lead with a vaine hope of conquest vndertooke the warres against Arsaces king of the Parthians in which warres himselfe was miserably slame with twenty thousand of his men and ten thousand taken prisoners Marcus Marlius was for the like occasion throwne downe from a rocke and brake his necke Oh that men would consider the fruits of ambition who would then willingly offend for as the wise man saith coÌ„paring them to smoke dispersed with the wind desire nothing more then to runne out their race in continuall cares and miseries and calamities depriuing themselues of all liberty and which is worst pawning their soules to an eternall and moste miserable thraldome Thus let vs detest ambition whiche is an infinite euill and companion of pride so muche hated of God and men let vs consider that wise precept whiche is written by the learned Tarian to Plutarcke I enuie sayde this good Prince Scipio Africanus and Marcus Porcinus more for their contempt of offices then for the victories they haue gotten because a conquerour is for the moste part in fortunes power but the contempt of officers and refusall of honours consisteth onely in preiudice let vs marke well this one saying of Titus who vsing continuall sithinges at meate and elswhere being demanded the cause said I cannot keepe my selfe from sighing and complaining when I call to minde that this great honour which I haue is not certaine but moueable that my estates and dignities are in sequestration and my life as it were layde in pawne or pledged vnto me Let the saying of the good Philip Prince of Macedonie be well noted of great men who one day falling in a place where wrestling was exercised beholding his bodie printed in the dust good Lord quoth he how litle ground must we haue by nature and yet we desire all the habitable world Thus Andrugio in thy sollitarie life thou must hauing nought els to do call to minde what in studie thou hast read and in the bitter griefe of thy heart bewayle them that liue in those daies of miquitie and note how God suffereth all sortes of people to raygne giuing triall by his aboundant giftes to all estates some to rule some to obey some to wealth some to want some to sickenesse and all to proue either their aspiring heartes by promotions or their patience by trouble whereof thou Andrugio hast iust experience whiche being yoong in respect of the aged for yeares hast continually tasted the rod of hys wrath yet thankes to him that frameth my heart to beare with patience this crosse of pouertie for in the ende shall it fall out with me the better in this contented life shall I be better pleased then with al the aboundance of the world for riches prouoke manie infirmities which worldlings thinke not vppon especially to the couetous minded of whome Aristotle saith the couetous man desireth to haue from all parts without reason and vniustly withholdeth that which belongeth to another he is sparing and scantiue in giuing but excessiue in receauing the couetous man is neuer contented but the more he hath y e more desireth the medicine golde and siluer which he seeketh increaseth his disease as water doth the dropsie and may most rightly be compared to mules which carrie vpon their backes great store of gold and treasure yet eat nothing but hay They indure labour in procuring but want the pleasure of inioying they inioy neither rest nor libertie whiche is of wise men moste desired but liue alwaies like slaues to their riches Their greatest miserie is that to increase and keepe their wealth they care neither for equitie nor iustice yea for riches they contemne both God and man and all threatninges and punishmentes God hath pronounced against them they liue without friendship and charitie and lay hold on nothing but gaine when they are placed in authoritie aboue others they condemne the innocent and finde alwaies some cleanly cloke to their bribing making no difference betwixt iustice and profite wherefore we may well say that couetousnesse is the roote of all euill for what mischiefe is there not procured through this vice from whence springes quarrels strifes sutes hatred and enuie theftes polling sacking warres murders and poysoninges but from hence God is forgotten our neighbours hated yea manie times the sonne forgiueth not the father nor the brother the brother nor the subiect the Lord for desire of gaine O execrable impietie to be well thought of amongest vs it causeth men to breake their faith giuen to violate all friendship to betray their countrie and subiects to rebell against their Prince but note how manie mischiefes couetousnesse hath attempted Mulcasses king of thiues had his eyes by hys owne sonne put out that he might cease vppon his riches Polimnestor sonne to Priamus of Troy slew his kinsman Polidorus to gaine golde for the which Queene Hecuba comming vnto him without anie shewe of discontentment hauing him alone in a chamber with the helpe of her women thrust out his eyes The Emperour Caligula was so muche touched with couetousnesse that there was no meane to get money how vnlawfull soeuer it were which he sought not out insomuch that he layd a tribute vppon Vrine and solde his sisters gownes whome he had banished yet in one yeare of his raigne he spent prodigally 67. millions of gold which Tyberius his predecessour had gathered together I call now to minde the remedie of a couetous cardinall who vsed when his horsekeepers had giuen otes to his horses to come downe all alone by a trap dore without light into the stable and steale their otes and carried them into his Garner whereof hee kept the key himselfe so long as he continued this goinges and comminges that one of his horsekeepers not knowing who was the theefe hid himself in the stable and taking him at the deed doing with a pitchforke so basted him that he left hym for dead so that he was faine to be carried by foure men into his chamber These with manie other examples may moue vs to open the inward meaning of the heart by true prayer to the giuer of all goodnesse and learne with modestie the heaping vp of worldly treasures for godlinesse with contentation is great gaine and let all Christians procure that God may be worshipped duetie and reuerence giuen to superiours concord be amongest equalles discipline to be vsed towards inferiours patience towards enemies mercie towardes the poore but men puft with pride ambition couetousnesse and al vile sinnes shew themselues ingratefull to God their maker a vice odious in the sight of God and men for note first Adam hauing an vnthankefull miâ—de to his creator did eat the forbidden fruite contrary to his expresse commandement to whome he owed all obedience thus as by his ingratitude he neglected his obedience to his Lord so his punishment was according to the maner of his offence for his owne spirites which were before at his commandement rebelled against him and led him to
Saxony diligently searching Andrugio whom he found as you haue heard by chance is nowe ariued in the court of the Duke his mayster vnto whome hee relateth the vnhappie aduentures of Andrugio with the deathe of his companie This heauie newes breâ— great discontent in the heartes of all courtiers yea there was not one that shed not teares for their dead companions bitterly bewayling them whome they are sure neuer to see againe liuing The heauinesse of the aged duke somewhat ouerpassed carefull for his towardly sonne aduising what is best for his welfare hath determined for auoyding of succeeding dangers to post Elanicus again to the place from whence he came and with straight charge not to suffer him to proceede farther in his iourney which had bene so vnfortunate vnto him With this commandement Elanicus is againe departed taking small ease vntill hee came to the millers house where he thought to haue found Andrugio but for all his hast the bird was flowne ere he could returne Andrugio hauing thorowly debated of his loue with Susania is nowe concluded of the matche so that there is a mutuall loue entered both their heartes in somuch that one of them may not sorrowe without great griefe to the other that with much adoe he craueth leaue for a time to goe to Siena thus hauing obtained his desire recompensing his host for the charge bestowed taking leaue of Susania his deare beloued he is departed towards Siena leauing the poore maiden grceuously lamenting his absence whome neyther the gentle perswasions of the father nor care of the mother may mittigat so effectually was loue in the hart of this sillie mayden that neither distance of place nor the threates of the pareutes whiche were many coulde any whit preuayle no there was not one day houre nor minute wherein she did not with great aboundance of teares bewayle the absence of her Andrugio in this sort Ah Andrugio sweete Andrugio let these droppes of lukewarme teares shed from the spring of myne ouerburdened heart be messengers of my loue and let my woefull playninges shew the sorrow of thy poore Susania Ah Andrugio thy loue hath pearced the fort of my true loue and by pitying thee am I my selfe caught in that snare which I feare hath so fâ—ttered me as nought but deathe can lose me Andrugio sweete obiects of my thoughtes are the onely cause of my mourning rest therefore in peace my dearest friend and let thy faith remaine firme play not the part of Thesus now thou art departed least worse betide me then Ariadne Medea her wretched miserie procured through false Iason may cause all of our sexe distrust men But peace Susania the prating byrdes may declare thy hard opinion vnto thy Lord Andrugio whiche beeing knowne may giue him cause to abuse thee cease therefore thy prating miserable wretche and inioy thy â—are in court let thy sighes be messengers of thy good wil vnto him studie to be pleasant with thy parents to recouer their health impayred for griefe of thee yea learne to be content in sorrow though thy hart be wounded hope is a medicine most precious then applie it and dispayre not Andrugio is honourable faithfull and kinde whose teares spent in the bitternesse of his sorrowes and many othes protested to cause me graunt him fauour I am sure shall neuer be violated wherefore wretched Susania test thee content in this hope for a time when thou shalt heare more of thy best beloued Andrugio with this falling into a sweete sâ—â—mber ease to her grieued heart we leaue her Time hath brought Elanicus vnto the place where hee supposed to haue found the Lord Andrugio who doubting that which insued loth to be detained from his desire is now gone to Siena whose departure Elanicus bewayleth accusing him of vngratefulnesse to his friend disobedience to his father whose fauour he no more extenued but to adde more forrowe vnto his aged hart through this lâ—wd departure against all promises at their last taking leaue eche of other Elanicus hote on the spurre to see Andrugio and to bring him to the duke maketh short stale but departeth neuer resting vntill he had found him in the beautifull City of Siena vnto whome hauing deliuered the pleasure of his father Andrugio returneth this answere It is not vnknowne vnto thee my sweâ—te Elanicus what earnest suite I made before I obtained grant of my father for this iournie and how long before he would consent to the same wherfore my good friend let it not seeme any thing discontent vnto thee that I refuse to heare thy message and obey it I trust my father knowing before this my minde will be the better satisfied and pardon my presumption for this offence in breaking his commandement for doubtlesse resolued I am not yet to returne vntill I haue seene the maners of this honourable place so much commend in â—ll princes courtes Elanicus when he heard Andrugio his minde and saw-that is was as easie to carie backe the whole citie as disswade him being there was sorrowfull at the heart yet hoping to perswade him replieth Gratious Lord how tender your welfare is vnto me my soule beare witnesse neither will Elanicus euer offer to speake but for thy benefite mooued therevnto by zeale and dutie both to the Duke and you Stand not therefore Andrugio vpon these tearmes of disobedience to your fathers command for the hearing of your contrarie answâ—â—e how kinde soeuer will cost his life yea the very remembrance of your disobedience whom hee so carefully loueth will bring his white head with sorrow to his last home Againe my gratious Andrugio if nature and the Gods cal him to the heauens where all our hopes be to rest you beeing absent in what estate shall your country stand Soueâ—anitie is a vild worme and such a bait as wil make many aspyring minds in the absence of their Soueraigne to reuolt especially they being of power when once for feare of tumultes planted in thy countrie they be not easily displaced so maist thou be cosoned of thy gouernment and by treason vnhappily done to death Againe thy father hardly digesting thy harsh demeanour may disinherit thee and so leaue thee to thy fortune Many other casualties there be more then the sorrowes of my heart will permit me to vtter let it therefore suffice that my words spoken of the tender Ê’eale of my heart may remooue thy fond determination so maist thou keepe the good will of thy father preserue his life and enioy thy countrie and friendes Teares would not suffer him to speake what he had to say wherefore constramed he ceaseth his parlie All the speeches Elanicus could vse was bootlesse neither was his counsell regarded more then of a childe which hath no vnderstanding So bent was this colt to take his race for a time and therefore besought Elanicus to persist from perswading him farther for he was resolued not to returne suddainely if all the kingdomes of the earth lay thereon Elanicus faithfull to his
A Defiance to Fortune Proclaimed by Andrugio noble Duke of SAXONY declaring his miseries and continually crossed with vnconstant Fortune the banishment of himselfe his wife and children Whereunto is adioyned the honorable Warres of Galastino Duke of Millaine in reuenge of his wrongs vpon the trayterous Saxons Wherin is noted a myrrour of noble patitience a most rare example of modest chastity and the perfect patterne of true friendship Verie delectable and ful of varietie Written by H. R. Printed at London for Iohn Proctor 1590. TO THE WORSHIPFVL WILLIAM Borough Esquire comptroller of her Maiesties roiall Nauie H. R. wisheth long and happy life with fortunate successe in all your attemptes and after death the ioyes euerlasting ALEXANDER Right Worshipfull amongest men greatest on the earth ceasing his hard toile froÌ„ pursuit of his enemies he held no recreation in such account as reading of histories especially such as treated of the honours gained by noble warriours long before his time entombed in the intralles of the earth wherein his delight was as much as in maniging his steed or shiuering his lance in the midst of his foes SCIPIO that noble Romaine which subdued manie nations had no small delight in the like exercise noting by reading the euentes of war and pleasant baites of fortune how Warriours gained honor and then againe how they were subdued the mighty kings by pesantes and men of base account displaced and the ignoble exalted changing all estates at her pleasure This Fortune of the Poets fained a Goddesse hauing the raigne of all estates in her hand disposeth like a blind guide at her wil setting vp and pulling down whom she list to ouerthrowe or aduance An example of which right Wor. I present to you in this historie wherein you shall see her mutabilitie shewing continuallie her froward vnconstant mind in crossing that noble and vnhappie prince Andrugio sometime Duke of Saxonie whose miseries exceeded al that euer I read or heard of from the sixteenth yeare of his age neuer inioieng long time of content according to his estate but manie daies spent he in extreame miserie as the historie of his life shal manifest to which I leaue you humbly beseeching your Worship to shield it vnder your protection and when time shall permit you leasure vouchsafe the reading of it in which I doubt not albeit the style be rude but that you shall finde something to delight you And if it so happen I haue my wish and the long desire I haue had to make my zeale knowne vnto your worship in somâ— sort is satisfied Your VVorship to commannd vntill death H. R. The Miseries of ANDRVGIO Duke of Saxonie SIENA famous throughout the world for beautiful scituation ciuill gouernment good education and prositing of her students was so renowmed that none of any reputation liuing within the dominions of the Emperour but had an especiall desire to haue their sonnes trained in that vniuersitie especially the Dukes princes and Nobles Amongst many gallant youthes to whose eares fame had bruited this peerelesse report of so goodly a City with the vertues therein abounding Andrugio some and heire apparant to the noble Duke of Saxonie a toward Gentleman prone to all vertuous exercises desirous to attaine the knowledge of al artes hearing the fame of Siena desirous also to see the place and to spend his time in study as also to acquaint himselfe with other princes which came from all partes to this place to see their behauiour and knowe the maners of their countrie pricked with a continuall desire to this attempt maketh humble suite vnto the Duke his father for the furthering of this entent which so long he prosecuteth in such earnest maner that after manie denials of the aged Duke as a louing father whose tender care might not endure the absence of his deare and only sonne hauing a fatherly regard vnto him yea and morâ— than ordinarie affection of fathers vnto their children wearied also with the importance of his suites whicâ— day and night he continually sollicited both by himselfe anâ— his friends at length granteth his good will as what is it that parentes will not graunt for their childrens benefit yet to be aduised better before he suffer him to depart sommoneth all his Nobles and Estates of the countrie beseeching their counsels touching the request of his some Vnto whome hee recounteth the effect of the Princes carnest suite These Nobles hearing so honorable a motion of the yoong Lord wel noting his delight in studie at home beeing of years so tender not yet attaining to the full tearm of sixteen yeers wer woÌ„derfully amazed to hear so eâ—nest a suit from so childish a mouth wherefore as desirous to further his suite hauing considered what profite it would be vnto them and their posteritie in time to come to haue a wise learned well gouerned prince with other vertues which attend the learned which bring knowledge of the Gods and indue the followers with ciuill pollicie and good gouernment liuing in great hope hee woulde prooue to be such a one as he seemed they geue their consent for his departure became humble suitors also for y e obtaining y e same at the Dukes hands at whose request he is content it should be so giuing his Nobles thanks for their fauours towards his son commanded that presently he be furnished with all thinges befitting his estate which with all speed was performed The Duke taking all his care forhonest wise and well gouerned Tutors for him which might by their discreet and sage caunsel train him in such wise that after the Castostrisie of his life he might prooue as his hope was honorable learned and wise that he night be worthie to gouâ—rne so noble a countrie and they haue ioy of so yoong a Prince yeelding him such dutie as becommeth subiectes to their soueraigne which he might requite with a tender loue of a prince and a carefull miâ—d of his peoples good The hast that was made in prouâ—ding of all thinges for the princes iourny according to his desire is accomplished wherefore accoâ—panied with many yong Noblemen of his countrie and Gentlemen sent by their Parentes for the Princes companie Comming before the Duke as desirous to loose as little time as might be they humblie take their leaues to depart At which many a teare both of the Duke and his Nobles was shead for whom his father indured many sorrowfull daies thorow his absence yet could he not denie his request nor seek to crosse his desires which weâ—e honorable and beseeming the son of so noble and famous a father Lord ANDRVGIO his departure from the Court vvith his aduentuâ—â—s THe noble mind of this yong prince now in the flourishing tune of his age began to shewe it selfe in such sort as he might wel be knowen to descend of so honorable Parentage as the Duke of Saxonie for as the sonne-beames cannot be hid so did vertue appeare in him pricking a forwardnesse to his
to your becke or at least to see whether my lightnesse were such as you suppose it Credite me Susania answered this louing Lord let my trueth make triall of my faith vnto thee it is not lust but the pure single meanings of loue imprinted in my true heart Therefore sweete comfort of my life respect thy seruant which humbly seeketh thy grace stand not on tearmes with me if thou tender my life my progenie which I haue concealed is now by fortune reuealed whereby thou maist be assured it is no disparagement to thee to yeeld me loue of my affection towardes thee but graunting it shalt thereby increase the reputation of all thy ancestrie whom for thy sake I will inuest with titles of calling for the more honour to thee I stand Susania vppon thornes vntill I come to Siena where my desire hath led me for feare of being preuented by my father in calling me home againe therefore resolue thee and let me not languishe for thy sake whome thou mayest easily remedie Ah my Lord quoth Susania it is a principle amongest Lappidarines that the smooth stones be soonest broken amongst faylers where the water is most smoothest there likest danger the greenest grasse hideth the moste venomous serpent the stone Granio looseth his vertue if it be not continually rubbed with golde powder is no sooner kindled but it quencheth mens affection may be compared to the Fawcon that commeth to euery full fist or to the spaniell that will fawne vppon euerie one that holdeth bread in their hand The stone Quacius freeseth within when it fryeth without and sighes may be fetched aswel from the loongs as from the heart teares bee wrong out of the fingers when men be disposed to fame knowe you not that the new wrought dough wil receaue any impression Is it possible to take those birdes that hath espied the twigges no no the hawke will neuer be called to that lure wherein the pennes of a Camelion are pricked for well I knowe that the Theopâ—rate looking at the woolfe iâ— taken at a pray and the Porcupike staring on the starres is ouertaken by the dogges too late comes had I wist when follie bytes vpon repentance Better it is to skip with the lambe in the sweete field in freedome then to be companion to the greatest monarche in thraldom which considered I neither can as being not gouernour of my selfe nor will yeeld my selfe to that yoke which I cannot shake off Stay there Susania and giue me leaue to liue a while that am sure to die when you pronounce denial let not particular examples proue a full conclusion though some haue bene false all are not faultie stones I yeeld are to be valued by the vertue not by the outward viewe But Susania thinke that stones may be better polished then vnperfected and the defectes of nature corrected by nature An Emralde hath many pernicious properties but set in gold is corrected by the vertue thereof Thou Susania câ—st aptlie the comparisons then assure your selfe that the Granicke whiche is blacke yeeldeth a white iuice and the Ieate burneth best in water Then Susania commend the perfectnesse of the sunne although thou gaze at inferiour planets Andrugio hauing thus clearkly discoursed for himselfe with a deepe sigh sealed his faithfull sayinges in such sort that the teares trickled downe her cheekes for sorrowe to heare him Which perceaued by Andrugio with many imbracinges and louing kisses enterchangeablie giuen betwixt them to both their comfortes desiring pardon of her Lord whome she was loth to offend shee leaueth him with this hope his courtesie should be remembred so bidding him adâ—ew betaketh her selfe vnto her lodging where being solitarie the forces of Cupids affection began now to flame in this virgine that forced with the extremitie of contrarie motions subdued her heart with such repugnant passions that she sodainly fell into this processe Ah haplesse Susania what motions are these whither art thou rouing with a self conceipt captiuated by the lawes of affection proceeding from that blinded God Cupid and fast 〈◊〉 in his laborinth O impatient disease of loue 〈…〉 of loue thrise vnpitifull what strange malladie breedeth so great a martyrdom what intollerable griefe doth glut my desires nay what desperate desire doth breed such intollerable disease Ah Andrugio sweete Lord Andrugio yet vlab not Susania let thy loue hang at thy heartes bottome not at thy lippes brimme thinges vntold are vndone golde boyleth best where it bubleth least Yea but the flame pressed down it inforceth smoke Loue that is secretly kept consumes in sorrow and the fire of fancie raked vp in silence will both fire the sences and shrinke the sinewes Ah but Susania the Griphen neuer spreadeth his winges in the sunne hauing anie sicke fethers and a mayden snarde in loue doth shame to bewray the same what then shall Susania liue and lose her beloued to whome she is so deare as his faithfull wordes with piteous sighes bewrayeth yea but the Crockidell singeth moste sweetest when he meaneth most subtiltie the Scorpyon biteth moste venomous when he is least suspected and may not Andrugio thinke I put a dissembling visard vppon his fayre face But suspitious girle what cause hast thou to imagine anie such thought of him whose othes made in the sight of heauen and the Gods confirme his trueth Blush therefore Susania at thy folly and take heede in time suppresse that fancie that maintaines this affection for litle sparkes may proue great flames and small twigges growe to tall Cedars Loue is a Lord who like an ambitious Caesar that is graunted a part resteth not till hee dangereth the whol possessioÌ„ Knowest thou not y t to loue is to liue in losse Remember Susania men be subtill and full of deceipt Theseus was false and Demophon faultie else had Ariadne bene fortunate in her loue and Phillis happie but what then because some were faultie is none firme pause there Susania though snowe melt flint is another substance gall is bitter yet honie pleasant therefore measure the condition of al men as they be and conceiue of Andrugio as of a noble Lord whose wordes shewes 〈…〉 whose faith is firme yea but wretched Susania 〈…〉 noble thou farre inferiour to him whose parentâ—s knowing the match will disdaine him for my sake Looke not therfore so hie least some danger befall thee none gazeth in the sunne but the Eagle Iccarus presumed to mount into the ayre but his climing cost his life Andrugio is no fondling though thou wouldest wherefore content thee fondling and rather die then indanger either thy friend that loues thee or thy owne credite which will be crased if it be but knowne the least sparke of thy loue to Andrugio peoples toonges being so sharpened with standered arrowes Thus heauily without comforte bewayling her hard fortune that God had not made her a matche sufficient to linke with Andrugio we leaue her to her sorrowes Eugenia whiche hath rested little since his departure from the duke of
Citie to deuise some pastimes as well to recreat their mindes which were giuen to melancholicke for losse of their shippes of whome they heard no newes amongest which the captaines gathering theyr men togither rigged and furnished a dosen gallyes and pinnasses to the sea with intent to shewe their maner of fight and sea skirmishes to which seruices was Andrugio and his fellow pyrate called to take their places at an ores end as before they had done When all thinges was prouided for this pastune the princes hauing taken place to beholde the same in whiche fight after a little time the gally wherein Andrugio was being by another taken his captaine aswell to shewe what extremitte they vsed to those they vanquished as to grieue the body of Andrugio caused him to be stripped and most greeuously to be whipped and after by the armes with two great waites at his toes hanging to be drawne vp to the yard arme where when he had hanged that all men pitied him sauing his mercilesse captaine at the crie of the people was at length let downe But to agrauate still his extreame griefe and torment of body the Captaine as one bent to seeke his vtter destruction prouided yet a more greater torment both bytter and cruell for loe when time had brought their pastimes to end This mercilesse tormenting Captaine inuited all the Captaines to a banquet aboord his Gallie at the end whereof he caused Andrugio to be cased in the raw hide of a new slaine woolfe which with the shipdogges from euery Gally baited him beastlike in such maner that they had like to haue wearied him sometimes tearing his armes and legges otherwhile the other partes of his bodie which crueltie of the dogges vexing poore Andrugio bred such content to the barbarous villaine that his heart was more ioyed with the sight thereof than if hee had receiued a noble victorie against his enemies such deadly hatred had the cruell tyrant conceiued against Andrugio At this banquet there chanced to bee a noble man of the traine of the Princesse Gurdania whose heart pitieng Andrugio so much that he could not endure the sight of his extremities but turning his head from that which the barbarous people tooke delight in he secretly enquyred what hee was that was so hardly vsed aboue the rest of those slaues these questions of the noble man was demanded by chance of y e pyrate before taken with Andrugio who being a faire welspoken man and of good demeanor recounted at large vnto this noble man Andrugio his tormentes besought him that as he was a gentleman to take compassion on his miserie and buy him for money or by some other meanes to worke his deliuerie for that if he remained amongst them this would euery day be their vse vntill God by death shal thinke good to end his sorrowes albeit hee was in his Countrie a Gentleman of good name and honorable reputation The noble man mooued with pitie and compassion at the Pyrates ruthfull tale thought euery minute of an hower a day vntill he might come to the presence of those two kinges and the Princesse which he might not do that night Wherefore in the morning awaiting earnestly to bring his desire to effect he was brought before them vnto whom he recounted the grieuous sight he had seene and how much it troubled his minde and grieued his heart to thinke that euer Christian should endure such miserie VVhere in the most earnest manner that hee coulde besought the Princesse and the Kinges of Denmarke and Swethland to procure his freedome either by intreatie or for ransome at his charge to what somme soeuer it amounted The princes hearing this dolefull discourse mooued to pitie his miserie sent for the gouernour and besought him that as their welcomes had bene great and their entertainment exceeding so they might craue his friendship in a suit they had to impart vnto him The Gouernour glad to content those princes with all the fauours he might did not only by his word assure what they desired but deepely sware they shoulde obtaine what they craued holding himselfe highlie in their fauour that they would demaund any thing that lay in him to performe beseeching to know what their suit was The princesse thanking him for his kindnesse and fauor told him that their suit was for the libertie of a slaue a poor man and what ransome hee would demaund he should haue with thankes My gracious Lords quoth the Gouernour not one but all the prisoners and slaues in this place shall bee at your highnes command and therefore I humblie beseech you to let me knowe his Captaines name and the person and hee shall presently be sent for The noble man whose desire was to haue Andrugio his libertie very glad to heare his suite growe to so good effect gaue thankes to the gouernour describing vnto him what he was and in what Gally but his name he could not remember which by the especiall notes giuen was well knowen vnto the Gouernour who with all speed dispatched one of his seruantes for Andrugio commanding that hee should be brought vnto his lodging which presently was accomplished Whom when the gouernour saw he demaunded of what calling and countrey he was and how long hee had serued in their Gallies To whom Andrugio answered by byrth noble Lord I am a Saxon of reputation a Gentleman and passing the seas was most vnfortunatelye taken prisoner by the Fleete of Gallies that last serued against the king of Spaines forces This fourteene moneths haue I endured most miserable seruitude and grieuous punishmentes by my vnmercifull and rigorous Captaines-command VVhen the Gonerall had heard him commaunded his man that he should be cloathed in a faire suite of apparell of his owne and so presented him to the Princesse vnto whō he was verie acceptable Thus when Andrugio by the appointment of the Gods had remained a while at libertie and that the princes had well reposed themselues prouision was made for their departure vnto the Barbarian King of whome they were expected long by reason of some of their Fleet arriuing in his countrie all things being ready for them a faire gale blowing they take their leaues of the Gouernour whome they reward with great and bountifull presentes with much courtesie and thankes for their royall entertainment the which they vowed should neuer be forgotten And so bidding them farewell they imbarqued themselues for their pretended iourney with whom also departed Andrugio attending vppon the Lord Ieronymy who had released him Thus by the prouidēce of the hiest Andrugio was from the miserie he endured deliuered and in great fauour of the Lord Ieronymy his maister vnto whose gouernment hee committed all his affaires who so well behaued him selfe that he was in great account of his Lord and louing maister Their businesse and honorable mariage of the Emperours daughter accomplished and the kinges with their traines safely retourned to their owne countrie Andrugio highlie in fauour of his Lord
gained so the loue of all the people that none of the retinue of his Lord was helde in such account of all estates as well of Nobles and Gentlemen of the countrie as the inferiour sort It fortuned this Lord Ieronymie hauing one onely sister wise beautifull and well gouerned hearing such generall commendation of Andrugio and amongst the rest her brother so highly to commend him in all places and at all times so that his common talke was euer to the credite of Andrugio which noted in the yoong ladie Messeliua for so was she called her affection began to encrease towards him in such wise that from a small sparke the fire of fancie began to grow to a great flame and her chiefe and onely delight was in beholding of her best beloued Andrugio yea her thoughtes were so setled vpon him that in the night she dreamed of him and in the day he was neuer out of her remembrance in so much that this passion increasing she began to growe into great extremities euermore deuising what meanes she might best worke to make her loue knowne vnto him now casting this doubt then another so that in no sort shee might settle her thoughtes how to bring her desires to effect in such maner as she might be void of suspition to the world and acquaint Andrugio with her secrete loues towardes him hauing not any friend of familiaritie to bee aduised by but her wayting woman of whose trust and fidelitie in such a waightie cause shee was not assured of Yet notwithstanding arming her selfe with hope the only comfort of the distressed she resolueth with her selfe a litle while longer to beare it out hoping that time and her courtesie vsed towards him might cause him to craue that which she could willingly and with all her heart offer him Andrugio on the top of his pleasure leading a life free from all incumbrances of body yet could not forget the loue he bare his Susania which howe often he called to minde the more began his sorrow yea such desire he had to see his best beloued that his whole studie and continuall care was how to accomplish the same in doubt of euerie occasion that might hinder his determination Thus betweene doubtfulnesse and dispaire liued this yoong prince discontented that he tooke no pleasure in keeping anie kinde of companie at all Such was his honourable minde with duetifull allegiance tied by the lincke of faith vnto his Lord who had freed him that he durst not for feare of deniall make any request for his fauour therein and to goe of his free-will he thought it villanie to requite with such ingratitude so honourable a man that loued him as his owne Well so long continued those passions abiding such grieuous tormentes of minde that his liuely collour began to waxe pale and wanne yea his bloud which was fresh and well beseeming dried and his bodie growne with continuall griefe into a faine sicknesse insomuch that his alteration was noted of all lamented of many that did know him but especiallie of the noble Lord Ieronimie and his sister Messalina who continually noted euerie sight and woulde oftentimes demand the cause of his sorrowe whiche by no meanes they could vse he would discouer But Lord Ieronimie as one carefull of his well doing woulde neuer be satisfied with such answeres as Andrugio would giue nor allow his excuses for trueth wherefore taking him one day into the fields of purpose to solace they spent their time in walking pleasantly discoursing vntill the Lord Ieronimie comming to a pleasant medowe bedecked with natures ornamentes as much as they had seene which viewing they both censured of the bewtie of the field one commending the delightful smell of floures the other the situation of the place which was most excellent neere vnto the edge of one side running a most pleasant christall streame which bubling ouer the round Poples gaue a sweete noyse to the hearers vpon the side whereof was growing a rowe of moste exceeding fine poplar trees which ouershadowed the place as it was most pleasant This place aboue the rest that they had chanced on Lord Ieronimie those to solace himself in as also fit for his purpose wherefore commanding Andrugio to sit down by him like a louing kind Lord hee began to participate with Andrugio in this wise Andrugio mine owne Andrugio I haue long sought fit opportunitie to haue secret conference with thee and hauing found place and time for the same be not moued that I growe into those speaches which I haue to vse considering that they bespoken of loue and not maliciously First my Andrugio whiche I haue to say vnto thee is this I haue since our comming from the mariage of my liege the Emperours daughter noted many a sad and heauie countenance in thee which I knowe argueth a discontented mind proceeding as my coÌ„iecture assureth me of loue now Andrugio as I freed thee from the bondage of y e turks vnknowne if there be anie such cause feare not to make it known vnto me I haue vowed to pleasure thee al y t I may stand not therfore on nise tearms but let me know y e dame whom thou hast made choyse of to gouerne thy affections and if I seeke not all possible meanes for thy heartes content accuse me euer of dishonour and holde me the moste wretched vile creature on the earth Andrugio hearing this discourse of his Lordes which he least looked for could not well on the sodaine tell how to answere for that he was not assured whether he spake vpon surmise or that he had some secret knowledge of his loue to Susania yet thinking to hasard his credite with Lord Ieronimie he answereth My gracious Lord what humble thanks my heart rendereth for so great fauours my toonge cannot declare But gracious Lord where fortune hath placed an extraordinarie want their wil shal supplie the defects of wealth loyaltie performe that whiche my meane abilitie can neuer put in practise The tree that bringeth foorth no fruite is good for fuell and stones are not to be valued by an outward view but an inward vertue Prometheus did consture wel of the workes of Lycias and I hope my gratious Lord will not misconsture the will of Andrugio but rather to cast an eye to my secret willingnesse then to looke for merites which I cannot manifest what I finde noble Lord by experience the time and place forbids me to participate least I be accused of flatterie yet what I conceiue I leaue to your honourable coniecture which I cannot any way discipâ—er onely this alwaies accompt Andrugio is your duetifull and loyall seruaunt vntill death which hee hath vowed by the true band of friendship neuer to violate Thus finding in my selfe a will that shall neuer wauer a faith vnfained and a life vowed to perpetuall loyaltie Hoping that as Protagenes was excused for his vnperfect pictures by doing what he could so also shall I finde your Lordshippes fauour since I
owne countrie take vp to relieue him whome I trust needeth not my helpe if he liue The dukes sonne may thinke himselfe bound to you quoth Andrugio if he did but know your loue to him and if he be a gentleman he cannot but requite it That Andrugio by talke had knowledge of the man yet not resolued whether to make himselfe knowne vnto his countriman to heare the sorrowe of the Lordes for his absence and what griefe his whole countrey indured for him besides his double sorrowe for the decease of his noble father studying this what to doe hee refolued that it was the pleasure of God so formnately to giue him knowledge of the state of his countrie and therefore not against the pleasure of God to refuse so good opportunitie least he that sendeth all happinesse displeased at his follies shoulde augment his punishmentes wherefore resolued he saith Lorenzo for so was he called since I see the loue thou barest the duke in his life as thy report to his houre after deathe sheweth I were vngratefull if I shoulde not requite thee with some friendship Therefore my good Lorenzo know that thou art the man y t shalt glad the heartes of them thou sayst doo mourne by bringing them certaine tidinges of Lord Andrugio their yoong Prince whome I can assure thee liueth but in great pouertie farre vnâ—â—tting his estate wherfore if thou canst procure to furnishe him with prouision of apparell and money for his charges I can and will bring thee to his presence let me know therefore thy minde for our iournie beginneth to shorten and I must leaue thee Lorenzo hearing the name of him whome he had thought neuer to haue seene more began to note the man more and more but so much was he altered in countenance with the sunne and weather beating at sea that he coulde not knowe him wherefore Lorenzo besought him of that zeale that Christians owe one to another not to hide himselfe anie longer if he were the man as he did suppose he was to let him knowe it that he might doe him that dutie as to hys dread Lord or if not himself not to depart vntil he brought him vnto Lord Andrugio his presence that if his pouertie be such as you report LoreÌ„zo may relieue it and shew the zeale he oweth vnto the noble Andrugio Andrugio being assured by this of Lorenzo his zeale could forbeare no longer but with teares running lyke streams wringing Lorenzo by y e hand sayd Lorenzo my olde acquainted friend and companion Lorenzo how may my heart reioyce to heare thy loue to him whom thou neuer hadst no cause to thinke on but since I knewe it by proof and see what dutie thou didst owe the duke deceased albeit I may be ashamed to manifest that I cannot conceale from thee Know this Lorenzo I aâ— that Andrugio Sonne and Heire to the noble Duke of Saxonie who by the crueltie of fortune haue neuer liued since my going to Siena but in great miserie and neuer was it my chance in my trauels which hath not bene small to meeâ—e with anie of my acquaintance But seeing God hath caused thee to be the first and only man let me know Lorenzo thy counsell what is best to be done thou seest the life I lead is slauishe and moste odious suche as my heart hardly broketh yet can I not eschew it in any sort If I should fue he to whome I am thus inthralled would pursue me if I refuse this wherein I haue some libertie then might it be worse for me nor how to discharge my selfe from it I cannot deuise if I acquaint him with my estate then mayâ— be that he will inflict some great sommes of monie on me for my ransome so that I am now in such an agonâ—e thaâ— I know not what shal become of me Desirous I am to see my natiue countrie and friendes and to comfort these my louing subiectes which sorrow for my absence if thou lend ayde to my desire let me knowe therefore thy aduise Lorenzo and assure thee that the good thou affoordest me in this extremetie shalbe repayd thee with many thankes Lorenzo shed teares aboundant to heare his tale yet was his heart surprised so with ioy that hee coulde not speake but passing it ouer as he might kneeling on hys knees humbly kissed his hand giuing God thankes for blessing him with so good fortune as to be the first that should bring the tidinges of comfort to his countrie protesting withal his purse yea life all was at his commandement my good Lord quoth he touching your departure if you will be ruled by my aduise we will return to the place from whence we came where I haue some friends acquaintance of our countrie with whome I will deale for monie and necessaries befitting your Lordship your selfe shall rest as secret as you may vntill the spring our ships may be free when with the first we will depart This counsell liked Andrugio well and without deniall returned to the place from whence they came which ere they might recouer was late in the night Lorenzo being well acquainted in his lodging called them vp with diuers of his countrimen to whome he declared what had happened who were as ioyfull of this good newes as Lorenzo Thus remained Prince Andrugio amongest hys friendly countriemen honoured with all titles of maiestie beseeming his estate but verie secret nor neuer disclosed what hee was but amongest themselues for whome Lorenzo was not a little careful to prouide all thinges for his honor that he might with maiestie beseeming a prince returne to his countrie All thinges prouided for this his happie iournie the spring nowe appearing where the frosen alpes began to disclose and the splendant beames of the sunne shewed in moste glorie Their prouision beeing all readie to clappe a boord they attend but his pleasure that hathe wrought all thinges else for their content to send them a happie gale whiche luckely comming as they expected they were with the first readie to set saile bidding Freesland farewel their gallant Barke fleesed the waues with a prosperous and happie gale to the ending of euerie one of their wishes and accomplishing Andrugio his desire Time and short time hath brought them to the port of their desire when they had no sooner anchored but Lorenzo sent by Andrugio hastined to see his aged father and withall to will him in all haste to repayre vnto him to participate in counsell what he were best to doe either sodenly to make his arriuall knowne or to conceale it for a time but scarsly had Lorenzo his father blessed him giuen his welcome when blab-like he reuealed vnto his father Andrugio his comming who as ioyfull to heare it as the other was in recounting it presently spred it throughout the citie and to the gouernours of the state who presently vpon the report addressed themselues withall the honour they could to receaue him commanding the belles to be roong
shall wish or desire Lorenzo sleeped litle time but hauing made his prouision departed the citie and iornied day and night vntill hee came to the deserts of Gusqueno where the beloued of his Lord made her abode to whome Andrugio his messenger came not before he was looked for nor so soone by many yeares for that she neuer heard of him since his going first to Siena by reason of his troubles Lorenzo hauing recouered y e Millers house enquired after the maiden to whose presence being come in reuereÌ„t maner more then she would or wished doing his duetie he recounteth vnto her Andrugio his message declaring that it was his pleasure that presently she come vnto him for that the time was nowe come that all thinges to her content and his desire should be perfourmed Susania when her hope was all past euer to see or heare of him againe hauing bene absent so long and neuer coulde heare any tydings of him neither in his owne countrie nor at Siena whether he iornied from her fathers house thought verily he had bene dead wherefore on the suddaine could not tell what to say yet viewing the peece of ring which she did well know she imagined that he was liuing wherfore after diuers questions demanded of Andrugio his successe in his absence both abroad and at home answered what you are I know not wherefore I beseech you of pardon if vnreuerently I vse you or not as beseemeth your calling my bringing vp is rustick as you see in this poore cottage and your self a meere stranger vnto me Touching my Lords demand I know not what to say being not at myne owne disposing but to be gouerned by them of whom I receiued my being as I haue euer by them bene ruled so wil I of them be aduised yet my Lords loue is deere vnto me yea dearer then mine owne soule Rest you I beseeche you sir this night with such homely viandes as this wildernesse affoordeth welcome I assure you shall be your best cheare and at my Fathers home-comming you shall know more Lorenzo wearied with trauaile accepteth her offer yeelding thanks for that fauour Susania descanning on Lorenzo his message imagineth whether her heart was ioyful or no hauing so good a cause and her hope so great to come from a Millers cottage to a princes liue in court honoured of Nobles This happy tydings could Susania with much paine indure to conceale any time wherefore shee dispatcheth a messenger in all hast to seek her father and mother vnto whom being come shee recounteth at large Andrugio his message deliuered by Lorenzo with his happie successe and attayning vnto hys dukedome with all beseeching her father and mother as they loued and tendered the preferment of their childe not to gainsay the will of the noble Andrugio for that their loues had bene equall fortune had done them both wrong to separat them so long seeing it stood with the pleasure of God after many daies of trouble to her louing Lord and no little sorrow to her selfe that they might inioy ech other his francke consent with her mothers might be granted Thus with ioy the toonge faltering in hir mouth shee could not vtter a word more which the father perceiuing beganne to censure the cause proceeded of great ioye and entering into iudgement of all causes which might be preiudiciall to his childe as also the desire he had to see her well bestowed the old beldam his wife casting their heads togither in priuie counsell betwixt them it was agreed that she should goe although nature would hardly brooke to forgoe her especially so farre that all thinges considered and that their faith was plighted one to another they woulde not be denied wherefore at supper Lorenzo being placed at such homely viandes as could be sodainly prepared the aged father said Gentleman of Saxonie if my Andrugio your Duke were present he could be but welcome and so he hath bene to this simple cottage so assure your selfe you be and thankes I yeeld you with my heart for this paynes taken for the benefite of my poore childe for whome without bâ—ast I may with teares report I haue and euer had a fathers care Many a good yeomanly sonne yea and sonnes of gentle race hath shee forsaken proffering their loue with large dowries vnto her But since the time of your Dukes lodging in my house she neuer had anie minde of mariage taking lesse pleasure in hearing of any such offer then in ought else might be spoken my selfe coulde neuer tell the cause but that my wife her mother did partly vnderstand somewhat of her mind being heauy sad diuers times sickely when other youth spent their times in pleasure and sporting to recreate themselues she would wayle and lament in such sorte as it hath not a little greeued me to behold But my Lord what was concealed then I partly gesse at now it was loue I see the loue of my Lord Andrugio who by what meanes I know not hath obtayned her heart and faithfull liking and since I heare by the report of my daughter howe constant hee remaineth in hys choyse not respecting her base birth and that I holde it the wil of God after manie perils they should inioy ech others companie I am content she shalbe at his graces obedience and my selfe with what I haue at his commaundement praying God to make them in loue so happie as the fortunatest that euer liued And this by the way my good Lord since it hath pleased him amongest manie others to make you the man should take charge of my childe and to bring her to his presence I doe herewithall beseeche thee as thou art noble and bound to defend virgins to the vttermost of thy power to be ayding vnto her not suffering her to be iniuried in what thou mayest remedie I knowe her aduancement shall haue manie enemies who spiting that she from so base birth shuld be so exalted wil enuy her happinesse and be a meane to set discord betwixt the duke and her by which meanes she may be scorned cast from hys presence and so constrained to seeke her fortune in miserie wherefore to preuent insuing euils as thou tenderest the loue of thy princely Lord that sent thee sweare vnto me by that order of nobilitie which thou professest in all extremeties to be ayding vnto her and in Gods name at your pleasure she shall accompanie you Lorenzo listening to the large discourse of this kinde father noting the care he had for his childe whome he tâ—nderly loued presuming on his Lordes constancie vowed with solemne othes vnto him that so long as euer it pleased the deuine deities to preserue him with life hee would stand and abide a father and firme friend vnto her and in al honest causes maintaine her iust quarrell against all men yea if it were against the duke himselfe Time now is come when they must depart wherefore these aged parentes might not forbeare the shedding of teares in
moste aboundant wise the sight whereof moued Lorenzo to great pitie yet passing ouer the extremitie thereof with a heauie heart and countenance wanne for her departure he saith my louing daughter how I haue nourished thee euer from thy birth thou canst partly conceaue by my fauours shewed since thou hadst reason to knowe good from euill in hope to finde thee a comfort to thy mother and me nowe in the enclining of our dayes in the earth which how neere they drawe he that gaue vs breath best knoweth But contrarie to my expectation thou art now parting from vs into a better place where thou hast few friendes and lesse acquaintance wherefore it behoueth thee to haue the more regard to thy behauiour for I tell thee my Susania promotions haue manie enemies fewe friendes the mightiest are hated when the poore liue securely wherefore as it is the pleasure of the highest to make thee the best of thy kinne haue these preceptes in minde and doubtlesse thou shalt inioy thy estate in the lesse perill Let not thy calling make thee proud nor disdainfull but remember alwaies from whence thou camest if thou be humble thy nobles in better sort will loue thee but being ambitious wil disdaine thee seeke thy destruction Emperours and mightie potentates thorowe ambition haue bene foyled and thrust from their â—eates of dignitie Then let not this estate make thee proud least it fare worse with thee Be duetifull to thy Lord and husband if hee loue thee be thou kind to him if he be froward do not with crosse speeches moue him for odious speeches will make thy honest behauiour lothsome vnto him if he be impatient with anie let thy industrie be to pacifie him and for thine owne part let not his speeches spoken neuer so greatly in thy disgrace moue thee to choller so shalt thou shew thy selfe wise If he haue any imperfection do not as common gossips do vpon their quaffing reueale it for that is a moste odious fault and it shal make thee a laughing stocke to others and cause thy honestie to be attempted by ruffians and such as would gladly see thy dishonour for all honest women will feare that which is commoÌ„ly spoken of dishonest women Briefly please thy Lord and husband in all thinges but especially in such as draw neerest his inclination loue him intirely aboue all others be patient and learne to winke at manie thinges he doth the prudent in thy houshold affaires careful to bring vp thy children fayre spoken kinde and courteous to his nobles and all others plentiful in honourable works a friend to the honest and a verie enemie to light youthes as thy leysure from thy Lord shall permit spend thy tyme in reading learned sayinges of the wise for by suche honest occupations women are withdrawn from other vnworthy exercises Thus as a father haue I in my blunt maner prescribed thee to gaine the loue of all men and continue the good opinion of thy Lord. Time draweth on and thy protectour Lord Lorenzo attendeth thee wherefore I will detaine thee no longer but with my blessing commend you to the protection of him that best knoweth how to preserue thee and so sweet daughter farewell Thus after kind teares spenâ— on either side for their departure Lorenzo contenting bountifullie his host for his entertainment they betake theÌ„selues to their desired iorney Duke Andrugio which had long expected to heare of his best beloued is now certified by a messenger that she with Lorenzo are within two daies iourny of the court vppon which newes he sommoneth his nobles and estates commanding them to be ready to accompanie him the next day in the most sumtuous sort they migh to giue entertainment vnto a stranger comming from far to see him y t which was accordingly performed in such wise as Andrugio by their diligence in fulfilling so sodainly his desire thought himself most highly honoured by them Thus all thinges perfourmed as his heart could wish the next morning Andrugio with his train set forward to meete Susania at the house of Signior Anthony a knight of his court where hee had appointed to meete her vpon which iourney as hee traueyled hee acquainted diuers of his chiefest Lordes with the pretence of his comming from the Court with what zeale he had honoured and loued that mayden which they went to meete beseeching them of that loue they did beare vnto him and his deceased fatherâ— to make account of his loue and to do her that reuerence which belonged vnto the Lady and wife of their Duke for that she was the obiect of his heart and the onely one that should participate with him in loue The Nobles which harkened to his protestation so vnsuspected began diuers waies to coniecture of the same his friendes and trustie followers conceiuing the best others whose loue was not so firme as it pleased them yet all alike to content him gaue their willing consentes that if hee had planted his liking it were against reason their othes of dutie and obedience to gainsay what liked him Therfore wishing vnto him much ioy of what his heart desired they bad God prosper them both to their owne content Passing the way in parlie they arriue at the house of Signiour Anthony who glad to see his Lord and maister within his mansion had prouided the cheare hee could come by bidding him and his traine most friendly welcome To tell you the exceeding ioy of those two Louers at their meeting were needlesse but suppose how welcome the sight of any long desired thing is vnto you so shall you easily gesse in what happie estate those louers thought themselues After some conference had betwixt the Duke and his beloued with the consent of their nobles their mariage was determined and presentlie in the house of Anthony was it constituted to both their contentes and the liking of all such as loued him who with a generall consent made outward apparance of their good consents This mariage performed and some time spent in pleasure as tilting masking and other pastimes in honor of the wedding the Duke with his new adopted Princesse thanking their friendly Host for their entertainment bad him farewell departing towards their owne pallace wher they were of the citizens wher he kept his court most royallye receiued each one crieng with a generall voice God saue their Duke and Duchesse The tearme of two yeares and sometime more was passed in exceeding ioyes betwene those kind Louers in which time God sent theÌ„ two saire goodly children to wit one some and one daughter to their great ioy and reioycing of all the commons But as the vertuous bee alwaies most subiect to the enuie of the worlde so in time the fire of hatred which had bene long smochering in the bosomes of Gonsalo and Flodericus two Nobles of Saxony began to breake foorth into hot burning flames in such sort that raysing their tenants kin and followers perswading them their intents were
Saule sought his life came into the tent of the king finding him sleeping yet durst not touch him for feare of vengeance from heauen If treason were helde in such contempt in those dayes howe ought it much more now to be despised Proceede therefore noble Prince and let the tender care you haue of these innocents whose cause you take in hand deserue such honour in the courtes of all christian Princes that no talke may be but of Galastino duke of Millaine and his honourable reuenge of those traytors that draw their swordes against their soueraigne and hauing vanquished the villaines let their punishmeÌ„t be answerable to their deserts that it may breed terrour to all such as shall euer attempt the like action and remaine to the end of all thinges in memorie towardes the performance of which of our own cost we freely allow ten thousand men well furnished for warre with all y e charge wages and what else to them belongeth besides our owne persons to attend your excellencie which shalbe readie speedily awaiting your gracious pleasures The Duke which found no lesse then hee expected at the handes of his nobles was so rauished with ioy that it amazed him wherfore yelding them such honourable courtesie as their large and friendly offer required he thus replied Noble friends on whose fidelitie our welfare consisteth Thankes for this friendship so likewise for many others past more haue you honoured me by your consent to this my fiâ—te then I list nowe to vtter but assure you on the word and maiestie of a Prince that your friendships shall neuer be forgotten Touching my determination for our iournie to Saxonie knowe that our purpose is by the assistance of God whome I trust fauoureth our good intent and will helpe vs according to equitie of our cause within two monethes to be ready for our intended voyage wherefore as you honour me see that you accomplishe your late offers against that time prefixed vnto whiche they faythfully promise dinner time Drawing on the duchesse aduertised the duke therof who inuited his nobles thereto where the Duke relateth vnto the duchesse of Saxonie his parlie with the nobles of Millaine with their courteous offers for the benefite of her and her children which newes was so pleasing vnto her as nothing could ioy her more hoping by that meanes the Duke her husbands children shoulde inioy their lawfull right and shee her selfe liue to see the same Thus with much pleasant parly passed they diner carowsing to their happysuccesse and fortunate iorney vntil some of them haue taken such colde in the handes that they might not stand on their feet Time that worketh al things commandeth these Nobles away eâ—ch making to their home wherefore taking humble leaue of the Duke and the two Duches thy depart carefull of what the Duke gaue them in charge to set all thinges in a readines against the time appointed The Nobles gone the Duke calleth his captaines and men fit for charge geuing them warrant for leuieng his power with great command that his company should bee of the best and ablest men in the Dukedome which with care they see fulfilled according to the truste reposed in them The Duchesse for whose sake those preparations were made conceiued such ioy at the same that she thought euery moneth a yeare and euery day a moneth vntil shee saw to what happy end the Dukes pretended iorney would happeÌ„ vnto often commending in her heart the faithfulnesse of the Duke of Millaine to his friend In recounting whereof she shed many bytter teares for Andrugio her beloued lord and husband somtime exclaiming against both Gods and men for his losse who so dearely she loued The remembrance of whom was likely diuers times to bereaue her of life yet in the midst of her sorrowes when she beheld the yoong prince a liuely picture of the exiled Duke how often with sweet imbracings woulde she kisse the tender youth bathing his tender cheeks with teares distilling in aboundance thorow extreame griefe of heart from her eies hoping yet before death should shut those eyes of hers to see him and once against to inioy his companie The yoong prince growing to some discretion beeing thirteen yeares of age well noting the sorrowe and heauinesse of his mother would by cyrcumstances enquyre of the Duke his father of his country and the cause why hee left the same with many other questions of which when the Duchesse had resolued him made relation of each thinge which he demanded describing also at full how dearly hys subiectes loued him and in what regard they held her it would moue the prince often to shed teares wishing that his years had bene such that he might haue remembred his father and of power to reuenge his wrong vowing if it bee the pleasure of God to endow him with life so thorowly to requite those iniuries vpon the vsurping traitors that al the chronicles in the world should record the same in memorie And so comforteth his mother in the best sort hee could praying her a while to be content till God had placed him in his right whereof he hoped in short time to bee possessed Those wordes of comfort proceeding from so greene a head the Duchesse did much admyre no doubt had greate pleasure in her sonne of whom she had no litle ioy whose education was answerable to his byrth hauing learned men of all sciences to read vnto him by whome hee profited in learning so excellently that it was rare to finde any in Millaine or the whole Dukedom comparable vnto him for study and other agility of the body for which he bare the prize from al of his yeares whose conditions were so answerable to the noble Duke his father that if any man did know the one would suppose soone who the other should be Whilest the Duke of Millaine was furnishing his power newes was brought him that Flodericus one of the vsurpers had by poison brought his companion vnto his longest home to auenge whose wrongs Sextilius son and heir vnto Gonsalo deceised had gathered all his allies kindred and friends in armes and was in the fieldes with intent to suppresse Flodericus and claime in right the Duke dome in trueth and lawfull succession belonging vnto neyther of them This 〈…〉 the suddain Galastino could not wel beleeue till hee was by letters from diuers Nobles of Saxonie and friendes to the noble Andrugio and his thereof aduertised whereof beeing thorowly resolued he hasteneth his powers and hâ—â—ing a gaâ—â— to serue their turne After many sorrowfull fâ—rewels and womanish teares shed by both the Duches he taketh the seâ—s whose honorable purpose fauoured by God the maintainer of trueth brought them safe to the road of their desire anchoring in the night perceiued of nâ—ne by reason of the gloomy weather Galastino commandeth a 〈◊〉 to be prepared which being accomplished he presently dispatcheth messengers from ship to ship with letters of direction for their suddaine landing to
shall you rest with me where your cates shall not be dainty homelic cleanly and welcome your principal dish Thankes good my Lord quoth Elanicus but thinke you that I may obtaine that fauour at your commaund which intreating for the same so lately was so hardly expersed Susania intercepting Andrugio his wordes answered sir blame not a fearfull maiden to doubt the worst hauing too great a cause of late to bee warned and to excuse my boldnesse let my submission in the humblest wise make satisfaction for my fault and vouchsafe to accompanie your noble countriman vnto whom both the Gods and Fortune in my opinion haue done great wrong and my selfe a rude maiden with my aged parentes haue highly offended in not giuing him the dutie to his estate belonging But I trust he will pardon the fault committed sith he himselfe is the principall cause thereof which would not make himselfe knowen but onely in this tytle a Gentleman of Saxonie yet to such prouision as wee coulde make in this wildernes he was welcome so is your selfe if you accept it A million of thankes curteous maiden I render thee for thy kindnes to this noble man which he hath found vnknowen what he was and therefore the more to be considered VVhat cause he hath to honour so good an attendant as you haue showed to be for auoyding of flattery I omit Thus passing the night in ioy recountring their olde friendship the next morning early as Andrugio gaue directions Elanicus leauing behinde him horse and money he hasteneth with al speed to signifie vnto the Duke what had happened Andrugio feeling now the extremities of his woundes to be passed imagining the duke would not suffer him farther to aduenture himselfe when tidings should be brought him of his perils escaped and plight he remained in not forgetting his affection towards Susania whose desires the more he sought to suppresse y e more his hart was inflamed in loue towards her wherefore hee resolutely determining what to do he waiteth opportunitie to disclose his loue vnto her which luckily was presently offered For loâ— Susania in the midst of these determinations according to her ancient custome came to see her patient wherefore setting al dreaâ— apart taking his fit time knowing wel that secret forrowes doo confound the sences and that lingring in perill is the cause of many insiting miseries thus boldlie he began to batter the bulwarke Blush not Susania that for thy graces I tell thee I loue For Susania Loue is in men and therefore in me Since therefore to stop the streame dooth make the flood more fierce and to suppresse the flame dooth make the fire encrease Cammomill the more it is â—rodden the more it springeth Wherefore Susania fearing the flame of my affection shall corosiue my heart know this thy manifold vertues haue made such an impression in my heart and the sweetnesse of thy feature so wounded me that the blaze of the one and the bountie of the other hath broken the bulwarke of my heart where Loue aduanceth her Ensigne as conqueroâ— and keepeth my hart prisoner neither will she deliuer but onely with this ransome Susania her loue Looke therefore my drare Susania vpon thy captiue and as thou hast cured the outward woundes of my bodie minister that sweet portion to my hurt which my heart desireth that being healed by the phisicke of thy affections I may ioy in thee Lookes men say are the messengers of loue and outward motions the be â—raâ—ers of inward malladies then cast thine eies vpon the countenance which doth manifest my care and let thy thoughtes penetrate the heart that doth endure calamitie Deeme sweet Susania of my loue as of the Salamandar stone which being once set on fire will neuer be quenched or the Emerald which graceth all other stones but neuer looseth his collour so likewise neuer determinable shall be the loue of Andrugio to his beloued Susania Then Susania in right consider of my cause according to my care nothing besides thy bountie can procure my blisse thy only perfection hath increased my pame then let thy pitie set free my person from pâ—rill The Porcupike that hurteth with his quilles makes a salue with his blood and Aclytes speare trieth an earnest effect of both natures so likewise it lieth in thee to apply the plaister that inferreth my paine to minister such phisick as may cure my malladie Sith then my life dependeth on thy loue and my danger attendeth your speedie redresse let your courtesie finish my care and repay my loue with his like Susania poore soule neuer vsed to those louing speeches and sweet wordes vttered by Andrugio was mute to heare so suddaine a motion yet the thought of which ticklâ—d a sweete conceit in her as a portion shee coulde well brooke yet determining to shewe in full the nature of the female sexe began to spurne at that with her fooâ—e which willingly she could haue imbraced in her heart resembling the byrde Orpyes that hatcheth the Nightingale yet will feed on her egges so dooth her heart secretlye reioise to thinke her selfe beloued of Andrugio yet meaning to giue him a bitter pill she ministreth to him this portion My good Lord Andrugio I humblie beseech you of pardon for my harsh behauiour toward your Lordship passed but gratious Lord wherein hath Susania shewed her selfe at any time light of behauiour that thus you goe about to intrap me to the lure of your will if my dutie to my vtmost shewed in your weaknesse breed lust in your recouering health I will prouide a new nurse for you and arme my selfe against the subtill piping of so cunning a Fouler Yf your friendship be with your faining glozes to that end to bewich such ignorant creatures as my self I must needs get the hearbe Glozia a preseruatiue against that malady and intreat your Lordship to bee content with an other attendant for wisedome it is to beware in time and warned prouide to escape dangers Yf your Lordship had bene before put in mind of the murderers waiting to kill you I doubt whether you would haue aduentured the place wher they awaited you therefore blame mee not to bee hereafter aduised how I come too neere you and so farewell Thus as it were in a litle chafe she would haue departed but Andrugio staieng her replied thus Sweete Susania and louing if thou tender his life whome with paine thou hast nourished so long doo pitie me which vnfainedly craâ—e it at thy bandes Though Fowlers meane falshood Andrugio is faithfull what if many men haue pleaded for obtainig of lust the affections of Loue yet blame not Andrugio till triall if I bee false then let the Gods poure vengeance vpon me or when ANDRVGIO shall seeme to chaunge his amorous thoughtes of sweete Susania the obiect of any life let fire consume me from the heauen Enough of this my Lord quoth Susania except it were to better purpose for your talke is to no end but to bring a foole
all his Captaines who knowing the Dukes pleasure flacke no time for the performance of his will Such hast was made on all sides that ere Phoebus showed his glittering beames on the earth the Duke with all his power were landing by his leaders who had viewed the City made choise of their ground to encampe in where they fall to worke at all handes trenching furnishing of tentes and buyldinge of Eabinnâ—s and 〈◊〉 prouisions for their succours The morning watch comming to the top of the walles to relieue their companions looking out with more diligeÌ„ce by like then the rest espieng the ensignes wauing in the wind by their bell gaue notice to the Citizens who on the suddaine were amazed yet euery man was in armes and hasten to their places of defence The rumor of this newes brought to the court Flodericus the vsurping Duke supposed Sextilius who lay inâ—amped on the other side had made some sally toward the citie but when hee was aduertised of the contrarie and that none as hee perceiued could geue him certaine intelligence what they were but supposed them to bee straungers come from other Countries by the number of shippes which they had anchoring in the harbour This newes was worse welcome then the former behalfe and stroke such a terrour in Flodericus that as one dispairing of his euill intent hee breaketh out into these speeches Flodericus thou seest now that to gouerne a state is to be cares Captiue vncertaine is the state gotten by guyle and dispoyling thy friend what man hast thou euer seene to prosper with any thing gotten by treacherie Then howe canst thou hope of any good more with quietnes to be possessed in this Dukdome which thou by treason inioyest No no Flodericus blood requireth blood he which draweth his sword against his Soueraigne shall perish by the same Yf this saying be true as no doubt it is then miserable man what shall become of thee which hast not onely exiled thy prince his Lady and sweete children but put thy friend who loued thee to death vengeance therefore is thy meede and shamefull will be thy end Miserable Flodericus whose hap is now so harn as thine which shalt be now inforced to resigne that which by vnlawfull meanes thou didst force vpon thy selfe Ah ambition I see now how like a worme thou grawest vppon the heart vnill thou haue eaten it asunder Ambition led me to those mischiefes who might haue leuied in mine owne estate a principall member of my country beloued and feared yea and whoe was it that I might not command but repentance commeth too late wretched man yet seeke the safetie of thy countryman let not their blood bee shed for thy offence But yeeld thee vnto the mercie of them whose comming questionles is to be reuenged on thee Oh Andrugio noble Duke and rightfull heir to this Dukedome would God I did know wher thou or thine remaine if any of you breath life that I might acknowledging my dutie pilgrimlike on my bare feete traueile to finde you and bring you to your owne possessions But vaine it is for mee to make lamention for his losse of whome as yet I neuer heard thinges no doubt his soule resteth safe in the bosome of his redeemer hee an innocent thou a murderer nay a Homycyd that hath slaughtered his Prince his Soueraigne and the annoynted of God for whose haynous offence there is no submission can penetrate the highest nor no pardon be purchased for thee and thine Confusion shall fall vpon thee and vpon all traytors who cannot liue long but God will roote out Ah Flodericus where was the remembrance of this thou now rehearsest when thou didst first attempt this odious fact vilde in y e sight of God and men by whose iustice thou shalt be pulled downe and thy posteritie rooted from the dukedome of Saxonie but woulde to God that were the worst Then should I offer my necke to the sword of those that seek my bloud and so make an attoâ—â—ment for my people who innocently are like to be spoyled but dispayre Flodericus there can be no offence so hainous as treason therefore vnexcusable before the throne of the iust iudge where wee shall all make our accompt Oh y t I had perished in my mothers wombe or that being borne I had neuer liued to attaine the state of a man In vaine waste I these friuolous speeches Linger not the time Flodericus suffer not thy subiectes to be spoiled nor thy countrie ruinated thou knowest strangers in a forraigne countrie hold all their owne they lay hand on and what is there gotten is well gotten miserable is that land where strangers in warlike sorte follow their ensignes consider therefore the harmes which may be done to thy people and send to the campè to knowe their pleasure and what they demand so shalt thou be the sooner aduised whether it is best to defend thee by armies or by submission yeeld thee vnto his mercie if they come in right of Sextillianus why then my title is as good as hys who were both vsurpers of anothers right if in the behalfe of our lawfull Duke why then yeeld thee Would God it were so then should I neuer stand on tearmes but resigne his dukedome who being of noble and honourable disposition might receiue me to mercie if not my selfe yet will not punishe my babes for the fathers offence This restrained by the aboundance of teares issuing from his eies he endeth his sorrowfull oration determining in all haste to dispatche a messenger to the campe that he might be aduertised what they were and there demandes which accordingly was accoÌ„plished the messenger making small hast the duke of Millaine was come to the walles before that he could get out and had sommoned the same of whome the Citizens craue parlie which he granted and vpon hostage deliuered for his securitie entered the same where in the counsell house the chiefest and 〈…〉 the countrie were assembled vnto whome the Duke said Nobles and you subiects to the lawfull heyres of Saxony know that I come as a friend to your duke and you not as an enemie if you yeeld to what in right I haue to say vnto you all it is not vnknown how most trayterously these vsurping recâ—eants Flodericus and his companion Gonsalo haue behaued themselues against their liege Lord and soueraigne depriuing him of his lawfull right and exiling his wife and children to the Duke I knowe not what is happened hauing not seene him this xii yeares at least Therefore can I not report of credite whether hee liue or rest in death But to aduertise you wherefore I come in armes as you see is in the right and maintenance of the duchesse and the prince her sonne Who by me haue bene since their exile releeued and by me as I am bound by law of armes and conscience shalbe againe established in their right or I and my followers will leaue our liues in the cause Therefore my Lords aduise
you whether you will see the ruine of your countrie or receaue your Prince as rightfull heire and deliuer that vsurper Flodericus into my handes I craue but right as your selues can iudge wherefore let me haue answere to my content and haue peace or otherwise stand vpon your defence for this is my resolute determination The nobles of Saxonie which were friendes to Andrugio and the commons were ioyfull at the hart to heare the duke report the cause of his comming hoping that God had sent him to cure that heauie griefe of heart which generally they indured But the contrarie part was not a little appaled to heare this newes wherefore they craue some time to determine of their answere To which he willingly consenteth giuing two dayes libertie for the same in which time he demandeth to be resolued w tout longer delay that he might assure himselfe of peace or warre Thus hauing deliuered the cause of his comming hee departed to the campe where hee caused to be proclaymed that no souldier of what estate or condition soeuer shoulde commit anie maner of outrage against anie of the country whatsoeuer neither imbessell the goodes or cattels of them or any of them on paine of loosing his head The Duke hauing taken his leaue Flodericus was aduertised what hee demanded whose heart suspecting as much before as guiltie consciences be timorous was not a little greeued yet he considered that the right was none of his and therefore could not assure himselfe of his subiects who hated him for diuers causes Besides the life of Gonsalo whom he had caused to be murdered stroke a greater feare to his heart then before wherefore doubtfull what to doe at length resolueth by the citizens to returne the duke of Millaine his determinate answere for the which he speedily dispatcheth messengers vnto whome when they were all assembled he saith My louing friendes and countrimen the time is nowe come that God hath determined to cut me off no longer to gouerne you the which I haue long expected yet had not grace to lament my life past wherefore his rod is readie lifted vp against me and my house whose ruine is at hand which euer hath bene noble now shall it be made miserable and ignoble my selfe the cause which haue procured the same Ah my Lord Andrugio my cruell dealinges with thee and thine neuer departed out of my remembrance no neuer slept I without the remembrance of thee anâ— thy vertuous Ladie whose life in most traiterous wise I conspired But woe is me and accursed bethe time I 〈◊〉 violence against my Lord and his But my friends and louing Countrimen it is not nowe time to holde you with talke onelie resolue what is to bee done for your safetie whose liues and welfare you shall see is more deare then mine owne for my hainous offence committed against you in spilling the bloud of many your friendes to attaine this place of honour wherin Tyrant like I haue gouerned you which I most heartily beseech you to pardon For mine owne life I esteeme not but yeeld my self willinglie to death for yâ—â—r securitie yet my good friendes though I perish shew mercie to my children who are innocent of my hainous 〈◊〉 and preserue their liues which may prooue better then the father and regarde the honour of their Auâ—cestours which I 〈◊〉 respected This is the summe of my request which if you graunt my death shall be much more welcâ—â—e vnto me to which I must perforce submit me you know my minde aduertise the Duke of Millaine of what I haue determined seeke your owne securitie and let me perish with the sword that haue made the offence The nobles citizens that hard his sorrowful proces albeit they hated him to the death was moued with 〈◊〉 of his ruthfull tale and grieued for his children pretending to become humble suters for them yet commanded they a guard to be kept about the court vntill the Duke was entered that none of them might escape to auoyde displeasure Hauing set all thinges in order The nobles who before had determined to receaue him in very braue maner departed the citie to the Campe of the Duke who hearing by an embassadour before dispatched of their comming came out to meete them whome on their knees the Lordes and Citizens beseeche of mercie and in their Dukes behalfe whose by right it was to enter the citie and receiue the gouernment Small intreatie serued to perswade the Duke who sought not their harmes in any sort wherefore taking direction for his armies acompanied with the chiefest of hys traine and Captaines he entered the citie where hee was royally entertained and conducted to the Courte where Flodericus and his company with sorrowe attended the sentence of death The duke being thus with honor in their princes behalf entertained gaue thankes vnto them all exhorting them to continue trusty and faithfull to their duke and his lawful inheritor assuring them that God who had euer defended the right would alwaies fauour the innocent and subuert the Traitor Great ioy was there throughout the region of Saronie for this happy tydings where Alphonsus son and heir to Andrugio was proclaimed duke at which euery man reioysed The Duke seeing all thinges brought in such happy maner to his content saw that the people in faithfull wise were linked to the prince he discharged the most of his soldiers and gaue order to his nobles for the prince Alphonsus whome with the Duchesse he commanded with all expedition y t might be should come to receiue their right aduertising them by letters of his good successe and how the peoples heartes were bent to honor them This done he commanded Flodericus to be brought to his presence whome honorablie he vsed commanding him to sit down by him where hee declared how vnhonorablie he had dealt by his noble friend Duke Andrugio in exiling him and his children vsurping his right whereunto he had no tytle with many examples howe God had punished the like offences in many and that doubtlesse God would punish an offence so hainous on him and his posteritie Flodericus whose conscience accused him of as much as the Duke had said could not excuse his fault which was too well knowen neither did he craue life for himselfe for that he expected the contrarie but besought the Duke howsoeuer it should please his excellencie to deale with him to take compassion on his tender children whom he hoped woulde become good subiectes and being warned by his vnhappie fall prooue faithfull to the estate for euer The Duke whose heart was mooued to pitie taking no pleasure in his death neither the subuâ—rtion of his house which was alwaies noble wherefore showing his noble mind and inclination to pitie pronounceth his dome on this maner Flodericus vsurper of the lawfull right and tytle of thy late liege Lord the honorable Duke Andrugio I do in requitall of thy dishonorable fact banish thee and thine from this thy natiue countrie of