heare them kéepe them secret and withall adde your helpâ— to further him which you may with safetie performe you shoulde doo him an excéneding pleasure and withall bee so highly rewarded and thankefully gratified that you shoulde thinke your labour very well imployed doo a béede of pittie and binde him to you in the perpetuall bands of kinde friendship Sir replied Adellena I knowe not â—he Gentleman yet I haue heard him much commended in whome if I coulde any way pleasure I woulde vse both diligence and secrecie promising you vpon my saith and credit if you will make mée acquainted with your minde I will either doo my good will to further him or else conceale what you shall commit to my priuitie Then said hée my maister not long since walking in yonder valley beheld Artesia faire Artesia daughter to Arbastus to whose beawtie hée is exceedingly inthâ—alled that vnlesse some meanes of comfort be found to ease his torments I feare mée it will in daunger his life whom you onely may pleasure by making his loue knowne to her in such sort as shall best agrée with your wisedome This is all and yet so much that the reuealing thereof may doo much harme And to effect such a contract might procure peace and vnitie â—wixt their parents Therefore I intreate your aide and furtherance herein with which good newes if I returne to him I knowe it will bréed no little comfort to his disquiet heart Sir said shée since I perceiue his loue is grounded vpon vertue not drawne thereto by any desire of reward I vndertake to bée his assistant therein and will to the vttermost of my best indeuours labour to procure his content Which this day I will in some sort put in execution And if you returne to mée to morrow you shall knowe her answere I wil said he and so they departed Ornatus hauing left her entered into many cogitations of his rash attempt accounting himselfe ouer credulous to commit his secrets to her priuitie of whose fidelitie hee had neuer made tryall sometimes comforting himselfe with hope of good euent and againe dispairing of comfort for that hée supposed Artesia would rather esteeme him as an enemie then a friend by reason of their parents hatred and therefore would the more hardly bee drawne to giue any credit to his sute And reuoluing a chaos of these and such like confused cogitations he attained his fathers house thinking the time tedious vntill his appointed méeting with Adellena which hée ouerpast with great care Adellena after her departure from him soone attained to Arbastus house vsing her selfe as shee had formerly done yet withall carefull how to execute the charge shée had in hand which shee could by no occasion vtter till after dinner when shée found Artesia all alone in the gardein insinuated her self into her company which Artesia kindly accepted entring into varietie of discourses and continuing some time in giuing certaine hearbes their proper names amongst the rest Artesia espied an hearbe with partie coloured leaues demanding of Adellena if shee knewe the name thereof which she told her she did not I haue oftentimes quoth Artesia seene this hearbe and it hath two prettie names it is by some called Loue in Idlenesse and by some Haris Case with that Adellena fetcht a déepe thogh counterfeit sigh which Artesia noting said What maketh you sigh to heare it named Haris Case Mary quoth shée one way because those two names so all agrée an other for by the same I call to remembrance the hearts griefe I heard a young man complaine of procured by loue which was not in idlenesse but I think in good earnest Why quoth Artesia can loue procure such hartes griefe to any and not rather content Yea said shee because the partie in loue hath no hope to attaine the good liking of the partie be loueth TheÌ„ quoth Artesia I account him a foole that will loue so deeply without hope of reward and that to bée rather fondnesse then true friendship that pleaseth his affections with such inequalities But I pray tel mée what is he into whose secrets you were so suddenly admitted Not admitted quoth she for vnawares I heard his complaints which afterwardes I promised him not to make any acquainted withall but the partie whome he so inâ—ierly loueth Then quoth Artesia I may not know neither doo I care for it is but a vanitie that troubleth ones cogitations Yes quoth shée you may and shall if you please know who he is conditionally you will neither be offended with me for telling you nor reueale what I shall impart Why quoth she am I the pretie or doth it any way concerne me that I should be offended If it be then kéepe your counsels vnreuealed for it will proue vnsauorie to my stomacke for be it far from me to be troubled with the vaine sutes of doting louers Yet let me answere quoth Adellena you heare too greeuous a conceit of loue which is the diuine puritie whereby heartes are vnited in vertue Witâ—out the which neither mortals can attaine heauen nor other creatures haue their being therefore not to bée abhorred and for that any shoulde loue your selfe can that be an offence to you but rather bée accepted in kinde sort wée should by nature loue them that loue vs then will you contrarie to nature yéeld hatred for loue For you indéed are the partie that is beloued and the partie that is so farre in loue with you euery way to be commended one way discoÌ„mended whose name I will not reueale then I hope I shall bréed no offence to your eares Doe so quoth Artesia for in concealing the same you please me if you will be welcome into my coÌ„pany vse no more of these speeches Had I thought quoth she they would haue bin offeÌ„sius I would not haue vttered them but in so doing I did but fulfill your request then at my request againe quoth shée giue ouer After this communication ended they parted Adellena home to to her house and Artesia to her supper and afterwards to her chamber where at first some colde thoughts of those spéeches past in her fancie but afterwards shée spent the rest of that night in quiet sléepe CHAP. III. How Adellena coÌ„ueled Ornatus letter into Artesias Casket and with what impatiencie Artesia tooke the same THe morning being newly approched Ornatus who had long expected the same arose and soone gate to Adellenas house where he arriued before shée was vp who hauing knowledge thereof soone came downe to him taking him to bée no other then Ornatus man to whome shée declared the very truth of all her spéeches hadde with Artesia Which nipt him at the heart but being put in some hope by her perswasions at last giuing her a purse full fraught with Gold in recompence of her paines past and to entice her to vndertake more hee saide as followeth Good Adellena be not dismaied to prosecute my sute for Artesias first frowne for I am not
would some way turne to his ill That wheras before time he was pleasant mery and oftentimes would mooue Artesia to myrth by his disporte now that humour was alienated and he became continually melancholly and sad oftentimes when Artesia was from him getting into a sollitary place to bewayle his hard fate Which shée noted and woondred at thinking the same had procéeded from being so long absent from his countrey and friends One day she found her déemed Syluian sollitarie alone and comming vnawares heard her vtter these words Oh how vnhappy am I to loue and not to be beloued Syluian espying her left off to whom Artesia said Why how now Syluian are you in loue can it be that your mind is attainted with that venemous serpent that poysoneth the sences altereth the complexion troubleth the head and heart Shake it off and cast it out of your sight for it neuer did any good but hath brought many to perpetuall miserie Since you haue ouerheard me quoth Syluian I must néeds confesse I am in loue which doth not any way worke any such effect in me as you speake off but I take all comfort therein my sences heart head all my parts take excéeding pleasure therein Why then quoth Artesia sit you thus pensiuely alone as it séemeth to me bewayling your estate to be in loue I do not quoth Syluian sorrow that I am in loue but that I am not beloued againe for being in loue I haue vowed to liue so euer and sooner shall end What hard-harted man said Artesia is he the knowing you loue him wil not loue you againe Such is my harâ— estate sayd Syluian that the partie whom I loue knoweth I loue and yet causelesly doth hate me neither am I farre absent from him but inioy his company without which my life would decay Is he in this house you loue can it bée you are intangled since you came hither No quoth Syluian I loued before I came hither How can that be when you are a stranger and cast in this country by shipwracker eyther you must néedes be some other then we take you for otherwise these things are impossible But if you dare put trust in my secrecie impart your minde to mée and I promise you I will do the best I caÌ„ to further your loue You may do much therein quoth Syluian and none more then your self but I beséech you pardon me for reuealing the same before you assure me of one thing which you may do without any harm to your self and be not offeÌ„ded with me if I ask you Tel me what it is quoth she I will answer you Then said Syluian I wold first know whether you loue Ornatus or no With the she started saying Ay me that name bringeth death to my heart thou woundest my souls with gréefe to heare him named Dost thou thinke I haue cause to loue not rather aboue al men to hate him dost thou not sée my father lately murdred by him or some by his appointment and thinkest thou I can loue so deadly a foe by whom I am brought to this miserie No assure thy selfe Syluian according as I haue iust cause I do hate him as the greatest enemie I haue Whose very name affrighteth mée with terror and if thou hadst loued me as I was perswaded thou didst thou wouldst not haue troubled my heart with that omnious name And yet for all this mischiefe that he hath done me didst thou not see how he sued for my loue and had so much preuailed that my heart beganne to yéeld to his sute With that she pulled out of her pocket the letter saying these lynes the trutes of his dissimulation were actors in his villainie with that she tare them into a thousand péeces Syluian séeing the same was readie to sound with gréefe breathing soorth a hart burning â—igh said O how is poore innocencie suspected And being readie to say more was disappointed by Floretus comming who euen then entred the garden and finding them out vsed many curteous spéeches to theÌ„ both especiallly coÌ„forting Artesia To whom he said Dear coozin since these mishaps caÌ„not be remedied let wisdome now ouersway your passionate sorrow and with patience remit all further gréefe for things past cure are not to be lamented but now commit the care of your safety to my trustines the will as tenderly regard your good as mine owne life Therfore be of comfort whatsoeuer you desire shal be to the vttermost accomplished Artesia yeelded him many thanks and so they went in Artesia being alone by her selfe could by no means forget what spéech she had with Syluian eyther thinking shée did dissemblâ— or was some other then she seemed or else that she was in loue with Floretus Then she remembred her spéeches saying Howe is innocencie suspected Which she knew she spake by her accusing of Ornatus which braue her into many doubtfull cogitotions and troubled her sences excéedingly but by reason of her little suspect of Syluians disguise shée could not iudge any thing thereof Syluian likewise not daring to offend her and louing her so dearely that hee could not indure to sée her disquietted vsed no more spéeches tending to loue but frequenting her company wherein hée tooke his whole felâ—ciâ—ie accounting himselfe most happie to liue and enioy her swéete presence béeing out of hope to attaine her loue refreshing his heart with many sollaces of sweete delight in beholding that which shée little thought he had noted Many daies continued Syluian in this disguise in which time Arbastus death was almost forgotten And Floretus drawn by Syluians manifolde vertues began exceedingly to affect her shewing such kinde behauiour towards her that she suspected that which afterwards she found true for Floretus coÌ„cealing his loue felt the flame to burne the more inwardly and liuing in that scorching pennariâ— thought it better for him to manifest his loue theÌ„ by hyding the same augment his torment Assuring himselfe to obtain his desire for that Syluian was a stranger far froÌ„ friends and without his friendship likelie to come to pouertie which hée thought woulde bée a meanes of importance to drawe her to like of him besides hée thought that hée might do as hée list with Artesia for that shée was onelye in his custodie And on a day finding Syluian alone in the garden comming to her with a submisse behauiour he said as followeth My dearâ— Syluian I would gladlie vtter a matter of an importance if you will vouchsafe me gentle audience So it is fayre Damosell that my heart hath long time béen inthralled to your bewtie which I haue retrained to vtter fearing to be refused but knew you how faithfully my heart is deuoted to your seruice and with what torment I haue concealed the same you would pittie me My estate is sufficient to maintaine you well though not so worthily as you deserue you shall liue with me in contented ease and haue so faithfull and constant a friend
compared to the riches of your loue O heauenly Artesia how fortunate haue you made Ornatus how haue you blest Ornatus how full of ioy is Ornatus by your swéete consent was euer any so vnworthie so exalted for his kindnesse and loue I wil performe more then my tongue can vtter and bee more faithfull then your heart can wish Then began they to imbrace each other and to surfet themselues in the sollaces true loue yeeldeth He sometimes lending her a kisse and she with interest paying two for one for one swéet looke two and so many imbracings as are not to be explicated their hands and hearts ioyned in such firme bandes of true affection as is not to be dissolued and surâ—etting with such excéeding content as is impossible to be described These stormes of loue somewhat mittgated they began to consult of their daungerous estate and to deuise how to preuent the intended mischiefe In this place they continued some two dayes in excéeding content still expecting to heare from Floretus who the third day fearing to trust any with a matter of such waight came himselfe to bring the potion yet in shew of kindnes to visite Artesia deliuering the same to Syluian willing her the next night to giue it her which she promised him faithfully to accomplish When he was gone Artesia came to Ornatus to knowe what newes Floretus brought who tolde her all and shewed her the poyson in a glasse which he had charged should be giuen to her the next day With that Artesia beganne to wayle and exclaime against her Vnckle in most extreame sort But Ornatus intreated her to cease such vaine griefe which could not hurt him but her selfe promising her to preuent the same if shée would follow his counsell which she willingly yeelded vnto Then quoth hée let vs presently depart hence to Adellenaes house which you know is not farre off who you know is agreed with vs alreadie where I will leaue you and returne Which said while the seruants were absent vpon some speciall occasion they departed with little labour arriuing at Adellenas house who was readie to receiue them and after many farwels Ornatus returned backe to the Lodge And when it was supper time the seruants brought vp meate but Ornatus tolde them that Artesia was scarce well and therefore they would not sup that night And being alone by himselfe he studied what excuse to make for Artesias absence when Floretus should come spending that night in much care and many vnquiet cogitations which tooke away his sleepe Floretus was no sooner returned from the Lodge but hée met Lenon who of purpose came to méete Artesia whom Floretus kindly saluted maruelling much wherefore hée came to ease which doubt Lenon said My friend Floretus I come to visite the faire Artesia to whose beawtie I am inthralled not as regarding her wealth but her sweete loue of whome you onely haue the gouernment therefore I pray befriend me so much that I may come to spéech with hâ—r Floretus was so â—xcéedingly amazed to heare his speeches that he could not tell what answere to make nor how to excuse her absence Lenon séeing him in such a studie continued his spéeches saying Floretus be not vnwilling I should match with Artesia for that shall no way binder your preferment who think peraduenture the longer shée liueth vnmarried the more wealth you shall get by her but to rid you of that doubt be but a meanes to win her consent and I vowe by heauen I will not take one peniworth of Arbastus substance from you but fréely giue it you all For it is not her possessions I regard but her loue therefore I pray resolue me of your minde herein My Lord replied hée your offer is so bountifull besides my dutie vrging me I am readie to performe your will to the vttermost of my power I thanke you good Floretus quoth Lenon then I pray thée bring mée to her for my loue is impatient of delay My Lord replied he that can I not do instantly for Artesia some two daies past with the straunge damosell Syluian departed thence and are nowe at the Lodge whither if you please to to take such entertainment as this place yéeldeth wée wil both goe to morrow morning Agreed quoth Lenon I will accept your profer When the time of rest was come Floretus being alone by himselfe entred into these cogitations What inconueniences hast thou runne into Floretus Thou hast hyred one to murther Artesia in hope to get her wealth and made Syluian acquainted with thy counsell which wealth thou maiest now attaine by preseruing her life and besides winning her to loue Lenon thou shalt finde him thy faithfull friend for euer What wert thou then best to doo if thou shouldest murther her hée would make enquirie of her death and so thou bée vndone If not then wil Syluian bée displeased and so bewray thy drift that the mischiefes thou by folly hast runne into are so intricate that thou knowest not which way to shunne them Were it not better to saue her life and winne her Loue for Lenon then to poyson her and so to die my selfe If I saue her life Syluian will be discontented what of that then let Sylùian smart for it for if she wil not bée contented with that I shall doo she shall neuer liue to bewray my counsell And therefore wil I first trie her and finding any suspition thereof I will stabbe her my selfe whose death I may eastlier answere then Artesias Early the next morning Lenon and he rode to the Lodge where no sooner arriued but he met with Syluian to whom he said How now Syluian I haue newes of importance to bewray to thée Lenon whome thou here beholdest is sonne to the King who is déeply in loue with Artesia and hath giuen me assurance of all Arbastus liuings if I can win Artesia to match with him now I thinke it good to deferre our purpose as concerning her death vntil wée haue made triall whether shée wil loue him or no. Which if we can effect we shall be quit of so cruel a déed enioy her heritage and haue an assured friend of Lenon whilest we liue therefore let me know your opinion herein Syluian was excéedingly amazed to heare his spéeches thinking that if he did tel him where Artesia was she should be wrested from his possession and so himselfe disappointed of her loue and on the other side he thought what michiefe would arise if he should say he had already giuen her the poyson yet his loue ouer-maistring the feare of any daunger made him say All this I like but Floretus it is now too late for I haue caused Artesia to drink the poyson you deliuered me and she is dead which was of such force that all her bodie purpled into blisters and swellings which because I knew would bewray what we had done I tooke her bodie and conueyed it into a deepe pit where it is impossible to
Lenons loue to her might eyther by perswasion of his death force affect of dignitie or other meanes winne her to consent to him especially for that shee hadde no parenteâ— to gouerne her nor hee neuer a faithfull friende to counsaile her The next day Alprinus and hée went out to méete Lucida whome they met at the entrance into the Forrest and after many kinde salutations past betwixt the two louers they altogether went backe into the Towne to Lucidaes Fathers house who that morning was departed to a Hauen about businesse of importance Ornatus was most kindly vsed of them remaining there vntill Alprinus had wedded Lucida but then hee thought it high time for him to depart And on a time finding Alprinus alone who had showne sufficient tokens of his friendship hee declared vnto him the whole truth of his forepassed loue to â—rtesia requesting his helpe for his passage into Phrygia Alprinus with great regard attended the whole discourse promising his vttermost assistance which quoth hee none can effect so well as Lucida whose father is a merchant and sendeth for ships into sundrie Prouinces who onely may pleasure you which charge I will vndertake and cause her to deale so â—ffectually with him that you shall attaine your desire Ornatus continued in good hope somewhat abandoning his former dispaire whome for a time wee wil leaue attending the time that some of the ships should depart to speake of Artesia his carefull Louer CHAP. X. How Lenon caused Artesia by violence to bee caried from Adellenaes house to the greene Fortresse of the miseries she indured there How shee was rescued from thence by Allinus and from him taken by Pyrates And how Allinus accused by Lenon for her death was imprisoned AFter that Artesia by Adellenaes carefull teÌ„â—ance had somewhat recouered her health Lenon began to visit her againe béeing vnable to indure the heauie burthen of burning loue thinking her sicknesse had procéeded from feare of Floretus not for want of Ornatus company finding an occasion saluted her in this sorte Most fairest Artesia my heart is so firmely inthralled to your beautie and my affectionâ— so admire your vertues that I am constrained to vtter my minde and to tell you I loue your Beautie Vertues and other most rare perfections wherewith you are adorned That I humblie sue to you for fauour and prostrate my selfe your thrall desiring to be inriched with those Iewels of inestimable price which hauing once attained I shall thinke I had more wealth in my possession theÌ„ all the world besides my selfe doth conteine Your vnkinde vnckles crueltie you néed not feare nor other misfortune neither haue you any parents to ouerrule you in making your choyse then vouchsafe to accept my sute and yéelde consent to my loue My Lord replied Artesia I thanke you for your good will but I know not how to accept of your loue being yet so far from knowing what it is that if I should but dreame thereof my heart would be out of quiet besides many cares continually attend the same and my meane estate so farre vnworthy thereof with innumerable other discontents and cares that I would make my selfe subiect vnto that I had rather a thousand times remaine in the estate I am now in Therefore I intreate you to settle your loue elsewhere more agreeable to your estate and fancie for I shall thinke my selfe most fortunate if I neuer fall into that labyrinth of disquiets but will during my life labour to kéepe my selfe free from loues bands Lenon would not take this for an answere but with many other spéeches continued his sute whom Artesia still put out of hope that he departed for that time excéedingly disconteÌ„ted leauing her no lesse disquieted in her thoughts how to auoid his loue In this sort did he daily visite her still growing more importunate amongst many other this conference past betwixt them Artesia quoth he how long shall I sue and be frustrated in my hopes by your vnkindnesse is your heart hardned against me Or am I of so base conditions that you cannot conceiue well of me Or is it possible you beare so hatefull a conceit of loue as you make shewe for then may I accuse mine eyes that haue betrayed my sences in making them your thrall then may I thinke my woe began when I first began to loue O Artesia be not so cruel as to punish me with this disdaine My Lord replied shée I séeke not your disquiet for at the first motion I tolde you my minde which shall neuer alter neither is my heart hardened against you more then others for I am determined not to loue then seeing you sée my intent it were a point of wisedome in you to shake off this fonde and foolish loue which is but a toy and an idle fancie that is bred by vanitie and doo not séeke to make loue growe without a roote for in my heart it shall neuer take roote but rather when it is rooted I will pull out heart and all but I will â—oote it out Then quoth be you are led by obstinacie and not by reason for that you are subiect to loue you cannot denie then why not me before another considering my loue is more faithfull then any other And I being most worthy why should I not be first accepted Artesia was wearie of his spéeches hauing her constant thoughts onely bent on Ornatus therefore to rid him from her she said It is in vaine to vse many words neither am I like to those that will at the first séeme â—oye but afterwards yéelde but I desire you to bée satisfied with that which I haue alreadie sayde that I cannot loue Faire Damosell how can I be satisfied with that vnreasonable answere when my life dependeth on your consent which your deniall will finish then giue mée leaue to say I cannot bée so satisfied but being extreamely refused I must growe perforce to be as vnreasonable in my request Consider you not what dignitie I might aduance you too by making you my wife consider you not the pleasures ioyes and abaundance of all contents you might enioy with me and how faithfully I loue you and with what humilitie I séeke your loue and yet notwithstanding you remaine obdurate My power is great that whereas I sue I might commaunde and by authoritie compell you to consent then bée not so ouerconceited as so obstinatelie to reiect your good And think that if my loue were not constant I might vse extreames which would soone alter your minde Suppose replied Artesia I were so péeuish as you terme me yet being borne frée I am not to be made bond by constraint and were you the greatest king in the world you could not rule the heart though you might by iniustice punish the bodie for it is not kingdomes wealth nor crueltie can turne hatred to loue but it may sooner turne loue into hatred But by your spéeches I may partly know your thought and the lippes vtter what the heart
if I should shew any signe that hée were liuing or neare shée would presently eschew my company which being as I am I may enioy thus am I voyd of all meanes of attayning her loue yet liuing as I am I shall still enioy her loue Why Ornatus thou hast better meanes to giue her knowldge of thy loue in this disguise then if thou liuedst as Ornatus Suppose thou shuldest make knowne to her what thou art thinkest thou shée would bewray thée considering thou offerest no other behauiour towardes her then that which agreeth with vertue Or what if shée did betray thée wert thou not better to indare the greatest extremitie by her don then pyne away with griefe in her absence Yes Ornatus in being as thou art thou art more happie and therefore maiest thou be in some better hope of comfort What if shée will not loue thée yet for thy good will shée cannot hate thée And though shée know what thou art shee will rather conceale thée then bewray thée then try whether she loueth thée or no but how Make my selfe knowne No. I will write a letter which I will leaue in some place where she may finde it and so by that meanes I shall sée whether shée will loue or no. And taking pen Inke and paper he wrote as foâ—â—oweth To the most vertuous Artesia the forsaken Ornatus sendeth humble greeting WEre you but so mercifull as fayre I woulde not dispaire of pittie Or were you willing to know my truth and loyaltie you woulde though not yeeld to my sute yet pittie mee I cannot vse protestations nor dissemble greefe but be you most assured that what proceedeth out at my lippes commeth from my heart xtremitie maketh mee ouerbolde and dispaire maketh me more desperate in vttering my minde I cannot chuse but say I loue you for that I loue indeed I cannot set foorth my loue with fyled termes but in plaine truth protest that my loue is constant loyall vertuous immoueable and though you hate I must loue and though you for euer denie to loue yet will I persist in constancie for the woorst I can indure is death and that my soule alreadie inwardly feeleth I haue forsaken my parents friends and all to become acceptable to you for whilest I was Allinus sonne you did hate me then I beseech you now that I am not Allinus sonne nor Ornatus pitty mee For without your pitie I die litle can my death profit you but letting me liue you shall for euer enioy a faithfull seruant So most vertuous Artesia I commit my cause to your wise consideration Your inseparablie neyther Ornatus nor himselfe but your poore seruant When hee had written this Letter and sealed the same the next morning he laid it in a place of the garden where he knowe Artesia would walke And from thence comming to her chamber he found her readie to go forth Artesia welcommed Syluia kindely and forth they went together and walking vp and downe a prittie while Artesia espied the white paper and desirous to sée what it was took it vp reading the superscription maruelled what the contents shuld be and how it should come there and turning to Syluian sée you this letter it is directed to me I maruell how it should come here vnlesse it were laide of purpose well howsoeuer that was I will reade the contents and you shall be partaker of them When she had redde the same and well vnderstood that it was Ornatus at the first shee was so excéedingly vâ—xed that she said I now perceiue that Ornatus was wiser then I tooke him to bée for I sée he hath committed no outrage vpon himselfe but wiselie will trie me first and if I will not yéelde to loue him what will hée doo marrie returne to his father againe This is Adellenaes doing and according as I thought they are agréed shée left this letter here and her may I blame and not him For did not she promise him to do it he would neuer of himselfe attempt it Syluian I pray thée counsaile me what I should do herein for my heart is oppressed with many thoughts that I will not vtter vntill I know thy minde Syluian thus answered since you haue giuen me licence to speake that which my heart thinketh first I say iâ— Ornatus loueth according as he protesteth as no doubt but he doth you haue good reason to pittie him for that by your owne report he is euery way worthy thereof which if you doo you shal be sure of a constant friend preserue his life and make vnitie betwixt your parents As for Adellena if it were her déede she did but the part of a friend but it was very vnlikely for that shée was not here since yesterday Neither can I think any man can dissemble so much as to make these protestations and yet be false For his words in my fancie beare an euident likeliehood of truth Therefore if I may counsaile you yéeld to that which is vertuous and in so dooing you shall purchase your owne good his content and perpetuall quiet to both your families Would you haue mée then quoth shée yéelde to loue mine enemie How is hee your enemie quoth Syluian when hée loueth you Hée is mine enemie because his father hating me how can he loue me Nay rather quoth Syluian his father not louing you how can hee chuse but loue you because he seeth them hate you that are worthy to be beloued besides their haâ—red being vniust it sheweth his vertue the more to loue those his parents hate and it is commonly séene where there is hatred betwixt the parents the children haue loued most dearely as in common experience it is séene haue you not red the Histories of Pryamus and Thysbe Romeo and Iuliet and many other whose loue was the more constant by so much the more their parents hatred was deadly I remember such Histories quoth Artesia but what was the end of their loue was it not most miserable I grant it was quoth Syluian which was procured by their parents crueltie but not their loue wherein notwithstanding they tooke such felicitie that they rather chose to die togither then to be parted which argueth that the enmity twixt parents caÌ„not break off loue twixt the children yet might such tragical euents haue bin preuented by wisedom But how know I said Artesia whether Ornatus loue bée so constant or no Can you haue any greater proofe thereof then his own letters the forsaking of his parents and liuing peraduenture in pennurie but if you doubt of that once againe trie him Well said Artesia I asked but thy counsaile but in stead thereof thou vsest perswasion but séeing thou art so forward to doo me good which I hope is thy intent if thou wilt keep my counsell thou shalt know both my minde and what I intend Assure your selfe quoth Syluian I will rather loose my life then prooue vnfaithfull Then said shée I confesse to thée Syluian that loue
hath made entrance into my heart that I would willingly both pittie Ornatus and grant him his request for that with often remembring him I cannot forget him neither doth any thought please mee but when I thinke of him But there are so many slips to hinder our loue that though I loue him I shall neuer enioy him For should my parents know hereof they woulde prie so warily into my actions that it were impossible for mée once to haue a sight of him whome I doo scarce remember I haue so seldome séene him You may quoth Syluian both loue him and inioy him and since you haue begun to like of him he being worthy thereof and equalling you in affection increase that loue might I but once come to speake with him I woulde not doubt but â—ffect all things with such secrecie that you should with quiet enioy him Well quoth Artesia I commit all to you my life for that dependeth on my loue being willing to doo any thing that shall not disagrée with modestie Destring you to kéepe my counsells secret for to bewray them may indaunger both his and my life After many other spéeches past betwixt them Adellena entered the garden Artesia espying her at the first thus gréeted her God-morrowe Adellena I know not whether I may salute thée as a friend or a priuie foe for that by thy meanes I am brought into bandage I pray thée tell mée without dissembling which I feare mée thou canst doo too well when thou sawest Ornatus and yet I know thy answere before I aske Dost thou not know this letter didst thou not hide it in this garden that I might finde it did not Ornatus hire thee to say that hée was departed from his fathers whilest he lyeth at home in thy house I knowe thy aunswerâ— will bee no but howe may I beléeue that Doest thou not likewise say hée loueth mée when thou knowest the contrarie and doest but dissemble If thou harborest any vertue in thee tell mée the truth and dissemble not for in doing so thou shalt greatly conâ—ent me discharge thy conscience and peraduenture doe Ornatus a good turne Adellena hearing her spéeches was so astonish at theyr strangenesse that for a good while she stood as one sencelesse but at the last she made this answere Your demaunds are such as that I know not how to answere them but heauens punish mée if I dissemble I saw not Ornatus since the time hée came to mée to know how you accepted the letter I conueyed into your Casket For that Letter I am altogither ignorant therein neither did I euer sée the same before now I neuer spake with Ornatus sawe Ornatus or heard from him since I last gaue him your answere neither doo I know where hee is but this I know that hée is not to bée found but poore Gentleman languisheth in loue which I dare protest loueth you most dearely neither neede you misdoubt that hée is absent or thinke that hée is hidden at my house for it is too true hée hath taken such gréefe at your vnkindnesse as will I feare me indaunger his life I would it were not so but that he were at my house then would I counsaile him rather to forget to loue then indaunger his life thereby May I beléeue quoth Artesia that this thou sayest is true Heauens let me liue no longer quoth Adellena if I dissemble Then quoth Artesia howe should this Letter be conueyed into this garden but by himselfe With that the Christall teares fell from her eyes CHAP. VI. Howe Ornatus loue was hindered by the newes of Arbastus death Howe Floretus to attaine Sylulans loue both confest hee slew Arbasius and intended to poyson Artesia TO augment Artesiaes teares a messenger hastily running came in and brought this newes vttering the same with a gastly countenaunce O Artesiâ— heare my tragicke discourse your Father as you know rode forth this morning to chase the fearefull Déere who wandring from his company at last by his long stay was mist and all of vs comming together studied amongst our selues what should be become of him at last wée were commaunded by Floretus your Vnckle to poste seuerall wayes in search of him whom at last we found most gréeuously wounded and dead Artesia hearing his words with suddaine gréefe fell downe deade Which when Sylnian perceiued caught her in his armes rubbing her pale chéekes vntill shée was reuiued againe Then they conueyed her to her bed in such extremitie with that suddaine gréefe that they feared to loose her life which exceedingly tormented Syluian to behold Then was there such an vprore in Arbastus house as al séemed in vtter dispaire one coniecturing this an other that of Arbastus death but all in generall concluding that it was done by Allinus in reuenge of his brothers death Arbastus wife likewise conceiued such sorrow at this vnexpected euent that with very gréefe thereof shée dyed Artesia with both together was readie to yéelde vp her latest breath and had done so had shée not beene carefullie preserued by Syluian and Adellena Who by their counsaile and indeuours pacified the extremitie of her perplexitie This newes was soone spred into most places of the countrey but because there was no iust proofe of the murtherer there was no great question made thereof Arbastus hauing neuer a trustie friende to prosecute reuenge Floretus now tooke vpon him to rule and gouerne all that belonged to Arbastus as his brother and soone caused him and his Lady to be worthily interred and built a sumptuous monument in their remembrance Which being ouerpast he came againe to Artesia as in the meane time he had oftentimes done and finding her very weake vsed many spéeches to comfort her giuing such as were about her speciall charge to minister all things necessarie to restore her to her former health Séeming to bee most carefull of her guard promising and protesting to bée vnto her instead of a Father Syluian all this while was excéedinglie gréeued in mind to sée his loue growne so weake and in such danger of life not once forsaking her in all the time of her siknesse but continually comforting her with heartie spéeches carefull tendance not so much as once departing her chamber but taking excéeding pains to pleasure her that shée tooke great comfort in her supposed Syluian who oftentimes would steale a swéete kisse from Artesiaes lips which she permitted taking the same to procéede from a curteous minde when Syluian did it of déepe affection accounting the estate wherin hée liued to excéed all ioyes and his delight past compare profering many familiarities that Artesia tooke in kind part which otherwise she would haue refused had shée knowne whom her companion Syluian had beene Ornatus marueiled that all this time she spake not of him which he deuised to vrge her to do by many occasions but these extremities had bannished all remembrance of him out of her minde Which excéedingly tormented Ornatus fearing this delaye
she not alter her loue Why shouldest not thou séeke thy owne content though it bée with his discontent thou art euery way as good as hée by birth though hée now rule the land hath not thy father said that his father was but a Captaine in the last Kings dayes and by treason put his lawfull King to death and so wanne the rule Then Ornatus reuiue thy spirites séeme not dismaied with any daunger feare not misfortune séeke to release thy Loue and venture thy life therein for liuing thus thou shalt be depriued of her loue Lenon will by force or faire meanes ouercome her and then maiest thou blame this delaie The King is now sicke and hee being dead Lenon must raigne who then may do what hée list Then take the aduantage of the time and do not frostrate thy blessed hopeâ— with slothfull delaie Hauing ended this mâ—ditation he then began to studie how to performe his will wherein hée found many contrarieties But presently he beheld Lenon entering the Court before whome he stood so opposite that he could not chuse but note him and withall remembred how earnestly Artesia had intreated him on the Pilgrims behalfe whome he thought she estéemed and therefore suddenly this cogitation arose in his fancie to vse him as an instrument to win her loue that calling Ornatus vnto him hée said Pilgrim I pray â—hée blame me not for forgetting to performe my promise made to Artesia as concerning thée which I haue not neglected for want of good will but by reason of thousands of cares that daily torment me only procured by her vnkindnesse but if thou wilt vndertake on my behalfe to perswade her to yéelde to my iust request for that I thinke thou maist preuaile with her aboue any I will not onely reward thy former kindnesse so shewen to her but also for thy paines herein promote thee to high dignitie Therefore I pray thee giue consent to follow my counsel herein Ornatus was willing to be imployed in that businesse which fell out according to his hearts desire and therfore made him this answere My Noble Lord for that I perceiue your intent is good I will be readie to follow your directions and do you any seruice I can wherein I know not whether I shall proue fortunate or no but assuring you that I will deale both faithfully and effectually in that which I shall vndertake Lenon was as glad as he that he yéelded to do that which he thought least to performe and therefore presently gaue command that the Pilgrim onely should haue her in custodie Artesia maruelled that her keepers were chaunged misdoubted some intent of hard vsage but séeing it was the Pilgrim that now had her custodie her heart was comforted CHAP. XIII How Ornatus had the custodie of Artesia how he discouered himselfe vnto her how Allinus and Trasus arriued in Armenia and gat the King to send Ambassadors into Phrygia ORnatus at his first comming found her sitting in the darkest corner of the Chamber bewayling her misfortune with salt teares bedeawing her purple cheeks her ornaments disorderly put on and her golden tresses hanging carelesly downe which added bewtie to her swéete beawtie and though disordered most comely Leaning her arme vppon a Chaire and her chéeke laide vppon the backe of her hand when hee beheld her sitting in this discomfortable sort his hart was ready to melt with remorse and hée breathed forth so bitter a sigh that shée heard the same which he perceiuing came towards her with humble behauiour saying Most vertuous Ladie pardon my presumption in presuming thus vnmannerly to interrupt your quiet Lenon the Prince hath appointed me to be your atteÌ„dant therefore I beséeche you notwithstanding I am his substitute commaund me in any doubtful sort and I will most willingly imploy my vttermost indeuours to purchase your content Artesia raising her selfe from the ground said Pilgrim I thanke you for your kinde profer and am glad you are my keeper for two causes one for that I trust your vertues will not suffer me to be iniured the other for that I would heare out your discourse of my deare friend Ornatus which I was hindred from by Lenons suddaine finding me Ladie quoth he you shal be assured of the one and heare more of the other if first you will vouchsafe without offence to heare my spéech and suffer me to execute the charge Lenon hath giuen mée and I haue vndertaken Why what is that quoth Artesia I wil not be offended Lenon hath made knowne to me his loue and how long and with what constancie it is grounded commaunding and intreating me in his behalfe to become an humble suter vnto you he telleth me that stil you vngently disdain him without cause reason or consideration Therefore I humbly desire both for that he is constant a Prince and of good and vertuous gifts yéelde to his loue or else to satisfie me of the chiefest reasons that withold you from the same Pilgrim quoth she for that my minde perswadeth me you in wisedome will conceiue of reason and will be faithfull in concealing that which I shall disclose I answere you thus First admit Lenon did loue mée yet by his vsage I finde the contrary nor I cannot fancie him for that I alreadie haue plighted my faith to another more worthie then himselfe which is that most vertuous kinde Gentleman Ornatus who likewise equalleth me in affection and therefore I should dishonour my name breake my faith and reape perpetuall infamy if I should shewe my selfe so inconstant These I thinke are reasons to a reasonable creature sufficient and of such force as none can contradict and therefore no more can be said therein Besides were not all this so you haue no reason to perswade me to that which I haue so often denied and will neuer yéeld vnto Your reasons indéed quoth he are great and the cause such as should no way be violated but now you are subiect to his mercie and he may inforce you to that which you are most vnwilling to haue done then what remedie haue you but rather to yéelde then indure such extremitie as he may vse Yes quoth she when I can preserue my selfe no longer from his lust death shall rid mee from his power which I will execute vpon my selfe rather then condiscend to yéeld him so much as an outward shewe of fauour Therefore I pray vse no more words tending to the breach of my faith and furtherance of his loue for kneâ— you but how hatefull his name were vnto me and howe odioâ—s to thinke of his doting loue you would of pittie desist to â—orment one with the sound of that ominous monster but rather seeke to comfort my distressed â—tate and poore pining heart almost most drowned with sorrow being more vnfortunate then euer any was by these afflictions and the losse of my déere Ornatus whose presence should release me from this thraldome and labyrinth of discontent Of whom if you can tell
to your selfe and me and my fathers safetie are reasons sufficient to perswade your consent besides many other causes more forcible then these too tedious to recite Then I beséech you denie me not for when it shall be knowne that my father was in armor in the field and I in this place not regarding to aide him it wil turne to my great dishonour and those which before did estéeme well of me will then begin to hate me then let not your doubt and true loue to me hinder my determination for on that mine honour your safetie and my fathers life dependeth Artesia seeing shee could by no meanes disswade him thought not to let him depart so suddenly but claâ—ping her tender armes about his necke a thousands times kist his lippes whilest with her abundant teares shee bedeawed his manly cheekes Ornatus tooke great sorrow at her heauinesse and delight in her imbracings that the contrarieties of his conceits were excéeding pleasure it selfe séeming more pleasant intermingled with care and care a pleasure to be endured with such delight Artesia was loath to let Ornatâ—s depart that night for that shée déemed hée should be in daunger the next â—ay and hée as vnwilling to leaue her in sorrowe shee on the one side sollacing her selfe in his company and hée by her kindenesse making him forget to depart that before they were aware night was come and well spent and Ornatus then bethinking himselfe thought it was too late to depart And Artesia hearing him make a motion to be gone desired him to staye And yet my deare Ornatus quoth she doe not you indaunger your selfe for my sake for should Lenons seruants finde you heere it might redoâ—nd to our great disquiet Ornatus likewise well considering the inconuenience tooke his leaue of her and left her sheadding aboundance of teares Ornatus being gone found the seruants awake and watching his comming out one of them saying Pilgrim what maketh thée so sawcie as to court my Maisters Loue Is this a fitte time of the night to be in her chamber my Lord shall vnderstand your behauiour and what familiaritie is betwixt you wee take you to be some counterfeit else would not such behauiours passe betwixt you as we haue behelde Therefore héere shall you staye vntill we giue him knowledge of your dooings and fidelitie with that they lockt fast the doore not suffering him to goe out or in Ornatus by that perceyued that they haâ— seene the kindenesse betwixt him and Aâ—tesia which he knewe if Lenon should vnderstand hee would finde out what he was these thoughts troubled his heart excéedingly that hée was assured vnlesse he could bée rid of them there was no meanes to escape death if Lenon should knowe him With these studies hee sat a good while silent till hee perceiued them inclinde to sleepe and casting his eye aside espied a bill hanging by the wall to which hee stole secretly and taking hold of the same he drew towards them entring into these meditations And shall I now commit murder and indanger my soule by so hainous a sin what will Artesia say if she know thou art so bloodily bent and that thy heart is so hard as to shead thine own countrey mens blood Ornatus be wel aduised before thou do this déed and bethink of some other meane auoid the danger thou art readie to fall into Other meanes Ornatus yea but what other meanes hast thou none at all dost thou not sée how they haue betrayed thee and made thée prisoner what then needest thou make a question to saue thy selfe and by their deathes preserue thine owne life which thy liuing will be indangered and being once done thou art safe but by delay thy owne life may perish With that lifting vp his armes with more then woonted force hée smote the one on yâ— head beate out his braines wherewith yâ— other began to awake but in his awaking he strooke him so full on the brest that the bill piearst his heart and hée laye breathlesse sprawling in his gore This done Ornatus fouÌ„d a vawâ—e and into the same hée coÌ„ueied their dead bodies purposing neuer to reueale what he had don Then returning he bethought himself of the keies of the dores that hee had thrown into that vawte with their bodies deuising how to get out without suspition of the deed he had done yâ— hée was inforced to take the bill by maine force and often striuing wroong asunder the locks His minde being excéedingly affrighted with these cares he entred into Artesias chaÌ„ber to sée whether he had disquieted her or no with the noise her he fouÌ„d in bed fast a sleep with the light still burning by her-beds side her brest vncouered downe to the waste and nothing to shrowde her from his perfect view but the single sheete that say carelesly cast ouer her tender bodie her armes câ—st to either side of the bed and her head leaning on the one side with so sweete an aspect as would haue rauished a thousand beholders Ornatus heart was reuiued to behold this swéet sight that the remembrance therof had bannished all remembrance of his troubles past and affected his heart with incomparable delight that he stood like one amazed to behold her swéet beawtie and to take a surfetting viewe of those her perfections so amiably faide forth Artesia sodainly awaking blusht to see him so nie yet therwith more comforted then dismayed she caught the clothes and couered her selfe whilest hée folding his hand in hers desired pardon for his boldnesse but she viewing him well behelde his pale and gastly countenance which draue her into feare and raysing her selfe vpright in her bed caught him in her armes asking what he ayled to looke so pale Mâ— deare Artesia quoth hée since I parted from you I haue endured great danger past through â— hell of calamities which now I feare not With that he let his head fall into her sweete bosome and there made the period of his spéeche feeling her tender heart pant with the motions of her troubled spirits In which pallace hée rested it a good while whilest she with her soft hand curled his haire and with swéet kisses mollified his lips Vsing many other familiarities sweete fauors procéeding from the depth of kinde loue wherwith Ornatus was so rauished that hée not onely took heauenly comfort therin but also desired a further content possession of her loue which he neuer before asked nor thought she wold grant but being hartned by the assurance of her Loue hée vsed more bolde behauiour which shée permitted but at last growing more bolde then shée thought conuenient for her modestie to permit with a kinde and louely behauiour shée both blamed and hindred him but the motions of affection so far preuailed with them both that hée desired and shée inwardlie yeelded though outwardly shée refused but his behauiour her owne Loue the present occasion so fitte opportunitie their hearts vnitie and other sweete enticements
THE MOST PLEASANT Historie of Ornatus and Artesia Wherein is contained the vniust Raigne of Thaeon King of Phrygia Who with his sonne Lenon intending Ornatus death right Heire to the Crowne was afterwardes slaine by his owne Seruants and Ornatus after many extreame miseries Crowned King LONDON Printed by Thomas Creede 1607. To the right vvorshipfull Brian Stapleton of Carleton in the Countie of Yorke Esquire the heauens graunt health content and after life euerlasting happinesse THis vnpollisht Historie Right worshipfull wanting the Ornament of Eloquence fit for rare inuention presenteth it selfe in his naturall and selfe expressing forme in well applied words not in tedious borrowed phrases wherein neither the lewde can finde examples to sute their dispositions the vertuous no tearmes to discontent them nor the well affected any cause of offence Here shall you see lust Tyrannizing auarice guilty of murther dignity seeking his content with vsurpation yet all subuerted by vertue Which I am bold to present vnto you not for the woorth but to expresse my good will which is not vnmindfull in some sort to gratifie the manifold curtesies I haue receiued of you And although it be altogither not worth estimation and to be accounted no requitall for so many good turnes yet I desire you to accept the same in steed of a better and the summe of that which my abilitie at this time can affoord Which beeing but a fancie vouchsafe to esteem though not agreeing with your grauitie yet as many both Noble and wise in such like matters haue done to be red for recreation As the value of the gift expresseth not the affection of the giuer nor the outward show the inward meaning so I trust you will esteeme my good wil not by the worthinesse hereof but the qualitie of my well affected intent which is deuoted vnto you in the bands of perfect good will and will be readie to shewe it selfe constant in any triall you shall make thereof And for that I know your wisedome and curtesie to be such as that you wil not misconceiue me but esteeme well hereof and my affection to you to bee exprest in the dedicatioÌ„ I haue adueÌ„tured to dedicate the same to your protection though altogither vndeseruing the title of your patronage which your further kindnesse shall binde me hereafter to requite the same with some worthier worke collected by my labors Thus being loth to be tedious and troublesome vnto you I commit this silly present to your gentle acceptation and your selfe to the gratious protection of the Almightie Your Worships most readie at commaund Emanuell Ford. THâ— EPISTLE to the Reader GEntlemen I haue published this Hystorie at the intreaty of some of my familiar friends beeing at the first collected with no intent to haue it printed for as yet hauing taken but one flight I durst not too boldely venture againe lest my vnskilfulnesse might cause my repentance But beeing supported by the assistance of your gentle fauours I shall grow hardie hereafter labour to procure your further delight the rewarde I expect beeing your kinde acceptance But if contrary to my thought this my summer fruite be gathered before it be ripe I promise amends with olde fruite that hath bene a yeare in ripening and in the beginning of the next winter comming forth In the meane time peruse this Historie which sauoureth more of pleasure then Eloquence although hastily compiled yet let it pasâ—e vnder your fauourable censure and by your courtesies be shrowded from the variable dislikes of Momuâ— vaine imitators The learned wise and curteous will according to the qualitie of their dispositions esteeme well of this vnwoorthie worke valuing the same not by the worth but by the will of the wryter As for such as either rashly condemne without iudgement or lauishly dislike without aduice I esteeme them like the downe of Thistles inconstantly dispearst with euery blast accounting their discontent my content not caring for to please those that are pleased with nothing But did my gaines counteruaile my labours I would then frame my fancie to sit their humours but getting nothing I can loose no lesse onely to haue a good opinion of the well affected to learning is all I craue and that I hope your good mindes will affoord As at a Banquet there are seuerall kindes of meates some pleasant other sharpe yet all tasted Amongst Grapes some sowre some sweete yet all esteemed so with indifferencie amongst varietie of eloquent Histories let this serue as one dish to furnish out a Banquet and like sowre and sweete intermingled make a pleasant taste by your courteous construing of my good meaning and your fauourable opinion of Ornatus loue So shall I account my debt to you great my labours wel bestowed and my selfe bound to requite your kindnesse You shall shewe your affection to learning vertue in fauouring good indeuours giue incouragement to morâ— worthie labours I rest well contented my reward rich and hereafter be both readie and willing to deserue your curtesie But if Ornatus loue breede my blame as it bred his banishment then may I wish I had neuer knowne thereof and crie out of Mala fortuna as my reward With the bird Celâ—s bred in Affrica who wandring far from her nest by forgetfulnesse cannot return and so for euer after abandoneth company So I too boldly building on your curtesie may bee wounded with repentance and by my ouersight bee brought in dispaire vnlesse your curtesie preuent the same on which my hopes depend And so I cease E. Ford. THE MOST PLEAsant Historie of Ornatus and Artesia Chap. 1. How Ornatus was enamoured of the faire Artesia IN the rich and renowmed countrey of Phrygia in Prouinces not farre distant from néere neighbourhood dwelt two auncient Knightes the one named Allinus the other Arbastus men of great possessions and much honoured Betwixt whome such extreame contention and hatred remained by reason of the death of one RenoÌ„ brother to Allinus long since slaine in a quarell by certaine gentlemen belonging to Arbastus that neither their owne wisdome nor the sundry perswasions of friendes to eyther partie allied were of any force to mittigate the same Both of them being inriched with innumerable blessings especially in their faire progenie Allinus hauing a sonne of goodly stature and commendablâ— gifts named Ornatus And Arbastus a daughter called Artesia of excéeding comelinesse exterierlie beautified with aboundance of gyfts of nature and inwardly aâ—orned with aboundance of diuine perfections Yet by reason of their parents discord they remayned as farre ignorant in knowledge one of the other as if they had bin separated by an innumerable distance of straunge countries Ornatus aboue all thinges delighted in Hawking and on a day being wearie he wandred without company with his hawke on his fist into a most pleasant valley where hée shrowded himselfe vnder the shaddowe of a tuft of greene trees with purpose to rest himselfe and euen when his eyes were readie to
Ornatus man but poore Ornatuâ— himselfe that languish with desire to attaine her loue which I would my selfe prosecute if the discords betwixt our parents did not hinder the same Therefore I beséech you once againe doo something in my behalfe for you sée how cruell desteny hath shut mée from all meanes to bée put in practise by my selfe and you may pleasure mée without any hazard at all for which I wil rest so thankfull vnto you as that you shall account your paines taken wel bestowed Sir replied shée I would vndertake any thing to further you if I knâ—w which way but I perceiue Artesias frowardnesse is such that nothing I shal bring her wil bée welcome but if you wil aduise mée what I shal do I wil once againe hazard the losse of her good liking for your sake Which said Ornatus wrote a Letter which hée desired her by some meanes to conuey to her sight the contents whereof were these To the faire Artesia FAirest of creatures bee not offended with my boldnesse but rather fauourably censure of my good meaning for being bound to honour none but most vertuous I thought it my dutie to giue you knowledge thereof desiring you to pittie the extremitie of my passions procured by the attainture of your conquering perfections I confesse you may alledge many things as reasons to disswade you from giuing credit to my speeches or yeelding me the least fauour in your conceits yet I beseeeh you make but triall of loyaltie loue and dutie so farre as shall agree with your liking and you shall finde mee constant in the one and perseuerant in the other as one that hath submitted himselfe to your commaund vowed his deuotions to purchase your fauour and euerlastingly bound himselfe to be onely yours vnable to expresse my humble meaning vnwilling to be offensiue and desirous of fauour then I beseech you be fauourable to me though bearing the name of an enemie in whom you shall finde the true heart of a constant friend whose safetie comfort and preseruation resteth in your power The first viewe of your bewties which was in the valley when you were last hunting surprised my heart with such humble regard to your vertue that euer since my heart hath indured the bitter torments of feareful dispaire which vrgeth me to this presumption desiring from your sacred lippes to receiue my sentence of comfort or affliction rather then to spend my life in languishing vnreuealed torment Then be you gracious to him that is otherwise most miserable and shewe fauour to an vndeseruing vnknowne friend so shall you not onely shewe that you are mercifull but also saue a miserable louer from vtter ruine Your humble friend Ornatus Adellena hauing receiued this Letter tolde him shée would deliuer the same which the next day shée performed in this sort Being come to Arbastus house shée continued most part of the day in Artesias company not once renuing the least remembrance of the talke shée had with her the day before but espying her open her Casket wherein shée put her workes whilest Artesia was busie she priuily conueyed the Letter vnseene into the same which by and by Artesia locked for none but her selfe had the vse thereof Adellena thought long till she was gone fearing least Artesia should vpon some occasion open the Casket againe and so find the Letter whilest shée were there therefore shée soone founde meanes to depart When the time of rest was come and Artesia alone in her bed taking a booke according to her vsuall manner to reade a while shee suddenly fell a sléepe and in her sléepe was possessed with a dreame wherein her thoughts called to remembrance Adellenas speeches which mooued such a disquiet conceit of anger in her brest that thinking shée had chid her with the motions of her spirites shée awaked féeling and excéeding distemperature in all her parts and séeing the light stil burning she maruelled at her drowsinesse that had before forgate to put the same out and by this meanes called to remembrance Adellenas spéeches maruelling what hee should bee that was in loue with her and suddenly againe reprouing her selfe for giuing her mind libertie to think of loue she would haue banisht al further remembrance thereof out of her minde but the more shee laboured the more vnable shee was to preuaile in ouermaistring her fancies that being both vexed with her selfe and Adellena shee vttered these speeches What disquiet is this possesseth my heart procureth such vnwonted cogitations to rise in my fancies and disturbeth my rest I was not wont to trouble my thoughts with such vaine cogitations which the more I labour to suppresse the more they encrease Coulde Adellenas speeches haue such force which I had welnigh forgotten as thus long to sticke in my remembrance Or what reason haue I to regard them that were not worth the regarding but rather tended to demonstrate the affection of some ouerfond louer that seâ—keth to intrappe my chastitie Accursed be her lippes for vttering them and would to God I had bene deaffe that I might not haue heard their inchaunting sound This saide she catcht vp her Booke thinking by reading to driue away all remembrance thereof but her heart was so fully possest with a kinde of cogitation what hée shoulde be that she neither coulde reade or when she did reade remember what shee did reade and finding this meanes not auaileable shée started from her bedde opening her Casket to take out her sampler wherein shée tooke most delight when suddenly shée espied the Letter and reading the superscription was halfe astonished thereat especially howe it should come there and what the contents should bée béeing oftentimes in minde to teare the same in péeces and not to reade it which her hearte woulde not suffer her to doo before shée had séene what was the contents yet striuing to ouermaister her affections shée tore the same in the midst which done such a remorse rose in her fancie vnited with a desire to know further thereof that leaping into the bed shée closed the same togither and betwixt a willing and vnwilling minde redde the same throughout With that fetching a déepe sigh shee said Aye me poore soule how are my affections betraied to mine enemie Was it Ornatus shée ment can it bée that hée wil proue my friend that is my professed enemie O no hée intendeth nothing lesse then loue but rather vnder colour thereof séeketh my ruine Was it hée that I beheld in the valley or it is possible that hée shoulde bée so déepely in loue with mée vpon that small sight No no I wil not credit his spéeches but stil repute him as an enemie as indéed hée is and henceforward abandon Adellenaes company by whose meanes this Letter was conueyed into my Casket then tearing the same into a thousand péeces shée abstained so neare as shée could from all thought of yeelding the least consent to loue and sought to increase her disdaine and suspect of his falshood spending
daies yet without any hope how to enioy Artesias company But the third day it fortuned Arbastas being abroad hunting was by a violent storme driuen to séeke shelter and must fortunately lighted on the shepheards Cottage where he boldly entered without calling and suddenly espying Syluia was halfe astonisht to beholde a damosell so bewtifull and richly attired in that homely place but after that he had a while viewed her well Syluia being alone with a curteous behauiour he thus spake Faire damosell pardon my boldnesse if I haue disquietted you I little thought to haue found such guestes in this homely place Syluia knowing him to be Arbastus arose but made him no answere when presently the olde shepheard came in vsing great reuerence to Arbastus who demaunded of him what damosell that was whereupon the olde man declared all that he knew Arbastus then thus said Damosell I vnderstand by this shepheard some part of your misfortunes which I so much pitty that offer to do any thing resteth in me to do you pleasure And for that this homely place is not agréeable to your birth which may be greater then I can iudge of let me desire you to accept of such entertainment as my habitation yéeldeth whither you shall be welcome Syluia being glad of that profer yet fearing to be discouered by his willingnesse to yéeld made this answere Sir this homely place is best agréeing to my poore estate being by misfortune brought to miserie which I am also vnworthie of for that I know not how to make my hoste amends desiring rather to liue in this quiet pallace voyde of care then in places of more dignitie but for that I shall be too chargeable to this poore man and you so earnestly desire me I wil be so bolde as to take your profer though vnable to be so grateful as I would Many other spéeches past betwixt them and in the ende they departed towards Arbastus Castle where Syluia was kindly and worthily entertained hauing his hearts desire which was to enioy the sight of faire Artesi◠Ornatus being alone by himselfe began to meditate of the good successe he had in this attempt and how fortunatelie all things had fallen out to further him in his loue But most of all hée meruailed how the eyes of all that beheld him were blinded that they could not perceiue what he was In these many such like comfortable meditations he spent some thrée or foure dayes taking most great content in beholding Artesiaes perfections that he was more and more inthralled in the bands of vowed affection hearing her spéech noting her behauior admiring her vertue commending her curtesie affecting her bewtie and imprinting each liniament of her diuine torme in his deuoted affection with such immooueable resolue of constant loyaltie that hée did not onely loue her but also honor her as an I doll beeing by Arbastus admitted her companie that at all times hée was with her Artesia likewise tooke no little pleasure in Syluians company in whom so much curtesse abounded that euery one both liked and commended her CHAP. V. How Adellena brought newes to Arbastus house of Ornatus suddaine depature How he naming himselfe Syluian a long time enioyed her company and what successe he had in his loue ADellena hauing heard of Ornatus departure from his fathers house and of the excéeding care and grief his parents tooke fearing least he might by some trecherie be murdred with which newes shée came to Arbastus house and soone published the same that the newes came to Arbastus hearing who was excéedingly sorie to heare the same for that hée estéemed well o◠Ornatus And now comming into the garden where Artesia was walking with Syluian she could not withhold herselfe from speaking but vttered her minde in these words Artesia bée not offended with that I say but rather bée displeased with your selfe who are the originall of this woe Ornatus whom you supposed your enemie though indéede your most faithfull friend taking your vnkind refusall most heauily and accounting himselfe not worthy to liue if you dispised him eyther hath wrought his owne vntimely death or dispairing to finde fauour at your handes hath abandoned both this parents countrey and acquaintance to liue in exile What will bée sayd of you when the cause of his sorrow◠shall be knowne how may your owne concience accuse your selfe of hard-hartednesse that would not yéeld pittie to the distresse of so woorthie vertuous curteous a Gentlemā who for his humble sute was spightfully disdained and his heartie good will disdainfully reiected Which cruell déed of yours no doubt will be one day repayed with the like disdaine where you shall most affect I know his loue was firme constant and immoueable which maketh me so much the more pittie his estate I know his meaning was both vertuous honorable his birth you know what vertues abounded in him all can witnesse and how hartily he loued you the heauēs cā witnesse Poore Ornatus farewell Hard was thy hap to place thy true loue so firmly where thou reapest so little reward Artesia hearing her spéeches could not tell whether shée might blame her or accuse her selfe sometimes doubting whether she spake this of pollicie to try her or of truth Being as readie to blame her selfe as Adellena and yet willing to do neither For she thought if she spake true shée had good cause to say that shée did and her selfe more to be blamed then any For notwithstanding she had giuen Adellena so flat a denial yet her conscience knewe that some sparks of loue were kindled in her breast That her heart being somewhat opprest with these thoughts caused the water to stand in her eyes Ornatus séeing all this took no little comfort therat especially whē he perceiued Artesias heart to relent but for that by his disguise being known no other then a woman he kept silence when saine hée would haue spake least he should discouer himselfe Adellena séeing she had disquieted Artesia being her selfe full of griefe and vnwilling to vrge her any further departed And Artesia withdrawing her selfe from Syluians company into an Arbor vttered these spéeches And can it be that Ornatus loue was so great that for my sake hée hath done this Coulde hee loue her so constantly that was his professed enemie is loue of such a force to draw one into these extreames Then may I compare it to the hearb Artas found in Persia who being but holden in the hand causeth a heat through all the bodie so loue but entertained in thought disquieteth all the sences But why do I conceiue so well of Ornatus when I know not the truth of Adellenaes report it may be he hath hired her to doe this and thereby I may be deceiued yéelding to pittie when there is no cause and with the bird Akanthu◠readie to come at euerie call Admit it were so I am not bound to fauour him is he not my enemie sonne vnto my fathers cheefest foe
what reason then haue I eyther to giue credit to his loue or her protestation when both may be fayned Well I will be aduised before I yéelde my selfe to loues intangling baytes and before I loue I will know whome I loue I but Artesia thy fancie yéeldeth remorse alreadie and thy conscience bids thée pittie him because he loueth thée for loue in a reputed enemie may be as constant and loyall as in an open friend and an enemie becomming friend will be the more constant then what hast thou to do but make further proofe of his constancie and finding him true yéelde reward to his desert Soft Artesia wade not too far if he be constant if hee be loyall if he loue thée so intirely if nowe thou hast made him forsake this countrey or procure his vntimely death then is there nothing else to be don for thée but to pittie his death and accuse thy selfe of some discourtesie All this while Ornatus shrowding himselfe from her sight by the thicknesse of the gréene leaues heard her spéeches to his excéeding comfort and againe closelie withdrew himselfe Artesia hauing ended her spéeches her hart being opprest with many doubts arose and came to Syluian to whom she said My minde is much troubled with the newes Adellena told me of Ornatus absence whom for that you know not I wil tel you what he was There dwelleth not far hence one Allinus that mortally hateth my father and al that belong vnto him whose sonne Ornatus was whome if I should commend you might thinke me too cruel to refuse his loue so vnkindly onely thus much I wil say of him he was euery way worthy to be beloued though my fancie coulde neuer be drawne to like of him who vpon what occasion I know not but as Adellena tolde me made his loue knowne to her which she likewise told me of but I refusing to heare her answered her plainly that I was greatly ofâ—ended with her for making any such motion and forbad her for euer to speake of him againe But now this day you haue heard what shée hath told me which I can hardly beléeue to be true or that Ornatus would be so rash without wisedome to enter into such extreames But if it bee so as I would it were not it gréeueth me for him and I wish that I had not refused to heare his sute though I am not willing to yéeld thereto For I would not haue it said of me nor my name so much blazed that my crueltie procured him to that extremitie though his wisedome might haue foreséene such mischéefe and he more moderatelie haue tempered his loue Ornatus taking occasioÌ„ said I neither know the gentleman nor how constant his loue was but thus much my mind perswadeth me that had not his loue bene great he would not haue gréeued so much at your vnkindnesse but loue is of this force that it turneth the minde into extreames or vtterly breaketh the heart which force belike it had in him else would he not haue done himselfe so much hâ—rme But it may be as you say Ornatus hath not done himselfe outrage but onely abandoning company liueth in dispaire and so meaneth to die which if it bee so then in my fancie you might do well to let him by some meanes vnderstand that you did pittie him Stay there quoth Artesia you must first know whether I can do it or no for If I should say I pittie with my lips and he not find it so it would driue him to more dispaire and therefore I will leaue off to do that vntill I can finde whether I can do so or no. These her spéeches draue Ornatus into a perplexed doubt what to thinke being no way assured oâ— her loue nor yet vtterly dispairing thereof for that her spéeches gaue likelyhood of both Therefore hée durst not speake too boldlie least shée should suspect him but onely rested in good hope to finde comfort and by other meanes to trie her Then taking his Lute he began to play so swéetely as would haue rauisht a comfortlesse minde with great content to heare which harmonie pleased Artesia so well that when hée left shée would request him calling him Syluian to play againe Whilest he sat playing Artesia sitting close by his side fel fast a sléep which hee perceiuing left of his play to surâ—et himself with beholding her sweete bewtie in which hée tooke such delight as almost rauisht his sences sometimes thinking whilest she slept to imprint a kisse vpon her swéete ruddie lippe but fearing thereby to wake her and loose that delightfull contemplation hée desisted beholding each part of her visible forme which was most diuine his minde was affected with inward suppose what perfections her hidden bewties did comprehend which his fancie perswaded him he did in conceit absolutely contemplate Then seeing her stirre he suddainly catcht his lute againe striking his swéete noate to continue her in that slumber and then againe laying by the same to enter into his former contemplation Comparing his delight to excéed all heauenly ioy and wishing though Artesia coulde not loue him yet that shée woulde alwayes graunt him so to beholde her When hée had a good while continued in these meditations Artesia awooke which somewhat gréeued him but when hée beheld her bewteous eyes fired vppon him he thought himselfe inriched with a heauenly happines to whome Aâ—tesia said I thank thée good Syluian for thy swéet musicke hath somewhat eased my heart by this quiet sleepe O what content do they enioy that liue voyde of care and how happie was I before I heard Ornatus name With that she arose and ther togither went in when night approched which Ornatus thought soo soone come for by that he must loose Artesiaes sight euery one betooke themselues to their seuerall lodgings Ornatus studying what meanes to vse to further his loue wherein he found many difficulties sometimes in thinking Artesia was in hope neuer to heare of him againe and sometimes supposing she did pittie him and being ouercome with contrarieties of doubts he vttered these complaints What shuld I do to procure my content when my miseries are one way great my ioyes as excéeding when my dispaire excéedeth and yet â—y comfort aboundeth I enioy not Artesiaes loue yet she loueth me not I enioy her sight and yet not her sight I haue as much comfort as fills me with ioy yet I am desperate with dispaire How can that be She loueth me as I am Syluian but hateth me because she loueth not Ornatus Vnder the name of Syluian I enioy her sight but not as Ornatus and so am I depriued of her sight I reape excéeding comfort by beholding her bewty but I liue in dispaire that shée wold shun loue if she knew what I were Though I enioy many thinges by being Syluian yet am I depriued of all comfort as I am Ornatus For she déemed him either dead or fled hath no hope euer to sée him and
as no torment nor affliction shall alter Therefore I beséech you let me receiue some hope of comfort by your gentle spéeches which shall expell many cares from my troubled heart Syluian had much adoo to abstaine from smiling to thinke how vnfit he was so yéeld such a reward as Floretus expected committing further consideration thereof to time more conuenient gaue him this answere My minde sir is vnapt to entertaine loue considering how farre I am from my countrey and how soone I may bée ouertaken therefore I pray you séeke not that at my hands which I wil not graunt but if with your fauour I may liue so quietly as since my comming I haue done I shal thinke my selfe more beholding to you for that then for your porfered loue which I cannot yéelde vnto Floretus thinking her soft answere was a signe she would soone yéeld stil prosecuted his sute with earnestnesse in so much thâ—t Syluian tolde him that as yet she could not fancie him because shée had no triall of him but that she would consider further thereof And so for that time they parted Floretus in hope to attaine that which was not to bee had and Syluian in hope by this meanes the sooner to attaine Artesias loue First considering that Floretus had the disposing of her and therefore he must please him least otherwise he might bée depriued of her company Then he began to thinke of Arbastus murther knowing assuredly that it was not acted by his fathers counsel but rather by some secret foe that might as well bée Floretus as any other for that hée was the next heire if Artesia hindred him not which conceit tooke such effectuall instance in his fancie that with that his suspect beholding Floretus behauiour countenance and little inquiry for the murtherer he plainly inspected him which by the diuine prouidence rather then by any euident proofe was stirred in his opinion Such murther is neuer vnreuealed and though neuer so closely done yet God by some extraordinary meanes or other reuealeth the same So came it to passe with Ornatus although hée was no war priuie to any such act or had any probabilitie thereof yet hée thought that Floretus countenaunce bewrayed his treacherie and therefore hée longed to haue some conference with him to sée if hée could gather the truth whereby he thought both to discharge himselfe of that suspect Artesia had of him and also when shée sawe his innocencie and constancie she might yéelde to loue him purposing to leaue no meanes vnattempted to trie him which he did the next time be spake with him in this sort Eâ—rly the next morning Floretus not vnmindfull of his loue which kept him from his sléepe that night neuer left till bée had found Syluian and comming to her with manifolde submisse spéeches sollicited his sute whom Syluian cunningly handled stil putting him in hope and yet making him no promise which set him the more on fire being so farre ouergone with affection that hee purposely determined eyther to win her loue or hazard his owne life and to leaue no meaneâ— vnattempted were it neuer so dangerous to procure his owne content That the more vnwilling he saw Syluian the more importunate hee grew Till at last Syluian sayd as followeth Floretus I know no reason you haue to bee so importunate when I sée in you no token of fidelitie but once hauing attained your purpose you will esteeme mee as lightly as easily woon besides I see not wherein you can performe any such matter as you promise for I beeing in a strange countrey haue nothing and you for ought I sée as little then by matching with you I shall but bring my selfe to pouertie and miserie and then your loue now so hotte wil be as colde and I as reiected cast off to vtter miserie Floretus not suffering her to procéed any further made this answere Syluian do you not sée Aâ—bastus wealth wil not the bée sufficient the great possessions I now enioy by him are of substance to maintaine you in all quiet and yeeld you your heartes content Arbastus wealth said Syluian that is Aâ—tesiaes by right then how can you possesse the same she liuing Doo but graunt me loue sayd he and I will quicklie satisfie you in that I haue a meane to get â—ll into mine owne hands and therefore I beséech you let no such matter trouble your minde but be assured that in enioying me you shal haue al happinesse and quiet by my humble dutifull and constant loyaltie Do but assure mee of this quoth Syluian and you shall knowe my resolution afterwards Artesia entring the chamber brake off their spéeches whose presence vexed Floretus at the heart beeing scarce able to speake by reason of his inward rancor for indéed hee hated Artesia because she onely kept him from possessing his brothers liuing the want whereof kept him from attaining Syluians loue therefore he resolued by some meanes to worke her downefall which within short time he acquainted Syluian withall by this occasion One day finding her alone in a secret place in the garden after many spéeches past betwixt them whereby hée perceiued the chiefest things that hindred him was his want of wealth and after that Syluian had in some sort made him a grant onely to trie him he began to vtter his intent in this sorte My deare Syluian I am so well perswaded of your vertue and put such confidence in your trustinesse that I wil reueale to you the very depth and secrets of my heart would you but sweare to kéepe my counsell for to purchase your content I haue determined to put in practise a matter of secrecie which concerneth my life to bée reuealed Syluian hearing that thought it better to sweare a thousand oathes and breake them all then by nicenesse to indanger the life of Artesia which she supposed he aymed at promised him by many protestations to kéepe secret whatsoeuer he tolde her wherevppon Floretus vrged with hope to win her loue and imboldned in mischief cared not what he did to attain his wil said as followeth Syluian you sée Arbastus is dead which was one stop that kept me from inioying great possessions and my purpose is so you wil but vouchsafe to ayde me therrin to be ridde of Artesia and then all that belongeth to her by her fathers death shall bee yours to dispose of Syluians heart throbde to heare his spéeches but determining to sift him to the full said as followeth Floretus I am sure you speake this onely to trie me and so intrap me and not of any intent you haue to performe the same wherein you shall doo me great wrong and your selfe no good for I cannot beléeue you beare the least thought to do it By heauen quoth hee it is my full intent and for that you may be assured thereof it was I that slew Arbastus howsoeuer the matter is imputed to Allinus and purpose likewise to be rid of Artesia onely for your sake
Therefore make no doubt of my resolution for I am absolutely purposed to do it O thought Syluian rather shalt thou sée my blood then spill one drop of hers why Floretus would you haue me do any thing therin You onely may doo it quoth he with more safetie then any other and the maner how is this Within some mile from this Castle Arbastus hath a banquetting house in his Parke where oftentimes hée would for his recreation lye whither I will perswade Artesia to goe for a season to take the aire and to recreate her sences dulled with gréefe and none but you to keepe her company and some two seruants whose trustinesse I am assured of This done I will get a drinke to be made the force whereof shall expell life and yet by no meanes nor any cunning or skil be found out when you shall thinke it most conuenient giue vnto her being once dead who will make any enquirie but that she died of a naturall sicknesse and then you shall be mistresse both of her heritage and my selfe Syluian said when shall this be put in practise Within these two daies at the farthest said he in the meane time frequent you Artesiaes company in such familiar sort as heretofore you haue done and my selfe wil vse her with no lesse kindnesse Many other spéeches being past betwixt them at that time they parted CHAP VII How Ornatus told Artesia of Floretus intent and vpon what occasion he discouered himselfe Floretus being by himselfe began to consider howe rashly he had committed his secrets to Syluian entring into these meditations Doth Syluian thinke that my policie excéedeth not her shallow capacitie poore simple straunger she hath vndertaken a matter of great importance for me that meane nothing lesse then good wil to her she for my loue hath promised to poyson Artesia and is likely that once done to taste of the same sawce for loued she me neuer so well I will not trust her with my life but peraduenture she hateth me and will reueale my drift to Artesia No Floretus thou art deceiued she is so farre in loue that she doteth and would I am sure to any thing at my request What a world is this what villanie can be intended that some either for fauour or reward wil not execute If I should trust her that is so easily wonne to do such a hainous déed might I not be accounted madde yes and therefore I wil not trust her Artesia being once dispatcht she shall follow next Ornatus on the countrary part was glad that he had felt the depth of Floretus counsell thinking likewise that he was so farre in loue with him taking him for a woman that for his sake he sought Artesias death which was the onely meanes to helpe him attaine her loue which he likewise determined to giue her knowledge of and discouer himselfe hoping that when she sawe his innocencie his faithfull loue and how by his meanes her life was preserued she would yéeld him due guerdon for his good will Whilst he was in the depth of those cogitations he espied Artesia enter the garden and taking his Lute founde her seated vpon a flowrie banke vnder the shade of a mirtle trée and perceiuing that she was somewhat heauily inclinde he satte downe by her and with his swéete melodie brought her a sléepe when she had slept a good while being excéedingly affâ—ighted with a dreame she started vp looking earnestly vpon Syluian saying I pray thée Syluian do not poyson mée Syluian séeing her so affrighted was excéedingly amazed and she her selfe not yet fully recouered séemed to be affraid of him till at last Syluian said I beséech you what is it that affrighteth you O Syluian said she I drempt thou wouldst haue murthered me Heauens forbid quoth he that I should attempt to hainous a deede But woulde you vouchsafe to heare my tragicke report you should be rid of that doubt though Syluian is much tempted to do such a déede who estéeme your life more dearer then mne owne and would rather with my owne hands teare out my wofull heart then thinke the least thought to wrong you But because I haue so fit occasion and I hope your patience will permit me I will reherse a most monstrous and hainous intended michiefe The other day I remember you were excéedingly offended with me for naming Ornatus for that you supposed him to be an actor in Arbastus death but both he and Allinus are innocent and farre from any such thought for your vncle Floretus was his murtherer which hée tolde me himselfe he hath béene oftentimes importunate to win my loue which an other possesseth but I suspecting as much as I now find to be true held him of with this delay that he had not wealth to maintaine me Which when I had often alleaged hée tolde me all that belonged to Arbastus was his then I demaunded how that could be since you were liuing Quoth hee sweare but to be secret and I will tell you how With that vpon my protestations he tolde me that he had murdred Arbastus and ment to poison you perswading me to consent thereto for that hée said I onely could do it with that I not purposing to do it but to preserue you promised him my vttermost assistance which he tolde me should be done in this manner I will quoth he perswade Artesia to forsake this Castle and to soiâ—â—rne some few dayes in a house Arbastus hath in his Parke where none but you two others seruaÌ„ts whose secrecie I nothing doubt shall kéep her company where I will giue you such a potion as shall end her life and yet by no means be perceiued neither can there be any doubt thereof for that I and none else am left of her kindred to search the truth This is the summe of that he tolde me Artesia hearing her words sate like one without sence a good space being so farre ouercome with greefe and feare that she could not speake a word but at the last burst foorth into these lamentations Ay mee vnknde and most vnnaturall Vnckle canst thou speake me so faire and intend me so much harm Who would haue thought so foule impietie had ben shrowded vnder so faire pretext Couldst thou be so vnnaturall as to murther thy owne most naturall louing and dear brother and not contented with his tragedie to séek my vntimely death What frenzie or follie doth possesse thy brest that I estéemed replete with vertue How canst thou suffer so impious and haynous a thought to sink in thy brest much lesse to act such a notorious outrage against him the loued thee as his life her that honoreth thee as her friend O Syluian may I credit thy words and not rather accuse thée and excuse him May I thinke him so simple to trust thée with his secrets no I feare mee this is some pollicie inuented by thee to some bad cud Yet I pray thée pardon me for what canst thou
at my fathers and the rest of the auncients handes that slaying the Boore that destroyed many people you should saue your owne life and winne me as your Loue. And notwithstanding all this doo you make a question whether I will yéelde consent to any thing that shall be for your good O Alprinus if your loue were so constant as mine if you intended to continue my loue for euer if your heart felt so déepe a sting of loue as mine you would not make such a doubt of my loyaltie of my truth true loue and constancie For you knowe whatsoeuer you should aske I will graunt whatsoeuer you should request I will performe and wherein soeuer a Louer may shewe infallible tokenes of her truth I will doo as much as any but since you will not beléeue mee without an oathe I sweare by my loâ—e my vnspotted virginitie and by all the good I wish my heart I will consent agrée performe or doo any thing not be offended with any thing be the newes neuer so vnwelcome so it be for Alprinus good nor leaue any thing vnperformed you shall require Ornatus hearing with what constancie her spéeches procéeded from her and how greeuously shée conceiued it that any doubt should be made of her loyaltie thought most certainely that he might put his life into her hands and therefore hauing alreadie studied a deuice said It ill agreeth with my nature to dissemble and hardly could I haue béene drawne thereto but that desire to preserue loue drewe me thereto for knowe most worthy Lucida that I am not Alprinus but one that for his sake hath vndertaken this The truth whereof if you will heare with patience I wil declare Yesterday I trauailed through the Forrest or desart where I met Alprinus sore wounded and flying from the Boore that pursued him with celeritie which when I behelde to rescue him from death I set vppon the Boore and by good fortune slew him which when he behelde he declared to me the cause of his coÌ„ming which when I heard pittying his estate I bid him take the boores head and withall helpe him to mount his stéed but his woundes would not suffer him to ride that I was in some feare of his life When presently wée beheld an auncient Hermitte comming towards vs who liued in a Caue in those wâ—â—ds who vndertooke to cure his wounds being glad of the Boores death To whose Cell I conueyed Alprinus At whose request I haue performed this which you sée and haue vndertaken to hazard my life to discharge him of death and to win the assured possession of your loue Now I most humbly intreat you for his sake to conceale what I am that I be not knowne and so both disappoint your selfe of his loue and him of safetie Onely deuise a meanes to excuse mee from this feast which I trust you will doo for Alprinus sake and then wee may haue time to studie for your further content Lucidas loue made her beléeue that all hée said was true and therefore saide Syr I trust there is no cause why I should mistrust you and therefore relying vppon the truth of that which you haue sad I will tell my father you are wounded and desire rather to goe to your Chamber then to the feast who I knowe will denie mee nothing This said she went to her father and so preuailed with him that he was contented shée should haue the tending of him whome she tooke to a chamber suffering none to come at him but her maide whome shée trusted and well might trust for her fidelitie Aâ—terwardes Lucida came to Ornatus to determine how shée might come to sée Alprinus being most carefull of his health and amongst many other spéeches they concluded that Ornatus the next morning should depart towardes the Forrest to Alprinus and that shee by some meanes would come thither the next day after if hee would méete her to giue her directions where to finde him which hée promised to doo According to this agréement Ornatus very earlie the next morning armed himselfe and as Lucida had instructed him tooke his leaue of his father who little suspected he had béene any other then Alprinus gaue his consent and so Ornatus in Alprinus armour againe departed the Towne being glad that hée was escaped from death which he was sure to haue indâ—red if it had bin any waies knowne that he had slaine Alprinus And being nowe alone by himselfe hauing she wide world to trauell into 〈◊〉 neuer a friende to go too voyd of feare but not oâ— care hee 〈◊〉 whither to direct his iourney sometimes his conscience accuâ—â—â—g him of too much disloyall dealing towardes Lucida in betraying her vertues by his dissimulation in tellâ—â—â— her Alprinus was liuing when hee knewe it to the coâ—â—â—ry Then hee contrarilie thought it was lawfull for him to dissemble with her to saue his owne life and though he had slaine Alprinus he did it but in defence of his honour Amongst at these this cogitation séemed most to acquite him oâ— dishonour that fortune and the destenies had by that meanes ordeined him to escape Whilest hée rode on in these déepe meditations he met with an ancient hermit who comming towards him said Discurteous gentleman how cammest thou by that armor and yet I need not aske thée for I know thou slewest the worthy gentleman Alprinus which I beheld to my gréefe Father quoth Ornatus if thou didst beholde the same thou canst witnesse I did it against my will and in mine owne defence for whose death I am so sory as thy self and would as willingly haue done any thing to preserue the same as any man liuing Will you then said the Hermite doe this for him vouchsafe to come and speake with him who is in reasonable good estate in my Cell I would to God said Ornatus thy wordes were true for if hée be liuing it will reuiue my heart with ioy that is almost vanquisht with care desiring nothing more then to sée him Hée is liuing said the Hermit and if you will goe I will bring you to him presently Ornatus being come to the Cell accordingly found Alprinus very weake by reason of his gréenâ—us wound to whom Ornatus declared al that happened betwéene him Lucida which added no little comfort to Alprinus heart that hée thought himselfe of sufficient strength to go and méete with her and therefore told Ornatus he would goe and méete with her and withall yeelded him so many thankes as if by his meanes his life had bin preserued In the meane time they continued in the 〈◊〉 Hermittes Caue Alprinus in great comfort and Ornatus in no lesse care for the absence of his deare Artesia breaking foorth many a scalding sighe and vttering many a sad and mournefull lamentation sometimes vtterly dispairing of attaining her loue and then againe by remembring her vertues growing into some better confidence of her constancie Yet most of all fearing that
but dying thou art past hope With that she departed smiling Artesia hearing her spéeches beganne to consider indéede what follie it was to refuse her meate and for feare to shorten her selfe by distemperating her selfe which might bee the meanes to further Lenons intent whome shee knewe would seeke her life if hée coulde not winne her loue shée presently left off suche desperate behauiour and with well wayed consideration attended the euent of the worst misfortune that from that time shee both eate her meate and did all that shée coulde to comfort her selfe still liuing in good hope of Ornatus returne Some fewe dayes after Lenon came to the Fortresse againe enquiring of Flera howe Artesia faâ—ed Well quoth shee but you willed mee to conceale that it was your dooing to bring her hither and some bodie else hath tolde her thereof for shée knoweth the truth as well as your selfe or I and therefore I would wishe you to visite her and after that let me alone to perswade her Lenon was ruled by the olde woman and came where Artesia was saluting her but shée disdaining either to looke on him or heare him speake withdrewe her selfe from his presence Wherewith hée departed willing Flera to doo that which shée had vndertaken And Flera finding her as shée thought in a fit moode beganne to commune with her of many thinges amongst which loue was one Artesia a while heard her but in the end perceiuing her drift cut her off with these spéeches Olde iniquitie I knowe whereto thy talke tendeth thinkest thou I will euer harbour a thought of Lenon that hath vsed mée thus dishonourably no rather will I rent my wofull heart from out my brest before his face neither néedest thou tell mée that hée hath intreated thee to speake for him for I knowe too well both his and thy intent which shall nothing preuaile but harden my heart against him Therefore doo not speake to me for I will not heare thée nor answere thée but hate him thée and thy counsell and remaine so constant in despising him that a thousand deathes shall not alter mée Is it loue that hath made him with violence carrie me from my friendes make me a prisoner and commit me to the custodie of such a hellishe hagge as thy selfe If that be his loue let him turne it to hatred and neuer trouble me but with hating me for in so dooing he shall better please me Often Flera would haue replied but Artesia would not suffer her that shee beganne to wâ—xe angrie and in the ende to plaine furie that running to Artesia she caught holde on her and beganne to teare her garments from her bodie and withall caught sometimes such firme holde on her pure flâ—she with her nayles that the blood followed that Artesia began to crie and shrike for feare and smart When the olde Beldame had executed some part of her intended reuenge and crueltie vpon her in this sort shee saide Proud girle thinkest thou to beare it away with out-facing mée No do not thinke I will leaue thée thus but thou shalt repent that euer thou commest héere and before I goe I will haue my â—â—inde of thée then puld shée out a knife and catching holde on her swore that vnlesse she would promise to vse Lenon kindly when hée next came shée would cut her throate which drane Artesia into that feare that shée began to intreate her and speake faire promising to condiscend to any thing that agreed to her honour Stand not vpon those nice tearmes with mée quoth Flera but here sweare to yéeld to loue him for so thou maiest delay him and frustrate his hopefull expectation whom thou art not woorthie to touch much lesse to beare such a presuming minde as thou doest in scorne of his loue Therefore yéelde to that which I request or stand to my mercy Canst thou bestowe thy loue better then on so honourable a Prince Canst thou attaine more dignitie reape more content or enioy more quiet with any then with him Then do not denie mee for I purpose not to be denied Artesia trembling for feare made this answere onely to satisfie her I am contented to bée ruled by Lenon whose meaning I knowe is honourable Therefore I pray do not offer mée this ouâ—rage but suffer me to liue in quiet vntil his comming If this will not satisfie you then do the worst you can for death is more welcome to mée then life in these extremities Well quoth shée I will trie you but if you dally beware what will ensue for I am resolued what to doo Artesia was glad shée had satisfied her though it were with vttering words which shée neuer intended to performe Adellena séeing how suddenly Artesia was taken from her caused one of her seruants priuilie to followe them to the gréene Fortresse who returning tolde her what he had séene Then Adellena began to studie how to release her from thence and with all haste rode to Allinus house where being arriued she declared al that shee knew as concerning Ornatus and how Lenon had carried Artesia by violence into the gréene Fortresse Allinus being glad to heare that Ornatus was aliue promised to redéeme Artesia from Lenons custodie and that to effâ—ct the next euening caused his men to mount themselues and himselfe with some fiâ—e of them disguised from being knowne came to the greene Fortresse and one of them knocking whilest the other hid themselues the seruants little suspecting any such ambush or intent opened the gate when presently they rushed in and soone found out Artesia whome Allinus told who he was and to what intent hée came Artesia was glad thereof and willingly yeelded to go with him but the olde woman made such an outcrie that all the place rung thereof one of Allinus seruants seeing shée would not bée pacified drew his sword and thrust it through her bodie and so with a yelling crie shée gaue vp the ghoast Then presently Allinus departed with her intending to carry her to his owne house to kéepe her there vnknowne vntil he could heare of Ornatus And remembring that the two seruants were fled and would no doubt certifie Lenon what was done would not go backe the same way hée came though the readiest for then hée thought hee should méete them but went a more secret way thinking by that means to passe vnséene and entring into the plaines where cattell fed Allinus espied a company comming towards them whom hée presently suspected to be Lenon which in reason he could not thinke but that feare perswaded him thereto the company likewise espying them who were certaine Pyrates that were wandred from their shippes to steale cattel wondred what they should be that were so late abroad and being readie to any mischiefe set vpon Allinus and his company who thinking it had bene Lenon would by no meanes yéeld nor speake fearing he should descrie them but resisted the Pyrates who being vsed to many such méetings soone slew two of Allinus seruants and
had giuen himselfe many gréeuous wounds enforcing him to yéeld Who taking from him all that was good constraining Aâ—tesia to go with them and hasted to their ships when hauing conueyed her aboord to preuent the worst hoysed saile and launched into the déepe Then was Allinus left in most miserable estate with all spéed hasting to his house Lenons seruants likewise were by that time it was mindnight gotten to the Pallace and called their Lord out of his bedde to cerâ—ifie him what was happened who presently mounted himselfe and with a sufficient company rode to the Fortresse and entring found Flera slaine and all else fled then began he to muse who should do that déed and what they should be that had carried away Artesia by this time it was day-light and Lenon rested in excéeding vâ—xation to be dispossest of his bewâ—ifull Loue yet he commanded his men to poste by companies seueral waies if it were possible to finde those that had done that deed whilst he himselfe remained there bewailing that misforâ—une his seruants had not rode far but by the light of the day which discouereth things done in darknesse they found Allinus two seruants whose dead bodies they carried back to the fortresse Lenon séeing them presently assured himselfe that Allinus was a partie in this action and that hee had taken away Artesia to séeke her death To preuent wihch mischiefe as he thought then or neuer to be done hee presently rode home to the Court and humbly vpon his knée intreated his father to graunt him licence with a sufficient power to rescue Artesia from Allinus who intended to murder her declaring how he himselfe found her in Adellenas house and how that he had placed her in the gréene Fortresse to defend her from Allinus and others crueltie being left fatherlesse and how that night Allinus had taken her from thence by treason and intended no lesse then her ruine The king hearing his sonnes speeches graunted his request Then presently diuers to the number of tâ—ree hundreth men with as much speed as could possibly be armed themselues and in haste with Lenon went to Allinus Castle into which they violently and vnawares to any within entred Lenon presently laide hands on Allinus whom he â—ounde sore wounded asking him for Artesia who thinking some of his seruants had before bewrayed what he had done presently confest the truth of all both of his intent and howe Artesia was rescued from him but by whom hee knewe not and howe at that time two of his seruants were slaine Lenon giuing no credit to his spéeches neuer left till hée had searched the whole Castle throughout but not finding her accused Allinus that he had murthered her commaunding his men to binde him and carry him as a Traytor to the Court. Who being come before the King confest the truth as before he had done vtterly denying that hee neuer sought Artesias death but her safetie but yet notwithstanding the King was so ouerruled by Lenons accusations and perswasions that he committed him to prison his goods and lands were seized vppon as a Traytor his Ladie wife turned out of doâ—res in poore array and al crueltie and outrage committed against his seruantes and kinâ—folkes and commaundement giuen that none should succour them Allinus being in prison laden with yrons and hardly vsed yet endured that affliction patiently but hearing of his Ladies calamitie and how she was vaiustly constrained to beg that all her liâ—e long had bene tenderly brought vp thought those sorrowes woulde soone bring her to an ende and entered into many bitter lamentations for her and his owne misfortune which were too tedious to recite his seruants were constrained to disguise themselues and trauell into farther places of the Countrey to liue vnknowne otherwise none would haue entertained them His Ladie was compelled to séeke out kinswomen of hers that liued in the countrey of whom she was entertained and there liued a poore life far differing from her former life which she tooke most patiently And thus was Allinus house defaced his goods and lands seized vpon himself imprisoned his wife in poore estate his seruants driuen to wander from place to place readie ofâ—en to perish for want of succour and all his dignitie turnd to miseâ—ie onely by Lenons malice who had no ground for those accusations he vsed against him but onely of a vaine suppose and mad franticke affection that ouerruled his heart which so much preuailed with him that he sought by all meanes he could his death CHAP. XI How Ornatus gatte shipping into Phrygia Howe Allinâ—s was set al libertie and how the Pyrates cast lottes who should possesse Artesia ORnatus all this while remained in the countrey of Natolia with Alprinus and Lucida in great griefe for want of meanes to depart into Phrygia to sée what was become of his deare Loue Artesia but being a long time frustrated by reason none of the ships that were at sea came home he began to dispaire thinking that Artesia supposing him to be dead by reason of his long absence would now marry Lenon which griefe and many other doubtfull thoughts opprest his heart with such passion that he began to waxe sicke and afterwards fel into an excéeding feuer which held him for the space of thrée moneths in great extremitie which surely had abridged his dayes had hee not bene most carefully nourisht by Lucida who had an especiall care of his good During which time of his sicknesse certaine ships of Phrygia arriued on the coast of Natolia some fourtéene miles distant from the Towne where Ornatus was of which he had intelligence by certaine Factors belonging to Lucidas Father which newes reuiued his spirits with ioy before drouping with care that within few dayes he recouered his former health which greatly reioyced Alprinus and Lucida whose hearts were linked vnto him in hands of vnseparable friendship who likewise dealt so effectually for him that they attained warrant for his passage and furnished him with all kinde of necessaries and sufficient store of gold to beare his charges Lucida likewise intreating her father to agrée with the Phrygian Marchants for his conuoy for that himselfe would not be knowne disguising himselfe into the habit of a Pilgrime whicâ— kinde of people might without disturbance passe vnexamined and without molestation And the time of his departure being come he tooke his leaue of Lucida Who tooke his departure with such excéeding sorrow that the abundance of her flowing teares stopt the passage of her spéech Alprinus likewise with many curtesies bad him farewell and wished his prosperous successe Thus departed he the confines of Natolia where he was in so short space so well beloued and so kindly vsed that had not his loue to Artesia and hope to finde her in safety constrained him he could haue bene contented to haue spent the terme of his life in that place The Merchants of Phrygia had not sailed many dayes but they arriued in a hauen some
whome Ornatus knewe not howe to hide himselfe and Artesia not so much as thinking Lenon had bene in it but that it was some ship that likewise by the storme was driuen to lande there Presently the men beganne to spredde themselues euery way and some of them soone espied Artesia giuing Lenon knowledge thereof who immediately came towardes her most kindely saluting her but shée beeing excéedingly dismayed with his sight whome shée most mortally hated for verie griefe burst into teares that in aboundance gusht from her eyes Lenon maruelling thereat and little thinking howe much shée hated him and how vnwelcome he was rather expecting thankes for his paines then reproofe said My deare Artesia bee not now discomforted since there is no further cause of care I haue most diligently laboured to release you from griefe euer since Allinus by treason conueyed you from my custodie taking your absence in great heauinesse for that it pinched my heart to thinke you shoulde fall into suche distresse but nowe that all those misfortunes are past I beseech you goe with mée to the Court where I will labour to procure your content Artesias heart was vexed to heare his speeches that she made him this answere Most discurteous Lenon none but your selfe are cause of my woe whose sight more tormenteth mée then all the afflictions I euer endured Allinus carried me indéed from the gréene Fortresse not by treason but to shelter me from dishonour which you did intend else would you not haue inffered mee to endure such miseries as I did by my hellish kéeper Thinke you I haue cause either to thinke you intend my good or take any comfort by your presence when you onely disquiet me not suffering me to enjoy my libertie but would perforce constrain me to that I cannot like Had you left me in Adellenas house then had I not fallen into such miseries as since that I haue endured nor Allinus for his vertue haue bene brought to pouertie that being before my professed enemie séeing my miserie it so mollified his heart that he hath pittied me and sought my libertie and onely by crueltie not by iustice haue you sought his ouerthrow Then I beseech you leaue me here for I had rather indure the hazard of my misfortune then liue to be tormented with your importunacie Lenon was so amazed to heare her vnkind reply litle thinking he had bene so much out of her fauour that he could not tel what to say sometimes thinking to leaue her there and vtterly to forsake her but that thought was soone ouercome by his affection or violent sting of desire to enioy her loue that once againe he said Why Artesia doo you regard my good will no more then for my paines to yéelde me rebukes and for my loue disdaine That I caused you to be brought from Adellenas house was for that being there you were subiect to many misfortunes And if I imprisoned Allinus it was for that I supposed him your enemy and feared he would haue done you wrong so that whatsoeuer I did with intent of good you repay me with dislike conuert all my doings to the worst meaning wherein you shewe your selfe too cruell that will not yéeld me the least fauour for my constant loue O Artesia be not so hard hearted Artesia notwithstanding many faire promises vowes and protestations he made would not yéeld to go with him but desired rather that he would leaue her there Lenon tolde her though not for his sake yet for her safetie it were best for her to goe which said he commaunded his seruants to place her in a Litter Which when shée sawe shée must néedes doo shee called to Ornatus saying Good Palmer go along with mée that for the kindnesse you haue showen in preseruing my life I may yéeld you some recompence And quoth shée to Lenon I request nothing of you for my selfe but for this straunge Pilgrim who when by the storme the ship was cast away I readie to perish caught me out of the water and preserued my life and do not for his good will to me vse him as you did my deare Syluian whom you banished for that she preserued my life from my vnkind vnckle with that shee wept excéedingly Then Lenon asked Ornatus what hée was I am quoth hée as you see a Pilgrim that was forced to come aboord the Pyrates ship and amongst the rest was readie to perish but that by the diuine prouidence I was ordained to preserue that vertuous Damosels life For that déede quoth Lenon I will reward you most kindly therefore go along with vs. Then they all departed to the Court Lenon presently caused Artesia to bée lodged in a most sumptuous place of the Court appointing diuers Damsels to attend her thinking by those meanes to win her to consent to loue him but all proued vaine his care was cast away his cost to little effect and his kindnesse vnregarded For Artesia was so constant to Ornatus that shée hated Lenon her heart was wholly imployed to wish his good and Lenons ill For she determined neuer to loue him though shee were assured of Ornatus death that she spent her time in continuall care sadnesse shewing no signe of ioy no shewe of comfort but euen as one that regarded no rest nor tooke felicitie in any thing that Lenon both admired the same and laboured by many meanes to alter that humour but the more hée sought to please her the more she was displeased and more discontented at his kindnesse then any thing else In this sort she continued many dayes without the least shewe of alteration Ornatus all this while remaining in the Court making the cause of his state to receiue Lenons promised reward whereas indéed he staied to sée what would become of Artesia or by what meanes to get her from thence To effect which he sawe no possible meanes nor could in many dayes come to sée Artesia which filled his heart with griefe only comforted himselfe with remembring her constant loyaltie And one day being by himselfe alone hée entered into these cogitations Ornatus thou hast remained many dayes in this place kept from thy Loue and sought no meanes to set thy heart at rest or her at libertie Doost thou make no more account of her loue then to attempt nothing to attaine the same or are thy spirits of no more courage then they will do nothing thy wit so shallow thou canst deuise no stratagem◠or thy mind so cowardly thou darest not reuenge the wrong Lenon doth shée What though hée be the Prince and heire of this land is not both hée and his father hated ruling by vsurpation and with crueltie not with iustice hath sought the downe-fall of thy house Can Artesia thinke either valour or vertue to rest in thée when shée shall know how neare thou art her soe but darest not touch him will shée not estéeme shee a coward and vnworthie to enioy her loue Nay when shée knoweth this will
me any tidings I beséech you impart them vnto me thereby to adde comfort to mittigate my care Ornatus was so rauished to heare her vtter such heauenly spéeches that he had much adoo to refraine from imbracing her vttering these spéeches How happie is Ornatus by attaining the loue of so vertuous and constant a Ladie worthy to be admired eternized and for euer honored what comfort may these pleasing words bring to his heart What torment can be not account pleasure indured for so swéet a Ladies safety and what paines should he refuse to procure her swéet content O Artesia diuine Artesia Ornatus is not able to expresse his content nor your desert vnable to recompence your kindnesse and euerlastingly bound to you in all fâ—râ—â—e bands of faithfull loyaltie In your heart is the harbor of true loyaltie grounded vpon vertuous loue Then how happie is he by being inriched and possest of such a loue His reward is greater then his paine his pleasure more then euer his sorrowe could be and his gaines a thousands times beyond his losse Why shuld I then conceale the troth of his safetie from you With that he said Behold Artesia your Ornatus with that he discouered himselfe vnto her she perfectly knewe him Being almost amazed with that heauenly sight when with a swéete behauiour they both imbraced eache other intermingling their kisses with teares of ioye that in aboundance distilled from their eyes surfetting so much in that sweete delight that they were loath to part but that feare to be espied compelled thm Taking such excéeding comâ—ort in each others presence as is not to be expresâ— withal vsing many kindnesses vsuall betwixt faithfull friends to expresse their ioy hée somtimes imbrâ—cing her she againe with a sweet kisse welcomming him being so many kinde and hartie as wold ask a skilfull discretioÌ„ At last hauing somewhat recreated themselues and with sodaine ioy bannisht some part of their care they thought it time to studie how to procure their happinesse least the same might againe be crost by Lenon Who by that time expected to heare from him Therefore Ornatus said My most deare and kind Artesia by whose loue my life is preserued I am not able to expresse the ioy my heart conceiueth by this fortunate méeting béeing likewise as sory to thinke of the misfortune you haue indured by my carelesse ouersight and how to get you from this place and from Lenons affection whom I know to bée of such vnciuill a disposition that he will leaue no disloyall meanes vnattempted to further his intent Therefore in this vrgent extremitie if you will be contented to estéeme me as your friend and follow my directions I will labor all that I can to get you from this place My true friend Ornatus said Artesia I haue dedicated my self to your disposition and made my selfe all one with you both in heart body and minde that whatsoeuer you would wish your selfe you do to me whatsoeuer pleaseth you caÌ„not displease me for I am your selfe therfore I commit all things to your wisdome rest to be ruled counselled and ordered by you in whatsoeuer you shall thinke conuenient and will doo any thing you shall counsaile me vnto both for our escape from hence or otherwise accounting my blisse yours and yours mine your cares mine and your quiet my content Lenons loue is most hatefull vnto me and iniutie to you then what meanes can you work to ridde me of that and reuenge your owne wrong performe for my consent is readie to yéeld to any thing you shall thinke conuenient I most humbly thank you said Ornatus and first I think this is the best course to procure my good liking with him and to rid vs from hence that at his next comming you shewe a little more friendly contenance vnto him then heretofore you haue done as shall best agrée with your wisdome and he perceiuing that my seruice hath done more for him then euer he could attaine will not only credit me but also be ruled by mée in any thing I shall counsaâ—le him vnto Which if you will performe coÌ„mit the rest to me My deer Ornatus at your request I wil do this which otherwise I would neuer of my selfe yéelde vnto for that my loue to you and hate so him would not suffer me so much to dissemble but I pray God deliuer me well from forth of his power that I may in quiet enioy your swéete company These spéeches being ended they parted with a swéete kisse he sighing and she for griefe shedding teares Not long after Lenon came to Ornatus requesting to know whether he had preuailed any thing with Artesia in his behalfe My Lord quoth he I haue vsed many perswasions to her which in some sort haue preuailed but hereafter I doo not doubt by my perswasions but to winne her full consent if you with wisdome will be directed by me and not with rashnesse marre all therefore goe in vnto her but not to rashly and sée if she be not altered Lenon imbraced him in his armes saying thou bringest me tydings of exceeding comfort for which I will reward thee most bountifully With that he gaue him a purse of gold which Ornatus tooke thinking that should be a meanes to further him and hinder the giuer Lenon entred Artesias chamber vsing many kinde speeches and submisse behauiours whome she vsed more kindly then euer she had before done which both filled his heart with ioy and made him according to the Pilgrims directions more carefull of his behauiour least by any boldnesse he might offend her that hauing past some small time with her he departed Now was Ornatus studying how to release Artesia to further whose intent the oâ—casion thus fell out Allinus and Trasus as is before said gate shipping for Armenia and arriued there with safetie first directing their course to the Kings Pallace where Allinus was most honourably entertained being somewhat allied to the King to whome he declared both the cause of his exile and the iniury done to him by Thaeon king of Phrigia Turbulâ—s the Armenian King comforted him all that he could and bad him withall request any thing at his hande hee would graunt it him Allinus alledging many things to perswade Tâ—â—bulus to yeeld thereto requested him to send Ambassadours into Phrygia either to request performance of certaine articles or else to giue him open defiance for war The articles were these that Allinus shoulde bée restored to his lands and the dammage and losse he had sustained should bée repaied to the full that his wife should bée recalled from banishment and that he should yéeld vp Artesia to Allinus if shée should bée in his custodie and that the King and Lenon should bee sworne to performe all this Turbulus was easily wonne and therefore presently sent foure of his Noble men as Ambassadors to request the performance of those conditions Who euen at that instant were landed in Phrygia and newes
so farre preuailed that shée yéelded vp her vnspotted body pure chastitie to his possession and the impression of his attempt dissolued her Virgin zoâ—ne giuing full interests of her heart Loue and body to him that pursued the possession of those riches with earnestnesse Sometimes blushing sometimes shréeking and yet yéelding denying and yet graunting willing and vnwilling yet at last she gaue that she could not recall and let him possesse her spotlesse virginitie which béeing past her heart panted with the motion and she felt her sences sadde a little repenting yet not alâ—ogither sory sighing for sadnesse and yet not sad at all whilest hée bathed himselfe in that hauen of Blisse passing the rest of that night in such vnspeakeable pleasure as cannot be desciphered Early the next morning hee arose taking his farewell with a swéete Adieâ— leauiâ—g Artesia sad for sorrowe and lamenting his absence but yet with earnest and hearty prayers inuocating his happie successe bathing her heart in luke-warme tâ—â—â—es thinking she had béene too prodigall of her fauours to him and yet estéeming him worthie of a thousand times greater gyft if shée had it in her possession with repentance reioycing though déeming herselfe metamorphose and other then shée was wâ—nt to be beeing glad shée had no more companie to conuerse withall least her guilt should make her blush and so bewraye her fault And when Phoebus began to lighten the Chamber with his splendor the hid herselfe within the bed as if the day-light had accused her of that shee had done in the darke Ornatus béeing come to the Campe found out Phylastes and brought him to Artesiaâ—s lodging by the way instructing him howe to order their businesse when Lenon should come Where béeing entered Phylastes hauing saluted Artesia and a while conuersed about their affaires they chaunged their habits Ornatus with many a sorrowfull sigh taking his leaue of her whilst her heart bled warme â—rops of bloud Ornatus againe tooke his leaue of Artesia and entered the Campe framing himselfe to such kinde of behauiour that hée was of all taken for Phylasteâ— Nâ—wes camâ—â—hat the Armenians were landed and had brought their Forces within a dayes march of Tâ—aeons Campe the King â—ssembled all the chiefe Leaters together to â—ppoynt euery man his charge and consult what to doe Ornatus in Phylastes stead had vnder his charge foure thousand men whom by his owne séeking hee was appointed to conuoye into a wood that stood fitly to offend the ennemie and the rest appointed to other places that seemed for most aduantage Ornatus hauing his souldiers alone thought it time to execute what he intended and therefore called vnto him such as were Captaines and chiefe vnder him vttering these speeches Fellow souldiers I would willingly vtter my mind which is troubled in some sort with remembrance of the iniuries Allinus hath alreadie causelesly indured against whome now wee addresse our selues to fight wherein in my mind wee deale vniustly for he was neuer traytor to his countrey nor now commeth to disturbe the land with oppression but only to claime his own inheritance and libertie which our selues do permit therefore I thinke it best before wée drawe our weapons to consider against whome we drawe them and whom we offend one that loueth vs his Countrey and people and would not willingly shead a drop of our blood Now if I could find a remedie for all this which standeth with equitie would you follow my directions With that they all at once said they would be ruled by him Then hée said Thaeon that is now our King destroyed all his familie and such as are in any degrée neare to him in blood the last of whome is Allinus whose vtter ruine hee now séeketh not by iustice but that neitheir he nor any of his progenie should hinder his succession Therefore if you wil follow my counsell when the armies arâ— met let be not offer to offend the Armenians but kéepe our selues from fight vntill Lenon affrighted therewith and fearing the peoples reuolt will peraduenture yéeld to performe the articles the Aâ—menian Embassadors demaunded and by this meanes shall wee restore Allâ—nâ—s to his right saue the effusion of blood and yet not wrong our reputation The people hearing his spéeches generally gaue their consent crying Phylastes Phylastes With that Ornatâ—s bestowed the golde among them that Lenon had before giuen him which preuailed with the multitude excéedingly Ornatuâ— hauing effected this according to his desire went vnto the Aâ—mâ—nian Campe desiring to speake with Allinus the Generall to whom he declared what he intended in his behalfe not discouering him to be other then Phylastes For which Allinus yeelded him many harâ—y thanks Whilest Ornatus was absent a Captaine named Ortonus drawne by desire of reward and aboue the rest fauouring Lenons party stole from the wood and comming into the Campe to Lenon bewrayed what Phylastes intended and how that hée was now gone to the Armenian Campe to confer with Allinus Lenon hearing that thought it best not to send for him by warrant but amongst the rest to assemble him to councell and to that effect sent a Herault Ornatus being returned had knowledge of the generall assemblie and willinglie went little suspecting what Lenon intended and being entred the Camp Lenons Tent he was before all the Estates by a Herault arrested of high treason Ornatus theÌ„ thought his intent was bewraied demanding what they could lay to his charge Wherevpon Ortonus before them all declared what he had done which he could not denie vppon which accusation he was presently sent to the Court and there imprisoned CHAP. XV. Howe Ornatus was deliuered out of prison carried Artesia from the court How Ornatus in a single combat ouercame Lenon and caused Thaeons flight And how Artesia to escape Thaeon fled to Adellenaes house TThe newes of Ornatus imprisonment was soone blazed through the whole camp court and country at last came to Artesia hearing who with excéeding lamentations bewailed his misfortune but Phylastes comming vnto her coÌ„forted her all that he could promising to set Ornatus at libertie if quoth he at Lenons next comming yoâ— will request his signet to keepe as his warrant for your safetie The next day the armies should méete and therefore Lenon that night visited Artesia finding her very sad demanding the cause thereof my Lord quoth she how can I be otherwise then sad when I am ready euery houre to fall into more miserie not knowing whither your life may be indangered by these warres and I thereby subiect to some misfortune Therefore in signe you loue mée graunt me your signet to bee my warrant and priuiledge against all iniurie yâ— may bee offered mee with yâ— shee kist him which she had neuer beâ—ore done not drawne by any good will but with desire to helpe Ornatus Lenons heart was so ouercome that hée presently gaue her the same staying sometime with her intreating her consent to his loue He was no sooner
art thou by right but that by tyrannie and vsurpation thou holdest the same I come as Artesias Champion to challenge thée of disloyalty as the outrages thou hast committed by detaining her libertie do manifest I challenge thée for dooing iniustice against Allinus whom thou withholdest from his right by trecherous malice I challenge thée as a partaker of Arbastus death for that thou sufferest and vpholdest his murtherer Floretus that hath deserued death I challenge thée for oppression laid vpon this whole land And lastly for detaining Ornatus liuing who neuer was impeached of treason and therefore if thou darest answere my challenge I am here readie otherwise I here pronounce thée for a coward a miscreant not worthie to beare Armes Lenon made this replie Being accused by a straunger without cause I regarde it not and béeing iudge my selfe will not by thée be adiudged but for thy proude challenge I will answere thée as little regarding what thou canst doo as thou boastingly dost vaunt of thy valor Therefore euen now before I deport I will without delay abate thy haughtinesse though thy accusations are manifestly false for I both loue and esteeme Artesia as deerely as I doe my selfe my title to the Crowne is iust for Allinus hee is both a traitor at home and abroade first in causing his compâ—ices to séeke my fathers life and lastlie for bringing these Armenian bands to destroye the Countrey For Floretus pardon it is mercie not iniustice As for oppression done to Ornatus all knowe I neuer iniuried him but if hée take the Iustice that is done to his traiterous father as done to him I cannot helpe that but reuenge it thou since thou art his Champion Ornatus had much adoo to stay to heare out his speeche which galled him to the very heart that without speaking a word more hee smote at Lenon and Lenon with courage answered his blowes beginning a most flerce and forceable incounter and with like furie continuing the same til both had receiued many wounds and their steeds beganne to be furious and madde with the smart of some strokes that mist their ayme Ornatus calling to remembrance first the iniuries he had receiued and that Lenon none else could dispossesse him of Artesias Loue and many other wrongs he had done him and his parents thought nowe to reuenge them all and dispossesse Thaeon of the Crowne by Lenons death reuiued his spirits with such courage that he began with renewed strength to assaile Lenon who euen then began to fainte would haue yeelded but that shame withheld him Which when Ornatus perceiued hée thought at once to ende the strife that with one forceable blow hée gaue him so deâ—p a wound on the right arme where the Armour was broken away that bee let fall his sworde and fell sencelesse on his horse necke Thaeon perceiuing his sonne in that danger with his guard came rushing in rescued him from Ornatus sword which otherwise had pâ—rted his head from his bodie With this both the Armies ioyned battel againe the Armenians with new courage rushing vpon their enemies whose hearts began to faile seeing Lenon so neer death which made such a confusion among theÌ„ that they were readier to flie or yeeld to Allinus theÌ„ to fight it out that on a sodain the ArmeniaÌ„s had slaine an infinit number of them all the earth was dyed to a purple colour with their blood Oâ—natus heart was vexed to see so much of his Countres blood shead that hee intreated Phylastes to perswade the Souldiers to giue ouer and himselfe rode betwixt the two Armies with a Herault desiring them to staie their furie for a while Long it was before they would giue ouer but at last by the Drums and Trumpet sound hauing called backe the Armenians Ornatus placing himselfe in the midst of his Countrey men that a multitude might heare him said Renowned people of Phrygia heare my spéech that am tormenmented to sée so much of your blood shead the effusion whereof I séeke by all meanes to stop hauing as you sée for the loue I beare to you not lifted my hand against any of you but onely Lenon the causes that vrge me to challenge him is the manifest wrongs he and his father hath done to your selues this Countrey and all the Nobilitie for the true testimony whereof let euery one inwardly examime his owne conscience and they will not deny my words but finde themselues exceedingly gréeued with his oppression Doo you not sée what destruction he hath brought vpon this land Are not almost all the Nobilitie slaine and destroyed Are not your liberties goods and friends taken from you Is not the whole land in an vproare and euery one driuen from his quiet at home to venture his life in the fielde and all this for satisfaction of his will and selfe commaund not grounded vpon lawe nor iustice Examine your consciences is he your lawfull King did he not murther your lawfull King onely to make you his vassels Againe doth Allinus séeke to do his Countrey wrong doth hée come to oppresse you doth hée séeke to abuse your libertie No hée onely commeth to claime his possessions by iniustice taken from him he commeth as vrged by griefe not to liue as a banished man being himselfe his wife children and familie driuen to liue in miserie and slauerie for the satisfaction of his Lust. Then I beséech you good souldiers consider well what you do whom you defend a traytor and whom you resist a deare friend that loueth and tendereth your liues as deare as his owne whose estate the Armenians pitie to whome he was neuer gratious but his own Countrey mens harts are hardned against him repaying crueltie for his loue and resistance to withhold his right I could alledge so many reasons to disswade you from following Thaeons will as would aske a tedious recital but I know you are oâ— wisedome to conceiue the right your hearts mercifull to pittie him and your mindes apt to doe Iustice then giue him ouer discharge your mindes of care and disburthen your selues of his oppression I stand héere as an Aduocate to pleade for Allinus right that hath indured too much wrong I stand héere as Aâ—tesias Champion that is imprisoned by Lenon abused by Lenon and withhelde from her libertie by Lenon I stand here to intreat you saue your owne liues to preserue your libertie to execute Iustice and to doe Allinus right Then I beseeche you lay aside your armes taken in defence of wrong and turne your hearts to pittie innocencie whereby you shall saue many of your liues shew your selues men that are ruled by wisedome and not by rage and purchase libertie fréedome and peace for euer Then you that beare the true hearts of Phrygians follow me and giue ouer to follow that vsurper and staye such ruines and destructions as are like to ensue by your refusall and let the rightfull heire possesse the Crowne who will loue you cherish you
him worke the premeditated reuenge Lenon béeing assured of his aide next determined to take Artesia from Adellenas house and to bring her to Lucertus Castle vntill the time appointed staying with Lucertus to sée him depart with his ambush to the lodge which he saw effectually performed Phylastes presently vpon the receipt of that letter sent out a messenger to séeke Ornatus to certifie him that Artesia would méete him at the lodge w e Adellena that euening that he should find Phylastes there who béeing by Artesias messenger taken for himselfe had appointed to be there least he shuld not conueniently be found The messenger with great haste departed inquiring after foure Pilgrims for in that habit Ornatus such as were with him weÌ„t by that time the day drew néere to an end the messenger found out Ornatus to whom he declared what Phylastes had giuen him in charge only mistaking the place for wheras he should by his direction haue said at tâ—â— loâ—â—e mistaking Phylastes words he said at Adellena house Ornatus hearing that heauenly tydings leapt for ioy presently hasting towards Adellenas house which was not far off Lenon to further his attempt which he thought he could not with violence execute for he thought if he should carrie her away perforce in the day time he shuld be preuented deuised an answere of the letter that he had takeÌ„ from Thristus which he determined to deliuer to Artesia as froÌ„ Ornatus yâ— conseÌ„ts wherof were these MY most deare and beloued Artesia I haue receyued the letter you sent me by your seruaÌ„t whom I haue imployed about a matter of great importance that none could so fitly execute as himselfe which newes was moste welcome to the comfort of my heart that was almost ouercome with dispaire of your safetie wheron my chiefest felicitie depeÌ„deth Therefore omitting further recitall of my ioy for your safetie which this paper cannot expresse therefore I will meete you soone where this my seruant will bring you whose fidelitie I assure you to be such as that he will do nothing but what I haue giuen him in charge vntil which time of meeting I cease all further circumstance of speeches Yours Ornatus With this letter Lenon went to Adellenas house knocking at the gate was brought to her to whom hée deliuered the same who reading the contents being before not well acquainted with Ornatus hand nothing at all suspected the contrary but both beleeued that it came from him and determined to goe with the messenger to méet him whilest she was preparing to go with Lenon Adellanaes maide came in telling her that there was another to speake with her from Ornatus with that Lenon changed countenance and Artesia willed her to bring him in Ornatus beholding her had thought to haue imbraced her discouered himselfe but séeing a straunger there and a letter in her hand hee stood in a studie Artesia noting well his countenance thought it was Ornatus himselfe but standing in a doubt thereof said I haue receiued this letter from Ornatus alreadie and therfore if you haue any further message from him tell it mée for any newes from him shall be most welcome Ornatus thought that it was sent by Phylastes but not knowing the messenger meruailed therat saying I cannot beléeue that it came from him for while within this houre hée had not knowledge of your béeing héere With that Artesia gaue him the letter willing him to read the same Ornatus soone knew that it was inuented by some trecherie and therfore said I know this came not from Ornatus for this is not his hand nor hée that brought it any of his Seruants for himselfe sent mée before appointing to be héere within this houre Lenon hearing his spéeches wisht himselfe a thousand myles off fearing to be discouered for that he could not tâ—ll how to excuse himselfe nor by any colour auoyde that daunger To whom Ornatus said My friend when did hee deliuer thée this letter Yesterday quoth he Thou lyest said Ornatus for he hath not beene at the Court these thrée daies Lenon thinking with impudencie to outâ—â—ce hauing no other meanes left that was likely to helpe him and therefore said This letter came from Ornatus and thou lyest in saying the contrary being some villain that art set to betray this Ladie therefore quoth he speaking to Artesia beléeue him not for he is come with some euill intent With that Ornatus bad those that were with him lay hands on him who presently apprehended him and pulling of his hat a subtile disguise that he wore knewe him to be Lenon at the first being halfe afraide â—o touch him for that they would haue sworne he had bin dead Ornatus séeing Artesia in an excéeding flight discouered himselfe and with great ioy imbraced her desiring her to feare nothing Artesia knowing him soone forgat her feare embracing him with excéeding ioye To whom hée said Feare him not my deare Artesia for be it himselfe or his ghost I care not it shall goe hard if hée nowe escape my handes To whom he said Most discurteous and cowardly Villaine couldest thou not be contented to liue in quiet hauing once escaped my Furie but that thou must by further comploâ—s séeke to betray this Ladie that neuer did iniurie thée How often hast thou interrupted her quiet and from quietnesse brought her into misery and knowing that she could not like thée yet thou wert so impudent as neuer to giue ouer thy sute but to attaine thy desire first depriuedst her of libertie banishedst me in the disguise of Syluian and soughtest to betray my Fathers life not satisfied with all these like a cowardly miscreant séekest by villanie to betray her and notwithstanding thou haste be held thy fathers wofull downfall and meritorious punishment thou séekest to betray this Ladies life by some vnknowne trecherie not yet reuealed For all which thou shalt suffer such punishment as I haue deuised and haue power to execute Lenon séeing himselfe discouered grâ—w desperate and scorning to be so rebuked at his hands whom he still esteemed his inferior but especially vexed that it was hée that had so long hindered his Loue to Artesia saide Ornatus I thinke thou hast either forgotten thy selfe or else what I am that at thy pleasure rebukest me in such vnciuill and ill beséeeming termes Am I not thy better and one that not long since might haue commaunded thee and is thy minde so much eleuated proud that thou wilt not acknowledge it Thou makest brags of thy victorie when thou mayst rather with shame kéepe silence with remorse repent that thou hast sought the death of thy lawfull king béeing thy selfe a traitor As hee would haue spake more Ornatus interrupted him saying Hold thy peace do not stir my mind to more sharp reuenge by thy replie for I scorne to heare thée speake therefore giue ouer least I punish that tongue of thine for vttering such