What trauell did you take to win my loue How did you sue that I as kind would proue This is forgot as yesterdayes lik'd sport Loue winning lasting long once won proues short I like Penelope haue all this time Of your absenting let no thought to clime In me of change though courted and pursu'd By loue perswasions and euen fashons rude Almost to force extending yet still she Continued constant and as I am free Ten yeares a cause was for Vlisses stay While Troy besâ—iged was but then away Was homeward bent by all saue him who stayd And ten yeares more on forraine beautyes pray'd Against his will he oft his will enioyed And with variety at last was cloy'd Chainge wearyed him when weary he return'd And from his wandring then to staydnes turn'd Come you now backe I thus inuite you home And loue you as if you did neuer roame I haue forgot it as if neuer done And doe but thinke me a new to be wone I shall appeare it may be as I did And all passd falts shall in my breast be hid Try me againe and you shall truely find Where fairenesse wanteth clearenes of a minde Fairer and richer then the masse of all Their persons which from me haue made you fall If ioyn'd together and from thence to frame A minde of beauteous faith fit for the name Of worthy Constancy inrich'd with truth Which gaue me to you and so held my youth In young desires still growing to your loue Nourish them now and let me your loue proue Leaue the new powerfull charms of strangers tongus Which alwayes truth with their faire falshood wrongs Come backe to me who neuer knew the plot To crosse your minde or to thy will an nott Come I say come againe and with Vlisses Enioy the blessings of your best blisses Happy the comfort of a chaste loues bed Blessed the pillow that vpholds the head Of loyall louing shame 's the others due Leaue those for me who cannot be but true Come and giue life or in your stay send death To her that liues in you else drawes no breath What bands had you to tye you thus much said the Queene of Naples bands of faith in me and vowes from him of zealous truth said she priuately made to me and for greater satisfaction giuen before witnesses for marriage which made me foolish confident trust yeeld now wander lament and pine The Queenes pittied her and promised their helps to assist her She thank'd them but answerd none but loue had iniur'd her and â—onâ— els could or should helpe her so she as strangely went on and from them as wildly she had come to them they returning home she walking breathing in distembers At last resoluing to go to Pamphilia offer her seruice to the Queen who euer from her iufancy lou'd and trusted her was hindred from her company attendance by reason or rather this folly in affection which had power to make her dissist from all resolutions how fit or worthy to please that the most vaine and troublesome of any Now she could discerne her errour but how as if she lookt into a glasse and behinde her saw her miserie which to her face abusd her so her passed time had wrongâ—d her neuer to be righted or cleered if not by death forgetfulnes or charity The Queen Pamphilia receiued her with all kindnes with her she liud as in her former daies in much respect and vs'd with all courtesie the better being ioyned and more acceptable because neerest agreeing with her passions and miseries as shee calld them and indeed were for none can be compared to forsaken loue Nerena was left in miserable state imprison'd in a Towre locked vp in conceit of maddnesse and made a poore imagined distracted creature where she was absolute Princesse little Iustice was in this yet she as a woman must suffer although in time be released as shee at last was and now is the houre come for her safety Her Sister as you heard went to try the Inchantment in her absence desire of change and so hope of liberty as most times is gain'd in absence of the Prince grew among the people but most lay in the breast of a noble man whose conscience one may well say slept quietly from troubling his businesse till now hee had awaked it protesting that the wrong done to Nerena concern'd them all and lay alike to his imagination in their hearts as in his which moou'd him to vrge restitution and submission with establishing her in her former gouernment their latter Princesse being but to succeed her Sister and the iniury done to her who ought to reigne besides what follies did liue in her more and not as amply abounding as in the elder their rightful Lady besides as a woman why should she not be permitted both her vanity the nature of her Sexe their fidelity to their late Master was lost their loyalty to Succession forgot the oath to truth broken they guilty to all foule Treasons hauing deposd their Princess and established another whose merit were not far beyond their own Mistrisses nor whose staid worth ought to claime too strickt an obedience wher right challenged the contrary He was a great man welbeloued infinitly followed feared therfore cheerish'd he swayed much and so far proceeded as hee with the rest of the Counsel fetched Nerena forth solemnly againe establish'd her had pardons for all things past all was made vp with a kind gratious coÌ„clusion she by her poore liuing and neglect being now inuested in so staid an habitation
as still visited with company and gaue by the fauours testimony of quantity of victuals which well ordred had been noble now a little troublesome but it pleased reasonably well this company who free and hauing rid hard had gaind good appetites it appearing to them like a Garden full of fruite when the hot weather troubleth them they sat downe the Lady most kindly freely and busily bestirring her self entertaining them the fine Gentleman ciuilly discoursing with them Leonius at last growing so farre in with him as he got him to tell this story I am great Prince said he called Curardinus borne of a good Family in this Countrie beloued and serued but as all things must see conclusions so did Fate appoint our greatnesse to conclude thus My father liued after his fathers death many yeares will esteemed of by the King oâ— these Countries emploid in office by him and held among the best in ranke of his fauour but matching himselfe after the death of his first wife with a young Lady of a great and noble family but too great as the King imagined or was perswaded by his enemies suspition grew into his heart or rather shewed it selfe for few Kings are without that seruant to attend them against my father who to auoide all cause giuing left the Court and retird himselfe to his owne home where he liued pleasantly and was for an addition of his happinesse blessed with children a blessing to a father what euer the being borne proue after to the children I was his first and after some yeares before I came to perfectablenesse to gouerne his estate at least according to the lawes of this place hee died leauing mee heire to his fortunes honors and dislikes of the King I then desired leaue to trauaile that was refused me and all things as offices commands and places soeuer my father held of the Crowne giuen away to others This was a disgrace and truly a vexation vnto me and most that hee would not permit mee the fauour granted to euery subiect but obedience taught mee patience and I was contented by necessitie In this forst pleasure I went vp down among my friends where I was desird and so liu'd a solitary and priuate trauelling life where remouing imitated trauell and each odde accident an Aduenture By my mothers side I had and haue many noble and braue friends as any man can haue the men equally or aboue any valiant and wise the woman in that height of excellency for beauty and witt among them I haue much liued who haue found the like fauour so as we are not only neere it in blood but allyed in thwart fortune kept backe by all meanes from any aduancement or honor vnlesse the imployment were such as might giue a blow if not a certaine ruine to any of vs a comfortable estate when Subiects liue in such dislike with their Prince yet did he vse vs openly well let vs come to waite vpon him wee shall be welcom'd and smil'd vpon sometimes but aske any thing and bee surely denyed after not for a good space look'd on this hath cast vs much downe and greeued vs more then hurt vs. Are you a single man said Leonius No Sir replyed the dainty melancholy I am married and haue beene long the more my misfortune in some kind because I haue with that marryage lost one loued me more then I could aspire to hope of requitall and loue 's me still I was not altogether to blame indeed for I knew not her affection so great to me she not aduenturing to speake it I not thinking my selfe so happy daring to imagine it but after some time she tould me of it How did I then curse all my fortunes and yet at last chid my selfe for it since said I I was borne to be wretched and all other crosses haue beene but as forerunners of my misery this the only Master peece of affliction wee met wept many times together and yet those teares produced pleasure because so shed and then we could be merry and neuer but in the highest griefe contented because together for therein our last happinesse consisted But her father marryed her whose iudgement told her obedience was requisite to a rich but worthlesse fellow this was an other vexation to her and doubly by that meanes it wrought in me to see her greeued and such a Clowne to posses what I most loued and held deere he no more esteeming her nor indeede vnderstanding her worth then a Beast or one of his Goats Miserable Lady but most miserable I that saw and could but grieue for it besides this he grew yet more brutish and vsed her ill growing so intirely iealous as none went away vnsuspected her worth beauty and noblenes inuited all eyes and hearts to her seruice but so chast and iust she was as but with courteous requitall any preuailed but her worthlesse Mate thought so ill of himselfe as that made him thinke well enough of any to wrong her withall Iealousie 's roote being selfe knowledge of vnworthynes Thus most sweete Creature she liued discontents brought her to many harmes bringing diseases and the worst sicknes of mind finding still additions to her first disquiet and miserable losse as her affection was pleased to call the missing of me which surely she could neuer haue know had I but guessed her thoughts A good space I held in with him but at last fell like the rest and most dangerously in that time I met her my hearts ioy and soules delight at her fathers she was sad but most louing to me I sad to see her so but most glad to see her loue holding her I remember by the hand if said I thou wert vnmarryed would'st thou not marry againe No I protest said she but liue wholy to be directed by you which I had euer don had I knowne how to liue with honour and fit to be your seruant Yet should you bee free you would not doe so much Yes I vow said I and bound it with a kisse vpon her fairest hand deerest remembrance how dost thou yet please me to bring before me these pass'd yet sweete delights to make tryall of her faith and word keeping she was by heauenly assistance vntyed from her bond and freed from her clog the rude and brutish Thing her Husband being taken from her no hand but the hand of the best and highest parting her as from aboue seeing and commiserating her estate all that were vnmarryed in the whole Country came and sought her shee refused all Widdowers Batchelers all were alike to be denyed old young middle-aged runne one race of being refused Her father much disliked it her friends and kindred and such perswaded but endlesly her resolution was like the Earth fixed and her constancy like the Sunne certaine and richly faire some also came to me seeing the grace I had with her to get mee to preferr them alasse how far they went astray yet I answer'd all of them
being the most absolute endlesse Visitor in Brittany he confidently promis'd to bring him thither where she was and to pâ—t them together and then said he if thou dost win her thou hast better luck thâ—n all the brâ—â—e bold Brittaines haue yet attaind vnto This familiarity seem'd â—d yet the Florentine had his end also and bore with his as he heard it in his language rudenes so they tooke their leaues of the lame Knight and went the neerest way to her abiding but before they arriu'd there the Florentine had so much of his companions tongu as he would haue giuen a great part of his hopes to haue been rid of him At the last they came to the Castle shee was not at home but rid forth to take the Ayre they being Knights neuer were out of the way so they follow'd her and found her sitting in a great wood reading some papers which were Verses her loue in the time of his affection to her had made and giuen vnto her she read them wept kiss'd them wrapt them vp put them into her brest to print the stampe on the outside as they were ingrauen in the inside sigh'd wiped her eyes and yet some bold teares had kiss'd her quaking lips ready but affraid to part say he was vniust for the very vniustnes matyr'd her and the saltnesse of those drops made her taste her curst fortune They approach'd she changing her countenance and now almost ashamed to seem so good he prouing so contrary whom she thought the best almost doubting if it were not ill to bee good among so many ill and such as contemned goodnes yet bold in her selfe arm'd with the rarest vertue and knowing that enough to iustifie her and defend her she met them they with reuerence fit to giue and to be taken by her saluted her then the euerlasting Speaker who neuer ceased talking no more then Brookes on Pebbles leaue murmurring told her the desire they had to kisse her hands Shee said they had much honour'd her with that visit the Florentiue with delicate language spake she with much modesty and respectiue fashion entertain'd him much he admirâ—d her graue and yet courteous manner the eloqnence she spake such as made him thinke she was the best spoken woman he had euer heard and the greatâ—st part of hâ—r eloquence was the plainnes but excellently well plac'd words she deliuerd her speech was as rare and winning as the Knight troublesome and most times idle yet such he esteem'd his wit and the continuance of his babling was so vsuall as he could not hold but interrupted them and fell into his old fit of gabling The afflicted Lady look'd sadly on him but when she saw how grieuously the Prince tooke his interrupting of them she smil'd and to her selfe said would my paines could bee thus partaken then would my suffering be the lesse but oh none are fit to know mine but my selfe none then to suffer them The Florentine he chaf'd so much as hee could not frame with patience any one thought but with a confusion of dislikeâ— stood gazing on him who talk'd on and regarded or not said Verses spake Prose and rime againe no more heeding answers so hee heard himselfe then iâ— he had rau'd or talk'd in his sleepe Yet at last there was no râ—medie but shee must heare some lines the Knight lately made in commendations of his Mistresses eyes and blaming her being sleepy in the morning when shee should haue beene vp to entertaine him the Verses weâ—e these Rise rise from sluggishnes â—ly fast my Deere The early Larke preuents the rising lights The Sunne is risen and shines in the rights Of his bright glory till your eyes appeare Arise and make your two Sunnes so cleare show As he for shame his beames call backe againe And drowne them in the Sea for sorrowes paine That you Commandresse of the light may know The dutie Sunne and all must yeeld to you Where richnesse of desert doth lie imbracd Night by your brightnes wholly now defac'd And Day alone left to you as lights due Yet be as waighty still in loue to me Presse me with loue rather then lightly flie My passions like to women made to tie Of purpose to vnloose and oft be free Thus may your lightnesse shewing ruine me I cannot liue if your affections dye Or leaue off liuing in my constancy Be light and heauy too so wee agree These I protest before God said he I made at the instant when I saw shee was not vp nor reddy and many more I made to her and others on the sudden I seldome thinke of them but naturally they come vnto me many of my Ancestors hath been Poets and so I succeed in that qualitie and I like it well it passes away the time well and some of my songs I haue set and song them But when he talked of singing the Florentine was then ready to die for halfe dead hee was with the noise of speakiug singing added to it would vtterly haue ruined him so as he was forced to say My Lord we came hither to visit this excellent Lady and short time I haue to enioy the happinesse of her sight let vs therefore I beseech you gaine so much fauour and honour from her as to heare her say some thing of her selfe It is well said cryd he and since the Prince desires to heare your story I pray let him haue it I haue not answered she ready or perfect deliuery of speech so well as you therefore if it please you especially of the Prince I desire to be excused since I can onely when I haue said all but conclude I am as you see me the most vnhappie vnfortunate miserable lost woman that can be found breathing Then did the teares againe fall from her eyes but so louely she appeared in sorrow as it was almost equall in sweetnesse and winning to ioy and as powerfull in command for it fully conquered the Florantine neuer after being cured but by death liuing many yeares and louing constantlie to his death a rare and seldome knowne thing among men of his ranke especiallie Night now grew on so as they tooke their leaues faine the Prince would haue staid but she neuer or woÌ„drous seldom inuited any though if they caÌ„e and staid she did welcome braue or needing men two tortures were he now â—allen into parting froÌ„ her going with him whose noise would make him mad his heart being oppest with melancholly but iustly was he punisht for aspiring euer till that time to loue and win this he saw the Emperour loued as if being his seruant he were bound to like as he liked and loue as he loued which did not please his Master nor got him much gaine if not where no gaine was by winning Once more he must see her and rather then misse his desire he perswaded his silent companion to accompany him which he did and taking Hounds with them as if both to visit and shew
other to thinke to whom hee had committed himselfe and his last hopes With that the Venetian called Leurenius step in and not after the ordinary way taking the hurt body but the hurter he caught and vsing these words held him Villaine said he thus to murther one whose all and least drop of bloud being staind by thee should so haue beene cheerish'd What canst thou then say in thy defence or on thy part to excuse this cruelty this youth is not onely slâ—ine by thee but tyed to suffer the slaughter hauing no defence for himself not only so but as your speeches argue made ill and guilty of bloud this but annimated and imboldned him hauing no more order or bounds then the Sea hath in a storme on rotten and yeelding ground wicked soule what canst thou say to answere thy wickednes better then you replyed hee this bold and sawcy inquisition who authorized you in this examination who made you inquisitor or iudge truth and pitty said Leurenius neither euer ruled or had power in mee said Vicianus I am Lord of my selfe and much good lands hereabout I owe now nothing to any I did and was indebted to the great keeper of the Forrest whose command greater then mine I câ—uld not suffer but after many contentions and controuersies betweene vs he not the man that would submit or yeeld I layd a plot for reuenge that being my refuge and yesterday finding my aduantage tooke it and now am satisfied for his life I haue and now am free this creature being my only Counsellor who hurt dangeroâ—sly by him who intruth was valiant and had many good parts yet drowned them all in the brooke of dislike to my orders which were not to be corrected by him I so ordered him as wee two I say had his life and least that should come out I haue now made away with him so will I doe with you for in such bussinesses I loue no Counsell-keepers with that he let flye at him with a waighty club of Iron but Leureneus was nimble and well vsed to escape such perrils so as slipping aside he auoyded it but withal stept in like a younger brother to possession closing with him threw him downe then possest he himselfe with his armes and forced him to tell him he had done this ill he confest it was done by treasons compact more hee would not say but by chance watching opportunity catched the Princes dagger and would haue stabbed him but he quickly preuented it and made the actor better act his part shunning the blow and catching him vnprouided for resistance armed only with mischeife got the dagger from him and throwing him downe on his knees made him acknowledge his fault and make his confession the cheife Forrester is a great Lord and infinitely powerfull in loue of friends and people but most inricht with the affection of the Lady of the Forrest whom I affected and who had by the Lords appoyntment that honour done to her that title being giuen her which madded me as much as her refusing me which proudly she had done yet sought I not so much reuenge of her as of her seruant and our Forrest Lord her affection I hop'd to winne by loue or force he gone whom she affected and to be rid of him I resolued and yesterday I dispatched it This youth my then in shew cherisht-Lad slew him with an arrow as hee alone rid to see his walke and to bee suer of him when wounded I threw him into the Brooke where if any seeke they may find him his wound is on the left side the instrumeÌ„â— a Bow the weapon abroad arrow so as now if I dye I haue this satisfaction he goes and is gone before me You are said the Prince much deceiued in this for though hurt he liues and to recouer wee make no question but to assure you of it you shall goe with me and from him and his deerest only beloued receiue your punishment Backe hee led him by force and deliuered him vnto them he was by the Officers of that part the Lord being a party hauing no power to punish him sent vnto the Citty into a sharpe prison whence hee was conducted to such punishment as the Iudges and Officers appointed for him Leurenius againe going downe towards the Meddowes to find his heart which in Celinus breast he saw crauing loue or pitty she lying on the ground carelesse of order or modesty allmost distracted and lying in the most disordered Posture that could be for so discreet and curious a woman tumbling on the ground clapping her breast sobbing weeping crying all passionate ioyned to her masterie one while she tore her haire and thrust her face as it were into the ground another time she rated her passions by sufferance and so challenged reward then she confeâ—t the reasons and so recald her claime then she blamd her folly but quickly commended her loue thus by contrarieties she gained respit but not ease from her paines flying like downe in the ayre miserable bondage and most so because to a late free heart O seruitude insufferable and slauery not to bee endured Wretched Celina cryd shee that haue these vnmeasured thoughts and want of power to expresse them but in patience some lines she put together but so few as could make no kind of verse not hauing proportion or number these indeed said she are fit for my making vnmeasurable thoughts leaue me as hope help abandons me Then she again vexed to the soule rold on the grasse and with her teares to the earth and on it Receiue me deare Mother said she into thee and let me be as I am once againe with thee The Prince was grieued to see his soule which in her was thus perplext he cryd against his ill lamented as for her and in as much distresse as any that euer loued he gouerned vnder the weight of his affliction he heard her complaine of vnfortunate loue he said he might as iustly doe so to she said it was strangly fatall to loue so violently at first sight He shrug'd and said it was his fate no complaints she would make that he had not the same cause to dislike for no payne was in her that hee was not a patient of yet strong it was the paines one the accident one and cause one they were by two equall sufferings made diuers and seuerall She complayn'd shee could not measure her passions He that he could not please her by putting them in measur'd feete yet to passe the time hauing a fine voyce and skill fit for a Prince he sung this Songe 1 HAue I lost my liberty And my selfe and all for thee O Loue Yet wilt thou no fauour giue In my losse thy blame will liue Alas remoue 2 Pitie claimes a iust reward But proud thoughts are thy best guard Once smile Glory t is to saue a life When deceiuers are in strife Which to beguile 3 Your gaiâ—e hath my paine begot But neglect doth
you for blisse hope still and still enioy Let sad misfortune haplesse me destroy Leaue crosses to rule me and still rule free While all delights their contraries imploy To keepe good backe and I but torments see Ioyes are berâ—au'd me harmes doe only tarry Despaire takes place disdaine hath got the hand Yet firme loue holds my senses in such band As since despised I with sorrow marry Then if with griefe I now must coupled bee Sorrow I le wed Despaire thus gouernes mee 10. THe weary Traueller who tyred sought In places distant farre yet found no end Of paine or labour nor his state to mend At last with ioy is to his home backe brought Findes not more ease though he with ioy be fraught When past his feare content like soules ascend Then I on whom new pleasures doe descend Which now as high as first-borne blisse is wrought He tyred with his paines I with my minde He all content receiues by ease of lymbs I greatest happinesse that I doe finde Beliefe for faith while hope in pleasure swimmes Truth saith 't was wrong conceit bred my despight Which once acknowledg'd brings my hearts delight 11. YOu endlesse torments that my rest oppresse How long will you delight in my sad paine Will neuer Loue your fauour more expresse Shall I still liue and euer feele disdaine Alasse now stay and let my griefe optaine Some end feede not my heart with sharpe distresse Let me once see my cruell fortunes gaine At least release and long-felt woes redresse Let not the blame of cruelty disgrace The honour'd title of your god-head Loue Giue not iust cause for me so say a place Is found for rage alone on me to moue O quickly end and doe not long debate My needfull ayd lest helpe doe come too late 12. CLoy'd with the torments of a tedious night I wish for day which come I hope for ioy When crosse I finde new tortures to destroy My woe-kild heart first hurt by mischiefes might Then crye for night and once more day takes flight And brightnesse gone what rest should heere inioy Vsurped is Hate will her force imploy Night cannot Griefe intombe though blacke as spite My thoughts are sad her face as sad doth seeme My paines are long her howers tedious are My griefe is great and endlesse is my care Her face her force and all of woes esteeme Then welcome Night and farewell flattering day Which all hopes breed and yet our ioyes delay Song 2. ALl Night I weepe all Day I cry Ay me I still doe wish though yet deny ay me I sigh I mourne I say that still I only am the store for ill ay me In coldest hopes I freezâ— yet burne ay me From flames I striue to flye yet turne ay me From griefe I hast but sorrowes hye And on my heart all woes doe lye ay me From contraries I seeke to run ay me But contraries I cannot shun ay me For they delight their force to trye And to Despaire my thoughts doe tye ay me Whither alasse then shall I goe ay me When as Despaire all hopes outgoe ay me If to the Forrest Cupid hies And my poore soule to his law tyes ay me To the Court O no he cryes fye ay me There no true loue you shall espye ay me Leaue that place to falsest Louers Your true loue all truth discouers ay me Then quiet rest and no more proue ay me All places are alike to Loue ay me And constant be in this begun Yet say till Life with Loue be done Ay me 13. DEare famish nor what you your selfe gaue foode Destroy not what your glory is to saue Kill not that soule to which you spirit gaue In pitty not disdaine your triumph stood An easie thing it is to shed the bloud Of one who at your will yeelds to the graue But more you may true worth by mercy craue When you preserue not spoyle but nourish good Your sight is all the food I doe desire Then sacrifice me not in hidden fire Or stop the breath which did your praises moue Thinke but how easie 't is a sight to giue Nay euen desert since by it I doe liue I but Camelion-like would liue and loue 14. Am I thus conquer'd haue I lost the powers That to withstand which ioyes to ruine me Must I bee still while it my strength deuoures And captiue leads me prisoner bound vnfree Loue first shall leane mens fant'sies to them free Desire shall quench loues flames Spring hate sweet showres Loue shall loose all his Darts haue sight and see His shame and wishings hinder happy houres Why should we not Loues purblinde charmes resist Must we be seruile doing what he list No seeke some host to harbour thee I flye Thy Babish tricks and freedome doe professe But O my hurt makes my lost heart confesse I loue and must so farewell liberty 15. TRuely poore night thou welcome art to me I loue thee better in this sad attire Then that which rayseth some mens fant'sies higher Like painted outsides which foule inward be I loue thy graue and saddest lookes to see Which seemes my soule and dying heart entire Like to the ashes of some happy fire That flam'd in ioy but quench'd in misery I loue thy count'nance and thy sober pace Which euenly goes and as of louing grace To vs and mee among the rest opprest Giues quiet peace to my poore selfe alone And freely grants day leaue when thou art gone To giue cleare light to see all ill redrest 16. SLeepe fye possesse me not nor doe not fright me with thy heauy and thy deathlike might For counterfetting's vilder then death's sight And such deluding more my thoughts doe spight Thou suffer'st falsest shapes my soule t' affright Sometimes in likenesse of of a hopefull spright And oft times like my Loue as in despight Ioying thou canst with malice kill delight When I a poore foole made by thee thinke ioy Doth flow when thy fond shadowes doe destroy My that while sencelesse selfe left free to thee But now doe well let me for euer sleepe And so for euer that deere Image keepe Or still wake that my senses may be free 17. SWeet shades why doe you seeke to giue delight To me who deeme delight in this vilde place But torment sorrow and mine owne disgrace To taste of ioy or your vaine pleasing sight Shew them your pleasures who saw neuer night Of griefe where ioyings fawning smiling face Appeares as day where griefe found neuer space Yet for a sigh a groane or enuies spite But O on me a world of woes doe lye Or els on me all harmes striue to relye And to attend like seruants bound to me Heate in desire while frosts of care I proue Wanting my loue yet surfet doe with loue Burne and yet freeze better in Hell to be 18. WHich should I better like of day or night Since all the day I liue in bitter woe Inioying light more cleere my wrongs to know and yet
will bee kinde and iust indeed Send me your heart which in mine 's place shall feede On faithfull loue to your deuotion bound There shall it see the sacrifices made Of pure and spotlesse Loue which shall not vade While soule and body are together found 27. FIe tedious Hope why doe you still rebell Is it not yet enough you flatter'd me But cunningly you seeke to vse a Spell How to betray must these your Trophees bee I look'd from you farre sweeter fruite to see But blasted were your blossomes when they fell And those delights expected from hanâ—s free Wither'd and dead and what seemd blisse proues hell No Towne was won by a more plotted slight Then I by you who may my fortune write In embers of that fire which ruin'd me Thus Hope your falshood calls you to be tryde You 'r loth I see the tryall to abide Proue true at last and gaine your liberty 28. GRiefe killing griefe haue not my torments beene Already great and strong enough but still Thou dost increase nay glory in mine il And woes new past a fresh new woes begin Am I the onely purchase thou canst win Was I ordain'd to giue despaire her fill Or fittest I should mount misfortunes hill Who in the plaine of ioy cannot liue in If it be so Griefe come as welcome guest Since I must suffer for anothers rest Yet this good Griefe let me intreat of thee Vse still thy force but not from those I loue Let me all paines and lasting torments proue So I misse these lay all thy waights on me 29. FLye hence O Ioy no longer heere abide Too great thy pleasures are for my despaire To looke on losses now must proue my fare Who not long since on better foode relide But foole how oft had I Heau'ns changing spi'de Before of mine owne fate I could haue care Yet now past time I can too late beware When nothings left but sorrowes faster ty'de While I enioyd that Sunne whose sight did lend Me ioy I thought that day could haue no end But soone a night came cloath'd in absence darke Absence more sad more bitter then is gall Or death when on true Louers it doth fall Whose fires of loue disdaine reasts poorer sparke 30. YOu blessed shades which giue me silent rest Witnes but this when death hath clos'd mine eyes And separated me from earthly tyes Being from hence to higher place adrest How oft in you I haue laine heere opprest And haue my miseries in wofull cryes Deliuer'd forth mounting vp to the Skyes Yet helplesse backe return'd to wound my brest Which wounds did but striue how to breed more harm To me who can be cur'd by no one charme But that of Loue which yet may me releeue If not let Death my former paines redeeme My trusty friends my faith vntouch'd esteeme And witnesâ—e I could loue who so could grieue Song 5. TIme onely cause of my vnrest By whom I hop'd once to be blest How cruell art thou turn'd That first gaâ—'st life vnto my loue And still a pleasure not to moue Or change though euer burn'd Haue I thee slack'd or left vndone One louing rite and so haue wonne Thy rage or bitter changing That now no minutes I shall see Wherein I may least happy be Thy fauours so estranging Blame thy selfe and not my folly Time gaue time but to be holy True Loue such ends best loueth Vnworthy Loue doth seeke for ends A worthy Loue but worth pretends Nor other thoughts it proueth Then stay thy swiftnes cruell Time And let me once more blessed clime to ioy that I may praise thee Let me pleasure sweetly tasting Ioy in Loue and faith not wasting and on Fames wings I le raise thee Neuer shall thy glory dying Bee vntill thine owne vâ—tying that Tyme no longer liueth 'T is a gaine such time to lend Since so thy fame shall neuer end But ioy for what she giueth 31. AFter long trouble in a tedious way Of Loues vnrest laid downe to ease my paine Hoping for rest new torments I did gaine Possessing me as if I ought t' obey When Fortune came though blinded yet did stay And in her blessed armes did me inchaine I cold with griefe thought no warmth to obtaine Or to dissolue that yce of ioyes decay Till rise said she Reward to thee doth send By me the seruant of true Louers ioy Bannish all clouds of doubt all feares destroy And now on Fortune and on Loue depend I her obey'd and rising felt that Loue Indeed was best when I did least it moue 32. HOw fast thou fliest O Time on Loues swift wings To hopes of ioy that flatters our desire Which to a Louer still contentment brings Yet when we should inioy thou dost retire Thou stay'st thy pace false Time from our desire When to our ill thou hast'st with Eagles wings Slow only to make vs see thy retire Was for Despaire and harme which sorrow brings O slake thy pace and milder passe to Loue Be like the Bee whose wings she doth but vse To bring home profit masters good to proue Laden and weary yet againe pursues So lade thy selfe with hony of sweet ioy And do not me the Hiue of Loue destroy 33. HOw many eyes poore Loue hast thou to guard Thee from thy most desired wish and end Is it because some say th' art blinde that barr'd From sight thou should'st no happinesâ—e attend Who blame thee so small Iustice can pretend Since 'twixt thee and the Sunne no question hard Can be his sight but outward thou can'st bend The heart and guide it freely thus vnbar'd Art thou while we both blinde and bold oft dare Accuse thee of the harmes our seluâ—s should finde Who led with folly and by rashnesse blinde Thy sacred power doe with a child's compare Yâ—t Loue this boldnesse pardon for admire Thee sure we must or be borne without fire 34. TAke heed mine eyes how you your looks doe cast Lest they betray my hearts most secret thought Be true vnto your selues for nothing's bought More deare then Doubt which brings a Louers fast Catch you alwatching eyes ere they be past Or take yours fix't where your best Loue hath sought The pride of your desires let them be taught Their faults for shame they could no truer last Then looke and looke with ioy for conquest won Of those that search'd your hurt in double kinde So you kept safe let them themselues looke blinde Watch gaze and marke till they to madnesse run While you mine eyes enioy full sight of Loue Contented that such happinesses moue 35. FAlse Hope which feeds but to destroy and spill What it first breeds vnnaturall to the blrth Of thine owne wombe conceiuing but to kill And plenty giues to make the greater dearth So Tyrants doe who falsly ruling Earth Outwardly grace them and with profits fill Aduance those who appointed are to death To make their greater fall to please their will Thus shadow they their wicked vile intent Colouring
euill with a show of good While in faire showes their malice so is spent Hope kill 's the heart and Tyrants shed the blood For Hode deluding brings vs to the pride Of our desires the farther downe to slide 36. HOw well poore heart thou witnesse canst I loue How oft my grief hath made thee shed forth teares Drops of thy dearest blood and how oft feares Borne testimony of the paines I proue What torments hast thou suffer'd while aboue Ioy thou tortâ—r'd wert with racks which longing bears Pinch'd with desires which yet but wishing reares Firme in my faith in constancie to moue Yet is it said that sure loue cannot be Where so small shew of passion is descri'dâ— When thy chiefe paine is that I must it hide From all saue oneâ—y one who should it see For know more passion in my heart doth moue Then in a million that make shew of loue Song 6. YOu happy blessed eyes Which in that ruling place Haue force both to delight and to disgrace Whose light allures and tyes All hearts to your command O looke on me who doe at mercy stand 'T is you that rule my life 'T is you my comforts giue Then let not scorne to me my ending driue Nor let the frownes of strife Haue might to hurt those lights Which while they shine they are true loues delights See but when Night appeares And Sunne hath lost his force How his losse doth all ioy from vs diuorce And when he shines and cleares The Heauens from clowdes of Night How happy then is made our gazing sight But more then Sun's faire light Your beames doe seeme to me Whose sweetest lookes doe tye and yet make free Why should you then so spight Poore me as to destroy The only pleasure that I taste of ioy Shine then O dearest lights With fauour and with loue And let no cause your cause of frownings moue But as the soules delights So blesse my then blest eyes Which vnto you their true affection tyes Then shall the Sunne giue place As to your greater might Yeelding that you doe show more perfect light â—â—en but grant this grace Vnto your Loue-tide slaue To shine on me who to you all faith gaue And when you please to frowne Vse your most killing eyes On them who in vntruth and falshood lies But Deare on me cast downe Sweet lookes for true desire That banish doe all thoughts of faigned fire 37. NIght welcome art thou to my minde distrest Darke heauy sad yet not more sad then I Neuer could'st thou finde fitter company For thine owne humour then I thus opprest If thou beest darke my wrongs still vnredrest Saw neuer light nor smallest blisse can spye If heauy ioy from mee to fast doth hie And care out-goes my hope of quiet rest Then now in friendship ioyne with haplesse me Who am as sad and darke as thou canst be Hating all pleasure or delight of life Silence and griefe with thee I best doe loue And from you three I know I cannot moue Then let vs liue companions without strife 38. WHat pleasure can a banish'd creature haue In all the pastimes that inuented are By wit or learning Absence making warre Against all peace that may a biding craue Can wee delight but in a welcome graue Where we may bury paines and so be farre From loathed company who alwaies iarre Vpon the string of mirth that pastime gaue The knowing part of ioy is deem'd the heart If that be gone what ioy can ioy impart When senslesse is the feeler of our mirth No I am banish'd and no good shall finde But all my fortunes must with mischiefe binde Who but for misery did gaine a birth 39. IF I were giuen to mirth t would be more crosse Thus to be robbed of my chiefest ioy But silently I beare my greatest losse Who 's vs'd to sorrow griefe will not destroy Nor can I as those pleasant wits inioy My owne â—ram'd wordes which I account the drosse Of purer thoughts or reckon them as mosse While they wit-sick themselues to breath imploy Alas thinke I your plenty shewes your want For where most feeling is wordes are more scant Yet pardon me liue and your pleasure take Grudge not if I neglected enuy show 'T is not to you that I dislike doe owe But crost my selfe wish some like me to make 40. IT is not Loue which you poore fooles doe deeme That doth appeare by fond and outward showes Of kissing toying or by swearings gloze O no these are farre off from loues esteeme Alas they are not such that can redeeme Loue lost or winning keepe those chosen blowes Though oft with face and lookes loue ouerthrowes Yet so slight conquest doth not him beseeme 'T is not a shew of sighes or teares can proue Who loues indeed which blasts of faigned loue Increase or dye as fauours from them slide But in the soule true loue in safety lies Guarded by faith which to desert still hies And yet kinde lookes do many blessings hide 41. YOu blessed Starres which doe Heauen 's glory show And at your brightnesse make our eyes admire Yet enuy not though I on earth below Inioy a sight which moues in me more fire I doe confesse such beauty breeds desire You shine and clearest light on vs bestow Yet doth a sight on Earth more warmth inspire Into my louing soule his grace to know Cleare bright and shining as you are is this Light of my ioy fix't stedfast nor will moue His light from me nor I change from his loue But still increase as th' earth of all my blisse His sight giue life vnto my loue-rould eye My loue content because in his loue lies 42. IF euer loue had force in humane brest If euer he could moue in pensiue heart Or if that he such powre could but impart To breed those flames whose heat brings ioyes vnrest Then looke on me I am to these adrest I am the soule that feeles the greatest smart I am that heartlesse Trunck of hearts depart And I that One by loue and griefe opprest None euer felt the truth of loues great misse Of eyes till I depriued was of blisse For had he seene he must haue pitty show'd I should not haue beene made this Stage of woe Where sad Disasters haue their open show O no more pitty he had sure bestow'd Song 7. SOrrow I yeeld and grieue that I did misse Will not thy rage be satisfied with this As sad a Diuell as thee Made me vnhappy be Wilt thou not yet consent to leaue but still Striue how to show thy cursed diuelish skill I mourne and dying am what would you more My soule attends to leaue this cursed shoare Where harmes doe onely flow Which teach me but to know The saddest houres of my lifes vnrest And tyred minutes with griefes hand opprest Yet all this will not pacifie thy spight No nothing can bring ease but my last night Then quickely let it be While I vnhappy see That time so
sparing to grant Louers blisse Will see for time lost there shall no griefe misse Nor let me euer cease from lasting griefe But endlesse let it be without reliefe To winn againe of Loue The sauour I did proone And with my end please him since dying I Haue him offended yet vnwillingly 43. O Dearest eyes the lights and guides of Loue The ioyes of Cupid who himselfe borne blinde To your bright shining doth his tryumphs binde For in your seeing doth his glory moue How happy are those places where you prooue Your heauenly beames which makes the Sun to find Enuy and grudging he so long hath shin'd For your cleare lights to match his beames aboue But now alas your sight is heere forbid And darkenes must these poore lost rooâ—es possesse So be all blessed lights from henâ—â—â—orth hid That this blacke deede of darkenesse haue excesse For why should Heauen affoord least light to those Who for my misery such darkenesse chose 44. HOw fast thou hast st O Spring with sweetest speed To catch thy water which before are runne And of the greater Riuers welcome woone Ere these thy new-borne streames these places feede Yet you doe well lest staying here might breede Dangerous flouds your sweetest bankes t'orerunâ— And yet much better my distresse to shunn Which maks my tears your swiftest course succeed But best you doe when with so hasty flight You fly my ills which now my selfe outgoe Whose broken heart can testifie such woe That so orecharg'd my life-bloud wasteth quite Sweet Spring then keepe your way be neuer spent And my ill dayes or griefes assunder rent 45. GOod now be still and doe not me torment With multitude of questions be at rest And onely let me quarrell with my breast Which stil le ts in new stormes my soule to rent Fye will you still my mischiefes more augment You say I answere crosse I that confest Long since yet must I euer be opprest With your tongue torture which wil ne're be spent Well then I see no way but this will fright That Deuill speech alas I am possâ—st And madd folkes senseles are of wisdomes right The hellish spirit Absence doth arrest All my poore senses to his cruell might Spare me then till I am my selfe and blest 46. LOue thou hast all for now thou hast me made So thine as if for thee I were ordain'd Then take thy conquest nor let me be pain'd More in thy Sunne when I doe seeke thy shade No place for helpe haue I left to inuade That shew'd a face where least ease might be gain'd Yet found I paine increase and but obtain'd That this no way was to haue loue allay'd When hott and thirsty to a Well I came Trusting by that to quench part of my paine But there I was by Loue afresh imbrac'd Drinke I could not but in it I did see My selfe a liuing glasse as well as shee For loue to see himselfe in truely plac'd 47. O Stay mine eyes shed not these fruitlesse teares Since hope is past to win you back againe That treasure which being lost breeds all your paine Cease from this poore betraying of your feares Thinke this too childish is for where griefe reares So high a powre for such a wretched gaine Sighes nor laments should thus be spent in vaine True sorrow neuer outward wailing beares Be rul'd by me keepe all the rest in store Till no roome is that may containe one more Then in that Sea of teares drowne haplesse me And I le prouide such store of sighes as part Shall be enough to breake the strongest heart This done we shall from torments freed be 48. HOw like a fire doth Loue increase in me The longer that it lasts the stronger still The greater purer brighter and doth fill No eye with wonder more then hopes still bee Bred in my breast when fires of Loue are free To vse that part to their best pleasing will And now vnpossible it is to kill The heate so great where Loue his strength doth see Mine eyes can scarce sustaine the flames my heart Doth trust in them my passions to impart And languishingly striue to shew my loue My breath not able is to breath least part Of that increasing fuell of my smart Yet loue I will till I but ashes proue Sonnet LEt griefe as farre be from your dearest breast As I doe wish or in my hands to ease Then should it banish'd be and sweetest rest Be plac'd to giue content by Loue to please Let those disdaines which on your heart doe ceaze Doubly returne to bring her soules vnrest Since true loue will not that belou'd displease Or let least smart to their minds be addrest But oftentimes mistakings be in loue Be they as farre from false accusing right And still truth gouerne with a constant might So shall you only wished pleasures proue And as for me she that shewes you least scorne With all despite and hate be her heart torne Song O Me the time is come to part And with it my life-killing smart Fond Hope leaue me my deare must goe To meete more ioy and I more woe Where still of mirth inioy thy fill One is enough to suffer ill My heart so well to sorrow vs'd can better be by new griefes bruis'd Thou whom the Heauens themselues like made should neuer sit in mourning shade No I alone must mourne and end Who haue a life in griefe to spend My swiftest pace to wailings bent Shewes ioy had but a short time lent To bide in me where woes must dwell And charme me with their cruell spell And yet when they their witchcrafts trye They only make me wish to dye But ere my faith in loue they change In horrid darknesse will I range Song SAy Venus how long haue I lou'd and seru'd you heere Yet all my passions scorn'd or doubted although cleere Alas thinke loue deserueth loue and you haue lou'd Looke on my paines and see if you the like haue prou'd Remember then you are the Goddesse of Desire and that your sacred powre hath touch'd and felt this fire Perswade these flames in me to cease or them redresse in me poore me who stormes of loue haue in excesse My restlesse nights may show for me how much I loâ—e My sighes vnfaignd can witnes what my heart doth proue My saddest lookes doe show the griefe my soule indures Yet all these torments from your hands no helpe procures Command that wayward Childe your Son to grant your right and that his Bow and shafts he â—eeld to your faire sight To you who haue the eyes of ioy the heart of loue And then new hopes may spring that I may pitty moue Let him not triumph that he can both hurt and saue And more bragge that to your selfe a wound he gaue Rule him or what shall I expect of good to see Since he that hurt you he alas may murther mee Song I That am of all most crost Hauing and that had haue lost May with
reason thus complaine Since loue breeds loue and Loues paine That which I did most desire To allay my louing fire I may haue yet now must misse Since another Ruler is Would that I no Ruler had Or the seruice not so bad Then might I with blisse enioy That which now my hopes destroy And that wicked pleasure got Brings with it the sweetest lot I that must not taste the best Fed must starue and restlesse rest Song LOue as well can make abiding In a faithfull Shepheards brest As in Princes whose thoughts sliding Like swift Riuers neuer rest Change to their minds is best feeding To a Shepheard all his care Who when his Loue is exceeding Thinks his faith his richest fare Beauty but a slight inuiting Cannot stirre his heart to change Constancye his chiefe delighting Striues to flee from fant'sies strange Fairnesse to him is no pleasure If in other then his loue Nor can esâ—eeme that a treasure Which in her smiles doth not moue This a Shepheard once confessed Who lou'd well but was not lou'd Though with scorne griefe oppressed could not yet to change be mou'd But himselfe he thus contented While in loue he was accurâ—t This hard hap he not repented Since best Louers speed the worst Song DEarest if I by my deseruing May maintaine in your thoughts my loue Let me it still enioy Nor faith destroy But pitty Loue where it doth moue Let no other new Loue inuite you To leaue me who so long haue serud Nor let your power decline But purely shine On me who haue all truth preseru'd Or had you once found my heart straying Then would not I accuse your change But being constant still It needs must kill One whose soule knowes not how to range Yet may you Loues sweet smiles recouer Since all loue is not yet quite lost But tempt not Loue too long Lest so great wrong Make him thinke he is too much crost Song FAirest and still truest eyes Can you the lights be and the spies Of my desires Can you shine cleare for Loues delight And yet the breeders be of spight And Iealous fires Marke what lookes doe you behold Such as by Iealonsie are told They want your Loue. See how they sparckle in distrust Which by a heate of thoughts vniust In them doe mooue Learne to guide your course by Art Change your eyes into your heart And patient be Till fruitlesse Ielousie giue leaue By safest absence to receiue What you would see Then let Loue his triumph haue And Suspition such a graue As not to mooue While wished freedome brings that blisse That you enioy what all ioy is Happy to Loue. Sonnet I. IN night yet may we see some kinde of light When as the Moone doth please to shew her face And in the Sunns roome yeelds her light and grace Which otherwise must suffer dullest night So are my fortunes barrâ—d from true delight Cold and vncertaine like to this strange place Decreasing changing in an instant space And euen at full of ioy turnd to despight Iustly on Fortune was bestowd the Wheele Whose fauours fickle and vnconstant reele Drunke with delight of change and sudden paine Where pleasure hath no setled place of stay But turning still for our best hopes decay And this alas we louers often gaine 2. LOue like a Iugler comes to play his prize And all mindes draw his wonders to admire To see how cunningly he wanting eyes Can yet deceiue the best sight of desire The wanton Childe how he can faine his fire So prettily as none sees his disguise How finely doe his trickes while we fooles hire The badge and office of his tyrannies For in the ende such Iugling he doth make As he our hearts instead of eyes doth take For men can onely by their slights abuseâ— The sight with nimble and delightfull skill But if he play his gaine is our lost will Yet Child-like we cannot his sports refuse 3. MOst blessed night the happy time for Loue The shade for Louers and their Loues delight The raigne of Loue for seruants free from spight The hopefull seasons for ioyes sports to mooue Now hast thou made thy glory higher prooue Then did the God whose pleasant Reede did smite All Argus eyes into a death-like night Till they were safe that none could Loue reprooue Now thou hast cloasd those eyes from prying sight That nourish Iealousie more then ioyeâ— right While vaine Suspition fosters their mistrust Making sweet sleepe to master all suspect Which els their priuate feares would not neglect But would embrace both blinded and vniust 4. CRuell Suspition O! be now at rest Let daily torments bring to thee some stay Alas make not my ill thy ease-full pray Nor giue loose raines to Rage when Loue 's opprest I am by care sufficiently distrest No Racke can stretch my heart more nor a way Can I finde out for least content to lay One happy foot of ioy one step that 's blest But to my end thou fly'st with greedy eye Seeking to bring griefe by base Iealousie O in how strange a Cage am I kept in No little signe of fauour can I prooue But must be way'd and turn'd to wronging loue And with each humour must my state begin 5. HOw many nights haue I with paine endurd Which as so many Ages I esteem'd Since my mâ—sfortune yet no whit redeem'd But rather faster ty'de to griefe assur'd How many houres haue my sad thoughts endur'd Of killing paines yet is it not esteem'd By cruell Loue who might haue these redeemd And all these yeeres of houres to ioy assur'd But fond Childe had he had a care to saue As first to conquer this my pleasures graue Had not beene now to testifie my woe I might haue beene an Image of delight As now a Tombe for sad misfortunes spight Which Loue vnkindly for reward doth show 6. MY paine still smother'd in my grieued brest Seekes for some ease yet cannot passage finde To be dischargd of this vnwelcome guest When most I striue more fast his burthens binde Like to a Ship on Goodwins cast by winde The more shee striue more deepe in Sand is prest Till she be lost so am I in this kind Sunck and deuour'd and swallow'd by vnrest Lost shipwrackt spoyld debar'd of smallest hope Nothing of pleasure left saue thoughts haue scopeâ— Which wander may goe then my thoughts and cry Hope 's perish'd Loue tempest-beaten Ioy lost Killing Despaire hath all these blessings crost Yet Faith still cries Loue will not falsifie 7. AN end fond Ielousie alas I know Thy hiddenest and thy most secret Art Thou canst no new inuention frame but part I haue already seene and felt with woe All thy dissemblings which by faigned showe Wonne my beliefe while truth did rule my heart I with glad minde embrac'd and deemd my smart The spring of ioy whose streames with blisse should slow I thought excuses had beene reasons true And that no falshood could of thee ensue So soone beliefe in
misfortune I remained ignorant till one day the warres being a little ceased though not ended the siege still continuing I stole from mine vncle to see my heart which she kept safe with her but when I came thither I found or fear'd I found no roome for it She who had it being in the power of mine enemie for so I accounted him when he enioyed my losse my hopes being frustrate my ioyes lost and spoild I grew from my selfe my sences failed me a trembling possessing my whole bodie so as this distemper was marked and pittied of all but what did comfort me was that she did seeme to pitty me Then did I blesse my torments that had procured me such a fauour There were none but carefully sought my health especially her husband whose diligence was as tedious as his wiues was my onely ioy Grieu'd I was to stay and see my miserie yet sad I was to goe from seeing her who gaue me though a barr'd delight in beholding her but knowing passion the greater Lord ouer my strength I tooke my leaue pretending busines hauing onely taken the opportunitie that way afforded me to visite them passing so neare by them they all seemed sorry for my going and Limena indeed was so then by vnus'd pathes I got backe to the King often as I rode looking to that place where I left my soule prisoner When I had been a while at home remembring or rather neuer letting the beautie of Limena be absent from me I say remembring her and my euerlasting wretched state in missing hâ—r calling my mischiefe by his gaine to account I found so much cause to lament as in short time I was but mournefull sorrow my friends grieu'd and generally all did shew displeasure for me only my selfe found nothing but cause to proceed in this dispaire loue hauing truly changed me to that most low and still vnluckie fate Businesse of State I neglected going about as in a dreame led by the cruellest of hellish spirits Despaire till I was awaked by a command to goe and leade some troops which were gathered by the Kings friends together comming to raise the siege yet desiring me to be their head I went and thus farre willingly hauing so much hope left me as to thinke I might by this meanes conclude my afflictions with my end yet first I resolued to write vnto her that she might know she had so vnblest a creature to her Seruant When I had written my letter with shaking hands and yet a more shaking heart I gaue it to a Page of mine who was newly come vnto mee and neuer had been seene in her Fathers house giuing him besides directions how to carrie himselfe which he discreetly did obserue and found as fit an opportunitie as could be wisht for her husband being gone to see an ancient house of his she walked alone into a little Groue below the place of her abiding he perceiuing her knew straight it was she wherefore he followed her hauing before hid himselfe in the vppermost part of the thicket expecting occasion whereby to performe his Masters commaund He then seeing it offered would not neglect it though somewhat timerously esteeming her for her excellencies rather some Goddesse of those Woods then an earthly Creature but remembring the infinite yet not sufficient praises I had giuen her concluded it could be none other then Limena so as comming to her he on his knees deliuered the letter saying these words The wofull Perissus his Lord and Master presented that with his seruice to her This though but little was more then I could haue said if in his place For Lord how was I afflicted with millions of doubts how it might be deliuered then whether she would accept of it and most what she would conceiue of my boldnesse quaking when I gaue it him knowing how wretched a creature I must bee if it offended her yet wishing I might haue had the papers place once more to haue been toucht by her though if it brought dislike for that to haue suffered martyrdome But she for my happinesse tooke it and with a pretty blush read it which since I perceiu'd did spring from loue yet blusht to see it selfe so liuely in her cheekes When she had read it Good youth said she commend me to your Lord but for his letter say It needs no answer till he come himselfe and fetch one With this he return'd and so with much comfort to me hope being glad to build on any small ground how much more then on so likely a possibility I then Hopes seruant as before onely slaue to Despaire made all haste I could to see her hauing good and welcome meanes affoorded me being able with conuenience to take her Fâ—thers house in my way to the new-rais'd Army Thither I came which though in a wild Forest yet it was pretended I left the great roads for my better safetie Thus was a colour set vpon my loue which but for her seruice and so the safelier to serue her would suffer any glosse but truth in affection Being there ariu'd I was extreamely welcomed of all her Father a graue and wise man discoursed with mee of businesse of State after him and so all supper time her husband discoursed of hunting an exercise fit for such a creature Neither of these brought my Mistris from a graue and almost sad coâ—ntenance which made me somewhat feare knowing her vnderstanding and experience able and sufficient to iudge or aduise in any matter we could discourse of but modestie in her caus'd it onely louing knowledge to be able to discerne mens vnderstandings by their arguments but no way to shew it by her owne speech This and withall feare of discouering some passions which she though excelling in wit and iudgement yet could not gouerne at least guiltines forc'd her to thinke so was the reason â—he held her grauitie yet after she grew more merry And I finding a fit time by her husbands going out of the chamber with some companie that was there humbly desired an answere of my letter She blushing and as if ashamed so much innocent vertue should be discouered with my Louer-like importunitie in her though strong in constancie yet womans affection gain'd so much by lookes and sweet though-fearing words as I was resolued and assured of her loue which made me proud of such a treasure begin to dispose part of it to my benefit for looking about and seeing euery ones eyes carried their owne waies I kist her she not offended yet said Let not my freedome make you dispose otherwise then virtuously of me I vowed more then that libertie I would not aske which I know if I had offered her vertue would haue refused nor truly would my deere and worthy affection permit mee to demaund and this held our loues more firme when tied by vertue But not to hold you long with this which yet to me is some ease for the present although the bitterer the conclusion is that
followes We had as many such meetings as true or fained meanes could compasse vs â—till our miserie was such as this wild man her husband whether out of true consideration of his great vnworthines or proceeding from his froward disposition I know not grew iealous an humour following base minds as readily as thunder doth the lightning then had he rashnes to accompany the other which fram'd a determinatioÌ„ which was soone altered froÌ„ that name by performance that she should stay no longer with her father but go with him to his own house this I had notice of but all that we could doe could not hinder the accomplishing his will and saue her honour which to me more deere then mine owne life was esteemed But the night before her going I came thither where I found the accustomed entertainement he vsing me with al shew of respect which in that kind I embraced our hearts being as farre from meaning truth in giuing or accepting as truth is from bare complement but greatnesse in me made him vse it and care in me of my better selfe receiue it my heart swelling with hate and scorne euen almost to breaking when I did see him That night I saw her and but spake to her so curiously her husband watched vs yet could he not keepe our eies but by them we did deliuer our soules he onely able to keepe her daintie body in his wicked prison The next day they went and so went all worth with this odd man to haue her delicacy kept like a Diamond in a rotten box yet she considering it to be to no purpose to contend where she was miserably bound to obey obserued him as well as she could bring her spirit to consent to yet did he begin for her welcome to grow curst to her with her Seruants he first began finding or better to say framing occasions to be rid of them all placing of his owne about her which she suffered onely contenting her selfe with the memorie of our Loues yet wanting the true content which was in our conuersation shee grew sad and keeping much within grew pale her rosie cheekes and lippes changing to wannesse but this was all the change her noble heart free from such a sinne This was but part of her affliction still vexing her sweete disposition with speaking slightly of me and then telling her of her loue to me which brought her to that passe as at last I was not named but she would blush then would he reuile her and vilely vse her but she patiently and silently bare all not suffering me to haue notice of it lest it might as it should haue done moue mee to reuenge her wrong for my sake endured Thus it rested she restlesly bearing all the ills that froward Nature mixt with peeuish and spitefull iealousie could afflict vpon the purest mind vsing no other meanes but gentle and mild perswasions which wrought no more in him but that still his madnesse increased Now was his house not farre from the way which I must passe betweene the Campe and the great Citie of Siracusa being one of the chiefe of that kingdome and which at that time had yeelded it selfe againe vnto the King I hearing Philargus for so was this vnworâ—hie man called was at his house with his truly vertuous wife whom my soule longed to see I resolued to lodge there that night not alas mistrusting the misfortune but coueting to see her whom more then my heart I loued or lou'd my heart the better for being hers So I went thither where I was by him exceedingly well welcom'd in outward shew though his meaning was contrary which I should haue found had his diuelish plots bin readie Iealousie hauing now blinded him to all good nature or iudgement She poore Lady poore onely in this fortune sad and grieu'd all her smiles turn'd into sighes and thinkings which made me feare and wonder wondring at the change of her beauty which yet in pâ—lenes shew'd excellency and feare I did lest my absence had offeÌ„ded herâ— but I was deceiu'd while I lest thought of the true cause or could imagine such villanie plotted against so rare perfections Desirous to know the cause I remain'd almost impatient not venturing to speake to her before her husbaâ—d for hurting her but he going out of the roome after wee had supped either to couer the flames which were ready to breake out in huge fires of his mistrust or to haue the company fitter for him affâ—cting stil to be chiefe his absence howsoeuer gaue me opportunitie to demaund the reason of her strangenesse She sigh'd to heare mee call it so and with teares told me the reason concluding and thus doe you see my Lord said she the torments I suffer for your loue yet do you more torture me with doubting me who haue no happines left me but the knowledge of my faith to you all afflictions being welcome to me which for your sake I suffer Betweene rage and paine I remain'd amazed till shee taking mee by the hand brought mee more wofully to my selfe with these words And yet am I brought to a greater mischiefe with that fixing her weeping eyes vpon mine which affectionately answered hers with lookes and teares I must my Lord said she intreate you to refraine this place since none can tell what danger may proceed from mad and vnbridled iealousie Refraine your sight Commaund me then to die said I Haue I deseru'd to be thus punish'd Shall his brutishnes vndoe my blessings yet this place I will since you will haue it so hoping you will find some meanes to let me know Philargus house is not in all places That I will doe or die said she Miserable wretch cry'd I art thou borne to such fortune as to haue this Lady loue thee and her vnmatched goodnes to suffer for one so worthlesse as thy selfe No no my Lord said she in this you wrong me and that iudgement which heretofore you said was in me since if you were vnworthy then my choice was vnperfect but you are worthie and I worthily chose you I lou'd you and constantly lou'd you and in this doeâ— I best allow of my owne iudgement I hope that loue is not cleane gone cri'd I my speech by loue directed to say thus nor will you forget me though from our most desired meetings we must be barred My loue my Lord said she had and hath too sure a ground to know remoue I too truly lou'd and doe loue you euer to forget it or to let it haue least shadow of lessening though vailed in absence but rather if increase can be where all is already possest it shall increase Loue liuing best where desert and sufferance ioyne together and for witnes of it take this said she bestowing her picture vpon me which is all the Limenas I shall now enioy or euer did more then her lou'd and best bâ—loued sight The case was blew commanding me withall to loue that color both because it was hers
with Treason Treason Nay the worst of Treasons to be a Traytor to my friend Wherefore my Lord pardon me for I will with more willingnesse die then execute your minde and more happily shall I end sauing him innocent from ill deliuering my soule pure and I vnspotted of the crime you tax me of or a thought of such dishonour to my selfe I might haue saide to you but that this cruell course makes me thus part my honour from you yet can you not part infamy and reproach from you nor me said he Prepare then quickly this shall be your last My Lord said shee behold before your eyes the most distress'd of women who if you will thus murder is here ready then vntying a daintie embrodered wast coate see here said she the breast and a most heauenly breast it was which you so dearely loued or made me thinke so calling it purest warme snow yet neuer was the colour purer then my loue to you but now 't is ready to receiue that stroake shall bring my heart blood cherish'd by you once to dye it in reuenge of this my wrong reuenge nay such reuenge will my death haue as though by you I die I pittie your ensuing ouerthrow Whether these words or that sight which not to be seene without adoring wrought most I knowe not but both together so well preuaile as hee stood in a strange kind of fashion which she who now was to act her part for life or death tooke aduantage of and this your cruelty will more appeare wheÌ„ it is known you gaue no time for consideration or repentance said she you deserue no such fauor from me said he but rather that I should with out giuing care to that bewitching tongue haue reueng'd my harme but since I haue committed this first like faultie men I must fall into another Charity but in no desert of yours procures this fauour for you two dayes I giue you at the end of which be sure to content me with your answere or content your selfe with present death The ioy she at this conceiued was as if assured life had beene giuen her wherefore humbly thanking him she promised to satisfie him so fully at that time as he should she hop'd be pleased with it Away â—hee went leauing her to her busie thoughts yet somewhat comforted since so shee might acquaint mee with her afflictions for which cause grieuing that I should be ignorant of the true meanes to her end she so prettily gain'd that little time for the rarest lampe of excellent life to endure Then called she a faithfull seruant of hers and the same who brought me the dolefull letter First she coniured him by the faith hee bare her to obey what shee commaunded and to bee secret then related shee this soule rendring storie to him which shee inioyn'd him truly to discouer to mee by his helpe getting pen and paper and hauing written that dolorous yet sweete because louing letter sent him to mee that day shee was to giue her answere which shee assured him should bee a direct refusall esteeming death more pleasing and noble then to betray me who for my now griefe mixt with that blessing shee inricht with her incomparable affection giuing him charge to deliuer it to mine owne hands and besides to stay with mee assuring him I would most kindly intreat him for her sake which shee might truly warrant him being Commandresse of my soule Hee found mee in my Tent ready to goe forth with a wan and sad countenance hee gaue that and my death together then telling the lamentable storie I now deliuered you With flouds of teares and stormes of sighes hee concluded And by this is the rarest peece of woman-kinde destroyed Had I growne into an ordinary passion like his of weeping sobbing or crying it had not been fit for the excessiue losse I was falne into wherefore like a true Cast-away of fortune I was at that instant metamorphosed into miserie it selfe no other thing being able to equall mee no more then any except the owne fellow to a cockle shell can fit the other This change yet in mee which to my selfe was so sudden as I felt it not was so marked by my friends and by all admired as those who feared the least doubted my end which would it then had happened since if so the earth no longer had borne such a wretch this sad place been molested with a guest perpetually filling it and these places neere with my vnceasing complaints Despaire hauing left mee no more ground for hope but this that ere long I shall ease them all death prouing mercifull vnto mee in deliuering this griefe-full body to the rest of a desired graue My Lord Perissus said Vrania how idle and vnprofitable indeed are these courses since if shee bee dead what good can they bring to her and not being certaine of her death how vnfit are they for so braue a Prince who will as it were by will without reason wilfully lose himselfe will not any till the contrarie bee knowne as properly hope as vainely despaire and can it bee imagined her husband who passion of loue did in his furie so much temper should haue so cruell a hand guided by so sauage a heart or seene by so pitilesse eyes as to be able to murder so sweet a beauty No my Lord I cannot beleeue but she is liuing and that you shal find it so if vnreasonable stubborne resolution bar you not and so hinder you from the eternall happinesse you might enioy Only rare Shepherdesse said the loue-kill'd Perissus how comfortable might these speeches bee to one who were able to receiue them or had a heart could let in one signe of ioy but to me they are rather bitter since they but cherish mee the longer to liue in despairefull miserie No shee is dead and with her is all vertue and beauteous constancy gone She is dead for how can goodnesse or pitie bee expected from him who knew nothing more then desire of ill and crueltie Thou art dead and with thee all my ioyes departed all faith loue and worth are dead to enioy some part of which in short time I will bee with thee that though in life wee were kept asunder in death we may bee ioyn'd together till which happie hower I will thus still lament thy losse If you bee resolu'd said the daintie Vrania folly it were to offer to perswade you from so resolute a determination yet being so braue a Prince stored with all vertuous parts discretion and iudgement mee thinks should not suffer you to burie them in the poore graue of Loues passion the poorest of all other these inuite mee as from your selfe to speake to your selfe Leaue these teares and woman-like complaints no way befitting the valiant Perissus but like a braue Prince if you know shee bee dead reuenge her death on her murderers and after if you will celebrate her funeralls with your owne life giuing that will bee a famous act so may
seeke her seeing her long stay not mistrusting harme but that they had forgotten themselues The rest seeing this dolefull spectacle rent their haire and gaue all testimony of true sorrow then came these newes to vs how welcom iudge you who I see feele sorrow with vs her father brothers arm'd themselues and are gone in search of him who was seene with all speed â—o passe towards the Sea Thus heare you the Daughters misfortune which must be followed by the mothers death and God send that as soone as I wish my Lord and Sonnes may meet with that vngrateful wretch to reuenge my miserable childs losse This being done she swounded in my armes my selfe being still in my transformed estate helpt her as much as I could then deliuering her to her seruants I tooke my leaue buying this armour to goe vnknowne till I could find a place sad enough to passe away my mournefull howres in Many countries I went thorow and left for all were too pleasant for my sorrow till at last I lighted on this happie one since in it I haue receiued as much comfort by your kind and wise counsell as is possible for my perplexed heart to entertaine By this time hee was fully armed which made the sweet Vrania admire him and if more pitie had lodg'd in her then before she had affoorded him his goodly personage and dolefull lookes so ill agreeing had purchased for she did pitie him so much as this had almost brought the end of some kind of pitie or pitie in some kind loue but she was ordain'd for another so as this prou'd onely a fine beginning to make her heart tender against the others comming Now was he ready to depart wherefore they came downe from the rock when being at the bottome they met a young shâ—pherd whose heart Vrania had although against her will conquered This Lad shee entreated to conduct Perissus to the next town which he most willingly consented to thinking himselfe that day most happy when she vouchsafed to command him withall she inioyned him not to leaue him till he saw him shipt which hee perform'd comming againe to her to receiue thanks more welcome to him then if a fine new flock had bin bestowed on him Perissus gone Vrania for that night draue her flock homeward giuing a kind looke vnto the rocke as she returnâ—d promising often to visit it for braue Perissus sake and to make it her retiring place there to passe some of her melancholy howres in The next morning as soone as light did appeare or she could see light which sooner she might doe then any her eyes making day before day else was seene with her flocke she betooke her selfe to the meadow where she thought to haue met some of her companions but being early her thoughts hauing kept more carefull watch ouer her eies thought it selfe growne peremptorie with such authority She found none come wherefore leauing the flocke to the charge of a young Lad of hers tooke her way towards the rocke her mind faster going then her feete busied still like one holding the Compasse when he makes a circle turnes it round in his owne center so did shee her thoughts incircled in the ignorance of her being From this she was a little mou'd by the comming of a pretie Lambe towards her who with pitifull cries and bleatings demanded her helpe or she with tender gentlenes imagined so wherefore she tooke it vp and looking round about if she could see the dam perceiuing none wandred a little amongst bushes and rude places till she grew something wearie when sitting downe she thus began to speake Poore Lambe said she what moane thou mak'st for losse of thy deare dam what torments do I then suffer which neuer knew my mother thy misse is great yet thou a beast may'st be brought vp and soone contented hauing food but what food can bee giuen me who feede on nothing but Despaire can that sustaine me No want of knowledge starues me while other things are plentifull Poore innocent thing how doth thy wailing sute with mine Alas I pitie thee my selfe in some kind wanting such a pitie Then shee did heare a noise in the bushes looking what it should be she saw a fierce she-wolfe come furiously towards her she who though a spirit matchlesse liued in her perceiuing her wished the beast further yet taking her wonted strength of heart and vertuous thoughts together she thus said O heauen defend me miserable creature if thou please if not grant me this blessing that as I shall here end not knowing any parents to sorrow for me so those parents if liuing may neuer know my losse lest they doe grieue for me As shee thus religiously gaue her thoughts and her last as shee thought to the highest the beast running towards her of the sudden stood still one might imagine seeing such a heauenly creature did amase her and threaten for medling with her but such conceits were vaine since beasts will keepe their owne natures the true reason being as soone appear'd the hasty running of two youths who with sharpe speares soone gaue conclusion to the supposed danger killing the wolfe as shee stood hearkning to the noise they made But they not seeing Vrania who on her knees was praising God said one to another Alas haue we hasted to kill this beast which now is not for our turne little helpe can this giue to our sicke father Vrania then looked vp hearing humane voices which she so little expected as onely death was that she looked for but then perceiued she two young men whose age might bee iudged to bee some seuenteene yeares faces of that sweetnesse as Venus loue could but compare with them their haire which neuer had been cut hung long yet longer much it must haue been had not the daintie naturall curling somewhat shortned it which as the wind mou'd the curles so pretily plaid as the Sunne-beames in the water their apparrell Goates skinnes cut into no fashion but made fast about them in that sort as one might see by their sight they were wild yet that wildnesse was gouern'd by modesty their skinne most bare as armes and leggs and one shoulder with part of their thighes but so white was their skinne as seem'd the Sunne in loue with it would not hurt nor the bushes so much as scratch on their feete they had a kind of shooes which came vp to the anckle Thus they were before the Prime of Shepherdesses who comming to them and saluting them they stept back in wonder to see that beautie which yet in the masculine they came neere to then laying admiration so farre a part as to keepe themselues safe from rudenesse in some kind one of them began Diuine creature pardon this our boldnesse which hath brought vs thus rudely to your presence if we haue offended let our humilitie in sorrow excuse vs or if this beast we haue kild was fauour'd by you take vs who are rude men to serue you in
destinie would guide him Leandrus to Achaya and the other Princes remayning in Arcadia with the King very much esteemed of But soone after the Court remooued neerer to the Sea while Amphilanthus who hath beene too long forgot not being time enough remembred being the most matchlesse Prince with the faire Antissia being in the Merchants house as the Romanian Knight told Parselius finding fit time and longing to meete his friend with the Princesse and the honest paire took their way towards the Court where the king liued by the way it was Antissia's fortune to marke with so yeelding a heart the louelinesse sweetnes brauerie strength of the famous Amphilanthus which in many aduentures hee made testimony of in her sight before their gaining the Court as this alas made her acknowledge she had seene but him who might be thought a Prince shee had heard of none but him all others vertues being single in them but knit in one in him This made her like that made her loue and so she did poore Lady to her lost libertie he the more he saw her respect to him answered it with his to her kindnesse then betray'd them she shewing it he as a kind-hearted Prince to Ladies receiuing it By this time they were content to think they loued and so to know those paines He was not vnexperienced therefore soone saw remedy must be giuen and cruelty hee imagin'd it would be in him who discern'd he might by his art helpe her if hee refus'd that good to one so faire and so kindly louing This made him in charitie watch his opportunitie or at least not to loose any being most with her and contentedly because louingly passing the time entertaining themselues with fine discourse many howers together The good people wearie with trauelling or seeking other necessaries for them necessarily leauing them then not with much complaining of their absence At last they came vnto the Court being two moneths after the departure of Parselius and the next weeke after the secret departure of Steriamus which was such as hereafter you shall heare His arriuall was as pleasing to the People and Prince as faire weather is after a storme or plenty following a great dearth so generally and particularly was hee beloued his enemies for no great man nor good man liues without being forced in truth to confesse hee deseru'd much admiration Hee came pleasantlie thither and for some dayes continued so but after whether misse of his friend Parselius or some other priuate cause to himselfe mooued him is not knowne but sad hee grew and shunning all other companie would retire himselfe with Antissia into Pamphilia's chamber where hee would when hee speke direct his speech to her still blaming her brothers for so strangely leauing their Country he could not offer speech to her which she receiued not with much respect yet was shee generally the most silent and discreetly retir'd of any Princesse But one day as they were alone together some discourse falling out of the beautie of Ladies Amphilanthus gaue so much commendations of Antissia as she betweene dislike and a modest affection answered hee had spoke sufficiently in her praise for truly my Lord said she me thinkes there is not that beautie in her as you speake of but that I haue seene as faire and delicate as shee yet in truth shee 's very white but that extreame whitenesse I like not so well as where that though not in that fulnesse is mix'd with sweete louelines yet I cannot blame you to thinke her peerelesse who viewes her but with the eyes of affection Amphilanthus gaue this reply That hee till then had neuer seene so much Womanish disposition in her as to haue so much prettie enuie in her yet in his opinion except her selfe he had not seene any fairer Antissia with that came to them which brought them into other discourses til they were forced to part They gone Pamphilia alone began to breath out her passions which to none shee would discouer resoluing rather so to perish then that any third should know shee could be subiect to affection Alas would she say weeping to her selfe what haue I deserued to bee thus tyrannically tortured by loue and in his most violent course to whom I haue euer been a most true seruant Had I wrong'd his name scornd his power or his might then I had been iustly censured to punishment but ill Kings the more they see obedience tread the more vpon their subiects so doth this all conquering King O loue look but on me my heart is thy prey my self thy slaue then take some pity on me Being heauie she went into her bed but not with hope of rest but to get more libertie to expresse her woe At last her seruants gone and all things quiet but her ceaselesse mourning soule she softly rose out of her bed going to her window and looking out beheld the Moone who was then faire and bright in her selfe being almost at the full but rounded about with blacke and broken clouds Ah Diana said she how doe my fortunes resemble thee my loue and heart as cleare and bright in faith as thou art in thy face and the fulnesse of my sorrowes in the same substance and as thy wane must bee so is my wane of hopes in my loue affections in him being as cold to me as thou art in comparison of the Sunnes heate broken ioyes blacke despaires incirkling me as those disseuered clouds do striue to shadow by straight compassing thy best light When she had as long as her impatient desires would permit her beheld the chast Goddesse she went to her bed againe taking a little Cabinet with her wherein she had many papers and setting a light by her began to reade them but few of them pleasing her she took pen and paper and being excellent in writing writ these verses following HEart drops distilling like a new cut-vine Weepe for the paines that doe my soule oppresse Eyes doe no lesse For if you weepe not be not mine Silly woes that cannot twine An equall griefe in such excesse You first in sorrow did begin the act You saw and were the instruments of woe To let me know That parting would procure the fact Wherewith young hopes in bud are wracktâ— Yet deerer eyes the rock must show Which neuer weepe but killingly disclose Plagues famine murder in the fullest storeâ— But threaten more This knowledge clâ—yes my brest with woes T' auoid offence my heart still chose Yet faild and pity doth implore When reading them ouer againe Fie passion said she how foolish canst thou make vs and when with much paine and businesse thou hast gain'd vs how dost thou then dispose vs vnto folly making our choicest wits testimonies to our faces of our weakenesses and as at this time dost bring my owne hands to witnesse against me vnblushingly showing my idlenesses to mee Then tooke shee the new-writ lines and as soone almost as shee had giuen them life shee likewise
which shee perceiuing yet out of pitty not willing too curstly to deale with me shewd me in her countenance dislike of my speeches And yet not to put mee too much besides my selfe called other to her to adde as she faign'd to her company With a bleeding heart I suffered this disgrace which yet was by her so handled as none but my owne soule could witnesse it to any Thus that day past sorrow increasing in me and little mirth growing in her Oft times would she be ready to sigh but louing that breath which shee drew for so loued a cause she did striue to fetch it backe againe or else it was to couer her long breathing Many daies this continued till one night standing in a round window in a great Galerie a Lady who did much vse to accompany the Princesse though she be of the Queenes Chamber standing by her Madam said she did you euer see so silent a Prince as this is Surely if he were to winne his Kingdome by words as it must be done by swords the Countrey might remaine a long time without the lawfull King Pamphilia looked O me a deadly wound that sweetest looke did proue pleasingly vpon me saying My Lord you see this Lady finely begs discourse from you Alas Diuine Princesse said I what discourse can proceed from a dead man I neuer heard till now said shee that dead men walk'd and spake Yes Madame cry'd I as you haue seene trees continue greene in their branches though the heart be quite dead and consum'd away hollownesse onely remayning And so is nothing left in me but empty hope and flourishing despaire Is there no cure said she Yes that there is said I. Shew it said she I looking about and seeing the other Lady parted from me besides hard by a faire Glasse many hanging as ornaments in that Gallery I tooke it vp turning it to her mine eyes onely speaking for me She with seeing her face saw my cause of torment said as little as I onely taking the Glasse turn'd the other side which was dull like my gaines and with as much scorne and contempt as could appeare in so much beauty like as if the Sun would in spite shew himselfe in a storme she turnd from me I stood still for indeed I could not moue til for my last comfort sense came to mee to shew me I was in no fit place so to betray my passions wherefore getting so much strength although no more then as men after a long sicknes gaine when they goe with feeble ioynts the length of a roome so much had I and that little with much ado brought me to my chamber where I opened my brest to al sorrow and let mine eies make ful sea of teares Thus I remaind till this resolution took me to wander I car'd not whither so it were far from knowledge of any and to leaue that most cruell beauty to her owne content which yet I feare she hath not though I truly wish shee had I call'd my brother to me telling him he must be secret to me as he did hope for loue from mee which hee vowed not mistrusting what I meant till 't was too late to goe backe With sobs and teares hee besought mee to alter but I told him there was no remedie nor must he breake his oath Then against his heart he said he must obay My charge was this neuer to reueale my manner of going nor euer to seeke after me or suffer any that he could hinder Then went I to Pamphilias chamber where I humbly desired to speake with her shee gaue me leaue but when I was ready to say something she preuented me If you haue said she any busines I shal be ready to do you any seruice in it but if it be concerning your glasse discouery know this you shall doe best to bee silent for a greater offence you cannot doe mee Alas Madam said I haue you no pitie for me I haue pity for any said she leaue this folly and I shall wish you well That was so cold a fauour for my desires and my dutifull affection such to her as not to giue her the least cause of dislike besought her she would honour me but so much as I might kisse her hands before my departure which was forc'd by an aduenture calling me away she nobly grāted that and said she wisht me good fortune I told her my fortune could only be made by her Then can it proue little said she With trembling and death-like palenes I left her lodgings hauing yet the fauour which my lips receiu'd in touching her fairest hand which kisse shall neuer part from me till these my lips doe kisse with death Then wandred I away till I came hither neuer finding any place to please me nor alas doth this or can any thing but her pity please only this is lesse distastefull then those where greater noises be Here I am quiet but for my owne quiet but for my griefe which neuer giues mee rest In a little caue in the ground is my lodging one Squire attending mee who from a Towne not farre hence fetcheth me prouision this Lute a quality I learnd in the Court since my comming thither misfortune and my Mistrisses disdaine my discourse and companions and thus liues and daily dies the reiected Steriamus Hauing finished his tale his eies flowed againe with teares as if it were their office to giue the full stop of his discourse Amphilanthus embracing him Steriamus said he leaue these lamentations for a fury in one who how worthy soeuer yet being a woman may change How many haue bin condemnd for cruely that after haue prou'd kind enough yet speak I not this of Pamphilia who hath still kept a constant resolution to her selfe But sure some strange occasion makes her so full of iudgement and sweetnesse carrie so strict a course in your affections yet let not that make you forget your selfe The poore Albania poore in missing you calls vpon you the rest of the world hath need of such Princes then let not passion ouerthrow a braue spirit absence can bring no hope presence and desert may if any thing Or say she neuer loue you there are other faire Ladies who will be liker themselues pitifull and louing Neuer shall other loue possesse my heart cride he and that O heauens still witnesse for mee and behold this vow That when I change it shall be vnto death Then shutting his hands one fast within the other he groaning said Nor euer let these hands part if I part from this my loue Time said he will giue you I trust vnexpected cause of cōfort in the meane time let vs talk of somthing els Then Steriamus inuited Amphilanthus to the Caue dearely louing him for his braue aduice but most for his cosins sake There they sat together lay together pass'd some dayes together till the Albanian was ouercome with the Italians neuer-fayling perswading speeches so as they tooke their course towards the sea
falling into that way which brought them directly to the Castle where young Antissius and his Vncle were by Parselius left There they found them and met the honest Captaine who was brought thither by the Romanian Knight who after the whole discourse was told to Amphilanthus as before it had been to Parselius by the old Prince and young Knight continued the story thus After that deuill of women the Kings wife had wrought the ruine of Romania Proclamations out for the bringing of either or both of you for which large summes of money were offered but if you could be deliuer'd in aliue those summes and great honours with braue possessions you my Lord made a Traytor and you Sir hauing your head at sale Then obtained she that her sonne was made heire apparant to the Crowne and that if the King happned to die while the new Prince was vnder yeares that then she would gouerne as Protectresse till hee came of age This sure shee grew wearie of the old man whose age and dotage she hauing imploy'd them to her vse was now cloy'd with them troubled her to bee rid of him was then her study At last finding an easie way as she thought shee cald one of her seruants to her being one who ambitiously sought to win the honour of being her fauourite leading him into a priuate Cabinet where she plotted al her wickednes there she began with false and forged flattrings to intice him to her purpose dissimulation and protestation of her affections she wanted not to draw him into the yoke of her witch-craft And what said she though the world doe taxe me for louing many doe not you accuse me my onely deere for sooner will I die then wrong your loue If my fashion which is free and familiar make you doubt me consider why it is since it were neither wisdome nor safety for vs to vse you only kindly in al sights The graces others haue is but to blind their eies which els would be cleere sighted to our ill and this euen by the loue you beare me I coniure you to belieue and this should you well find were I at liberty and free What freedome would you aske To be my selfe said shee and so to take a husband I could loue as I loue you and so would make you were the old man dead Is that the bar cride he deere Lady He is dead or euen as good for two daies is his longest terme of life That done enioy me who am onely thine and verily the thing is easie safe and doubtlesse doe it then and by it purchase me He long time bewitcht with her craft allur'd by her beautie and continued in error by her falsehoods beleeu'd she spake vnfained from her heart letting himselfe couet that which with murder and treacherous murder they must gaine froÌ„ the true owner But he lookt no further then his loue to compasse which no meanes seem'd ill so partiall was he to his vild desires Thus was his word engaged and the kings life limited which end of time being come they inticed the graue man into a Parke where they murdred him bringing home the old body besmear'd in his owne bloud couerd with their mantles as the fault was with their fained talles which were that in the Wood certaine men hired as it was likely by you set vpon him killed him and wounded them shewing some slight wounds which they had for the greater shew of truth giuen themselues The Queene being brought to this sad fight tooke on strangely rending her clothes crying and euen howling so as most did pitie her and few or none accuse her guilty of the crime so cunning was she in her deepe deceits Then was the Councel cald who came in shew sad but in harts ioyfull wicked men louing nothing more then change they brought also the young king to his mother The people being assembled and the false report of the kings death deliuerd wherwith they were satisfied pitying the wounded body yet crediting the murderers Thus was the poore doting King rewarded for his fondnes A funerall was made with all ceremonious cost and pompe the young vnlawfull king being that day crowned as soone as the body was interred This was yet but one part of the play the other soone followed She thinking her selfe no way secure so many knowing of her sin to auoide punishment on earth would run yet faster to meet more punishments cause in the other world by heaping murders vpon murders for inuiting all those except her Minion to a priuate banquet she poison'd them reseruing the fauourite for some other vertuous purpose who being in the pride of his desires expecting when he should be made her husband often vrg'd it but shee put it off with pretence of feare least that the too sudden marriage might giue occasion to the world to doubt what was most true and what their guiltinesse made them mistruâ—t Thus it past a while like a calme tide after a tempest her sonne and shee being in full possession of all the neighbour kings sent to condole the death of the king and to congratulate the other whether out of loue or desire of peace a sweete thing to spritelesse Princes Among the rest came one who accompanied the Embassadour of Morea a Gentleman of excellent parts winning the loue of all that conuersed with him hauing a modest gouernment ouer a strong and daintie wit but as hee was in this happie hee was crost with the violent loue of the chastlesse Queene who affected him after her wonted fashion but so fondly and intemperately as shee caus'd most to looke with gazing eyes on her hee was not of the highest stature though farre from being low his haire faire and that beard hee had something inclind to yellow Shee saw this Gentleman who since I learnd was Sonne to the Duke of Mantinea and Captaine of a troope of Horse which was part of the Kings Guard and the Noblest part because that Companie must euer bee choice men and all Gentlemen Shee wooed him plainely said Shee loued him Yet could not this preuaile wroth in him withstanding all her baites which being meant as refusals prou'd inticements to bring her on like a Spaniell that fawnes on the mans crueltie Her passions then growne immoderate and vngouernable yeares increasing in her and strength of iudgement failing her more then in her youth gaue such open testimonie of her loue as her latter seruant but companion in mischiefe perceiu'd it his confidence hauing been such as that blinded him long time giuing libertie and assurance in that to her and her ends which neuer were but either politike or lasciuious But he as hauing new sight giuen him to see her shame and his owne together hate taking the place of loue his desires flew to the ruine of her as before to the continuance of their dayes in their owne pleasures neuer enough enioy'd Hee plotted to vndoe her and watched the opportunity which he obtaind by his
make her feele seeing him her soule had onely loued after so many cruell changes and bitter passions in their crost affection This being past the wounded Knight began thus First said hee let mee know by whose hand I haue receiued this worthie end and indeed too worthy for so worthlesse a Creature who now and but now could discerne my rash and wicked error which now I most heartilie repent Now are mine eyes open to the iniuries done to vertuous Limena her chastity appeares before my dying sight whereto before my eyes were dimme and eares deafe seeing and hearing nothing but base falshoods being gouern'd by so strong and vndeserued Iealousie Next I must aske pardon of you my Lord Perissus deny not these Petitions I humbly beseech you both vnto a dying man who in his life did offer you too foule and too vnpardonable an iniury Perissus seeing his speedy end approaching hauing the noblest and freest heart forgaue him that offence which proceeded from the same ground that his crosses came from both taking roote from Loue and yet Loue in that kinde chang'd nature with madnesse when attended on with so much iealousie then with a milde voice he spake Philargus said he I am glad your punishment is accompanied with so happy and true repentance I doe freely forgiue you and thinke no more of that past then if neuer done But this I desire you will demand the like of your excellently vertuous wife who hath beene the patient of all your fury That I doe said Philargus and let my soule enioy no happinesse if I wish not her as well as it Then deare Limena haue you pardon'd me if not O doe and forgiue vnfortunate and ill-deseruing Philargus My Lord said she I most sincerely and heartily forgiue you and so I pray doe you the like for me my dearest then said he I happily and thrise happily now shall welcome death For your other demand said the braue Prince my name is Parselius Prince of Morea Philargus kissing his hand gaue him thankes and weeping for ioy said Most fortunate end how doe I embrace thee comming so luckily and brought thee by such royall hands Then taking Perissus by the one hand and Limena by the other he said I haue yet one request more to make which granted I shall dye with all content and this is only in you two to consent to they promised that then he should not be refused These misfortunes said he which now are past and I hope shall haue buriall in mee haue neuerthelesse it is most likely left some false conceipt remaining in the hearts of some people which to remedy and vtterly take away desiring Limena's honor which without questioÌ„ remains spotted might flourish as deseruedly as the clearenesse of it selfe is without so much as the shadowe of a thought to the contrary I beseech you for your owne best fortunes and my quiet departing to promise mee that after my death you will marry each other One more worthy my Lord more loyall more chaste the world holds not and this are you bound to doe for her who for you hath been wrongd and Limena deny not this to your dying husband being the last he can euer aske you He needed not vrge them much to what they most coueted and purposed in their hearts before yet to giue him full satisfaction though on her side with bashfull and fearefull consenting they yeelded to him Then my Lord said he take her and my hearts prayers with best wishes to you and my best belou'd Limena in witnesse of my loue to you I bestow on you this most worthy Lord far better befitting you and my whole estate with that embracing them kissing her and lastly lifting vp his eyes to heauen he departed they like true friends closing his eyes Being now growne late 〈◊〉 that night they went into the Caue which but lately had been the priâ—on of sweet Limena with them they caryed the body laying it in the further part of the hollownesse Then did Parselius tell them how infinitly happy he esteemed himselfeâ— in hauing come so luckily to serue them of whom and whose vnfortunat affection hee had heard hauing had it from the rare Shepherdesse Name her he could not his breath being stopp'd with sighes and his teares falling down in all abundance sent from his heart which dropp'd like the weeping of a Vine when men without pitty wound it Perissus seeing his sorrow made hast to ask the cause fearing some great harme had befalne that Diuine Creature of whom he gaue such praises as Limena thought they were too much which hee perceiuing left with demanding of her safety and why his greeuing was which Parselius hauing passionatly and truely related he desired most earnestly to heare the rest of Limena's story which she thus began My Lords after I sent the Letter and the time expired Philargus came for my answer or to performe his vowe which with desire I attended although he contrary to my wishes prolonged it When hee had what I resolud to giue him for satisfaction which was a direct deniall being in these words I know as your wife I am in your power to dispose of then vse your authority for so foule a staine will I neuer lay vpon my bloud as to betray the Prince name you in truth I durst not least at the last that might mooue my affections Then did he command me to goe with him to my death I hoped when he brought me into a great Wood in the midâ—t whereof he made a fire the place being fit and I thinke sure had been vsed in former time to offer sacrifice in to the Siluan Gods Then hee made mee vndresse my selfe which willinglie and readily I did preparing my selfe to be the poore offring but the richest that richnesse of faith in loue could offer When I had put off all my apparell but one little Petticote he opened my breast and gaue me many wounds the markes you may here yet discerne letting the Mantle fall againe a little lower to shew the cruell remembrance of his crueltie which although they were whole yet made they newe hurts in the louing heart of Perissus suffering more paine for them then he had done for all those himselfe had receiued in his former aduentures therfore softly putting the Manâ—le vp againe and gently couering them lest yet they might chance to smart besought her to goe on longing to haue an end of that tragicall historie and to come againe â—o their meeting which was the onely balme could be applied vnto his bleeding heart She ioyfull to see this passion because it was for her and sorry it was Perissus did sorrow proceeded And after these threatning many more and death it selfe if yet I consented not But seeing nothing could preuaile hee tooke my clothes and with them wip'd the bloud off from me I expecting nothing but the laâ—t act which I thought should haue been concluded with my burning his mind chang'd from the first
themselues so low as to looke on her my creature and fauour her with my liking She whom I might command I haue bin contented to woe she who shuld obay ignorantly refuseth yet â— Master of worth will not force her but haue compell'd my selfe to consent to satisfie a fond request she hath made to me which is to come into this Court with her and this knight my Cosen whom she loues and is the barre from my enioying her and here if she can find a Knight who for her sake will enter into this quarrel which she calls The deâ—ence of true Loue he must obserue this to giue her to one of vs and fight with the other if it happen he chuse him as well it may be he wil defend Ladies he will dispose of her to her beloued he must combate me if he ouercome shee shall bee free else yeelded to me which I make no question of since I neuer yet knew any had the fortune how stout valiant or hardy could hold out with me These bound men are Knights and her Brothers two of them the rest her friends and kindred who vpon her vaine complaint fearing violence would haue been by me iustly vs'd vpon her made an insurrection which soone I appeased and for the loue of her would not yet put them to death but haue brought them with mee likewise on this condition that when I haue fought and vanquisht that bold and fond man whosoeuer that will aduenture to combate with me I shall strike off all their heads This Sir is the cause of my comming wherefore I desire leaue of you that shee may haue one if any Knight will vndertake it or dare maintaine her cause which shee accounts so faire and good The King was sorry for the Ladies sake his Court was so vnprouided of those braue Knights which were wont to honour it especially that his famous Nephew and braue Sonnes were all absent who he knew would defend a Ladies cause especially a louing Lady as she seem'd wherefore hee made this answere Lansaritano I am troubled so braue a man should fight in so ill a matter since if I were as you shee that would not by my worth bee wonne should not be thought worthy to be gaind by the hazard of my self into which you must run if you encounter Knights of my Court for surely no braue man will giue her from her owne affection but now indeede is your fortune good in comming when the Worthies of our parts are absent yet doubt I not but I haue still some here who honour Ladies so much as they will venter to deliuer them from force in loue therfore I giue yoâ— free liberty to pronounce your challenge I am sorry said he that all your Worthies be not here that I might for my glory ouercome them one after another but since they are absent any one here take her part that will or giue her to mee if none will aduenture combate otherwise I am ready to meete him with the Launce three courses and then end the Combat with the sword if no one dare vndertake itâ— you must sweete Lady bee mine for want of a knight for your Championâ— Shee lookt sadly and wept so loue-likely as all pittied her but none offered their seruice the valour being knowne and the strength much feared of Laâ—saritano till Selarinus disdaining such a man should haue though so little a cause to adde more fuell to the fire of his pride stept forth and said Most mighty King may it please you to honour mee so much as to permit mee the libertie of this aduenture wherein I doubt not but to doe iustly and to lay Lansaritano's pride as low as the eaâ—â—h will suffer his body to lie vpon it The king glad to see the fine young Prince so forward but loth to venture him in so dangerous a businesse told him That the true noblenesse and bounty of the kings of Albania his Predecessours did againe liue in him to maintaine which hee was very willing to grant his request but his tender yeares made him loth to aduenture him alone Then Sir said hee should I both shame my selfe and the braue Princes before by you mentioned but as I am alone left here of my bloud I will alone aduenture Then hee asked the Lady if shee would accept him and stand to his censure Shee answered Most willingly shee would Hee then gaue her to her beloued saying Prepare your selfe and know Lansaritano that you shall finde enough to doe when you encounter Iustice and resolution which are the two I take with mee in this Combate against you The furie of the vaine man was such to see so young a man answer him as hee could scarce giue one word againe but at last his breath smoked out these words Alas poore Boy I pitie thee wherefore pray thee be aduised and hereafter when thou hast a Beard come and it may be I will grace thee with fighting with thee vnlesse thou dost hope I should haue some pity on thy faire face and so forbeare to hurt thee in the fight 〈◊〉 â—ince you haue no brauer Knights Great King of Morea farewell I will returne and now faire Lady what thinke you of your seruant my selfe will you loue me or let this smug Youth be your Champion The king was infinitely offended with the proud speech of Lansaritano the like was all the company yet none aduentured to answer but braue Selarinus himselfe who againe couragiouslie yet mildlie told him That hee neede not learne to know words were not the weapons to bee vsed in fight therefore hee would answere him no further in that kinde but hee should giue him satisfaction with his Sword and Speare for the Ladies sake before his parting thence whether hee would or no and then haue occasion to speake better of him if hee left him to speake at all The King embraced the young Prince and straight sending for an Armour which was the first that euer Amphilanthus had worne hauing left it there taking another which was brought him from Italy after his first Victorie of fame which was there performed against two Knights in the defence of an iniured Ladie this hee put on which was all White saue iust against the Heart hee had the figure of a heart wounded curiously made and so artificially as one would haue thought his heart had been seene to bleed through the Armour with these Armes Selarinus was arm'd the King girting the sword to him and kissing him wisht as good fortune to him as the first Lord of those Armes had and to prooue as worthy to weare them Hee on his knee humbly gaue him thankes then turning to the Lady will'd her to take her loued Seruant if shee accepted him for her Knight Shee ioyfully beholding him and smiling on her loue who equally exprest his ioy followed him who now appeared a young Mars yet was her ioy mixt with feare of falling againe into his hands till which time shee
much admir'd as admiration wrought so farre as to permit him to thinke that she equal'd Vrania this was a sudden stepp from so entyre a Loue as but now hee vowed to his Shepherdesse being an Heresie as he protested for any man to thinke there liu'd a creature like his Loue. But into this hee is now falne and will lead the faction against her Vncertaine Tyrant Loue that neuer brings thy Fauourits to the topp of affection but turnes againe to a new choice Who would haue thought any but Vrania's beauty could haue inuited Parselius to loue Or who could haue thought any might haue withdrawne it till this sight Which so much mou'd as he loues Vrania but for being somewhat like to Dalinea but her for her owne sake He was not so struck with wonder when he first saw Vrania though with it he lost his liberty as he was now wounded to death loosing life if no compassion succeeded this first sight wonne him and lost his former Bondage yet was he freed but to take a new bond vpon him He went towards her who with a Maiesticke yet gracious fashion met him who saluted her thus My fare leading me I hope for my greatest happinesse I 'm sure yet for my best content bringing me thus to behold your excellencies fâ—om farre places vnlooking for pleasures am brought to the height of them most incomparable Lady in comming thus into your presence whereto I was emboldned by the loue I bare your Brother by the curtesies of your seruants the honour your selfe granted me in licencing my approach but most by my owne soule which told me I must not passe without paying the tribute of my best seruice to the Princesse of all women for how would my conscience accuse me in such a neglect How would my heart blame me for such an omission But how might braue Leandrus chide Parselius if hee yeelded not himselfe at the feete of his worthily admired Sister Dalinea hearing him call himselfe Parselius with a sweet and pleasing blush desired pardon that she had so farre forgot her selfe as not to doe him sufficient reuerence but yet a little blame your selfe great Prince said she who vnknowne and vndiscouering your selfe to any you come among vs pardon this rudenesse and be pleasâ—d to accept my submissiâ—n for it to deserue which fauour I will striue in giuing you the best welcome to deserue it He took her hand aâ—d kissed it which although she could in respect haue hindred yet so delicate was his hand as shee was content to let him hold and kisse hers Then she brought him vnder the State where two Chaires being set they passed away some time discoursing of aduentures and of the sweet content the Companion Princes enioyd in their youthes shee infinitely delighting in those stories especially when they touched on her brother whom entirely she loued Parselius finding which way her affection lead her made his attend her and all his stories either beginning or ending with the praise of Leandrus Thus one pleas'd and the other contented that it was in him to content her they passed some dayes loue creeping into the heart of Dalinea as subtilly as if he meant to surprise and not by open force take her Discourse procur'd conuersation sweet conuersation liking of it selfe that liking desire to continue it that desire louing it and that the man that affoorded it and thus farre come I should wrong her if I should not say shee yeelded in her heart to loue his person whose discourse had made his way by taking first her eares prisoners now her eyes likewise execute their office brings his excellent shape his beauty his absolute braue fashion then her vnderstanding besets her tells her how excellent his wit is how great his valour how matchlesse his worth how great his descent and royall possessions all these alas ioynd and made a curious and crafty worke to compasse that which loue himselfe without halfe or any in comparison of these assistants could haue made his subiect But as the rarest Iewell is not to be had but at the highest rate so her peerelesse perfections must haue all this businesse to gaine her but now she is wonne and he almost lost not daring to thinke so or ventring to winne it He would with his eyes tell her his heart with kissing her delicate hand with a more then vsuall affection let her feele his soule was hers She found it and vnderstood what hee would haue her vnderstand nay shee would answer his lookes with as amorous ones of her part as straightly and louingly would she hold his hand but knowing modesty forbid shee would sigh and in her soule wish that he would once speake but bashfulnesse with-held him and woman modestie kept her silent till one afternoone walking iâ—to a most curious and dainty Garden where all manner of sweets were ready in their kind to entertaine them Flowers of all sorts for smell and colour Trees of all kinds of fruits and walkes diuided for most delight many Birds singing and with their notes welcomming them to that place At last a payre of innocent white Turtles came before them in their fashion woing each other and so wonne enioying their gaine in billing and such like pretty ioy Parselius taking aduantage on this how blessed said he are these poore Birds in their owne imaginations thus hauing one anothers loue T is true said Dalinea but more blessed are they if the story bee true that they neuer change Hauing once said he made a perfect choice none sure can after change I neuer heard man accuse himselfe said she but rather when he had runne into that fault finde something amisse in his former loue I am sorry replide the Prince you haue so ill an opinion of men since that I feare will hinder you from honouring any with your loue Why should you feare that answerd shee Because sigh'd hee I would not haue such admirable Beauties vnaccompanied but ioyn'd to a worthy associate These must said shee for any thing I see remaine as they doe if such as you say long enough before they wil be sought feare cryde he makes men speechlesse and admiration hinders the declaring their affections A poore louer said shee such a one must be who wants the heart of one such little Bird as this I see most perfect Lady said he then that this bashfulnesse is neither profitable nor commendable wherefore I wil now incouraged by your words rather commit an error in honest plainnesse then in fine Courtship and if it be an error take this with it it is not meant amisse though it may bee rudely performed asâ— what but rudenesse can come from a wandring Knight Not then to colour that which is most cleare and perfect in it selfe with fine and delicate Phrases or to goe too farre about from the right way of discouering giue me leaue most excellent Princesse to say that so excelling was your power ouer me when I first saw you and so
strongly hath continued the honour in keeping the conquest as I am and euer must bee your deuoted Seruant my loue being wholly dedicated to you and this I would faine long since haue said but I feared your displeasure nor had I now ventured but that me thought you bid me bee bold taking your discourse wholly to my selfe Then did you take it right said shee for I confesse with that shee blush'd so prettily and look'd so modestly amorous as shee neede haue said no more to make him know she lou'd him Yet he couetous to haue the word spoken taking her in his armes be not so cruell my onely life said he to barre me from the hearing of my blisse Why then said shee I must confesse I loue you Blessednâ—sse to my soule cryd he these words are now my dearer selfe canst thou affect poore me I honor your worth and loue your selfe said shee but let your loue be manifested to me in your vertuous carriage towards me Vertue said hee made choice for me then can she not abuse her selfe and vertue in you made me most to loue you then assure your selfe that onely vertue shall gouerne me Thus they louingly and chastly liu'd a while only pleas'd with discourse but that grew to leaue place to more enioying it selfe being loath that any time should be spent without it enuying the night that kept them so long absent to auoid which he so earnestly sued and she so much lou'd as she could not refuse what hee desired for their equall contents so as making two of her maides and his Squire onely acquainted one morning they stole out of the Castle by a back doore which opened iust vpon the Mote and hauing a bote there wherein they vsed to row for pleasure they crâ—st the water and so walked vnto an Hermitage hard by where after they had heard Prayeâ—s the Hermit plaid the Priest and married them With infinite ioy they returnd to come to the height of their desires where wee will â—eaue them a little and speake of Berlandis Squire to Amphilanthus who longing to see his Lord and seeing little hope of getting Parselius thence resoluâ—d to try how he might get him from that lazie life and win him againe to follow Armes but alas this was as impossible as it was for Vrania to belieue that Parselius would forsake her Many times he vrg'd him many times he told him of aduentures which himselfe and his Cosen had past to theiâ— eternall fames oft hee remembred him of the promises hee had made and vowes which ought to bee performed but these wrought nothing vowes he remembred not but this last holy one which was most religiously to bee obserued promises hee had made but those might stay till some other time or till he had longer solaced himselfe in these new delights To conclude Berlandis concluded to leaue him and so telling and taking his leaue of him departed with this message to Amphilanthus that he would in short time come vnto him in the meane time intreated to bee pardoned since in his time hee had a little absented himselfe from him vpon a like though not so iust an occasion Then hee charged Berlandis not to let any know where hee had left him except his owne Lord and to intreate likewise his secrecie to all others to denie his finding of him Thus Parselius obscured himselfe for some time while the fame of his Brother brauely fild the world and had shind alone like the greatest light had not one eclips'd it with his greater power which was and is Incomparable Amphilanthus who with his two companions left Romania intending to goe to Morea as I before said hasting thither as in pretence of the Albanian businesse After they had taken ship they came downe the Archipelago and amongst those Islands staying at Sio for fresh water and to take in some passengers left by that ship there at her going to Constantinople into the which Iland the Knight of the Forrest would needes perswade the rest to enter seeing it delightfull and louing naturally to see nouelties and venture as farre and oft-times as happilie as any this motion was agreeable to Steriamus whose heart yet faild him for all Amphilanthus did warrant him to goe where his soule was Prisoner for feare of offending her though so much hee loued as if hee had been sure to see her and with that sight to die instantly rather then liue and not see her he would so haue suffered death But Amphilanthus was loath to loose time yet hee was contented to content his Friend so as they passed vp a good way into the Iland themselues alone without any other not so much as their Squires with them long they had not gone before they met three fine young Maides apparreld after the Greeke manner carrying each of them a basket wherein were seuerall delicate fruites the knight of the Forrest went to them desiring to bee resolu'd of the manner of that place and whether they could let them vnderstand any aduenture The maides with much sweetnes and modest fashion replied They were but of meane Parentage and not accustomed to such businesses but said they this last night a braue Gentleman lay at our Fathers house much complaining of the losse of a young Prince called Dolorindus Prince of Negropont who landed here and since was neuer heard of much hee seemd to doubt his danger and especially to feare Treason the Lord of this Iland being indeed the most cruell and treacherous man breathing old and yet so ill as his white haires haue gaind that colour from black since he practised villany for these fortie yeares plotting nothing but the destruction of braue Knights and delicate Ladies of which hee hath store in his Castle where in darke and vgly prisons he continues them onely letting them haue light when he sends for them and sports himselfe in their torments and this proceedes from no other cause but out of a generall hate to all where vertue liues and beautie dwells His wife of as sweet a condition who is worne away to bare bones with meere hatefull fretting to heare that any should liue inricht with goodnesse From this paire are brought a forth couple of as hopefull branches as can proceede from so good stocks their parents ill which they haue bin many yeares practised in to come to perfection being fully flowing in them so as they in this kind excell hauing so many yeares fewer and yet as much sinne in them falshood and all treason abounding with ill nature in them one of them being a Daughter and the elder called Ramiletta the most cunning dissembling flattering false Creature that euer sweete ayre suffered to breath in without corrupting it with her poysonous treasons the other a Sonne vilde craftie and beyond measure luxurious These three are now gone a iourney whither I cannot tell you but surely to some villanous purpose brauely they are attended on and richlie set forth the old woman onely left
behind with her practises to helpe if occasion serue or by as much ill to rescue if harme befall them It was a glorious sight to see the braue furniture they had delicate Horses and gallant troopes of Knights to the number of fiftie besides foure who were the fiercest and strongest of this Country vgly and fearefull to behold being Brothers and called the terrible being of stature little lesse then Giants and indeed such as surely for being so much aboue ordinarie stature were anciently termed so a ioyfull sight this also was for euery one reioyced so much at their going as in great troopes the people followed them to the sea heartily wishing neuer to see them returne any more Hath there been no newes of them since said the Knight of Loue None answered the Maides nor will be we hope But are there any prisoners remaining in his Castle said he So the knight told my Father said one of them and wee are all certaine of it if he put them not to death before his going which I the lesse thinke because his wicked mate so much affects the like pleasure in torturing as she holds them surely liuing of purpose to delight her selfe Will you fauour vs with the guiding vs to the Castle said Amphilanthus withall our hearts said they if we were sure to bring you safe backe againe but fearing that we rather desire pardon then to bee the meanes of bringing hurt to such Gentlemen Let the hazard of that lye on vs said the Knights and the content to this Countrey especially to your selues when you shall see it freed from such Tyranny Much adoe they had to perswade the Maides to conduct them yet at last they preuaild and altogether went to the house of the Traytor by the way eating of those fruits they had in their Baskets within fewe houres they arriu'd within sight of the Castle and drawing neerer they saw two Gentlemen fighting on the Bridge but presently they lost the sight of one being falne Then another aduanc'd himselfe who by that time that they came neere enough to descry any thing done on the Bridge they saw likewise betrayd by a false place in the Bridge which they but comming on it strait opened and as soone as they were fallen shut againe they of the house so well acquainted with it as they easily auoided it They seeing this treason hating deceit of any thing stood conferring what they might doe to auoide this tricke when as the man that combated the other two came vnto them curteously intreating them into the house if it pleased them to enter without blowes or if they would trie their forces as all yet had done he was the man that first would waite vpon them in that exercise They assuring themselues no good could be in that creature who had betrai'd any as curstly replied as he had mildly but craftily spoken telling him that curtesie in Traytors must be as dangerous as his kindnesse would proue if they were so ignorant as to trust him who they saw before their faces had betraid two who fought with him wherefore they were resolued to be so farre from receiuing his complement as they would make him bring them to the surest entring into the Castle which if hee refused they would cut off his head With which words they laid hands on him and that but done when with a loud and terrible voyce hee gaue notice to them within of his danger which brought out many to his succour that place neuer being without some alwaies arm'd They rushed all on the Knights who brauely behaued themselues making quicke worke amongst them but then came more and such numbers as with their freshnesse and companies they put the Knights more to their skill then in long time they had been yet they whose hearts were filled with true worth and valour would not thinke themselues in hazard but stil confident of victory pursued their Enemies to the Bridge who seeing their want of strength to master the three gaue backe of purpose to win them to their snare but soone did they find their deceit so as auoiding the bridge they scapt the plot and got the knowledge of it for they fearefull and some vnskild runne vpon the false place which opened they falling in and the three knights seeing the place opened discouer'd the breadth to bee no more then one might stride ouer so as they brauely ventur'd leaping ouer it and entred the gate Presently was a great cry and noise in the Castle all now that could beare Armes running vpon the knights and so did they perplex them as they forced them to take the benefite of putting their backs to a braue fountaine which was in the midst of a square Court wherein they were This gaue them ease and safetie being sure to haue no hurt but what they saw thus they fought till none were left that durst fight with them Then stood they a while to breathe and rest them when showers of arrowes came vpon them out of the windowes and from the battlements these vexed them more then any thing not knowing what to doe against them but onely couering themselues with their Sheilds made them their defences while they rested a little But no sooner had they gained breath but they ranne vp the stayres and finding most of them women yet cruell in that kind and skilfull in shooting they would not contend with them with their Swords but running forcibly in spite of their skill and continuall shots within them knowing no meanes to bee secure the number being so great were forced for all their charitable mind to begin at home with that vertue and for their owne good to hurt them which in this manner they did throwing such as they could lay hands on out of the windowes pursuing the rest who running from them yet still gall'd them with their arrowes such was their nimblenesse and cunning as they would shoote when they ran fastest But at last they got the end of their trauell with the end of them most kill'd or brused with the fall the rest throwing downe their bowes and crauing mercie But now came they to the place where the spring of all mischiefe sate the Mistrisse of wickednesse and that Castle in such distresse because they were not distressed as malice and all vices mixt together could hardly bee the figure of this woman but what could shee doe All cunning now faild her though she began with humilitie fawning and flattringly begging life succeeding with cursings reuilings and threatnings but all prospered alike for they taking her commaunded her to bring them where the Prisoners were When shee saw no craft would preuaile shee cast her hatefull looks vpon them and by an vnlucky chance espying a Dagger at Ollorandus back stept to him hastily drawing it out and as suddenly being vnmarkt strake Amphilanthus who was then looking from herward carelesse of her vnder his Armour giuing him such a wound as the bloud fell in great abundance
from him but soone was that well reuenged if her life were answerable for such a mischance yet did they keepe her aliue till the Castle was setled one drop of his bloud being more worth then millions of liues of better people Then she was terribly tortured and yet kept long in paine for her more lasting punishment and lastly burn'd By this were most dead or yeelded all being safe Amphilanthus was carried into a rich chamber where his wound was searched and drest by the three Sisters who were now come into the Castle brought in by Steriamus of purpose to dresse the Prince Ollorandus being so perplext that it was his vnlucky fate to haue the weapon that hurt his friend as he was truly sorrow it selfe euen being ready with it to haue parted his owne life from him had not Amphilanthus coniured him by all loues and friendships and protestations to forbeare Quickly did the Sisters assure them of his safety which as a blessing came vnto them After he was dress'd he sent his friend to fetch the Prisoners all before him which was done where were of Knights and Ladies such store as if in health and strength there had beene a fit number for the furnishing a braue Court but as they were it was a sight of commiseration so pale and weake they were with want of foode and their bodies so abused with tortures as they appeard like people of purpose made to shew miserie in extremitie Among them was Dolorindus whose owne minde and this vsage had brought him into a fit estate to answer his name Amphilanthus knowing him first tooke care of him calling for his owne apparell which was brought and causing delicaâ—e foode to bee brought him cheerished him so as by that time that he was able to trauell for his wound Dolorindus was likewise fit to accompany him which in few daies came to passe by the diligence and care of the three Sisters who were next in true succession by the Mothers side to the ancient Lords of Siâ— their Father came vnto them with the Squires to the Princes and those of the Ship Then prepared they for their departure Amphilanthus bestowing the Castle and the Island vpon the Sisters his kinde Chyrurgions promising to send his faithfull and best esteemed seruant Berlandis to marry the eldest as soone as he could finde him and on the other two Steriamus and Ollorandus bestowed their Squires giuing them the Order of Knighthood who well deseru'd it prouing worthy of such Masters making the world see that such example as dayly their Master shewd them must needs make braue men leauing that place in quiet hauing taken the oathes of all the Inhabitants in Berlandis name and his wiues Then tooke they Ship againe for Morea but passing along the AEgaean Sea they entred many Islands seeking and finding aduentures but in one being though little yet plentifull as a greater delicately compassed with Snow white Rocks yet mixt with small fine trees whose greenenesse gaue them hope to see but pleasure gaue them heart to goe into it when they found it within such a place as a Louer would haue chosen to haue passed his time in and this did vrge the foure Knights all amorous and yet in seuerall kindes to expresse their passions seuerall waies Amphilanthus left the other three taking the direct way to the heart of the Land as euer ayming at that place hauing the best and most power continually ouer that part Steriamus tooke on the right hand Ollorandus to the left but Dolorindus who neuer knew difference of fortune still hauing liued in a constant state of her displeasure went away betweene them all his thoughts as euer in action better being able to vtter forth his passions being alone which in this kinde he did when he came into a dainty fine wood of straight high Oakes and young Beeches mingled with a fewe Ashes and Chestnut trees in the midâ—st of the Wood was a Mount cast vp by nature and more delicate then Art could haue framâ—d it though the cunningest had vndertaken it in the mid'st of it was a round Table of stone and round about it Seats made of the same Stone which was blacke Marble some Letters or rather characters he found ingrauen in the vpper part of those seates and on many of the Trees which curiously incompassed it many Ciphers althougth but one for meaning though in number many Louers had done these as he thought louers made him remember he was one and that oft he had caru'd his Mistrisses name vpon Bay trees to shew her conquest which shee had requited cutting his name in Willowes to demonstrate his fate This afflicted him and moued so much in him as hee could not but frame some verses in his imagination which after were giuen to Amphilanthus and his other companions the lines were these place and fortune procuring them SWeete solitarines ioy to those hearts That feele the pleasure of Loues sporting darts Grudge me not though a vassall to his might And a poore subiect to curst changings spite To rest in you or rather restlesse moue In your contents to sorrow for my loue A Loue which liuing liues as dead to me As holy reliques which in boxes be Plac'd in a chest that ouerthrowes my ioy Shut vp in change which more then plagues destroy These O you solitarinesse may both endure And be a Chirurgion to find me a cure For this curst corsiue eating my best rest Memorie sad memorie in you once blest But now most miserable with the weight Of that which onely shewes Loues strange deceit You are that cruell wound that inly weares My soule my body wasting into teares You keepe mine eies vnclos'd my heart vntide From letting thought of my best dayes to slide Froward Remembrance what delight haue you Ouer my miseries to take a view Why doe you tell me in this same-like place Of Earths best blessing I haue seene the face But maskd from me I onely see the shade Of that which once my brightest Sun-shine made You tell me that I then was blest in Loue When equall passions did together moue O why is this alone to bring distresse Without a salue but torments in excesse A cruell Steward you are to inrole My once-good dayes of purpose to controle With eyes of sorrow yet leaue me vndone By too much confidence my thrid so sponne â—n conscience moue not such a spleene of scorne Vnder whose swellings my despaires are borne Are you offended choicest Memorie That of your perfect gift I did glorie If I did so offend yet pardon me Since 't was to set â—orth your true exclencie Sufficiently I thus doe punish'd stand While all that curst is you bring to my hand Or is it that I no way worthy was In so rich treasure my few dayes to passe Alas if so and such a treasure giuen Must I for this to Hell-like paine bee driuen Fully torment me now and what is best Together take and mem'ry with the
attend you and to you doe the seruice we owe him which by him I know will be a like taken as to himselfe such is his affection to you such admirable perfections liuing in him as loue and affection to his friends are plentifully flourishing in him wherefore we beseech you to accept of our affectionate seruices which shall euer next to Parselius bee most deuotiouslie obseruing to your commands Him wee loue for his vertues and the benefits wee haue receiued from him you were loue for him and your owne merits whose name doth duly claime all eies and hearts to loue and admire Pamphilia whose modesty neuer heard her owne commendations without blushing pretily did now expresse a bashfulnesse but her speech deliuered with confidence shewed those words nor the speaker of them neede for them blush they were these Braue and renowned King of whose vertues mine eares haue long since been witnesse bee pleased to heare your seruant say shee doth blesse her eyes that presents such worth vnto them and esteeme this as my chiefest happinesse that for the first encounter in my iourney fortune fauours mee with the meeting of such excellent Princes in whom are all the powers of true worthinesse that can be in either or both sexes and in you most happy Queene the rare vertue of matchlesse and loyall constancy and much doe I blesse my destine thus to enioy your companies which Parselius shall thanke you for and I him for you Then she presented them both to her Vncle who kindly welcom'd them being glad such royall company would â—ttend his Neece to honour her Coronation which he meant should be with all speed after their arriuall he determining to retire to a religious house he had built to that purpose Thus with happy and pleasant content she sailed towards Pamphilia while Parselius all this while continuing in sweet delight it is now fit time to let him see his fault committed in the greatest kind of ill being breach of faith in loue One night in his sleepe Vrania appeared vnto him seeming infinitely perplexed but as if rather fild with scorne then sorrow telling him hee was a Traytor to loue and the subtillest betrayer of truth Now may you ioy said she in your shaâ—e and change your cruell falshood hauing vndone my trust but thinke not this troubles me farther then for vertues sake so farre are you now from my thoughts as I study how I neuer more may heare of you and to assure you of this you shall see me giue my selfe before your face to another more worthy because more iust This in soule so grieued him as he cried sobd groand and so lamentably tooke on as the kind Dalinea lying by him awaked hauing much adoe to bring him out of his wofull dreame But when he recouered his sences they were but to make him more truly feele paine continuing in such extremitie of weeping as she feared his heart would breake withall which made her heart euen rend with compassion Much shee intreated and euen besought him to tell her the cause but this of any secret must bee kept from her shee begged hee continued in laments till at last he saw hee must not leaue her thus in feare Wherefore after hee had a little studied how to bee more deceitfull or as equally as he had bin before weeping still and she accompanying him in teares seeing his fall so fast which hee finding made him weepe the more both now kindly lamenting each other they remayned the most perfect soules of affliction that euer had earthly bodyes about them Compassion he had in great fullnesse to Dalinea torment for Vrania's scorneâ— affliction for her losse hatefull loathing his fault condemning himselfe more â—ruelly then she would haue done all ioyning as it were for his vtter destruction yet remain'd hee in his bed framing this excuse to satisfie his wife telling her that he imagined hee saw all Arcadia on fire the earth flaming and in the midâ—st his father burning who with lamentable cryes demanded helpe of him wherfore said he certainely some ill is befallen or befalling him which makes me resolue instantly to goe vnto him O take me with you said she My deere said he pardon at this time my leauing you for should I carry you where troubles are no Sweet remayne you here and be assur'd you soone shall heare of your Parselius and if all be well in short time I le returne for you besides our marâ—yage not yet knowne may wrong you if not carefully carryed then deere loue bee patient and stay heere She could not deny for words fail'd her only she sob'd and washed his face with her teares who was as much afflicted Then rising he sent her Maides vnto her and so departed to his chamber where he arm'd himselfe then being ready to goe to her hee thought the word or shew of farwell would but giue new wounds wherfore writing some few lines he deliuer'd them to the Steward so with charge to giue the letter to her owne hands he tooke his horse hasting he knew not whither regarding neither way nor any thing else then came he to the Sea side his Squier nor daring to speake one word to him all that iourney when he sent Clorinus so was he cald to prouid a boat for him he thought it not fit to deny nor durst he venture to councell In the meane time came a little Barque into which he went turning his horse loose not considering what griefe trouble might come for his misse But he who sought for death thought of no earthly content he being in they put againe from the Land and at Clorinus returne were quite out of sight He finding his Masters horse without his Lord fell into pittifull complayning not being able to guesse other then the worst mishappe long he was resoluing what to doe but in conclusion hee vowed to spend his life in solitary search of him and so to dye but by no meanes to goe to Dalinca nor to bee an ill newes bringer to his Parents Heauily and afflictedly hee pass'd on by the Sea side till hee mette the Squier of Leandrus who ioyfully asked him for his Lord hee as sadly replied he had lost him then followed Leandrus who knowing the youth asked for his friend but to him hee could make no answer but in teares Sraight feare possessed him the youth still wept Leandrus sigh'd and taking him aside coniured him to tell what he knew of his Lord. Then did hee relate all vnto him hiding onely what might touch Dalinea this much mooued the Prince yet he sought to comfort Clorinus telling him he did not see by this any other harme likely to follow but some priuat grief had made him take this course and therfore willed him by any meanes to make no busines of it but goe and seek him as carefully as hee could aduising him by reason of his loue which he knew he bare to Vrania to goe to Ciprus least thither hee were gone to
women and a vexation to the worst as I am vnto my vnblessed selfe Assist meâ— good Father in my miâ—ery this is truth I haue told you and more then ought to liue on earth or I hope can be found againe wherfore that as all ill is in mee I desire nay couet to end that the world may be no longer infected with that plague but as knit in me that knot may neuer be vnty'd but end and conclude with me Then wept he as if it had beene to satisfie a drought with rayne sheding teares in such abundance as they left that name to be more properly tearmed little streames Well it was that the Sea was the place of receiuing those springs which from the Rocke ranne into her which in madnesse of despaire hee would once haue followed offring to tumble into her the old man striuing with him stayd him who had lost all power to resist greife hauing taken away his strength and in place of it giuen him only might in weakning passions working for their glory to destroy Then did the aged Hermitte comfort him chiding him for his wilfull sinne in seeking to murther himselfe Religiously hee wrought vpon his fury so as he brought him to a more peaceable bearing his afflictions but not to any more easie This storme a little quieted as after a tempest of Thunder a shower of raine is thought little the good man to passe the time began his story the relation wherof gaue some liking to Parselius But because the Drums beate and Trumpets sound in Morea for the releife of Macedon and the braue conquest of Rosindy the Hermitts discourse must a little stay while warrs the noblest because profess'd by the noblest take a little time for them The time come for the Armies marching braue Rosindy tooke his iourney with his most noble companions hee Generall Selarinus Generall of the Horse the Prince of Corinth and Elis had their places reserued for them as Serieant Maior Commander of the Archers Many braue Knights and bold men went along some out of loue some for ambition some for honor many for preferment The rendeuous was at Cariapaiary in the Confines of Macedon not farr distant from the Riuer Deâ—oda where they met the Romanian Armie led by Lisandrinus as desired but with it came Antissius to see the braue warrs and to receiue Knighthood of Amphilanthus who not being there hee soone left the Army to find him out promising when he had from him receiued that honor and only from him would he haue it he would returne to them where euer they were Thus marched they on with all the brauery that might be euery one striuing who should be most sumptuous to expresse their loues and respects to their Generall who was more generally beloued then any Prince except his Cousen and Brother euery one wearing his Colours in honor to him which was Oring-tawny and white Thither came to the place of meeting also the Achaians ledd by Leandrus who after hee had visited his Sister and once againe seene his aged Father followed the Armie gone before and ouertooke them before their comming to the Towne With them and much tâ—ue affection in himselfe to the Generall hee came to Rosindy of whom hee receiued most louing welcome who euer could imagine glorie might heere haue seeene it at the height of perfection magnanimous spirits braue and vnconquered men vndaunted souldiers riches of all gallantry in euery respect and what was most and best all excellent souldiers and true souldiers the excellentest men Thus then was all that could be wisht in this Army together ioynd none refused passage but willingly yeelded it to be rid of their force so as loue or feare made free and open way for them till they came within the skirts of Macedon there they met some but poore resistance till they came to a great Plaine neere the riuer of Deuoda There they saw a great Army and by intelligence knew the Vsurper was there they went as neare him as discretion would permit them considering night grew on and as iudicially prouided for the Army the Generall himselfe going to settle euery Quarter in his right place being so expert in the learning of the Art of a Souldier as hee could iustly tell what compasse of ground would serue from one hundred to thousands When hee had setled them he returned to his Tent where hee with the Princes and Commanders supped after consulting what would be fittest to bee done the next day many opinions were giuen some to set vpon the King and his Army but that Selarinus liked not for said hee wee are but strangers and all our hope and power in the Armie if wee be ouerthrowne all is lost for vs if hee loose the day hee is in his owne Country and may haue aide instantly brought to him therefore I thinke fitter to let him vrge vs then for vs to presse him to fight besides no question but hee will doe that why then should wee bee so forward Let vs patiently goe on with temper and the greater will bee our benefit Rosyndie much commended his aduise and resolued to bee perswaded by it While thus they sate came a Trumpet from Clotorindus with a defie and challenge to fight the next morning This was accepted the hower appointed eight of the clocke thus euery one betooke themselues to rest hoping for the next dayes victorie As soone as day appeared Rosyndie tooke his Horse and rid through all the Armie aduising intreating commanding and vsing faire words intreaties peremptorie authoritie and all in their kinds as hee found the subiects on whom they must bee vsed with such iudgement as bred not onely loue and feare but admiration in all hearts to see so great vnderstanding and vnusuall excâ—llencie in so few yeares But now all are ready his Armie hee ordâ—r'd thus the foote hee diuided in three bodies the Vanguard led by himselfe accompanied with Leandrus the Maine battel by Selarinus accompanied with Lisandrinus the Reare by the graue Marshall who went with him out of loue to his person with him was his sonne Lesarino some of the Horse by reason of aduantage was found in that place were put on either side as Wings the right-hand Wing giuen to Tolimandro the left to the Prince of Elis some Foote placed to flanke the Horse and some Horse put in each diuision Clotorindus had put his men much in this kind so they charged the Vantguard of the Macedonians led by a braue and valiant Gentleman called Thesarenus Prince of Sparta who did so brauely as had there been but few more of his spirit the day had hardly bin lost at least not so soone wonne Rosyndie with the vantguard charged the Macedonians where there was a cruell fight the Morean Horse first defeated then the Vantguard broken and disordered which Selarinus perceiuing came with the Maine-battaile to the succour where so brauely hee found Rosindie fighting as hee had made walles of dead men of his owne
killing round about him as if they had been cast vp of purpose for his safetie or as a List roped in for the combate which hee was in with the young Phalerinus Prince of Thessalonica who more delicately and brauely held out then any hee had yet encountred but what with wearinesse and besides seeing the new succour come was forced to yeeld Rosindy taking him in his armes in stead of disarming him taking his word in stead of his Sword which noble act bred such loue in the young Prince towards him as hee after prooued a true and faithfull subiect vnto him Then did Rosindy and Selarinus haste to the battaile which was now by the ouerthrowne of the Vantguard required to come vp and the Reare with the strangers to aduance against the Macedonian Horse A great while the Moreans had the worst but at last by the valour of Selarinus Leandrus who had changed his white Armours innocent cullour to reuengefull bloud Lisandrinus the Princes of Corinth and Elis and the Marshall with his sonne but especiallie by the iudgement mixt with true vallour and the care matched with excellent skill of Rosindy the Victorie came on their side with the shamefull flight of Clotorindus the execution was great and indured long the Conquest greater the bootie verie rich and thus with the losse of tenne thousand on the one side and thirtie on the other the retreit was sounded the next day the dead of both sides buried and Rosindy with his braue troope marched on towards Thessalonica where the Queene was and into which Towne the Vsurpeâ— was got of purpose if not by strength yet by tricks to saue himselfe and keep the Crowne but neither he must doe Then did the braue Generall set downe before Thessalonica and incompaâ—sing it round cutting off all victuall by land and blocking the sea and ships hindred all good from their aide so making it a rare and cruell siege Now did Rosindy endure the length of this with much paine longing in his very soule to see his Lady which within some time after hee did but so as the great longing hee had satisfied by her sight was turnd to sorrow for it his desire and ioy to see her changed to griefe and wishing hee had not seene her the cause and his affliction as hee termed it proouing terrible Thrice were their sallies made forth by the besieged but to as little purpose as if they meant only to come forth to be honourd with wounds and being vanquished by their mightie Enemies One day they saw a white Flag vpon the Wall which gaue them to vnderstand a Parly was demanded by the beating likewise of a Drum which Rosindy did in the same manner answere they came vpon the Wall the Prince and his companions to the Wall then did Clotorindus speake thus Great Prince Rosyndie and you braue Princes his Companions what iniustice doe you goe about in seeking to depriue mee of mine owne who neuer wronged you nor would haue denied to haue serued any of you with my owne person and meanes if you had requird it now for you to seeke to take a Kingdome from mee lawfully my right both by being next heire male and besides mine now by marriage with Meriana daughter and heire as you terme her to the Crowne what exceptions can you now take Let me then as a Friend and Kinsman as by marriage I now am to you gaine peace I that haue been by your owne will made your Enemie desire an end of these cruell warres Let me be accepted as a Cosin and my frendship taken as proferd by a friend rather then thus continue shedding of bloud let the conclusion be welcome and the trumpets and drummes turnd to Musick of ioy This I demand for my selfe as your friend if you please and for my wife your Cosin who infinitely is grieued to haue her owne bloud seeke to shed the bloud of her deare husband Husband false Traytor repli'd Rosindy she whose matchlesse worth so well knowes it selfe cannot abuse that knowledge of truth to yeeld the treasure of it to so base a place and which neuer had staine but by this thy wronging her who cannot liue to vndoe that with bestowing it on one so vild and treacheâ—ous as thy selfe For thy friendship I refuse it and so I answere for my friends here present contemning thy basenesse so as wee should hate our selues if a thought of thy submission if not to punish thee could come into our hearts Thy false tale of marriage we loath to heare of since as falshood wee hate that and thee for it Thou sayst wee haue no iust quarrell O Monster what Iustice more can bee required then taking Armes to the putting downe a Rebell and a Traytor to his rightfull Princesse Alliance thou claimest I acknowledge none and had there been no other cause this had been enough to haue made vs ruine thee for framing so false a report and wronging with thy filthie tongue thy Queene and the Queene of true vertue and of Macedon Therefore recant and deliuer her or here I vow to fire the Towne and breake open the gates to let in our iust reuenge to thee and on thee Is this the requitall of my kindnesse said Clotorindus farewell doe thy worst proud Prince and all thy fond companie but take this with thee before the Towne bee wonne thy heart shall ake more then euer any wound could come neare thee to bring it or the wound of thy fond loue With that he went from the wall and in stead of the white Flag presently a bloudy one was hâ—ng forth which continued till the next day when as to the same place Meriana was brought with an infinite number of armed men dressed as to her Wedding a Crowne on her head and her haire all downe To this sight was most of the Army drawne but Rosindy with most hast greedily beholding her beauty and hearkning to her speech which was this Clotorindus thou hast now I confesse some pittie in thee since thou will free mee from my miserable liuing I thanke thee for it and Rosindy I hope shall requiâ—e it to whom I commend my best and last loue farewell braue Prince but bee thus confident that I am iust With that they inclosed her round in a circle often before seeking to hinder her last speech Presently was shee out of Rosindies sight and presently againe brought into it to his extreamest miserie for onely that peerelesse head was seene of him being set vpon a pillar and that pillar being vpon the top of the Pallace the haire hanging in such length and delicacie as although it somewhat couered with the thicknesse of it part of the face yet was that too sure a knowledge to Rosindie of her losse making it appeare vnto him that none but that excellent Queene was mistrisse of that excellent haire His soule and heart rent with this sight and the seeing it a farre off rising with such speed as it seemd a
this time with the Councell we came to aduenture for the Throne of Loue. Which said Amphilanthus I am also to trie wherefore let me be so much fauoured as I may bee the Knight to aduenture with you and you shall see I want not so much constancy as not to bring it to end though it pleased you lately to taxe me with it My Lord said she I taxed you onely for Antissia's sake who poore Lady would die if shee thought that you had chang'd shee so entirely loueth you Hath she spoken to you to speake for her said hee in truth shee did well since loue much better suites with your lippes then her owne but shall I haue the honour that I seeke You shall command my Lord said shee and wee will surely bring an end to it your valour and my loyalty being met together He made no other answere then with his eyes so for that night they all parted euery one expecting the next mornings fortune when the Throne should be so brauely aduentur'd for All that would trie their fortunes had free libertie so six couples ventur'd before the peerelesse payre but all were imprisoned to be honord the more with hauing their deliuery by the power of the most excellent who being ready to aduenture they were hindred a little by the comming of a Gentleman in white armour richly set forth and brauely accompanied who comming directly to Amphilanthus desired the honour of Knighthood telling him hee had sought many places and passed many Countries to receiue that fauour from him which but from him hee would not accept withall pulling off his helme which presently made him to be knowne to be Antissius King of Romania Amphilanthus with due respect to him welcomd him protesting he could neuer merit so high an honor as this was vnto him wherefore without delay in the sight of all that Princely company he girt the sword to him and he with Perissus put on his spurs then came Allimarlus to kisse his hands who most kindly he receiued and now my Lord said hee you are very fitly come to see the Throne of Loue wonne I hope by this surpassing Queene and your seruant my selfe Antissius went to salute the Queene so together they passed towards the Bridge Antissius and Ollorandus going together twind in each otheâ—s armes Pamphilia being thus apparreld in a Gowne of light Tawny or Murrey embrodered with the richest and perfectest Pearle for roundnesse and whitenes the work contriued into knots and Garlands on her head she wore a crowne of Diamonds without foiles to shew her clearenesse such as needed no foile to set forth the true brightnesse of it her haire alas that plainely I must call that haire which no earthly riches could value nor heauenly resemblance counterfeit was prettily intertwind betweene the Diamonds in many places making them though of the greatest value appeare but like glasse set in gold Her necke was modestly bare yet made all discerne it was not to be beheld with eyes of freedome her left Gloue was off holding the King by the hand who held most hearts He was in Ashcolour witnesâ—ing his repentance yet was his cloake and the rest of his suite so sumptuously embroidred with gold as spake for him that his repentance was most glorious thus they passed vnto the first Tower where in letters of Gold they saw written Desire Amphilanthus knew he had as much strength in desire as any wherefore he knocked with assured confidence at the Gate which opened and they with their royall companions passed to the next Tower where in letters of Rubies they read Loue. What say you to this braue Queene said hee haue you so much loue as can warrant you to aduenture for this I haue answerd shee as much as will bring me to the next Tower where I must I belieue first aduenture for that Both then at once extremely louing and loue in extremity in theÌ„ made the Gate flee open to them who passed to the last Tower where Constancy stood holding the keyes which Pamphilia tooke at which instant Constancy vanished as metamorphosing her self into her breast then did the excellent Queene deliuer them to Amphilanthus who ioyfully receiuing them opened the Gateâ— then passed they into the Gardens where round about a curious Fountaine were fine seates of white Marble which after or rather with the sound of rare and heauenly musick were filled with those poore louers who were there imprisoned all chain'd one vnto another with linkes of gold enamiled with Roses and other flowers dedicated to Loue then was a voyce heard which deliuered these wordes Loyallest and therefore most incomparable Pamphilia release the Ladies who much to your worth with all other of your sexe yeeld right preheminence and thou Amphilanthus the valliantest and worthiest of thy sexe giue freedome to the Knights who with all other must confesse thee matchlesse and thus is Loue by loue and worth released Then did the musick play againe and in that time the Pallace and all vanished the Knights and Ladies with admiration beholding each other Then Pamphilia tooke Vrania and with affection kissing her told her the worth which shee knew to bee in her had long since bound her loue to her and had caus'd that iourney of purpose to doe her seruice Then came Perissus bringing Limena to thanke her who heartily did it as shee deserued since from her counsell her fortunes did arise Amphilanthus likewise saluted her hauing the same conceit of resemblance between her and Leonius as Parselius had and so told her with exceeding ioy all after one another comming to her and the rest Antissius casting his eye vpon Selarina fixed it so as it was but as the setting of a branch to make a tree spring of it so did his loue increase to full perfection Then all desir'd by Pamphilia tooke their way to her Tent euery one conducting his Lady Amphilanthus Pamphilia Perissus his Limena Ollorandus Vrania Antissius Selarina the King of Cyprus his Queene his braue base Sonne Polarchus the Lady hee only lou'd who was Princesse of Rodes Many other great Princes and Princesses there were both Greekes and Italians Allimarlus for old acquaintance leading Vrania's maide thus to Pamphilia's tent they came where most sumptuously shee entertain'd them then did all the great Princes feast each other the last being made by the King of Ciprus who out of loue to the Christian Faith which before he contemned seeing such excellent and happy Princes professors of it desired to receiue it which Amphilanthus infinitly reioycing at and all the rest Christned him with his wife excellently faire daughter and Polarchus his valiant Sonne and so became the whole Island Christians Then came he vnto Amphilanthus humbly telling him that the disgrace he had from him receiu'd he esteemed as a fauour and honour sufficient to be ouercome by the valiantest King who none must resist to manifest which he besought him to accept him vnto his seruant and friend with whom hee
greater taking away the inheritance of others as from me your friend who haue as much right to misery as any liuing in as great excesse of it and hauing as large possessions in that gouernment then spare me liberty to complaine with you permit mee to say misfortune is as much mine as yours and then like fellow subiects let vs bewaile the weight of that vniust tyranny Pardon mee deare friend said heâ— if I would wholly take ill to my selfe since it is to free you and all worthy people from that which I am fittest to beare as a creature fram'd for the vassalage of Loue and his crueltie but since you aske liberty to bewaile take it and let that bring your freedome while it redoubles on my breast as being mine and yours tell mee then all your woe and know you speake to woe it selfe in speaking vnto me Then Dolorindus beginning with the set order of louers which is with sighes and teares began his discourse thus Free from the knowledge of harme it was my hap to meete a Lady hunting in a great Forrest attended on by many braue Gentlemen and Knights but being more then woman-like excellent in riding she had left her Ladies or rather they had left her not able to attend her in that surpassing quality I young and affecting sport fell into the company marking more that braue Diana then the chase shee followed which was of a Stagge who though hee tooke pride in being so pursued and that it was in him to make her follow stoutly commanded her attendance yet cowardly flying from her thinking it better to trust to his speed then her mercy yet was he rewarded at last fit for his merit for standing at bay as if to threaten her doggs and euen before her face gazing on her she stroke him with a Crossebow to the heart then weepingly hee fell downe at her feete groaning for her vnkindnesse yet was not this the cruelst blow she gaue for O me shee did likewise wound my breast Then came they all about her admiring the hurt while I admired any seeing her could liue vnwounded Some prais'd the hounds that so truly hunted I prais'd mine eyes that neuer were at fault till they brought home the honor of the day which was the losse of my poore heart hunted by mine eyes vnto that bay When all the rights were done and doggs rewarded I alone vnsatisfied for my great gift shee nobly intreated the company to goe with her vnto her house which all agreed vnto and my selfe vnknowne to any there tooke my way with them boldly aduenturing on that inuitation We sat downe at dinner all the discourse was still vpon the sport that morning the Stagge afforded them to which I gaue a poore assistance for hauing been bred abroad to learning and to armes I was an vnexperienced hunts-man which she marked and accordingly made vse of telling mee that sure the hunting was not pleasing to me or the want of that exercise had made me vnskilfull in the discourse I said the latter was the true reason for till that day I neuer saw that sport though I had knowne the field delights in many sorts Then fell she to discourse of martiall things being excellently learned in all the Arts knowledge no way scanting her Thus dinner past when horses againe were brought forth and she waited on by vs went forth to see Haukes flee spending the after-noone in that delight inuiting vs againe with her when before supper choyce of musique was bestowed vpon vs all these did well and best to serue her best beloued selfe but these alas prou'd but more hurts to mee making mee by them see my greater losse loue like a seâ—pent poysoning my ioyes and biting my best daies venomd all my blisse making my new pris'd wound death to my hopes and sorrow to my soule Pitie I wanted pitie I sought but pity durst not ask and thus did griefe take me in me make abiding commiseration was the mark I aimed at but feare held my hand I saw her faire and delicate and therfore imagined soft pity to be within so sweet a cage yet had her eies such powerful might as gaue command that none should dare to claime so rich a blisse ouerwhelmed with the cruelst spite that Nature could inflict vpon a man I remaind which was fild with a youthfull bashfulnesse which ouerswaied my humblest heart disasters glorying in my patient suffering excessiuenesse of sorrow flowing in me for now was the time to part or if I would remaine I must not hide my selfe or longer stay vnknowne for then was her husband to returne from a iourney made vnto the neighbour I le wherefore I thought it not amisse the company all gone to take my time and thus I spake vnto her If that which I must say should turne to giue offence accursed would I thinke the time and words I go about to vtter but comming from a man wholly deuoted to your seruice I hope they will produce such ends as they are now directed to and so may make me blessed if blessing can descend on one so much vnblest yet as my self this time wherin I haue enioied the full of outward ioy beholding you hath yet brought loues attendants losse feare with it losse of my libertie tyed wholly to your wil feare in my heart if you despise my loue cause of affection I can challenge none for me if not in gratitude to me who giue my self for it a strangers name may make you scorne me not knowing worth in me but boldnesse fitting all contempt these yet you may cast by for this stranger your seruant am sonne to the King and your humblest louer Dolorindus She who before did in her lookes manifest the breeding of a curst reply a little smoothed the tempest of her rage and wiâ—h sober reuerence demanded pardon for her vsing me with no more respect and yet my Lord said she the fault may sooner be pardoned since 't was you which were the cause of it Then did I againe solicit she modestly but confidently much refus'd Her husband then arriued who knowing mee gaue free and noble welcome I sought how still to induce the man to loue my company and to seeke it which hee did also hauing his ends which surely he might gaine so I might compasse mine to which for all her chast replies and curious preseruing of her honour in her words at last I did obtaine and so her loue in as equall measure as mine was to her which was without compare had hers not equald it Thus it continued for some yeeres all the mirth and sports that were in Negropont were still at her Castle Maskes Iusts Huntings nothing can bee thought on that was not in plenty at her house My selfe though sonne vnto the king yet my sister being to inherit the kingdome was not so much lookt after if not by noâ—le minds as shee who was to rule so as I gain'd by that meanes both more
generally all women bee the best alone being good that while she 's pleas'd she will giue equall loue suspitious sâ—xe and fondly ignorant that will not know the truth least truth should shew the fault in base suspecting without cause Stay stay said Steriamus you grow curst against the louelyest sweetest happiest birth that euer earth did beare your mother was a woman and you must be fauour'd by an other to be blessed with braue posterity Women why blame you them the dearest soules and comforts of our soules Loue in aboundance made you too farre crost blame Loue then not her scorne which surely was not scorne but perfect griefe Be charitable and aske pardon for this sinne for neuer will I giue it other name nor suffer those blessed creatures to sustaine so great abuse as your rage layes on them As thus they were in deep and almost collerick dispute against and for the worth of women kinde Parselius and the Hermit did arriue who went that day together for some foode but when they heard mens voyces and both lowde they went into the Caue and so did end their argument with kind conclusion for straite Parselius was discouered to his deare and louing friend who likewise was with teares of ioy embraced where altogether they remain'd with loue relating still their fortunes which did passe away the time with pleasant sweet content for such was paine to them so truly borne as ioy had gain'd that name if offer'd them But now Pamphilâ—a hasteth homeward and the greatest Lady must dispatch her guests The Queene of all braâ—e beauty and true worth Pamphilia thinking it long to heare her fate in Loue yet daring not for modesty to aske what most she coueted to vnderstand fai gn'd a desire to returne againe vnto her People who expected her this also was a truth and therefore iust excuse The Lady knowing most things also found this drift yet did as finely striue to couer it wherefore one day dinner newly done she tooke her company into a roome the fairest and best furnish'd of that place and by a witty sleight diuided them into the windowes and some pretty places euery one a sunder from their friend each one imagining she was with 'tother then came shee to Pamphilia and thus spake Rarest of women for true loyalty I know your longing which proceeds from loue aâ—d grieue I doe that I cannot be blessed with power to tell that happinesse you seeke but Destiny that gouernes all our liues hath thus ordain'd you might be happy had you power to wedd but daintinesse and feare will hinder you I cannot finde that you shall marry yet nor him you most affect many afflictions you must vndergoe and all by woman kinde beware of them and so the better speed Pamphilia onely sigh'd and turnd her blushing face vnto the window while the Lady went vnto Vrania to whom she thus discours'd Fayrest and sweetest leaue off your laments for ignorance of your estate and know that you are daugher to a mighty King and sister to the brauest liuing Prince the honour of all Knights and glory of his Country renowned Amphilanthus the manner and the reason of your losse shall bee brought to you in a fitter place Now for your loue alas that I must say what Destinie foretels you shall be happy and enioy but first death in apparance must possesse your dainty bodie when you shall reuiue with him you now loue to another loue and yet as good and great as hee Bee not offended for this is your fate nor bee displeased since though that must change it is but iust change bringing it from him alike disquieted The Lady left her who impatient of her ill went to Pamphilia whom shee found still without speech and as if one would say fix'd like the heauen while the world of her thoughts had motion in her griefe Vrania likewike vex'd in her soule shew'd in her face the small content shee knew they both stood gazing in each others face as if the shining day Starre had stood still to looke her in a glasse their bloud had left their cheeks and sunke into their hearts as sent in pitty downe to comfort them at last assured confidence did come and plead for part and so they sate and spake while Mellissea pass'd vnto the King to whom shee onely told that faire Vrania was his sister and that although so deare to him yet to make her liue contentedly he and none else must throw her from the Rocke of St. Maura into the Sea feare not but doe it said shee for this must make her liue and forget her vnfortunate loue which vertue that water hath For his Loue she did assure him hee was bless'd in that if being certaine of her heart could bring it him but yet said she Nay say no more cry'd he this is enough and let me this enioy I le feare no ills that Prophesies can tell Then went he to the window where hee found the sad sweet couple whom he comforted kissing his Sister and with eyes of ioy telling Pamphilia he was happy yet then Ollorandus came and so Perissus with his Queen who Mellissea had assuredly foretold the constant being of their happy dayes Antissius was the ioyfull'st man aliue for he had such a lucky fortune giuen as to loue well and to bee well belou'd and what was most to gaine that he most sought and happily still to continue so the like had Selarina so as well it might be said these of all the others had the happiest states Good Allimarlus and his louing loue had promise to obtaine so all are bless'd but those to whom best blessings did belong All thus resolu'd they thinke of their returne Pamphilia homewards needs would take her way but Amphilanthus gain'd so much at last with helpe of faire Vrania and the rest as she resolu'd to see Morea first therfore sent Mellisander vnto Pamphilia to satisfie the Councell of her course and to assure them of her speedy coÌ„ming to them after she had seene her Fathers Court so with kind farewells they left Delos soone after landing in Messenia and with all this royall troope came to the aged King whose ioy was expresselesse grown to see this company the glory of those parts Much did he welcome faire Vrania glad in his heart to see her who he knew would bring such comfort content vnto her father his beloued friend Feasts were proclaim'd throughout the kingdom Iusts and all exercises were brought forth to welcome these braue Princes to the Court Pamphilia's honour honouring all the rest yet could noâ— that or any other ioy though all ioyes were so plentifully there as bare accepting had inioyed them giue least delight to her whose wounded heart did feede vpon the sore was lately giuen by cursed fore-telling of her loosing fate Into the garden woods her old sad walke she therefore went and there as sadly did againe complaine Alas Pamphilia said shee lucklesse soule what cruell Planet
him since his departure for your loue it is so rare a thing to bee found in one of your sexe in such constant fury as to procure and continue such a iourney as that of it selfe without the mixâ—ure of such perfections as you see in your selfe were enough to conquer one that could be ouercome but for his loue to my daughter there she is to answer you if she please and cleare that doubt since it is more then euer I knew that the Albanian Prince did loue her more then in respect vnto her greatnesse Nereana turning to Pamphilia earnestly and one might see curiously and like a riuall therefore spitefully beholding her thus spake Well might hee braue Princesse bestow his affections where such vnusuall beauties do abide nor now can I blame him for prostrating his heart before the throne of your excellent perfections Pamphilia blushed both with modesty and danger yet she gaue her this answer Madam said she I know you are a Princesse for before your comming hither I heard the fame of you which came swifter then your self though brought by loue and in truth I am sorry that such a Lady should take so great and painefull a voyage to so fond an end being the first that euer I heard of who took so Knight-like a search in hand men being vs'd to follow scornefull Ladies but you to wander after a passionate or disdainefull Prince it is great pitie for you Yet Madam so much I praise you for it as I would incourage you to proceede since neuer feare of winning him when so many excellencies may speake for you as great beauty high birth rich possessions absolute command and what is most matchlesse loue and loyaltie besides this assurance you may haue with you that to my knowledge hee loues not me and vpon my word â— affect not him more then as a valiant Prince and the friend to my best friends Thus are you secure that after some more labour you may gaine what I will not accept if offered me so much do I esteeme of your affectionate search These words were spoken so as though proud Nereana were nettled with them yet could she not in her iudgement finde fault openly with them but rather sufferd them with double force to bite inwardly working vpon her pride-fild heart and that in her eyes she a little shewed though she suffered her knees somewhat to bow in reuerence to her Answere shee gaue none scorning to thanke her and vnwilling to giue distaste hauing an vndaunted spirit she turned againe to the King vsing these words For all this said she great King I cannot thinke but Steriamus loues this Queene for now doe I find a like excellent mind inclosed within that all-excelling body such rarenes I confesse liuing in her beauty as I cannot but loue his iudgement for making such a choice and the rather do I belieue he loues her because he affects hardest aduentures and so impossible is it I see to win her heart as it may prooue his most dangerous attempt yet brauely doth he in aspiring to the best Then braue king and you faire Lady pardon me and iudge of my fault or folly with mild eyes since neither are mine wholly but the Gods of loue to whom I am a seruant The King told her more cause he had to commend and admire her then to contemne her since for a woman it was vnusuall to loue much but more strange to be constant After this and some other passages Amphilanthus and Ollorandus came and saluted her giuing her many thankes for their royall welcome she kindly receiued them desiring them to giue her some light how to find Steriamus they answered her that from Delos he was directed to an Iland called St Maura but more they knew not nor heard of him since his going thither with another good Prince calld Dolorindus Hauing this little hope of finding him she gaue them thankes and so took her leaue nor by any meanes could they perswade her stay in her soule hating the sight of her who though against her will had won and then refused that which shee for her onely blessing did most seeke after yet would she honour her worth which openly she protested but neuer affect her person Thus the strange Princesse departed neither pleased nor discontented despising any passion but loue should dare to thinke of ruling in her but because she must not be left thus this story shall accompany her a while who tooke her way to the sea thinking it better to trust her selfe with Neptune then the aduentures which might befall her a longer iourney by land She taking ship at Castanica meant to passe among the Ilands and by power commanded the Saylers to bend their course for St. Maura which they did but in the night the wind changd and grew high turning towards day to a great storme not meaning to be curst but when the fury might be seene thus were they with the tempest carried another way then they intended and at last safely though contrary to their wils being in the Mediterran sea were cast vpon Cecily at a famous place cald Saragusa Then she who saw there was no way to contend against heauenly powers would not in discretion chafe though blame her fortune on land shee went to refresh her selfe and so passed toward the Citie of Seontina where shee determined to stay some dayes and then proceede or rather returne in her iourney the weather being hot and trauell tedious One dayes iourney being past shee wild her seruants to set vp her tents hard by a Wood side where shee had the benefit of that shade and before her a delicate greene Playne through the which ran a most pleasant Riuer shee liking this place which as shee thought humbly by delights sought to inuite her stay in it as a Woman that would take what content shee could compasse for that time laid aside State and to recreate her selfe after her owne liking went into the Wood pretending her thoughts would not bee so free as when shee was alone and therefore bid her seruants attend her returne they willing to obay her and best pleased when t was for their ease let her goe who taking the directest way into the heart of the Wood and so farre not for the length of the way but the thicknes and the likenesse of the paths and crossings as she wandred in amaze and at last quite lost her selfe straying vp and downe now exercising the part of an aduenturous louer as Pamphilia in iest had call'd her a thousand thoughts at this time possessing her and yet all those as on a wheele turnd came to the same place of her desperate estate One while she curs'd her loue then dislike of her folly for aduenturing and rashly leauing her Country she raild at the vncareful people who permitted her to haue her fond desires without limiting her power but that she check'd againe for said she rather would I be thus miserable then not
and did view his eyes if on me cast but in a cruell sort so farre I was from any power or true ability to touch of wrongs or to beg poore compassion as I stood amazed trembling and euen as one cast vnto death Then did I silently lament this harme and mournefully bewaile my misery speaking vnto my selfe as if to him and frame his answers like vnto his lookes then weepe and spend whole nights in this distresse my heart almost vnable to sustaine so curst a Dialogue as I had framd millions of times to vexe my soule withal at last I writ a letter I remember these being the contents and almost the same words IF what I write may prooue displeasing vnto you I wish my hand had lost the vse to write when I writ this my eyes sight for seeing it and my heart had then rent with sorrow for punishment in so offending you who for al your cruelty can do no other then loue you still But the affliction that I am fallen into by your change makes me send these lines vnto you to beseech you by the loue you once bare me to let me know the cause of your great strangenesse towards me if proceeding from my part be iust and tell it me who will not onely curse my selfe for doing it but with all true humilitie demand a pardon for it my soule is purely yours in loue vntoucht vnstaind of any blame or spot faith was the ground whereon I placed my loue loyalty the hope I held it with and my selfe your most vnfained louer the poore creature to bee looked vpon with reward for these but you giue scorne alas once looke on me that beautie which decayed now in me once pleas'd you best when wasted it but in those yeares I still was true and chast to you if my face be not so faire my mind is fairer cloath'd in truth and loue and thus will I euer deserue you more then any pity me alas I craue it and most iustly from your hands Did I neglect at any time what I did owe to pay vnto your will if so my confidence might make me erre but neuer did I willingly commit such fault blame then the trust I had and iust assurance of my confidence in you will you reiect me since I pine for you the teares which still for you I shed haue marr'd and dull'd mine eyes and made me worthlesse to behold looke then but on my faith and pitty me who will die as I was and am which is sincerely yours This I read this I corrected and often staind with blots which my true teares in falling as I writ had made I sent it by a youth who still had lou'd me and did serue my loue he gaue it him one morning as he waked his answere was that he would speake with me The next day he did come and found me in my bed bathing my self in my poore yet choice teares he most vnkindly onely sat him downe not once so much as looking on my woes or me speaking these words with eies another way voice displeasd You writ a hansom letter did you not said he Alas said I what should I do opprest I am half mad distracted with your scorne I could not silent be nor yet could speake You wrong'd your self said he Wherein cri'd I With that he rose not giuing me so much as kind or vnkind looks spake to another whom he cald in and so together left me and my woe After that time hee stroue by all plaine waies and craftie slights and all to make me see how I was cast away and left by him I patiently did seeme to beare my losse but oh my heart could not let me doe so though in the day I stroue to couer griefe in night time I did open all the doores and entertaine each seruant that woe had Once I remember after many moneths that this disaster had befallen mee hee merrily did speake among vs all and also to me as one among the rest and the greatest stranger to his thoughts I ioyed that so he fauoured me for though he vsed mee as but if in triall of my truth I earnestly loued him and ioyed to see him my poore cold heart did warme it selfe to thinke of what had past and leapt when I saw him but yet that leape was like or did resemble a strong conuultionat the latest gaspe for then it fell downe dead in my despaire but being thus together hee was pleased to say some verses to mee which were good and truly such as I did much affect I thought they were his owne and so was vext because to me they did not then belong as once all that he made or framed were He did commend them very much himselfe and said he liked the strength that was in them I said they were most good and like him which made them much the better so discoursing on I tooke the boldnesse to say something to him knowing that they might speake in kind for me and yet my selfe not beg againe they were these WHen I with trembling aske if you loue still My soule afflicted lest I giue offence Though sensibly discerning my worst ill Yet rather then offend with griefe dispence Faintly you say you must poore recompence When gratefull loue is force I see the hill Which marrs my prospect loue and Oh from thence I tast and take of losse the poison'd pill While one coale liues the rest dead all about That still is fire so your loue now burnd out Tells what you were though to deceiuing led The Sunne in Summer and in Winter shewes Like bright but not like hot faire false made blowes You shine on me but you loues heate is dead He made no answere but onely said they were very fine ones after this he continued in his peremptory course of hating me and I in my poore way of suffering all till so ill I did grow as though not in him yet in each one els I did obtaine what I did claime from him for they did sorrow for my miserie and he still triumph as if in a gaine to ouerthrow a soule giuen to his will At last extremitie of griefe and paine brought me vnable to doe any thing those that best did consider my mishape iustly did know the cause others smile and say 't was for I was forsaken others laugh and say I was growne dull some said my prose was gone and that I onely could expresse my selfe in verse These I did heare and this in truth had troubled me if greater matters had not shut my eares and heart from weighing such slight things as these I gaue my selfe then wholly to the fields nor kept I any company but with my flocke and my next kindred which would visit me With my poore sheepe I did discourse and of their liues make my descipherd life rockes were my obiects and my daily visits meekenesse my whole ambition losse my gaine and thus I liu'd and thus still
not to prolong time or amaze you with discourse alas that I must say these words deerest Vrania I must throw thee into the Sea pardon me Heauen appoints it so My deerest brother sayd she what neede you make this scruple You wrong me much to thinke that I feare death being your sister or cheerish life if not to ioy my parents fulfill your command and be assured it is doubly welcome comming to free me from much sorrow and more since giuen mee by your hands those hands that best I loue and you to giue it me for whose deare sake I onely lou'd to liue and now as much delight and wish to die Kinde teares proceeded from them both and mournfull silence did possesse their tongus till she againe besought and hee refused but yet at last resoluing if she perish'd to ende with her he tooke her in his armes and gently let her slide shewing it rather to be her slipping from him then his letting her fall and as shee fell so fell his heart in woe drownd in as deepe an Ocean of despaire but soone was he call'd to wonder and all ioy for no sooner had she suncke into the water but the waues did beare her vp againe to shewe the glory they had in bearing such perfections but then the Deepes ambitious of such a prize sought to obtaine her opening their hearts to let her sincke into them when two men in a boate came rowing towards her and one who lay in a craggy part of the Rocke furiously threw himselfe vnto her she only saying Liue happy Amphilanthus and my onely deare Parselius farewell that calld him who leaping in cry'd Parselius will neuer out-liue Vrania and sunke straight with her then were both pulled vp and safely brought to land by the help of the other two who leaping out of their boat into the sea spared not danger or life it selfe all foure then soundly washed came a shoare where Amphilanthus embraced them and with teaâ—es of ioy welcom'd his sister and his friends who now well vnderstood the operation of that water for Parselius knew nothing of his former loue to her onely the face of Vrania and being assured of her neerenesse to him in bloud reioyced with them the others did the like Now was Steriamus released of his vnfortunate loue esteeming Pamphilia wholly for her worth not with passion thinking of her Vrania's desires were no other then to goe into Italy to see her father and Dolorindus to accompany his friends whither they would goe Thus happily were all deliuered of the most burdenous tormenting affliction that soules can know Loue and Loue was pleased because now he might haue new worke in new kinds Parselius longs to see his Dalinea Vrania wisheth it also without iealousie or anger but loues her heartily for her Cosins sake most happy Princesse to be deliuerd from such a hell as louing him who had although so neere to her been so farre from truth to her Amphilanthus was so ouercome with comfort and ioy discerning this fortunate and blessed issue of the aduentures as kindnesse now wrought like sorrow then embracing all they tooke to the boats the Hermit going with them to the Iland where with kind louing perswasions they inuited him to leaue that place and to accompany them thence but hee excused himselfe promising to be ready at any time to doe them seruice but his vow he could not breake then he intreated them that if by chance in their trauels they happened into Dalmatia they would enquire for his vnfortunate daughter Bellemira and by some meanes to let him vnderstand of her They promised this so with more kind farewels they parted from the Hermit and at Amphilanthus eaâ—nest intreaty went together for Italy where they arriued and so past vnto the Court But what ioy what content did all hearts feele in seeing the Princesse of true worth and admiration returnd Then did the old king whose haire and beard like snow make a true resemblance of it ioy like the Sun heating and melting so did ioy melt his hart into teares they like a thaw dropping on the lower snow he held them in his armes they kneeld he kist them but could not speake so was he wrapped and ouerwhelmd with ioy At last Amphilanthus spake beseeching him to salute the other Princes which he did and then turnd to them and againe kissed and embraced them This being past they were conducted to their lodgings Vrania hauing rich robes fit for her birth brought vnto her till then hauing worne her Shepherdesse attire which she resolu'd to doe as long as she liu'd vnseene of her father only to receiue them from his hands Now was Italy fild with delight being the pleasing'st and delightful'st of any sports are new inâ—â—nted to giue welcome and Iusts proclaimed wherein these Knights must also shew their skil the Ladies came from al parts to see Vrania the Knights to honor Amphilanthus the first day of the Iusts the King being ready to go forth of the Hall to the lists there entred an old man in habit like a Pilgrim with a staffe of that fashion in his hands bare-footed and with all demonstration of that life he spake lowd and besought the King to stay till he had deliuerd some things fit for his knowledge then all placing themselues he began thus Most happy King receiue these speeches from me a miserable man if you pitie not a Prince I am by birth but a Villaine by nature Prince I was of Istria and brother to the King of Dalmatia proud I was and accompanying that vice I had malice and all ill abiding in mee which causd a detestable treason in me for hearing many prophesies likelihoods of the greatnes worth of Amphilanthus I studied how I might any way crosse the successe he then being but of tender yeares scarce hauing attained to seuen yeares of age but that which most moou'd me was that a learned man said he should rule ouer the greatest part of the world and liue to be Lord of my Country alsoâ— to auoid this I vowed to loose no meanes or opportunitie wherefore I went to the Court of my brother where there then liu'd a great and a wise man this man confirm'd what before I had heard adding more vnto it for his increase of honour for he had cast his natiuitie hauing gaind it from one who was at the birth of the worlds wonder your sonne Vpon this I disguised my selfe and hither I came into your Country and Court where I found the Queene newly brought to bed of a daughter this I thought might be a meanes for my safety for no magicke could withstand the happy fortune of Amphilanthus though a danger he should fall into vncertaine to recouer it and by a woman So determining to haue my ends some way hauing some skill in Magicke I cast a sleepe vpon all the attendants where the babe lay and being in an euening tooke the child and conueyed it away
wherfore embracing her I told her she said right and that I was the same Vrania afflicted then for ignorance of mine estate now known to be daughter to the King of Naples but hers proceeding from loue I againe intreated the vnderstanding of it she then rose vp and with sober and low reuerence she began her discourse thus Most excellent Princess poore Liana your seruant being as you know Daughter to the chiefe Shepheard of that Iland who had the title of Lord ouer the rest being indeed a Noble man and a great Lord by birth in his owne Countrey which was Prouence but misery glorying to shew in greatnesse more then in meaner sorts of people It happ'ned so as the Earle of Prouence tooke dislike with him and that growing to hate he so farre prosecuted his spight as he ceased not till he had vndone him an â—asie thing for a Prince to compasse ouer a Subiect Then hauing nothing left him but life and misfortune hee left his Countrey seeking to gaine some solitary place to ende his daies in he happened into that sweet Iland and as you haue heard I am sure very often with his few friends that would not forsake him else left by fortune inhabited in it and call'd it by his name nor did I till after your departure know my Father to be other then the chiefe Shepheard But my misfortune brought that knowledge and makes me desire a speedy end for thus it was I being his onely child and so heire to all his estate which was great for a Shepherd was by many sought iâ—deed most if not all the young and best Shepherds of the Countrey those youthes all striuing for me made me striue how to vse them all alike and so I did likeing none but courteously refusing all till as euery one must haue a beginning to their misery there came a Shepherd and a stranger he was in birth to that place yet gained he a neerer and choycer acquaintance with my heart and affection then any of our home-bredâ— neighbours He call'd himselfe Alanius and so if you haue heard part of my discourse I am sure you haue already with that vnderstood his name being the head-spring to my calamitie for Alanius I affected and onely lou'd and to say truth most desperatly did loue him O Loue that so sweet a name and so honour'd a power should bring such disasters secretly I lou'd somewhile vnknowne vnto himselfe but not before his heart had made it selfe my prisoner little imagining mine had beene so much his subiect But so it continued till his paine made him discouer his loue and that pittie I held ouer his paine mixed with mine owne affection compelld me to yeeld to my misfortune yet was Alanius then worthy of my loue for hee loued me and I must euer loue him still though he be false False murdering word which with it selfe carries death and millions of tortures ioynd with it yet thou art so and I vnfortunate to call thee so else no worth wanted in thee But this is too sadd a relation I will proceed with the continuance of our Loues which was for a pretty space when another who had before Alanius his comming thither sought me for his wife being of good estate and of equall hope to rise in his fortunes giuen to husbandry and such commendable qualities as Countrymen affect and so it was my fathers minde to breed me too and therefore had giuen his consent looking to the towardlinesse of the man and the great blessing hee had receiued in more then vsuall increase of his stocke These were allurements to him while they were scarce heeded by me the riches I looked vnto being fortune in our Loues till one day my Father call'd me to him telling mee what a match he had made for me and not doubting of my liking shewed much comfort which he had conceiud of it and so went on with ioy as if the mariage had beene straight to bee consummated I was truely a little amazed withall till he finding I made no answere pulling me to him told mee â—hee hop'd my silence proceeded from no other ground then bashfulnesse since he assur'd himselfe I would not gainesay what he commanded or so much as dislike what he intended to doe with me wherefore hee would haue mee ioyne my dutifull agreement to his choice and order my loue to goe along with his pleasure for young maides eyes should like onely where their Father liked and loue where he did appoint This gaue me sight to my greater mischiefe wherefore I kneeld downe words I had few to speake onely with teares I besought him to remember his promise which was neuer to force me against my will to marry any Will said he why your Will ought to be no other then obedience and in that you should be rather wilfull in obeying then question what I appoint if not take this and bee assured of it that if you like not as I like and wed where I will you you shall neuer from me receiue least fauour but be accompted a stranger and a lost childe These words ran into my soule like poyson through my veines chilling it as the cold fit of an Ague disperseth the coldnesse ouer all ones body for not being Alanius whom he meant it was death to me to heare of marriage yet desirous to seeme ignorant and to be resolud who it was I desired to know who it was it pleased him to bestow vpon me Hee reply'd one more worthy then thou canst imagine thy selfe deseruing then naming him that name was like a Thunder-bolt to strike my life to death yet had I strength though contrary to iudgement to doe this I kneeld againe and told him that if he please to kill me I should better and more willingly embrace it else vnlesse he did desire to see me wretched and so to conâ—clude my daies in misery I besought him to alter his purpose for of any man breathing I could not loue him nor any but. That But I staid withall yet he in rage proceeded But cryd he what haue you setled you affections else where Who is this fine man hath wonne your idle fancie Who hath made your duty voide Whose faire tongue hath brought you to the foulenesse of disobedience Speake and speake truely that I may discerne what choice you can make to refuse my fatherly authoritie ouer you I truely trembled yet meaning to obey him as much as it was possible for me to doe in my heart louing the expression of dutie I told him it was Alanius Alanius a trimme choice truely said he and like your owne wit and discretion see what you haue done choose a man onely for ouâ—side a stranger and for any thing we know a run-away from his countrey none knowing him nor himselfe being able to say what he is I weeping implor'd a better opinion of him since I assured my selfe that if I could come to the blessing of enioying him all happinesse in this world
would come with it else desird he would wedd me to my graue rather then to any but Alanius whom onely I did or could loue and one whom I had not placed my affections vpon alone but life and all hope of comfort How he was moou'd with this alas sigh'd shee imagine you truely so much as being by nature cholericke I verily thought he would haue kill'd me his eyes sparkled with furie his speech was stopp'd so as not being able to bring foorth one word he flung out of the roome locking mee fast vp for that night without hope or comfortable company but my owne sorrow and teares which neuer left me and those were more pleasing to mee when I said to my selfe thus doe I suffer for Alanius The next morning he sent one of his seruants to me a young Ladd who loued me well but was faster tied in seruice to your command said she to me once ouerioy'd when you sent him to attend a Knight and after your going away also left that Iland whether to seeke you and so to serue you or hating the poorenesse of that place when you were absent but this youth being sent by my Father to know if I continued in the same disobedience I was in the night before I sent him word that I should hate my selfe if my conscience should euer be able to accuse me of such an offence but true it was my loue continued as firme and vnremouable to Alanius as it did for alas what can change a constant heart which is fixed like Destiny I could not let any thing come neere me which might be mistrusted to lead one piece of change or carry one ragg of it abroad my heart like the Woole the briars catch torne and spoil'd rather then pull'd from it O intolerable seruitude where fast holding is a losse and loosing a gaine yet rather had I lose while I keepe vertuous constancie With the answer I gaue return'd the youth wherupon without seeing me he sent me to a Sisters house of his to bee kept and sorry I am I must call her his Sister or keepe this memory of her for a more diuellish creature neuer liu'd there I was halfe a yeare without meanes to let Alanius know of my imprisonment he sought guided by loue for mee but hauing no truer a director found me not till one day comming with his Flocks as hee was accustomed to doe into the faire Plaine where we were wont to meet he mett this Ladd who seeing him sadd asked what he ayl'd Alanius replide how can he choose but mourne whose heart is kept from him Indeed said he I cannot blame you hauing such a losse and yet sure you haue a heart in place of it else could you not liue to feele and discouer the want of yours but did you know what tormenting sorrow she feeles for you you would yet be more perplexed Wretch that I am cryed he can shee bee tormented and for me and liue I to heare of it without redressing it Yet what talke I foole that I am Can my cries ayde her Can the baying of my Lambes assist her Can my poore Flocke buy her freedome Can I merit her release Or can indeed my selfe thinke I am worthy or borne to such a blessednesse as to releeue her vext and harm'd for me What power hast thou but ouer thy teares to flow for her What assistance but sheepe innocent as thy selfe and loyall passion What Armes but thy Sheepe-hooke which can onely catch a beast while thou vnworthy crâ—ature art not able to helpe her The poorest thing can assist a friend of the same kinde but thou canst neither helpe her nor thy selfe worst of things created end and rid the World of such corruption for why should I breath if not to serue Liana You may serue her and relieue her said the youth if you will heare and but take aduise and more will I doe for you then I would for any other since I find you loue her as indeed you ought to doe Then be satisfied thus farre if you will trust me who will neuer be but true I will tell you where she is and giue you all assistance towards her deliuery She is in yonder house vpon the top of that hill which shewes it self as boldly boasting in the cruelty is committed there by warrant of a cruell father with her Aunt she is yet still your Liana so close kept as none saue my selfe may see her who from her father visits her once a day though not for loue that he sends but to trie if by his vnfatherly tortures shee may bee wrought to leaue louing you but so much he failes in this as it is impossible by famine to make one leaue to wish for food but rather with the want to increase the longing to it which he seeing threatneth the forsaking her Oft haue I carried this message and as oft returnd sorrowfull receiuing his doome but direct deniall to his demaunds and truly it hath euen grieu'd my soule to see how terribly she hath been perplext and handled by those rude and merciles executors of his will who can no way alter her if not to blame them for their curstnes who neuer was but mild to them and this morning did I see her when she vtterd these words Alas said she vnhappy Liana how art thou afflicted for thy constancy yet this tell my father his kind commands had more wrought in me then his cruelty yet neither against my loialty in loue but now so hardned I am against paine with vse of paine as all torment and millions of them added to the rest shall haue no power to moue the least in my affection to vnworthy change for then should my soule smart as onely now my body is subiect to these torments This I told truly to my Master who nothing was mou'd by it but to more rage sending another of my fellowes to his sister coniuring her that since neither perswasions nor the begun tortures would preuaile she should vse any other means with what affliction she could to alter her sparing none so her limmes were not harmd by them which no doubt shall bee executed Wherefore you must thinke speedily to aide her who indures for you still resolud to beare misery for you and assure your self she wil indure al can be laid vpon her rather then faile in one title to you or Loues fealty and no way I know more sure and speedy then to write her a letter which I will deliuer and therein let her know the true and constant affection you beare her which will bring sole comfort to her dolefull heart and that if she wil venture to bring her selfe to happines in freedom and to make you mutually contented she must meet you in the little wood next below the house where you will not faile her carry her from these miseries into all delight and pleasure Ah my deare friend said he how hast thou bound me by thy friendship and
louing care to vs both but how canst thou performe this If that be all said he let mee alone nor take you care for it shall be my charge which I will honestly discharge and deliuer it with mine owne hands as if it came from her father which shall be the meanes to haue the roome priuate for our discourse what shal then hinder me from discouering your desires and her happines This agreed vpon they parted for that time the youth to his flock Alanius to his pen paper that euening meeting again according to appointment and then leauing Alanius to prepare al things ready against my cōming to cōuey me to the next town there to be maried himself comming to me leauing the fals shepherd who fairly like the falsest betraier of blis promised to be in readines for vs the honest lad did his part telling my aunt that he was to speak with me presently and in great priuate She mistrusting little and glad to let any of my fathers men see how circumspectly she kept his orders brought him vp instantly after she had afflicted me with iron rods When I saw the Youth Alas said I are you come with more torments for pities sake let me now haue an end and take my life the best and last prize of your tirannies His answer was he could not alter his Masters will nor be a messenger of other then he was intrusted with all as hee was with a secret message vnto me wherefore intreating mine Aunt and the rest by to leaue the roome they left vs together they gone and wee free from danger he began thus Thinke not sweet Liana that I am now come with any matter of griefe but with the welcome tidings of the long desir'd blisse of enioying if you wil not your selfe marre your owne content Is it possible cry'd she that I can liue to see happinesse Reade this said he and then tell me whether you may resolue to be happy or no or so refuse it I tooke the letter and with excessiue ioy said shee I opened it finding in that his firmenesse for what was there wanting which might content me loyalty professed in large protestations affection expressed in the dearest kind and sweetest manner besides a meanes for our happinesse most of all belieued and sought What can you imagine then Madam said she that I did I kist the letter wept with ioy too soone fore-telling the greater cause which for his sake I suffered teares proouing then but slight witnesses for my far deeper suffering when I found all this contrary and my Alanius false the heauens I thought would sooner change and snow lie on AEtna then he would breake his faith or be vngratefull to me who then for him ventured life and fortunes for to fulfill his desire I went with the Youth cald Menander hauing gotten such things as were necessary for my escape assisted by a maid in the house who much pitied my estate but more loued Menander who made vse of it that night for my benefit In a disguise which he had brought thither vnder colour of necessaries we left the house and soone arriu'd at the appointed Groue which was at the Hilles foote All the way feare possessed me left I had too long staid and so giuen him cause of vnkindnes that I no faster hasted to him who alone could truly giue me life in comfort and desire to see him made me accuse my selfe of long tarrying especially when I saw him there but what saw I with that death to my ioy and martirdome to my poore heart for there I saw him in anothers armes wronging my faith and breaking his made vowes I stood in amaze not willing to belieue mine eyes accusing them that they would carry such light to my knowledge when to bring me to my self or rather to put me quite from my selfe I heard him vse these speeches It is true I lou'd Liana or indeed her fortune which made me seeke her but in comparison of thee that affection borne to her was hate and this onely loue rather esteeming my self happy in enioying thee and thy delights then if endowed with this whole Iland What is riches without loue which is in truth the only riches and that doe I now possesse in thee These words turnd my amazednes to rage crying out O false and faithlesse creature beast and no man why hast thou thus vildly betrayd thy constant Liana Hee looking vp and perceiuing me and his fault said nothing but as fast as guiltines stor'd with shame could carry him hee fled his delight or wanton following him which way they tooke when out of the Groue I know not nor the honest Lad who would not leaue mee bearing part with mee in griefe and I with him of shame infinitely molested that hee was made an instrument in my betraying When I had endured a little space like a Cabinet so fild with treasure as though not it selfe yet the lock or hinges cannot containe it but breake open so did the lock of my speech flie abroad to discouer the treasure of my truth and the infinitenesse of his falshood not to bee comprehended Passions grew so full and strong in mee I swounded and came againe to feele and increase misery hee perswaded I was willing to heare him who I saw had been in goodnesse to me cosned as I was We left the Groue accursed place and in it my cause of curses comming into a faire meadow a dainty wood being before it and another on the side of it there did my vnfortunate eies againe meete with Alanius vnlucky encounter where I saw such falshood which yet boldly venturd towards mee hee running with greatest haste after me but sending his voyce before him coniuring me by the loue I bare him to heare him calling mee his Liana but as I saw him so did his error appeare vnto me and yet did griefe rather then hate hold the glasse to me◠for though he had neglected and deceiued me and so forsaken my truth to ioy in the loose delights of another yet I mournd that he was deceitfull for God knowes I loue him still I fled from him but sent my hearts wishes for his good to him like the Parthian arrowes which by his cries seemd to wound him and my words though few to strike him which as I ran from him I threw back to him It is true I was yours while I was accounted so by you but you haue cut the knot aud I am left to ioine the pieces againe in misfortune and your losse of loue all happinesse attend you the contrary abiding in me who am now your forsaken and so afflicted Liana With this I got the Wood to shelter me and the thickest part of it at my petition to grant me succour coueting now the greatest shade to hide me from him to whom and into thick shades I lately ran In this manner I liu'd a while there neuer seeing company or light but against my will still haunting
and shining This Philistella had conquered the hearts of many but Selarinus was the man that sought her with most hope the others either not daring or knowing they were not fit for her contented themselues with beholding her and knowing they fruitlesly did languish in that loue Now had Selarinus broken this secret to Pamphilia who at this time tooke occasion to speake againe of it which was such content to him as nothing could be more and moou'd that passion in him as his face and eyes spake for his heart that it was vpon the rack of hope and feare Leandrus seeing this belieued it had been for Pamphilia which mooued him to greater hatred against him verily thinking it to be this Prince whom she affected seeing how willingly shee did embrace his company Amphilanthus then came in whom Leandrus straight went vnto desiring him that he would giue him one thing that he would demand of him Aske said hee any thing of mee whereto I am not engaged and I will grant it you I know not how I may secure my selfe in that said hee for if you haue a mind to refuse vnder this you may deny me all Nay said he mistrust not me causelesly nor touch me with such basenesse for neuer yet dealt I but truly with all men Pardon me my Lord said hee and I will take your word if you will first except some number of things whereto you are ingaged Only two said he and on my world I wil grant any other Then said Leandrus My suite to you is that since I haue been a long earnest and passionate suiter to your faire but cruell Cosin now hauing got the consent of her father her mother her brothers and most of her friends that you will likewise ioyne with them and speake vnto Pamphilia for mee I know she respects you much and will be as soone directed by you as by any friend she hath wherefore I beseech you grant me this fauour and by it tie me perpetually to your seruice The King replied that it was true they had all seene his affection to her they confessed his worth and deserts to bee equall with any Prince and to merit any wife whose answering loue might meete his but for his Cosin she was of her selfe and as farre as he could vnderstand by her she purposed not to marry if he had gaind the consent of her parents and brothers hee had purchased the surest to preuaile with her but for himselfe although he confessed in that his happinesse that shee did so much esteeme of him and fouud that she would heare him as soone as any other yet it was his misfortune in this that he could not doe him that seruice he desired to doe to make manifest his loue vnto him for he had now lighted on one of the excepted things since but this last night said he speaking of marriage shee said shee was already bestowed vpon her people and had married her selfe to them I vrging her youth and the pitie it would bee she should die without leauing some pictures of her self so excellent a piece She said her friends she hop'd would keepe her memory and that should be enough for her But I striuing further to perswade her to the altering of that determination My Lord said she it is settled and as you will euer make mee see you loue mee and would haue me confident of your well-wishings to me let mee begge this of you that you will neuer speake to me of any husband I swore it and seal'd my vowes on her faire hand Wherefore my Lord Leandrus you see how I am bound otherwise belieue it I would not deny your noble request but speake for you I protest truly as soone or sooner then for any other liuing The Prince Leandrus was contented with this answere belieuing him as iustly he might doe for he had said but onely truth to him Then parted they Leandrus giuing him many thankes for his noble freedome going to Philistella who with Selarina was passing the time Pamphilia bringing Selarinus to them and so pretily did discourse while Steriamus earnestly did pursue his affection to Vrania which although she willingly entertain'd yet she meant to be as wary as she could hauing been once deceiued wherefore with much modesty and mildnesse she denied and yet with her sweetnesse in denying gaue him hope and heart to proceed which at that time they being together he gaue witnesse of hauing gaind the fauour of her standing alone with him in a window protesting all the true and zealous affection that a man could beare vnto a woman She told him that these protestations hee had so often before vsed to Pamphilia as hee was perfect in them for said shee my brother hath told mee and many other what a power her loue had ouer you though shee neuer receiued it or did more if so much as pitie you It is most true said hee that your brother found me a miserable piece of mankind made anew by loue to be lesse then any of my sex and yet his greatest slaue shee reiected mee I now thanke Heauens for it since I was kept for this happinesse shee for a greater then my selfe which I wish â—hee may enioy and I bee blessed with your fauour which as my onely blessing I doe wish for and aske as my onely blisse But what let can my former loue bee to your receiuing mee I am not the first that hath lost my Loue What blame then can that bee to mee my choice being so good did not I pray you Parselius your Cosin loue before he married Dalinâ—a and Vrania I thinke liked before shee was throwne from the Rock Cast away then all former faults and burie them in the Deepes where those loues were cured and take a perfect one new borne vnto you and with you Shee blushed and told him hee grew bitterer then louers vse to be He smild and told her none that had a spot should find fault with anothers vnlesse theirs were cleane washed away and the other remaining But I feare said shee you will not now bee true Nothing said hee but that water could haue cleansed my heart from that ranckling wound nor now shall any thing alâ—er my truth to you Another charme may cure you said she Neuer said hee nor helpe if not your loue It grieues mee said shee that I cannot then present you with my first affection yet truly may I in a kind for I liked you before I loued the other Giue mee this second said hee which as the first I will esteeme and cherish it for a new created one it is and so shall liue in me neuer more blessed then now neuer truer shall any loue be to one nor more iust then mine said she Thus they giuing these prety assurances of eithers affections he presented her with a Bracelet of Diamonds She the next day requiting it with a much more pretious one to his thoughts being a brede of her haire No day passed
that some sweet delightfull passages passed not betweene them The Court now fild with loue Parselius perceiued their loues and was as well contented with it as Vrania had been with his and as freely did they before him shew it Amphilanthus infinitely glad of it and seeking all meanes for the continuance of it so as each day Pamphilia's chamber swarmd with louers Steriamus and Vrania Selarinus and Philistella Parselius and his wife Philarchos and his Orilena the Queene her selfe beholding them while her heart was as true a patient as any of theirs but must not shew it Leandrus with the rest had leaue to visit her but to see his passions to one that were sure neuer to be in such a snare it were sport else a terrible feare to fall into such a Laborinth The Queen gratiously respected him but when he spake of loue she then was deafe euer found occasion to discourse of somthing els or to some others Amphilanthus graced Selarina most with his discourse which made the whole Court iudge his affection was placed there in truth she did deserue it for she was an excellent fine Princesse but froÌ„ al these amorous delights the braue Prince must go betake himself to the field and aduenture with Ollorandus the next day was the time for their depart and also for Pamphilia's going who ouer night took her leaue of the court not willing as she said to be seene so much a woman as to weepe for parting Yet Vrania was witnes of it both getting vp earely and Amphilanthus with Ollorandus comming to them before they were ready stayed with them till they went downe Vrania bringing her to her Coach with the other two Princes when with teares they parted on some sides Vrania wept to part with her deare brother and cousen Pamphilia's heart was pierced with like sorrow or greater but stop'd her teares as hauing a stronger spirit till beholding the water in Amphilanthus eyes ready to fall and waite vpon the least summons her eyes would giue she then let some few slide and drop and so saluted him loue smiling in their teares to see so kind and affectionate parting glorying in his owne worke as proud in such a conquest Part they did taking their leaue without saying farewell which their hearts and eyes did for them making them then and as long as they could attend and behold each other which was not long for the waies being contrary the sight was soone lost Pamphilia went alone saue for her owne Traine of Knights which were come out of Pamphilia to attend her thither and quickly with the haste she made arriu'd at the Sea where shee shipped and so passed to her Kingdome where with infinite ioy and troopes of people shee was receiued and conducted to her chiefe City of Perga where shee remain'd in plenty of all things but the delicate conuersation she vsed to haue in Morea which want made her for a while melancholly but afterwards shee comforting her selfe with hope and resolution shee came abroad and followed those delights shee was wont to affect which was Hunting and Hawking and such like The two braue Companions holding on their way hating the land chose the Sea and tooke Shpp at Sornesse and so passing by Zants and Setalonia went vp the Gulfe of Venice and landed in Triale from whence without any one aduenture worthy the rehearsing they came into the confines of Bohemia when they met two knights of whom they demanded the newes of that place they resolu'd them that the King was dead and that they as many more were going in search of their Prince and Lord Ollorandus Then did he discouer himselfe vnto them which they infinitly reioyced at so passing on they came vnto a Castle where they would as they said lodge that night but the two Knights tolde them that by no meanes they should doe so for their dwelt the cruelest man that was in all those parts his name Seuerus and was next of the bloud to Ollorandus wherefore by no meanes they would aduise him none being left but himselfe of the Stocke to aduenture into his doores The new King imagining this a disgrace vnto him to let any such thing passe for feare would not be perswaded saying Hee was assured that hee durst not attempt any thing vpon his person but Amphilanthus disswaded what he could yet all in vaine for hee was resolu'd When nothing could preuaile against staying him yet they obtain'd of him that he would hold himselfe vnknowne hee repli'd they neede not call him Ollorandus but he would neuer leaue that happy name of the Knight of the Forrest with which he had pass'd through so many aduentures thus rashly would he runn into danger and which was worst hazad the brauest Prince To the Gate they came and presently were bid welcome with many seruants who attended on them and tooke their Horses some of them conducting them into the Hall where the old Duke Seuerus sat in a Chaire with a little staffe in his hand his thumbe on his staffe and his mouth on his thumbe which euer was his fashion when his minde was set vpon any plots Their comming in call'd his minde a little to him and looking on them seeing such rarenesse in their persons and louelinesse in their countenances imagined them to be of great quality especially Amphilanthus to whom he went and welcom'd him with the rest desiring to know who they were that thus courteously had honour'd his house Amphilanthus told him that he was an Italian and hearing of his bounty by some of the Country made him take the boldnes to visit him hoping by him also to vnderstand the manners of that place to which as yet he was a meere stranger The olde Duke told him â—hat he had done him an especiall fauour in it and that wherein he could doe him courtesies he should finde him most ready in requitall of this honour Then he demanded who the others were and their names Amphilanthus reply'd that his friend and himselfe vpon a certaine vow to their Mistresses till they saw them againe were not to disclose their names but were only known by the titles of the Knight of Loue which was himsâ—lfe and the other the Knight of the Forrest and thus they had passed most parts of the world Whence came you last I beseech you said he From Morea said the Knight of Loue. And what newes there I pray you said the olde Duke haue you not heard of Ollorandus our Prince and now our King by his fathers and brothers death I heard of him said Amphilanthus for no eares can vnlesse deafe but haue notice of his valour and excellent goodnesse and much haue I desired to be honoured with his sight accounting it one of my misfortunes that I am not knowne to so famous a Prince Hath his Acts replied the Duke made his name so well knowne I am heartily glad of it for now shall this Kingdome againe flourish when it shall be gouerned
ill refines Alas yet as you burne My pitie smarts and groanes to turne Your paines away and yet you must consume Content in me must beare no plume Dust-like Dispaire may with me liue Yet shall your memory out-driue These paines wherein I mourne You reliques of pure loue To sacred keepe with me remooue Purg'd by this fire from harme and iealous feare To liue with me both chast and cleare The true preserueresse of pure truths Who to your graue giues a youth In faith to liue and mooue Famous body's still in flames Did anciently preserue their names Vnto this funerall nobly you are come Honour giuing you this tombe Teares and my loue performe your rights To which constancie beares lights To burne and keepe from blame This did not satisfie her grieuing for the losse of those kind lines but each day did shee say the Letter to her selfe which so much shee loued as shee had learned by heart then looking on the Ashes wept and kissing them put them vp againe and thus continued shee till Ollorandus himselfe came to whom these daylie offerings were made for hee after hee had settled his Kingdome longing as much to see her as shee desired his presence put the Gouernment to the charge of a president and his Counsell assuring them that nothing should haue so soone parted him from them but that hee must now performe his part of friendship to Amphilanthus which was required of him who had so louingly and brauely accomplished his None were against that all honouring and louing him so much as hee had much adoe but with kind quarrels to leaue the Countrie without some of them to attend him yet by his milde perswasions and the new Kings commanding power they two tooke their iourney the Dwarfe againe returning the very day before they left Prage Towards Hungarie they then haste passing through Morauia where they met a strange encounter and a sad spectacle which was a company of men all on foote being apparrel'd in long mourning Gownes and after them a Chariot beeing drawne by sixe Horses they beeing couered with blacke and in the Chariot was a bodie beeing couer'd with a blacke Veluet couering and at the feet of this Body sate a Ladie her face beeing towards it and most pitifullie weeping many more in mourning likewise walking by the Chariot round about it and behind it This lamentable and dolefull spectacle mooued the hearts of the Knightes who beeing verie passionate quickly felt pitie and riding presently to one of the followers desiring to bee resolu'd of this matter the Gentleman courteously answered that the businesse was of so long a times discourse as would demaund more leysure then hee thought their businesse would well allow them therefore hee besought to bee excused vnlesse they meant to succour that distressed Lady who most iustly might claime assistance and reuenge for a murdered Knight vniustlie and treacherouslie slaine for loue Loue their Master commanded their seruice so as they said they would willingly doe their best to redresse such an iniurie Then the Gentleman going to the Lady told her what the Knights said she casting vp her eyes which before she held on the Coarse the body and soule of her affections Alas Sirs said shee what misfortune hath brought you to ingage your selues to true misery as in ioyning with me you must do for a more wretched neuer liued to die so Our fortunes said Ollorandus speaking in her owne language is the best we could couet if they may prooue auaileable to you nor doe we desire any more then to know how we may serue you Then Sir said shee let mee bee so bold as to demaund first who you are that I may discouer my estate the more freely and willingly to you My name said hee is Ollorandus King of Bohemia and this is Amphilanthus King of the Romans Happinesse beyond all hope cry'd shee Alas my Lord this is the King that of all the World I haue desired to meete and now trauell to seeke in Italy then kneeled shee vnto him beseeching him to graunt her what hee had of himselfe so nobly promised Hee vowed to performe any thing whatsoeuer that lay in his power to doe then comming forth of the Chariot and they lighting they retired into a little tuft of Thornes by the way side shee beginning her storie thus Most braue and renowned of Kings and you great King bee pleased to giue eare to the saddest storie that euer loue and louers end hath produced I am that miserable vnfortunate woman Sydelia passionately louing and being beloued of the excellent and veâ—tuous Antonarus long wee loued but a hate betweene my brother called Terichillus and my loue growne in their youth hindred our enioyings my brother so curiouslie watching mee himselfe or others neuer or seldome from mee as I was able onely to see my afflictions and wants but not the Sunne of my content for my Brother being the Heire of Morauia and the other the Prince of Silesia that kept him from venturing into his Countrie knowing the infinite malice hee bare vnto him alas no way deseruing it But at last my brother was to marry Orguelea daughter to the Duke of Bauaria and going thither to performe it left mee guarded by his seruants whom in his absence so well I wrought with as I compassed the sight of my Deare who in the habit of a Hunts-man came vnto me we married priuatly and so enioyed the time till my brothers returne with his new Ladie as full of spite and ill nature as a Spider with poyson to her he had disclosed this matter with his hate to Antonarus and to her gaue the charge of mee my Father hauing before giuen ouer the world and was retyred into a religious house hauing left me and all his estate to my brother yet during his life my brother would not take the title vpon him but the authority of the County of Morauia Now was my Hunts man to returne small safetie being where such hatefull spies inhabited no more surety then a poore hare hath in the hands of the hounds who haue long hunted to prey vpon it so did they seeke to ruine vs the extreame hate my brother bare to Antonarus rising from this cause When they were youthes and both in the Emperous Court there liu'd at that time a young Lady of the house of Austria â—xcellently faire and as fairely condition'd whose vertues were such as most prizing worth for Vertues sake she made choice wholy of worthinâ—sse in conuersation choice of companions and the whole course of her life ranne that way which made her chooce Antonarus and so much to affect him as nothing but death could be ender of her affection and yet I know not how I can say so since dying shee express'd her affection to him she loued and no question but his goodnesse requited it in his wishes to serue her but friendship wrought so in him as he would not seeme to receiue it my brother being so
he had rather in his opinion done him honor to match with him nor did he do it for other cause then his affection which begun in our youths had growne to this perfection therefore he intreated him rather with loue then Armes to end the businesse if not hee would prepare to attend his comming as hee pleased Within some few moneths Terichillus with an army entred Selesia but onely enterd it when an army led by Polisander brother to Antonarus met him giuing him batâ—aile and life also for he in an encounter might haue killed him but mercy more then iudgement gouernd him so as he spared him on condition the warres should cease which he promised and a firme league should be made between vs which Polisander should haue the glory of Thus agreed hee came with him where wee were Armes dismist and swords laid downe he was nobly entertaind and receiued by Antonarus who ment truth and after some dayes were passed an oath of friendship was taken of both sides Then Terichillus returnd into his Country of Morauia Polisander bringing him to the confines thereof there committing him to his owne safetie Antonarus was glad of this conclusion because it ioyed me and I for his quiet did reioyce One whole yeare this lasted in which time we had a sonne after whose birth and my recouery againe Terichillus inuited vs vnto his Court with all loue or better to say show of it we belieuing went thither trusting as not meaning to bee false Into Polisanders hands my Lord put the gouernment of the State and also to him gaue the charge of his sonne and well might he doe it for a more noble honest man liues not then he is Into Morauia we went met we were in the confines by noble men and Ladies and still by more and greater till wee arriued at the Court where at the gate my brother and his wife met vs no state nor welcome wanted which outward testimony could expresse nor doubted we but like the silly birds who hearing the sweet singing of other birds set for stales thinking by that mirth they had no imprisonment fall by innocent beliefe into the nets so did we seeing smiles and hearing nothing but welcome and ioy speake grew confident and bold vpon our harmes Some daies wee staid there Feasts Tiltings and all brauerie that the Court could yeeld shewed it selfe vnto vs. After those sports were past Terichillus would haue vs goe a hunting which we did for two daies hauing excellent good great variety of sport the third day we also were to goe and conclude our delights which indeede wee did for in a great Wood and the same where my Antonarus was accustomed when hee was a Huntsman to bide in and from whence I heard his Horne which was the signe of his being there and of call for me to him this vnnaturall man Terichillus for longer I cannot call him brother had laid traytors in ambush with command to execute his will he in the meane time telling vs that a mighty Stagge was within harbored of purpose for vs. Then carried he vs into the thickest of it placing the traine on the out-side farre enough from helpe or hinderance with him wee went to rouse the Deere and so we did the too costly beasts that murdered my content for then they shewd themselues suddenly rushing on Antonarus who had onely a little hunting sword by his side with which he killed one but they many soone possest themselues of his sword and him Then Terichillus reuiled and scoffed at him and me telling vs that here was a youth had wont to walke those Woods and call a Nimph vnto him by his Horne but Satyrs found their wantonnesse and so had vowed reuenge and thus doe we said he Then those men who were disguised in that shape and the fittest for so sauage an act murdered him making mee behold the cruelty for the greater torture When all was done which ended with his life they went away lifting the body only vp vpon a horse and setting me vpon mine owne againe gaue me the bridle of the other to leade with me as the substance and demonstration of my miserie Out of the Wood I went with this pitifull and yet my beloued companion excessiue sorrow had so shut vp my senses as I wept not at the instant nor till I was to tell the Tragedy which was presently after my comming into the Plaine meeting some of the Selesians who accompanied me in mourning little else we could doe for in the County where the murderer ruled and alas our company a handfull in comparison of his people what could we doe but weepe and wish Then got we our small troope together and with as much hafte as our heauinesse could allow vs wee gained the Country of Selesia to Polisander we related this villany whose sorrow and sadnesse was such as hee was not able to giue or take counsell sometimes hee did purpose to râ—uenge this treachery himselfe cursing himselfe for sparing the murderer when he might haue killed him blaming his Fortune that let him liue to slay his brother lamenting the time he made the reconsiliation accusing himselfe as much as Terichillus for hauing been the vnfortunate instrument of this mischiefe Alas said de how happy had Selesia been if I had been slaine in the battaile and how more blessed I that had not liued to see this day deare Antonarus hath thy brother beloued so much of thee been cause of thy losse accursed creature that I am yet pardon mee deare brother I lament thy death as much as heart can doe Selesia yours is the losse vnrecouerable in loosing such a Prince punish me then I am ready and dearest Sister cry'd he take this life from mee how can you see mee who brought your worthy Lord into this misfortune O Antonarus my soule dies for thee His infinite griefe was such as most were forced to watch him lest he made himselfe away yet such was and is his vertue as I hope will protect him from vsing violence on himselfe Much adoe we had to perswade him from going into Morauia to reuenge his brother but at last I gained thus much of him to leaue the reueng to meâ— whose loâ—se was greatest and cause demaunds most pitty to gaine some braue Prince to right me vpon counsell and my petition he granted it whereupon I put on these robes he prouiding this Chariot and all other things necessary for our iourney appoynting the mourning in this kind The same day that I tooke my iourney hee proclaimed my sonne heire and Prince of Selesia himselfe protector and so haue I traueled now two months Terichillus giuing me leaue to passe through this part of his Country to goe to finde a Knight whose vallour and pitty will assist me To find you most braue and excellent King I tooke my way with hope to beg such a fauor of you whose compassion and worth all toungs speake of and harts admire none but magnifying Amphilanthus
braue Gentleman who equally loued but being a man it was necessary for him to exceede a woman in all things so much as inconstancie was found fit for him to excell her in hee left her for a new Poore loue said the Queene how doth all storyes and euery writer vse thee at their pleasure apparrelling thee according to their various fancies canst thou suffer thy selfe to be thus put in cloathes â—ay raggs instead of vertuous habits punish such Traytors and cherrish mee thy loyall subiect who will not so much as keepe thy iniuries neere me then threw she away the booke and walked vp and downe her hand on her heart to feele if there were but the motion left in the place of that shee had so freely giuen which she found and as great and braue an one in the stead of it her seruants dwelling there which more then hers she valued and deerely held in her best dearest breast which still sent sweetest thoughts to her imagination euer seeing his loue and her 's as perfectly and curiously twined as Iuye which growne into the wall it ascends cannot but by breaking and so killing that part be seuer'd not like the small corne that yeelds forth many staulks and many eares of wheat out of one making a glorious bunch of diuers parts this affection was but one in truth and being as come from one roote or gaine of matchlesse worth brought forth but one flower whose delicacy and goodnesse was in it selfe Many flowers shewes as faire as a Rose to the eye but none so sweete so were many loues as braue in shew but none so sweetely chast and therefore rich in worth this inhabited and was incorporat in them both who as one and as it were with one soule both did breath and liue Sweete wood said she beare record with me neuer knew I but his loue Loue answered the wood being graced with an Echo Soft said she shall I turne blabb no Echo excuse me my loue and choyce more precious and more deere then thy proud youth must not be named by any but my selfe none being able to name him else as none so iust nor yet hath any eare except his owne heard me confesse who gouerns me thy vast and hollow selfe shall not be first where fondest hopes must rest of secresie in thee who to each noise doth yeeld an equall grace As none but we doe truely loue so none but our owne hearts shall know we loue Then went shee a little further and on a stub which was betweene two trees she sate downe letting the one serue as the backe of a chayer to rest vpon the other to hold her dainty feete against Her armes she folded on her breast as embracing his braue heart or rather wrapping it within her armes Deere hart said â—hee when shall I liue againe beholding his loued eyes can I in possibility deserue ought he not here am I aliue no my life is with him a poore weake shadow of my selfe remaines but I am other where Poore people how are you deceiued that thinke your Queene is here alas t is nothing so shee is farre off it may be in the field performing famous acts it may be on the Sea passing to fetch more fame or indeed speaking with thy selfe as I discourse to him his time employd in thoughts of loue like mine and so he thinking of me brings vs both together in absence present when distance is and absent oft in greatest companies But dost thou thinke on me deare loue thy heart doth tell me so and I belieue it as t is thine and mine Sweet hope to see him flatter mee but pay for such an error and make good the ioy I take in thee blesse my poore eyes with seeing his that make mine lowest slaues to his commands yet greatest Princes since so prised by him Let these hands once be blessed againe by touching his and make this Kingdome rich by bringing him the truth of riches to her let mee enioy those louing lookes which in me force content beyond it selfe smile in those eyes which sparkle in desire to make me see they striue to expresse what flames the heart doth hold of loue to me Doe I not answere them let me then straight be blind depriued of that ioy of sight and happinesse of ioy for that alone in him and from him can I haue And thou most kind and welcome memory adde to my soule delight the sweete remembrance of our perfect loues bring to the passionate eyes of my imaginary sight those pleasures wee haue had those best spent houres when we each other held in sweet discourse what wanted then but length of deare enioying when his deare breath deliuerd vnto me the onely blessing I on earth did couet telling me he was mine and bid me be assured when he was other he must not be liuing death must only alter him from mee and me from him for other can I not or will I be Sweet memory t is true hee vowed this nay tooke mee in his armes and sware that he embracing me had all the earthly riches this world could afford him so thought I by himâ— thus still you see one thought one loue still gouerns him and me are wee not most properly one and one loue betweene vs make vs truly one Further she had proceeded and run on to infinitenesse of content in these imaginations but from them she must be taken to be honord with the presence of her brauest Cosin for then came one of her seruants who knew that breach of obedience in such a kind would bee pardoned telling her that the King of Naples was come to visit her She quickly rose nor did shee chide the man who surely had been sorely shent for troubling her had any other cause brought him and so disturbd her amorous thoughts As shee returned Amphilanthus met her their eyes saluted first then followed all the other ceremonies that do befit so sit a welcome To the Palace they came where nothing wanted to manifest the certaine gouernement that hee held there hee being the Prince shee most respected but whom shee loued shee neuer would to any other once confesse With delicate discourse they passed the time shee neuer satisfied with hearing of his acts yet neuer vngrieued when she heard of danger although past still curious of his good Some daies they thus remained when newes was brought Antissia was arriu'd My Lord said shee are you not happy now that in this place you shall behold your loue The assurance of that happines said he did bring me hither from that royall Campe. She was no whit displeased with this reply the next morning Antissia came to the Court the King holding the Queene by the hand met her at the gate Antissia was so much ioy'd as she was but that cosening thing it selfe rauished with false delight she triumphed in the blaze while the true fire burnt more solidly and in another place She was conducted to the Palace Pamphilia
courteous as he was proud and kind as he cruell the renowned Princes Amphilanthus and Ollorandus tooke shippe I could not but pursue in folly as in loue and so tooke a troublesome and tedious iourney to Morea I came of purpose to see her who was my vndoer for hee loued Pamphilia and shee would I behold desiring or so gayning my end no more contented with hearing it but like Procris would seeke it and gaine it There I had entertainment like my search smiles in scorne and losse in hope for in that Princesse I confesse worth to conquer hearts and thus I yeeld his choyce most perfect But this could not hold me from accusing my want of iudgment in going thither to behold her as if I would wash mine eyes the cleerer to see my ill What folly said I led me to this Rocke of mischeife to be cast downe and ruin'd on the ground of scorne yet did not this hinder my iourney for me thought I was more deseruing him then the rare Princesse so partiall are we to our selues that I could almost haue belieued she seemed excellent because mine eyes like a flattring glasse shewed her so yet againe thought I why should I commend her who vndoes my blisse My spleene then swell'd against her and I was sicke with anger that I as abruptly left Morea as Steriamus did Stalamina thence I was by the braue Amphilanthus directed to Saint Maura but a storme brought me hither where with a greater tempest I was molested falling into the hands of a madâ—man who dress'd me as you see and with diuersity of franticke fits perplexed me I haue since liued in these places and seene Winter in cold despaires and Sommers heat in flourishing misery nor saw I any of whom to demand fauour these many months first shuning all till now wherefore from your hands I implore it let not my outward meanes hinder your noble mind from pitty but rather shew it where most want claimes it I confesse contempt is likelyer to bee my reward whose pride was such as that punishment best fitteth me but I am humbled and my former fault looks more odious to me then thought of this fortune would haue done in my height of greatnes The King had before heard of her and tooke compassion of her carrying her to the Towne where that night she was to lye in his owne Charriot which was led spare she rid thither where he cloathed her according to her dignity But when she had her greatnes againe in good clothes put about her she began to grow to her wonted accustomed humours like a garden neuer so delicate when well kept vnder will without keeping grow ruinous So ouer-running-weedy pride in an ambitious creature proues troblesome to gouerne and rude to looke on Feare to see her poorenes held her from looking in either the face of a fountaine or Riuer but now her eyes tels her shee is her selfe which is enough to make her remember she was and must bee againe as she was directly Shall I said shee change from lownes to noblenes and not come to my noble spirit then were I more vnfortunate to haue such an alteration then if held in raggs the mind is aboue all but it selfe and so must mine bee Oâ—ght I not to glory in my good that I am redeemed from a priuate life nay must I not loue my selfe who I see Heauen hath such care of as not to let me be obleiged to other then one of mine owne ranke for the fauour as esteeming none other worthy to serue me Steriamus would thou didst but see this and thy disdainefull Mistris behold my honor it might worke good vpon you both and teach you how to esteeme of those or indeed her who the highest powers obserue and reuerence Alas what a â—oole was I to be molested with my former fortune had I beene able but to see what now I discerne I should haue reioyced at it since without question it was done for my greater honor and of purpose to shew me how much the highest would expresse affection nay respect vnto me Marke but the whole carryage did not all adore me the mad-man were his fits other then worshipping me as Sheephardesse Nimph or any thing did he not humble himselfe most respectiuely vnto me Then bee thy selfe absolutly bless'd Neraena all creatures made to secure thee and of all kinds command then and shew thou art worthy of such happy authority Soare like the Hobby and scorne to stoope to so poore a prey as Steriamus who now looks before mine eyes like a Dorr to a Faulcon my mind preserued for height goes vpward none but the best shall haue liberty to ioyne with me none Master me Ignorant Prince what glory did'st thou shunne when thou didest dispise the most reuerenced of women the fauorite of the louing Gods and Goddesses Dull man to loue any but Neraena the most loue-worthy of her sex and her whom all may glory in for affecting and that iudgement I discerne in this King who was euen at first sight rauished with beholding me true loue that only regards beauty not apparrell to that end did loue cloath me in ragges to conquer a King Poore Perisâ—us I pitty thee that thy constancy must loose the strong power it had till now and yeeld to my victory who cannot requite thee yet faine would he couer his affection but tâ—s plainely seene how doth he steale looks on me cast vp his eyes then sigh these tell me that his heart is my prisoner and the contention is twixt his difficulty to part from so long a fixed affection and feare of my refusall which he must finde if hee pursue in it Alas I faine would helpe it if I could but constancy though a fruitlesse vertue gouerns me With that the King came to her whom she vsed after the same manner as if he had beene in loue as she imagined which was nothing so but made him coniecture that she had beene with good feeding growne into her fury againe and fullnesse had renewed her madnesse he was sorry to see her so that she accounted passion which was pitty of her hee being the worthylest constant and who would not let one spot come to touch or blemish that purenes which remayned in him like the fixed Starrs shining with ioy and giuing light of purest content vnto his excellent soule but at last he found her false imagination grow troublesome to auoyd which hee meant to bee rid of her wherefore at the Port where he was to take Shipping he appointed a Barque of purpose for her to carry her to her owne Country and some seruants to attend her besides some of her owne who came vnto her when her finding was noysed abroad and vpon submission were receiued When shee saw her selfe thus slighted as she term'd it because the King heâ— new seruant as she called him did not attend her in his owne person shee froun'd Hee found she disliked it and therefore sought to
in which time they hop'd she would forget and by example loue faire chastity but she neuer ordain'd for such a dull concluding of her dayes by the example which was shewed of stricktnes she loued freedome for Chastity affection and so wee met and still increas'd our flames till now that you were brought for our eternall good to see vs ioynd and to knit our blisse Now Sir I doe beseech you tell me who you are My name braue Sir answered the King is Amphilanthus this Knight Polarchos my Lord said hee I humbly craue pardon for my rudenesse yet may you the better pardon it since but that you could expect from wild men and Forresters but I haue not so liued that your fame hath not come and spread it selfe into each corner of these parts as the sweete west-wind doth grace each flower with a kisse so liue you honord by each hart and lou'd as hee who glories mankind with his excellence The King replid those words did shew his inside still remaind most noble and like so delicate a Prince he was then hee did salute the Lady who feasted them with all delicates staying them two dayes in which time the marriage was diuulged and all his neighbour Forresters came in to ioy with him his friends and hers now met were forced of all sides to shew great content Then Amphilanthus left them and pass'd on toward the Campe the braue Forrester bringing him through his command to the next towne from whence he had a guide O loue said Amphilanthus how pretious a Prince art thou that thus command'st ouer all mak'st Kings Forresters Forresters Kings in happinesse and leauest vs to trauell vp and downe neglected roaming like Beggars still asking of thee but thy gifts are slow and sparing one dayes sight or one poore houres discourse with much petition thou wilt grant mee and to others liues-time of comfort Why didst thou not make me a Forrester or a Shepheard or any thing so I might enioy my loue What life would I despise to vndergoe or danger shun so she might like and â— liue in her eyes for in her heart I know I doe and thus am doubly grieued â—oth for my want and her deare yet impatient suffering my absence working in her as vpon my heart with sorrow for both parts Piâ—ie vs great King of hearts we will beseech and beg of thee if not most cruell let mee iustly call thee Thus peâ—plexed hee rode not speaking all that day to any of his compaâ—ie Polarchos was content as well with silence as the King so they rid as if they had vowed not to speake or to trie how they could performe such a â—ow yet still did they dispute with loâ—e and all for loues deare sake Many â—leasant aduentures they passed finding one euening a delicate Lady followâ—ng a Hauke attended or accompanied with many braue Gentlemen and as gentle in behauiour as bloud being the chiefe and principall of that Counâ—rie the Lady affecting pleasures they louing her for that and her fashion which was full of spirit sweete and mild discourseâ— temperat and respectiue â—y her they passed and so by many more such meetings they staying no where till they came to the skirts of Albania where they encountred two Knights of whom they demanded newes they told them that they could giue them no certaine notice of any thing since the last battaile which was â—ought against Plamergus wherein he was slaine and his onely sonne Steriaâ—us hauing behaued himselfe so brauely and iudicially as he had gotten immortall praise the other kings and Princes deseruing to be eternised for their valour and iudgements Were you there I pray Sir said Amphilanthus Yes indeed Sir said the first we were both there and hardly escaped the fury of that day How was â—he battaile I beseech you said Amphilanthus Marry Sir said he the place was first troublesome and very full of disaduanâ—age to the strangers Hilles and little Bottoms betweene them wherein Plamergus the king of those parts had placed his men a great Riuer before him the bridge he had pull'd vp leauing no possibilitie for the army to come to him but they by meanes and aduice of Steriamus passed the water deuiding themselues in fiue parts as the passages were in number It was Steriamus his fortune with the Italians whose skill and valour was matchlesse and guided by such a Commander who did well and best in the absence of thâ—ir Lord not to bee resisted he met Plamergus Rosindy and the Macedonians encountred his sonne the rest the other troopes it was my happe to bee where the furious Italians met vs but they made quicke worke with vs running through vs and ouer vs as Lightning killing as they went so fast as I had but speede enough to runne away not resolution or heart to stay for it seemed to bee more then humaine force or speed they came with all Parselius with his Moreans did as brauely Antissius and Leandrus no lesse and Selarinus as well Then got wee ouer a Hill and ioyned with the kings sonne who was fighting with Rosindy but soone saw wee an end of him and his army so as away againe we went as if but to behold our party lost which when I saw and the battaile won Trumpets sunding the retreit we went away resolued in my heart neuer to draw Sword against the rightfull King Steriamus was proclaimed King and so by that name now is calld but though I will not fight against him yet I will not take his part till I see the next encounter past which will be more terrible by how much the army is greater led by brauer and stronger men and the other army something lessned by the last and many of their best men hurt How shall we gaine so much fauour of you braue Knights said he as to direct vs the nearest way to them Truly Sir said he by this I belieue they bee met but if you will goe and trie your fortune I will bring you within sight of them He gaue him many thanks and so he conducted them according to his promise Steriamus after the battaile had cald his Commanders together and tooke a certaine note of the number lost and hurt in the battaile which in comparison was nothing to their gaine and victory Then marched they on towards the second let and King of the middle Albania called Pollidorus and who was a braue man for courage and force Antissius gaining the honour to leade the Vantgard as it was at first granted him but altred by reason of the place to fight in With great courage they march on and with as much resolution the other attend them for except strengths were equall no glorie by victorie can bâ— esteem'd The strange Knight performed his promise and brought the King with his friend to a great Lakes side the armies being on the other side he desired to passe that and to bee able to assist if neede were the Knight then guided him by
for his last care of me in the battaile against Polidorus where he rescued me and hors'd me againe That had beene enough to winne respect and truth in loue both together set as obligations neuer to be broken nor shall bee touched by me I loue my Aunt well but my honour more then must she pardon me I will not fight with him for her Amphilanthus reply'd the other hath beene so blessed with fortune as hee hath obliged the best to bee his seruants by his fauours done them who liues of all these Princes in the Army that hath not at some one time or other directly taken their liues from him the brauest hee hath saued and the valiantest rescued my poore selfe released from cruell close and dangerous imprisonment These I consider and allow but then comes loue and tells me he must be obeyed my vow vnto your Aunt commandeth me and that I must obserue she wills me to kill Amphilanthus and then she will marry mee And this you wil attempt said Antissius Attempt win or die in it said Dolorindus You must first begin with me said Antissius if you bee resolute in it and will suffer the canker ingratitude to rule but thinke againe for rather had I do any reasonable matter then breake friendship with you yet rather that then where I am so infinitely bound and more contentedly die thus then liue to haue a thought to hurt that Prince I loue Antissia said he yet must I consent to withstand you since you leaue the due respect to Antissia which bloud and her affection to you may claime it frees me who loued you most for her sake nay it commands and threatens me wherefore I am ready to encounter you first As they were going to venture an end to their liues two Knights more arriued and seeing them ready to fight stepped in betweene them They furious and inraged with their let demanded who they were I am said one of them Ollorandus and I said the other Amphilanthus With that Dolorindus turnd on him And you said he are the man I looked for with that they fell to blowes his Companion did the like but Antissius a little paused and hauing asked a question or two more of him was assured by his voyce and gesture it was not his friend Ollorandus Dolorindus so furious as his senses had left him to ignorance of voice or knowledge Then hoping the other was that counterfet Amphilanthus he willingly entertained the combat which was sharpe Dolorindus did well but had the worse for how could it other be that name being enough to vanquish without force Hee fell and his enemy being ready to cut off his head the braue Perissus came to the young Knight who had heard all this and stepped in Nay Amphilanthus said he hold your hands here is another hath as much to say to you for â—illing his father Prince of Carinthia He remembred that and hee turned vnto him and a new fight began wherein the young Knight did so well helped too a little by his enemies wearinesse the which gaue aduantage to him who had otherwise been too hard for him as hee brought him to the like passe Dolorindus was in but when hee had him thus lesse fauour was shewed in more speed for hee had got off his Helme and Head before helpe could come in although Perissus hearing the name made all the meanes hee could to saue his life for names sake onely hee came to heare the young Prince say Farewell Amphilanthus I am now reuenged of thee and I said Antissius for the abominable treason in taking such Princes names vpon you The Prince of Carinthia held the head in his hand which when Perissus saw hee was sorry because it had câ—rried that name but could not but much praise Fortune who had so cunningly wrought the satisfaction to the Princes the punishment for falsehood and the reuenge of loue They tooke vp Dolorindus who was wounded with shame as much as with the Sword weakenesse from fury getting place he wept and petitioned for fauour from Antissius hee confest his fault to be fouler then sinne Antissius replied he must first satisfie Amphilanthus then he should answer him Hee vowed neuer to fight with him The braue young King told him hee was contented with that so he submitted to the king of the Romans and that should be the satisfaction he would take Perissus in the meane time had gotten the slaine Knights Squires to him to be resolu'd of this cosenage they had not full knowledge of it but the other Knight not being dead hee coniured him to relate it and why to haue as he told him the happinesse to end in more quiet when hee might with a clearer conscience depart Hee yeelded vnto him and made a true and plaine confession to him in this manner My friend said hee being in loue with the excellent Princesse of Croatia neither hauing meanes by estate to gaine her nor hope to win her by his loue or seruice she hauing resolu'd to loue none but Amphilanthus loue hauing conquerd an vnusuall way on her when only fame not sight or knowledge but by reports had grounded such an affection in her Hee obtained to know where that braue Prince remained hee was certified that he was in a search for a Sister of his some time vnheard of In this vnlucky season hee tooke his name vpon him after hearing of his Companion Ollorandus hee inioyned me to take his name likewise on me truly I must confesse it was an vnexcusable fault and the greater because those names especially his was so honored as wheresoeuer we passed we had our owne wills Knights refused to combat with vs Ladies soone yeelded belieuing they ought not to refuse what hee demanded who commanded all hearts I also had my share in this pleasure as now in death He won the Princesse of Croatia left her afterwards keeping the same name finding such sweetnes in it but now being here and the true Amphilanthus his fame â—lourishing for his incomparable glory we purposed not to tarry knowing it would prooue too hot a busines for vs if once it came to his eares Wherefore we made what haste we could to get to the Sea and so meant to leaue these parts to his true light and carry a few flashes with vs in farther remote places Into great Brittany we meant to passe but now are stayd by your force we were Gentlemen of noble houses but such hath been our ill liuing as I desire for him and my selfe we may be priuately buried here neuer more enquired after nor if you please to fauour your owne worth so much henceforth mentioned letting our shames die and be inclosed in the earth with vs. Perissus promised to fulfill some of those requests the rest were not in his power such a businesse depending vpon their knowledge as the reconciling of such Princes There they were buried and the three Kings tooke their way to a little house in the Wood
with such ioy as her heart did like the waues swell her colour came into her face and she was so surprized with content as she could not tell what to say vnto him at last she remembred that she was not alone but that she must consider all eyes were not her seruants she corrected herselfe yet could not blame that passion for so deseruing a cause My deere said she I cannot hide my happines nor am I sorry for it since it is for thee I suffer this vnlesse that holding it so deere I may grudge any should partake of it Yet calling her sences more about her to avoyd suspition she demanded how Parselius Rosindy and Philarchos did and Amphilanthus said she I hope also doth well That came out so sweetely and louingly as one might iudge shee asked for the rest for his sake because she would name him or named him last as more to sticke in memory Orilena was so desirous to know how her Philarchos did as shee nere heeded how Pamphilia carried her selfe Surpassing passion excellent still gouerne how delicate is thy force How happie thy rule that makes such excellent women thy subiects made so by thy gouernment instructed by thy skill taught by thy learning and indeed made by thee Bee thou still and worthily adored and this Pamphilia doth agree to excellent Queene the true paterne of excellent affection and affections truth Shee then called the Messenger and hauing called her Spirits to her asked particularly of the estate of Albania Hee related the whole discourse as instructed to set forth his Lord to his owne loue shee needed not much inuiting to that banquet this discourse fed her day and night They talked of the warres and of the braue Champions whose honours were neuer greater then when extolled by her At last to Morea they came the King and Queene comming â—wo dayes iourney to meete her the most perfect Queene her Cosin â—oying in her sight as in heauenly happinesse for so she held her Deare Great ioy was made for her comming and still augmentations of that by â—he newes from the Army euer bringing good Vrania reioyced and Philistella was ouercome with content sweete Selarina was as glad as any but her passions were moderate and discreetelie held themselues within yet shee would finely though in shew carelessely inquire how Antissius prospered The other Ladies would smile at it and someâ—imes to make sport so pretily anger her as was delightfull pastime eueâ—y one enuious to haue each others passions knowne not doubting but â—heir owne were equally discouered iealous onely of each others power â—or being better able to conceale their flames then themselues here did Loue truly and royally triumph Pamphilia gotten alone looked as often on the token as her hearts eyes looked on the sender it was his picture shee kissed it shee laid it â—nd wore it continually in her breast carefull shee was least her Chamber-maide might see it because it was more then her reseruednesse did warrant yet rather had shee all should know and see it then bee one minute hindred from the enioying it so neare My deare selfe would â—hee say what happinesse find I in thee how am I blessed alone in â—hee and aboue all by thee Deerer part of my soule take the other â—o thee pure loue calles thee to acceptance and thou doest I hope take what I so firmely giue thee What shall I say thou sayst thou wilt not â—ee vngratefull I assure my selfe of that and blame my selfe extremely â—f I said any thing might make thee thinke I doubted thee thou knowest I neuer vrged so much as by question to know if thou diddest loue mee I â—aw it what needed I to aske much lesse to feare No sweetest loue I loue â—oo much to mistrust and loue thee more then to demaund assurance which needes not where such confidence remaines nor is fit since if man-like â—hou shouldest once liue to change thy change would grieue my heart but kill my soule to know thou wert both changing and forsworne falsehood were double here and single euen enough to murder me but those deare eyes assure mee those lippes swell in anger I should thus dispute then and now dearest take mine vnto thine which with whispering let my breath say I doe long onely to see them moue againe and tell mee of thy loue soules comfort how I see in my soule spirit-like cleare and bodilesse from corruption gouerne and command like loue a thing adored and reuerenced but not seene except to louers so art thou to me my spirit and my All. While she was thus in loues best clothes apparreld the brauest of Ladies of her time came to her finding her in her ancient loâ—ing walk she met her with ioy and respect knowing her so worthy as she was onely fit to bee mother to such a sonne who alone deserued so matchlesse a mother To her shee went who in her armes entertained her that humbly tooke her fauour with a low reuerence which loue made her yeeld her No time was lost betweene them for each minute was fild with store of wit which passed betweene them as grounds are with shadowes where people walke and the longer they discoursed still grew as much more excellent as they to nightward seeme longer Among other speech the Queene of Naples asked Pamphilia what shee heard of the warres in Albania Shee discoursed it all vnto her but the last busines seemd the strangest vnusuallest said she although Polidorus his fortune in his wiues affection was rare the discourse was this Nicholarus being one of the Kings of Albania as they falsely termed themselues a Gentleman indued with all vertuous parts of learning courage and in truth al that could be required in a braue man yet was encountred with a stronger enemy then his iudgement could resist which was loue and loue of one who for his misery loued another Nicholarus came oft where she was oft shewed his affection the other came with him as if to glory in his mastery or to enioy with triumph what was refused this King as a prisoner led is a more glorious spectacle then to know he is in a Tower so are inioyings before refused more happy and prized then if by stealth or kept in priâ—ate though loue can bee held as deare and best The poore Prince hauing a Scarfe by cunning loue throwne ouer his eyes neuer misdoubted any thing still louing and cherishing him more then any because he saw she respected him Once to her house he came where they were entertained as their places and dignities required but the louer as loue commanded The Prince or King or what you will call him because in his Neighbours Countrie watched as hee thought an opportunitie and in the morning when they were to meete the other Kings who were neare to that place assembled about an especiall businesse of hunting her husband louing that sport wel was soonest vp and called the King hee employed him in some other
Yet these you praise the true stile opinion By which truths gouernment is shroudly gon Honor by you esteemd a title true A title cannot claimd by change as due It is too high for such low worth to reach Heauen gifts bestow'th as to belong to each And this true loue must in reuenge bestow On you his sacred power with paine to know A loue to giue you fickle loose and vaine Yet you with ceaselesse griefe seeke to obtaine Her fleeting fauours while you wayling proue Meerely for punishment a steddy loue Let her be faire but false great disdainefull Chast but to you to all others gainefull Then shall your liberty and choice be tide To paine repentance and the worst sinne pride But if this cannot teach you how to loue Change still till you can better counsell proue Yet be assur'd while these conceits you haue Loue will not owne one shot you say he gaue His are all true all worthy yours vniust Then changing you what can you from him trust Repentance true felt oft the Gods doth win Then in your Waine of loue leaue this foule sin So shall you purchase fauour bannish shame And with some care obtaine a louers name These Verses being sent to Nicholarus by the same messenger that brought his he â—ell into so violent a despaire and hate of himselfe as being more subiect to passion then strength of iudgemeÌ„t or power of vertue he grew distracted or indeed stark mad so as care was had of him and gouernors set about him as ouer his estate til at last by dilligence faithful Phisitions seruants he recouerd but how only to be made more miserable or to haue iuster cause to be mad as if the other were not sufficient for then succeded the inuasion and he gaind his wits to see his Country lost and feele his weaknes in estate as before in sence yet was he happier then for that want made him not want it this finds it In his mad fits hee once writ to her and would needs conuey it by a Romanian who then wayted on him He honestly deliuered it but more honestly wept and bewailed his Lords misfortune She caried it brauely and that is all can be said for what should shee or could shee doe louing an other she was no question sorry in a noble sort but not in respect that had he beene other she must haue runne a greater danger in hazard of her honor and breach in faith to her beloued This made her imagine the other the lesse and her fortune the better The same Lady and her louer likewise but at seuerall times were brought to the victorious King whose pardons he gaind being as mercifull as braue and this relation haue I from the Prince of Sauoy a Gentleman excellently bred and discreetely liuing good as any learned aboue ordinary Princes and delicatly skill'd in Poetry This discourse hee hath put in verse which is that I meant hee sent me and daintily expressed all the passions The Queene of Naples desired to see it shee promise the performance then walked they a little farther still taulking of loue the braue Queene longing to heare the young Queene confesse shee willing enough if to any shee would haue spoken it but hee and shee must only bee rich in that knowledge In the euening the other Princesse came vnto them and so all attended the rare Lady into the Palace who was as perfect in Poetry and all other Princely vertues as any woman that euer liu'd to bee esteemed excellent in any one shee was stor'd with all and so the more admirable With in a short time after the King of Morea intending to meete the Princes who hee imagined would bee in that time vpon their returne determined to encounter them more cleerely to see his loue for hee tooke a iourney towards them and so resolued to remoue his Court to Corinth that famous auncient and fayre Citty there hee purposed to stay and to haue the fitter opportunity to entertaine them how happy a resolution in shew this was for the amorous Ladyes louers can well and best coniecture Being arriued at that beautyfull place the young louing Princesses must needs see the Sea and not only that but goe vpon it Pamphilia went to the shoare with them but then considered her grauity was too much in the opinion of the world to enter into so slight an action wherefore desired pardon They would not allow it herâ— but with sweete perswasions and inticements got her a bord with them they sayled some leagues from the shoare with much pleasure and as they cald it content Pamphilia and Vrania discoursing Philistella and Selarina Orilena was at that time with the Queene of Naples whom they would not call least their iourney might bee hindred thus they plotted to deceiue themselues and ranne from safety to apparent danger for what is the Sea but vncertaintie Why should Pamphilia vnlesse on necessity venture her constant selfe in such a hazard as if to tempt her enemy which surely shee did for she grew angry to see she was made to serue her perfectioÌ„s in fury waxed in raged the Shippe grew kindly with bending her selfe to each waue to aske pitty and bowing with reuerence to demaund safety and returne But shee the more sought to like a proud insolent woman grew the more sâ—out and haughty regarding nothing more then her owne pride and striuing to molest those beautyes The Ladyes cry'd the Sea vnmercifully stubborne was deafe to their laments They besought she came vp to the very sids of the Ship as if to harken but then slid downe and smild at their feare and rose againe in glorious height to behold more of their sorrowes O said Pamphilia when did I euer play so foolish a part iustly may I bee condemned for this error and blamd for so much lightnes how she despisd her selfe and complaind to her loue how she accused all but him how she wept and as it were saw by the course a comming harme to her soule which then and after for a long space best knew the hurt wayling in condemning her The storme continued the winds calling loud to the Sea to assist or continue her fury To the shoare of either side they could not get Fortune would not permit ought but misfortune to gouerne at last they were quite carried out of the Gulfe and being in the Adriatike Sea the Shippe was tossed as pleased Destiney till at last she was cast vpon a Rocke and split the braue Ladyes saued while she a while lay tumbling and beating her selfe as hoping to make way into the hard stone for those who could pierce the stoniest heart with the least of their looks When they were got vpon the Rocke and seeing no place but it selfe which appear'd to be at first but small they were in an excessiue perplexity wishing rather in the storme to haue beene swallowed then brought thither to some hope and then cast into the depth of Dispaire except
heart shee was sorry shee had giuen them that distaste other Phrase shee would not vse Then did shee take her Chariot againe but discharged all her Knights as vnworthy to attend her and with her Women and Footemen continued her iourney to the next towne where shee entertained new seruants one of her old ones trauelling with Rosindy telling him this story This Lady you saw and once my Mistris is Queene of Bulgaria but Empresse of Pride shee is married to a Prince who only out of affection sought her being a discreet braue Gentleman and for his vertues chosen King of Bulgaria shee was daughter to a Duke in that Country no lesse arrogant then shee so as it is a successiue ill hanging ouer and inheriting in that Family She at first loued the Prince shee married very well or seemed to doe so and shee still doth vse him kindly but often haue they quarrels shee no way yeelding to him accounting her selfe farre aboue him in birth though his honour haue gained the precedence hee is infinitely fond of her nothing being too deare for her but lately hee hath been abroad in Hungary and other parts that way going to visit Ollorandus when he came to the faire Melysinda in which time she carried her selfe farre better then in his presence shewing what shee can doe rather then what shee would doe for wee all know shee loues the Prince of Iambolly much better then the King and introth for my part I excuse her since no greater difference can bee betweene men for outward beautie and sweetnesse then is twixt them yet on my conscience shee is vntouched and iust to her Husband it may bee Pride holding her honest for much she is laid vnto At the Kings going away she got leaue of him to goe into Morea to visit an excellent Lady there being her Cosen-german and married to the Prince of Elis there shee hath been till within a short time and now is returning with all speed to meete her Lord and if shee can perswade him to goe with her to trie the Inchantment of the Rockie Island where all the beauties of this part of the World except her selfe are said to be enchanted Where is that Iland I pray Sir said Meriana Madam said hee in the Gulfe of Venice not farre from the mouth of the Gulfe of Lepanto Who are all there said shee and how are you certaine of their being there He nameth them and the certainty of their being there answered hee was brought by some of their seruants who after they had seene them inclosed came stored with griefe to the Sea side againe where they stayd til a ship came by and in the Cock-boat took them aboard landing them at Corinth where the king of Morea is and al his Court attending the end which he hopes for as soone as his sons and cosins returne from Albania who he purposeth to intreat and command to aduenture for their deliuery Doe you know the manner of it said the Queene Truly Madam replyd hee onely as I haue heard my Mistris speake it it is a place by their relation of Marble built like a Theater round and curiously wrought at their comming thither they discerned nothing on the gate but now there is an inscription which shewes it an inchantment and the end how to bee gained which must be by the man most louing and most beloued hee shall partly doe it for hee shall release them from their charmes that holds their senses as it were sleeping but cannot bring them forth till the fairest creature in disguise come and she shall finnish all many are gone thither and some put on disguises of purpose but that will not serue surely Fate hath no deceit My Lord said Merianâ— surely you may end the one part I beleeue you thinke so said he but shall I try it I cannot consent to that cryd she for so I may be God knowes how long bard from you no my deere heart we must not so be parted Charmes shall not try our loues we are assured what need we farther venture Thus they rid till they came to a plaine where they found one peece of Armour then an other so many at last a sheild which was presently knowne by Polarchos who tooke it vp and cryd out alasse said hee heere is Parselius his shield and armour what is become of him Rosindy was instantly call'd vp with that voyce from the lipps of his Meriana and seeing it also knew it then tooke he his horse and kissing his deere wife gallop'd along the plaine following the tract of horses and some blod which hee fouund in the way to a wood he came by the â—ide thereof were some horsemen Polarchos demanded of them if they could giue them any notice of a wounded Knight or of any combat that lately had beene fought in the place behind them They said they were not to yeeld account to any but if they desired to try them selues they were Lads would shew them sport Rosindy replyed that they were strangers there and ingaged to attend some Ladyes therefore they were not hasty of fight only hauing found an armour which they knew they desired to know what was become of the Master of it Why he Sir said one of them is hurt and his companion likewise both of them being carryed into a Castle within this wood where they are likely to remaine a while for their wounds are great held dangerous May we see them said they at least heare of the aduenture You may doe both if you please Sir said one of them but know and remember I told you so for there is hazard in it I feare nothing said Rosindy to serue my friends be they of your acquaintance and friends said the Knights yes indeed answered Rosindy then said hee you shall heare the story first and after you may the better resolue so they lighted and sate vnder a Tree the stranger Knight the rest leauing them beginning thus I doe neuer vse to tell a story to any but I first know to whom I discourse wherefore I pray Sir let me be so much fauored by you as to haue your name and you shall haue the relation Rosindy began to doubt therefore meant not to trust too much wherefore he answered his name was Caudalus a Bulgarian the other his companion Larchos Then proceeded the other this wood is called the Forrest Gulfe that plaine you pass'd the pleasant way for there doe all delight to ride and yet none but are swallowed vp when past that plaine and arriued heere within this deuouring throat a Lady dwelling within heere who maintaines her selfe and her pleasures with the ouerthrow and death of such miserable Creatures as passe this way being ambitious of the destruction of all that call themselues or are called vertuous but she is my Mistris and I am one of her vnfortunate seruants held in a manner a prisoner a Guard still on mee yet I am appointed one to guard her I was of
him as I flatteringly commended my selfe for being able to winne a heart hee frequented my company after vowing all respect and begging liberty to see mee which should be without touch to me or my honour Vnder this ciuill demaund I perished for then did his second Act please better then the first and I yeelded though he asked not and so I was made an vnfortunate creature for what danger such loue could procure I fell into I neede say no more I 'me sure by this you vnderstand me I was carefull of my reputation to the world though to my selfe I knewe how it was wracked all possible meanes to auoide reproach I tooke as I thought safely and cunningly I carried the matter yet walked I in net or like the fowle that when the head is hid thinkes all is safe though his body lye open to â—ight So did I blinde my selfe while my action was brought to light trusting an vnworthy woman who for couetousnesse vndid meâ— leauing others vnsatisfied that for meere reuenge spred my shame which came to my husbands eares and to my brothers who inquired the businesse and found it so likely or it may bee true as hee left mee yet I writ to him and so faire a letter for likelihood and comming from a Sister as might haue got credit but it preuailed not otherwise then to bee forsaken of him Then did my husband take a disgracefull course against mee that Country being very strict in punishment for such offences I was condemn'd and censur'd and indur'd my punishment but then I thought how this man for my paines fuffâ—red for his sake I should haue found affection or continuance of his loue hee also left mee and in such case as I haue no money or meanes but to sterue for want my estate being againe seased on by my husband and yeelded him by censure I writ to Amphilanthus to assist mee which his noblenesse I make no question in tendernesse to Ladies would haue done but hee was call'd away and I feare informed of my fault which now I am doubly asham'd of and grieu'd for Alas Sir I haue made a free though a briefe confession to you I am the wofull'st woman liuing of a good house but ill life of noble parentage but meane disposition yet O Sir for mercy sake pitty mee Philarchos beheld her of personage tall and well shaped faire of complexion good eyes sweet fauour and of so modest a behauiour as if her owne tongue had not accused her she had passed vnblam'd for any show of ill in her fashion or lightnesse in her countenance Hee pittied her and demanded what he might doe to helpe her Shee told him that if he would ride with her to her brothers Castle which was within aleague she doubted not but hee might obtaine her peace yet dare not I aduenture within his gates said shee vntill you haue preuailed towards the Castle they went being within sight of it Philarchos spake to Perissus to goe first Nay said he since you haue vndertaken the matter I will not be so hasty to take it out of your hands therefore do what you thinke best on he went and met the Lord of the Castle her brother with whom he spake a good space a ciuil fine Gentleman he seem'd learned and stored with noble qualities vnmarried but a Cousen germane liu'd in his house to gouerne as Mistris Shee was not so young nor beautifull as one might imagine any other cause then to order his houshold was the motiue of her liuing there yet she was a braue Lady more manly in her demeanour and discourse then the modestest of her sexe would venture to be and so much that fashion affected her as she was a little too vnlike a well gouerned Lady Shâ—e had beene hansomer a cruell word but is true and yet she might well be seeme a faire houses gouernment the Lord was courteous and so kinde to his Sisters honour which likewise was his as hee tendred it aboue the rate his Couâ—en would haue him who out of care of all womens credits as shee pretended raild bitterly against her reuiling her for immodesty for dishonouring her house shaming her bloud more adoe shâ—e kept then he who it did more neerely concerne yet at last so fairely Philarchos spake and Perissus so well wrought with him as they got his fauour so farre that he was contented to see her but by no meanes in some time to haue her abide with him they satisfied themselues with that for the first and so brought her in to him the next day they all parted some one way some another the two companions together till they came to the neerest part of Achaia to Corinth then Philarchos meant to crosse the Gulfe but Perissus aduised by no meanes to venture it yet he preuaild and so they got a little Barque which was no sooner vnder sayle but with great speed made way till they were encountred by a Ship which would needs take them as prisoners They were not made to yeeld as they thought neuer hauing beene bred to any such thing wherefore they brauely fought and at the boarding got into their ship fighting with such valour as they amazed all that saw them and made their party good a great space at last they were so hardly laid vnto as they found yeelding must bee their best defence but contarily it hapned for another Ship made towards them boarding them likewise the fight now anew begun the strangers fierce and the others a little wearied yet what most troubled them was that the two first encountred Knights got new heart againe and fought as freshly as at first Discouraged with that and vexed with the blowes of the last succourers they would haue shewed them a trick by suddden falling off from them but the deuice was discouered and they for their deceipt punished with no lesse then death The two last were knowne to be Selarinus and Antissius so the foure tooke their course to Corinth where they were brauely entertained Now were all the eight Champions together none missing but Amphilanthus and Ollorandus and Steriamus who was alone who will in short time likewise arriue Rosindy and Selarinus the two deare friends hauing beene long as their loue made them thinke asunder renewed their kindnesse and manner of friendly conuersation into a walke priuate and sweete they passd where loue possessed Selarinus so farre as hee brake into these passions Alas Rosindy said hee did euer heauen thus punish louers was any soule tortur'd like mine or so vniustly condemned to death what did that chast deare soule merit to bee taken away and carried from his brest that held it dearest Why was sweet and dainty Philistella depriued mine eyes and all my sense of hearing of her accursed Sea that brought this misfortune dambn'd Barque that betraid her and wicked vanity that inticed them to such harme Was euer beauty so treacherously handled Did euer eyes see such mischiefe or eares haue hearing to so
wofull a misfortune O Philistella treasure of the truest sweetnesse why art thou lost and I in thee Why was euer cruell fortune turned on thee and why alone wert thou made excellent to bee fallen into this misery Deare loue canst thou not yet send thy spirit to mee to tell mee where thou art I feare thou hast long since parted from it and too highly is it prized where it remaines to bee permitted mee I mourne for thy losse I dye for thy want and assure thy selfe will indeed end when I shall know that thou art not whâ—ch yet I trust I shall not doe nor liue to that heariug Why waile you thus said Rosindy since shee is but inchaunted But enchanted why call you that nothing Shee is your Sister and you should thinke it a hard fortune for her to suffer such a mischance but to mee it is death but inchaunted and but for euer for any thing wee know what old fables blind you lest by enchauntments when shall the best louer and best beloued be found till then which will be neuer neuer being able to decide it she must liue inclosd in dull walls Were not my louing armes fitter to embrace her Am not I a more proper Keeper for such excellencies then a marble house and is not Epirus a more conuenient place for her to passe her time in then a stone Theater where should shee play her part but with her loue where liue but in his brest and yet you make nothing of this but an enchantment When Meriana was iniur'd it was something when her head appear'd then there was cause of mourning but now that Philistella the earths star is lost she is but enchanted This passion said Rosindy so well fits your loue as I must commend it and be no way angry with your choller your constant affection to my sister moues in mee as much loue as I desire to haue from my best friendâ— yet I would haue you temperate in your sufferings Why should not the best louer be found Neuer was any such thing made for I dare not name it againe for feare of displeasing but to be ended was not that at Cyprus concluded by Amphilanthus and my Sister Yes said Selarinus but there bee now both your Sisters in this and Vrania and my Sister who shall fetch them out neuer think of it there liues none now they are there that hath worth enough to venture to haue a thought of gaining end to it A disguised creature I sure disguis'd fortune hath caused all this let me not liue if I beleeue this tale Wil you for more certainty goe and see it said Rosindy With all my heart said hee if I were sure to be shut vp where I might but still behold Philistella That you may doe if you please and I will carry Meriana to aduenture it Ah said he now doth truth in friendship shine in thee most braue Rosindi when shall we go as soon as I can prouide said he theÌ„ went they back into the court where Rosindy acquainted the Queene Meriana with his purpose She who would not refuse any thing he lik'd or mou'd gaue consent and so appointed habites of purpose disguising her selfe into the shape of a Forrest-Nymph to Sea they went and by the directions giuen by the seruants arriu'd at the rocky Iland the Pylot knowing the place being able to bring them the safelier to it without danger To the Pallace they went and round ahout it beholding it with all curiosity and care at last came to the gate againe which as soone as Meriana touch'd opened to her who no question had ended it for all points but the disguise which was forced Rosindi and she passd to the Throne and Selarinus with them who would not be shut out nor can any be that will venture though alone he strait ran to Philistella who met him and together fold in each others armes sate downe vpon one of the ascents right beâ—ore the other Rosindi and Meriana in her new habits hard by them No content can be compared to these happy people because they esteeme themselues so Polarchos would not attempt alone for feare he should sit likewise alone within therfore he wish'd for his sweet Lady he last parted from or any other would be alike to him so she were faire and kind he walk'd vp and downe alone in the Iland til he saw another ship ariue then he went towards her to see what company she had in her he found many all determined to try their fortunes glad he was of that and they reioyced to finde one could direct them but among these who should be one but his old loue and late enemy the Princesse of Rhodes shee was asham'd and grieud to see him he was angry as much displeas'd to see her and therfore was leauing the coÌ„pany almost ready to forswear the aduenture because he should behold her too long if one hower for his hate She sought by meanes of her selfe and friends there to purchase some discourse with him he shun'd it and despised the humblest intreaties shee made hee saw her weepe and smil'd at the falling of those teares shee quak'd for feare of his frownes hee said he shooke so long time in his iron Cage for colde shee sigh'd and pittifully beg'd with eyes and heart for pitty He scornefully said there was not a more foolish thing breathing then a louing woman nor lesse to be pittied for said hee their sorrowes are but like exhalations in a hot euening odde to behold but neither hurt nor burne like lightening no more should womens passions touch our hearts to scorch them or tâ—rne them to any pitty Shee confessed her fault to bee vnpardonable Hee answer'd it was strange then her iudgement would let her aske impossibilities hee alone shee cryde might absolue her shee alone hee said deserud no good from him Shee offer'd to throw her selfe at his feete for pardon Hee said hee would take her vp but to no commiseration from him Shee protested her heart had suffer'd innumerable stormes of passionate sorrow since his departure Hee answer'd his body and heart both had suffered by her tyranny Shee repented and implor'd pitty He slighted and denyed what euer shee petition'd for Could there bee such cruelty imagined against such a Suiter none but cruell man could doe it and yet was not hee to be blam'd for what punishment could bee sufficient to bee inflicted vpon a woman that not only left louing but hated to that extremity none can be enough and yet surely shee now beares the greatest this world can let her know The other Ladies that were with her were the Princesse of Samos the refused loue to Philarcos and the Lady of Stalamina Sister to Nereana all Iland Ladies and of purpose ioyn'd to try their fortunes the Princesse of Rhodes was like a Pilgrime of Lemnos like a Pastora and the other like a Shepheardesse they had seruants or louers as you men call them who by their
with as much admiration as shee did their Mistris thinking no difference betweene them in beauty saue that the new guests fairenesse seemed more masculine as fitted with her estate yet full of graue modest and seemely bashfulnesse Thus they beheld each other the Shepheards passionately beholding Leonia in memory of her loue and the Nimph amorously gazing on her in her owne passions till the musick a little awaked them making their eares proue traytors to their hearts for letting in any thing to them but loue Loue is a subiect so delightfull and alluring as it not onely winns but commands the very soule to the hearing or writing of it so wholly possessing as it caused this amorous accident and yet will not permit a resting here but proceedes to Amphilanthus and his company who liued in all pleasure outwardly yet fed sometimes with a bare hope as others were and this oft they felt and after learned to know they passing along a prety time without aduenture it was their chance to meete the same proud Queene of Bulgaria whom Rosindy had encountred but vpon fairer termes for she knew Lucenia and she did as she was an excellently wel fashioned woman giue her respect answerable to her heart Amphilanthus beheld her and thought her as faire as she was yet not a woman at least as hee protested to worke wonders on him yet shee doubted not nor was afraid to shew that shee thought he was her seruant if shee pleased but wrong hath been done to that famous and excellent Prince in that kind many times by a noble free fashion hee had which gaue ignorant or bold people liberty to speake of him but to our purpose After they had discoursed some dayes together much intreaty hauing preuaild they obtained her company to the Enchantment the noble Amphilanthus assuring her that the King would not be offended when he should be told with her iourney that shee had taken it vpon his request they came downe still till they were neere the Gulfe of Lepanto where they meant to ship and so to goe for the Rocke but as they were one hot afternoone sitting in a shade a louely sweet creature as those parts yeelded apparelled as that Country fashion was for the better sort to weare passed by them Musalina would not let her goe so but walked to her who with much ciuilitie staid and attended her commands Shee demanded some questions of her shee answered them with sweet and pleasing truth at last good breeding made her know that curtesie was not to be contemned by the greatest wherefore she inuited her and her company to rest them in her house which she said was hard by and though not worthy of them yet better then that place She took her inuitation and went for the rest who straight came and accompanied her to her abiding which was a faire house moated about but strong and hansome Gardens and Orchards within the moate delicate and pleasant a Bote to goe ouer it into dainty Meades Woods and Groues so pleasant this place was and so kind her entertainement as quickly they agreed to her ciuill request which she seeing the day far passed made to them for lying there that night Musick they had of diuers kinds and such mirth possessed them that place hauing euer been blessed with that fortune as few or none could be melancholy in it except the Mistris whom commanding all there appointed that passion wholly to attend her who not naturally but accidentally was the saddest noble Lady in those parts Dance they did and al other things that orderly mirth would permit yet still the Lady walked vp and downe as if her soule were absent and the body guided but by a Deputy who did not so well gouerne Musalina marked it for the braue Queene marked little but her selfe and the glory she tooke in that she asked the cause but with much fine and cunning respect not so finely insinuating her selfe into her but that she found her yet meant not to be too curious wherefore she answered her thus Madam if the cause of my sadnes were worthy to be heard or knowne by you so perfect a Lady I would not bee the delayer of the happinesse to that and my selfe in holding it from you yet some part as all is too long to tire you with all I will say I loued and was beloued I chose and am forsaken I loue and I thinke shall dying say so and do so I liued a while nourished with the bewitching foode of hope but that hath now left me to the opposite partie Despaire despaire the spring of all loue-lost teares and the Tombe of constant louers whither I haste as fast as my ill fortunes can carry me By this they were got a prety way from them and hard by the Moate side where Musalina would lie downe and heare more of her plaining then said she Madam you shall heare some more by that iudge the rest for my lippes shall not speake all though truth of him I dare not call him any thing for his name makes me still loue him and ready to forget all iniuries and that loue will not let me giue him any curst title but I went one day a iourney from his house with a Cosin of his he not being able to goe with me his eyes then fild with water mine as full hearts being equally stored with loue words we had few his being these Farewell my Deare said hee speaking this on my lippes and carry my heart with thee in thy iourney I will said I both keepe iâ— and cherish it doe the like for mine that I leaue with you his eyes â—old me hee would I thanked them with mine and so parted not fearing that which now too strictly holdeth me but since I neuer will trust man that when he will can weepe my soule did at the parting strangely misgiue me that some ill would follow but I guessed not what though I confesse a little while before I had somewhat been touched with care I wil not call it Iealousie though 't was as violent a paine but how did he seek to cleare himselfe and satisfie me I came in once when they two all alone were sitting on a bed shee looked angerly as hauing hindred her and red with fury he I thinke with shame that so I found him yet I went away nor did I challenge him for that though hee did seeke to make mee thinke no huâ—t was meant or harme vnto our loues this made mee more suspect sâ—spition bred more griefe the noblier he stroue to giue mee satisfaction the more I was engaged to belieue and did at last truly repenting as if I had erred and as clearely loued as at first and as feruently Oh what eyes could with freedome looke on him could any heart hould out against the siege of his alluring sweete beguiling loue no 't was impossible all were created to be made his prey and hee too pittifull and so by pitty to receiue and then
one and one as both I was against this I confesse in other times but now thinke no such loue as when we may discourse of it and in our discourse know how she behaues her selfe and so be able to discouer which she most affects and so striue to gaine the others part but she most louing most discreet iudicially carried her hand euenly when he kissed one I had the other shee faâ—e betweene vs still and euer gaue vs euen and indifferent graces but now being cloyde I thinke with this blessing we must diuide and she take one which she cannot doe therefore Sir you must decide the question shee sayes she will take either with equall loue we will with equall content take or misse She then was to say something for her selfe who thus did speake My Lord said she you heare by these two the story related of my loue I cannot but confesse it is true onely I beseech you not to thinke any lightnesse was more in these aâ—â—ections then in the indifference of my choice I loued this faire man I confesse first I had not then seene the other but when I perceiued his louelines beauty me thought was more ordinary and therefore I prized him dearer but when the faire youth came againe brownnes appeared nothing so pleasing both together mee thought they were both fit to be beloued and the rather both because different complexions would hold one still to loue one of them whâ—n affection to swâ—etnesse and delicatenesse possessed me I looked on him when loue to fairenes and whitenes claymed place I turned to the other thus mee thinkes I loued equally and so it was but one loue being still to one end content and to be contented wâ—th those had made themselues one in all things euen loue to me It is most true I am now brought to choose one for my father will haue me marry I cannot find in my heart to refuse either or haue power to choose whether I hope this freedome which hath continued with vs will not be a cause now to make mee lesse esteemed my loue is the same it was and therefore Sir which you will allot me to I must take The first then spake againe doe not great Iudge I beseech you fauour me although I first did tell my tale and first did loue to wrong my friend hee more deserues her then my selfe and him she chose I did choose her therefore bestowe her Sir on him No said the other I lou'd her for your sake and loue to you made my affection grow to her therefore Sir as hee first did loue and chose for loues sake onely of her selfe be not so cruell to bestow her from him he most and best deserues her let him haue her This while she cast her eyes between them as they spake so amorously as it seem'd she cryd within her selfe sweet Iudge adiudge mee both hee sate a while still at last he brought forth this iudgement Both louing both beloued treason it were to part such blessednes nor am I able to cut so euenly by a threed as to goe iust in the middle way between these affections to giue her to either I can hardly doe it since they beg for either You faire indifferent creatures are not it seemes to bee displeased nor will I offend either therefore this shall be my iudgement Take the Garland and you who hold it now tye her scarfe ouer her eyes then both shall come at once to you and to which you giue the Garland hee shall bee your husband blinde Loue made this equality blinde fortune is onely fit to decide it She tooke the Garland when the other two both at once kneeld to the Iudge and at once spake these words all one and so iustly deliuer'd as shewed their hearts one beseeching him that since the Garland did so well in her hand she might keepe it still and crowne her selfe as Lady of the oddest passion they would as before passionatly louing equally leaue her and now faire Mayde said they to auoid your trouble in choyce or after choosing we will both leaue you seeke and take a third and crowne him with a single loue if you can Ollorandus liked the oddnes of this best of all she blush'd and faine would haue spoken but they went away and left her like all-changing women to glory in her owne folly or to couer her selfe with her owne shame yet shee â—ooke a changers boldnesse on her My Lord said she I humbly thanke you for your iudgement and your noble care of me I am no more troubled with their leauing then I should haue ioyed in hauing them onely I am sorry that you must be a witnesse that the fault lyes on your sexe when you come if euer againe to censure Louers be more pittifull to vs and this is all I liu'd before I loued them and shall I trust liue and loue againe without them So they parted Ollorandus hauing had sport for his paines in sitting so long and the standers by satisfied with vncertainty and so all partâ—d The King towards Prague he met his Melysinda three daies iourney neerer hauing knowledge of his comming by the messenger that brought him the newes of the Emperours death Then they together went to that ancient braue City thence to a place where all the Princes by a generall consent met and chose Amphilanthus their Emperour who by being King of the Romanes might claime it not one voice was against him but all like one cracke of Thunder sounded his name Then was the Prince of Transiluania dispatched to him who met him as is before said and returnd with the answere whereupon Ollorandus was his Deputy till his arriuall which was not long after the fine Nimph and delicate Veralinda liued together this time passing the heate of the day at the Fountaine and in the shadow the rest abroad neuer weary of any time but night which they accused of too great cruelty in holding theÌ„ asunder which faire Veralinda often would haue helped in her wish but her Father would not permit it One day as shee was sitting alone expecting her deare companion the graue Shepherd her Father came vnto her and looking steedily on her wept she was amazed and sweetest soule weept too to see his teares he then embracing her my dearer heart said he I must leaue thee and this makes my teares Alas Sir said shee let mee neuer see that day or heare those bitter words againe It is most true said he I am commanded and I must obey the God that gaue mee thee appointeth this grieue not for this it will I hope bee for eternall ioy to you I am warned in my sleepe to send you hence vnto an Island where you shall be blessed with happiest successe goe then and take this Cabinet with you but open not the Boxe vntill the aduenture you shall see be ended then open it and remember me She was amazd but he did comfort her How shall I goe said shee
preserued and in her true loue had a faire dwelling Pamphilia was glad of her being her neighbour by Pamphilia and glader her Cousen should haue such a fortune for now they knew her to bee heire for her brothers hauing enuy more abounding then good nature fell out first with their mother in law then with one another lastly with their Father tooke armes against him imprisoned him then in two battailes one against another some taking part with the Father they were all kill'd the old man outliuing them and shame him grieuing that he was their Father though their faults were nothing a kinne to him for he was vertuous The Lord of the Island a graue old man came to the royall company to euery one he gaue his blessing at their parting and to Pamphilia he promised to assist her when she should haue most need so they parted shee thinking she had already neede enough of him but most of anothers ayde All returned to Corinth where triumphs were made for their comming Amphilanthus presently after taking his iourney towards Italy and so to Germany accompanied with all the men Princes the Ladies appointed to stay there with the King of Morea till their returne when as all the louers should be made happy with their long desired loues in marriage for the Parents and friends of all were agreed onely Pamphilia was vnpromised for she was her owne but as she had vnfortunately giuen her selfe They being all departed the Queene of Naples her Cousen the Pamphilian Queene walked abroad she sad her noble friend comforting her not being able on such a sudden to mistrust the cause of her griefe which she onely attributed to parting and so wholly touch'd on that string she was loth to satisfie her because her spirit disdained to say she was lost but most because she could not say so but the saying blemished his worth this made her more carefull then any other respect Much the excellent Queene admired at her sadnes and vncertaine answeres oft she was about to vrge her but againe she let it passe purposing by circumstance rather then plaine dealing to worke it out of her or by some other to gaine the knowledge which at last by the Queene of Bulgaria who but newly was come amongst them and onely had hard of Pamphilia but neuer seene her till the conclusion of the Charmes speaking of many things came out with Amphilanthus his especiall respect to Musalina This iudiciall Queene had enough then and too much hauing a wound for shee loued Pamphilia who poore Lady went vp and downe like the shadow of her selfe into saddest walkes which were there shee often went and with her owne thoughts discoursed What haue I done said she that makes me thus vnfortunate Dearer then my selfe to me deale yet but thus kindly or if it be too much for me all kindnesse being bereft me doe iustly and therin like your selfe and let me know my fault Alas is it I by you once made blessed was not or am not fit to enioy it if so slake but not depriue me wretched me quite of your fauour and in so curst a sort as giues folkes leaue to say I am abandoned and shun'd I haue beene more esteemed Cruell remembrance will you also add to my misery flye me or if you stay serue then to vexe me while I accuse onely you then shee cast some Verses Sonnet-waies in her thoughts which were these CRuell Remembrance alas now be still Put me not on the Racke to torture me I doe confesse my greatest misery Liues in your plenty my last harme your skill Poyson and Venome onely once doe kill While you perpetually new mischiefes fee To vexe my soule with endlesse memory Leauiug no thought that may increase my ill Els haue you neede to tell me I was blest Rich in the treasure of content and loue When I like him or her had sweetest rest But passd like daies you stay and vexings proue Chang'd from all fauours you add vnto despaire Who vnder these waights grone most wretched are Most wretched indeed cry'd she and such an one am I cruellest yet worthy still for all your scorne What haue I deserued to be thus tormented and forsaken Tell me and vse mee crueller if that may be so you then make an ende and againe receiue me into fauour my soule vowes I am ignorant of any offence willingly committed did my slight going to to the Sea offend you Alas I went but with others and drawne against my will my heart still remaining cleare no it was not that but thither I was carried to be absent for wicked change to worke in that time in your heart and so to ruine mee Vrania then came to her when shee seemed to cease her complaints but shee found her sorrowes and stroue to aduise her She still put it off and would not vnto her confes but dissembled Vrania would many times giue occasion as then she did to discouer her melancholy I would said Pamphilia we were gone from hence I hate this Corinth and long to see Arcadia againe Soone said Vrania you will be there as I heare but will your sadnesse end then No said shee I should hate my selfe as ill as I doe this place if I should doe so change cannot nor must not aspire to worke such effect in mee Change said Vrania deserues no honour but discretion may make you discerne when you should bee constant and when discreete and thus you doe not change but continue iudiciall as alwayes you haue beene Were you so discreet said Pamphilia when time was as I remember you were forced to bee wash'd before you could manifest your iudgement in leauing but sweet Vrania doe not you proue an enemy to mee though mine owne eyes and heart haue turn'd to my destruction bee still a noble friend and make proofe of it by pittying not by striuing to make mee more vnhappy which I shall bee if I let in that worthlesse humour change which I can neuer doe till I can change my selfe and haue new creation and another soule for this is true and loyall Vrania did grant her request in her heart before shee asked it for shee did and had pittyed her euer since shee saw her misfortune grow vpon her but feare lest it would too deepely root in her made her though against her owne minde aduise for that thing her excellent selfe euer hated loue made this in her to striue to preferre a seruant she would not entertaine but seuerall bodies must haue seuerall cures yet this is no cure for Pamphilia will not change As they were thus discoursing came Musaâ—ina and the selfe-louing Qâ—eene Vrania was glad because shee hoped company would assist her dâ—sire in her Cousens good but shee was deceiu'd for Pamphilia was in company and alone much one shee could bee in greatest assemblies as priuate with her owne thoughts as if in her Cabinet and there haue as much discourse with her imagination and cruell memory as if in
neither mee nor these expressions of loue I haue done all this and I yet haue not done enough for O how worthy is he though vnkind to mee you might yet most cruell man haue shewed more gratefulnesse and I had been contented no colour you haue to excuse that with all for you knew my loue you seemed to cherish it all eyes saw it too for my face shewed it I stroue for nothing more then meanâ—s to declare it mine eyes did looke but for meanes to shew how they and I were won by you my lipps haue parted from themselues to let my tongue make true confession of that you then seemd with expressefull ioy and content to entertaine Where is that loue now gone where is that content you embraced departed and with that instant forgotten the Heauens will yet for me witnes my vnchanged heart and vnstained affection the aire hath been and is so fild with my complaints and protestations as I wonder it doth not like Ordinance rattle in your eares the Sunne hath blushed for you the Moone been pale and wan nay hid her face from my teares which I haue shed for your inconstancy All things heauenly and earthly pitie me except your selfe from whom onely good by pitie may arise Why did I open my heart alone to your loue shutting it to all other motions to be thus carelessely throwne off but I am well enough requited since had I fortunatly held these passions in me the fiercenes of them might by this haue rid me of these during torments haue left this poore body a loyall sacrifice to loue the loue of the most vngrateful Vngrateful why do I cal him so pardoÌ„ me dearest though despising deere I wrong you more in this title which is the worst that can be giuen to maÌ„ then you haue iniur'd me though with vnmerrited deceit it was a certaine and too great confidence ioyned with assurance of what I most desired that betrayed mee and my ioyes with it else I might sooner haue seene if not maskt with innocent belief and abusd with trust or am I punished for aspiring to the ioy soules on earth can beâ—t and chiefliest couet as blest with inioying in hauing your fixed loue Oh confidence I feare t is you that I must curse you are the honest though vnfortunat chanced-ill that haue vntied my hope Was it good nature made him so refraine my sight and presence nay vnlesse by force my words and that because you cannot loue still nor wil say so in charitie you will auoide all if so be yet more mercifull and multiply your pitie with this free increase kil me at once for all torture me not with sorrowes I will truly and religiously confesse I am not worthy of you but it is not my fault I wish I were so fit as you might euer loue and such an one as all the world might thinke fit for you then I know you would be iust nor wish I this for any benefit but for your loue for else in the comparison of other gaine vnto my selfe or any other then your loued selfe I rather would wish to be a Black-moore or any thing more dreadfull then allure affection to me if not from you thus would I be to merit your loued fauour the other to shew my selfe purer then either purest White or Black but faith will not preuaile I am forsaken and despised why dye I not it is not fit no t is not fit I still must liue and feele more cause of woe or better to say to see my cause of woe Cruell forsaker looke but once on mee or rather on my loue there you shall find if vnremoueable affection and zealous truth can seeme deserts I will and doe deserue you in them better then any and more then any if not not my selfe againe shall doe my câ—aselesse plaints may some way claime reward my nights spent wholly in salt floods of teares eyes turned to swelling Riuers may lament that they and I should thus regardlesse passe some other motiues which your selfe best knowes might tie you in a bond more kind and gratefull but these I vrge not be your owne best selfe and as once you were then will you still be free from cruelty if not accused by Iustice selfe and then too large a punishment will second the offence Offence alas I cannot call it one for I am yours and may not you dispose of yours as best doth like your selfe Yet is there meanes to helpe if you please to assist if not condemned I will remaine till I may haue my end which most I wish and speedily I trust to gaine then if your once most vallued vertuous gratefulnesse be sent t will be too late only this good I may receiue or my cold ashes for mee that when my death shall come vnto your eares your matchlesse heart may be content to let a sad thought hold you for a while and if so too too much for mee who still do wish your blessednesse In this manner vnluckie Princesse shee passed that night till day appeared Ay mee sad night said shee haue you now left mee too shall light afresh perplex mee my waylings â—itter were to bide in you afflictions sounded best in you darke blacke and terrible as you were is my state vncomfortable and affrighred howers suted better with my woes my fortune like your face my hopes blacker then your saddest Mantle whose dulnesse changeth them into despaire yet liked I you farre better then this flattering approaching day you truely shewed my selfe vnto my selfe you were mine eyes to make mee see my selfe and how farre distant I remaind from comfort in my want Then turned she in her bed and put her sad afflicted face into the pillow to hide day from her which she needed not her eyes labouring so fast to deliuer themselues of her teares as their shewers were sufficient clouds to dim all sight with them As she thus lay her Maide that waited next vnto her came in but not daring though so bold as to come into the chamber being more then without extraordinary businesse she durst doe to speake to her a little opened the curtaine and laid a letter by her shee started at it and asked from whom it came from the Prince Leonius said she With that she instantly went out againe Pamphilia opened it and finding another within her heart rise a little in deluding hope but by the little day that was her bed standing to the window she saw quickly what it was And is it come to this said she most true Leandrus I could methinks for thy sake blame my selfe for being cruell to thee yet maist thou rather thanke me who would not dissemble with thee not hauing any loue for thee that I would not deceiue thee This token of thy earnest faith and loue I le keep for thee and weare it for thee nor euer part with it vntill I die and then bequeath it to that Person I shall most affect and make
all else deserues not one of these teares if false to you let him goe and reioyce you see his imperfections before you were tyed to them yet bee sure you mistake him not or vnmeritingly condemne him for then the falshood will be laid to your charge and his clearenes will make you more blame worthy This I aduise as my selfe would be aduised if in such extremity and this I say to you my dearest Cosin and would say though I knew it were mine owne brother had caused this mischiefe Your brother said Pamphilia if faulty might yet challenge more care from you and testimonie of loue who ought as a sister rather to hide or couer his imperfections So I would to any but to you said Vrania who suffer I perceiue so extreamely for him Pardon me said she I accuse him not farre is it from my heart to blame him which causelesly I should doe You therefore conclude too briefly on my words but for me my onely friend and dearest Cosin this world hath no helpe left for mee in store but a speedy end which all that loue me with me should soone wish it to me yet I must say some thing in loues defence whom you so much condemne that I haue read in all stories and at all times that the wisest brauest and most excellent men haue been louers and are subiect to this passion I grant you that said Vrania but haue you not withall found by iust obseruation that it was a blemish to their other excelling vertues Why sweet Vrania said she what hath loue done to you to make you thus bitter against him do you not happily enioy what you desire are you ambitious to any thing within his authority which hee brings not to your wishes end yet you reuile and despise him who but plaid with you in hurts and cloyes you with his fauours while I tormented with his fury proue not vngrateful I am not vngrateful said Vrania but fortunate I am not his slaue I loue Loue as he should be loued so deare Lady do you and then you will plainly see he is not such a Deity as your Idolatry makes him but a good child well vse flattred an insolent thing comming ouer our harts as children ouer the poore birds they catch before they can flie thinking they master them when indeede it is their want of wings makes their bondage and so deare Cosin it is our want of courage and iudgement makes vs his slaues take heart to your noble and knowing selfe and let him bee as he is now a proud then puling Babe Alasse my friend said she how sorry am I your excelleÌ„t counsell is bestowed on one so little deseruing it as not being able to right it by following it which I am not able to doe but some answere I must make to you I am so wholy his as it is past mistaking the wound being giuen mee deepely by his vnkindnes which martyrs mee not that I am forsaken doe I lament but my true loyall forlorne heart within me bewailes the misfortune it vndergoes by being displaced from that most loued being which was in his breast once cheriâ—ht or flattered there now to returne to this miserable prison my body which is nothing but dispaire Thus you see it is truth and such truth as only shall haue end by my miserable dayes conclusion To leaue him for being false would shew my loue was not for his sake but mine owne that because he loued me I therefore loued him but when hee leaues I can doe so to O no deere Cousen I loued him for himselfe and would haue loued him had hee not loued mee and will loue though he dispise me this is true loue and if not this the contrary should I reioyce for misse of any ill might from trusting or being true to his amisse in such bond had my blessing beene and my cuâ—se the fayling of them or had they hapnedâ— Pamphilia must be of a new composition before she can let such thoughts fall into her constant breast which is a Sanctuary of zealous affection and so well hath loue instructed me as I can neuer leaue my master nor his precepts but still maintaine a vertuous constancy T is pittie said Vrania that euer that fruitlesse thing Constancy was taught you as a vertue since for vertues sake you will loue it as hauing true possession of your soule but vnderstand this vertue hath limits to hold it in being a vertue but thus that it is a vice in them that breake it but those with whom it is broken are by the breach free to leaue or choose againe where more staidnes may be found besides t is a dangerous thing to hold that opinion which in time will proue flat heresie Rise now deere Cousine and if not to receiue yet to giue comfort to the King and Queene who are afflicted excessiuely with your sorrow dissemble not with me for you may see by my discourse I know the roote of your distemper yet this satisfaction I will giue your mind that so secret I will be in my knowledge as I will not speake of it to your selfe if not to serue you with all yet I will euer accuse and blame vnworthy inconstancy To fulfill your desire and obay your counsell asmuch as I can I will rise answered Pamphilia but only to content my Parents and please you else little ioy or pleasure can I take in this world but when you haue me with you you must permit me to complaine vnto my selfe I will neuer trouble any eares but those of mine owne soule with my sorrowes otherwise should I deale vnkindly with mine owne heart come abroad and doe what you will said Vrania nor will I hinder or seeke to alter you from griefe so it be moderated with iudgment expressing in some sorrowing your matchles goodnes and noble disposition Thus did the diuine Vrania againe by her excellent wit conquer hauing brought Perissus from a desolate and sad life to a fortunate and now Pamphilia to let the Court bee happy with seeing her though in sadnes yet a ioy to all harts The Emperour being at Prage Lâ—onius desired leaue to returne to Corinth and thence to carry his beautyfull and beloued Veralinda to her father not doubting but to gaine his consent for their hoped-for marriage and so to bring her bake into Morea against the other marriages where his might make vp one of the blessed number His request was granted and so he tooke his leaue desiring to trauell alone trusting to doe something sit for his birth and bloud to make his meeting more welcome to his friends He parted as hee desired onely one Squire attending him hee pass'd the rest of Germany without aduenture those parts so wrapt in ioy and content as an aduenture durst not appeare for feare of beating but in Bulgaria he had one sufficient to answer for all the rest of his quiet passage Riding through a great Forrest for many daies he met no
our imaginations to powerful seruants of his will as the strength of ones body in a hot disease works against it self thus experience the truth of knowledge teacheth vs. I once thought what a foole am I to seeke where I am reiected to sue where I am scornd and petition where I am disdaind shall I sink to this basenes shal I forget my own merits and beg of an vngrateful creature who triumphs in my wrongs no I wil let him see scorne can haue children as truly borne as loue those are bred in me I wil make him see my sencible disliks and his false eies by my despising them shall find his error in my truth and resolutenesse These braue conceits I liked and meant to practise but when I saw him O me I was like a thiefe caught in the act I hung downe my head asham'd of mine owne thoughts I hated my selfe and pleaded guilty ready standing to be condemn'd as I was in his opinion wee are fine creatures alone in our owne imaginations but otherwise poore miserable captiues to loue Flatter not your selfe deere Princesse for belieue it the greater your minde is and the brauer your spirit the more and stronger are your passions the violence of which though diuersly cast and determined will turne still to the gouernment of loue and the truer your subects are to you the firmer will your loyalty be to him I grant all this said Pamphilia but these things concerne not me further then the gladnesse I haue for your good since I protest truely that no scorne nor any cruell course whatsoeuer he can vse or hath vsed though to the extremity of ill could or shall alter my heart from being his or from fulnesse of content with all true and affectionate acceptance of his loue if hee would blesse me againe with it But I cannot hope my despaire out-weighs all such thoughts and makes me dryer in losse then blasts doe trees though they kill them Alarina stroue to comfort her assuring her that she could not haue more cause to sorrow lament then she had had nor be further from hope or colour of it then she once was yet said she now I haue pass'd all those sad misaduentures and am arriu'd at the happy harbour of enioying Long may you so be blessed said Pamphilia and soone may like blessings befall you said Alarina from this they grew to discourse of Poetry the Shepheardesse saying merry songs of her making since the turne of fortune the Queenes continued in the same straines they were of lamentation Some dayes were thus passed till her iourney call'd her thence when taking leaue of Alarina the Queene went towards the Shipping all the next Port and soone after arriu'd in Pamphilia where no â—ooner the newes of her arriuall was spread but the people from all parts came to see her and ioy in her presence while she ioyed in nothing nor communed with any but her owne sad selfe which she cal'd her losse and passions for it the saddest places were the most pleasing to her the solitariest Caues or Rockes her chiefe abiding places yet she lost not her selfe for her gouernment continued iust and braue like that Lady she was wherein she shewed her heart was not to be stirr'd though her priuate fortunes shooke round about her Leonius this while with his faire Veralinda trauel'd towards Phrygia where being arriu'd they sent vnto the King as strangers to beseech liberty to see him and to present some things that they knew would be most acceptable to him He was an excellent wise Prince and as any courteous wherefore he soone consented and they apparel'd her after the manner of Italy as his Country and she according to the Greeke fashion for Shepheardesses as hauing had her breeding there and from those habits would not be altered till she was receiued as a Princesse They enter'd the Hall where the King was being a braue old man holding as maiesticke a countenance as his state requir'd Leonius beheld him curiously theÌ„ made this speech vnto him holding his eyes fix'd on him the Lady of his soule by the hand Great K. of Phrigia whose renown hath spread it selfe vnto all eares giue your seruant leaue to say this vnto you I am stranger borne farre hence son vnto the King of Naples and brother to Amphilanthus Emperour of the Romanes of whom after I had receiued Knighthood I gained leaue to goe abroad to try my fortune Into Morea I went to visit the King thereof who for my honour I haue the grace to be his neere Cousin but in Arcadia it was my happines as I hope to meete this Shepheardesse whose true and loyall seruant I vowed to be for her sake I chang'd my habits and from a Knight became a Nimph with her I conceald liu'd she nor any other mistrusting me for other then my outward shew gaue them cause to thinke me to bee Still my affection increased and the daily conuersation made this beautifull creature affect my company at last she was by the Kings Shepheard whom she had till then taken for her father sent thence my selfe discouered to him only went with her into an Iland in the Gulfe of Venice wherein were inchanted the greatest brauest valiantest men and the excellentest Ladies of the whole world by this diuine creature they were released the charmes finished At the coÌ„clusion of theÌ„ a book of gold vpon a Pillar of the same appear'd which being taken down read therin was found the whole story of this rare Shepheardesse which brought her to the knowledge that shee is your daughter I am hither come as hers your humblest seruant to conduct her to your presence The King rose and with moderate ioy kiss'd them both ioyfull of the newes yet hauing had so much misfortune could not but doubt the truth of what was so much desird She then on her knees deliuer'd the Booke vnto him wherein he found what Leonius had related to be true the Prince deliuer'd likewise vnto him letters from his brother the Emperour to desire the marriage The graue old King heartily reioyced at this blessing but bore it as he had done his afflictions with equall temper then tooke he Leonius by the one hand and his daughter by the other calling his Lords round about him to whom hee deliuered these glad newes withall the Emperours desire concludiug that his consent was gained and therefore demanded their allowance to the marriage They consented and ratified it with full ioy and contentment then ioyn'd he their hands in that assembly contracting them and promising himselfe to accompany them back to Morea where they should be married as Amphilanthus had intreated for the honour of the other great Kings and Princesses Robes of state were soone brought to Veralinda in which she appear'd like Venus when she won the Apple from the other two Goddesses Triumphs were presently made and she proclaim'd heire apparant to the Crowne Thus was Leonius and Veralinda
Steriamus when he was passionate for Pamphilia she was called Dorilina then who there was not a discreeter though a true louer As they walked discoursing of their loues and torments for it Dorolina besought the Queene to honour her with the repeating of some of her verses Shee answer'd she was growne weary of rime and all things but that which wearied her life and yet for cruelties sake would not take it Shee would not bee answer'd so but vrg'd her againe hoping to take her this way something from her conrinuall passions which not vtter'd did weare her spirits and waste them as rich imbroyderies will spoyle one another if laid without papers betweene them fretting each other as her thoughts and imaginations did her rich and incomprable minde but as yet Dorolina could not preuaile for the part of Poetry yet she gain'd so much as Pamphilia sate downe and told her this tale faigning it to be written in a French Story There was said she in France for many years many Kings that Country being diuided into seuerall Kingdomes seuerall Nations there were likewise which spake different languages some of these had Kings the others onely Princes but in successe of time all came happily vnder the rule and gouernment of one King care onely had then by marriages to make a perpetuall vnion which onely length of time could doe among these marriages there was one from which grew both good and ill a braue young Lord of the I le of France second sonne to a famous Nobleman and one who had great imployment vnder the King being counted the brauest man of the Kingdome was by the meanes of a brother in Law of his married to a great Heyre in little Brittany of rich possessions This Lady was wooed sought by many one she affected and so much loued as she was contented to thinke him worthy to be her husband and so for worth hee was Miserably hard her father kept her and close yet so much liberty she gain'd as she had almost tyed her selfe neuer but by death to be released yet her fortunes were not meant thus to be disposed of for her father dying and she thinking she was a little or much neglected by her first seruant who came not according to appointment to attend her she chang'd her minde and gaue her selfe to valiant louely Bersindor the Frenchman leauing the other as he had her at home to learne better breeding Into France she came where she was by Bersindors father and mother cherished with all affection and loue her husband kinde and as respectiue as she merited many faire and sweet children they had to their comforts and their friends and so bred they were as all companies coueted their presence being like sweet delights to sad eyes The eldest daughter was called Lindamira shee was so much fauour'd by the Queene of France as by no meanes she must be absent froÌ„ the Court which indeed was the fittest place for her being a Lady of great spirit excellent qualities and beautifull enough to make many in loue with her but shee loued onely one and that one she had loued many years before any mistrusted it or himselfe knew it Hee was likewise fauoured by the Queene Mother whose husband dead had leysure to bestow her eyes vpon the loueliest obiect and this Lord was well enough contented spending his time after his owne desire Lindamira serued thâ— Queene faithfully and so affectionately as she had no loue but them two of either Sexe yet was she carefull to giue no dislike to her mistris whom she would not iniure or indeed at that time her selfe for she was married he not thinking that it was himselfe she loued though he knew she was somewhere bound in those fetters A carefull eye he carried ouer her not that it appear'd he loued her much more then as her deserts which her noble and free carriage deserued yet he was desirous to finde her loue Once he thought it was the husband of a Lady she had made her chosen friend but after he found the contrary to his owne comfort for the Queene how well assur'd soeuer she was or rather might haue beene of her fidelity yet loue she knew had commanded her who borne a Princesse and match'd to a King yet could not resist his power might with greater ease soueraignize ouer a subiect but in Loues Court all are fellow-subiects and thus her Maiesty was deceiued in her greatnesse which could not as she thought be subiect and therefore though others must be Vassals when they are all companions aud serue alike This suspition was first put into her minde by a malicious Lady who enuyed sweet Lindamira but so was it beleeued and follow'd by the Queen as all her fauour was withdrawn as suddenly and directly as if neuer had Lindamira remaining like one in a gay Masque the night pass'd they are in their old clothes againe and no appearance of what was she yet was grieued to the heart because she truly lou'd her mistris as her disgrace went further then only discontent for the losse or the note the world might take of it which must like their reports be wiped away or washed like linnen which would bee as white againe as euer But these pierced her heart and she was inly afflicted at all times shee neuerthelesse attended neuer failing her duty yet desirous to know the cause of this her misfortune She imploy'd many to moue the Queene only to know why she was offendâ—d that if she were guilty she might aske forgiuensse and make humble submission but this would not serue she poore Lady ignorant of the cause desired the Lord for whom she suffer'd to doe the like for her hee did but return'd as the others did to her telling her the Queenes answer was that she should not know the cause therfore willed her to be satisfied with that with knowledge that she was and had iust cause to bee offâ—nded Lindamira then asked leaue to retire she had permission and withall her Maiesty when she gaue her her hand to kisse which fauour she was contented to allow her she told her she should doe well to stay till she was sent for She humbly with teares in her eyes answer'd she would obey and so shee departed going home and soon after with a husband like her last fortune went to liue with him whither soone came all her friends to visite her and by him were nobly entertain'd The Lord whom she so much loâ—ed and was accused for likewise came with that Lady her deare friend among many discourses they fell vpon this of her disgrace Lindamira saying that the thing it selfe did not now so much afflict her as the ignorance of it None said he that dares tell you the cause knowes it and some that do dare not What should feare them said she if mistrust of my secresie I will giue them cause to take away that suspition of weaknes in me other reason I cannot guessâ— if
I should goe further said he you might imagine me one could tell I am verily pâ—rswaded of that said she But I feare your displeasure said he Why said Lindamira concerning none but poore me how can any thing trouble you It may be said he it toucheth others and so much as yoâ— will hate them for suffering for them I haue no reason for that said shee though it may be I shall bee angry with my selfe for giuing cause Then said he with your pardon I will tell you that I am inioyned not to let you of any know to secrecie I will not binde you for the businesse it selfe hath power to doe that wherewith the friend Lady rose and he proceeding told her all that had passed but now said he I feare you will hate me for this Pardon me my Lord answer'd she I am onely sorry that you should suffer for me so vnworthy of your fauour but for being offended I protest I loue her displeasure since shee hath honour'd me with this worthy opinion rather then I lou'd her greatest grace more noble is my fall then my time of fauor was he did not it seemed lose that opportunity nor was she nice to let him know her long loue expressions of it and embracing affections wanted of neither side what happines this was to sweet Lindamira that constant woman if such an other there be who lou'd fiue years vndiscouer'd then on such an vnlook'd for occasion reuealed so great a secret may iudge this shewed a strange happines to befal them that a iealous woman whose doubt of losse brought her losing Lindamira's gain thus you may see the effects of that base humor but alas what succeeded all this your fortune deare Dorilena and mine for after she had lost the Queens fauour indured an vnquiet life miserable crosses from her husband possessed with like or more furious madnes in iealousie her honor not touched but cast downe and laid open to all mens toungs and eares to be vsed as they pleas'd Lastly after fouâ—teen years vnchang'd affection she cast her off contemptuously and scornfully she complain'd which complaint because I lik'd it or rather found her estate so neere agree with mine I put into Sonnets this course I might call vngratefulnesse in him and giue all ill names to it but I will with the story conclude my rage against him for thus the Booke leaues her the complaint is this diuided into seauen Sonnets Lindamira's Complaint 1. DEare eyes farewell my Sunne once now my end While your kinde willing grace I felt all ioy In soule I knew withdrawne you now destroy The house that being gaue to loues best friend You now alas to other obiects bend That warmth of blisse which best delights enioy Striuing to win an oft won idle toy By falshood nurs'd such creatures seldome mend Try your new loues affect the choyce of store And be assur'd they likewise will choose more Which I yet grieue for though the losse I beare I would haue none with you to challenge right But beare you must for making choyce so light Yet still your beames I le loue shine you elsewhere 2. O Deadly rancour to a constant heart Frownesâ— and neglect my only fauours be Sometimes a cold respect is granted me But hot flames to those eyes ioy in my smart Once yet for Iustice sake weigh my hard part In gratefulnesse I should kinde vsage see For being tied alone to you els free Till by your wrongs now ioynd with heart-broke sâ—arâ— A glorious triumph you no doubt shall haue To crowne your victory on murders graue While falshood beares the armes my life hath won I onely for twise seauen yeares loue shall gaine Change worse then absence or death's cruelst paine The last yet got you haue your labour done 3. A Surgeon I would aske but 't is too late To stay the bleeding wound of my hurt heart The roote is toucht and the last drops depart As weeping for succeeding others fate Alas that my kild heart should waile my state Or leisure haue to thinke on ought but smart Nor doth it but with pitie beare a part With her` embrac'd yours like a louing mate But now unmarried by a new disdaine Cold death must take the body from her loue And thou poore heart must end for my unworth Conscience is lost and outward fairenes gaines The place where worth did or else seemd to moue Thus world like change new triall still brings forth 4. O Memorie could I but loose thee now At least learne to forget as I did moue My best and onely thoughts to waite on loue And be as Registers of my made vow Could I but let my mind to reason bow Or see plaine wrongs neglects and slightings proue In that deare Sphear which as the Heauens aboue I prizd and homage to it did allow Canst thou not turne as well a Traitor too Since Heauen-like powers teach thee what to doo Canst not thou quite forget thy pleasures past Those blessed houres the onely time of blisse When we feard nothing but we time might missâ— Long enough to enioy what 's now off cast 5. LEaue me vaine Hope too long thou hast possest My mind made subiect to thy flattring skill While Aprill mornings did my pleasures fill But cloudy dayes soone changd me from that rest And weeping afternoones to me adrest My vtter ruine framd by Fortunes will When knowledge said Hope did but breed and kill Producing only shadowes at the best Yet Hope t is true thy faults did faire appeare And therefore loth to thinke thou counseldst me Or wilfully thy errors would not see But catch at Sunne moates which I held most deare Till now alas with true felt losse I know Thy selfe a Bubble each faire face can blow 6 THough you forsake me yet alas permit I may haue sorrow for my poysn'd crosse Thinke not though dead to ioy I cannot hit Vpon a torture for my soule-pierc'd losse Or if by chance I smile I hopes ingrosse Nor for I die not I doe bliss admit Most griefe will oft giue leaue for show to toss Vpon the waues where Shipwraâ—k'd comfort split Thinke then your will and left leaue me yet more Vexe not my loathed life to ruine bent Be satisfied with glut of your bad change Lay me vnthought on in the loue-kill'd store My griefe 's my owne or since for you 't is sent Let me haue that part from you while you range 7 SOme doe perhapts both wrong my loue and care Taxing me with mistrust and Ielousie From both which sinnes in loue like freedome free I liue these slanders but new raised are What though from griefe my soule I doe not spare When I perceiue neglect's slight face on me While vnto some the louing smiles I see I am not Iealous they so well doe fare But doubt my selfe lest Nesse worthy am Or that it was but flashes no true flame Dazl'd my eyes and so my humour fed If this be
wish you wel she talked it is true to a third who was as well cousoned as your selfe for he thought she fauourd you with leaning to haue the freer liberty vnsuspected to speake to him and so smild at you while he that indeed had the affection laughed at you both Leaue your fond loue but not louing her if you find shee requite you but bee not a stale for others gaine open your eyes and see her beauty fit to be admired her person loued but if her mind bee not answerably white bee not caught like Birds in a greene net I haue truly seene you so much iniured as I cannot hold from telling you take it as you please but one day you will say I was your friend When she had said this she went againe to waite and I remained pensiue doubting what to doe till I was sent for by one of my Ladies Chamber to her there how did she cherish me and make of me my picture she must needs haue because continually she could not haue mee Verses I must needs make to a tune she then had heard lou'd for no writer pleasd her but my self so prity so fine so passionat my lines were and so truly from my hart that she most truly lou'd them Then she wrung my hand hung vpon mee I embraced her with the other arme she euen yeelding her self into my breast Alas thought I is it possible this womaÌ„ shuld dissemble her eies ouerflowed with loue laboring to shew suffering for what I shuld belieue I was amased so perplext as she swore I loued her not began to lament her selfe wept and cryd O vnconstant men faulty aboue expression then fainted she and seem'd to swound I bestirred my selfe then being in a roome I durst not call for helpe lest her husband should come in who was suspicious enough I kissed her and with my breath fetched her againe She againe fainted I againe reuiued her At last Ah my heart said she canst thou be cruell I vowed I was not with oathes and protestations I satisfied her comming away after some howers a fine deluded Foole. The other Lady I went to find to whom I meant to speake my mind and chide her for such tricks to abuse her Mistris with full intent so to reuile her as to be fâ—ee euer afterwards from her aduising As I went along the priny Garden I saw a man come muffled in his Cloake stealing as it were along the wall I knew the fashion said he would not be seene and the place none came into but her Fauorites therefore to her he must goe none hauing keyes but by her permission there was in that Garden a large Mulberry tree vnder which I closely clapt my selfe with my back to it but face so as I might see which way he tooke he slunke along still till hee came to a doore which opened to a staire led vp to her chamber there he stood a while at last a window opened aboue then he hemd presently came downe her excellent vnchast selfe opened the doore and tooke him in locking it fast againe I seeing this had the Spleene and sweld yet held on my determination to seeke the Lady though the discourse must now be altred Quietly for any noise except that in my heart where there were stormes and all maner of disquiets I went out of the Garden Alas said I could not shee bee satisfied for a little time but must make me see my misery this is double vexation I passed on and to my chamber I went first there I fell to complaints and grieuously tooke on but all auailed not I cald my selfe vnfortunate her vngratefull I accursed she vnnaturall I bewitched she the Sorceres I cryd out against my birth mine eyes mine owne life my iudgement my beliefe wished I had bin borne an Heritick to loue all these and what of these they made me but stil a greater Foole and lesse to be pitied Then I rose in a chafe vowed to loue her no more to tell her so to let her know her offence breach in loue This I liked and instantly would put it in practise and if I found him there to kill him in her presence These were braue resolutions to dreame on and as well contented me as if executed like him that dreames hee hath his Mistris in his armes and wakes with such pleasure as he is merry all the day after so these alike pleased me as I was ioyed at heart and thought all effected while the time it should haue been effected in slipt away which when I found as by the euening I gessed I went vp againe into the Lodgings where I met the iust Lady my friend she had discerned the tricke being wise and as carefull as a Louer will be she came to me I took her by the hand which was more then I had euer till then done fearing such a thing might haue offended my Mistris who I knew something giuen to that suspition makes men see womens loue by else if carelesse what should be thought they esteemed My Lord said she you haue been wonderously made on this After-noone What think you was not I extreame faulty to put any such thing into your head considering how true shee is to you and how kind Can you euer looke on mee that haue thus deceiued you Take pitie on mee sigh'd I I am alas abâ—sd and iniured let not your true tongue be sullied by your selfe you are and were most iust in telling mee what I could not else belieue then did wee discourse a little longer of it at last forth came the great wicked woman with as bold a countenance as ill could set vpon one smild on me saluted al the rest and came to me laying her hand on mine and after her manner talking to vs I seemd neither fond nor neglectiue of her fauours This is well acted said she then cald shee for Musick which came and indeed was exceeding rare songs there were of all kinds and in seuerall languages an houre this continued or more then she retird again to supper saying shee would come afterwards abroad againe We euery one took our own waies I to my chamber purposing soone after to depart for my own country again my Youth in trauell hauing led me to such folly which nothing but woful experience could bring me to know or shun yet me thought I was bound to let her know her ill before my going leâ—t shee with continuall practise ran too farre in it and so might at last be dangerous vnto her As I resolued on this and was going to her I met her Lord in a mighty furâ— his sword in his hand and bloody I started at it my Lord said I what is the busines can my sword or life serue you in any thing No said he I haue done already only sir if you please call my Guard to me I went forth and cald the Guard who straight went as he directed bringing forth the dead bodies of my
I refrained not the Court for al that my hart telling mee a dram of ioy in his sight was more cordiall then vialls ful of her disgraces could be hurtful to me He liked my sight as well and then being resolud to loose no opportunitie but rather make and find meanes wee met and I did freely let him haue knowledge of my constancy He was it seemd rauisht with ioy and beyond al others loue fond of me neuer being at rest but when with me A Gentleman there was in his company who had lik'd me wel and as far as he durst had sought mee for he was bashfull and I must confesse I was proud besides louing another To this man the king not being able to hide or conceale his happines tels al. When he had it guessing as I belieue it was and am confident he knew it to be me he came to me and after discourse of him and how good and firme a Louer he was besides his earnest and passionate pursuing he brake out into how happy and fortunate a man he was in his choice telling me my whole story and all that had passed with all said he when he told it me O cryd I that I might but know such a Loue to mee though presently I had died and surely so I should for I were not able to enioy such a ful blessing Did he tell you this story said I sure there is no such thing Yes certainely answered he he is so wrapt in the heauen of it as he cannot contain himself but who it is I know not for he only termd her a wench he lou'd who so dearely loued him as for his sake she had liu'd a Maiden-wife would haue euer had she not enioyd him I was angry at it yet then so much I lou'd him as though resolued to let him know how ill I tooke his discouering my secrets to any though in a third person yet when I saw him-I forgaue it and pitied him for louing me so much I not being able as I imagind and vndervalued my poore self to deserue such an affectioÌ„ nor truly shuld I haue altred my mind for any thing had he not cruelly vildly scornfully vsd me that changd me indeed and hath turnd my hart so much against him as euer since I haue fully assured of his disdaine vowed reuenge and plotted for it though I had gone into his country to execute it which I was preuented of by notice of his comming hither where I way-laid him at his comming but I grew tender again and let him passe yet when he was past I repented and as loue increaseth loue so the hate I had conceiud grew increasing in me with euery touch of memory of those passages now without al purpose of kindnes I took him with all cruelty meant to haue continued tormenting him priuatly keeping as I purposed his Maiesty for my recreation to see him torturd who so vncharitably cast me off defamd forsook me the last being to vs indeed the sharpst blow but telling with that she flew at him again to scratch him other hurt she could not do him To tel cryd she forsake me to They held her with much ado after by the kings permission but earnestly coniuring Veralinda to pardon her she had her liberty and so returnd to her Castle The King like al men at sometimes or other for such iniuries whipt though inwardly with as bitter strips held on his iourney for Frigia where he most safely arriued and with all content and happinesse hee with his daughter and sonne in law passed their dayes together The valliant and discreete Gentleman returned to the Lady againe with whom he spent most of his pretious time attending what he desired which was accomplished to his minde and left to him to make his owne vse of so as he might be pleased if he pleas'd Amphilanthus being in the morning vp ready to goe to his long'd for busines to add by that new more honor as kingdoms to his crown the Qu. Pamphilia with her counsell Noble men came vnto him whom she found attended on by his Princes who were all or most known to her the rest made her seruants by his respect vnto her there she saw prouisioÌ„ for the fight while she had as cruel a combat within her more terrible because her feare proceeding froÌ„ her loue made more dangers then blowes could be stroken between them She saw not one peece of his armour that was not cut through in tendernes of her heart and that bleeding for it The Prince of Transiluania was looking on his sheild which she casting her eyes vpon O said she that that were as true firme in mettle as my hart is in truth then would it nere be pierced Polarchos was curiously ouerlooking the armour to see it secure euery piece shee blessed with her soules wishes and euery pinn had a prayer for the strength of it so much goodnesse wishing it well danger must nâ—eds be farre off The Emperour marking her had inwardly new power and might giuen him by her constancy and strong affection forth they went excellent and rich Barges being ready to conuey them ouer the Lake being on the other side they parted the Queene backe againe to her Castle where she might if deerenes in loue would permit her see the combate which was not doubted but assured she could not suffer her eyes though louing them best when they saw him at this time giuen them liberty to doe but certainely her soules eyes in prayer beheld him more profitable surely at this time for he had no child to play withall The Emperour tooke his horse the State and Counsell of Pamphilia wayting on him as he mounted on horse-backe whether by chance or of purpose the horse trampled and turned vp and downe so as his face towards the Lake and Castle he sent kind lookes after her which that while her eyes wayting on him with comfort brought vnto her and made hers melt because they parted so he rode into the field vnarm'd his twelue Princes carrying his armes Polarchos being his Chamberlaine came next his Person and the Prince of Transiluania carryed his Crowne the Duke of Branswike Bauaria Lorraine Sauoy Sax Millan the Prince of Venice and the rest carried the Armour Launce and led the spare horse Into the head of the Army he rode which stood in battaile hee saluted them they exprest ther ioy to see him in all Souldier-like fashion before them he stood ready to arme when they discern'd from the other side the King with as much magnificence as was possible for him to shew when they were thus in the head of each Army he sent to intreate some speech of the Emperour he courteous and yet bold as any granted it and so they came towards each other taking one a peece with them the Emperour Polarchos the King the Master of his Horse They beheld each other like Lyons stirring
durst not goe neare her but loue is neuer without inuention I would steale out in the night and make bracks and holes in the Hedges that parted our grounds and then when my Sheepe being drouen as of purpose I would driue them that way would for change louing it as well as their Master get into her Fathers fields I must goe fetch them forth againe and so I saw her and spake to her telling her shee should aduise her father to keep his fences better this was my introduction and at last wan her by discourse and conuersation as wrangling at first wrangled our selues one But when I had enioyed her I thought the other like stale bread shee told me of it I truly confest I was weary of her she said we were well met to part on equall tearmes and so she quickly after chose another and another for already I haue seene heâ— haue three besides my selfe and I commend her for it Some moneths which were the Spring and Summer and as long as faire weather lasted I loued this second but when cold came on my bloud grew chill and so my hart grew faint onely to be recouered with the next Spring which it was and sprang vnto another loue who was as faire as Diana her selfe at the full but for my contentment not so cold nor chaste She was a Neatresse and in truth an neate one her I gaind by curtesie fetching and driuing her cattle to her and for her the sweete and secret Woods could onely accuse vs none else mistrusted and so sweetly and kindly did we passe our times but shee after a while being but as the former were and no varietie in her I began to thinke how I might purchase some creature more like my disposition which I gained for walking in the Woods I found a dainty Forrest Nimph hunting I forsooke her leâ—t home father and all betaking me to the Woods shâ—e was long before she could be wonne to like longer to loue but at last for my ioy shee liked loued and yeelded then was I a blessed man for in this delicate Creature I was fully happie shee â—o well incountred my humour with her fashion and diuers and seuerall expressions of loue she gaue which as still being new she was an new woman to mee and so I continued with the varietie on her side and I so contented with all as I loued her fiue yeare without change yet not wholly so constant but I thinke I slipt aside in that time Sometimes it may be she thought so and would be sad but when I came and saw her so how did I thinke that did become her and idlenesse or mirth misbeseeme others then I grew sad to imitate her learnt her fashions walked crosse armd sighed cast vp mine eyes spake little looked much on her else on nothing to say I looked on any thing but as vnmarked This passion pleased me as different from the other then so well I pleased her in this kind as she the next time would be merry I liked that beyond the other for then me thought I saw life spirit and mettle in her I then embraced that with ioy and delight finding that â—he did all these to make me hers by still contenting me I was contented to be hers as much as it was possible for mee to bee anyes and this brought me into such reputation as I had the good looks nay thoughts of many faire maides without pride I speake it though I confesse I loue to tell it among the rest there was another Nimph who hearing of mee or seeing how my Mistris made of mee thought it a fine thing to loue but a finer to bee loued yet did â—hee not consider how to chuse without offence to others and gaine to her selfe for her ill fortune was to chuse mee who though so naturally kind to women as I would hardly let one of that sweete sexe sigh much lesse weepe for mee but that I would requite her yet â—hee had not that winning power to make mee differ nor indeede did shee take mee right for shee mistooke both in the time and place happening to bee at the Nimphs house whither I ofâ—en resorted with other Forresters shee welcomming mee as a friend that had done her seruice in a hunting which shee had the house was little and therefore the roomes were neare together my Mistris lodged this other her riual companion in a roome within her selfe mistrusting nothing but bolting the doore betweene them sure for her comming to her secretly went to bed and when all was quiet according to our agreement she came to mee as we were together embracing and louingly discoursing wee heard a noise sometâ—ing nearer vs as in the next roome loue at first made vs heedlâ—sse till comming neare and continuing with increase of lumbring â—nd as if wood falling or slipping from those rowes or the order it was laid vp as in rankes in wee startled and I feared because of my Mistris but shee knowing the place which was not aboue fiue foote broad and alwaies filled with cleft wood for the chambers stept out and shut a doore which was to goe in or to come out of that place When shee had made it safe for opening on the other side shee softly returned to mee and then with much delight wee stayed a while together till day being ready to breake shee parted from mee to bee in her owne bed when her maides came to seeke her which soone after they did and shee being ready called mee and sent for Orileda for so the other was called but she hauing as shee told me afterwards to make me know her loue the violence whereof had made a more vnchast thought in her then euer before she had broken her shin with climing ouer the wood cursing it yet more for the hindrance then the harme barring her from letting me see what power I had to make her other then euer her modestie till then would permit Shee was vnable to follow Dianaes sports as well in person as her chaste courses in thought I seemed to pitie my owne ill fortune in missing of her and to lament her hurt which more hurt mee for after shee perplexed mee with haunting of mee Lord what a life led I shee troubled mee my Mistris grew a little suspitious of me that grieued mee both stroue for mee but such difference there was betweene them as I had been blind and accursed if I had left one fortother But then came the Queene into those Woods to delight her self being at her first comming into this Country in her Traine she had many braue and fine women among the rest one prety little Lasse who for her pretinesse mee thought commanded largely ouer hearts I am sâ—re shee made mine faint and faile when it had been strong then did I thinke a Forrest life the toylesomst and wearisomest in the world I plotted how to bee released of it and why onely to bee where I might see her I most
ground and telling her shee was not to kneele to her guest To my Soueraigne Lady â—â—id she I am bound and your worth claimes this and more respect from all â—â—â—angers then kissed she the Queenes hands and rose beholding the Queene with admiration of her beauty and sadnes her eyes hauing been employed to other vse then sleeping as by the red circles did appeare Delicate discourse passed betweene them a good space till the Queene found she might be bolder with her then she yet had and so began to aske her some questions the first why shee woare Blacke being a Huntresse Shee replyd shee had lost her Deare and mourned for it Then must I weare Blacke also said shee for I am parted vnfortunately from my deerest Deere for which my heart allready is in mourning The sweete Nimph with a low reverence a sigh seemd to lament for her the Queene then proceeded as longing to know the end which the other perceiuing to giue her all content yeelded vnto it and proceeded thus Since I see the desire you haue to know all my story may it please your Maiestie to vnderstand I am called Mirasilua a Forrest Nimph by my manner of life but not profest to Diana though a seruant to her delights vnmarryed I liue but wedded to a vow I made to one whose breach of his like-made-one to me cannot yet vnmarry me he was called Sildurino as faire but as false as any his life was wholy in the Country and after that manner though he was nobly discended but his Grandfather falling into an vnfortunate action ouerthrew their house his father and his children euer after liuing priuatly and but plentifully yet is there no reason to vse them with the lesse respect or to contemue them or thinke basely of them who suffer for others offences not their owne yet such was the greatnes of their spirits as of fowre sonns the Grandfather left none but his father did marry who was betrothed before his fall and she nobly would after continue her loue to her Spouse liuing happily together and as contented as if they had all the possessions and honours they were borne vnto which was as much as most or any in this Kingdome The other three brothers liued with them but so vexed stomacking their pouertyes yet hauing vertuous hearts would not consent to thinke of ill courses they perplexedly liued and at last dyed their hearts broken with their owne swellings and rent with their owne furious passions their ouerthrow came in this manner The King who vnquietly reign'd next before your most worthy Vncle was a mighty Tyrant and had purchased the Kingdome by treachery and blood-shedding of many lastly of the right King his children and kinsmen to the last he could finde that durst say he had one drop of Royall blood in him and many suffered for this hauing so much royall vertue as to striue to ouerthrow such a beast When hee had done this and none left to withstand him he yet thought himselfe not secure vnlesse he ruin'd those that knew his villany least they bloodded in ill would practise on him all those he likewise made away nay those deere friends of his that had set the Crowne vpon his head truely and worthily requiâ—ed them for so Deuilish an act with the same they fedde the poore King his predesessor who had no falt but that he was too good too honest too iust two religious shewed faults in Princes in these dayes When the king had thus gained his mind and free'd himselfe from the danger of being betray'd who had beene trecherous to so many and none left that he could feare or say that man knowes my ill so as now he might surely walke if not for his owne conscience yet what good got he by this he had not only rid himselfe of those he might mistrust or dislike to see if any remorse were in him but of friends so as hee stood alone and like a Tree in the midst of a plaine his branches cut off euery wind hath power on him So stood he apt to be shaken with euery storme which was seene and considered by many and at last resolu'd vpon that hee should reele or fall A plot was layd and most of the remayning Nobility and especially all the auncient Lords by desent though many were young men among them agreed together but the King as he was wicked so he was very wise or politique quickly discernd there was something more then was for his good wherefore like an old Foxe when he meanes to get a dwelling which he will not take paines to make himselfe layes baits and wiles to gaine his neighbours house and deceiues the poore Badger so did this Deuill laying such â—inns for them as he caught them when they lest thought of it thrusting into their counsells and companyes instruments of his who were content to sweare and forsweare any thing nay their owne soules to winne his fauour such a Tyrant is ambition ouer man to get the grace of Kings who being king it is enough and no matter what Kings they are These men did not only ioyne with the rest in what they aduised but added of their owne inuentions leading them on by traines into the snare When time was ripe for the action and the discouery the King called an assembly of all his Lords and as it were to rectifie some things that were amisse and to giue satisfaction to his people if any thing troubled them besides to propound warr against Celicia their ancient and new growne enemie These friends for too honest the maine part were to be called conspirators came with the rest and so obeyed the orders and commands of the King who help'd some things but their cheife grieuances were not brought in at last these poore betrayed Lords were when earnestest for their Country cross'd and cut short by the King which mooued them so much as rather then suffer dishonour they flew out many of the Commons tooke part with them but such is the bacenes of common people as they left them as soone as they heard one Proclamation against them they were soone taken some kild that would withstand but Sildurino his Grandfather was taken and not denying the determination held among them was executed his sonns not being of the confederacy were degraded their houses razed and their name vtterly forgotten by coÌ„mand of neuer being mentioned more then by their Christian names their goods confisâ—ated lands forfited to the King themselues confined to one house the poorest their father had where they were bound to liue without titles or meanes but from staruing and if they broke the command death ensued Many other noble families fell also my Grandfather likewise sufferd for this busines but so great a fall it was not to vs since there was none left but my selfe to inherit his estate and I so vnblessed a woman as merrit no other then a most vnfortunate being We two as borne to ill and
misfortune fell as vnluckily to loue each other loue I thinke I may say we did I am sure he liked at least much dissembled and I dare sweare I loued yet as a conclusion must come to all things so did there one fall and a desperate one for me for he left me alas vnkindly left me who intirely loued him and mourne in heart and soule still for him and my losse Alas said I to my selfe what made him leaue me he told me I was growne an old Wench he hath chosen an elder whom he adores and worships like a Saint and well may he doe so for shee seemes rather an Image then a fleshly body or rather a relique of what had been to bee reuerenced then a substance to be beloued But if I speake much in this kind your Maiestie may thinke enuy speakes in mee though this is but truth and most true that she hath the aduantage of winning and keeping a loue aboue all other women for so powerfull shee is in the gaining sparing neither estate honor nor trauell to accomplish her desires then so diligent and carefull in the preseruing her gaine as it is impossible to get one backe againe that shee hath gotten She will not neglect occasions seruices duties that seruants were fitter to doe nay so busie shee will be in her house to haue any thing shee imagines will please as shee appeares to strangers rather an Hostesse then a Mistris but such a Mistris shee hath euer been for he is but one of a great summe of seruants which shee hath past her time with all but now decayd and growne old as I and others are she holds only him at least as he thinks though God forgiue me if I belieue it not or that hee is alone and him by Inchantment surely for shee is now at this present the most contrary woman to his former choyces that can be inuented nay to his opinions as his owne hand can witnesse but he hath forgotten them as me and we must suffer to satisfie his varietie and loue to it But how if he returne to your loue will he be receiued or slighted said the Queene me thinkes these weeds promise pardon since none would mourne for that they care not for The care of him and for him made me first weare them answered Myrasilua but now I mourne for mine owne misfortune and I assure my selfe may still for any hope of his alteration no alas Madam he is left and I vndone may see it I confesse hee did many times about the the time of his change speak in a kind as if it had been my fault and neglect that made the alterations but my soule and his know the contrary I saw him going I sought to preuent it but when I found such priuate meetings such plots to cousen himselfe by deceiuing me and my trust in him I could not sue for impossibilities nor seeke where I was refused and wrongd Some said as I remember one that followed or haunted him I thinke that surely t was my lasinesse and her actiuenesse that won him Ah said I if he were to be wonne I could not loose him now I know I cannot keepe him nor could I almost keepe my wits for the affliction of it since I find he was and is but a man that I so much reuerenced no God but in my Idolatry a Diuell to my rest and quiet content of which I haue not tasted since his leauing me but so well or much acquainted with these as I thinke ioy or they would bee distastefull to me Be not of that opinion said Pamphilia but thinke how to embrace him with the former affection and loue as you were wont loue him and forget what is past remember it not so much as to question it wrap vp the former crosses and misfortunes all in a sheet of forgiuenes and drowne them in the Sea of your patience and renued loue smile on him and his repentance as on his loue and first sute welcome his returne as his first profession and embrace his second loue in the armes of your truest and dearest thoughts as you did his vowes and louing protestations be resolute to forget and in forgiuing receiue him a new man yet the same louer he was when perfectest If his perfections were not blotted with change said the Nimph I could doe them for in troth Madam my heart and soule reioyceth when I thinke or heare of him therefore I feare I cannot refuse which is the cause I pray daily to hold me out of his sight since I cannot see him but to my deadly torment in anothers possession then how may I hope to see him returne I find no possibilitie to enioy or hope for it Trust me said the Queene hee is recanting and ere long you will see it but be carefull in accepting lest the others importunitie and your slacknesse marre not all againe Then did the Queene tell her all that had passed betweene her the Emperour and the Shepheard which made her a most ioyfull woman and glad besides for his sake that the Queene tooke his talke so well touching her Maiesties selfe so nearely Their discourse ended and Myrasilua hauing giuen her word to be kind againe or rather to coutinue so as well in expression to him as in her heart she still had been entreated Pamphilia to sup and accept of such fare as Forresters had in those Desarts She gaue her many thanks and went out with her so they eat and after the Queen went to bed desiring to be alone the freelier to thinke of her other selfe and though she enioyed not his sight to see him liuely in her soule where he was ingrauen by faithfull memory O Amphilanthus said she why hast thou left thy poore Pamphilia thus newly raised from death of despaire to the life of hope and happinesse to be cast downe lower then before in misery My better and dearer selfe I know it was not thy meaning to leaue mee thus soone nor in this manner What Deuill is risen now to vndoe and murder my content Accursed bee this Wood the Day we went an hunting the motion to that rude sauage exercise and all appurtenances that brought or aided to my losse My sweetest life how doe I perpetually dye in thy absence My dearest heart returne and restore me else come to see me dieâ— and close my dying eyes with thy allâ— conquering and beloued hands or if it would grieue thee yet be content to spare me wishes in thy absence and liue thou as happy as thou art most worthy Let these eyes be blessed if possibly I may aske and obtaine such a blessing with seeing thee againe let me be the fortunate finder of thee and let me find thy fauour still to me then most luckely and eternally happy search With these and many more such passionate words shee spent most time of the night till being tired sleepe would haue his share of the royall Queene and so she slept but not
long before she started cryed out O stay and liue with me follow not her that loues thee not like me forsake me not againe Oh stay with that she stayd her speech for then she came out of her dreame and seeing it was but a dreame was a little better satisfied yet so it stuck in her as the abiding of it so fresh in her thoughts foretold an extraordinary matter in it Shee dreamt that shee had him in her armes discoursing with him but hee sad and not speaking of a sudden rose and went to the doore where shee thought shee saw Lucenia calling to him to whom hee went and downe the staires with her then tooke Coach and fled away with her which made her crie with that haste and loudnesse but hee went still with Lucenia neuer looking towards her and so she lost sight of them Coach and all an odde Omen considering all that happned afterwards Well shee rose as soone as day appeared and taking her leaue of that kind Nimph shee tooke her horse aâ—d went into the Wood trauelling till shee came into the Desartest place and most obscure of that part riding vp and downe as well as shee could for the thicknesse of it shee perceiued at last vpon a white Bone that lay there which had beene of some beast that had been killed or died there and the rest consumed or then away one drop of blood fresh and then a little from that more and so following it came to a place where there was a pretty quantitie and only the tract of one horse to be seene she feared and tracking the blood till shee came to a place made round like a Crowne of mighty stones in the mid'st one greater then all the rest and on that the Armour of Amphilanthus his Sheild and Sword but that was stroke with such force strength into the stone and as if runne halfe way in it as none could stirr it that and the armour was hacked and cut in many places besides all bloudy and the blood as fresh as if but newly shed on the other side his horse lay dead and hard by an infinite and huge Boare slaine yet so terrible to behold as it almost amased the beholders a little from thence a Gentleman of excellent proportion dead also but the Queene looked on nothing but her Deares Armour and Sword after she saw the Knight and knew him not being vnarmd standing as still as the stone and as vnmoueable till at last she sunke to the ground in a swound her women helpt to vnlace her and her Knights fetched water and such things to bring her to life againe as they could get there In the meane time came a Knight in gilt armour and seeing this miserable spectacle hee kneeled dowue by the Queene and assisted her poore Ladies whose griefe and amasement was such as they were scarce able to doe the seruice required at their hands At last she breathed and then sighed looked vp cryd O my deare Amphilanthus I come I come then fainted againe and againe they fetched her When she saw she had not power to die as she hoped and found her selfe in the armes of an armed Knight she said Sir I beseech you what authoritie haue you ouer mee in my misery that you venture to hold me from my resolution either I pray leaue me presently to my owne will or more kindly send me to him after whom I will not liue What account can I giue the world of his losse whom all the world admired and loued What will Germany Italy and all say of me what curses lay vpon me and my Country when they shall know that with me and in this place they haue lost him Accursed Country but more accursed woman for whose sake the Earths glory and happinesse came into it and here Oh here is More shee would haue said but her speech and voyce faltred The Knight had puld off his Helme and then as passionatly weeping and lamenting as they did hee spake being knowne to be Polarchos Alas Madam said he how comes this misfortune be like your selfe and tel me that I may and your other seruants redresse this wrong as neare as wee can and know what is become of that royall man O Polarchos said shee how can I looke on thee and say thy Lord is dead and so my heart departed Neuer let mee heare those words cryd he but where is his body or how know you he is dead What can be hoped for else said she see you not his sword that made so many bow and yeeld his armes that serued him in so many conflicts his horse that neuer failed while he had life how can it be otherwise but he is dead since what else could sâ—perate him from these Iewels Then afresh they lamented and cryd but Pamphilia at last remembred calling his sweetnesse and loue as freshly and affectionately to her sight as if present but most grieuously because parted that hee was not armed when he parâ—ed from her that gaue a Spring to hope and made her stay her teares till she was resolued which soone shee was by Polarchos who told her that hee hauing romed vp and downe the Forrest at last returned to the Tents where hee with the rest of the Officers staied with their prouisions expecting them to come to rest and feede on those things they had prouided and so returne to the City But as he came and lighted instantly a young fellow like a Forrester came crying That your Maiesty was taken away by Theeues and carried into the thickest part of the Wood whereupon he armed himself and speedily tooke the way he directed him wee with as much speed as we could followed him but in the Woods we lost sight of him and all as if led by seuerall Spirits are scattred and lost Lost indeed said she we all are since he is lost more worth then the whole Earth and lost by treason as now it plainely appeares then they fell to their lamentations againe but Polarchos tooke the Armes and would haue put them vp No said she these shall here remaine none being worthy to touch much lesse to weare them after him Then they hung them vp putting in pinnes of Gold into the great stones and on euery stone hung a piece inriching that Crowne with more rich ornaments hauing then the Armes of the most magnanimious Prince of the World then if the costliest Diamonds had been inchased in them the Sword they also thought to hang vp with his Sheild but Polarchos could no more mooue that then Pamphilia the Scaberd they hung with the Sheild and vnder-writ some lines Pamphilia both making them and ingrauing them as shal be told hereafter Polarchos began to be a little better in hope when he saw the Sword in that order trusting it was but some Inchantment from which he might be deliuerd though held some time from them which was a new griefe to thinke vpon When they were going away the Queene to lament
and mourne which she vowed during her life to doe and Polarchos to liue in some remote place neuer to see man nor creature more the excellentest being gone they saw out of holes in the stones smoake and fire suddenly to flie out with it Pamphilia aduentured and pulling hard at a ring of iron which appeared opned the great stone when a doore shewed entrance but within she might see a place like a Hell of flames and fire and as if many walking and throwing pieces of men and women vp and downe the flames partly burnt and they still stirring the fire and more brought in and the longer she looked the more she discernd yet all as in the hell of deceit at last she saw Musalina sitting in a Chaire of Gold a Crowne on her head and Lucenia holding a sword which Musalina tooke in her hand and before them Amphilanthus was standing with his heart ript open and Pamphilia written in it Musalina ready with the point of the sword to conclude all by razing that name out and so his heart as the wound to perish Faine she would nay there was no remedy but she would goe in to helpe him flames fier Hell it selfe not being frightfull enough to keepe her from passing through to him so with as firme and as hot flames as those she saw and more brauely and truly burning she ran into the fire but presently she was throwne out againe in a swound and the doore shut when she came to her selfe cursing her destinie meaning to attempt againe shee saw the stone whole and where the way into it was there were these words written FAithfull louers keepe from hence None but false ones here can enter This conclusion hath from whence Falsehood flowes and such may venter Polarchos attempted likewise but could only for being vnconstant passe the flames but not come within reach of the Emperour but then was cast out also The Queene then perceiued what this was and so as sadly as before resolued shee returned to the Court where more like a religious then a Court life she liued some yeares Polarchos presently prouided long gray Roabes like a Hermit and on the outside of the Armes-crowned Crowne he made a Cell where he liued daily beholding the Armes and lamenting for his Lord kissing the stone wherein he thought he was inclosed and thus liued he guarding the Armes of his Lord till the aduenture was concluded The other eleuen Princes that came with Amphilanthus into Pamphilia and were as Polarchos hath told you scatterd and deuided in the Desart it was the fortune of the Prince of Transiluania to come within two daies after to the same Lodge where the Queene had laine with the dainty sad Nimph but hearing of Pamphilias being well and safe onely perplexed for the want of Amphilanthus staied not but followed the search of them both till hee came to the sea-side where beholding the waues and comparing mens fortune to the rising falling and breaking of them he saw a little Bote come towards the land and in it a faire Damsell weeping and pitifully complaining The Prince tooke great compassion of her demanding the cause of her sorrow Alas Sir said she shall I tell you and you prooue like other Knights I may well then accuse my forwardnesse and paine but if you will promise to succour my Lady who is so faire worthy and great as will take away the shew of my imperfections perfect in nothing but duty to her I will then tell you what you aske Speake faire and sad Lady said he and I vow to serue your Lady and your selfe with my best indeauours although I must tell you I am in search of such as vnwillingly I would be diuerted but compassion compells me to serue you She thanked him and thus proceeded Blessed may you and all your enterprises be who for a distressed Ladies sake will lay aside your own occasions and let me know I beseech you to whom she is thus much ingaged I am said he Prince of Transiluania seruant to the Emperour Amphilanthus from whom I was parted in yonder Desart and haue since sought him and was yet in the quest of him and the Queene of this Country with eleuen Princes more his seruants all seuered from one another and seeking each other God send they may happily meete said she and you braue and courteous Prince be for euer happy for your noblenâ—sse The businesse which vrgeth mee to demand your helpe is this my Lady and Mistris is the Princesse of Lycia only daughter to the King of that Country next neighbor to this place so as your stay shall not bee very long from your search with this Lady the Lord of the Mountaines called Taurus an vnworthy man rude proud ill-fauourd sauage and rough as well in person as in maners but wonderfull powerfull and mighty of body meanes and people fell in loue shee being as delicate as hee abominable which made her hate him as much as he sought her but her father a good Prince louing peace would not prouoke warre but rather yeeld her to him This brought the sweete Princesse into desperate melancholly and dispaire but a Noble man as well in truth of vertue as descent and honour to defend her from so much harme tooke her into his protection the same day she should haue beene giuen to the Mountaine Lord venturing life honors and estate to keepe her free This being discerned by the cruell proud man and her father the good old King troubled withall vtterly disclayming any knowledge of it they raised men to take her backe by force and catch him who should certainely suffer for such an attempt but the place is strong the cause good and the defence iust and honest so as none I hope will doe other then pitty her and seeke to redresse her wrongs this hath continued eight moneths and now the King hath sent directly to her to yeeld her selfe into his hands to be bestowed on the feirce Montaltanus or to bee forsaken for euer of him and disinherited This message was heauily receiued by the poore Princesse yet she resolued to dye disinherited and be the poorest in estate rather then the vnhappiest by marryage wherefore after an humble answer and dutifull refusall of yeelding to be wife to Montaltanus she demanded one request of her father which was to let it bee lawfull for her to send forth in search of some Knight who would defend her quarrell against him whom if he ouercame she should be yeeded vnto his Maiestie if her Knight got the victory then she should be free and inherit what she was borne vnto and this to be performed in two months and peace in the interim These things were agreed on and granted with much vaine-glory on the assured Champions side then did the Lady send foure Damsells abroad of which number I am one three are returned without finding any and now are but three dayes left of the perfixed time the Nobleman hath also his
consideration that it was the roote of it selfe that the Deuill inuented it and then pitty her and mee who vniustly suffered or indeed onely her since shee alone deserues pitty being iniur'd and for one so vnworthy yet to her iust This was none of my least aflictions since it was the course whereby her fate was gouern'd leading her to her end and making me part of the mischiefe The State on this imprison'd me shut her vp in her lodgings suffering no accesse to her but such as they permitted hee might and would against her will haue liberty this so gall'd her sweet nature a staine in reputation being so terrible to her as shame to another was not neere it besides knowing my imprisonment And lastly seeing how shee was and had beene betrayed none being neere her that shee had not found farre from faith to her ouerpressed with griefe and grieued with oppression shee writ vnto the State finding meanes to haue it deliuer'd safely looking often to that end out of her window and at last seeing a Gentleman whose faith shee thought vntouch'd threw the letter to him not commanding but beseeching him to deliuer it the nxet Sunday when the Counsell sate and not to giue it to any one but to them all nor to nominate the person so vnfortunate that sent it lest the knowledge of the sender might hinder the reading of it The Gentleman promised to doe it and with honest care and carefull honesty performed it as shee could haue wished Much dispute there was about it the Counsell were diuided and seuerall opinions held the iâ—solent wooer who would hee said for all the knowledge of her ill take her to wife if shee would bee good and true to him afterwards was much against the granting her request but most voyces carried it and her desire was consented to in part which was that being accusâ—d and as shee protested falsly and shamefully wrong'd by slander none being able to accuse her but by wicked surmises shee might haue the law that no ordinary subiect was deny'd which was that shee might bee clear'd by Combat that he whosoeuer it were who would maintaine that shee was guilty might bee encountred by one whom shee should nominate which was my selfe but that was refused for they said so it might bee but a too honourable concluding of my dayes who had so iniur'd the State in her dishononr as no punishment could bee sufficient for mee but if shee could finde one who would defend her shee should haue leaue to send in search of one whom if by the Champion ouercome shee should be left to his disposing and I should bee deliuered to him to haue what seuere punishment hee should inâ—lict on mee these were hard conditions yet shee yeelded vnto them rather then still remaine in the ill opinion of the world and both of vs as prisonâ—rs Three Gentle-women were then sent forth to seeke a Knight that would venter in her defence none in the Countrey would either so frighted they were with the strength of the Prince or doubtfull of the cause he hauing made it so foule on her side so as abandoned of her seruants strangâ—rs must relieue her and from such must her good as her hope proceed The time grew on halfe being expired when one of the women fortunately met the vâ—lâ—ant but proud King of Celicia a young man haughty and ambitious of honour And who lately dyed for his ambitions said Perineus if I bee not deceiu'd seeking the Starre of women the Queene of Pamphilia for wâ—fe It may bee so said Alarinus but this was some yeares before that misfoâ—tune could befall him being in the spring of his aduentures the blossomes but appearing scarce blowne of his valour or the discouering of it this being the first great tryall of his strength But is he then dead said he Yes truly said Peryneus I saw him slaine by my Master the Emperour Amphilanthus being in Pamphilia and in the sight of the Queene whom hee much loued or seemd to doe so but I pray goe on This King comming and hearing the truth still spread by euery good tongue vndertooke the businesse partly for Iustice partly for gaine of honour Being arriued at the Court the insolent wretch the robber of my Ladies honour and my blisse made little account openly of him though I vnderstood afterwards he wished any other of those parts had vndertaken the quarrell and indeede hee had reason for hee was a braue Gentleman for strength valour and all things required in a Prince no fault in him but that he had too much for his pride might haue beene spared The day was appointed and the two Combatants came foorth my Lady and Mistris was in a strong Towre placed onely to see my selfe right ouer against her able to see but not discerne her perfectly though such were our loues as our eyes pierced further then any oâ—hers could haue done so as wee sawe each other and clearely discern'd our miseries with open eyes to misfortune the Combat beganne betweene them while imprisonments our eyes beheld each other as greedily and earnestly the continuall Combate indured in our hearts against our vniust as those did who contended for victory we striuing but to giue expression her due I saw me thought in her imprisonment Vniustice Wrong Iniurie Slaunder nay all wickednesse and so I call'd them all by their names and reuiled them but what answere had I Wickednesse is strong and hath a more powerfull command in this age then honesty or worth O me cryd I must I liue and onely hope that this man shall giue vs life or shamefull death her honour already is dead killed by that yet liuing Villaine whose death can neuer re-giue life or recouery to that murdered honour O deare Honour how nice art thou and precious yet how soone harmd Like the daintiest skinns soonest Sunne-burnd Shall these Lockes cryde I combat for such a Iewell Can shee not or may shee not liue without these rude helps Must her sacred vertue bee tryed like other questionable or shee be named as if in a Romancy that relates of Knights and distressed Damosells the sad Aduentures O Myra thou art and wert euer without compare wherefore should thy honour bee calld on but for Honours sake thy deare breast being the richest tabernacle for it but what auailed this Alas nothing I might sigh and grieue they fight and bleed but what of all all came at last to one ende the Villaine was kill'd by the braue King but my Lady dyed also for such a deuice they had as the battell being hard and questionable who should haue the victory the King fell but soone recouered at which instant it seem'd that I threwe my selfe out of the windowe which was high and the Ditch infinite deepe into which I was to fall so as no hope could be of escaping for any that fell there Myra might and did see it but as most it concernd her so did it worke in her for shee
otherwise they must haue beene discouer'd the Duke of Wertenberge acted his part extreamely well for going playing and singing and well he might for often he had loued being crosse the Garden and almost vnder her window hee spake in great passion these words Vnhappy man louing vnlou'dâ— seruing vnregarded affecting without helpe honouring without esteeme and smarting vnpittied Turne your fauorable eyes O Heauens on me and you faire Moone who it is said gouerne women and perswade command not for she must euer rule my cruell Mistris to thinke on me requite me I seeke not but chastly as you doe and as fairely and kindly smile on me I begge this of you nor aske but what your cold brightnes and chast coldnes may grant me alasse you frowne and pull a scarfie Clowd ouer your diuine face to hide your fauour from me and shew your displeasure to me What shall I doe wretch that I am all powers earthly haue deny'd me succour and now the Heauens refuse mee countenance nothing is left me but dispaire and thou poore Lute toucht on then speake vnto me and let thy musique speake to her and hold mee if possible so long in quiet as attention may make a respite from sorrow as admiring a change of times not fortune for to that I must returne The Louer-boy-like Duke gaue him againe his Lute for he carryed it when he play'd not and being close vnder the window that hee could not be seene but perfectly heard he played and so rarely as might iustly haue brought eares and they louing eares vnto the player but heere there did want little drawing her who was runne before to the window hauing heard the doore open and her heart withall which told her he was comming for none else could come but themselues or other but her soule told who some were with her else shee had come downe impatient she was yet a little doubtfull and therefore a little more troubled but the rest young as she was made the good motion to open the windowes and see who these were she soone yelded to to that and not only opened them but threw them from her vpon that noyse the Lord and his supposed seruant appeared the Duke of Wertenberge demanding pardon the other only comming so farre as to see her who put her selâ—e so cleane out of the casement as shee might easily see him and bee sure of him and none else descry them Shee then gratiously granted the Dukes demande of pardon but on these conditions that hee or his seruant should play againe and sing said shee if please you She desired but what was granted an other Lady standing lower and looking out of the other Casement so much liked and looked on Dorrileus of Wertenberge as she was surprised with his Loue the Lady loued not her seruant so much as she did equall in feircenesse or exceede in her flames so as hee stood as but the traine to fire and blew vp the strength of her heart with euery looke or word hee gaue The other amorous Duke seeing this came well on able to play and sing allso like a Duke help't by Art sung these verses in manner or imitation of Saphiks IF a cleere fountaine still keeping a sad course Weepe out her sorrowes in drops which like teares fall Maruell not if I lament my misfortune brought to the same call Who thought such faire eyes could shine and dissemble Who thought such sweete breath could poyson loues shame Who thought those chast eares could so be defiled hers be the sole blame While loue deseru'd loue of mine ctill she fail'd not Foole I to loue still where mine was neglected Yet faith and honor both of me claim'd it although reiected Oft haue I heard her vow neuer sweete quiet Could once possesse her while that I was else where But words were breath then and as breath they wasted into a lost Ayre So soone is loue lost not in heart imprinted Silly I knew not the false power of changing Loue I expected yet ah was deceiued more her fond ranging Infant Loue tyed me not to mistrust change Vowes kept me fearelesse yet all those were broken Loue faith and friendship by her are dissolued suffer'd vnspoken The young Lady was now directly lost and so gone as she hated her patience for not throwing her selfe out of the winddow to him They finding this lost not the meanes offered them wherefore the Duke of Wertenberge mooued to her the sweetnes of the ayre the delicasie of the place the temperatnes of the weather the brightnes of the night and all and more then needed to intice her downe so as willing of her selfe and annimated by her companion she went with her none else offering to stirre but promising to attend their returne Being come into the Garden they saluted the Duke of Wertenberg he talking a little while with her then falling into discourse of Musique she turned to the youth who they said by reason of a sicknes hee lately had was forced to keepe on his Cap commonly for feare of cold yet he stirred it a little before his face she on a lesse matter might haue blinded her friend who was already strooke blind with loue so as she let her assosiate and Cousine as she was doe what she would and vse her discretion she would take her time and no sooner did her loue turne towards her but she tooke that turne as to her and as powder takes fire burnt and flash'd wtih hast vnto his receuing skipping to his looks and words like the Iacks in Virginalls touched with the keyes and such sudden and ready sound did she giue answeâ—ing so soone as some would haue thought they had agreed before of their speech and repeated but too hastily After some such passages he said that they had commended his seruant so much as he wished he could play and sing like him since so weâ—l pleasing Alasse my Lord said she I lik'd you best and yet what neede you wish for more winning powers since thus you conquer where you come He vnderstood her and his friends so as he tooke her hand walked with her into a faire Aâ—bour not vnwillingly she went with him who though a Louer he was not so dâ—lly constant but in absence he could gratefie faire Ladyes whose kindnes demanded it yet retaine himself firme in his choyse to loue and to bee kind againe if she pleas'd and thus he was the perfectest louer who loued loue and for loue 's sake serued and saued loue from hurâ— thus truely was he a true louer reseruing still thus much for his only Mistris as when hee was most contented with them he still thought on her and wished her in thir place so was he mindfull of her without exception affectionate without measure and kind to them for her remembrance sake What the other two did I leaue to consideration for to expresse two such passages would tyre you but this I may say they were till morning allmost together they met
were intrusted to him and he would not for loues sake breake a trust but as passionatly for his Lady as this for her loue read the pretty Pastorall thus in Sheapardesse names to couer her owne ill fortune the better 1 A Sheephard who no care did take of ought but of his flock Whose thoughts no pride could higher make Then to maintaine his stock Whose sheepe his loue was and his care Their good his best delight The Lambs his ioy their sport his fare His pleasure was their sight 2 Till Loue an enuier of mans blisse Did turne this merry life To teares to wishes which nere misse Incombrances with strife For whereas he was best content With looking on his sheepe His time in woes must now be spent And broken is his sleepe 3 Thus first his wofull change beganne A Lamb he chanc't to misse Which to finde out about hee ran Yet finds not where it is But as he past O fate vnkind his ill led him that way Whereas a willow Tree behind A faire young Maiden lay 4 Her bed was on the humble ground her head vpon her hand While sighs di'd shew her heart was bound In Loue 's vntying band Cleere teares her cleerest eyes let fall Vpon her Loue-borne face Which Heauenly drops did sorrow call proud witnes of disgrace 5 The Shephard stay'd and fed his eyes no farther might he passe But there his freedome to sight tyes His bondage his ioy was His Lambe he deemes not halfe so faire Though it were very white And liberty he thinkes a care Nor breath's but by her sight 6 His former life is alter'd quite His Sheepe feede in her eyes Her face his feild is of delight And flocks he doth despise The rule of them he leaues to none His Scrip he threw away And many â—e forsakes for one One he must now obey 7 Vnhappy man whose loosing found What better had bin lost Whose gaine doth spring from such a ground Whereby he must be crost The worldly care he now neglects for Cupids seruice tyes Care only to his fond respects where waue-like treasure lyes 8 As this lost man still gazing stood Amaz'd at such a sight Imagining no heauenly food To feede on but her sight Wishing but her beames to behold Yet grâ—iu'd he for her griefe When mournfully he did vnfold Her woes without reliefe 9 His new Sun rose and rysing said Farwell faire Willow tree The roote of my estate decay'd The fruit for haplesse me What though thy branch a signe be made Of labour lost in loue Thy beauty doth no sooner vade Then those best fortunes proue 10 My songs shall end with willow still Thy branches I will weare Thou wilt accompany my ill And with me sorrow beare True friend said she then sigh'd and turn'd Leauing that restlesse place And Sheephard who in pasâ—ions burn'd lamenting his sad case 11 Ths Maid now gone alone he left Still on her footsteps gaz'd And heartlesse growne by loue bereft of mirth in spirit rais'd To satisfie his restlesse thought He after her will hye His ruine to be sooner brought And sooner harme to try 12 Then thus his latest leaue he tooke My Sheepe said he farwell Let some new Shepheard to you looke Whose care may mine excell I leaue you to your freedome now Loues-lawes so fast me bind As no time I can you allow Or goe poore flock and find 13 The Maid whom I so dearely loue Say it was her deare sight Which from your keepe doth me remoue And kills my first delight Goe you my Dog who carefull were To guard my Sheepe from harme Looke to them still no care forbeare Though loue my senses charme 14 But you my Pipe that musick gaue And pleasd my silent rest Of you I company will craue Our states now suteth best For if that Faire no pity giue My dying breath shall cry Through thee the paines wherein I liue Whereby I breath to dye 15 Madly he ran from ease to paine Not sicke yet farre from well Heart robd by two faire eyes his gainâ— Must prooue his worldly Hell After his heart he fast doth hie His heart to her did flie And for a biding place did crie Within her breast to lie 16 She that refusd when he her spide Her whom he held most deare Lie weeping by a Riuers side Beholding papers neare Her ruling eyes must yet be dimbd While pearle like teares she shed Like shadowes on a Picture limbd At last these words she read 17 When I vnconstant am to thee Or false doe euer proue Let happinesse be banisht me Nor haue least taste of loue But this alas too soone cryd she Is O by thee forgot My hopes and ioyes now murtherd be And falsehood is my lot 18 Too late I find what t is to trust To words or oathes or teares Since they that vse them prooue vniust And colour but our feares Poore fooles ordaind to be deceiu'd And trust to be betrayd Scornd when our hearts are vs bereau'd Sought to a while delayd 19 Yet though that thou so false hast been I still will faithfull be And though thou thinkst to leaue no sinne I le make my loyalty To shine so cleare as thy foule fault To all men shall be knowne Thy change to thy changd heart be brought My faith abroad be blowne 20 This hauing said againe she rose The papers putting by And once againe a new way chose Striuing from griefe to fly But as she going was along That pleasant running streame She saw the Sallow trees among The Shepheard Aradeame 21 For so this wofull Lad was call'd But when she him beheld What witchcraft hath thee now inthral'd And brought thee to this field What can the cause or reason be That thou art hither come Where all must tast of misery And mirth with griefe intombe 22 If mirth must heere intombed be Faire Sheephardesse said he This place the fittest is for me If you vse cruelty For know I hither come to see Your selfe wherein now lyes My life whose absence martir'd me Whose sight my power tyes 23 Giue me but leaue to liue with you It is the life I craue To you I bound am to be true My life to you I gaue When first I did behold you lye In shade of willow tree That time my soule did to you tye Those eyes did murther me 24 Is this the reason ah cryd she The more I waile your case Who thus partaker needs will be In griefe and in disgrace I pitty you but cannot ayd You nor redresse your ill Since ioy and paine together pay'd Scarce satisfies the will 25 If I doe tye you I release The bond wherein you are Your freedome shall not find decrease Nor you accuse my care The paine I haue is all my owne None can of it beare part Sorrow my strength hath ouerthrowne Disdaine hath killd my heart 26 And Sheepheard if that you doe loue This counsell take of me This humor fond in time remoue Which can but
proue my lot O turne Say it was some other harme And not your still sought for Charme Did make me burne 4 Thus may you all blame recall Sauing me from ruins thrall Then loue Pitie me I le no more say You to cruelty did sway But loyall proue 5 Else be sure your tricks I le blaze And your triumph Castle raze Take heed Conquerours cannot remaine Longer then mens hearts they gaine Worse will you speed 6 You a King set vp by loue Traytors soone may you remoue From by Take this counsell serue loues will And seeke not a heart to kill Least both doe cry She heard him and liked neither his tune nor words her heart another was flying or staying but to flie further as taking breath for a longer iourney He looked towards her she from him he went as to her she rose and walked towards the Groue he followed and sigh'd she went on and was deafe to his sorrow he cried to her she was silent and answered not as not taking his words to her He ouertooke her and with teares told her his paine she was sorry for him and could be so her owne being so great Hee said her sight had killed him she answered he liued yet and she hoped should to be cured of that wound He said none but she could cure him She replide shee was an ill Chirurgion else she would not be vncured Alas said he pity me O pitie said she haue compassion on me It is you deere Shepheardesse sigh he can and must pitie me Pitie said she hath so little acquaintance with mee as I cannot inuite her to me how then shall I spare so much to you Your first sight said he murdred mee Alas that first sight said she should hurt vs both it is my case and certainely this is but a charitable paines you take to helpe me to discouer my paine which is so intollerable and past remedie as both with our best and I thinke addition of wits cannot relate or discouer I but saw you and my heart was made subiect to you I but saw him and I was his slaue cryd shee Would I were that He said he So would not I said she for then I should not haue this pleasure in grieuing nor tormenting you Why hate you me because I loue you No answered she but because I am reiected I loue to see others tortured I will suffer all tortures crid he so you will at last commiserate my woe I shall in a generall kind said she for I shall lament mourne and feele my torment such as I shall pitie all that smart and so may pity you but with no more fauour then a priuat man may take a Kings thanks when thousands crie God saue him Will you permit me to liue and serue you here said he I neede no defendants said shee and for seruants I haue those sitter for my command then you can bee but Sir let not falshood or beguiling hopes abuse you this is no life for you this no place for your abiding be your selfe and fruitlesly follow not what you shall neuer gaine proceede in your profession and as armed against enemies arme your selfe against this fond affection I wish you well but am vnable to aide you my heart is disposed of you a braue Knight may better fit your selfe with a deseruing and gallant Lady I wish you all good fortune but that now you seeke and as a friend aduise you to leaue this sute endlesse and gainelesse With that she came to a Gate which opened into a fine Groue she had the key and opening it went in yet at the entring turnd and with a sigh a scornefull looke to him and a slight curtesie bad him farre-well shutting the doore after her He as in that Country they haue a Phrase returned with a cold fire to warme himselfe if not with his owne flames yet straight hee went not thence but a while looked after her when hee perceiued her cast her selfe on the ground at the roote of a Hauthorne speaking to her self but the words he directly heard not at last shee sang with a sad voice a song the delicate Rossalea had once made she being perfect in Poetry it was but finished when an other Shepheardesse came to her as sad and grieued as she was no difference but that the former had the greater and curster spirit this as much but milder and softer she wept and had done so long this distressed Maid did so too at last they came nearer to speake and thus they discoursed What accident said Celina hath brought you hither Sadnesse and mischance said the other What procured them said the first Loue cryd the second the Lord of hearts and of yours too I hope and so should seeme by your lookes Mine eies and lookes are but true to my heart said Celina If they tell you so they are but the glasses which I see my selfe in said the other drawne to misery We are all picturd in that piece said she a large cloth and full of much worke While they were in this discourse a third came singing a song merrily and carelesly of either being heard or the power of loue it was this LOue growne proud with victory Seekes by sleights to conquer me Painted showes he thinks can bind His commands in womens mind Loue but glories in fond louing I most ioy in not remouing Loue a word a looke a smile In these shapes can some beguile But he some new way must proue To make me a vassell loue Loue but c. Loue must all his shadowes leaue Or himselfe he will deceiue Who loues not the perfect skie More then clouds that wanton â—lie Loue but c. Loue yet thus thou maist me win If thy staidnesse would begin Then like friends w'would kindly meete When thou proou'st as true as sweete Loue then glory in thy louing And I le ioy in my remouing Finely sung said Celina but it is an idle subiect you sang of because t is loue said shee because it is not louing said the other Louing cryd the new come Lasse then I would sweare 't were idle indeed why sweet Celina said shee I hope you are none of those poore Vassels his baby Kingdome consists of I am one if you call his royall gouernment such and I thinke one of his truest seruants Now in troth I lament your mischance said she it is a fortune I would not wish mine enemy yet your friend said Celina is fallen into it then pitie her and pray for her I thinke I were best said shee for sure all his subiects are in miserable case I am in it aboue helpe or hope of returning then said she both we see nothing is impossible I reioyce in your company smilingly said the first come Lasse and I lament for you both cryed the last And I thanke you both said Celina and for you I hope ere long by such an occasion or some worse you may fall into my fortune The Prince seeing all the
a Lady whom I met sigh'd the Florentine and who hath tyed me as fast as you are in the bonds of Loue but not of slauery for you are a little to far gone but Leurenius here is good newes the Emperor is found and we must straight repaire vnto him Celina to be thus causlesly cruell alas but is the Emperour found and you vtterly lost cryd his friend I feare feare not deare friend said he she will not yeeld her heart made of these Rocks cannot be pierced her soule hath no compassion nor will heare more to pitty then fire will by sâ—pplication when it is ruining the rarest buildings then feare not I shall goe with you but said the Florentine you are much alter'd in your speech your discourse differs nor is so certaine All is in mee vncertaine but my loue that is fixt cry'd hee I am Loue I loue and will loue His friend bâ—held him with infinite griefe cursing the accident that parted them on the ground hee cast himselfe a banke by chance being there greene and cleane rouled on it wept and groueling on the ground wiped his face againe with it thus thus cryed hee would I haue done at Court cursing the order that held me from it my heart swelled with bearing my paines and all the honours done me were but corsiues to my soule shee she Celina hauing banished me Leaue these vain passions said his friend I must leaue my selfe first cryed he I loue deare friend and if you could loue so you would not wonder at mee but enuy my happinesse in being such an one Such an one cryed hee God forbid I loue and this Countrey I may thanke for it also this charming Countrey for no better shee is fil'd with inchaunting beauties fram'd to tye and ruine men reuile not this blessed Realme the flower of peace beauty honour vertue happinesse and most of Shepheardesses I loue this Countrey and I loue did not the valiant Hercules loue Yes said the other and spin almost as wise a web as you goe about to doe certainly deare friend I shall in my extremity gaine helpe by seeing your affliction but man what thinke you of the Emperour God blesse him said Leurenius and make Celina knde els I dye His companion was discreet and louing so he vrg'd him no further but made the Squire tell the story of the Emperour as his Master the Duke of Burgundy had related it to him and commanded him to deliuer it to the Princes and as hee found any of them to send them still home When that vnfortunate hunting was past wherein Amphilanthus was lost the Queene distrest and all the Princes scatter'd the Emperour hauing got his armes followed in search of Pamphilia who was as he by a villaine was inform'd stollen away by Theeues in the wood hotly pursuing the quest rage and reuenge boyling in his brest hee hapned on a strange place for thicknesse and obscurenesse yet the vndaunted and louing Prince proceeded till he found a Crowne of stones of infinite and huge bignesse weary with trauell he allighted and thinking to rest tyde his horse to one of those stones no sooner was it done but a terrible fierce and mighty boare issued out of the wood running mainly at Amphilanthus but he thinking to shun the encounter and take aduantage of the Beast in his passing the Horse vnruly at the sight of him did his best likewise striking at him but missing him the Boare with his tuske strake the Horse into the body so he died The Emperour troubled as well for the loue hee bore the horse as for his want and danger hee remain'd in with this cruell beast watch'd opportuniâ—y with vow of reuenge and so as the Boare ran at him hee step'd aside and nimbly skipping in againe thrust him to the heart before he could turne This was no sooner done but many men arm'd set vpon him he valiantly like himselfe defended his honour and life one young man vnarm'd but aboue all most harming him and pressing more then the rest vpon him he slew the rest all at the instant vanish'd and with a blow giuen that was on the head which cut him to the eyes a voyce cryed Farewell Amphilanthus the voyce he knew and presently in stead of that young man hee saw to his thinking Pamphilia slaine and by his hand hee threw himselfe on the ground striuing to helpe her but shee was carried into a stone which lay in the middest of the Crowne by whom hee could not see but how did he labour to hold her backe or keepe her with him who liuing neuer sought but to be with him nor now left him deceipt onely abusing him by this inchauntment intreat pull all would not serue stronger powers had hâ—r as hee beleeued and made her inocently offend and part from him shee intirely and loyally louâ—d and from whom she neuer slid into the stone shee was carried vp hee then rose with his sword striking at the stone as to hew it asunder and take her out but his sword stuck therein wilt thou leaue mee too said he then his armour he pul'd off which with the blowes those inchanted men strake was much hacked and blood thrown of purpose as if shed by him vpon it when hee was vnarm'd he laid the pieces on the stone vowing that should be his monument being the richest her heart inclosing him and there would he dye a Ring of iron hee then saw which pulling hard opened the stone there did hee perceiue perfectly within it Pamphilia dead lying within an arch her breast open and in it his name made in little flames burning like pretty lamps which made the letters as if set round with diamonds and so cleare it was as hee distinctly saw the letters ingrauen at the bottome in Characters of bloud he ran to take her vp try how to vncharme her but he was instantly throwne out of the Caue in a trance and being come againe to himselfe resoluing to dye or to release her since he found her loyalty he saw these words onely written in place of the entrance This no wonder 's of much waight 'T is the hell of deepe deceit Admiring it and the words he was called to for helpe by Musalina her hee saw she must be followed Pamphilia is forgotten and now may lie and burne in the Caue Lucenia must bee rescued also her hee saw madly carried by a sauage man he ran towards the place hee saw them goe into as he thought then were they there rudely handled and they carried seuerall wayes all that night in the wood he lay three passions distract him tyred with running and laded with griefe in sleepe Lucenia wan him all passions now but how to recouer her hauing abandoned him three dayes hee did wander thus till at the end of them towards night hee came vnto the Sea there hee saw a sauage man take her vp in his armes and throw her into a Boate leaping himselfe after and when she
would haue throwne her selfe into the Sea crying still to Amphilanthus to succour and haue compassion of her the rude wretch tyed her by the hayre to his leg and so road away with her Musalina from the wood againe claiming ayd with her hayre rudely cast about her and lowdest cryes the diuine powers held him for all this witchcraft from hurting himselfe else certainly hee had beene much in danger what passions hee suffered then cannot be told a furnace of fiery torments blazing burniâ—g in him then came on other boats as standing doubtfully whether to returne to Pamphilia or follow Lucenia but force of charmes preuaile so hee called to that and those in it offer'd money pray'd besought vsed all meanes to gaine passage at last the barke put in and tooke him aboard a storme then rose or as by charmes he beleeued not yet being free from those diuellish witchcrafts till he arriued at Tenedos on the shore hee saw Musalina and Lucenia walking and safe Musalina hauing by diuellish Art beene the cause of all this Now had he almost forgot all had past by the inchantment that being almost finisht but all things before happening were fresh in his memory his sword armour and horse hee had hee thought vse of and now blames himselfe for going so madly and foolishly vnarmed but they saluted him welcomd him cherish'd him hee told his fortune how pleasant and deare was this to them and now said hee I am disinchanted and to vs most affectionatly welcome said they no more shall charmes now trouble you from them and through them said hee I haue broken and am come to you and there is hee still liuing in much pleasure the Duke my Master by his trauelling that way after aduentures many and dangerous landing in Tenedos where hee happily because the search ended found the Emperour but seeing his resolution tooke hiâ— leaue of him and the Princes of Denmarke and Swethland whom he met and rescued in a cruell fight at Sea against Pyrates with noble victory are all retuâ—ned and gone into their seuerall Countryes sending me hither to seeke you being aduertised by the ships that brought you hither asking of all ships and men still for you that you were by her landed heere am I faulty said Leurenius to be charmed by loue since the earths glory and such a Ruler as Amphilanthus can be charmed Loue said the Florantine hath in this greatest triumph the Duke of Sauoy the next day arriued who told his story thus after they had to him related the Emperours fortunes his discourse being of the rescuing of a distressed Lady set on by theeues who finding aduantage by her staying a little behind her company had ceazed on her robbed her of her Iewels and would haue shipped her she lamentably complayned he comming by heard her so he relieued her and her seruants wanting her also came in to her succour many thankes he had for his noble fauours and most when she knew that he was a great Prince and a stranger and would be so free and courteous to a strange Lady after that aduenture being a braue one sauing the modest honor of a Lady he returned with little more knowledg of Brittany the time short of stay the places desart and wanting of aduentures Knights none to encounter peace hauing with true honor and conquest taken away those rude troubles and trauels all these met they resolued to goe to their owne homes and thence send to know what the Emperour would doe and so resolued home they went The Florentine being so free as to leaue his heart with the sad louing Lady the Venetian so mad to giue his vnrewarded to Celina but the Sauoyan grauer and more stayd as his yeares were some more then theirs carryed his home to bestow it in his owne ayre Amphilanthus hauing stayd in Tenedos sometime walking abroad alone many seuerall thoughts possessing him he saw a Nymph sitting by a Brooke side being in the euening besides a priuate and vnfrequented place each Angle and wanton winding embanked with trees and flowres reeds rushes all other water commodyties richly abounding there for the seruice and pleasure of such like her selfe she stood still behind a large willow tree while she vndressed her and pulled off her fine aparell as her vpper garments and ruffe her necke then remayning bare so as more fine and delicate she seemd and merrily did she this singing a dainty song concerning chastity so pure and mild is the streame neare her thoughts and actions such as made the Emperour iealous if he could be so being royally free from such folly yet tender he was least the Brooke with his cold and her vnused to cold armes might make her start and so molest her with such vnpleasing imbracements therefore to preserue her from such hazard and her honor from the danger her naked simplicity might bring her to in any hands but his he spake to her now was she amazed bashfulnes modestie feare trembling and all possessing her yet so prettily in such danger she looked and such commanding in petitioning lookes she cast as humility and submission directly gouerned but he who was by them only put in mind of such as once pleased him he in place of taking or thinking of taking these asking fauour or vsing power told her she neede not feare him who only sought to gaine quiet rest to his thoughts which were wandring to his heart distant thence by much then with teares in his eyes casting them vp as vnwilling to let such passions gouerne in him or seeme to doe so in his brauest parts though he must thus be subiect to passion he walked away toward the house againe more perplexed then euer sigh she did so as made euery good heart groane to heare them strangly alterd he grew the cause none knew many most nay a â— that saw him admired after supper some two dayes being past the Duke of Saxsony arriuing there hauing heard of his being in that Iland he told the Ladyes that the Squire had bin long without him and that hee must confesse himselfe extreame negligent and vnworthy of that dignity no more prizing the care of it wherefore hee resolued with the Duke of Saxony the next morning to take his way towards Germany and because the wayes were tedious long and besides filled with such noble friends of his as would make him stay longer then he was willing he would goe by Sea Musalina and Lucenia were much grieued at this but reason and there auncient knowledge of his resolutions if once resolutly taken not to bee remoued were forced to giue consent Lucenia came with him to the waters side so to passe ouer into Romania to the Queene againe to serue her Musalina so farre brought him and her there they tooke their leaues The Emperour and his frendly seruant sayling along the Archipelago Amphilanthus willed him to tell him his aduenture which he did hauing all hapned in Pamphilia lead therein by maruellous
rare and vnheard passages then hee told him as occasion brought in his being at the Nimphs house where the Queene had laine her recouering her first loue by their meanes and discourse with the Queenes passion and gâ—iefe for him and his losse and all the sorrow which after these Aduentures were finished he found and left Pamphilia in directly assuring him that in such miserable griefe she remained as long she could not sustaine Lastly how Polarchos kept the crowned Stones none at his departure being assured of the Emperours life or being but within the Stone These things wrought in him like drops falling on soft stones they weare in to them at last though in the beginning touch slide off more more this pierced and so much strengthned with his owne affection as hee resolues to see her so he commanded the Mariners to land him on the Pamphilian shore which they did hee enioyning them to saile on for Germany giuing the Duke of Saxony letters to Ollorandus and the rest of the Counsell with all instructions fit for such imployment promising to be there in short time after nothing this visitation made should hinder him the Duke humblie kissing his hands ouerwhelmed with ioy for this good newes and assured hope of the hauing it performed went for Germany safely arriuing there the King Ollorandus more ioyed with this blessed intelligence then with all the happinesses he euer enioyed Bonfires and all expressions of ioy made in testimony of this happy tidings and all the Princes sent vnto to come and assemble themselues against his returne which with glad soules they did for as their soules they loued him griefe now abiding no where but in the Ladyes breasts who hardly brooked absence but variety of content made that passion and want sufferable Pamphilia still continued her deuour vow and heart tormenting sorrow was yet by her seruants and Nobles perswaded to ride abroad she was wonderfull vnwilling knowing it would but trouble her the more for what pleased others tormented her what others delighted in vext her to see what others gloryed and pleasured in tortured her when others commended the sweete Ayre pleasant Feilds Brookes Meddowes Springs Flowres all these said shee shew seuerally to mee my only losse and serue but as if I wanted remembrance of him which I should hate my soule for if shee had not true and multiplicity of worthy matters to glory in the memory of him and sorrow for his losse that word losse made her as if loose her selfe in passion yet neuer lost she the vse aud plenty of her teares being as if silent and retyred to spare her breath to spend it in sighs for him and her thoughts to be exprest in teares yet abroad she went to satisfie their desires and as it happened to content her selfe although had any that morning but spoken that word as if she should be content it had bin as ill to her as meriting her disfauour but comming into a wood sweete and delicately pleasing to all but her selfe to whom nothing could be in that nature she walked alone hauing lighted from her horse commanding them to attend her returne in that place they obeyed and she wandred a good space her thoughts yet making farther iourneyes yet so farre shee went till shee came to a dainty Spring issuing out of a stony banke vpon pibbles and making on them a murmuring sweetely dolefull tune cleere the water was running on grauell and such as was fit for her cleere eyes to looke vpon weepe shee did teares falling into the streame not much increasing the brightnes of it though abundantly they fell but certainely inriching it with rare sweetnes and dropping into it such vertue as appeared after in some that dranke of it for at that very instant there arriued a Knight armed on horsebacke the Queene heard his horse and looking vp contrary to her accustomed fashion had no sudden wit to leaue the place but sat still or lay still as she did hee saw her not but seeing the dainty streame alighted to drinke of it and not knowing a readier way pulled first his gauntlet off then his helme to take vp some of the water the Queene lying among the flowres and some bushes betweene so as she could better see him then he discerne her especially not thinking of any there perceiued O what nay what her soule without her selfe because in an other body returned she quickly rose vp and as she parted so hoped to meete him kind to her she ranne vnto him forgiuing nay forgeting all iniuries he seeing her threw downe his helme with open armes receiued her and withall vnfained affection embraced her and well might hee ioyfully doe it loue thus exprest besides a labour saued of asking pardon but here such Ceremonies needed not those are by these louers thought fit for either false Louers that must make vp their contents with words or new or vnexperienced Louers who talke halfe their time away but they knew each other loued ouely happy in each other and admired each others loues neuer was such affection exprest neuer so truly felt to the company they together returned he leading her or rather imbracing her with his coÌ„quering armes and protesting the water he dranke being mixed with her teares had so infused constancy and perfect truth of loue in it as in him it had wrought the like effect then were they the best bestowed teares that euer my eyes shed though till now hardly haue they bin dry said she speake not said hee of so sad a busines we are now againe together and neuer so againe I hope to part to her traine thus they arriued but when knowne by them they neuer staid to be called to kisse his hands but ranne all at once euery one striuing to be first and all casting themselues at his feete he tooke them vp and with much noble kindnes receiued them then they returned to the Cittie and the next day to the wood againe to see the hell of deceit but now no more to be abused thence they brought with them the most loyall seruant and the brauest fâ—iend that euer man had the noble Polarchos Amphilanthus now recouered his Sword and brought home his Armour resoluing nothing should remaine as witnesses of his former ficklenes or the property of that place destroying the monument the Charmes hauing conclusion with his recouering but none but himselfe could haue gayned the Sword because belonging to him millions had tryed in the meane space and all lamentably perplext now all is finished Pamphilia blessed as her thoughts heart and soule wished Amphilanthus expreslesly contented Polarchos truly happy and ioyfull againe this still continuing all liuing in pleasure speech is of the Germans iourney Amphilanthus must goe but intreates Pamphilia to goe as far as Italy with him to visit the matchles Queene his mother she consents for what can she denye him all things are prepared for the iourney all now merry contented nothing amisse greife forsaken sadnes
cast off Pamphilia is the Queene of all content Amphilanthus ioying worthily in her And PAMPHILIA TO AMPHILANTHVS 1 WHen night 's blacke Mantle could most darknesse proue And sleepe deaths Image did my senses hyre From Knowledge of my selfe then thoughts did moue Swifter then those most switnesse neede requireâ— In sleepe a Chariot drawne by wing'd Desire I saw where sate bright Venus Queene of Loue And at her feete her Sonne still adding Fire To burning hearts which she did hold aboue But one heart flaming more then all the rest The Goddesse held and put it to my breast Deare Sonne now shut said she thus must we winne He her obeyd and martyr'd my poore heart I waking hop'd as dreames it would depart Yet since O me a Louer I haue beene 2 DEare eyes how well indeed you doe adorne That blessed Sphere which gazing soules hold deare The loued place of sought for triumphs neere The Court of Glory where Loues force was borne How may they terme you Aprills sweetest morne When pleasing lookes from those bright lights appeare A Sunne-shine day from clowdes and mists still cleare Kinde nursing fires for wishes yet vnborne Two Starres of Heauen sent downe to grace the Earth Plac'd in that Throne which giues all ioyes their birth Shining and burning pleasing yet their Charmes Which wounding euen in hurts are deem'd delights So pleasant is their force so great their mights As happy they can tryumph in their harmes 3 YEt is there hope then Loue but play thy part Remember well thy selfe and thinke on me Shine in those eyes which conquer'd haue my heart And see if mine be slacke to answer thee Lodge in that breast and pitty moouing see For flames which in mine burne in truest smart Exciling thoughts that touch Inconstancy Or those which waste not in the constant Art Watch but my sleepe if I take any rest For thought of you my spirit so distrest As pale and famish'd I for mercy cry Will you your seruant leaue thinke but on this Who weares Loue 's Crowne must not doe so amisse But seeke their good who on thy force doe lye 4 FOrbeare darke night my ioyes now budd againe Lately growne dead while cold aspects did chill The roote at heart and my chiefe hope quite kill And thunders strooke me in my pleasures waine Then I alas with bitter sobs and paine Priuately groan'd my Fortunes present ill All light of comfort dimb'd woes in prides fill With strange encrease of griefe I grieu'd in vaine And most when as a memory to good Molested me which still as witnes stood Of thosâ— best dayes in former time I knew Late gone as wonders past like the great Sow Melted and wasted with what change must know Now backe the life comes where as once it grew 5 CAn pleasing sight misfortune euer bring Can firme desire a painefull torment trye Can winning eyes proue to the heart a sting Or can sweet lips in Treason hidden lye The Sunne most pleasing blindes the strongest eye If two much look'd on breaking the sights string Desires still crost must vnto mischiefe hie And as Despaire a lucklesse chance may fling Eyes hauing none reiecting prooues a sting Killing the budd before the tree doth spring Sweet lipps not louing do as poyson proue Desire sight eyes lipps seeke see proue aud finde You loue may winn but curses if vnkinde Then shew you harmes dislike and ioy in loue 6 O Striue not still to heape disdaine on me Nor pleasure take your cruelty to show On haplesse me on whom all sorrowes flow And byding make as giuen and lost by thee Alas euen griefe is growne to pitty me Scorne cryes out 'gainst it selfe such ill to show And would giue place for ioyes delights to flow Yet wretched I all torture beare from thee Long haue I suffer'd and esteem'd it deare Sâ—nce such thy will yet grew my paine more neere Wish you may ende say so you shall it haue For all the deapth of my heart-held despaire Is that for you I feele not Death for care But now I le seeke it since you will not saue Song I. THe Spring now come at last To Trees Fields to Flowres And Meadowes makes to taste His pride while sad showres Which from mine eyes doe flow Makes knowne with cruell paines Cold Winter yet remaines No signe of Spring wee knowe The Sunne which to the Earth Giues heate light and pleasure Ioyes in Spring hateth Dearth Plenty makes his Treasure His heate to me is colde His light all darknesse is Since I am barrâ—d of blisse I heate nor light behold A Shepherdesse thus said Who was with griefe opprest For truest Loue betrayd Barrd her from quiet rest And weeping thus said shee My eâ—d approacheth neere Now Willow must I weareâ— My Fortune so will bee With Branches of this tree I le dresse my haplessâ— head Which shall my witnesse bee Mâ— hopes in Loue are dead My cloathes imbroder'd all Shall be with Garlands round Some scatter'd others bound Some tyde some like to fall The Barke my Booke shall bee Where dayly I will write This tale of haples mee True slaue to Fortunes spite The roote shall be my bedd Where nightly I will lye Wailing in constancy Since all true loue is dead And these Lines I will leaue If some such Louer come Who may them right conceiue and place them on my Tombe She whoâ— still constant lou'd Now dead with cruell care Kill'd with vnkind Dispaire And change her end heere prou'd 7 LOue leaue to vrge thou knowest thou hast the hand 'T is Cowardize to striue where none resist Pray thee leaue off I yeeld vnto thy band Doe not thus still in thine owne power peâ—sist Behold I yeeld let forces be dismist I am thy Subiect conquer'd bound to stand Neuer thy foe but did thy claime assist Seeking thy due of those who did withstand But now it seemes thou would'st I should thee loue I doe confesse 't was thy will made mee choose And thy faire shewes made me a Louer proue When I my freedome did for paine refuse Yet this Sir god your Boy-ship I despise Your charmes I obey but loue not want of eyes 8. LEdd by the power of griefe to wailings brought By false conceit of change fallen on my part I seeke for some small ease by lines which bought Increasâ— the paine griefe is not cur'd by Art Ah! how vnkindnesse moues within the heart Which still is true and free from changing thought What vnknowne woe it breeds what endlesse smart With ceaslesse teares which causelesly are wrought It makes me now to shun all shining light And seeke for blackest clouds me light to giue Which to all others onely darknesse driue They on me shine for Sunne disdaines my sight Yet though I darke doe liue I triumph may Vnkindnes nor this wrong shall loue allay 9. BEe you all pleas'd your pleasures grieue nor me Doe you delight I enuy not your ioy Haue you content contentment with you be Hope
most sad feeling in it all spite In night when darknesse doth forbid all light Yet see I griefe apparant to the show Follow'd by iealousie whose fond tricks flow And on vnconstant waues of doubt alight I can behold rage cowardly to feede Vpon foule error which these humors breede Shame doubt and feare yet boldly will thinke ill All those in both I feele then which is best Darke to ioy by day light in night opprest Leaue both and end these but each other spill Song 3. STay my thoughts doe not aspire To vaine hopes of high desire See you not all meanes bereft To inioy no ioy is left Yet still me thinkes my thoughts doe say Some hopes doe liue amid dismay Hope then once more Hope for ioy Bury feare which ioyes destroy Thought hath yet some comfort giuen Which despaire hath from vs driuen Therefore deerely my thoughts cherish Neuer let such thinking perish 'T is an idle thing to plaine Odder farre to dye for paine Thinke and see how thoughts doe rise Winning where there no hope lies Which alone is louers treasure For by thoughts we loue doe measure Then kinde thought my fant'sie guide Let me neuer haplesse slide Still maintaine thy force in me Let me thinking still be free Nor leaue thy might vntill my death But let me thinking yeeld vp breath 19. COme darkest Night becomming sorrow best Light leaue thy light fit for a lightsome soule Darknesse doth truely sute with me opprest Whom absence power doth from mirth controule The very trees with hanging heads condole Sweet Summers parting and of leaues distrest In dying colours make a grief-full role So much alas to sorrow are they prest Thus of dead leaues her farewell carpets made Their fall their branches all their mournings proue With leauelesse naked bodies whose hues vade From hopefull greene to wither in their loue If trees and leaues for absence mourners be No maruell that I grieue who like want see 20. THe Sunne which glads the earth at his bright sight When in the morne he showes his golden face And takes the place from tedious drowsie Night Making the world still happy in his grace Shewes happinesse remaines not in one place Nor may the Heauens alone to vs giue light But hide that cheerefull face though no long space Yet long enough for tryall of their might But neuer Sun-set could be so obscure No Desart euer had a shade so sad Nor could black darknesse euer proue so bad As paines which absence makes me now indure The missing of the Sunne a while makes Night But absence of my ioy sees neuer light 21. WHen last I saw thee I did not thee see It was thine Image which in my thoughts lay So liuely figur'd as no times delay Could suffer me in heart to parted be And sleepe so fauourable is to me As not to let thy lou'd remembrance stray Lest that I waking might haue cause to say There was one mnute found to forget thee Then since my faith is such so kinde my sleepe That gladly thee presents into my thought And still true Louer-like thy face doth keepe So as some pleasure shadow-like is wrought Pitty my louing nay of conscience giue Reward to me in whom thy selfe doth liue 22. LIke to the Indians scorched with the Sunne The Sunne which they doe as their God adore So am I vs'd by Loue for euermore I worship him lesse fauours haue I wonne Better are they who thus to blacknesse run And so can onely whitenesse want deplore Theu I who pale and white am with griefes store Nor can haue hope but to see hopes vndone Besides their sacrifice receiu'd in sight Of their chose Saint mine hid as worthlesse rite Grant me to see where I my offerings giue Then let me weare the marke of Cupids might In heart as they in skin of Phoebus light Not ceasing offerings to Loue while I liue 23. WHen euery one to pleasing pastime hies Some hunt fome hauke some play while some delight In sweet discourse and musicke shewes ioyes might Yet I my thoughts doe farre aboue these prize The ioy which I take is that free from eyes I sit and wonder at this day-like night So to dispose themselues as void of right And leaue true pleasure for poore vanities When others hunt my thoughts I haue in chase If hauke my minde at wished end doth flye Discourse I with my spirit talke and cry While others musicke choose as greatest grace O God say I can these fond pleasures moue Or musicke bee but in sweet thoughts of Loue 24. ONce did I heare an aged father say Vnto his sonne who with attention heares What Age and wise experience euer cleares From doubts of feare or reason to betray My sonne said hee behold thy father gray I once had as thou hast fresh tender yeares And like thee sported destitute of feares But my young faults made me too soone decay Loue once I did and like thee fear'd my Loue Led by the hatefull threed of Iealousie Striuing to keepe I lost my liberty And gain'd my griefe which still my sorrowes moue In time shun this to loue is no offence But doubt in Youth in Age breeds penitence Song 4. SWeetest Loue returne againe Make not too long stay Killing mirth and forcing paine Sorrow leading way Let vs not thus parted be Loue and absence nere agree But since you must needs depart And me haplesse leaue In your iourney take my heart Which will not deceiue Yours it is to you it flies Ioying in those loued eyes So in part we shall not part Though we absent be Tyme nor place nor greatest smart Shall my bands make free Tyed I am yet thinke it gaine In such knots I feele no paine But can I liue hauing lost Chiefest part of me Heart is fled and sight is crost These my fortunes be Yet deare heart goe soone returne As good there as heere to burne 25. POore eyes bee blinde the light behold no more Since that is gone which is your deare delight Rauish'd from you by greater power and might Making your losse a gaine to others store Oreflow and drowne till sight to you restore That blessed Starre and as in hatefull spight Send forth your teares in flouds to kill all sight And lookes that lost wherein you ioy'd before Bury thâ—se beames which in some kindled fires And conquer'd haue their loue-burnt hearts desires Losing and yet no gaine by you esteem'd Till that bright Starre doe once againe appeare Brighter then Mars when hee doth shine most cleare See not then by his might be you redeem'd 26. DEare cherish this and with it my soules will Nor for it ran away doe it abuse Alas it left poore me your brest to choose As the best shrine where it would harbour still Then fauour shew and not vnkindly kill The heart which fled to you but doe excuse That which for better did the worse refuse And pleas'd I le be though heartlesse my life spill But if you