unto others and that the familiarity which was between them was only the consequent of a long acquaintance but as for any matters of love and addresses of that nature that they were altogether indifferent unto me Then this subtile man answered me thus I thank the gods that your humour is such and since it is so you will take some delight in hearing some of those passionate expressions which he bestowed upon his deare Aminthea I must confesse wise Diana when I heard Aminthea called his I changed colour and because he offered to relate their discourse I seemed willing to heare more of the infidelity of Celadon though alas more faithfull then I was well advised So I accepted of his offer and indeed he made good his promises For a little after he came running unto me and told me he had left them together not farre off and that Celadon's head did lie in Amintheas lap and she holding his head relating these particulars purposely to nettle me the more Then I followed him though I neither knew which way I went nor what I did until we came very neere though they neither heard nor saw us I have since thought that it was because they cared not who either saw or heard them but so it was that I heard Celadon answer her Beleeve me fair shepheardesse never did beautie make a deeper impression in any soul then it hath in mine but Celadon answered Aminthea It is not possible a heart so young as yours should long retaine that impression which love hath made in it Incredulous shepheardesse replyed my Celadon let us leave off these reasons do not measure me by the yard or weights of another but bless me with your favour and you shall see whether or no my young heart can preserve them as long as it lives Celadon Celadon replyed Aminthea you would be but deservedly punished if your dissimulations should become truthes and if heaven in my revenge should make you love Aminthea in earnest whom now I know you do but jeast with Hitherto all was well enough but Oh heavens what a strange answer of dissimulation did he returne Fair shepheardesse answered he if I do mock or jeast with you may Love turne all my mockery upon my self if I have merited it that he would punish me with your menaces Aminthea not being able to reach the intention of his discourse did answer him only with a sigh and in such a manner as I in my language did interpret that she would not have rejected him if she could have credited his language But that which most perplexed me was that after Celadon had been a while silent he fetched a deep sigh which presently she answered with another and when he did rise up to speak unto her she covered her eyes with her hand blusht as being ashamed that this sigh had escaped her and after a little pausing silence Aminthea said thus unto him Come Celadon are you so soone weary of my company I rather feare said he that I shall weary her whom I extreamly desire to please and therefore since you command it I will stay I dare not use commands replied the Shepheardesse where intreaties perhaps will be too indiscreet Use what termes you please replied the Shepheard but I am much your servant So he set himselfe down and began thus A Madrigall Upon a resemblance 'twixt his Lady and him WEll may one say that our two hearts Are like a Rock that never starts A Rock in Constancy isimine A Rock insensible is thine Fair Diana I was not able to stay any longer in this place but stealing gently away I returned to my flock so sad as all that day I could not utter one word and passed away the night with a thousand sad conceits and cryed as long as I had any tears I do admire I should be so blinded for had I retained the least spark of judgment I should have remembered that it was my command he should faigne love But the next morning when he came unto me I gave him such harsh entertainment as made him desperate and caused him to throw himselfe into that gulph where he and all my joyes were drowned together At this word she looked as pale as death and had not Phillis revived her taking her into her armes she had swouned The noise which they made at Astrea's swouning was so great that Leonida waked and hearing some talk so neer her her curiosity invited her to know who they were And because these three Shepheardesses were risen up to go away all she could do was to wake Silvia to shew them unto her Assoon as she saw them she knew Astrea though the disaster of Celadon had much altered her Leonida asked her who were the other two The one of them said she who is on the left hand is Phillis her deer companion and the other is Diana daughter to the sage Relinda and Celion I am very sorry we have slept so long for I am confident we should have received some newes from them for it is likely they came into this place so far from company purposely to talk with more freedome I must ingenuously confesse said Leonida that I never in all my life saw any fairer then Astrea she has the advantage of all others Consider then said Silvia what hopes Galathea has to divert the affection of this Shepheard from her This consideration did touch Leonida so to the quick that she did resent it more for her own cause than Galathea's However Love which never leaves a Lover without some sweet hopes would not treat this Nymph worse then others and therefore though with small probability yet she promised her selfe thus much hope that perhaps absence from Astrea together with her own kindnesse mightwork an alteration in him Then after some other such discourse these two Nymphs parted Leonida towards Feurs and Silvia towards Isoures whilst the three Shepheardesses retired to their Cabins No sooner had they set foot in the great meadow where of late they used to meet but they espied Lycidas talking with Silvander yet assoon as ever this Shepheard saw Astrea he grew so pale and altered that least Silvander should take notice of it he broke from him with a hollow excuse but striving to avoid meeting with them Phillis with Diana crossed the way to overtake him and when she came at him she said unto him If you thus flie your friends Lycidas what would you do to your enemies The company you keep so much Phillis answered he does not deserve the title of friend She whom you so much complain of answered Phillis does endure more torment for her offending of you then you your selfe doth There is no way to cure the wound answered the Shepheard but by breaking the weapon which gave it By this time Astrea was come up who addressed her selfe unto Lycidas and said unto him I am so far Lycidas from thinking your hatred of me unjust as I must confesse you cannot hate
fair shepheardesse hath done unto that affection which she hath promised me by misinterpreting mine and taking that for an injury which she ought to take for the greatest assurance and demonstration of my affection But Oh great god of Love how dare I complain against her since thou hast commanded me to think all well that she doth I will therefore use no complaints against her for my heart will not give me leave to contradict her in any thing But Oh wise Nymph I will endeavour to let you see by telling the truth that Palemon doth love and that Doris has no reason to believe the contrary And to be as briefe as I can she does confesse that I did love her and that she did love me but why does she upbraid me with any infidelity Her reason is because I was jealous and I confesse I was But if she did love me as she saies she did for loving her why should my affection be pleasing to her and not the effects of my affection If all that looked upon her made me jealous if their conversation their words nay their very lookes made me suspitious was not this a most certain testimony that I did infinitely love her She hath often told me that to doubt of her was to offend her and to make a sinister construction of her Ah great Nymph did this fair shepheardesse know as well how to love as her eyes do to make her adored she would say that this was rather extream love and the high opinion of her which made me doubt her Had I not thought her most worthy to be served by every one I should never have thought that every one had served her And had I not been of that beliefe how could I have been jealous of every one Jealousie therefore Oh fair Doris is not a lesser signe of affection and violent love then sighes and tears are for it hath its originall from the knowledge one hath of the perfections in the person loved but sighes and tears do often proceed from her cruelty only and from the torments which they resent by reason thereof She therefore knowing Oh great Nymph that I was jealous ought she not therefore to encrease her affection in some sort to ballance the weight which mine endured but on the contrary she rewards me with cruelty she her selfe unties the knot of that amity which so many services and demonstrations of a perfect affection ought to have made indissolvable And to give some colourable pretence for all this she alledgeth faintnesse and coldness on my side and negligence and carelessenesse which alas was only in her own opinion She alledgeth that at that time I absented my selfe from her Indeed when I consider this allegation I must confesse that all actions may be suspected when the effects produce contrary semblances or are not known unto those that have interest in them If I should ask you fair Doris what opinion you had of me when my fortune had brought me into your acquaintance I am confident you will say that I loved served honoured and adored you with as much faithfull zeal of true affection as ever any shepheard could And let it not displease you if before this great Nymph and reverent Druide I beseech and conjure you to tell them who that shepheardesse is that ever I adressed my selfe unto except you or you ever heard of If you do not know nor ever heard of any but must needs confesse my affection was never placed any where else why do you complain of me and why should you suspect and put a misinterpretation upon my actions Me-thinks it is but very ill Logick to conclude that Palemon did love me but because he sees me not so oft as he was wont therefore he does not love me Were it not a better piece of sophistry in the Schooles of Love to argue thus Palemon does not see me so oft as he was accustomed but I know there is some urgent occasions which keeps him away Had you been thus compassionate upon the torments I endured in being absent from you and judged others by your selfe you had never so cruelly offended him who did never offend against the affection which he promised But perhaps you will ask me what I did mean by so many minute visits whereas formerly whole daies would not content me I shall tell you Oh sage Nymph and when you have heard me you will not make such a sinister construction of my actions as this fair one doth of my fidelity only I beseech you to consider the kinde of life which I led at that time and amongst what company I lived I can and truly say Oh great Nymph that never man lived a more salvage life then I no not such whose profession is to inhabit amongst Rocks and Desarts excepting only when my affection constrained me once a day to see her for as soon as day began to dawn I went out of my Cabin and shunning all manner of company I did not return untill dark night retiring my selfe sometimes into the most close and unfrequented Caves and other times upon the tops of the highest Mountains so solitarily alone as nothing but my own thoughts could finde me out but they still kept me so good company as they did often invite me unto some such place from whence I might see her habitation thinking the very sight of the happy walls where she dwelt to be no small consolation unto me Nothing could withdraw me from this kinde of solitary life no not the friendship of Neighbours nor duty to Parents nor care of my Flocks nor any thing in the world else but only my desire of seeing her every day once and that in such short visits as to my sorrow alwaies when I returned I thought I did but only go thither and not see her Now my extream affection unto her was the cause why I did not acquaint her with my reason for this kinde of life Now great and wise Nymph it was ever my opinion that he who loves as he ought to do ought to be more tender of her honour whom he loves then of his own contentment The malice of ill disposed men is never so weak nor drousie but it may alwaies finde out some subject to asperse those that are most vertuous And at this time our frequent visits were eyed and gave occasion unto those malignant spirits to spit their venome and talk very broadly and yet so closely that all the diligence I could use could never bring me to know who were the authors of these poysonous Impostures What should I do in such a case To undertake a long voyage I could not because I was not a free Master of my own actions and to cease to love her had been to cease to live Since our great familiarity was it which gave a colour for their calumny what could I better do then stop the black mouthes of scandall by abridging my selfe of my own contentment in not being so
water that when she returned to her selfe at the first motion she fell in and was in so much danger as all that some shepheards close by could do was litle enough to save her by pulling her out by her garments which kept her above the water and gave them time to draw her unto the side but life was so farre spent as she perceived it not They carried her unto the next shepherds cabbin whereby accident Phillis was and where they shifted her cloaths she all this while was so astonished both at her owne accident and at that of Celadons that she could not speake Mean while Celadon was hurried by the fury of the waves a farre off on the other side of the River amongst some little trees but with very little signe of life As soone as Phillis heard of this accident unto Astrea she made all haste possible and had not Lycidas met her nothing else could have stopped her yet she told him briefly the danger in which Astrea was not mentioning a word concerning Celadon for she knew not any thing of his disaster this Lycidas was Celadons brother and these two were tyed faster together in amity then consanguinitie on the other side Astrea and Phillis being Cousens did love each other so well as they deserved to be compared with the two brothers As Celadon had a Sympatheticall affection unto Astrea so Lycidas had as strong an inclination to serve Phillis as Phillis had to favour Lycidas So it chanced that as they came into the cottage Astrea opened her eyes but you may imagine that they had lost much of their wonted lustre and looked heavy and dull and their sprightliness drowned in tears yet such tears as flowing from an enflamed heart and lovely eyes moved abundance of love and pitty from all her beholders When she espied her companion Phillis she was much moved but much more when she saw Lycidas and though she was loath to let the people about her know the cause of her disaster yet she was forced to say hat his brother was drowned in helping her Lycidas was so astonished at the newes that he ran immediatly to the fatall place with all the rest of the shepheards leaving Astrea and Phillis alone who presently after began to follow them but so sad a pace that though they had much to say yet they could not speake one syllable Meane time the shepheards came to the River side and looking on every side they could not finde the least signe of what they sought for only those who went the lowest downe the River chanced to find his hat which the waves had cast up upon some willows and reeds which grew by the water side this was all the newes they could heare As for Celadon he was carried by the water much lower and into a place where it was unpossible for them to find him for as I told you before the waves had wafted him over to the other side and he stucke upon a thick rush of trees where it was very hard to see him When he was even betwixt life and death there came to the place three fair Nymphs with disheavelled haire waving and hanging upon their shoulders under a garland of severall Pearles their brests were naked their sleeves turned up to the elbow and their arms bare onely covered with purest Lawne to the Wrests on which they wore rich bracelets of Orientall Pearls each of them wore a quiver full of arrows and in their hands they carried bowes of Ivorie their petticotes were tucked up so high as permitted their golden buskins to be seene as high as the knee It seems they came unto that place upon some designe for said one of them this is the very place search well the side of the River See see how impetuously it swells it self above its common levell observ that Tuft of trees doubtlesse it is the very same which was represented to us in the mirror 'T is true said the chiefe of them but all the rest is nothing resemblant but me thinkes I see another odd place more likely to find that which we looke for it s very probable said the third who had not yet spoke for the place is so exactly described as I beleeve there is not one tree but you saw in the mirrour In such discourse as this they came so neere the place where Celadon was that nothing but a few leaves did interpose betweene him and their sight They having exactly survayed every thing they concluded it to be the place which was shewed unto them and therefore resolved to sit downe The principall of these Nymphs as she was sitting downe espyed Celadon and supposing him to be some shepheard asleepe and beckning with one hand unto her companions she pointed to the place with the other and treading very gently for feare of waking him she stepped forward but being neerer she beleeved him to be dead For his feet did lie in the water his right arme upon his head and the left carlesly hanging behind him his neck awry as if his head were too heavy his mouth halfe open and almost full of sand his face pale and dirtie his eyes almost closed and his haire which he wore very long so wet that the water ran like a stream from it his countenance was the very picture of death his backe so bended that it seemed broke and that made his belly seeme the more swelled The Nymphs seeing him in this deplorable condition were mooved with much pitty and Leonida as most officious and pittifull was the first which laid hand upon him to draw him out of the river The water which he had swallowed came from him in such abundance that the Nimph finding some warmth yet in him did beleeve him to be recoverable Then Galathia who was the chiefe of them turning towards the other Nymph who looked on but did not help Come Sylvia said she unto her why are you so idle come and help if not to ease your companions yet out of pittie to this poore shepheard I am considering Madam said she that though he be very much changed yet me thinkes I should know him Then taking him by the other arme and looking upon him more precisely Certainly said she I am not mistaken T is he I meane and beleeve it he merits all our helps for he is not only of the first family in all the country but his merits are so many as our best indeavours to save him will be well imployed All this while the water came from him in such abundance that the shepheard being more empty began to breathe but did not yet open his eyes nor come unto himself Galathia having an opinion that he was the man of whom the Druid had spoken unto her she her selfe did help her companions and commanded them to carry him unto her Pallace of Isoures where he might have the best accommodations of help And accordingly with much adoe they carryed him to the place where the litle Merill
living left Since we of her bereaft It seems deare Saint your better fate Death did anticipate And lieu of Cradle Coffin sent Since gone as soone as lent No no it is not you did die But it is rather I For only you did animate My soul and life create Both soul and heart and what is mine Eternally is thine Thus Love or'e death gets victorie Since still you live in mee Or else God-like lets Lovers live Yet them no hearts doth give A Sea of Teares from fluent eyes To the I le sacrifise And when those mountaines are growne dry I le come to thee and die Lycidas and Phillis had a good mind to enquire the cause of this shepherds griefe if their owne would have permitted them but finding him to stand as much in need of consolation as themselves they would not add the miseries of another unto their owne And therefore leaving the rest of the shepherds to hearken further they went on their way and none followed them Lycidas was no sooner gon but they heard another voice a far off which seemed to draw neere them and setting themselves to hearken they were interrupted by that shepherdesse who held the head of a shepherd in her lappe and uttered these complaints Fie fie thou obdurate peece of cruelty thou pittilesse shepheard how long will thy heart be marble and eares stopped to my prayers Why should one who is not be preferred before one that is vowed thine Tircis Tircis thou Idolizer of the dead and enemy of the living looke upon my poore affection Love those that are alive and let the dead rest quiet trouble not their happie ashes with thy unprofitable teares take heed thou dost not draw vengance upon thy selfe for thy cruelty and injustice The shepherd not so much as turning towards her coldly answered I wish faire shepherdesse that I could give you satisfaction by my death I would willingly die to rid both you and my selfe from our torments consider I beseech you Laonice that you have no reason to urge me to put my deare Cleon twice to death It s enough she has once paid the debt due to Nature If now she is dead she should once againe revive in me by force of my affection would you have me remove her by entertaining a new love into my soul No no shepherdesse all your arguments are too weake to make me hearken unto any such counsell that which you call cruelty in me I tearm fidelitie and that which you thinke worthy of punishment I conceive deserves exceeding commendations I have already told you that the sacred memory of my Cleon shall live with me in my grave I have vowed it a thousand times both unto her and the immortall gods with whom she is and do you not thinke that they would punish Tircis if he should breake all those solemne vowes and become unfaithfull Yes yes the heavens shall sooner raine Thunderbolts upon my head then I will either offend against my vowes or my deare Cleon. She would have replyed when the shepheard which they heard singing came neere and interrupted her with these verses The Song of the inconstant Hylas If ere my Mistrisse me disdaine then hang me if I ere complaine I le ne're be drowned in puling sorrow but court a new one ere to morrow It is a toile would tire a horse to make a woman Love by force Those beauties which are over wise and our addresses do despise Have at their hearts a fire more hot although so close we see it not Whilst Lovers dote upon such dames Rivals do warme them at their flames It s flat Idolatry by Jove to court a cruell beauties Love Will any man of wit adore Idols that have no help in store A constant lover is but gull'd and by his Loyaltie befoold That simple crue of faithfull Lovers you 'l find them alwayes full of dolors Compos'd of sighes and cries and teares they do both sleep and wake in feares So as a Lovers life is found the worst that breathes upon the ground Such as do child-like Pule and crye when they have lost some foppery Cannot be called by the Name of men who any honour claime A Loving foole is still most fit for such a silly Amourite Such fables I have learnt to fly which nothing bring but misery I can be wise by others follie and ' spite of Love I can be Jollie I Value not a Rush if all the Ladies me unconstant call At this last verse this Shepherd was so neare Tircis that he perceived the teares of Laonice and though strangers yet having a superficiall acquaintance Hilas knowing how it was betweene Laonice and Tircis he addressed himselfe thus unto him Disconsolate shepheard for so every one did call him by reason of his sadnesse If I were like unto you I should thinke my selfe the most pittifull peece of misfortune that lives upon earth Tircis hearing this thus answered And I Hylas were I like unto you I should think my selfe more unfortunate then I am Should I like you replied Hylas drop teares for every Mistrisse that I have Lost I should teare out my eyes before I had done Were you like unto me answered Tircis you would have but one to drop any teares for And were you like unto me said Hilas you would not drop a teare for any That 's the reason replyed the sad shepheard I do think you miserable for if love be the only price and reward of Love never any did love you because you never loved any How do you know answered Hilas that I never loved any I know it said Tircis by your perpetuall changing You and I do differ in opinions said he for I ever thought that the more a workman is exercised in his trade the more perfect he is in it T is true answered Tircis when he workes by the rules of Art but if otherwise he is like unto travellers out of their way the more they goe the more they erre and further from the right way And as the rowling stone never gathers any mosse but rather dirt so your leight inconstancy may get some shame but never any Love You must know Hilas that the wounds of Love are such as will never heale Heavens deliver me from any such said Hilas You have good reason for your prayer replied Tircis For if every time you were wounded with a new beautie you should receive an incurable wound I am afraid there would not be one sound part in all your body Moreover you never can relish any of those sweets and felicities which Love bestowes upon all true Lovers and that miraculously like the rest of his actions for they are cured by the same which wounds like the sword of Telephus which both cuts and heales and I am perswaded that were you once permitted to know the secrets of that god you would presently renounce your inconstancy Hilas at this smiled and said There is very great reason Tircis that you should put your selfe in the
health Madam answered the Shepheard who did not well understand this language If I must desire mine owne health it shall be only to render you service in exchange of so many favours which you are pleased to conferre upon me But for my part I must thinke of no other course but returning to the woods and Pastures otherwise the solemne vow which our Fathers have made unto the Gods will accuse us to be unworthy children of such Fathers What vow is that sad the Nymph The History of it would be too long replyed Celadon but in short this Madam All those about the Rivers of Loire Turan Argent and all the rest of the Rivers have severall yeares with one accord assembled in that great Plaine which is neere Mount Verdum and considering the Inconveniences which ambition and desire of rule in that people called Romans hath brought upon all their Neighbours they do all by mutuall consent sweare to fly all ambition for ever and they and their children to live peaceably in the habit of shepheards And ever since it hath been observed so pleasing was this vow unto the Gods that whosoever broke this oath did never prosper And amongst us my Father is the most remarkable example So as now seeing the will of heaven is to have us live in rest we have a new ratified this vow with so many sacred oathes as he that breakes it shall be most detestable I do professe answered the Nymph I am very glad to heare this for I never knew before the reason why so many good and antient families have forsaken Townes and spend their dayes in woods and solitary places But Celadon if your condition will permit you I shall be very glad to heare you relate the fortune of your Father Alsippes and why he betooke himselfe to that kind of life which he had so long laid aside for I am most confident it is most worthy of knowledge Then the shepheard though not very well yet constrained himselfe to obey her and began thus The History of Alcippes Madam you command me to relate the most intricate story in the world and in which one may learne that whosoever contrives the hurt of another must prepare himselfe for a great part of it In obedience therefore to your commands I shall briefly tel you what I have gleaned from the ordinary discourse of him unto whom all the things hapned for to make us more sensible of our happinesse in living at rest my Father hath often related unto us his strange fortunes Be pleased to know then Madam that Alcippes being educated by his Father in the simplicitie of a shepherd had ever a Genius far different from his education and any thing that smelt of a Town pleased him much better then a Field So as when he was a little boy his delight was in assembling other boys together and setting them into order and do what the grave Signiors could he would still be teaching them how to arme themselves and shoot in bowes The Ancients of our village who observed his actions did Prophesie great troubles to ensue upon their country and that Alcippes was of too turbulent a spirit to be kept within the compasse of a shepherd When his age became more virile he fell in Love with the shepherdesse Amarillis who was then secretly corrted by another shepheard called Alces And Alcippes having so good a conceipt of himselfe that he thought any shepherdess would bid his affection welcome whensoever it was offered he resolved not to use much artifice in declaring himselfe so as meeting her at one of the Sacrifices unto Pan. as she was returning home to her village he said unto her I could never have believed my selfe so weake as not to resist the blowes of an enemy who hath wounded me and never thought upon it She answered him that he who wounds against his will ought not to be called an enemy But I do find it otherwise answered he and therefore I may very well give this name unto you who I replyed she I was never so either in thought or act for I ever set a great valew upon your merit This is one of the wounds you give me said he but I see you can carry Love in your eyes and in your mouth but will not harbour it in your heart The shepherdesse then finding her selfe surprised and that he did meane matter of Love she answered I do set such a value upon your vertue Alcippes as I ought to do but as for any Love whereof you speak beleeve me I have none for any either in my eyes or heart especially for such pittyfull spirits as can content themselves to live like Savages in woods It is not the election of love but my destinie which makes me yours replyed the shepherd and such a resemblance of humor there is betwixt us that I have borne a most deadly hatred unto a shepherds life which you scorne so much even from my very cradle I do protest that if changing my condition will promote me into your favour I wil immediatly quit my flock and sheephooke and live amongst men not amongst Salvages You may change your condition answered Amarillis but not me for I am resolved to be still so much my selfe as not to give my affection unto another If therefore you would have us live as formerly we have done leave off this discourse of affection and Love and talke of such things as we were wont else thinke it not strange that I banish you my presence since it is impossible that Love and the Civilitie of Amarillis should dwell together Alsippe not expecting such an answer was so confounded that it was a long while before he could answer but being come to himselfe he was perswaded that it was the bashfullnesse of her age and sexe not want of any good will to him made her give such an answer And therefore he answered whatsoever you are pleased to be or say I shall never be any thing but your devoted servant And if the command you have imposed upon me were not incompatible with my affection you may most confidently beleeve that nothing in the world can make me disobey But I beseech you excuse and suffer me to continue my designe which is onely a testimony of your merit for whether you will or no I am resolved to prosecute it The shepherdesse then turning her eye smilingly upon him I know not Alsippe said she unto him whether this be for some wager or out of willfullnesse that you speake thus It is both answered he for I have laid a wager with my desires to overcome you or to die and this resolution is changed into obstinate willfullnesse since nothing can divert me from that oath which I have taker I should have been very glad answered Amarillis if you had made choice of some other marke for your importunities Nay nay said the shepherd all this cannot make me alter my designe Then think not much replyed Amarillis if I
sentence of his Mistris he did oppose his innocency then the suddain execution of it did appear in the eyes of his fancy And as he was falling from one thought into another his hand fell a cidentally upon the Riband tyed to his arme in which was Astreas Ring Oh what horrid memorialls came then into his mind Then did he fancy the fury which her soul expressed both by words and actions when she pronounced the sentence of his banishment Then after a long and sad contemplation upon this last dysaster he began to think upon the change of his Fortune how happy he had been and how she favoured him Then begun he to think what she had done for him how for his sake she had slighted many well qualified shepherds how little she valued the displeasure of her Father or anger of her Mother when they opposed against her affection then began he to consider that Fortune is as fickle in matters of Love as in any thing else and how few of all her favours remained with him which was only a Bracelet of her hair tyed about his arme and a Picture which he wore at his brest whose Case he kissed many a time as for the Ring which he wore about the other arme he esteemed that rather as forced then of any benevolence Then upon a suddain he remembred the Letters which she had writ unto him in the happie dayes of his being in favour and which he alwayes carried about with him in a little bagg Oh what rapture was he in when he first thought upon them for he feared lest the Nymphes when they pulled off his cloathes should have seen them In this doubt he called out aloud for the little Merril for he allwayes waited in a Lobby close by The little boy hearing him call so hastily two or three times came to see what his pleasure was My little officer saith Celadon doest thou know what is become of my clothes for they containe somthing which would much perplex me to lose Your clothes Sir said he are not far from hence but there is nothing in them for I searched them Oh Meril said the Shepheard thou art much mistaken for there was something which I valued above my life then turning towards the other side of the bed he began to make exceeding sad complaints a long while together Meril hearing him was on the one side very sorry to heare him lament as he did and on the other side was in great doubt whether he should tell him all he knew at last not being able to be longer a witnesse of his sorrowes he told him that he needed not to trouble himselfe so much for he was sure the Nymph Galathea loved him too wel to keep from him any thing which he so much valued At this Celadon turned towards him and asked whether that Nymph had them I beleeve it is the same said he at least I found a litle bundle of papers and as I was bringing them unto you she met me and took them from me Oh Heavens said the Shepheard things are worse and worse then turning on the otherside he would speak no more Mean time Galathea did read the Letters for it was true she did take them from Merill and as those in Love are alwayes full of curiositie so she read them but she had strictly charged him to say nothing because she intended to restore them as unknown that she had seen them Silvia held the candle whilst Galathea unloosed the string which tyed them together we shall see said Silvia whether this Shepheard be such a dull fellow as he would seeme to be and whether or no he be in Love then Galathea took out the papers gently for feare of tearing them and the first she laid her hand upon was this Astrea's Letter unto Celadon Celadon WHat 's this you do attempt Into what a confusion are you about to bring your self Take my advice who counsell you as a friend and leave off this your design of serving me t is too ful of inconveniency beleeve it what content Celadon can you hope for I shal be extreamly intolerable you may with as much ease attempt an impossibility you must wait and suffer and be patient and have neither eyes or Love for any but me for never think I will share affection with any other nor accept of halfe-love I am full of suspitions extreamly Jealous I am exceeding hard to be woon and very easily lost quickly offended but abominably hard to be pleased my will must be destiny it selfe my opinions must passe for reasons and my commands must be inviolable Lawes Shepheard be wise and keep out of this dangerous Labyrinth Cease from a designe which may prove soruinous I know my selfe better then you do never think to alter my naturall Genius I shall certainly break rather then bend and if you will not beleeve what now I say do not hereafter complaine against me Never credit me said Galathea if this Shepheard be not in Love It cannot be doubted said Silvia being so well accomplished Then Galathea gave her another Letter which had been wet to hold unto the fire meanewhile she took another Letter which contained these words Astrea's Letter unto Celadon Celadon YOu will not beleeve that I Love you and yet you desire I should beleev you Love me If I do not Love you what will my credence in your affection profit you perhaps you thinke that beliefe will oblige me to it but alas Celadon that consideration is too weak if your merits and services were not more considerable but this is the state of your condition I would not only have you know that I think you Love me but I would have you know also that I do Love you and amongst many other this is an infallible argument of it that I have valued my Love to you above my obedience to my Parents If you consider how great my duty is to them you may by it value my Love to you since it is above all duties Adieu be not any longer incredulous As soon as this Letter was read Silvia brought the other and Galathea told her with a sad heart that Celadon was in Love and which was worse that he was extreamly loved which grieved her to the very soul for now she saw that she was to force a Fort which a victorious enemy was possessor of For by these Letters she found that the humour of this Shepherdesse was not to be halfe a Mistris but would have an absolute command over such as she daigned to accept as her servants and her opinion of this was much fortified when she read the other Letter which had been wet it was thus penned Astrea's Letter unto Celadon Celadon LYcidas told Phillis that yesterday you were in a very bad humour Am I the cause of it or you If it be I it is without occasion for did I ever desire any more then to Love and be loved by you And have you not sworne a
hopes seeing me sutable with him in age did most particularly favour me with his affection more then any other when I came first to him it was then when the great and prudent Aetius did treat an agreement with Merovea and the Frankes for so he called all those who followed him to resist that fatall scourge of Heaven Attilla King of the Hunnes who having gathered together in the deserts of Asia an uncredible number of men even five hundred thousand combatants he descended like a Torrent most furiously ravaging all Countries through which he marched and though this Aetius the Lieutenant General of Valentinian in Gaule came with an intention of making war upon Merovea who during the Government of Castinus had seised upon part of Gaule yet he thought it better to make him the Visigots and Burgundians also his freinds rather then hazard a defeat by Attillas who having already passed Germany was upon the banks of Rheyne where he stayed not a long time before he advanced into Gaule and beseiged the Towne of Orleans till the comming of Thierry King of the Visigotts made him raise Seige and take another way But being met with by Merovea and Aetius with their confederates in the Cathalaunique fields he was defeated more by the valour of the Franks and prudence of Merovea then any other force After Aetius was slaine perhaps by his Masters command upon some discontent Merovea was received at Paris Orleans and the neighbouring Townes as their Lord and King and all the people ever since have borne him so much affection as they called themselves Franks as more pleasing unto him and their Country in lieu of Gaule took the name of France Whilst I was imployed in the armes of France the Gaules the Romans the Burgundians the Visigotts and the Hunnes my Brother was imployed in the Armes of Love Armes the more dangerous because all wounds light upon the heart such was his disaster that being brought up with Clidema he saw the fair Silvia and in seeing her he saw his death also for he never was himselfe since I never knew the cause of this for being with Childericke I enjoyed all imaginable content as being very gracious which my Master loved amongst all my equals and generally honoured of all out of a good opinion which they conceived of me in the present affaires which got me more credit and authoritie over them then perhaps my age did merit but hearing of my Brothers languishing condition I could not stay any longer with Childericke but taking my leave of him and promising to returne ere long I hasted to the place where my affection invited me as soone as I came there many did run to tell my Brother that Guyamant was come for so I am called when he heard it his Love to me did give him so much feeble strength as to rise up in his bed and to embrace me with abundance of affection It is to no purpose to trouble you Madam and grieve my selfe with a relation of all particulars that passed betwixt us only this within two or three dayes after my Brother was in such extremity that he had hardly strength enough to breathe all he had was only sighes and groanes and nothing understood to come from him but the name of Silvia I being extreamly perplexed at my Brothers sad condition was such an enemy unto this unknown Silvia as I could not chuse but curse her which my brother hearing and his affection to her being above his malady he forced himself to say thus unlesse Brother you will become my enemy cease these imprecations I beseech you which ttouble me more then all my misery besides What will they profit you further then to testifie that you hate what I do Love I know my death will grieve you but since all men are designed to the same why rather do you not with me thank the fates who have chosen so good a death for me and the fairest murderer that ever any had The abundance of my affection and the abundance of Silvias vertues are the armes which her beauty made use of to bring me unto my grave Can you curse her whose happinesse I prefer before my own soul's he would have said more but his strength failed him I answer'd him thus Brother she who thus will ravish you from us is the most unjust person that ever was If she be fair the gods themselves are guilty of injustice in making her so for they should have changed either her face or her heart Aristander hearing this assumed more strength and replied for Heavens sake Guyamant give over your blasphemy and beleeve that Silvias heart is sutable to her face As the one is all beauty so the other is all vertue if I die for Loving her never wonder at it As no eye is able to gaze upon the Sun so my soul is dazled at the rayes of so many Suns as shine in this beauty it is impossible to gaze upon so many Divinities and live Then said I unto him Is it possible Brother that one single Divinity should be the cause of your death Brother answered he I am in such extremity as I am not able to answer your demand but Brother continued he and took me by the hand I conjure you by all that 's sacred to promise me one thing carry this kisse from me to Silvia and then he kissed my hand and when you see that Nymph tell her I bequeath you unto her at this word he expired and lay cold in my armes My resentments of this losse is unimaginable by any but my selfe but without more condoling this disaster let me tell you Madam that as soon as my sorrow would permit me I came to render unto you the homage which is due and to demand Justice for the death of Aristander also to present unto her what he left her by his last will in writing But as soone as I presented my self before you and would have accused the murderer I found my Brothers words to be true and do not only excuse his death but desire and require the same Here Madam by your permission will I make my addresse Then making an humble reverence unto Amasis he chose out Silvia and kneeling unto her thus said Fair murderer if but one poor tear of pitty do but drop into that fair bosome at the news of his death whom you conquered your victory will be noble and entire but if you think so little water too much for those flames which you kindled in him then at least receive a zealous kiss which he hath sent you or rather his soul changed into this kiss which he presents unto you Upon this he kissed her hand and did rise up then thus continued Amongst the papers where Aristander had left his last will we found this and because it was sealed and directed unto you I have brought it with a protestation which by his testament he commanded me to make unto you before you open it
and Amarillis the Father and Mother of Celadon and how their hatred accompanied them to their graves which have caused abundance of trouble amongst the shepheards of this Country insomuch as I beleeve few or none about the fatall River of Lignon are ignorant of it and yet Love to shew the greatnesse of his power did unite two of these enemy-families so firmly that nothing could dissolve the knots of their affection but only death For Celadon no sooner arrived at the age of fourteen or fifteen yeares and I at twelve or thirteen but at an assembly in the Temple of Venus which is upon the top of a high Mountain neer the Castle of Mount Brison this young shepheard saw me and as he since hath told me he had long before an extream desire of it by some reports he had heard of me but the jarres which were amongst our Parents was the impediment which hindred him and I must ingeniously confesse that I think his desire of it was no greater then mine For I know not why but when I heard speak of him my heart did beat unlesse it was a presage of those troubles which afterwards befell me by reason of him When he first saw me I cannot tell what causes of Love he found in me but so it is that since that time he resolved to Love and serve me and it seemes that at the first enterview we were both strucken with the darts of Love for as soon as ever they told me that he was the Son of Alcippes I perceived a kind of chang in me which was not ordinary then all his actions beg in to please me and seemed much more agreeable unto me then any other young shepheard whatsoever and because he durst not yet approach me also because speaking with me was forbidden him his looks and eys by their turning to fro did utter such language unto me as I knew he desired to say more And indeed at a Braul which was held at the foot of a Mountain under a plump of antient Elmes which cast a pleasant shaddow he carried it so cunningly that without any heed of me and seeming as if it were out of a merry carelessenesse he got me by the hand For my part I seemed as if I took no notice of it but carried my selfe to him as to all the rest but he in taking my hand did stoope with his head as if he would kisse his hand but I perceived his mouth upon mine this did cause some colour to come into my face but I feigning to take no notice did turne away my head as if I only minded the braule which we danced this caused him to stay a while silent not knowing I beleeve how he should begin to speak at last being unwilling to lose such an opportunitie as this which he had long longed for he came very neer me and whispering Corilas who took me out to dance in the eare yet so loud but seeming to whisper that I did plainly heare what he said Oh Corilas said he I wish with all my soul that the quarrells between this shepherdesses Father and Mine might be decided by her and me To which Corilas answered very loud Nay never wish that Celadon for perhaps it is the most dangerous wish that ever you made Let the hazard be what it will answered Celadon very lond I 'le not go from what I have said though I were to give my heart as a pledge And because I seemed to take no notice of their discourses he addressed himselfe unto me and thus said And you fair shepheardesse what opinion have you of this offer I do not know answered I what you speak of He told me replied Corilas that to draw a great good from a great evil he wishes that the inveterate hatred of your Fathers were changed into love amongst their Children How answered I seeming not to know him are you Alcippes Son Yes answered he and more then that I am your most devoted servant Me thinkes said I that it had been more proper for you to have applied your discourse unto some other who may be more agreeable to you then I I have heard say replied Celadon that the gods do use to punish the sinns of the Fathers upon their Children but this is not the use amongst men unlesse your beauty which is divine will assume the same priviledges with the gods and if you do then like them you must give pardon when it is asked how now shepheard said Corilas what Do you begin your combate with crying mercy In such a combate as this answered he to be vanquished is a kind of victory and for my part I am most willing to be so provided she will be pleased to take the spoile I think they had continued their discourse longer had the Brawle longer lasted but at last we parted and every one returned to his place Not long after the shepheards used severall exercises as wrastling running leaping and throwing the barre and a Garland to be given unto him who got the better in the severall activities Celadon as being too young was admitted only unto that of running and did win the Garland composed of divers flowers which was put upon his head by all the assembly with high commendations that being so young as he was he should overcome so many other nimble shepheards He not valuing himself did take it from his head and put it upon mine saying This fair one is in confirmation of what I said before I was so surprised at this that I could not return any answer had it not been for Artemis your Mother Phillis I had given it unto him again not but that coming from his hand it was very acceptable unto me but it was because I feared Alces and Hippolyta would be angry with me But Artemis who desired rather to extinguish then enflame these old grudges did command me to receive it and thank him Which accordingly I did but in such a hollow manner as made every one think I did it only upon my Aunts command All that day was thus spent and the next day also in both which the young shepheard lost no opportunities of manifesting his affection And it was the custome upon the third day in the honour of Venus to represent the judgement which Paris gave of the three goddesses Celadon resolved to put himself amongst the Maides in the habit of a shepherdesse You know that upon the third day after the banquett he Grand Druide has a custome to throw a Golden Apple amongst the Maides upon which are written the names of the three shepheardesses which seem unto him to be the fairest of all the company with this Motto Let this be given to the fairest of the three Afterwards the person that by lot was to represent Paris does enter into the Temple of Venus with the three shepheardesses where the dores being shut judgement is given upon the beauty of these three seeing them all naked except for a linnen
do you think you could expresse your passion in the language of a man Though I must confesse said he that my wit and eloquence is but very shallow yet I beleeve I should not stand mute upon such an occasion for my extream affection would prompt me supply all other defects I beseech you fair one ' said Amindor let us see how you could behave your selfe upon such an occasion If my Mistris will give me leave said Filander I will but yet upon condition that she will grant me three requests The first is that she will answer unto what I shall ask her The second that she will not think what I shall present unto her under another person then Callirea to be fained but take them as most reall and true though impuissant passions And the last is that she will never permit any but my selfe to serve her in this kind I seeing every one delighted with the motion and also really loving Filander under the notion of his Sister did answer him that for his second and last request they were granted as soon as desired but as for the first I was so unaccustomed to answer all questions as I was sure they would be but unpleasing Yet because I would not be refractory in any thing I said that I would acquit my selfe as well as I could Upon this word he took me by the hand and began thus I could never have beleeved Fair Mistris considering the transcendency of your perfections that any mortall durst have loved you had I not experimentally found in my selfe that it is impossible to look upon you and not Love But knowing the heavens to be more Just than to impose impossibilities upon any I tooke it for granted that they would have you loved because they suffered you to be seen In this beleefe I assumed the boldnesse to look upon you which I had no sooner done but my heart immediatly submitted The Law permits one to goe and dispose of their own take it not ill Fair shepheardesse that I give you my heart which if you refuse I shall for ever disavow it to be mine Here he stopped to see if I would answer him but in such a manner that had not his habit disguised him I could not have doubted but that he was in good earnest And because I would be as good as my promise I answered him thus Shepheardesse were all these high applauds which you bestow upon me true perhaps then I should think they proceeded from your affection to me but knowing them to be meer flatteries I must needs think the rest no better then dissimulation This Fair one said he does too much disparage your judgement for it is impossible to make any doubt of your perfections and merit but I rather think that perhaps you are used with such excuses to deny such things as you are not pleased to grant But I am able and with all truth to swear by Teutates and all that 's holy and you may know I am not forsworne that you did never in all your life refuse any thing that was given you with a more sincere and perect good will I do know very well answered I that the shepheards of this Country are accustomed to such language as has little truth in it nor do they think that the gods will punish all the perfidious oathes of seeming lovers Whether or no it be the peculiar vice of your shepheards said he I referre it unto your knowledge But for my selfe who am not of this country I am not guilty either of their shame or crime but will out of your most cruell words draw some satisfaction to my selfe If the gods do punish the oaths of perfidious lovers and if I be guiltiy then the gods will send the punishment of perjurie upon me and if they do not then you must be forced to confesse that since I am not punished I am no lyer And if I be no lyer then you must confesse I am your lover So let your wit turne it which way you will it cannot be denyed but that you are the fairest upon earth or else there is none in it and that your beauty is infinitly adored by that shepheard who presents himselfe before you and who implores your favour which he thinks he may merit if a most perfect love could ever do it Whether I am fair or no replyed I I will be judged by any indifferent eyes but how ever you cannot deny that you do dissemble and are perjured and I must tell you Callirea that these expressions which you have used as a man shall make me resolve never to credit any words since you being a woman do know how so wel to dissemble Why Diana do you interrupt the discourse of your Servant said he and smiled do you wonder that Callirea should expresse so much affection to you No no it is absolutly impossible to diminish or increase for it is most violent shall be eternall I will in spite of opposition love you Love you to my grave and in my grave also if it be possible as Tirisias being a woman became a man why may I not hope that the gods may as well change me Beleeve it Fair Diana that since the gods never made any thing in vaine it is not likely they should inspire me with a most perfect affection to no purpose Daphnis seeing this discourse went a little too farr and was daingerous because this Lovers passion had a little transported him and might discover him unto Amindor she did interrupt him and said Doubtlesse Callirea your love is not in vain since it is imployed to serve this shepheardesse no more then a candle consumes it selfe in vaine which gives light unto all about it For all the world adores her as well as you and you do most excellently imploy your time if it be in her service Come come said Amindor let us leave this discourse see where Philidas comes who though he be a man yet he will take no delight in it Then Philidas came and every one rose to salute him But Amiâ—dor who was pittifully in love with the disguised Callirea when his cosin came tooke an opportunitie to draw her aside Then taking her by the arme and seeing none within hearing began to say thus unto her Is it possible fair Callirea that the language wherein you expressed your selfe unto Diana should proceed from your heart Or did you use them only to shew the acutenesse of your wit Beleeve me Amindor answered Filander I am no lyer and the expression of my affection to her was the very thoughts of my heart and if there be any want of truth in it it was only want of words to expresse my resentments Unto which with a deep sigh he answered thus Since it is so fair Callireâ— and that you are sensible of the same wounds I cannot but thinke you can be also very sensible of that affection which others bear unto you And therefore I shall use
was none of those deluders that use to disemble their in perfections since he did put them into a Ballet The reason is answered Silvander because he does not think it any vice but glories in it Assoon as they were come and all saluting complements performed Silvander remembred the Nymphs question concerning these Shepheards and therefore he addressed himselfe unto Tircis for so was the mourning Shepheard called and said thus unto him Tircis if it be not troublesome to you I beseech you tell us what inducements brought you into this Country of Forrests and who it is which stayes you here Tircis then kneeling down upon the ground and holding up his hands and eyes towards heaven he thus said Oh infinite goodnesse who by thy wise providence does govern the whole Universe be thou for ever praised for what thou hast been pleased to take from me Then rising up and admiring the Nymph and the rest of the company he addressed himselfe by way of answer unto Silvander Worthy Shepheard said he unto him you asked me what it was which brought and retained me in this Country and I must answer you that it is your selfe it is you only that I have so long looked for Me said Silvander how can that possibly be since I do not know you That 's partly the reason said Tircis why I have looked for you Since it is so said Silvander and since you have been long amongst us why would you never speak unto me Because answered Tircis I had no acquaintance with you but to give you a fuller satisfaction when you are all set down because the discourse will be long I will if you please give you a full relation Mistrâ—sse said Silvander is it your pleasure to sit down under these shady trees You ought to addresse your self with that question unto Leonida said Diana I do know very well fairest Mistresse said he that civility commands it so but love does enforce me unto you Then Leonida taking Diana by her hand and Astrea in the other she did sit down betwixt them telling Silvander that he was in the right because that love which hath any consideration of respect above it selfe is not right love And after all the rest of the Shepheardesses and Shepheards were set round Tircis turned towards the Shepheardesse which came with him and said unto her Now Laonice is the happy and so much desired time which we have with so much impatience expected ever since we came into this Country It rests only upon you to do according to the Oracle Then the Shepheardesse without any reply unto him addressed her selfe unto Silvander in this manner The History of Tircis and Laonice I Have heard say and I think truly that of all amities there is none more affectionate than that which begins in Infancy because that custome which is taken in that age does by degrees become a nature which growing up with years growes solid and unalterable This Prologue generous Shepheard must plead for an excuse since I am forced to tell you that I do love Tircis I sucked in this affection almost with my milk and my soul being ever since nourished with this food did receive as its own the accidents of this passion Neighbours we alwaies were the amity of our Parents the equalitie of our ages and the sweet disposition in Tircis his younger years were so many sweet allurements to make me his But cursed Fate would have it so that almost at the same time Cleon was born and perhaps with more graces than I but certainly with much better fortune for as soon as she began to open her eyes the heart of Tircis was inflamed by them for hâ— began to love her in the Cradle About that time I was some six years of age he ten But see how the heaven disposed of us against our wills assoon as ever I saw him I loved him and assoon as ever he saw Cleon he loved her And though these were yet but green affections such as the age was capable of yet were they not so small but they knew how to make a difference amongst us Afterwards growing up with time they came to such a height that I believe never any exceeded them In the Infancy of my Love you may think I took no great notice of his actions but being grown unto a more observing age I found such coldnesse of good-will towards me thaâ— I resolved to divert my self some other way A resolution which many maleconâ—ented persons may fancy but never any true Lover could execute as afterwards I found by a long and sad experience However my offended spirit had power enough to make me dissemble and if I could not by any means attract him then to try at the least if I could take my leave of him My greatest wonder was that I could never finde that Tircis affected any other Shepheardesse and as for Cleon she raised no suspition by reason of her youth since then not above nine yeares old but when she was grown and could be sensible of Loves Arrowes she could so withdraw her selfe from him as any would think such a separation were enough to heal up all wounds But Love more subtle then she did stil so wound her heart with the merits affection and services of Tircis that she had no other remedy to run unto but dissimulation not that she hoped thereby to avoid the blowes of Love but only to hide them so as neither her enemy nor any other should see them This disguise was armes indifferent as long as her skin was only a little scratched but when the wound was great then no way but to throw them away and acknowledge her selfe vanquished Thus was Tircis happy in the love of his Cleon and enjoyed all the pleasant fruites of it though at the beginning he hardly knew what his disease was as appeared by some Verses which he composed at that time A Sonnet WHat new distempers does disturb my soul My heart and all my faculties controul Feavers have intervalls and sometimes burnes And sometimes cold and have their fits by turnes But min's an ague of that strange condition As never meets with any intermission Cleon so fair so full of flaming fire Has kindled in my soul such hot desire As cannot die nor live in any rest My heart my mind and all is so possest With her who though the Author of my pain I think a pleasure of the highest strain 'T is strange that pain and pleasure should subsist And harbour'd be within the selfe-same breast But this is true this my distemper is To scorch in pain and yet to think it blisse You cannot under stand it 't is above The reach of any that is not in Love Assoon as ever Tircis found out the good-will of his happy Cleon he received it with so much contentment as his heart was not able to contain his joyes but his eyes also did share in the happinesse and were so much altered from what they were
was and is more loved than you by me When he uttered these last words he blusht and with a smile she answered thus Polemas Polemas old Souldiers can shew their valour by wounds and never use to brag of it but you that talk so much of yours would be put to your shifts to shew them if Love your Captain General should ask you where they are Cruel Nymph said Polemas you are much mistaken for I would onely bid him look upon the fair eyes of my enemy and fully satisfie him for then he would receive such wounds as I have in my heart and never complain of me However it is my glory to have such a worthy author for my wounds Should Love enter into argument with me I should sooner satisfie him than you for he would be sensible of my pain which you never can because a fire cannot burn it self You can never be so sensible of our tears who are so full of rigour that though we do adore you as fair yet we can hardly commend you as humane Leonida did love Polemas but as yet shee would not let him know it On the other side she feared that if she should put him quite out of hope she should then quite lose him and therefore she answered him thus Polemas if your affection be such as you say then time will give me better knowledge of it than all your well spoken words can which are too eloquent to proceed from affection for I have heard say that affection cannot be without passion and passion will not permit a spirit the freedome of discourse But when time has told me as much as you have done you may think I am not such a stone but I shall be sensible of your merits and your amity may perhaps finde a favourable reception untill then never hope for any more from me then what you may from all the rest of my Companions in generall Polemas would have kissed her hand by way of assurance but she forbad him saying Cavalier be discreet many eyes are upon us if you use any such things you will lose me Upon this she rose up and came to us who were gathering flowers Thus was the first overture of any affection between them which gave occasion unto Galathed to intermeddle in the businesse for seeing this passage in the Garden and having a designe upon Polemas she would know that night what had passed between Leonida and him And being ever very familiar with your Niece she durst not absolutely deny the truth of this addresse but Galathea pressed the matter further and would needs know the very same words which passed between them unto which your Niece did partly answer truth and partly dissemble but she said enough to exasperate Galathea so much as from that very day she resolved to get his love and went to work with so many artifices as it was impossible he should resist First she began with Leonida and charged her to let this love betwixt Polemas and she go no further then told her that it was her best policy to root it out for she knew that Polemas had another aime and made use of her only to laugh at Further if Amasis should come to know of it she would be much offended Leonida who then had no more subdety in her than a little Child received the words of the Nymph us from her Mistresse and never penetrated into the depth of her designe but was for some daies so strange unto Polemas as he could not chuse but wonder what the matter was This at the beginning made him more hot upon this addresse as it is ordinary for young spirits to be most violent upon that which is most difficult unto them And indeed he did so continue his courtship that Leonida had much ado to dissemble the affection which she bore unto him insomuch as Polemas perceived well enough that she loved him But see how love had ordained it After three or foure months continuance in his most violent prosecution of his courtship and when he had attained to as much assurance as almost he could desire his affection began to slack and lose its violence and by degrees grew so faint and bold as it was quite dead The Nymph did not take any notice that she was single in this affection the truth is Galathea was partly the cause for having a design upon Polemas she did use such artifice and was so indulgent towards him as it may be said she did insensibly steal him for when Leonida was shurp with him Galathea was sweet when the one did flie his company the other carrassed him and all this so long together and so openly that Polemas began to cast his eyes upon Galathea and a little after his heart followed for he seeing himselfe favoured by the greater and sleighted by the inferiour he began to embrace the smiling fortune But Oh! wise Adamas see how it pleaseth Love to play with hearts At this time Agis at the motion of Clidaman became a Servant unto your Niece not so much as you know by election as by instigation At the first this new Cavalier did apply himselfe in all becomming courtship unto his new Mistresse and she was still wholly devoted unto Polemas Agis who like a Miser that has still his eye upon his treasure did take notice of it and complained unto his Mistresse but her faint and hollow answers in lieu of extinguishing his jealousie did by little and little stifle his love for considering what loose hold he had of her soul he resolved to let it go and be gone himselfe The best receipt as I have heard say for the cure of a Lover For as Love has its beginning from the eyes so its decay must needs be from not seeing them which cannot be but in absence where oblivion swallowes up all memory of the party loved And so it did in Agis he was no sooner gone but all love vanish'd out of his soul and entertained disdain in lieu of it so as Leonida in striving to get Polemas lost him who perhaps would have been entirely hers But the rallerie of Love rested not here Polemas must have his share as well as the rest for just about this time the affection of Lindamor began to break out and as Leonida had lost Agis for Polemas and polemas Leonida for Galathea so Galathea cast off Polemas for Lindamor It is a task too hard to relate all their particular follies but so it was that Polemas seeing himselfe paid in the same coin that he payed your Niece would not for all that be out of either hope or love but on the contrary did use all inventions to ingratiate himselfe but all to this very houre in vain But yet this satisfaction he found that he who was the cause of his misery did not enjoy that happinesse he aimed at For whether it was by reason of his stratagems or the will of the gods I know not but Lindamor is out of
halfe and the Wife the other Upon which she smiled and said unto him It seemes Lydias you have forgot the Custome for you should have left me a part God forbid wise Amarina said he for it is poyson which I have chosen to finish my life withall rather then fail in my promise to you and in my affection which I owe unto the fair Silvia Oh my god said she is this possible And then thinking that he was Lydias but that during his absence he had changed his minde and not desiring to live without him she ran with the Cup in her hand to the Bottle where the poysoned wine was and before Ligdamon was aware had drunk it off for the Apothecary whom Ligdamon had prepared had filled the Bottle full Afterwards returning to him she said You cruell man had rather have death then me and I rather then be without you Oh Amerina said Ligdamon I confesse that I had offended if I had been him you took me for but believe me now I am upon my last breath I am not Lydias but Ligdamon and time will discover the error However I choose death rather then break my promise made unto the fair Silvia unto whom I have consecrated my life since I am not able to satisfy both Then he continued Oh fairest Silvia accept of this good will I now offer unto thee and of all my actions let this last be best received since it is imprinted with the noble character of Fidelity The Poyson now began to work by degrees upon the spirits of these two new-marryed persons so as he could hardly breathe when turning his head towards me he said Go go my friend go and do thy businesse relate what thou hast seen and that death is more welcome unto me than life which would have stained that Fidelity which I have vowed unto the fair Silvia Silvia was the last word he ever spake for as he uttered it his Soul departed out of his Body into the Elizian fields where if ever any Lover was happy it is he in expectation of seeing you there with him Is it then certainly true said Silvia that Ligdamon is dead Alas too true answered he Oh ye gods cryed out Silvia All she was able to do was to lie down upon the bed for her heart quite failed her where after she had been awhile she called for Leonida to take Ligdamon's Letter and to tell Egides that she would have him serve her Thus Egides with-drew with eyes swimming in tears Now did Love shew his power for this Nymph who never much loved Ligdamon alive now she heard of his death she expressed as much griefe as was possible for any Lover Upon this occasion Galathea talking unto Celadon she said That hereafter she would think it impossible that a woman should never in her life love any one for said she this Nymph hath been too cruell unto all those that loved her that some have dyed for very griefe others have been banished out of her sight by despair and this very man whom she now laments for she did heretofore drive into such extremity that but for Leonida he had then dyed also so as I durst have sworn Love would have sooner harboured in the most snowie part of the Alps than in her heart and yet you may see unto what she is reduced now Do not think this to be Love Madam said Celadon but rather Pitty for she had been the hardest piece of Marble that ever was had she not been extreamly perplexed at this report For my part I think Ligdamon more happy than if he were alive since he loved this Nymph so extreamly and she was so hard hearted unto him For what greater happinesse can be then to be at the end of misery and to enter into felicity How joyed would he be to see Silvia mourn for him and set a value upon his affection No no Madam Ligdamon is not to be mourned for so much as Silvia for you shall see that all her minde and fancy will run upon Ligdamon The discourse the garb the affection the valour and briefly every action of this Lover will in revenge of her cruelty continually torment her minde and will in revenge be the Executioner of Love's justice This discourse was spoken so loud and so neer Silvia that she heard it all and it did but increase her griefe so as she went out of this Chamber into her own where she could no longer restrain her tears for shutting the dore after her and desiring Leonida to leave her she threw her selfe upon the bed where with watry eyes and folded armes she called to minde all the former life of Ligdamon how great his love was how patiently he endured all her rigour with what discretion he served her how constant he was in his love and in the end said she all this is now enclosed in a little piece of earth Then calling to minde her own demeanor her discourses her farewells her impatiencies and a thousand more particulars she was forced to say Oh fatall memory let the ashes of my dear Ligdamon rest in peace if thou dost torment me thus I know he will not be contented with it At last after she had been a while mute Well said she it is resolved upon be my life long or short as it shall please the Fates I will never cease loving my dear Ligdamon nor forget his affection or vertues Galathea in the mean while opened Ligdamon's Letter which was in Leonida's hands and found in it these words Ligdamon's Letter unto Silvia IF you are offended at my over-boldnesse in loving you my death will revenge your Quarell If you stood neutrall and indifferent I am confident this last act of affection will have such an operation upon your soul as will gain me some more esteem which if it do I shall cherish my resemblance of Lydias more then my own birth since by the one I was but a trouble and by the other acceptable unto you These are the great revenges of Love said Celadon And I do remember another though upon another subject how a Shepheard writ this Epitaph upon a jealous Husband An EPITAPH Upon a Jealous Husband HEre in this durty Dungeon lies One of god Cupid's enemies The wages of his crime was death Who troubled all whilst he had breath This Tyrant ever made a Theft Of Love which ought to be a gift This was the man who Argos ey'd More faults than ever was espi'd And out of his depraved Minde Still look'd for what he would not finde But Love at last did stop his breath And in revenge did send him death Love injur'd though he make no haste Will be revenged yet at last It is most true answered Galathea Love never suffers an offence committed against him to escape unpunished and hence it is we see so many strange accidents in all human actions And therefore Celadon I wonder that you poâ— not tremble for feare and every moment expect an Arrow
piercing curiosity of the Sun that it findes a passage between some leaves for some of its rayes Take notice how well the shade and the rayes are represented But certain it is that the Shepheard cannot be surpassed in beauty look wel upon the delicate proportion and symmetry of his face his tall and proper stature and see how every part is painted in the height of perfection although he stoopes a little to reach the water and with his right arme washeth his left yet for all that you may easily perceive his perfect beauty Then cast your eye upon the other side of the River and there you may behold uglinesse in its height as on this side you did beauty for there amongst those dirty Rushes you may see the Sorcerene Mandrague looking upon the Shepheard as he is bathing himselfe see how she is drest as it were in spite of those that look upon her her rufled hair her foul and naked arme and her pittifull petticoat tucked up higher then her ugly knee I believe and so would any that she was going to conjure But see here the strange effects of Beauty This old Hag with one hip in her grave with her little lean wrinckled and meager face and hair as gray as old age could make it she is not ashamed to fall in love with this young and lovely Lad If there be any sympathy in Love as they say there is I wonder where it could be betwixt Damon and her look what an extasy she is in how she lifts up her hoary head and withered hands and intending to smile makes a miserable mouth But be she as ugly as she is she intends to love and court this Shepheard Then lift up your eyes a little higher and see how Venus and Cupid in that cloud looking upon this new Lover do seem as if they laughed at it Certainly this was some wager which that little god had laid with his Mother that he could make this wither'd stump bestir her selfe in Love or if it were not upon a wager it was to shew by this old hag that dry wood burnes better and sooner then green or else to shew his power upon this aged Monument he would try what heat was in his Torch with which it seemes he can inspire new soules and in a word make life revive and come out of the grave The fourth Picture PAsse then unto the next and you shall see night very well represented See how in that gloomy shade some Mountains do a little appear but so as you can hardly tell what they be Observe how these stars do seem as if they twinkled there is Ursa major which though it have seven and twenty stars belonging to it yet the judicious workman has represented clearly unto us but twelve and of that twelve but seven that shine clear There again is Ursa minor And consider that though all these seven stars do never hide themselves yet one of them is of the third Magnitude and foure of the fourth and yet to us they seem all of the same proportion There is also the Dragon unto which belongs thirty and one stars yet thirteen only to be seen five of which are of the fourth Magnitude and eight of the third There again is Adrian's Crown which hath in it eight stars whereof one is more splendent then the rest Behold there the Milkie way by which the Romans say that the gods used to go and come from heaven How well those clouds are represented how in some places they cover the sky with a dusky thicknesse in others lesse as they are more or lesse in height so in clearnesse Now let us consider the Story of this Picture Look upon Mandrague in the midst of a Circle with a wand in her right hand and an old worm-eaten book in her left with a candle of green wax and a pair of rotten spectacles on her nose see how she seemes to mutter her mouth awry her browes like clouds and every action seemes to groan out her affection Observe how her feet her arms her left side is naked being on the same side with her heart All those phantasmes which you see about her are Demons and Spirits which she conjures up unto her by her charms to know of them what she should do to make Damon love her They tell her of his affection unto Fortune and that there is no better way then to tell him that this Shepheardesse loves another and not him and in order to that it is requisite she should presently change the vertue that is in the Fountain of Loves verity Before you go any further observe the art of the Drawer see the effects of Mandrague's candle in the dark how light it is on her left side and how dark it is on the other side of her face as if it were two different complexions Then see what a difference the shadow of this candle makes amongst the Demons some in darknesse some in light as she does turn her selfe Observe again the Painters art in drawing his distances somethings at hand and some afar off Mandrague here is far off at the Fountain of Loves verity But for your better understanding be pleased to know that a little before there was a fair Shepheardesse the Daughter of a very cunning Magician was secretly desperately in love with a Shepheard Whether it was that the charmes of Magick had no influence upon the charmes of Love or that he was so attentive upon his studies that he did not minde her but so it was that after a most extream affection and disdain of the Shepheard she took it so to heart that she dyed and all her Fathers skill could not help her At which the Magician being extreamly sorry when he understood the occasion to eternize her memory he changed her Tombe into a Fountain which he called the Verity of Love because whosoever looked in it he should see his Mistresse and if she did love him he should see her and himselfe together and if she did not love any then she should appear alone And this is the vertue that Mandrague would change to the end that when Damon came to look into the Fountain he might finde that his Mistresse loved another and so his affection unto her might die and she her selfe might possesse it See how she did inchant it what Characters she makes about it what Circles what Triangles and od Figures she useth Before she began to conjure she called all her Divells about her to her aide yet Love being stronger then all they they durst not attempt any thing against him only counselled her to betray these two faithfull Lovers and to forbear that qualitie for a certain time Now since the vertue of this Fountain did sust come unto it by a Magician Mandrague who excelled all her Predecessors in that Science might easily obtain that request But let us passe to the next Picture The fift Picture THis Piece contains two actions The first is Damon
from an antient Oracle by which I understand said he and turned towards Phillis that I am better loved by our Mistress then you are Astrea who had not yet spoke This discourse said she is the most obscure and the reasons the most intricate that ever I heard Will you but please to give me leave said Silvander I am confident I shall cleer them unto you and make you confess them as well as my selfe And for your better understanding I say once again that the reason why Phillis does not understand the mysteries of Love is because she does not love enough and that for this defect in her love I ought not to accuse her will but Diana onely as an ancient Oracle tells us by which I know that she loves me more then she doth Phillis and this is the reason When you desire to know what is the will of the gods unto whom do you use to address your selves to come to the knowledge of it Doubtless said Phillis unto those that are Priests in their Temples and whose office it is to wait at their Altars And why do you not rather address your selfe said Silvander unto those that are more knowing than unto those Ministers of the Temple who commonly are ignorant in every thing else but their Office Because said Phillis the gods do more freely communicate themselves unto those that are entred into those mysteries and more familiar about their Altars than unto any strangers though they be more knowing See said Silvander then the power of Truth which constraines you to speak it against your intention For if you do not understand the mysteries of the god of Love is not that a signe you are a stranger unto him For you confesse that the gods do communicate themselves more freely unto those who serve in their Temples and wait at their Altars But which way should they serve at the Altar of the god of Love unlesse it be by Loving Hearts are the only sacrifices which are acceptable unto that deity Do you not see then Phillis that if you be ignorant in these mysteries it is not a fault in your understanding but in your love And if it should be so said Phillis which I will never grant how can you accuse Diana for any defects in my affection Is she not fair enough or are not her merits sufficient to make her selfe loved This said Silvander is a second mystery of that god which I will explain unto you Diana has no defects neither in beauty nor merit but she is all perfection the defect is only in your selfe that you do not love enough and that your love does not equall those admirable excellencies which you see in her But it is impossible you should love her in that height because she does not love you according to the Oracle of which I spoke Venus seeing her Son so little did ask the gods what she should do to make him grow To which question she received this answer That she should get him a Brother and then he would grow to full proportion but as long as he was alone he would never grow Do you not see Phillis that this answer was given against you and in favour of me For if your love be little and a dwarfe the reason is because it hath not a Brother If mine on the contrary do excell the highest it is because Diana my most fair Diana hath given it one whom he loves whom he honours nay whom he adores And do you think Silvander replyed Phillis that she does love you better then she does love me It can be no more doubted answered the shepheard then truth it selfe The gods do never lie Oracles are the interpreters of their will How dare you tax an Oracle with any untruth No no Phillis since I do love this fair Diana better then you do most certainly she does love me better then she doth you otherwise the gods would be impostors and not gods Many have been deceived said Phillis in the understanding of Oracles 'T is true answered Silvander but when that is the contrary event doth presently discover it and so they remain not long undeceived But the Oracle of which I speak is answered by such conformable effects both in you and me that it would be impiety to doubt it since do what you can you cannot make your love so great as mine And to confirm it the more is it not a common received opinion that whosoever will be loved must love Why shepheard said Phillis and interrupted him do you think by loving much to make your selfe much loved If you would give me leave to expound this mystery unto you said Silvander perhaps you would be as ready to confesse it as you have been to interrupt me but this is all I will say if the way to get love be to love then there is no doubt but that Diana who constraines me to love her with such ardency of affection doth love me extreamly Phlllis was dumb at this not knowing what to answer the shepheard who indeed defended his cause but too well Astrea whispered Diana in her ear Never credit me again said she in a whisper if this shepheards jeast do not turn to earnest and if he do not like children who play so long with their finger about the candle that at last they burn themselves Diana answered that such a thing might perhaps be if I were as capable of burning as he is of being burned but since he himselfe is only in the fault let him only bear the punishment as for me I do not intend to participate with him This talk had continued longer if Phillis had not interposed and chid them for taking Silvander's part We did not take his part answered Diana but we may well say that you are too weak to argue with him for his knowledge is much above yours But I would gladly know said Phillis how he can conceive that what you said unto him at the beginning was more advantageous to him than to me for I do apprehend it to be a greater honour unto me since you did thereby chose me to be your Companion She did confer that honour indeed upon you answered the shepheard but her affection upon me No no replyed the shepheardesse under the name of Companion is both affection and honour comprehended for they do almost signifie the same thing You may as well assert answered Silvander that affection and flattery are the same and not contrary If that person whom you love best should tell you that your perfections do transcend any goddesse would you not say this is grosse flattery And why poor deceived thing that you are do you not think the same of Diana when she sayes that you are her Companion For as you your selfe expound it that Companion signifies one like her selfe and her perfections are so transcendently above all other women as there cannot be a greater difference between men and gods then betwixt you and her Poor blinded
Palinice and her modesty was such as would have given a check unto any but Hylas from moving any matters of Love unto her Yet before the third visit was paid he acquainted her with his minde and was as familiar as if he had been brought up with her from his cradle You have fair one said he unto her at the very first accost preserved my life and good reason it should be imployed in your service and I will do it though only out of gratitude And not to detract from your first favour which you have done me I beseech you accept this offer of my service and believe that there is no person upon earth that can love you better then I nor whose heart is swell'd with more affection My Companion who was unaccustomed to any such expressions did at the first answer him very coldly but seeing he persisted she grew angry and would not suffer him to use any such language At the last when by his continuall visits she found his humour she did nothing but laugh at him which did not offend him at all for he had this good quality that as he was free with every one so he allowed every one to be free with him However his Love did so increase that my companion did grow weary of him not but that Hylas is certainly a man of much merit and is owner of many qualities which deserve Love but she being a Widow and not intending to marry this courtship could not but be very disadvantageous to her It seemes that the Heavens had pitty upon Palinice and at the same time sent her a Companion and presently after that another to help her to support a burthen so heavie Palinice had a Brother who had been long a devoted Servant unto Cercenea my companion who now sits next me And respect being most in the hearts of those that love most Clorian for that was the name of Palinice's brother had not yet the confidence to acquaint the fair Circenâ—a with his affection She on the other side was yet too young to discover it by his actions so as Clorian loved and in vain because his love was not known Hylas in the mean time continued his frequent visits unto Palinice and as he said himselfe it being one of Loves chief precepts to get the favour of the kindred friends and servants of the party loved he courted the friendship of Clorian with all obsequious offers he could make which was no difficulty to obtain because the young man was all civility and sweetnesse and had an affection to get the love of all But Hylas being more subtle and crafty as being older and having travelled he faigned what Clorian did in good earnest so as he was only a superficiall friend whilst the other loved him as his Brother and the ensuing story will make this appear For Clorian's affection unto Cercenea daily augmenting and not daring to make it known unto her Hylas took notice of it Cercenea took a journey to see her Father who was sick in a Town within the Country of the Sebusians towards the Allobrogians by reason whereof Cercenea was long absent from our Town and consequently from Clorian And because as I have heard say there is no greater comfort to a true Lover then to think often of the party Loved Clorian did often retire himselfe into a house which he had in that Town that stood upon the top of a hill towards the Sebusians From this place might be viewed the Rosne on one side and Arar on the other and one might also see the Forrest of Mars called 〈◊〉 and if the tops of high Trees did not obstruct the eye questionless it might see further from thence then any other place When he turned towards the Temple of Venus Iâ— might see as far as the Segusian Mountains when he looked towards Arar he might behold the 〈◊〉 and when towards the Rosne he might see as far as the huge hills of 〈◊〉 beyond the plains of the Sebusians And certainly it was a most lovly prospect every way It was to this place whither Clorian did commonly retire himselfe and looking towards the Sebusian plains did ravish himselfe with thoughts of his fair Cercenea It hapned that Hylas being very familiar with him and not finding him in the house he made no question but he was gon unto this Mount and being jealous that his Companion was in Love for he knew that this solitude and melancholly musing could proceed from no other cause he went up the stairs as softly as he could and finding the dore halfe open he saw him looking out of that window towards the Sebusians so ravished in his own thoughts that he could not hear it thunder and therefore could not hear the noise which Hylas made in opening the dore and entring but he himselfe spoke so loud that Hylas could hear these words A Discourse unto the Winde MIld Zephyrus that wantonly Amongst all fragrant flowers doth file Filching from them that sweetest are Thou dost by theft perfume the Air. If ever pitty did thee move Waft o're these plaines unto my Love And blow my thoughts into that breast Where they can only finde a rest But carry with thee on thy wing Those amorous Sighs I sadly sing Tel her in this my sad restraint She is my fair and only Saint Those lovely Twins her lips will yield Odors more sweet then all the field But when thou thus perfumed art Return and let me have a part Have I taken you Clorian said Hylas taking him about the neck and kissing him I must confesse you are the closest Lover that e're I knew yet you cannot hide your selfe from me No more I will not said Clorian after a little considering with himselfe for neither at this time nor any other will I ever hide any thing from you I am satisfied almost said Hylas upon condition you will ingenuously confesse what I do already know What is it replied Clorian which you desire to know of me I will not ask said Hylas what your malady is but only from whence it proceeds Oh Hylas said he and sighed you need not ask me who the cause is But I would to the gods you could as easily give me any comfort as I can freely satisfie your curiosity So sitting down upon a Couch he told him of his affection and how the love he bare unto Cercenea was so great as he durst never acquaint her with it When Hylas heard the name of Cercenea he thought he had heard of it before though he could not well remember when or where and therefore he asked him which of all those he had seen was she Since you do not know her name answered Clorian I believe you never saw her for her beauty is such that it is impossible you should see her and not enquire her name and make you remember her But when I calculate the time of your comming unto this Town I believe you never saw her I came said
Hylas at the last Fâ—ast which was celebrated unto Venus Clorian after a whiles consideration answered him That he could not see her unlesse he came that very day because the morning after she went away unto her Father who was sick in the Province of the Sebusians and never returned since Well said Hylas though she be never so fair do you think that she would not be loved Can you believe that those only who are ugly will permit it No no if such should be told they are loved they would think themselves jeer'd I do not think said Clorian that if Beauties bâ— told they are loved they will be offended but their modesty may How said Hylas let her be as modest as she can do you think she will be angry at being loved Ah Clorian their modesty is not any sorrow for being loved but only because they doubt whether what is said be true And indeed where is that woman who when she is assured of a mans affection is not extreamly well pleased with it and gives him no testimony of her satisfaction No no Clorian of all the actions which we do next unto those that preserve life there is none so naturall as this of Love And can you imagine women such enemies to Nature that they will hate what is naturall Come come let me give you advice which unlesse you be a very Novice in Love you will follow and finde that I am my Arts Master in such things Let Cercenea know that you do love her and that assoon as possibly you can for the sooner she knowes it the sooner will she love you May be at first she will turne her head aside and bid you talk no more of any Love Perhaps shee'â— seem to be in a great fury and will not speak to you But however do you continue and be assured that if you be but assiduous you will win her When they give us these peevish answers and refuse the affection which we present unto them they put me in minde of those Physicians and Lawyers that refuse the Fee yet put out their hand I am older then you are I have run through some parts of the world and let me tell you I have loved many this gives me encouragement to speak the more freely unto you and you must not take any exceptions Be certain that never any faint hearted Lover sped well And in matters of Love no fault is so great as being too respectfull He that will speed well must dare attempt ask begg importune presse take nay he must ravish Did you never know the humour of women Clorian Hearken unto the great Oracle which in our time spoke thus Shee 'l flie away and yet would fain With all her heart be overta'n She will deny yet seem to daunt A Lover when she fain would grant She will resist that you at length May seem to vanquish her by strength For thus her honour does ordain She should resist and yet but faign He that has no courage to do thus let me advise him to take upon him some other trade then that of Love for he will never thrive by it Clorian therefore my counsell is that you do assume so much confident boldnesse as not only to declare your love unto her but to hope that she will love you again so you will but let her know your minde I cannot generous shepheard remember all the documents and amorous advises which Hylas gave but I understand since from Palmice who heard her brother relate them that he did make himselfe appear to be his Arts Master in such things But the conclusion of all was that since Clorian had not so much confidence as to declare his Love unto his Mistresse as soon as she returned which would be within a few daies Hylas should be his Advocate and speak for him Hylas did very willingly accept of the imployment for said he I shall oblige two at once by it to wit Clorian in doing him the good office and Cercenea in bringing her such good newes It hapned that presently after my Companion returned to the Town and though the death of her Father had put her into a mourning habit and though her own sadnesse was suitable unto it yet all her sorrowes had not at all lessened her beauty but had added such a kinde of sweetnesse unto her countenance as invited all that saw her to love her by reason of a certain attractive compulsion which rendred her much more pleasing Hylas in prosecution of his promise no sooner heard of her return but he courted all opportunities to see her in which Palinice was not unwilling to help him because her Brother desired it She who knew nothing of their designe and believed it to be only out of curiosity was glad to satisfie her Brother though she cared not for the company of Hylas As fortune was Cercenea's Mother would offer a sacrifice unto the gods for the soul of her Husband and did invite Palinice as one of her best friends thither she went and with her Hylas But see if he be not as good a friend as a faithfull Lover he no sooner saw Cercenea again but he was deep in love with her I say saw her again because looking upon her he remembered that he had seen her before in the Temple of Venus when Palinice saluted her and because he then found some sparks of good will unto her his first flames did kindle again in his heart as easily as any Sulphure at the fire Looking upon her therefore very seriously he began by degrees to remember that Cercenea was she whom he saw in the Temple and remembring how excellently she could sing and all that Love could make him apprehend at the first sight he quite forgot his promise unto Clorian and thought only how to speak for himselfe Thus you may see how dangerous a thing it is to imploy a Second in such a businesse He accosted her afterwards saluted her And she out of sweet civility returned him a salute again Then both being in the Temple and every one going to their devotion he said thus unto her I see fair Cercenea that the sight of you is fatall unto me and comming hither to be an assistant unto your sacrifices I am become a sacrifice my selfe She who knew not the man or ever heard of him did look him in the face and then after a little consideration she concluded him to be a stranger both by his language and habit because though they were made according to the garb of our Town yet he did wear them in that manner as was plain he was a stranger For strangers though they do disguise themselves in our fashion yet they have some trick or other in their Air by which one may see they are not of the same Country And I do believe that this difference is lesse found amongst the Franks then any other Nation Now Circenea not knowing Hylas she thought that he had taken her for some
spacious Arbour in the form of a Temple at the entry there was some Verses written which Silvander stayed to read All the Company being weary they called upon him severall times He in a great amazement turned towards Diana Mistresse said he do not repent your selfe of the pains you have taken in comming hither for though you are a little digressed of the way yet you shal see here a wonder of the Wood Then taking her hand he conducted her to the entry the rest of the Shepheards and Shepheardesses followed in sile and longed to see this rarity of which Silvander spoke Before the entrance was a Court of green grasse about thirty paces square environed with thick wood on three sides so as none could see them A chrystall Fountain which took its originall opposite to the Porch or rather Arbour of this Temple did Meander like run by the one side which rendred the place most delectable This Grove was ever a place that had been dedicated as sacred unto the great Heseus Tentates and Taramis And there was no shepheard that ever durst presume to drive his Flock neer this Thicket and the reason why it was never frequented was lest they should disturb the solitude and sacred silence of the Nymphs Pans and Egipans The grasse was never sullied the wood never felt the axe nor was broused by any cattle and the Fountain was never defiled by any foot so as this little Grove dressed into the fashion of an Arbour or rather a Temple did plainly demonstrate that it was dedicated unto some deitie And therefore all these Shepheards approaching the entrance with reverence before they passed any further they did read the Verses which were written upon a Table of wood over the Porch They were these Unless with sacred Love you be enflam'd Unto this sacred place be all asham'd To enter Here 's the Grove where every day A Heart that is all Love and Zeal doth pay Religious duty here he doth implore And here divine Astrea doth adore The Shepheards and Shepheardesses stood amazed at this Inscription and looked upon one another as if they were desirous to know whether any of the Company did either know or had seen this before Diana addressed her selfe unto Silvander Is this the place Shepheard said she unto which you did intend to bring us No answered he I never saw this place in my life before It is evident said Paris that these boughes have been lately lopped and put into this order for the leaves of them are yet green However said he we must go in But lest we should offend the deitie unto whom the place is consecrated let us enter in with all possible reverence and first let us make our selves as clean as we can Every one consented except Hylas who answered That for his part he had nothing to do there For said he since all those are forbidden to enter that are not enflamed with an holy Love I know not whether or no I ought to enter I know that I am enflamed with Love but whether it be holy or no faith I am not sure How Servant said Phillis and smiled a defect in your Love What do you in our company For my part answered he I have abundance of affection after my own fashion but what know I whether it be such affection as these Verses means And I have heard say that it is not good jeasting with the gods See Hylas said Silvander what a shame your impure affection doth bring upon you in this good Company You say very true indeed said Hylas but did you take this act as you ought to do you would rather commend me for it for in being obedient unto the commands of the divinities which are adored in this place I do make it appear by my great reverence of them that I do reverence them as I ought to do whereas you who despise their commands do prophane the sacred place by your presumptuous boldnesse for your own soul if it would not dissemble can tell you that your affections are not so sacred as is required I shall answer you presently said Silvander Then he and all the company washed their hands put off their shoes and with bare feet entred into the Arbour Then Silvander turning towards Hylas Hearken Hylas said he and be a witnesse of my words Afterwards reading the Verses again and lifting his eyes up to heaven and kneeling Oh great deity said he who is adored in this place I here enter into the sacred Grove being most assured that I do not contradict thy will knowing my love to be so holy and so pure that thou wilt be pleased to accept the vowes and supplications of a soul so amorously sanctified as mine and it this profession which I here make be not true punish O great deitie this my perjury and presumption After this with hands lifted up and head bare he entred into the Arbour and all the rest after him except Hylas The place was spacious some sixteen or seventeen paces round and in the midst a great branch-soreading Oake at the root of this Tree was erected a grassy Table in the form of an Altar upon which stood a Picture in it two Cupids drawn who did strive with one another for a branch of Mirtle and Palm wreathed together As soon as this devout company was entred every one fell upon their knees and after they had in private adored the deity of the place Paris approaching the Altar and taking upon him the office of a Druide having gathered some Oake leaves Accept said he O great deitie that is adored in this place the humble devotion of all this zealous Company I do with all humility and devotion offer unto thee in their names a few leaves of this blessed Tree under whose shade it pleaseth thee to be ador'd Then every one arose and went unto the Altar to look upon the Picture which was upon it in which they saw two Cupids as I told you who holding in both their hands a branch of Mirtle and Palm wreathed together the one did strive to take it from the other The Limner was exquisite in his Art for these little lovely Boyes were plump and fat yet their Muscles and Nerves might be seen which by reason of their striving seemed to be raised up both their right thighes were advanced and their feet almost touched each other both their armes were stretched out and their bodies leaned backwar I as if they knew that the further off a weight is the heavier it is and the weight of their little bodies lent more strength unto their striving armes Their faces were both fair but blushing by reason of the blood which came into them by striving which the great veins upon their temples and foreheads did sufficiently testifie And the Artist had been so carefull and wrought it with such industry that though he did represent an action which made it appear that both of them would vanquish yet one might perceive
live how can I endure so many torments And if I dye alas I shall never see her again Into what a miserable condition has my fate hurryed me Since I cannot be happy either in life nor death Oh most miserable Ursaces said he how long wilt thou suffer thy selfe to be thus flattered by vaine hopes Why should they let thee passe away thy dayes in such cruell torments And how canst thou preserve a life that is so unworthy of thy actions and thy corrage Thou that hast a heart so daring as to lift thy eyes so high as Caesars wife thou that hadst so much corrage as to revenge thy love and embrue thy hands in the blood of both art thou now growne so faintly timerous as to live and see the deare Eudoxe in the hands of a Vandall who has carried her into the heart of Affrica and perhaps has a designe upon her chastity Oh heavens how canst thou suffer such a beauty who deserves all adoration to be so unworthily used and made the prey of a cruell Barbarian Canst thou endure that so divine a beauty should run the most miserable fortune that ever humane did Thou hast seen it Ursaces thou hast seen it with thy owne eyes and yet thou art alive Thou art still the same Roman Ursaces who loved this divine Eudoxe And thou hast revenged and delivered the Empire and the faire one from the Tyranny of Maximus Oh Die Die for shame man Let thy sword do that which griefe will not and by that Signall act wash away the dishonour of surviving the liberty of Eudoxe Thus passionately did this stranger expresse himselfe and being transported with fury he drew a short sword which hung by his side and doubtlesse had run himselfe to the heart if a companion of his had not run in and taken hold of his arme just as he was ready to give the mortall thrust but in saving the life of his friend his hand was very dangerously cut For Ursaces perceiving himselfe seized upon and his mind being prepossessed with the thought of death he made his thrust and gave his friend a very great wound So as this friend not being able to hold him with that hand and fearing he should execute his cruell designe he fell upon him saying Ursaces shall never die as long as Olimbres lives A brave resolution of a friend At the name of Olimbres I saw the other man who was before so passionatly transported presently come to himselfe and as if he had got a fall from the top of a high precipice was astonished at the coming of the other Friend said he what Daemon did conduct you to this unfrequented place to hinder me from following my adored Eudoxe For follow her I will either with Ursaces or with his Ghost Ursaces said he unto him the Gods who are preservers of friendship and no ill Daemon have prompted me to seeke you this three dayes not to hinder you from following Eudoxe if it be your contentment but to accompany you for my friendship would not allow me to let you make that voyage alone And therefore if you will needs execute your designe first thrust that sword in thy hand into the heart of thy friend and afterward when it is red and reeking with my blood execute thy designe or do what thou wilt Ah Olimbres said he this request is incompatible with our friendship Can you think my hand has any power to hurt Ursaces's friend Think me not so cruell as ever to consent unto the death of him whose life was ever deerer to me then my own But if you have any compassion upon my misery I conjure you by our pure friendship to let me go out of this miserable life Can you think said Olimbres that I will not immediatly follow you Have I not courage enough to take away my life that I may follow yours wel as you follow Eudoxe Do you think Death to be good or bad If it be bad why wil you give it unto him whom Olimbres your friend loves deerer then himselfe If it be good why will you not let Olimbres whom you love be a partaker with you Oh no answered Ursaces Olimbres shall live to eternity before he die by the hand of Ursaces â—blâ— it will be a great testimony of friendship to let me execute my designe which only can wipe off my shame in surviving my happinesse In saying these words he endeavoured to draw out his arme which his friend had engaged under his body Which I perceiving and fearing that he who was wounded had not strength to hinder him I went gently up to them and taking the hand of Ursaces I forced open his fingers and seized upon his sword And Olimbres's striving had caused him to lose much blood He presently perceived himselfe to faint and apprehending that the losse of his blood was the cause he arose from off his Companion and shewed him his hand Friend said he unto him I am ready to wait upon you to Eudoxe and if you will die I shall think my selfe happy to follow you Then presently he fainted and fell into his friends bosome Ursaces fearing the losse of him he left off all thoughts of killing himselfe to help his friend and running unto a Fountain which was close by he brought some water in his hat to throw in his face In the mean time I knowing that his disease proceeded from losse of blood I took a little mosse for want of a better remedy and applying it to the wound I tyed it up with my handkerchiefe and had not done when Ursaces returned who sprinkling the face of his friend with told water and calling upon him with a loud voice by his name he brought him to himselfe again When he opened his eyes Alas friend said he why did you call me Let my soule go contentedly out of the world and let it attend you wheresoever you go Have this beliefe I beseech you that she cannot close up her daies more happily then by your hand and in doing you service Olimbres said Ursaces if you do depart to follow me I must go before you and therefore never think that my hand shall make any passage for your soul untill it hath with the same sword sent mine out of this miserable habitation Upon this he looked about for the sword which I had taken away Which I perceiving Do not think Ursaces said I unto him to execute your cruell determination with this sword heaven hath sent me hither to tell you that there is nothing in this world so desperate which it cannot remit unto its former condition when it pleaseth and hath also sent me to hinder you from making any attempts upon the life either of your selfe or your friend for your life is his not yours But if you do attempt any thing against your life I tell you from the great god that in lieu of following this Eudoxe which you do so passionately desire he will lead your soul into
be as firme in my obstinacie as you are in your importunitie The shepherd would have replyed but he was interrupted by many shepherds comming towards them So as Amarillis for a conclusion said unto him in a low voice you will do me a great displeasure Alcippe if your resolution should be knowne I can be contented to know your follies but should be much displeased if any other should know them Thus ended my Fathers first discourse with Amarillis which did infinitly angment his desire of serving her As they went along the way they met Celion and Belinda who were observing two turtles billing and making Love unto each other not caring a straw who saw them which gave Alcippes an occasion to remember the last commands of Amarillis and to sing these verses and because his voice was very good every one did lend a silent eare A Song upon the Constraints of honour Loook yonder on the open Loves of those two billing turtle Doves See how this happie little paire in Love what libertines they are They kiss and care not who doth know it but to the envious world do show it The Lawes of honour so unjust like fettred slaves observe we must This bugbeare Honour which affrights fond Lovers in their free delights Will not allow them any blisse unlesse they steal their happinesse While these free Lovers of the Aire what eyes do see them doe not care But Love and kisse and take a pride in that which honour bids us hide Honour 's a Tyrant then and we are slaves whilst turtle doves are free Since this time Alcippes was so transported with Love that he knew no Limits And Amarillis on the contrary shewed her selfe all Ice unto him and one day when he was desired to sing he made this his subject thus put into verse Upon the Coldnesse of Amarillis Her heart is Ice her eyes all flame mine all contrary to the same I 'me Ice without within all fire my hearts inflam'd with hot desire Love I beseech thee change designe and thaw her heart or else freeze mine At this very time as I told you before Alces was a professed servant unto Amarillis and being a shepheard of very excellent qualities also held to be exceeding wise the Father of Amarillis inclined more unto him then unto Alcippes because of his turbulent spirit On the contrary the shepheardesse loved my Father better because their humours were more sutable which her Father knowing and being unwilling to use any violence or absolute authoritie over her he conceived that time and absence might worke an alteration in her and therefore resolved to send her awhile unto Artemis sister of Alces who dwelt alone by the River of Allier When Amarillis understood her Fathers mind she resolved to acquaint Alcippes with her good will unto him before she went and to that end writ these lines The Letter of Amarillis unto Alcippe Alcippe YOur resolutenesse hath surpassed mine and mine also far surmounted my selfe as to accquaint you that tomorrow I am gone And if you will meet me today where we parted yesterday I will there bid you adieu AMARILLIS It would be too tedious Madam to tell you all the particular passages betwixt them let it suffice to tell you in short that they met at the place appointed and there it was where my Father received the first assurance of the Love of Amarillis there she perswaded him to quit a shepherds life as unworthy of a noble spirit promising him to be most constant to her resolution of loving him After they were parted Alcippes engraved these verses upon a Tree in the wood Alcippes upon the Constancy of his Affection When Rocks remove and Rivers backwards run when Marble melts and Glowewormes dim the Sun And when Impossibilities are done then may my heart my Amarillis shun When it is knowne what is Eternitie when Gnats o're Eagles getts the victorie When Fire doth freeze and the vast Ocean's dry then may my Love to Amarillis die VVhen Swans and Snow are Metamorphos'd black when Starres do fall and the two Poles do crack When loving Turtles do their Mates for sake Then may my Love to Amarillis slake VVhen in the Orient Sun and Stars do set when mortals in a bagge the wind doe get VVhen Steele the attracting Loadstone will not meet then Amarillis may I thee forget VVhen Shippes do saile full ' gainst the blasting wind when Light is darknesse Angells are unkind VVhen Heavens dissolve and Time an end does find then Amarillis thou art out of mind When she was gone and when he began to resent the horrour of absence he went to the same place where he bad adieu unto his shepherdesse and sighed out these verses severall times In absence of Amarillis Fair Amarillis and the Sun do hold exact comparison And both alike dispenseth light by presence and by absence Night What glorious Summer is it here when she is present in our Sphere How like to winter lookes the day when she her Rayes does not display When shee 's not present I 'me undon as Earth in absence of the Sun With Owles and Bats and Birds of night I sit and sigh away delight And am society for none but such a sad companion Since absence was my dismal doome my heart alas was not at home My eyes two Fountaines are which vie with Lignon which should first be dry All faculties do droop and mourne till Amarillis do returne But when the day shall dawne that she within our Hemisphere shall be Then VVinter's gone and Summer's come I 'le bid my heart a welcom home I 'le wipe all teares from swelled eyes my Batts and Owles I will despise And with the joviall birds in spring to her an Antheme I will sing But he not being able to abide in that place where he was wont to see her he resolved whatsoever came on 't to be gone and as soone as he sought for an occasion he found it to his hearts desire A little before the Mother of Amasis died and Preparations were in hand to entertaine her in the great Citie of Marselles as their new Lady with abundance of Tryumph This solemnity did draw thither out of curlositie most of the Country and amongst the rest my Father obtained leave to be one from hence did spring much of his miserie He was in the prime of his age faire beyond any in the Country his hair flaxen which naturally curled in rings and which he wore very long in briefe Madam he was such a one as I beleeve Love did chuse out for a marke of revenge and thus it was There was a certain Lady which had seen him and loved him in such a secret disguise that we could never know her name When he came first to Marselles he came as a shepherd but in a very handsom mode and to the end he should not run into any extravagancyes as he did in his owne Hamlet his Father sent two shepherds with him as guardians the
principall of which was called Cleantes a man whose humour was sutable unto my Fathers insomuch as he affected him exceedingly This Cleantes had a Son called Clindor equall in age with my Father and had a naturall inclination to Love Alcippe Alcippe in retaliation of this affection did also Love him above any other which was so pleasing unto Cleantes that he could not deny my Father any thing and therefore after they had observed how other Gallants were habited how they were armed and how they fought at Barriers both of them beseeched Cleantes for such allowance as might put them into the equipage of appearing amongst those Knights and Gallants Have you so much courage said Cleantes unto them as to equal your selves with them Why not answered Alcippes have I not armes and thighes as well as they Though you have said Cleantes yet you have not learned the Garbe and civill deportment of Townes T is true answered he but such ceremonies are not so difficult as to blast the hopes of quickly learning them You have not yet the use of your armes said Cleantes nor know how to fence or fight as they do T is no matter replyed Alcippes we have courage enough to supply that defect Why would you leave off a country life Said Cleantes what should men do in woods Answered Alcippes and what good can men learne amongst beasts It will vexe you said Alcippe to be slighted by the Ladies who will slight and scorne you and upbraid you with the name of shepheards If to be a Shepheard be ignominious said Alcippe let us own that profession no longer and if it be not then the disdain will not hurt us for if they do I will indeavour by my actions to get honour and esteem amongst them At last Cleantes seeing their resolutions to change their lives well children said he since you are thus resolved let me tell you that though you passe under the notion of shepherds yet your extraction is from the best branch in the Country and the noblest Knights in all France have no better a pedigree then you have though your Ancienters upon some certain considerations made choice of such a retired kind of life Never fear therefore the finding a good reception amongst these Cavaliers since the very best amongst them is of your own blood These words did kindle the sparks of their desire unto a flame and made them more forward to put their resolutions into execution never reflecting upon the future nor thinking what inconveniency that kind of life might bring them nor dorring at the displeasure of Alcippes Father Cleantes provides them all necessaries they did quickly insinuate themselves into acquaintance and get love amongst the best Alcippes was grown so expert in armes that he was accompted one of the best Knights of his time During this feast which lasted two monthes a certain Lady as I told you before had seen my Father and was so much taken with him that she devised this Stratagem to bring her ends about Upon a day when my Father was in the Temple an old woman came and set her selfe close by him and seeming as if she were at her prayers she said two or three times Alcippes Alcippes but never looked towards him He hearing himselfe named did think to ask her what she would have with him but seeing her eyes turned another way he thought she had spoken to some other She perceiving that he heard her continued Alcippes it is to you I speak though I did not look upon you if you will enjoy a better fortune then ever any Knight in our Court did meet me in the twilight at the Piazza neere the Pallace and there I will accquaint you further Alcippe hearing this answered her with a regardlesse look that he would be there and he failed not For as soon as night came he went to the place appointed where he tarried not long for the old woman who mufled up in a taffatle hood took him aside and said unto him Young man thou art the happiest man alive in the affection of the fairest Lady and greatest beautie in all this Court whom upon such conditions as I shall require if thou wilt thou shalt enjoy and receive fullnesse of delight Young Alcippe hearing this faire offer asked who the Lady was First said she you must promise never to enquire her name but to keep your happy fortune extreamly secret the next condition is that you let me blind your eyes when I conduct you to her Alcippe told her that as for enquiring her name and keeping secresy he would most willingly consent but as for his being blinded he would never suffer it What dost thou fear man said she I fear not any thing answered he but I would have mine eyes at liberty Fond young man said the old woman what a novice yet thou art Canst thou find a heart to slight such a fair opportunity upon such easie conditions Come come never dorr at it nor doubt any danger where is the courage that thy presence promiseth can any imaginary perill affright thee from a most certain happinesse Then seeing him un willing Cursed be thy mother said she who brought thee forth thou hast thy countenance thy courage more from her then thy father Young Alcippes could not hear the language of this angry old woman without laughing and afterwards bethinking himselfe what enemyes he had he resolved to go along with her provided she would let him weare his sword and so he suffered her to hood wink him and conduct him whether she would I should be too long and tedious Madam should I relate every particular of this night but after many turnings and windings and perhaps severall times one way he was brought into a chamber where blindfold he was undressed by this old woman and got into bed A little after came the Lady who sent for him and went to bed unto him where after the light was taken away she did unmuffle his eyes but do what he could he could not draw one syllable from her So as he rose the next morning and knew not who his bedfellow was onely he imagined her to be young and fair and an hour before day she who brought him thither came to conduct him back again with the same ceremonies And it was agreed between them that whensoever he was to come again he should find a little stone in a corner of the Piazza the same morning Whilst these things thus passed Alcippes Father dyed so as he was sole Master of himself and had not the commands of Amarillis restrained him perhaps he might have retired himselfe into a Country life again For all the favours of this unknowne Lady could not drive her out of his mind The great gifts which he often received from her could not do it nor could the favours of Pimander and Amasis which he had obtained have retained him from the woods But it being hard for a young spirit to keep any thing secret long
thousand times that you would never desire any more to compleat your happinesse If your selfe be the cause of it then you do me wrong to dispose of that which is mine without my knowledge for whatsoever is yours is by donation mine accquaint me how the matter is and I will consider whether or no I can allow of these humours in the meane while I forbid them How imperiously does this Shepherdess carry it said Galathea She doth not injure him said Silvia since she told him as much at the first And truly if it be she whom I suppose it is She is one of the fairest and most admirably qualified persons that ever mine eyes beheld her name is Astrea and that which induceth me to beleeve it is she is this word Phillis for those two Shepherdesses are intimate companions And though as I told you her beauty be beyond al comparisons yet it is the least amiable quality in her for she is so ful of severall perfections as her beauty is the least considerable This discourse was but a wider opening of Galatheas wound since stil greater difficulties appeared in the accomplishment of her designe And being unwilling to impart any more unto Silvia she tyed up the papers and went to bed not without a croud of various thoughts which sleep by degrees did compose As soon as the day dawned litle Merill went out of the Shepherds chamber who had done nothing but lament all the night long and Galathea having commanded him to have a very strict observance over all the actions of Celadon and to make a report unto her he went out to accquaint her with his observations Galathea was awake and talking aloud with Leonida litle Merill knocked at the dore and came in Madam said he not a wink of sleep have I got all this night for poor Celadon is even at deaths dore for want of those papers you took from me yesterday and seeing him in such lamentable despaire I could not chuse but comfort him a little by telling him that you had them How Replied the Nymph knowes he that I have them Yes Madam said Merill and he told me that he would ask you for them for he has a great esteem of them had you heard as I did how he lamented the losse of them it would have forced your heart to pitty him Good Merill said the Nymph tell me what he said Madam replied he after he had enquired whether I saw his papers and I told him that you had them â—he turned to the other side as if distracted and said Now are all things at the very worst and after a while silence thinking me in bed and a sleep I heard him sigh and say aloud Oh Astrea Astrea must banishment be the recompence of all my faithfull services If thy affection be changed why dost thou blame me to excuse thy selfe If I have been faulty why is not my fault made knowne unto me Is there no Justice in Heaven nor pitty in thy heart If therebe why do I find no favour from either that I might either dy or obey Astreas comwand Oh most cruell command if I should die would it not argue rather deficiency of Love then excesse of courage Then he paused a while and afterwards began again But whither would my flattering and truycerous hopes transport me Dare ye once againe appear unto me what shadow of any hope can possibly be after so much time spent after so many services performed so much affection expressed so many disdaines endured and many impossibilities vanquished Must absence be the pittifull reward of all these No no hope rather for a favour from a grave than from her After much such like discourse he was silent a long while then turning himselfe in bed I heard him begin his lamentations which continued untill day and all were complaints against one Astrea whom he accused of change and cruelty Galathea knew so much of Celadons estate by Astreas Letters and by Merills report that it had been better for her if she had been more ignorant yet flattering her selfe she imagined that Astrea's scorne might happily make the way more easie to accomplish her desires But those are Novists in the School of Love who know not that Love never dies in a noble generous heart and that the root of it is never quite pulled up Yet in this hope she writ a note and put it amongst the Letters of Astrea afterwards giving the bundle to Merill Here Merill said flie carry this bundle unto Celadon and tel him that I wish I could as well render him all the contentments which he wants If he be well and desires to see me tel him I am not wel this morning She said this to the end he might have the more leasure to peruse his papers and to read that which she had writ Merill he went away and Leonida being in another bed she did not see the bundle nor hear the message which Galathea sent but as soon as he was gone she called her into the same bed then began thus to talke You know Leonida what discourse we had yesterday concerning this Shepherd since that I have met with more intelligence then I could have wished you heard what Merill said and what Silvia reported concerning Astreas perfections so as since the Fort is taken I foresee a double difficultie in getting it againe yet I find that this happy Shepheardesse hath much offended him and a generous heart cannot brook a disdain with out a resent Madam answered Leonida I could wish with all my heart you could extinguish all these kind of thoughts for if you continue in them you will wrong your selfe exceedingly do you think it possible to carry it alwaies secretly what a blame will it be unto your honour if it should be knowne The whole course of your actions will be measured by it what would you think of another that should lead such a life You wil answer me perhaps that you do no ill Oh Madam it is not enough for a person of your quality to be free from crime but they must be also free from scandall Were he a man worthy of you I should with some patience allow of it but Celadon though he be the chiefe of the Country yet he is a Shepherd and not known for any more and this vaine opinion of happy or unhappy can it so far bewitch you and so degenerate your spirit as to equall sheep-keepers clownes and halfe-savages with your selfe For Heavens sake Madam consider these things and be your selfe Leonida had continued on if Galathea in a great rage had not interrupted her I told you before said she that I wil not allow any more of such moral doctrine I am resolved When I ask your advice ehen give it mean time no more of this discourse unlesse you will incurre my displeasure Upon this she turned away to the other side of the bed in such a fury that Leonida knew she had much displeased
into Merovea and Childerick for finding themselves equally treated by Love they would try whether Armes also would be equally favourable unto them Thus courteous shepheard have we lost the benefit of this Fountain which did so well discover all Juglers in love as if all had been like Ligdamon it had never been lost When I heard that Clidaman and Guyamans intended to go thither I advised him to make a third assuring my selfe that he would finde most favour but he made me this answer Fair Leonida said he such as are in doubt of their good or bad Fate may sometimes hatard the enquitie but it were most grosse folly for such as have not the least spark of any hope to search for that which they would most unwillingly finde For my part I am in no doubt whether Silvia do love me or no alas I am too well assured of it And when I desire to know more I will never make enquirie of any but her eyes and actions However his love was still the same and Heavens knowes how cruelly this rigorous piece of Crueltie it selfe hath ever used him the time 's to come when ever she looked upon him without disdam and severitie For my part I wondered at his patience for all her actions towards him are rather injuries then severities One day when he met her walking with me I intreated him to sing and having an excellent voice he sung these lines A Song upon Desire WHat pain is this that I endure Which doth resemble fires And will not let me finde a cure Oh! 't is most hot desires Which to Superlatives aspires These hot desires did first proceed From hope I should obtain But now alas my hopes are dead Yet still desires remain And swells my widdowed soul with pain But why should fond desires strive And beat the Aire in vain Since now there is no hopes alive Their ends e're to obtain The reason for it is most plain For since from vertue you proceed Which recompence doth scorn Though hope be quite decay'd and dead Yet you are not for lorn But live and love and sigh and mourn He had no sooner ended but Silvia repli'd and said Ligdamon since I am not the cause of your misery why should you lay any blame upon me I see you do accuse your own vain desires and indeed it is they only which torment you The passionate Ligdamon answered That it was true indeed it was desire which tormented him but it was not that which ought to be blamed it was that which caused it which was the vertues and perfections of Silvia If desires replyed she be not irregular and extravagant they will not torment but if they be so unruly as to transport beyond reason then they must needs be but Bastards and not the legitimate children of vertue and are so unlike such a mother that they do nothing resemble her All extream desires Madam answered Ligdamon are not against reason and vertue for all excellencies and goodnesse may with reason be extreamly desired Beauty amongst other excellencies may with reason be extreamly and passionately loved for it cannot be said to be against reason but above it This is a very nice distinction replyed this cruell fair one and I will never allow of any thing either against or above reason Then to take away the opportunity of reply she went away unto one of her Companions which followed Upon a time when Amasis returned from Mount Brison where the finenesse of the Gardens and solitude together had stayed her longer then she intended night did surprize us in our return to Marcelles and the night being very cold I went unto him purposely to make him talk before his Mistresse and asked him if he were not very sensible of the chill evening To which he answered that neither heat nor cold could do him much hurt And asking him why and what antidote he had against it he answered that to the one he opposed his burning desires and to the other his cold hopes If it be so replyed I how comes it to passe I should so often hear you say that sometimes you burn with heat and sometimes freeze with cold Ah! fair Nymph answered he with a deep sigh my disease is not out wardly but all within and that so deep that there is not a corner of my soul but sadly resents it And you must know that in any other person heat and cold are inconsistent together But I have in my heart a flaming fire and also chill ice and I only the gods do know do feel the torments of it Silvia all this while was silent and used none of her accustomed cruelties but at last seeing him turn towards me and sigh she also turned and in a merry manner and disdainfull thus she said Oh! what a happy man is Ligdamon that can command both heat and cold when he pleaseth or at least neither of them ever troubles him for if the coldnesse of his hopes do freeze his hot desires can cause a thaw and if his hot desires do burn him he can freeze them up with a few cold hopes It is but necessarie faire Silvia said Ligdamon that I should use these remedies to keep me alive otherwise I should live but a little but alasse the Gods do know they are but poor comforts Nay nay replyed the Nymph you can make your disease just as you would have it either hot or cold Truly Madam answered Ligdamon to scorch and freez both at once is none of the least miracles which proceed from you but the greater wonder is that my heat should proceed out of your ice and your ice proceed out of my heat Nay Ligdamon replyed the Nymph the greatest wonder of all is that a man who has the reputation of rationall should have such idle imaginations and think such impossibilities as whosoever should credit them may be taxed with want of as much judgment as you of wit or truth I do confesse Madam said he that my imagination does conceive many impossibilities but the cause of it is either my too much affection or your too much cruelty or both And as this is not one of your I ast effects so this wherewith you upbraid me is not one of my least torments I believe answered she that your torments and my effects lie most in your tongue 'T is very hard Madam for the tongue to expresse well that which is not well resented answered Ligdamon 'T is very hard replyed the Nymph to understand all the vain Ideas of an idle and a brain-sick fancy If truth said Ligdamon did not accompany this imagination then should I stand lesse in need of your compassion No no answered the Nymph men do build their trophees too much over the compassion of us women Had it not been better said Madam answered he That women do build their Trophees too much over our ruines I never saw any yet so ruined replyed Silvia but like you they will quickly recover The more
Yes Madam answered she my memory is not so bad as to forget a thing of so late an age Then you remember continued Galathea how many truths he did foretell both unto you and Leonida and how he assured me that if I married any other then Celadon I should be the most miserable person upon earth Now since our own experience may well make us credit what he foretells why should I slight a businesse which so nearly concerties me And therefore I take it very ill from Leonida that she should offer to supplant me Madam answered Silvia I would advise you not to vex her too much lest she should be provoked to make a discovery of the businesse Friend answered Galathea and embraced her I do apprehend your advice to be both faithfull and good and therefore promise you to carry my selfe towards Leonida according to your counsell Whilst they were thus discoursing Leonida went to Celadon unto whom she related word for word all the discourse betwixt Galathea and her and told him that though the place where he was seemed to be a place of freedome yet the truth was it was no better then a Prison Which newes did so pierce him to the heart that he fell into a Feavour and in such a violent degree that Galathea coming to see him and finding him so much impaired she began to doubt his life especially the next day when he swounded two or three times in their armes And though these Nymphs did continually watch with him without any rest but interrupted slumbers yet was he but very ill attended there being in that place no manner of Medicines for one that was sick nor durst they send abroad for any lest the matter should come to a discovery so as the Shepheard did run a hazard of his life insomuch as one evening the Nymphs gave him for dead But at last he returned to himselfe and after an excessive bleeding he took a little rest and therefore the Nymphs left him alone with Merill And being retired Silvia much affrighted at this accident addressed her selfe unto Galathea and said Madam we shall all be brought into strange confusion unlesse you take some order in what a case would you be in if this Shepheard should die in your hands for want of help Alas answered she I have considered all this ever since his disease encreased but what remedie is there We are here destitute of all necessaries for him and as for getting them from other places for my life I dare not for fear of discovery Leonida whose affection made her speak more resolutely then Silvia said thus unto her Madam those fears are very good so far as they do not concern the life of a man Suppose this shepheard should die can any imagine his death can be kept without discovery the Heavens themselves as a punishment will at last lay all open But take every thing at the worst and suppose it were known that this shepheard were here cannot you cover your act with a mask of compassion If you will be pleased to trust me with the whole businesse I will manage it so as none shall ever know it For Madam I have an Uncle in this Country Adamas the chiefe of the Druides as you know very well No secret in Nature or vertue in any Plant is hid from him he is a man full of wisdome and discretion and I know he has a particular inclination to do you service if you will employ him in the businesse I am confident that all things will succeed according to your wish Silvia apprehending this to be the best expedient and conceiving that by the means of the grave Adamas Galathea might perhaps be diverted from her thoughts of this shepheard she advised her unto it as the safest course Unto which Galathea for want of another consented Then Madam said Leonida to the end I may keep within the compasse of your commands I beseech you tell me what is your pleasure I should say or conceal from Adamas Silvia seeing Galathea stand mute answered That the only way to move him unto secresy was to seem as if he were wholly trusted in the businesse for nothing will sooner make a secret come out then mistrust so as I conceive the way to charm Adamas unto privacy is to acquaint him before he comes with every thing that he may discover when he is here I am so much besides my selfe said Galathea that I know not what to say and therefore I refer the whole businesse unto your discretions Thus Leonida departed with intention though the night was very dark at first not to stop untill she came at her Uncles whose house was on the side of Marcelles Mountain towards the Vestalls and Druides of Laigneau but her journey proved longer then she expected for when she came at the break of day unto the house of Adamas she found that he was gone to Feurs and would not return untill three daies thence and therefore after halfe an houres rest she went away yet so weary that had she not been very zealous of her shepheard 's cure she would have stayed untill the return of Adamas but after she had gone a mile of her way she spied afar off in the same way a Nymph all alone whom a little after she knew to be Silvia This encounter put her into a sad perplexitie fearing that Silvia brought the newes of Celadon's death but it proved quite the contrary for she brought newes that since her departure he had rested very well and that the Feaver had left him therefore Galathea had sent her to give a stop unto her proceedings and to tell her that since the shepheard was in so good a condition there was no need of bringing Adamas or discovering the businesse unto him It is easily imagined how glad Lemida was of this newes and after her thanks to Heaven she said thus unto her Companion Sister I understand that Galathea has acquainted you with her designe upon this shepheard and therefore in all freedome of language I will tell you that this kinde of life doth infinitely displease me and that I think it dishonourable both for her and us for she is so passionately humorous that upon every distaste this shepheard shall give her she will be halfe distracted and builds so much upon the predictions of the Druide as she thinks all her happinesse depends upon loving him Also as all Lovers do she thinks him so lovely as she believes every one does the like as if all did look upon him with the same eyes she doth and that 's my griefe for she is growne so jealous of me that she cannot endure I should come neer him Now Sister if this kinde of life come once to be known as questionlesse it will since nothing is so secret but at last is discovered judge you how the world will censure us I for my part have used all possible arguments to divert from it but all in vain The scope of all
this my discourse is that I do think very fit to finde out some good remedie and that I can conceive no better expedient then the interposition and mediation of my Uncle who by his prudence and good counsell may happily do some good upon her Sister answered Silvia I do extreamly like your advice and that you may have more time to bring Adamas unto her I will return and tell her that I have been at the house of Adamas but found neither him nor you 'T is very well replyed Leonida and it will not be amisse if we go and rest our selves under some hedge that it may seem as if you had been longer seeking me Also to tell you truly I am so tired that if I will get to my journeyes end I must sleep a little Come then said Silvia and believe it is a good work for your selfe if you can get Celadon from amongst us for I do foresee by Galathea's humour that his stay here in a little time may cause you a great deal of displeasure And so looking about for a convenient place where they might passe away part of the day they spied a place on the other side of Lignon which seemed to be very fit for that purpose so as passing over at the Bridge of Botereux and leaving Bonlieu the house of the Vestalls and Druides on the left hand and walking down the River they came to a handsom thicket of wood where they both slept together As they were thus reposing themselves Astrea Diana and Phillis did accidentally drive their flocks unto the same place and never seeing the Nymphs they sat down by them And as that friendship which reseth out of adversitie is often more firme then that of prosperitie so Diana had contracted a most firme league with Astrea and Phillis since the disaster of Celadon and such a correspondency was grown between them that they were every day together And certainly Astrea stood in need of all consolation for almost at one and the same time she lost Alces her Father Hippolita her Mother Hippolita died of a fright when she heard that Astrea was fallen into the water and Alces dyed for griefe at the losse of his deer Wife But these losses were a kinde of comfort unto her for under the umbrage of mourning for her Father and Mother she could lament the losse of Celadon Now as I told you before Diana the Daughter of prudent Belinda to perform the rites of neighbourhood did go often unto Astrea and found her humours so pleasing and she hers and Phillis both that they vowed eternall friendship and never since could seperate This was the first day Astrea came out of her Chamber since her sad disasters and she was no sooner set down but she espied Semires coming towards her This shepheard had been long in love with Astrea and knowing that she loved Celadon he caused this sedition betwixt them conceiving that if he could once get rid of Celadon then he should with ease step into his steed And now he came unto her in hopes to advance his designe but he was much mistaken for Astrea having smelt out his subtletie she conceived such an inveterate hatred against him that assoon as she saw him she put her hand before her eyes as unwilling to look upon such a base impostor and desired Phillis to go and tell him from her that she could not endure his company These words were pronounced with so much vehemency as her companions plainly perceived her great animositie against him which made Phillis more hasty in running towards this shepheard When he heard this message he was so Planet-struck as he seemed absolutely immovable At last being conscious and stung with the bitter sense of his own errour he said unto her Discreet Phillis I must needs ingenuously confesse that the heavens are most just in punishing a heart with more griefe then it is able to endure I cannot chuse but sadly say that the chastisement cannot equall the offence since I have destroyed the most perfect league of friendship that ever was But to the end the gods may stop their vengeance I beseech you tell that fair shepheardesse I most cordially beg a pardon both from her and the ashes of Celadon and assure her that the extream affection which I bore unto her was the only cause of my fault But I will go and all my life long lament I have offended her and those fair eyes which are so justly incensed against me After these words he went away so dismally dejected that his repentance moved some pitty in the heart of Phillis who being returned to her companions related all his answer unto them Alas alas dear Sister said Astrea what sad cause have I to flie from this fatall villain for 't is he he only that is the cause of all my miserie How Sister said she Semires the cause has he had such power over you If I durst relate his villanie and my own simplicitie said Astrea I should tell you that he hath used the most cunning artifice that ever any subtle wit could invent Diana believing that it was by reason of her that she would not speak more clearly unto Phillis since their familiarity was not above seven or eight daies old she turned towards the sad Astrea and said Fair Shepheardesse you will give me occasion to think you do not love me if you use lesse freedome towards me then towards Phillis for though I have not been so long happy in your acquaintance as she hath yet you may be as confident of my affection as of hers Phillis then answered I assure my selfe that Astrea does speak as freely before you as to her own selfe for she cannot be halfe a friend and since amitie is vowed betwixt your I believe she will open the very closset of her heart unto you Most certainly I will said Astrea but the reason why I would speak no more of that sad businesse was only because I would not too much vex a wound with too much rubbing upon it If that be all replied Diana I should think that free imparting a misery unto a friend is halfe the cure and if I durst use so much free boldnesse as to desire it nothing would give me greater satisfaction then to know the Historie of your life which in requitall I will repay with a relation of my own whensoever you shall command it Since it is your desire replied Astrea I shall make you a sharer in my miserable storie but with much brevitie unlesse it were fuller of good fortune then it is So all three sitting round she thus began The History of Astrea and Phillis THose who are of opinion that loves and hates do hereditarilie descend from Father to Son did they but know what hath been Celadons Fortune and mine doubtlesse would confesse themselves mistaken For Fair Diana perhaps you have heard of the implacable emnitie that was between Alces and Hippolyta my Father and Mother and Alcippes
who conferred the prise upon you hath shewed himself a very right Judge of beauty and yet though your cause did merit his sentence you are in some sort obliged unto him I think shepheard answered I in a low voice that he is more obliged to me then I to him for he gave me an apple only which in some degree I deserve and is my due but I gave him his life which for his impudent rashnesse he deserved to lose This is no more then was before resolved answered Celadon for he does not valew his life further then to prostrate it at your feet Were it not more in regard of my self then him replied I I should have punished his impudence but Celadon no more let us leave this discourse and know that the reason why I did not cause you to be punished according to your merits is only because I would not bring my selfe upon the stage and not for want of any will to see you chastised If that be the only reason said he I beseech you tell me what death you will have me die And you shall see that I have as much courage to obey you as I have Love to offend you This discourse would be very long and tedious if I should include every particular But so it was he gave me so many testimonies of his affection that I could not possibly doubt it but still seeming to be all anger I said thus unto him Shepheard consider the emnity that is betwixt our Fathers believe that mine to thee shal be the same if thou dost still thus trouble me with thy follies which for this time thy youth and my own honour moves me to pardon I mentioned a pardon because I would infuse a little courage unto him for the very truth is his beautie and courage and affection did please me but to the end he should not reply I turned from him and went to Stella who was neer me He all astonished at this answer went out of the company so sadly dejected as in a few dayes after he was grown not knowable and kept himself so private that he frequented no places but the most retired and wild partes of our woods Of which I being advertised by some of my companoins who did in a close manner tell me that I was the only cause I began to resent his condition and resolved to find out some way or other to give him a little comfort and because as I told you he shunned all manner of company I was constrained to drive my flock towards that place which he most frequented and after two or three times being there in vaine at last after a long search for him me thought I heard his voice amongst some trees and I was not mistaken For going neerer I found him lying all along upon the ground his eyes sweld with teares and hands held up to heaven which seemed to be immoveable This object moved me to so much pitty that I was resolved to give him a cordiall for his paine And therefore after a whiles consideration and not willing he should think I sought for him I retired a little way from him where seeming to take no notice I began to sing so loud that my voice reached both his eares and his heart As soon as ever he heard me I saw him leap up and turning his eyes towards the place where I was he stood like a statue still in a ravishing admiration Which I observing to give him so much boldnesse as to approch neerer I seemed as if I slept yet held mine eyes halfe open to see what he would do And indeed he did as I did imagine he would for drawing neerer me with a soft and gentle tread he kneeled down as neer me as he could and after a long stay in this posture I still seeming to be fast asleep he stooped down and kissed me Then seeing that he had taken courage enough I opened mine eyes as if he had wakened me And rising up as if in a raging anger thus said unto him Uncivill shepherd how durst you be so bold as thus to interrupt my sleep He with a trembling heart and kneeling still said thus unto me It is your selfe fair shepherdesse that did constrain me and if I have sinned then bright Starre you must dim your Luster and punish your own perfections which are the cause This is alwayes your excuse for your presumption said I unto him but shepheard beleeve it if you continue in this course of offending me I will not endure it If you call it an offence to love and adore you answered he proceed to sentence immediatly and doome me to what death you please for I do make a most solemne vow that I will so offend you as long as my life is in me It is neither the rigour of your cruelties nor the emnity of our Parents no nor all the impediments in the whole universe conspired together shall ever divert me from this resolution But Fair Diana I must abbreviate these pleasing discourses as being not sutable unto my present disasters And will only tell you that being overcome I said thus unto him shepheard what good can you hope for when those who have the dispose of you does disapprove of your beginning How Said he dispose of me Has Alcippe more power over my wil then I have my self You may dispence with your own wil answered I but never with that obedience which is due unto a Father without a most horrid crime The obedience which I owe unto him said he must be confined unto possibilities and it is no fault to faile where power wants to performe but admit I must obey in al things since of two evills the greater is to be avoided I will rather faile in my duty to him who is but a man then in my duty to your fair selfe who is all Divine Our discourse lasted so long and so prevalent he was in it that I was forced to admit him my servant and both of us being too young to shadow our designes with any artifice Alcippe did soone find us out and being loath this amitie should grow up to any higher pitch he resolved to send him upon so long a voyage with good old Cleantes as that absence might wear out this young impression of Love But the seperation did as little good as all the rest of his artifices which he used for Celadon though yet a Boy did so fixe his resolution to overcome all difficulties that though any other would have taken them for torments yet he looked upon them only as proofes of himselfe and called them the touchstones of his fidelitie And because he knew that his voyage would last long he intreated me leave to bid him adieu This leave I granted but Fair Diana had you heard how passionatly he begged me to Love him and the vowes he made never to change doubtlesse you would have concluded nothing more impossible then that this affection should ever decay At
the child She hired a woman to say that it was hers and then to lay it to the charge of a young fellow who served her Mother and because the fellow was altogether innocent he denyed it but was so ashamed that he ran away The woman pursued even unto Lupeander's Chamber and there though the fellow still refused it she set the child down in the midst of the room and ran her waies They say that Lupeander was very angry and Olympia also at this fellow But the conclusion was Olympia turning towards her Mother However said she unto her this child must not be lost it must not be punished for the fault of another but it will be an act of charity to see it brought up Her Mother who was of a good and charitable disposition consented unto it And thus Olympia got her Daughter to be in the house with her All this while Celadon was with Forella and entertained with all possible welcomes and Malthea at her Fathers command did currasse him as much as she in civilitie could But Celadon was so displeased at this separation from us that all these sweets yielded him but a bitter relish and he lived in such a drooping way as Forella being very angry that his Daughter should be so slighted did acquaint Alcippe with it to the end he should not expect any further progresse in that match who knowing the resolution of his son and as I think moved unto some pitty he resolved once more to use some other artifice and after that never to trouble him any more Then whilst Celadon was with Malthea Phocion my Uncle so contrived it that Corebes a very rich and honest Shepheard should apply himselfe unto me And since he had all the good qualities that were desirable it was already so divulged as if the Wedding were resolved upon Alcippes thinking to make use of this advantage devised this trick which I shall relate There was a Shepheard called Squilinder dwelling upon the borders of the Forrest in a Town called Argentall a craftie fellow and very perfidious who amongst the rest of his knavish qualities had this that he could counterfeit any hand so exactly as the writer of the Originall could not know it from his Copy To this man Alcippe's shewed that Letter of mine which he found as I told you before and writ another unto Celadon in my name which was thus indited Astrea's counterfeit Letter unto Celadon SInce I am forced to it by the command of a Father you must not think it strange if I intreat you to put a period unto that love which heretofore I conjured you to make eternall Alces hath bestowed me upon Corebes The match will be very advantageous to me if I can but quickly enough forget you But since it is meer folly to attempt against what must be I advise you so to forget all passages betwixt us and to arme your selfe with such resolution as Celadon may blot Astrea out of his memorie as Astrea out of her duty to a Father must quit the remembrance of Celadon This Letter was cunningly conveyed unto Celadon by an unknown messenger Oh! how his heart was sunk when he received this sad newes Now Astrea did he say I see there is nothing in this world that is durable since all those vowed resolutions betwixt us are so soon vanished Now I am a sad witnesse that all women be they never so full of perfections can easily return to their naturall inconstancy Now life end since Astrea has lost her affection and since I can do nothing else but grieve for my great disaster Thus did he breathe out abundance of sad complaints and he was the sooner perswaded to believe such a change in me might be by the common reports of my marriage unto Corebes He lay all the day upon his bed and when night came he stole out of all company and got into a thick unfrequented wood shunning all society like a salvage and resolved never to come into any company again In this desperate resolution he wandered over all the Mountains of Forrests and at last found out a desart unfrequented place where he intended to finish the remainder of his dismall daies The place was called Lapan from whence the fatall Lignon hath his Originall Upon the banks of this Spring he built himselfe a little Cabin where he made a shift to live above six Months during which time his ordinary food was tears and sighs And his solitude had continued longer had not Alcippes commanded Lycidas to go and look him out resolving since all was in vain never to crosse his affection more But Lycidas had look'd long enough before he had found him but for one accident which happened that day I chanced to be then by the banks of Lignon looking upon the water and condoling the losse of Celadon Phillis and Lycidas looked also in the water as well as I and we observed somthing which swimmed down the stream Lycidas to satisfie the curiosity of his Mistresse who much desired to know what it was did step into the River and with a bough brought it out and finding it to be only a piece of paper he threw it away upon the ground being angry he had taken so much pains for a thing of no more value Phillis she took it up and opening it we read these words Go thou poor piece of paper more happy than he that sends thee go and view those banks where my Shepheardesse useth to walk and if being accompanied with those tears wherewith I swell this River thou shalt chance to kisse the shore where the prints of her feet are stay there where my miserable fate will not suffer me to be If it be thy chance to come into those hands which have rob'd me of my heart and she shall ask thee what I do tell her faithfull paper that I am night and day washing away her infidelity with my tears and if thou dost move her to so much repentance as to drop a tear upon thee tell her of the sin she hath committed against her own faith and my affection and that my sorrowes are witnesses both before men and gods that she is both the fairest and the most perfidious woman upon earth and also that I am the most faithfull and the most affectionate adorer of her that ever lived with this assurance that I shall never enjoy any contentment but in death We no sooner cast our eyes upon the writing but we knew it to be the hand of Celadon this was the cause of Lycidas his gazing up the water to look for him and he used such diligence that in two or three dayes he found him out in his solitary habitation so much unlike what he was that he was not knowable But when Lycidas told him that he must come to me and that I did so command it he could hardly be perswaded but that his Brother would deceive him At last the Letter which he gave him from
necessary for the sacrifice Well said she I will come and bring two of my Nymphs with me and so privatly that none shall ever know of my coming but they but be sure you be well advised what you speak before them of this businesse for they wil endeavour all they can to divert me I was very glad of this caution having my selfe the same fears and because I perceived that she resolved to follow my counsell otherwise she would not have cared who had known it Thus she went away with a full resolution to return the third day after The reason why I said that it must be before the Moones decrease was to the end that if any came to me in the mean time I might put them off with an excuse that the Mocil was not yet at the full Also I said that it must be before day to the end I might have fewer people come to trouble me And as for the Bacchanalian Feast I had computed it to fall upon the same day on which Lindamor was to take his leave of Amasis at Marcelles and consequently of Galathea and also that he should wear this day a green suit All things then being thus resolved upon and prepared I took order for the sacrifice and though I was not well versed in that mystery yet I shewed all the skill I had lest they should finde me ignorant in any thing The morning being come and day within little of dawning I found her in the same posture I appointed with Silvia and Leonida I wished with all my soul Polemas that you had been there that you might have enjoyed the happinesse to have seen this fair one in such a lovely mode you had seen how the wanton winde did play with her lovely locks which hung loose in curious curles upon her alabaster shoulders and had no other cover but the Chaplet of Vervine There you might have blessed your eyes with a sight of her naked armes and â—â—ighes no show so white and her pretty little feet might have shamed Thetis I must ingenuously confesse that I wished the wings of time had been clipped that I might have looked longer upon these beauties who as I told them must needs be well perfumed with the finest Aromatique smells lest the visions of the deity of Styx should offend them and to that end shewed them a place more private where they could not easily be seen Upon the side of a hill from whence this little River runs there was a very close and thick thicket of wood whose branches were so enterwoven with leaves they did make most close and delightfull umbrage so as the penetrating Sun-beams could not reach into the hollow vault under it This gloomy shade did encourage them unto much boldnesse but yet their curiosity to be informed of what they defired much more There then it was where these three Nymphs began to undresse themselves and use all such necessary perfumes as I prescribed and I knowing the place very well did steal my selfe so neer as I could easily see them naked I must confesse I never saw so lovely a sight in all my life but above all I found Leonida most admirable both in the straight proportion of her body in the purely whitenesse of her skin in the smoothnesse and plumpnesse of every part she excelled them all by much so as I began to discommend your judgment and think you a man unexpert in hidden beauties since you quitted Leonida for Galathea who it is true has somthing that is fair in her face but her other parts are so fat short of what by her face might be expected as she may be truly called a deceiver Oh heavens Climanthes said Polemas who could not endure to hear her whom he so loved thus spoken of leave off this discourse for Leonida's face is not worthy to come in comparison with Galathea's Well sir answered Climanthes think what you please but I am sure Leonida's face is the least fair part about all her body Then I would advise her said Polemas to hide her face and shew us what is more fair But I believe Climanthes your eyes were not competent judges for the obscurity of the place perhaps would not suffer you to see them perfectly But i beseech you let this discourse alone and go on with your story Leonida who heard all this and seeing with what scorn Polemas did speak of her she began to be so much offended with him as she resolved never to pardon him On the contrary though she hated these impostures of Climanthes yet she could not chuse but love to hear her selfe so much commended for nothing does more tickle a young Lady than applauding her beauty especially when there is no suspition of flattery Whilst she was in these thoughts she heard Climanthes continue his story on thus Then these three Nymphs came unto me where they found me before my Cell and preparing all things for the sacrifice I lighted up three candles and I burned incense three times round the room then I took off their Chaplets of Vervine and crowned them with Poppy and put some falt into their mouths and bad them chew it Then I took three black Heifers the best I could chuse and nine Ewes which had never taken the Ramm whose black and long wool resembled silk so soft and smooth it was I cut off the hair which grew between their hornes and cost it into the fire sprinkling upon it milk wine flower and honey and after I had called upon Hecathe three times I thrust my knife into the hearts of these Animals one after another and took their blood in a great bason Then falling upon my knees I called again upon Hecathe afterwards I rose up and seemed as if I were transported saying unto the Nymphs See see the deitie it is time it is time it is time then taking Galathoa by the hand I stared with my eyes shook my head gaped with my mouth made my breast to pant and all my body trembled as if I were in a holy rapture Then being neer the altar I said Oh holy deitie who resides in this place give unto me power to satisfie this Nymph in her demands with all truth The room was dark and had no light but such a hollow gloominesse as the candles gave but the day being now light and the Sun up it shined upon the painted paper and made it represent it selfe much better in the Looking glasse afterwards I addressed my selfe unto Galathea saying Oh fair Nymph thou art the favourit of heaven thy prayers are heard and thy sacrifice is received It is the pleasure of the deitie that not only by the ear but also by the eye thou maist know the place where thou shalt finde thy happinesse Come neer this altar and say after me Oh most mighty Hecathe whose habitation is in the Stygian Lake at whom the churlish Dog with three heads never barks may thy altars ever smoak with acceptable sacrifices which
SInce Father you command it so said the Shepheard I will relate the whole matter unto you Stella is the Widow of a Husband which Heaven gave her rather for a name then ought else for besides his sicknesse his age which was above sixtie six had so impaired his strength that he left her a lusty young Widow before she was almost married And the affection she had unto him was not so much as to make her grieve too much for her losse nor indeed was her humour such as to take any thing too much to heart When she saw her selfe ridd of two heavy yokes both almost at once to wit a riddance from an old crasy and peevish Husband and from that strictest observance which is expected from Ghildren to Parents she then began to shew her selfe and ruffle in the world with a great noise And as she was none of those killing beauties that make themselves loved by force so her affectednesse did not at all please any that looked upon her Her age was some seventeen or eighteen an age that is apt to commit much folly when liberty is given unto it This was the reason that Saliam her Brother a very honest and discreet Shepheard not being able to endure the expensive courses which she drew upon him and in some sort to restrain her did get her out of his village into such a place where she might live in lesse danger of scandall in order to which he intreated Cleanthes that he would be pleased to let her accompany his Daughter Amintha because they suited so well in age though Stella had a little the start of her And Cleanthes being content there grew such a familiarity betwixt these two Shepheardesses and they lived such private lives and contented as they were never out of sight of one another Many did wonder that these two being of such different tempers yet they did so well comply but the sweet and loving disposition of Amintha and the supple and easie nature of Stella were the causes so Amintha never crossed the designes of her Companion and Stella never thwarted whatsoever Amintha desired so as they kept such a correspondency together as nothing was hid from each other But at last Lysis the Son of the Shepheard Genetian leaving the frozen valleyes of Mount Luna and coming into our more pleasant plaines and seeing Stella at an assembly in the Temple of Venus when Astrea did carry away the prise of beauty he fell so in love with Stella as I do not well know whether or no it hath not sent him to his Grave And she was so compliant to him as after severall journeyes and messages things were come to that passe as Lysis moved her to marriage unto which she gave as favourable an answer as he could desire At this time Saliant was constrained unto such a far off journey as he knew nothing of this treaty besides she did now take upon her selfe such absolute authority as she did not communicate her matters unto him On the other side Amintha seeing her so soon resolved upon marriage did often ask her whether or no she was in good earnest and told her that it was a matter of so great importance as required very great and serious consideration Amintha answered she never trouble your selfe for I am not gon so far but I can easily make a retreat Mean time Lysis did make himselfe so sure of marriage as that he set down the day invited many of his friends and was at such charges as are usuall upon such occasions But Stella according to the custome of many women who are proud of their own libertie started from her first intentions and broke all off by such unreasonable demands as she knew the Parents of Lysis would never consent unto But his love being above all difficulties and satisfying all her unreasonable demands she was at last forced to break off with him upon no other pretence but the slendernesse of his affection to her You may easily imagine how Lysis resented this affront but however he could not yet master his love And I remember upon this subject he composed these Verses which afterwards he gave unto me Upon Anger against Love IS Anger mad in making me to go Gainst such a fatall and puissant foe Must I conducted be into the field By such a Captain as is sure to yield A Leader in such lamentable armes Gainst love that 's arm'd with arrowes and with charmes Can faint and feeble Anger ever think Victorious Love to conquer and make shrink No no the wafting of his wing will shatter Thy Squadrons all and will thy Bulwarks batter Love hath of anger such infinite of odds As with his fore-works he can conquer Gods Resistance will but add unto his glory And being conquer'd make more sad my story I 'le therefore mercy ask and quarter cry Which if my fairest shepheardesse deny Then triumph in Elizian shades will I And my own death shall be my victory The cause of Stella's change in her affection was the courtship of another Shepheard called Semires which did imprint it selfe very deep in her soul and which Lysis did perceive the last of all men for she did conceal it more from him than any other This Shepheard Semires was of all men that my conversation ever met with the most dissembling and crafty that he was otherwise a man of very excellent parts which caused this Shepheardesse to go against her own promise and reject the match with Lysis and to confer all her favours upon her new Lover who yet did not long triumph in this victory For so it happened that Lupeander making a great Feast at the marriage of his Daughter Olympia Lysis and Stella were invited thither and I being a kinsman unto the Bride I would not sail to be there also I know not whether Love did it cut of revenge or whether it was the naturall giddinesse of Stella's wavering temper but so it was that she no sooner saw Lysis then she had a minde to recall him into her favour and in order to that spruced up her selfe in all her affectednesse which nature had very imprudently been prodigall of unto her But the offended spirit of this Shepheard had armed him with so much courage as to hide all his affection to her though he could not extinguish the flames of love Towards night when every one prepared for dancing and to apply themselves unto those persons most sutable to their liking Stella did so pursue Lysis that he being in a corner of a window he could not handsomely avoid her but was forced to receive the assaults of his loving enemy Semires all this while observing how she pursued Lysis all the evening according to the naturall temper of all Lovers he began to be sprinkled with jealousie knowing well that a candle newly extinguished will soon light again And seeing her so close to Lysis he got so neer as seeming to talk unto another he heard her ask Lysis
I was afraid you had retained some thoughts for your self therefore I was so reserved but since thāks be to the fates it is not so I wil in this business put you to the tryal of friendship I know that the hatred which succeeds Love is alwaies measured according to the grandure of its predecessor and that you once loving this shepheardesse and now comming to hate her your hatred will be far greater then if you had never loved her Yet understanding from Stella her self that I can never arrive at my desires but by your meanes I do conjure you Lysis by our friendship to aide me either by advising or speaking for me or any other way I will take it as a most extream proof of your fidelity Lysis was extreamly surprised at this desire expecting any other prayer frō me then this by which besides his dislike from this of speaking unto Stella he had lost a freind whom he loved most Yet he answered thus unto me Corilas I will do as you desire you can expect no more from me but still remember that in messages of Love such persons should be imployed as are not hated Thus poor Lisis in lieu of a lover became a messenger of Love a difficultie which his affection to me made him undertake and he had full intentions to serve me though afterwards he changed his mind but the violence of his Love must plead his excuse for Love hath a most predominate power over men and truly his affection to me is to be both commended and admired since he was once willing to part from her he loved to let me enjoy her One day watching an opportunitie of speaking unto her he found her at home by herself none being by to interrupt their discourse then calling to memorie the affronts he formerly had received he so armed himself against her charmes as Love at this time could have no hope of overcomming And though the shepheardesse studied alwaies to tryumph over him yet he did so oppose his spleen against her and his freindship to me that at this combate he was conquerer Before he began to speak she went to meet him and pumped for some of her affected language What new happynesse is this said she that hath brought back my long'd for Lysis to me What an unexpected favour is this Come come since you are returned I will begin to hope againe for I dare swear that never since you left me have I enjoyed a minute of content to which the shepheard answered More eloquent then faithfull shepheardesse I am better satisfied with this your ingenuous confession then if I had not been offended at your in fidelity but let us leave off this kind of discourse and forget it for ever answer me only to such demands as I shall make unto you Are you still resolved to deceive all those who shall ever Love you For my part I must beleeve you are for none of your humours are unknowne unto me but I came to see and ask how many adorers you have and whether you did not say and protest and swear unto them that none should ever be deceived by you for if you did certainly they are in my predicament and rank The shepheardesse did not expect these reproaches yet she answered him and thus Shepheard though you came only with designes to wrong me yet I give you thanks for the visit and confesse that you have reason to complaine against me I complaine answered he no I pray you let that alone I will neither wrong you nor complain against you but am so farre from it that I will rather commend your humour for had you seemed to love me any longer I had been longer deluded And I pray God the losse of your Love bring me no more hurt then it doth sorrow you shall never heare that I complain of you for injurie and truth cannot subsist together no more then you fidelity can but take this for a most certain truth that you are the most deluding and ungrateful shepheardesse in all Forrests Me thinks discourteous shepheard answered Stella that this language would become any other mouth better then yours Then Lysis began to addresse himself in another dialect Hitherto said he I have borrowed my language from the just anger of Lysis but now I will borrow it of one that hath more to do with you then Lysis hath that is from a discreet shepheard who loves you and who values nothing upon earth comparable to your favorable acceptance of him his services She thinking that Lisis mocked her answered him thus Leave off this discourse Lysis it is enough that you once did Love me without any reviving of the memorie of your errors 'T is very true said the Shepheard they were errors indeed that moved me to love you out you erre as much as I did if you think that I do love you now or that I speak for my selfe No no I speak in behalfe of poor Corilas who is so wholly your devoted as nothing can draw him off I told him how I had tried you and what little assurance there was to be found in your soul and words I swore unto him that you would certainly deceive him and that I was sure you would keep me from being forsworn But the poor miserable loving thing is so blinded as he thinks what I cannot obtain his merits can and yet to undeceive him I told him that merit was the greatest impediment to obtain any thing from you And to the end you may believe what I say I pray read this Letter which he hath sent you But because Stella would not read my Letter Lysis did open it and read it aloud unto her The Letter of Corilas unto Stella Fairest Shepheardesse IT is most impossible that any eye should look upon you and not love and as impossible to love you and not be extream in his affection If you please but to consider this truth when this paper shall be presented unto your most lovely eyes I assure my selfe that the grandure of my pain will out of pitty finde a pardon for aspiring unto such a height as your merits though this presumption does justly merit punishment In expectation of your doom I beseech you give my thoughts leave to kisse your fair hands a hundred thousand times not being able within the compasse of that number to include those sorrowes which the deniall of this supplication will give me nor those joyes which will swell me if you receive me as most truly I am Your most affectionate and most faithfull Servant Assoon as Lysis had read this Letter he went on with his discourse Come Stella said he what death must he die or how must he live For my part I pitty him with all my heart and wish you could do the like I pray consider how bitter your deniall will be to him This discourse did touch this Shepheardesse to the quick and seeing how far Lysis was from loving her she
this poor Shepheard did begin such affection to me as did not end till he died And I am most confident that if the dead have any remembrance of the living he loves me still and in his ashes preserves that pure affection which he vowed unto me Daphnis took notice of this the very same day and at night told me of it but I did so long reject any such thoughts as she was forced to say thus unto me I see Diana you will not believe me but be assured that Filander does extreamly love you This advertisment did so imprint it selfe in my minde as the next day made me observe somthing which induced me to be of her opinion For in the afternoons we were accustomed to assemble under some shady tree and sitting round to sing It chanced that Filander having no acquaintance but Daphnis and me he did sit down between us which Amindor taking notice of did swell with such a pittifull fit of jealousie that he in a fuming chafe left the company and first looking upon me as if it were I that he meant he went away singing this Catch Amindor's Catch against Levitie God in his mercy may do much and save her But he that commeth next is sure to have her Can any be so blinde As think to get her Love Who wavers like the winde Which wantonly doth rove No God in 's mercy may do much and save her But he that cometh next is sure to have her A Weather-cock can move At every blast of winde And she at any love Can turne her fleeting minde So God in 's mercy may do much and save her But he that commeth next is sure to have her One Nail drives out another And he that next does kisse her Will quite drive out the other And make the first to misse her God in thy mercy I beseech thee make her In Love more constant else the Devill take her I had so much power over my selfe as not to seem any thing troubled at this song and Daphnis out of her discreet affection unto me never staying the end of this Catch did interrupt him and begun another song addressing her selfe unto me The Madrigall of Daphnis upon the affection she bore unto Diana SInce fair Diana I do finde you prove The Center unto which all hearts do move Then why not mine why should I not adore Her that of beautles hath the greatest store And since they say the purest Love of all Hath from resemblance its Originall Then our affections needs must be extream Since both our Sexes are the very same Then the better to cover the colour of my cheeks and to make it seem I took no notice of Amindor's invective Catch assoon as Daphnis had done I answered her thus A Madrigall upon the same Subject WHy such a wonder should it seem that I And you though both be women yet should vie Affection Is 't a miracle to see That women well as men should Lovers be But if impossible Oh then be you The Shepheardesse and I the Shepheard true After us every one sung their own fancies and Filander when it came to his turn he did sing these ensuing Verses with an excellent voice Filander upon the begining of his Love THough I foresaw my expectation high And my desires were swell'd with vanity That Love was full of flaming fire and pain And though I lov'd should not be lov'd again Yet still I hoped and at her I aim'd Only because I would be more inflam'd 'T was so decreed by fate and 't was not I That could anticipate my destinie No wonder then that in obedience Unto this dire and fatall Ordinance I should adore her and I hope no crime A heart that 's base so high could never clime But as the fading Marygold doth die And wither only by the world 's fair Eye So I like it did say Oh! glorious Sun Let me be scorched till my daies be done For in that death this pleasure I shall have No fire but thine could burn me to my grave When as the Phoenix by an art so rare And nature both together doth prepare To make her Cradle in her Tombe she saies Unto the fire wherein her corps she laies By dying in thy flame I will assume My glory out of ashes now my Tombe Many more did then expresse their severall conceptions in verse but I have forgotten them But so it was that me thought Filanders words were aimed at me and I cannot well tell whether it was the hint which Daphnis had given me or the language of his eyes which spoke much more plain then his tongue I cannot tell but either the one or both made me apply this song to my selfe and as these verses did give me a little light of it so his discretion did a little after much more plainly testifie it unto me For it is the principall effect of a true affection to carry it discreetly and never to let it be known but by those effects which cannot be hid This young Shepheard knew of Amindor's humour and love had taught him so much curiosity as to finde out that his jealousy was no lesse than that of Philidas and therefore he conceived that the best way to blinde both their eyes was to court their friendship and Love had made him so subtle and prudent that in the carriage of the matter he did not only deceive Amindor's but almost all eyes else for he would never come where we were but suffered us alwaies to come unto him 'T is true that crafty Daphnis did presently finde it out for said she Amindor is not a man of such agreeable parts as to attract unto him such a well accomplished Shepheard as Filander but there must needs be some farther reach in all Filanders addresses to him she indeed did prompt me to take the first notice of it and I must confesse that his discretion did so please me that if I would suffer any to love me it should be him but the time was not yet come that I could be wounded this way although his actions and carriage did please me and though I did in some fore approve of his designe When we at any time took our leaves of him he would alwaies wait upon us a long way and at parting I never heard such expressions of friendship as he used to Amindor nor such offers of service as he tendred unto Philidas Then would slie Daphnis whisper me in the ear and say All these expressions are meant unto you and you do him wrong if you do not answer him And when he thanked Amindor for any favour she would say Oh what a fool is he to think that these offerings are intended to his Altar And he so well knew how to dissemble that he serued himselfe into the very heart of Amindor And Philidas was so tickled with his high commendations of her as she would often send to desire him he would come see her Heavens knowes how oft he had
no other language to expresse my selfe unto you but what you used unto Diana only add this consideration unto you to the end you may know the grandure of my Love that if the blow may be judged of by the strength of the arm that gave it then my wound must needs bâ— the deeper since the beauty of Diana is not comparable unto yours if you do love her so extreamly Judge how great the affection of Amindor must needs be that loves Callirea For hee knowes not how to declare it better unto you but by making a comparison of it with your own Shepheard answered Filander your declarations of any Love to me are both unjust and very offensive unto me who have a husband that will not with patience suffer such affront if he knew it Moreover since you speak of Diana unto whom I have wholly dedicated my selfe I must tell you that if you will have me measure your affection by mine according to the causes which we have to love I cannot beleeve you have much since what you call beauty in me is not worthy to retain the name of it if compaâ—â—ed with hers Fair shepheardesse said Amindor then I could never have beleeved it an offence to love you but since it is I do confesse that I merit punishment and am ready to receive what doome soever you please but you must resolve to put altogether and punish me for loving you as long as I live for it is impossible I should livâ— and not Love But never think I beseech you that the displeasure of Gerestâ—â—n can at all divert me he who feares neither dainger nor death it self can never feare a man But as to your selfe I must â—eâ—ds confesse my selfe to blame in comparing Diana unto you since doubtlesse she comes infinitly short which if you can be so good as to pardon I will protest never to commit the like error againe Philander who had an opinion that Amindo loved me and who did love mâ— himselfe could hardly endure to heare me thus un lervalued but having a designe not to discover himself he had so much power over himself as to put it up and thus answered him How is it possible Amindor said he that your tongue should so much bely your heart Can you think I do not know that you dissemble And that all this while your affection is devoted unto Diana My affection replyed he as if surprised Nono that is wholly yours may never any love me if I love any but you I cannot say but heretofore I have wished her well but her humour is so full of inequalitie somtimes all fire and somtimes all Ice that now I am very indifferent towards her I wonder said Filander how you dare to say so for I know she loves you and you still love her I will not deny said Amindor but that she may love me but who cares This was right according to Amindors humour which was ever full of vanitie and would have all men beleeve that he could have many good fortunes At this time Filander found out his artifice and had he not feared the discovery of himselfe he was so incensed against him in my behalfe that I beleeve he would have given him the lye However he could not chuse but give him a very sharp answer Amindor said he you are the most unworthy Shepheard that ever lived and not fit for any good society Can you find a heart to speake thus of Diana unto whom you have professed so much amitie and unto whom you are so much obliged What can we hope for from you since you will not spare her who transcends us infinitly in merit and perfection As for me I think you the most daingerous person that lives and such as would live in rest must fly you as from the Plague At this word Filander left him and came to us with a countenance so inflamed with anger as Daphnis knew that he was offended at Amindor who was so astonished at the seperation that he knew not what to do At night Daphnis asked Filander what their discourse was and because she thought this might much increase my amitie towards the disguised Callirea The next morning she related it all unto me with such bitter invectives against Amindor and so advantageously for Filander that I must confesse that I could never since forbid my selfe from loving him when I knew him conceiving that his reall good-will unto me did oblige me to it But Daphnis who knew that if I loved him as Callirea I should also love him as Filander did advise him to discover himselfe unto me telling him that though at the first I might perhaps repulse him and be angry yet in the end all would be well and for her part she would so solicite in his behalf that she feared not but to bring all unto a good conclusion Yet all her perswasions could not infuse so much courage into him so as Daphnis resolved to do it her selfe without him or his knowledge for she foresaw that Gerestan would ere long have his Wife home again and then all the plot was spoiled With this resolution she came one day unto me when she found me alone and after much other-common discourse she began thus Diana said she what should be the meaning of Callirea's folly I verily believe she will run out of her wits she loves you so extream passionately as I think she will not live All day long she is in your Chamber and all nights in the Garden and so pleaseth her selfe with her own melancholy fancy that I cannot shake her out of her musings I would I could give her any consolation answered I but what would she have me do do I not repay affection for affection do I not make it appear in all my actions am I failing in any point of courtesy or duty towards her All this is true replied Daphnis but did you hear her discourses to her selfe I believe you would extreamly pitty her and I beseech you unknown to her let us go one night and hear her I did promise her that I was very willing and would go with her assoon as she would for Philidas would ere long make a visit unto Gerestan and then would be the fittest time A few daies after Philidas according to his intentions went to see Gerestan and carried Amindor with him resolving not to return of seven or eight daies When he was gone Filander according to his custome went into the Garden halfe dressed when he thought every one was a sleep Daphnis who went to bed the first as soon as he was gone did come to me and told me I put on my clothes as fast as I could and followed her untill we came into the Garden When she found where he was she beckened unto me to come a little after her and when we were so neer as to hear we sat our selves down upon the ground Presently after I heard him say But why should I put my selfe to
all this patience what will all these delayes do me good Shall I die before I discover my maladie to the Chirurgeon Then staying a while he began again with a most profound sigh Why should I fear that she will banish me her presence and doom me to death for if I should die it is a comfort to shorten such a miserable life and my death would satisfie for the fault I have committed if death do not fall upon me from the incensed brow of the fair Diana will not the violence of my affection cause it What then should I do and what shall I say unto her Alas I would not offend her if I could possibly help it And why should I keep silence since my death will give her most certain knowledge What then shall I offend her Ah! alas injury and amitie are never together Rather die there 's an end But if I should die do I not deprive her of the most faithfull servant ever that she had Is it possible I should offend in adoring her I will then tell her and at the same time open my breast that the sword may more easily punish my crime if she condemn me to it Thus then will I say unto her Here fairest Shepheardesse here is Filander in the habit of Callirea who in lieu of begging your favour lookes for nothing but your sury Revenge your selfe then Oh fairest and punish him and be confident that if his death will please and satisfie you it is most welcome to him Faire Shepheardesse when I heard Filander thus expresse himselfe my amazement was so great that I knew not what in the world to do I was so vexed and trembled so extreamly that I would have gon away and never have looked upon this impostor any more But Daphnis to compleat her treason held me by force and as I told you being neer this Shepheard he turned his head at the noise which we made and thinking it was only Daphnis he came unto us But when he spied me and thought I heard him Oh heavens said he what torment is little enough for me Oh Daphnis who could ever have expected this treason from you At this he ran away as if he had been distracted though Daphnis called him two or three times by the name of Callirea but fearing to be heard by others and more fearing that Filander might do some hurt unto himselfe she left me alone and followed him saying unto me in an angry manner at parting Well Diana if Filande do perish you will resent it as long as you live Judge fair Shepheardesses if I was not astonished at this accident But so it was that I could not hit the way out of the Garden a long time at last groping on every side and recollecting my spirits I found my Chamber where lying me down upon my Bed and trembling I could not close an eye that night As for Daphnis she searched for Filander so long that at last she found him more dead than alive and after she had chid him for not closing with so good an opportunity and yet assuring him that I was not so much troubled at the accident as he was he took a little heart to himselfe but yet not so much as to embolden him the next morning to come out of his Chamber I on the other side was extreamly offended against them both and was forced to keep my bed lest I should make my displeasure seen unto those about us and particularly unto the Niece of Gerestan but as good fortune was she had no more wit then there was need of so as we did easily hide from her this scurvy businesse which was almost impossible to do especially for Filander who had her company almost continually Daphnis she was not a little busied in the matter and perplexed for at the first I would not look upon her and her excuses but at the last she did so overcome me that I promised to forget the injury she had done me yet vowing that Filander should never look me in the face again and I do think he had gone away without a sight of me had he not feared the danger which Callirea would have incurred for she had a Husband that was extreamly perverse and peevish and it was this very consideration that restrained him But for all the arguments that Daphnis could use I never stirred out of my bed feigning my self sick for five or six daies And had I not heard that Philidas and Amindor with Callirea were returned I had no seen him of a long time but my fears that Philidas would take notice of it and lest thâ—s secret should come to be divulged all over the Country I did resolve to see him upon condition that he should never make the least shew of what was past though I had not so much power over my selfe as not to shew my displeasure â—he promised me that he would observe my commands and kept his promise for he durst not so much as turn an eye towards me and if he did at any time by chance give a glance upon me it was in such a submissive manner as did assure me his love was extream Presently after as fortune was Philidas Amindor and the disguised Filander came into my Chamber where the windowes being close we could the better hide the disorders in our faces Filander had acquainted his Sister with all passages and that was the reason that the stay of Philidas was not so long as he intended for she telling him that her Sister was sick they returned But this discourse would be very tedious if I should not omit many of our triviall quarrells But so it was that Callirea being acquainted with all passages sometimes turning them into rallâ—rie and sometimes into seriousnesse she so brought it about by the assistance of Daphnis that I consented unto Filanders stay untill his Sisters hair was grown unto its length again knowing that it would ruine both her and my self if I should hasten her returne And so it fell out as Daphnis did well enough foresee that during the time Callirea's hair was growing the discreet carriage of Filander and the knowledge of his great affection began so to flatter me as I did of my selfe excuse his disguise so as before he went he obtained what he so much desired which was that I would forgive and forget his Imposturisme and promised him that as long as he kept himselfe within the compasse of his duty I would accept of his good will and cherish his merit as it deserved His contentment upon this did much confirm my opinion of his affection for it was so great as he could not dissemble it Whilst we were upon these termes Philidas whose love did still increase now resolved to discover himselfe unto the disguised Filander and in order to this one day when they were walking together under a shade of Trees in the Garden she spoke thus unto him Well Filander said she cannot all my affection to you
the body and she died immediatly falling between his Horses feet who fell so to bound and curvet that he threw his Rider And because Philidas upon the first receipt of her wound did cry out aloud and named Filander he not being far off did hear the voice and seeing her in so sad a condition he was much moved but much more when he saw this Barbarian running after me with a naked sword in his hand and I as I told you so out of breath that I could hardly set one foot before another How doe you think this poor Shepheard did now behave himself I doe not think ever any enraged Lioness robbed of her young ones did run so fiercely after him that carried them away as Filander did after this cruel Monster and he being heavily clogged with his Arms the poor Shepheard soon overtook him and cryed out Stay Knight stay doe not offer any violence unto her that deserves rather to be adored And because he still stayed not either because his fury had stopped his ears or because he did not understand the Language Filander took up a stone and threw it at him which hit him such a blow upon the head that he fell to the ground and which without his Armour had certainly killed him but getting up again immediatly he forgot his anger against me and turned it so furiously upon poor Filander as he having nothing in his hand for defence but onely a Shepheards hook he could not avoid that fatal blow which he received upon his body But yet feeling his enemies sword already entred such force and courage did his natural generosity give him that in lieu of recoyling he advanced and so far as till the sword was up to the hilt and gave his cruel enemy such a blow on the forehead with his Shepheards hook that he felled him to the ground and seizing upon his throat with his hands and teeth he made a shift to kill him But alass this victory was dearly bought for as this Fiend fell dead on one side Filander fell on the other but so that the point of his sword hitting upon a stone the weight of his body made it come out of the wound I who alwaies was looking behind me to see whether this Monster did overtake me when I saw him wounded so dangerously forgetting all manner of fear I stopped and when I almost dead as well as he did see him in this lamentable state sat down upon the ground calling him in a most sad tone by his name and using all my diligence to help him but hee had lost so much blood that hee could not answer Yet see the force of a pure affection I who had used never to see so much blood without a Faint had now the courage to put my handkerchief into his wound and to tear my other linnen to stop the course of blood on the other side This officious diligence did him some service for he having his head in my lap he opened his eyes and began to speak and seeing me all in tears he forced himself to say thus unto me If ever I hoped for a more favourable End than this fair Shepherdess I pray the heavens never to have pitty upon me I did alwaies foresee that the meaness of my merit could never bring me to my desired happiness and my fears alwaies were lest despair should drive me unto some cruel resolution against my self The Gods who do know what is good for us better then we do our selves did very well know that I had not lived so long but for you and therefore they would have me also to dye for you Judge then what contentment it is to me since I do not onely die for you but also to preserve that which is most dear unto you your Chastity Oh my most fair and dearest Mistris there wants nothing now but one thing to compleat my contentment And that my soul may sing an Anthem unto you in the Elizian fields I doe most humbly beg it He uttered these dying words with much pain and seeing him in that sad condition I gave him as satisfactory an answer as his heart could desire Dearest friend said I surely the Gods never inspired you with such a sweet and pure affection to extinguish it so soon I hope yet they will lend you so much life as may give me opportunities to let you see that I will not yeeld unto you in point of amity no more than you doe unto any in point of merit And for a testimony of my unfeigned affection to you ask what you will of me and obtain it for there is nothing that I will deny you At these words he took my hand and drawing it nearer him I doe kiss this fair hand said he with a thankful soul for all the favours it hath done me But ah fairest Mistris since I doe suffer the pangs of death for your sake I doe conjure you by my most pure affection and by your own good promise to let me carry so much contentment with me out of the world as to say I am your Husband and then my soul dye when it will will be at ease I do vow unto you fair Shepherdesses that these words did so pierce my heart that I was hardly able to sustain myself and it was onely my desire of pleasing him which gave me courage and therefore as soon as he had made his request I said thus unto him Filander I do consent unto what you doe require of me and doe swear unto you before all the Gods and particularly the deities of this place that Diana receives you for her Husband and with her whole heart and soul gives her self unto you In speaking these words I kissed him And I said he do give my self and soul unto you thinking my self most happy in the glorious Name of Husband unto the fair Diana Alass this word Diana was the last he ever breathed for drawing me towards him to kiss me he expired leaving his last breath upon my lips What should I now doe fair Shepherdess since he is dead for I did love him with most perfect affection I fell upon him and without either pulse or any motion was carried home Oh heavens how I did resent this loss and have ever since preserved so lively a memory of him in my soul that me thinks I see him every hour before my eyes and me-thinks I heare him every minute bid me love him still And so I do fair soul with an eternal love And if thou hast any knowledg of what is don here below receive dearest friend these tears which I do offer unto thee as a testimony that as long as Diana lives she wil love her dear Filander Astrea to interrupt the grieving language of Diana said thus unto her I beseech you fair Shepherdess who was this monstrous piece of cruelty that was the cause of this dire disaster Alass said Diana I know not what they call him but I am sure he
already covered Then after this high testimony of affection he returned to the Town and would not be seen of any When all these passages were known unto me but yet onely hearing Cleon was dead I went unto his chamber to enquire of all particulars When I came at the chamber door which stood half shut and half open me-thought I heard him sigh and was not mistaken for looking in at a chink of the door I saw him lying upon his bed with eyes and hands lifted up to heaven and his face swimming all in tears Judge generous Shepheard whether or no I was astonished for I did not think he had loved her but came rather with intentions to rejoice with him than to condole Then after I had seen him in this sad condition I heard him utter these words Upon the Death of CLEON. Tears turn to Rivers never hide But swel your selves into a flowing tide She 's dead who whilst she liv'd did lustre give To as much virtue as did ever live No faigning now my Love my grief will show No hopes are left for Lovers here below All that are left are lodged in her grave And he that has no hopes no fears can have She liv'd in me I liv'd in her and both So twisted were together by an oath Of faithful Love as both though two but one And now my Cleon dead is I am none But stay me thinks she is not dead her heart To live in me did from her self depart Her body 's onely dead And now I see My spirits dy'd in her hers live in me Oh heavens what a weeping statue was I turned when I heard him utter these words My astonishment was so great as leaning against the door it opened at which he turning his head and seeing me he put out his hand and bade me sit down upon the bed by him and when he had wiped away some tears from his swelled eyes he spoke thus unto me Alass Laonice poor Cleon is dead and we are left here below to lament her loss And because my grief would not suffer me to return an answer he continued on I know Shepheardess that you seeing me in this condition doe much wonder that the feigned amity which I professed unto her should make me mourn so excessively for her loss But alass remove your error I beseech you for I think it is too great a sin against Love to continue any longer under the cover of dissimulation which my affection forced me to assume And know Laonice that all this while I did love Cleon and all my addresses unto you were but coverings of that love And therefore if you did ever love me for Gods sake Laonice turn that love into pitty and condole with me this sad disaster which at one blow has cut off all my hopes If ever I did offend you I beseech you pardon me since it was committed onely because I could not fail in my duty to my dearest Cleon. I was so transported at these words that I went out and could hardly hit the way to my own home where I kept my chamber a long time lamenting this sad disaster And I did with Tircis whom I still loved excuse all those Treasons he had committed against me and pardoned the dissimulations whereby he offended me thinking them no dissimulations nor treasons but onely violencies of love I was the more easily induced to pardon him since Love as a Consederate with his faults did flatter me with some hopes of succeeding Cleon in his affection As I was thus soothing my self in these thoughts one came to tell me that Tircis was gone and none knew whither or where he was This surcharge of sorrow so surprised me as I did immediatly resolve to follow him And to the end none might hinder me I departed so secretly at the beginning of the night as before morning I was gotten farre off Whether I was astonished when I was alone in the dark the heavens do know unto whom my complaints were addressed but however Love who was my secret companion did inspire me with courage enough to go through with my design Following then on my voyage and taking the path my feet first trod upon for I know not which way Tircis went nor my self neither I went wandering like a Vagabond for three months together and never heard the least syllable of him At the last passing over the Mount Dor I met with this Shepheardess said she and pointed unto Madonche and with her this Shepheard called Thersander sitting under a shady Rock to pass away the heat of the day And it being my custom to enquire of all I met concerning Tircis I understood by some signs which they gave me that he was in those desarts and went wandring and lamenting the loss of Cleon. Then I related unto them all the same story which I have told unto you and conjured them to give me the best directions they could Madonche moved with pitty did give me such a sweet answer as I judged her to be sick of the same disease I was and I was not mistaken for I heard since the story of her sorrows by which I found that Love wounds as well in the Court as Country And because there was much resemblance in our fortunes she desired we might both goe together since both were upon the same quest I did with open arms embrace the motion and thought it better to enjoy such a sad companion than to be alone But this discourse is impertinent since I intend onely to relate the story of Tircis and my self Well generous Shepheard after three months quest in this Country I met with him and so contrary to his expectation that hee was extreamly surprised At the first he looked upon me with a loving eye but afterwards when he saw the occasion of my voyage was my Love to him hee openly declared the affection which he still bore unto Cleon and that it was not in his power to love me Love I beseech thee and not this ungrateful man If there be any justice in thee let me have some recompence for all my pains Thus Laonice ended and addressed her self in a sad posture unto Silvander as if she courted his favour for Justice in her cause Then Tircis began to speak in this manner Though the story of my misfortunes be as this Shepheardess hath related them yet my sorrows are infinitely more pittifull which I will not relate lest I should too much trouble you and all this company onely with this that when we could not support our sorrows we did with common consent address ourselves unto the Oracle to know our dooms from it and we received this answer from the mouth of Arontine THE ORACLE Look Lovers ' mongst the Shepheards that abide Where Lignon like a Serpent there doth glide There shall you find one Learned in the Laws Of Love and Justice he shall Judge your Cause And though we have long resided in these parts yet you are the
me tell you Hylas that all those reasons which you have instanced for a proof that the loving party ought to be loved again though they be fals yet shall be allowed as good But how can you conclude from them that Tircis ought to betray the amitie of Cleon by beginning a new love of Laonice These are impossibilities and contradictions Impossible because none is obliged unto more then they can do How would you have this Shepheard love when he has no will You laugh Hylas when you heare me say he has none Faith I do so said Hylas I pray what has he done with it He that loves answered Phillis doth give his soul it self all its faculties unto the party loved and so by con equenee his wil is not in his power But this Cleon replyed Hylas being dead has nothing and therefore Tircis ought to to take his own again Ah Hylas Hylas answered Phillis you talke like an ignorant in Love for such gifts as are disposed on by Loves authoritie are for ever irrevocable Pray then said Hylas what is become of this will since the death of Cleon The lesse followes the greater replied Phillis if pleasure be the object of the will if that cease to be a pleasure where 's the will And so it hath followed Cleon if Cleon be not then there is no will for he had never had it but for her But if Cleon be in some certain place as our Druids hold that she is then this will is in her hands so contented in the place where she is that if she her selfe would chase it away she cannot returne it to Tircis as knowing well it would be in vain but it goes into the grave and rests with her beloved Ashes this being so why do you tax the faithful Tircis with ingratitude if it be in his power to love any other Also you do not only require things impossible but also things in themselves contraries for if every one ought to love the party that loves why should he not then love Cleon who never failed him in amitie And as for the recompences which you demand for the Services and Letters which Laonice carried pray let her remember the contentment she received by them and how merry she made herselfe as long as this fallacie lasted who otherwise would have droned out a dull and melancholy life So as if she balance the payment which the service I assure my selfe she will think her selfe very well payed You say Hylas that Tircis deceived her but I say it was no deceipt but a just punishment of love who returned her own blows upon her selfe for her intention was not to serve him but to delude Cleon. Thus Silvander have I briefly answered the false reasons of this Sheapheard and there remaines no more but to make Laonice confesse that she injured Tircis in her unjust pursuing of him which I shall easily do if she will be but pleased to answer me Fair Shepheardesse pray tell me do you love Tircis Shepheardesse answered she all that knowes me knowes I do If he were forced to be absent replyed Phillis and another in the mean time should court you would you not change affection No answered she for I would still hope he would returne If you heard that he would never return said Phillis would you then cease to love him No certainly answered she Then Fair Laonice answered Phillis think it not strange that Tircis who knowes that his Cleon is in heaven that she sees all his actions and rejoyceth in his fidelity should not change the affection he bore unto her nor let this distance of place seperate their loves since all the hindrances of life could never do it Do not beleeve what Hylas said that none ever returnes over the River Acheron many that have been beloved of the gods have both gone and come and who knowes but Cleon who was adorned with so many excellencies of soul may find the same favour from Love Oh Laonice were but your eyes permitted to look upon Divinitie you would see that Cleon to defend her own cause is in this place and whispers these words into my eares which I utter in her defence Then would you confesse that Hylas was in the wrong when he said that Tircis was mad to love her cold ashes Me thinks I see her in the midst of us and in lieu of a fragile body subject unto humane accidents she is cloathed with glorious imortality and chiding Hylas for the blasphemies he had breathed against her What wouldst thou answer Hylas if thy happy Cleon should say thus unto thee Wilt thou offer O thou inconstant wretch to stain my Tircis with thy own insidelity If he did heretofore love me dost thou think it was my Body If thou shouldst answer Yes I would then reply that then he ought to be condemned to love the ashes which I have left in my Coffin as long as they will last For a Lover never ought to retreat from a Love once begun If thou dost confesse that it was my Soul he loved which was my principall part then Oh thou fond and unconstant sinner why should he now change his will since she is now more perfectly glorious than ever she was Otherwise such is the misery of the living I should be jealous I should be vexed and I should be seen by many eyes as I am by his But now I am delivered from such mortall imperfections and am no more capable of any infirmities And wouldst thou Hylas with thy sacrilegious perswasions divert him from me in whom I only lived upon earth and by a most barbarous cruelty endeavour to give me a second death Oh! most horrid to hear These words wise Silvander do make such a Turring sound in my ears as I do believe they will make your heart resent them as well as mine And therefore to let this divinity argue the cause in your soul I will be silent only let me hint thus much unto you that Love is so just as you your selfe ought to stand in awe of his punishing hand if Laonice's pitty rather then Cleon's reasons should move you At this word Phillis made a low congee intimating thereby that she had no more to say in the behalfe of Tircis Laonice offered to answer further but Silvander would not suffer her saying that now she was to hear the sentence which the gods would pronounce by his mouth Then after he had weighed the reasons on both sides he pronounced this Doom The Judgment of Silvander THe principall point in the cause debated before us is to know whether Love can die by the death of the party loved Unto which I say that the Love which is perishable is not right Love for it ought to follow the subject which gave it life and therefore those who love only the Body ought to enclose their love of that body in the same Coffin where it is but such as love the Soul ought with their love to flie
hath since told me his heart was never in his life so swell'd with joy as then for he began to despair of his plot taking effect and seeing the Nymph never came into the Garden he feared that she knew him But when Flurial acquainted him with the resolution that was taken this was such a resurrection of Love as if one should die to make another mourn and revive to make them rejoyce The night being come and every one retired to their lodgings the Nymph did put her selfe into her night dresse and causing me to open the dore she went first and I swear she trembled so that she had much ado to go she told me that she had such an unusuall beating at her stomack as took away all her strength whether it was her being in the dark without light or her going out at an undue time or her apprehension of Lindamor's heart I know not but whatsoever it was she was much unlike her selfe At last growing a little more confident we came to the bottome of the staires where we presently found Flurial who had waited long for us The Nymph went before and going into a Jessemine Arbour which was so close as to keep out the Moon-shine or any sight from the windowes of the house she began to say thus to Fluriall in a great rage 'T is very well Flurial are you grown so stiffe in your own opinions that you will not do what I command you Madam answered he undauntedly it was to obey you that I have failed in this if it be a fault for did not you command me that I should punctually do whatsoever Lindamor commanded me Now Madam besides your command I am obliged by oath unto Lindamor to put his heart into no hands but yours Well said she and sighed where is his heart Here Madam said he if you please to come hither into this corner you will better see it than where you are When she came to the place she saw a man standing upon his feet and without speaking a word bowed himselfe unto her Oh heavens said the Nymph what 's here Flurial see here 's a man Madam said Flurial and smiled it is a heart that is presented unto you How said she a heart Then would she have run away for fear but he took hold of her Gown kissed it and held her I hearing these words came neerer and presently knew him to be the same that Fluriall called Gozen Upon a suddain I knew not what to think I saw Galathea and I my self with two men the one of which was unknown unto us so as we knew not what to do Cry out we durst not fly Galathea could not to put any hopes in our own strength we could not At last all I could do was to lay hold on his hand that held Galathea by the Gown and not able to do more I began to scratch and bite him which I did so upon a suddain that the first thing he saw was his hand bitten Oh sweet Leonida said he then unto me how would you use your enemies if you use your servants thus sharply Though I was almost quite out of my selfe yet me thought I should know that voice and asked him who he was I am said he one that comes to bring Lindamor's Heart unto this fair Nymph Then kneeling down upon the ground he thus addressed himselfe unto her I must needs confesse Madam that this presumption is great but yet not equall unto that affection which produceth it Here Madam is the heart of Lindamor which I present unto you I hope the present will finde as good a reception from the hand of the Donor as from a stranger But if my diasterous Fate do deny me that which Love doth promise me having offended against a Divinity whom I only adore then condemn this heart which here I do bring unto you unto what cruell tortures you shall please for so his pain may please you he will endure with contentment since you do ordain it unto him Now I knew him to be Lindamor and Galathea also but not without abundance of wonder to us both to see at her foot him whom she thought dead and I in lieu of a Gardiner to finde a Cavalier who yielded unto none in all the Country Perceiving Galathea so surprised that she could not speak I began to talk unto him and said Is it so Lindamor that you delight to surprise and affright Ladies this is not an Art that becomes such a Cavalier as you professe your selfe I must needs confesse unto you sweet Nymph said he unto me that it is not a becomming act of a Cavalier but it is of a Lover and I am no lesse Love that instructs all has taught me to be a Gardiner Is it possible Madam said he unto Galathea that this extream affection which you have caused should beso displeasing unto you as you must needs delight more in the death of him that owes it then his life Will not this heart I have brought finde as good a reception alive as dead But if you will needs have me die here 's a Ponyard will do that which no time can ever do for it will put an end to all The Nymph answered nothing unto all this but said Oh Leonida have you betrayed me Upon this she went in to another Walk where she did sit down for she was so much transported out of her selfe as she knew not what she did Then Lindamor did fall upon his knees again and I went to her and said Why Madam do you say I betrayed you how can you accuse me for this I vow unto you that I knew nothing of the businesse but it is Flurial that hath deceived us both But I thank God we are all deceived the better way Thanks be to God here that heart of Lindamor which Flurial promised he is here also ready to do you any service And have you not good reason to be glad of this Treason It would be over tedious to relate all our discourse at this time out at the conclusion peace was made between all parties and so as this Love was tyed with a harder knot then ever it was before but upon this condition that he should at this very houre depart unto the place whither Amasis and Clidaman had sent him This departure went hard yet obey he must and so after a parting kisse of Galathea's fair hand he went away in full assurance to finde her the same he left her But it would be impertinent to particularize every circumstance Lindamor returned to his charge did his businesse and with the permission of Amasis and Clidaman returned unto Forrests where giving a good account of his Commission he was honoured and carrassed according to the merit of his vertue But all this did not halfe so much revive his soul as the favourable aspect which this Nymph did afford him who ever since his last departure so increased in affection to him as Lindamor might well say
unto me you will place your love upon one of the fairest Shepheardesses about Lignon Perhaps you will think this a strange office from Belinde but your wonder will vanish when I tell you that she is one whom I do most love for it is Amaranthe Her I do command you to love by all the power that I have over you for she has earnestly begg'd it of me She was thus hasty in her command because she feared that if she should have retarded it any longer she should not have had power to resist his supplications which she foresaw he would make What do you think fair Nymph said Celadon to Silvia became of poor Celion he looked as pale as death it selfe and so much out of himselfe as he could not speak one single syllable But at last when he had a little recovered the use of his languishing tongue and in a Tone like one in the midst of Torment he cryed out Oh cruell Nymph have you preserved my life hitherto thus inhumanely to ravish it away This command is too ful of cruelty to be heard live and my love is too great to let me die without despair Alas if I must die let me die faithfull and if there be no other way to cure Amaranthe but by my death I will most freely sacrifice my selfe unto her health so you will but change the doom of your command and bid me die loving only you Belinde was much startled at this but not altered Celion said she unto him leave off all these vain expressions you will give me cause else not to believe what you told me if you do not satisfie me in the first command that I do impose upon you Cruell Shepheardesse said the sad Celion must you needs command me impossibilities for though I dare not love you beyond your commanded limits yet command what you will I cannot love any other Pitty did begin a little to melt her heart and it was abundance of content unto her to see that he whom she loved most did most certainly love her And this perhaps had altered her resolution had she not been resolutely fixed to take away all thoughts from Amaranthe that she was stung with the same disease therefore she constrained all her pitty to retreat which began already to draw tears into her eyes and to the end they should not be seen she went away and at parting said unto him Think well upon it Celion and be certain I will never see you again unlesse you will effect my entreaty and your own promise Whether Celion had a sad dejected soul seeing himselfe so far from any consolation or resolution let them that ever loved judge He was two or three daies like a man lost he ran into the Woods and shunned all manner of company at last an old Shepheard that was an intimate friend of his Fathers and one that was very wise also loved Celion very well seeing him in this condition and perceiving that nothing but effects of Love could thus distract him he was some comfort unto him by his counsell For in his younger daies he himselfe had been in the like straits and began to mock Celion for being so much troubled for so poor a businesse demonstrating unto him that the remedy was easie and so very easie as he was ashamed that Celion who was reputed wife and a man of courage should not hit upon it I know said he that to fulfill this command of Belinda's is at the first a matter of some difficulty and she will think your affection to be extream but that will oblige her the more to love you yet since you have made such professions of obeying her it will content her if you do dissemble and seem as if you did obey what she has commanded This counsell sounded well in the ears of Celion and was accordingly executed But before this he had writ this Letter unto Belinde Celion's Letter unto Belinde HAd I merited so ruffe a Treatment as this which I have received from you I should sooner have dyed than endured it but since it is for your contentment I shall entertain it with a little more willingnesse then if in exchange you had hidden me die Since I have wholly dedicated my selfe unto you it is but reasonable you should have the whole disposure of me But I beseech you consider that as long as this constraint lasts so many daies are navished from my life for I cannot call those daies life that are full of sorrow and death Shorten them therefore Oh most severe Shepheardesse if there be but one spark of pitty remaining in you It was impossible that Bolinda should not resent these expressions which she knew proceeded from a most perfect affection withall it was impossible any thing could divert her from her designe She did advertise Amaranthe that Celion would love her and that she would know it as soon as she was recovered Which advertisment did so hasten her recovery as she did make it appear that to the cure of the body the cure of the minde is not unprofitable But Oh! what a lamentable constraint did Celion live in and how intolerable was his torment He grew so lean and was so altered as he was not knowable But see the extream severity of this Shepheardesse she was not contented with what she had done but because she thought Amaranthe had some jealousie of their affection she was resolved to drive the Naile so to the head that neither of them should think she jeasted The Shepheards addresse unto Amaranthe was observed by every one for it was openly declared the Father also of this Shepheard being acquainted with the commendable vertues of Leon and knowing his family to be honourable he did not disapprove of this Match Belinde her selfe did propound the Marriage and it was almost made up before Celion knew of it but when he heard of it he could not forbear speaking unto Belinde and was so plain with her that she was halfe ashamed but the Shepheard seeing words would not do he resolved upon another course and a better way which was to apply himselfe unto his Father Sir said he I should be very sorry to disobey you in anything and more in this than any other thing I see Sir that you do like of this alliance with Amaranthe and as becomes me I have made addresses to her and I do know no Shepheardesse more affectionate than she But Sin give me leave to tell you that I do love her better for a Mistresse than a Wife yet I do humbly beseech you command me not to tell you my reason Upon this the Father had some suspition that he knew of some ill quality in the Shepheardesse and did heartily commend the prudence of his Son who he thought had such a command over his own affections Thus this Match was broken off and the former passages being publickly known many did ask the question from whence this coldnesse of the businesse should proceed The
wave as it begun Is like my Sorrows that doe flow Upon my soul woe after woe As like a Vagabond it wanders Murmuring it self into Meanders So I must glide away and rove Murmuring against my Fate and Love Whilst this Shepheard was thus talking to himself and so troubled at this dysaster as he talked loud enough to be heard a long way off Belinde who had not forgot the time and place of appointment as soon as ever she had rid her self of her company shee came unto him so troubled at the thought of losing him as she could not so hide her sorrows but some appeared in her face Ergastes who was that morning got up betimes to walk by fortune spied her afarre off and seeing shee was by her self as if she sought for some close place hee had a minde to see whither shee intended to goe and following her at a distance he saw she went towards the Fountaine of Sicamours then looking a little further hee saw though it was very early a Flock feeding Ergastes not being ignorant of all passages betwixt his Shepheardesse and Celion had a conceipt that it was his Flock and that Belinde was going unto him Although hee did not suspect the Chastity of his Mistris yet he was easily induced to beleeve that she did not hate him imagining that so large a Courtship had never been if it had been disagreeable unto her And so to satisfie his curiosity as soon as he saw her amongst the Trees so as she could not perceive him he crept nearer and hid himself in a bush from whence he could see the Shepheardesse sitting upon the grassie seats about the Fountain and Celion upon his knees before her Oh how he was startled as soon as he saw this Yet because he would hear what they said he crept close under the hedge which was about the Fountain and so heard every syllable what the Shepheardesse said What Celion said shee is this your profession to please mee Hath this accident more force upon you than the power which you have given me hath Where is your courage Celion or indeed where is your affection Have you not out of your love to me surmounted greater difficulties than this Where is your affection What is become of those resolves which you once professed Would you have me beleeve that you have lesse affection unto me now than at that time Oh Shephead rather rob mee of my life than of that good will which you long since have promised unto mee How comes it to passe that hitherto I have had as much power over you as I could desire And why should I have any lesse for the future Ergastes heard also what Celion answered Is it possible Belinde said hee that you can make any question of my affection or the power you have over me Can you be so forgetfull of all those testimonies which I have rendred you of it And must I survive that good opinion which you ought to have of mee Can you Belinde tax mee in any of my actions or ever doubt of my obedience unto all your commands I pray before you doe entertain any such ill opinions of mee aske Amaranthe what she thinks Nay ask Belinde her self if ever she imposed any difficulty upon mee which my affection has not surmounted Even at this very time when I see you are giving your selfe unto another I am ready to leave you in the arms of one more happy than my selfe by putting an end to my dysasterous love and banishing my selfe for ever from you Alasse can you say that this is any want of affection or will to obey you since I doe resent it more dismally than death it self Oh Shepheardesse what strange misunderstandings are betwixt you and me For if you doe doubt of my affection because I support this dysaster and live I will tell you that your extreme resoluteness is too certain an argument of your small affection But to what purpose should I retain any hopes of you since another O fatal word another must enjoy you At this word the poor Shepheard without any strength or thought leaned upon Belinde's knee and there swooned Whether Belinde was toucht to the heart at this I leave you to judge fair Nymph since she did love him as well as was possible to love and seemed onely as if shee did not resent this sad separation When she saw him in this swounding fit and thought there was no witness but the Sicamours and Fountain she would not conceale from them what shee had kept so secret from her all companions Alass said she and held up her hands Oh ye soveraigne powers either deliver me from this misery or from my life either remove this cruel dysaster or let this cruel dysaster remove me Then casting her eyes upon Celion and thou O too faithfull Shepheard said shee who hadst not been so miserable if thou hadst not loved me Oh that the heavens would either give thee that contentment which thy affection deserveth or else take mee out of the world since I am the onely cause that thou endurest these miseries which thou doest not deserve Then pausing a while she went on O how hard a thing it is to love well and be wise both together I know very well that my Father has good reason to bestow me upon the prudent Shepheard Ergastes because the Alliance is convenient for him but alass what 's that to mee as long as my love and affection lookes another way I know Ergastes deserves very well and I could never hope for a more advantageous match than him but how should I give my selfe unto him when as Love hath disposed of me unto another Reason is on my Fathers side but Love is on mine And not a love newly begun but a love even from my cradle by a long continuance hath so insinuated it self into my soul that he is more my soul than my soul it self is Oh heavens Is it possible to lose my soul and live Tell me Belinde wilt thou not be utterly undone when it is gone As she uttered these words a river of tears ran from her eyes and fell upon the hands and cheeks of the Shepheard who coming to himselfe by little and little caused the Shepheardess to be silent and wipe away her teares from her eyes lest hee should take any notice of them And changing her countenance and voice spake thus unto him Shepheard I must needs confesse I am very sensible of your pain and did I doubt of your affection I were the most ungreateful person in the world But alass what will my acknowledgements and sensibilitie avayl since heaven hath subjected mee unto the will of him who gave mee my being Would you wish me to requite him with disobedience But admit I should suffer my affection to transport me beyond my duty Will that Celion set us in any more tranquillity Can it be any contentment unto you if you doe love me to see me grieve and mourn
away all my dayes Doe you thinke my disobedience to my Father will not be a terrour to my conscience as long as I live Yes yes and more unto me than any other who have ever disallowed it in others and I cannot for very shame fall into that sinne my self Let us arme our selves therefore O Shepheard with this resolution that as hitherto our loves though extream could never make us commit any crime against our duties so for the future let us never suffer it to force us unto it Besides where there is no remedy complaints are but unprofitable My Father hath bestowed mee upon Ergastes and this gift can never be revoked but by Ergastes himselfe And what small hopes is there in that But since I had disposed of my affection before my Father I doe promise you and vow before all the gods especially before them of this place that in affection I will be yours unto my grave And neither Father nor Husband nor the Tyrant Duty shall ever be able to make me break my Vow Heaven has given me unto a Father this Father has given my body unto a Husband and my Duty commands obedience unto my Father but neither Heaven nor Father nor Husband can hinder mee from having a Brother whom I will love as I have promised you whatsoever becomes of me Upon these words foreseeing that Celion would break out into complaints and teares shee did rise up and kissing his cheeks as shee bade him Adieu said thus unto him I beseech the gods Shepheard give you as much contentment in your voyage as I shall want when you are gone Celion had neither power to answer nor courage to follow her but lifting up his hands and looking after her as long as he could see her at last the trees interposed Then lifting up his watry eyes unto heaven after many a deep and sad sigh he turned the other way not caring what became of either Flock nor any thing he had left in his Cabin Ergastes who lay hid all this while under a thick bush heard all their discourse and was more satisfied with the vertue of the fair and wise Belinde and more admired the strength of her courage and excellency of her resolution then is possible to expresse After he had been a long time in a ravishing contemplation of all these passages and considering upon the extream affection that was between these two Lovers he thought that it would be an act unworthy of himselfe if he should be the cause of their separation and that heaven had brought him so opprotunely to this sad farewell purposely to let him see that errour which unawares he was going to commit Being then resolved to labour their contentment as much as possibly he could he began to follow Celion but he was already so far gon that he could not overtake him but thinking to finde him in his Cabin he took a little path which conducted to it but Celion was gone another way and without speaking to any of his kindred or friends he wandred up and down like a vagabond many daies without any designe unlesse to shun all men and to gather such wild fruits as extream hunger made him gather in the woods Ergastes seeing his designe frustrated that way after a day or two's search after Celion he came unto Belinde hoping to understand from her which way he went and as good fortune was he found her in the same place where she bad adieu unto Celion being alone by her selfe at the Fountain-side and thinking upon the last accident in that place which had drawn into her eyes abundance of tears even from the very root of her heart Ergastes who saw her afar off came neerer and neerer as closely as he could purposely to surprise her and seeing tears trickle from her eyes like two Fountains this sight moved so much pitty in him as he swore not to sleep untill he had given a remedy to her griefs and to lose no time stepping to her he saluted her very kindly She being-thus surprised with tears flowing from her eyes to dissemble the matter faigned as if she were washing her selfe at the Fountain and putting her hand presently into the water she washed her face so as if Ergastes had not seen her tears before he could hardly have known she had cryed That which made him most admire her vertue was that presently she put on a countenance of laughter and turning towards him in a very courteous manner she said thus unto him I had thought kinde Shepheard to have been alone but I see you are come hither upon the same occasion as I did I mean to take the fresh air and wash your hands and eyes at this clear Fountain and truly it is the best and clearest Spring in all the Plain Wise and fair Shepheardesse answered Ergastes and smiled you have good reason to say that the same occasion brought us both hither for it is very true but in saying that both of us come hither with intention to wash our selves in this water I must needs contradict you for it was neither of our designes As for me said the Shepheardesse I hope you wil give me leave to tel you that none knowes better than my self with what intention I came I do agree said Ergastes that you do know it better than any other but for all that you cannot make me believe that the same occasion which you say brought you hither was really and truly the occasion What then said she do you think it was As she asked this question she put her hands before her face seeming as if she rubbed her forehead but indeed it was to hide that colour which she perceived came into her face Which Ergastes taking notice of and being desirous to put her out of that pain in which he saw she was did answer her thus Fair and discreet Shepheardesse never think to dissemble any longer with me who knowes as well as you do the very secrets of your soul and that you may the better believe me I will tell you that you were now thinking upon the last farewell which you gave unto Celion in this place Who I said she in a great amazement Yes you answered Ergastes but never be sorry that I know it for I do so much esteem your vertue and merit as I will do all I can to give you full contentment I know of all the services this Shepheard hath done you and with how much honour he hath courted you I know with how much affection he hath continued it this many years and more then that how you have affected him The knowledge of all these things makes me desire death rather then be any cause of your separation Do not imagine that any matter of jealousie makes me speak thus for I never had the least suspition of your vertue especially since with these ears I heard all the wise discourse you had with him Neither think but that I believe I shall lose my best
she cryed out Oh Father you are come in excellent good time to help me out and then addressing unto Celadon Here 's one Shepheard said she that will satisfie you in the story of these Pictures Then after she had asked him how he did and after salutations on all parts Adamas in obedience to the Nymphs commands and to satisfie the Shepheards curiosity going with them neer the Tomb he began thus The History of Damon and Fortune AS the Work-man is pleased to make his work and form it into what he pleaseth so likewise the great gods by whose hands we are all formed are pleased to make us act such parts upon the Theater of this world as they have put upon us But amongst all there was none that had such fantasticall imaginations as Love for he makes the old grow young and the young old and all in the twinkling of an eye This History which is fuller of truth than I wish it were will make this so evident that it cannot be denyed as by the sequell of my discourse you will finde The first Picture BEhold there a Shepheard sitting upon the ground with his back against an Oake 〈◊〉 legs acrosse and playing upon Bag-Pipe That is the Shepheard Damon whose perfection of face gives him the title of Fair. This young Shepheard fed his Flock upon the banks of Lignon descended from one of the best Families about Mount Verdam and nor far off in kindred from the old Cleontine and Leonida's Mother so consequently my Allie Observe how his face besides the beauty of it does lively represent a person whose cares are only to content himselfe for you cannot finde the least cloudy imagination in his brow Then on the contrary remove your eye and observe those Shepheardesses that are about him then you will judge by their composure of face that they are not without much paines For as Damon's spirit is quiet and free so these Shepheardesses have hearts extreamly passionate towards him and yet you see he will not daigne to bestow a look upon them And therefore there is placed by him on the right hand that little boy with a Bow and a Torch in his hand his eyes bound up his back winged and upon his shoulders a Quiver This is Love who being much offended at the disdain of this Shepheard to these Shepheardesses does swear that he will be revenged of him And for the imbellishment of the piece observe well the shaddowes and proportions of every part observe how the arme of the Shepheard does as it were stir and blow his Bag-pipe which is betwixt his arm and body and how the Pipes end at which he blowes hath a little lost his colour the reason of it is because the mouth of the Shepheard hath worn it away Look upon the left hand and see how his Flocks doe feed see how some lie down in the shade and those two Raâ—â—â—s running against each other with all their force The duty of the Dogs is not to be passed by unobserved how like Centinels they are placed upon hills and ready to run upon any necessity Do but look well upon the curious industry of the Painter for whereas Dogs that are dull and sleep without care use to lie round and hide their heads often under their pawes these here do lie after another manner to shew they do not sleep but rest themselves only for they do lie upon their four feet with their nose upon them and eyes alwaies open But let us look upon the other Picture The second Picture THis is quite contrary to the other for that is all Disdain this Love That shewes only pride and scorn in this appeares nothing but humility and sweetnesse And this is the cause of it Look well upon yonder Shepheardesse which sitteth under that shade how fair she is and handsomely drest Look how the gentle winde whistles her hair backward and makes it spread upon her shoulders It is the fair Shepheardesse Fortune in whose favour Love promiseth revenge upon Damon who is that Shepheard which is next her leaning upon his Sheephook Observe those little Cupids which are all so busie about them and each of them attentive upon what he doth see how one of them is taking measure of the Shepheardesse's eye-brow and gives it unto another who having stollen some of that Beautie 's hair is making a Bow string of it for his Companion see how he sits upon the ground and twines it betwixt his finger and his thumb and that he may the better twine it a third fetches him a handfull of a Lovers tears to wet his fingers See how another is bending his Bow setting the one end of it to the ground the other to his breast and leanes upon it to make it bend Cupid who is a little higher having in his left hand a Bow and right hand behinde his ear as if he were ready to let an Arrow flie see how he drawes back his arme lifts up his elbow his three first fingers open and the rest close and so levells at a mark which he hits for the poor Shepheard whom he shot at was so wounded that nothing but death can cure him But look on the other side and see how Anteros with Violets and Roses dresses the arme and head of the fair Shepheardesse Fortune and tying a Chain about the neck of the Shepheardesse gives the end of it unto the Shepheard This represents unto us that the merits love and services of this Shepheard which are denoted by those flowers do oblige Fortune unto a reciprocall love of him And if you think it strange that Anteros here should be represented bigger than Cupid it is to let you understand that Love which proceeds from Love is alwaies greater then that from which it doth proceed But lee us passe to the third The third Picture LOok here upon your pleasant River of Lignon see how it has a double source the one comming from the Mountaines of Cervieres and the other from the Chilmasell hills and meet a little below the Merchants Town of Boinge How well the Channell is drawn how the River runs crooked and the banks full of Offers Do you not know the Wood there which joynes to the great Plain where the Shepheards use to feed their Flocks If that tuft of Trees on the left hand where the River cringles it selfe like unto a Serpent and makes a halfe Moon in another seem strange unto your eye and is not so at this houre you must know that the Picture notwithstanding is true for since it was drawn some Trees are decayed others cut down and others growne in their room Then look a little lower the River and behold a flock of sheep feeding in the shade that is the flock of Damon whom you may see there in the River up to the Middle Observe how that young copps of Trees do bid resistance to the Sun and as it were rejoyce that they have another under them and yet such is the
when he came unto this Fountain to be satisfied in those doubts into which an angry Dream had put him The other when being deceived by the art of Mandrague and saw that the Shepheardesse Fortune loved another in despair he killed himselfe Now let us see how these things are represented See Damon there with his Faulchion for he was in his hunting equipage observe how his Dog followes him look how that observant Animal eye 's his Master for whilst he looked in the Fountain the Dog fixed his eye upon him as if he were desirous to know what it was which so amazed him Mandrague had in a dream let him see Maradon a young Shepheard who taking one of Cupid's Arrowes opened Fortune's breast and took away her heart Damon as all Lovers are being in much doubt as soon as ever he waked got up and went to the Fountain to see whether his Mistresse still loved him I beseech you observe very well his amazement if you compare his face which is in all the other three Pictures with this you shall finde a strange alteration Those two faces which you see in the Fountain is the Shepheardesse Fortune's and the other the Shepheard Maradon's which the Witch caused to be represented rather then the other and so Damon believed his Shepheardesse loved Maradon which beliefe made him resolve upon death Do you see how the water seemes to tremble that is caused by poor Damon's tears that had dropped into it But let us pass on to the second Action The dead man whom you see lying upon the ground is poor Damon who being desperate killed himself with his Falchion His action is very naturally done with one Arm engaged under his body being surprised with the suddennesse of the fall and having no strength to recover himself his head hanging over his right shoulder his eyes half shut and half turned upwards his mouth open his teeth apparent and so all signes of a sudden death A man quite dead is not represented but a man betwixt life and death as if there were a medium Look how the blood is running out of his wound I do not think you ever saw any thing more naturally represented But let us see what is in the other peece The sixth Picture NOw be pleas'd to look upon the sixth and last Peece which containes four actions of the Shepheardesse Fortune The first is a Dream which Mandrague caused her to have The other how she went unto the Fountain to clear her doubts The third how she complains against the Inconstancy of her Shepheard And the last is how she dies which is the conclusion of this Tragedy Let us look upon all these particulars Look upon the Rising of the Sun observe how long the shadows are how the sky is not so clear on the one side see how clouds and mists are expelled and how those little Birds do dresse and prune themselves against its approach Passe your eye a little further and see the Shepheardesse Fortune asleep in her bed and how the Sun shines through the window upon her naked breast Also the sleeve of her smock being loose the beauty of her Arm as high as the Elbow is to be seen See how the Daemons of Morpheus doe hover about her all which are so many servants unto Mandrague and inspire her with a minde to goe unto the Fountain of Loves verity which accordingly shee did having dreamed that her Shepheard was dead and therefore shee came to the Fountaine of Loves verity to know the truth She had no sooner cast her eye upon the water but she saw Damon but alass she saw by him the Shepheardess Melinde a fair Shepheardess and one who was never suspected to love Damon yet though hee neither did love her shee was by this Sorcery to appear See how Fortune bewails the accident in the very same place where Damon was almost dead Behold how sadly she sits against yonder Rock her arms crossed upon her breast It seems as if she sighed and her heart panted her eyes looking up to heaven asking revenge upon the Persidie which shee beleeves Damon to bee guilty of and because her passion was extream she complained against him in a very loud tone And Damon who you see near her though hee was at the last gasp yet hearing the lamentation of his Shepheardess and knowing her voice did call unto her She hearing a faint hollow voice went towards him Oh heavens how the sight of him did amuse her and forgetting the occasion of her comming thither when she saw him in that condition she asked who had used him so It is said hee unto her the change of my fortune It is your Inconstancy which hath deceived me with a shew of affection To be brief it is the happiness of Maradon whom I saw in the Fountain next you and doe you thinke it possible I should live and see you love another Fortune hearing this Oh Damon said shee this Fountain is an errant Lyar for it hath also shewed me Belinde next you whom I see dying for the love of me Thus these two Lovers found out the falsity of this Fountain and being more assured than ever of each others affection they dyed in each others Armes Damon of his wound and Fortune for griefe of his death Behold there the Shepheardesse sitting against a massie Rock and Damon leaning his head in her lap taking his last farewel and bidding her Adieu See how indulgent she is about tying up his wound and stooping to kisse him whilst her lap is full of blood That old hagg which is next them is Mandrague the Witch who finding them both dead cursed her Art hated all her Daemons tore her hair and extreamly grieved at the death of these two faithful Lovers and her own contentment Look a little further off and see how Cupid weeps his Bow and Arrows broken his Torch extinguished and his eyes swimming in teares for the losse of these two faithfull Lovers Celadon was all this while very attentive unto the discourse of the sage Adamas and often blamed himself for want of courage in not using the same remedy Damon did And because these considerations made him very mute Galathea taking Celadon by the hand and going out of the Grotte she said thus unto him What doe you think Celadon of the effects of Love I doe think said he that the effects of Love are simplicity and folly And it is a popular errour wherewith every one is apt to cover their ignorance or excuse their faults alwaies to attribute those effects unto some Divinity when they do not know the causes Why said the Nymph doe you think there is no Love If there be replyed the Shepheard it must be nothing but sweetness But bee it what it will Madam you speak of it unto one that is the most ignorant person that lives For besides my qualities which will not permit me to know much my dull capacity renders me incapable Then the said Silvia
replyed unto him Celadon said she I have seen you in a place where all in it have thought you not so ignorant in matters of Love Fair Nymph answered hee in what place soever that was there was much beauty in it if you were there but as too great a fire rather burns than warms so your beauties are too high for our Rustique hearts for they do rather make us admire than love and adore rather than serve With such discourses as this all this faire company went homeward where Dinner waited for them As soon as day did break Leonida according as it was resolved upon over night by Adamas her companion and Celadon did come unto the Shepheards chamber to dresse him in those clothes which her Uncle had brought But the little Merill who by Galathea's command did alwayes stay with Celadon as well to be a spye over the actions of Leonida as to wait upon the Shepheard did a long while hinder their design At last some noise or other that was made in the Court made Meril run out to see what the matter was Then Celadon did rise immediatly and the Nymph see what love will doe did help to dresse him for without her hee knew not how to put his clothes on handsomly Presently after Meril returnes yet Celadon hearing him went into a Wardrobe and hee was no sooner entred but Meril asked where Celadon was He is in the Wardrobe said the Nymph and will come out presently what wouldst thou have with him I would tell him sayd the boy that Amasis is coming hither Leonida was a little surprised that she could not finish what she had begun yet that she might goe and give Celadon some counsel she sayd unto Meril Go little Meril run and acquaint thy Lady lest she be surprised The Boy ran as fast as he could and Celadon came out laughing at the news Oh why do you laugh said the Nymph her comming will hinder your going out Come come said hee make haste and dresse me for amongst so many Nymphs I shall the more easily steal away But whilst they were very busie at their work Galathea entred and upon such a sudden that Celadon could not get into the Closet You may well imagine how both Leonida and Celadon were surprised at this accident Yet the crafty Leonida seeing Galathea enter she held Celadon and would not let him hide himself but turning towards Galathea and seeming much troubled Madam said she if you doe not use some means that my Lady come not hither we are all undone for my part I am doing what I can to disguise Celadon in a womans habit but I am afraid I shall not have time enough Galathea who knew not at the first what to think of this Metamorphosis did much commend this witty invention of Leonida's and when she saw Celadon so well disguised she could not chuse but laugh and said unto Leonida Friend but for you we had been all undone for we could never have hidden Celadon amongst so many Nymphs as will come with Amasis but now wee are well enough and may safely shew him unto all your companions who will take him for a woman Thus Galathea after it was agreed upon that Celadon should say he was Cosen unto Adamas and called Lucinde went out to meet her Mother I must ingenuously confesse said Celadon after she was gone I was never in my life so astonished as at these three accidents First at the coming of Amasis Secondly at Galathea's surprising us and thirdly at your sudden invention Shepheard said Leonide what I do proceeds from my desires to rid you out of your pain and I would to the gods you knew my heart then would you find what happinesse I wish you By way of gratitude for so great an obligation said the Shepheard I cannot chuse but tender you my life since you have preserved it Thus they talked till Meril came into the Chamber and seeing Celadon almost drest hee was ravished and said no live person could know him for hee that was continually with him had he not seen him dressing should have been mistaken Who told thee said Celadon that I was disguised My Lady said he and commanded me to say your name was Lucinde the Cosen of Adamas and to acquaint the Druide with it who could not chuse but laugh when hee heard it and promised to doe as my Lady commanded him In the mean time Amasis was come out of her Coach and met Galathea at the stairs foot with Silvia and Adamas Daughter said she unto her me-thinks you have been too long in solitude and I am come to disorder you a little The good news I have received from Clidaman and Lindamor does so rejoyce mee that I cannot contain my joyes alone and therefore I am come to make you a participant with me and would have you goe with me unto Marcelles where Bonefires shall be made through every street I doe much rejoice at your happinesse Madam said Galathea and wish it may continue eternally But truly Madam this place pleaseth me so well that I have no desiring Genius to leave it No more you shall long replyed Amasis but because I will not goe thither untill night let us walke together and I will acquaint you with the news I have received Then Adamas made a low reverence and said Certainly Madam your news is very good since you are stirring so early to impart it unto your Daughter I have received it said shee two or three daies since but found that I could not enjoy the contentment of it alone and truly the news deserves to be divulged Thus they talked until they came into the Garden when as they began to walk Amasis took Galathea on one side and Adamas on the other and then she proceeded thus The History of Lydias and Melandre Considering the strange variety of accidents which are caused by Love me-thinkes it must needs be confessed that the Wheel of Love does turn about as fast as the Wheel of Fortune and that Passion causeth as many changes and alterations in humane affairs as any thing else The examples of these are so frequently before our eyes that it is impertinent to instance them And yet when you have heard this which I intend to relate you will confess you never heard of any more remarkable It is known unto you how Clidaman by hazard and Lot became a servant unto Silvia and how Guyemant in bringing a Letter unto her from his Brother fell in love with her And since that I believe you are not ignorant of their design in departing both together to goe unto Merovea Nor how I sent a great number of the young Cavalrie under the conduct of Lindamor after them But I beleeve you do not know what they have done since they went And therefore I do at this time intend to make a relation of their voyage unto you for it is worthy of knowledge As soon as Clidaman came unto the Army Guyemant
his perjury to him I have long since said he sworn unto the Neustrian Lords to maintain Justice and I am more obliged to keep my first oth than my second The first day passed on I did not think much but when I heard no newes of Lydias I sent a man to enquire of him by him I understood what Lypandas had done and the term he had set And though I did foresee his cruelties yet I resolved to get Lydias out of his hands nothing being so dear unto me as his preservation and by fortune the very same day you took me Prisoner I was going unto him and all the sadnesse you see in me and those deep sighes you have observed to escape from me did proceed not from your imprisonment for that is sweet unto me compared with my expectations of the other but they proceed from my fears that this unworthy Lypandas will put Lydias into the hands of his enemies who gape for his life for of those fifteen daies that were prefixed ten of them are already past so as I am out of all hopes to do this good office for my poor Lydias Upon these words her tears hindred her tongue and she was forced to be silent with so many apparent signes of sorrow that Clidaman was moved unto compassion and to comfort her said thus unto her Courageous Melandre do not let your spirit droop for this but rouse up the generosity of your soul The gods who have preserved you in greater dangers will not let you sink under lesse You may assure your selfe that I will use my utmost power to give you your desired contentment But since I am under a Prince whom I would not displease I must obtain your liberty from him and will promise you to solicite him with all my power So upon these fair promises he went immediately to Childerick and beseeched him he would be pleased to favour him so far as to mediate unto the King his Father for the liberty of this young Prisoner The young Prince who loved my Son and knew that his Father would be glad to oblige Clidaman went presently to Merovea who granted his Sons request Then because the time was short he went immediately unto Melandre and having drawn her aside said thus unto her Sorrowfull Cavalier I hope now you will change that Epithite since better fortune begins to shine upon you The heavens begin now to smile upon you and in testimony of what I say know that now you are at liberty and may dispose of your selfe as you please the Prince of the Franks hath given me the dispose of you and the duty of a Cavalier obliges me not only to give you your liberty but to offer you all the assistance I am able Melandre hearing this unhop't for language did leap up for joy and casting her selfe at his feet did kisse them by way of gratitude and when she saw that she was to pay no ransome which she could never have paid in the compasse of that fifteen daies Noble Cavalier said she you do make it appear that you do know what it is to Love since you are so pittifull unto such as are possessed with it I pray the heavens to make you as happy as you are courteous and worthy of all good fortune Needs would she have gone away that very night but Clidaman would not permit her because it was dark yet the next morning as soon as day did appear away she went and never stayed untill she came at Calice where by good fortune she arrived the very day before the expiration of the time She had made her comming known unto Lypandas that very night had she not been jealous of his perfidie whom she was to deal withall and she stayed untill the morning to the end there might be more witnesses of the wrong he should do her in failing of his promise The day being come and past noon when all the principall men of the Town to honour the Governour came unto his house in comes the sorrowfull Cavalier and presents himselfe unto him At the first he was not known for none had ever seen him but in the Combat where fear had altered his countenance and now every one drew neer to hear what he would say Lypandas said he I come here to summon you to be as good as your promise from the friends and kindred of Lydias otherwise they tell you by mee that they will publish you unto the world for a false and perfidious promise-breaker Stranger answered Lypandas go and tell them that Lydias is yet better then he shall be within these few daies for before this day be don I will transfer him over unto such hands as will revenge my quarrell As for my promise I think my selfe to be absolved from it by putting him into the hands of Justice As for any new conditions I do insist upon my first which is that he with whom I fought do put himselfe into my hands to the end I may have my will of him and release Lydias What will you doe with him said he when you have him When I once have him answered he and when I am to render you an account of my actions then you shall know Since it is so said the sad Cavalier send for Lydias and him whom you desire shall put himselfe into your hands Lypandas who did extreamly desire to be revenged upon his enemy sent for Lydias Lydias who knew this to bee the last day for his terme did thinke this sending for had been to transferre him over into the hands of the Law But though hee did foresee a certaine death yet hee did rather desire it than to see him who had fought in his cause in any danger When hee came before Lypandas he said thus unto him Lydias this is the last day that is prefixed you to bring your Champion into my hands The young Cavalier is come hither to that end which if he do then you are at liberty Melander all this while did so turn her face from Lydias that he could not know her and so said thus Yes Lypandas I have promised and I will perform I would you would be as punctual in all your promises But 't is no matter I am he whom you desire and who values not any cruelty or rigour you can use against me so my friend here may be out of his pain Then every one fixed their eyes upon her and remembring the actions she used when she fought they knew her to be the same Her beauty her youth and her affection moved every heart unto pitty but Lypandas who being extreamly incensed against her commanded her presently to prison and to let Lydias go Lydias seeing himself so infinitely obliged would not suffer it but Melander came to him and said in his ear Go Lydias as for me I know how to get out easily when I will Go and serve Merovea and particularly Clidaman who is the procurer of your liberty and tell him you
him But her taking the charge of his flock upon her this action pierced him to the very heart and yet the poor Shepheardesse did all this only because she thought Silvandeâ—'s language was offensive unto Lycidas Thus see how our designes do sometimes produce effects quite contrary to our intentions Mean time Silvander coming to the Cabin of his Shepheardesse he found all that Phillis had said was true for he found Diana sitting upon the ground with her beloved sheep in her lap which seemed to be dead sometimes rubbing it sometimes putting salt into its mouth but all to no purpose for the sheep tumbled upon the ground and lay for dead which grieved the Shepheardesse very much for she loved it above all the rest When she was out of all hopes and perhaps accused some of her neighbours of Witchcraft for looking upon it with some malevolent eye Silvander came in and after a salute asked her what she did upon the ground You may see without asking me said she if you do but look in what a condition my dear Floretta is in The Shepheard kneeled down looked seriously upon it and stopped its nose with one of his fingers to hinder it from breathing But assoon as it was let alone after a little faint sneez it began to turn round about untill it fell Silvander having discovered its disease looked very jocundly upon Diana Trouble not your selfe fair Mistresse said he unto her your beloved Floretta will recover again it disease is not caused by any Witchcraft but rather by the heat of the Sun which having offended the brain hath caused this disease which is called the Vertigo a convulsion of the nerves which have their scource from the brain and causeth them to go round Time doubtlesse will cure it without any other Physick but yet I know a Simple which growes in the next Meadow which will be an infallible cure which if you please to give me leave I will apply Please said the Shepheardesse glad of the good newes yes with all my heart and that I may be acquainted with that herb against another time I will go with you I shall be most glad of that replyed he in a double respect the one in doing you an acceptable piece of service the other in having your company which I shall think the best bestowed part of my time Upon this they left the sheep in custody of those in the Cabin and went to gather this Plant Diana all the way gave the Shepheard thanks for his good will And Silvander having by chance observed the Plant as he came he went presently to it again and gathering a good quantity they squeezed the juice of it into the ears of the Sheep which had no sooner received it but it immediately began to shake its head and after two or three sneezes it began to bleat and call for the rest of his fellowes and began to eat But Silvander taking it by the neck did put it into a room by it selfe and wished Diana not to let it come out all that day by reason of the Sun's heat Diana not contenting her selfe with the cure of her beloved sheep and with the knowledge of the herb would yet by any means know the name of it The Plant replyed Silvander hath many names some give it the name of Claâ—e others Cleer-eye or All-good and we call it Scarliol or wild End've But I beseech you why are you not as carefull to preserve all that is your as this beloved sheep When I see them ill said she I will apply the remedy not only unto my own but unto any 's else assoon as I can I would you were as willing to do so replyed he as I see you are the contrary Good Silvander replyed Diana do not spoil the courtesy you have done me in curing my deer Floretta by injuring me with such a thought but we had better go and seek out my Companions who doubtlesse are all in much trouble for me Upon this she went to the field of Mercury full of joy for the cure of her sheep and by the way she understood that Leonida and Paris were with those Shepheardesses unto whom she went Presently after she saw them all comming towards her for Paris hearing of Diana's griefe desired all the company to go unto her and try if they could give any good advice for the cure of her sheep But when they saw her comming afar off they stayed supposing the sheep to be either cured or dead and as chance was it was just in the field of Mercury where foure waies met And because the basis on which the statue of Mercury did stand was raised above the levell three steps they sat round about it and some looking one way some another Leonida espied two Shepheards and a Shepheardesse coming as it were from mount Verdun who seemed to be at some odds for the actions of their hands armes and all parts did shew them to be in some passionate dispute especially the Shepheardesse who thrust from her sometimes the one and sometimes the other and would not hear them sometimes they stood still and held her as if they were desirous to make her the judge of their controversy but she still struck away their hands on both sides and then ran away from them untill they overtook her again Had they not sometimes kneeled down before her and otherwhiles submissively kissed her hands to stay her one would have thought by her flight that they would have offered some violence unto her And drawing neer this statue of Mercury without taking any notice of the good company that was about it Leonida shewed them unto all the company and asked if any knew them I have often seen them said Lycidas in the Town next adjoyning unto mount Verdun They are not originally of that place but strangers whom the fortune of their Parents constrained to come and dwell in this Country If you desire to see a young springing beauty give great hopes of rare perfection look but that Shepheardesse in the face and if you could by any means invite them to relate the difference that is betwixt them I am confident it would prove an excellent diversion for they are both in love with that Shepheardesse and she will not entertain either It was once my chance to hear some of their disputes from their own mouths and in my judgment it was worthy of notice The Shepheardesse is called Celida he that is the taller on the right hand is called Thamires and the other Calidon Lycidas had no sooner said this but the strangers were so neer them that every one perceived the reports of Lycidas concerning Celida to be most true for the lustre of her beauty was so admirable as it attracted all eyes upon her and though there might be found some nice defect in her beauty yet any one might judge that time would bring it unto exact perfection Whilst every one was in a censorious contemplation of her
who had any interest in the businesse did think her able to be the Judge she would most willingly arbitrate the matter according to the best of her judgment upon condition they would all promise to observe it otherwise all their labour would be but lost Thamires kneeled down upon his knees and said Oh great Nymph I do refer my life my death and the contentments of them unto your wise judgment if I do disobey your doom let our Druides excommunicate me from ever assisting them at their holy sacrifices and forbid me for ever coming into the sacred groves or our celestiall woods For my part said Calidon if I do not the same may the Misleto of the ninth year be never wholsome unto me let the great Tautates animate all his furies against me and never let me be at rest if I do not submit unto your judgment as proceeding from the great god And because Celidea stood silent Astrea said unto her Are not you pleased fair Shepheardesse to be rid of all the importunities which you receive from these two Shepheards and refer your selfe unto the judgment of this great Nymph I am most willing to be rid of them answered she but I am afraid to fall into a greater misery And certainly I should refer the hazard of this judgment unto any if the gods had not advised me the last night in a dream to take another course For presently after midnight me-thought I saw my Father who hath been long dead open my breast take out my heart and cast it as a stone in a sling over the River Lignon then spoke these words unto me Go my child unto the other side of the fatall River Lignon there thou shalt finde that heart which so much torments thee or else a full satisfaction and rest untill thou comest unto me Upon this I awaked and therefore I am resolved to passe over the River to see if I can finde that tranquillity which is promised unto me However Madam said she and addressed her selfe unto Leonida you may be certain that I shall never disobey any command which you shall impose upon me since I do believe that the gods will speak by your mouth Since it is so said Leonida I do promise you all three to give as just a Judgment as I my selfe would receive upon the like occasion And that I may not erre in my judgment Paris and these fair Shepheardesses and Silvander shall help me with their advice before I pronounce the Sentence And therefore Calidon said she shew me your reasons why you conceive Celidea ought to be yours and not Thamires's who hath so long been her Guardian and brought her up as his own That Shepheard then rising up and after a low reverence he began in this manner The Oration of the Shepheard Calidon OH great god of Love who by thy unresistable puissance hast ravished from me all that reason was wont to have over my will hearken I beseech thee unto the supplication of the most faithfull soul that ever resented the power which beauty by thy means hath over the hearts of men and inspire me with such language and reason as thou didst when I was weary of Celidea's scorn and was resolved to decline from her service Let this great Nymph be moved with my arguments let her whom thou hast given me and who was also given me by him that had the greatest interest in her be preserved and kept for me both against her own scorn and against the violencies of him that would ravish her from me Were it not in hopes of assistance from this divinity whom I invoke I durst not great Nymph open my mouth against a person whom of all men in the world I am most obliged unto For I must needs ingeniously confesse that Thamires by his sweet indulgency towards me has more obliged me than my Father who gave me life the one gave me only a being but the other a well-being Thamires has been troubled with all the vexations of my child-hood and hath brought me up even from my Cradle he hath spared no paines nor cost in my education nor care nor prudence in causing me to be well instructed so as the Appellation of Father is in all reason his due and I must acknowledge my selfe his Child having received from him all those indulgencies which those names require And in confessing all these obligations how can I open my mouth against him without incurring the ugly brand of ingratitude If this dispute did depend only upon my selfe I had rather be in my grave sleeping with my fathers and wish that my Cradle had been my Coffin rather then oppose Thamires in any thing Thamires I say who hath made me what I am Thamires unto whom I owe all I have Thamires in whose service when I have spent all my life yet halfe my obligations are not cancelled But alas it is all long of himselfe it is Love which commanded me he himselfe also commanded me Let Thamires tell me whether it be possible that a heart which Love hath touched to the quick can disobey him in any thing If he have found this to be true by experience then I do conjure him by the god of Love who hath such power over his soule to pardon that fault which I have been forced to commit against him and that he give me leave to maintain that all reason ordaines Celidea to love me and that there is none but my selfe that can pretend unto her For to begin with the first point what can Calidea answer if I call her before the Throne of Love and if in the presence of this equitable company I do complain against her in this manner This is the fair one Oh great god of Love which presents her self before thee This is she whom thou hast commanded me to love and serve upon hopes of such reward as thou usest to give unto those that follow thee If from the first minute of my beginning unto this instant I did ever contrary thy will if I have notalwaies continued in a full resolution to spend my whole life in thy obedience Then Oh Love who lookest into all hearts and seest all my designes let me be punished as a perjured villain and let all the thunderbolts of the great Tharamis fall upon me as a perfidious person But if truth and my words agree and if never any loved like me why dost thou suffer her to deceive my hopes why does she not make good thy promises and why wilt thou let her laugh at all those miseries which thou hast made me to endure for her Assoon as ever I saw her I loved her and assoon as ever I loved her I did dedicate my selfe and soul to adore her But perhaps this affection is unknown unto her or I have only acquainted the solitary Woods and Rocks with it No no Oh Love she hath heard my complaints she hath seen my tears she knowes of my affection somthing from my
are loved consider the actions of those that love us if you finde them to be irregular and contrary to reason vertue or duty flie them as dishonourable if on the contrary you finde them to be moderate and not ramping beyond the limits of honesty or duty then cherish them and esteem them as vertuous This sapient lesson Shepheard teacheth me to cherish the affection of Thamires and to flie yours For what effect does the love of Calidon produce Violencies raptures transports and despairs were never the effects of vertue If the love of Thamires be considered we shall finde it to be all vertue When did he begin to love me At a time when there was no likelyhood any vice could invite him to it How has he continued this affection So as neither duty nor honesty could take the least exception against it But why did he give over For the reasons which he himselfe hath given Whether reason do not appear in all this I refer my selfe Madam unto your judgment These considerations moved me to entertain the affection of Thamires and reject the love of Calidon And this Amity and nothing else did enforce me to visit this Shepheard when he was sick to give him such good words as might recover him and all this as well to satisfie Thamires as out of a naturall compassion which all ought to have one unto another If I did fail in my love to Thamires Calidon for your satisfaction I will confesse it and repent with a protestation to love Thamires no more nor fall into the like fault But I cannot believe that therefore I am obliged to love you for if I should it would be to correct one errour by committing another which is worse Perhaps you will alledge against my defence that having given the whole disposition of my selfe unto Thamires and he transferring me into your hands I cannot contradict his disposall of me This is an excellent conclusion indeed I chuse you for my husband presently after you may give me unto another this is very fine Logick You must know Calidon that the reason why I gave Thamires all the power of my selfe was because I did love him and he loved me and therefore if he have any power over me he must love that is the implicite condition of his power but if he do not then the cause ceasing the effect must needs cease and therefore if he do not love me he hath no power over me But haply you will reply that he swears he does continue loving me still and that it is reason not want of affection which made him transfer me over unto another I must answer both him and you Shepheard that I do not believe him and yet if reason can so well perswade with his affection why should not reason have as much power over my affection Is there any reason I should love him whom nature and reason both forbids me to love Nature forbids the banes for since the first houre I ever saâ— you there was such a contrariety in my heart and such a secret antipathy in it against you that I disliked every thing I saw you do Believe it Calidon what I say proceeds not from any scorn of you but from the very truth I had rather chuse to rest in my grave then live with you not but I do know and confesse you deserve a much better fortune but the reason is because Nature does hold me from you with abundance of violence and without any cause And since it is so upon what pretence can you desire I should be yours since Nature does forbid it and Reason likewise which neverthwarts Nature Go go Calidon live in quietnesse do not wilfully endeavour to make two persons miserable for the truth is you will be as miserable by it as my selfe If you do love me let it suffice that your love is most troublesome to me and do not strive to surcharge me with an intolerable burthen by forcing me to love you And be assured of this that Lignon shall sooner run backward then you shall finde any place in the affection of Celidea This Madam is the Answer which I shall give unto the shallow reasons of Calidon But now I have another more dangerous enemy to encounter withall who has better Armes and who gives more smarting blowes I mean the ungratefull Thamires Thamires whom I did really love and whom I thought had loved me as well as any possibly could But alas what would he have now Can he expect any thing from her whom he hath betrayed into the hands of her most cruell enemy Does he yet hope for any love from her whom he hath most ungratefully wronged Whan colour and upon what ground can he desire me to love him Is it because he did love me or because I loved him This Madam had been some reason at that time but now since he has left loving me and would force me to love another and not himself why does he urge unto me the time past which is not nor ever will return The memory of that time is an argument to hate him the more since I do finde him at this present so unworthy I do confesse I did love him but when he resigned me unto another he did demonstratively shew that he neither did nor does love me And therefore let him not think it strange that since my affection did proceed from his mine should cease as well as his for his was the cause and mine the effect and the cause ceasing the effect must follow Why did he cut up a Tree from which he expected fruit He hath done me more wrong then I him since he was the first offendor and yet I am satisfied I complain not I can quit him with a very good will and cannot wish he should court me again because it is a thing impossible to obtain me What is it he would now have Does he not know that as long as our love was mutuall I was his and he was mine and then by the Lawes of Amity he might dispose of me as his own If he have given me unto Calidon how can he pretend me to be his If he have any thing to require from me he must addresse himself to him unto whom he hath given me if he can have his consent I will afterwards consider what I have to do if he cannot why does he complain of me or ask me for what he has given away He hath sacrificed me as he saith to Calidon's health manifesting thereby that Calidon was dearer unto him than I was and in very good time But can he not be contented that his sacrifice is accepted and that his deer Calidon is recovered from death Would he so sacrilegiously recall what he has dedicated unto the gods Remove Thamires all such thoughts out of your soul lest the gods do punish you for it and do not hope that since I have been offered unto the gods for the health of Calidon I will ever stoop
and fixing his eyes upon her he uttered these Lines A Comparison between DIANA and the Moon MOst glorious Star that shines so clear And radiant in the spangled Sphear As makes the Night like Day appear Just so does my Diana fair Like to thy self so chast her breast With so much cruelty is drest As it is fond Acteons best To court her with no loose request Of all the Tapers in the Night 'T is thou that gives us greatest light Of all the Beauties none so bright Diana is the prime delight Yet when Diana I think upon You doe not hold comparison For you had one Endymion But my Diana ne're had one Oh heavens cryed he out then what then will become of thy Silvander since she will not admit of any Endymion Can it possibly be that Nature who cannot chuse but be pleased with her workmanship should not finde one in all her Treasury worthy of her Can she possibly bestow so much beauty upon this Shepheardesse and make her incapable of Love However they have no eyes that are not delighted with so rare a piece of excellency Does not the gods allow that as our hearts receive the greatest blowes so our hearts should resent the greatest contentment Did they make her so fair and not to be loved Or if we do love her did they make her to consume us Ah! alas I see that as this beauty was made to be loved so it is for her own glory and for the torment of those who love her as I do This thought gave him such a stop that he left walking and after a long agitation of thoughts he uttered these Lines That no Consideration whatsoever can hinder him from loving his Mistresse WHy does my thoughts suggest And bid me not to love her But set my heart at rest She 's aimed for another If for a Mortall why Not I as any other If for a god then I Will worship and adore her ' Mongst mortalls there is none Can equall flame with me Nor ' mongst the gods not one That can more zealous be What though this cruell soul Disdains all them that love her Love will at last control Or Reason needs must move her If Reason will but do 't By Merit I 'le her gain If Love will bring her to 't I 'le love and love again The Moon then as if purposely to invite him to a longer stay in that place did seem to lend him a double lustre And because he had left his flock with Diana's and assured himselfe she would out of her curtesy take all requisite care over it he resolved to spend part of the night there according to his usuall custome for he took abundance of delight in entertaining himselfe with his new thoughts that retiring from all company he used to get into some private valley or some solitary wood and day would oftentimes overtake him before he began to think of any sleep making his long and amorous thoughts see both the evening and the morning Thus at this time did he wander chusing that path which by chance his foot did fall into and after he had fancyed a thousand Chimera's he found himselfe in the midst of a thick wood and knew not where he was and though at every step almost he stumbled against something or other yet could he not give over his pleasing thoughts all that he saw furnished his fancy with some conceit and fed his imagination If he chanced to stumble upon any thing I found greater rubs would he say in my desires If he heard the leaves shake when they were moved by some blast of winde I tremble more for fear would he say when I am by her and when I would acquaint her with my reall passions which she thinks to be fained If he look'd up and saw the Moon he would say The Moon in the heavens and my Diana upon earth This solitary place silence and the pleasing light of the night caused this shepheard to walk so long with the sweet entertainment of his thoughts that being got into the thick of the wood he lost the light of the Moon which was 〈◊〉 by the leaves of trees and desiring to get out of that gloomy place he no sooner looked about to make choice of a good path but he heard one not far off talking and though he made choice of that place for privacy yet his curiosity invited him to know who those were that passed away the night without sleep assuring himselfe that they were some that were sick of his own disease and making it appear by this that every thing lookes for its like and that curiosity hath a great power in Love since when he was so sweetly taken up with his own thoughts that he despised all the world in comparison of them except the sight of Diana yet was he content to forsake them to see who these were so as quitting them for a time and giving way to his curiosity he turned that way from whence he heard the voice He had not gone above fifteen or twenty paces but in the most obscure part of the wood he found himselfe close by two men whom he could not possibly know as well by reason of the darknesse as because their backs were towards him yet he knew by their habits that one of them was a Druide and the other a Shepheard They were set under a Tree which spread its leaves over a chrystall fountain whose pleasing murmur invited them to spend part of the night in that place When Silvander was mostdesirous to know them he heard one answer the other thus But Father it is very strange and I cannot sufficiently admire it that you should by your discourse intimate as much as if it must be confessed that there are many other beauties more perfect then the beauty of my Mistresse which truly I cannot believe without an unpardonable offence For certainly every one does think his own the fairest and to confesse she is not is a crime both against his Mistresse and against Love Then he heard the Druide answer in this manner My Son there is no doubt of what I say nor any fear of offending her Beauty or Love and I am confident that I shall in a few words make you understand it You know that all beauty proceeds from that soveraign goodnesse which we call God it is a Ray of himselfe and transcends all his other creatures and as the Sun which we see does enlighten the Aire the Water and the Earth with the same beams so also the eternall Sun does enlighten the angelick Understanding the rationall Soul and the Matter But as the cleernesse of the Sun appears more bright in the Air than in the Water and in the Water then in the earth so the illumination of God appears with greater lustre in the Angelick Understanding then in the Rationall Soul and in the Rationall Soul more then in the Matter Into the first he hath infused Ideas into the second Reason
the pleasing life they had lived together caused his eyes to flow in tears Then retiring back a few paces and hiding himselfe behinde a great Tree lest if Silvander waked he should spie him he looked upon him very seriously and in a low voice uttered these words Oh my dear friend and most faithfull companion Silvander how glad and how sad both doth this meeting with thee make me Our friendship that now sees thee so sad will not let me rejoyce at the sight of thee and yet the sight of thee brings into my memory that happy life I lived ever since I was first acquainted with thee untill that fatall sentence which my Shepheardesse pronounced against me a sentence which I cannot remember but with a sad heart I must needs call for death to relieve me finding experimentally the Proverb to be most true That none are so miserable as those that have been happy and now are not Who is able without a flood of tears to think upon my past felicity and to see my present misery Upon this he was silent and going further back because he saw Silvander stir a little and looking about him said these words Oh fairest Shepheardesse how cruelly do you treat this poor Shepheard The stranger knew he was asleep but not knowing who was the Shepheard that he spoke of he went neerer him and when he looked him in the face he found it all tears which found a passage through his eye lids though they were close Then did he conclude that it was himselfe he spoke of which he thought to be very strange when he remembered that his humour was wont to be extreamly averse unto Love insomuch as he was commonly called The Shepheard without affection But considering what power Beauty hath he believed that now he was no more exempted from the wounds of Love than other shepheards of his age and he was the more confirmed in this opinion when he remembered that some had told him of the wager that was between him and Phillis This consideration made him look upon him and say Ah Silvander I see thou art now far unfit to give any counsel unto others and for ought I see standst in need of counsel thy selfe My friendship cannot chuse but pray that Love would be more pitifull unto him then it hath been unto me and make him more fortunate then I have been Then going gently away he went unto the place where he lodged and he was no sooner set upon his bed-side but thinking upon his encounter Silvander's affection unto him came into his minde what great familiarity had been between them and what fortune it was should bring him into this place It is said he to give a beginning unto a better life and to put an end unto my torments Alas that cannot be for nothing can make me lesse miserable then I am unlesse it be death Perhaps the heavens foreseeing the end of my daies conducted Silvander my best friend unto me to bid me my last Adien in the name of himself and all the rest of my friends This consideration took up his thoughts a good while and at last made him resolve upon a thing which never came into his minde before which was to write unto his Mistresse for her severe banishment of him had so damped his spirit that he durst not assume so much boldnesse But now verily believing that his course of life was neer an end he conceived himselfe obliged to take his leave of her in some sort or other before he went out of the world Then he took pen and inke and writ a Letter and after he had folded it up he superscribed it Unto the fairest and most loved Shepheardesse in the whole Universe Then he went unto the place where he left Silvander and going gently to him after he had kissed the Letter two or three times he put it into his hand Oh happy Paper said he if thy good Fate do bring thee into the hands of her upon whom all my contentment depends touch her to the heart and if thou canst not move her to any pitty yet force her to believe that though she be changed from me yet my affection shall ever be the same to her And thou Silvander said he putting the Letter into his hand if love will yet give thee leave to look upon the beauty of her unto whom this Letter is directed give it unto her Good shepheard I beseech thee do this good office for thy friend as the last that he can hope to receive from thee or any else Then this shepheard went away with folded armes and dejected eyes untill he came to his lodging Presently after Silvander awaked and because he saw the Sun of a great height he looked about which way he should take homeward and rubbing his eyes after his sleep he made use of that hand in which the Letter was he wondred extreamly when he saw it but much more when he read unto whom it was directed Do I sleep said he or do I wake Is it a dream or is this a Letter which I see Then looking well upon it No no said he I do not sleep but I have a Letter in my hand which is directed unto the Fairest and most loved shepheardesse in the whole Universe But if I be not asleep why am I ignorant who gave it unto me Had I it before I fell asleep No no I had it not It must of necessity be that some did put it into my hand when I was asleep This may very well be for there is not one of all the gods that has not loved the beauties of the earth the god of Love himselfe who wounds others has not been exempted so as it seemes they think our shepheardesses more fair then their goddesses Why should I not think that some of these Immortalls or some Faun or Demi-god having seen my fair Diana is fallen in love with her Then considering a little with himselfe But said he who is it unto whom this Letter is sent Let us see certainly it will tell us Then unfolding the paper he read it from the beginning to the ending but when he found the conclusion of the Letter to be thus subscribed The most unfortunate yet the most faithfull of your servants Oh! cried he there is no doubt to be made but it is my selfe who writ this Letter It must of necessity be that my good Angell that has a care of my life having read the thoughts of my soul has writen them in this paper that I might shew them unto Diana The very truth is there is not any beauty that can cause such violent passions as this which I do read unlesse the beauty of my Mistresse no Lover is able to conceive so much affection unlesse it be Silvander So as there is no doubt to be made but that this Letter being directed Unto the fairest and most loved shepheardesse in the Universe I ought to give it unto Diana and being written by
being so soon forgotten But if that shepheard should be jealous of you said Phillis what then would you do I would use him so answered Diana that he should never love me again But suppose you should desire he should love you said Phillis what way would you take The way of a Precipice answered Diana for I should then think my selfe worthy to end miserably if I should love one whom I knew did not love me Oh! Diana said Phillis how freely you speak Nay Phillis said Diana how passionately you dispute If you have need of a remedy against this malady either take that which I would give you or arme your selfe with patience to endure any displeasure that can befall you and be assured the number of them will not be a few Thus these fair and discreet Shepheardesses discoursed with Silvander And because Astrea thought that if it continued any longer it might breed some distaste she had a mind to interrupt them therefore she rose up and seemed very desirous to walk so as taking Diana by one hand and Phillis by the other she motioned to walk saying they had been sitting too long Then Silvander as he was officious in waiting about his Mistris he scattered the Letter which was put into his hand in the Night time and Phillis having still her eye upon him It sell no sooner upon the ground but she took it up hee not perceiving her and carrying it unto Astrea would needs read it before she would restore it to him again But as soon as ever she and the sad Shepheardesse did cast their eyes upon it they conceived it to be the hand of Celadon This apprehension did touch Astrea so to the heart that leaving Diana with Silvander and taking Phillis aside she was constrained to sit down upon the ground Phillis seeing her countenance much changed asked her how she did and what was the cause of her so suddain alteration Oh my good Sister said Astrea what a strange trembling hath surprised me and what a perplexity hath the sight of this Letter put me into Did you not observe how every Character does resemble the writing of my poor Celadon Suppose it be said Phillis who desired not that Silvander should take notice of her disorder why should you wonder so at it Perhaps it is one of his Letters which Love will restore unto you by the hand of Silvander as being most due unto you Alasse my dear Sister said Astrea me-thought I saw him this very last night so sad and so pale that I started and so awaked out of my sad Dream She would have gone on when Diana and Silvander came unto them very sorry to see her face so much and so soon altered But Phillis who would by all meanes hide this surprise from that Shepheard did make a sign unto Diana and then addressing her self unto Silvander Shepheard said she Astrea hath a very great desire to impart her minde freely unto Diana if you were not present Oh my enemy answered he our hatred is not so great as to make me uncivil unto Astrea I know it is not fit that Shepheards should heare all the secrets of Shepheardesses and therefore I will retire into the next Grove and wait there untill you call me And so making an humble reverence unto Diana he went into the Wood. And not to bee idle he took his knife and began to cut Letters upon the barks of trees In the mean time Diana understood from Phillis how the sight of a Letter which fell from Silvander and seemed to be the hand of Celadon had troubled Astrea Then shewing it unto her and she looking upon it a long time very seriously It would be very welcome news which Silvander hath brought said Diana if it was Celadon that writ this Letter for most certainly it is very newly written it is so fresh as if it were written this very hour so as if this be Celadons hand be assured he is not dead But let us see what is within perhaps we shall learn more in it Then opening the Letter they found these words To the most Faire and most loved Shepheardesse in the whole Universe the most unfortunate and the most faithful of all her Servants wisheth that happiness which Fortune hath denyed unto himself MY superabundant affection will never consent I should give the name of pain and torment unto that which your command hath caused me to suffer But I may say that the condition wherein I am which perhaps another would finde intolerable does content me since it comes with an injunction from you If it be your pleasure to continue your sharp commands any longer I shall be still all obedience So as though I cannot assure you of my fidelity in this life yet all the blessed souls in the Elizian fields do know that I am the most faithfull yet the most unfortunate of all your servants Ah my dear Sister said Astrea It is Celadon who writ those words I know it by his style and manner of writing but perhaps it is long since it was written It beares no date answered Diana who held it in her hand but I see by the writing that it is very fresh you may see the dust how it sticks upon the Ink still as if it were newly cast upon it Sister said Phillis there is no better way if it bee discreetly carried than to know from Silvander the place where he found it or who gave it unto him Sister said Diana unto the sad Shepheardesse if you can but hold your countenance that he may not see the alteration in it I am confident we shal learn all from him And because it will be difficult to recollect your selfe upon a sudden I will goe my selfe and talke with him and you may follow after me So shee went unto Silvander whom she found engraving Anacrosticks upon the Names of his Mistresse and himself upon the first tree he found But before he began to work in bark he had engraven upon a soft stone at the Root of a Tree a Dial whose trembling Needle was turned towards the North with this Motto I am touched signifying thereby that even as the Needle of a Dial being touched with an Adamant does alwayes turn that way because as some Philosophers hold the Element of the Loadstone is there and by a puissant and natural sympathy doth attract every part of it self unto it selfe so his heart being touched with the beauty of his Mistresse doth turne it and all its thoughts towards her And the better to explain his conception hee added these Verses The Needle of a Dial Northward turnes If touch'd by Adamant My Heart touch'd by Diana burnes And after her does pant When she was come unto him he had just finished these Characters and when he saw her he turned himselfe in a very jocund manner towards her and said Oh my fairest Mistresse what good Fate sent you hither unto me Better Fate then you could expect answered she for
Phillis do you not see that this sweet word which is so pleasing to you is only pure flattery which my Mistresse is pleased to put upon you to acknowledge in some sort that shallow affection which you bear unto her For since she cannot love you she will give you satisfaction in this coyne In taking you for a Companion she shewes flattery and flattery shewes small affection On the contrary in taking me for her Servant she shewes the good will she bears unto me since I am capable of that favour if any mortall man be Oh impudence cryed out Phillis Oh love answered Silvander Why replyed the shepheardesse do you think your selfe worthy to serve her whose merits are above all mortalls The greatest gods said the shepheard are served by men and are pleased with their service and duty Then why if I be a man as I hope you do not question will you not permit me to serve and adore my goddesse especially since she her selfe requires this holy duty from me Phillis standing mute and considering well of Silvander's reasons she knew not how to answer one word but did really think that Diana did confer a greater favour upon Silvander then upon her and therefore addressing her speech unto her Mistresse said she upon consideration of my enemies reason I finde that he is in the right and that you have conferred more favour upon him than me Is it possible you should do it intentionally If you did I shall have a just occasion of complaint and take it ill he should be so much advanced above his merit I see said Diana coldly that opinion hath a greater power of you then truth and you are guided only by it Within this quarter of an houre you were boasting of the favour which I did you in preferring you before Silvander And now this opinion being changed you complain of the contrary so as I am afraid that your affection also is nothing but opinion No question of it said Silvander for every word she hath spoken is an argument of it Is it any argument of Love Phillis to finde fault with the actions of your Mistresse If they be to my disadvantage said she would you have me to think well of them It were but your duty to conform your selfe and strive to get more love then you have said Silvander Would you have Diana conform her selfe unto your will or ought you to conform your selfe unto hers I wish to the gods said she that I had as much advantage over her as it seemes she hath given you over me If it were so said Silvander pray tell me which of you two should be the Mistresse and which the Servant Truly shepheardesse I do not think you ever received the least scratch in Love's War Astrea who silently heard their difference was at last constrained to say thus unto Diana I think wise shepheardesse that this shepheard will take away from Phillis the use of her tongue No said Silvander it is rather Love for hitherto she thought that she had loved but now she sees the contrary Thus those fair Shepheardesses deceived themselves in the length of the way and the Sun shining very hot they asked Silvander how far it was yet unto the place which he conducted them unto and understanding that they were about the mid way they resolved to rest themselves at the next Fountain or the next good shade they come unto and Silvander told then that they should presently come unto such a one where they should finde a Cherry tree full of ripe fruite In order to this resolution they doubled their pace but meeting with Laonice Hylas â—â—â—cis Manduates and Thirsander they stayed awhile These shepheards and shepheardesses were walking together seeking for cool shades and pleasent Fountaines for they were strangers and having no flocks to keep they passed away the time as pleasantly as possibly they could And intending not to part that day they walked up the banks of the delectable River of Lignon Now these two Companies being met Hylas presently left Laonice and came to Phillis and she left Astrea and Diana and went to him at which Silvander was not sorry thinking himselfe in more absolute possession of his Mistresse Tircis seeing Astrea alone for Thirsander did lead Maduntes he addressed himselfe in a humble manner unto her and offered his service in leading her She having a great esteem of that shepheard especially because there was a conformity betwixt their fortunes did very willingly accept of his offer so as every one had a Companion except Laonice who as I told you formerly having an extream desire to be revenged of Phillis and Silvander all her aime was to watch an occasion of doing them some mischiefe And to compasse her designe she kept a spying eye upon all their actions hearknâ—â— unto all their discourse especially when they spoke low or in secret and when 〈…〉 by their gestures that they spoke any thing affectionately She had formerly 〈…〉 partly a cause of the jealousie of Lycidas and had since learned much of Silâ—â—â—â—â—â— and other shepheardesses yet more from her own suspicions then any else But 〈…〉 much more and became so knowing as it may be said she knew all 〈…〉 as well as themselves Also there being none in the company who suspected her designe she had more free accesse to hear none taking any notice when she 〈◊〉 them After she had 〈◊〉 upon all the shepheards and shepheardesses and 〈…〉 Companion to divert her she got as neer as she could unto Silvander who led Diana 〈…〉 to whom she wished most ill and having already an opinion of their being in love the passionately desired to discover more Diana who had no designe at all upon Silvander though she did wish him better then any shepheard of Lignon did not care whether her words were heard or no And Silvander took no heed because he was so attenive unto what his Mistresse said as he did hardly see the ground he trod upon which gave Laonice a better opportunity to hearken Silvander then assoon as he was alone with his Mistresse Well my fairest said he unto her what do you think now of Phillis and me I do think answered she that Phillis of all persons in the world is the worst lyar and that of all the shepheards I know Silvander is the best dissembler for certainly you can counterfeit a passionate part the best of any living Ah shepheardess replyed Silvander it is an easy matter to counterfeit what one does really resent This replyed Diana is that which confirmes what I say I could never believe that a feigned passion could be glossed with words and actions so resemblant unto truth Ah Diana said he how far short are both my actions and my words of declaring the truth of my affection Could you but see my heart as wel as my face you would have a better opinion of me I must confess the wager betwixt Phillis and me hath been a cause that I have
not finding any better in any other place he is forced to rest here It does concern me said Phillis to answer because Hylas is my servant yet believe it I will not answer for his fidelity since I must needs think that having once loved so great a Beauty as yours and falling off that it is not beauty which makes him in Love What then said Hylas can it be An humour of changing said Florice and a certain levity of minde that will not let you continue foure and twenty houres in one opinion Oh! said Hylas you are a partie and therefore your judgment may be suspected If you mean answered she that I am the party offended I do freely forgive the injury and do think my selfe more obliged unto you for your changing then I should have received satisfaction in your constancy And if you think me a party that does pretend any thing unto you believe it Hylas I will with all my heart quit all my pretensions unto any that will have them who if they will receive them they will more oblige me by it then they will finde benefit by the gift You have reason to dispose thus of me said Hylas halfe angry for you may as freely dispose of me as of the stars All this while Paris had addressed himselfe unto Diana whom after he had saluted This said he is a more happy encounter than I could ever have hoped for since I did the least expect you here It is indeed happy for me said Diana since we shall enjoy your company unlesse these fair strangers do deprive us of it At this word she blush'd knowing that Paris loved her As this blush did please Paris so it had a contrary effect in Silvander who knowing that Paris loved her could not defend himselfe against some stings of jealousie when he saw the good reception of his Rivall and this experience taught him to confesse that jealousie might proceed from love The shepheardesse who had no inclination to hate Silvander took notice of it and so did Laonice though the shepheard did dissemble it as well as he could and they had known it better if Astrea had not parted them for desiring most passionately to finish their journey she broke company And because Paris had taken Diana by the arme Silvander went towards Phillis who seeing him comming It seemes said she unto him that we are too too many and that though we were absent they could entertain themselves I cannot deny it said Silvander I must shrug my shoulders patiently and pay this kinde of tribute without murmur When he would have answered farther Hylas came to them and not caring for these strangers ran unto Phillis and lest Palinice Cercenea and Florice as if he had never loved them Diana who could not chuse but admire this humour in him did make a signe unto Phillis by way of wonder Phillis who did esteem him as an excellent man to make sport after she had looked upon him But Hylas said she unto him can I believe you to be in earnest Can you doubt it said he â—â—nce I have left all these whom I did love to wait upon you That is an excellent argument indeed said she but I pray tell me did you ever love these strangers whom you have left to come unto us You may gather as much said he from Florice's own mouth I had some reason said she to ask this question for if you did ever love them how could you finde a heart to leave them so soon in a place where they are strangers Even as I have heretofore left others for them said Hylas so now I do leave them for you and I must needs confesse that if my affection unto you were not much above all termes of civility I should have thought my selfe in some sort obliged to wait upon them Doubtlesse said Phillis you do very much oblige me but I do admire that since you did love them you should now make so little account of them I did love them 't is true said Hylas but I will do so no more my love to them is now dead and me-thinks this should be no such great piece of wonder to see a man free when the cord which tyed him is broken I do believe said Silvander that Hylas did never love these strangers for if he had he would have loved them still since the cords of Love cannot be broken Though they cannot be broken said Hylas yet I am sure they may be untied No said Silvander all Love knots are Gordian knots If they be said Hylas I have a sword as well as he who when he could not untie them did cut them and I am sure I have done so severall times Never believe you did love them said Silvander for if you had you would have loved them still Shall I not believe what I do know said Hylas But to do you a pleasure I will not believe it But pray trouble neither me nor your selfe any further keep your selfe to your own melancholly humour and vex me no more with your impertinent opinions Phillis who was discreet and seeing Hylas in his angry altitudes to interrupt him said thus However Hylas I must needs be angry with you for hindring me from knowing some things which these strangers had begun to relate Mistresse answered he I had rather never have loved them then you should misse of your satisfaction by any means of mine I know answered Phillis that the love you bear unto them and the satisfaction you speak of will not trouble you for since you do not love them now what will it concern you whether you did or did not love them Why my Fairest said Hylas do you not esteem past contentments If my contentment do not continue said Phillis the remembrance of it does but grieve me the more The services then that were done you a week since said he are vanish'd if it be so the worse for Hylas Silvander answered in the behalfe of Phillis Your Mistresse said he does not speak of services but of contentments received and before you complain it is requisite to know of her whether your services be in that rank Hylas answered Those who mistrust their own merits as you do may make that doubt but not I. Silvander who knowes that Love cannot be paid but by Love again and she unto whom I devote mine hath more goodnesse then not to acknowledge it and more judgment then not to esteem it Silvander would have answered but Phillis interposed I do esteem Hylas said she as I ought to do and do acknowledge his merits are very worthy to beloved nor need he think his services are forgotten for he continuing to love me they are all esteemed as present And if this declaration do please him I will request one thing of him which he ought not to deny me unlesse he would have me think that he does not love me Command fairest said Hylas what you please but two things that I die or
where he thought him selfe so unworthily treated and betrayed he would see whether all that was said was true and therefore took the Mirror in his hand seeming as if he much admired it and as he offered to take out the Glasse it broke at which he started as if it had been done by chance and seeing the glasse broken Mistress said he I beg your pardon I am obliged to make amends and put in another Glass She answered him that it was a small matter and not worth the pains upon this word she held out her hand to take it again but he thinking that she would not let him have it lest he should see the Picture in it he was the more backward in restoring it and in this dispute he took out the Glass then the paper and then he found what I had said was true Although he did believe me before yet when he saw my Picture he was so surprised that he could not speak of a long time and the amazement of Dorinde was no less Periander who stood mute looking sometimes upon the Picture and sometimes upon Dorinde and considering her amazement also had an opinion that she only seemed so to be thought ignorant of it therefore he was extreamly transported with anger Let me tell you said he unto her that both in well loving in secresy and in dissimulation you are the most admirable that ever I knew Periander said she I do protest by all that 's sacred that I am ignorant of it Take heed said he how you invoke things that are sacred but since you are not the first whose humour hath deceived me I will leave the place to another that I may have so much contentment as not to be the last whom you will deceive Upon this he went away in an extream fury Dorinde did all she could to undeceive him but that did more augment his opinion of her dissimulation Thus he left her and to observe the Lawes of friendship he resolved upon Travell not knowing any better way to overcome Love then absence which yet would not do as I shall tell you afterwards Now look upon me as arrived at the port of my designe having the place free unto my selfe But Oh! generous Paris when I went to see Dorinde Oh how she was displeased at me She had sent for her who sold her the Mirror and forced her to confesse of whom she had it and finding it to be my selfe I cannot expresse unto you the greatnesse of her anger Perfidious Impostor said she unto me why would you so mortally offend one that never gave you any occasion for it How durst you after so great an injury be so impudent as to come in my sight I had before han I prepared my selfe for a chiding yet could not endure it without a blush but knowing that the only way to stop an impetuous torrent of fury was to let her just anger cool a little before I gave any answer therefore I stayed mute untill she had vented all she had to say and then I answered her thus I must needs confesse that all your reproaches are just but alas I cannot complain against you for it only against Love who having inflamed my soul towards you did freez yours towards me Had Love been just it would in some sort have cooled my too ardent affection and then I should not have been forced to offend you and needed not have used any tricks to drive away my Rivall from you But alas I see that I am a very Novist in Love since I look for any reason in any thing it doth But for all that fair Dorinde you do me wrong in complaining against my actions since being but effects of Love yet you should expect them to be squared according to any rules of Reason I must confesse that I have sinned against the rules of Reason but not against Love and I beseech you take me not as rationall but as amorous and most extreamly wounded with the darts of Love I expressed the extremity of my affection with so much dejected humility and passionate language as it had a good melting influence upon her soul so as within a few daies after she began to smile upon me and pardon my offence and see how an ill chance is sometimes profitable for that which was the cause of her anger was it which augmented her good will unto me and considering the artifice which I had used she had an opinion that I did most certainly love her And this consideration caused Thcombres to misse his Mistresse for she devoted her selfe wholly unto me so as it may seem that I did love her only to make her hate him And yet for all this I loved Florice much more then I did Dorinde Truth is that when Dorinde's favours did flow more then usuall upon me I did begin to love her more for nothing doth kindle affection and augment it so much as favours Living then thus ambodexterously with Florice and Dorinde Florice began to enter into some suspition of me and the common brute of this affection was blown all over Therefore one day she spoke unto me as if she were quite altered and I who did really love her did vow and swear that all my courtship of Dorinde was but an effect of her own command to cover thereby my affection unto her That if she would I would never look upon Dorinde again and told her that if she would but look her selfe in a glasse and look upon Dorinde that sight would give her better assurance of my service and affection then all my words could To be brief with good language I brought her into a good opinion of me yet I was forced to promise that I would give her all the Letters which Dorinde writ unto me Take heed said she unto me lest you should promise and not perform for that would for ever lose me if I come to know it I will never fail in any thing I promise said I unto her and much lesse unto Florice then unto the gods Thus were we upon better termes then ever And because none was so dear unto me as Florice yet had I a corner in my heart for Dorinde and was much delighted in her company she conferred many favours upon me and I courted her so close with severall Letters that she answered me in Letters again which I presently carried unto Florice who read them and kept them carefully Hylas seeing Silvander sit neer Diana and whispering then laughed together he broke off his discourse to answer what he had a conceit they said I believe you laugh Silvander said he unto him at my loving Florice and yet held correspondency with Dorinde If I do meet in my way unto the happinesse of Florice with any delights in the conversation of Dorinde do I contradict the Lawes of reason if I do receive them Should I refuse that good which the gods do send me and which your unnaturall austerity disallowes Now because Silvander would
impossible to return unto their Townes by day light In this resolution then they went on and Silvander not quitting Astrea did shew her the Wood where he found the Letter which caused this voyage This said Astrea is a place very retired to receive any Letters in You will more think it so said he when you are there for it is the most salvage and rude place and the least frequented of any about all the River Lignon So as none could hit the way said Astrea except you and Love For my part said he I know what it is and as for Love I will be silent for I have heard say that sometimes when he would throw flames into a heart he has burnt himselfe and who can tell whether he did not so by the beauty of my Mistris and if any thing cure him it is doubtlesse the Fillet which he hath before his eyes Ah Silvander said the Shepheardesse that Fillet does not hinder but he can see when he pleaseth and his Arrowes hit so right upon the mark they are aimed at as it is not likely one that 's blinde did shoot them I have seen wise shepheardesse said Silvander a blind man who could hit the way unto every house and turn at every turning in the Town having gotten it by a long custome And why may we not well say that Love who is the prime and eldest of all the gods hath by a long accustomacy learned to hit the hearts of men though he be blinde and to shew you that it is more by custome then skill observe that he loves us only in the eyes and yet hits our hearts If he were not blinde do you think he would wound with Love so many unequall persons Superious with Inferiours and Shepheards with Queens But I speak this as a person interested for I that does not know what I am it hath caused me to love Diana whose merits are above the degree of any shepheards and it hath made Paris who is Son unto the Prince of Druides to love a shepheardesse As for your merits answered Astrea you do equall the perfections of Diana and Diana by her vertue doth transcend the grandure of Paris so as the inequality is not so great as to make you accuse Love of blindnesse Silvander stood mute at this reply not but that he could easily have answered but because he was sorry he had by his words given knowledge of his affection and repented of them fearing it would offend Diana if she should know of it But by good fortune his words were well addressed for Astrea knowing what pure and sincere affection he bore unto Diana she would most willingly have left him all assistance And the nature of all such as know how to love well is never to prejudice the Love of another unlesse it be prejudiciall unto their own By this time they were come unto the Wood and therefore Silvander said unto her This wise shepheardesse is the Wood which you have so much longed to see but being already Sun-set we have not time to view it If we do finde in it said she as many rarities as we did in that from whence we came I shall think our journey and time very well imployed With such discourse as this they entred into the Wood and it grew so dark as they could not see one another nor follow but by the voice then going further into the Wood he so lost his way as he was forced to confesse that he knew not where he was The cause of this was a Plant over which he walked which they of the Country do vulgarly call Wander-weed because it hath a quality to make those that tread upon it to wander out of their way and as the common bruit was there was much of it in that Wood. Whether this be true or false I cannot tell but so it was that Silvander and all the Company could not finde their way again all that night though he turned and winded almost through all the Wood and at the last they were all so wildred as they were constrained to follow one another by taking hold of each others clothes for the night was so dark as if it were so purposely to hinder them from getting out of the Wood. Hylas who by chance was got betwixt Astrea and Phillis I begin Mistresse said he to hope well in the service which I have done you Why said Phillis Because said he you are very much afraid to lose me and whereas I was wont to follow you now you follow me 'T is true said she but you must thank Silvander for it whom you say is your greatest enemy I cannot tell said Hylas whether I should more thank him for the favour I receive from you or chide him for the pains I have taken You may judge of that afterwards said Phillis when you have put the pleasures and the pains which you have received both into a ballance I wish Mistris said Hylas that you would hold the ballance and judge which was the heavier Every one did laugh at the good-will of Hylas and Silvander who heard it answered him only thus I confesse Hylas that I am a blind man who leads many others But the worst is said Hylas they are blind only because they trusted too much unto your eyes If you had been out of the Company said Silvander we had not been so blinde Why said Hylas did I put out your eyes No said Silvander but you did take away our means of seeing holding us so long in discourses of your inconstancy and by falsifying the sacred Lawes which did put us upon the night Silvander said Hylas you put me in minde of those who when they had found good Wine did blame it because they were drunk Good friends may the Wine say why did ye drink so much And good friend Silvander why did you hearken to me so long Did I nail your ears to any post No said Silvander there were stronger chaines in that company and place then yours But be it as it will we are now so wandred out of the way either by reason of the night of by going over the plant Wonder-weed as there is no hopes of getting into the way again untill it be day or at the least untill the Moon do shine What 's then to be done said Paris No better course said Silvander then to rest ourselves under one of these Trees untill the Moon do shew her selfe Every one approved of the motion And the shepheards spreading all their Coats upon the ground under the dryest Tree the shepheardesses did sit upon them and so rested altogether till the Moon appeared Although the night was already far spent when these shepheardesses did sit themselves down upon the Coats of the Shepheards yet being unaccustomed to such a Canopy as the Cope of heaven and unused to sit upon the grasse in the night they talked a long while before any sleep did seize upon their eyes And because the horrour of
we accidentally met and never in the presence of any many had an opinion that the generous spirit of Damon would not long endure the disdain which I used towards him and that he was quite fallen off from me Leontidas himselfe was also deceived though his Wife who was of a very suspicious nature did still assure him of the contrary and because he did most passionately desire to bestow me upon his Nephew to satisfie his minde he set over me a Woman whose office was to be a spie over all my actions without making any shew of it her name was Leriana and well in years yet of a very pleasing nature but withall as subtle and crafty as ever lived I was not so quick-sighted as Damon for presently he discovered the designe of Leontidas But I finding her to be very good company and one that did strive all she could to please me I could not believe she had any bad intention He continually telling me that she would deceive me and bidding me to take heed of her we resolved to go more subtlely to work And because it was not in our dispose to turn her away we thought it most expedient to seem as if her company was very pleasing and welcome unto us By this artifice we thought we should oblige her not to do all the ill offices she could but to make Leontidas think that we had no designes but what we were willing he should know Oh how well advised had we been if we had put this determination into execution after a more solid consideration Leriana seeing what carrasses I used did shew her selfe so desirous to please me that at the last I began insensibly to love her And she on the other side taking notice of the applications which Damon made unto her did believe that he loved her and this beliefe together with the beauty of this young Cavalier did quickly invite Leriana to love him so as there was none of us but poor Damon who was not deceived yet he payed the dearest for our errours though he knew all this from the first yet could he not help it I shall as long as I live remember the words he used when he said unto me Sister you do love Leriana but take heed she deserve it I am afraid you will finde it when it is too late her designe is naught both against you and me for the Wife of Leontidas sets her over you only as a spie And believe it the carrasses which you have commanded me to use unto her has made her believe that I love her and therefore she wisheth me no harme So much the better Brother said I unto him for I know you cannot be in love with her nor shall I be jealous However the good will she bears unto you will perhaps keep him within compasse and hinder her from doing you any hurt Pray heavens Sister said he it falout so but I am in fear this affection will end quite contrary for it is impossible I should continue my carrasses long unto her then when she finds her selfe deceived and sleighted Oh heavens what mischiefe will she not be apt to do unto me No no said I unto him she can never think to win upon you by force I pray god replyed he that I prove a bad diviner and that she do not do all she can to do us mischiefe I did see that this woman was very kinde unto him but I could not imagine she could be in love with him only thought that her application to him was out of her desire to be complaisant Now though Leontidas did treat me with all possible sweetnesse yet the harsh usage of his Wife made me almost weary of my life I told Damon that he ought to consider the miserable life which I led that I had no contentment but in him nor consolation but in Leriana that I did not think Leontidas and his Wife had any intentions of setting Leriana as a spy or if they did I thought they might be deceived and that this woman thought her selfe so obliged by my carrasses as I am almost sure she loves me Damon seeing me in this opinion could do nothing but shrug his shoulders and durst never since speak of it unto me for fear of displeasing me And see what force this good opinion which we have of a person hath over us I did plainly see her applications unto Damon but could not imagine it was with any bad intentions conceiving it to be only out of complacency Oh how the vizard of dissimulation does disguise vices and makes us mistake them for vertues And upon this ground I was very angry with Damon very often conceiving he did not treat Leriana as he ought since I had told him that I loved her and that this was the least thing he could do for me to make much of those whom I cherished This Damon knew well enough and durst not complain lest he should make the matter worse only nourished in his heart an extream hatred against her which he had much ado to hide On the contrary Leriana did so grow every day in affection to him that seeing he took no notice of it she could not chuse but write a Letter unto him so full of passionate expressions that Damon could not dissemble but did put herso out of hopes as she did not only stifle her love to him but entertained a most deadly hatred in its room Could she have proved what she knew of our affection doubtlesse she would have done it in accusing him unto Leontidas but our happiness was that what familiarity soever was betwixt us I never spoke the least thing of it before her but since that I found her so subtle and crafty as I did believe if she could not have made any proofes yet she would notwithstanding inform but that which restrained her as I thought was her Letter which she writ unto Damon by which Leontidas might have seen her to be but a bad woman yet this consideration was nothing because she might say that she did seem to love Damon only to insmuate her selfe into the more credit And doubtless Leontidas and his Wife had believed her having entertained so good an opinion of her as they thought her to be one of the gravest and wisest Matrous in all Gaul But as I was mistaken in my affection to her so also Damon was much to blame for had he shewed me the Letter which Leriana writ unto him doubtlesse he had shewed me my errour and we had not fallen into those misfortunes in which since we have lived and the reason as I think why he did not was because of his sharp answer which he returned fearing if I saw it I should be angry with him But however he kept it so secret as I knew nothing of it Now Leriana plotting revenge upon this Cavalier she conceived no way would bring it about but such occasions as I should give her thinking that keeping in familiarity with me
instructions she did ever since that day apply her selfe with so many carrasses unto Damon that he and all that saw it did wonder The noise of it went so far as I came to hear of it and that by the artifice of Leriana who by the means of Thersander caused it to be spoken of in a place where I might come to know of it and to the end I should think there was no jugling in the businesse Thersander never spoke of it but caused some of his friends However I could not believe Damon could love this foolish Wench better then me since me thought her beauty did not equall mine as my Glass assured me Moreover when I considered my extraction and Ormanthe's I could not imagine he should be so inconsiderate in his choice as to sleight me for such a one which this crafty Leriana knowing very well she was put upon a greater piece of artifice There was an old woman Aunt unto Leriana who had lived all her life in much honour and reputation Leriana did contrive the matter so as this good old woman was acquainted with the carrasses which Ormanthes used unto Damon which were such as when she heard of them she could not rest untill she sent for Leriana and she sent for her to meet her in my Chamber purposely that I might see when she spoke unto her Their discourse was long and the anger that I observed in them made me desirous to know when this good old woman was gone what the matter was She seemed very unwilling to tell me and stood a long time without an answer At the last because I was very urgent with her she said thus unto me See Mistresse for so she called me how subtle Damon is but yet not so subtle as my selfe he thought that by his feigning love to you I should not see the affection which he bears unto Ormanthe This subtlety had been good had it been unto any other but my Niece but this doth so neerly concern me that I must needs look neerly unto it and he hath carried the matter so far beyond all prudence as he must needs be blind that doth not see it I think that I have been told of it by above a hundred persons and this good old woman came hither purposely to tell me of it it is growne the common talk and so dishonourable to my Niece as I were to blame if I did suffer it since she is under my charge I have chid Ormanthe many times for it but I think he hath bewitched her For my part I know not which way she takes him for though she be my Niece yet I must needs say there is not any one more unlikely to make one in love with her then she Oh! how these words went to my heart I retired into my Closet whither this crafty woman followed me being too well experienced in such accidents to be ignorant of the operation these words had in me And because I did put my whole confidence in her when we were alone it was impossible for me to restrain my tears or conceal from her my affection which I had so long hid Oh! what extream contentment Leriana received by this declaration And though her whole designe was only to divert me from the love of Damon yet she knew it was not yet time to strike but must first weaken it a little more before she did down-right attempt it And in order to that she would needs make me believe that she was very much a friend unto that Cavalier purposely because I should not mistrust her and therefore she spoke thus unto me I must confesse Mistresse that you have eased my heart yet I am sorry I should buy my ease at the expence of your sorrowes Had I thought that Damon had loved you I should never have feared his loving my Niece he is a man of better judgment then to change you for any other it is only but some flash of youth which makes him go a little astray from you he will return again I warrant you and therefore let not this withdraw your affection from him However I make no doubt but this act does much afflict you and displeaseth you as much as if it were some grand injury and the reason is because Love is a child and is offended at a trifle But Mistresse let it not trouble you any more if you will but use a remedy which I shall prescribe you shall both be presently cured I will warrant you Do you not know that an over great light doth dazle and that too great a noise doth deaf So perhaps the beams of your affection shining too freely upon him hath lessened his love for my part I am apt to believe it so I know young spirits are ordinarily subject unto such things and being too well assured of what they enjoy they grow carelesse and kick at abundance which does beget in them new desires But against this disease as against many others contraries must be applied I am confident that if you did but seem a little to withdraw from him he will presently return to his duty and cry you mercy for his fault You may believe Mistresse that I do love you because I use this language unto you and I do give you the same counsell as if it were my case I would take my selfe In conclusion this cunning Piece of subtlety so dissembled the matter as with many thanks I promised to follow her counsell It hapned that Damon finding me something faint towards him and laying the blame upon the carrasses which Ormanthe used towards him did by degrees withdraw from her and shunned her as much as if he had been the Woman and she the Man Leriana took notice of it as well as I and not to let slip any good occasion one day when we were by our selves in my Closet she asked me whether her counsell was not good and whether I would not believe her another time And I answering Yes She continued Then Mistress said she we-must do as good Physicians use to do who having prepared the humours by some sleight medicines do afterwards draw them quite away by remedies more strong I will acquaint you with an art which I have seen much used amongst Lovers There is nothing which a Lover does more sharply resent then paugs of jealousie nor which awakens him more nor will sooner make him return to his duty If Damon were a little touched with it you should see how soon he would return how he would cast himselfe at your feet and acknowledge his offence I could not chuse but laugh when I heard these words thinking that I was not able to obtain so much power over my selfe yet considering what good effects her first counsell produced I resolved to believe her in this But said I unto her of whom shall we make use of for this businesse She durst not propound Thersander unto me because of the former passages but she had a desire it
wounded and I could not chuse but cell him that I thought it more necessary to seek out a good Chirurgion to dresse his wounds He answered me we shall finde one presently Halladine never fear it I thought he had said true and believed him following him still with abundance of pitty for he had lost a great abundance of blood At last he came to the banks of the River Garrone and to a place where there was such a Precipice as was a terrour to look down Being come unto this place he would light from his Horse but he was so weak with the losse of so much blood as I must needs help him to alight Then leaning his back against the Rock he pulled a Paper out of his pocket and holding it in his hand said unto me This Letter is directed unto the fair Mandonthe be sure you give it unto her Then pulling out the Ring which he took from Thersander Give her this also said he unto me and assure her from me that death is very welcome to me since I have given a testimony that I did deserve it better then he unto whom she gave it and since my sword hath sent him out of the world whom she thought so worthy of it conjure her by her own merits and the affection she once vowed unto me that she never bestow it hereafter upon one whose Love is dishonourable to her and who could no better keep it I took the Letter and the Ring which he gave me but seeing he had not strength enough to sustain himselfe and that he grew very pale I took him under the arme bad him be of good heart and not thus be a murderer of himselfe And pulling out my handkerchiefe I would have stopped that wound which bled the most But he taking it hastily out of my hand Stay stay Hallidane said he never think of living now I am out of Mandonthe's favour Then holding my handkerchiefe under his wound be received the blood as it ran out and when it was almost full he held it to me and spoke these words Make it appear Halladine upon this last occasion that my love to thee and my choice of thee for thy fidelity was deserved And as soon as I am dead carry this Letter and this Ring unto Madonthe and this handkerchiefe full of blood unto Leriana and tell her that since she could never be satisfied with doing me hurt as long as I lived I have sent her this blood to stop her insatiable malice Oh Sir said I unto him shall I live to see you die for any woman living Rather command me to sheath my sword in their hearts and to let them know they are not worthy to use such a noble Cavalier in this manner But see the height and strength of his affection though he was in such a pittifull weak condition that he could hardly speak all he was able to do was to lean against the Rock yet when he heard me utter these words he started up in fury took his sword in his hand and doubtlesse had killed me had I not saved my selfe by nimblenesse And seeing he could not reach me Away away thou wicked and disloyall Servant cryed he out darest thou speak so irreverently of the most deserving Woman in the whole Universe If I live thou shalT die by no other hand but mine Then finding extream feeblenesse to seize upon him he endeavoured to get near the point of the Rock You do lose this day Oh fairest Madonthe said he him whose affection is onely worthy of your merits Then Oh heavens he leaned over the Rock to throw himselfe down and was almost quite gone when I suddenly took hold of his Helmet but his weight and the terrour of the Precipice was more likely to pull me after him than I to pull him out of it and I must confesse that fear of death made me let go my hold to save my own life I ran to the bottom of this Precipice fetching a great compasse round about in hopes to finde him there swimming down the stream But alas I could never see nor ever finde more of the body of my poor Master When I had done all I could and all in vain I thought it my last duty to fulfill his last commands and therefore I came hither It is to you Madam said he that this Letter and this Ring is dueâ— and though they be sprinkled with his blood yet be not afraid to take them for it is the most noble and generous blood that ever came out of a man And this is thy due said he to Leriana and gave her his handkerchief full of blood take it and glut thy damned rage and be sure that if the gods be just they will shoure vengeance upon thee Upon this word he threw the handkerchiefe at her seet and beginning to cry he went away in a sad and desperate sury and would not give one word more I need not tell you how this message went to my heart I cannot if I would expresse my sad apprehensions I was so quite past my selfe as they carried me to my Chamber and as fortune was I met those that brought Thersander who was not quite dead When I was come to my selfe again and my spirits a little better setled I cast my eye upon the Ring which Halladine brought me I took it to be the same I did ordinarily wear and comparing them together I found no difference but that it was a little newer and bigger I could not imagine why they should be made so just alike nor who gave it unto Thersander At last I read the Letter and found it to be thus written Damon's Letter unto Madonthe MADAM SInce Leriana's malice is more predominant in you than my true affection and hath caused you in lieu of being favourable unto me to cast your eye upon a person who is so much unworthy of you and to confirm your good acceptance of him by the gift of a Ring I am resolved to make it appear by Armes that he upon whom you confer these favours is not able to preserve them against him whom you have so unjustly refused And that if either Valour or affection can merit them none can pretend unto them more then my selfe Yet conceiving my selfe not worthy to live and love one that can disdain me for a man of such mean merit and valour if the fate of Armes do favour me as I do not doubt but they will I promise you that the sight of me shall never make you desire any revenge for taking away from you your dear Thersander if either Sword or Water or Fire can give death to a most miserable man These expressions so full of extream transport did make a most strange wound in my soul such an odd stupification of sorrow seized upon me as I cannot tell you what I either said or did So it was that being got to bed I lost my witts thinking alwaies that Damon followed me and the
Niece by her command was in my place in bed and to keep my Nurse for taking any notice of what she intended to do she sent for her unto her Chamber under pretence of some earnest businesse with her so as there was none in my Chamber of any judgment and so Leriana going in with the Midwife and having fully instructed her Niece what she should say she went unto her and said Madam I promised to bring one unto you who would administer some comfort unto you I have now kept my word Ormanthe in a low voice answered that she was very welcome Are you pleased Madam said the Midwife that I should see in what condition you are in Yes said Ormanthe Then she put her hand into the bed and upon her belly and did such things as are usuall upon such occasions and as fortune was the Child stirred so as the pains of Labour were presently upon the poor Wench and in lesse then two houres she was without any noise or any in the Room that could take any notice brought to bed Leriana seeing things fall out so well according to her designe she sent the two Maids who were in the Chamber upon two severall errands and so was alone in the Chamber she caused her Niece within an houre after to rise and in the mean while they held the little Child unto the fire Then to compleat her treason she with the Midwife carried it stark naked unto Leontidas being very desirous that every one should see it as she went out of my Chamber and Lodgings I heard it cry into my Closet where I was but never mistrusting any such villany I would not be diverted from my sad thoughts She addressed her self first unto the Wife of Leontidas and this testimony together with the Midwife did give her such assurance as she did believe it and Leontidas also But the better to cover her treason she beseeched the Lady to content her selfe with my Estate and that if she would be pleased to spare my life she was confident considering the fault I had committed that I would be willing to cloister up my selfe all the rest of my daies amongst the Druides Daughters or Vestalls and that this would be acceptable unto god to save my life and not to stain so noble a Family as mine with an act so infamous That though my fault was great yet she could not forget the affection she once did bear unto me as long as I did behave my selfe as I ought and therefore she could not chuse but make this request The Wife of Leontidas having no designe upon my life but only upon my Estate did consent unto it but Leontidas himselfe being a man of honour was long before he could consent unto it But at last the importunities of his Wife together with the dissembling tears of Leriana and the remembrance of his obligations unto my Father all these did so work with him as they both commanded Leriana to perswade me unto what she had proposed But this not being the designe of this devillish woman she desired them first to let some daies passe and beseeched Leontidas and his Wife to let some go with her to see in what condition I was Which they did commanding an old Lady and an old Cavalier in whom they had good assurance to wait upon Leriana She with the Midwife after the Child was put to Nurse conducted them into my Chamber went to my bed and when she found me not in it she seemed amazed she turned up the clothes and shewed them the signes of a Woman in Child-bed and faigning not to know where I was did seek about for me and at last found me in my Closet She called them unto her and shewed me unto them through the chincks of the dore All this while I knew nothing but was then laid down upon a little Couch with my hand under my head musing upon the miserable fate of Damon so as they might easily see the sad thoughts of my heart by my face This wicked wretch made them believe that my being ill proceeded from my being newly brought to bed which they seeing my sad posture did very easily believe And being thus deceived they returned and made their report unto Leontidas and his Wife In the mean time Leriana staying alone with the Midwife did change the sheets of my bed and all things that might give any knowledge of what had passed Afterwards conjured the woman not to speak of it but to observe the time and the place very precisely and then they went out of my Lodging My Nurse presently after returned and finding nothing altered in my Chamber did wonder at nothing but not to see Ormanthe in my bed but supposing she had some businesse she made no great matter of it Night being come and the usuall time of my going to bed I went into it and slept till the morning without any manner of imagination of these things In the mean time Leriana had invented strange Messages and Orations in my name telling Leontidas and his Wife that I did most humbly beseech them to have pitty upon me that I did acknowledge my life to be in their hands that I did wholly give my selfe unto them and that I desired no more but to be shut up in some retired place where none could see me that as soon as I was able to stir abroad I would come and beg pardon for the fault which I had committed and desire leave to sequester my selfe from the world To be briefe wise Shepheardesses this hellish woman did so well manage her wickednesse that six weeks passed thus on In the mean time Ormanthe was so well recovered as if she were a Maid again and so as none could imagine she had been with Child but was fairer then before Leriana had so well instructed her that when I asked her why she went away without telling me she answered That she durst not knock at my dore for fear of disturbance and that when she went she thought that she should not have stayed away above two or three daies at the most and so thought to have returned before I should take notice she was gone though her businesse with her Aunt did keep her longer I received her excuse and only told her that she might well have asked leave Things being in this condition Leriana feared nothing now but the being convinced of a lie and therefore resolved to execute her malicious designe She had two Cosen germans which were Souldiers and had gotten the reputation of the most valiant Blades in all the Court of Torrismond moreover they were poor and had no other hopes but in being Heires unto Leriana's estate She intending to make use of their valour did oblige them both by presents and by giving them fresh hopes of her Estate which did tie them so unto her that she could not command any thing which they would not execute After she had made her selfe sure of them she began to
it I take you good-will unto me very kindely in spite of the ingratitude which I finde in others But tell me freely and ingenuously I intreat you said she and drew the Curtains did you ever observe that Leonida helped Celadon to escape Madam answered Silvia if she did I must needs say she is the most subtle woman that ever lived for she never stirred one step without me and if you will be pleased to let me tell you what I think I will assure you Madam that if any helped him to escape it was Adamas for I observed that as soon as ever you were set at dinner he took Celadon apart and talked with him very passionately a long time Moreover I observed that after you were gone when he saw us searching all about and much troubled he smiled two or three times and told us that it had been well if Celadon had never come there How said Galathea is it so then that Leonida never consented unto it Madam answered Silvia very discreetly I will not swear she is innocent but I dare swear that I think she is not and that if any be to blame besides that ungratefull shepheard it is Adamas Do not tell me thus said she to excuse your Companion I know that you are very good but had she any advantage over you she would make use of it against you she is the craftiest and most jealous that ever I saw of all those that are about me and especially when I speak of you Madam answered Silvia the consideration of any of my Companions shall never make me fail in the duty which I do owe unto you and as for their envie and jealousie it shall never make me start or recoile from my well wishes unto Leonida for I believe that if she did not love you she would never be jealous of any that comes about you Sweet-heart said Galathea and kissing her I do finde you so discreet for your age as for your sake I will recall Leonida whom I have forbid my house but with this intention that you shall be alwaies neerest unto me and unto you I will impart all my secrets your young years hath hitherto kept me something reserved from you but now I finde that though you be young in years yet you are old in wisdome and discretion and therefore from henceforth keep as near me as you can and though I do not call you yet enter freely into what place soever I am for I would have it so And to the end Leonida should think her selfe obilged unto you send her word what you have done for her and bid her return Madam answered Silvia and making low reverence the honour which you do me is so great that I shall never forget it and shall not think that any merits of my own but only your free goodnesse did invite you to do me this honour I shall receive it as the greatest blessing of heaven and do vow Madam that I will never fail in that fidelity which is owing unto your service more then I will in my duty to the gods themselves And as concerning Leonida would it not be expedient that you stayed untill the day of publick joy when Adamas will be there to the end you may seem as if you remitted the offence for his sake But sweet-heart answered she it is Adamas that I am angry withall for it is he that hath offended me Madam replyed Silvia give me leave to tell you what counsell my Mother gave unto me when I left her Daughter said she unto me whensoever any of your Companions does you any injury remember that you never shew as if you wished them any ill untill you have found the means how to be revenged for if you do it at another season and shew teeth before you be able to bite it will but exasperate them the more against you So Madam you should not shew your selfe displeased at Adamas untill you can make him resent your displeasure lest when he sees himselfe out of your favour he should either say or do something that may more displease you Thus by the prudence of this Nymph Galathea's anger against me was partly mitigated and she resolved to make no shew of any displeasure to my Uncle untill times changed of which Silvia did presently advertise me to the end Adamas might be at the Feasts which Amasis prepared But in the mean time Polemas was not without abundance of vexation for he saw that by every Letter which came from the Army Lâ—ndamor was highly extolled and the Trumpet of Fame sounded his name louder then any's else and thereby extreamly eclipsed the glory of his Rivall But that which vexed him to the heart was The Imposture of Climanthes did not operate unto his advantage and not knowing what was become of him he was the most blanked man that ever was yet though he did daily see the Nymph and often talk with her he never seemed to take any notice of it so as one day as Galathea was talking with him to try whether what I had told her concerning the stratagem of Polemas and Climanthes was true he seemed to know so little concerning it that the Nymph believed I had invented all those tricks to the advantage of Lindamor as I heard since by the report of Silvia to whom Galathea imparted every thing However I lived a life in the mean time not disagreeable to my minde had I had the happinesse which now I have of seeing you For Celadon you must know that Paris is so extreamly in Love with Diana as he quitting his former garb is now in the habit of a shepheard and affects no exercises but such as belongs to them Do you mean that Diana said Celadon which is Daughter unto the wise Belinde The same answered the Nymph I assure you said the shepheard she is one of the fairest the wisest and most accomplished shepheardesses that I know and one who deserves a good fortune and I pray unto Tautates that she may enjoy all the good fortune in the world I am of your opinion said the Nymph but I do not believe that she will marry Paris for she has told me that truly she does love and honour him that she knowes what an honour it is he should make any addresses unto her and what a great advantage such a Match would be to her but yet though she knowes not why she cannot love him otherwise then as a Brother and that though she knowes him to be a man of great merit yet she can love him no otherwise How said Celadon and interrupted her does she speak of these things so familiarly unto you I assure you I think it very strange when I remember her humour which was wont to be so reserved and close even from her best beloved Companions Astrea and Phillis that they knew very little of her intentions Oh shepheard answered the Nymph there is great alterations within this three or foure Months since you have been
to walk sometimes upon the banks of Lignon and passe away some afternoones in the company of those fair and discreet Shepheardesses and give me leave to wait upon you you will think this place here to be very dull having been accustomed so long to the Court but the banks of Lignon have shades so cool and pleasant as it is impossible you should be weary you shall see the silver streams so clear and so filled with all sorts of fishes as you will admire you shall hear all sorts of Birds make the Woods Eccho with a thousand varieties of voices you shall finde such clear cool and curious Fountains as will invite you to drink of them To be briefe said I unto him and smiled we shall meet there the fairest and sweetest Shepheardesses in all the Country 'T is very true said he and I hope all these will invite you to go thither All these invitations said I unto him do not move me so much as the desire you have of going thither you are my Brother and my friend and under that notion I will fulfill whatsoever you shall desire But since your desire is to see those Shepheardesses I would gladly know which of them you love best I mean Astrea or Diana Sister said he you are growne very inquisitive of late I confesse it said I unto him but if you put me to ask the question twice I will say you are grown very secret of late for even now you told me more then I asked But Sister said he which of them do you think I may in justice addresse my selfe unto I understand your meaning said I unto him you think I will say Astrea but Brother take heed lest Diana do not make your desires devour you I protest unto you Sister said he unto me I would with all my heart be in danger to be devoured by my own Dogs as Acteon was upon condition I had the happinesse to see this Diana naked Is it possible said I unto him that you should value your life so little Nay said he I esteem my life at a high rate but I do esteem the sight of so much beauty infinitely higher since I must die and perhaps soon before I can enjoy any contentment equall unto this have I not reason to venter it betimes to enjoy so high a felicity whilst I may For my part answered I though I think these desires a little too loose and extravagant yet I will not blame you but I am afraid they will cost you much pain and sorrow I will venter that said he but Sister tell me freely will you for my sake become a Shepheardesse one houre in the day How do you mean said I unto him would you have me take the habit of a Shepheardesse as you do of a Shepheard No no said he unto me that would be too troublesome to you and nothing conducing to my ends I only desire you to be with those Shepheardesses and let me accompany you I shall do Brother what you would have me said I unto him but take heed this way do not prejudice your designe for in seeing Diana under colour of keeping me company she may perhaps think her selfe not obliged unto you for your visit Diana said he unto me is not a person who insists upon such ceremonious vanities but is able out of her judgment to discern my actions and discerning them commend my discretion This resolution then was fixed upon amongst us and that very night Paris told Adamas that if he thought good of it he would wait upon me the next day a hunting and that I much desired it Whithersoever she please said Adamas unto him for such was my love to her Father as I can never sufficiently acquit my selfe of it unto his Daughter This declaration did answer the expectation of Paris and therefore the next day as soon as we had dined we went down the Hill of Lacquier and passing over the River Lignon at Trelin Bridge we followed the River-side untill we were over against Boutreux we left the Temple of the good goddesse on the right hand and came unto a little rising hill from whence we might see all the turnings and windings of Lignon and the Plaines where the Shepheards and Shepheardesses did drive their Flocks to feed Then by a little path we descended into the plain See Brother said I unto him and pointed with my finger yonder upon the right hand is that tuft of Trees where I first saw Astrea Diana and Phillis and had you been with me in Silvia's room perhaps we had observed more then we did for we being weary with walking we fell asleep and in the mean time these three shepheardesses came and sat down close by us and not spying us doubtlesse they did not sit in silence but as ill-fortune was when we awaked they were gone 'T is true that since I came by my selfe and it was then when you met me and when I heard all the story of Diana Ah Sister said he up on a sudden I remember the time very well it was then when I began to love another above my selfe But Sister I conjure and beseech you by all obligations of friendship to tell me all that you know Does she love any one See said I and smiled how jealous you are already What did it concern you if I knew more Be contented that I tell you what I think is requisite and necessary for you to know Ah cruell Sister said he unto me you use me as they do Children shew them an Apple to make them the more desire it and then not give it them Lovers indeed said I are little different from Children But Sister said he can you not tell me whether she loves me or no It is more to be feared that she will not love you said I unto him then that she will love any other Although you threaten me extreamly said he yet I am more glad of the assurance which you give me that she loves no other then I am sorry for the doubt which you make that she will not love me Why answered I will you not enjoy a good if another have any share with you Before I can give you a full answer said Paris I must make a long distinction of Goods but I will briefly tell you that there are some which the more communicable they are the better they are and others which are more to be esteemed the lesse they are communicable and in this last order must I rank the Goods of Love I think answered I that if I were in a capacity of loving I should be of the same beliefe But let not this fear diminish the favours you receive for you may be most certainly assured that those favoure you receive from her if ever you arrive at that Good they will not be common Now Celadon I have made this long discourse unto you to the end you may judge how deeply Paris is in Love Now I shall tell you
something concerning Silvander and Lycidas Walking thus down into the Plain we espied Silvander who sitting under a Tree was so intent unto the Musick of his Bag-pipe as he took no notice how Diana knowing his voice stole gently behinde a Bush to hear him and not be seen and Diana was so desirous to hear that she did not see Astrea and Phillis who seeing her and having the same curiosity did steal on the other side unseen either by Diana or Silvander but we were most pleased at Lycidas who being upon a little Hill looked upon Phillis as she crept gently upon the ground lest Silvander should see her for having an opinion that the love which she bare unto that Shepheard was the cause of her desire to hear him he stood with crossed armes and eyes so fixed upon her as if he were a Statue I had not known him at that distance but for Paris who saw him often Now as we were walking down the Hill we saw your Brother pul down his Hat upon a sudden and turning his back upon his Shepheardess he came stamping towards us and never saw us but still as he went scratched his head stamped upon the ground struck himselfe upon the breast and lifted his eyes often up to heaven These passionate actions made us very desirous to hear what he said and therefore hiding our selves behinde a great Bush which was by the way side we took notice that upon a suddian he fell down as if he had been troubled with a fit of the falling sickness We stole neerer and neerer unto him untill we could hear him sigh out a hundred symptomes of jealousie saying That he had all the reason in the world to be jealous and that all oaths and former assurances of affection should never perswade him to the contrary but that he was jealous with judgment since he saw Phillis upon her knees before him she loved Then after a hundred such expressions we saw him rise up and look backward to see what Phillis did and a little after went neerer her then returned again to the place from whence he came He did not perceive us because he was so totally taken up with his thoughts of Phillis so as I think if we had stood directly before his eyes he could not have seen us We followed him and when he had couched himselfe close by Phillis we couched behinde him and heard Silvander sing these Verses Love's World 1. GRand Fabricator Love the form hath laid And out of me another World hath made The Earth is my Fidelity which stands Immovable by any mortall hands And as the World upon the Earth is founded So this on my fidelity is grounded 2. If any sits of jealousie do make This Earth of my fidelity to shake And cause my constant heart to quake and tremble Imprison'd windes exactly they resemble Which being in the earth enclos'd they make All hearts to tremble and the earth to quake 3. My Tears the Ocean is as soon you may Empty the Sea as them dry up or stay My Tears so many storms are which rebell And makes this Sea to bluster and to swell The flowing Rivers of my eyes do pay Their constant Tribute to this swelling Sea 4. The Air my VVill is which is pure and free And alwaies waits on my Fidelity The VVinde is my Desire which moves my VVill As wanton Aire by winde is moved still And as in caverns we do see the Winde So my Desire is in my heart confin'd 5. That Fire invisible which in the Aire Those secret Flames which burn my heart up are And as this Element no eye doth see Even so my Flames with in me smother'd be But as all flames some nourishment do crave So must mine die or nourishment must have 6. My Hope 's the Moon is which doth still encrease Or else diminish alwaies more or lesse And I do find it by experience true She has no light but borrowed from you For if you do not like the Sun to th'Moon Some lustre lend then all my hopes are done 7. The Sun is your incomparable eye VVhich does out-lustre any in the skie As th' other Sun life to the VVorld doth give So Lovers die unlesse you bid them live 'T is day when you appear and it is night Most dismall dark when you are out of sight 8. My Summer is my joy when you do please To shine upon me and my heart to ease My VVinter is my fear when you with-draw And is not pleas'd my frozen fear to thaw But now alas what fruit can Autumn bring VVhen I can finde no flowers in my Spring Thus Silvander ended his Song but not his thoughts but on the contrary descanting upon the last Verse of it Alas said he though Love will not let my Autumn bring any fruites yet he might very well let my Spring afford me some flowers Is it not thy custome Oh thou little god to nourish hopes in many whom thou never meanest to content and why does thy custome faile in me But still I must needs say thou art just for thou couldst not chastise my presumption with a lesser punishment Yet I must needs complain for though the punishment be just yet it smarts and though I am culpable yet I am sensible withall After these expressions he was silent and whilst he was turmoiling himselfe in a sea of various thoughts he gave Diana leasure to cast her eye upon her companions and seeing they perceived her she was ashamed therefore stealing gently unto them she said thus unto Phillis I pray Servant whilst Astrea and I get a little off stay you here that if the Shepheard do hear us you may amuse him for I would not upon any termes have him know that I heard him So Phillis making a signe that she would Diana and Astrea went away I observed that Lycidas supposed these two Shepheardesses would have perswaded Phillis to go with them but that her love which he supposed she had unto Silvander would not let her leave him The actions of his head hands and feet perswaded me in this opinion In the mean time Silvander began to sing this Song That to adore Diana is the only Happinesse A Song SIt still Silvander ne're complain Against thy fate or any pain For such a Mistris is thy lot As never man a fairer got Be thankfull Man and think it honour To sacrifice thy selfe upon her For never since the world was made VVas so much light without a shade Put heaven to boot the Angells there Compar'd with her they are not fair Cease then complaints and think it sweet If thou from her thy death do meet A better death thou canst not die Then murder'd by so fair an eye Love on Silvander never faint But still adore so fair a Saint 'T is perfect Martyrdome to die For such a sweet Idolatry This Shepheard perhaps had continued longer if Driope Diana's Dog had not broke loose from her and run fawning upon Silvander
for he was wont to make very much of him for his Mistresse's sake The Shepheard presently rose up and looked round about but could not see her yet he saw Lycidas hearkening and Phillis who seeing him rise went to him as Diana desired but as she went towards him she espied Lycidas which made her change her intention for she knowing that he was jealous of Silvander she turned another way and this made Lycidas the more suspect her thinking she did it purposely to hide it from him Silvander who knew both their hearts and being resolved to augment the jealousie of Lycidas he faigned as if he did not see Lycidas and ran unto Phillis and taking her hand did imprint two or three zealous kisses upon it afterwards asked her how Diana and Astrea did The Shepheardess was very sorry that Lycidas did see all this and so perplexed at it as she knew not how to answer him Paris and I who intended to follow Astrea and Diana we now went unto Silvander and Phillis Lycidas extreamly ill satisfyed with all this turned another way as if he had never seen us We foure being together we went that way Astrea and Diana went after Silvander had taken order both for his ownflock and that of Phillis's This was a sore heart-burn unto Lycidas and his jealousie was much more increased by it when he saw that Shepheard so carefull about the flock of Phillis so as your Brother was continually turning his head towards us to see what we did I profess said Celadon and interrupted her he is much to be pittyed for I have found by my little experience of it that jealousie is one of the most extream fortunes of a Lover But fair Nymph what became of him afterwards I cannot tell answered she for I saw him not all the day after and as for us we went unto Diana and Astrea who as I believe stayed for our company and we spent all that day together with much contentment Paris he applyed himselfe unto Diana Silvander unto Phillis and I unto Astrea whom indeed I finde to be most worthy of Celadon's affection Fair Nymph said Celadon I beseech you give me leave to be a little more inquisitive What is it said Leonida that you desire to know of me Did you ever hear said Celadon so sweet a voice as hers has she not a kinde of an harmonious accent in her pronunciation which charmes the ear Certainly she has said the Nymph and that which most takes me is that she useth no art or affection in her language but all her expressions are plain and full of modesty and civility But I beseech you sweet Nymph said Celadon did she never speak of me She did said I but it was my selfe who began the discourse for I knew the reason why she spoke so little of you was the opinion which every one had of your affection to her For heavens sake sweet Leonida said the shepheard tell me what discourse you had together It was not much said she unto him yet I know not whether I shall remember it or no I was very desirous to hear what was become of you and when Paris desired me to go unto your Town I had not the confidence to speak of you And when I saw Paris so deeply in love with Diana as he minded nothing but her and not finding you amongst the shepheardesses I was extreamly troubled At last after some other discourse I told her how I did not think that the shepheards of Lignon had been so civilized as I found them The first time I stayed with them was purposely to see whether the reports I had heard were true and Silvander that day confirmed them all I must confesse answered Astrea that Silvander is a very well accomplished shepheard But Madam had you come at another time I believe you would have found better satisfaction for there was a time when we had a most excellent company of shepheards What is become of them answered I Some said she are dead as the poor Celadon others are so grieved for the losse of him as they are grown so many lumps of melancholly and frequent none but solitary places as Lycidas and some are so astonished at the accident as they have quite left the fatall Lignon and indeed we are all so sad ever since as we do not seem the same we were Celadon replyed I was not that he whom I heard talk off when I was last here The same said she unto me with a deep sigh Was he your Cozen said I unto her No answered she but on the contrary his Father and mine were most mortall enemies But Madam he was the most gentle and finest shepheard in all the Country and though there was a most deadly enmity between our two families yet his sweet and good conditions constrained me and every one that knew him to resent his losse At this she changed colour and putting her hand before her eyes she seemed as if the rubbed her forehead I perceived by this discourse that you were not yet returned unto her since I left you and knowing that she could not tell me any thing that could satisfie my longing desires of seeing you and that such talk would only grieve her I changed discourse and presently after it being late Paris and I retired It was then I heard from Silvander of your Brother's jealousie for walking by the River side I asked him the cause of your Brother's sadnesse and why we could never see him And he told me that Lycidas being a devoted servant unto Phillis he was jealous of her and him and that he to torment him the more did seem as if he were in love with Phillis and gave out all the demonstrations of it that possibly he could Thus Celadon did we spend that day and since that because I could not hear any newes of you I visited this Company every day thinking that being in the company of those whom you loved I was in some sort with you This was the reason that when Amasis after great preparations of joy was constrained to leave them because of the newes of Merovea's death though Silvia by the command of Galathea did let me know that I might return unto Marcelles when I would yet I would not go because I took abundance of delight in the society of these discreet shepheardesses Why said Celadon did Amasis grieve so for the death of that King Because as I believe Clidamant was with him answered I Now lest my Uncle should make me return unto that Nymph I did conceal Silvia's Letter from him But Celadon tell me truly do you not envie me for seeing Astrea and speaking with her as oft as I would I shall not be sorry at any thing that pleaseth you answered he but I could wish my selfe a share in the happinesse And why answered the Nymph do you deprive your selfe of it Ah Leonida said he could you but look into my heart you would see I do not
but I can take no delight in seeing her and in seeing her displeased But why said the Nymph do you think she will be displeased with seeing you Because answered the shepheard she hath commanded me never to see her untill she command otherwise How can she command otherwise said Leonida if she never see you nor knowes where you are but thinks you to be dead Ah Nymph said the shepheard Love is a most puissant god and as he has blindely found out a way to banish me her presence he may also finde a way to recall me when he pleaseth Are you then resolved said Leonida not to present your selfe before her I had rather die answered he and therefore let Love do as it lists Upon this he arose purposely to change discourse and taking the Nymphs hand he came to the dore of his Cave but when she saw him in the light and perceiving him so extreamly altered she could not restrain her tears which Celadon seeing Nay nay sweet Nymph said he never grieve at the alteration which you finde in my face for it is a signe that ere long I shall have a long rest It would be too tedious to relate all their discourse But to be briefe all her arguments and perswasions could obtain from him no more then this that he would suffer her to visit him sometimes At the last the Sun being almost set she was constrained to leave him with a promise to see him very often For all Leonida's resolution of not loving Celadon yet could she not extinguish the flames of her first affection to him so difficult a thing it is to expell this passion when it has once taken deep root in a heart which entertains it and therefore this meeting with him was no small contentment unto her but her sorrowes to see him in such a miserable condition were as great and the greater when she thought upon his strange resolution so as her joyes to finde him and her sorrowes to finde him thus did a little puzzle her which to adhere most unto All the way she went she was inventing what course she should take to disswade him from this course of life Sometimes she was in a minde to acquaint the shepheardesse Astrea with it in hopes that her influence might effect it But this minde changed as soon as she considered that this was the way to put her selfe out of all hopes to get his love knowing very well that if Astrea once knew he was alive and could finde him she would give him such sweet demonstrations of her good-will unto him as would blast all her hopes of him Changing therefore this opinion and having heard that Adamas had been a great lover of Celadon's Father she thought it expedient to acquaint him with his course of life assuring her selfe that he would do all that was requisite and fit Yet notwithstanding when she considered that the place where Celadon was was as fit a place as she could wish to enjoy his company alone and to expresse her own passion she conceived the best way was to acquaint none as yet but to try what time would doe and to divert him from his sad thoughts as much as she possibly could and if she found that her presence and artifice could not work upon him then it would be time enough to acquaint her Uncle This then was the course she fixed upon and to effect it she failed not to visit him every day The shepheard knowing that all this could not proceed from any thing but love he was displeased at it thinking that if he suffered so much indulgency from this Nymph he did offend against the promise of fidelity unto his shepheardesse Besides he thought all those houres that were spent in these visits were lost because they kept him from entertaining his own dear and sweet thoughts so as in lieu of growing more joyfull he became more sad which the Nymph perceiving and seeing that he did every day grow leaner and paler she consulted with her selfe and at last resolved to have recourse unto the sage advice of the grave Adamas but to acquaint him with it in such a manner as he should be sure not to suspect any thing to her disadvantage Being therefore one evening in a better humour then ordinary she went unto her Uncle whom she found walking upon a Tarrasse which had the prospect of all that plain from whence she came After salutation the Druide asked her where she left Paris To which she answered that all the shepheardesses were so kinde and civill as to accompany them as far as the Temple of the good goddesse and Paris went to conduct them back again But Father said she I have met with a fine encounter which stayed me so long that I thought Paris would have been back before me What is it said the Druide It is Celadon answered Leonida you must know that since he went from the Palace of Issaures in lieu of going to his kindred and friends he has retired himself into a Cave where he so hides himself from all his acquaintance as every one yet thinks him dead Why said Adamas does he so I believe answered sh that he is very sick in minde and will not live long for he can scarcely go he eats nothing but grasse and is grown so lean and sad as you cannot know him Why think you said the Druide that it is in his minde I conceive so said she because he speaks after an interrupted manner and so little as it is easie to see that discourse displeaseth him I do believe the love he bears unto Astrea is the cause of it If it be so answered Adamas he is the more like unto his Father for Alcippe was once so very much transported with his love unto Amarillis that I did never in all my life see one commit greater follies and therefore it was that he left a Country-life for the Court and continued long in the exercises of Chivalry Is it lawfull for them said Leonida thus to change their quality Child said the Druide neither Celadon nor any of these shepheards about the banks of Lignon nor most of those about the Loire and Furan are of a worse extraction then you your selfe are you must know that their Ancestours made choice of this kinde of life as most sweet and least subject unto inquietudes Indeed this Celadon of whom you speak is your neer kinsman For the House of Laigneau and his did branch both out of one stock so as Lindamor and he are your Cosens in the same degree My Grandfather and the great Grandfather of Lindamor and Celadon were Brothers Leonida hearing how neerly they were allied was astonished fearing lest this consanguinity should forbid the banes of her loving him as Love commanded her to do yet lest her Uncle should take any notice of her fears she said unto him That since they were so neerly allyed they were the more obliged to have a care of him and that the
within a few daies he finished the Temple according to the Druide's appointment who commending his diligence and industry and the more to encourage him did bring him the Lawes of Love and the Embleme of reciprocall Amity But approaching the Altar of Astrea he knew not what to set upon it yet after he had a while thought upon it If you were a good Limner said he unto him I am sure the features of the fair Astrea's face is very fresh in your memory you may draw her Picture and set it upon this Altar which is dedicated unto her but since you are not yet so good an Artist I will cause a Table to be made and only write her name upon it To which the shepheard returned this answer You have some reason Father for your beliefe for the features of her fairest face are not only imprinted fresh in my memory so as me thinks I alwaies see her but also her speech her garb her attire and all her actions are so lively in my soul as me-thinks I do continually see them But though I am no Artist in Limning yet I am able to shew you her resemblance upon condition you will restore it unto me again Upon a promise of which he unbuttoned his breast and opening the Case which he wore about his neck he shewed him Astrea's Picture But Father said he if you do lose it or not restore it unto me again most certainly I shall die no excuse or consolation can save me After Adamas had vowed by Tautates that he would restore it the shepheard after a most zealous kisse of it did trust it into his hands The Druide looking upon it Truly Son said he I must needs confesse I never saw a face more fair nor in which I discover so much modest love and sweet severity happy is the Father of such a Child and happy the Mother who bare her happy the eyes who see her but infinitely happy he that must enjoy her Afterwards he put it up into the Case with a promise to restore it very shortly which he did accordingly within five or six daies It was in this place where Astrea and all the Company did finde so many Verses and Writings of Celadon's for he was so pleased with his works that he was continually before the Image of his shepheardesse and adoring her in his very soul As imaginations and fancies came into his head he writ them down and laid them upon the Altar as offerings unto the goddesse Astrea It was this shepheard and Adamas whom Silvander saw in the night for the Druide by frequenting him so continually did make him forget most of his sad thoughts and the shepheard also did think him selfe so exceedingly obliged unto him for his indulgent assistance as he did infinitly honour him Leonida since this went not so oft to visit the shepheardesse as she was wont In the mean time Celadon lived thus sometimes more sometimes lesse afflicted even as his thoughts gave him leave untill he met with Silvander into whose hands he put the Letter which he writ unto the shepheardesse Astrea who since caused all these shepheardesses and shepheards to come into this place where having lost their way they were constrained to rest themselves with intention to depart as soon as the Moon began to appear but the paines and toile which the shepheardesses had taken all the day and a great part of the night had so tired them that they slept longer than they intended for when the Moon was up and very light the shepheards themselves were all asleep But on the contrary the sad Celadon according to his custome was up betimes purposely to entertain his own thoughts and none met him for his use was to walk most out when others slept and shut up himselfe all the day The Sun did not yet appear when it was his fortune to walk towards the place where this company was and being wholly taken up with his sad thoughts never minding any thing about him never man was so planet-struck as he was when upon a sudden he espied Astrea she had a thin handkerchief upon her eyes which did a little cover her face one arme under her head and the other by her side her petticoat a little ruffled up so as one might see the delicate proportion of her leg the admirable purenesse of her neck was plainly seen the azure veins upon a snowy skin did ravish and because she was a little strait laced she unlaced her selfe and the rich treasure of her breasts appeared her hair was loose and lay negligently upon her lovely cheeks Oh! what a vision was this unto Celadon he was so amazed that he stood stock still without any pulse or breath or any signe of life but the beating of his heart and his sight which was fixed upon this fair object It was with him as with those who have been long in darknesse and come suddenly into the rayes of the Sun and are dazled with too much light and cannot see Presently after having a little recollected himselfe he began to consider what he saw looking sometimes upon her lovely face sometimes upon her breast whose treasures were never before discovered and he wished Argos-like that he had a body all of eyes But in the midst of this pleasing contemplation a thought came into his minde which blasted all his joy Retire retire unfortunate shepheard said he retire from this blessed place let it be no longer profaned with thy unhallowed eyes Hast thou so soon forgot her commands Dost thou not remember it is not lawfull for thee to present thy selfe before her eyes Away away for shame offend no longer Thus he went away with folded armes and eyes lifted up to heaven as if he had left heart soul life and all behinde him His thoughts and his way were much different for the further he went from Astrea the more his thoughts followed him When he was out of sight he was so troubled as he was forced to stay To go on said he I cannot to return I dare not and to stay here is to no purpose What then should I do Go go said he and receive that favour which the heavens unasked does bestow upon thee But how can I contradict the command of her whom I did never disobey But answered he it is not contradicting her command for she did not command me not to see her for then I should put out my eyes but her command was that I should not come in her sight and how can she see me when she is asleep Take Love therefore for thy guide and under his conduct go and adore her Being moved with this consideration he turned back and went as softly as he could lest he should awake her as soon as he came so neer as to see her he kneeled down adored her and presented this prayer unto her in a whispering voice Oh great and puissant goddesse since it is more god-like to pardon then to punish I most devoutly
of that fault which hath quite extinguished all the good-will which I did bear unto you As for that answered he in lieu of language I will expiate it with my blood and life but dare not beg unlesse in silence and submission since indeed I do not well know what it is Palemon replyed she there is none so ignorant as he that will not know when he may But that is all one to me for I am so perfectly cured of the wound that there is not any mark of it remaines It is an easie matter said the shepheard to cure a wound that was but very smal I will not tell you answered she how it began to fester lest I should increase your vanity but let me tell you that I had rather die then relapse into that disease out of which I am recovered and I had rather never see any whilst I live then see you in the condition and state in which you were wont to be Also I charge you to talk no more of it nor to retain me by any force Since you are pleased said he to forbid me speaking yet I beseech permit me to sing what my heart does sadly resent Then he sighed and sung out these Verses which she to vex him answered A Dialogue between Palemon and Doris Pal. IF I do any love but you may I Be damn'd and tortur'd be eternally Dor. May I a Statue turn and never move If any other but my selfe I love Pal. Love or love not yet you I 'le still adore That you my constancy may see the more Dor. Love or love not faith all is one to me But that I love you you shall never see Pal. Though heaven and earth conspire to crosse my will Yet will I vanquish them and love you still Dor. My heart is so averse to love that I Rather than love a hundred deaths will die Pal. Your pride in scorning all men living must Be punished in you if heaven be just Dor. If heaven be just as none deny it dare It will us keep both in the mindes we are Pal. It is most just if you to love it move But most unjust in taking hopes from love Dor. If you to love and me to hate it move ' I will punish you and will revenge my love Though Doris was very tart in all her answers yet the shepheard did take some kinde of delight in seeing and hearing her talk but she desiring to avoid his company she came towards the place where Diana was who seeing she could not hide her selfe any longer she and her company advanced towards this shepheardesse and after common salutations said unto her I wonder not sweet Doris that these shepheards whom I see with you should be so much captivated with your beauty since it is such as those must needs be blinde that do not admire it but I must needs wonder at the cruelty you use towards them since you are the only she who disdaines that which is their own and which you have gotten by such fair and deer armes Whilst Diana was saying so Palemon came to them and heard Doris return this answer Sage shepheardesse that beauty which out of your complaisance you are pleased to call mine is most really and truly your own and to be admired by all such as see you And I do not know with what armes I have captivated these you speak of unlesse such as are very unhappy in making such a conquest Beauty said Diana does well become all women but pride and presumption does much eclipse beauty Did you know answered Doris the occasion which makes me speak thus you would wonder at the power which I have over my selfe in being able so much as to look upon this shepheard Upon this Palemon kneeled down and with his hat in his hand addressed himselfe thus unto Diana I do beseech and conjure you Oh most wise and discreet shepheardesse by the person whom you most do love and by that sweetnesse which your eyes do promise to take so much pains as to hear our difference if you shall think me culpable I will not value my life but if on the contrary she be in the wrong I shall only aske leave to serve her as long as I live Diana would have answered when she saw Astrea returning from the Temple with a greater company than she carried with her for the Nymph Leonida was there and Chrysante the Governesse of the Druides with some of the Virgins who came to honour the Funeralls of Celadon bringing with them the Priest of that place who did officiate in the daily sacrifice of the Town in the Temple of the good goddesse This Priest brought thither all that was necessary for the empty Tombe of Celadon the Druides Daughters were loadned some with flowers others with milk and others with wine and water and did drive before them the sheep and young bulls requisite for the sacrifice Lycidas also being come that morning unto the Temple of the good goddesse to pay some vowes and make some prayers which haply his jealousie prompted him unto he likewise came being acquainted with the designe of Paris for the Rest of his Brothers soul though it went to his heart to see Phillis and Silvander there and having made choice of a great Sowe to sacrifice according to the custome unto Ceres and the Earth he gently followed after this Company Diana therefore seeing this great company following Astrea she could not give answer either to the shepheard or shepheardesse only this that the Nymph Leonida who was comming with so many Druides would beglad to hear their difference and after the Ceremony was ended at which they would do an act of pitty if they would be present she could compose all the businesse betwixt them So not staying for any answer she with Paris advanced and went to salute the Nymph and Chrysante After some common discourse the Priest asked where Celadon's Tombe was erected and being conducted thither by Paris he went about his work But first he began with the Sowe which Lycidas brought as a sacrifice unto Ceres and the Earth then killing the Sheep and young black Bulls he kept the blood of them in bowles he ordered the Druides Daughters according to the Ceremony unto some he gave the sacred Milke unto others the Wine and made choice of Lycidas to carry the Altar-water Then going to the Tombe he sprinkled all these things with a little bough of Cypresse calling divers times upon the soul of Celadon Then they poured the Water the Wine the Milk the Blood upon the Tomb calling still upon the soul of Celadon Then all the Druides Daughters and others with their hair disheveled begun with tears sad condolings to lament the loss of Celadon When they had continued a while in this pittifull office the Priest began to go round about the Tomb three times and every one following strewing Roses and Flowers upon the grass he said in a loud voice Adieu CELADON
eare and seeming to whisper he presently went away from her and seemed very angry that Lycidas saw him This went to the very heart of Lycidas for he thought that he left Phillis only because of him and that certainly there was a close corespondency betwixt them and therefore not being able to endure this sight he endeavoured by little and little to retire But Phillis being very desirous to be reconciled unto him and seeing him slinking away Lycidas said she will you go away I pray you come hither and hear the discourse of these strangers There is very good Company without me answered he since there is too much constraint where I am Were I of your counsell said Phillis I would advise you to value your own contentment above any others I see said Lycidas that you give me such counsell as you do follow your selfe and I am very sorry I cannot do the like but truly I have not so much power over my selfe Phillis did very well understand what he meant and was netled to the very soul yet faigning otherwise she answered him thus I believe Lycidas that if the Nymph should undertake to agree all differences in the Company you and I should not be out of the number I do believe the same said the shepheard and blushed for anger but it would be Silvander that were the fittest judge And why Silvander said the shepheardess Because said he there is none that is better informed Upon this not staying for any answer he flung away into the Wood as fast as he could This passage did so sting the soul of Phillis that one could not get a good word from her all that day Whilst Leonida and the venerable Chrisante were in quest of a convenient place to sit down in they espied some shepheardesses in the Wood comming towards them for the Trees being at a good distance from one another without any underwood one might see a great way both through and beyond it When Leonida asked who they were none could tell her but when they were a little neerer Hylas who was amongst them was known to be one and presently after the shepheardesses were also known to be Palinice and Florice with whom Hylas met upon the way and stayed with them never thinking upon the Inke which he went to seek and had they not asked him whither he went and from whence he came he had not remembered what he went about but this question putting him in memory he desired them to stay a little till he went for the Inke and he would return to them Then he acquainted them with the Ceremony of Celadon's Tombe unto which they came to be assistants but they came too late Leonida not knowing who they were she desired to see them And Hylas whose tongue was never mute came on a jolly pace singing these verses That he is a Fool who loves and is not loved A Song WHen I a Lover pale do see Ready to faint and sickish be With hollow eyes and cheeks so thin As all his face is nose and chin When such a Ghost I see in pain Because he is not lov'd again And pute and faint and swound and cry Oh! There 's your loving Fool say I. For love with love should be repaid And equally on both sides laid Love is a load a Horse would kill If it do hang on one side still But if he needs will be so fond As rules of reason go beyond And love when he 's not lov'd again Faith let him take it for his pain These strangers were so neer Leonida and Chrisante that the Nymph knowing Hylas she rose up to salute them and Chrisante also being informd by her who they were she did the same And because Phillis laughed at Hylas for not bringing the Inke Do you think shepheardesse said he unto her that I came into Forrests to do any service for the dead Thircis that has nothing else to do may do well to employ his time in such melancholly moods but as for Hylas he is of another temper And therefore do not think it strange if by an honest leave I tell you that if you do not like me as I am you must never think to finde any alteration in me when I am old Phillis who had other matters in her head did thus answer him I swear Hylas if you were of any other temper then what you are I shall not love you so well as I do But as I must not hope to change you so you must not think to make me any other then what I am and therefore when I would laugh let me laugh and let me be silent when I have no minde to talk and I will allow your humours the like liberty so in this freedome we shall live both contentedly and without any trouble to one another Oh Mistresse said he how dearly do I love you nay rather adore you for this humour I did never think to meet with such a jolly one And in saying so he hugged her and would have carried her in his armes but she would not let him Every one laughed at the anger of Phillis and the humour of this shepheard In the mean while Leonida and Chrisante having found out a convenient place they took their places as for Paris he kept alwaies close unto Diana which was no small displeasure unto Silvander since he durst not out of respect approach This was the reason that being deprived of the happinesse in talking with her he would enjoy the happinesse of seeing her and therefore seated himselfe just over against her Every one being set Palemon and Adrastes kneeled down before Doris and say what the Nymph and Chrisante would they would not rise At last the shepheardesse by command began thus The History of Doris and Palemon I Have ever been of opinion great and wise Nymph and you venerable Chrisante that if there be any obligations amongst Mankinde to tye one unto another it is Amity Whether this be so or no I refer it unto the judgment of any who were ever loved I being thus in this beliefe after I had been long loved by this shepheard I thought my selfe in some sort obliged to render him amity for amity The truth is this amity at the first had but a very slender and faint beginning and I could not imagine it should ever grow into that magnitude it did it did insensibly take so deep a root by long continued conversation as when I perceived it I found it was not in my power to root it out and so as I never questioned his affection nor could he desire any thing of me which he obtained not atleast in any reason Yet notwithstanding I know not how to my misfortune when he was in full assurance of me he did even then mistrust me so as he was not contented I should leave frequenting all those whom I was accustomed to see but would needs have others deprived of seeing me so as not being contented with my not
do not know it already that she is so extreamly in love with him that she cannot endure I should look upon him And had she as much power over me as I have over her she would never have suffered me to come into the place where she was Did you never observe Silvia how she feeds upon him with her eyes if I may so expresse my selfe and to look off him is a death unto her To see me neer him struck her to the heart and swelled every vein with jealousie I have many a time observed the variety of passions that are in her I have seen her sometimes no fire hotter and immediately upon a sudden as pale as death sometimes she would be all talk and afterwards as mute as if she had not tongue I have often seen her so fix her eyes upon him as if she would have look'd him through and I have laughed at her in those extasies and ravishments And she desiring to engrosse him wholly to her selfe and take me off has invented this tale she hath told you which is as false as the gods are just and true Upon this she took another of Lindamor's Letters which was directed to her selfe which you may read said Silvia Which Leonida took and found in it these words Lindamor's Letter unto Galathea SInce my fatall absence does not only deprive me of your presence but also ravish from me the honour anâ— happiness of your favour I do vow that I will live only to render a testimony that I do better deserve that happiness which you have promised unto me than that perfidious man who is the cause of my disgrace This wicked Villain shall never aspire unto that honour either by Love or by Armes or by Artifice as long as I do live He shall ere long confess what I do say or else that sword which he hath already felt the sharpness of shall cut his throat who lives now too happily for the miserable and unfortunate Lindamor to endure When Leonida had read this Letter I assure my self Sister said she that Galathea did finde that her so deerly beloved Celadon was not in any danger of his life by any means of mine but rather that Traitor Polemas who is the cause of all our misery May Hesius punish him by armes and Tamaris by Thunderbolt that my Lady may know I did not lie when I related unto her the wickednesse of Climanthe and the cosening Lover For every syllable I said unto her is true If I did lye let the Sacred Misleto never be Salubrious unto me To be brief Sister I sweare by all that 's Sacred that this is true And though I do not care for returning unto Marcelles as long as she continues in this humour yet I shall be very glad you would take all occasions and use your best endeavours to let her see her errour Not for any other end but because I would vindicate my honour and live within the compasse of my owne quality without reproach Sister said Silvia you need not use so many othes to assure me of the subtility of Polemas For I did ever beleeve it both from what you told me and from my owne observation of his actions And you may beleeve I will take all occasions use my best Arguments and not leave one stone unturned to perswade the Nymph of the truth But I must not flatter you in this For I cannot hope either any words or perswasions will work with her untill her minde be better settled which perhaps will be too late unlesse God send some unlookt for meanes For I see that Polemas hath a bad designe which he would not hide but for his feares that he hath of Clideman and Lindamor whom he knowes to be armed and so much in favour with King Childerick who is successor unto the great Meroveus and who has a very great particular love unto Clideman and Lindamor especially unto Guyemant so as he cannot be without them Polemas being subtile and crafty does feare that if she should attempt any novelty in the State these Frankes would by force ruine all his designes But to let Matters of State alone which should be medled with by more able persons then we are Let me tell you Sister that when Galathea read Lindamors Letter she plainly found that Celadon was not in danger therefore halfe of her anger was over Did I not tell you Madam said I unto her That Lindamor did meane Polemas T is very true said she unto me and I confesse that I accused Leonida wrongfully but it was my compassion unto that poore shepheard which moved me unto that language Madam sayd I I beseech you beleeve that Leonide would willingly never do you that displeasure but she knowing very well that you did not love Polemas she had good reason to desire that Lindamor might obtaine the happinesse of your favour because there is a neere relation of Kindered betwixt her and him For be pleased to know Madam that Lindamor is of the illustrious blood of Lavieu and she of Fieur which have bin so long linked together by alliances that those two families seeme but one On the contrary there was ever emnity betwixt the house of Surieu and that so as she may well be excused if she did desire and endeavour to defeat Polemas from the happynesse which he pretended unto I do know answered Galathea that there hath beene great emnity betweene the house of Lavieu and Surieu and since the combate betwixt Lindamor and Polemas there hath been no amity betwixt them And I must needs confesse Leonida has reason for what she did for it is Naturall to desire that the Family from whence any do derive themselves may flourish and be advanced And had I knowne it sooner I should not have taken her protection of Lindamor so ill whether it was against Polemas or against Celadon Also when I consider upon what you tell me I am apt to beleve that it was Adamas who helped Celadon to escape to the end that Lindamor being as you say his cosen might arrive at his desire and I do think Leonida to be innocent in the matter Therefore in that consideration and because she did not send unto Lindamor any of our passages in the Pallace of Issoures I will pardon her yet said she we must make further use of her in a businesse which by her meanes may be effected Here Silvia stopt and leaving her discourse upon that subject said thus unto Leonide You see Sister that I do hide nothing from you because our friendship bids me be open unto you but if you should discover me I am utterly ruin'd And therefore I beseech you be as secret in it as possible you can I had rather I were eternally dumb said Leonida then I should commit such a fault Know then continued Silvia that Galathea after she had well bethought herselfe said thus unto me you see Silvia how extreamly I am troubled with these two men I meane Lindamor
the justice of the gods after your death The gods said she can inflict no more paine then I suffer in my life For there are not more cruell torments then those I endure Yet not withstanding do not thinke me so ill an observer of what I have promised you may remember my vow was to observe the Nymphs judgement as long as I lived well said she do you not disobey it by these expressions unto me No answered he for do you not perceive that I have been dying ever since that doome was pronounced For life is not to live but to live well Now ever since that fatall moment I have beene so far from living well as I have not onely lost my happynesse but all my hopes of it If you call languishing a life I say againe let the Sacred Misleto be never Salubrious unto me When no hopes are left let life go whither it will for nothing can do me good since you are gone If the gods will but heare the prayers of a most desolate man I shall soone die What advantage can you hope for said she in dying From it said he I expect all my felicity for none is to be hop't for here since I cannot love you unlesse I offend the gods or you whom I do feare But most cruell shepheardesse what was your designe in coming unto me Was it to tryumph once more over poore Calidon or are you like those merry minded people who when they have killed a poore miserable Innocent that never did them harm they come to see how great the wounds are which they gave him That sad shepheard said she was not the cause which invited me hither but it was to trye if I could divert you from your sad thoughts so as if I could without offence to the will of the gods I would give you some consolation How said he presently does it not suffice you that I dyâ— by the cruell hand of fate and by the injustice of men which has taken from me all that I can call life but you must also add a vaine compassion which you seeme to have of me onely to make me die with more griefe Would you have me think you pitty me Nay nay never talke to me of any pitty or health or remedy or any hope for I am as incapable of any good as you are of will to do it It was now late so as the Ball being ended Celidea according to Nuptiall customes was conducted to bed and afterwards Thamires unto her Calidon he went both out of the chamber and the house and by fortune did lye downe under some great Elmes by the way side neere unto the house Where after he had a while considered the happinesse of Thamires and then his owne sad fate his heart so failed him as he fell into a swound and continued in it till Cleontine and her company coming out of the house found him lying all along as if he were asleep But offering to wake him and seeing he did not stirre Cleontine herselfe tooke his hand which finding to be very cold because all the naturall heat of the outward parts was retired to the heart she cryed out Oh Calidon is dead Many that heard her voyce did run unto her So as when they saw him in that condition the cry was so loud as it caused all the neighborhood to resort thither many ran into the house still crying out aloud Calidon was dead Calidon was dead In so much as Thamires heard the noise and hearing nothing named but Calidon and Death he doubted some disastrous accident Therefore leaping out of bed he run to the dore to call some of the house and at last was told that Calidon was dead Thamires loved him as dearely as if he had been his owne Sonne So as at this sad newes he fell down the staires to the bottom his servants tooke him him up and carryed him to his bed his pulse failed and he by degrees grew so cold as if he had not been well looked unto he had been in as bad a condition as Calidon but the application of good remedies together with Celidea's care did do him much good Whosoever had seen this faire and young Bride thus all undrest washing the face of her brid-groome with her teares and had not been mooved unto pitty doubtlesse his heart was made of Marble The loosenesse of her garments together with the negligent care of herselfe added much unto her beauty She having recovered him unto his senses did bathe her kisses in a flood of teares But the poor shepheard being unsensible of any passion but sorrow of his friends losse did faintly receive her kisses and pushed her away with his hand as if he did not care for them he would hardly look upon her onely still asked what newes of Calidon but hearing none that was good I see said he that as he dyed for the contentment which I have so I must dye for the griefe which he had Then rising up in a fury halfe naked he run to the place where poore Calidon lay along as if he were absolutly dead Every one gave place unto him as well out of respect as compassion at his greife which doubtlesse was very great since he had left Celedea and disdained that happinesse which he had so long and so zealously desired When he saw Calidon thinking him to be dead he fell upon him but so unfortunately as he hit his forehead against a sharp stone on which they had laid the head of Calidon his face was immediately all blood and there he remained in a swound Those that were about them did heare the blow which Thamires had and had an opinion that he was hurt But did not think he was hurt so much as he was Had they not observed him so long without either motion or speech they had taken notice of it too late Now cryes began againe a fresh and the clamours of all those who beheld this lamentable spectacle grew very loud Judge what horror this was unto Colidea when she saw her Husband and his Nephew lie together like dead men By fortune as they carried Calidon in a chair into his Chamber he revived Then seeing so many people about him and all smeered with the blood of Thamires he knew not what to think but that he was in a dream When he saw them carrying his Uncle who was yet senslesse with a great wound in his head he imagined that some body had wounded him therefore transported with rage he rose up and asked who was the murderer He took up a stone and held up his arme as ready to throw it at him who had done the the homicide But when he heard how it was How said he am I my selfe the murderer Is not revenge as well due to me as to another nay more since there was more obligations upon me Upon this he lifted up his arme intending to knock himselfe in the head with the stone but he was prevented by
beauty be the matter said Corilas Phillis is not defective in it She hath lesse then Alexis said Hylas for she is not able to hold me now I have seen the other and therefore I must fairly take my leave of her Silvander who had been long silent seeing Corilas did not reply he undertook the discourse for him It is not any defect in the beauty of Phillis said he which moveth this shepheard to make his retreat but it is his owne naturall inconstancy Very well said Hylas do you call it inconstancy when one goes on step by step unto the place where they intend to arrive No said Silvander And yet said Hylas such a one does set his foot sometimes upon the ground sometimes in the air sometimes before sometimes behinde And is not this inconstancy as well as that which you lay in my dish For intending to arrive at a perfect beauty I do set one foot before another and never leave changing till I arrive at my intended place Even so have I done by all I have hitherto loved untill I found Alexis who I finde to be the most perfect beauty of all This might hold good answered Silvander if you could demonstrate to us that you do merit to love Alexis For as you have gotten the name of Inconstant by loving so many so now you will get the name Presumptuous in loving Alexis Alexis was long silent taking great delight in the discourse of these shepheards but when she heard her selfe so highly commended she thought it fit to speak Did I as much merit the affection of Hylas said she as I am willing to entertain it certainly he should have no small reason to love me Then tuming her selfe in a smiling manner towards Hylas Servant said she unto him take heed lest the language of this shepheard should divert you for you would wrong both your selfe and me if it should It would be a shame for you to attempt an enterprise and so soon give it over and it would be too evident an argument of my little merit if you should so soon quit me But Hylas said Silvander do you not dread the displeasure of Teupates in addressing your selfe unto one who is consecrated unto him Ignorant Silvander said Hylas the gods do command us to love themselves and how can they be angry with us for loving that which is theirs You see said Alexis that this shepheard hath some designe upon us he would cunningly turn you from me by artifice for he knowes well enough that if I will I can leave off that profession which I have taken upon me Whilst these shepheards were thus talking Adamas was entertaining Phocion Diaonis and Tircis and because he esteemed them very much both for their age their vertues and for his designe in making a Match between Celadon and Astrea he did all that possibly he could to bid them welcome And because Tircis was a stranger and had never seen the raritles of his House he asked him if he would take so much paines as to walk and see it And hearing him answer that he did infinitly desire it he took him by the hand and willed Paris to do the like unto Hylas and the rest of the shepheards if they had a minde Alexis with the help of Hylas who led her by the arme followed Adamas with the rest of the Company The House was very fine and furnished with many excellent singularities but because the discourse of it would be too long we will speak no more of it then what is pertinent to our purpose They entred then into a large Gallery which had a prospect of Plaines on the one side and Mountains on the other which made it very delectable and pleasant The sides was Wanscot fretted and betwixt the windowes hung with Maps of the severall Provinces of Gaul At the higher end hung Pictures of severall Countries Kings and Emperours and amongst them the Portractures of severall very beautifull Women The top was adorned with Gold and Azure very richly imbossed with many severall devices Every one fixed their eyes upon that which was most agreeable unto their fancies But Hylas whose heart was all for beauty looking upon a Picture which contained two Ladies See said he two very delicate faces Which of these two should one judge to be the fairer Adamas who heard him That said he on the right hand is the Picture of the Mother in Law and the other on the left the Daughter in Law Both of them were two Princesses as fair and as wise as ever any and as much tossed and turmoiled by the stormes of Fortune as any in our Times This which seemes the more aged is the wise Placidia Daughter unto the great Theodosius Sister unto Arcudius and Honorius Wife unto Constantius and Mother unto Valentiniaen all five Emperours whose Pictures are a little farther off The other is the Picture of Eudoxe Daughter unto Theodosius the Second and Wife unto Valentinian whom Genserio carried into Affrica They were two Princesses said Tircis of great beauties and as great extractions But wherein was their Fortunes so averse I shall briefly tell you replyed Adamas and shall thereby acquaint you with some of these Pieces which you see here Then after a while of silence he began thus The History of Placidia THEODOSIUS the first of that name Emperour of the East one of the greatest Princes the World had since Augustus he had three Children One Arcadius who after him was Emperour of the East Another was Honorius who was Emperour of the West And the third was the wise Placidia whose fortune was so various that we see in her how Vertue is ordinarily crossed For she being at the dispose of her Brother Honorius and he under the government of Stilicon unto whose Guardianship the great Theodosius had committed him during his nonage she was so variously tossed and tormented by severall accidents as if Fortune had made choice of her to shew the power it hath in all human things of which Stilicon was the greatest cause who having great power over the person of Honorius and the whole Empire his ambition aspired at more absolute authority and aimed to make himselfe sole Emperour as when his designes were discovered it did plainly appear He being a man of a deep reach and managing his matters so as might most condure to his desired end and grandure he thought it expedient for him to make use of policy and subtlety where it was impossible for him to compasse it by force His way was therefore at the first to stretch his authority to the highest pitch before he made his intentions known and afterwards to fortifie himselfe by marrying his Daughter unto young Honorius for the very name of Father in Law to an Emperour looked big and procured him a great honour and fear Afterwards he held secret intelligence and correspondency with all such as he thought fit instruments for the advancement of his designe And lastly resolved to weaken the
her for Isidores sake into the Garden and Isidore being a little weary they seperated Eudoxe continued walking and Isidore went into an Arbour where she found seates of grasse covered over with boughes she had not beene there long but Valentinian who was walking with Eudoxe began to complaine of wearinesse and made that his pretence for going to sit downe in the same Arbour Isidore offered to go out but he held her by the gowne Eudoxe seeing this looked upon me and could not chuse but smile I thinking this to be a fit opportunitie to put my intended resolution into execution I would not let it slippe I smiled therefore as well as she and she asked me why I did so to which I answered very freely that it was because Valentinian had left her to go unto Isidore And why Ursaces said she unto me do not you the same I Madam said I unto her do you think I have so little judgement Me thinkes said she that you ought to do it because it is fitter that you should do her service then Valentinian I know very well Madam said I that there is much more equality betwixt Isidore and me then betwixt Valentinian and her but I must needs confesse that I had rather commit a fault contrary unto that of Valentinian How do you meane said she I meane Madam said I that rather then serve one who is equall unto my selfe as Isidore is I would dye for the love of one who is above me as you are How me answered she do you Ursaces know what you say I say Madam answered I that I had rather dye adoring You then live and love Isidore and that the vast inequality betwixt us could never put me out of this mind since the first day I had the glory to see you Surely said the Princesse you are out of your wits otherwise you would never talke thus to Me. Do not thinke so Madam said I unto her for I am sure I never spoke more truly nor with a sounder judgement She stood still and looked stedfastly upon me and afterwards said Is this language Ursaces in earnest or in jeast I do sweare Madam said I unto her by that service which I owe you that I did never in my life utter words more unfainedly nor with a more resolved will then these and take them as you will hate or treat me as you please I shall never change Ursaces said she unto me I am very sorry for your folly I have esteemed you and your service above any that have been educated under the Emperor my Father But since you are growne so beyond all bounds of reason impudent and quite forgot your duty and distance be assured that if ever you use the same liberty of language againe to me I will make you repent of your rashnesse and acquaint both Valentinian and the Emperor with it Madam answered I did I not feare that those who are in the garden would observe me I would aske pardon upon my knees for my presumptuous crime but I beseech you give me leave to say that all your menaces cannot prevaile with my will this affection is rivetted into it heaven and earth cannot dissolve it and therefore there is no hope that any feare of the Emperor or any consideration of Valentinian can divert me 'T is true I may be silent and languish away for the love of the faire Eudoxe and so I beleive I shall Now for a proofe of this and not to offend you any longer with my impertinent talke I do sweare unto you by that eternall humble service which I owe you that I will never speak to you of it againe But remember this that as oft as I do you any reverence or bid you good morrow my heart then sayes unto you Madam that Ursaces is dying for the love of you and tacitly tells you that you will never have a more faithfull servant then he And when I take my leave of you or bid you good night then do I say how long is it your pleasure I shall be miserable and how long will your rigour last And to begin said I sadly to her permit me to take my leave of you and bid you good night Upon this I made a low reverence and retired lest I should too much offend her with my words but as I went I observed that she turned the other way and smiled which gave my heart no little hope Thus kind stranger have I lived ever since with her never making any semblance of what was past except by my good morrowes and good nights which when none could see her she would often answere with a â—â—ake of her head as if she were still offended at the memory of that which I hinted unto her Above sixe Months passed on this manner and all the while she shewed not the least kind of any reception of my affection At the last I vanquished one morning when Valentinian was leading her to the Temple I went to her and making an humble reverence I said good morrow Madam At which she smiled and turning towards me Ursaces said she your good morrowes are very kindly accepted Oh heavens how can I expresse my joyes I protest I never hoped for any happinesse especially when nothing was talked of but the mariage of Valentinian and her Yet I understood since how that which I believed would have ruined my hopes was that which obliged her more unto me For she perceiving how his affection to Isidore encreased and all his expressions unto her were onely to please the Emperor she resolved to entertaine my love rather then to be the wife of an Emperour and to accept of my service since Valentinian was wholy devoted unto the service of Isidore I knew her resolution presently after for upon the first opportunity which presented it selfe she told me that my constancy and Valentinians affection unto Isidore had overcome her And that if I did continue still in my discreet behaviour she would continue her affection to me So as ever since that day she permitme to call her in private my Princess and she called me her my Cavalier Judge Silvander whether ever man was more happy then my selfe For Eudoxe was absolutely the fairest Princess in the whole world aged about scaventeene or eighteen yeares and never loved any one but I. Whilst we lived thus in this manner Honorius who marryed the Daughter of Stilicon dyed without Issue And because a Roman whose name was John his Principall Secretary was elected Emperour by the meanes of Castinus and Aetius the Emperour Theodosius intending to make his cosen Germaine Valentinian Emperour of the West he would send him thither with his Mother Placidia I made a florish as if I were desirous to make one in this voyage but indeed my desires were to stay for the gaurd of Eudoxe For though the desire of glory did invite me into Italy yet love kept me at Constantinople by stronger tyes for this faire Princess did
that for very excesse of joy she fell downe dead I was then as I told you with the faire Eudoxe and would not leave her in such a dysastrous fortune but waited upon her whither soever she pleased in testimony of my affection and fidelity The haste we made was such that we hardly tooke any with us And losing our way in the night we were forced to take up lodging in a wood She had none with her but her two Daughters Olimbres and two young men who usually followed us and who were much troubled in looking to our horses So as there was none with her all the night but these two young Princesses Olimbres and my selfe I did lye downe upon the ground and she laid her head upon my breast her two Daughters lay at her feet and thus passed away the night as well as we could Our intention was to get out of Italy and to go unto Constantinople to Marcianus For since Maximus had killed the Emperor and had taken upon him the title of Augustus we feared he would be revenged upon her for the injury done unto Isidore Though the night was very dark and sad to the faire Eudoxe yet I must confesse it was the sweetest night unto me that ever I had in my life for I had my hand continually in her bosome and her lips close unto mine Love knowes how I was thus transported and how oft I was ready to cast off all respect Which she perceiving and finding her Daughters to be both asleep she whispered me in my eare and said thus unto me Fie fie my Cavalier do you think the gods are not enough incensed against me but you must needs provoke them more by mooving me to commit fresh offences After this she was silent and giving me a kiss she laid her head where it was before this was a sufficient testimony that she loved me and after this favour I laid my mouth unto her eare and said thus unto her But my fairest Princesse what offence would it be since now you are nobodies but your owne Would you have me stay untill another shall enjoy you before my face Is it possible you should reserve your selfe for one who never loved you or for one that can never love you so well as I Then she set her mouth unto my eare My Cavalier said she unto me do not offer to offend against god or my honour and to put you out of all these doubts receive this Vow I doe vow and sweare unto you Ursaces by the great god whom I adore that I will never marry any man but you and if what I have been would permit me freely to dispose of my selfe I would take you to my husband this very houre I do beleeve your affection such unto me that after I have been Empresse you would not have me hold a lesse degree Fortune perhaps will so dispose of you that I may with honour give you contentment and then curse me if I prove false In the meane time live with this satisfaction that I will never marry any but you and for assurance of what I sweare take this kiss and then joyning her lips to mine she continued very long upon them Judge kind stranger whether I did receive the oathes with all my heart since I never desired any thing more passionately Then I answered her thus My fairest Princess I receive this promise with such a thankfull heart and affectionate soul that in exchange I do entirely give you my selfe And I do vowe and protest that I will never revoke my gift but give me leave to sweare by that great God before whom you have made this promise that if ever it happen with your consent or otherwise that any one do enjoy you as a husband I will kill him with the same hand which now you hold in yours Unto which she said in mine eare I shall hold you for a faint hearted Traitor if you do not After this she laid downe her head and we passed away the night as we begun it But alas I did not long enjoy this happinesse of being with her no more then my friend Olimbres the happinesse of being with Placidia For the next morning the Tyrant Maximus hearing that Eudoxe and her two Daughters were escaped he sent so many men several wayes as at the last they found us and carryed us back do what Olimbres and I could in defence of ourselves Who after severall wounds and I more then Olimbres we were carryed to this Tyrant who not being contented with the murder of Valentinian and usurping the Empire but would take a full revenge or rather a confirmation of his usurpation and to give it a glosse would marry the faire Eudoxe Oh heavens what would she not have done to prevent it But Oh heavens how did I resent it I was so wounded both in my thigh and in my right arme that I was not able to stirre out of my bed so as I was disabled from doing her any service In conclusion the Tyrant seeing that Eudoxe would not consent unto his will by faire meanes he used her so coorsly that within twelve dayes after the death of Valentinian he forced Eudoxe to be his wife I heard the newes of it by Olimbres who was already recovered and who never stirred from my beds side And when I knew not how to judge of this Act but was in doubt of Eudoxes consent I received a Letter from her which was this Eudoxes Letter unto Ursaces IF Eudoxe be not miserable then never any in the world was I am in the hands of a bloody Tyrant who hath forced me unto an unjust marriage I call the great God by whom I sware unto you for a witnesse that I never did nor wil consent unto it with my heart or will I summon you to the promise which you made at that time If you permit me to lament my sad fortune to see my selfe in his hands who hath so unjustly ravished me from you I shall curse you and accuse you with want of affection Keep therefore your word as I will mine and let sate do her worst What attempts would I not have dared if my power had been equall to my will or if my wounds had permitted me But alas I was in a condition farre unfit to do any thing to another when I was not able to run my selfe through with my sword when I heard Eudoxe was to be enjoyed by a Tyrant and but for Olimbres perhaps I had served my owne turne for he was so carefull of me that I could not do any thing to my selfe but gave me so many diverting reasons to the contrary that he kept me alive nine or tenne dayes till I was so happy as to see the wise and faire Eudoxe enter into my chamber She had obtained this leave of Maximus telling him it was but reasonable to see him who had been wounded in her defence Maximus who desired to gaine me by faire meanes if possible and