the Visigots It is the very same said Siluie I saw him about fiue or sixe moneths agon at an Holy-day-Feast in the Hamlets that stand along the riuer of Lignon and for that aboue all the rest Alcippe in my iudgement was most worthy to be respected I long time held mine eyes on him for the grauity of his beard and venerable olde age made him to be honoured and esteemed of euery man But as for Celadon I remember that of all the yong shepheards none but he and Siluander durst come neere me By Siluander I knew what was Celadon and by Celadon what Siluander was Both the one and the other had in their behauiour and discourse somewhat more generous then the name of Shepheard required While Siluy was thus speaking Loue to make sport with the deceit of Climanth and Polemas which were the cause of Galatees going foorth that day to the place where she tooke vp Celadon beganne to make the Nymph feele the effects of a new desire For while Siluy spake Galatee had her eyes fast vpon the shepheard and the praises she gaue him were the cause that at the same time his beautie and his vertue the one by the view and the other by the hearing gaue a blow to her soule and that more easily for that she was prepared by the practices of Climanthe who seeming to be a diuine had fore-told her that he whom she should meet with where she found Celadon was to be her husband vnlesse she would be the most vnfortunate person in the world hauing before laid a plot that Polemas as it were by chance should be there going at the houre which he had appoynted him that being deluded by this tricke she might be made willing to marry him which otherwise the affection which she bare to Lindamor would not suffer But Fortune and Loue mocking at this wisedome made them finde Celadon by the chance which I told you of So that Galatee determining in any sort to loue this shepherd went purposely to represent to her self euery thing in him more louely And seeing that he awaked not that she might leaue him to his more quiet rest she got out as softly as possibly she could and went to intertaine her new thoughts There was by her chamber a pretty staire which descended into a lower gallery where by a draw-bridge they might enter into a garden furnished with all the rarities which the place could admit were it in Fountaines in quarters were it in allies and arbours nothing being forgotten that arte could adde to it At the going out of this place one might enter into a great wood of diuers sorts of trees wherof one was of Hasels which altogether made so pleasing a Labyrinth that though the paths by their diuers turnings lost themselues confusedly the one within the other yet were they very delightsome for their shaddowes Not far off within another quarter was the fountaine of the truth of loue a spring indeed very marueilous for by the force of enchantments the louer when he looked into it might see her whom hee loued if he were beloued of her he should see himselfe hard by her if it fortuned she loued another the other should be represented not himselfe and because it discouered the deceits of louers they named it The truth of Loue. In another of the quarters was the den of Damon Fortune lastly the hole of Mandrague full of such rarities and so many sorceries that houre after houre there falls out alwaies some new thing besides that thorowout the rest of the wood there be many other diuers caues liuely counterfayted that the eye often beguiles the iudgement Now it was within this garden that the Nymph came out to walke attending for the awaking of the shepheard and because her new desires would not suffer her to hold her peace she fained to haue forgotten something which she commanded Siluie to go and seeke for for that she put the lesse trust in her for her youth then in Leonide who was much elder both these Nymphs were trusted with her greatest secrets And being her selfe alone with Leonide she said to her What thinke you Leonide hath not the Druyde great knowledge of things and doe not the gods very liberally communicate with him since the things that are to come are better known to him then the present to vs Without doubt answered the Nymph he made you see right truly in the glasse the very place where you found this shepheard and he told you truly the time in which you met with him but his speeches were so doubtfull that I can hardly beleeue he vnderstands himself Why say you so answered Galathee since he told me so particularly all that I haue found that I know not now to say more then he did So me thinkes it was answered Leonide that he onely told you you should finde in that place there a iewell inestimable which when it came to passe was a thing to be scorned Galathee then laughing at her said Why Leonide know you nothing else Then must you learne what he told me in particular Madame you haue two influences quite contrary the one the most infortunate that may be vnder heauen the other the most happy that a man may desire and it dependeth of your owne election to take that which you will and that you may not deceiue your selfe know that you are and shal be serued of many great Knights whose vertues and merits may diuersly mooue you but if you measure your affection either to their merits or to the iudgement which you shall giue of their loue and not by that which I instruct you on the behalfe of the gods I fore-tell you you shal be the most miserable that liues and that you be not deceiued in your election remember that on such a day that you see at Marsellys a Knight attired in such a colour who seekes or shall seeke to marry you for if you admit him from thence I shall euer bewaile your misfortune and I cannot sufficiently threaten against you the incredible disasters which attend you and therefore I aduise you to flee from that man whom you may rather terme your misfortune then your louer But contrarily marke well the place which is represented within this glasse to the end you may know to find him along the riuer of Lignon For such a day at such an houre you shall meete a man in the loue of whom the heauens haue placed all your felicitie If you can so worke that he may loue you thinke not the gods good of their word if you can wish for more contentment then you shall haue but haue care that the first of you two that first sees the other be the party that first loues Thinke you not that this is to speake plainely and clearely especially for that I haue since felt these predictions true which he gaue me For hauing seen this shepheard first I must not lie mee thinkes I find
but on words onely but for my part I finde that he that offends howsoeuer it be is an enemy and therefore I may well giue you that name To me replied she I would neyther haue the deed nor the thought for I make too great account of your merit See adioyned the shepheard one of the blowes wherein you offend mee more in telling mee one thing for another then if truly you would acknowledge in me that which you say for that I hold my selfe wronged by you in asmuch as you say you fauour me But I see well you thinke it enough to beare Loue in your eyes and in your mouth without giuing him place in your heart The shepheardesse then finding her selfe surprised as not hauing vnderstood his speech of loue answered him I make account Alcippe of your vertue as I ought and not beyond my duty and touching that you talke of loue beleeue it I will haue it neyther in mine eyes nor in my heart for any man and much lesse for those base spirits which liue like Sauages among the woods I know well replyed the shepheard that it is not the election of Loue but my destiny which compels me to be yours since that if Loue ought to arise from the resemblance of humour it would be very hard that Alcippe should not be for you who from his Cradle hath hated this countrey life and protesteth vnto you if I must change my condition to haue a part in your loue from hencefoorth I forsake the Sheephooke and my Flockes and will liue among men and not among Sauages You may well answered Amarillis change your condition but not make me change being resolued to be neuer lesse mine owne then I am now to giue place to any stronger affection if you will wee should continue the life which we haue led for the time past change this discourse of affection of Loue into that you were wont to vse to me heretofore or else thinke not strange that I banish my selfe from your company it being impossible that Loue and the honest Amarillis should remaine together Alcippe that lookt for no such answere seeing himselfe so far from his hopes was so confounded that he staid somewhile before he could answere In the end being come to himselfe he began to perswade himselfe that the bashfulnesse of her age and sexe and not want of good will towards him had made her hold this course Therefore it was that he answered her Whatsoeuer you thinke of me I shall neuer be other then your seruant and if the commandement you giue me were not disagreeing with my affection you were to thinke that there is nothing in the world that might make me contradict it you must then excuse me and suffer me to hold on my purpose which is but a testimoniall of your merit and wherein will you nill you I am resolued The shepheardesse turning her eyes sweetly towards him I know not Alcippe said she whether for a wager or out of obstinacy you talke thus It is answered he for both for I haue laid a wager with my desires to conquer you or to dye and this resolution is changed into obstinacy there being nothing that can diuert me from the othe which I haue made I would be well pleased replied Amarillis that you had taken any other for the But of such importunities You may name my affections sayd the shepherd as it pleaseth you yet shall not this make me change my mind Nor you must not thinke much replied Amarillis if I be as firme in my obstinacy as you in your importunity The shepheard would haue answered but that hee was interrupted by many shepheardesses that came to them So that Amarillis for conclusion sayd very softly to him You may do me a displeasure if your purpose be knowne for I am contented to know your follies and it will be small pleasure that any others should vnderstand it So ended the first discourse betweene my father and Amarillis which did but encrease the desire in him to serue her for nothing addeth so much to Loue as honesty And by fortune in the way this company met with Celion and Bellinde who were stayed to behold two turtles who were cheering making loue each to other no whit afraid to see many about them Then Alcippe remembring the commandement which Amarillis had giuen him could not hold from sighing out these verses A Sonnet of the restraint of Honor. VEnus deare birds doues louing ouer all That double without end your kisses true And tyrde with cares do still by them renew Now your sweete peace and sometime your sweete brall When I behold you rest or stirre your wings As rauisht with the ease wherein you are O God then vs how be you happier far That freely'nioy the sweets your true loue brings Your fortune giues you leaue freely to shew The thing which we must hide that none may know By lawes vniust which honor graunteth vs Faint honor that makes vs turne our owne foes For cruell reasonlesse she wills it thus That stealth in Loue alone with pasport goes After this time he so suffered himselfe to be transported with his affection that there was no bound which he ouer-passed not and she on the contrary shewed her selfe alwaies more cold and icy to him and one day when he was requested to sing he sayd such verses A Madtigall on the coldnesse of Amarillis HEr heart of yce her eye all fire And mine directly contrary I freeze without but inwardly I scorch with flame of my desire Alas that Loue hath chosen to possesse My heart and thâ—eies of my faire shepheardesse Gods grant that once it may be well reuerst I in mine eyes she haue it in her brest At this time as I told you Alce made suite to Amarillis and because he was a right honest shepheard and esteemed wise the father of Amarillis inclined rather to giue her to him and not to Alcippe because of his turbulent courage and on the contrary the shepheardesse better loued my father because his humour came neerer to hers which the wise father well perceiuing and not willing to vse any violence nor absolute authority ouer her he thought that farre distance might diuert her from this will and so resolued to send her for some time to Artemis the sister of Alce who dwelt about the bankes of the riuer of Allier When Amarillis knew the deliberation of her father as alwaies they endeuour to things forbidden she tooke a resolution not to goe away before she had giuen Alcippe assurance of her good will in this dessigne she wrote these words YOur obstinacy hath ouer-passed mine but mine shall likewise ouer-passe that which constraines me to aduertise you that to morrow I goe away and that this day if you may find me on the way where we met yesterday that your loue can content it selfe with words it shall haue occasion to bee there and adieu It would be ouer-long Madame to tell you
before men and gods that as she is the most faire and the most vnfaithfull in the world so I am the most faithfull and most affectionate that liues with assurance notwithstanding neuer to haue contentment but in my death We no sooner cast our eyes on this writing but we knew it all three to be from Celadon which was the cause that Licidas ran to draw out the others which floated on the water but the streame had carried them so farre that hee could not come by them yet we ghessed thereby that hee abode about the head of the Lignon which caused Licidas in the morning to goe seeke him luckily and vsed such diligence that three dayes after he found him in solitarinesse so changed from that that he was wont that he might scarce know him but when hee told him that he must come to me and that I so commanded him he could hardly be perswaded but that his brother came to deceiue him At last the letter which hee brought from me gaue him such contentment that within few dayes hee came to his former countenance and came to finde vs out yet not so soone but that Alcippe dyed before his returne and some few dayes after Amarillis followed him And then wee were of opinion that fortune had done her worst against vs since these two were dead that contraried vs most But it fell not out so by the mischiefe that the suite of Corebe went on so that Alce Hippolite and Phocion would giue mee no rest and yet it was not from them that our mischiefe came though Corebe were in part a cause for when hee came to make suite to mee because hee was very rich hee brought with him many shepheards among whom was Semire a shepheard indeede repleate with good qualities if he had not beene the most pērfidious and subtill fellow that euer was As soone as hee cast his eye on me he had a purpose to serue me forgetting the friendship that Corebe bare him And because Celadon and I to cloke our amity had layd a plot as I told you to dissemble he to make loue to al the shepheardesses and I to suffer indifferently the wooing of all sorts of shepheards hee thought at first that the good acceptance that I gaue him was the breeder of some greater affection and he had not so soone knowne what was betweene Celadon and me if by mischance he had not found my letters For though to his last losse it was well knowne hee loued mee yet there were few that thought I loued him I carried my selfe so coldly since Celadons last returne And because the letters which Alcippe had found at the foote of the tree cost vs deare wee would no more rely on those we wrote our selues but inuented a new trick which wee thought more assured Celadon had fastened to a corner of his hat on the inside a little piece of felt so cunningly that he could hardly see it and this was locked with a button on the out-side where he fayned to bind vp the brimme of his hat in that he put his letter and making shew to play either he cast me his hat or I tooke it from him or he let it lye or fayning to runne or leap better cast it on the ground and so I tooke and returned the letter I know not by what misfortune one day when I had one in my hand to giue him running after a Wolfe which came neere my flocks I let it fall vnhappily for me which Semire that came after took vp and saw it was thus The letter of Astrea to Celadon DEare Celadon I haue receiued your letter which was as welcome to me as I know mine are to you and I finde nothing that doth not satisfie me except the thankes you giue which me thinkes is to no purpose neither for my loue nor for Celadon who of long time is wholly giuen mine For if they be not yours know you not that whatsoeuer wanteth that title can neuer please mee And if they be yours why do you giue me separated that which at once I haue receiued when you gaue your selfe to me Vse it no more I pray you if you would not haue me thinke that you haue more ciuility then Loūe After he had found this letter he purposed to speake to me no more of Loue vntill he had done some euill to Celadon and began in this sort In the first place hee besought me to pardon him for being so rash that hee durst raise his eyes on me which my beauty compelled him to doe but he well knew his smal merit and therefore he protested to me neuer to mistake more onely he desired me to forget his boldnesse And after that he made himselfe so great a friend familiar to Celadon that it seemed there was nothing which hee loued more and to abuse mee the more hee neuer met me without finding some occasion to speake to the aduantage of my shepheard couering his intent so cunningly that no man would thinke that he had any such designe These praises of the person whom I loued as I told you deceiued me so that I took extreme pleasure to entertaine him and so two or three moneths passed right happily for Celadon and me but this was as I beleeue the more to make me feel that which since I cease not nor euer shall cease to bewaile At this word in place of speech her tears represented her displeasures to her cōpanions with such abundance that neither the one nor the other durst open their mouth fearing to increase her sorrow for the more you labor by Reason to dry the teares the more they increase their springs At last she began again thus Alas wise Diane how can I remember this accident not die From that time Semire was so familiar both with Celadon and me that for the most part we were together And when hee thought hee had gotten sufficient credit with mee to perswade that which he meant to vndertake One day when he found me alone after we had long talked of diuers treasons that the shepherds did to the shepheardesses whom they made shew to loue But I wonder much said he that there bee so fewe shepheardesses that take heede to their deceits though otherwise they be very circumspect That is answered I for that Loue hath shut vp their eyes Without fayning replyed he I beleeue so for otherwise it were not possible but you should know what they would doe to you and then holding his peace he seemed to prepare himselfe to say more but as if he repented that he had told me so much he beganne againe in this sort Semire Semire what thinkest thou to doe Seest thou not that shee delights in thy deceit Why wilt thou trouble thy selfe And then addressing himselfe to me he went on I see well faire Astrea that my discourse hath brought you some displeasure But pardon me for that I haue bin compelled to it by the affection which I haue
one might haue murmured for you know how much a man that deales in matters of state is subiect to enuie and slander I gaue three moones after to the end that if you falle one day you might be there another I told her that if shee saw you first that shee should easily fall in loue with you that if it were you it should be otherwise and that only because I knew well that you should see her first so that she should find this difficulty of Loue true in her selfe for as you know she loued Lindamor I told her I must bee gone the next day that she should not thinke it strange if she came to seeke me out for some curiosity for hauing performed that which wee resolue on I had reason to make haste that I might not bee knowne of any Druide who would haue caused me to bee punished and you know well that hath alwayes bene my feare Thinke you I haue forgot any thing No certainely sayd Polemas but what might that be that hath kept her backe so long time For my part sayd Climanthe I know not except it bee for that shee hath mis-taken the daies of the moone but since no businesse presses you and you may yet stay here the time that I haue set her I would aduise you to do it and euery morning two dayes before and after you faile not to goe in good time for it is true that the first day wee were too late And what will you sayd Polemas that I should do The losse of the shepheard that drowned himselfe was the cause and you know the shore of the riuer was so full of folke that I could not stay there alone without suspicion but wee haue not foreslowed much and there is no likelihood that shee was there that day for I assure my selfe that the same occasion which hindred me hath likewise stayd her lest she shuld be seen You shal neuer perswade mee so replied Climanthe shee was too desirous to obserue that which I appointed But it seemes to be time to rise that you may be gone and then opening the windowes he saw the day breake Without doubt sayd he before you be at the place where you shuld be the houre will be past make haste for it is better to haue many houres to spare thē a momēt too short And will you sayd Polemas that wee go now being more then 15. dayes since the time is past It may be she hath reckoned wrong let vs not faile to finde her Leonide who feared to be seene either of Polemas or Climanthe durst not rise before they were gone and that shee might know the face of Climanthe when it was day she beheld him so that shee thought it impossible hee could disguise himselfe to her and as soone as she saw they were out of the house she dressed her selfe and hauing taken leaue of her hoast held on her voiage so confused in her selfe at the malicious impostures of these two persons that she thoght any other might as well bee deceiued as shee so it was that the small esteeme which Polemas made of her beauty strucke her so to the quicke that she resolued to preuent his malice with her wisedome and to worke so that Lindamor in his absence might not feele the effects of this treason which she thought she could not better do then by the meane of her vncle Adamas to whom she had a purpose to declare all that she knew In this resolution she hasted to go to Feurs where she thought to find him but she came too late for that morning hee was gone home-wards hauing the day before dispatched that which belonged to the sacrifice And the Sun began to wax hot by that time he came into the plaine of Mont-Verdun and because on the left hand he perceiued a tuft of trees which as he thoght gaue a louely shaddow hee turned his step thither to rest himselfe a little As soone as hee was there hee spied afar off a shepheard comming that seemed to seeke out that place for the same cause that brought him and because hee seemed to bee very sad when hee came lest hee might draw him from his thought hee would not salute him but without shewing himselfe to him he would harken what he went talking to himselfe and shortly after he was set down on the other side of the bush he heard him vse these words And why should I loue this fleeter In the first place her beauty cannot constraine me for it is not enough to giue her the name of faire and then her merits are not such as if they be not ayded with other considerations may hold an honest man in her seruice and lastly her loue which was all that bound me to her is so changeable that if she haue any impression of loue in her hart I think it be not only of wax but of wax newly wrought she so easily takes the figures of al nouelties and it is like her eyes that receiue the figures of all that is represented to them but lose them as soone as the obiect is no more before them that is I loue her I must avow it is because I thinke shee loues mee but if it be not so I excuse her for I know well she thinks she loues me This shepheard had gone on but a shepheardesse by fortune came to him who seemed to haue followed him afar off and though shee heard some words of her selfe yet made she no shew but now contrary sitting downe by him shee sayd Well Corilas what new care is this that makes you so sad The shepheard answered her as disdainefully as hee could without turning his head on that side It is that which makes me search with what new deceit you will beare them whom from this time you shall beginne to loue And why sayd the shepheardesse can you beleeue that I affect any other then you And you sayd the shepheard can you beleeue that I thinke you affect me What thinke you then of me sayd the shepheardesse All the worst answered Corilas that you can beleeue from a man whom you hate You haue added she strange opinions of me And you said Corilas strange effects in you O God sayd the shepheardesse what a man haue I found in you It is I answered the shepheard that with more reason may retort it on you Stelle what a woman haue I found for there is nothing more capable of loue thē you you I say who take no delite but to deceiue those that trust in you and who imitate the huntsman who pursueth the beast with such care whose heart afterwards he giues to his dogs You haue said shee so small reason in that you say as he should haue lesse that will stay to answere you I would to God said the shepheard I might alwayes haue as much in my soule as I haue now in my words I should not haue that sorrow that afflicts me And after they had both held their peace
awhile she raised her voyce and spake singing to him in this sort he likewise that she might not want answer replied A Dialogue betweene Stelle and Corilas STEL. VVHat will you then my shepheard bee For want of an inconstant loue COR. To follow your quicke spirit free Requâ—â—â— a wing 〈…〉 ble â—o â—â—ue Much rather then a courage high To follow you were foolery STEL. You haue not alwaies thought it so That louing me is such a crime COR. Speake not of times past long age He liues not well mâ—nds not in time Nothing returnes that 's past before And I remember it no more STEL. What 's this but not to know to loue Yet brag the contrary thereto COR. Wherefore will you me so reproue For that your selfe knowes not to do You loue out of opinion And not out of election STEL. I loue you and will loue you still Though your loue chang'd be in this wise COR. Mineâ— no no change I neuer will Her where my soule engaged lies Thinke not that euery day like you I change my old loue for a new STEL. What are you then resolued tell To seeke a loue that 's fresh and rare COR. If heretofore you pleas'd me well I iudg'd you then to be more faire But now in very deed I see Your beauty in a poore degree STEL. Will you vnfaithfull bring to nought An amity that was so great COR. You charge me with your owne default So makes an ends he whom you â—eate But you may say what fitt your braâ—uâ— The thing that was comes not againe STEL. But if you loued me indeed What makes you then so soone to start COR. When one his errour better heeds To change his minde is wisedomes part It 's better to repent though late Then still to hâ—ld a wandring gate STEL. Can neither duty nor yet honor Know such an humor to subdue COR. What if I can see in you more That may this amity renew Wherein your fainings sâ—ared me Which I mistooke so sillily STEL. I may you see for my reuenge Another loue and not be loued COR. Right soone of such disease to change Shall heale me as in yours I proued And if I then do otherwise I must haue lâ—st my Iudgements 〈◊〉 STEL. Haue you then no kind of r 〈…〉 se For so great infidelity COR. I haue prâ—nâ—â—nst that loue of forcâ— She owes me hers that asketh me But you may aske and make your moâ—â— All Lâ—â—â— 'twixt vs is dead and gone The shepheardesse seeing hee stood not without reply to her demands leauing to sing said And why Corilas is there no more hope in you No more said he then faithfulnesse in you and thinke not that your fained nor fayre words can change my resolution I am too much grounded in this opinion so that it is in vaine for you to try your armes against mee they are too feeble I feare their blowes no more I counsell you to proue them on others whose knowledge may make them misprize them as I haue done It cannot be but you shall finde some whom the heauens to punish some secret fault haue ordained to loue you and they shall be the more pleasing to you for that nouelty delights you aboue all things At this bout the shepheardesse was stung in earnest but fayning to turne the offence into laughter she said as she was going away I make good sport Corilas both at your selfe and your choler we shall see you shortly in your good humour In the meane time be content that I patiently suffer your fault which you cast on me I know replyed the shepheard it is your custome to make sport with them that loue you But if the humor which I haue last I assure you you may longer play vpon me then on a man that shall loue you So parted these two enemies and Adamas who had heard them hauing knowledge by their names of the families of which they were was desirous to know more of their affaires and calling Corilas by his name made him turne to him and because the shepheard seemed to be astonished at this surprize for the respect which is had to the habite and quality of a Druyde that he might be more assured he caused him to sit downe by him and then talked thus vnto him My childe for so I may call you for the loue I haue alwayes borne to them of your family there is no cause you should be sorry for your speaking so freely to Stelle before me I am glad that I haue seene your wisedome but I desire to know more that I may the better counsell you in this affaire that thereby you may commit no errour And for me I know not that there should be any difficulty since the lawes of coiuility and curtesie do more binde me it may be then you may imagine As soone as Corilas had the sight of the Druyde he knew him well hauing often seene him at diuers sacrifices but hauing neuer spoken to him he had not the boldnesse to tell thorowout what had passed between Stelle and him though he much desired that euery one might know the iustice of his cause and the vnfaithfulnes of this shepheardesse which Adamas perceiuing that he might encourage him gaue him to vnderstand that he knew a good part already and that many had reported it to his wrong which hee heard with no great pleasure for the loue he had alwaies borne to his It will said Corilas be losse of time for you to heare the particularities of our villages So far is it replied he it shal be a great satisfaction to know that you haue not beene wronged and besides I meane to passe away some part of the heate here and so the time may be employed The History of Stelle and Corilas SInce you command it so said the shepheard I must beginne my discourse somewhat higher It is a good while since Stelle remained the widdow of an husband whom the heauens had giuen her rather for name sake theÌ„ effect for besides that he was sickly his age which drew neer to 75. yeeres so weakened his forces that it constrained him to leaue this young widdow almost before she was truely married the loue she bare him wrought in her no great feeling of his losse no more did her humor which was neuer wonted to take neere to heart the accidents that befell her Remaining then well satisfied in her selfe so see her selfe freed at one blow of two so heauy burthens to wit the importunity of an angry husband the autority which her pareÌ„ts accustomed to haue ouer her presently she thrust her selfe in good earnest into the world and though her beauty such as you see bee not of that sort that may tempt men to loue her yet her behauiour for the most part displeased not them that saw her She might be about 17. or 18. yeeres an age fit enough to commit many follies when they be at liberty This was the cause that Saliam her
know him yet Daphnis made no question he knew so well to counterfeit And because it was late after supper wee withdrew apart whilst Callire and Filidas walked vp and downe the chamber for my part I knew not their discourse but ours grew onely from assurances of Loue which Filander vsed to me out of so intire affection that it was easie to iudge that if so often and in another habit he sayd nothing to me wee must not blame his want of will but of boldnesse onely And I likewise made the same shew to him for taking him for a woman I thought my selfe bound for his good will for his merit and for the kindred betweene her and Daphnis From that time Amidor that formerly had borne mee good will beganne to change his loue and to loue the fained Callire for that Filander who feared lest his abode might displease that young man did what hee could to giue him contentment The flitting humour of Amidor could not permit him to receiue these fauours without becomming amorous which I thought not strange for that the beauty the iudgement and the curiosity of the shepheard which in nothing belied the perfections of a mayd had giuen him ouer-great cause See what a foole Loue is and how he passeth his time Filidas that is a mayd he caused to fall in loue with a mayd and Amidor a man and that in such passion that for one particular that onely subiect was sufficient to entertaine vs. God knowes if Filander knew how to play the mayd and if Callire counterfeited well her brother and whether they wanted wisedome to draw on either his new Louer The coldnesse that Callire vsed to mee was cause that Filidas had no iot of suspition besides that his loue was a sufficient hinderance And I must confesse that seeing her so strongly to draw towards Filidas Daphnis I were of opinion that Fiâ—â—nder had changed his mind whereupon I receiued extreme contentment for the loue I bare his sister Seuen or eight dayes passed in this sort no one thinking the time too long because euery one had a particular defigne But Callire who feared her husband might be grieued at this stay sollicited her brother to make his purpose knowne to mee saying there was no likelihood but that the familiarity betweene him and mee might haue permitted mee to haue refused his seruice but hee assaying on all sides had neuer the hardinesse to discouer himselfe and to abuse Gerestan He desired her to goe to her husband in the habit which she had assuring her hee would finde out nothing and to let him know that by the aduice of Daphnis shee had left Callire at Filidas house that at more leasure she might treate of the marriage of Amidor and his Niece At the first his sister was astonished for her husband was very froward At last desirous to giue all contentment to her brother shee resolued and to make this excuse seeme more probable they spake with Daphnis about the marriage of Amidor which she long time misliked for many considerations which she layd before them but knowing they tooke this course to get leaue from Gerestan which otherwise they could neuer haue had she that delighted in their company acquainted me with it and we were of opinion that it was needfull to make shew that this alliance might bee easily compassed and on this resolution she wrote to Gerestan counselling him to let his wife stay somewhile with vs that our friendship might be a meane that this allyance might finde the lesse difficulty and that she beleeued all things should be well ended With this resolution Callire so attyred goes to finde out her husband who being beguiled by the habit tooke her for her brother and receiued the excuses for the stay of his wife beeing well pleased shee should stay there for that cause Iudge faire shepheardesses if I might not be deceiued when her husband could not know her So it was that by this the good will he bare me so increased that there was no other meane to conceale it whatsoeuer he could do the conuersation hauing that vertue with it that it makes that which was loued to be more beloued and more hated what is found euill And acknowledging his owne weakenesse hee aduised himselfe to perswade me that though he were a woman yet hee failed not to be in loue with me with such a passion and more then if hee had beene a man and spoke it so feelingly that Daphnis that loued mee dearely sayd Vntill that time shee neuer knew him But that it was true that she likewise was in loue which one might not thinke strange since Filidas who was a maÌ„ in such sort loued Filander the dissembled Callire swore that one of the most forcible occasions which constrained her brother to goe away was the suite hee made to him whereof they could alledge mee so many reasons that iealousie suffered my selfe to be perswaded that it was so determining with my selfe that there was nothing in it that imported me Hauing then receiued this fiction she made no difficulty to speak freely to me of her passioÌ„ but yet like a woman because she swore vnto me that the same feeling and the same passions that men haue for loue were in her and that it was a great solace to her to expresse them often being alone represent vnto mee her true affections and euen Daphnis who liked well of it would sometimes auow it Twelue or fifteene dayes passed thus with such pleasure to Filander that as he since swore to me he neuerspent more happy dayes though his desires gaue him extreme impaciencies and that was the cause of the daily increase of his affection and pleasing himselfe in his thoughts hee would oftentimes withdraw himselfe alone to entertaine them and because he would not remoue from vs in the day many times in the night when he thought euery body was asleepe he went out of his chamber and entred into a garden where vnder some trees he passed a great part of time in these his considerations and for that many times he went out in this sort Daphnis obserued it who lay in the same chamber and as commoÌ„ly we sooner suspect euill then good she had some conceit of her Amidor for the kindnesse which the yong shepheard did her and for more certainty she watched so that seeming to sleepe she perceiued the fayned Callyre to steale out of her bed and followed her so close that she was almost as soone in the vtter yard as the young shepheard casting ouer her but one garment for haste and following her step by step by the light of the Moone she sawe her goe out of the house thorow a doore not well locked and enter into a garden which was vnder my chamber window and passing into the midst of it saw her sit downe vnder some trees and lifting his eyes vp to heauen heard him say aloude So my Diane doth surpasse
such wisedome must be vsed that she must loue you as soone as she may know that you loue her out of loue For being once embarked she cannot retire her selfe into the hauen though she see likelyhood of torment round about her It seemes hither to you haue beene guyded by great wisedome but you must proceed The shew which you haue vsed to be in loue with her although you be a woman is to good purpose it being certayne that all loue which is suffered in the end will prooue answerable But you must goe forward We doe easily many things which we thought very hard if Custome had not made them easie Therefore it is that they which are not acquainted with a meate find it at the first to be of an harsh raste which by little and little afterward becomes pleasing to the vsage You must frame your selfe to vse amorous discourses to Diane to make it more easie that by custome that which she hath not bin vsed vnto may be ordinary and the better to attayne it you must deuise some inuention to make her more to delight in your wooing and that you may do though you be a woman in the same termes that the shepheards vse For as the eare which is accustomed to musike is capable to fit his voyce both by raysing and abasing it to tunes that be harmonious though otherwise they know nothing in that arte In like manner the shepheardesse which often heaâ—es the discourse of her louer yeelds the powers of her soule albeit she know not how to loue letting her selfe to be carried in an insensible manner to the feelings of loue I meane shee loueth the company of that person in feeling a farre off some pitty of his euill and in conclusion loues in effect without thinking so much Looke to it Filander you make profit of these instructions else-where and think that if I loued you not and did not pitty you I would not discouer this secret out of the schoole but take that which I say as an earnest of that I desire to doe for you With such words seeing the day approched they returned into their lodging not without iesting at the loue of Amidor who tooke him for a mayd reporting some part of his speech to laugh at it And about morning falling asleepe in this resolution they lay longer in bed to recompence the losse of the night which gaue commodity to the young Amidor to surprize them And had it not beene that at that time I came into their chamber I beleeue he had found out their deceit for addressing himselfe to the bed of the fayned Callire though she played her part well speaking with as great modesty as was possible setting on it a seuere countenance to put him by the hardinesse to hazzard himselfe yet it may be his affection would haue found licence and his vnwise hands might haue discouered her bosome But immediately vpon my comming in Daphnis desired me to stay him which I did to the great contentment of Filander who sayning to thanke me for it kissed my hand with so great affection that if I had beene any thing suspitious I should haue perceiued that indeed it had come of loue After I had giuen them the good day I tooke Amidor away with mee that they might haue leisure to clothe themselues And because they had a purpose to performe that which they had propounded presently after dinner when wee were withdrawne as of custome vnder some trees to enioy the fresh ayre though Amidor were there Daphnis thought the occasion fit being well pleased that it was in his presence to put him from all suspition and that if at any time by mischance hee heard them speake like a man hee should not thinke it strange when making a signe to Filander that hee would further this dessigne she sayd to him And what is it Callyre can make you dumbe in the presence of Diane Because answered he I go making many wishes to my selfe for the desire I haue to the seruice of my mistris and among others one which I neuer thought to desire What is that interrupted Amidor That is continued Filander that I wish to be a man to doe more seruice to Diane How added Daphnis are you amorous of her More answered Filander then all the rest of the world is aware of I rather desire said Amidor you should be a woman as well for my good as for that of Filidas The consideration neither of the one nor the other replyed Filander shall not make mee change my desire And what reioyned Daphnis are you of opinion that Diane loues you againe I am to hope said Filander by the lawes of Nature if it be not that as in her beauty shee out-goes her forces in her humour she will not disdaine her ordinances You may thinke of me as it pleaseth you said I I truely sweare vnto you that there is no man in the world that I loue more then you So replyed hee to me there is no person that hath vowed so much seruice to you but this happinesse will last with me but vntill you finde my small merit or some other better subiect present it selfe Doe you thinke me replyed I so flitting as you make mee to bee It is not answered hee for that I suppose in you the imperfections of inconstancy but I know well I am the cause of the defaults that be in me The defaults said I be rather on my side and at that word I embraced him kissed him with as sincere an affection as if he had bene my sister Whereat Daphnis smiled in her selfe seeing me so much abused But Amidor interrupting vs iealous as I beleeue of them both I thinke saith he it is in good earnest and that Callire mocks not How said he I mook Let the heauens punish mee more rigorously then they euer chastised periured wretch if there were euer any loue more violent nor more passionate then that which I beare to Diane And you were a man added Daphnis you would learne well to vse mens wordes to declare your passion Though said she I haue lesse spirit yet so it is that my extreme affection will neuer suffer me to be dumbe in such an occasion Let vs see fayre said Amidor if it be no trouble to you how you will behaue your selfe in such an enterprize If my mistrisse said Filander permit mee I will doe it with promise notwithstanding that she condiscend to three supplications which I shall make to her The first that shee answere that I demand the other that she thinke it not dissembled which vnder another person then Callire I shall represent vnto her but take them for true though feeble passions And lastly that shee neuer suffer any other then mee to serue her in this quality I that saw they all tooke pleasure and likewise in truth loued Filander vnder his sisters habit answered that for the second and last demand they were granted as shee desired that for
vs might be thought to grow from the good will which I bare him He that had no designe but that which Cleon allowed presently endeuoured to effect that which shee had commanded him O God when I remember the sweete words which he vsed to me I cannot though they were lyes containe my selfe from entertaining them and thanke Loue for those happy moments wherewith he delighted me at those times and wish since I cannot be more happy that I might at least bee alwaies so deceiued And indeed Tircis found it no great paine to perswade mee that he loued me for besides that euery one easly beleeues the thing they desire me thought it might haue bin so because I did not iudge my selfe to be so vnlouely but that so long a conuersing as ours was might haue gayned somewhat of him especially with the care I had to please him Whereby this glorious Cleon oftentimes passed the time with him but if Loue had bin iust he shuld haue made the deceit fal on her self by suffring Tircis to come loue me vnfainedly yet it fell not out so but contrarily this dissimulation was so vnsupportable that he could not continue it and did not Loue shut vp the eyes of them that loue I could not chuse but haue perceiued it as wel as the greater part of them that saw vs together to whom as to my professed enemies I would giue no credit and because Cleon I were very familiar this cunning shepheardesse feared that time the sight I had might put me out of the errour wherein I was But geÌ„tle shepherd it had bin necessary that I had bin as forecasting as she yet the better to hide herselfe she inuented a sleight which was not euill Her purpose as I haue told you was to shadow the loue which Tircis bare her by that which hee made shew of to me and it succeeded as shee set downe for they beganne to talke somewhat loude and to my disaduantage and though it were but they that looked no further then to apparence yet this nuÌ„ber being greater then the other the bruit ran presently and the suspitioÌ„ that they had before of Cleon died at that instant so that I may say that she loued at my cost But she that feared as I told you lest I should come to discouer the practice would cloke it vnder another and counselled Tircis to let me know that euery body beganne to finde out our loue and to censure it shrowdly enough and that it was necessary to cause it to cease by wisedome and that it was fit he should seeme to loue Cleon that by this diuerting they which talked the worst might reforme themselues And you may tell her said she that you haue chosen me rather then any other for the commodity you haue to be neere her and to speake to her I that was all honest and without craft found this counsell good so that with my permission from that day when we three were together he made not dainty to entertaine Cleon as he was accustomed And indeed it was very pleasing to them and to any other that knew this dissimulation for seeing the suite that hee made to Cleon I thought he â—ested and could hardly hold my selfe from laughter On the other side Cleon noting my fashions and knowing the deceit wherein I thought her to be was extremely pained to dissemble it especially when this crafty companion made certaine winks with her eye which oftentimes were so farre from the purpose that I might accuse the loue shee bare to the shepherd and the contentment that this deceit brought him And see if I were in my right minde that of pitty I felt the displeasure which she should haue when she knew the truth But since I found that I complaine in her person yet may I excuse my selfe for who hath not beene beguiled since that Loue as soone as he gets intire possession of a soule spoyles it presently of all distrust in the person beloued And this dissembling shepheard played his part so well that if I had beene in Cleons place it may bee I should haue doubted his shewes had beene true Being sometimes in the middle betweene vs two if hee laboured to make ouer-great demonstration of his loue to Cleon hee would instantly turne to me and aske me in mine care if he had not done well But his master-fraud stucke not at so small a thing heare you I beseech you whereto it passed In priuate he spake more often to Cleon then to mee he would kisse her hand he would bee an houre or two on his knees before her and would not conceale it from me for the cause I haue told you but generally he would neuer budge from me sued to me with such dissimulation that the greatest part held on the opinion they formerly had of our loues which he did of purpose desirous that I onely should see his courting of her because hee knew well I would not beleeue it but hee would not in any case that they who might iudge rightly should come to the least knowledge And when I told him we could not put out of mens heads the opinion of our loue and that none would beleeue it when it was told me that he loued Cleon How answered he will you haue them beleeue a thing that is not So it is that our plots in despite of the worst conceits shall be beleeued in generall But he that was well aduised seeing an occasion presented to passe yet further sayd to mee That aboue all we must deceiue Cleon and if she were once deceiued we had then almost accomplished our purpose that for this cause of necessity I must speake to her for him and I should doe it confidently She saith he that already hath this opinion will with all her heart receiue those messages which you bring her and so we shall liue in assurance Oh! what a miserable fortune doe we oftentimes runne into for my part I thought that if at any time Cleon beleeued that I loued this shepheard I should make her lose that opinion when I prayed her to loue him and confidently spake for him But Cleon knowing what speech I had with the shepheard and seeing in what restraint she liued iudged she might by my meanes haue messages and especially letters This was the cause that she tooke in good part the proposition which I made her and from that time she treated with him as with the man she loued and I serued to no other vse than to carry letters from the one to the other O Loue to what an occupation didst thou then put me Yet may I not complayne for that I haue heard say that I am not tho first that haue done such offices to others thinking to worke for themselues About that time because the Frankes Romans Gothes and Burgonians raysed a cruell warre we were constrayned to go into the Towne which beares the name of that shepheard that was Iudge to the three goddesses
for our place of abode was not farre from thence vpon the banks of the great riuer of Seyne And for that by reason of the great accesse of people which from all parts came to withdraw them there and the want of those commodities which they were vsed vnto in the Champaine the contagious sickenesse beganne to take so violent a course throughout the Towne that euen the great men could nor defend themselues It fell out that the mother of Cleon was attaynted with it And although that this disease were so fearefull that there was neither parentage nor obligation of loue that could retayne the sound about them that were infected yet the good nature of Cleon had such power ouer her that she would not depart from her mother whatsoeuer she sayd vnto her but on the contâ—ary when some of her familiars would haue withdrawne her representing the danger whereinto she thrust her selfe and that it was offensiue to the gods to tempt them in this sort If you loue me would she say vse not this speech to me for doe I not owe my life to her that gaue me it and can the gods be offended that I serue him that taught me to worship them On this resolution she would neuer abandon her mother and staying with her serued her as freely as if it had beene no infectious disease Tyrcis was all the day long at their doore burning with desire to enter into their lodging but the for bidding of Cleon stayed him who would not suffer him for feare lest they that were ready to thinke the worst might iudge his presence preiudiciall to her chastity He that would not displease her not daring to enter caused to be carried to them all things necessary with so great care that they were neuer in want of any thing Yet as the heauens would this happy Cleon would not escape the infectioÌ„ of her mothers disease whatsoeuer preseruatiues Tyrcis could bring When this shepheard knew it it was no more possible to keepe him backe from entring into their lodging thinking it was now no time to dissemble nor to feare the biting of the bad-speaker He then set in order all his affayres disposed of his goods and declared his last will then hauing left a charge to some of his friends to send him succour he shuts himselfe in with the mother and the daughter resoluing to runne the same fortune that Cleon did It would serue to no purpose but to lengthen the discourse to tell you what were the good offices what the seruices that he did to the mother for the consideration of the daughter for he could not imagine more then those which his affection made him performe But when he sawe her dead and that there remayned no more then his Mistris whose disease growing worse and worse I do not thinke that this shepheard rested one moment He 〈◊〉 her continually in his armes or else dressed her sores Shee on the other side who had alwayes loued him so dearely acknowledged so great loue in this last action that her owne was much increased so that one of her griefes was the danger wherein she saw him for her cause He on the contrary side tooke such satisfaction that Fortune though his enemy yet had offered him this meane to giue testimony of his goodwill that he could not giue her thankes enow If fell out that the disease of this shepheardesse being in case needfull to be launced there was no Surgeon that would for feare of danger hazzard himselfe to touch her Tyrcis whose affection found nothing hard being instructed what he was to doe tooke the launcer and lifting vp her arme launced it and dressed it without feare Shortly gentle shepheard all the most dangerous things and most noysome were sweet vnto him and very casie So it was that the disease hourely encreasing brought this Nymph beloued Cleon to that estate that there remayned no more strength but to speake these words I am sorry that the gods will no longer draw out the threed of my life not that I haue a desire to liue longer time for this desire can neuer make me wish it hauing had triall of the discommodities which follow mortals but onely that in some sort I would not die so much obliged to you but that I might haue time to giue you testimony that I am not attainted with Ingratitude nor misprising It is true that when I consider what are the obligations which I owe you I thinke the heauens are right iust to take me out of the world since that if I should liue as many ages as I haue done dayes I know not how to satisfie the least of that infinite number which your affection hath brought forth Receiue then for all that which I owe you not an equall good but indeed all that I can which is an oath which I make you that euen death shall neuer wipe out the memory of your loue nor the desire I haue to make all the acknowledgements that a true louing person may yeeld to him to whom she is bound These words were vttered with much payne but the loue she bare the shepheard gaue her the strength to deliuer them Whereto Tyrcis answered Faire Mistris I can hardly thinke I haue bound you nor that euer I shall because that which I haue hitherto done hath not satisfied my selfe and whereas you say you are obliged to me I see well you know not the greatnes of the loue of Tyrcis otherwise you would not thinke that so small a thing was able to pay the tribute of so great duty Beleeue mee fayre Cleon the fauour you haue done me so kindely to receiue the seruices which you say I haue done you charge me with so great a burden that a thousand liues and a thousand such occasions know not how to discharge me The heauens which haue caused me to be borne but for you will accuse me of misprisall if I liue not for you and if I haue any dessigne to employ one single moment of this life other then to your seruice He would haue held on longer but the shepheardesse ouerladen with her sickenesse interrupted him Cease friend and let me speake to the end that the small remainder of my life may be employed in assuring you that you may not be better beloued than you are of me who finding my selfe ready to depart giue you an eternall farewell and intreate you for three things alwayes to loue Cleon to cause mee to be buryed neere my mothers bones and to take order that when you are to pay the duety of mortality your body be layed neere mine that I may rest with this contentment that not hauing the power to be vnited to you in life yet I may be so at least in death He answered The gods should be vniust if hauing giuen beginning to so good an amity as ours they should sunder it so soone I hope they will yet preserue you or at least they will take me away before you
if they haue any compassion of the afflicted but if they will not I onely desire of them so much life as may satisfie the commandements which you make me and then permit me to follow you that if they cut not off my threed and my hand be free assure your selfe fayre Mistris you shall not be long without me Friend answered she I enioyne you beyond this to liue as long as the gods please for in the length of your life they shall shew themselues pittifull vnto vs since that by this meanes I shall make relation in the Elisian fields of our perfect amity you may publish it to the liuing and so the dead and liuing men shall honour our memory But friend I perceiue my disease enforces me to leaue you farewell the most louely and the best beloued among men At these last words she dyed leaning her head on the bosome of her shepheard To tell you the displeasure hee tooke and the complaynts hee made were but to strike the sword deeper into the wound besides that his gashes are yet so open that euery man seeing them may well iudge what the blowes were O death cryed Tyrcis that hast robbed me of the better part of my selfe either restore me that thou hast taken or take away the rest And then to giue roome to teares and sighes which this remembrance pluckt from his heart he held his peace for a while when Siluander told him he was to resolue himselfe since there was no remedy and that for things happened and may no more be complaints were but witnesses of weakenesse So much the rather sayd Tyrcis find I occasion of complaynt for if there were any remedy it were not the part of a man aduised or one of courage to complayne but he may be well allowed to bewaile that which can find no other asswagement Then Laonice taking agayne her speech continued in this sort At last this happy shepheardesse being dead and Tyrcis hauing rendred the last offices of loue hee tooke order she should be buryed by her mother but the ignorance of them to whom he gaue the charge was such that they placed her else-where for as for him he was so afflicted as he stirred not from off his bed there beingnothing to preserue his life but the cōmandements she had giuen him Somes dayes after enquiring of those who came to visit him in what place the body so beloued was layed hee knew it was not by her mother whereat he conceiued such a displeasure that contracting for a great summe with those that vsed to bury they promised to take her vp and to lay her with her mother And indeed they went about it and hauing opened the ground they tooke her vp betweene three or foure of them but hauing carryed her a little way the infection was so great that they were compelled to leaue her in mid-way resolued rather to die then to carry her furder Where of Tyrcis being aduertised after he had made them yet greater offers and seeing they would not respect it And why sayd he aloud canst thou hope that the loue of gayne may do more in them than thine in thee Ah Tyrcis this is too great an offence to thy Loue. Hee spake thus and as one transported he runnes to the place where the body was and though it had beene three dayes buryed and that the stinke was extreme yet tooke he it betweene his armes and carryed it to her mothers graue which was by that time couered And after so good a deed and so great a testimony of his affection withdrawing himselfe out of the Towne he stayed forty nights separated from all men Now all these things were vnknowne to me for one of my Aunts being sicke of the like disease almost at that time we conuersed not with any and the same day that he came backe I returned like wise Hauing vnderstood onely of the death of Cleon I went to him to know the particularities but comming to his chamber doore I layd mine eye to the key-hole because I came neere I heard him sigh and I was not deceiued for I saw him on his bed his eyes lifted to heauen-ward his hands ioyned together and his face couered with teares If I were astonished gentle shepheard iudge you for I did not thinke he had loued her and came in part to delight my selfe with him At last after I had beheld him some while with a sigh which seemed to part his stomake in pieces I heard him bring foorth these words Stanzaes on the death of Cleon. VVHy dowe hide our teares this is no time to faine A Loue which her sad death by my dole maketh plaine Whoceaseth to haue hope ought likewise cease to feare The hope that fed my life lies closed in her beare She liued once in me and I alwayes in her Our sprites with thousand knots so strait combined were Each knit to other so that in their faithfull loue We two were but an one and each as two did moue But in the poynt that Loue vpon a firme laid ground Assur'd me pleasures I the quite contrary found For that my happinesse had toucht the poynt that was Allotted me to reach and not to ouer-passe It was in Paris towne that those delightfull thoughts Which Loue infusde in me her death did bring to nought What time a man might see the Gaules right sore distrest Against th' inuading force of strangers doe their best And must there be a tombe of lesse celebritie Then Paris holding that I nurc'd so charily Or that my ill should fall in times lesse sorrowing Then when all Europe stood at poynt of perishing But I am wide O God my Cleon is not dead Her heart to liue in me farre from her selfe is fled Her body enely dyes and so by contrary My spirit dyes in her and hers dath liue in me O gods what became of me when I heard him speake thus my amazement was such that vnawares leaning against the doore I entred but halfe in whereat he turned his head and seeing me he made none other signe but holding out his hand to me prayed me to sit on the bed by him and then wiping his eyes for so he should alwayes need an handkercher hee spake to mee in this sort Well Laonice the poore Cleon is dead and we are left to bewayle her rauishment And because the paine I was in gaue me no power to answer he went onward I know well shepheardesse that seeing me in this plight for Cleon you are amazed that the fayned loue I bare her should giue me so true feelings But alas leaue that errour I beseech you so me thinkes I should commit a greater fault against Loue if without cause I should hold on that dissembling whereto my affection till now commaunded me Know then Laonice that I haue loued Cleon and that all other suites were but to cloake that and if you did euer beare me friendship for Gods sake Laonice condole with me this disaster
in loue to him And as for the recompences which you demand for the seruices and for the letters which Laonice carried from one to the other let her remember the contentment which she receiued how many happy daies she passed before this deceit which otherwise she should haue speÌ„t miferably let her ballance her seruices with that payment I assure myselfe shee shall bee found their debtor Thou saist Hylas that Tircis hath be guiled her This is no beguiling but a iust punishment of Loue that hath made her blowes fall on her owne selfe since her purpose was not to serue but to delude the wise Cleon that if she haue cause to coÌ„plaine of any thing it is that of two deceyuers she hath beene the lesse crafty See Siluander how briefly I haue thought fit to answer the false reasons of this shepheard and there remaines nothing but to make Laonâ—ce confesse that she hath done wrong to pursue this iniustice which I will easily doe if it please her to answer me Faire shepheardesse said Phillis tell me doe you loue Tircis well Shepheardesse replyed she no man that knowes me doubted euer of it If it were of constraint replyed Phillis that he were to goe farre off and that some other came in the meane time to woo you would you change this loue No sayd she for I should alwayes hope hee would come backe And reioyned Phillis If you knâ—w he would neuer returne would you cease louing him No certainely answered she O faire Laonice continued Phillis thinke it not then strange that Tyrcis who knowes that his Clâ—on for her merits is lifted vp into heauen who knoweth that from aboue shee sees all his actions and ioyes in his fidelity will not change the loue he bare her nor suffer that the distance of place should separate their affections since all the discommodities of life haue no more to do Thinke not as Hylas hath sayd that neuer any came backe ouer the floud of Acheron Many who haue beene beloued of the gods haue gone and returned and whom shall we rather thinke than faire Cleon whose birth hath beene beheld by the Destinies with so sweet and fauourable an eye that she neuer loued any thing whereof she gayned not the loue O Laonice if it were permitted your eyes to see the Diuinitie you might behold this Cleon who without doubt is at this houre in this place to defend her cause and is at mine â—are to prompt the words that I must speake Then you would iudge that Hylas hath done wrong to say that Tyrcis loues but cold cinders Me thinks I see her in the midst of vs clothed with immortality in stead of a frayle body and subiect to all accidents which reproches Hylas for the blasphemies which he hath vsed against her And what wilt thou answer Hylas if the happy Cleon say to thee Thou inconstant wouldst trayne vp my Tyrcis in thy vnfaithfulnesse if he haue heeretofore loued me thinkest thou it was my body if thou sayst Yes I answer He ought to be condemned since no louer is euer to withdraw himselfe from a loue begunne to loue the ashes which I haue left him in my coffin so long as they endure If hee confesse he loued my spirit that is my principall part then why inconstant will hee change that will at this time when it is more perfect than euer it was Heeretofore so will the misery of the liuing haue it I might be iealous I might be importunate I must serue I was marked by more then him but now freed from all imperfections I am no more capable to beare his displeasures And thou Hylas thou wouldst with thy sacrilegious inuentions turne from me him in whom onely I liue in earth and by a cruelty more barbarous than hath beene heard of assay to lay on me another death Wise Siluander the words which I deliuer sound so sensibly in mine eares that I doe not thinke but you heare them and feele them at your heart This is the cause that to leaue this diuinity speaking in your soule I will hold my peace after I haue onely told you that loue is so iust that you are to feare the punishments in your selues if the pitty of Laonice rather than the reason of Cleon moue and carry you At this word Phillis rising with a curteous reuerence made signe she would say no more for Tyrcis When Laonice would haue made an answer Siluander forbade it saying It was not now time to defend her selfe but to heare onely the sentence which the gods pronounced by his mouth and after he had some while considered with himselfe the reasons of them both hee pronounced such a sentence The iudgement of Siluander THe principall poynt of the causes debated before vs is to know if Loue may die by the death of the thing beloued Whereupon wee say that a loue that may perish is no true loue for it ought to follow the subiect that gaue it birth Therefore it is that they which loue the body onely must enclose all their loues of the body in the same tombe where it is shut vp but they that beyond this loue the spirit ought with their loues to flie after this beloued soule to the highest heauens no distances being able to separate them Therefore all these things well considered we ordayne That Tyrcis alwayes loue his Cleon and that of the two loues which may be in vs the one shall follow the body of Cleon to the tombe and the other the spirit into heauen In like sort it is ordered That suites of Laonice be forbidden that shee no longer disquiet the repose of Cleon for such is the will of the gods that speakes in me Hauing sayd thus without regarding the complaynts and reproches which he foresawe in Laonice and Hylas hee made a great reuerence to Leonide and the rest of the company and so went away without other companion than Phillis who would stay no longer to heare the sorrowes of this shepheardesse And because it was late Leonide withdrew into the Hamlet of Diane for that night and the shepheards and shepheardesses as they were accustomed except Laonice who infinitely offended with Siluander and Phillis sware not to goe out of that Countrey before she had done them some notable displeasure it seemed that Fortune brought her as shee could haue wished For hauing left that company and being placed in the thickest of the wood to mourne at liberty at the last her good spirit set before her eyes the insupportable contempt of Tyrcis how much vnworthy he was to be beloued of her and made her so ashamed of her fault that a thousand times she sware to hate him and for his cause Siluander and Phillis It fell out while these things thus passed in her memory that Licidas which some dayes before beganne to be euill satisfied with Phillis by reason of some coldnesse which he thought he found in her perceiued Siluander to come talking with her It was
had thanked her I told her she should not feare the fuâ—y of Azahyde and that I would so prouide that she should haue no displeasure that for her part shee must onely doe that which her father had giuen in charge and that I would finde a remedy both for her safety and mine owne but aboue all things she must be secret And then toward night I prouided my selfe of all the money I could get without the knowledge of Abariel and set so good an order to that I was to doe that the houre being come when I must goe to the place appoynted after I had taken leaue of the olde man who came with me to the shore I mounted into a little barke which hee had prouided and then going softly vnder the window I made shew to tye vp my selfe but it was onely my clothes filled vp with grauell and suddainely withdrawing myselfe aside to see what would happen I heard them fall at once into the lake where with the ore I gently beat the water that they might thinke when they heard the noyse that it was I that beat so but I was quickly compelled to be gone from thence because they cast downe so many stones that I could hardly saue my selfe and soone after I saw a light set in the window whereby fearing to be discouered I hid my selfe in the boat lying all along groueling This was the cause the night being very darke and my selfe gotten a prety was off that they could not see me but thought the boat did float so of it selfe Now when euery one was gone from the window I heard a great noyse about the place where I left Abariel and as I might iudge me thought I heard his exclamations which I tooke to be occasioned by the noyse that hee had heard in the water fearing I was drowned so it was that I resolu'd neuer to go to him more not that iâ— grieu'd me to serue him in his old dayes for the great obligation that I was tied to him in but for the ouer-great assurance of the euill will of Azahyde I knew well that if it were not at this brunt it would be at another that he would accomplish his wicked designe So then being come to the chaines which lock the port I was forced to leaue my boat to goe swimming ouer to the other side whither being come with some danger by reason of the darkenesse of the night I went to that place where I had hid my other clothes and whatsoeuer I had of worth and taking the way of Agaune I came by the poynt of day to Euians and I assure you I was weary for hauing gone fast I was constrained to rest all that day there where by fortune not beeing knowne I was willing to take counsell as others did in their most vrgent affaires of the wise Bellinde who is mistrisse of the Vestals which are along the lake and as I learned since is the mother of my faire mistrisse so it was that letting her know all my disasters shee consulted the Oracle and the next day she told me that the god commanded me not to be distempered for so great aduersities and that it was necessary if I would be gone to seek our the fountaine of the verity of Loue because in that water was my onely remedy and as soone as I should be there I might know both my father and my country And asking her in what place this fountaine was she gaue me knowledge that it was in this countrey of Forrests and then told me the property and the enchantment with that courtesie that I am infinitely yet bound vnto her From that time I resolued to come hither and taking my way by the towne of Plancus it is some moneth since I came where the first that I met with was Celadon who at that time was returned froÌ„ a long voiage by whom I vnderstood where this admirable fountaine was but when I should go I fell sicke so that I came not out of my chamber for sixe moneths togeather somewhile â—fteâ— finding my selfe strong enough so that I set my selfe on the way I vnderstood by them there-abouts that a Magician by Clidamans procurement had put it vnder the custody of two Lyons and two Vnicornes which he had enchanted and that the sorcery might not bee vndone but with the blood and death of two the most faithfull Louers that euer were in this countrey God knowes whether this news brought not me sorrow seeing my selfe almost out of hope of that I desired yet considering this was the Countrey which the heauens had destined for me to know my parents I thought fit stay here and it may be these faithfull in loue may at last be found out but yet it is a merchandize so rare that I dare not haue too great an hope With this purpose I resolued to clothe my selfe in shepheards weeds that I might more freely liue with such good companies which are along the riuer of Lignon and that I might not be idle I imployed all the remnant of my money which I had vpon cattell and a little cabbin to which I haue since retired See faire Leonide that which you desired to know of mee and behold my payment to Phillis for the place which she sold me which hereafter she shall not haue the boldnesse to take since she hath giuen it for so good a price I am much delighted answered Leonide in hearing you tell your fortune and I must tell you that you ought to hope well of your selfe since the gods by their Oracles shew themselues to haue such care of you for my part I pray them for it with all my heart And so do not I comes in Phillis writhing her selfe for if he were knowne it may bee the worth of his father might make him carry away our mistrisse it being very certaine that good and alliance may do more in marriages then their worth or loue Take heede what you say said Siluander you are so farre from wishing me so much hurt that I hope by your means to come to the knowledge I desire By my meanes answered she how can that be By your meanes continued the shepheard for since it must be that the Lyons shall die by the bloud of a Louer and of a faithfull beloued why may not I thinke that I am this Louer and you the Beloued Faithfull I am it is true answered Phillis but valiant I am not so that in well louing my mistris I will giue place to none but for my bloud life talke no more of it for what seruice can I doe her when I am dead I assure you answered Diane that I wish your life of the two and not your death and I desire rather to be in danger my selfe then to see you so by my occasion While they discoursed in this sort and as they drew neer to the bridge of the buttresse they might see sarre off a man comming apace towards them and drawing neerer
must doe in loue as in other things the mediocrity is onely commendable so that you loue after an indifferent fashion to auoyde all those troublesome importunities neither yet is this sufficient for to please her it is not enough not to displease but you must haue some allurements which may be louely and that is to be pleasant cheerefull to be alwaies ready to tell a merry tale and aboue all to be neuer silent before her Thus Siluander must be binde a shepheardesse to loue vs and so gaine her good Graces Now see mistrisse if I may not go for a master and what reckoning you are to make of my affection She would haue answered but Siluander interrupted her beseeching her to suffer him to speake And then he questioned Hylas in this sort What is it shepheard that you most desire when you loue To be beloued answered Hylas But replyed Siluander when you are beloued what do you wish for most in this loue That the person whom I loue said Hylas make more of me then of any other that she trust me and endeuor to please me Is it possible then inferrs Siluander that to preserue life you take poyson how will you haue her trust you when you will not be faithfull But said the shepheard shee shall not know that And see you not answered Siluander that you will do that with treason which you should doe with sincerity If she know not that you loue another she will thinke you faithfull and so this dissembling may profit you but iudge if dissembling may doe you as much good as truth You talke of contempt and despite and there is nothing that soonēr brings them both in a generous spirit than to think that he whom now I see before mee on his knees is weary with doing so before a score that may not compare with me that mouth with which he kisses my hand is dried vp with the kisses it giues to the first hand it meets and those eyes with which he seemes to commit idolatry to my face are yet sparkling with the loue of all those that haue the name of woman and what haue I to doe with a thing so common And why should I make much of him when he will doe nothing more for mee then for the first that vouchsafes to looke on him When he talkes to me he thinks it is to such or such an one and the words that he vses hee learned at the schoole of such an one or he comes to studie heere that he may goe vtter it there God knows how soone contempt and despite may make her conceiue this thought and so for the second poynt that to make himselfe beloued hee must loue but a little he must be merry and pleasant For to be iocund and alwayes laughing is fit for a Iester and one of such a mould But for a louer that is for another our selfe O Hylas hee must haue other conditions You say that in all things mediocrity onely is good That is it shepheard that hath no part of the extreme of the meane or defect as faythfulnesse For he that is but a little faithfull is not faithfull at all and he that is is in the extreme that is to say there can be none greater than other in faythfulnesse so it is of valiancy and so it is of loue for hee that can measure it or that can imagine any other greater than his owne loues not So you see Hylas that when you commaund to loue in a meane you set downe a thing impossible and when you doe so you doe like vnto the melancholique fooles that thinke they know all Sciences and yet know nothing when you haue an opinion you loue but indeed you loue not But be it so that one may loue a little and know you not that Loue hath no other haruest but loue and all that it soweth is but only to reape that fruit And how would you haue her whom you loue but a little loue you a great deale since it must fall out that what shee gayneth she shall lose a part of that which shee soweth in so ingratefull ground Shee shall neuer know sayes Hylas that I loue so See sayd Siluander the same treason which I reproached you with before And imagine you whereas you say the effects of an extreme loue are the importunities which you haue reckoned that if you render them not shee will not easily coniecture the feeblenesse of your loue O Hylas how little you know in loue These effects which the extremity of Loue brings forth and which you call importunities are such it may be to those that like you know not to loue and neuer approached neere vnto that god Who hath lost his sight but they that are thorowly touched they which do loue in earnest and know what are the dueties and what the sacrifices which they offer at the Altars of Loue So farre are they from giuing to such effects the name of importunities that they call them felicities and perfect contentments Know you well that to loue is to die in himselfe to reuiue in another that it is not to loue himselfe but so much as he is pleasing to the beloued and shortly it is to transforme himselfe entirely if it may be into her And can you imagine that one that loues in this sort can be combred with the presence of him whom she loues and that the knowledge which she hath to be truely loued is not a thing so delightfull that all others in respect of it cannot so much as be tasted And if you had at any time prooued that it is thus to loue as I say you would neuer thinke that hee which thus loues could do nothing but displease when that should not be but onely for this that whatsoeuer is marked with this character of Loue cannot be displeasing and your selfe will confesse that it is so desirous to please that if it commit a fault euen that error pleases seeing with what intent it is done whereas the desire to be pleasing giues such force to a true loue that though he render himselfe not so to all the world yet is he neuer fayling to her whom hee loueth Thence it comes that many which are not iudged in generall more louely then others yet are beloued and esteemed by some one Now you see Hylas if you be not very ignorant that till now you beleeued you loued and yet you did but abuse the name of Loue abuse them whom you thought you loued How said Hylas did I neuer yet loue What haue I then done with Carlis Amarauthe Laonice and so many others Know you not said Silander that in all sorts of Artes there bee some that doe right and others wrong Loue is of that kinde for one may loue rightly as my selfe and wrongfully as you and so one may call me a master and you a marrer of Loue. At these last words there were none could hold from laughter but Licidas who hearing this discourse
sayd Phillis I haue found him very sad this euening and I cannot tell what hath befalne him but he hath so coniured me to come hithor that I cannot delay it I beseech you to walke â—here-about while we are together for aboue al he desires I should be alone I will do answered Astrea what pleaseth you but take heed it bee not euill thought of to see you talke with him at so vnfit houres especially being alone in this darke place It is for that cause answerd Phillis that I haue put you to the paine to come hither therefore I pray you to walke so neere vs that if any one come on vs hee may thinke that we three are together While they talked thus Diane and Paris preÌ„ssed Hylas to tell them his life to satisfie the commandement of his Mistris and though he made much difficulty yet at last hee began in this sort The History of Hylas YOu will then mine owne faire Mistris and geÌ„ntle Paris that I tell you the aduentures befalne me since I began to loue Thinke not that my refusal was for that I knew not what to say for I haue loued too much to want matter but rather for that I haue too little day to haue the leysure not to tell you all that would be too long but not to begin alone Yet since for obedience I must satisfie your wil I pray you harken to me while I put you in mind that all things are subiect to some superior power which almost enforceth vs to actions which it pleaseth vs and that whereto mine enclines so violeÌ„tly is loue for otherwise it may be you wold woÌ„der to see me so carried that there is no chaine either of duty or obligation that may withhold me And I freely confesse that if euery one must haue some inclination of nature mine is of inconstancy for which I am not to bee blamed since the heauens ordaine mee so Haue this consideration before your eyes while you heare the discourse which I am to make Among the principal Countries that the Rosne in his swift course visits after it hath receiued Arar Isere Durance other riuers he comes dashing vpon the ancient walls of the towne of Arles chiefe of that country and the most peopled and richest of the Romane prouince Neere this faire towne there incamped a great while since as I heard our Druides tell a great Captaine named Cains Marins before the notable victory which he got against the Cimbres Cimmerieux and Celtoseites at the foote of the Alpes who being deuided by the deepe Scitique Ocean with their wiues and children purposing to sacke Rome were so ouerthrowne by this great captaine that there remained not one aliue and if the Romane armes had spared any one the barbarous fury that was in their courage made them turne their owne hands against themselues and in rage kill themselues that they might not liue being vanquished Now the Romane army to assure their allies and friends of their common wealth comming to encampe as I told you neere that towne and according to the custome of that wary nation compassing their campe with trenches it fel out that being nere to Rosne this riuer which is most violeÌ„t and which threatens and beates incessantly his bankes by little and little in time met with these large deepe ditches and with maine strength entring into the chanell which he found already made runs with such fury that makes the ditches stretch out to the sea where hee goes discharging himselfe by this meanes two wayes for the ancient course hath alwayes followed his ordinary way and this new one is growne so great that it equalls the greatest riuers making betweene both a most delectable and forcible Iland and because they were the trenches of Cains Marins the people by corruption of the word call it Carmage of his name and since for that the place is inuironed with these two armes of Rosne and the midland sea they call it the Isle of Camarge I would not haue sayd so much about the originall of this place had it not bene that it was the countrey of my natiuity and where they of whom I am descended haue long time dwelt for by reason of the fertility of the place and that it is as it were cut out from the rest of the land there is a number of shepheards that are withdrawne thither which for the abundance of pasturage they call Pasture and my fathers haue alwayes bene held in some consideration among the principall were it for that they were thought good and vertuous men were it for that they had honestly and after their condition acquired the goods of fortune so they left me sufficiently prouided for when they died which was without doubt too soone for me for my father died the day that I was borne and my mother bred me vp with all manner of delicatenesse an only child or rather a marred child endured but till I was twelue yeeres of age Iudge what master of an house I was like to proue among other imperfectious of youth I could not auoyd that of presumption supposing there was not a shepheard in all Camarge which ought not respect me But when I was a little aduanced and that Loue began to mingle with this presumption mee thought all the shepheardesses were in loue with me and that there was not one which receiued not my loue with obligation And that which fortified me in this opinion was that a faire and wise shepheardesse my neighbour called Carlis made me all the honest showes which neighbour-hood might challenge I was so yong as yet that none of the incommodities which loue vses to bring to the louer by his violent transports could reach me that I felt nothing but sweetenesse and on that subiect I remember that some time I went singing these verses A SONNET On the sweetnesse of Loue. VVHen speakes my shepheardesse or rather when she sings Or with her eies sweets glaâ—ce to mine she daz'ling brings Loue seemes to talke in her and with her gracious sounds Rauishes vs by thâ—â—are with charmes our sight confounds Not as you see him when he cruelly torments The hearts that are possest with passions violent But then when like a child full wantonly he moues Plaies on his mothers lap and formes a thousand loues Nor when he sports himselfe with those the Paphean maids Nor when on graces lap himselfe to rest he laid You could see him so pleas'd as neere my shepheardesse But when he burteth so may we him Loue confesse He is so when he playes and makes his place of rest In Carlis bosome sweete as on his mothers brest Though the age wherein I was suffered me not to know that it was Loue yet forbare I not to delight my selfe in the company of that shepheardesse and to vse those deuices wherewith I vnderstood that they whom they call Louers serued their turne so that the long continuance made many thinke that I knew more
then my age would allow of And that was the cause that when I was come to 18. or 19. yeeres I found my selfe engaged to serue her But for that my humor was not to care much for this vaine-glory which the most part of them which trade in Loue will arrogate to themselues that is to be esteemed constant the good countenance of Carlis tyed mee more then this imaginary duty From thence it came that one of my greatest friends tooke occasion to diuert me from her his name was Hermante and without any heede of mine was become so amorous of Carlis that hee tooke no contentment but to be neere her I who was young neuer perceiued this new affection as I had but two little craft to finde it since the subtillest in that mystery are scarce able to do it Hee was older then I and by consequence wiser so that he knew so well to dissemble that I doe not thinke that any at that time suspected him But that which brought him most discommodity was that the parents of this shepheardesse desired there might be a marriage betweene her and me for that they were of opinion that it would be for her aduantage Whereof Hermante being aduertised especially knowing by the speech of the shepheardesse that indeede shee loued me he thought she would withdraw from me if I began to withdraw from her Hee well found out as I told you that I would change as soone as occasion was offered And after he had considered with himselfe how he might beginne this designe he thought that working in mee an opinion of my greater worth he might maâ—â—me neglect for vncertainty that which was most assured to me Hee brought it about very easily for besides that I beleeued him as my friend this good could not be very deare vnto me which befel me without paine made me beleeue I might compasse any thing of the best if I would bestow the study Hee on the other side knew so well to perswade me that I held for certaine that there was not a shepheardesse in all Carmage that would not more willingly entertaine me then I would make choyce of her Assured by this beleefe I thrust Carlis wholly out of my soule after I had made election of another whom I iudged the worthier and without doubt I deceiued not my selfe for she had beauty enough to winne loue and wisedome to carry it her name was Stilliane esteemed among the fairest and wisest of all the Iland otherwise lofty and such an one as I must haue to put me out of the error wherein I was And see what my presumption was Because she was serued by many and they all lost their time I beganne to woo her the more willingly that the world might take better knowledge of my merit Carlis which truely loued me was astonied at this change not knowing what cause I might haue but she must needes suffer it She did much to recall me and at the first vsed all forts of allurements which she could think of which I tooke no heede of to returne I was in the deepe seas there was no meane to come backe to land so readily But if she tooke displeasure at this separation she was fully reuenged on him that was the cause of the euill for conceiting to my selfe that as soone as I assured Stilliane of my loue shee would more willingly giue her selfe to me at the first time I met her to talke within an assembly which was purposely made dauncing with her I said Faire shepheardesse I know not what your force is nor with what charmes your eyes furnish themselues so it is that Hylas sees himselfe now so much become your seruant that no man can bee more Shee thought I mocked her knowing well the loue that I had borne to Carlis which made her answer smilingly These discourses are they of those that you learne in the schoole of faire Carlis I would haue answered when acording to the order of the dance there were that separated vs and I could not come neere her afterward howsoeuer I laboured it so that I was constrained to stay vntill the assembly brake vp And seeing her goe with the formost to withdraw themselues I aduanced my selfe and tooke her by the arme Shee at the first beganne to smile and after said Is it vpon resolution Hylas or commandement that this night you haue enterprized thus on me Why answered I make you this demand Because said she I see so small likelihood of reason in that you do that I can not suspect but from those two occasions It is said I for them both for I am resolued neuer to loue but the faire Stilliane and your beauty commaunds me to loue none other I beleeue answered she that you thinke not that you speake to me or that you know me not and that you may no longer deceiue your selfe know that I am not Carlis and that I call my selfe Stilliane I must be much deceiued answered I to take you instead of Carlis for she is too imperfect to be taken for you or you for her And I know too well for my liberty that you are Stilliane and it were more for my rest that I knew lesse Wee were come as farre as her lodging and yet could I not find whether she liked of it or no. The next morning it was no sooner day but I went to seek out Hermante to tell him what befell me In the euening I found him yet in his bed And seeing me somewhat moued How now fayd he what newes Is the victory obtained without combat Ah my friend answered I I haue found out one I may talke to she disdaines mee she mockes me she sends me at euery word to Carlis to be short she vses me like a Mistris He could not hold from laughter when he had heard all the discourse at length for he expected no lesse But knowing well my changing humour hee feared I would goe backe to Carlis and that she would entertaine me which was the cause that he answered me Did you hope for lesse from heâ— Would you thinke her worthy your loue if not yet knowing in truth that you loue her she should giue her selfe to you How may she giue credite to a few words which you haue vsed hauing heretofore heard so much or that you sweare the contrary to Carlis Vndoubtedly it were a very easie conquest that she should shew herselfe vanquished for so small a fight But said I before I am beloued of her if it be needfull that I tel her what I haue done to Carlis when should this be by your aduice Truely answered Hermante you little know what belongs to Loue you must learne Hylas that when one sayes to a shepheardesse I loue you especially when they make some demonstration she doth not so easily beleeue it for that it is the custome of shepherds well bred to haue it of courtesie and it seemeth their Sexe for the weakenesse of it binds men to serue
that she would vse this language to me When that shall be said Paris you shall haue but the more obligation to her It is true said Hylas but I shall not be afraid to binde my selfe in part to her to whom I am already so entirely Your obligations said Diane are not of those that continue for euer you can reuoke them when you will If the one answered he bring losse the others haue aduantage and aske Phillis if she be not well eased that I am of that humour for if I were otherwise she might make some account of my seruice With the like discourse Diane Paris many other shepheardesse came to the great medow where they vsed to meet before they went home and Paris giuing the good night to Diane and the rest of the company tooke his way by the side of Laigneu But in the meane time Licidas was talking with Phillis for the ielousie of Siluander had tormented him so that he could not stay vntill the next morning to tell her what was in his heart He was so farre besides himselfe that he tooke no heed who heard him but thinking he had beene alone with her after two or three great sighs he sayd Is it possible Phillis that the heauens haue preserued my life so long to feele thy vnfaithfullnesse The shepheardesse that looked for some other discourse was so surprized that she could not answer him And the shepheard seeing her mute and thinking it was to inuent some excuse went on You haue reason faire shepheardesse not to answer for your eies say as much indeed too plainely for my quie And this silence tells and assures mee but too well of what I demand and which I would not know The shepheardesse that felt her selfe offended at these words answered him in anger Since mine eies speake so much for me why will you haue mee answer in another fashion And if my silence giue you more knowledge of my small loue than my actions passed could of my good will thinke you I can hope to giue you better proofe by my words But I wel see what it is Licidas you would make an honest retreit you haue a designe elsewhere and because you dare not without giuing your sicklenesse some reasonable couerture you faine to your selfe Chimres and build vp occasions of displeasure wheâ—e you know well there is no cause purposely to make me blamed for your fault But Licidas bring foorth your reasons let vs see what they are or if you will not do it giue backe shepheard without accusing me of the errour which you haue committed and for which I shall doe long penance but let it content you to leaue the mortall displeasure but not the blame which you goe about to raise by your ordinary complaynts where with you importune both heauen and earth The doubt which I haue had replyed the shepheard makes me complaine but the assurance which you giue mee by your egre words makes me die And what is your feare answered the shepheardesse Iudge replyed he if it may be small since the complaints that proceed of it importune both heauen and earth as you cast in my teeth If you will know it I will tell you in few words I feare that Phillis loueth not Lieidas Yet shepheard sayd Phillis you may thinke I loue you not and beare in your memory what I haue done for you and for Olympe Is it possible that the actions of my life passed should returne before your eyes when you conceiue these doubts I know well answered the shepheard that you haue loued me and if I had beene in doubt my payne should not be such as I now seele but I feare that a wound as great as it is if it bring not death may heale in time so that which Loue hath made you do for me is by this time so fully healed that hardly the skarre onely may be seene Phillis at these vvords turning her head aside and her eyes with a playne gesture of discontentment Since shepheard said she that vntill novv by the offices and those testimonies of affection vvhich I haue done you I perceiue I haue got nothing assure your selfe that which I complaine most of is the paine and time which I haue employed about it Licidas knevv vvell the shepheardesse was much mooued but himselfe vvas so ouercome of ielousie that he could not hold from ansvvering her This anger shepheardesse giues me but more knovvledge of that vvchich I feared for to trouble ones selfe for the speech vvhich an ouer-great affection hat sometime brought out is it not a signe he vvas neuer touched Phillis hearing this reproach came a little to her selfe and turning her face to him You see Licidas all dissembling displeases me in any but I cannot beare it in them with whom I would liue How now hath Licidas the hardnesse to tell me that he doubts the loue of his Phillis and I not thinke hee dissembles and vvhat testimony may be giuen that I haue not giuen you Shepheard shepheard beleeue me these words make me thinke hardly of the assurance which sometimes you haue giuen me of your affectioÌ„ For it may be you deceiue me in that which concerns you as it seemes you deceiue your selfe in that that touches me or as you think you are not beloued being indeed more then the rest of the world so you imagine you loue when indeed you doe not Shepheardesse answered Licidas if my affection were of that common sort that haue more of apparence then of effect I would condemne my selfe when the violence of it did transport mee beyond reason or when I demand of you great proofes of a great amity but since it is not of that kinde and that you know well it imbraces whatsoeuer is greater know you not that extreme loue neuer goes without this feare though it haue no cause and for the little it hath this feare changes it selfe into iealousie and iealousie into paine or rather into madnesse wherein I finde my selfe While Licidas and Phillis talked thus thinking their words were heard but of them two and that they had no other witnesses but the trees Siluander as I told you lay like a skout and lost not a word Laonice on the other side which had beene asleepe in that place awaked at the beginning of their speech and knowing them both was infinitely glad to be found to so good purpose assuring her selfe that they would not part vntill they had acquainted her with much of their secrets where with she hapned to serue her owne turne to their ruine And it fell out as she hoped for Phillis hearing Licidas say that he was iealous demaunded very loude both of whom and wherefore Shepheardesse answered the foolish Licidas aske you me that question Tell me I pray you whence proceeded that great coldnesse towards me of late and from whence that familarity which you haue in so strait a sort with Siluander if the loue which you were wont to beare me be
thinkes hee is dead but giue it me and I will let her see it fayning that it was long since written I dare not answered he because he hath expresly forbidden mee and hath tied mee by oath How said I is Lindamor entred into mistrust of me Not so said he but contrarily hee prayes you make the Nymph beleeue hee is dead But for his good and my aduantage the Nymph must receiue the letter at my hands I was put into choller and had said more if I had not feared to be perceiued But hee did so well that hee was commaunded that I could draw no other thing from him but for conclusion that if the Nymph would haue that which Lindamor gaue her she must receiue it at his hands And when I told him that it might be long before hee could speake with her and that may doe hurt he answered me not but with nodding his head by which he let me know he would not do it Galathee perceiuing that we talked desirous to know the subiect returned from her walke sooner than of custome and hauing called mee would know what it was I sayd to her freely I would tell her that which was the resolution of Fleurial but in stead of the Letter I said it was the heart of Lindamor and that hauing beene in any case commaunded by him at his death hee thought hee should commit treason if hee did not performe his promise Then Galathee answered me that shee meant to speake with him particularly and that she thought hee could not haue a sitter meane than to fayne the bringing of some fruite in a basket and in the bottome they might lay the heart I answered This might well be so done but I knew him to be such a beast that he would doe nothing because Auarice gaue him hope to haue much from her if himselfe presented in deliuering the heart into her hands the seruices which in these occasions he had done O said she if he keepe it but for this let him tell you what he will haue onely for I will giue it him That shall be replyed I a kinde of ransome which you must pay for that heart That is not sayd she of money that I must pay but of my teares and those drawne from my bloud It may be she was sorry she said so much So it was that she commanded mee in the morning to speake to Fleurial which I did and set before him all that which I thought might moue him to giue me this Letter euen to threatning But all vvas in vaine for for resolution he said Looke Leonide till the heauen and earth meet together I will doe no otherwise If my Lady will know what I haue to say to her the euenings are so bright that she may come with you to the foot of the staires which descend from her chamber the Moone shines I haue seene her come often the way is not long no body shall know of it I assure my selfe that when she hath heard me she will not complaine of the labour she hath taken When he had said thus I was in extreme choler with him representing to him that he was to obey Galathee and not Lindamor that she was his mistris that she could do him good or ill Shortly that there was no likelihood that shee would take the paine But he without being mooued told me Nymph it is not to Lindamor that I obey but the oath which I haue made to the gods if she cannot in this sortâ— I can soone returne thither from whence â—â—came I left him with his obstinancy so vexed that I was halfe besides my selfe for if I had knowne the dessigne of Lindamor since the matter was so forvvard vvithout doubt I had helped him But not knovving it I found Fleurial with so small reason that I knevv not vvhat to say At last I returned to giue ansvvere to Galathee vvho vvas in such choler that she vvould make him be beaten and thrust out of her mothers seruice if I had not set before her the danger whereinto she put her selfe that she discouered not vvhat had passed Three or foure daies pâ—ssed vvhile the Nymph remayned obstinate not to doe as Fleurial required at last Loue being ouer-strong to conquer all things forced her so that in the morning she told mee that all the night shee had taken no rest the ghost of Lindamor was all night about her so that she thought it was the least thing shee owed to his memory to goe downe the stayres to receiue his heart from another and that I should signifie to Fleurial that he should not faile to be there O God! what was the contentment of the new Gardner He hath told me since that in his life he neuer had such a surfet of ioy because he perceiued his deuice beganne to take effect And seeing the Nymph came no more into the Garden he was afraid that she knew him But when Fleurial aduertised him of the resolution she had taken this was a new resurrection of Loue at least if one may die for sorrow and reuiue by contentment Hee prepared himselfe to goe about what hee had to doe with more curiosity than euer against Polemas The night being come and euery man retired the Nymph fayled not to attire her selfe but onely with a robe for the night and making me to open the forâ—er doore she made me goe out first and I sweare she trembled so that she could hardly goe Shee sayd she had a certaine paine in her stomake which she was not vsed to and tooke from her all strength Shee knew not whether it were for being abroad in the night without light or for going so late at an vnfit houre or because she was to receiue the present of Lindamor but whatsoeuer it was she was not well At the last being somewhat assured we went downe where we had no sooner opened the doore but we found Fleurial who had long wayted for vs. The Nymph went out before and going vnder a shelteâ— of W 〈…〉 inâ—e which for the largenesse might 〈◊〉 vâ— both from the 〈◊〉 of the Moone and from being 〈◊〉 from the windowes of those â—â—dgings that answer the garden she beganne all in choller to say to Flaâ—â—ial Well Flâ—â—â—iâ—l how long haue you beene so firme in your opinion that though I command yet you will do nothing Madam answered he without being moued I haue obeyed you in sayling you if there be a fault for haue not you commaunded me expresly that I should doe what Lindamer appoynted me Now Madame it is he that hath thus commanded me and who deliuering me his heart besides his commandement bound me by oath that I should not deliuer it into any other hands bâ—â— yours Well well interrupted she fetching a sigh where is the heart Behold Madame said he stepping backe three or foure paces to a little Arbot If it please you to come you shall see it better then where you are She rose vp and came thither
was without soile he seemed the goodlieft man that I can tell of besides that he had a spirit sauoring of any thing rather than of a shepheard I haue seene none in our Court moâ—â— ciuill nor more worthy to be beloued in somuch as I do not wonder that Galathe should be strongly inamoured that she can hardly goe from him in the night But indeed she deceiues her selfe because this shepheard is lost for the loue of a sheph ardesse called Astrea Thus all these things gaue no small blowe to Lindamor because the Nymph hauing found that true which this lyer told her is resolued to die rather than to marry Lindamor and studies by all her skill to make her selfe amiable to this shepheard who doth nothing especially in her presence but sigh his absence from Astrea I know not whether the constraint he is in for she will not let him goe from the Palace or whether the water which he swallowed when he fell into the riuer be the cause so it is that euer since he goes puling sometimes in bed sometimes out but at last he hath gotten a feuer so burning that knowing no remedy for his health the Nymph hath commaunded mee to seeke you out diligently that you may see what is necessary to saue him aliue The Druyde was very attentiue during this discourse and gaue diuers iudgements according to the subiect of his Nieces words and it may be neere the truth for he knew well that shee was not altogether exempted neither from Loue nor fault yet as well aduised as he was hee dissembled it and sayd to his Niece that it was no hard matter to serue Galathee especially in the person of Celadon whose parents he had alwaies loued and though he were a shepheard yet descended he from the ancient lyne of Knights and that his Ancestors had chosen that kinde of life for the more quiet and happier then that at Court and therefore he was to be honoured and well serued But this fashion of life which Galathee vsed was neither good for the Nymph nor honorable for her that comming to the Palace and hauing seene the manner of things he would tell her how she should gouerne her selfe The Nymph some what ashamed answered It was some long time since she had a purpose to tell him but she neither durst not met with opportunity for indeede Climanthe was the cause of all the euill O answered Adamas if I can catch him I will make him pay with vsury the false title which he hath vsurped of a Druide That will be easie said the Nymph by a meane that I will tell you He told Galathee that she should returne twice or thrice to the place where she was to finde this man if she found him not the first time I know that Polemas and he hauing bin so tardy the first day will not faile to come the others following he that will take this deceiuer he need but hide him in the place which I will shew you whither without doubt he will come and for the day you may know it of Galathee for for my part I haue forgotten it The end of the ninth Books THE TENTH BOOKE OF Astrea and Celadon WIth this discourse the Nymph deceiued in part the length of the way both of them being so attentiue that almost before they were aware they found they were neere the Palace of Isour But Adamas that desired in any wise to remedy this life instructed her what he would haue her say to Galathee and aboue al not to let her know that he disliked her actions for said he I know wel that the courage of the Nymph must be ouercom with gentlenesse and not with force But in the meane time my Neece remember you to doe your duty that these allurements are shamefull both to those that are attained with them and to them that fauour them He had gone on with his aduices if at the entry of the Palace they had not met Siluie who led them to the place where Galathee was At that time she was gone to walke into the next Garden while Celadon rested As soone as she saw them she came towards them and the Druyde with one knee on the ground saluted her kissing her robe and so did Leonide but lifting them vp she embraced them both thanking Adamas for the paines he had taken in comming with assurance that shee would requite it in those occasions which might turne to his pleasure Madame sayd hee all my seruices cannot deserue the least of these good words I am onely sorry that that which is presented is not a stronger proofe of my affection to the end that in any case you might know that if I be grown old without doing you seruice it is not for want of good will but for that I haue not had the happinesse to be employed Adamas answered the Nymph the seruices which you haue done to Amasis I take for mine those which I haue had from your Neece I take them as from you so that you cannot say but in the person of my mother you haue well serued me and in that of your Neece you haue beene often imployed Alwayes as I may I will acknowledge your seruices together But in that which is offered at this time bethinke your selfe that since there is nothing more grieuous then the strokes that are layd on the part most sensible that hauing my spirit wounded you cannot finde the meanes to doe me more acceptable seruice then in this We will talke of it at leasure in the meane time goe to your rest and Siluie shall bring you to your chamber and Leonide render account to me of what she hath done So the Druide went away And Galathee vsing Leonide more kindly then of wont demanded the newes of her voyage wherein in shee satified her willingly But going forward Madame sayd she I thanke God I finde you more ioyfull then I left you Friend said the Nymph the likely healing of Celadon hath brought mee this good for you must know that you were not gone aboue a mile hence before he waked without his feuer but since he is so much amended that hee himselfe hopes to rise within two or three dayes See answered 〈◊〉 the best newes that I could haue wished to haue had at my returne so that if I had knowne it sooner I had not brought Adamas hither But to the purpose said Galathee what said he of this accident For I assure my selfe you haue told him Pardon me Madame said Leonide I told him nothing but what I thought could not be hidden from him wheÌ„ he was to be here He knows the loue which you beare to Câ—ledoÌ„ which I haue told him proceeded of pitty he knowes well the shepheard and those of his family and assure himselfe he shall be able to porswade him to all things that he shall please and for my part I thinke if you will imploy him he will doe you seruice but you
know not what will become of her So as I may well say I ueuer sawe such a curiosity nor so strange a dreame as she hath had since she endured this euill But this is not all your wisedome sage Adamas in this which I am to tell you must worke one of his ordinary effects Your Neece is so ouertaken with Celadon as I know not if Galathee be more Aboue all â—elousie is so mingled among them and I haue endeuoured to excuse and abate the blowes of it the best I could yet I am out of hope for the time to come Therefore it is that I thanke God for your comming for without fiction I know not how things can be carried without you you must excuse me if I speake to you so freely of that which touches you the 〈◊〉 which I beare them both enforces me to it Thus ended Silâ—â—â— â—er discourse with such a demonstration of mistake to see this euill life that Adamas thought well of her for it and to giue beginning not to the healing of the shepheard but of the Nymphs for that euill was the greater Adamas asked what her aduice was For my part said she will you beginne to remoue from them the cause of this euill which is the shepheard but this must be done with some cunning for that Galathee will not let him goe You haue reason answered the Druyde but while we labour to doe that we must take heede that he fall not in loue with them for that youth and beauty haue no small sympathy and so we trauaile in vaine if he happen to loue them O Adamas said Siluie if you knew Celadon as I doe you would neuer haue this feare he is so farre in loue with Astrea that all the beauty of the world cannot please him and after we shall haue enough to looke to other things than to his healing Faire Siluie said the Druide you speake well like one that neuer knew what Loue meant and as one that neuer felt his forces This little god the more power he hath ouer euery thing the more sport he makes with euery thing so that when there is least likelihood that he should doe any thing it is then especially that he is pleased to make his power to be knowne Liue not you with that confidence for that as yet there was neuer any sort of vertue that could be exempted from Loue. Chastity it selfe could not witnesse Endymion Why presently said Siluiâ— O wise Adamas doe you presage so great a disaster To the end said he that you might arme your selfe against the forces of that god for feare that being ouer-assured in the opinion that it is impossible you bee not ouertaken before you are prepared I haue heard say that Celadon is so goodly so discreete and accomplished that there is no perfection wanting in him which may winne loue If it be so there is danger for that the treasons of loue are so hard to discouer that as yet there was neuer the man that could doe it Leaue the paine to me said she and onely see what you will haue me doe in this businesse we talke of Me thinks said the Druyde this warre must be made by the eye and when I haue seene how the world goes wee will dispose of our affaires to the least hurt that wee can and in the meane time let vs keepe our dessigne secret Then Siluiâ— left him to his rest and went to seeke Galathee who with Leonide was about the bed of Celadon for hauing knowne he was awake neither of them had the power to stay longer from the sight of him The welcomes that he gaue to Leonide were not small for for the courtesie with which she bound him he loued and esteemed well of her though Siluies humour pleased him better Within a while after they fell in talke of Adamas commending his Wisedome his Wit and Bounty whereupon Celadon asked if hee were not the Sonne of the great Pelion of whom he had heard spoken so many maruailes It is the same answered Galathee who is come expressely for your disease O Madame answered the shepheard it must be a good Physician that can heale that but I thinke when he shall know it he will sooner despaire of my health than dare to vndertake the cure Galathee thought he spake of the sicknesse of his body But sayd she is it possible you should thinke you are still sicke I assure my selfe if you will within two dayes you may leaue your bed It may be Madame answered Leonide hee is neuer the better for that for sometimes we carry our sicknesse so hidden that our selues know nothing till we be in extremity Their discourse had held longer had not the Druyde come to finde them that he might see what was necessary for his purpose He found him well disposed for his body for the disease had spent his fury and came to decline but when hee spake to him hee iudged his spirit distempered though he was not of beleefe that it was for these Nymphs and knowing that the wise Physician ought alwaies to apply his remedy to the euill that is ready to offer violence hee resolued to begin his cure on Galathee And on this designe desirous at once to be certified of the will of Celadon at night when al the Nymphs were gone he tooke heed that Meril might not bee by hauing shut the doore hee spake in this sort I thinke Celadon your astonishment is not small to see your selfe suddenly raysed to so good a fortune as that you now possesse for I assure my selfe it is beyond your hope that being borne as you are a shepheard and bred in the villages you now see your selfe cherished of the Nymphs made much of and serued I will not say of Ladyes that haue beene vsed to be commanded but by her that absolutely commands ouer this Countrey A fortune indeede which the greatest haue desired but whereto none could attaine but your selfe for which you are to praise the gods and giue them thanks that they may continue it to you Adamas talked thus to him that he might draw him to tell the truth of his affection thinking that by this meanes making shew to approue it he should make him best discouer it Whom the shepheard answered with a great sigh Father if this be a good fortune then must my taste bee distempered for I neuer felt more bitter Wormewood than that which this fortune that you call good hath made me taste since I came to bee in the state wherein you see me And how added the Druyde the better to couer his craft is it possible you should haue so small knowledge of your good that you see not to what greatnesse this aduenture hath raysed you Alas answered Celadon it is that which threatens a greater fall Why doe you feare said Adamas that this good lucke will not last I feare answered the shepheard it will last longer then I desire But wherefore is it that
discouer her plot that he desired that she spake of aboue all things but he knew not the meane The meane sayd she is the most easie in the world only get the cloathes of a Nymph and dresse him in them he is yong and as yet hath no beard by this deuice he may getaway vnknowne and no body the wiser by whose helpe it was and Galathee shall neuâ—r know whom to blame Adamas found this inuention to bee good and the sooner to execute it resolued at that time after the night were passed to go seeke for such an habit vnder pretence of seeking for remedies to heale the shepheard giuing Galathee to vnderstand that though the shepheard were freed from his feuers yet hee was not cleere from danger of a relapse and they must preuent it with wisedome And communicated this dessine to Siluie who approued it prouided that hee slacked not his returne Celadon was not thorowly awaked when Galathee and Leonide came into the chamber in shew to know how hee did and then Adamas who knew well seeing the great watchfulnesse of the Nymphs that delay was dangerous after he had asked Celadon some ordinary questions about his sicknesse hee drew neere and turning to the Nymph wished her to permit him to enquire of some particulars which he durst not demand before her Galathee who beleeued it was concerning his sicknesse drew aside and gaue way to Adamas to acquaint the shepheard with his dessine promising him to come within two or three dayes at the furdest Celadon coniured him by the strongest prayers he could knowing well that without him this imprisonment would continue longer After he had giuen him assurance hee went where Galathee was and told her that the shepheard for the present was well but as hee had before told her it was to be feared lest he might relapse and to preuent the euill it was necessary he should go seeke that which was fit for him and he would returne as soone as he had found them The Nymph was well pleased with this for on the one side she desired the intire recouery of the shepheard and on the other the presence of the Druide began to trouble her fore-seeing that she could not conuerse so freely with her beloued Celadon as before shee had done hee knew well what her purpose was but he seemed not to heed it and presently after dinner hee set himselfe on the way leauing the three Nymphs in some paine for euery one had a differing dessine and all three being desirous to effect it it was necessary they should be finely deluded That was the cause that all three were more vsually about his bed but Siluie aboue the rest that she might keep them from speaking in priuate to him Yet could she not keep so good watch but Leonide found a time to tell him the resolution which shee had taken with her vncle and then she went on But tell true Celadon are you yet so without vnderstanding that when you haue receiued this good office from me you will remember no more that you see at this present the loue I beare you At least call to your minde the wrongs that Galathee doth me for your sake and if the loue which in all others meriteth loue growing in me cannot bring it forth in you let me haue this contentment to heare once from your owne mouth that the affection of such a Nymph as I am is not altogether distastefull to you Celadon who had already knowne this growing loue desired it might die in the cradle but fearing lest the despite which she conceiued might cause in her contrary effects to the resolution which she had taken with her vncle he purposed to giue her some words that hee might not lose her altogether and thus answered her Faire Leonide what opinion may you haue of me if forgetting Astrea whom I haue so long serued I should begin a new amity I speake freely to you for I know well you are not ignorant of what I am O Celadon answered Leonide hide not your selfe from me I know as much of your affaires as your selfe Then faire Nymph replied the shepheard if you know it how can you wish that I should force this loue which hath such force in my foule that my life and my will depend of it But since you know what I am reade in my actions passed and see what remaineth in me to satisfie you and tell me what you would haue me do Leonide at this speech was not able to hide her teares as wise as she was after she had considered how contrary to her duty it was to liue in this fashion and that she traueld in vaine she resolued to be mistris of her owne will but for that it was so difficult a worke that she could not attaine to it at once there must be some time to prepare her humours that they might be capable to receiue the aduice of wisedome And in this resolution she spake to him thus Shepheard I cannot at this time take the counsell that is necessary for me to get sufficient force I must haue leisure to gather together the powers of my soule but remember you the offer you haue made me for I meane to benefit my selfe by it Their discourse had held on longer if Siluie had not interrupted them who comming vpon them and addressing her selfe to Leonide Sister said she you know not that Fleurial is come and hath so ouertaken the Guard of the gate that he was with Galathee before we were aware He hath giuen her letters and I know not whence they come But it must be from some good place for shee hath changed colour twice or thrice Leonide presently doubted it was Lindamor which caused her to leaue the shepheard with Siluie and went to Galathee to know the certaintie Then Siluie seeing her selfe alone with him beganne to entertaine him with that courtesie that if there had beene any place for Loue without doubt she had had it And see how Loue sports himselfe with contrarying our dessignes The other two Nymphs with all their Art sought it and could not effect it and she that regarded it nor came neerer the mark than the others By that a man may know how free Loue is since he will by tyed to nothing but what pleases him Whilest Celadon was in this thought Siluie that sought for nothing more than occasion to set him into discourse because she delighted much in his conuersation and to heare him speake said You will not thinke shepheard what pleasure this hap to haue knowne you brings to mee and I sweare to you if Galathee would beleeue me since her brother went out of this Countrey we haue had your company more than heretofore For for aught that I see in you I thinke there is pleasure in your villages and your honest liberties since you are exempted from Ambition and consequently from troubles liuing without craft and without backe-biting which are the foure plagues that our
thus to you I would not haue you thinke that I haue diminished this good will for it shall accompany mee to my graue and yet it may be you would do it if I had not forewarned you but bind me by beleeuing that my life and not my amity may diminish These words put Celion into much paine not knowing whereto they tended at last hee answered that hee attended her will with great ioy and great feare with ioy for that he could imagine nothing more beneficial to him then the honor of her commandements and with feare for that he knew not for what cause she threatned him yet death it selfe could not be vnwelcome to him if it befell him by her commandement Then Bellinde held on Since besides your sayings at this time you haue alwayes giuen mee that witnesse of this assurance which you make mee that with reason I cannot doubt I will make no more difficulty not to intreate but to coniure Celion by all the amity with which he fauours his Bellinde to obey her at this time I will not command him a thing impossible much lesse draw him from the affection which he beares me rather on the contrary I will if it may be that he encrease it more and more But before I passe further let me know I beseech you if euer your amity hath bene of other quallity then it is now Celion then shewing a countenance lesse troubled then that which before the doubt had constrained him to haue answered that he began tâ—â—â—ope well hauing receiued such assurance that to satisfie her demand hee would againe auow that hee hath loued her with the same affections and passions and with the same desires that youth did vsually produce in hearts transported furthest by loue and that therein he would not except any one that since her commandement had such power ouer him it had got the like ouer his passion that his sincere amity had so far surpassed his loue that he did not thinke hee should offend a sister to loue her with that mind On my faith brother replyed the shepheardesse for so I will hold you the remainder of my life you so bind me by liuing thus with mee that neuer any of your actions euer got more ouer my soule then this But I cannot see you longer in paine Know then that that which I would haue of you is onely that preseruing inuiolably this good amity which you now beare me you place your loue on one of the fairest shepheardesses of Lignon You may say this is a strange office for Bellinde yet if you consider that she of whom I speake would haue you for her husband and that she is after you the person whom I most loue for it is Amaranthe I assure my selfe you will not wonder at it She hath intreated and I command you by all the power I haue ouer you She made haste to giue him this coÌ„mandement fearing that if she staied long she should not haue the power to resist the supplications which she foresaw What thinke you faire Nymph became of this poore Celion he grew pale like a dead man and so besides himselfe that hee could not for a good while bring forth a word At last when he could speake with such a voyce as they haue that are in the midst of punishment he cryed out Ah cruell Bellinde haue you preserued my life till now to take it from me with such inhumanity This commandement is too cruell to let me liue and my affection too great to let mee die without despaire Alas suffer me to dye but let me die faithfull that if there be no meane to recouer Amaranthe but by my death I may sacrifice my self most willingly for her health the change of this commandement shall be no lesse witnesse that I am beloued of you then whatsoeuer you shall be able to do to me Bellinde was moued but not changed Celion sayd shee let vs leaue all these idle words you shall giue me lesse occasion to beleeue what you say to me if you will not satisfie the first request which I make you Cruell presently sayd the afflicted Celion if you will that I change this amity what power haue you more to comand me but if you wil not that I chaÌ„ge it how is it possible to loue vertue and vice and if it be not possible why for proofe of my affection will you haue a thing which cannot be Pitty thought to ouercome her and though she had â—uch paine for the griefe of the shepheard yet was it some contentment which could not be paralelled to know her selfe so perfectly beloued of him that shee loued so deare and is may bee might haue got something ouer her resolution had it not 〈◊〉 that she would put from Amaranthe all opinion that shee was attainted with her euil though she loued the shepheard and was well beloued yet she enforced her pitty which already had brought forth some teares into her eyes to returne into her heart without giuing knowledge that it was come and in the end that she might not fall againe into the same paine she went away and at her departing she sayd Account of me as pleases you I am resolued neuer to see you vntill you haue effected my praier and your promise and thinke that this resolution shall ouer-liue your obstinacy If Celion were besides himselfe seeing himselfe so farre from all consolation and resolution he may iudge that hath loued So it was that hee stood two or three days like a man lost running into the woods and flying from all those whom formerly he had conuersed with At last an old shepheard a great friend of his fathers one indeed that was very wise and who had alwayes loued Celion passing well seeing him in this case and doubâ—ing there was no passion strong enough to worke such effects but loue so sifted him on all sides that he made him discourse his paine where to he gaue some asswagement by his good counsell for in his youth he had often passed thorow the same straights And at last seeing him a little tractable he mocked at him for that he had such paine for so small a matter telling him that the remedy was so easie that hee might be ashamed that it should bee knowne that Celion esteemed wise by euery man and a person of courage should haue so little vnderstanding that hee knew not how to resolue in an accident that was not very difficult or at the worst could not dissemble and then hee went on But it had bene fit that at the beginning you had made these difficulties for so she shall thinke your affection extremee and this shall tie her to loue you the more but since you haue made that demonstration it wil suffice that to content her you make shew of that which shee commands This counsell at last was receiued of Celion and executed as it was propounded It is true that he wrote this letter to Bellinde before Celions letter
for that he knew well that oftentimes those meetings were often broke off sometimes they that were thought most certaine But when he knew the articles were signed on both sides faire Nymph how can I tell you the least of his despaires He wrung his hands he tore his haire hebeat his brest with thumpes to be short he was a man transported and so without reason that he oftentimes went out with a purpose to kill Ergaste But when he was ready for it some sparke of consideration which in the middest of so great fury with-held him made him feare to offend Bellinde to whom notwithstanding transported with passion he wrote oftentimes letters so full of loue and reproches that she could hardly reade them without teares Among others he sent her such an one Celions letter to Bellinde in his transport MVst then inconstant shepheardesse my payne suruiue my affection Must it be that without louing you I haue such payne when I know you are in another mans hands Is it not that the gods will punish me for louing you more then I ought Or rather is it not that when I imagine not to loue you yet I haue more loue for you then I had before Yet why should I loue you since you are and cannot be any other mans then one I loue not But on the contrary why should not I loue you since I haue so much loued you It is true that I ought not to loue you For you are an ingratefull soule altogether forgetfull and that hath no sence of Loue yet whatsoeuer you are you are Bellinde and can Bellinde be without Celion loue her Then doe I loue you or if I loue you not iudge in your selfe shepheardesse for for my part I haue a spirit so disquieted that I can discerne nothing else but that I am the man in the world most afflicted At the end of the letter were these verses STANZA'S Excuse I cannot this inconstancy Which wrought this bad change of affection Change to the better I call prudency But to the worse shewes small discretion When Bellinde receiued these letters and verses shee was in paine to send him any of hers because that hearing talke of the strange life he led and the words which he vttered against her she could not suffer it without great displeasure considering what great cause of speech this gaue to them who haue their eares but to listen afternewes of others and tongues to be telling them Her letter was thus Bellindes letter to Celion IT is impossible for me longer to endure the wrong which your strange fashion of liuing brings to vs both I deny not but you haue occasion to complaine of our fortune But I say withall that a wise man knowes how to enioy what is permitted him without the imputation of becomming a foole What a frenzy is this that keepes you from seeing that while you publish to the rest of the world that you dye for loue of me you constraine me to thinke that truely you neuer loued me For if you loued me would you displease me And doe you not know that death cannot be more grieuous to me then the knowledge you haue giÌ„uen to euery man of our amity Forbeare then brother I beseech you and by that name which ties you to haue â—are of that which touches me I coniure you that if at this present you cannot beare this disaster without discouering your sorrow you would at least take are solution to goe so far off that those who heare your complaint may not know my name but condole with you your owne griefe not being able to suspect any thing to my disaduantage If you giue me content in this resolution you shall make me beleeue that it was superfluity and not want of affection which hath made you commit this errour against me And this consideration shall binde Bellinde besides the amity which she beares you to conserue alwayes dearely the memory of that brother that loues her and whom she loues among all these cruell insupportable displeasures Though Celion were so transported that his spirit was almost incapable of reasons which his friends could present him yet so it was that affection opened his eyes at that blowe and made him see that Bellinde had counselled him to some purpose so that resoluing to be gone he secretly gaue order for his voyage and the day before he would depart he writ to his shepheardesse hauing a purpose to obey her and he besought her to giue him the commodity that hee might take leaue of her to the end he might depart with some sort of consolation The shepheardesse that truly loued him though shee foresawe that this farewell would but increase his displeasure would not deny him this request and appoynted the next day in the morning at the fountaine of Sicomores The day had scant begunne to dawne when the desolate shepheard leauing his cabbin with his flocke droue the right way to the Fountaine where casting himselfe at length and his eyes on the waters course he beganne while he attended his shepheardesse to entertaine himselfe about his approching misfortune and after he had beene somewhile silent he breathed out these verses A comparison of a Fountaine to his displeasure THis Spring that euer flowing Doth neuer make an end But aye it selfe renewing By waâ—es that farre extend Resembles mine annoyes whose sorrowes me oppresse For euen like to it that neuer meanes to cease As from a fruitful spring the griefs that I complaine Are still renewed and alwayes borne againe Then with a winding course All as the flowing waâ—e Runnes wandring from it source And no repose will haue So me with troubles great with main many pains As through the somwhile spared sandy plaines The ouer-flowing waters couer quite While I with teares bewayle my heauy plight And as a vagabond It with a murmure flies Where waues the waues beyond Floting along it cries In like sort I complaine of my most sad mischance And againâ—t Loue my murmuring voyce aduance But what auaileth me since in the end I follow that that Destiny doth send While this shepheard talked thus with himselfe and that he vttered loude enough many words at randon he was so troubled with this disafter Bellinde that had not lost the remembrance of the appoyntment which she had giuen him as soone as she could free her selfe from them about her went to seeke him so much trauelled with sorrow to lose him that she could not hide it but that it appeared in her countenance Ergaste who that morning was risen in good time to see her by chance perceiued her afar off and seeing her go alone and as he thought sought out the thickest bushes had a minde to know whither she went That was the cause that following her farre off he sawe shee tooke the way to the fountaine of Sicomors and casting his eye a little furder off though it were very earely he obserued that already there was a flocke feeding Hee that
the memory of your faithfull seruant from you but that it continually flyes back to the most happie abode where while I am so farre distant from you I leaue all my glory so that not being able to deny my affection the curiositie to know how my Lady doth after I haue a thousand times kissed your Robe I present you with all the good fortunes wherewith Arms are pleased to fauour me and offer them at your feet as to the Diuinitiâ— to which I acknowledge them If you receiue them for yours Renowne will giue them you in my behalfe which promises me as well as your selfe the honour of your good graces to your most humble seruant I care not then said Galathee neyther for him nor his victories he shall bind me more to forget me For Gods sake said Leonide Madame say not so if you knew how well he is esteemed both by Meroue and Childerick I cannot beleeue being borne as you are but you will make more of him then of a Shepheard I say a Shepheard that loues you not and whom you see sighing before you for the affection of a Shepheardesse You may thinke that all that I speake is out of cunning It is true presently answered Galathee Well Madame answered Leonide you may beleeue what pleaseth you but I sweare vnto you by all that may be most fearefull to the periured That in this iourney by great chance I saw that Impostor Clemanthe and that cunning Polymas talking of what happened to you and discouering betweene them all the tricks they had vsed Leonide added Galathee you lose time I am resolued what I will doe talke no more to me of it I will doe Madame what you command said she but suffer me to say one word What doe you meane to doe with this Shepheard I will haue him loue me said she Wherein replyed Leonide purpose you that this amitie shall be concluded You are ouer-busie said Galathee to wish me to know the things to come only let him loue me and then we will see what we haue to doe Yet continued Leonide though one know not what will happen yet in all our designes wee must haue some Butt whereto wee may ayme I thinke in all said Galathee except those of loue and for my part I will haue no other designe but that he loue me Then replyed Leonide it must be so for there is no likelyhood that you will marry him and not marrying him what will become of that honour which you haue preserued to your selfe for it cannot be that this new loue can blind you so but that you will find the wrong you doe to your selfe to wish for your louer the man whom you would not marry And you said she Leonide that are so scrupulous tell me true are you enuious that I should marry him I Madame answered she I hold him to be too meane a thing and I humbly beseech you not to thinke me of so small courage that I will dayne to cast mine eye on him And if euer there were any man that had the power to giue me feeling of loue I freely protest to you the respect which I haue borne you hath made me withdraw When was that added Galathee Then said shee when you commanded me Madame to make no more of Polemas O what grace you haue cryed Galathee by your faith did you neuer loue Celadon I will sweare vnto you by the faith I owe to you Madame answered she that I neuer loued Celadon otherwise then as if he had beene my brother And in that she lyed not for after the shepheard spake so plainely to her at the last time she found out the wrong she did to her selfe and so resolued to change the loue into amitie Well Leonide said the Nymph let vs leaue this discourse and that likewise of Lindamor for the Dye is cast And what answer said she will you make to Lindamor I will make him said she no other but by silence And what thinke you said she will become of him when the man hee sent returnes without Letters Let what may said Galathee become of him for for my part neyther his resolution nor any others shall euer be cause for me to make my selfe miserable Is it not then necessarie answered Leonide that Flurial goe backe No said she Leonide then told her coldly that there was a young man that would speake with Siluy and that shee beleeued hee was come from Ligdamon and he would not tell his message but onely to Siluy her selfe We must answered the Nymph send him where shee is wee must not thinke much to draw the Curtaynes of the Bed where Celadon lyes for I assure my selfe hee will be glad to heare what Ligdamon hath written for me thinkes you haue alreadie told him all their loues It is true answered Leonide but Siluy is so disdainefull and so loftie that without doubt she would be offended that the messenger should speake to her especially before Celadon Wee must said shee take her on the suddaine Onely goe before and will the shepheard not to speake a word and draw the Curtaynes and I will bring him in So parted these Nymphs And Galathee knowing the young man as hauing often seene him with Ligdamon demaunded whence hee came and what newes hee brought from his Master I come Madame said hee from the Armie of Mâ—roue and as for newes from my Master I must not tell them but to Siluy Truly said the Nymph you are very secret and thinke you I will suffer you to say any thing vnto my Nymphs which I shall not know Madame said hee it shall be before you if it please you for I haue that commaundement and principally before Leonide Come then said the Nymph and so shee brought him into the Chamber of Celadon where alreadie Leonide had giuen the order as she had appointed without saying any thing to Siluy who at the first was astonied but afterward seeing Galathee enter with this young man shee iudged that it was to keepe the shepheard from being seene The amazement shee found was great when shee saw Egide that was the young mans Name whome shee knew presently for though shee had no loue for Ligdamon yet shee could not exempt her selfe from all kind of good will shee iudged rightly that hee would tell her some newes but shee would not aske him But Galathee turning to the young man said See where Siluy is you haue no more to doe but to goe through with your Message since you desire that Leonide and I should be by Madame said Egide turning to Siluy my Master the most faithfull seruant that your merits euer wonne you hath commaunded me to let you know what his fortune hath beene wishing no other thing from Heauen as a recompence of his fidelitie but that one sparke of pittie may touch you since none of loue could come neere the yee of your heart How now said Galathee interrupting his speech it seemes hee hath made his
him O Lidias my child with what contentment and feare doe I see thee here for I thanke God that at the end of my dayes I see thee so much esteemed of by the report of them that haue taken thee but alas what is my feare to see thee in this cruell Towne since thy enemy Aronte is dead of the wounds which he had of thee and that thou hast beene condemned to death by the Lords of Iustice for my part I know no other remedie but to ransome thee presently and lye close till thou beest healed that being able to mount on horsebacke thou mayest bee gone with the Franks If Ligdamon were astonied at this discourse you may iudge and then knew well she tooke him for another But hee could not answer her because at the same instant he which had taken him entred into the Chamber with two Officers of the Towne to take the names and qualitie of the prisoners for there were many of their men taken and they would exchange them The poore Lady was surprized fearing they came to carry him to prison and hearing they asked him his Name shee was about to tell it her selfe but my Master thrust her back and called himselfe Ligdoman the Segusian She then had an opinion he meant to dissemble and to put out all suspition she withdrew her selfe with a resolution to ransome him with all speed that he might not be knowne And it was true that my Master resembled Lidias so much that all that saw him tooke him for him Now this Lidias was a young man of that Countrey that being in loue with a faire Lady had fought with Aronte his Riuall whose iealousie was such that it let him goe beyond his dutie speaking euill both of her and him Whereat Lidias offended after hee had spoken twice or thrice to make him change his discourse and thinking that he tooke it as out of feare which indeed proceeded from the wisdome of the young man he was at last enforced both out of duty and loue to come to Armes and with that happinesse that hauing left his enemie as dead on the earth he had the leysure to saue himselfe from the hands of Iustice which after that Aronte was dead pursued him so that though he were absent yet they condemned him to death Ligdamon was so wounded that he dreamt not of these things I that foresaw the euill that might befall him alwayes pressed his mother to redeeme him which she did but not so secretly but that the enemies of Lidias were aduertised of it so that at their request the same day the good Lady hauing payed the ransome and carrying him to her house those Officers of Iustice came vpon them and made him take the way to prison whatsoeuer Ligdamon could say deceiued like others by the resemblance of Lidias So behold him in as great danger as a man might be that had not offended But this was nothing to the next dayes worke when hee was questioned of points whereof he was so ignorant that he knew not what to say Notwithstanding they forbore not to ratifie the former Iudgement and gaue him no further terme then to the healing of his wounds The bruit presently ran throughout all the Towne that Lidias was prisoner and that he was condemned to dye not as a Murderer only but as a Rebell hauing beene taken with Armes in his hand for the Franks that for this cause he was to be put into the Cage of the Lyons and it was true that their custome was such but they would not pronounce this award to him that he might not make himselfe away Yet they talked of no other thing within the Towne and the voyce was so spred that it came to my eares Wherewith being feared I disguised my selfe so with the helpe of this good Lady which had redeemed him that I came to Paris to find out Meroue and Clidaman whom I gaue to vnderstand of this accident whereat they were much astonied thinking it almost impossible that two men should be so alike that there might be no difference And to remedy it they sent speedily two Heralds of Armes to let the enemies know the error wherein they were but this serued but to perswade them the more and to make them hasten the execution of their Iudgement The wounds of Ligdamon were almost healed so that to giue him no longer time they pronounced the Sentence That attainted of Murder and Rebellion Iustice had ordayned that hee should dye by the Lyons appointed to such an execution yet because hee was nobly borne and their countreyman they did him the grace to suffer him to carry his Sword and Dagger as being the Armes of a Knight wherewith if he had the courage he might defend himselfe or at least assay generously to reuenge his death And at this time in their Councell they made an answer to Mâ—roue That so they would chastife all their countreymen that were traytors to their Countrey Behold the poore Ligdamon in extreme danger yet that courage which yet neuer bended but vnder loue seeing there was no other remedy resolued to looke to his owne safetie the best he could And because Lidias was one of the better Families among the Normans almost all the people assembled to see this Spectacle And when hee saw they were ready to put him into this horrible close field all that hee requested was that hee might fight with the Lyons one by one The people hearing so iust a demaund agreed to it by their acclamations and clapping of hands what difficulties soeuer the contrary part propounded So that behold him thrust alone into the Cage and the Lyons on the other side the barres seeing this new prey roared so fearefully that there was none of the standers by that trembled not Without more Ligdamon seemed confident among so many dangers and hauing an eye on the first Gate that was to open lest hee might be surprized hee saw a furious Lyon come forth with staring looke and hauing three or foure times strucken the earth with his tayle began to thrust forth his great fore-feet and to open his pawes as if hee would shew him what death hee was to die But Ligdamon seeing well there was no safetie but in his valour as soone as hee saw him rise vp he cast his ponyard so fitly at him that he planted it in his stomacke euen to the haft wherewith the Beast being touched at the heart fell downe dead presently The cry of the people was great for euery one being mooued with his confidence with his valour and with his courage fauoured him in his soule but hee that knew well that the rigour of his Iudges would not stay there ran readily to take againe his ponyard and almost at the same time see another Lyon no lesse fearefull then the former that as soone as the Gate was opened came with open throat in such furie that Ligdamon was almost surprized yet as he passed he turned himselfe a little
let the ashes of my Ligdamon be at rest since if thou thus torment me I know he will disauow thee for his and if thou be not his I care not for thee At last hauing stayed some while silent she said well the die is cast let it shorten or lengthen my life as please the gods and my destinie but I will not cease to loue the memory of Ligdamon to cherish his loue and to honour his vertues Galathee in the meane time opened the letter which yet remained in Leonides hands shee found it was thus Ligdamons Letter to Siluy IF you haue â—eâ—e offended at the presumption which hath forced me to loue my death which followes it shall reuenge it for you But if it be indifferent to you I assure myselfe that this last acte of my affection shall gaine me somewhat more in your soule If it fall out so I shall cherish there semblance of Lidias more then my birth since by it I came into the world to be too troublesome to you and by the other I goe out of it to your good liking These are without faining sayde Celadon the great reuenges of loue It is very true answered Galathee that loue leaues not an offence against himselfe vnpunished and thereof it comes that we see herein more strange accidents then in all other of mens actions But if this be so Celadon how quakâ— not you for feare and how from moment to moment expect not you the reuenging arrowes of this god And why sayd the shepheard should I feare since I am the party offended Ah Celadon said the Nymph if all things were iustly ballanced how much heauier should you finde your selfe in the offences you doe then in those you receiue This is said the shepheard this is the heape of misfortune when the afflicted man is thought happy and they can see him languish without taking pitty on him But answered the Nymph tell me shepheard among all the greatest offences doe not those of Ingratitude take the chiefe place It doth without doubt answered the shepheard Now since it is so continued Galathee how can you wash your selfe since for the great loue I shew to you I receiue from you but coldnesse and disdaine I must at last tell you thus You see shepheard being the woman I am and seeing who you are I cannot thinke but in some thing or other I haue offended Loue since he punisheth me with so many rigors Celadon was extremely sorry that he had begun this discourse for he laboured to auoid it as much as possibly hee could notwithstanding since it was done he resolued to cleare it intirely and said thus to her Madame I know not what to answer to your words except by blushing and yet Loue which makes you speake constraynes me to answer you That which you call Ingratitude in me my affection calls duty and when it pleases you to know the reason I will tell you it And what reason interrupted Galathee can you alledge but that you loue elsewhere and that your loue tyes you to it But the Law of Nature proceeds quite otherwise thâ—â— commands vs to seeke after our owne good and can you desire a greater then my amitie Who is there in all this Countrey that is as I that can doe that for you that I can These be mockeries Celadon to relye on these follies of fidelitie and constancie words which old folke and they that are become deformed haue inuented to hold in their lynes the soules which their faces set at liberty They say that all vertues are chayned together then Constancie cannot be without Prudence but should this be Prudence to disdaine a certaine good to auoid the title of inconstant Madame answered Celadon Prudence neuer teaches vs to make our profit by vniust meanes and Nature by her Lawes neuer commandâ— vs to build before we haue layed a good foundation But is there any thing more shamefull then not to keepe promise Is there any thing more nimble then the Spirit that flyes about like a Bee from flower to flower drawne with euery new sweet sauour Madame if faithfulnesse be lost what foundation can I lay in your amitie since if you follow the Law you speake of how long shall I remaine in this happinesse â—o long as you remaine in that place where there is no other man then my selfe The Nymph and the shepheard discoursed thus while Leonide withdrew to her chamberâ— to make a dispatch to Lindamor who in the end was to come backe with all diligence that nothing should stay him otherwise he was to despaire of all things And the morning that Flurial came backe after shee had giuen him the Letter shee said to him See Flurial it is now that I shall by your diligence know the loue which you beare to Lindamor for delay can bring him no lesse then death Be gone then or rather flye and bid him come with all speed and as he returnes let him goe the direct way to Adamas his house for that I haue wonne him intirely for him and when hee is here hee shall know the most notorious Treason of Loue which was euer yet inuented but he must come vnknowne to any if it be possible Thus parted Flurial so desirous to serue Lindamor that hee would not returne to his Aunts house that he might not lose the least time and would haue no occasion to send him whom Lindamor had dispatched defirous to doe the seruice himselfe So passed ouer three or foure dayes during which time Celadon found himselfe so amended that hee almost felt no more of his disâ—ase and alreadie began to thinke the returne of the Druide to bee long for the hope he had to be goâ—â—â—rom that place And to shorten the ouer-long dayes hee went oftentimes to walke in the Garden and sometimes into the great Wood of the high growne Trees but neuer without being accompanied by one of the Nymphs and often by all three The humour of Siluy was it that pleased him best as more sympathizing with his owne therefore hee sought her out as often as hee could It fell out one day all foure being abroad to walke they passed by the great Denne of Damon and of Fortune and because the entrance seemed faire and made with great Art the shepheard demaunded what it was to whom Galathee answered Would you see shepheard one of the greatest proofes that Loue hath made of his power of long time And what is it answered the shepheard That is said the Nymph the loâ—es of Mandrake and of Damon for for the shepheardesse Fortune it is a thing ordinarie And who is replyed the shepheard this Mandrake If by the Worke said Galathee one may know the Workeman to make good that I say you will iudge shee is one of the greatest Magicians of Gaule for it is she that by her enchantment hath made this Den and diuers other rarities which are hereabout And entring in the shepheard stood rauished with consideration of
the workemanship The entry was very high and spatious On the two sides in stead of pillars were two Termes which on their heads sustained the boughts of the vault of the portall The one figured Pan the other Syrinx which were very curiously adorned with stones of diuerse colours the haire the eye-browes the mouthchatos the beard and the two hornes of Pan were of Cockles from the sea and so workemanly set in that the ciment appeared not Syrinx that was on the other side had her haire of Roses and somewhat vnder the nauill one might see them swell by little and little the tower of the gate on the outside was of rusticke fashion and ropes of coquils fastened in foure corners hung downe finished neere the heads of the Termes Within the Vault there was a rocke which seemed in many places to drop with Salt peter and ouer the midst it opened with an ouall forme through which the light came in This place both without and within was enriched with a great number of Statues which falling into their cesternes made diuerse fountaines and all represented some effect of the power of loue In the middle of the caue one might see the tombe raysed the height of ten or twelue foote which at the top ended like a crowne and all about garnished with tables whereof the painting was so well done that the sight deceiued the iudgement the distance of euery table was filled by halfe pillars of blacke wrought marble the coynes of the tombe the bases and the capitall of halfe colours and the cornishes which round about in fashion of a girdle held vp the tables and though of diuerse peeces yet made but one well composed frame which was of the same marble The curiositie of Celadon was great after he had considered altogether to desire to know the particularities and that he might giue the Nymph occasion to tell him something hee commended the inuention and cunning of the workman These are said the Nymph the Spirits of Mandrake which after some time haue beene left here for witnesse that Loue will no more pardon the gray head then the yellow haire and alwayes to relate to them that come hither the vnfortunate and faithfull loues of Damon of her selfe and of the shepheardesse Fortune And how replyed Celadon is this the fountaine of the truth of Loue No answered the Nymph but that is not farre hence and I would I had spirit ynough to make you vnderstand these Tables for the History is worthy to be knowne As shee drew neere to expound them to him she saw Adamas enter in who being returned and not finding the Nymphs at their Lodgings iudged they were gone forth to walke where after he had â—id the Habits which he brought he came to seeke them so fitly that it seemed Fortune conducted him thither to make him handle the loues of this Fortune Galathee no sooner spyed him but she cryed out O my Father you come in good time to free me from the paine wherein I am and then turning to Celadon See him shepheard that will satisfie the desire which you haue to know this History And after hee had asked him how hee did and that the salutations were made on both sides Adamas to obey the Nymphs commandement and to content the curiositie of the shepheard going with them to the Tombe began in this fort The History of Damon and Fortune As the Workeman playes with his worke and doth as pleases him so the great Gods by whose hand we were formed take pleasure to make vs play vpon the Theater of the World the part that they haue chosen for vs. But among all there is none that hath imaginations so various as Loue for he makes the old young and the young old in as short a time as the light lasts of a good eye And this History which is truer then I would it were will giue proofe that hardly it can be withstood as by the processe of my discourse you will confesse The first Table SEe you in the first place this Shepheard set on the ground his backe leaning to an Oake his legge acrosse that playes on his pipe This is the faire shepheard Damon who hath name of faire for the perfection of his face This yong shepheard fed his sheepe along your sweete Lignon being borne of one of the best families of mount Verdun and no farre remoued kinsman of the old Cleontine and of Leonides mother and by consequent in some sort my kinsman Marke how this visage besides that it is faire represents very liuely a person that had no care but of his owne contentment for you may see I know not what open and cleere countenance without trouble or cloude of busie imaginations And on the contrary turne your eyes vpon the shepheardesses which are about him you may iudge by the fashion of their visages that they are not without paine for as Damon had a free spirit and restfull so had the shepheardesses their hearts passionated for him Yet as you see he vouchsafeth not to looke towards them and therefore it is that they haue painted on the right side in the ayre that little naked childe with his bow and torch in his hand his eyes b'inded his backe winged his shoulders charged with a quiuer that threatens him on the other hand This is Loue who begin offended at the contempt which this shepheard shewed towards these shepheardesses swore that he would be reuenged on him But for the better setting forth of the Table note how well the Art of the painting is obserued You may see me thinks the arme of the shepheard sinking a little vnder the swelling of the instrument and how the cane where he blowes hath lost his colour that is because his moyst mouth had put it out Marke on the left hand how the sheepe feede see some of them lying in the shade some licking their feet others that astonied looke on the two Rammes that run to push at one another with all their might Obserue the turning that this makes of his necke for he hoâ—deth downe his head so that the other encounters only his hornes But the winding of the other backe is also very artificiall for nature that teacheth him that vertue vnited is more strong makes him so locke himselfe in an heape that he seemes almost round The dutie euen of the dogs is not forgotten which to oppose against the courses of the Wolfe comes vnder the wings of the wood side And it seemeth they are set â—ike three 〈◊〉 on the higher places to the end they may see the farther off or as I thinke that they might see one another and succour them in their necessitie But consider the carefull industry of the Painter whereas dogges that sleepe without care vse to put themselues into a round and oftentimes hide their head vnder their pawes to keepe from them the light these that their are painted here are lying in another fort to shew that they sleepe not but
onely rest for they are couched on the foure feete and haue their nose along their forefeet holding alwayes their eyes open as curiously as a man can But let vs see the other Table The second Table BEhold the second Table which is cleane contrary to the former for if that were full of Neglect this is full of Loue if that shew nothing but Pride in this appeares nothing but sweetnesse and submission and loe here the cause Marke this Shepheardesse set against a bush how faire she is and neatly attired her haire raised vp before sporting at libertie ouer her shoulders it seemes the wind enuies nature by his blowing makes them frizle in a round but being iealous of the small loues which they finde hid and which goe bewraying their wearinesse it will disperse them And indeede see some of them carried by force others which foulding into knots which they haue made and others which assay to returne but cannot so much is their yet enfeebled wing contraried by the importunitie of Zephirus This is the faire shepheardesse Fortune of whom Loue would serue himselfe to do the vengeance promised against Damon who is the shepheard that you see by her leaning on his shephooke Consider these little loues which are all busied about them and how attentiue euery one is about that he doth Behold one that takes the measure of the browes of the shepheardesse and giues it to another that with his knife markes his bow that he may compasse the like at his returne And see another that hauing stolne some haires of this faire of so faire theft would make a string for his companions bow See how he is set on the ground how he hath tyed one end of his string to his great toe which giues backe a little as being too hard drawne Marke how to twist it the better another brings him a handfull of a louers teares for him to wet his fingers Consider how he holds the raines I know not how twisted that vnder the right arme you may see the half appeare before though he shew all behind the right shoulder Behold another that hauing put a string to one of the nockes of his bow that he might do the like in the other bowes downe on that side to the earth and with his left knee bends the bow against his stomack and giues vpward with his left hand and with his right endeauours to make the string slide to the bottome Cupid is a little higher whose left hand holds his bow holding the right as yet behind his eare as if he newly had let his arrow slip for see him with rest vp his arme drawne backe the three former fingers wide open and stretched out and the other two drawne into his hand and indeed his shot was not in vaine for the shepheard was so wounded that death ouely could heale it But behold a little on the other side and you shall see this Aâ—teros which with chaines of roses and flowers tyes the armes and necke of this faire shepheardesse Fortune and then puts them into the hands of the shepheard this is to make vs know that desert loue and seruices of that louely shepheard which are figured by these flowers bindes Fortune to a reciprocall loue towards him But if you thinke it strange that Auteros is represented here greater then Cupid know that this is to shew you that loue that growes from loue is alwayes greater then that whence it proceeds But let vs pasie to the third The third Table THen Adamas went on See your faire riuer of Lignon see where it takes a double head the one comming from the mountaines of Coruieres the other from them of Chalmasel which come to ioyne a little aboue the marchant towne of Bâ—ing How well are these passages made and the winding shores of this riuer with these little Elder trees that grow there ordinarily Know you not this wood which confines on this great pasture where most vsually the lasie shepheards vse to feed their flocks Mee thinkes that great tust of trees on the left hand this little byas which creepes on the left side and this halfe moone which makes the riuer on this corner may well set it before your eyes that if it bee not at this present altogether alike it is not for that the table is false but for that some trees since that time are dead others growne vp that the riuer in some places hath gotten and in other is beaten backe and yet no great change Now marke a little lower along Lignon see a flocke of sheepe in the shadow how some of them chaw the cud and others hold their nose to the ground to draw out the freshnesse This is Damons flocke that you may see if you turne your eyes hitherward in the water to the middle Consider how these yong lopped trees doe hide it from the beames of the sunne and yet seeme to to reioyce that other besides themselues may see it And yet the sunne is so curious that he finds passage betweene some of their leaues for some of his beames Note how well this shadow and this brightnesse is represented But certainly it must be confessed that this shepheard cannot be surpassed in beautie Consider the draughts and proportions of his face his stature strait and tall his flanke round his brest hie and see if he haue any imperfection yet some what stooping to serue himselfe of the water and with his right hand he rubs his left arme so it is he doth doth not that action that may hinder the knowledge of his perfect beautie Now cast your eye on the other side the riuer if you be not afraid to looke on the deformed in her perfection as in his owne you haue seene the faire for among these fearefull bryars you may see the magician Mandrake be holding the shepheard in his bath Behold her clothed almost in despite of them that looke on her haire spread one arme naked her gowne on one side trussed vp aboue her knee I think she comes to some in chantment But iudge here the effect of a beauty This olde Crone that you see so wrinkled that euery moment of her life hath set a furrow in her face leane little al gray her haire halfe cut all crooked and for age fitter for the coffin then to liue is not ashamed to doate on this yong shepheard If loue come by simpathy as they say I know not how it may bee found betweene Damon and her See what countenance she makes in her extasie Shee thrusts out her head with her long necke shrugs vp her shoulders holds downe her armes at length and her hands clasped in her lap and the sport is when shee thought to smile she made a mouth So it is that such as she is yet forbeares she not to seeke the loue of this faire shepheard Now rayse vp your eyes a little and see within that cloud Venus and Cupid who beholding this new louer seeme to laugh outright
him he began in this sort Sir Knight this habit wherein you see me is not mine owne but Loue who sometimes hath cloathed men like women playes with me in this fort and making me forget in part what I am hath put me into an habit contrary to mine owne for I am not a man but a daughter of one of the best Houses of Brutayne and called Mellandra fallen into your hands by the greatest fortune that euer was conducted by Loue. It is some while since a young man named Lidias came to London flying out of his owne Countrey as I haue heard since for hauing killed his enemy in field They were both of that part of Gaule which they call Normandy but because the dead man was of kindred to the greatest among them he was enforced to flye hiâ— Countrey to auoid the rigour of Iustice Thus being then come to London is the custome of our Nation hee found such courtesie that there was no good House wherein he was not right soone familiar among others hee liued with that priuacie at my fathers as if hee had beene of his household And because hee had a purpose to stay there as long as his returne into his Countrey should be forbidden him he determined to make shew of louing some that he might the better frame himselfe to the humour of them of great Brittany that haue euery one some particular Lady On this resolution he turned I know not whether I may say for good or euill â—ortune his eyes on me were it that he found me more for his delight or more for his commoditie he began to professe himselfe to be my seruant What dissimulations what wooings what oathes were those which he vsed to me I will not trouble you with an ouerlong discourse So it was that after sufficient long wooing for hee continued two yeeres I loued him without dissimulation for that his beautie his courtesie his discretion and valour were ouer-great allurements to ouercome with long suit any soule how barbarous soeuer I blush not then to confesse it to one that hath had triall of Loue nor to say that this beginning then was the end of my quiet Now these things resting in this state and liuing with all the contentment that the party that loues and is assured of the person beloued may haue it fell out that the Franks after they had wonne so many battailes against the Roman Emperours against the Gothes and Gaules turned their Armes against the Normans and reduced them to those termes that because they are their ancient Allies they were constrayned to send to London to demaund succours which according to the allyance made betweene them and those of great Brittaine was graunted them both by the King and by the Estates This newes was suddenly divulged throughout the Realme and we that were of the principall Towne vnderstood it with the first And from that time Lidias began to thinke of his returne assuring himselfe that they of his side hauing neede of his like would easily absolue him of the death of Aronte Notwithstanding because hee had alwayes promised mee not to goe but hee would carry mee with him which the malicious man did to deceiue me and for feare lest I might impeach his departure hee concealed his purpose from mee But as there is no fire so closely couered from which there comes not some smoke so there is nothing so secret but some thing or other will discouer it and so many before I was aware told mee of it As soone as I knew it the first time I saw him I drew him aside Well said I Lidias haue you resolued that I shall not know that you will leaue me Thinke you my amitie so weake that it cannot beare out the strokes of your fortune If your affaires will haue you returne into your Countrey why will not your loue permit mee to goe with you Demaund me of my father I am assured hee will bee pleased with our allyance for I know hee loues you but to leaue mee here alone with your faith forsworne no Lidias beleeue mee doe not commit so great a fault for the Gods will punish you He answered me coldly that he had no thought of returne and that all his affaires were nothing worth to the good of my presence that I committed an offence in doubting and that his actions should constrayne me to confesse as much And yet this periured person within two dayes after went away with the first Troupes that came from great Brittaine and tooke his time so fitly that hee came to the Sea shore the same day that they were to goe and so tooke ship with them We were presently aduertised of his departure Yet had I so strong a fancie that he loued me that I was the last that beleeued it so that there were more then eight dayes after his departure before I could perswade my selfe that one so well borne could be so deceitfull and vnthankfull At last one day following after another without any newes I found I was deceiued and Lidias was gone If then my sorrow were great iudge you Sir Knight since falling sicke I was brought to those termes that my Physitians not knowing my disease despayred of me and forsaking me held me for dead But Loue who would shew his power and is a better Physitian then Esculapius healed me with a strange Antidote And see how hee delights in effects which are contrary to our resolution When I first knew of the flight of Lidias for in truth it may be so called I found my selfe in such sort displeased that after I had a thousand times called Heauen to witnesse of his perfidiousnesse I sware I would neuer loue him as often as hee had sworne to mee that hee would euer loue mee and I may tell you wee were both forsworne For while my hatred was in his greatest fury behold a Vessell that came from Callays to report that the Succours were happily arriued that told vs that Lidias went ouer with an intent to warre among them of great Brittaine but as soone as the Gouernour of the place who was a kinsman to Aronte vnderstood of it hee caused him to bee put in prison as hauing beene alreadie condemned that they accounted him for lost because the Gouernour was of great credit among the Normans that indeede there was one meane to saue him but so hard that there was no man that would hazard it beeing such an one As soone as Lidias saw himselfe arrested hee demaunded how a Knight of such reputation as hee was would reuenge his quarrels by Iustice and not by Armes for it is a custome among the Gaules neuer to runne to Iustice in what offends their Honor but to the Combate and they that doe otherwise are held dishonourable Lipandas which was the name of the Gouernour answered That he slew not Aronte like a man and if he were not condemned by lustice he would maintaine it by Armes but being ashamed to fight with
THE HISTORY Of Astrea The First Part. In Twelue Bookes Newly Translated out of French LONDON Printed by N. Okes for Iohn Pyper 1620. TO THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE PHILIP LORD HERBRT BARON OF Sherland Earle of Mountgomery and Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter c. And to the Right Noble and vertâ—ous Lady the Lady Susan Countesse of Mountgomery RIGHT HONORABLE AStrea finding so good entertainement in her owne Countrey as hauing passed the Presse in the 3. principall Cities of FRANCE namely PARIS ROAN and LYONS is now encouraged to crosse the seas and to try what welcome she shall meete with here in ENGLAND And though it cannot be but her riding-suite will take much away from her originall beauty it being the fortune of few Bookes to be bettered by the translation yet she is so confident of her owne Worth that she expects acceptance onely for herselfe and not for her ornaments And as at home she went abroad vnder the protection of a mighty King so being abroad and a stranger she is desirous to shelter her selfe vnder the Honourable Patronage of your Lordship and your right noble Lady against the aspertions of the ouer-curious In which choice ioyning with her and presenting her to your fauourable acceptance I am in all humility to craue your honorable pardons for my presumption and do rest Your Honors in all seruice to be commanded Iohn Pyper A Table of the Histories contained in the first Part of Astrea THe history of Alcippe 35 The history of Siluie 59 The history of Astrea and Phillis 98 The history of the deceit of Climanthe 136 The history of Stelle and Corilas 137 The history of Diane 170 The history of Tircis and Laonice 224 The Oration of Hylas for Laonice 236 The Answer of Phillis for Tircis 238 The Iudgement of Siluander 240 The history of Siluander 248 The history of Hylas 264 The history of Galathee and Lindamor 288 The history of Leonide 331 The history of Celion and Bellinde 346 The history of Ligdamon 6. lib. 11 The history of Damon and of Fortune 20. lib. 11 The history of Lidias and Melander 35. lib. 12 A Table of the Letters THe Answer of Celadon to Licidas 11 A Letter of Celadon to Astrea 13 A Letter of Amarillis to Alcippe 39 A Letter of Astrea to Celadon 52 Another Letter of Astrea to Celadon 52 A Letter of Astrea to Celadon 53 A Letter of Ligdamon to Siluie 62 The answer of Siluie to Ligdamon 64 A Letter of Aristander to Siluie 70 A Scroule from Leonide to Ligdamon 73 A Letter of Celadon to Astrea â—06 A Letter of Licidas to Phillis 112 A Letter of Astrea to Celadon 116 A Letter of Celadon to Astrea 117 The counterfeited Letter of Astrea to Celadon 125 A Scroule of Celadon for Astrea 128 A Letter of Astrea to Celadon 129 A Letter of Corilas to Stellâ— 164 A Letter of Filander to Diane 179 A Letter of Hylas to Carlis 270 The answer of Carlis to Hylas 270 An answer of Stilliane to Hylas 271 A Letter of Lindamor to Galathee 302 Another Letter of Lindamor to Galathee 306 An answer of Leonide to Lindamor 307 A Scroule of Leonide to Lindamor 308 A Scroule of Lindamor to Leonide 313 The answer of Leonide to Lindamor 317 The Reply of Lindamor to Leonide 317 A Letter of Celion to Bellinde 348 A Letter of Amaranthe to Celion 349 The answer of Celion to Amaranthe 350 A Letter of Celion to Bellinde 363 Another Letter of Celion to Bellinde 361 A Letter of Bellinde to Celion 362 A Letter of Lindamor to Leonide 2. lib. 11 A Letter of Lindamor to Galathee 3. lib. 11 A Letter of Ligdamon to Siluie 16. lib. 11 A Letter of Astrea to Celadon 62. lib. 11 THE HISTORY OF Astrea and Celadon The First Booke NEERE the ancient Towne of Lions on that side where the Sunne sets there is a Countrey called Forrests which in the small circuite of it conteineth in it what so euer is most rare in all Gaule for being deuided into plaines and mountaines the one and the other are so fertile and situate in an ayre so temperate that the ground is capable of all that which the Husbandman can desire About the hart of the Country is the most beautifull part of the plaine compassed as with a strong wall by mountaines neere enough and watred with the riuer of Loyer that taking his head not far from thence passeth almost thorow the middest yet neither violent nor muddy but sweet and peaceable Many other riuers run there in diuers places washing them with their cleere streames but one of the fayrest is Lignon which wandring in his course and doubting of his original goes creeping thorow this plaine among the high mountaynes of Ceruieres and of Chalmaset as farre as Flens where Loyer receiuing it and causing it to lose his name carries it for tribute to the Ocean Now on the banks of these pleasant riuers a man may see alwaies store of shepheards that what for the goodnesse of the ayre what for the fertility of the soyle and their owne sweete nature they liue in so great good fortune that they take small knowledge of fortune And be assured that they need not enuy the contentment of the former age if loue would as well haue suffered them to conserue their felicity as the heauens were truly prodigall vnto theÌ„ but being asleep in their repose they submitted themselues to this flatterer who shortly after turned his authority into tyranny Celadon was one of them that felt it to the quicke ouertaken in such sort with the perfections of Astrea that the hatred that was betweene their parents could not hinder him from losing himselfe wholy in her And it is true that if in the losse of himselfe a man may gaine any thing that may content him he may call himselfe happy to bee so luckily lost to get the good will of Astrea who hauing assurance of his loue would not requite it with ingratitude but rather with a mutuall affection with which she entertayned his loue and seruice So that if you see any change betweene them afterwards you are to thinke that the heauens permitted it onely to manifest that there is nothing constant but inconstancy onely durable in her changes For hauing liued happily enough the space of three yeeres when they least feared the mischieuous accident that befel them they found themselues cast by the treasons of Semire into the profound misfortunes of Loue so that Celadon desirous to hide his affection to deceiue the importunity of their parents who out of an ancient hatred betweene them interrupted by what meanes they could their amorous designes enforced himselfe to make shew that the accompt he had of this shepheardesse was rather ordinary then particular A deuice truly good enough if Semire had not maâ—â—â—iâ—usly disguised it grounding vpon this dissimulation the treason by which he deceiued Astrea for which afterwards she paid such sorrow so much
griefe and so many teares By fortune one day the amorous shepheard hauing risen very early to intertaine his thoughts leauing his flocks to fresh pastures went to sit downe on the banke of the winding riuer of Lignon waiting for the comming of the faire shepheardesse who stayed not long after him for being kept waking with an ouer-thoughtfull suspition she had not closed her eyes all the night By that time the Sun began to gild the tops of the mountaynes of Isour and Marsellyes the shepheard might perceiue from far a flock which within a while he knew to belong to Astrea for besides that Melampe the so beloued dog of his shepheardesse came fawning on him as soone as it saw him he noted that the sheepe which his Mistris made so much of had not that morning the ribons of diuers colours which it was wont to weare on the head in fashion of a garland because the shepheardesse ouercharged with deepe displeasure had not the leasure to dresse it vp after her manner shee followed after with a soft pace as a man might iudge by her behauiour she had somewhat in her mind that much rauished her and so intirely tooke vp her thoughts that whether of neglect or otherwise passing hard by the shepheard shee cast not her eyes to the place where hee was and went to sit downe farre enough from him on the banke of the riuer Celadon not much heeding it supposed she saw him not or that she went to seeke him where he was accustomed to attend her hearding his flocks with his sheep-hooke draue towards her who beeing set vnder an olde tree her elbow resting on her knees and her hand sustaining her head seemed so pensiue that if Celadon had not beene bewitched with his owne misfortune he might easily haue perceiued that this sadnesse could not grow but from an opinion of the change of his loue al other displeasures being vnable to work so sad pensiue thoughts But for that a misfortune vnexpected is most difficult to be borne I thinke fortune purposed suddainely to assault him that she might robbe him of all meanes of resistance Not knowing then the mis-hap that was so neere after he had made choyce of a commodious place for his sheepe neerest to the flocke of his shepheardesse he came to her to giue her the good morrow full of contentment that he had met with her whom she answered both with countenance and speech so coldly that the winter brings not with it more chilnesse and frost The shepheard that was not wont to see her in these tearmes grew much astonished at it and though hee did not forecast the greatnesse of his disgrace such as he found afterwards yet the doubt that hee had offended her whom he loued so filled him with sorrow that the least part of it was enough to take away his life But if the shepheardesse had vouchsafed to heare him or if her iealous suspition had suffered her to consider what a suddaine change the coldnesse of her answer caused in his countenance out of question the knowledge of such an effect had made her lose all her mistrust but it must not be that Celadon prooue a Phoenix of good fortune as he was of loue nor that fortune doe him more fauour then other men whom shee neuer leaues long in assurance of contentment Hauing then stayed some while thus pensiue at last hee came to himselfe and turning his eye toward his shepheardesse he saw by hap that shee beheld him but with a looke so sad that it left no kinde of comfort in his soule so forgetfull had the doubt wherein he was made him They were so neere the riuer of Lignon that the shepheard might haue touched it with his hooke and the streame held so strong a course that all glorious and charged with the spoyles of his bankes hee descended very mainely into the Loyre The place where they were set was a piece of earth somewhat mounted against which the fury of the water beat in vaine sustained in the bottome with a naked rock but on the top couered with a little mosse From this place the shepheard struck the riuer with his hooke wherewith he raised not more drops of water then he found diuers sorts of thoughts that assayled him which dashing on him like water were no sooner come then they were driuen away by others more violent There was no one action of his life nor one thought of his that he called not into his minde to enter into accompt with and to know wherein hee had offended but not being able to charge any one of them his Loue constrained him to demand of her the cause of her anger She that either saw not his actions or if shee saw them construed them to the disaduantage of the shepheard went forward to fire his heart with a more burning despight so that when he would haue opened his mouth she would not giue him leasure to bring forth his first words without interruption saying Is it not enough perfidious and dissoyall shepheard to deceiue and coozen the party that deserues it so little but that going forward in thy vnfaithfulnesse thou stickest not to abuse her that hath obliged thee to al faire courses How haue you the hardnesse to come in my sight when you haue so much offended me How dare you shew without blushing that dissembling countenance which hides a soule so double and forsworne Go go deceiue another faithlesse be gone and addresse thy selfe to some one to whom thy perfidious dealings are vnknowne and no longer thinke thou canst disguife thy selfe to me that haue found too much to my cost the effects of thy vnfaithfulnesse and treasons In what case this faithfull shepheard was he which hath truly loued may best iudge if euer such a reproch hath beene vniustly fastned on him Hee fell on his knees pale and gastly like a man dead Is this faire shepheardesse said he to try me or to cause mee to despaire Neither for the one nor other said she but for the truth there being no necessity to try a thing so well knowne Ah! said the shepheard why haue I not put this vnlucky day out of my life It had beene for the good of vs both said shee that not one day but all the dayes that I haue seene thee had beene put out both of thine and mine It is true that thy actions haue made me hold my selfe discharged of one thing which hauing done displeases me more then thy vnfaithfulnesse That if the remembrance of that which is passed betweene vs which I desire for euer might be defaced haue left mee any power bee gone dissoyall and haue a care I see thee not vntill I command otherwise Celadon would haue replyed but loue which vsually heareth readily enough at this time for his great hurt had stopped his eares and for that she would haue beene gone he was constrayned to hold her by the garment saying vnto her I keepe you not back
least of your desires Then the shepheardesse answered in choler Let vs leaue this discourse Licidas and thinke it cannot turne to your brothers benefit but if he haue beguiled me and left me displeased that I no sooner found out his deceits and craft he is gone with a great spoyle and faire markes of his vnfaithfulnesse You make me amazed replied Licidas wherein haue you found that which you reproach him with Shepheard added Astrea the story would be too long and grieuous content your selfe if you know it not you onely are in ignorance and all along this riuer of Lignon there is not a shepheard but can tell you that Celadon loued in a thousand places and not to goe farre yesterday I heard with mine owne eares the discourse of loue which he had to his Aminthe for so he called her whereto I had made longer stay but for shame and to tell true I had some businesse else-where that stood mee more vpon Then Licidas as one transported cries out I will no more enquire the cause of my brothers death it is your iealousie Astrea and iealousie grounded on great reason to be the cause of so great euill Alas Celadon at this time I see well thy prophecies fall out true of thy suspitions when thou saidest this wench will put thee to so much paine that it will cost thee thy life yet knewest thou not on which side this blow should be giuen Afterward addressing himselfe to the shepheardesse Is it credible said he Astrea that this disease is so great that it can make you forget the commandements which you haue so often enioyned him I can witnesse that fiue or sixe times at the least he hath falne on his knees before you to entreat you reuoke them Doe you not remember that when he came out of Italy it was one of your first ordinances and that within yonder bowre where I saw you meete together so often hee besought you to award him death much rather then to make shew to loue any other Astrea would he say while I liue I shall remember the very words it is not for that I refuse but because I am vnable to obserue this iniunction that I cast my selfe at your feete and beseech you that to make proofe what power you haue ouer me you command me to die rather then to ferue any other whomsoeuer but Astrea And you answered him my sonne I require this proofe of your loue and not your death which cannot be without mine owne for besides I know it is most hard to you yet will it bring vs a commodity which we especially are to looke after which is to shut vp both the eyes and mouthes of the most curious and reproachfull whether hee oftentimes replied hereto and whether hee made all the refusall which the obedience to which his affection bound him vnto you might permit I referre to your selfe if you haue the minde to remember it so farre am I from thinking he euer disobeyed you but for this onely cause and in truth it was so heauy an imposition that at all times when he returned from the place where he was enforced to dissemble he was compelled to take his bed as if he came from some great piece of seruice and there he would rest himselfe some while and then he vndertooke it afresh But now Astrea my brother is dead so it is whether you beleeue it or not beleeue it it will doe him neither good nor hurt so that you are not to thinke that I speake to you in his behalfe but onely for the truths sake yet may you credit me as you thinke good if I sweare vnto you that it is not aboue two daies since I found him engrauing of verses on the barke of these trees that stand by the great meddow on the left hand of the Beech and I assure my selfe that if you will vouchsafe to turne your eyes you may perceiue it was he that cut them for you may too well know his characters if forgetfull of him and of his passed seruices you haue not lost the remembrance of whatsoeuer concernes him but I am assured the gods will not suffer it for his satisfaction and your punishment The verses are these MADRIâ—AL I Haue my selfe at such a bent Although my Loue be violent That I can gaine this fauour small To say I doe not loue at all But to dissemble loue else-where Tâ— adore an eye the conquering part As I doe yours with trembling feare I know not how to haue the hart And if it must be that I die Dispach me hence then presently It may be some seuen or eight daies past that hauing had occasion to go for a time ouer the riuer of Loyre by way of answer he wrote me a letter which I am willing you should see and if in reading it you confesse not his innocency I will beleeue that you haue purposely lost for his sake all kinde of iudgement and then taking it out of his pocket he read it to her It was thus INquire no more what I doe but know that I continue alwaies in my ordinary paine To loue and not to dare shew it not to loue and sweare the contrary deare brother is all the exercise or rather the punishment of thy Celadon They say true contraries cannot be at one time in one place yet Loue and dissembled loue are ordinarily in my actions but wonder not at it for I am compelled to the one out of perfection and to the other by the commandement of Astrea If you thinke this manner of life strange remember that Miracles are the ordinary workes of gods and what would you my Goddesse should worke in me but Miracles It was long before Astrea would answer because the words of Licidas had almost put her beside her selfe So it was that iealousie which as yet helâ— some force in her soule made her take the paper as doubting if Celadon writ it And although she well knew it was he yet argued she the contrary in her mind following the custome of many moe persons who will alwaies strongly maintaine a thing as if it were their opinion And much about that time came diuers shepheards from seeking Celadon where they found no notice of him but his hat which was nothing to the sad Astrea but a fresh renewing of sorrow And because she remembred her selfe of a sleight which loue made them deuise and she was loth it should be knowne she made signe to Phillis to take it and then euery one betooke them to their lamentations and praises of the poore shepheard and there was not any that repeated not some vertuous action onely she that felt most was inforced to fit mute and to make lesse shew knowing well that the maine wisedome in loue is to hold affection hidden or at least not to discouer it vnprofitably And because the violence she did her selfe herein was great and she could hold out no longer she drew neere to Phillis and prayed her
couered with teares Stanzaes on the death of Cleon. THe beauty which to cinders death doth turne Despoyling it of mortall state so soone Like lightning mounts and doth like fire burne So short a life hath so great beauty wonne Those eyes late authors of sweete vndertakings From more deare Loues are clos'd for euer fast Faire eyes that were of such a wondrous making That none beheld but lou'd them e're they past If this be true beauty from vs departs Loue vanquish'd weepes that conquered heretofore And she that gaue life to a thousand hearts Is dead yet liues in my heart euermore What good henceforth is worthy of our loue Since perfectest is soonest ranisht still As shaddow doth after the body mooue So euery good is seconded with ill Cleon it seemes thy destiny hath sworne Euen in thy East to finish vp thy day And that thy beauty dead as soone as borne Should meete her coffin in her cradles way No thou diest not it is much rather I Since all my life I liuing tooke from thee If louers life in thing beloued lie I hauing lou'd thee thou reuiu'st in me So if I liue Loue giues the world to know That his command he can to death impart Or being God his mighty power to shew Makes Louer liue without or soule or heart But Cleon if the will of Fate be so Of humane frailty that the smart you trie Loue wils to yours my fortune equall grow You by my plaints I by your death doe die Thus I powre forth my plaints that new life brings Death to surprise my sorrow being lame And my two eyes changed to lasting springs Bewaile mine ill but cannot lesse the same When Loue with me to shew compassion Laments this faire losse whence my paines dâ—still Drâ—e saith he teares mourne in another fashion So much all teares are lesser then our ill Licidas and Phillis were very curious to know the griefe of this shepheard if their own would haue giuen them leaue but seeing he had as much need of consolation as themselues they would not ioyne another mans euill to their owne and so leauing the other shepheards attentiue to finde it out they held on their way no man following them for the desire euery one had to know what this vnknowne company might be Licidas was not gone far before they heard another voice some good way off which seemed to come towards them and they willing to harken were hindred by the shepheardesse who held the shepheards head in her lap with these complaints Well thou cruell well shepheard without pitty how long shall this obstinate humour of thine indure against my prayers How long hast thou determined that I should be disdained and contemned for a thing that is not and for the sake of one dead I should bee depriued of that which cannot profit it Consider Tyrcis consider thou Idolater of the dead and enemy to the liuing what the perfection of my loue is and begin at last begin to loue the person that liues and not them that are dead whom you must leaue in rest to God and not disquiet their happy cinders with vnprofitable teares and take heed lest in holding on thus you draw not on you the vengeance of your cruelty and iniustice The shepheard not turning his eyes to her answered coldly Would to God faire shepheardesse I might be suffered to giue you satisfaction with my death for to free you and my selfe also of the payne wherein we are I would choose it rather then my life but since as you haue told me this were but to increase your griefe I beseech thee Laonice enter into thy selfe and consider how small reason thou hast to make my deare Cleon dye twice It is sufficient since my mis-hap will haue it so that she hath once paid the tribute of her humanity then if after her death she be reuiued in me by force of my loue why cruell will you haue her dye againe by the forgetfulnesse which a new loue will cause in my soule No no shepheardesse your reproaches shall neuer haue such power ouer me to make me to consent to so wicked a counsell because that which you call cruelty I name faithfulnesse and that which you thinke worthy punishment I iudge it to deserue high commendation I haue told you that in my Tombe the memory of my Cleon shall liue by my bones that which I haue sayd to you I haue a thousand times sworne to the immortall gods and to this faire soule which is now with them and thinke you that they will suffer Tyrcis to goe vnpunished if forgetfull of his oath he become vnfaithfull Ah! I shall sooner see the heauens cast forth their lightning on my head then euer offend either my oath or my deare Cleon. She would haue replied but that then the shepheard that went on singing interrupted them by comming vpon them with these verses The Song of Hylas IF she disdaine me then adew I leaue the cruell with her scorne Not staying till the morrow morne Before I chuse a mistrisse new It were a fault my selfe to pine By force to draw her loue to mine They for the most part are so wise They make no reckoning of our loues Wherein their heart a fire moues But that the flame must not arise So that we kindle other fires While we pursue our owne desires The ouer-faithfull vow-keeper Abused by his loyalty Loues beauty stuft with cruelty Seemes be not I doll worshipper That from an Image nothing strong Neuer findes succor for his wrong They say Who open passage leaue To be importunde euery day At last must giue himselfe away But so we little good receiue When we may easly meete some one To be importunate vpon These Louers lo that faithfull are Are alwaies full of dolorous feares Deepe sighes complaints and showring teares Are commonly their daintiest fare It seemes the Louers chiefest part Is onely to weepe out his heart A man how can you call him well That manly honour layd aside Cries like a boy cannot abide Apples losse or Wall-nuts-shell May you not rather call him foole That loues such displing in Loues schoole But I who all such follies flye That nothing bring with them but care By others harmes warn'd to beware Doe alwaies vse my liberty And am not discontent at all That they doe me inconstant call At these last verses the shepheard was come so neere to Tyrcis that he might discerne the teares of Laonice and because though they were strangers yet they knew one the other and to busie them a while by the way the shepheard knowing the sorrow of Laonice and Tyrcis rowsed himselfe to accost them in this manner O desolate shepheard for by reason of this sadde time of life such was the name that euery man gaue him if I should be like you I should thinke my selfe most vnhappy Tyrcis hearing him speake rose vp to answer him And I Hylas if I were in your place how might you call me vnhappy
in me certayne sparkles of goodwill to him How Madam said Leonide will you loue a shepheard Do you not remember who you are I do so Leonide said she I remember my selfe well enough but you must also know that these shepheards are as good as Druides or Knights their Nobility is as great as others being all descended from the antiquity of the same stocke so that the exercise where to they addict themselues cannot make vs others then we are from our birth so that if this shepheard be wel borne why should not I think him as worthy of me as any other Finally Madam said she he is a shepheard how euer you disguise him In fine said Galathee he is an honest man how euer you will qualifie him But Madam answered Leonide you that are so great a Nymph the Lady after Amasis of all these goodly Countries wil you haue a minde so base to loue a man borne of the meaner sort of people a clowne a shepheard a fellow of no worth My friend replyed Galathee leaue these reproches and remember that Enone made her selfe a shepheardesse for Paris and when she had lost him she lameuted and wept away in hot teares Madame said Leonide he was the sonne of a King and besides the errour of another ought not to cause you to fall into the same fault If it be a fault answered she I referre my selfe to the gods who haue counselled me by the Oracle of their Druide but that Celadon is not borne of as good bloud as Paris my friend thou hast no brayn if thou sayst so for are they not sprung of one originall Moreouer haue you not heard what Siluie talkt of him and his father You must know that they are not shepheards for not hauing meanes to liue otherwise but to buy by this sweete life an honest quietnesse And how Madame reioyned Leonide haue you also forgot the affection and seruices of the gentle Lindamaur I would not said Galathee that forgetfulnesse should be the reward of his seruices neither would I also that the loue Lought to bear him should be the ruine of all my contentments Ah Madame said Leonide remember how faithfull he hath beene Ah my friend said Galathee consider that this is the way to be eternally vnhappy For my part answered Leonide I shrug with my shoulders at these iudgements of loue and know not what to say but onely that extreme affection and intire fidelitie the employment of an whole age and a continuall seruice should not be so long receiued or receiued deserue to be payd with other money then a change For Gods sake Madame consider how deceitfull they are that tell other mens fortunes that for the most part they are but sleight imaginations which their dreames brought forth for the most part lying that of an hundred accidents which they fore-tell hardly one falls out to be true and for the most part ignorant since busying themselues to know the fortune of another they cannot finde their own And doe not you for the fantasticall discourse of this fellow make so miserable the man that is so deare to you Set before your eyes how hee loues you in what dangers he hath beene thrust into for you what combate he had with Polemas and what his despaire hath bin what griefes doe you now prepare for him and what deathes will you cause him â—oinuent for his destruction if he haue knowledge of this Galathee wagging her head answered her You see Leonide the businesse is not now about the choyce of Lindamaur or Polemas as here to fore but of my wel or euil doing The considerations which you haue are good to you whom my misfortune touches not but by way of compassion yet to me they are exceeding dangerous since it is not for a day but for euer that this misfortune threatens me If I were in your place and you in mine it may be I would aduise you as you doe me But vndoubtedly an euerlasting misfortune terrifies me as for the lyes of these men you speake of I will beleeue for your sake that it may be it will not so fall out yet it may be also that it will fall out and then tell me I pray you thinke you that party for wise that for the contentment of another wil leaue on the ballance it may be all his good or euill If you loue me hold not on this discourse otherwise I must thinke that you respect more the contentment of Lindamaur then mine And touching him make no question but he will seeke his consolation by some other meanes then death for both reason and time are both soueraigne helpes to this fury and indeed how many haue you seene of these great despairers vpon like occasion that some while after haue not repented of their despaires Thus did these faire Nymphs discourse when far off they saw Siluie returne from whom because she was so yong Galathee was desirous to conceale it as I said This was the cause she cut off her discourse so short yet she forbare not to say to Leonide If euer you loued me you would make it appeare to me at this time since it is not only far from my contentment but from my felicity also Leonide could not answere her because Siluie was so neere that she might ouerheare Being come Galathea knew that Celadon was awake for at the doore she heard him grone and sigh And it was true for in a while after they were gone out of the chamber he waked suddenly and because the Sun shone full on his bed thorow the glasse at the opening of his eyes he was so dazeled and confounded with so great brightnesse that he knew not where he was the trauaile of the day passed had so weakned him yet by this time he felt no maner of grief so that calling into his mind his fall into Lignon and the opinion that hee had had a little before of being dead seeing himselfe now in so confused a brightnesse he knew not what to iudge except it were that Loue had taken him vp into heauen for a reward of his faithfulnesse and that which abused him more in this point was that when his sight began to extend it selfe hee saw nothing about him but the deckings of gold and of lightsome pictures with which all the roome was adorned which his feeble eyes could not as yet discerne from counterfait On the one side hee saw Saturne leaning on his sickle with his haire long his forehead rough his eyes hollow his nose hooked like an Egle his mouth dropping with bloud full with the morsels of his children whereof he held one halfe eaten in his left hand in which in the opening which he had made on the side with his teeth a man might see the lights as it were to pant and the heart to tremble A sight indeed full of cruelty for that child had the head writhed ouer the shoulders the arme hanging forward and the legs stretching out
so that she went on since the place is taken I see a double difficulty arise against our enterprise This happy shepheardesse hath much offended him and a generous heart will hardly suffer a disdaine without any sence of it Madam answered Leonide on the one side I wish you were contented and on the other I am well pleased with the discōmodities for you do your selfe so much wrong if you continue thus that I know not if euer you can deface it Thinke you though you be neuer so secret that this life of yours will not bee knowne and what will become of you if it be discouered the iudgement which was neuer wanting in the rest of your actions is it possibile that in this accident it should faile you what would you iudge of another that should lead this life You will answer you do no euill Ah Madam it is not sufficient for a person of your quality to bee voyd of crime but you be so also of blame If this were a man worthy of you I could brook it wel but though Celadon be one of the chiefe of this country yet is he but a shepheard and is knowne for no other And this vaine opinion of good or ill lucke shall it haue such power ouer you that it shall so much abate your courage that you will equall these keepers of sheepe these Rusticks and these halfe-Sauages to yourselfe for Gods sake come to your selfe and consider with what minde I speake these words She had gone forward had not Galathee in choler interrupted her I haue told you I would not haue you vse this discourse I know not on what I shall resolue when I aske your counsell giue it me and once for al talke no more to me of it if you will not displease me At this word she turned on the other side in such furie that Leonide knew well she had throughly angred her Indeed there is nothing strikes more to the quicke then to oppose honor against Loue for though all the reasons of Loue be vanquished yet will Loue stil be strong in his will Soone after Galathee turnes againe and sayes I neuer thought till now that you had had a minde to be my gouernor but now I begin to haue such a beliefe that you figure such a thing to your selfe Madam answered she I neuer mistooke my selfe so much but I know what I owe to you but since you take in so ill part that which my duty made me speake I protest from henceforth I will neuer giue you occasion for this cause to enter into choler against me This is a strange thing in you replied Galathee that you must alwayes haue reason in your opinion what likelihood is there that any should know that Celadon is here There are no more then we three Merill my Nurse his mother as for Merill he goes not forth and besides he hath discretion enough for his age for my Nurse her fidelity is well knowne to me and it is partly by her desire that all is thus carried for as hauing told her what the Druide foretold me she that loues me more tenderly then if I were her owne child counselled me not to contemne this aducrtisement and because I propounded the difficulty of the great number which would resort to the place where I am her selfe aduised me to make shewe that I would take phisicke And what is your purpose sayd Leonide To worke so answered she that this shepheard may wish me well and till that be not to let him go away that if once he come to loue me I may leaue the direction of the rest to Fortune Madame sayd Leonide God giue you all the contentment you desire But suffer me to tell you this once you go about to ruine your selfe in your reputation What time must there bee to the rooting out of an affection so thorowly grounded which he beares to Astrea whose beauty and vertue they say is without a second But presently interrupted the Nymph She scornes him she is angry with him she hath driuen him away thinke you not he will haue courage enough to leaue her Oh! Madam put this out of your hopes said Leonide if he haue no coragē he will neuer feele this and if he haue a man generous will neuer turne aside for the difficulties Remember your selfe for example how many contempts haue you layd on Lindamer and how cruelly haue you handled him and what hath he done the lesse for these disdaines or cruelties But be it so that Celadon because he is a shepheard haue not the courage of Lindamor and that he hath bentat the blowes of Astrea what good hope you there of thinke you that a spirit once deceiued will easily be deceiued the second time in one kind No no Madam howsoeuer he be both by birth conuersation of the homelier sort yet can he not be so but he wil dread the fire when the smart of it is yet in his soule There must be and that is it which you may best hope for some time allowed to heale him soundly of this burning before he can turne his eyes vpon some such like obiect And what time will it aske and in the meane time can it be possible to let but that the gard which is in the base court will come to the knowledge of it or in seeing him for you cannot alwaies keepe him close in one chamber or by the prattle of Merill who as discreet as he is for his age yet is but a child Leonide said shee cease to trauell longer in this businesse my resolution is such as I told you if you wil make me beleeue you loue me fauour my designe in what you may and for the rest referre it to my care This morning if the weakenesse of Celadon permit it mee thought yesterday he was reasonable well you may lead him into the garden for this day I finde my selfe not well and I shall hardly rise out of my bed tell towards night Leonide being very sad gaue no other answere but that she would be ready to do that that might be to her content While they were thus discoursing Meril did his message and hauing found the shepheard awake gaue him the good morrow in the name of the Nymph and presented to him the papers Oh! how presently he raised himselfe in the bed he made him open the curtaines and windowes not hauing the leasure to rise such haste he made to see that which had cost him so much sorrow Hee opened the little bag and after hee had many times kissed it O secretary said he of my life most happy how camest thou into the hands of strangers At this word he layd all the letters on the bed that he might see if he wanted any one he placed them in their order according to the time he receiued them and seeing there remained a little scrowle he opened it and read these words CEladon I would have you know that Galathee
loues you and that the heauens haue permitted the disdaine of Astrea for that they like not that a shepheardesse should any longer possesse that which a Nymph desires acknowledge your good hap and refuse it not The astonishment of the shepheard was great notwithstanding seeing that Merill obserued his actions he would make no shew of it Then locking them againe together and lying downe in his bed he asked who gaue them to him I tooke them said he out of my Ladyes deske and but for the desire I had to put you out of the paine wherein I saw you I durst not haue gone for them for that she is not well at ease And who is with her demanded Celadon The two Nymphs which you saw yesterday where of the one is Leonide the Niece of Adamas the other is Siluie the daughter of Diante the glorious and indeed she is not his daughter without reason for shee is the most lofty in her behauiour that you shall lightly see So receiued Celadon the first aduertisement of the good will of Galathee for though there were neither cipher nor seale to the scroule hee had receiued yet iudged he that it would not haue beene done without her knowledge And then he fore-saw that this would be a surcharge to his sorrowes and that he must vndergoe it Seeing then that halfe of the day was almost passed and finding himselfe in good case he would keepe no longer in bed thinking that the sooner he left it the sooner he might take his leaue of these faire Nymphs And being risen in this deliberation as he was ready to goe out to walke he met with Leonide and Siluie whom Galathee not daring to rise nor yet shew her selfe to him for shame of the scroule she had writ had sent to giue him entertainment They went downe into the garden And because Celadon would hide his sorrow he shewed a countenance as pleasant as he could dissemble and seeming to be curious to know euery thing he saw Faire Nymphs said he to them is it not heereabout that the Fountaine of the truth of Loue is I am very willing if it be possible to see it It is hard by answered the Nymph for wee must goe downe but this great Wood. But it is impossible to see it and you must thanke this faire that is the cause poynting to Siluie I know not replyed she why you accuse me For for my part I neuer heard the sword blamed which cut the foole that laid his finger vnder it It is true answered Leonide but if I be not deceiued that which wounds and your beauty are not in the number of those that are seene without homicide Such as it is answered Siluie with a little blushing it hath lynes strong enow euer to let that goe that it hath once tyed vp She said this vpbrayding her with the infidelity of Agis who hauing somtimes loued her for aielousie or for an absence of two months was entirely changed and for Polemas whom another beauty had robbed her of the which she vnderstood well enough So I confesse my sister replyed she my lines are easie to slide but that is because I would neuer take the paine to stiffen them Celadon hearing with great pleasure their prety disputation that they might not breake off too soone he sayd to Siluie Faire Nymph since from you the difficulty proceedes of seeing this admirable Fountain we shall a little be obliged vnto you if from your selfe we know how this fell out Celadon answered the Nymph somewhat smiling You haue businesse enough of your owne without need to search into any other yet if curiosity can haue any place in your loue this prattler Leonide if you request her will tell you the end since without any motion she hath so well told the beginning Sister answered Leonide your beauty makes all them to speake much better that discourse of it and since you giue me leaue to tell of one effect the world should take knowledge of yet lest we too much should trouble the shepheard I wil abridge for this bout as much as I can possibly Not for that interrupted the shepheard but to giue leasure to this Nymph to yeeld you the like Make no doubt of that replied Siluie but according to her vsage of mee I shall see what I haue to doe So what by the one and what by the other Celadon shall learne from their owne mouth their life in particular and that in the deliuery he might better heare them they placed him betweene them and walking a soft pace Leonide beganne in this manner The History of Siluie THey that say that to be beloued there needes nothing but to loue haue not tryed it neither in the eyes nor courage of this Nymph otherwise they were to know that as the water of the Fountaine runs incessantly from the spring so the Loue which rises from this faire wanders from her as farre as it can If when you haue heard the discourse which I am to make to you you will not auerre that that I say I am willing you should accuse me of small iudgement Amasis the mother of Galathee hath a sonne named Clidamon accompanied with all the amiable vertues that a person of his age and quality may haue for he seemeth to be borne to all that pertaine to Armes or Ladyes It is about three yeeres since that to giue some proofe of his gentle nature with the permission of Amasis he became seruant to al the Nymphs and that not by election but by lot For hauing put all the names of the Nymphs into a vessell and all the young Knights into another before all the assembly he tooke the youngest among vs and the youngest among them to the man he gaue the vessell of the Nymphs and to the mayd that of the men And then after the sound of the trumpets the Youth drew and the first name that came out was Siluie and the same instant the lot was drawne by the youngest Nymph who drew that of Clidamon Great was the applause of euery one but greater the gentlenesse of Clidamon who after he had receiued the scroule came with one knee on the ground to kisse the hands of this faire Nymph who out of shamefastnesse would not suffer him without the commandement of Amasis who said it was the least part of seruice that was due vnto her in the honour of so great a god as Loue. After her all the rest were called to some it fell out as they desired to others not so it was that Galathee had a most accomplished person named Lindamor who as then was but lately come from the Army of Meroue As for mine he was called Agis the most inconstant and deceitfull that euer was Now of those that were thus bestowed some serued onely in shew others of good will ratified to these faire the deuotion which fortune had made of them and they that maintained themselues best were such as before had conceiued some affection
without any likelihood of hope but that which I haue told you vntill the time that Clidaman was chosen by fortune to serue her then he had almost lost resolution and had it not beene that he knew by me that he should be no better vsed I know not what would haue become of him Yet though this gaue him some comfort the greatnesse of his Riuall gaue him more of iealousie I remember once he gaue me this answer vpon that which I told him that he should not grieue so much for Clidaman Faire Nymph answered he I will freely tell you whence my care proceeds and then iudge if I haue wrong It is long time since I haue prooued that Siluie cannot be mooued neither by fidelity of affection nor by extremity of Loue that it is without doubt that she will neuer bee wounded on that side Notwithstanding as I haue learned of the wise Adamas your vnckle euery person is subiect to one certaine force the stroke whereof they cannot auoyd when ought it is touched And what may I think may be that of this faire if it be not the greatnesse and power and as I feare the fortune not the merits of Clidaman his greatnes and not his affection But indeed herein he hath wrong for neither the loue of Ligdamon nor the greatnesse of Clidaman can euer mooue one glance of good will in Siluie And beleeue not but loue reserues her for an example to others purposing to punish her by some vnusuall meanes Now at that time there fel out a great testimony of her beauty or at least of the force she hath to make her beloued It was the day so celebrated which euery yeere we make holy the sixt of the Moone of Iuly and on which Amasis vsed to make that solemne sacrifice as well for the honour of the Feast as for being the day of Galathees brith When they were at Sacrifice there came into the Temple a number of men clad in mourning in the middest of whom was a Knighr so full of Maiesty aboue the rest that he was easily iudged to be their master He was so sad and melancholy that it appeared that he had somewhat in his soule that troubled him His habite blacke infashion of a mantle trayning on the ground which kept the beauty of his proportion from sight but his face vncouered and his head bare the haire where of yellow and crisped shamed the Sun drew the eyes of all men to him He came with a stately pace to the place where Amasis was and after he had kissed her robe he withdrew waiting till the sacrifices were done and by fortune whether good or bad for him I know not he stood right ouer-against Siluie A strange effect of loue He had no sooner set his eyes vpon her but he knew her though he neuer saw her before and to be better assured he demanded of one of his followers who knew vs all his answer was accompanted with a deepe sigh from the stranger and all the while the sacrifice lasted his eye neuer went off her At last the sacrifice being ended Amasis returnes to her Palace where audience being giuen him he spake before them all in this sort Madam though the mourning you see in my garments be much more blacke in my soule yet can it not equall the cause I haue And though my losse be excreme yet thinke I not I am the onely man that haue lost for you are particularly weakned in your faithfull seruants of one which it may be was not the least affectioned nor the most vnprofitable in your seruice This consideration hath made me hope to obtaine of you some reuenge of his death against his murderer But since I entred into this Temple I haue lost all hope iudging that if the desire of reuenge die in me that am the brother of the wronged by much stronger reasou should it shrinke in you Madame in whom the compassion of the dead and the seruice which he vowed you may without more adoe cause some good will to arise Notwithstanding since I see the armes of my brothers murderer prepared already against me not to auoyd such a death but to instruct others I will tell you as briefly as I can the fortune of him whom I lament Though Madame I haue not the honor to be knowne to you yet I assure my self that at the naming of my brother who neuer loued but your seruice you will acknowledge me for your most humble seruant His name was Aristander and we were both the sonnes of that great Cleâ—mire which for your seruice visited so often the Tyber the Rhine the Danuâ—y and for that I was the younger it may be about nine yeers as soone as he saw me able to beare Armes he sent me into the Army of the great Meroue the delight of men and the most pleasing Prince that euer came into Gaule To tell you why my father sent me rather to Meroue then to Thierry King of the Visigots or to that of the Burgonyans it will be hard for me Yet I am of opinion it was that I might not serue a Prince so neere your estates that fortune might make your enemy So it was that my successe was such that Childerick his sonne a Prince warlike and of great hope seeing me neere about his age was pleased more especially to fauour me with his loue then any other When I came first to him it was about the time that great and wise Aetius treated of a peace with Meroue and the Franks for so he called all that followed him to resist that scourge of God Attilla king of the Huns who hauing gathered together from the Desarts of Asia an incredible number of people euen to 500000. fighting men discended like a deluge sacking furiously all the countrys where he passed and though this Aetius Lieutenant generall in Gaule of Valentinian was come with a purpose to make war on Meroue who during the gouernmeÌ„t of Castinus was possest of a part of Gaule yet thought he it better to make him his friend and the Visigots Burgonians like wise rather then to be ouerthrowne by Attilla who lately hauing trauersed in Germany was about the baÌ„ks of Rine where he stayd not long without aduancing himselfe so into Gaule that he besieged the towne of Orleance where the coÌ„ming of Thierry king of the Visigots made him raise his siege take another way but beset by Meroue Aetius with their coÌ„federates in the field of Cathalona he was defeated more by the valiance of the Franks the wisedom of Meroue then all the other force Since Aetius hauing bene killed it may be by the commandement of his master for some discontentment Meroue was receiued at Paris Orleance Sens other neighbour townes for Lord and King and all that people haue since borne him such affection that they wil not only be his but cause theÌ„selues to be called by the name of Franks to please him the
better their country in stead of Gaul take the name of Frannce While I was entred into armes among the Franks the Gauls the Romans the Burgonians the Visigots and the Huns my brother was among them of loue armes so much the more offensiue for that they turne all their blowes vpon the heart his disaster was such if now I may bee suffered to cal itso that being bred vp by Clidaman he saw the faire Siluie but seeing her hee saw his death also not hauing liued since that but as drawing towards his tombe t◠tell you the cause I cannot for being with Childerick I knew nothing but that my brother was in extremity though I found al the cōtentments that might be as being regarded of my Master beloued of my companions cherished and honored generally of all for a certaine good opinion they conceiue of me for affaires that fell out which it may be got me with them more authority credit then my age and capacity might merit I could not knowing the sicknesse of my brother stay longer time with Childerick but taking leaue of him promising him to returne very shortly I came backe with the haste that my loue required As soone as I was come many ranne to tell him that Guymantes was come for so they call me His loue gaue him strength enough to lift vp himselfe in his bed he imbraced me with the most intire affection that one brother could do to another It would serue but to trouble you and wound my selfe afresh to recount vnto you the things which our amity wrought betweene vs. So it was that either 2. or 3. daies after my brother was brought to that extremity that he could hardly draw his breath and yet that cruell loue inclined him more to sighing then to the necessity hee had of breathing and in all his raging fits we could heare nothing but the name of Siluie I to whom the displeasure of his death was so violent that I could hardly dissemble wished so much euill to this vnknowne Siluie that I could not hold from cnrsing her which when my brother heard and his affection as yet greater then his disease hee enforced himselfe to speake this Brother if you will not bee my greatest enemy for beare I beseech you these imprecations which cannot but displease mee much more then my disease I had much rather not bee at all then that they should take effect and being vnprofitable what will it auaile you vnlesse it be to witnesse to me how much you hate that which I loue I know well my losse will trouble you and therein I haue more feeling of our separation then of my end But since euery man is borne to dye why with me do you not thanke the heauens which haue chosen me the fairest death and the most faire murderer that euer man had The extremity of my affection and the extremity of the vertue of Siluie are the armes by which her beauty is serued to put me into my griefe and why do you bewaile me wish euill to her to whom I wish more good then to my soule I thinke hee would haue said more but his strength failed and I more wet with teares of pitty then when against Attila I was all on a sweat vnder my armor and my armes sprinkled with bloud all ouer me Brother she that takes you from yours is the most vniust that euer was and if she be faire the gods haue done the iniustice in her for either they should haue changed her face or her heart Then Aristander hauing gotten a little more strength replied to me For Gods sake Guymantes blaspheme no more in this sort beleeue that Siluie hath an heart answerable to her face that as the one is full of beauty so the other is of vertue that if for louing her I die doe not you wonder because that if the eye cannot without dazeling abide the beames of one Sun without cloudy how may not my soule remaine dazeled at the beames of so many Suns which glister in this faire that if I haue scarce tasted such diuinities without death I may haue the contentment of him that dies to see Iupiter in his diuinity I would tell you that as her death giues witnesse that no other had euer seene so much of diuinity as shee so that no man euer loued so much of beauty nor so much of vertue as I. Now I that came from an exercise that made mee beleeue there was no loue forced but voluntary with which men go on flattering themselues in idlenesse said to him Is it possible that one sole beauty should be the cause of your death My brother answered he I am in such extremity that I thinke I cannot answere your demands but said he on taking me by the hand for brotherly loue and for our particular which binds vs yet faster I adiure you to promise me one gift I did so Then he said on Beare as from me this kisse to Siluy and then he kissed my hand and obserue that which you finde of my last will and when you see this Nympho you shall know that which you demand of me At this word with a blast his soule flew vp his body lay cold in my armes The affliction that I felt in this losse as it cannot be imagined but by him that hath beene in it so it cannot be conceiued but by the heart that suffered it and hardly can the word reach that which the thought may not attaine so that without longer abode in bewailing this disaster I wil say Madam that as soone as my dolours would suffer me I haue set my selfe on the way as well to render you the homage which I owe you and to demand iustice of you for the death of Aristander as to fulfill my promise which I made him against his homicide and to present that which by his last will he left in writing to the end that I may call my selfe as iust an obseruer of my word as his affection hath beene inuiolable But at the instant when I was presented before you and that I meant to open my mouth against this murderer I haue found my brothers words so true that not only I excuse his death but desire and require the like This shall bee then Madam with your permission which I will performe and then making a great reuerence to Amasis he chose from among vs Siluie and resting one knee on the ground he said Faire murtherer though on this faire brest there fall but one teare of pitty at the newes of the death of the person which was so much yours you cease not to haue entire honourable victory yet if you iudge that to so many flames which you haue lighted in him so small a drop shall not bee a great asswagement receiue at least the burning kisse which hee bequeaths you when presently his soule turned into this kisse which he set in this faire hand rich indeed with the
spoiles of many other mens liberties but in none more fully then that of his At this word hee kissed her hand and then held on thus after he was risen Among the papers where Aristander put his last Will we haue found this heere and because it is enclosed in the fashion you see and that he directed it to you I bring it you with the protestation which by his testament he commaunded me to make before you open it that if your will be not to grant the request he hath made you he beseecheth you not to reade it at all to the end that as well in death as in life he may not feele the strokes of your cruelty Then he presented her a letter which Siluie troubled with this accident would haue refused but for Amasis commandement And after Guymantes beganne his speech againe thus I haue hitherto performed the last Will of Aristander there remaines that I should pursue vpon his homicide his cruell death but if at another time the offence haue giuen mee the commaund at this time Loue ordaines that my most faire vengeance be the sacrifice of my liberty on the same Altar that yet smokes with that of my brother who being rauished from me when I breathed nothing against you but bloud and death giues witnesse that euery eye that sees you owes you his heart for tribute that vniustly euery man liues that liues not in your seruice Siluie somwhat confounded with this accident stayed some long while from answer so that Amasis tooke the paper which she had in her hand and hauing sayd to Guymantes that Siluie should make answer she withdrew aside with some of vs and breaking the boxe read these words If my affection haue not made my seruice pleasing nor my seruice mine affection at the least eyther this affection shall make my death in you more pittifull or my death assure you of the fidelitie of my affection and that as no man euer loued more of perfections so did neuer any loue with more passion The last testimony which I will giue you shal be the gift by him whom I hold most deare next you who is my brother for I know well what I giue you when I ordaine that he should see you knowing well by experience that it is impossible he should be and not loue you Desire not my sayre murderer that he should be inheritor of my fortune but heare of this that I haue lesse iustly merited of all others then of you He that writ it is a seruant who for hauing lesse of loue then one heart was capable to conceiue would rather die then diminish Amasis then calling Siluie demaunded what so great cruelty she had vsed against Aristander which brought him vnto that extremity The Nymph blushing answered that she knew not whereof he might complaine I would sayd she that you receiue Guymantes into his place then calling him before them all she asked if he would obserue his brothers will He answered Yes so it be not a thing contrary to his affection He requireth this Nymph sayd Amasis to receiue you into his place and that you haue better fortune then he To receiue you I command her for the fortune whereof he speakes it is neyther the prayer nor the commaundement of another that can frame that but the proper merit or the fortune it selfe Guymantes after he had kissed the robe of Amasis came to doe as much to the hands of Siluie in signe of seruitude but she was so displeased with him for the reproches which he had giuen her and with the declaration of his affection that without the commandement of Amasis she would not haue permited him As they were ready to depart Clâ—daman comming from hunting was aduertised of this new seruant of his mistris for which he made so loude a complaint that Amasis and Guymantes hâ—ard him and because he knew not whence it proceeded she told it him and she had scarcely ended when Clidaman snatching at her word complained that she had permitted a thing so much to his disaduantage that this was to call backe those ordinances which the Destinies had chosen for him which none nor she knew how to infringe without life Words which he spake with affection and vehemency because that out of good iudgement he had loued Siluie But Guymantes who besides his new loue had so good an opinion of himselfe that he would giue no place to any person in the world answered addressing his speech to Amasis Madam there be that would not I should be seruant to the faire Siluie they that speake it know little of loue otherwise they would not thinke that your ordinances nor of all the gods together were of sorce sufficient to diuert the course of our affection therefore it is that I declare couertly that if they deny me that which heeretofore hath beene allowed me I shall disobey and turne rebel that no consideration ought to change me And then turning toward Clidaman I know the respect I owe you said he but I feel withal the power that Loue hath ouer me If the Destinies haue giuen you to Siluie her beauty is it that hath gottâ—n me iudge whether of these two gifts ought to be most allowable Clidaman would haue answered when Amasis sayd to him Sonne you haue reason to grieue if they altered our ordinances but they haue not infringed them You were commaunded serue Siluie but they denyed to others Sweet oyntments giue the better smell when they are chased A louer likewise hauing a Riuall giueth more proofe of his merits So Amasis ordayned and now behold Siluie well serued For Guymantes forgot not any thing that his Loue commaunded and Clidaman out of enuy studied to appeare more carefull But aboue all Ligdamon serued her with such discretion and respect that oftentimes he durst not come neere her left he should giue notice of his affection to others And in my minde his seruice was as pleasing as any of the rest But indeed one time he almost lost his patience It happened that Amasis hand lighted on a bodkin made in the shape of a sword wherewith Siluie was wont to raise and dresse her haire and seeing Clidaman neere her she gaue it him to beare to his mistris but he kept it all the day to put Guymantes to some payne He doubted not Ligdamou and see how often one may hurt one man for another for the poyson which was prepared for Guymantes went to the heart of Ligdamon who not being able to dissemble it that knowledge might not be taken of it he withdrew himselfe to his lodging where after he had some-while inâ—enomed his euill by his thoughts he tooke his pen and writ this verse A Madrigall on the Sword of Siliuie in the hands of Clidaman Loue that lay hid in treason Of weapon stain'd with blond But not without all reason Cuts from my hope the good For wanting meanes to pay My heauy seruitudâ— With wages that would way To
intelligences with our soule to suffer it so freely to come neere his powers without suspition of treason The shepheard soone perceiued it but the affection which hee bare to Astrea which yet exceedingly raged would not suffer him to indure this growing loue with patience That was the cause that hee resolued to take his leaue of Galathee when he began to find himselfe somewhat better But as soone as hee opened his mouth about it How is it said shee Celadon are you hardly vsed by me that you will be gone before you be throughly recouerd And when he answerd it was for feare of troubling her and for some busines he was constrained to returne to his Hamlet to assure his parents his friends of his health she interrupted him saying No Celadon doubt not my trouble so I see you want nothing and as for your affaires and friends without me whose company it seems mislikes you much you shall not be in this paine since you will no longer And me thinks the greatest businesse that you haue to do is to satisfie the obligation which you haue to me that your ingratitude should not be smal if you grudge mee some moments of your life which you hold all of mee Henceforth you must not fet your eies on things so base as your life passed but you are to leaue your hamlets and your flocks to them that haue not the merits that you haue and for the time to come you must place your eyes on me that can and will do for you if your actions alter not my minde Though the shepheard seemed not to vnderstand this discourse yet hee conceiued it easily enough and from that time auoided what hee could possibly to talke with her in priuate But the displeasure which this life brought him was such that almost losing all patience one day Leonide hearing him sigh demanded the cause seeing hee was in place where they desired nothing more then his contentment He answerd her faire Nymph among all miserable men I may hold my selfe to bee the most extremely handled by fortune for commonly they that be in griefe haue permission to complaine and haue the comfort to be moned but I dare not for that my misfortune comes couered with the most of the contrary and therefore in stead of being bemoned I am rather blamed as a man of small iudgement that if you and Galathee knew how bitter the wormewood is wherewith I am fed in this place happy indeed to any other but me I assure my selfe you would take pitty of my life And what want you said she to comfort you At this time sayd he I only want leaue to be gon Would you replied the Nymph I should speake of it to Galathee I beseech you sayd he by whatsoeuer you hold dearest Then it must be as by your selfe sayd the Nymph blushing and not turning her head toward him she went out of the chamber to seeke where Galathee was whom she found alone in the garden and who now began to suspect there was loue on Leonide's part fearing shee nothing forwarded the charge she had giuen her though she remained since all the day from him for that knowing how sharpe the weapons of the beauty of the shepherd were she thought it might as well part two as one yet being constrained to passe thorow her hands she went about to deceiue her selfe as well as was possible and so set on the same countenance toward the Nymph as she had accustomed and when she saw her comming toward her shee raised her selfe to aske how the shepheard did and hauing knowne hee was in the same state she left him she held on her walke and hauing gon some paces without speaking shee turned to the Nymph and sayd But tell me Leonide was there euer man so insensible as Celadon since neither my actions nor your perswasions can giue him any feeling of that hee ought to render me For my part answered Leonide I had rather accuse him of want of spirit and courage then of vnderstanding for I thinke either he hath not the iudgement to know whereto my actions tend or if he know my words he hath not the courage to attempt so high and so how much the loue of your perfections and fauours may raise him to you so much the weight of his owne small merit and condition may abase him But you must not thinke this strange since the Appletree beareth Apples and the Oake Acornes for euery thing brings foorth according to his nature So what can you hope the courage of a villaine can produce but the designes of a weake and base soule I thinke well answered Galathee the great difference of our conditions do worke in him a great respect but I shall neuer imagine if he knew the difference but he hath spirit enough to iudge to what end I vse him with this sweetenesse except it be that hee be so farre engaged to Astrea that he cannot goe backe Assure you Madame replied Leonide it is not respect but sottishnesse which makes him so misprising For I may auerre as you say that it is true he loues Astrea but if he had iudgement would he not contemne her for you who deserue so farre beyond comparison Yet is he so ill aduised that at euery turne when I speake to him of you hee answers me but with griefe for being so farre remoued from his Astrea with such displeasure that one may thinke that his stay here is infinitely troublesome to him And this morning hearing him sigh I asked him the cause He made me answer which would moue the stones to pitty and in the end the conclusion was that I should desire you he might be gone Yes replyed Galathee red with choler no longer able to dissemble her iealousie Confesse the truth Leonide he hath mooued you It is true Madam he hath moued me to pitty and me thinkes since he hath such a desire to be gone you ought not to hold him by force For Loue neuer enters into the heart for the blowes of a whip I thinke not replyed Galathee but he had moued you to pitty but speake no more of it it may be when he is recouerd he shall sooner find the effects of despight which he hath caused to be bred in me then those of loue which he hath wrought in you In the meane time to speake freely let him resolue not to go hence at his owne pleasure but at mine Leonide would haue answered but the Nymph interrupted her No more Leonide sayd shee it is enough content your selfe that I say no more but that this is my resolution So Leonide was forced to hold her peace and to bē gone taking this iniurie so to heart that she resolued to goe to Adamas her vnkle and to take no more care of Galathees secrets who at that time called Siluie that was walking in another alley alone to whom against her former purpose she could not hold in complayning of Leonide from making her
know that which till then she had hid from her But Siluie although young yet full of iudgement to pacifie all things indeuoured to excuse Leonide what she could possibly knowing well that if her companion meant a despite and it should come to be knowne they could not but bring much shame to their Mistris And therefore she sayd vnto her after many words You know well Madam you neuer acquainted me with this businesse and yet I must tell you of these particulars you may not iudge me so ignorant as I seemed to be but my humour is not to thrust my selfe into things where I am not called It is some pretty while since seeing my companion so diligent about Celadon I suspected that Loue was the cause and not Compassion of his disease and because it is a thing that toucheth vs all I resolued to be assured before I would speake of it and after that I beganne to looke into her actions more narrowly then of wont and wrought so that yesterday I got on the furder side of the shepheards bed while he slept and by and by Leonide came in who by opening the doore waked him without knowing any thing After many cōmon discourses she came to talke of the loue he bareto the shepheardesse Astrea and Astrea to him But sayd she beleeue me this is nothing to the price of the affection that Galathee beares you To me said he Yes to you replyed Leonide and make it not so strange you know how often I haue told you yet is she greater then my words Faire Nymph answered the shepheard I can neither merit nor beleeue I shall haue so great happinesse Besides what should her meaning be to me that am a shepheard borne and desire to liue and die so Your birth returnes my companion cannot but be great since it hath giuen beginning to so great perfections O Leonide said then the shepheard your words are full of mockery but were they plaine haue you an opinion that I know not what Galathee is who I am I know it indeed faire Nymph and can well measure my meannesse and her greatnesse with duety True answered Leonide I thinke you will vse the measure that men doe that is good for them that will buy and sell And doe not you know that gifts will not be measured and Loue being nothing but a gift why will you draw it to the ell-wand of duty Doubt no more of that which I tell you and not to be wanting in your duty render her as much of loue and of affection as she hath giuen you I sweare vnto you Madam till that time I imagined that Leonide spake for her selfe and I haue no cause to lie from the beginning this discourse astonished me but since hauing seene with what discretion your actions haue beene carried I much commend the power you haue ouer them knowing very well that it is an harder matter to haue absolute commaund ouer ones selfe then ouer any other Mayd answered Galathee if you knew the occasion I haue to seek the loue of Celadon you would commend it and aduise mee to the same desseigne For do you remember that Druyde that foretold vs our fortune I remember it well said she it is not so long since You know continued Galathee how many true things he hath told you and Leonide also Now know withall that he assured me that if I married any otherthen Celadon I should be the most vnhappy person on earth and do you think it fit that hauing had such proofe of his predictions I should contemne them that touch me so neere And this is it that I finde such fault with that Leonide should be so much misaduised to march my pace making the same declaration to him Madam said Siluie enter not into that doubt for in truth I lie not And me thinkes you should not anger her too much for feare that in her complaints she discouer this dessigne to any other Friend said Galathee embracing her I doubt not of that you told me and I promise you I will deale with Leonide as you haue aduised me In the meane time that they discourse thus Leonide goes to seek out Celadon to whom she recited word for word the talke that Galathee and she had for his cause and that he was to thinke that the place where hee was bare the shew of liberty but indeede it was a prison which strucke him so to the quick that whereas before his disease he went but as it were creeping now it grew so violent that that very night the feauer took him againe so burning that Galathee being come to see him and seeing him so much impayred was in great doubt of his life The next morning his disease increasing so fiercely he swowned away twice or thrice betweene their armes and albeit these Nymphs were neuer further off but that the one was at the head and the other at the feete of the bed without other repose then that by broken sleepes extreme heauinesse came stealing on them yet so it was that he was very poorely attended hauing there nothing fit for a sicke man and not daring to fetch it else-where for feare of being discouered So that the shepheard ran in great hazard of his life and in such sort that that one night he felt himselfe in great extremity so that the Nymphs esteemed him as a dead man but in the end hee came back to himselfe and shortly after lost a great deale of bloud which weakened him so that hee desired to rest That was the cause that the Nymphs left him alone with Merill And being retired Siluie all afraid at this accident addressing her selfe to Galathee said Me thinkes Madam you are ready to fall into a great confusion if you take not the better order Iudge how great paine it will be to you if this shepheard perish in your hands for fault of succour Alas sayd the Nymph since the relapse of his disease I found it too true that which you say but what remedy is there We are heere altogether vnprouided of things necessary for him and to haue them from else-where if my life lay on it I would not doe it for the feare I haue it would be knowne Leonide whom affection had made more resolute then Siluie sayd Madame these feares are good when they touch not the life of a man but where it doth we are not so much to consider or preuent other inconueniences which may arise If this shepheard die thinke you his death can be kept vnknowne Since it can sort but to punishment you must beleeue the very heauens will discouer but let vs take it at the worst and that it be knowne the shepheard be heere What of that May you not couer it with the cloke of Compassion whereto Nature inclines vs all And if it please you to referre this businesse to me I assure my selfe to carry it so discreetly that no man shall discouer any thing For Madam I haue as
both that they sware so firme a league betweene them that they neuer after separated and this was the first day that Astrea came out of her lodging So that these her two faithfull companions were now with her but they were no sooner set down but they might perceiue farre off Semire who came to finde her This shepheard had long time beene amorous of Astrea and knowing that she loued Celadon thought that he was the cause of his bad successe beeing now perswaded that hauing driuen away Celadon he might easily obtain his place he came to seeke her out that he might beginne his designe but he was much deceiued for Astrea hauing found out his craft conceiued such an hatred against him that when shee spyed him shee would lay her hand ouer her eyes that she might not see him and desired Phillis to tell him from her that he should neuer present himselfe to her And these words were spoken with such a change of looke and so great a vehemency that her companions easily found out her great stomake which more readily incensed Phillis against the shepherd When he heard this message hestood so confused in his thoughts that it seemed he could not moue At last ouercome enforced by the acknowledgement of his error he said Discreete Phillis I protest the heauens are iust in giuing me more sorrow then an heart is able to beare since they cannot equall their punishment according to mine offence hauing beene the cause of the breach of the fairest and most intire loue that euer was But that the gods may not more rigorously chastise me tell this faire shepheardesse that I aske pardon both of her and of the cinders of Celadon assuring her that the extreme affection which I bare her without more was the cause of this fault that banished from her and from her eyes iustly offended I may goe lamenting all my life long At this word hee went away so vncomfortable that his repentance mooued Phillis to some pittie and beeing come backe to her companions shee told them his answer Alas sister sayd Astrea I haue more reason to fly this wicked man then to weepe iudge you if I ought not this is he without more that hath beene the cause of all my sorrow How sister said she is Semire the cause of your sorrow Hath he such power ouer you If I durst tell you his wickednes sayd Astrea and mine owne folly you would say that he hath vsed the greatest Arte that the craftiest spirit could inuent Diane knowing that that was the cause that she spake no more plainely to Phillis for that it was yet but eight or ten dayes that they grew to that familiarity said to them that it was no part of her purpose to take any thing from them by constraint And you faire shepheardesse said shee turning to the sad Astrea giue me occasion to thinke that you loue me not if you be more reserued to me then to Phillis for that though it be not long that I haue inioyed the good of your familiarity yet are you to be no lesse assured of my affection then of hers Phillis then answered I assure my selfe that Astrea will alwayes speake as freely before you as before her selfe her humor being not to loue by halues since she hath sworne to be such she hath nothing in her soule to conceale It is true continued Astrea and that which held me from saying more was onely for that the putting the weapon againe into the wound will but poyson it Yet so it is replied Diane that oftentimes you must vse the weapon to heale it and for me I thinke that to speake freely of the disease to a friend is to make him a party and if I durst desire you it would be a great satisfaction to know what your life hath beene as my selfe also will not make it dainty to tell you mine when you shall be desirous to know it Since you will haue it so answered Astrea that you haue a mind to partake in my sorrowes I will so that afterwards you impart to me of your contentments and that in the meane time you suffer me to vse that breuity in the discourse which you desire to vnderstand from me and truly an history so vnfortunate as mine will not please but by being short And being all three set in a round she began to speake in this manner The History of Astrea and Phillis THey that know what it is when friendship or hatted passe from father to son may well conceiue Celadons fortune and mine and without doubt may affirme that they be not deceiued For faire Diane I beleeue you haue often heard speech of the old hatred betweene Alce Hippolite my father and mother and of Alcippe and Amarillis the father mother of Celadon their displeasures accompanying them euen to their graue which hath beene cause of so great trouble among the shepheards of this Country that I assure my selfe there is no man ignorant of it along the shore of the cruell and dishonoured Lignon And yet it seemeth that Loue to shew his power of persons so opposite would vnite two so straitly that nothing could breake the lines but death For hardly had Celadon reached to the age of foureteene or fifteene yeeres and I of twelue or thirteene but that at an assembly which was had at the Temple of Venus which is on the top of this mountaine seated in the Plaine right ouer against Montsur about a mile from the Castle of Monbusor this young shepheard sawe me and as he hath told me since he had long before conceiued a good liking vpon the report which was made of me But the let which I told you our fathers tooke from him all meanes and I must tell you that I do not thinke he bare a greater liking then did I for I know not how when I heard speech of him my heart danced in my belly and this was but a presage of the troubles which since befell mee on that occasion Now at the instant when he saw me I know not how he found matter of loue in mee so that within a while after hee resolued to loue me and to serue me And it seemeth that at this first view both the one and the other of vs was at this passe that wee must loue so that as often as it was told mee that hee was the sonne of Alcippe I found a certaine change in my selfe which was not ordinary and thenceforth all his actions began to please me and much more agreeing to my liking then of all the other yong shepheards of his age and for that as yet he durst not come neere me that speech was denied him his lookes at his commings and goings spake to me so often that at last I knew he had a longing to tell me more and to effect it at a game that was kept at the foot of the mountaine vnder the old elmes that yeelded a pleasant shade he vsed such
arte that before I was aware and seeming to bee through want of heed hee got vnder my hand for my part I seemed not to note it vsed him as I did al the others but he on the contrary tooke mee by the hand so that making shewe to cast downe his I perceiued his mouth on mine This act made me blush and making shew not to heed it I turned my head away as hearkening to the brawle we danced This was the cause that he stayd somewhile before he spake to me not knowing as I thinke where to begin At last vnwilling to lose this opportunity which he had so long sought he aduanced himselfe before me and rounded in the care of Corilas that led me in that dāce so loud yet faining to whisper that I heard these words I wold to God Corilas the contention betweene the father of this shepheardesse mine might be ended in vs two and then went to his place And Corilas answered him loud enough Make not you this attempt Celadon for it may bee you neuer attempted any thing more dangerous What hazard so euer it hath answered Celadon aloud I will not deny that I haue spoken giue my hart in pawne In such promises replied Corilas they vse not to offer lesse assurance then that yet within a while after it is gainesaid Whosoeuer reioyneth the shepheard makes difficulties to run such a fortune as you threaten I shal hold him for a man of small courage It is a vertue answered Corilas to be couragious but it is also a folly to be rash By proofe replied Celadon you shall know what I will do and in the meane time I promise you at a word that I will neuer gainesay it And because I made shew not to heed their discourse directing his words to me he sayd And you faire shepheardesse what is your opinion I know not answerd I of what you speake He hath told me sayd Corilas that to draw a great good out of a great euill hee wishes your fathers hatred were changed into loue betweene their children How answerd I seeming not to know him are you the sonne of Alcippe And hauing answered me Yea and moreouer my seruant Me thinks sayd I it were fitter for you to ioyne to some other that may haue more occasion to agree with you then I. I haue heard it sayd replied Celadon that the gods do punish the offences of the fathers on their children but among men it hath not bene the custome which is not for that it is not allowed to your beauty which is diuine to vse the same preuiledges that the gods do but if it bee so you are like then to grant pardon when it is demanded of you Is it so shepheard interrupted Corilas that you begin your combat with crying mercy In this combat answered he to be ouercome is a kind of victory for my part I am willing enough prouided that she wil take the spoyle I thinke they had continued their discourse longer if the dance had held out longer but the end of it separated vs and euery one went to his place Somewhile after they began to propound prizes for diuers exercises which they were accustomed vnto as the Lute to Runne and cast the Barre whereto Celadon for being too yong was not admitted but only to the course whereat he won the prize which was a garland of diuers flowers which was set on his head by the whole assembly with great commendation that being so yong had ouercome so many shepheards Hee without any long dreaming tooke it off came to me to set it on my head saying very low See the confirmation of what I sayd I was so surprized that I could not answere had it not bene for Artemis your mother Phillis I had giuen it him againe not for that comming from his hand it pleased me not but because I feared Alce Hippolite would not think wel of it But Artemis that rather desired to quench then kindle these ancient hatreds commanded me to take it and to thanke him which I did so coldly that euery one might well thinke it should not haue bene done but by the command of my Aunt All this day passed thus the next day also the yong shepheard losing no occasion to make his affection appeare to me And because that on the third day they had a custome to represent in honor of Venus the iudgement which Paris gaue of the three goddesses Celadon resolued to thrust himselfe among the maids vnder the habit of a shepheardesse You know well that on that third day about the end of the feast of the great Druide they haue vsed to cast among the maids an apple of gold whereon are written the names of the three shepheardesses whom they thinke to be the most faire in the company with this word Be it giuen to the most faire of the three And that after they haue dressed her which is to represent the person of Paris who with the three shepheardesses enter into the Temple of Beauty dedicated to Venus where the doores being shut shee giueth iudgement of all three when she sees them naked but onely a thinne Lawne which couers them from the girdle-stead almost to the knees And for that once it was abused and that some shepheards had thrust themselues among the shepheardesses it was ordayned by a publique Edict That he that did commit the like fault should without remission be stoned by the Maides at the gate of the Temple Now it hapned that this Youth without consideration of the great danger that day attired himselfe like a shepheardesse and forcing himselfe into our company was taken for a maide and as Fortune would fauour him my name was written on the Apple and Malthe and Stella and when they came to set downe the name of her that bare the personage of Paris I heard him name Orithee which was the name that Celadon had taken God knowes if his soule receiued not all the delight it was capable of when he sawe his dessigne succeed so well In the end we were brought into the Temple where the Iudge being set in his seat the doores being shut and we three onely remayning with him we beganne according to the order to vnclothe ourselues and because euery one must go apart and speake to him and make the offers that the three goddesses had sometimes made to Paris Stelle who was most forward to put off her clothes went first to present her selfe to him whom he beheld some while And after he had heard what she would say he caused her to returne to giue place to Malthe who was got before me for that ashamed to shew my selfe naked I delayed as much as I could the putting off of my clothes Celadon thinking the time long and after he had some short while entertayned Malthe seeing that I came not called for mee In the end not able to delay it no longer I was constrained but O God when
of my affection for the little you know of it since none can loue you but in extremity you may sweare that my loue is wonderfull great and yet being such I demaund of you as yet but a beginning of good will Celadon and I were so neere that we could well heare this declaration and the answere also that Phillis gaue him which indeede was more rude then I expected from her For long time before she and I well enough knew by the eyes and actions of Licidas that he was in loue with her and we haue often talked of it and I haue found in her rather goodwill to him then otherwise yet at this brunt she answered him so bitterly that Licidas went away in despayre And Celadon who loued his brother more then ordinary not able to endure to see him vsed in this sort and not knowing how to take it grew almost angry with me whereat I could not hold from smiling and at last I told him Be not grieued at this answer Celadon for we are straitly tyed to it since the shepheards of these times for the most part delight to make euery one beleeue that they haue better fortunes then indeede they haue thinking that the glory of a shepheard shall be increased by the diminution of our honour And that you may know that I know well the humour of Phillis I tooke the charge vpon me to bring Licidas into her good grace prouided that he continue and that he haue a little patience But I must tell you that when I first talked with her she put me off so farre that I could but onely hope so that I resolued to winne her in time But Licidas who had no patience had a purpose to loue her no more and at that time he would ordinarily goe singing these verses STANZA'S On a resolution to loue no more VVHen I see those faire eyes that play the conqu'rers part I strait yeeld vnto them as princes of my heart Thinking that rigour should be banished from thence But finding now too well their cruelties offence I thinke to eternize on vs their tyranny This cannot well be loue but rather trechery It 's true it is of them from whence alway arise To meanest of their traines some am'rous nouelties But whereto serueth this that like as from the head No sooner water springs but instantly 't is fled Right so it is with loue which with a ranging thirst Flies far from those same eies that brought it forth at first By his example then fly we from those faire eies Fly them and let vs thinke in it our safety lies And when they will haue vs to follow where they list Let vs not stay for blowes which we cannot resist For better it is far to saue our selues by flight Then to attend the death which we may well acquite I thinke Licidas had not so readily put end to the cruelty of Phillis in refusing his affection if by fortune one day shee and I according to our manner going forth to walke by Lignon had not met this shepheard in an I le of the riuer in a place very darke and where there was no appearance of dissembling We saw him from one side of the riuer which was large and deepe to hinder vs from going to the place where hee was but not from hearing the verses which he went with complaining and drawing as it seemed some ciphers on the sand with the end of his sheephooke which wee could not know for the distance betweene vs but the verses were these A MADRIGALL That he should not hope to be beloued THinke we in louing her Our faithfull loue can cast A ground-worke that may last Alas in vaine it were I hold to my great paine That that which with my hand I write in flitting sand Will longer time remaine Then I for my auaile In her soule various Shall fixe in louing thus The hold that will not faile Within a while we heard after he had beene silent some time he tooke againe his speech in this manner with a great alas and lifting vp his eyes to heauen O God if thou beest angry with mee for that I haue adored with more deuotion the worke of thy hands then thine owne selfe why hast thou not compassion of the errour which thou causest me to commit Or if thou beest not pleased that Phillis should be adored either thou shouldest haue put lesse perfection in her or in me lesse knowledge of her perfections for is it not a kinde of profaning a thing of that merit to offer it lesse affection I thinke the shepheard held on in such like discourses but I could not heare them because Phillis taking me by force by the arme carryed me away with her And when we were some pretty distance remoued I sayd Naughty Phillis why hast thou no pitty on this shepheard whom thou seest ready to die for thy sake Sister answered she the shepheards of this countrey are such dissemblers that often their heart denies that which their mouth promiseth that if without passions we looke into the actions of such as hee wee shall finde nothing but cunning And for the words we heare for my part I iudge that hauing spyed vs afarre off he purposely set himselfe in our way that we should heare his dissembled complaints otherwise would they not as well be spoken to vs as to these woods and wilde riuers But sister answered I you haue forbid him See replyed she a great proofe of his small loue Is there any commandement strong enough to stay a violent affection Beleeue me sister the loue that may bend is not strong Thinke you not that if he disobey my commaundement I should thinke he loued me the better But sister in the end sayd I he obeyed you And well replied she hath he obeyed me and herein I held him very obedient but in that he hath quite giuen ouer his suite to me I hold him for a man very passionate And why was he of opinion that at the first discouery of his good will to me I should haue taken some witnes that he might not hereafter gaine-say it If I had not interrupted her I thinke shee had held on her discourse very long but because I desired that Licidas might be vsed in another fashion for the payne that Celadon suffered I told her that these kind of speeches were of some purpose to be vsed to Licidas but not to me who knew well that we are bound to shew more discontentment when they talke to vs of loue then we feele that thereby wee may trie what minde they haue that speake to vs that I would commend her if she vsed those terms but it is great wāt of trust toward me who haue not cōcealed from her that which was most secret in my soule that for conclusion since it was impossible she could auoyde the being beloued of some it was much better it might be by Licidas then by any other since she could not
chuse but be assured of his affection Where to she answered that she neuer had the thought to dissemble with me and she would be very angry I should haue that opinion of her and to giue me more proofe since I desired she should intertaine Licidas she would obey me when she should know that he loued her as he said That was the cause that Celadon often finding her after with me gaue her a Letter that his brother had written by my aduice A Letter of Licidas to Phillis IF I haue not alwayes loued you let me neuer be beloued of any and if my affâ—â—tion do euer change let my present misfortune neuer change It is true that some-while I haue hidden my loue within my heart so that I haue not suffered it to appeare in my eyes nor words If I haue offended in it accuse the respect I carry you who haue ordained I should doe so If you beleeue not the oath which I haue made you take what proofe you will of me and you shall know that you haue me more yours then I can assure you by my true but most feeble words In the end wise Diane after many replies on both sides we so wrought that Licidas was entertained and from that time we began all foure one life which was not vnpleasing either of vs fauouring the other with the most discretion we could possibly And that we might the better couer our dessigne we inuented many meanes were it to talke were it to write in secresie It may be you haue noted that little rocke that standeth vpon the great way to the Rocke you must needs know that it is painefull to get vp but being there the place is so fenced that a man may be there vnseene of any and because it stands on the hie way wee made choice of it to meete in that none might spy vs and if any mette vs going by wee made shew to be on our way and that neither the one nor the other might go in vaine we put in the morning some bough at the foote of it for a marke that we had somewhat to say It is true that we were so neere vnto the high way that our raysed voyce might easily be heard of them that passed by this was the onely cause that vsually we left either Phillis or Licidas to watch that at what time soeuer they sawe any come afarre off they should cough to giue vs warning And because wee were vsed to write alwayes when we were letted or hindered and could not come to that place wee chose out along that little riuer that runnes by the great way an olde Willow tree halfe eaten for age in the hollow whereof we alwayes layd our letters and that we might more easily make answer wee vsually left some paper and an inkehorne To be short wise Diane we turned on euery side that wee possibly could to keepe vs from discouery And namely wee forthwith tooke this course not to talke together Celadon and I nor Licidas and Phillis so that there were many that thought that Celadon had changed his minde because that as soone as he saw Phillis he would haste to intertaine her and she shewed him all the good countenance she could and I likewise alwayes when Licidas came in place brake company from any other to go talke with him It fell out in successe of time that Celadon himselfe was of opinion that I loued Licidas and I beleeued he loued Phillis and Phillis thought Licidas loued me and Licidas suspected that Phillis loued Celadon in such sort that vnawares we found our selues so cumbred with these opinions that iealousie made vs know that a little shewe will cause him breed in an heart that loueth well Indeed interrupted Phillis we were Louers and Schollers at that time for to what purpose serued it to conceale that we truly loued by making men beleeue a loue that was not since you may as well feare that men should thinke you beare good will to Licidas as to Celadon Sister sister replyed Astrea clapping her hand on her shoulder we feare not when men doe thinke of vs that which is not and on the contrary the least suspition of that which is true giues vs no rest Truly iealousie continued she turning toward Diane so attached vs all foure that I thinke that life had long lasted among vs if some good spirit had not wrought in vs a cleering in the presence each of other Some seuen or eight dayes passed that we sawe not each other in the rocke and that the letters which Celadon and I layd were so differing from those we formerly vsed that it seemed they were differing persons At last as I told you some good spirit hauing care of vs caused vs by chance to meete all foure in that place without other company And the loue of Celadon therein more strong then the rest in that it compelled him to speake first put these words into his mouth Faire Astrea if I thought time could giue remedy to the paine I feele I would referre my selfe to that which it might bring but since the older it growes the more it increaseth I am enforced to seeke out a better by the complaint that I am to make to you of the wrong I receiue and I am more readily brought to it for that I am to make my complaint both before my Iudges and my aduersaries And as he was going forward Licidas interrupted him saying that he was in payne that in greatnesse differed not from his In greatnesse sayd Celadon it is impossible for mine is extreme And mine replyed Licidas is without comparison While the shepheards talked together I turned to Phillis and sayd You see sister these shepheards will complaine of vs. Whereto shee answered me But we haue more cause to complaine of them But yet sayd I although I haue great cause to complayne of Celadon yet I haue more of you who vnder the colour of the friendship you seeme to beare me haue drawne him from that hee made shew of to me so that I may say you haue robbed me And for that Phillis stood so confused at my words that she knew not what to answer Celadon turning to me said Ah faire shepheardesse but fleeting as fayre Is it so that you haue lost the memory of the seruices of Celadon and of your owne othes I complayne not so much of Licidas though he haue fayled in his duty of proximity and amity betweene vs as of you to your selfe knowing well that the desire which your perfections may bring into an heart may make it forget all respect of duty But is it possible that so long a seruice as mine so absolute a power as you haue euer had ouer me and so entire an affection as mine cannot somewhat stay the inconstancy of your soule or in good time if yet all that commeth from me be of so small force how comes it that your fayth so often sworne and the gods so often called
dayes after Licidas by my counsell came to cast himselfe on his knees and she ranne into another chamber that she might not see him and from thence into another flying from Licidas who still followed her and was resolued as hee said not to let her rest till he had either pardon or death In the end not knowing whither to fly further she stayed in a closet where Licidas entring and shutting the dores he set himselfe on his knees before her and without speaking any other thing attended the sentence of her will This affectionate obstinacy had more force in her then any perswasions and so staying some while without speaking to him Goe sayd she to him importunate it is thy importunity and not thēe that I pardon At this word hee kissed her hand and came to open mee the doore to giue me to vnderstand that he had got the victory and then seeing his affaires in so good case I would not let them part asunder vntil all actions were intirely forgiuen and Phillis so pardoned the shepheard that seeing him distressed extremely to hide Olympes belly which now grew great to the view she offered to assist him in all that possibly shee could Certainely interrupted Diane see a strange proofe of good amity to pardon such an offence which is intirely against amity and more to prouide that she which caused it take no displeasure Without fayning Phillis this is too much and for mee I protest my courage knowes not how to brooke it yet my amity did so then answered Phillis and by that you may iudge of what quality it was in me Let vs leaue this consideration apart replyed Diane for it would be too hard for you since the not feeling the offences which be done against amity is rather a signe of defect then the ouer-abundance of Loue and for my part if I had beene one of the friends of Licidas I should haue interpreted rather to the disaduantage of your good will Ah! Diane said Phillis if you as well knew what it is to loue as you doe to cause your selfe to bee beloued you will iudge it needfull the friend should know himselfe but heauen is pleased to haue you be beloued and not to loue If it be so sayd Diane I am more bound to it for such a benefit then for my life but I may be capable without louing to iudge of Loue. It cannot be interrupted Phillis I had rather hold my peace answered Diane then speak with so deare a permission but if you will allow me the fauour that you giue to the Physician who talkes and iudges indifferently of all sorts of diseases though he neuer had them I would tell you that if there be any thing in amity whereof wee may make reckoning it ought to be the amity it selfe without more for all other things that please vs are but to be ioyned with it and therefore there is nothing that more offends him that loues then to spie any defect in loue and not to feele such offences is indeed to haue a spirit feeble for that passion And will you haue mee tell you what I thinke of Loue It is a musike of many voyces that well concording giues a right sweet harmony but if there be but one discord it not onely displeases but makes you forget all the pleasure which they yeelded before So said Phillis Naughty Diane you would say that if a man haue serued you long the first offence must blot out all the memory of that is passed The very same said Diane or little lesse O gods cryed Phillis shall not hee that loues you haue worke enough He that loues me replyed Diane if he wil that I loue him must beware he offend not my loue And beleeue me Phillis that at this bout you haue done more iniury to Licidas then when he offended you before Then sayd Phillis smiling At another time I will say that it is Loue that made me do it but at this time I will say it is Reuenge and to the most curious I will deliuer the reason which you haue taught me They will iudge replyed Diane that at another time you know to loue but at this time you know what it is to loue Whatsoeuer it be answered Phillis if it be of defect it proceedes of ignorance and not of want of loue For I thinke I am bound but if euer he returne I will look to my selfe for falling backe againe And you Astrea are ouerlong silent then tell vs what assistance I gaue for the birth of this childe Then Astrea tooke it vp againe in this sort As soone as this shepheardesse had made this offer of her selfe Licidas accepted of it very boldly and after that sent a yong shepheard to Maine to bring with him the wise woman of that place her eyes being closed that she should not discerne which way she went Then Diane as astonished laid her finger on her mouth and saies Faire shepheardesse this is not so secret as you thinke I remember I haue heard them speake of it I pray you said Phillis tell vs what you haue heard that we may know whether it hath bene told you true I know not added Diane if I well remember the poore Philander was he that told it me and I assure my selfe he had it from Lucina the wise woman to whose eare it came and that shee would neuer haue spoken of it if any trust had bene reposed in her One day as she walked into the Parke which is betweene Mont-brison and Maine with many other her companions shee saw come towards her a man whom she did not know who at his comming did commendations from diuers of her kins-folks that were at Feurs and then he told her some particular that hee might separate her a little from the other women which were with her when he saw her alone he gaue her to vnderstand that a better occasion had brought him to her for it is said he to coniure you by all the pitty you euer had to giue your helping hand to an honest woman that is in danger if you deny your aide The good womā was a little surprized to heare him change his discourse at once but the yong man besought her to hide her astonishment as well as she could that he had rather dye then any should suspect this businesse Lucina being assured and hauing promised to be secret and that he should only tell her at what time shee should be ready You must make no iourney for these two months sayd the yong man and that you may not lose by it behold here the money which you might gaine elsewhere in that space At that word hee gaue her some pieces of gold in a paper and returned without passing thorow the towne but after he had knowne of her whether she could trauaile by night and she answered seeing the gaine so great No time could stay her within fifteene or sixteene dayes after as shee went out of Maine
to your seruice Semire sayd I I am bound to you for this good will but I shall be much more if you finish that which you haue begunne Ah shepheardesse said he I haue told you too much but it may be you shall in time know more of it and then you shall judge that indeed Semire is your seruant Ah most malicious how true hee seemed in his wicked promises for I haue since knowne but too much to leaue in mee onely the desire to liue So it was that at that time he would tell me no more to make me the more desirous and he thought it was time one day when according to custome I pressed him to let me know the end of my contentment and I coniured him by the power which I had sometimes ouer him to tell me all that which he had begunne He answered Faire shepheardesse you so coniure me that I hold it a great fault to disobey you I would I had neuer begunne that discourse which I foresee the end will bring you And after I had assured him of the contrary he had the skill so well to perswade me that Celadon loued Aminthe the daughter of the sonne of Cleante that Iealousie the ordinary companion of soules which loue dearely beganne to perswade me that it might be true and this was a mischiefe extreme that then I remembred not the commandement which I gaue him to make shew of louing other shepheardesses Notwithstanding desirous to make an end to dissemble my displeasure I answered Semire that I did neuer beleeue nor would that Celadon made particular choice of me before others that if it seemed we vsed any familiarity it was but by reason of the long acquaintance which we haue had together but as for his loue-suites they were indifferent Now answered the crafty companion I thanke God your humour is such but since it is so you cannot choose but take pleasure to heare the passionate discourse which he had to his Aminthe I protest to you wise Diane when I heard him name his Aminthe I changed colour and because he offred me to heare their words me thought I was not to shunne the knowledge of the perfidiousnesse of Celadon alas more faithfull then I well aduised and so I tooke his offer and indeede hee fayled not in his promise For within a while after he came running to me and assuring mee that hee left them close together and that Celadon layd his head in Aminthes lap who sate and rubbed his head telling me the particulars the more to torment me I followed him so besides my selfe that I remember neither the way I went nor how neere he brought me to them yet they perceiued me not because as I haue iudged since they cared not who heard and therfore regarded not who hearkened So it was I found my selfe so neere that I could heare Celadon say Beleeue me fayre shepheardesse there is no beauty can be more liuely printed in a soule then that which is in mine But Celadon answerd Aminthe how is it possible that an heart stirring as yours can haue the hardinesse to hold long that which loue can graue Naughty shepheardesse replyed my Celadon let these reasons goe by measure not me by your wand nor weights of any other honor me with your good graces and you shall see if I will not preserue them as well in my soule and as long as my life Celadon Celadon replyed Aminthe you shall be wel punished if your iest turne to earnest and if the heauens in my reuenge make you loue this Aminthe whom you now sport your selfe with Hitherto there was nothing but in some sort it might be bom But O God! to faine what was the answer he gaue I pray Loue sayd he faire shepheard if I mocke that he cause the mockery to light on mee if I haue deserued any grace from him that he inflict on mee the punishment you threaten Aminthe not able to iudge his intent by this discourse answered him not but with a smile and with a casting of her hand ouer her eyes which I interpreted in my language that she refused not but that she beleeued his words for true But that which touched me most to the quicke was that Celadon after he had beene some-while without speech fetcht a deepe sigh which she accompanyed presently with another And when the shepheard rose vp to speake to her she layd her hand ouer her eies waxed red as halfe ashamed that this sigh had so escaped her which was the cause that Celadon lying downe in his former place a little after sung these verses A Sonnet when he knew how they fayned to loue FAyning to loue me she complaines in want on wise And after me she sighes when me she sighing spiâ—s And by her fayned teares would witnesse to endure The heate which in my soule she knowes is ouer-sure The lower most expert when she the Maske puts on Of her deceitfull traines knowes no way to be gone He must be without heart not to desire a whit To be so sweetly gullâ—d by such her forging wit My selfe deceiue my selfe in fashood that I see And my contentments all confederate against mee My hearts glasse traitors lights that vntrusty are I know you all right well your iuggling trickes I spie But whereto serues it me since Loue doth me deny Seeing your treasons trickes I should thereof beware After he had held his peace awhile Aminthe sayd And why Celadon doe you trouble your selfe so much I feare said he rather to trouble her whom in any sort I would not but please And who is that said she since we are alone Ah! that she had deceiued her selfe so and it had been well for my part as any other in the company It is but you answered Celadon that I feare to importune but if you command mee I will goe forward I dare not replyed the shepheardesse vse any commandement where euen the payer is vndiscreete You may vse replied the shepheard what termes please you but in the end I am but your seruant And then he began again in this sort A MADRIGAL Vpon a resemblance of his Lady and himselfe I May be bold to say our hearts Are both made of the hardest rocke Mine that indures such rig'rous smarts And yours in that it beares the shocke Both of Loues blowes and of my teares But when the griefes I call to minde Which makes my sufferings euer be In this extremity I finde I am a rocke in constancy And so are you in cruelty Faire Diane it was beyond my power to stay longer there and so stealing softly from them I returned to my flocke so sad that from that day I opened not my mouth And because it was very late I draue my sheepe into their folds and passed a night such as you may imagine Alas all this had beene nothing if I had not ioyned thereto the folly which I shall bewaile as long as I haue teares neither know I who
the composition which was vnder it so that the flame burst forth so suddainely that the Nymphs which were at the doore seeing at the first the Mirrour glister and presently the fire so suddaine and violent tooke such a feare that they returned with great opinion both of my holinesse of the respect to the diuinity which I serue Could this beginning bee better carried then it was No certainly answered Polemas and I thinke well for my part that euery body which had not knowne of it before might be easily deceiued While Climanthe talked thus Leonide harkened to it so rauished from her selfe that she knew not whether she slept or waked for she saw well that all that he told her was very true yet could she not well beleeue that it was so and while she disputed in her selfe she heard Climanthe beginne againe Now these Nymphs went away and I could not know what report they would giue of me yet by coniecture there was no likeli-hood but they would tell to euery one the admirable things which they had seene and as renowne increases alwaies the Court was full of nothing but of me And at that time I had much adoe to continue my enterprise for an infinite company came to see mee some of curiosity others to be instructed and many to know if that which they talked of me was so And I was driuen to vse great cunning Sometimes to auoyd them I gaue out that that day was a mute day for the Deity that I serued another time that some body had displeased it and that it would not answer vntill I had appeased it by fasting another time I set downe conditions for the ceremonies which I caused to vse which they could not performe without some good time and sometimes when all was finished I found matter to say that either they had not well obserued all or that they had done too much or too little and so I made them begin againe and went winning time As for them whom I knew any thing by I dispatched them quickly and that was the cause that others desirous to know as much as the former submitted themselues to what I would Now during that time Amasis came to see mee and with her Galathee After I had satisfied Amasis about that which shee de maunded which was in summe to know what the voyage should be that Clidaman had vndertaken and I had told her that he should runne an happy fortune that hee should be wounded and be in three battels with the Prince of France but that in the end he should returne with all sort of honour and glorie she went from me wonderfully contented and desired mee to commend her sonne to the Deity which I serued But Galathee much more curious then her mother drawing me aside said Father bind me intelling me what you know of my fortune Then I said she should shew me her hand I stood looking on it some-while and made her scratch thrice vpon the ground and hauing set the left foote forward I turned her towards the East and there made her looke vpward I took the measure of her foote and of her hand after that the compasse of her necke and with that measure I measured the girdle in height and in the end looking at once on both her hands I said Galathee you are happy if you knew your houre thrice-happy if you let it not passe either out of coldnes or for loue or wāt of courage But if you make not your self incapable of that good whereto heauen hath destinated you you can not wish to attaine to more happinesse and all that good or all that euill is prepared you by loue Be aduised then to take firme resolution not to suffer your selfe to be intangled with the perswasions of Loue nor the counsell of friends nor commandement of parents which vnlesse you do I thinke there is not any thing vnder heauen so miserable as you shal be O God! said Galathee you amaze me Be not amazed said I for that which I tell you is but to your good and that you may carry your selfe with all wisedome I will discouer vnto you all that the Diuinity that instructed me shal permit but remember to keepe it so secret that you trust no liuing creature with it After shee had promised mee I continued in this sort Daughter for the office whereunto the gods haue called mee suffer me so to name you you are and shall be serued of many great and worthy Knights whose vertues and merits may diuersly excite and mooue you but if you shall measure your affection either by your merites or by the iudgement you shall haue of their loue and fauour and not according to that that I shall declare vnto you you fill your selfe as full of misfortune as any creature out of the graces and fauours of the gods may in any wise bee For I which am the Interpreter of their will and pleasure in telling you this I take from you all excuse of igaorance so that now you are disobedient to them if you doe contrary and you know that the heauens rather demaund obedience and submission rather then any other sacrifice and therefore bethinke your selfe well of what I am to tell you That day that the Bacchanals runne thorow the streets raging and storming full of the Euthusiasme of their god you must be in the towne of Marseilles where many gallant Knights shall see you But take good heede to him that is clothed with cloth of gold and greene and whose whole suite shall be of that colour if you loue him I henceforth bewayle your misfortune and you cannot say other but that you shall be the marke of all disasters and of all misfortune for you shall then feele that which I may not tell you Father answered she somewhat astonished I know a good remedy for this not to loue at all My childe replied I this remedy is very dangerous for that not onely you may displease the gods in doing that which they will not but also in not doing that which they will Therefore take heede to your selfe And how replied she must I behaue my selfe I haue told you heeretofore answered I what you ought not to doe at this time I will tell you what you ought to do It is necessary in the first place that you know that all things corporall or spiritual haue euery one their contraries and their sympathisants from the least we may come to the proofe of the greatest but for the knowledge which you ought to haue this discourse may be vnprofitable and this that I say to you is to no other end but to cause you giue the better heed that as you haue this misfortune contrary to your happinesse so haue you a destiny so capable of making you happy that your felicity can not be expressed and in this the gods will recompence that to which they haue subiected you Since it is so answered she I coniure you father by
But how apparent is it to refuse a man so constant that had loued me but three moneths Lisis seeing before his eyâ—s that which her outrage would not suffer him to loue and which his loue would not permit him to hate knew not with what words to answer her yet to interrupt this torrent of words he said Stelle it is sufficient we haue long since proued that you do know better what to say then to do and that words flow highest in your mouth when reason in you is at the lowest ebbe But hold that which I tell you for inuiolable as much as I haue heeretofore loued you so much at this houre do I hate you and there shall neuer be day of my life that I will not proclaime you for the most vngratefull and deceitfull woman that is vnder heauen At this word offering violence to his affection and the arme of Stelle wherewith she leaned on the wall to keepe him in against the window he left her alone and went amongst the other shepheards that for that time warranted him against his enemy Semire as I told you heard all this discourse and remayned so astonied and so ill satisfied with her that from that time he resolued neuer to make account of a spirit so flitting And that which yet gaue him more will was that by chance hauing long sought occasion to speake to her and seeing Lisis had left her alone I went to her for I must confesse that her allurements and trickes had more force in my soule then the wrong she had done to Lisis had giuen me knowledge of the imperfection of her spirit and as euery man goes flattering his desires I went fancying so that that which the merits of Lisis could not obtaine of her my good fortune might procure me So that so long as his wooing lasted I would neuer let my affection appeare for besides the kindred that was betweene him and me there was a very strait amity but when I sawe that he went off thinking the place to be voyd I neuer tooke heed to the suite of Semire I thought it to some purpose to discouer somwhat to her rather then to attend till she had another dessigne So then addressing my selfe to her and seeing her very pensiue I sayd It must needes be some great occasion which made her so changed for this sadnesse was not vsuall to her quicke humour It is the rage of Lisis answered she that will alwayes remember the time passed and walkes reproching me for the refusall I made of him And that said I shall it grieue you It cannot be otherwise answered she for we cannot put off our affection as we may our smocke And he takes in so euill part my delay that he alwayes calleth it a farewell Truly sayd I Lisis deserues not the honour of your good graces since that not being able to winne them by his merits he ought at least to endeuour it by his long seruices accompanyed with a strong patience but his boyling humour and it may be his little loue will not suffer him If this good lucke might befall me with what affection would I receiue it and with what patience would I attend it Father it may be you will thinke it strange to heare mee tell you the sudden change of this shepheardesse and yet I sweare vnto you that she receiued the ouerture of my loue so soone as I made it and so that before wee parted shee liked well of my offer of the seruice which I made her and gaue me leaue to call my selfe her seruant You may well thinke that Semire who was listening remayned no more satisfied with me then he had beene with Lisis and indeede from that time hee withdrew his suite yet so discreetly that many thought Stelle had beene the cause by her refusall For she made no shew of grieuing much at it because the place of his loue was filled with a new dessigne which she had in me which was the cause that I receiued more fauours from her then otherwise I should Which Lisis soone perceiued But loue which will alwayes triumphs ouer friendship with-held me from speaking to him fearing to displease the shepheardesse and though hee were very angry that I concealed it from him yet should I neuer haue spoken to him of it without the permission of Stelle who made shew to desire that this businesse might passe by his hands And since as I haue noted she did it with a purpose to reimbarke him once againe with her But I who then tooke no heede to all her trickes and who sought after nothing but the meanes to content her one night when Lisis and I lay together I vsed this language to him I must confesse Lisis that at last Loue sports himselfe with me and more there is nothing can deferre my death but that which shall come from you From me answered Lisis You may be assured that I will neuer be wanting to our friendship though your mistrust hath made you commit as great an offence and thinke not but I haue knowne your loue but your silence which displeased me made me hold my peace Since you replied I haue knowne it and haue not spoken to me of it I haue the more cause of offence For I confesse I haue failed in some things against our friendship in my silence but you must consider that a louer is not himselfe and in all his errours you are to accuse the violence of his disease but you that haue no passion can haue no excuse but the want of friendship Lisis beganne to laugh when he heard my reasons and answered me You are pleasant Corilas to pay me with a demaund yet will I neuer gaine-say you and since you haue this opinion see wherein I may amend this fault In doing for me answered I which you could not for your selfe that is I must tell you at last that if I attayne not the loue of Stelle there is no hope in me O God then cryed Lisis to what passage hath your misfortune led you Flie Corilas this dangerous sea where indeede there are nothing but rockes and bankes marked with the shipwracke of those which haue taken the same course I speake out of experience as you know I hope your merits may else-where gaine you a better fortune then me but neither vertue nor reason can do it heere I answered It is no small contentment to me to heare you vse this language for till now I was in doubt you had yet some feeling and that made me the more reserued but since God be thanked it is not so I desire in this loue to draw out an extreme proofe of your friendship I know that the hatred which succeeds loue measures it selfe after the greatnesse of the fall and hauing so dearely loued this fayre shepheardesse comming to hate her the hatred should thereby be the greater yet hauing knowne by Stelle her selfe that I cannot come to that I desire but by
this cause since you appoint me to tell you a part of my life I coniure you by our loue neuer to speake of it and both of them hauing sworne she tooke againe her discourse in this sort The History of Diane IT would be very strange if the discourse which you desire to know of me might not be offensiue to you since faire wise shepheardesses it hath made me endure so much displeasure that I thinke not I shall at this time vse more words in telling it then it hath cost me teares in suffering it And since it pleaseth you that at last I shall renew that grieuous remembrance suffer me to abridge it that I may in some sort lessen the happinesse wherein I am by the memory of passed troubles I assure my selfe that though you neuer sawe Celion and Belinde yet you haue heard they were my father and mother and it may be haue knowne the crosses which they had for the loue of the one to the other which lets mee from telling them though they were presages of those I met with But you must know that after the cares of loue were ended in marriage that they might not remayne ydle suites of law and sundry troubles beganne to grow and so plentifully that wearied with charge of processe to make an accord many among the rest a neighbour of theirs named Phormion trauayled so that their friends were of aduice at last that to end all suits they should giue some promises of future alliance betweene them and because neither the one nor the other as yet had any children as hauing not beene long married they swore by Theurales on the Altar of Belenus that if they both had but one sonne and one daughter they should marry together and ratified this alliance with so many oathes that hee which brake them should be the most periured creature in the world Some time after my father had a sonne which was lost when the Gothes and Ostrogots ransacked this prouince Somewhat after that was I borne but so vnluckily for my selfe that my father neuer sawe me being borne after his death This was the cause that Phormion seeing my father dead and my brother lost for these Barbarians had carryed him away and it may be kill'd him or left him to die for want and that my vnkle Dinamis was gone out with displeasure of this losse resolued if he might haue a sonne to pursue the effect of those promises It fell out that some while after his wife lay downe but it was of a daughter and because his wife was old and he feared he should haue no more by her hee made it be giuen out that it was a sonne and vsed so great warinesse that neuer any body heeded it a tricke easie enough because there was no person that would suppose that he would vse such a deceit and vntill a certayne age it is hard by the face to know any thing and the better to deceiue the most crafty he called her Filidas And when she came to age he caused her to vse the exercise fit for young shepheards whereto she was not very vnâ—â—t The dessigne of Phormion was seeing me without father and without vnkle to make himselfe master of my good by this fayned marriage and when Filidaâ— and I should be greater to marry me to one of his nephews which he loued best And indeed he was not deceiued in his former dessigne For Belinde was too religious towards the gods to fayle in that whereto she knew her husband was bound It is true that seeing me taken out of her owne hands for presently after this dissembled marriage I was deliuered into them of Pharmion she tooke so great griefe that not being able to stay longer in this countrey she went to the lake Leman to be mistris of the Vestals and Druydes of Euiens as the old Cleoâ—tin informed her from the Oracle Now behold me in the hands of Phormion who shortly after brought me home to him his nephew to whom he meant to giue me who was named Amidor This was the beginning of my paines because his vnkle let him know that by reason of our young age the marriage of Filidas and me was not so assured but if the one could not like of the other hee could not well breake it yet if it should happen hee wished rather hee should marry me then another that he should make vse of this aduertisement with so much discretion that no man might take notice of it endeuouring in the meane time to winne me to his loue in such sort that I gaue my selfe to him if euer I came to be free This yong shepheard had so good a conceit of this dessigne that as long as this fancie lasted he could not tel how good occasion I had to reioyce my selfe for him About this time Daphnis an honest and wise shepheardesse came from the coast of Furan where she had abode many yeeres and because we were neighbours the conuersation which we had together by chance made vs so good friends that I beganne to be more vexed then of wont for I must confesse that the humor of Filidas was so vnsupportable to me that I could not almost indure it so that the feare which she had that I might come to more knowledge made her so iealous of me that I might not scarce speake to any body Things standing on these termes Phormion on a sudden faâ—leth sicke and the same day was choked with a Catar that he could not speake nor giue any order to his affayres nor mine Filidas at the first was astonished at last seeing her selfe absolute mistris of her selfe and of me resolued to keepe this authority considering that the liberty which the name of a man brings is much more pleasing then the seruitude to which our Sexe is more subiected Besides that shee was not ignorant that when she should discouer her selfe to be a maide she should giue no small cause of talke to all the country These reasons made her continue the name which she had during her fathers life and fearing now more then euer that some one might discouer what she was she held me so strait that I was seldome without her But faire shepheardesses since it pleaseth you to know my young passages you must when you heare them excuse them and withall haue this beliefe of me that I haue had so many and so great troubles for louing that I am no more sensible on that side hauing beene so hardened that loue hath neyther so strong nor so sharpe armes that he can pierâ—â—â—e Alas it is the shepheard Filander of whom I will speake Filander that first could giue me some feeling of loue and who being no more hath carried away all that that might be capable in me Truely interrupted Astrea eyther the loue of Filander hath beene very little or you haue vsed great discretion for that indeed I neuer heard speech of it Which is a rare thing for that the euill
â—ongue will pardon nothing no not that which is not That men haue not spoken of it answered Diane I am more bound to our good intent then to our discretion and for the affection of the shepheard you may iudge what it is by the discourse which I shall make But the heauens which knew our pure and cleane intents would fauour vs from that good houte The first time that I sawe him was on the day we celebrate to Apollo and Diane when he came to the game with a sister whom he resembled so much that they held on them the eyes of the greatest part of the assembly And because she was neere of kinne to my deare Daphnis as soone as I sawe her I embraced her and I welcomed her with a face so open that from that time she thought her selfe bound to loue me her name was Callyre and was married on the coast of Furan to a shepheard called Gerestan whom she had neuer seene vntill the day whereon she was married which was the cause of the little loue she bare him The entertainement which I vsed to the sister gaue occasion to the brother to tarry by me so long as the sacrifice lasted and by fortune I know not whether I should call it good or euill for him I set out my selfe that day as well as I could thinking by reason of my name that this feast concerned me more particularly then others He that comming from far had no other knowledge of the shepheards nor shepheardesses then that which his sister gaue him for sooke vs not all that day so that in some sort thinking my selfe bound to entertaine him I did what I could to please him and my labour was not vnprofitable for from that time this poore shepheard gaue birth to an affection which neuer ended but with his death And euen yet I am assured that if in the graue they haue any remembrance of the liuing hee loues me and in the very ashes conserues the pure affection hee swore to me Daphnis tooke note both of the day and the deed being that night in bed because that Filidas not being well could not come to the games she told me it but I reiected this conceit so long that she said I see wall Diane that this day wil cost me many prayers and Filander much paine but howsoeuer it happen you shall not be quite exempted She vsed to warre on me with such assaults because she perceiued I feard them this was the cause that I stayed not to giue her answer So it was that this aduertisement was cause that the next day me thought I found some apparâ—â—e of â—hat which she had told mee After dinner wee vsed to gather together vnder some trees and to daunce to the voyce where we sate downe in a round and spent the time with the discourse which we liked best of that wee might disquiet our selues in that assembly as little as possibly we could It fell out that Filander being vnknowne but to Daphnis and me came and sate betweene her and mee and attending to knowe whereto all the troope would resolue not to be dumbe I beganne to enquire of that which I I thought he could best answer which Amidor taking heede of entered into so great iealousie that forsaking the company without shewing the cause hee went singing this Towne-song hauing before cast his eyes on me to make it knowne that it was of 〈…〉 e he meant to speake A TOWNE-SONG Of Amidor THat man shall haue hâ—â— in the end That serues her last in place of friend Of heart that hundred time is moued More shifting then the nimble winde Who thinkes himselfe to be beloued May not be held for wise of minde For he shall haue her in the end That serues her last in place of friend The weather-cocke to all winds moues That stands on top of Tower tall So she to euery proffering lone Turnes both her heart her head and all For he shall haue her in the end That serues her last in place of friend The Hunter doth not much esteeme That which he takes though fat it were Th' inconstant ouerpasseth him Disliking such as hold her deare But he shall haue her in the end That serues her last in place of friend As one naile driues another forth The last that comes into her grace Shall of the first for all his worth Right suddenly vsurpe the place Therefore shall he haue her in th' end That serues her last in place of friend I had had sufficient command ouer my selfe to stay me from giuing knowledge of the displeasure which this song brought me had it not bene that euery one looked on me and without Daphnis I could not tell what would haue become of me But she full of discretion not staying for the end of this song interrupted it in this sort addressing her selfe to mee A MADRIGALL Of Daphnis on the loue which she bare to Diane SInce at your birth beauteous Diane Loue made you Loadstoone of all harts Why should they say that I profane Such beauty when my loue imparts Worship to you by destiny If Loue that is most absolute Of likenesse growes as it is sayd Then ours should be of strongest sute Since you and I one sexe are made And that I might better hide my blushing and make them thinke I tooke no heed to the words of Amidor as soone as Daphnis had made an end I answered her thus A MADRIGALL Of the same substance VVHerefore should it be thought so strange That being as you are a maide My Loue on you should be so stayde If Louer to be loued change The change in me were not so hard A shepheardesse to shepheardesse As shepheardesse vnto a shepheard After we had euery one as we sate on a rowe sung some verses and Filander who had a good voyce when it came to his turne sayd this with a good grace STANZA'S Of Philander on the birth of his affection THat his desires are great and his attempts in vaine His Loues full of great fires and fuller much of paine That loues and cannot finde requitall of desire Or if he be belou'd he takes but small delight Vnlesse he might haue hope or if he hope oh spight It is but to the end to set him more on fire Thus on my cradles head by fatall ordinance Hard Destiny it selfe did nine sad times pronounâ—e What should infallibly accompany my dayes Vpon the right hand heauen thick clouded thunder had And since I knew too well that these presages sad Cast eye on my designes and follow them alwaies Then be not you amaz'd if after this decree My Loue commencement take when I your beauty see That if I must be beat out of designe fore-told It to my solace is that men shall guilty finde The Loue of my hard Fate and praise my faulty minde Saying A heart that 's base durst neuer be so bold So when the thoughtfull care of an vnfertile Loue Consumes it selfe in beames
nor any other accident will I refuse you euer For the apparances of that we desire will not suffer vs to please our selfe though from else-where we haue sufficient assurance Well brother since your will is so I will do that for you which shall not be small what hazard soeuer I thrust my selfe into And then she went on You know the likenesse of our faces of our stature and speech and but for our habit they that are ordinarily with vs would take vs the one for the other If you thinke the onely meane to come to your purpose is to conuerse with Diane without suspition how can wee finde one more easie or more secret then to change habits you and I For being taken for a mayde Filidas will neuer conceiue euil opinion how neere soeuer you come to Diane and I returning to Gerestan in your habit will tell him that Daphnis and Diane keep you there â—erforce and we must inuent some good excuse for me to get leaue of my husband to goe see them but I know not what were best since hee is as you know so hard to be intreated Indeed sister answered Filander I neuer doubted of your good nature but at this time I must consesse there was neuer a better sister and since it pleaseth you to take this paine I beseech you if I enioy her to accuse my loue which constrained it and to beleeue that it is the only meane to conserue the life of that brother whom you loue And then he embraced her with so great an acknowledgement of the obligation which hee hath had that shee became more desirous to pleasure him then before At last she sayd let vs leaue these words to those that loue lesse and let vs onely looke to set our hand to the worke For leaue sayd he wee shall easily get it dissembling that all the good cheere which was made mee by Filidas was to no other purpose then that Amidor had to woo the niece of your husband And because this charge will trouble him I assure my selfe it will be easie for you to goe if we giue him to know that you and Daphnis together may well treate of this marriage But what order shall wee take for our haire yours being long and mine ouer-short which will be a great inconuenience Trouble not your selfe for that said she if you suffer yours to grow a little it will be enough to serue vnder a coife as I vse and for mine I will cut them like yours But said hee Sister will you not be loth to clip your head Brother said she think not I hold any thing dearer then your contentment besides that I shall auoyd many importunities while you weare my clothes and not lying neere Gerestan so that if I must haue my head shorne I will not make difficulty to doe it With this word he embraced her saying that God would one day deliuer him of that torment And not to lose time Filander on the first occasion that he thought fit spake with Gerestan representing to him that alliance so easily to be compassed and so profitable that hee will suffer himselfe easily to be led But because Filander would giue time to let his haire grow he made shew to goe to giue order to his affayres and that hee would returne very shortly And Filidas no sooner knew of Filanders returne but she went to see him accompanied onely with Amidor and would not leaue him without bringing him to vs where he stayed seuen or eight dayes not hauing the hardinesse to shew himselfe to mee more then at the first During this time to shew how hard a thing it is to force nature long though Filidas counterfeited the man as well as sâ—â—â—e could yet was shee constrained to feele the passions of a woman for the courage and merits of Filander wrought the same effect in her that he desired they should in me But Loue which takes delight to turne the actions of the most aduised contrary to their purpose made him giue the blow on the side he least looked for So behold the poore Filidas so farre besides her selfe that she could not liue without Filander and wooed him with such apparent shewes that he was astonished at it and but for the desire he had to be neere me he would neuer haue endured that fashion of life In the end when he thought his hayre was long enough to put vnder a coife hee returned to Gerestan and told him he had made a good entrance to their businesse but that Daphnis thought fit before she spake that Amidor might see his neece in some place that they might know if she pleased him and that the better way was that Callire should bring her that so there might be a beginning of amity that could not choose but be auaylable Gerestan which desired nothing with more passion then to be discharged of his Niece thought this proposition very good gaue absolute coÌ„mandement to his wife who to egge him on the better made shew of not liking it well at the first propounding some difficulty in the iourney and seeming to be sorry to depart from him saying that shee knew well that such affairs wold not fal out as we would nor so readily as was expected and that in the mean time their affaires would speed the worse at home But Gerestan that would not haue her haue any other will then his was so earnest that three dayes after he caused her to goe with her brother and his Niece The first day she went to lodge at Filanders house where in the morning they changed habit which fell out so well for the one and the other that they which conuersed with them knew it not and I must tell you I was deceiued as well as others there being no difference betweene them that I could obserue But I may easily be deceiued since Filidas was so though shee looked but with the eyes of Loue which are said to bee more piercing then those of Linxe's For presently after their comming they left vs the fained Callire I would say Filander and led the true into a chamber to rest in As they were in the way her brother instructed her what to answer and especially informed her of the Loue-tricks shee should vse resembling said hee those that are in loue whereby both the one and the other were offended and though Callire were fully resolued to beare all his importunities for the contentment of her brother yet so it was that shee thinking Filidas to bee a man that it was no small horror to her that she was constrained to speake to him As for vs when we were withdrawn alone Daphnis I did all the kindnesses that are vsuall among women I meane among those where there is Loue and priuacy which this shepheard tooke and gaue with that transport that as hee since swore hee was quite beside himselfe If I had not beene a very child it may be his actions might haue made me
the arme that gaue it the beauty of Diane whose wound you feele being much lesse then yours must haue wrought lesse hurt in you then yours in me And yet if you loue with so great violence consider how Amidor ought to be vsed of Callire and what his affection may be for he knowes not how to declare it better then by the comparison with yours Shepheard answered hee if the knowledge which you haue of the loue I beare to Diane haue giuen you the boldnesse to speake to mee in this fashion I must beare the punishment which my want of consideration deserues in speaking so openly before you but so likewise are you to regard that being a woman I cannot by that discourse preiudice her honesty but you doe mine in talking so to mee who haue an husband that will not beare with patience this wrong if hee vnderstood it But besides since you speake of Diane to whom in truth I am intirely giuen I must tell you that if you will that I should measure your affection by mine according to the causes which wee haue to loue I do not thinke you loue much since that which you name beauty in me may not in any sort retaine that name being by hers Faire shepheardesse said Amidor I neuer thought one could offend you in louing you but since it is so I confesse that I deserue chastisement am ready to receiue what you shall award It is true you ought also to adde to the same punishment al that I shal deserue in louing you the rest of my life for it is impossible I shuld liue without louing you And do not think the displeasure of Gerestan shal euer diuert me he that feares neyther hazzard nor death will neuer dread a man But for that which touches you I confesse I haue failed in comparing you with Diane being without doubt ill proportioned on her side It is true that it is not as of a thing equall but as of the lesse with the greater and being of opinion that that which you feele may giue you more knowledge of my payne I haue committed this error wherein if you pardon me I protest neuer to fall into it againe Filander which loued me in good earnest and was of opinion that Amidor did so likewise could hardly brooke to heare him speake of mee with such misprize if he had not had a purpose to discouer what it was but desiring to clearē himselfe and thinking he found a good occasion hee had so much power ouer himselfe that without making shew of it hee sayd What is it possible Amidor that your mouth should vtter those words which your heart giues the lye so strongly to Thinke you that I know not well that you are a dissembler and that long since your affection hath beene for Diane My affection replyed he as surprized let neuer any loue me if I loue other shepheardesse then you I say not but sometimes I haue beene one of her friends but her vnequall humour sometimes all on fire sometimes cold like yce hath so remooued me that at this time she is indifferent vnto me How sayd Filander dare you say so since I know that indeed she hath loued you and doth yet loue you I deny not sayd Amidor but she hath loued me and going on somewhat smiling I will not sweare she loues me not yet but I can suffer it well so she be not beloued of me and I leaue all the care to her This which Amidor spake was much after his humour for it was his vsuall vanity to desire that men might thinke he had great good fortunes and for this cause it was his manner to make himselfe of purpose so familiar with them he conuersed with that when he would draw backe he could with his smile and cold laughter make men beleeue what he listed of them At this bout Filander found out his craft and had it not beene that he feared to discouer himselfe he found himselfe so touched with my wrong that I thinke he had reprooued him for his lie yet could hee not forbeare to answer him sowrely enough Truly Amidor you are the most vnworthy shepheard that liues in so good company you haue the courage to talke in this sort of Diane to whom you haue professed so much goodwill and to whom you are so much obliged What may we hope we that come short of her in merit since neyther her perfections nor her friendship nor your alliance can curbe your tongue For my part I suppose you to be the most dangerous person liuing and who desires quietnesse must be carefull to shunne you as a disease most contagious At this word he left him and came to seeke vs. His visage so inflamed with choler that Daphnis knew wel he was displeased with Amidor who stood so amazed at this parting that he knew not what to doe Afterward in the euening Daphnis enquired of Filander of their discourse and because shee loued mee and iudged that shee could not choose but encrease the loue which I bare the fayned Callire in the morning she told it me with that sharpenes against Amidor so cōmodiously for Filāder that I must confesse that since I could not easily hold my selfe from louing him when I acknowledged to my thinking that his good wil had bound me to him But Daphnis who knew well that if I loued him then it was because I thought him to be Callire and daily counselled him to discouer himselfe to me saying that at the first I would reiect him and be angry but in the end things should be so orderd and for her part she would labor in that sort that shee hoped it might be brought about But shee had not so strong perswasions that they could giue him courage which made Daphne resolue to do it her selfe without his knowledge fore-seeing well that Gerestan would haue his wife home and then all this craft would be to no purpose In this resolution one day when she found me alone after some ordinary discourse But what shall become in the end sayd she of this folly of Callyre I beleeue verily you will make her lose her right minde for she loues you so passionately that I thinke she cannot liue If Filidas goe one day forth to lye abroad and you will one night come out of your chamber you shall see her in that case that I haue often found her in for almost euery night that is fayre she spends them in the garden and pleaseth her selfe so with her owne imaginations that I can scarce draw her but with force to her rest I would gladly sayd I giue her some comfort but what would she haue of me Do not I render her loue for loue Do I not expresse it sufficiently in all mine actions Want I any kinde of courtesie or duty towards her It is true but replyed she if you heard her discourses I thinke not but you would haue compassion and I beseech you that without her
that at once haue layd all my hopes in her coffin And if you be in any sort offended pardon Tyrcis the errour which hee hath committed against you that he might not be wanting in that which was due to Cleon. At these words transported with choler I went away so farre besides my selfe that I could hardly finde out my lodging from whence I stirred not of a long time But after wee haue crossed Loue a thousand times yet must we submit our selues and therfore behold me as much to Tyrcis as euer I was I excuse in my selfe the treasons which he had done me and pardon him the wrongs and faynings where with hee offended me naming them in pardoning them not dissemblings nor treasons but violences of loue And I was the easlyer drawne vnto this pardon for the Loue who professeth himselfe a party in this fault went flattring me with a certaine hope to succeed in Cleons place While I was in this thought behold one of my sisters came to tell me that Tyrcis was lost so that he was no more to be seene and no body knew where he was This recharge of griefe surprized me so forcibly that all that I could do was to tel her that this sadnes being ouer-passed he would returne as he went But from that time I resolued to follow him and that I might not be hindered by any I got out so secretly about the beginning of the night that before day I found my selfe farre off If I were astonished at the first seeing my selfe alone in the darke the heauens know it to whom my complaints were directed but Loue which secretly accompanyed me gaue me courage enough to accomplish my purpose So I pursued my voyage following without more adoe the way which my seet met with for I knew not whither Tyrcis went nor my selfe neither So that I was a wandere more than foure moneths hearing no newes of him At last pâ—ssâ—â—â— the mount Dor I met with this shepheardesse said she poynting to Malonthe and with her that shepheard called Thersander sitting vnder the shadow of a Rocke wayting vntill the mid-dayes heate were abated And for that my custome was to demaund newes of Tyrcis of all I met I addressed my selfe to the place where I sawe them and knew that my shepheard by the marks they had giuen me was in those deserts and that he went alwayes bewayling Cleon. Then I told them what I tell you and coniured them to tell me the most certayne newes they could Whereto Mâ—donthe moued with pity answered me with that sweetnes that I iudged her strucken with the same disease that 〈◊〉 was and my opinion was not false for I knew since the long history of her griefes by which I found that Loue strikes as well in the Court as in our woods and for that our fortunes had some sympathy betwixt them she desired me to tarry and end our iourny together since we both made one kind of search I that was alone receiued with open armes this commodity and from that time we parted not asunder But what serues this discourse to my purpose since I will onely relate to you what concernes Tyrcis and me Gentle shepheard this shall be enough to say to you that after we had stayed more then three moneths in that country at last we knew he was come hither where we no sooner arriued but that I met him and so vnseasonably for him that he stood as amazed At the first he receiued me with a countenance good enough but at last knowing the occasion of my voyage he declared to me all at length the extreme affection he bare vnto Cleon and that it was not in his power to loue me Loue if there be any iustice in thee I demaund of thee and not of this ingratefull some acknowledgement of so much trauell passed So ended Laonice and seeming she had no more to say wiping her eyes she turned them pittifully to Siluander as asking fauour in the iustice of her cause Then Tyrcis spake in this sort Wise shepheard though the history of my misfortunes be such as this shepheardesse hath told you yet is the story of my griefes much more pittifull wherewith yet I will entertayne you no longer for feare of troubling you and the company onely I will adde to that which she hath sayd that not being able to endure her ordinary complaints by common consent we went to the Oracle to know what he would ordayne of vs and we had such an answer by the mouth of Arontyne ORACLE On Lignons bankes which glideth peaceably Louer thou shalt a curious shepheard see That first enquires the ill that tortreth thee Beleeue him Heauen appoynts him Iudge to be And though we haue beene long heere yet are you the first that asked of the state of our fortunes therefore it is that we cast our selues into your armes and we desire you to set downe what you will haue vs do And for that nothing may be done but according to the will of God the old woman who gaue vs the Oracle told vs that hauing met with you wee were to cast Lots who should maintayne the cause both of the one and other and for this effect all they whom we met should put a gage betweene your hands in a hat The first that drawes shall bee hee that speakes for Laonice and the last of all for me At these words he desired them all to be willing to it whereto euery one consented By fortune that of Hylas was the first and that of Phillis the last Whereat Hylas smiling Heretofore said hee when I was seruant to Laonice I should hardly haue had the minde to perswade Tircis to loue her but now that I am for Mâ—donthe I willingly obey to that the god commands Shepheard answered Leonide you are to vnderstand by the way what the prouidence of this diuinity is since to mooue each one to change of affection it hath giuen the charge to inconstant Hylas as to him that by vse well knowes the meanes and to continue a faithful loue it hath giuen the perswasion to a shepheardesse constant in all her actions and to iudge of them both it hath chosen a person that cannot be partiall for Siluander is neither constant nor inconstant since he neuer loued any Then Siluander taking the word Since therefore you will O Tircis and you Laonice that I be Iudge of your difference sweare both of you betweene my hands that you will inuiolably obserue it otherwise it will bee but more to displease the gods and for vs to take paine to no purpose Which they did and then Hylas began thus The Oration of Hylas for Laonice IF I were to maintaine the cause of Laonice before a person vnnaturall I would feare it may be lest the want of my capacity might lessen in some sort the iustice which is in it but since it is before you gentle shepheard that haue the heart of a man I meane which know what the
duties are of an honest man I not onely not mistrust a fauourable iudgement but hold for certaine that if you were in the roome of Tircis you would be ashamed to be noted for such an error I will hold my selfe then from seeking out more reasons for this cause which is so cleere of it selfe that all other light would serue but for a shaddow and I will onely say that the name which he beares of man ties him to the contrary of that he doth and that the lawes and ordinances of heauen and of nature command him to dispute no longer about this cause Doe not the duties of courtesie ordaine to render good turnes receiued Doe not the heauens command that for enery seruice some reward should bee giuen And doth not Nature constraine to loue a fayre woman that loues him and to abhorre rather then to cherish a dead body But this quite contrary for the fauors receiued of Laonice he renders discourtesie and in stead of seruices which himselfe confesses she hath done him seruing him so long vnder the couerture of Cleons loue he payes her with ingratitude and for the affectioÌ„ which she hath borne him from her cradle he makes no shew but of misprisall Are you so honest a man Tircis and doe you so seeme to know the gods and yet me thinkes this shepheardesse is such an one that were it not that her influence easts her into misfortune it were more proper for her to make others feele then for her selfe to feele the wrongs where of she complaines If thou beest a man knowest thou not that it is proper to a man to loue the liuing and not the dead And if thou acknowledge the gods knowest thou not that they can punish them that contradict their ordinances and that Loue neuer pardons him that neuer loues If thou confessest that from the cradle she hath serued thee and loued thee O God shall it be possible that so long an affection and so pleasing seruices should at last be payd with contempt But be it that this affection and these seruices being voluntary in Laonice and not sought for of Tyrcis may weigh little with an ingratefull soule yet will I not beleeue that you will award O iust Siluander but that the deceiuer is to giue satisfaction to the party deceiued and as Tircis by his dissimulation hath so long time deluded this fayre shepheardesse shall he not be bound to repayre this iniury to her with as much true affection as he hath made her take lies and falshoodes that if euery one ought to loue his like will not you our Iudge ordayne that Tyrcis loue a person liuing and not one dead and place his loue there where he may liue and not among the cold a shes in a coffin But Tyrcis tell mee what may be thy dessigne after thou hast met with a floud of teares the sad relickes of the poore Cleon thinkest thou that thou canst rayse her vp agayne with thy fighes and teares Alas they pay Caron but once and they neuer but once enter into his boate You may well call her backe from thence but he is deafe to such cryes and neuer sendeth out person that comes aboord him It is impiety Tyrcis to goe about tormenting the rest of those whom the gods call away Loue is ordayned for the liuing and the Coffin for those that are dead Desire not to confound their ordinances in such sort that to a dead Cleon thou giue a liuing affection and to a quicke Laonice a graue And herein doe not arme thy selfe with the name of Constancy for it hath no right to it Dost thou thinke it fit that a man should go naked because he hath worne out his first garments Beleeue me it is as much worthy of laughter to heare thee say that because Cleon is dead thou wilt neuer loue more Re-enter re-enter into thy selfe confesse thine error cast thee at the feet of this Fayre acknowledge thy fault and so thou shalt auoyde thy constraint whereto our iust Iudge by his sentence will subiect thee Hylas ended in this sort to the great contentment of all but Tyrcis whose teares gaue notice of his griefe Then Phillis after she had commandement from Siluander lifting vp her eyes to heauen answered thus to Hylas The answer of Phillis for Tyrcis OFaire Cleon which vnderstandest from heauen the iniury which they purpose to doe thee inspire me with thy Diuinity for such I will esteeme thee if the Vertues may euer make a mortall become diuine and worke so that my ignorance may not weaken the reasons that Tyrcis hath that he should neuer loue but thy perfections And you wise shepheard that knowes better what I should speake in her defence than I can conceiue supply the wants which are in me by the abundance of reasons which are in my cause and to beginne I will say Hylas that all the reasons which thou hast alledged to prooue that beeing beloued one ought to loue though they be false yet they are agreed vpon for good but wherefore wilt thou conclude by it that Tyrcis must leaue the loue of Cleon to beginne a new with Laonice Thou demaundest things impossible and contraries impossible because no man is bound to do more than he can and how wouldst thou haue my shepheard loue if hee haue no will Thou laughest Hylas when thou hearest me say that hee hath none It is true interrupted Hylas what hath he done with it He that loueth answered Phillis hath giuen his very soule to the person beloued and the will is but one power But replyed Hylas this Cleon to whom you would he should be sent being dead hath nothing remaining of a person and so Tircis is to take that againe which was his Ah! Hylas Hylas answered Phillis you speake as if Loue were a Nouice for the donations which are made by his authority are alwaies irreuocable And what reioyned Hylas shall become of this will since the death of Cleon This little losse said she hath followed that great extreme losse which he had in losing her for that if pleasure be the obiect of the will since now he can haue no more pleasure what hath he to doe with will and it hath followed Cleon so that if Cleon be no more no more is his will for he neuer had it but for her but if Cleon be yet in any place as the Druides teach vs this will is in her hands so content to be in that place that if shee her selfe would dâ—â—â—e it away it would not returne to Tircis as knowing well it should bee vnprofitable but would goe into her coffin to rest with the beloued bones And this being so why accuse you the faithfull Tircis of ingratitude if it be not in his power to loue elsewhere And see how you command not onely a thing impossible but contrary to it selfe for if euery one bee bound to loue that that loues him why will you not that he loue Cleon who neuer fayled
was quickly knowne of Leonide for it was Paris the sonne of the great Druide Adamas who being returned from Feurs and hauing knowne that his Niece was come to seeke him and secing she came not back he sent his sonne to let her know he was returned and to vnderstand what occasion had brought her so alone for that it was not the custome to goe without company As soone as the Nymph spyed him a farre off she told his name to the faire shepheardâ—sses and they that they might not be wanting in their ciuility wheÌ„ he came neere them saluted him with so great courtesie that the beauty and pleasing fashion of Diane gaue him that delight that he stood as almost rauished and had it not bin that the welcomming of Leonide diuerted him a little the could hardly haue hidden this surprize yet after the first salutation and that he had told her what brought him to her But sister said he for Adamas would haue them call brother and sister where found you this faire company Brother said she we haue beene together two dayes and yet I assure you we are not weary This here shewing him Astrea is the fayre shepheardesse whom you haue so often heard speech of for it is Astrea and that there is Diane the daughter of Belinde and Celeon and the other is Phillis and that shepheard is the vnknowne Siluander whose vertue is so well knowne heere that there is none in this Court but loues him Vndoubtedly sayd Paris my father did not well to feare you were ill accompanyed and if hee had knowne that you had beene so well hee would not haue beene so disquieted Gentle Paris said Slunder a person that hath so much of vertue as this Nymph can neuer be ill accompanyed And yet much lesse answered he when she is among so wise and faire shepheardesses And as he spake this word he turned him to Diane who perceiuing her selfe to be summoned answered It is impossible courteous Paris that one can adde to a thing that is accomplished Yet so it is replyed he that in my iudgement I loue better to be with her when you are neere than when she shall be alone This is your courtesie answered shee that you vse these termes in the behalfe of strangers You cannot answered Paris call your selues strangers to me but withall you must terme me a stranger to you which is a reproch to me whereof I am much ashamed because I cannot be freed from blame to be neighbor to such beauties and so great merits and yet be almost vnknowne to them but to amend this error I resolue to do better for the time to come to conuerse with you as much as without reason I haue beene remoued from you heereâ—ofore and in speaking these last words hee turned towards the Nymph And you sister though I be come to seeke you said he yet shall you go alone since it is not farre from hence to the house of Adamas For for my part I will tarry till night with this good company I would I might do so too said she but for this time I am constrayned to make an end of my iuorney Yet am I purposed so to order my affayres that I may liue as well with them as you for I doe not thinke there is a more happy life than theirs With such other like discourse she took her leaue of the faire shepheardesses and after straite embracements promised to come againe to them very soone and so parted much contented and satisfied with them so that shee resolued to change the vanities of the Court to the simplicity of that life but that which moued her most was that she had a desire to free Celadon out of the hands of Galathee and thought that he would presently returne into the Hamlet where she determined to conuerse vnder the shaddow of these shepheardesses Thus you see what was the voyage of Leonide who sawe the birth of two great loues that of Siluander vnder a fayned wager as wee haue sayd and that of Paris as wee will speake of to Diane For since that day he grew so amorous that to be more familiar with them he forsooke the life he vsed and attired himselfe as a shepheard and would so be called among them that so hee might make himselfe more pleasing to his Mistris who for her part honoured him according to his merit and as his good will obliged her But for that in the course of our discourse wee are to speake after of it we will say no more at this time Then returning to their Hamlets as they drew neere the great meddow where the most part of the flockes fed ordinarily they might see come from farre Tircis Hylas and Licidas whereof the two first seemed to disport in good earnest for the gesture of his armes and the rest of the bodie of Hylas shewed as much as for Licidas he was by himselfe his hat pull'd downe and his hands behind him he went looking on his feet shewing well hee had something in his soule that much troubled him and when they were so neere that they might know them and that Hylas perceiued Phillis among the shepheardesses and for that since the former day hee beganne to loue her leauing Tircis he came to her and without saluting the rest of the company tooke her vnder the arme and in his accustomed humor without other shew of words told her the desire hee had to serue her Phillis who beganne to know him and was contented to passe the time said I know not Hylas whence this wil springs for there is nothing in me that may moue it If you thinke that you say sayd he you owe mee the greater obligation and if you doe not thinke it you may iudge me a man of spirit that can know what is worthy to be serued and so you may esteeme of me the better Doubt not sayd she howsoeuert it be that I esteeme you and that I receiue your loue as it merits and were it not for any other consideration yet at least for that you are the first that loued me By fortune while they were talking Licidas comes in whose iealousie was so high growne that it ouer-topped his affection and for his greater hurt he came in euill time so that he might heare the answer that Hylas made to Phillis which was thus I know not faire shepheardesse if you will continue as you beginne with me but if you doe you shall be the truer for I know well that Siluander at least will help to giue you the lie and if hee will not doe it for feare of displeasing you I assure my selfe that all that were here yesterday wil witnesse Siluander was your seruant I know not whether he hath left his loue vnder his pillow Siluander that thought not of the loue of Licidas thinking it would be a shame for him to disprooue Hylas and besides that that hee should offend Phillis to say otherwise before her answered Shepheard
and honour them And on the contrary vpon the least shew of mislike which one giues them they quickly thinke they are hated because loues are naturall but enmities are not so and they that goe against nature it must be on a resolute designe whereas they that follow that way seeme to do by custome Therefore Hylas I tel you that you shall more easily make Carlis beleeue you hate her vpon the least euill will you shew her then you can perswade Stilliane you loue her And because you may see she hath on her heart that you loue Carlis beleeue me that that which you haue to doe of most necessity is to giue her knowledge that you no more loue this Carlis which you must do by some action known not onely to Carlis but to Stilliane and many others To be short faire shepheardesse he knew so wel to turne me on euery side that at last I writ to the poore Carlis this letter The Letter of Hylas to Carlis I Write not at this bout Carlis to tell you that I loue you for you haue beleeued it but too well but to assure you that I loue you no more I know certainly you will be amazed at this declaration since you haue alwayes loued me almost beyond my desire But that which drawes me from you is I must confesse your misfortune that will no longer continue to you the pleasure of our amity or rather my good fortune which will haue me no longer stay at so poore a thing And to the end you may not complaine of me I bid you farewell and giue you leaue to take it as you thinke good for you are to haue no more hope in me By fortune when shee receiued this Letter she was in very good company and Stilliane her selfe was there which so much misliked this action that there was none in all that troope that blamed mee more Which Carlis vnderstanding I pray you sayd she to her binde me for euer and make him an answer For my part sayd Stilliane I shal be a good Secretary and then taking paper and inke in the presence of all the rest wrote thus to me in the name of Carlis The answer of Carlis to Hylas HYlas thy arrogancy hath beene such that thou art perswaded thou art beloued of mee and the knowledge which I haue of thy humour and my will which haue alwayes iarred are such that they haue kept mee from louing thee so that all the loue which I haue borne thee hath beene onely in thy opinion and such was my vnhappinesse and thy good fortune and heerein there is nothing of certainty but that indeed when thou thoughtst thou wert beloued of me thou were deceiued I sweare vnto thee Hylas by all the merits which thou thinkest thou hast and which are not in thee which are a greater number than those that disable me from being worthy of thee The aduantage which I pretend in all this is to be exempted heereafter from thy importunities and not to be vtterly vnthankefull for the pleasure thou hast done me in this I cannot wish better for thee nor for my selfe but that the heauens would make thee alwayes hold on this resolution to my contentment as they haue giuen thee the will to reiect me for my importunities In the meane time liue content and if thou hast asmuch as I being freed from so combersome a burden beleeue me Hylas it shall not be small I must not lie the reading of this letter touched me a little for I knew well in my conscience I had done wrong to this shepheardesse but the new affection which Stilliane had bred in me suffered me not to stay long and at last howsoeuer it was I cast the fault on her For sayd I in my selfe If she be not so fayre nor so louely as Stilliane is it I that am guiltie Let her complayne to them which haue made her of lesse perfection And for my part what can I contribute but to be sorry and bewayle with her her pouerty But this ought not to hinder me from adoring and desiring the riches of another With such reasons I endeuoured to chase froÌ„ me the compassion which Loue had made in me And thinking I had no more to do than to receiue Stilliane who by this time mee thought was wholly mine I desired Hermante to carry to her a letter in my behalfe and withall I let him see the Letter I writ to Carlis that she should no more doubt her He that truely was my friend in euery point that concerned Carlis made not dainty and taking a fit time when shee was alone in her lodging as he preâ—ented to her my Letters hee sayd smiling to her Faire Stilliano if the fire burne the foole that comes too neere it if the Sunne dazle the blinde that dares looke full on it and if the sword giue death to him that receiues it into his heart you must not thinke it strange if the miserable Hylas comming too neere you is burned if daring to behold you he be dazled and if receiuing the faral stroke of your eyes he feele the mortall wound in his heart He would haue gone on but she all impacient interrupted him Cease Hermante you labour in vaine neither Hylas hath worth enough nor you perswasioÌ„ sufficient to giue me the will to change my contentment for his Nor wish I my selfe so much euill nor so much good to Hylas that I will consent to mine owne vnhappinesse by beleeuing your words It suffices me Hermante that the humour of Hylas is knowne to mee at anothers cost without mine owne triall And it should be enough to you that Carlis is weakely deceiued though you serue not as an instrument for the ruine of some other If you loue Hylas I loue Stillaine much more and if you will giue him the counsell of a friend counsell him as I counsell her that is that shee neuer loue Hylas say to him likewise that he neuer loue Stilliane And if hee will not beleeue you assure your selfe to his confusion hee shall employ his time in vayne and for the letter which you present me I will make no difficulty to take it hauing so good defences against his weapons that I feare not a whit the blowes At this word vnfolding my letter she read it aloude it was at last but an assurance of my affection by the Conge which I had giuen to Carlis for her sake and a right humble supplication that she would be pleased to loue me She laughed after she had read it and turning to Hermante asked him if he were willing she should make an answer And he answering that he desired it passionatly she willed him to haue a little patience and she would go write It was thus The answer of Stilliane to Hylas HYlas see how weakely founded your dessignes are you would that in consideration of Carlis I should loue you and there is nothing that pronokes me more to hate you than the memory which
such a fashion that I may say with truth there was nothing in the world better beloued then Rosidor was of Cloris with which he thought himselfe so strongly tyed to me that he encreased his affection if it could haue beene increased We liued so more then a yeere with all the delight that so perfect a loue might bring to two Louers At last the heauens seemed willing to make vs intirely contented suffered that al the difficulties which impeached our mariage were remoued Behold vs now as happy as mortals might be for wee were led into the Temple the voyce of Hymen Hymene sounding on all sides To be shor◠being returned to our lodging nothing might bee heard but instruments of reioycing nothing seene but dances and songs euen then as mischiefe would we were separated by one of the most vnlucky occasiōs that might befall me We were then at Vienna where are the most part of the Rosidors possessions It fell out that some forlorne young men of the villages without Lyoas on that side where our Druides went to lay the Guy where they had vsed it in the forrests of Mars called Ayrieu meant to commit some disorder my husband not able to brooke it after hee had gently admonished them empeached them for executing it where at they were so enraged that thinking the greatest offence they could doe to Rosidor was to hurt me there was one of them about to throw a vyole of inke at my face but seeing it comming I turned my head aside so that I was not touched but on my necke as said she stooping downe you may yet see the markes plaine My husband that saw my brest full of ynke and blood thinking I had beene grieuously wounded and besides conceiuing this outrage to be so great that taking his sword into his hand he strucke it thorow the body of him that gaue the blow and then thrusting among the others with the helpe of his friends hee draue them out of his house Iudge shepheard if I were troubled for I thought I was worse hurt then indeede I was and saw my husband besmeared with the blood of him whom he slew as also of a wound which he had on his shoulder But when this first fray was in part passed and by that the wound was dressed and he apparelled the Iustice came to seize on him and carried him away with such violence that they would not suffer mee to bid him farewell but my affection more strong then their defence made me way at last to him and casting my selfe on his necke clasped so fast about that it was as much as they could doe to put me off He on the other side when hee saw me in this case desiring rather to dye then to be separated from me vsed all the violence which a great courage and an extreme loue was able to worke which was such that all wounded as hee was he got himselfe out of their hands and went out of the Towne This defence kept him from being a prisoner but it made his cause the worse with the Iudge who in the mean time sent out threatnings and Proclamations during all which his greatest displeasure was that hee could not be with me and because that desire pressed him fore he disguised himselfe and came to me one euening and passed all the night with me God knowes what my contentment was but yet my feare was as great for Iknew that they which pursued him vnderstanding the loue which was betweene vs did all they could to surprize him and it fell out as I alwaies feared for at last he was found and brought into Lyons where presently I followed him and to good purpose for him for that the Iudges whom at all houres I sollicited tooke such pitty on me that they shewed him fauour and so notwithstanding all the pursuit of the aduersaries hee was set at liberty If I found much sorrow in this accident and paine when I saw him beleeue courteous shepheard that I had no lesse satisfaction to see him out of danger and acquitted from all that had passed But because the displeasure which he had receiued in the prison had made him sicke he was enforced to stay some dayes at Lyons and I being alwaies about him to giue him the best comfort I could at last being past the danger he prayed me to set things in order at home that we might entertaine our friends with that mirth that hee desired for the good successe of his affaires and behold these dissolute fellowes who had beene the cause of all our paine seeing they could haue no other remedy resolued to kill him in his bed and being entered into his lodging gaue him 2. or 3. stabs with a ponyard leuing him for dead fled away Alas courteous shepheard iudge what I ought to bee and in what repose was my soule like to be that in truth is touched with the most sensible accident that could befall me So ended Cloris hauing her face couered with teares which seemed so many pearles that rowled downe her faire bosome Now gentle shepheard that that I will tell you is a new head-spring of Loue. The affection which I saw in this shepheardesse touched mee with so much compassion that though her face had not beene able to haue wonne my loue yet the pitty struck me so to the quick that I must confesse that Carlis Stilliane Aymee nor Floriante neuer tied me with a stronger chain then this desolate Cloris Which was not for that I loued not the others but I had yet besides their place this voyde in my soule Behold mee then resolued into Cloris as well as into the others but I knew well it was to no purpose to speake to her while Rosidor were either not dead or not healed for the paine wherein she was possessed her altogether Wee came in this sort to Lyons where presently euery one parted It is true that the new affection which I bare to Cloris made me accompany her to her lodging where especially I visited Rosidor to haue some acquaintance with him iudging it best so to beginne thereby to come to the good graces of his wife She that thought him worse hurt then she found it for they alwaies make the euil greater then it is and the apprehension much encreaseth the accident which they doubt changed her countenance and behauiour when she found him vp and walking about his chamber But see what befell me the sadnesse which Cloris had in the boat was as I tolde you the cause of my affection and when being neere Rosidor I saw her ioyfull and content look how the compassion had made this loue to grow so also her ioyfulnesse and contentment caused it to dye proouing well as then that euery euill ought to be cured by the contrary I entred then a slaue and captiue into that lodging and I came out a freeman and master of my selfe But considering this accident I endeuoured to remember Aymee and Floriante and
presently wished to finde them at their lodging and turning on all hands at last I met them by fortune together A good meeting the next day was the great Feast of Venus and because according to custome the day before the solemnity the young women sing in the Temple the Hymnes which are made in the honour of the Goddesse and they watch there vntill midnight I heard them resolue with the mother of Aymee to passe the night as the others that shee might the better performe her vow Floriante at the secret request of Aymee promised to doe so too And because they stayed there a great liberty I had a designe without any speech of it to goe in likewise fayning to be a wench when it should be darke but knowing that the Druides were themselues at the gate when it waxed darke I purposed to hide my sâ—lfe some good while before And indeede beeing got into a corner little frequented and most dark I tarried there till nine or ten of the clock in the night TheÌ„ the TeÌ„ple was shut vp and there were no more men but my selfe vnlesse there were some that were as curious as I and by that time the Hymnes had long continued I came out of my lurking place And because the Temple was great and there was no light but that which the tapers lighted on the Altar might giue all about I easily fet my selfe among the weaches without their knowledge and as I was searching with mine eyes for that part where Aymee might bee I saw a little candle brought to a young wench who rising vp went with it to the Altar and after diâ— some ceremonies she beganne to sing certaine couplets to which at the end all the company answered I know not whether it were for that the light was dimme for sometimes they will helpe themselues by hiding the imperfection of the painting or that indeed she were faire yet so it was that assoon as I saw her I loued her Let them now tell me that say that loue comes froÌ„ the eyes of the partie beloued that canont be for shee could not see me besides that shee turned not her eyes towards me and hardly could I behold her so well that I might know her another time and that was the cause that I thrust forward by curiosity I crept gently among those shepheardesses that were next her But by mis-hap beeing with greater danger come hard by her shee ended her Hymne and sent backe the taper where it was wont to bee so that the place was so darke that hardly though I might touch her could I see her Notwithstanding the hope that she or some other neere her might beginne againe to sing I stayed there a while But I saw to the contrary that the taper was carried into the other Quire and presently after one of those that were there beganne to sing as my new and vnknowne mistrisse had done The difference that I noted whether in voyce or face was great for she had nothing that came neere her whom I beganne to loue which was the cause that beeing no longer able to command my curiosity I went to a Dame that was some what farre off and counterfeiting the best I could I asked what she was that sung before the last You must be a stranger said she if you know her not It may be I know her answered I if heard her name Who knowes her not said shee by her face demands her name in vaine yet to free you of your paine know she is called Cyrâ—â—â—â— one of the fairest maids that dwell on the banks of Arar and so held in all this countrey so that if you know her not you must be of another world Till then I had so well counterseited my voyce that as the night deceiued their eyes so my voyce beguiled their eareâ— but at that time not remembring where I was after many other thanks I said to her that if in exchange of the paine that she had taken I could yeeld her any seruice I did not thinke any man happier then I was How now said she who are you that talke in this fashion And looking more hee defully on mee shee knew by my habit what I was Whereat all astonied said shee How come you to haue the hardinesse to breake our lawes in this sort Know you not that you cannot pay this fault but with the losse of your life I must tell you true that though I knew there was chastisement ordained yet I did not thinke it was such whereat I was not a little astonied yet alledging vnto her that I was a stranger and knew not their Statutes she tooke pitty on me and said that from the beginning she well perceiued it and that I must know that it was impossible to obtaine pardon for this fault for that the law was so rigorous to free those watches from all the abuses which were wont to bee committed Notwithstanding seeing that I came not of any wicked intent shee would doe what she could to saue me And therefore I was not to tarry till the mid-night bell rang for then the Druides came to the gate with their torches and looked them all in the face That now the gate of the Temple was shut but she would attempt to open it and then casting a vaile ouer my head which couered me to the hanches she fitted my cloak so vnderneath it that it could not be discerned in the night from a gown and hauing thus dressed mee shee told some of her neighbours who came with her that shee was not well and they all went to require the key of the most ancient of the company and wee going together towards the gate with a little waxe-candle onely which her selfe bare and which she almost couered with her hand fayning as if she would preserue it from the winde we went out of the prease and thus happily I escaped out of this danger through her courtesie and the better to disguise me withall for the desire I had to know to whom I was so much bound I went with the other to her lodging But faire shepheardesse sayd he turning to Diane this discourse is yet but halfe done and me thinkes the Sunne is downe long since will it not be fit to referre the rest to another time when we haue more leisure You haue reason sayd she gentle shepheard one must not spend all his goods at once that which remaines may cause vs make another pleasing iourney besides that Paris who is to passe the riuer cannot stay longer without committing himselfe to the night There is nothing said he faire shepheardesse that can trouble mee when I am neere you I wish answered she there were any thing in me that might please you for your worth and courtesie binde euery one to yeeld you all sorts of seruice Paris would haue replied but Hylas interrupted him when he said I would to God gentle Paris that I were you and that Diane were Phillis and
not changed to his benefit Ah shepheardesse you may well thinke that my heart is without feeling of your blowes since it hath so liuely felt those of your eyes How long is it since to talke you haue withdrawne your selfe from me since you took no pleasure to talke with me and that it seemed you send about for other company that you may auoyde mine Or where is the care you were wont to haue of my businesse or the griefe which my stay from your presence brought you You may remember how svveete the name of Licidas hath beene to you and hovv often it slipped out of your mouth for the abundance of your heart when you meant to name some other You may remember your selfe I say and haue at this time nothing in the same heart and in the same mouth but the name and affection of Siluander with whom you liue in such asort that there is not so great a stranger in our Country but knovves that you him And thinke you it strange that I which am the same Licidas which I haue alvvayes yet beene and was not borne but onely for you Phillis haue entred into some doubt of you The extreme displeasure of Licidas raysed so great aboundance of words in his mouth that Phillis to interrupt him could not geÌ„t a time to answer him for if she opened her mouth to beginne he went on with the more vehemency not considering that his complayning made it worse and if there were any thing that might helpe him it was onely her answer which he would not heare and on the contrary not heeding that this torrent of words tooke avvay all leisure for the shepheardesse to ansvver him he iudged that her silence proceeded of the sense of her being guilty so that hee went on amplifying his iealousie at all motions and all actions that he savve her vse Whereat she found her selfe so suâ—prized and so much discontented that she thus letted knevv not with what words to beginne either to complayne of him or to remooue him out of the opinion vvhere in hee was but the passion of the shepheard vvhich vvas so extreme that it gaue him not leisure to dreame of iâ— for though it vvere almost night yet he saw her blush or at least he thought he savve her vvhich vvas the conclusion of his impatience holding that for certaine vvhere of as yet he had no cause to doubt And so vvithout furder stay after he had called twice or thrice on the gods as iust pâ—nishers of the vnfaithfull he ranne into the woods vnvvilling to heare or tarry for Phillis vvho vvent after him to discouer to him his errour but it vvas in vaine For he ranne so svviftly that soone left him in the thicket of the trees And in the meane time Leonice well pleased that she had discouered this affection and savv so good a beginning of her desseigne vvithdrevv as vvas the custome vvith the shepheardesses her companions and Siluander on the otherside resolued vvith himselfe since Licidas tooke such ielousie at so cheape a rate to sell him it for the time to come at a dearer making shew to loue Phillis in sadnesse when he should see him neere her The end of the eight Books THE NINTH BOOKE OF Astrea and Celadon LEonide in the meane time arriued at the house of Adamas and gaue him to vnderstand that Galathee had infinit occasion to vse him and vpon vrgent cause which shee would tel him by the way That he might not disobey he resolued to be gone as soone as the moone would shine which was some halfe howre before day On this resolution as soone as the light began to appeare they set themselues on the way and when they were come to the foote of the little hill hauing no more then one plaine to bring them to the Palace of Isour the Nymph at the request of her vncle began her speech in this sort The History of Galathee and Lindamor MY father for so she called him bee not moued I beseech you to heare that which I haue to say to you and when you haue occasion remember that the same loue caused this which at some other time hath driuen you to the like or more strange accidents I durst not speake to you of it if I had not a commission namely if I had not bene commanded but Galathee whom this businesse concernes is willing since shee hath chosen you as the Phisicion for this sicknesse that you should know both the breeding and the proceeding yet hath she enioyned me to draw some words from you that you will neuer speake of it The Druide which well knew what respect hee was to beare to his Lady for so hee esteemed her answered that hee had wisedome enough to conceale that which he knew might concerne Galathee that therein the promise was more then needed Vpon this assurance continued Leonide I will attempt to tel you what you are to know It is now a long time since Polemas became to be in loue with Galathee to tell you how it grew were vnprofitable so it was that he loued her so that in earnest one might call him amorous This affection passed on so far that Galathee her selfe could not be ignorant of it so much it wanted that in particular shee made it diuers times appeare that his seruice was not displeasing to her which tied him so fast that nothing since could euer withhold him and without doubt Galathee had some good occasion to fauour Polemas for he was a man that merited much for his race you know hee is of the ancient stocke of Surien that in nobility giues not place to that of Galathee as for his person he is very louely hauing both a face and fashion able to win loue aboue all hee hath great knowledge yet ashamed of it before the wisest But why go I about to tell you these things Your father knows them better then I. So it was that these good conditions made him so commendable that Galathee vouchsafed to fauour him more then any other in the court of Amasis yet it was with that discretion that no man noted it Now Polemas hauing the wind so fauorable liued with that contentment to himselfe as a man founded vpon hopes might But this inconstant Loue or rather this inconstant Fortune which delights in change as in her nourishment was willing that Polemas as well as the rest of the world should feele what the stripes are that come from her hand you may remember that it is somewhile since Amasis permitted Clidaman to bestow vs on his seruants from this occasion as from a swarme haue issued so many loues that besides that the court was pestered with them all the country feeles them Now among others by chance Lindamor was giuen to Galathee hee hath much worth yet she receiued him so coldly as the ceremony of that feast would suffer But he that before it may bee had some such intention which he durst not make shew
of beyond the bounds of his discretion was well pleased that this subiect presented it selfe so luckily to vnlock those dessines which loue had made him conceale and to giue birth vnder the vaile of that fiction to most true passions If Polemas felt the beginning of this new loue the progresse of it was troblesome to him for that the beginning was couered with the shaddow of courtesie and the example of all the other Nymphs so that though Galathee entertained him with that apparancy of delight yet in reason that might not offend him because shee was tied to it by the law which was common but when this suite continued and more then that when passing the limits of courtesie he saw that it was in good earnest then hee felt the effects which ielousie workes in the soule that truly loues Galathee for her part little thought or at least beleeued not it was so far gone but the occasions as threeds sowed together draw the one to the other carried him so far that Polemas may be in some sort excused if he would suffer himselfe to be wounded with so sharpe a blade and if ielousie could do more then the assurance which his seruices might giue him Lindamor was gentle there was nothing which you could wish in a person welborn wherewith he was not furnished courteous among the Ladies braue among the warriours full of valour and courage as any that hath beene in our court these many yeeres He was about 25. yeeres of age without feeling the effects which loue is vsed to worke in harts of that age not for that out of nature he could not serue Ladies or that hee wanted courage to hazard any one but because he was alwayes busied in exercises which driue out idlenesse he had not giuen leasure to his affections to fixe their roots in his soule for from the time he was able to beare armes thrust forward with that generous instinct that carries noble courages to the most dangerous enterprise he let passe no occasion of warre wherein he gaue not witnesse of what he was Afterward being returned to see Clidaman to perform duty to him to whoÌ„ he was obliged at the same time he gaue himselfe to two to Clidaman as to his Lord and to Galathee as to his Lady and to them both without receiuing disgrace But the courtesie of young Clidaman and the merits of Galathee had too great power ouer those Louers to be drawn froÌ„ their seruice Behold then as I tell you Lindamor become amorous but so that his affection could no longer be hidden with the vaile of courtesie Polemas as he that had interest found it out soone enough yet though they were friends would he make no shew of it but to the contrary kept it close to himselfe hee laboured nothing more then to get more assurance of this Loue to the end he might ruine him by all the tricks he could as he tried afterward And because since the returne of Lindamor he had as I told you made profession of friendship to him hee thought fit to continue it About this time Clidaman beganne to delight in Tourneys and Tiltings wherein he profited well as they sayd for a beginner But aboue all Lindamor bare away the glory of the goodliest and gentlest wherat Polemas was so vexed that he could not dissemble his ill will and he thought that if he made a match with him he might carry away the greater glory for that being older and of longer abode in Court he was alwais in al the designes of his Riuall but Lindamor that suspected not the occasions that made him do so went on freely and that made his actions more pleasing which Polemas did not who had a secret purpose where he must vse some cunning so that he serued but for a shew And especially the last day of the Bacchanals when the young Clidaman made a Tourney to maintaiâ—e the beauty of Siluie Guymantes and Lindamor did as much as men might but among all Lindamor got that grace and happinesse that if Galathee had not iudged it yet loue had giuen sentence against Polemas The Nymph that then beganne to haue eyes as well for other men as till then shee had for none but Polemas could not containe from speaking much to the good of Lindamor And see how Loue mocks and sports with the wisedome of Louers That which with such care and craft Polemas went about seeking to aduance himselfe aboue Lindamor hurts himselfe the more and makes him almost his inferiour for euery one comparing their actions together found such difference that it had bin better for him either not to haue assisted him or to haue bin declared his enemy at once It was that very euening that Lindamor thrust forward by his good Angell I thinke for my part there be good dayes and vnhappy dayes auowed himselfe in earnest seruant to the faire Galathee but the occasion was also as good as he could wish for dancing a dance which the Frankes haue lately brought out of Germany where one goes to take away her whom he likes led on by loue but rather spurred to it as I thinke by destiny he tooke away Galathee from Polemas who more attentiue to his discourse then to the dance tooke little heede and was at that time reproaching the Nymph for the new breeding loue which hee fore-saw of Lindamor Shee who till then neuer thought him to bee in earnest offended at his discourse tooke his words in so ill part that shee told him what words Lindamor had vsed which were so much the more pleasing for that she thought shee was thereby reuenged of him for his suspition That which makes me speake thus is for that there is none that may know more then I who may seeme to bee destined to heare of all these Loues for as soon as we were withdrawne and that Galathee was in bed she willed me to stand at the beds head and hold the light while she read the dispatches that came to her and specially those of importance That night she caused the Nymphs to leaue her alone and when they were all gone she commanded me to locke the doore then made me sit at the beds feete and after she had smiled a while shee said You cannot choose but laugh Leonide at the gracious accident that befell me at the daunce You know it is somewhile since Polemas had a minde to serue me for I concealed it not from you and for as much as me thought he carried himselfe towards me with that honour and respect I neede not lye his seruice was not vnpleasing to me and reÌ„ceiued it with a better liking then from any others in the Court not that hee had yet any loue of my part I will not say but that it may bee as Loue alwaies flatters his patients with hope he imagined that which he desired but the truth is that I neuer yet iudged that he had neuer any thing able to make mee loue him
a share Disdainefull beauty that Liest hid from all mens eyes And neuer mad'st appeare That 〈◊〉 thee pitty lies Yet Dido did not scorne A wanderer by sea Paris a shepheard yong Wonne loue from Oenone Diane found some griefe For her Endimion Loue not regards the state Or pompe of any one The sheepehooke with the mace Of Kings he equall makes And in the purest Loue All his contentment takes Then Adamas asked her And how Leonide it seemes by the words of Galathee that she despised Polemas and by these verses there is no man but will iudge she loued him and that only he could not brooke with patience that she should dissemble Father replied Leonide it is true that she loued him and she had giuen him that proof that if he gaue credit to it hee was not so arrogant but that one might very well haue thought him to be of small vnderstanding if he did not beleeue it and though she would dissemble with me yet I know she had drawne him by shewes and hopes of good will whereof the earnest was not so small as the first but that many others haue bene deceiued and I know not considering what assurances were giuen that any would thinke shee would lose them and gainesay her going forward but he deserued this chastisement for his vnfaithfulnes which he vsed to a Nymph whose deceiued affectiō cryes vengeance so that loue at last gaue an care for without faining he is the most deceitfull the most vnthankfull and most vnworthy to be beloued for this misprifall of any vnder heauen and deserues not to be pittied if hee now feele the griefe which other haue suffered for him Adamas seeing her so much moued against Polemas demaunded who the Nymph was that hee deceiued and said that shee was some of her friends since she tooke the offence so to the quicke Then shee perceiued that she had yeelded too much to her passion and that vnawares shee had made knowne that which shee had kept so long secret yet as shee had a quicke spirit and that would not lie long in her fault she couered by her dissimulation this errour so well that Adamas then tooke no great heed to it And how my daughter sayd Adamas know you not that men liue with a purpose to ouercome and finish all that they vndertake and that the loue which they make shew of to other women is but to make the way easie You may see Leonide that all loue is for the desire of the thing that is wanting and the desire being satisfied there is no more desire if there be no more desire there is no more loue therefore you may behold that they which will be long loued are they that giue least satisfaction to the desires of their louers But added Leonide she whereof I spake is one of my particular friends and I know she neuer treated with Polemas but with as great coldnesse as she could That likewise replyed Adamas makes the desire to be lost for desire is nourished with hope and fauours Now look how the match of the Lampe goes out when the oyle failes so desire dies when the nourishment of it is put out therefore it is that we see so many loues are changed some for too many othersome for too few fauours But let vs returne to that you sayd to Galathee what was that that she answered If Polemas answered Leonide had had said she to me as much iudgement to measure himselfe as he had rashnesse to dare to loue me he would haue taken these fauours as from my courtesie and not from my loue But continued Galathee this is nothing to the worth of the accident which befell at that time for I had scarcely answered Polemas what you haue heard but Lindamor following the course of the daunce was come to snatch or robbe and vvith that dexterity that Polemas cou'd not auoyd it and by that meanes not answer me but with his eyes but certainly with a looke so frowning that I know not how I held from laughter As for Lindamor whether he took heed to it or perceiuing it would not let it appeare so it was that presently after he spake to me in that sort it had beene enough to haue made the poore Polemas madde if he had heard it Madame sayd he to me is it possible that all things should goe so quite contrary and that iesting should turne to so true earnest and the presages likewise which your eyes speake of to me when I behold them Lindamor said I to him so you may be punished as you deserued if iesting you meet with earnest This punishment answered he is so welcome to me that I should beshrew my selfe if I did not loue and cherish it as the greatest happinesse that might befall mee What meane you by that sayd I for it may bee wee speake of diuers things I meane sayd hee that in this course of the dance I haue stolne away you and in the truth of loue you haue stolne from mee both soule and heart Then blushing a little I answered him in choler How now Lindamor what discourse is this remember you what I am and what you are I do so Madam sayd he and that is it that makes me speake so vnto you for are you not my Lady and am not I your seruant Yes answered I but not as you take it for you ought to serue mee with respect and not with loue or if there be any affection it should grow out of your duty He presently replied Madam if I serue you not with respect neuer was diuinity honored by a mortall man but whether this respect bee the father or childe of my affection it concernes you but little for I am resolued whatsoeuer you are to mee to serue you to loue you and to adore you and thinke not herein that the duty whereto Clidaman by the law of the game hath subiected vs is the cause well it may be the couerture but to conclude your merits your perfections or to say true my destiny giues me to you and thereto I assent for I must acknowledge that what man soeuer sees you and loues you not deserues not the name of a man These words were deliuered with such a vehemency that he made it appeare to me that he truly told me what was in his soule behold I pray you this pleasant encounter I neuer heeded this affection thinking that al he did was in sport should haue neuer perceiued it but for the ielousie of Polemas but since I haue alwayes had an eye to Lindamor and I should not lie I haue found him as well capable of loue as ielousie so that it seames that the other hath whetted the knife wherewith hee would cut the threed of the small loue I beare him for I know not how Polemas hath euer since so displeased mee in all his actions that I could hardly endure him to bee neere me the rest of that night On the contrary all
giue mee more knowledge than these words too well deliuered to proceed from affection For I haue heard say affection cannot be without passion and passion wil not suffer the spirit to haue so free a discourse But when the time shall haue told me as much as you you are to beleeue that I am not of stone nor so voyd of vnderstanding but your merits are knovvne to me and your loue may moue me Till then hope not of me no more than of the rest of my company in generall The Knight would haue kissed her hand for this assurance but because Galathee looked on Knight said she be discreete euery one hath eye on vs if you do thus you vndoe me And at this word she rose and came among vs that were gathering of flowres Behold the first discouery that they had of their good wils which gaue Galathee occasion to meddle in it For perceiuing what had passed in the Garden and hauing of long time a purpose to winne Polemas she would know that night what was done betweene Leonide and him and because she alvvaies made her selfe very familiar with you Neece and had acquainted her with the particulars of her secrets the Nymph durst not altogether deny the truth of this loue-suite It is true that she concealed what concerned her ovvne will and vpon this discourse Galathee would knovv the very words that they had vsed wherein your Neece satisfied her in part and in part dissembled So it was that she said enough to encrease the purpose of Galathee so that from that day she resolued to be beloued of him and vndertooke this worke with that cunning that it was impossible it should fall out othervvise At that meeting shee forbade Leonide to go on in that affection and after told her that she should cut off all the rootes because she knevv well that Polemas had another dessigne and that this would serue but to delude her Besides that if Amasis came to knovvledge of it she would be offended Leonide who at that time had no more malice than a childe tooke the words of the Nymph as from her Mistrisse without searching into the cause which made her say so and so remained some dayes estranged from Polemas who knevv not from whence it might grovve At the first this made him more earnest in his suite For it is the ordinary custome of yong spirits to desire with more eagernesse that which is hard to come by and indeed he went on in that sort that Leonide had much enough to doe to dissemble the good will she bore him and at last knew so little how to doe it that Polemas perceiued he was beloued But see what Loue had appointed This young louer after he had three or foure moneths continued this suite with the more violence as he had the lesse assurance of the good will he desired as soone almost as hee was certaine lost his violence by little and little loued so coldly that as Fortune and Loue when they beginne to decline fall at once the Nymph perceiued not that shee alone went on in this affection It is true that Galathee who came on was in part the cause For hauing a dessigne on Polemas she vsed such craft and sped so well what by her authority and what with time that one might say shee robbed her insensibly for that when Leonide handled him roughly Galathee fauoured him and when the other fled from his company she drew him to hers And this continued so long and so openly that Polemas beganne to turne his eyes towards Galathee and shortly after the heart followed For seeing himselfe fauoured by a greater than her that neglected him hee blamed himselfe for suffering it without sence and minded to embrace the fortune which came smiling on him But O wise Adamas you may see what a gracious encounter this was and how it pleased Loue to play with their hearts It is some while since by the ordinance of Clidaman Agis was allotted seruant vnto your Neece and as you know by the election of Fortune Now though this young Knight was not giuen to Leonide out of his owne choyce yet he agreed to the gift and approoued it by the seruices which he afterward did performe and that she misliked not was shewed by her actions But when Polemas beganne to serue her Agis as a couetous man that hath his eyes alwayes on his treasure tooke notice of the growing loue of this new Louer and sometimes complayned to her of it but the coldnesse of her answers instead of extinguishing his iealousies onely by little and little deaded his loue for considering what small assurance he had in his soule he laboured to get a better resolution then formerly he had had and so that he might not see another triumph ouer him he chose rather to withdraw farre off A receit that I haue heard say is the best that a soule infected with this euill can haue to free it selfe for as loue at the beginning is brought forth by the eyes so it seemeth that the contrary should be for want of sight which can be in nothing more then absence where the forgetfull couered as with ashes the ouer-liuely representations of the thing beloued And indeed Agis happily attained his purpose for he was hardly gone but loue likewise parted from his soule lodging in the place of it the neglect of this flitter So that Leonide purposing by this new plot to winne Polemas lost him that already was intirely hers But the confusions of Loue ended not heere for he would that Polemas likewise for his part should haue sence of that which hee made the Nymph to feele Almost about the same time the affection of Lindamor tooke birth and it fell out that as Leonide had disdained Agis for Polemas and Polemas Leonide for Galathee so Galathee disdained Polemas for Lindamor To tell the follies of them all would be an hard piece of worke So it was that Polemas seeing himselfe payed in the same money in which hee payd your Neece yet could not lose not hope nor loue but contrariwise searched al sorts of plotting to enter again into her fauor but all in vaine It is true that as he could get nothing more to his owne benefit yet hee hath so wrought that he who was the cause of his euill is not come to bee possessor of his good for whether it were by his cunning practices or by the will of the gods that a certaine deuout Druyde hath imparted to him since that time Lindamor is no more beloued and it seemeth Loue hath a purpose not to suffer the heart of Galathee to be at rest the memorie of the one being no sooner defaced in her soule but another takes place And now behold vs at this houre reduced to the loue of a shepherd who for a shepheard in his quality may deserue well but not to be the seruant of Galathee and yet is she so passionate that if her euill hold on I
life brings Wise Nymph answered the shepheard this that you say is more than true if we were out of the power of Loue but you must know that the same effects which Ambition bringeth foorth in Courts Loue causeth to growe in our villages For the enuy of a Riuall is no lesse than of a Courtier and the artificiall practices of Louers and Shepheards giue no place to others And that is the cause that slaunderers retaine the same authority among vs to make good their owne actions as well as among you It is true that we haue one aduantage that instead of two enemies that you haue which is Loue and Ambition we haue but one and from thence it comes that there be some things particularly among vs which we may call happy but none as I suppose among Courtiers for they that loue not at all neede not auoyde the allurements of Ambition and whoso is not ambitious shall not for it haue his soule frozen to resist the flames of many faire eies so that hauing but one enemy we may the more easily resist him as Siluander hath done hitherto a shepheard indeede repleate with many perfections yet more happy a man may say without offence than wise for though this may in some sort proceed out of his wisedome yet this is it that I hold That it is a great happinesse neuer to haue met with a beauty that pleased him and hauing neuer found the beauty that drew him he neuer had familiarity with any shepheardesse which is the cause that he so preserues his liberty because I thinke for my part that if one loue not else-where it is impossible for him to conuerse long with an amiable beauty but he must loue it Silâ—ie answered him I haue so small knowledge in this learning that I must referre my selfe to what you say yet doe I thinke that it must be some other thing than beauty that causes loue otherwise the Lady that is loued of one should be so of all There be many answers said the shepheard to this obiection For all beauties are not seene of one eie so that as among colours there be that please some and displease others so wee may say of beauties for all eyes doe not iudge alike besides that these faire looke not on all with the same eie and one shall please such whom she indeuoureth to please and another quite contrary whom she seekes not to be pleasing vnto But aboue all these reasons mee thinkes that of Siluander was very good when one demaunded of him why he was not in loue He answered he neuer yet found his Loue-stone and when he found such an one he knew well he must infallibly loue as others did And answered Siluie whom meant he by the Loue-stone I know not replied the shepheard whether I can better instruct you For he is well studied and among vs we hold him for a man of great vnderstanding Hee sayes hee learned it from the Druydes that when the great God formed all our soules hee touched euery of them with a piece of a Loue-stone and that after he put all those pieces into a place apart and likewise those of the women after hee had touched them he locked them into another store-house by it selfe Afte when hee sent the soules into the body hee brought foorth those of women where are the loue-stones which touched those of the men and those of men to those of women and caused them to fasten each to other If there be wicked soules they take more pieces which they hide It happens that as soone as the soule is in the body and that it meeteth with it that is his loue-stone it is impossible but hee should loue and from hence proceed all the effects of loue For as for them that are beloued of many it is for that they were theeuish and had taken more pieces as for that which loues euery one and is not beloued it is for that he had his loue-stone and she had not hers Many oppositions were made when he spake these things but hee answered them all very well Among others I said But what would he say that diuers times one shepheard loues diuers shepheardesses That is said he for that the piece of loue which touched it being among others when the god mixed them brake and being in diuers pieces they all as many as there were drew to them that soule But withall marke that those persons which are taken with diuers loues loue not much that is for that these little pieces beeing separated haue not that force as if they were vnited Moreouer he said that hence it comes that we see often some in loue with others which in our eyes haue nothing amiable in them whence proceede likewise those strange loues that fall out sometimes that a Gaule bred vp among the most beautifull Ladyes came to loue a barbarous stranger It was Diaâ—e that asked him what he sayd of Tymon of Athens that neuer loued any nor any loued him His piece of loue said he either was in the great gods Store-house when he came into the world or she which had it dyed in the cradle or before that Tymon was borne or of yeeres to know her So that euer since when we see any that is not beloued wee say his piece of Loue was forgotten And what sayd he said Siluie of that that no man loued Tymon That sometimes answered Celadon the great god reckoned the stones that remained and finding the number disagreeing because some of the theeuish soules had taken more as I haue told you that hee might set the pieces in their euen number the soules which were then ready to enter into the body carried none with them And thence it comes that sometimes we see shepheardesses compleate enough which are so neglected that none loue them But the gracious Corilas asked him a question concerning himselfe at that time what hee would say of one that hauing long time loued came to leaue her and to loue another Siluander answered to this that the piece of Loue that changed was broken and that that which he first loued should haue had a greater piece than the other for whom he left her And as when we see yron betweene two loadstones suffers it selfe to be drawne by that which hath most strength so the soule leaues it selfe to bee carried by the stronger part of his loue Truely said Siluie this shepheard must be gentle hauing so good conceits but tell me I pray you what he is It will be hard for me answered Celadon to tell for himselfe knowes not yet wee hold him to be of a good house according to the iudgement that may be made of his good qualities for you must know that it is some yeeres since he came to dwell in our village with smal meanes without knowledge of himselfe but that he sayd hee came from the Lake Leman where he was bred a childe So it was that after hee was knowne euery one
haue hitherto auoyded and since there is none other remedy pacifie your selfe as I doe and it may be the Heauens will turne all things more to our contentment than at this time wee are permitted to wish for For my part I wil breake this misfortune as much as I can possibly But if there be no remedy yet must not we be without resolution rather let vs part asunder These last words brought the despaire of all making him thinke that this great courage proceeded from small amity If it were as easie for me answered the shepheard to resolue against this accident as you I would iudge my selfe vnworthy to be beloued for so feeble an amity cannot merit so great happinesse Well for end and reward of my seruices you giue me a resolution in the assured losse which I see of you and secretly to say to me that I must not despaire though I see you become anothers Ah Bellinde with what eye will you see this new friend With what heart can you loue him And with what fauors will you entertaine him since your eye hath a thousand times promised that it would looke on none other with loue but me and since this heart hath sworne to me that it could neuer loue any but me and since loue hath destined your fauours to no lesse affection then mine Well you command mee to leaue you to obey you I will doe so for I will not at the end of my life beginne to disobey But that which makes me vndertake it is to know assuredly that the end of my life shall not happen before the end of your amity though I call my selfe the most vnhappy that liues yet I cherish my fortune the more for that it hath presented vnto me such an occasioÌ„ to make my loue knowne to you that you may not doubt of it and yet I shall not be satisfied in my selfe if the last moment that remaines be not employed in assuring you I pray the heauen see what my amity is that in this new election it fill you with as much happinesse as you cause in me despaire Liue happy with Ergaste and receiue him with as great contentment as I haue had will to doe you seruice if my dayes would haue permitted me that this new affection full of pleasures which you promise to your selfe may accompany you to your graue as I assure you that my faithfull amity shall close mine eyes for your sake with extreme griefe That Bellinde let Celion talke so long it was for feare that speaking her teares would doe the office of words and that that would encrease the griefe of the shepheard or that it would giue proofe of the small power she had ouer her selfe Proud beauty that louest rather to be iudged to haue too little loue then too little resolution But at last finding her strengthned enough to giue answer she sayd Celion you thinke you giue me proofe of your amity and you doe the contrary for how haue you loued me hauing so euil an opinioÌ„ of me If since this last accideÌ„t you haue conceiued it beleeue the affection was not great which could so readily suffer a change But if you had no euill opinion of me how is it possible you should beleeue that I haue loued you and that now I loue you no more For Gods sake haue pitty on my fortune and conspire not with her to encrease my sorrow consider what small likelihood there is that Celion whom I loue aboue the rest of the world and whose life pleases me as much as mine owne may bee changed for an Ergaste who is vnknowne to me and in whose place I choose rather to espouse my tombe that if I be forced it is the commandement of my Father whom my honour will not suffer me to contradict But is it possible you should not remember the protestations I haue so often made to you that I would not marry my selfe And you ceased not to loue mee whence hath it this change For if without marrying me you haue loued me why can you not now loue me without marrying mee hauing an husband who can forbid mee to haue a brother whom I may alwayes loue with that amity I ought Good will holds mee neerer to you then is permitted me Farewell my Celion liue and loue me who will loue you euen to my end whatsoeuer becomes of Bellinde At this word she kissed him which was the greatest fauour that hitherto she had done him leauing him so besides himselfe that he was not able to frame a word to giue her answer WheÌ„ he was come to himself that he considered that Loue stooped vnder duâ—y and that there was not a sparke of hope remaining which might shine among his displeasures as a person voyde of resolution he went into the Wood and into the places most couert where hee did nothing but complaine of his cruell disaster what aduice soeuer his friends could giue him He liued in this sort many dayes during which he made the roâ—ks to pitty him And that she who was the cause of his euil might haue some feeling hee sent her these verses STANZA'S Of Celion on the marriage of Bellinde and Ergaste DOe then the heauens agree after such loue After such seruices that you should be Another mans sweete heart and so must prâ—â—â—e His deare delight and dearer moity And that I haue at last for loue most true But memory my sorrowes to renew You once did loue me well what ' vaileth me This amity now it is gone and past If you in others armes embrac'd I see And if for her I be constrain'd at last You now turn'd his to keepe in silence still Displeasures cruell that my patience spill If he had more of Loue or of desart Then I I know not what to say but cry Alas Oh is not this a cruell smart That he should gaine in one dayes space well-ny Without desert what heauens will not behâ—â—uâ— To infinite desires of endlesse loue But oh weake reason duty you will say By her sad lawes compels me to doe thus What duty strong or law more holy may Be found then this that cleerely speakes for vs The faith so often sworne when hand in hand We promised a loue for aye to stand May hand you sayd forthwith grow dead and dry My hand as of a person most for sworne If I be failing in the thing that I Assure or if I any thing haue borne Neerer my heart or else hold ought more deare Then this affection which your faith did sweare Ob cruell memory of passed good Be gone and euer banisht from my minds Since happinesse that in such glory stood Alas I now so much defaced finde Deface it then it is not reasonable Thou be in me that am so miserable Though he made it not appeare in any one of his actions that there remained any hope in him yet he alwaies had some little because the contract of marriage was not yet passed and
was very aduised and was not ignorant of the affaires of this shepheardesse but that he had heard speech of the loue which Colion bare her suddenly entred into conceit that this flocke was his and that Bellinde went to seeke him Now though he made no doubt of the chastity of his mistris yet did he easily beleeue that shee hated him not thinking that so long a suite could not haue beene continued if shee had misliked it And to satisfie his curiosity as soone as he sawe her vnder the trees and that she could not spie him fetching a compasse somevvhat about hee hid himselfe among some bushes where hee perceiued the shepheardesse set on the turffes which were raised about the Fountaine in the fashion of seates and Celion on his knees by her What an assault receiued he at this sight Yet for that hee could not heate what they sayd hee went softly and he came so neere them that there was nothing but an hedge which compassing about the fountaine like a pale shaddowed him From that place then casting his eyes betvveene the opening of the leaues and being very attentiue withall to their discourse he heard the shepheardesse answer him And how Celion is it power or will to please me that makes you wanting in this occasion Shall this accident haue more force ouer you than the power you haue giuen me Where is your courage Celion or rather where is your amity Haue you not heeretofore ouercome for the loue you beare me greater misfortunes than these If it be so where is the affection or where is the resolution that made you doe it Would you haue me beleeue that you haue lesse now than you had then Ah shepheard consent thou rather to the shortening of my life than to the lessening of that goodwill which you haue promised me and as hitherto I haue had that power ouer you that I listed so for the time to come let nothing be able to diminish the same Ergaste heard that Celion answered her Is it possible Bellinde that you can enter into doubt of mine affection and of the power you haue of me Can you haue so great a want of vnderstanding and can the heauens be so vniust that you can forget those testimonies which I haue giuen you and that they haue suffered that I should suruiue the good opinion which you are to haue of mee You Bellinde you may call into question that which neuer any one of my actions nor of your commaundements left doubtfull At least before you take so disaduantagious opinion against me demaund of Amaranthe what she beleeues demaund the respect which makes me silent demaund of Bellinde her selfe if euer shee imagined any thing difficult that my affection did not surmount But now that I see you entirely anothers and after the end of my disappoynted loue leauing you in the armes of a more happy man than my selfe I must be gone and banish my selfe for euer from you Alas can you say it is want of affection or of will to obey you if I feele a paine more cruell than that of death How shepheardesse can you thinke I do loue you if without dying I know you another mans Will you say it should be loue and courage that make me insensible of this disaster rather in truth shall it not be neither loue nor courage to suffer this without dispaire O shepheardesse oh that you and I shall be a Fable a long while for if this weaknes which makes me vnable to liue and support this misfortune makes you doubt of my affection on the contrary that great constancy and that extreme resolution which I see in you is to me an ouer-certaine assurance of your small amity But withall why must I hope more of you when another O the cruelty of my destiny is to enioy you At this word the poore shepheard fell on the knees of Bellinde without strength or sence If the shepheardesse were touched to the quicke as well at the words as at the swowning of Celion you may iudge faire Nymph since she loued him as much as was possible and she must dissemble that she had no feeling of this dolorous separation When she saw him in a swownd and that she thought she was not heard but of the Sicomors and the water of the fountaine vnwilling to hide from them the displeasure which she had kept so secret from her companions and those whom she ordinarily sawe Alas said she wringing her hands Alas O soueraigne goodnesse take me out of this misery or out of this life for pitty either breake off my cruell disaster or let my cruell disaster breake me And there casting downe her eyes on Celion And thou sayd she ouer-faithfull shepheard which art not miserable but in that thou louest miserable me let the heauens be pleased either to giue thee the contentments thou deseruedst or to take me from the world since I am the only cause that thou sufferest the displeasures which thou meritest not And then holding her peace a while she beganne againe O how hard a thing it is to loue well and to be wise withall For I see well my father hath reason to giue mee to the wise Ergaste whether for his merits or for his substance But alas what doth this knowledge auaile me if Loue forbid mine affection to delight in him I know that Ergaste merits more and I can hope for nothing more to my benefit than to be his But how can I giue my selfe to him if Loue haue already giuen mee to another Reason is on my fathers side but Loue is for me and not a loue lately borne or that hath no power but a Loue which I haue conceiued or rather which the heauens haue caused to be borne with me which grew vp with me from my cradle and which by so long tract of time is so insinuated into my soule that it is more my soule than my soule O God! can I hope to put it off without losse of life And if I cannot vndoe it tell me Bellinde what will become of thee In bringing out these words the great teares fel from her eyes and running downe along her face wet both the hand and cheeke of the shepheard who by little and little comming to himselfe caused the shepheardesse to breake off her complaints and wiping her eyes for feare lest hee should marke it changing both her countenance and voyce she spake to him in this sort Shepheard I will confesse that I haue a feeling of your paine it may be as much as your selfe and that I cannot doubt of your goodwill vnlesse I were the most mis-vnderstanding person in the world But to what end serue this acknowledgement and those feelings since the heauens haue subiected me to him that hath giuen mee being would you haue me so to be that I disobey him But be it that affection more strong preuaile aboue duty shall we therefore Celion be at rest Is it possible if you loue me that
aside and with his Sword gaue him such a blow vpon one of his pawes that he cut it off whereat the Beast in furie so suddenly came on him that he cast him to the ground but his fortune was such that in falling and the Lyon ramping ouer him he could but hold out his Sword which fell out so luckily to be vnder his belly that he fell downe dead almost as soone as the former In the meane while that Ligdamon was disputing for his life behold a Lady faire among the Normans that cast her selfe on her knees before the Iudges beseeching them to cause the execution to cease vntill she had spoken They that knew her to be of the principall of the Countrey willingly yeelded her that fauour and indeed it was shee for whom Lidias had slaine Aronte her name was Ameryne and then she spake to them in this sort with a modest voyce My Lords Ingratitude is to be punished as Treason because it is a kind of it Therefore seeing Lidias condemned for being on the contrary side I feare I should be counted so if not of you yet of the Gods if I thought not my selfe bound to saue his life that hazarded his to saue my honour This is it for which I present my selfe before you relying on our priuiledges which ordaine That a man condemned to death shall be deliuered when a maid demaunds him for her husband As soone as I knew of your Iudgement I came with all diligence to require it and I could not be here so soone but he hath run the fortune that all men haue seene yet since God hath preserued him so happily for me you are not iustly to deny me All the people that heard this demaund cryed with a ioyfull voyce Grace Grace And though the enemies of Lidias labored the contrary yet was it concluded that the priuiledges of the Countrey should take place But alas Ligdamon came out of this danger but to enter into a greater for being brought before the Iudges they let him know the customes of the Country were such That any man attainted conuicted of any Crime whatsoeuer might be deliuered from the rigours of Iustice if a maid demaunded him for husband so that if he would marry Ameryne he should be restored to his liberty and might liue with her He that knew her not found it hard to answer notwithstanding seeing no other remedy to escape the danger wherein he was he promised it hoping that time would bring out some commoditie to free him out of the Labyrinth Ameryne that had alwayes found Lidias so amorous of her was not a little astonied at this coldnesse yet iudging that the affrightment of the danger wherein hee was had made him thus besides himselfe shee had the more pitty on him and carried him to Lidias mothers house who was she that procured the marriage knowing there was no other remedy to saue her sonnes life besides that shee was not ignorant of the loue betweene them which made her presse the conclusion of the marriage the most that possibly shee could thinking to please her sonne But on the contrary this was to hasten the death of him that could doe no more then he had done Ah my deare Master when I call to mind the last words you spake to me I know not how it is possible for me to liue All things were ready for the marriage and it must be dispatched the next day when the night before he tooke me aside and said Egide my friend didst thou euer see such a fortune as this that they will make me beleeue that I am not my selfe Sir said I me thinkes it is not euill Ameryne is faire and rich all that call themselues her kinsmen are the principall of this Country what would you desire more Ah Egide said he thou speakest for thine owne ease If thou knewest the case wherein I am thou wouldst haue pitty on me But haue care of what I say and aboue all the Obligation that thou owest me and the loue which I haue alwayes found in thee fayle not as soone as to morrow I shall haue done that I am resolued of to beare this Letter to the faire Siluy and relate to her all that thou hast seene and moreouer assure her that I neuer loued any but her and neuer shall At this word he gaue me this Letter which I kept very carefully vntill the next morning when at the houre that he was to goe to the Temple he called me and commanded me to be about him and made me sweare againe to seeke you out with diligence At the same time one came to him to place him in the wedding Chariot where already the faire Ameryne was set with one of her vnckles whom she loued and honoured as her father She was in the midst between Ligdamon and Caristes so her vnckle was named all couered with a yellow vayle and hauing on her head as well as Ligdamon the Garland It is true my Masters was of Sifymber and Amerynes of picked and sweete Aspharagon Before the Chariot went all the family and after only the kinsmen and neerest allies and friends In this Triumph they came to the Temple and were brought to Hymens Altar before which fiue Torches were lighted On the right side of Hymen they had placed Iupiter and Iuâ—o on the left Venus and Diana As for Hymen he was crowned with flowers and sweet Marioram holding in his right hand a Torch and in his left a Vayle of that colour that Amerynes was as also the buskins which hee had on his feet When they entred into the Temple the mother of Lidias and Ameryne lighted their Torches and then the great Druide comming neere directed his speech to my Master and demaunded Lidias will you haue Ameryne for the mother of your Family he stayed somewhile without answer at last he was constrayned to say yes Then the Druide turning to her And you Ameryne will you haue Lidias for father of your Family and shee answering yes then taking their hands and ioyning them together hee said And I in tho behalfe of the great Gods giue you each to other and for earnest you must eat the Condition together and then taking the Wheaten Cake Lidias cut it into pieces and shee laying them together of which according to the custome they both eate There remayned no more of all the Ceremonies but to take the Wine when turning to me hee said Now friend for the most pleasing seruice that euer thou didst me reach me the Cup. I did so alas with a mischiefe ouer diligent As soone as he had it in his hand with a voyce lowd ynough he said O powerfull Gods said he that know who I am venge not my death vpon this faire Lady who taking me for another man more happy then I hath brought me to my death and at this word drunke all that was in the Cup which was contrary to the custome because the husband was to drinke but halfe and
worlds â—â—crâ—ts tâ—â—s shepheard was seruant to Astrea and that which hindred them from marriage was the hatred of their parents And how sayde they replâ—ed Celadon was this shepheard lost They tell it sayd he in diuers soâ—ts some in speaking after their opinion others according to apparances and others after the report of some and so it is told diuersly for my part I came into that coast the same day that he was lost and I remembred I saw euery one so disquieted with that accident that there was no man that could giue me a good account At last and that is the more common opinion because Phillis Astrea and Licidas themselues told it so being layd to sleepe on the riuers banke he must needs fall in and indeede the faire Astrea did the like but her cloathes saued her Celadon then iudged that they three had wisely found this inuention lest they might giue occasion to many to speake some euill of it and was well pleased for hee had alwayes feare that they would suspect somewhat to the disgrace of Astrea and therefore holding on his demands But sayd he what thinke they is become of him That he is dead answered the desolate shepheard and assure your selfe that Astrea carries howsoeuer she dissemble such a loade of griefe that it is incredible how much they say she is changed Yet as it is if Diana be not a let shee is the fayrest of all those that euer I saw my deare Cleon excepted but those three may goe ioyntly Euery other man added Celadon will say as much of his mistresse for Loue hath this property not to shut vp the eyes as some beleeue but to change the eyes of them that loue into the loue it selfe and for that there were neuer soule loues neuer shall a louer finde his mistresse foule That answered the shepheard would haue serued well if I had loued Astrea and Diana but being not capable of it I am a iudge without exception And you that doubt of the beautie of these two shepheardesses are you a stranger or doth hatred make you commit an error so contrary to that which you say proceeds from loue I am neither of them sayd Celadon but indeede the most miserable and most afflicted shepheard in the world That wil I neuer yeeld to vnlesse you put me out of the number for if your euill come from any other thing then loue your stripes are not so grieuous as mine for that the hart being the most sensible part we haue we feel more to the quick the offences of it But if your euill proceede of loue yet must it giue place to mine since of all the euils of loue there is none like to that which hath no hope hauing heard say long agoe where hope may onely licke the sore it is not ouer grieuous Now this hope may mingle it selfe in all those accidents of loue be it disdaine be it anger bee it iealousie be it absence except where death takes place For that pale goddes with her fatall hand cuts off hope at one blow when the thred of life is broken But I more miserable then all others most miserable I go bewayling an euill without remedy and without hope Celadon then answered him with a great sigh Shepheard how are you deceiued in your opinion I will confesse that the greatest euils are those of loue thereof I am too faithfull a witnesse but to say that they that are without hope are the most grieuous so farre is it that they meriâ—e not to be felt at all for it is an act of folly to be waile a thing that cannot be remedied And loue what is it answered hee but a purefolly I will not replyed Celadon enter now into that discourse because I would finish the former But tell me bewayle you this death for loue or no It is answered he for loue Now what is this loue fayd Celadon but as I haue heard it sayd of Siluander and the most vnderstanding of our shepheards but a desire of the beautie which we finde to be such It is true sayd the stranger But replyed Celadon is this a thing in a man reasonable to desire a thing he cannot haue No certainly sayd hee Now you may see sayd Celadon how the death of Cleon ought to bee the remedy of your euills for since you confesse that desire ought not to be where hope cannot reach and that loue is nothing but desire death which by that which you say depriues you of all hope should by consequent put from you all desire and desire dying it should draw away loue into same coffin and hauing no more of loue since the euill you complained of is fallen I know not how you can feele it The desolate shepheard answered Be it loue or hatred so it is that it is truer then I can tell you that my euill is most extreme And for that Celadon would haue replyed hee that could not abide to be contradicted in that opinion thinking that if hee endured to heare the contrary reasons he should offend the ashes of Cleon saide shepheard that which is vnder â—ence is more certaine then that which is in opinion therefore all the reasons which you alledge are to giue place to that I feele And thereupon commends him to Pan and takes another way and Celadon likewise passeth ouer the riuer and because solitude hath this propertie to represent most liuely either ioy or sadnesse being alone he beganne to be so handled for the time by his fortune and loue that he had no cause of torment in him which was not before his eyes He was exempted onely of iealousie yet with such sorrowes that if that monster had taken hold on him I know not what armieâ— had beene able to haue faued him In these sad thoughts holding on his pace hee found the bridge ouer which being passed hee went against the riuer not knowing which way to take for in any case hee would obey the commandement of Astrea who had forbid him to come in her sight vntill she bad him At last being come neare Boulieu inhabited by the vestals hee was as surprised with shame for comming so neare vnwares from whence his resolution commanded him to go and minding to turne he thrust into a wood so large and in some paâ—t so fennie that hâ— could hardly get out this constrained him to draw nearer the riuer for the grauell was lesse trouble some to him then the mudde By fortune being weary of the long way he went about seeking a place wherein he might rest attending till the night might giue him leaue to withdraw himselfe without meeting of any body purposing to go so far where they might neuer heare news of him he cast his eye on a caue which on the side of the entry was washed by the riuer and on the other side was halfe couered with some trees and bushes which by their thicknesse tooke the sight of him from them that passed along that way and
If I must lament reioyned he as you do for all the Mistresses that I haue lost I should haue cause to complaine longer then I haue to liue If you do like me answered Tyrcis you should lament but onely for one If you do like me replyed Hylas you should lament for none of them all Heerein it is sayd the desolate that I account you miserable for if nothing can be the sufficient price of Loue but Loue you were neuer loued of any seeing you neuer loued any and so you may trade in many loues but not buy any not hauing the money which is payed for such a commoditie But how know you answered Hylas that I neuer loued I know it said Tyrcis by your perpetuall changes We are said he of a differing opinion for I beleeue the more expert the workman is the more he exercises the mysterie whereof he makes profession It is true answered Tyrcis when one followes the rules of Art but when they do otherwise it falleth out to them as to men out of their way the further they go the more they wander from it Therefore it is that as the stone that continually roules gets no mosse but rather durt and filth in like maner your lightnesse may gaine you shame but neuer loue You must know Hylas that the stripes of loue will neuer be healed God keepe me said Hylas from any one such stripe You haue reason replyed Tyrcis for if euery time you are strucke with a new beauty you had receiued an incurable wound I know not whether in all your body you had had a free place But so you should be depriued of those sweetes and happinesses which loue brings to the true louers and that miraculously as all his other actions by the same stroke that he gaue them so that if the tongue were able to expresse that which the heart cannot entirely rellish and it were permitted you to heare the secrets of this god I do not beleeue but you would willingly renounce your infidelity Then Hylas smiling Without faining said he you haue reason Tyrcis to put your selfe into the number of them whom Loue vseth so kindely As for me if he vse all others as he doth you I will willingly forgoe my part and let you enioy alone your felicities and contentments and feare not that I shall euer enuy you It is aboue a moneth since we ordinarily met together tell me the day the houre or the moment in which I could see your eyes without the wished company of teares and on the contrary name me the day the houre and moment in which you heard me onely sigh for my loues Euery man that hath not his taste peruerted as you haue your iudgement will he not find the delights of my life more pleasing and louely then the ordinary pangs of yours And turning to the shepheardesse which had complained of Tyrcis And you insensible shepheardesse will neuer take the courage to free your selfe of the tyranny in which this vnnaturall shepheard makes you liue Will you by your patience make your selfe companion in his fault Know you not that he glories in your teares and that your supplications raise him to such an arrogancie that he thinkes he bindeth you wonderfully to him when he heares you with misprisall The shepheardesse with a great alas answered him It is easie Hylas for him that is in health to counsell the sicke but if you were in my place you would know how vaine it is thus to aduise me and that this griefe may well driue my soule out of my body but not by reason chase this ouer-strong passion out of my soule So that if this beloued shepheard exercise any tyranny ouer me he may do it with more absolute commaund when it pleaseth him not hauing power to wish more of me then his authoritie ouer me reacheth to already Then giue ouer your counsels Hylas and cease your reproches which can but encrease my euill without hope of asswaging For I am so entirely the possession of Tyrcis that I haue not command of mine owne will How said the shepheard is not your will your owne What will it profit to loue and serue you Laonice answered As much as the amity which I tender to this shepheard auayles me That is to say replyed Hylas I shall lose my time and my paines and when I discouer vnto you my affection this is but to waken in you the words wherewith you may serue your owne turne when you speake to Tyrcis What would you Hylas that I should say more to you but that it is long since I haue gone bewayling this mis-happe but much better in my consideration then in yours I doubt not sayd Hylas but since you be of this humour and that I haue more power ouer my selfe then you can ouer yours Go take the shepheardesse sayd he reaching forth his hand or giue me leaue or take it of me and be assured that if you will not I will not be long before I goe backe as being ashamed to serue so poore a Mistris Shee answered him very coldly Neither you nor I shall receiue any great losse at the least I assure you this shall neuer make me forget the hard vsage which I haue from this shepheard If you haue answered he as much knowledge of that which you lose in losing me as you shew small reason in the pursuite you vndertake you will rather complaine for the losse of me then to wish for the affection of Tyrcis But the sorrow which you take for me shall be very small if it can not equall that which I haue for you and then sung out these verses as he went away A SONNET SInce we must needs pull vp that deep-set roote Which Loue in seeing you plants in my brest And which Desire with so great longing thirst Hath with so great care nurâ—'d to so small boote Since it must be that Time which saw it borne Must triumph in the end as Conquerour Attempt we brauely freed from Sorrowes power Let vs at one blow cut both flowre and thorne Chase we all these desires those fires put out Breake we those lines knotted with many boughes And of our selues let vs take free farewell So shall we vanquish Loue that vntamed Lord And wisely do out of our owne accord That whereto Time at last will vs compell If this shepheard had come into this Country in a time lesse troublesome without doubt he had found many friends but the sorrow for Celadon whose losse was so fresh as it made all them that dwelt thereabout so heauy that they could not attend his conceits and therfore they let him go without being curious to question either him or Tircis what was the cause that led them thither Some of them returned to their lodging and others continued on their search for Celadon and coasted now on this side and then on that side the Riuer not leauing euen a brier nor tree nor bush whose shaddowed hollownesse they
a party against him Therefore seeing the assured losse of his friend he resolued vpon any danger whatsoeuer to saue him There was at Vsson as I told you a place so strong that it might seeme a folly to any other to vndertake to get him out yet his friendship that found nothing so difficult as to liue without Clindor was such as he made an assault to defeat them which were of Pimanders part So making shew to retire himselfe as discontent he went with twelue other and one day of March presenting themselues at the Port of the Castle in the habite of clownes and carrying vnder their garments short swords and baskets on their armes as men that went to sell I haue heard him say there were three fortresses one within another These resolute Pesants came to the vtmost where few of the Visigots remayned for the most part were gone downe to the base towne to see the market and to prouide themselues of what was necessary for the garrison Being there they offred their wares at so good a price that almost all that were within drew downe to buy Then my father seeing the occasion good and fit laying hold of the necke of him that kept the gate thrust his sword into his body And euery of his companions at the same instant did like him and entring in put the rest to the edge of the sword and suddenly shutting the gate they ranne to the prisons where they found Clindor in a corner and so many others that they iudged being armed sufficient to defeat the rest of the garrison To make short I tell you Madame that though by the allarme the gates of the towne were shut yet they got out without the losse of a man though the Gouernour that in the end was slayne made all the resistance he could Thus you see Clindor saued and Alaricke aduertised that it was my father that had done this enterprise whereof he was so much displeased that he demanded iustice of Amasis and she which would not lose his amitie was willing enough to content him and sent presently to apprehend my father but his friend gaue him such aduertisements that hauing set his battell in order he went out of this Countrey and being incensed against Alaricke more then is credible went to put himselfe to a Nation that but lately was entred into Gaule and who being warrelike seized on both the sides of Rosue and Arar and a good part of the Allobroges and being desirous to enlarge their bounds they made continuall warre on the Visigots Ostrogots and Romanes He was welcome with all those whom he would conduct and being knowne for a man of valour he was presently honoured with diuers charges But some yeeres being passed Gondioch king of this Nation comming to die Gondebaut his sonne succeeded to the Crowne of Bourgonny and desirous to assure his affayres at the beginning made a peace with his neighbours marrying his sonne Sigismund with one of the daughters of Theodoricke king of the Ostrogots and to please Alaricke who was infinitely offended with Alcippe promised him to keepe him no longer with him So that with his leaue he withdrew to another people which on the side of Rhenes was seised of another part of Gaule in despite of the Gaules and of the Romanes But this discourse would be cumbersome to you if particularly I should recount all his voyages For from them he was constrained to go to London to the great King Arthur who at the same time as I haue heard him often tell instituted the Order of the Knights of the Round Table From thence he was enforced to go to that Realme which beares the name of Port du Gaulois and in the end being sought for by Alaricke he resolued to passe the Sea and to goe to Bisantium where the Emperour gaue him charge of his Gallies But because the desire of returning into our Countrey is aboue all others my father though very great with these great Emperours yet had nothing neerer his heart then once more to see his owne chimnies smoke where so often he had beene made a wanton and it seemed Fortune gaue him a fit meane when he least looked for it But I haue heard say sometimes by our Druides that Fortune is delighted to turne on the other side when the change is least expected Alaricke came to die Thierry his sonne succeeded him who for that he had many brethren had much to do to maintaine his estate without heeding the hatred of his father And so desirous to giue content to euery man for Bounty and Liberality are the two louers that draw all loues to them at the entrance to his reigne he proclaimed a generall abolition of all offences done in his kingdome See a good beginning to compasse the returne of Alcippe yet might he not returne because Pimander had not forgotten the iniury receiued notwithstanding as the Visigots were the cause of his banishment so Fortune would haue them serue as the instrument of his calling backe Some little time before as I told you Arthur king of great Brittaine had instituted the Knights of the Round Table which was a certaine number of vertuous young men obliged to go seeke aduentures to punish euill doers to do iustice to the oppressed and maintaine the honour of Ladies Now the Visigots of Spaine which then abode in Pampalâ—ne in imitation of that chose out Knights who were to go diuers wayes to shew their force and helpe It fell out that at this time one of the Visigots after he had run thorow many couÌ„tries came to Marsellis where hauing made his defiance accustomed he ouercame many of Pimanders Knights whose heads he cut off and out of extreeme cruelty for proofe of his valour sent them to a Lady whom he serued in Spaine Among others Amarillis lost an vncle who like my father vnwilling to abide the quiet of the country life had followed the mystery of armes and because that while hee was abroad she had beene curious to haue of ordinary some newes of him by meanes of some yong boyes which hee and shee had appointed for it as soon as this mis-hap was come to her knowledge she wrote to him not in mind that he should returne but as acquainting him with her displeasure Loue which is neuer in a good soule without replenishing it with a thousand generous dessignes would not suffer my father to know that Amarillis was offended with any man but presently he takes a resolution to chastise this wrong and so with the leaue of the Emperour came disguised into the house of Cleante who knowing his deliberation attempted many wayes to diuert him but Loue had stronger perswasions then he And in a morning as Pimander was going to the Temple Aloippe presents himselfe before him armed throughout though he had his vizard vp yet was he not knowne for his beard which grew since his departure When Pimander knew his resolution he made much of him for
that they made him feele their comming otherwise then he wished What despaires presented not themselues to him None that Loue might bring forth especially to a loue so hopelesse For if against the vniust sentence of his Mistrisse he opposed his innocency suddainly the execution of the arrest came before his eyes And as hee fell out of one thought into another his hand by chance touched the ribon where Astreas ring was which he had wound about his arme Oh! what deadly remembrances came into his spirit He represented to himselfe all the anger which at that instant she had painted in her face all the cruelty his soule could inuent both by words and actions and all the disdaines with which she had pronounced the award of his banishment Staying somewhile on that last mischance he began to remember the change of his fortune how happy hee had beene how highly shee had fauoured him and how long it had lasted from that hee came to what she had done for him how for his sake she had scorned diuers honest shepheards what small reckoning she made of her fathers will the displeasure of her mother and the difficulties which arose against their loues then he went on bethinking himselfe that the fortunes of Loue are more assured then of other things and what a little remained to him of so many fauours which at last came but to one bracelet of haire which he had on his arme and a little picture which he hung at his necke the case whereof he often kissed as for the ring which he had on his other arme he cōceiued that rather of force thē of good wil she gaue him that But then at that instant he remembred the letters shee had written to him during his good fortune and which he bare ordinarily about him in a bag of silke Oh! how great was his anguish for he feared that the Nymphs searching his clothes had found it In this doubt hee cals lowd vpon little Merill for he was lodged in a Wardrobe hard by to attend him The boy hearing him call twice or thrice came to know what hee would My little friend said Celadon knowest thou not what are become of my clothes for I haue something thereabout that I would be sorry to lose Your clothes said he are not farre off but there is nothing in them for I haue searched them Ah said the shepheard thou deceiuest thy selfe Merill I haue something there that I had rather keepe then my life and then turning on the other side the bed begun to bewaile and torment himselfe some good while Merill that heard him one way was loth to displease him and on the other stood in doubt whether hee should tell him what hee knew In the end not being able to suffer to see him any longer in this paine he told him he need not so much disquiet himselfe and that the Nymph Galathee loued him too wel not to restore him the thing he made shew to be so desirous of Then Celadon turning towards him And how saith he hath the Nymph that which I demand I beleeue said he it is the same At least I found nothing but a little bag full of papers and as I was about to haue brought them before you slept she spyed them and tooke them from me O Lord then said the shepheard all things fall out the worst they may and turning on the other side would talke to him no more In this meane time had Galathee read the letters of Celadon for it was true that she had taken them from Merill following the ordinary curiosity of them which loue But she had straitly charged him to say nothing because she had a purpose to giue him thē but he should not know she had seene them At that time Siluie carried a light before and Leonide was somewhere else and of necessity now shee was to bee of counsell We shall see said Siluie if this shepheard be the merchant he would seeme to be and if he be not amorous for I assure my selfe these papers will tell tales and then set it on the table By this had Galathee vndone the string which was so well tied that the water had done no hurt yet there were some papers wet which she drew out as leasurely as shee could lest she might teare them and hauing spred them on the table the first she layd her hand on was a letter in this sort What is it you vndertake Celadon into what confusion goe you about to thrust your selfe Beleeue mee that counsell you like a friend giue ouer your dessigne to doe me seruice it is too full of discommodities What contentment hope you for I am so insupportable that you were as good vndertake a thing impossible you must serue you must suffer you must haue neither eyes nor loue but for me for thinke not that I will haue part with any other nor that I will receiue a good will that is but halfe mine I am suspitious I am iealous I am hard to be wonne and easie to be lost soone offended but very hardly appeased the least doubt in me is assurance My will must be as the Destinies my opinions as from reason and my commandements lawes inuiolable Beleeue me for this once retyre thy selfe shepheard from this dangerous Labyrinth and flie from a dessigne so curious I know my selfe better then you do do not you imagine in your selfe that in the end you can change my nature I shall breake sooner then bend And do not you heereafter complayne of me if now you beleeue not what I tell you Neuer thinke me to be that I am sayd Galathee if this shepheard be not in loue for see a beginning which is not small There is no doubt sayd Siluie being so honest a man And how replyed Galathee are you of opinion that he must of necessity loue being so Yes Madam sayd she as I haue heard them say Because that the louer desireth nothing more then to be beloued to be beloued he must shew himselfe amiable and that which makes a man amiable is that which makes him honest At this word Galathee gaue her another letter which was wet to dry at the fire and in the meane time she tooke another which was thus You will not beleeue that I loue you but desire that I should beleeue you loue me if I loue you not what will you gaine by the beliefe which I haue of your affection It may be this opinion may binde me to do so Hardly Celadon would this weake consideration effect it if your merits and seruices which I haue receiued of you had not already done it Now behold in what state your affayres are I would you should not onely know that I beleeue you loue me but moreouer I will that you assure your selfe that I loue you And among other things one onely should make it vnquestionable if I loued you not what would make me neglect the contentment of my parents If you consider
how much I doe owe them you may in some sort know the quality of my loue since it not onely counterpoyses but weighs downe so great a weight Farewell and be no more incredulous By this time Siluie brought backe the letter and Galathee told her with great griefe that he loued and more that he was infinitely beloued and read the letter to her agayne which strucke her to the heart seeing she was to assault that place where so strong an enemy was already victorious for by those letters she iudged that the humour of this shepheardesse was not to be an halfe Mistris but with a right absolute power commaunded ouer those whom she vouchsafed to entertaine for hers she liked well of this iudgement when she read the letter that had beene dryed it was thus Licidas told my Phillis that yesterday you were in a naughty humor am I the cause or you if I it is without cause for would not I alwaies loue you and be beloued of you And haue you not a thousand times sworne to me that you desire but this to be content if you then you doe me wrong to dispose without my knowledge of any thing that belongeth vnto me for by the donation which you haue made and which I haue receiued both your selfe and all that is yours doe appertayne to me Aduertise me then and I shall foorthwith perceiue whether I may giue you permission but in the meane season take this as a forbidding With what empery sayd then Galathee doth this shepheardesse deale She doth him no wrong answered Siluie since she gaue him warning from the beginning and without fiction if it be she that I thinke she hath some reason being one of the most faire and complete persons that euer I saw Her name is Astrea and that which maketh me thinke so is this word of Phillis knowing that these two shepheardesses are sworne friends and yet as I may tell you though she be so extreme faire yet this is that that makes her least amiable for shee hath so many other perfections that this is least apparent in her This discourse serued but to wound the deeper since they discouered nothing but the greatest difficulties in her dissigne And because she would not that Siluie as then should know she shut vp the papers and went to bed not without a great company of sundry thoughts among which sleepe came stealing by little and little It was hardly day when the little Merill went out of the shepheards chamber who had complayned all night and his trauell and his sickenesse had but little asswagement till the comming of the morning And because Galathee had commaunded him to marke particularly whatsoeuer Celadon did and to repeate it to her he went to tell her what he had learned At that time Galathee being awaked talked so loude with Leonide that Merill hearing them knocking at the doore Madame quoth he all this night could I not sleepe for the poore Celadon is almost dead by reason of the papers which you tooke from me yesterday and because I sawe him very desperate I was constrained to giue him some ease by telling him you had them How sayes the Nymph knoweth he that I haue them Yes certainely Madam answered Merill and I assure my selfe he will intreate you to restore them for he esteemeth them very dearely and if you had heard him as I did I doubt not but he would make you pitty him Ah! tell me Merill sayd the Nymph what he said Madame sayd he after he had asked if I had not seene his papers and that in the end he knew you had them he turned like a man transported on the other side and sayd Now all things fall out the worst they may and after he had beene silent some while and that he thought I was in my bed I heard him sigh very loude and after vttered these words Astrea Astrea ought these banishments to be the recompence of my seruices If your loue be changed why doe you blame me to excuse your selfe If I haue failed why tell you me not my fault Is there no more iustice in heauen then there is pitty in your soule Alas if there be why feele not I some fauour that hauing no power to die as despaire will haue me I may do so at least as the rigor of Astrea commands Ha rigorous If I may not call it cruell commaundement in such an accident as this who could take a lesse resolution then that of death would it not giue signe of lesse loue then of great courage And here staying a while he thus beganne againe But wherefore my traiterous hopes come you flattering to me is it possible you should dare to come neere me doe you say she will change Consider then enemy of my repose what likelihoode is there that so much time spent so many seruices and affections acknowledged so many disdaynes borne vp and impossibilities ouercome haue done so little and yet onely absence may Hope rather for a fauourable tombe at thy death then a fauourable repentance from her After many such discourses he held his peace a great while but when I was gone backe I heard him shortly after beginne agayne his complaints which he held on vntill day and all that I could obserue was but his complaints which he made against one Astrea whom he accused of change and cruelty If Galathee had knowne lesse of Celadons affayres by the letters of Astrea she had learned so much from the report of Merill that for her own rest it had beene good for her to haue beene more ignorant Yet in flattering her selfe she conceited to her selfe that the disdayne of Astrea might make the way more easie to that which she desired Young Scholler in loue that knowes not that Loue neuer dies in a generous heart till the roote be wholy pluckt vp In this hope she wrote a little scroule which she folded vp and put among the papers of Astrea After giuing the bagge to Merill Hold heere sayd she Merill restore this bagge to Celadon and tell him I would I were able to giue him all the contentment he wants that if he be well and would see me tell him that I am not well this morning She said this that he might haue leisure to ouerlook his papers and reade that which she had written to him Merill went foorth and because Leonide was in an other bed she could neyther see the bagge nor heare the charge which she had giuen him but as soone as he was gone she called her and made her come to bed to her and after some other talke she spake in this sort to her You know Leonide what I told you yesterday of this shepheard how much it importeth me that he loue me or that he not loue me since that time I haue vnderstood of his businesses more then I would I had you haue heard that which Merill hath reported to me and that which Siluie said of the perfections of Astrea
you dissimulation enough to hide from me it shall not giue me curiosity enough to discouer you And how then said she is there no more hope of your discretion No more said I then of sincerity in your amity She staid some while silent looking on me and drawing neere me said At least promise me that you will not looke on it till I haue discoursed to you all that is past I am content sayd I prouided that you proue not a lyer After she had sworne to me she would tell me all truely and I sworne not to make shew of it she recounted vnto me all that I haue sayd of Ligdamon and at this present going forward he comes to send me this letter and I haue enough of his complaints or rather of his faynings But answered I what if they be true And if they be sayd she what haue I to doe with his follies For that reason sayd I that they are bound to helpe the miserable that haue throwne him downe head-long And what can I do to his euill replyed she Can I doe lesse then liue since I am in the world Wherefore hath he his eyes Why comes he where I am All these excuses sayd I are nothing worth for you are without doubt accessary to his euill If you were of lesse perfection if you could make your selfe lesse louely thinke you he would be brought to this extremity And truly said she smiling to me You are very pleasant to charge me with this fault What would you haue me to be if I should not be the same that I am And why Siluie answered I Know you not that he that puts a weapon in the hands of a mad man is in part culpable of the harme he doth And why should not you be so since this beauty which the heauens at your birth haue giuen you hath beene by you so curiously sharpned with so many vertues and amiable perfections which no eye without being strucken can looke on And shall not you be blamed for the murders which your cruelty commits Behold your selfe Siluie there is no necessity that you should be lesse faire nor lesse replenished with perfections but you are to study the more to make your selfe good as you are faire and to put as much sweetnesse into your soule as the heauens haue in your face But the mischiefe is your eyes to do the more hurt haue taken all away and haue left nothing at all but rigour and cruelty Now gentle shepheard that which makes me so affectionate to the defence of Ligdamon was that besides that we are some what allied hee was also well esteemed of all that knew him and I knew he was brought to very hard tearmes Then after such like talke I opened the letter and read it aloud that she might vnderstand it but she cast not so much as her eye to it which I found very strange and well foresaw that if I vsed not wondrous great force I should hardly draw from her any good remedy for my sicke patient which vrged me to tell her at the first blow that in any case I would not suffer Ligdamon to vndoe himselfe Good sister said she since you are so pittifull heale him your selfe It is not of me said I that his healing depends but I assure you that if you hold in this sort towards him as you haue done for the time passed I will cause you to haue some displeasure for I will make Amasis vnderstand of it and there shall be no one of our companions to whom I will not tell it So you shall play the foole well enough replyed she Doubt not answered I for to make short I loue Ligdamon and I will not see him lost so farre as I can helpe it You speake very wisely Leonide said she in choler these are the offices that I alwaies expected from your amity My amity answered I should be the same for you against him if he had done the wrong At this we staied some good while without speaking In the end I asked her what her resolution was Such as you will said she prouided you do me not the displeasure to publish the follies of Ligdamon for though I cannot bee blamed yet it would trouble me to haue it published See cried I out thē what humour is this of yours Siluie You feare it should be knowne that a man loues you you fear not to haue it known that you haue caused his death Because said she they may suspect the former to be produced by some consent on my part but not the latter Let vs leaue this replied I and resolue your selfe I will that Ligdamon for the time to come be entertained in another sort And then I went on that shee should assure her selfe that I would not suffer him to die and that I would haue her write to him in such a fashion that he might no more despaire that when hee were recouered I was contented she should vse him as she list prouided that she let him liue I had paine enough to obtaine this grace from her though I threatned to make it knowne so after long debate and hauing made her beginne againe once twice or thrice in the end shee wrote in this sort IF there be any thing in you that pleases mee your death is the least of all other the acknowledgement of your fault hath satisfied me and I will haue no other reuenge of your boldnesse then the paine which you shall haue Know your selfe hereafter and you shall know me Farewell and liue I wrote these words at the end of the letter to the end he might hope for better hauing so good a second LEonide hath put the pen into this Nymphs hand Loue wils it your iustice requires it her indeuour commands it but her obstinate conceit hath great defence since this fauour is the first I could procure you cherish your selfe and hope These letters were brought him so luckily that yet hauing strength enough to reade them he saw the commandement that Silue had giuen him to liue and because till then he would neuer vse any remedy that he might not disobey the Nymph he gouerned himselfe so that in short time he was better were it for that his disease hauing spent its force was declining or that the contentment of the soule was a good remedy for the paines of the body so it was that after that his disease dayly lessened But this so little mooued this cruell beauty that she changed not one whit towards him and when he was well the most fauourable answere he could haue was I loue you not neither doe I hate you rest contented that of all those which seeke me you are he that displeases mee least If he or I requested some better declaration she vses such cruell words to vs that no other but her courage could imagine nor other affection beare them then that of Ligdamon But not to draw this discourse in length Ligdamon loues and serued alwaies after
couer his ingratitude He entertaines me cunningly Though not in loue in souldiery And at the end of these verses he addeth these words ONe may auerre faire Leonide that Siluie doth like the Sunne that casteth his beames as well on the most vile things as on the more noble Himselfe brought me this paper I could not with all my study vnderstand nor draw other thing from him but that Siluie had giuen him a blow with a Sword and leauing me he went away the most lost man on the earth See how artificiall a sencer is Loue that with so small weapons can make so great gashes It grieued me to see him in this case And to know if any new accidēt had befallen him I went to Siluie but she swore she knew not what it might be In the end hauing stayed some time to reade the verses on a suddaine she lifted vp her hand to her haire and not finding her bodkin she began to laugh and sayd That her bodkin had beene lost and some body had found it and without doubt it◠might be Ligdamon knew it She had scarcely sayd this when Clidaman came into the roome with this murdering sword in his hand I desired her to let him keepe it no longer I see sayd she his discretion hereafter I will vse the power I haue ouer him She fayled not of her purpose for being neere him she sayd See a Sword that is mine He answered So is he that beares it I would haue it sayd she I would answered he you would all of me that is yours Will you not giue it me said the Nymph How replyed he can I will any thing since I haue no will at all And sayd she what haue you done with that which you had You haue snatched it from me sayd he and now it is changed into yours Since then continued she that your will is but mine giue me that bodkin because my will is so Since sayd he that I will that thing that you would and that you will haue this bodkin it must of necessity be that I will haue it also Siluie smiled a little but in the end she sayd I will that you giue it me And I also said he will that you giue it me Then the Nymph thrust forth her hand and took it I wil neuer refuse it sayd he though you will take it from me and it were this heart for once Siluie had her Sword and I writ this scroule to Ligdamon THe good which without knowledge hath beene done to your Riuall with his knowledge is taken from him iudge in what termes his affayres are since the fauours he hath proceeded of ignorance but the disfauours of deliberation So Ligdamon was healed not by the same hand but by the same weapon that hurt him In the meane time the affection of Guymantes came to such an extremity that it may be it came nothing short of that of Aristander on the other side Clidaman vnder the cloke of courtesie had let grow in his soule a most ardent and true loue After they had many times assayed out of enuy who should be the most welcome to Siluie and knew that she fauoured and dis-fauoured them both alike they resolued one day because that otherwise there was mutuall loue betweene them to know which of the two was most beloued and came for that cause to Siluie from whom they had such ' cold answers that they could not assoile the iudgement Then by the counsell of a Druyde who it may be was displeased to see two such persons lose their time so vnprofitably which they might much better employ for the defence of the Gaules whom so many Barbarians attempted to ouer-run they came to the fountaine of the verity of Loue. You know what the property of this water is and how it declareth against their will the most secret thoughts of Louers for he that lookes in it sees his Mistris and if he be loued he sees himselfe hard by and if she loue any other that is his figure that hee sees Now Clidaman was the first that presented himselfe he layd his knee to the ground kissed the side of the fountaine And hauing besought the Demon of that place to be more fauourable to him then to Damon he bent himselfe somewhat into it Presently Siluie presented her selfe so faire and admirable that the louer transported stooped to kisse her hand bat this contentment was well changed when he sawe no body neere her He wichdrew himselfe much troubled after he had stayed some while And vnwilling to speake any thing he made signe to Guymantes that he should prooue his fortune He with all the ceremonies requisite hauing made his request cast his eye on the fountayne but was serued like Clidaman because that Siluie alone presented her selfe burning almost with her fayre eyes the water which seemed to play about her They were both astonished at this accident and demaunded the cause of this Druyde which was a great Magician He answered that it was for that Siluie as yet loued no person as being not capable to be burnt but onely to burne They that thought they could not be so much neglected hauing gone before seuerally now returned both together and sodainely both the one and the other shifted on diuers sides yet the Nymph appeared alone The Druyde smiling came to withdraw them from thence and tolde them that they should beleeue they were not beloued at all and that the shifting from side to side could not represent their figure in the water For you must know sayd he that as other waters represent the bodies which are before them this represents the spirits Now the spirit which is but the will the memory and the iudgement when it is beloued transformeth it selfe into the thing beloued and therefore it is that when you presented your selues heere it receiued the figure of your spirits and not of your body and your spirit being changed into Siluie it represented Siluie and not you Whereas if Siluie had loued you she should as well haue beene changed into you as you into her and so representing your spirit you sawe Siluie and seeing Siluie changed as I told you by this loue you should haue seene your selues also Clidaman stood very attentiue to this discourse and considering the conclusion was an assurance of that he feared being full of choller drawing out his Sword he strucke two or three blowes with all his might on the marble of the fountaine but his Sword being at the first resisted in the end it brake in the middle not leauing any marke of his blowes imitating heerein the angry dogge that biteth the stone one flings at him The Druyde gaue him to vnderstand that he trauailed in vaine because that his enchantment could not be ended by force but by extremity of loue yet if he listed to make it vnprofitable he knew the meane Clidaman nourished for rarity within great Cages of yron two Lions and two Vnicornes which he oftentimes
caused to fight with other beasts Now this Druyde demaunded them to keepe this fountaine and enchanted them in such sort that although they were set at liberty yet could they not leaue the entry of that Caue but onely when they were to seeke their foode For in that while there stayed but two and euer since they haue done no hurt to any but those which attempted to go to the fountayne but they assayled them with such fury that there is no likelihoode that any will hazard himselfe For the Lions are so large and terrible they haue their clawes so long and so piercing so nimble and swift and so animated to this defence that they doe deedes incredible On the other side the Vnicornes haue their hornes so poynted and so strong that they will pierâ—e a very rocke they strike with such force and swiftnesse that no man can auoide them As soone as this guard was thus ordered Clidaman and Guymantes departed away so secretly that Amasis nor Siluie knew nothing vntill they were farre off They went to seeke out Meroue and Childericke For they haue told vs since that since they were so equally handled by their loue they would try if Armes would fauour them as equally Thus gentle shepheard haue we lost the commodity of this Fountaine which so well discouered the secrets of deceiuing thoughts that if all were as Ligdamon they would not haue made vs lose it For when I knew that Clidaman and Guymantes were gone I counselled him to bee the third assuring my selfe he should be the more fauoured but he made me this answer Faire Leonide I alwaies counsell them that are in doubt of their good or euill that they hazard themselues sometimes to know the truth But would not this be folly for him that hauing neuer conceiued any hope of that he desires to seeke for a more sure knowledge of his disaster As for me I am not in doubt whether the faire Siluie loue me or not I am but too assured of it and when I would know more I neede not aske but of her eyes and her actions Since that time his affection hath still increased like the fire when they lay on more wood For this is the property of that faculty to make that which pleases more delightfull and that which offends most offensiue and God knowes how this cruell hath handled him The time is yet to come that she would looke on him without disdaine or cruelty and for my part I know not how a generous man can haue such patience because indeed the offences which she hath done him touch more of outrage then of rigor One day when he met her going out to walke alone with me because he had a sweete voyce I prayed him to sing he said these verses A Song on a desire VVHat is this ill that troubles me And will not giue me leisure still To finde anayling remedy Alas it is a burning will Which like a flame alwaies aspires To place most high and hard to gaine For that the good I most desire Is it that I cannot attaine Desire hath since first it bred For mother and for sister deere An hasty hope right strong of head That giues possession wel-neere But though of course a womans hart Takes neuer any hold of Loue Desire will not from my soule part Though Hope from â—e haue made remoue But if all Hope be cleane put out Wherefore desire so labour you To bring a greater worke about This will but shew small vertue true And she is alwaies flinty hard Without or fauours or regard So though my Hope be fully dead Yet will Desire lift vp his head He had no sooner ended but Siluie takes him vp thus Ha! tell me Ligdamon since I am not the cause of your euill why doe you lay it on mee It is your owne desire which you should accuse for it is it that makes you trauaile in vaine The passionate Ligdamon answered Desire indeed is chat which tormeÌ„ts me but it is not that which shuld be blamed but that which giues it birth and that is the vertues and perfections of Siluie If the desires replied she be not irregular they torment not and if they be irregular and goe beyond reason they ought to be borne of another obiect then of vertue and are not the true children of such a father since they resemble him nothing Till this time answered Ligdamon I neuer heard say that any disauowed a child for not resembling his father and yet the extreme desires are not against reason for is it not reasonable to desire all good things according to the degree of their goodnesse and so an extreme beauty should bee reasonably loued in extremity so that if they must be blamed in any thing a man should not say they are against reason but beyond reason Let this suffice replyed this cruell I am not more reasonable then reason therefore it is that I will not auow for mine that which exceedes At this word not to leaue him the meane to answer shee turned to meete some of her companions that followed her One time when Amasis returned from that little place of Mont-brison where the pleasure of the garden and solitarinesse had stayed her longer then she meant the night came on her before she came to Marsellis And because the euening was cold as we went I asked him on the way of purpose to make him speake before his mistrisse if he felt not the cold and humidity of the euening Whereto he answered that of long time the cold nor heate outward had done him hurt And asking him why and what his receit was To the one he answered me I oppose my burning desires and to the other my frozen hopes If it be so sayd I suddainly whence came it that I haue so often heard you say you burne and sometime that you freeze Ah! answered he with a great sigh Courteous Nymph the euill whereof I complaine torments me not outwardly but inwardly and yet so deepely that there is no secret part of my soule so retired where I feele not the griefe For you must know that aboue all other that the fire and colde are incompatibles alike But I haue had within my heart continually the fire on a flame and the colde frozen and onely feele the discommodity without any mitigation Siluie could hold no longer from making him feele her accustomed cruelties but till that word was ended Yet me thoght she wold scarce giue him the leisure to bring forth that so full of enuy she was to make him feele her stings when turning toward me with a smile she sayd disdainefully casting her head on his side Oh! how happy is Ligdamon to haue both cold and heat when he will at least he hath no cause to complaine nor to feele many discommodities for if the cold of his hope freeze he may chafe himselfe with the heate of his desires if his ouer-ardent desires doe burne him he may coole himselfe
with the ice of his hopes It is very necessary fayre Siluie answered Ligdamon that I should vse this remedy to maintayne me otherwise I had not beene long since but this is but a small asswaging of so great a fire so that the knowledge of these things is a fresh wound which offends me the more for that in the greatnesse of my desires I know their weakenesse and in their weakenesse their greatnesse You figure your euill replyed the Nymph such as you please but I beleeue not that the cold being so neere the heate and the heate so neere the cold neyther the one nor the other will suffer his neighbour to be much offended Indeede answered Ligdamon to make me burne and freeze at one time is not one of the least maruels that proceed from you but this is the greatest that it is of your cold that my heate commeth and of my heate your ice But yet it is more maruellous to see a man haue such imaginations added the Nymph for they conceiue such impossible things that he that beleeues them may aswell be taxed for want of iudgement as you that tell them for want of truth I confesse answered he that my imaginations conceiue things impossible but that proceeds from my ouer-great affection and from your ouer-great cruelty and as this is one of your least effects that you reproch me with so it is not one of my least tonments I beleeue sayd she that your torments and mine effects are of greatest force in your discourse Hardly sayd Ligdamon can a man say that which he doth not well vnderstand Hardly replied the Nymph may the conceits and vaine Ideaes of a distempered imagination come to be knowne If the truth adioyned Ligdamon accompany not this imagination I should hardly stand in so great need of your compassion Men answered the Nymph make their trophees of our bounty Do you any whit better said he out of our losse I neuer sawe replied Siluie any so vndone but they shifted wellenough as you do all The more I tel you of the cruelties of this Nymph and of the patiences of Ligdamon the more comes into my memory WheÌ„ Clidaman was gone as I told you Amasis would send after him the greatest part of the young Knights of this Countrey vnder the charge of Lindamor to the end hee might be taken by Meroue for the man he was Among other Ligdamon as a right gentle Knight was not forgot But this cruell would not bid him adieu faining to be sicke yet he that would not go without she knew of it in some sort writ me these verses On a Departure VVHy Loue since thou dost so desire That I should sâ—â—râ—h in so great fire Why must I go farre from my Dame I answered him TO worke in her some misteries Knowest thou not thus from ashes rise The Phoenix which dyes in the flame Hee had beene an happy man with this answer but this cruell hauing found what I writ and vnwilling to do him good her selfe and not suffering any other shold doe it snatcht the pen with great strength out of my hand telling mee that the flatteries which I vse to Ligdamon were the cause of the continuance of his follies and he had cause more to complaine of me then of her At last she writ this Siluies answer THe Phoenix from the cinders rise Because that in the flame it dies Absence giues a mortall stroke If presence no more comfort cause Neuer by cold there will be broke The yce which fire neuer thawes You may thinke with what contentment he parted It was to some purpose for him to be accustomed of long time to such blowes and that he remembred the disgraces which came from them whom they serue ought often to take the place of fauour And I remember that on this discourse he called himselfe the most happy man in the world since the ordinary disgraces which hee receiued from Siluie could not make him doubt that she had him in any great good memory that she would not acknowledge him for her seruant and that since she vsed not to deale so with others that were not particularly affectioned to her hee made himselfe beleeue that money was that wherewith she paid those that were towards her and such as it was he was to make reckoning of it because it had her marke and on this subiect hee sent these verses before hee parted A SONET THis soueraigne beauty she will haue it so What is impossible not what I can To make good triall that I am the man Such is her will and mine with hers shall go She shall at last see that my Loue for store Is at the spring like to a springing well The more of me she drawes by sorrowes fell The more she shall perceiue I loue her more The spring that brings forth my affection Is without more of her perfection Eternall in effect and so is she Assay then rigorous from my hard fate To draw incessantly my loue wants date The more you draw the greater it will be Leonide had held on discourse if a far off shee had not seeÌ„ne Galathee come who after she had long stayd alone and not able longer to depriue her selfe of the sight of this shepheard she was dressed the best to her aduantage that her glasse could giue counsell and came forth without any other coÌ„pany then the little Merill she was faire worthy to be beloued of an heart that had not already had another affection At that time by the confusion which the water had wrought in Celadons stomake hee felt himselfe ill at ease that by that time they came at the Nymph they were constrained to carry him backe the shepheard soone after went to bed where he remained some daies downe lying and vp-rising of his infirmity without being either grieuously sicke or very throughly recouered The end of the third Booke THE FOVRTH BOOKE OF Astrea and Celadon GAlathee that was thoroughly taken so long as the sicknes of Celadon lasted stirred not ordinarily from his beds head and when she was constrained to remoue from thence either to rest or for some other occasion she left him Leouide for the most part whom shee gaue in charge to lose no opportunity to giue the shepheard to vnderstand of her good will beleeuing that by this meanes shee might in the end giue him hope of that which his condition denied And indeed Leonide deceiued her not for though she were desirous Lindamor might me satisfied yet she that looked for all her aduancement from Galathee had no greater desire then to content her but loue which ordinarily makes pastime with the wisdome of louers and delights to conduct his effects contrary to their purposes made Leonide by conuersing with the shepheard to stand in more need of one to speake for her then any other in the company For the ordinary view of this shepherd who wanted nothing that might winne loue made her know that beauty hath ouer-secret
you know for my vnkle Adamas Prince of the Druydes from whom no secret of Nature nor vertue of hearbs are hidde he is a man of great discretion and iudgement and I know he hath a particular inclination to doe you seruice if you will imploy him in this occasion I make no question but it will sort to your contentment Galathee stood some while without answer But Siluie that saw it the most expedient and foreiudged that by meane of the wise Adamas they might diuert Galathee from this shamefull life answered very readily that this way in her opinion was the safest Whereto Galathee consented not being able to inuent a better There resteth saith Leonide to know that I goe not beyond your commandement what your will is I should say to Adamas what I should conceale There is nothing answered Siluie seeing Galathee stand silent that more binds a man to secresie then frankly to discouer an intire trust and contrarily nothing that more constraines to bewray then apparant mistrust So that it seemeth best to tie Adamas more strongly to be secret you must tell him before he comes all things that he is like to discouer when he shall be here I am said Galathee so quite besides my selfe that I hardly know what to say and for that cause I referre all to your discretion So departed Leonide with her desire though the beginning of the night were very darke and rested not till she came to her vnkle whose abode was at the turning of the mountaine of Marsellis not farre from the Vestals and Druides of Laignieu but her iourney was longer then she looked for for reaching thither by breake of day she found he was gone to Feurs and that he would not returne of two or three dayes which was the cause that without long abode shee set forward on her way but so weary that had not the desire of the shepheards recouery been which gaue her no rest without doubt shee had stayed for Adamas there whereas now shee stayed but halfe an houre for that not hauing beene vsed to such iourney shee found it very hard when she was a little refreshed shee went the same way shecame But hardly had she gone a mile but she might see farre oft a Nymph alone comming towards her the same way that she had gone whom afterwards she knew to be Siluie This meeting brought her but a little cōfort beleeuing that she came to deliuer the death of Celadon but it was cōtrary for she vnderstood by her that since her departure he had taken good rest at his waking he found himselfe without the feuer and therfore Galathee had sent her to ouertake her and to tell her so much and to say that the shepheard beeing in so good case there was no neede to bring Adamas nor to acquaint him with the businesse It will bee hard to expresse the contentment that Leonide had hearing of the recouery of the shepheard whom she loued And after she had thanked God shee said to her companion Sister since I know by your speech that Galathee hath not concealed from you her desire which shee hath touching the shepheard it is necessary that I should frankly tell you that this kinde of life infinitely distastes mee and that I hold it very shamefull both for her and vs for she is so passionate that for all the small reckoning the shepheard makes of her yet can she not with-hold her selfe and so hath before her eyes the predictions of a certaine Druide that shee thinkes all her happinesse depends vpon this Loue and this is the good which she thinkes euery one ought to affect as well as she as if all looked with her eyes and that is my griefe for she is become so iealous of me that she can hardly indure me to be neere him Now sister if this life come to be knowne as without doubt it will since there is nothing so secret but shall be discouered iudge you what they will talke of vs and what opinion wee shall haue of all others that heare of it I haue done what I could possibly to diuert her from it but all to no purpose Therefore am I resolued to let her loue since she will loue prouided that it be not at our cost I haue made you this discourse to shew you that it is very expedient we should seek some remedy and that I finde no meane more ready then by making my vnkle a party who will bring it to good passe by his counsell and wisedome Sister said Siluie I infinitely commend your desine and to giue you the commodity of bringing Adamas to her I will returne backe and say I haue beene at Adamas his house but could neither finde you nor him It were very fit answered Leonide that we go to rest our selues in some thicket that as it seemeth you haue long sought for me so am I so weary that I must sleepe a little if I meane to finish my voyage Let vs goe sister replyed Siluie and beleeue you shall effect no small matter to free vs of Celadon For I well perceiue the humour of Galathee that with the time will turne to your great displeasure At this word they tooke hands and looking about for some place to spend a part of the day in they spyed one on the other side of Lignon which they thought fit for their purpose Passing ouer the bridge of the Botresse and leauing Bonlieu the place of the Druides and Vestals on the left hand and going downe along the riuer they came to bestow themselues in a thicke groue which ioyned hard on the high-way and wherein there was an Arbor that affoorded a pleasant seate at all times out of which when they had made choyce of the most shadowed corner they fell asleepe one after another And while they thus rested Astrea Diane and Phillis came by chance driuing their flocks into that place and not seeing the Nymphs they sate downe neere them and because the amities which are begunne in bad fortune are more straightly riuited in then those that are conceiued in happy times Diane who was tyed in a fast league with Astrea and Phillis since the mis-hap of Celadon bare them so great good will and they to her that almost all the day they left not each other and indeed Astrea had great neede of consolation the rather for that about that time shee lost Alce and Hippolite her father and mother Hippolite for the fright shotooke for the losse of Astrea when she was in the water and Alce for griefe at the losse of his deare companion which yet was a poore helpe to Astrea who might bewaile the losse of Celadon vnder the couer of that of her father and mother and as I told you Diane the daughter of the wise Bellinde that she might not bee wanting in the duty of a neighbour went often to visite her and found her humour so pleasing and Astrea againe hers and Phillis that of them
I thinke on it I am yet ready to die for shame yet my haire was dispersed and almost couered mee on it I had no other ornament then the garland which the day before hee had giuen me When the others were gone backe and when he saw me in this sort by him I obserued that twice or thrice he changed colour but I neuer suspected the cause for my part shamefastnesse had tainted my cheek with so fresh a colour that hee hath since sworne vnto me he neuer saw me so louely and he would haue beene contented hee might haue beene suffered to stay all the day long in that contemplation but fearing to be discouerd he was cōpelled to shorten his contentment and when he saw I said nothing for shame had tied vp my tongue And how Astrea sayd het hinke you your cause so good that you need not as well as others seek the Iudges good will I doubt not Orithee answered I that I shall haue more need to seduce my Iudge by my words then Stella or Malthe but I know wel also that I must as well giue place to them in perswading as in beauty so that but for the constraint whereto the custome tyes mee I had neuer come before you in hope to win the prize And if you beare it away answered the shepheard what will you do for me I shall haue sayd I the greater obligation to you by how much I thinke it merits lesse How then replied he will you make me no other offer The demand sayd I must come from you for I cannot teach you who deserues to be receiued Sweare to me said the shepheard you will giue me that which I shall demand and my iudgement shall be to your aduantage After I had promised him hee asketh of my haire to make him a bracelet which I did and after he had folded it in a paper hee sayd to me Now Astrea I will keepe these haires for a pledge of the oth which you haue made that if euer you gainesay it I may offer it to the goddesse Venus and demand vengeance of her That sayd I is superfluous since I am resolued neuer to faile Then with a smlling countenance hee sayd to me God be thanked faire Astrea that my designe hath falne out so prosperously for know that which you haue promised me is to loue me aboue any in the world and to receiue me as your faithfull seruant who am Celadon and not Orithee as you suppose I say that Celadon by whom loue hath giuen proofe that hatred is not of power sufficient to disappoint his effects since euen among the displeasures of our fathers he hath made me so yours that I had no feare to dye at the gate of this temple to giue you testimony of my affection Iudge wise Diane what became of mee for loue forbade me to seeke reuenge of my shamefastnes and yet shame encouraged mee against loue at last after a confused disputation it was impossible for me to consent to cause him dye since the offence which he made proceeded not but of too great loue to me yet knowing him to be a shepheard I could no longer stay before his eies and without making other answere I ranne to my companions whom I found almost dressed and taking vp my garments scarce knowing what I did I made my selfe ready as soone as was possible But to be short when we were all ready the dissembled Orithee placed her selfe at the entry of the gate and hauing vs all three before her I ordaine saith she that the prize of beauty be giuen to Astrea in witnesse whereof I present her the golden apple there is no cause any body should doubt of my iudgement since I haue seene her and though a maide yet I haue felt the force In saying those words he presented mee the apple which I receiued being much troubled and the father when with a loude voyce he sayd Receiue this Apple as a pawne of my affection which is as infinite as this is round I answered him Be content rash man that I receiue it to saue thy life and that otherwise I would refuse it as cōming from thy hand He durst not reply for feare he might be heard and knowne and because the custome was that she that receiued the Apple was to kisse the Iudge by way of thankefulnesse I was constrayned to kisse him but I assure you had I not knowne him vntill then I should then haue discouered him to be a shepheard for it was not the kisse of a maide Presently the noyse and the applause of the company separated vs because the Druyde hauing crowned me caused mee to be borne in a chaire to the place of the Assembly with so much honour that euery one wondered I was no more cheerefull But I was so troubled and so sore beaten betweene Loue and Despite that I scarce knew what I did As for Celadon as soone as he had finished the ceremonies he lost himselfe amongst the other shepheardesses and by little and little without the heeding of any body got out of the company and put off his borrowed garments to put on his owne naturall clothes with which hee came agayne to vs with a face so confident that no man would euer haue suspected him As for me when I sawe him I might scarce turne mine eyes to him being full of shame and choler But he that noted it and made no shew of it found the meanes to come to me and to say loude enough The Iudge which hath giuen you the prize of beauty hath shewed good iudgement and me thinkes that albeit the Iustice of your cause do well deserue so fauourable a sentence yet must not you be fayling to beare him some kinde of obligation I beleeue shepheard answered I softly enough that he is more obliged to me then I to him for that if he gaue me an apple which in some sort was due to me I haue giuen him life which his rashnesse merited to lose So he told me answered presently Celadon that hee would preserue it onely for your seruice If I had not more respect replyed I to my selfe then to him I had not let him goe without chasticement for so great a presumption But enough Celadon let vs cut off this discourse and content your selfe that if I haue not punished you as you deserue it was onely for feare of giuing occasion to others to talke their pleasure of me and not for want of will to see you punished If there be nothing but that sayd he to hinder my death tell me in what fashion you will haue me die and you shall see I haue no lesse courage to satisfie you then I haue had of loue to offend you This discourse would be too long if I should tell you all our talke in particular So it was that after many replies now on the one side and the other whereby it was impossible for me to doubt of his affection if at least the
fire of his loue nor the admirable beauties of those Romanes diuert him from the least part of what he had promised me O God with what contentment came he to meete me he besought me by his brother that I would giue him opportunity to speake with me I thinke I haue yet his letter Alas I haue more charily preserued that which came from him then himselfe And then she drew out letters which she had receiued from him and pulling out the first for they were all layd in order after she had wiped her eyes she read these words FArre Astrea my banishment hath beene ouercome of my patience God grant the like of your loue I went out with such griefe and am returned with so great contentment that not perishing neither in going nor comming I shall alwaies giue proof that one may not die neither of too much pleasure nor too much displeasure Let me then see you that I may recount my fortune vnto you that are my onely Fortune Faire Diane it is impossible I should remember the discourse which we had without wounding my selfe so that the least stroke is as greeuous to me as death During the absence of Celadon Artemis my Aunt and the mother of Phillis came to see her kinsfolke and brought with her this shepheardesse poynting to Phillis And because our fashion of liuing better pleased them then that of the shepheards of Alleer she resolued to dwell with vs which was no small contentment to vs for by this meanes we grew familiar and though the friendship was not so strait as it fell out afterward yet her humour so pleased me that I passed ouer many vnquiet houres reasonably well with her And when Celadon was returned and that he had some while conuersed with her he gaue so good a iudgement that I may truely say he is the ground of the strait amity which hath since beene betweene her and me It was about this time that he being of the age of seuenteene or eighteeneyeeres I of fifteene or sixteene we beganne to carry our selues with more wisedome so that to hide our loue I intreated him or rather I constrayned him to make loue to all the shepheardesses that had any shew of beauty that the suite he made to mee might be iudged to be rather common then particular I say I constrayned him because I thinke but for his brother Licidas he would neuer haue giuen his consent For after he had many times falne on his knees before me to call backe the charge I gaue him in the end his brother told him that it was necessary for my contentment it should be so and that if he knew no other remedy he might therein helpe himselfe by his imagination and when he spake to others he should conceit to himselfe it was to me Alas the poore shepheard had good reason to make such difficulty for he ouer-well foresaw that from it would arise the cause of his death Excuse me wise Diane if my teares interrupt my discourse seeing I haue so iust cause that it were impiety to forbid them me And after she had dryed her eyes shee renewed her discourse in this manner And because Phillis was vsually with me it was she to whom at the first he addressed himselfe but with such inforcement that I could hardly refraine from laughter and because Phillis thought he was in earnest and that she vsed him as they ordinarily doe him that beginneth to be a suiter I remember that seeing himselfe rudely handled he often sung this song which he made on that subiect A SONG VPon a certaine fountaines bankes Which moldy mosse all ouer-growes Whose water with a winding flowes Wandring through plaines in many crankes A shepheard gazing on the waue Sâ—â—g to his pipe these verses graue Cease one day cease too faire for me Before my death cruell to be Can it be that this grieuous paine Which I for louing you indure If gods be not cal'd iust in vaine At last may â—e no good procure Or can it be that such a Loue May neuer any pittie mooue The rather being great and true As that with which I honor you Those eyes whose wanton passages Haue often made me hope in vaine Full of so many forgeries Will they forsweare themselues so plaine They oft haue told me that her heart At last would rigor force to part Agreeing to which false report The rest of her faire face consort But how faire eies of shepheardesse Shall they to such false courses yeeld As are the Courtiers practices It seemes these beauties of the field Though without fucus on their skin Yet can they paint their heart within And learne a lesson in their schooles To giue but words the bane of fooles Enough it is high time O faire To end this ouer-cruell fit And thinke that beauty n'er so rare Which hath not sweetnesse mixt with it Is as an eye that wants day-light And faire that is without loue quite As most vnworthy of that cole Is like a body wanting soule Sister interrupted Phillis I remember it well you speake of and I shall make you laugh at the manner of his speech to me For for the most part it was with such broken language that we had need of an Interpreter to make vs vnderstand them and vsually when he was to name mee he would call me Astrea But see what our inclination is I knew well that Nature had in some sort preferred Celadon before Licidas yet not being able to tell you the reason Licidas was more welcome to me Alas sister sayd Astrea you bring to my remembrance the speech which he vsed about that time of you and of this faire shepheardesse sayd she turning to Diane Faire shepheardesse said he to me the wise Bellinde and your Aunt Artemis are infinitely happy in hauing such daughters and our Lignon is much bound to them since by their meanes it hath the happinesse to see vpon her shores these two faire wise shepheardesses And beleeue me if I know any thing they only deserue the amity of Astrea and therefore I aduise you to loue them for I perceiue by that little knowledge I haue of them that you shall finde great contentment in their familiarity Would to God one of them would vouchsafe to respect my brother Licidas with the like affection that I beare And for that at that time I had no great knowledge of you fayre Diane I answered that I desired he should rather serue Phillis and it fell out as I wished for the ordinary conuersation he had with her at the first brought forth familiarity betweene them and at last he loued in earnest One day when he found her at leisure he resolued to declare his affection with much loue and with the fewest words he could Faire shepheardesse said he you haue knowledge enough of your selues to beleeue that those which loue you can not but loue you infinitely It can not be that my actions haue giuen you any knowledge
to witnesse cannot with-hold you from making a new election before my face At the same time Licidas taking the fayre hand of Phillis after a great sigh hee sayd Faire hand wherein I had entirely placed my will can I liue and know that thou delightest to be borne to another heart then mine then mine I say that haue merited so much of fortune if a man may be worthy by the most great most sincere and by the most faithfull loue that euer was I could not heare the other words that Licidas went on with for I was constrained to answer Celadon Shepheard shepheard said I all these words of faithfulnesse and of amity are more in your mouth then in your heart and I haue more cause to complaine of you then to heare you But because I make no more reckning of any thing that comes from you I will not vouchsafe to complaine so should you doe if your dissimulations would suffer you But since our affayres be at these tearmes go on Celadon loue Phillis well serue her well her vertues deserue it and if in speaking vnto you I blush it is for spite that I haue loued that which was so vnworthy and hath so grossely deceiued me The astonishment of Celadon was so great hearing the reproches I vsed to him that he stayed a long time not able to speake a word which gaue me opportunity to heare what Phillis answered Licidas Licidas Licidas let him that ownes me demaund me You call me fleeting and you know well that that terme agrees best with your actions But thinke you in complaining first you can purge the wrong you doe me I falter not but your selfe for it is more shame to you to change then it is losse to me in your change But that which offends me is that you will accuse me for your owne fault and faine a good reason of your owne vnfaithfulnesse Yet it is true that he that deceiueth a brother may fayle her that is not so neere him And then turning her selfe to mee she sayd And you Astrea thinke that the gayne you haue made by diuerting him from my amitie can no longer last then vntill some other obiect present it selfe though I know well your perfections haue that power that if it be not an heart all of feathers they are able to slay it Phillis replyed I the proofe shall witnesse that you are a flatterer when you speake so of the perfections which are in me since hauing depriued me of Celadon they must needes be feeble not being able to hold him after they had gotten him Celadon falling on his knee before me It is not said he that I misprize the merits of Phillis but I protest before all the gods that she hath not kindled the least sparke of loue in my soule and that I beare with lesse griefe the offence you doe me in changing then that you commit against my affection in blaming it of inconstancy It is to no purpose wise Diane to particularize all our discourse for they would be too long and might offend you so that before we parted we were so well reduced to our good sences that I must tell you we acknowledged the small reason we had to suspect one another And we haue good cause to thanke heauen that we made this declaration all foure together for I thinke otherwise it had beene impossible to roote out this errour from our soule and for my owne part I assure you that nothing could haue made mee vnderstand reason if Celadon had not spoken after this manner before Phillis Now since that time we went with lesse heede then we were wont But to leaue this trauaile I enter into another no lesse troublesome for we could not so well dissemble but Alcippe that lay in watch knew that his sonnes affection to mee was not altogether extinct and for his more assurance hee looked so heedfully to his actions that noting with what curiosity he went alwaies to the old Willow where we layd our letters one morning he came first and after he had long sought noting the path which wee had made on the grasse by often going hee tooke it for his guide and the tract brought him right to the foote of the tree where he found a letter which I had layd there ouer-night It was thus The letter of Astrea to Celadon YEsterday we went out of the temple where we were assembled to bee present at the houres which they did to Pan and Siringue celebrating their day I should haue sayd feasting if you had beene there but the loue I bare you is such that not the diuine things if it may be lawfull for me to say so without you can please mee I finde my selfe so vnfit for our common businesse that but for the promise which I made to write daily to you I know not if this day you should haue heard any newes from me Receiue them then at this time for my promise set When Alcippe had read this letter he layd it in the same place againe and hiding himselfe to see the answer his sonne was not slacke in comming and not finding any paper he writ on the backe of my Letter and hath told me since it was thus The Letter of Celadon to the Shepheardesse Astrea YOu binde me and vnbinde me at one time pardon me if this word offend you when you tell me you loue me can I haue any greater obligations to all the gods But the offence is not small that you had not written at this time but for that you promised me For I am indebted to your promise and not to your loue Remember I beseech you that I am not yours because I haue promised you but because I am truly yours and that in like sort I desire not Letters for the conditions that are betweene vs but for the sole witnesse of your goodwill not welcomming them as merchandises but as being sent me from an entire good will Alcippe knew not who the shepheardesse might be to whom this letter was directed for there was no name to it but see how it came from a spirit that would be crosse he thought not much of his paine to stay in that place aboue 5. or 6 houres to see who she should be that would come to seeke it assuring himselfe the day would not be fully past but some one would come fetch it It was late before I went but presently when he sawe me for feare lest I should take him he turned himselfe and made shew as if he were asleepe And I that I might giue no cause of suspition turning my pace fayned to take another way He contrarily well satisfied for his payne as soone as I was gone tooke the Letter and carried it with him Whereupon incontinently hee made his dessigne to send away his sonne for that he would not in any case there should be alliance betweene vs for the extreme hatred betweene Aloe and him but rather to the contrary hee had a purpose to
marry him vnto Malthe the daughter of Forelle for commodity as he pretended of their neighbourhood The words which were vsed betweene vs at our departing haue beene but too much published by one of the Nymphes of Belinde For I know not how that day Licidas who was at the foot of the rocke fell asleepe and that Nymph as she went by heard vs and wrote downe in her Tables all our discourse And what interrupted Diane are those the verses which I haue heard sung to one of my mothers Nymphes at the departure of a shepheard These be they answered Astrea and because I would not discouer that it any thing touched me I durst not demaund them Trouble not your selfe replyed Diane for I will giue you a copie to morrow And after Astrea had thanked her she went forward Now during this absence Olympe the daughter of shepheard Lupeander dwelling on the confines of Forest on the side the riuer Furant came with her mother into our Hamlet and because this good olde woman much loued Amarillis as hauing in their youth beene bred together shee came to visite her This young shepheardesse was not so faire as she was conceited and had so good an opinion of her selfe that shee thought all the shepheards that looked on her were in loue with her which is a rule infallible for all those that loue themselues That was the cause that as soone as she came into the house of Alcippe that shee began to busie her selfe with Licidas thinking the ciuility hee vsed toward her proceeded of Loue. As soone as the shepheard perceiued it hee came to tell vs and know how he should behaue himselfe wee gaue aduise that hee might the better couer the affection he bore to Phillis to maintaine Olympe in this opinion And shortly after it fell out by mischance that Artemis had some affaires on the coast of Allier whither shee carried Phillis with her notwithstanding all the cunning we could inuent to keepe her back During this absence which might bee about fiue or sixe moneths the mother of Olympe returned leauing her daughter in the hands of Amarillis with a purpose that Licidas should marry her iudging according to that they saw that he loued her very dearely And because it was an aduancement to her she was counselled by her mother to carry her selfe as louely as she could And assure you faire Diane she dissembled not for thenceforth she rather sued vnto him then was sued vnto by him So that one day when shee found him at leasure as shee thought within the inward parts of the wood of Bonlieu where by fortune hee went to seeke a wandring sheep after some common speeches she laid her arme on his neck and after she had kissed him sayd Gentle shepheard I know not what I haue in mee so vnpleasing that I cannot by any demonstrations of good will finde place in your good graces It may be answered the shepheard smiling because I haue none He that should say as you doe replied the shepheardesse may be thought to be as much blinded as your selfe if you see not the offer which I make of my amity till when shepheard ordaine you that I loue without being beloued and that I shal still seek you without finding acceptance I cannot thinke that the other shepheardesses whom you make so much of are more louely then my selfe or haue any thing aboue me but the possession of your good graces Olympe vttered these words with that affection that Licidas was moued at it Faire Diane at all other times when I remember this accident that befell the shepheard I could not refraine from laughter but now my misfortune forbids me yet me thought I could be angry with none but Phillis who had so charged him to loue her for this fayning at last turned to earnest Hereupon this miserable Olympe thinking by her fauours to make her selfe beloued the more made her selfe to be so much dis-esteemed that Licidas hauing had of her all that he might disdained her so that he could not abide she should be neere him Presently after this fortune befell hee came to tell me with such apparance of displeasure that I thinke hee was sorry for his fault and yet it fell not out so for this shepheardesse committed such folly that shee grew to bee with childe and about the time shee first perceiued it Phillis returned from her iourney and if I expected her with great paine I likewise welcōmed her with much cōtentment But as commonly they first demād of that which neerest toucheth the hart Phillis after two or three former words failed not to aske how Licidas did how he behaued himselfe with Olympe Very well answered I and I assure my selfe hee will not bee long before hee come to tell you newes I cut my speech the shorter for feare I might tell her somewhat that might anger Licidas who for his part was not without paine not knowing how to aboord the shepherdesse at last he resolued to suffer al things rather thē to bee banished from her sight and came to finde her in her lodging where he knew I was As soone as shee saw him shee ran to him with open armes to salute him but giuing a little backe he sayd Faire Phillis I haue not hardines enough to come neere you except you pardon me the fault I haue done you The shepherdesse thinking he had excused himselfe for comming no sooner as hee was accustomed answered him There is nothing can hold me backe from saluting Licidas and when he hath offended mee I must pardon him alwaies At this word shee came forward welcommed him with great affection but it was his pleasure when hee brought her backe to me to pray me tell his errour to his Mistris that hee might speedily know to what she would condemne him Not for that the griefe saith he shall not accompany me to my graue but for the desire I haue to know what you ordaine of me This word brought colour into the face of Phillis doubting that her pardon was greater then her meaning whereof Licidas taking heed I haue not courage enough said he to me to heare the declaration you shall make of me Pardon me then faire Mistris turning to Phillis if I break company so soon if my life be vnpleasing to you and that my death may giue you satisfaction be not couetous of my bloud At this word though Phillis called him back yet would he not come but contrarily pulling the doore after him left vs alone You may not thinke that Phillis made dainty to aske if there were any newes whence so great feare came Without stay in lōg discourse I told her as it was and withall laid al the fault on our selues who did not foresee that his youth could no longer resist the assaults of this folly and that his displeasure was so great that his error was pardonable At the first I could not obtaine that I desired of her but some few
inueigled me for if I had had any iudgement remaining in me for this new iealousie at the least I might haue inquired of Celadon what his purpose was thogh he would haue dissembled it I shuld easily enough haue found out his fictiō But without other consideration the next morning when hee came to looke me at my flock I talked to him with such disdaine that desperately he cast himselfe into that gulph where drowning himselfe he hath at one blow drowned all my contentment At this word she grew pale like death and had it not beene for Phillis who raysed her vp pulling her by the arme shee had beene in danger of swouning THE FIFTH BOOKE OF Astrea and Celadon THe noyse that the shepheardesses made when Astrea fell into a swoune was such that Leonide waked with it and hearing them talke neer her her curiosity gaue her a mind to know who they were and because after they had refreshed themselues these three shepheardesses rose to goe away all that she could doe was to awaken Siluie to shew them her As soone as she saw them she knew Astrea though she were much changed for the displeasure she tooke for the losse of Celadon And the other two said Leonide what are they The one said she that is on the left hand is Phillis her deare companion and the other is Diane the daughter of the sage Bellinde and Celio◠and I am angry that we haue slept so long for I am assured we should haue heard some of their newes there being some likelihood that the occasion which withdrew them from others was but to talke more freely Truly answered Leonide I protest I neuer saw any more beautifull then Astrea and comparing her with all others I finde her beyond them all Ghesse replyed Siluie what hope Galathee may haue to diuert the affection of the shepheard This consideration touched Leonide also to the quick for her part as well as Galathee But loue which neuer lookes on the expence of any person without giuing them for their payment some kinde of hope would not handle this Nymph more niggardly then others and so though there were no great likelihood yet he would not fayle to promise her that the absence of Astrea and the loue which she made shew to beare him might haply make a change of will and after some other such discourse the Nymphs diuided themselues Leonide taking the way of Feurs and Siluie that of Isoure in which meane time the three fayre shepheardesses hauing gathered together their flockes went shortly after to their Lodges They had hardly set foote in the great pasture where they were wont to assemble but they perceiued Licidas talking with Siluander As soone as the shepheard sawe Astrea he became pale and so changed that for feare lest Siluander should know any thing he brake company with some bad excuse but desirous to auoyde the meeting with them Phillis went to crosse his way with Diane after she had told Astrea the bad satisfaction this shepheard had of her and because Phillis would not lose him hauing till then so charily kept him although he endeuoured to passe beyond them yet she ouertooke him smiling sayd If in this sort you flie from your friends what will you doe to your enemies He answered The company which you so cherish will not suffer you to hold that name She replyed the shepheardesse of whom you complaine suffereth more paine for offending you then your selfe doe That is said the shepheard but to breake the weapon rather then heale the wound By this time Astrea came addressing her selfe to Licidas said thus I am so farre shepheard from saying that the hatred you beare me is vniust that I auerre you know not how to hate me so deadly as you haue occasion Notwithstanding if the memory of him which is the cause of this euil satisfaction be yet as liuely in your soule as it shall euer be in mine you should remember I am that thing in the world he most loued and it will be euill for you to hate me since yet there is nothing that he loued more then me Licidas would you receiue not this satisfaction as you haue had reason hitherto so may you be blamed as much for being vnreasonable Astrea not resting on Dianes speech tooke her hand from his mouth and sayd No no wise shepheardesse restraine not Licidas let him vse all the rigorous words hee pleaseth I know they be the effects of his iust griefe yet I know well also that therein hee hath no more losse then I. Licidas hearing these words and the maner in which she deliuered them gaue testimony with his teares that she had wonne him and not being able to commaund himselfe so readily notwithstanding all the defence that Phillis and Diane could make he freed himselfe from their hands and went on the other side which Phillis perceiuing that she might haue the whole victory followed and knew so well to represent him the displeasure of Astrea and the villany of Semire that in the end she brought him backe to the company But in this meane time Leonide held on her way to Feur◠and though she made great haste yet could she not reach beyond Ponsius because she had slept ouer-long that was the cause that she waked long before day desirous to returne in good time that she might stay some-while in her returne with the shepheardesses whom she left yet durst she not goe vntil the light might shew her the way for feare of losing herselfe though she could not possibly close her eyes all the rest of the night As she lay entertaining her thoughts and as she was heedfully hearkening she heard one talke somewhat neere her for there was but a slight partition that diuided one chamber into two for that the Master of the house was an honest shepherd that out of courtesie the lawes of hospitality freely intertained al passingers without enquiring what they were and because his lodging was scant he was faine to make that diuision to make the more chambers Now when the Nymph came thither there were two stangers lodged but because it was late they were withdrawne already and asleep and by fortune the chamber where the Nymph was lodged was of this sort and hard by theirs without heeding it when she lay downe hearing one murmure hard by her bed for the beds head stood that way that she might the better vnderstand she layd her eare to an open place of the wall and by chance one of them lifting vp his voyce somewhat higher she heard that he answer'd the other thus What would you I shuld say more but that loue makes you so impatient And well either she shall be found wearied or sicke or distempered with some accident that hath made her stay And must one despaire for that Leonide thought she knew the voyce but she could not remember it so well as the other so soon as he answerd But looke you Climanthe that
arme after he had stayed some while without speech he told you at last Faire Nymph it is not for nothing that I dispute in myselfe whether I should or whether I should not declare that which I haue in my soule for to dissemble may bee allowed in that which may sometimes bee changed but that which constraines mee to speake at this time shall accompany me euen to my Tombe Here I stayed and sayd to her Will you haue me repeat Leonide the same words which you answered Without lie then said Polemas you put your selfe into great hazard of being discouered Not a whit answered Climanthe and to giue you proofe of perfection of my memory I will tell you the very words But replyed Polemas what if I had forgot to tel them you Oh adioyned Climanthe I doubt not of that but so it is that the subiect of the words was that that you told me she her selfe doth not remeÌ„ber the words theÌ„selues so that out of the opinion that it was a god that had told me she beleeued they were the very same If you had not 〈◊〉 so familâ—ar with her as your secre 〈…〉 affectioÌ„ made you I had not so easily vnder taken it but remembring that you had told mee that you had serued her long and that seruice was well accepted of till the time that you changed affection and that you are become the seruant of Galathee and namely that that was the cause that to do you a displeasure she held on Lindâ—â—â—ors part against you I boldly told her all that had passed at that time knowing Loue would not suffer that one should conceale any thing from the person whom they loue But to come againe to our purpose she answered I am willing you shuld say what you please but we will beleeue what we list This she said as beeing a little pricked with that which shee would should haue beene concealed from her companions I went on Well Leonide you may beleeue what you please for I assure my selfe that I haue said nothing which in your soule you haue not found for true You answered him as seeming not to vnderstand what he would say You haue reason Agis not to hide by dissimulation that which must accompany you so long as you liue otherwise it beeing impossible but it must be discouered you shall be taken for a double person a name which is honourable to no sort of people but much lesse to them who make the profession that you doe This counsell then answered hee and my passion constraine mee to tell you faire Nymph that neither the inequality of your merits to me nor the small good will which I haue found in you could not hinder my affection nor my boldnesse that they haue not raysed me vp to you so that if not the quality of the gift but the will is to be receiued I may say with assurance that none can offer you a greater sacrifice for that heart which I giue you I giue with all the affections and with all the powers of my soule and so all that which after this deuotion is not found to be yours I disauow and renounce it as not appertaining to me The conclusion was that you answered Agis I will beleeue these words when the time and your seruices shall haue told me them as well as your mouth See the first declaration of amity which you had of him whereof afterwards he gaue you such proofe as well by sute hee made to marry you as by the quarrells which he had against many whom hee was iealous of It was at that time that when you would haue frizeled your haire you burnt your cheeke whereupon he made this verse A SONG Of Agis on the burning of Leonides cheeke VVHile Loue did please himselfe to play Within the gold of your faire haire A sparkle of his fiers rare Vnhapp'ly on your cheeke did stay You cruell Nymph may iudge thereon How sâ—re the smart of fire stings Since that but one small sparke alone So much of dolour with it brings Meane while that your eye forth did dart When yet with it the conquest goes So many fires against my heart Your cheeke was hurt by one of those You cruell Nymph may iudge thereon How sore the smart of fire stings Since that but one small sparke alone So much of doloâ—r with it brings While that my heart that flaming was To dart as you had purposed His fire that could no further passe Burned your cheeke in your foules sted You cruell Nymph may iudge thereon How sore the smart of fire stings Since that but one small sparke alone So much of dâ—â—our with it brings And to make it appeare to you that I truely know these things by a diuinity which canot lie whose eie eare perceth euen to the depth of the heart I will tell you a thing on this subiect that no man could know but you and Agis She was afraid I would discouer some secret which would anger heâ— and it was my purpose to giue her that apprehension and that was the cause that she sayd to me much disquieted Man of God though I beleeue not but that you and others may say that on this subiect which imports me yet this discourse is so sensible that it will bee hard to handle it with so gentle an hand but the wound will bleed therefore I beseech you to make an end She vttered these words with such a change of countenance and a voyce so broken that for her better assurance I was constrained to say You are not to thinke me of so small a consideration that I know not how to conceale that which may offend you nor that I am ignorant that the least wounds are sensible enough in that part which I touch for it is to the heart that all these strokes are directed but because you will know no more I will hold my peace And it is time that I goe to the Diuinity that calls me And at that instant I arose and gaue them the good day Then after I had made some shewes of ceremonies ouer the riuer I sayd very loud O soueraigne Deity which abidest in this place behold how with this water I cleanse my selfe and vncloath me of all the prophanenesse which the conuersing among men might leaue in me since I came out of thy holy Temple At these words I dipped my hands thrice into the water and then taking vp in the hollow of the one I receiued it thrice into my mouth my eyes and hands lifted vp to heauen and so went to my Cabbin without speaking to them and because I doubted they had the curiosity to come see what I did I went before the Altar where making a shew to cast my selfe on the ground I drew out the horse haires which taking their effect let the little steele table that stood before the glasse fall which fell so to purpose on the flint that it strucke fire and instantly tooke hold on
brother an honest and wise shepheard and one of the best friends I had not able to indure her licentious and vsuall behauiour that he might depriue her of such occasions resolued to send her farre from her Hamlet and place her in such company where shee might passe her more dangerous age without reproach For effecting this he prayed Cleanthe to like well that she might be a companion to his little daughter Aminthe because they were about an age though Stelle were some deale older And because Cleantho liked well of it they began a life so priuate and so familiar that these two shepheardesses were neuer the one without the other many wondring that being so differing in humor they could be so straitly ioyned but the sweete behauiour of Aminthe and the supple nature of Stelle caused it and so Aminthe neuer withstood the deliberations of her companion and Stelle neuer found euill in what Aminthe willed In this sort they liued with such priuacy that there was nothing hidden betweene them But at last Lisis the sonne of shepheard Genetian leauing the frosty places of Mount-Lune descended into our plaines where hauing seen her in a general assembly which was had at the TeÌ„ple of Venus iust ouer-against Mount-Suâ— then when Astrea got the prize for beauty he grew so amorous of her that I cannot tell whether he be in his graue and she found him so to her liking that after many voyages and many messages their affections were so forward that Lisis beganne to talke of marriage where to shee made as good an answer as he could desire In this space Saliam was constrained to make a long iourney so that hee knew nothing of this treaty besides that shee had now taken so great authority ouer herselfe that she would impart none of her affairs to him On the other side Aminthe seeing her so soon resolued on this marriage many times asked her if it were in good earnest and it seemed fit in a matter of so great importance to be well aduised Trouble not your selfe said she I will easily dispatch this businesse Hereupon Lisis who serued with great eagernesse set downe a day assigned to make the assembly and put himselfe to the expences vsuall in such occasions holding his marriage most assured but the accustomed humour of many women to make no man master of their liberty letted her from going on with her former purpose which shee endeuoured to breake by demands most vnreasonable that shee thought the parents and friends of Lisis would neuer giue their consent But the loue which he bare her being stronger then all difficulties she was in the end constrained to breake it without other cloke then the smalnesse of her good will If Lisis were offended you may iudge receiuing so great a wrong yet could he not driue away this loue but he would be the conquerour And I remember that vpon this discourse he made these verses which since when we were friends hee gaue me A SONNET On a despight of Loue. DEspight weake Warriour captaine audaâ—ious That leadst me to the field vnder so feeble arâ—es Against a Loue so arm'd with arrowes and with charâ—es Loue so accustomed to be victorious If Loue but of his wing when first alarme appeares Doe melt the Icicles which fill mine eyes like rhuâ—â—e What will the fires doe which euen the gods consume And which beare downe â—maine by torrent of their tâ—â—res I mercy come to cry vanquisht I heaue my hands Stooping vnto her yoake that so inhumane stands Which of thine owne defence shall much encrease the glory For safely I doâ— wish that pitty armour prooâ—â— And of my shepheardesse if she prouâ—ke the Loue My blood my triumph â—e my death my victory That which caused this change in Stelle was a new affection which the wrong of a shepheard called Semire bred in her soule whereof Lisis was the last that knew it because she kept it rather from him then any other This shepheard amongst all the men that euer I sawe is the greatest dissembler and most crafty otherwise an honest man and a person that had many louely parts in him which gaue occasion to this shepheardesse to refuse contrary to promise the alliance of Lisis setting that in place of a fauour to her new louer who yet triumphed not long in this victorie For it fell out that Lâ—pander making an affembly for the marriage of his daughter Olympâ— Lisis and Stelle were called thither and because wee were neere of kinne Olympe and I I would not fayle to be there I know not if it were the reuenge of loue or the inconstant nature of the shepheardesse by her vncertaine carriage brought it about where she was party so it was that as soone as she sawe Lisis againe she tooke a fancie to recall him and to effect it forgot none of those allurements wherein Nature had beene vnwisely prodigall vnto her The displeased courage of the shepheard gaue him armour enough not to loue her but onely to hide his affection In the end towards euening that euery one is busied either in dancing or in entertaining the person he likes best of she followed him in such sort that thrusting him against a window from which he could not honestly escape he was constrayned to sustaine the forces of his enemie On the other side Semire who had alwayes his eye on her hauing marked the pursuites that she made all that euening to this shepheard following the nature of euery louer beganne to let some iealousie breed in his soule knowing well that the Candle lately put out will easily be lighted againe and seeing that she had shoued him vp against the window that he might heare what she sayd to him making shew of talking with some other he came so neere her that he heard her aske him why he did fly from her so mainely Truely sayd Lisis this is a strange kinde of pursuing me and with too brazen a brow But though I know sayd Stelle whence these iniuries grow it may be that hearing me and iudging without passion all the wrong will not lie on that side you thinke For Gods sake answered Lisis shepheardesse â—eaue me in peace and let it suffice that these iniuries proceed from the hatred I beare you and the occasion of my hatred from your ficklenesse which makes it iustifiable that may it please heauen that he that hath done all the wrong may likewise feele all the displeasure But let vs treade all these things vnder foote and lose you as well the memory as I haue lost the will to loue you I vnderstand answered Stelle whence your anger growes and indeede you haue reason to carry your selfe in this maner Behold I beseech you the great wrong which is done not to take one for an husband as soone as he is tendered Is it not the custome alwayes to make a demand twice Indeed if I had not taken you at a word I had done you great wrong
may make him find your deniall more bitter This speech touched the shepheardesse in good earnest seeing how far hee was gone off from louing her so that to interrupt him she was constrained to say Me thinks Lisis that if Corilas be of the minde this paper makes shew of he was ill aduised to employ you since your words are more able to winne hatred then loue and you seeme rather a messenger of war then peace Stelle replyed the shepheard he was so farre from being ill aduised in this election that if hee had shewed as much iudgement in the rest of his actions he should not stand in so great neede of your succours he hath had tryall of your fancies hee knowes what your allurements are and of whom might hee better serue himselfe without suspition of making himselfe a competitor then of a louing friend such as I am whom you hate more then death And yet the Arte wherewith I serue my selfe is not bad for representing you so louely as you are you may the better acknowledge the honor he doth you to loue you But let vs leaue this talke and tell me in good earnest whether he be in your good grace and how long hee shall continue since in truth I dare not returne to him without bringing him some good answer I coniure you by his loue and ours passed To this reason the shepheard added some others with so many prayers that the shepheardesse beleeued hee spake in good earnest whereto she easily perswaded her selfe according to her good nature for it is the custome of them that easily affect themselues to thinke that they are more easily affected It was so that for this time Lisis could obtaine of her nothing but that the loue of his cousin for default of his owne should not be vnpleasing to her but Time should be her counceller And after at diuers times hee sollicited her so that hee had what assurance he would and because he remembred her flitting humour he laboured to bind her with a promise written with her owne hand and knew so well to turne her on euery side that he had what he would He came backe in that sort to me and discoursed vnto me all that hee had done except this promise for knowing the humour of Stelle he doubted alwaies that shee would deceiue him and if he spake to me of that paper I might be further engaged and so more painefull to with-draw mee All this was without the knowledge of Aminthe from whom Stelle concealed it rather then from any other When I had receiued such assurance of that which I most desired after I had thanked the shepheardesse I beganne with her permission to giue order for the marriage and made no difficulty to speake openly of it though Lisis alwaies fore-told me that in the end I should be deceiued but the apparence of the good we desire so flatters vs that hardly giue we care to them that tell vs the contrary While this marriage was divulged Semire who as I told you had left his suite by reason of Lisis and mee beeing prouoked with a speech which shee had vsed of him resolued to make the contrary appeare at what price soeuer to returne into her good graces with a purpose to leaue her in the end with that boldnesse that she might neuer say more that this separation proceeded from her There was no neede to vse any great Arte for her changing humour easily suffered her to returne to her nature and so at a blow behold her resolue to forsake me for Semire as a little before she had left Semire for me yet was shee not altogether without paine because of the promise which shee had written not knowing how to gaine-say it In the end the day of marriage beeing come when I had assembled the most part of my kindred and friends I held my selfe so assured that I receiued the reioycings of al the world but she that had another thought while I was busied in welcōming those that were come brake all this meeting with excuses more poorely grounded then the former wherewith I was so enraged that getting from her without bidding adieu I conceiued so great disdaine of her lightnesse that neuer since shee could cope with me Now iudge father if I haue cause to complaine of her and if they that tell it to my disaduantage were well informed Indeed answered Adamas you may see a woman vnworthy of that name and I wonder how it is possible that hauing deceiued so many there should be any that would trust her I haue not yet told you all replied Corilas for after euery one was gone but Lisis shee so wrought that Semire stayed with her vntill euening In the meane time as I thinke she laboured to vse some arte to haue her promise backe because shee saw well hee was throughly angry with her In the end very boldly she spake to him thus Is it possible Lisis that you haue so forgotten the affection which so often you haue sworne to me that you haue no minde to please me I sayd Lisis the heauens sooner kill me At this word what impediment soeuer she vsed hee got out of the house to be gone but she took such hold on him and taking his hand betweene hers she went with him clasping in such a fashion that euery one might iudge that there was loue and though he right well knew her humour and her deceits yet could he not containe himselfe from being pleased with her slatteries though he gaue no credit to them which hee well witnessed when considering her actions he said O God Stelle how doe you abuse the graces wherein the Heauens without reason haue beene so prodigall to you If this body did inclose a spirit which had any resemblance with the beauty who is hee that could resist you She who knew what force her allurements had placed all her arte in her eyes all her fictions in her mouth and all her malice in her inuention wherewith she so turned him on all sides that she almost set him besides himselfe then she vsed these words Gentle shepheard if it bee true that you bee that Lisis which sometimes haue so dearely affected me I coniure you by the remembrance of the time so happy for me that you will heare mee in priuate and beleeue that if you haue had any occasion to complaine I will make it plaine vnto you that this second fault or at least as you esteeme it so was not committed but to remedy the former At these words Lisis was ouercome yet that hee might not shew his weakenesse he answered See Stelle how farre you are gone from your opinion so far am I from desire to doe any thing that might please you that there is nothing displeasing which I will not endeuour to do Since there is no other remedy answered the shepheardesse come backe into the house to displease me With this intent answered he I will So then they
went in and as they stood by the fire she began to speake thus In the end shepherd it is impossible I should longer liue with you and dissemble I must put off the maske to al my actions and so you shal know that poore Stelle whom you haue accounted so slitting is more constant then you imagine and desires onely that you should know it that for the satisfaction of the wrongs you haue done mee you would freely confesse you haue wronged me But said shee suddainely breaking off that speech what haue you done with the promise which you haue had of mee in the behalfe of Corilas for if you haue deliuered it him that onely may breake off our affaires who being in the place of Lisis would not beleeue shee loued him and would not be deceiued like him This shepheard being of opinion that shee would doe that for him for which she refused me without difficulty gaue her this promise which hee had alwaies kept most charily and most secretly as soone as she had it she tore it and going neere the fire made it a sacrifice and then turning toward the shepheard smiling shee sayd There is no more for you to doe gentle shepheard but you may hold on your way for it is ouer-late O God cried Lisis finding her practices Is it possible that the third time I should be receiued by one person And what cause haue you said Stelle to say you are deceiued Ah! perfidious and disloyall said he did you not come out to tel me that you would make it plaine that this last fault was to repaire the former and to make proofe that you are constant you layd open your naked heart and intentions Lisis said shee you come alwaies with your iniuries if I neuer loued you am I not constant not to loue you now And haue I not made you see what my heart is and whereto tend my actions but hauing that I would of you I leaue you in peace Beleeue that all the words which you haue made me lose for an houre together was but to recouer this paper and now since I haue it I pray God to giue you the good night What an amazement thinke you was the shepheard in It was so great that without speech or spending further time halfe besides himselfe hee went homeward But certainely he hath had since good occasion to bee reuenged For Semire as I haue told you which was the cause of my euill or rather of my good so I may cal that separation of amity feeling in himselfe yet the displeasure of the first disgrace which she had done him seeing this extreme leuity and considering that it might be she might serue him so he resolued to preuent it and so hauing abused her as we were Lisis and I he broke the treaty of marriage in the middest of an assembly which he had purposely caused to be made which procured many to say that by the same weapon whereby a wound is giuen oftentimes the punishment is receiued Corilas ended in this sort and Adamas smiling said My child the best counsell that I can giue you herein is to shun the familiarity of this deceiuer and to keep your selfe from her practices and to giue contentment to your parents that with great impaciency desire to see you married and when any good proffer is offered receiue it and stay not on these youthful tricks of Loue for there is nothing that can better warrant you from the plots and surprizes of this deceiuer nor which will make you more esteemed among your neighbours then to marry not so much by Loue as by reason it beeing one of the most important actions that you can euer doe and wherein all the happinesse or misfortune of a man may depend At this word they parted for it beganne to waxe late and euery one tooke the way to his lodging The end of the fifth Booke THE SIXTH BOOKE OF Astrea and Celadon ON the other side Leonide not hauing found Adamas at Feurs went backe the same way she came not staying but the time shee was to dine and because she resolued that night to abide among the shepheardesses which shee had seene the day before for the desire shee had to haue more particular knowledge of them she came backe to that place where shee met them when looking about her shee seemed to see some but not being able to know them for they were so farre off with a great compasse she came as neere to them as she might and then looking on their faces she found they were the same whom she sought for She might bee glad of this meeting for by fortune they were come out of their Hamlet with a purpose to passe the rest of the day together and the better to spend the time they had a meaning there should be no more then they three that they might more freely speake of their greatest secrets so that Leonide could not haue come in a better time to satisfie her curiosity especially since they were but newly come Lying then to listen she heard Astrea taking Diane by the hand say Now is the time wise shepheardesse that you should pay vs that which you promised since vpon your word Phillis and I haue not made dainty to tell you all that you desired to know of vs. Faire Astrea answered Diane without doubt my word shall bind mee to discourse vnto you my life but much more the amity that is betweene vs kowing well that to conceale any thing in the soule from the person wee loue is to bee guilty of a very great fault that if I haue beene so slack to satisfie that which you desire of mee it was for that leasure would not permit mee for though I bee most certaine that I know not how to relate to you my youth without blushing yet it will be easie for mee to ouercome this shame when I shall thinke it is to please you Why should you blush said Phillis since there is no other fault but to loue If it be not replyed Diane yet at least it is a resemblance of a fault and they are so like that oftentimes they are taken one for another They replied Phillis which deceiue themselues so haue a very ill sight It is true answered Diane but it is our misfortune that there are more of that sort then of the good You will displease vs interrupted Astrea if you haue that opinion of vs. The loue which I beare to you both answered Diane may assure you that I know not how to giue bad iudgement For it is impossible to loue that which we esteeme not Moreouer that which puts me to payne is not the opinion which my friends may haue of mee but all the world besides for that with my friends I liue alwayes so as my action may content them and by that meanes opinion cannot be very strong in them but with others it is impossible so that with them reports may greatly preiudice one and for
of that worlds starre aboue It seemes in following it to say Sunne of my skie Burne me with thine owne raies make that I die by thee At least in dying so this pleasure rests with me That other fire could not burne me but thine eye When Phoenix bird alone out of composure rare By Nature taught thereto doth first her selfe prepare From relickes of her tombe her cradle yet to haue Sheâ— saith to that great fire the garden of her soule I shall in glory rise by dying in thy cole And take my life againe from ashes of my graue He sayd some others but I haue forgotten them so that mee thought it was I to whom these words were directed and I know not if that which Daphnis had told me made me think so or his eyes which yet spake more plainely then his mouth But if this verse gaue me knowledge his discretion witnessed it much more afterwards for it is one of the effects of true affection to serue with discretion and not to giue knowledge of his disease but by effects ouer which they can haue no power This young shepheard finding the humour of Amidor and for that Loue had made him curious and inquiring if it were but of Filidas hee thought that the best point of Arte to shut vp the eyes of them both was to compasse a strait league with them not giuing any shew of that he bare me Loue made him so cunning and wise that holding on his designe hee deceiued not onely Amidor but my eyes also because that vsually hee would leaue vs to goe to him and he would neuer come but in his company It is true that the crafty Daphnis found it presently because said shee that Amidor is not so louely that he can draw so honest a shepheard as Filander to vse so carefull a search so that it must needes be for a more worthy subiect She was the cause that I began to haue a care of my selfe and I must confesse that then his discretion pleased me and if I could haue suffred my selfe to be beloued it should be of him but the houre was not then come that I should bee strucke on that side yet did I not forbeare to please my selfe with his actions and to approue his designe in some sort When hee was to take his leaue of vs hee accompanied vs a good way and at our parting I neuer heard such assurance of amity as he gaue to Amidor nor so many offers of seruices as to Filidas and the foole Daphnis vnhappy whispered in mine care Conceaue you that it is to you that he speakes and if you doe not answer him you doe great wrong And when Amidor beganne to thanke him she said Oh what a foole he is to beleeue that these offerings are ordained for his Altar but he could so well dissemble that hee made Amidor wholly his and got such ground on his good will that when he returned and was to deliuer that which Filander had on his part desired him to say to Filidas that this maid had a desire to see him and some dayes after hee added so many ouer-lashing commendations not saying any thing to me of it because that when I spake of him it was with such a coldnesse that it seemed to bee out of neglect they sent for him desiring him to come and see them God knowes whether he neede bee sollicited more then once for it was the thing he desired thinking it was impossible that his designe should haue a better beginning And by fortune the day that he was to come Daphnis and I went out to walke vnder some trees which are on the other side of that pasture that is next to this scarce knowing to whom to go while our flocks were feeding we went vncertaine whither our feete without election guided vs when wee heard a voyce farre enough off and wee thought it some strangers The desire to know it made vs turne directly to the place where the voice conducted vs and by reason Daphnis went first she spied Filander before me and made a signe to me to tread softly and when I came neer her she whispered in mine eare naming Filander who sate leaning against a tree entertaining his thoughts wearied as it seemed with the length of his way and by chance iust as we came he beganne in this sort A SONNET IN pride of heart I did misprize Loue with his crafts and sorceries When changing armes to these of yours The crafty greater ayde procures And yet before he did me wrong He vsde this language with his tongue A God against my Lawes growne proud For hauing got the victory Ouer a serpent disallowde The glory that is due to me But what I made him Daphne loue On him my greater force to proue The fire that burnt that glorious Came but from Nymphs eyes beauteous Whom he without her feeling lou'd But I will yours more fiery prou'd Comes not from Nymph but Dian selfe When I heard my selfe named fayre shepheardesses I trembled as if I vnawares had set my foot on a serpent and without longer stay I went away as softly as I could that I might not be seen albeit Daphnis to cause my returne suffered me to goe a great way alone At last seeing I kept on my way she stole away from him by little and little that shee might not be heard and at last ouertooke me and being scarce able to take her breath she went crying out a thousand broken reproches And when she could speake Vnfainedly sayes she if the heauens do not punish you I shall beleeue they are as vniust as you and what cruelty is this of yours not to heare him that complaynes To what end sayd I should I haue stayed longer To heare sayd she the euill you haue done him I answered I You iest in saying that I doe hurt the man that I thinke not of That is replyed she whereof you labour most for if you thought often of him it were impossible but you should haue pitty I blushed at that word and the change of colour gaue Daphnis to vnderstand that these words offended me This was the cause that smiling she sayd I am pleasant Diane that I said was but to passe the time away and beleeue not that I thinke it and concerning that he sung when he named your name it is for certaine that it was for another that bare your name or to refresh himselfe he sung these verses which he had receiued of some other We went discoursing in this sort and so long that being weary of walking we came backe another way to the same place where Filander was For my part it was by errour it may well be that Daphnis did it of purpose and finding him so neere vs I could not choose but looke on him at the first he was sitting and leaned against a tree but now wee found him layd all along on the ground one arme vnder his head and it seemed he was awake for
he had a Letter all be-wet with teares which ran downe his face but indeed he slept being likely that while he read the paper the trauell of the way and his deepe thoughts by little and little made him slumber But wee were more certayne when Daphnis more bold then I stowped downe reached mee the Letter wet with teares which found passage thorow the paper badly folded This sight touched me with pitty but much more the Letter which was thus Filanders Letter to Diane THey who haue the honour to see you runne a dangerous fortune if they loue you they are sawcy if they loue you not they are without iudgement your perfections are such that with reason they may neither be beloued nor not be beloued and I being enforced to lie downe in one of these two errours haue chosen that which is most after my humour and from which it is impossible for mee to withdraw my selfe Thinkâ— it not hard faire Diane since none can see you without louing you that hauing seene you I loue you If this boldnesse deserue punishment remember you that I loue rather to loue you in dying then to liue without louing you But why say I I loue rather It is no more in my choice For I must while I liue as well be your true seruant as you know not how to be such as you are without being the most fayre shepheardesse that liues I had scarcely read ouer this Letter but that I found my selfe all on a trembling and Daphnis so softly layd it in the place where she found it that he awaked not and comming towards me and I being hard by Will you suffer me to speake sayd she Our loue answered I giues you all power In truth sayd she I bewaile Filander for it is very true hee loues you and I perswade my selfe in your soule you doubt not of it Daphnis said I he that committed the fault must do the penance If it be so replied she Filander must not for I will neuer confesse it to be a fault to loue you but thinke rather it is an offence not to do it since the fairest things had not bene made but to be beloued and cherished I referre my selfe to your iudgement sayd I if my face may be numbred amongst the things that are fayre But I coniure you onely by our loue neuer to let him know that I take any notice of his intent And if you loue him aduise him not to speake to me for esteeming of you and Callire as I doe I am sorry that I must banish him from our company And you know wel I shall be constrained so to doe if he haue the hardinesse to speake to me of it Then how will you haue him liue sayd she As he liued said I before he sawe me But said she that he cannot do heereafter for that then he was not attached with this fire which now burnes him Let him seeke out the meanes himselfe without offending me by remoouing this fire The fire sayd she that can be quenched is not great and yours is extreme The fire said I how great soeuer it be will not burne him that comes not neere it Though sayd she he that is burnt flie from the fire yet will not the burning leaue him and by flying he brings more smart For conclusion sayd I if it be so I choose rather to be the fire then the burning With such discourses we returned to our flockes and towards night we droue them into our Hamlet where we found Filander to whom Filidas made so good cheere and Amidor also that Daphnis beleeued hee had bewitched them it not being their humour to deale so with others He stayed some dayes with vs during which time hee made no offer of speech liuing with so great discretion that but for that which Daphnis and I had seene we should neuer haue suspected his meaning At last hee was coustrayned to depart and not knowing to whom to breake it hee went to his sister because he loued her and trusted her as himselfe This shepheardesse as I told you had beene constrained by authority to marry and found no other contentment but that which the loue which shee bare her brother might giue her As soone as she sawe him she was curious after the first salutations to know what the cause of his iourney was and he hauing answered her that he came from Filidas shee demaunded what newes of Daphnis and me Whereto hauing giuen satisfaction and hearing him speake with so great commendations of me she told him in his eare I feare brother you loue him more then me I loue her answered he as her merit binds me If it be so replied she I haue diuined well for there is not a shepheardesse in the world that deserues better I must confesse vnto you that were I a man would shee or would shee not I would be her seruant I beleeue sister answered he you speake in good earnest I sweare vnto you sayd she by that which I hold most deare I thinke replyed he if it were so you should not be without businesse for by that that I can iudge shee is of an humour that is not easie to bend besides that Filidas is ready to die of iealousie and Amidor so watches her that she is neuer without one of them two O brother cryed she you are taken since you haue noted these particularities hide it no longer from me and without fiction if it be a fault to loue it is very pardonable And without leauing him she so pressed that after a thousand protestations and so many supplications neuer to be knowne of it he confessed it to her and with words so affectionate that she had beene very incredulous if she had doubted it And when she asked of him how I receiued the declaration O God sayd he if you knew what her humour is you would say that neuer man enterprised a more difficult attempt All that I could do till now was to deceiue Filidas and Amidor that made me beleeue there is nothing in the world so deare to them as I I am come to this that they sent for me purposely to see me and then told her all the discourse which had passed betweene them But said he holding on his speech though I went with a purpose to discouer to Diane how much I was hers yet durst I not respect had such force ouerme which made me despaire euer to performe it vnlesse some long practice gaue me the boldnesse but this cannot be but that Filidas and Amidor will take notice of it So that sister to tell you the estate wherein I am it is very neere to despaire Callire that loued her brother more then any other thing took his griefe so to heart that after she had thought of it a while she said Will you brother that in this occasion I giue you some proofe of my good will Sister answered hee though I be in no doubt yet heyther in this
knowledge you would come to heare her one night I promised her very freely and told her it should be shortly for Filidas told me the night before she would goe see Gerestan and fall in league with him Some dayes after Filidas according to his purpose carrying Amidor with him departed to see Gerestan resoluing not to returne of seuen or eight dayes that he might giue greater token of his loue and this remoue fell out fitly for vs for if he had beene at home hardly should we haue concealed the trouble wherein we were Now the day of his departing Filander following his custome fayled not to go downe into the garden halfe vndrest when he thought euery body asleepe On the contrary Daphnis that went first to bed as soone as shee sawe her goe out made haste to tell me and hastily casting a cloake about me I followed her speedily enough vntill we were in the garden But when she perceiued where he was she made signe to me to come softly after And when wee were come neere so that wee might heare we sate downe vpon the ground and presently after I heard him say But wherefore is all this patience to what end are all these delayes Must thou not die without succour or where mayst thou lay thy wound open to the Surgeon that can heale it And then resting a little while hee beganne agayne with a great sigh Say not thou O troublesome feare that she will banish vs from her presence and that shee will ordayne vs to a desperate death Well if we die shall it not be a great solace to vs to abridge so miserable a life as ours is and by death satisfie the offence we haue done And as for banishment if it come not from her how may we auoyde it by Gerestan whose impaciencie will not suffer vs to stay longer heere If yet we obtayne a longer stay of this importunate man and that death do not befall vs from the anger of the fayre Diane alas can we auoyd the violence of our affections What must I then doe that I tell her of it Ah! I shall offend her for euer if it were possible for me Shall I conceale it and why conceale it when my death shall giue her a speedy knowledge Why should I then offend her Ah! Wrong and Loue will neuer go together Let vs rather die But if I consent to my death doe I not make â—er lose the most faithfull seruant that euer she had I will tell it her then and at that time I will open my bosome that the yron may more easily punish my errour if she will Behold will I say where the heart of the vnfortunate Filander is who vnder the habit of Callire in stead of gayning your fauour hath met with your displeasure reuenge your selfe and punish it and be assured that if the reuenge satisfie you the punishment shall be welcome to him Faire shepheardesses when I heard Filander speake in this sort I knew not what became of mee I was taken with such an astonishment I know wel I would haue gone away that I might see no more of this deceit so full of despight that I trembled agayne But Daphnis for the full accomplishment of her treason held me by force and because as I told you we were very neere the shepheard at the first noyse wee made hee turned his head and thinking it was but Daphnis he came to her but when hee perceiued mee and that he thought I had heard him O God said he what punishment shall wipe out my fault Ah Daphnis I neuer looked for this treason from you And at this word hee ranne vp and downe the garden like a madde man although shee called him twice or thrice by the name of Callyre but fearing to be heard of others and the rather that despayre might not make Filander doe some euill to his owne person she left me alone and ranne to follow him saying to mee in choler at her going You shall see Diane that if you deale hardly with Filander it may be you will ruine your selfe so that you may feele the greatest displeasure If I were amazed at this accident fayre shepheardesses you may well iudge when I knew not which way to returne At last after I had some deale recouered my spirits I searched so on euerie side that I got into my chamber where hauing layd mee in my bed all trembling I could not close mine eyes all that night As for Daphnis shee made such search for Filander that at last sheeÌ„ found him rather dead then aliue and after she had chidden him for not knowing how to make vse of so fauourable an occasion and yet assured him that I was not so amazed at this accident as he shee brought him a little to himselfe and in some sort assured him but not so that the next morning he had the boldnesse to goe out of his chamber I on the other side infinitely offended with them both was constrayned to keepe my bed that I might not giue notice of my displeasure to them that were about vs and particularly to the neece of Gerestan but by good fortune she was not more spritefull then reason would so that we easily hid from her this euill carriage which was almost impossible for vs especially for Filander about whom she ordinarily kept Daphnis found her selfe not a little impeached by this occasion for at the first I could not receiue her excuses At last she so turned me on all sides and knew so well to disguise this affection that I promised her to forget the displeasure which she had done me swearing notwithstanding as for Filander that I would neuer see him more And I beleeue he had gone away without seeing me as not able to endure my anger had it not beene for the danger whereinto he feared Callyre might fall for she had to doe with an husband that was froward enough This was the consideration that held him backe but not rising from his bed fayning to be sicke fiue or sixe dayes passed before I would see him what reason soeuer Daphnis could alledge in his behalfe and had it not beene that I was aduertised that Filidas would returne and Callire also I had not seene him of a long time But the feare I had Filidas might not marke it and that which was so secret might not beÌ„ published thorowout the countrey made me to resolue to see him on condition that he should make no shew of that which was passed hauing not sufficient power ouer my selfe to stay me from giuing some knowledge of my displeasure He promised it and performed it for hee durst hardly turne his eyes towards me and when hee did it was a certayne submission which gaue me no small assurance of his extreme loue And by fortune presently after I was entred Filidas Amidor and the dissembled Filander came into the chamber the windowes whereof being shut gaue vs good commodity to hide our faces Filander aduertised
his sister of all that had happened and that was the cause that the stay of Filidas was not so long as he purposed for seeing that her sister was sicke she constrayned them to returne But this discourse would be too tedious if I should not abridge all our small quarrels So it was that Callire knowing how things had passed sometimes turning them into sport sometimes seeking out some likelihoods of reason knew so well to serue her turne by fayre speech especially being assisted by Daphnis that at last I consented that Filander should stay vntill his sisters hayres were growne knowing well that it might ruine her and my selfe also if I should be ouer-hasty of their returne And it fell out as she well foresawe that during the time that her head grew the ordinary conuersing with the shepheard which at the last was not vnpleasing to me and the tryall of the greatnesse of his loue beganne to flatter mee in such sort that of my selfe I excused his deceit considering withall the respect and wisedome wherewith it was carried So that before he was to goe away he obtayned this fauour which he so much desired to wit that I would forget his crafty deceit and so long as hee went not beyond the termes of his duty I loued his good will and would cherish it for his merit as I ought The acknowledgement which he gaue me of his contentmēt hauing this assurance from me made me al 's as assured of his affection as I was before certayne of his displeasure for he was such an one that he could hardly dissemble While we were in these termes Filidas whose loue went on still increasing could no longer hide the greatnesse of it so that she resolued to set at once on the dissembled Filander With this purpose finding her at leisure one day as they walked together vnder a tuft of trees which tooke vp one of the quarters of the garden he spake vnto her in this sort after he had beene long denyed Well Filander shall it be true that what loue soeuer I can make shew of I cannot haue the happinesse to be beloued of you Callire answered him I know not what more loue you can demaund of me nor how I can returne you more vnlesse your selfe giue me the meane Ah sayd she if your will be such as mine I may well doe it For that triall which you haue had of me till now why will you doubt me Know you not sayd Filidas that extreme desire is alwayes attended by doubt Sweare vnto me you wil not be wanting in poynt of Loue and I will shew you a thing it may be you will be astonished at Callire was somewhat surprized not knowing what she would say yet to know the conclusion she answered I sweare to you I doe At this word for thanks and almost besides himselfe for ioy Filidas taking her by the head kissed her with that vehemency that Callire waxed red and in choler thrusting her off asked what fashion this was I know answered Filidas this kisse amazed you and my actions till now it may be haue made you suspect some strange thing in me but if you will haue the patience to hearken to mee I assure my self you wil rather pity than haue an euil opinion and repeating from the beginning till that bout she gaue him to vnderstand the lawe suite betweene Phormion and Celion the accord which was made to appease them and lastly the policy his father vsed to bring him vp as a man though she were a woman shortly our marriage and all that which I haue told you and then held on in this sort Now that which I desire of you in satisfaction of your promise is that finding the extreme affection which I beare you you will take me for your wife and I will marry Diane to my cousin Amidor whom my father hath purposely brought vp in his house for that cause And then moreouer added such words to perswade her that Callire astonished more then I can tell you and hauing some leisure to come to her selfe answered that vnfainedly she had told him very strange things and such as she could hardly beleeue if she did not assure them in another fashion then by words She then vnbuttoning her selfe opened her bosome Honesty sayd shee forbiddeth mee to shew more but me thinkes this might satisfie you Then Callire that she might winne the leisure to take counsell of vs made shew to be well pleased but that she had parents from whom she hoped to haue all her aduancemēt and without whose aduice she was not to make a resolution of that importance and aboue all besought her to keepe this affaire secret for divulging it would giue men occasion of speech and she should assure her selfe that when there remayned nothing but her consent she would giue proofe of her good will With such talke they ended their walke and returned to their lodging where all that day Callire durst not come neere vs for feare lest Filidas might thinke she had told it vs. But at night she recounted to her brother all the discourse and then they both went to finde out Daphnis whom they made acquainted with it Iudge if the astonishment were great but whatsoeuer it were the contentment of Philander surpassed it farre he thinking the heauens had offered him a fayre way to the conclusion of his desires In the morning Daphnis desired me to go see the fayned Callire and the true one abode neere Filidas to the end he might not doubt it God knowes what became of me when I knew all this discourse I sweare vnto you I was so astonished that I knew not whether it were a dreame But this was the sport that Daphnis complayned infinitely of mee for hauing so long concealed it from her and what oathes I made her that I knew nothing till that time She would not beleeue me to be such a childe and when I told her I thought all men like Filidas she fell a laughing at my ignorance In the end we resolued for feare lest Belinde would dispose of me at her pleasure or that Filidas might make some attempt for Amidor that we must doe nothing at randon and without fore-thinking For as then by the sollicitation of Daphnis and Callire I promised Philander to marry him This was the cause that taking agayne their owne habits after he had assured Filidas that he went to talke with his parents he returned with his sister to Gerestan who neuer tooke notice of this disguising From that time it was permitted to Philander to write to me for sending ordinarily newes to Filidas I had alwayes his letters and that so cunningly that neyther she nor Amidor euer perceiued them Now fayre shepheardesses till this time this passage neuer brought me sorrow but alas it is that which followed that cast me into such a bottomlesse pit that euen to my coffin I must neuer hope to taste any sweet thing It fell out
to my misfortune that a stranger passing thorow that Countrey spyed me sleeping at the fountayne of Sicamores where the coolenesse of the shadow and sweet murmuring of the water about the middest of the day had made me sleepe He whom the beauty of the place had brought thither to spend the heat of the day no sooner cast his eyes on me but he noted some thing that pleased him O gods what man or rather what monster was this he had a visage shining again for blacknesse his hayre curled and like the wooll of our sheepe after they haue beene a moneth or two shorne his beard in little tufts about his chinne his nose flat betweene his eyes but high and large at the end his mouth great his browes frowning and hanging ouer his nose but nothing was so strange as his eyes for in all his face there appeared nothing white but that which he shewed when he rowled them in his head This fayre louer was destined me by the heauens to put me quite out of loue with louing For being rauished to behold me he could not contayne transported as I thinke with this new desire but approaches to kisse me But because he was in armor and on horse-backe the noyse that he made awoke me and in so good time that as he was about to stoope to satisfie his will I opened mine eyes and seeing this monster so neere me at the first I cryed out and then laying my hand on his face I strucke him with all my might he that was halfe leaning not looking for this defence was so surprized that the blow made him stagger and for feare as I thinke he should tumble on me he chose rather to fall on the other side so that I had leisure to rise I thinke if he had touched me I should haue dyed of very feare For imagine that whatsoeuer is most horrible yet it comes short of the terriblenesse of his fearefull visage I was gone a pretty way off by that time he could rise vp and seeing that he could not ouer-take me by reason he was heauily armed and that Feare tyed wings to my feet he mounted presently on his horse and with a full gallop followed me when almost out of breath the poore Filidas which hard by entertayned Philander who was come to see vs and was falne asleepe as they talked hearing my voyce ranne to me seeing this cruell fellow pursue me with his naked sword in his hand for the choler of his fall wiped away all loue she generously opposed against his fury manifesting to me by that last act that she had loued me as much as her sexe would permit and layd hold on the bridle of the horse whereat this barbarous fellow was so offended that without regard of humanity hee strucke him with his sword on his arme with such a force that he cut it from the body and shee then almost dead with smart fell downe vnder the horses feet who beganne to bound so roughly that his master had much to do to stay him And because Filidas in dying gaue a great cry naming Philander aloude he being neere heard her and seeing her in so pittifull a case was extremely offended but much more when hee sawe this barbarous companion being alighted from his horse ranne after me with his sword in his hand and I as I tell you what with feare and what with the course I had made so much out of breath that I could scarce set one legge before another what became of this poore shepheard I doe not thinke that euer Lion robbed of her whelpes when shee sawe them carried away ranne more mainely after them then the couragious Philander after this cruell wretch And because hee was laden with armour that hindered his running he ouer-tooke him quickely and cryed Forbeare knight forbeare any more to wrong her that deserueth rather to be adored and because he would not stay were it for that being in a fury hee heard not his voyce or being a stranger vnderstood not his language Philander putting a stone into his Sling cast it with such a force that hitting him on the head but for the armour which he wore without doubt hee had killed him at that blowe which was such that the stranger stooped agayne but presently raysing him selfe and forgetting the anger which he had against me hee addressed himselfe in a rage towards Philander who was so neere that hee could not auoyde the vnhappy blowe he gaue him in his body hauing nothing in his hand but his sheep-hooke for his defence Notwithstanding seeing the sword of his enemy so high his naturall generosity gaue him that strength and courage that instead of going backe hee aduanced himselfe forward and setting his sheep-hooke against his brest ranne the yron end of it betweene his eyes so farre that he could not draw it our which was the cause that thus leauing it fastened he tooke hold on his throat and with his hands and teeth finished the slaughter But alas this was a victory dearely bought for as this barbarous wretch fell downe dead on the one side Philander for want of strength was faine to let himselfe fall on the other but so lighting ouer-thwart the sword which lay crosse the body hit in the poynt against a stone and the weight of his body made it come out of the wound I that from time to time turned my head to see if this cruell monster had yet ouertaken me sawe well where Philander ranne and then an extreme feare tooke me But alas when I sawe him wounded so dangerously forgetting all feare I stayed my selfe but when he fell downe the feare of death could not hold me from running to him and almost as dead as he I cast my selfe on the ground and called him all be-blubbered by his name He had lost much bloud and still lost more from both ends of the wound And see what force Loue hath I that could not looke vpon bloud without swowning had then the courage to thrust my handkercher into the wound to stoppe the course of bloud and tearing a piece of my veile I put it into the other part This little helpe stood him in some stead for hauing layd his head in my lappe he opened his eyes and came agayne to his speech And perceiuing me all couered with teares he enforced himselfe to say If euer I hoped for an end more fauourable then this I pray the heauens fayre shepheardesse that it take no pitty on me I sawe well that my small merit could not bring me to the happinesse desired and I feared that at the last despayre would constrayne me to some furious manner of resolution against mine owne person The gods that know better what is fit for vs then we can desire haue well prouided that hauing of long time liued but for youâ— I should likewise die for you And iudge what my contentment is since I not onely die for you but withall in preseruing to you the thing
which of all the world you hold most deare which is your chastity Now mistrisse since there remayneth nothing more to my contentment but onely one poynt by the affection which you haue found in Philander I heartily pray you to grant it mee to the end that this happy soule may goe to expect you in the Elisian fieldes with this satisfaction from you He spake this in broken words and with much payne And I that sawe him in this case to giue him all the contentment he could desire answered him Friend the gods haue not raysed in you so good and honest affection to extinguish it so presently and to leaue vs nothing but sorrow I hope they will giue you yet so much life that I shall make you know that I giue not place to you in loue no more then you doe to any other in merit And for proofe of that which I doe say demaund you that onely thing which you would gladly haue of me for there is nothing that I can or will deny you At these last words he tooke me by the hand and laying it to his mouth I kisse sayth he this hand by way of thankes for the grace and fauour you haue done me and then lifting vp his eyes to heauen O God sayd he I desire of you but so much life as may serue for the accomplishment of the promise which Diane comes to make me and then addressing his speech to me with such paine that he could hardly vtter a word he sayd thus vnto me Now fayre Mistrisse heare then what it is I require of you Since I feele not the anguish of death but for you I coniure you by my affection and by your promise that I may carry this contentment out of the world that I may say I am your husband and beleeue me if I doe obtayne it my soule shall most contentedly goe into what place soeuer it must passe hauing so great a testimony of your goodwill I sweare to you fayre shepheardesses that these words strucke me so to the quicke that I knew not how I was able to sustayne my selfe and I thinke for my part it was onely the desire I had to please him that gaue me the courage This was the cause that he had no sooner ended his demaund but I griping his hand sayd Philander I graunt you that you demaund of me and I sweare to you before all the gods and particularly before the deities which are in this place that Diane giues herselfe to you and that she taketh you both in heart and soule for her husband and in speaking these words I kissed him And I sayd he take you my fayre mistris and giue my selfe to you for euer right happy and content to beare the most glorious name of Diane Alas this word of Diane was the last word he vttered for hauing his arme about my necke and drawing me to him to kisse me he dyed breathing his last vpon my lippes How I looked when I beheld him dead you may easily iudge fayre shepheardesses since I so truly loued him I fell groueling vpon him without pulse and without sence and fell into a swowning so that I came to my selfe without my owne knowledge O God! how liueth my heart since I felt this losse and found that to be too true which so oftentimes he had foretold me that I should loue him more after his death then during life for I haue so liuely preserued his remembrance in my soule that me thinketh I haue him alwayes before mine eyes and without ceasing he sayth to me vnlesse I will be vngratefull I must loue him So I doe O good soule and with the most entire affection that I can and if where thou art there be any knowledge of that which is done heere below receiue O deare friend this good will and these teares which I doe offer in testimony that Diane loueth euen to her coffin her dearest Philander The end of the sixt Booke THE SEVENTH BOOKE of Astrea and Celadon AStrea to interrupt the sad thoughts of Diane But faire shepheardesse said hee who was that miserable wretch that was cause of so great misfortune Alas said Diane why would you I should tell you He was an enemy that came not into the world but to be the cause of my euerlasting teares But yet answered Astrea was it neuer knowne what he was They said replyed she some time after that he came out of certaine barbarous countries beyond the Straits I know not whether I can name the right which they call the pillars of Hercules and the cause that brought him so farre for my mischiefe was that he became amorous of a Lady in those countries who commanded him to seeke throughout Europe to know whether there were any other as faire as she and if he met with any Louer that would maintaine the beauty of his Mistrisse hee was bound to fight with him and to send her his head with the picture and name of the Lady Alas I would it had pleased the heauens that I had not bene so ready to flie when he pursued me to kill me that by my death I might haue preuented that of poore Filander At these wordes shee set her selfe on weeping with such abundance of teares that Phillis to diuert her changed the discourse and rising vp first We haue said she fate long enough me thinks it were good to walke awhile At this word they all three rose and went toward that part of their Hamlet for it was well neere dinner time But Leonide who was as I told you harkening lost not one word of these shepheardesses and the more she heard of their newes the more she desired to heare But when shee saw them goe away without speaking a word of Celadon shee was much troubled yet in hope she might staying that day with them discouer somewhat as before she purposed When she saw them gone a little off she rose out of the bush and making a short turne shee set to follow them for she would not haue them thinke shee had ouer-heard them By chance Phillis turning backward as they were going espyed her a far off and shewed her to her companions who stayed but seeing she came towards them to doe her the duty which her condition merited they returned backe and saluted her Leonide full of courtesie after she had returned them their saluation addressing her selfe to Diane sayd Wise Diane I will this day be your ghâ—st prouided that Astrea and Phillis bee of the company for I came this morning from my vncle Adamas with a purpose to passe all this day with you to know if that which I haue heard of your vertue Diane of your beauty Astrea of your merit Phillis answere the report that is divulged of you Diane seeing her companions referred themselues to her answered Great Nymph it were better for vs haply that you had knowledge of vs onely from report since that is very fauourable on our side yet since it
condition that this assay should last but three moneths This businesse being thus stayed Siluander casting himselfe on his knees kissed the hand of his new mistrisse as if he were to make the oath of his fidelity and then raysing himselfe Now sayd he that I haue receiued your ordinance will you not suffer mee fayre Mistrisse to propound vnto you a wrong that hath beene done me Diane answered hee had all liberty He tooke it agayne thus If in speaking ouer-much of my merits against one that vilified me I haue iustly beene condemned to bring my proofe why may not this glorious Phillis who is more vaine then I and who hath beene the cause of this discourse be sentenced to bring forth a like witnesse Astrea not staying for Dianes answere sayd that shee tooke this request to be so iust and honest that shee made no question but it should be agreed vnto And Diane hauing demanded the aduice of the Nymph and seeing she was of the same opinion sentenced the shepheardesse as he requested I expect not sayd Phillis a more fauourable sentence hauing such parties But well what must I do You must seeke to get sayd Siluander the fauour of some shepheard That is not reasonable sayd Diane for Reason is neuer contrary to Duty but I ordayne that she serue a shepheardesse and that as well as you she be bound to make her loue her and that party of you two that shall be lesse amiable at the pleasure of them whom you serue be compelled to giue place to the other I will then sayd Phillis serue Astrea Sister answered she it seemes you doubt of your merit since you goe about a worke done already But it must be the fayre Diane not onely for the two reasons which you haue alleadged to Siluander which are her merits and her spirit but besides that for that she may more equally iudge of the seruice both of the one and other so that you must addresse your selfe to her alone This ordinance seemed equall to them all that they should obserue after they had drawne oath from Diane that without regard of any thing but the truth the three moneths being ended she should deliuer her iudgement It was a pleasure to see this new fashion of loue for Phillis played the seruant very well and Siluander in dissembling became so in good earnest as wee will tell you afterwards Diane on the other side knew so well how to play the mistrisse that there was no body but would haue thought her to be so without fayning As they were in this discourse and that Leonide in her selfe had iudged this life to be most happy of all others they sawe come from the pastures side two shepheardesses and three shepheards which by their habits shewed to be strangers and when they were come somewhat neerer Leonide who was curious to know the shepheards and shepheardesses of Lignon by their names demanded who they were whereto Phillis answered that they were strangers and that some moneths are passed since they came into their company and for her she knew no more of them Then Siluander added that shee lost much in not taking a more particular knowledge of them for among the rest there was one named Hylas of as pleasing an humor as one would wish for that he loues as himselfe sayes all that he sees but he hath this good with it that what doth him the hurt giues him the remedy for that if his inconstancy make him loue his inconstancy likewise will make him soone forget it and he will tell you such extrauagant reasons to prooue his humour to be the best that it is impossible to heare him without laughter Truly sayd Leonide his company must be very delightfull and we are to put him to his discourse as soone as he comes to vs. That will be answered Siluander without any great labour for he will talke euerlastingly But as he is of this humour there is another with him that is of a quite contrary because he doth nothing but bewaile a dead shepheardesse whom he loued This is a very stayed man and seemeth to haue iudgement but withall he is so sad that there comes nothing from his mouth that sauoureth not of the melancholy of his soule And what is it replyed Leonide that stayes them in this Countrey To tell you true sayd he I haue not yet beene so inquisitiue but if you will I will aske them the question for mee thinkes they come to vs. At this word they were very neere so that they might heare Hylas come chanting these Verses The Towne song of Hylas vpon his Inconstancy The fayre that 's able me to stay The bell of Honour beares away I Loue to change t is libertie My humour beares me out in it But what if I inconstant be That they misprize me is it fit So far is it who me can stay The bell of Honour beares away To make a barbarous soule to loue Is signe of beauty wondrous fayre To settle mine so vsde to moue Would be a work that 's much more rare So that who euer can me stay The bell of Honour beares away To stay the weight none hath remou'd What weakeling cannot easely do But to stay that is alwayes mou'd A harder labour longs thereto Therefore it is who can me stay The bell of Honour beares away And wherefore do you thinke it strange That for the better I should change He worthy is to want his eye That will not change so happily But she that 's able me to stay The bell of Honour beares away They may well say that that fame fayre That sets a stay vnto my heart Must needes surpasse all beauty rare Making me constant vsde to start Euen so that fayre that can me stay The bell of Honour beares away Then come deare Mistresses I pray That will of Beauty winne the price And my too nimble spirits stay By fauours and allurings nice For she that 's able me to stay The bell of Honour beares away Leonide smiling vpon Siluander sayd to him that this shepheard was not one of those deceiuers which dissembled their imperfections since he went singing them so That is sayd Siluander because he beleeues it is no fault and so glories in it By this they drew so neere that to salute them the Nymph and the shepheard were forced to breake off their speech And for that Siluander kept well in his memory the Nymphs demand of the state of these shepheards as soone as the first words of ciuility were ended But Tyrcis sayd Siluander for that was the shepheards name if it be not vnseasonable tell vs the cause that made you come into this countrey of Forests and what stayes you heere Then Tyrcis setting his knee to the earth and lifting vp his eyes and hands O infinite Goodnes said he that by thy Prouidence gouernes the world be thou euer praysed for that which it hath pleased thee to doe to me And then raysing vp himselfe to
the amazement of the Nymph and all the company he answered to Siluander Gentle shepheard you aske me what brought me and what holdes me in this Countrey Know that it is no other then you and it is you alone whom I haue so long sought for Me answered Siluander how could that be by reason I had no knowledge of you That is in part a cause said he why I seek you If it be so replied Siluander it is a long while since you were with vs who will say that you euerspake to me Because answered Tyrcis I know you not and to satisfie the demand you haue made me for that the discourse is long if it please you I will tell it after you haue againe taken your places vnder those trees which you had before our comming Siluander then turning to Diane Mistrisse sayd he is it your pleasure to sit downe agayne It is Leonide answered Diane of whom you should haue asked that question I know well answered the shepheard that Ciuility commands me so but Loue ordains it otherwise Leonide taking Diane and Astrea by the hand sate downe in the middle saying That Siluander had reason because Loue that hath any other consideration but of it selfe is no true loue and after them the other shepheardesses and shepheard sate in a round And then Tyrcis turning toward the shepheardesse that was with him See the happy day said he Laonice which we haue so much desired that since our first entry into this Country we haue expected with such impatiency It concerneth none more then you that wee get out of this payne as the Oracle hath ordayned Then the shepheardesse without making him other answer directing her selfe to Siluander spake thus The History of Fyrcis and Laonice OF all friendship there is none so farre as I can heare of which is more affectionate then that which is bred in youth because custome which this young age takes hold of by little and little groweth to be changed into Nature which if it be hard to put off they know that endeuour to contrary it I say this to serue my selfe of some kind of excuse then gentle shepheard when you see mee constrayned to tell you that I loue Tyrcis for this affection was almost sucked in with the milke and so my soule raysing it selfe with this nourishment receiues in her selfe as her owne the accidents of that passion and it seemed euerything from my birth gaue agreement to it for wee continued neighbours the friendship betweene our fathers our ages which were very euen and the gentlenesse of the young yeeres of Tyrcis gaue me but ouer-great commodity yet misfortune would that much about that time Cleon was borne in our Hamlet which it may be had more graces then I but out of question with much more better fortune For euen when this Maide beganne to open her eyes it seemed that Tyrcis receiued the flame into his heart seeing that in the very Cradle he tooke pleasure to behold her At that time I might be about sixe yeeres and he ten yeeres old and see how the heauens disposed of vs without our consent From the houre I first sawe him I loued him and from the time he sawe Cleon he loued her and though our liues were such as our yeeres might beare yet were they not so small but there might very well be found the difference betweene vs. Afterward as we grew so did our loue likewise and that to such an extraordinary height as it may be there was not any that might surpasse it In this youth you may weâ—lthinke I went without any great heed taking to his actioÌ„s but growing to more age I noted in him such a want of good will that I resolued to turne another way a resolution which many delights made me conceaue but which no true Louer could execute as I prooued long time after Yet my courage being ofâ—â—â—ded had sufficient power to make me dissemble and if I could not indeed withdraw my selfe intirely yet at least make shew to take some kinde of leaue That which tooke from me all meanes to doe it was that I could not see that Tircis affected any other shepheardesse for all that he did to Cleon could not mooue suspition that it was any thing but childishnesse for that as then she could not be aboue nine yeeres old when she began to grow and that she could feele the tracts of Loue she so remooued from him that it seemed that this withdrawing would haue warranted her against all such blowes But Loue more crafty then shee knew so well to come neere and set before her soule the merits the affection and the seruices of Tircis that at last shee found her selfe in the very middest and so turned on all parts that if she auoyded wounding on the one side the stroke that she receiued on the other was the greater and more deepe So that shee could not flie to a better remedy then dissimulation not to auoyde the blowes but onely to keepe it from the knowledge of her enemy or any other She might well vse this dissembling while it beganne to be but a little scratch but when the sore became great then must shee yeelde and confesse her selfe to be vanquished Thus you see Tircis beloued of Cleon and behold him playing with the honest sweetnesse of an amity though at the beginning he scarce knew what his disease was as these verses witnesse which he made at that time A SONNET O God what ill is this thus tortures me Since time that first I did faire Cleon see I felt within my heart new rising paine Although her eye tooke it from me againe Since by an hot desire I haue beene galde If such a motion may desire be calde Whose iudgement is bewitched in such wise That it my will ioynes to his practices And from that spring my harme beginning takes For this desire so great encreasing makes That I thereby lose both my sleepe and foode In place whereof growes an vnquiet moode That helpes desire to build my seruitude Thus it the ill I feele not vnderstood After Tircis had knowledge of the good will of happy Cleon he receiued it with so great contentment that his heart beeing vnable to hide it he was forced to impart it to his eyes which God knowes how suddainly changed from that they were gaue but too manifest knowledge of their ioy The discretion of Cleon was such that shee gaue no aduantage to Tircis for his duty so that iealousie of her honor perswaded her to make shew of louing me that they which noted her actions might stop at those which were more euident and goe no further to seeke out those which she would conceale She made choyce of mee rather then any other for that she had long before perceiued that I loued him and knowing well it is hard to be beloued and not to loue againe she thought that euery body would beleeue that this friendship not hauing bene long betweene
true that the shepheardesse vsed more coldnesse towards him or rather want of heate then she had done before she frequented the company of Diane for that this new friendship and the pleasure that Astrea Diane and she tooke together so possessed her that she no more heeded those small wanton trickes wherewith the affection of Licidas was nourished and hee which knew well that a loue cannot build vp it selfe but with the ruine of the former was of opinion that that which made her more luke-warme towards him and lesse carefull to entertayne him was some new amity which turned her aside And not being able to know who was the subiect hee went all alone gnawing vpon his thoughts and withdrew into the most couert places that he might complayne to himselfe with most liberty and by mis-hap when he was minded to returne he sawe as I told you Siluander and Phillis come along a sight that brought him no small suspiâ—ion For knowing the worth of the shepheard and of the shepheardesse he easily supposed that Siluander hauing neuer yet loued any was now giuen to her and that she following the humor of those of her Sex had willingly enough receiued the donation All these considerations gaue him much suspition but much rather when passing by him without seeing him he heard or he thought he heard the words of loue and that may well be by reason of the sentence which Siluander came from giuing But to put him out of all patience it fell out that suffering them to passe by he went from the place he was in and that he might not follow them he tooke the way they had come and fortune would that he went to sit downe neere the place where Laonice was not seeing her Where after he had some while rayled out of his displeasure transported with ouer-much griefe hee cryed out aloude O Loue is it possible thou shouldst suffer so great an iniustice without punishing it Is it possible that in thy kingdome wrongs and seruices are equally recompenced And then holding his peace for a while at last his eyes lifted vp to heauen and his armes acrosse letting himselfe goe backeward he beganne agayne thus For conclusion it pleaseth thee Loue that I must giue witnesse that there is no constancy in any woman and that Phillis for being of that Sex though furnished with all other perfections is subiect to the same lawes of naturall inconstancy I say that Phillis whose loue heretofore hath beene more assured to me than mine owne will But why O my shepheardesse am not I the samâ— Licidas whose affection thou hast made shew to nourish so much That which you haue at other times iudged commendable in me is it so much changed that you take more delight in an vnknowne Siluander a vagabond a man whom the whole earth contemues and will not professe him for hers Laonice who heard this shepheard and Phillis and Siluander named desirous to know more beganne to giue her eare in good earnest and so fitly for her that she learned before she went from thence all that she could desire of the most secret thoughts of Phillis and thereon taking occasion to anger her or Siluander resolued to set this shepheard yet furder into this opinion assuring her selfe that if she loued Licidas she would make him iealous and if it were Siluander shee would publish the loue so that euery one might know it And as soone as this shepheard was gone for his euill would not suffer him to stay long in a place she also went from thence and setting forward after him came very neere him talking with Corilas whom he had met in the way and seeming to demaund of them newes of the desolate shepheard they answered they knew none such It is a shepheard sayd she to them that goes lamenting a dead shepheardesse and who as they tell me is almost euer since dinner in the company of the shepheardesse Phillis and of her seruant And who is that answerd presently Licidas I know not continued the shepheardesse If I knew to tell his name right I thinke hee is called Silander or Siluander a shepheard of a reasonable hansomnesse of visage somewhat long and of an humour pleasing enough when he list Who told you answered Licidas that hee was her seruant The actions of them both answered she for I haue passed by such straits and I rememberyet vpon what feet they go But tel me if you know any news of him I seek for night drawes on and I know not where to finde him Licidas could not answer her he was so surprized but Corilas told her that she must follow that path and as soone as shee was out of this wood she should see a great pasture where doubtlesse she might learne some newes for it was there that euery night they met together before they drew homeward and that for feare lest she might wander he would beare her company if she pleased She that was willing to dissemble yet more fayning not to know the way receiued with great courtesie the offer he made her and giuing the good night to Licidas tooke the way which was shewed her leauing him so quite besides himselfe that he stood a great while vnmoueable in one place at last returning as out of a long swound he went repeating the words of the shepheardesse whereto it was impossible but he should giue credit not able to suspect her of falshood It would be too long to repeate heere the sorrow he made and the wrongs he did to his faithfull Phillis So it was that all the night he did nothing but goe compasse in the most retired part of the wood where toward morning wearied with sorrow and long trauaile he was constrained to lie downe vnder some trees where all wet with teares at the last his extreme griefe enforced him to sleepe The end of the seuenth Booke THE EIGHTH BOOKE OF Astrea and Celadon AS soone as the day appeared Diane Astrea and Phillis came together to be at the rising of Leonide who not able to esteeme sufficiently of their worth and courtesie was ready drest by that time the light shone ful into her chamber that she might not lose one moment of the time that she was to stay with them so that these shepheardesses were astonied to see her so diligent When they had opened the doore and taken each other by the hand they came out of the Hamlet to beginne the exercise of the former day They had hardly passed beyond the vttermost houses of the Towne but they might perceiue Siluander who vnder the dissembled wooing of Diane began to feele a new growing and true loue for troubled with this new care he had not closed his eyes all the night long his thoughts were so busie in representing to him the discourse and all the actions which he had seene of Diane the day before that not being able to stay for the morning in his bed he got him downe and had till now wayted
about the village to see when his new mistrisse would come forth and as soone as hee spyed her hee came toward her singing these verses STANZA'S On an high raysed Desire HOpes like Ixions in boldnesse Disdaining heauens dire menacoâ— Will you aspire aboue your size With Icarus t'assaile the skie Is but to tumble from on hiâ— Forbeare not yet to enterprizâ—â— Euen so sometimes Prometheus With brest peckt by birds raâ—enous His torments did immortall make By stealing downe Celestiall fire He said to this good I aspire To doe what none dares vndertake My heart on rock of constaney Deuoured by my paciency Will say The sprights of loftiest size Haue they not dar'd to steale that coale So may this glory take my soule To doe what none dares enterprize Eccho that for Narcissus loue Bewrayes her griefe the rocks to moue Comforts her selfe in her dismay And tels them in her angry moode If I of this be not belou'd There is no other else that may Phillis that was of a pleasant disposition and would well discharge her selfe of the experiment whereto she had beene enioyned turning to Diane Mistrisse said she will you hereafter giue any credit to the words of this shepheard Yesterday he loued you not at all now hee is dead at least for loue Since he would say so much he ought to begin in a better houre to serue you or pause somewhile before he proffer such words Siluander was so neere that he might heare Phillis that made him cry out a farre off O mistrisse shut your eares against the euill words of mine enemy And then being come at them Ah naughty Phillis said he is it so that by the ruine of my contentment you seeke to build your owne You doe well answered Phillis to talke of your contentment haue not you with others this perfection of the most part of shepheards wâ—o out of a vanity say they are infinitely content and fauoured of their mistrisse though contrarily they bee hardly vsed talke you of contentment You Siluander haue you the boldnesse to vse these words in the presence euen of Diane what will you say in other places when you haue the sawcinesse to talke so before her She had gone on but that the shepheard after he had saluted the Nymph and the shepheardesses interrupted her thus You would haue my mistrisse mislike that I should speake of the contentment which I haue in her seruice and why will you not haue me say so if it be true Is it true answered Phillis see what vanity this is will you say yet that she loues you and that she cannot liue without you I may not say replyed the shepheard that it is so but I may well say I wish it were so but you seeme to thinke it so strange that I say I haue contentment in the seruice which I tender my mistris that I am coÌ„pelled to aske you if you haue not At least said she if I haue I doe not brag of it It is ingratitude replyed the shepheard to receiue good from any without thanks and how is it possible we can loue that person to whom we are vnthankfull By that interrupted Leonide I iudge that Phillis loues not Diane There are few that giue not the same iudgement answered Siluander and I beleeue she thinks so her selfe If you haue reasons good enough you may perswade me replyed Phillis If there want nothing but reason to proue it said Siluander I haue no more to doe for whether I proue a thing or deny it it cannot make it other then it is so that since I want but reasons to prooue your small loue what haue I to doe to conuince you That that is to be done that you loue not Diane belongs to you to prooue Phillis here staid a little troubled to answer and Astrea said to her It seemes sister you approue that which the shepheard saith I doe not approue it answered she but I am much troubled to disproue it If it be added Diane you loue me not at all for since Siluander hath found the reasons which you demand and against which you cannot resist you must confesse that that which he saith is true At this word the shepheard came to Diane and said Faire and iust mistrisse is it possible that this enemy shepheardesse hath yet the hardinesse not to suffer me to say that the seruice which I yeeld to you brings me contentment when this cannot be for the answer which you make so much to mine aduantage In saying answered Astrea that Phillis loues her not she doth not say therefore you do loue her or that she loues you If I could heare these words answered he I loue you or you loue me out of my mistrisses mouth it should not be a contentment but a transport that rauisheth me from my selfe for ouer-great satisfaction and yet if hee that holds his peace seeme to consent to that he heares why may not I say my faire mistrisse confesses that I loue her since without contradiction she heares what I say If Loue replyed Phillis consist in words you would haue more then all other men together for I doe not thinke they will euer faile you as bad a cause as you haue Leonide tooke wonderfull pleasure at the discourse of these shepheardesses and had it not beene for the payne wherein she was for the disease of Celadon she would haue tarried many dayes with them for albeit she knew he was out of his feuer yet she could not but feare his relapse That was the cause she desired them to take with her the way of Laigneu to the riuer for that she might the longer enioy their company They agreed willingly for besides courtesie so commaunded them they were exceedingly pleased with her company So then taking Diane on the one side and Astrea on the other shee went toward the Buttresse But Siluander was deceiued who by chance was gone furder from Diane than was Phillis so that she tooke that place that he desired Whereat Phillis being very glorious went mocking the shepheard saying that his Mistris might easily iudge that hee was too slouthfull to serue her Shee may grant so much answered he to your importunity but not to your affection For if you loued her you would not haue left mee the place you had That should rather be a signe of the contrary sayd Phillis if I suffer another to come neerer than my selfe for if the party that loues desires almost to be transformed into the thing beloued hee approacheth neerest and so attaynes the perfection of his desires The louer answered Siluander that hath more regard to his owne contentment than of the person beloued deserues not that title at all So that you which regard more the pleasure which you take in being neere your Mistris than you do her commodity may not say you loue her but your selfe onely For if I were in the place you are I would helpe her to goe and you do but let her If my
Mistris replyed Phillis should handle me as you doe I do not know if I should loue her I know then assuredly replied the shepheard that if I were in your Mistrisses place I could not loue you How now sayd he haue you the hardinesse to threaten her thus Ah Phillis one of the principall lawes of Loue is that that party which can imagine that he may at some times not loue is no more a louer Mistris I demaund iustice of you and beseech you in the behalfe of Loue that you would punish this offence of treason and that thrusting her out of the place too honorable for her that loues not you would set me in it me that would not liue but to loue you Mistris interrupted Phillis I see well that this enuious person of my good will not let me be quiet vnlesse I quit him this place and I feare with his language hee will compell you to giue consent therefore it is that I desire to preuent him if you thinke good and to leaue it him on this condition that he declare one thing to you that I shall propound Siluander then without staying for Diane's answer said to Phillis Only go out you shepheardesse of your owne accord for I will neuer refuse this condition since without this adoe I will neuer conceale any thing from her that she desires to know of me At this word hee set himselfe in her place and then Phillis sayd to him Enuious shepheard though the place where you are may not be bought yet haue you promised more then you are aware of For you are bound to tell vs what you are and what occasion hath brought you into this Country since you haue beene heere so long and we could neuer yet know but little of it Leonide that was of the same minde taking hold of the words Questionlesse sayd she Phillis you haue not hitherto shewed more wisedome than in this proposition For at one instant you haue freed Diane and me out of some paine Diane for the discommodity you did her in hindering Siluander from supporting her as she went and me for the desire I had to know him more particularly I wish earnestly answered the shepheard fetching a sigh I were able to satisfie you in this curiosity but my fortune denies me it in such manner that I may truly say I am both more desirous and almost as ignorant as you For it pleased her to cause me to be borne and to make me know that I liue hiding from me all other knowledge of my selfe And that you may not thinke but that I will performe my promise Isware vnto you by Theutates and by the beauties of Diane sayd hee turning to Phillis I will tell you truly all that I know The History of Siluander VVHen Aetius was made Lieutenant geneÌ„rall in Gaule by the Emperour Valentinian he found it very dangerous for the Romanes that Gondioch the first king of the Burgonians should possesse the greatest part and resolued to chase him out and to send him backe ouer the Rheyne from whence he was lately come when Stilico for the good seruice which he had done to the Romanes gaue him the ancient prouinces of the Authunes of the Sequans and Allobroges whom from that time they called Burgonians from their name and without the commaundement of Valentinian it is easie to beleeue what hee would haue done to get all the forces of the Empire into his hands but the Emperour seeing a great number of enemies at his elbow as Gothes Hunnes Vandals and Frankes which were all busie in diuers places commaunded Aetiâ—â— to leaue them in peace Which was not so soone but that the Burgonians were gathered together into routes and that so that their Prouinces and those that neighboured them felt the smart of it the enemies making waste with so greÌ„at cruelty that whatsoeuer they found they carried away Now I at that time being about fiue or sixe yeeres olde was with many others brought by the Burgonians into the vttermost towne of the Allobroges who to reuenge themselues being entred into the Countrey confederate with their enemies committed the same disorders they had receiued To tell you what was the meaning of them that tooke mee I know not vnlesse it were to haue some summe of money So it was that Fortune was so good to me after she had beene my secret enemy that I fel into the hands of an Heluetian who had a father that was an old man and a right honest who conceiuing some good opinion of me as well for my countenance as for some pleasant answeres which in that age I had giuen him tooke me to himselfe with a purpose to make me a student and indeede though his sonne contraried him what he could possibly yet for bare he not from following his former dessigne and so spared no cost to cause me to be instructed in all kinde of learning sending mee to the Vniuersity of Marseilles in the prouince of the Romanes So that I may say with good reason that I had beene lost if I had not beene lost And though according to my Genius there was nothing more pleasant to me than letters yet was it a continuall punishment to mee to thinke that I knew not from whence nor who I was imagining that this misfortune neuer befell any other And being in this care one of my friends aduised me to enquire of some Oracle to know the trueth For for my part I was so young that I had no more remembrance than I haue now either of the place whence I was taken or where I was borne and hee that gaue me this counsell sayd that there was no likelihoode but that the heauens hauing had such a care of mee as I haue found since I was lost they would yet shew mee more fauour This friend knew so well how to perswade me that wee went both together and the answer we had was this Thou wert borne in the Land where was Neptune From whom thou draw'st discent thou shalt not know Vntill Siluander die to such fortune Thou wert from cradle mark'd Fate will 's it so Iudge faire Diane what satisfaction we had in this answer for my part without longer stay I resolued neuer to enquire furder since it was impossible I should know it without dying and to liuâ—â—fterward with much quiet of spirit referring my selfe to the guiding of heauen and employing my selfe onely to my studies wherein I made so good progresse that the old Abariel for that was the name of him who brought me vp had a minde to see me before he dyed presaging his end almost at hand Being then come to him and hauing receiued the most sweet vsage that I could desire one day when I was alone with him in his chamber he spake to me in this sort My sonne for as such I haue alwayes loued you since the rigour of warre cast you into my hands I doe not thinke you so mis-vnderstanding what I haue done for you
that you may make question of my good will yet if the care I haue had to instruct your youth haue not giuen you sufficient knowledge of it I would you should take notice of it because I desire to do for you You know that my sonne Azahyde who tooke you and brought you to mee hath a daughter whom I loue as my selfe and because I determine to passe the few dayes behinde in quietnesse and tranquillity I haue a purpose tomarry you to her and to giue you so good a part of my wealth that I may liue with you so long as it pleaseth God And thinke not that I haue had this purpose on a sudden for it is long since I prepared for euery thing In the first place I was desirous to know what your humor was euen when you were a childe to iudge if you could frame your selfe to be with me for that in such an age there could be but little art and so might we see as naked all the affections of a soule and finding you such as I wished Azahyde to be I thought good to settle the repose of my last dayes vpon you and for that cause I put you to study knowing well that there is nothing makes a soule more capable of reason than the knowledge of things And during your long absence from me I haue determined to marry my young daughter to you who to please me desires it almost as much as my selfe It is true she would gladly know who and of what place you are And to satisfie her I haue enquired of Azahyde many times in what place he tooke you but he hath alwayes told me that he knew nothing but that it was at the riuer of Rosne of the prouince of Viennois and that you were giuen by one that brought you two dayes iourney for exchange of some armors But it may be you can remember better for you might be about fiue or sixe yeeres of age and when I asked him whether the cloaths which you then wore might not giue some coniecture of what parents you were descended he answered no for that you were then so young that hardly could one iudge by your habit of what condition you were So that my sonne if your memory doe not helpe you herein there is no body can free vs of this paine So the good old Abariel held his peace and taking me by the hand besought me to tell him all that I knew Whereto after all the thankes I could giue him as well for the good opinion he had of me as for the nourture hee had giuen me and for the marriage which hee propounded I made him answere that in truth I was so yong when I was taken that I had no remembrance neither of my parents nor of my condition This is replyed the good old man somewhat combersome yet we will not let to proceed further prouided you like of it not greatly caring to speake with Azahyde but to know your good will And when I had answered him that I were very ingratefull if I did not wholy obey his commandement at that instant causing mee to go aside he sent to seeke out his sonne and to tell him his purpose which before my returne hee knew of by his daughter and the feare of losing the goods which Abariel would giue vs made him so much to dislike it that when his father spake to him of it hee so long reiected it and with such reasons that in the end the good old man not being able to get his consent told him frankely Azahide if you will not giue your daughter to whom I will I wil giue my goods to whom you would not and therefore resolue to agree to Siluander or I will chuse him to be mine heire Azahyde who was very couetous and fearing to lose that good seeing his father in these termes came better to himselfe and besought him to giue him some few dayes space to think of it whereas his father being a good old man easily condescended desiring to do all things with gentlenesse and after told me of it yet he needed not haue done it for I perceiued so much by the eyes and speech of his sonne who began to deale so roughly with me that I could hardly endure it Now during the time that he had taken he commanded his daughter who had a better minde then hee on paine of death for he was a man of blood and murther to make shew to the old man that she was sorry her father would not satisfie his will and that she could not helpe it but with her disobedience that she was ready to marry me secretly and when it was done time might worke her fathers content and this he had in purpose to procure my death The poore wench was much entāgled for on the one side the ordinary threatnings of her father whose mischieuous nature she knew too well egged her on to play this part on the other side the loue which from her childhood shee bare me with held her So it was that her tender yeeres for shee had not passed aboue halfe an age would not let her haue resolution enough to denie and so al trembling she came to vse that speech to the good man who receiued it with that confidence that after hee had kissed her fore-head twice or thrice at last he resolued to put it in practice as she had sayd and enioyned me so peremptorily that notwithstanding all the doubts I had in it I durst not contradict it Now the resolution was taken in such sort that I was to climbe thorow a window into the chamber where I must marry her secretly This Towne is seated on the vtmost bounds of the Allobroges on the side of the Heluecians and it is on the banks of the great lake Leman in such sort that the waues beat vpon the houses and then disgorge themselues into Rosne which passeth thorow the middest of it The meaning of Azabyde was because their lodgings were that way to draw mee vp with a cord halfe the height of the wall and then to let me fall into the lake where being drowned they might neuer heare more newes of mee because that Rosne with his swiftnesse would haue carried me farre off or touching on the hard rocks I might haue beene so bruised that no man could haue knowne me And without doubt his designe had taken effect for I was resolued to obey the good Abariel had it not beene that the day before this was to be done the poore wench that was commanded to shew me good countenance that I might be the more abused moued with compassion and out of horrour to bee the cause of my death could not hold from discouering it to mee all trembling saying to mee a little after You see Siluander in sauing your life I procure mine owne death for I know well Azahyde will neuer pardon me but I had rather dye an innocent then liue guilty of your death After I
you must seeke no other witnesse than me in this matter 〈◊〉 and you are not to thinke that the shepheards of Lignon can cloath and vncloath themselues so readily of their affections for they are grosse and therefore heauy and slowe in that they doe But as a nayle the grosser it is and the more weight it holdes the harder it is to be wrested out so the tougher and grosser our affections are in vs the longer they last in our soules so that if you haue seene mee seruitour to this fayre shepheardesse you may see mee so still for we change not euery time we sleepe But if this befall you I say you that haue an hote brayne as well as a balde head and a red hayre bewrayes much you are not to giue the same censure of vs. Hylas hearing as his shepheard speake so frankly and so truly to his humor thought that either Tyrcis had told him somewhat or that he must know it elsewhere and therefore all astonied Shepheard sayd he haue you seene me at any time or where learned you this you speake of me I neuer saw you sayd Siluander but your phisiognomy and your discourse made me iudge that I say For hardly may a man suspect in another that fault whereof he is wholly exempted Of necessity then answered Hylas you cannot be exempted from that inconstancy which you suspect in me The suspition replyed Siluander growes either out of some small likelihood or of the appearance of that which is not but onely in imagination and that a man cannot haue of another without himselfe be spotted But that which I sayd of you is not of suspition but of a certainty Call you that suspition when we heare you say that you haue loued Laonice and leauing her for this second who was heere yesterday with her now you haue left them both for Phillis whom without doubt you will leaue for the first commer whose eies will vouchsafe to look on you Tircis who heard them thus discourse seeing Hylas stand as ouercome beganne to speake in this sort r Hylas you must no longer hide your selfe you are discouered This shepheard hath cleere eyes to see the spots of your inconstancy you must confesse the truth For if you fight against it besides that at the last you shal be counted a liar you being not able to resist for that nothing is so strong as Truth you shall be faine to shew your weakenesse Confesse it then freely to be as it is and to encourage you I will beginne Know gentle shepheard that it is true that Hylas is the most inconstant the most disloyall and the greatest traitour to shepheardesses to whom he promises goodwill that euer was And so added Phillis that he will oblige them whom he loues not at all And Me mistris answered Hylas are you also against me will you beleeue the impostures of these malicious Doe you not see that Tircis finding himselfe bound to Siluander for the iudgement he gaue in fauour of him thinks fit to pay him in some sort by giuing you an euill opinion of me What doth this import sayd Phillis to Siluander What doth this import said the inconstant know you not it is harder to take a place possessed then that which no man holds He would say added Siluander The more you loue him the harder it will be for me to acquire your good graces But my friend Hylas how much are you deceiued so farre that when I see she daines to cast her eye on you I shall be assured of her loue For I know her to be of so good iudgement that shee hath alwayes knowledge to choose the better Then answered Hylas It may be glorious shepheard you thinke to haue some aduantage ouer me Mistris beleeue him not for he is of no worth and indeed what man can he be that neuer had the hardinesse to loue nor to serue but one onely shepheardesse and that so coldly that you would thinke he iested Whereas I loue as many as I see fayre and of them all I haue beene as well entertayned as I would wish What seruice can you hope for of him that is such a nouice that he knoweth not how to beginne But I that haue serued of all sorts of all ages and of all humours know of what fashion and what ought and what ought not to please her and for proofe of what I say suffer me to question him if you would know his ignorance And then turning toward him he went on What is it Siluander that ought most to binde a fayre shepheardesse to loue vs That is said Siluander to loue none but her And what is that continued Hylas that may please her most That is answered Siluander to loue her extremely Now see then sayes the inconstant how ignorantly amorous is this man so farre is that which he sayes from truth that it ingenders contempt and hatred For to loue but her alone giues her cause to thinke that it is want of courage that hee dares not vndertake and so thinking herselfe to be beloued for want of another she will despise such a louer Whereas if you loue in common for the small worth of the thing shee will not thinke when you come to her that it is not for that you know not whither else to goe and this will binde her more to loue you especially if you come to particulars and make it appeare to her that you rely more vpon her and to perswade her the better you tell her all that you know of others and once in the week you bring to her all that you haue sayd and what they haue answered fitting the encounter as occasion requireth to the end you may make her the more pleasing draw her to cherish your company This way yong louer this way shall you binde her to any loue But to please her you must on the contrary flie as from poyson the extremity of loue because there is nothing more grieuous betweene two louers than this so great affection for you that loue in this sort to please your selfe labour to be alwayes neere her to be alwayes talking with her she cannot cough but you must aske her what she ayles she cannot turne her foot but you must doe the like To be short she is almost constrayned to carry you you presse her and importune her so But the mischiefe is if she be sicke sometimes and that she smile not on you if she speake not to you and intertaine you not as she was wont then you fall to whining to teares but such plaints I say as wherewith you so fill her eares that to free her selfe of these importunities she is forced to restraine her selfe and sometimes when she would be alone and locke vp her selfe for a time to her owne thoughts she must be compelled to come see you to entertayne you and tell you a thousand tales to content you Thinke you this to be a good meane to haue her loue you You
could not but more strengthen himselfe thereby in his iealousie which Phillis greatly regarded not thinking she had giuen proofs great enough of her loue so that in reason he was not to doubt it but ignorance knowes not that iealousie in Loue is Iuie that drawes to it selfe the nourishment which should goe to the good branches and good fruit and the greater it is the more it shewes the fertility of the place and the strength of the plant Paris that admired the great spirit of Siluander knew not what to iudge of him and thought that if he had beene bred among ciuill folke he had beene without paralell since liuing among shepheards hee was such that he knew none more gentle That was the cause that he resolued to make friendship with him more freely to enioy his company And to procure theÌ„ to hold on their disputation he turned to Hylas said that he must confesse he had taken the worse part since he stood so long mute He neede not be astonied for that said Diane since there is not so violent a iudge as the conscience Hylas knowes well hee argues against the truth and it is onely to flatter his fault And though Diane held on this discourse some while yet Hylas answered not a word being busie in beholding Phillis who when she was neere Licidas entertained him coursely enough and because Astrea would not haue him ouer-heare what she said to him she diuers times interrupted him vntil at last she constrained him to say If Phillis be so importuned I will not loue at all Truely shepheard said she expressely to hinder him from harkening if you bee as vngracious to her as vnciuill to vs shee will make no great account of you And for that Phillis without taking heede to this dispute held on her discourse Diane said to her What Phillis doe you thus shew the duty you owe me Will you leaue mee then to entertaine a shepheard Whereat Phillis surprized answered I would not mistrisse this errour should displease you for I was of opinion that this goodly discourse of gentle Hylas would haue kept you from heeding mee who in the meane time was giuing order to an affaire that this shepheard spoke of to mee and indeede she lyed not for she was much busied for the coldnesse shee â—ound in him It were good then Phillis said Diane with the words of a true mistrisse you thinke to pay all your faults with excuses but remember that all these defects are but small proofes of your little loue and that in time and place I shall remember in what fashion you serue me Hylas had taken Phillis by the waste and not knowing the wager of Siluander and her was amazed to heare Diane speake so therefore seeing her ready to beginne her excuse he preuented her saying Who would say faire mistrisse that this glorious shepheardesse would handle you thus coursely will you yeeld to her in any thing Commit not this fault I beseech you for though she be faire yet haue you beauty enough to make you a part and which it may be giues no place to hers Ah! Hylas said Phillis if you knew against whom you speake you would rather choose to be mute the rest of your life then to be prouided of a word that might displease this faire shepheardesse who in the twinkling of an eye may if you loue make you the most vnhappy mâ—n that euer loued On me said the shepheard she may rayse or cast downe open or shut her eyes but my misfortune no more then my happinesse shall neuer dependâ— neither of her eyes nor of her whole face and yet I loue you and will loue you If you loue mee added Phillis and I haue any power ouer you shee hath much more for I may be moued either by your loue or by your seruices not to vse you hardly but this shepheardesse being neither loued nor serued of you will neuer haue pitty And what neede haue I sayd Hilas of her pitty Yes certainely replyed Phillis you want her mercy for I will nothing but what she wills and can do nothing but what shee commands for behold the Mistris I loue whom I serue and whom I adore so that she is all my loue all my seruice and all my deuotion Now fee Hylas whom you haue offended and what pardon you are to sue for Then the shepheard casting himselfe at the feete of Diane all astonied after he had a little be held her sayd Mine owne faire Mistris if he that loues may behold any other thing then the subiect beloued I might well haue seene in some sort that euery one was to honor and do reuerence to your merit but since I haue mine eyes closed against al other things but my Phillis you shuld shew too great cruelry if you pardoÌ„ not the fault which I confesse for which â—â—ry you mercy Phillis that was sorry to be thus pâ—stred with this man that she might talke with Lieidas as he had desired made haste to answer him before Diane and to tell him that Diane would not pardon him but with condition that he should tell them the suites and aduentures which hee had had since hee beganne to loue for it was impossible but the discourse would be very pleasing since he had serued in so many sorts the accidents must needes be accordingly Truely Phillis sayd Diane you are a great diuiner for I had a purpose neuer to pardon him but with that condition and therefore Hylas resolue to do it How sayd the shepheard will you constraine me to tell my life before my Mistris and what opinion will shee haue of me when shee shall heare say that I haue loued aboue an hundred that to some I haue bid farewell before I left them and left others before I sayd any thing to them when shee shall know that at one and the same time I was diuided among many what will she thinke of me Nothing worse then shee now thinkes sayd Siluander for she will then but iudge you inconstant as she doth already It is true sayd Phillis but that you may not enter into this doubt I haue businesse elsewhere whither Astrea shall go with me if she please and in the meane time you shall obey Diane's commandement At this word she tooke Astrea by the arme and with-drew to the side of the wood where Licidas was euen now gone and because Siluander had ouerheard her answere to Licidas he followed afarre off to see what his meaning was whereto the euening somewhat serued his turne that he might not be seene for it waxed late besides that he went behind the bushes hiding himselfe so that hee followed them at pleasure vnseene and came so fitly that he heard what Astrea sayd to her what humor is this of Licidas to desire to speake with you at this howre and in this place hauing so many other commodities that I know not what he meanes to choose out so vnfit a time I know not
was Aymee and could not reach aboue 18. or 20. yeeres and though shee was of Carmague yet shee knew me not because her husband being ielous as ordinarily old men are that haue yong and faire wiues and her mother in law suspitious held her so short that she neuer came into any assembly At the instant that I saw her she pleased me and what purpose soeuer I had to the contrary I must loue her but I then foresaw well I should find some paine being to deceiue the stepmother and the daughter in law Yet not to yeeld to the difficulty I resolu'd to employ all my wits and iudgeing that I was to beginne my enterprise by the mother for shee kept me from comming neere my enemy I thought nothing fitter then to make my selfe known to her and that could not be for that being of one place no ancient amity of our family or some former alliance would make easie the meane to grow familiar with her but the occasion afterwardes taught mee what I had to do I was not deceiued in this opinion for as soone as I told her who I was and that I had fained some bad reason to cloake that I went about which she tooke for good and that I had assured her that that which made mee discouer my selfe to her was but to desire her freely to make vse of me My sonne answered shee I do not wonder that you should shew such good will towards me for your father loued me so well that you should much degenerate if you had not some sparkes of that affection Ah my child thou art the sonne of an honest and the most louing man that was in all Carmague and speaking these words she tooke me by the head and holding me to her brest and sometimes kissing my forehead and her kisses made me remember the harths that yet retaine a gentle heate after the fire is out for my father should haue married her and it may bee he had done her too much seruice for her reputation as I vnderstood afterward but I that little cared for such kindnesses but as they might be profitable for my purpose fayning to receiue them with much obligation thanked her for the loue she had borne my father beseeching her to turne that good will towards the sonne and that since the heauens had made mee heire to the rest of his goods shee would not dis-inherrit me of that which I esteemed most of which was the honor of her good graces and that for my part I would succeed in the seruice which my father had vowed to her as to the best of all his fortunes To bee short faire shepheardesse I knew how to flatter my old woman so that shee loued nothing more then mee and contrary to her custome to gratifie me she commanded her daughter in law to loue me Oh how well had she bene aduised if she had followed her counsell but I neuer found any thing so cold in all her actions so that though I were with her all the day yet had I not the hardinesse to make my purpose appeare by my words till we came neere to Auignion for Stilliane had made me lose much of that opinion which I had of my selfe But besides this she was alwayes at the feete of the old woman who intertained me with the times passed It fell out that this company with which we went as I haue told you and many marchants assembled together made a faire to traffique in the Iland neere Auignion and for as much as we that were not vsed to such voyages found our selues benummed with sitting so long while the boatemen were about their businesse wee set foote on land to walke about and among others the mother of Aymee was of the company As soone as my shepheardesse was in the I le she began to runne along the riuer and to play with the other wenches which were come forth of the boate of that company and I thrust my selfe among them to haue the meane to take time for my purpose while the old woman was walking with other women of her age And by hap Aymee being somewhat separated from her companions gathering floures that grew by the waters side I aduanced my selfe and tooke her by the arme and after wee had gone some while without speech at last as comming from a sound sleep I sayd vnto her I should be ashamed faire shepherdesse to be so long mute so neere you hauing so good cause to speake to you if I had not more to hold my peace and if my silence did not proceed from thence whence my words should arise I know not Hylas said she what cause you haue to hold your peace nor what you may haue to speake and lesse what words or silences you meane Ah faire shepheardesse sayd I the affection which consumes me with a secret fire giues mee such occasion to shew my hurt that hardly can I hold my peace and on the other side that affection makes me feare so to offend her whom I loue in declaring it to her that I dare not speake so that the affection which ought to put words into my mouth is that which denies mee them when I am neere you Me sayd she presently Think you well Hylas of what you say Yes of you replied I and beleeue you not but I haue well thought of what I say before I durst vtter it If I thought these words were true I will speake to you in another sort If you doubt sayd I that these words be true cast your eyes on your perfection and you shall be fully assured And then with a thousand oathes I told her all that I had in my heart Shee without being moued answered me very coldly Hylas accuse not that which is in me for your owne follies for I know well to remedy it so that you shall haue no cause as for the rest since the loue which my mother beares you nor the condition wherein I am cannot turne you from your bad intent beleeue that that which duty cannot worke in you it shall in me and that I will auoide all manner occasions for you to continue that you shall know I am such as I ought to be you see how coldly I speake to you it is not for that I feele not sencibly enough your indiscretion but to let you know that passion transports me not but that reason only makes me speake thus that if I see that this meane will nothing preuaile to alter your dessine I will after run to some more extreme These words deliuered with such coldnesse touched me more to the quicke then I can tell you yet could not this withdraw mee for I knew well that the first skirmishes are ordinarily maintained in this fashion But by chance when Aymee seeing me without words and so astonied turned away without saying more there was one of her companions that seeing me so mated came towards me and blowing her nose passed by twice or thrice with
I know not what may fall out her eaâ—ter and I referre my selfe to that that shall bee but for that which is yet there is no likelihood Now Polemas seeing that I heard what he would say and that I harkened to it with patience being there by made the more hardy not marking that I liued with others in the same sort is gone so far that he knows not what he does he is so much beside himselfe And indeede this night he daunced with me some while at the first so chiding that I was constrained without thinking of it to aske him what the matter was Shall it not displease you said he if I discouer it No answered I for I neuer aske for the thing I would not know Vpon this assurance he went forward I must tell you Madame that it is not in my power not to be offended at the actions which I see ordinarily before mine eyes and which touch me so to the quicke that if I had as great assurance as I haue suspition I know not if there were any thing able to keep me aliue In sadnes I was yet so simple that I knew not what he would say yet thinking his loue had tied mee to some sort of curiosity I asked what actions those were that touched him so to the quicke Then pawsing a little and looking stedfastly on me he sayd Is it possible Madame that without fiction you aske me this And why answered I would you not haue me do so Because added he it is you whom all these things concerne and it is from you that they proceed and then seeing that I spake not a word for I knew not what he would say he beganne togoe on and told mee I would not haue you dissemble in this businesse without blushing For resolutely I will enforce my selfe to tell you though the discourse cost me my life You know Madame with what affection since the heauens made me yours I haue indeuoured to giue proofe that I was truely the seruant of the faire Galathee you can tell if euen vntill-now you haue knowne any action of mine tended to other end than your seruice If all my dessignes haue not taken that poynt for their marke and if all my desires arising from thence haue not shevved themselues satisfied and contented I assure my selfe that if my fortune deny me to deserue any thing more in seruing you yet at the least she will not refuse me this satisfaction from you that you will confesse that truly I am yours and no others but yours Now if this be so iudge what griefe I ought to haue after so much time spent not to say lost when if there be any reason in Loue I ought with greater reason to haue expected some reward of my affection I see another fauoured in my place and an inheritour as I may say of my goods before my death Excuse mee for speaking in this manner the extreme passion drawes these iust complaints out of my soule which though it would yet can it not longer be silent seeing he that triumphs ouer me hath got the victory rather by destiny than merit It is Lindamor of whom I speake Lindamor whose seruice is the more happily receiued of you by that that he is to giue me place both in affection and faithfulnesse My griefe is not to see him more happy than he durst wish for but indeed to see him so at my cost Excuse me Madame I beseech you or rather accuse the greatnesse of my affection if I complayne since it is but a more manifest proofe of the power which you haue ouer your most humble seruant And that which makes me speake so is that I note you vse towards him the same words and the same fashion of treaty that you did towards me at the first breeding of your goodwill and when you permitted me to speake to you and that I might say to my selfe you knew mine affection This putteth mee so farre besides my selfe with such violence that hardly can I commaund ouer these furious extremities which you put me to and which the offence bringeth to my soule and can produce no effects of discretion He would haue sayd more but the passion wherein he was so suddenly tooke from him his voyce that it was impossible for him to hold on longer If I were offended at his words you may iudge for they were both rash and full of vanity and not to be borne with yet that I might not giue knowledge of this brabble to them that haue eyes but to spie the actions of others I was compelled to make him an answer a little lesse eager than I had done had I beene else-where and I sayd Polemas that which I am and that which you are will not suffer me to doubt that you are my seruant so long as you stay in the house of my mother and performe the seruice of my brother but I cannot wonder enough at the follies which you mixe in your discourse in talking of heritage and of your goods In that which is from my loue I know not by what right you pretend yours My intention Polemas hath bene to loue you and esteeme you as your vertue deserues and you are not to imagine beyond that And for that you talke of Lindamor get out of that error for if I vse him as I haue done you you are to thinke I will doe so to all those that heereafter shall merit it without other designe greater then to loue and esteeme him that deserues it in what subiect soeuer it be found And how madame said I then interrupting her thinke you this a gentle answer I know not how you could haue honestly sayd more for indeed it must be confessed hee is arrogant but yet it may not be denied but this arrogancy is bred in him vpon some shew of reason Of reason answered the Nymph prese ntly What reason can he alledge Many Madame replied I but to conceale them all but one I may say to you that truely you haue allowed him to serue in a more peculiar manner then any other That is said Galathee for that he pleased me more then the rest of my brothers seruants I confesse it madame said I and seeing himselfe so farre in your good graces how could he hope for lesse then to bee beloued of you Hee had heard talke of so many examples of loue betweene vnequall persons that hee could not flatter himselfe lesse then to hope the same for himselfe which he heard spoke of others I remember that vpon that subiect he made verses which he sung before you it is some while since you commanded him to conceale his affection they were these A SONNET VVHerefore if you loue me Feare you the world should know Then honest Amity What can make fairer shew The spirits vertuons It each to other ties And far from humane hearts Expelleth vanities But if your choice be such That you displeased are And that you thinke me vile Vnworthy such
that Lindamar did came so kindly to mee that I wonder I marked it no sooner I know not whether Polemas by reason of his being crossed haue changed his behauiour or whether the euill opinion which I haue conceiued of him haue altered my eyes when I behold him yet so it is that either mine eyes see not as they were wont or Polemas is no more the man hee was wont to be I must not lie to you when Galathee spake in this sort against him I was no whit sorry because of his ingratitude on the contrary the more to hurt him I sayd I do not wonder Madam that Lindamor is more welcome to you then Polemas for the qualitites and perfections of them both are not equall euery one that sees them will giue the same iudgement that you do of them It is true that heere in I fore-see a great hurly burly first betweene them and after betweene you and Polemas And why sayd Galathee Are you of opinion he hath any power ouer my actions or of Lindamors Not for that said I Madam but I knew the humour of Polemas so well that he will leaue nothing vnattempted and wil remooue heauen and earth to recouer the happinesse that he thinkes hee hath lost and for it he will commit these follies which cannot be hidden but to those that will not see them and so shall you haue displeasure and Lindamor be offended and God graunt it fall not out worse No such thing Leonide answered she if Lindamor loue me he will do as I commaund him if he do not loue me he will not care what Polemas doth and as for him if he passe the bounds of reason I knovv hovv to reforme him leaue that labour to me for I can prouide well enough for that At this word she commaunded mee to draw the curtaine and let her rest if at least these new desseignes would suffer her But at the breaking vp of the daunce Lindamor who had noted what countenance Polemas had made when he tooke Galathee from him had a conceit that he loued her Notwithstanding hauing neuer perceiued any thing by his actions passed he would aske him the question resolued that if he found him in loue he would indeuour to diuert himselfe for that he thought himselfe some what bound to it for the loue he made shew of which hee thought to be vnfained and so going to him desired he might haue a word with him in priuate Polemas who vsed al maner of cunning that a Courtier was capable of paynted his face with a fained shew of good will and said What is it that Lindamor is pleased to commaund of me I neuer vse commoundement said Lindamor where my prayer onely may take place and at this time I neede neither of them but onely as a friend demaund a thing of you which our friendship bindes you to tell me What may it be replyed Polemas since our friendship so bindes me you are to thinke that I will answer you with the same freedome that you desire to know This it is replyed Lindamor that I haue some while serued Galathee as I was tied by the ordinance of Clidaman at last I am constrayned so to do by that of Loue. For it is true that after I had long time serued her by the disposing of that fortune that gaue mee to her her merits haue since so wonne me that my will hath ratified that gift with so great affection that to draw backe would be as much want of courage as it is now arrogancie to say that I dare loue her Yet the friendship which is betvveene you and me hauing beene of longer date than this of Loue giues mee resolution enough to tell you that if you loue her and haue any pretention to her I hope as yet to haue that povver of my selfe that I can withdravv and giue proofe that Loue is lesse in me than Friendship or at least the follies of the one shall giue place vnto the Wisedome of the other Tell mee then frankely that which you haue in your soule to the end that neither your friendship nor mine may complayne of our actions That which I say is not to discouer the secrets of your intentions since I lay open to you mine you are not to be afraid that I should know yours besides that the lawes of friendship commaund you not to hide them from me prouided that not curiosity but the desire of preseruing our goodwill makes me demaund it of you Lindamor spake to Polemas with the same freedome that a friend should poore and ignorant Louer that thought he could since it in loue On the contrary the dissembling Polemas answered him Lindamor this faire Nymph of whom you speake is worthy to be serued of all the world but as for my selfe I haue no pretention yet this I will tell you that as concerning loue I am of opinion that euery one for his part should do what he can Then Lindamor repented that he had vsed a language so full of courtesie and respect since he required it so ill Here solued to doe his best to aduance himselfe into the good graces of the Nymph and yet hee answered him Since you haue no such dessigne I am right glad as of the thing most welcome to mee for that to haue withdravvne my selfe it would haue beene a paine to me little lesse than death So farre off aâ— I added Poleman from hauing any pretention of loue that I neuer looked on her but with an eie of respect such as we are all bound to giue her For my part replyed Lindamor I honour Galathee as my Lady but I likevvise loue her as a faire Lady and me thinks my fortune mayayme as high as it is permitted mine eyes to looke and that I shall offend no diuinity by louing her With such like discourses they parted neyther of them well satisfied yet some what differing Polemas out of iclousie and Lindamor for hauing found the vnfaithfulnesse of his friend From that day they liued in a pleasant fashion for they were ordinarily together and yet they concealed their dessignes Yet not Lindamor in apparance but in effect hid himselfe in all hee propounded and purposed to do and knowing well that occasions passed may not be recalled he would not lose a moment of leisure which he employed not to make his affection apparent to the Nimph. In which hee neyther lost his time nor his payne for she liked so well of this good will which hee made shew of that if shee had not so much loue as he in her eyes she had it at the least in her heart And because it is an hard matter to hide a great fire so well but something will discouer it their affections which beganne to burne in good earnest were hardly to be concealed for all the wisedome they could vse This was the cause that Galathee resolued to speake with Lindamor as seldome as she could and to find some inuention for him to
send his Letters and to receiue their secrets and for this purpose shee made a desseigne on Fleurial nephevv to the Nurse of Amasis and brother of hers whose good will shee had long knowne for that being Gardiner of those faire gardens of Monbrison as his father during his life had beene when they carried Galathee abroad he tooke her often in his armes and went vp and downe gathering what floures shee would and you know that these loues of infancy being as it were sucked in with the milke turne almost into nature besides that she knew well that all countrey swaines are couetous dealing bountifully with him shee wonne him entirely to her And it fell out as she purposed for one day being some distance remoued from vs she called him to her fayning to aske him the name of some flowres which she held in her hand and after she had asked him aloude of them somewhat abasing her voyce she sayd to him Come hither Fleurial dost thou loue me well Madame answered he I should be the veriest wretch liuing if I loued you not aboue all the world beside May I be assured said the Nymph of what thou sayest May I replyed he neuer liue a moment if I choose not rather to be wanting to heauen than to you What answered Galathee without any exception were it in a thing that might displease Amasis or Clidamon I care not then sayd Fleurial whom I displease in seruing you for I am to none but to you and whosoeuer payes mee yet it is of you that this benefit befalles mee and when this shall cease to be I alwayes had such an affection to you that euer since your childhood I gaue my selfe entirely to you But Madame whereto serue these words I shall neuer be so happy to be able to giue proofe of it Then Galathee said Hearken Fleurial if thou liue in this resolution and thou wilt be secret thou shalt be the happiest man of thy condition in all the world and that which I haue done for thee heeretofore is nothing to the valew of that which heereaster I will doe But looke that you be secret and remember that if you be not besides that of a friend as I am I will hencefoorth become your mortall enemy yet must you assure your selfe that it will cost you no lesse then your life Go◠finde out Lindamor and doe what he shall bid you and beleeue thou that I will consider better than thou canst hope for for the seruices which thou shalt doe for mee in this and beware you haue not a tongue At this word Galathee came to seeke vs out and laughing said That Fleurial and she had talked a good while of Loue but said she it was loue of the garden for that is the loue of the simple Fleurial for his part after hee had turned some turnes about the garden went forth some what troubled with this affaire for he was not so ignorant but hee knew well the danger into which he put himselfe whether with Amasis if he should discouer it or with Galathee if he should not do as she commanded him thinking it was about loue and hee had heard them say that all the ofsences of Loue strike to the heart At last the amity he bare to Galathee and the desire of gaine made him resolue since hee had promised to performe his promise and then he went to seeke out Lindamor who expected him for the Nymph had assured him that shee would send him and that onely he should direct him what he was to doe As soon as Lindamor saw him he made shew before others not to know the cause asked him if he had any businesse with him To whō he made answer aloud that he came to beseech him to present to Amasis his long seruices and the smal means he had to be paid that which was due to him and at last speaking some what lower he told him the occasion of his cōming offered him his seruice at his pleasure Lindamor thanked him hauing shortly instructed him what he was to doe he iudged the thing so easie that he made no difficulty from that time as I told you when Lindamor would write Fleurial made shew to present some suire to the Nymph and when she made answer shee returned it backe with such an order as shee could obtaine from Amasis And because ordinarily these olde seruants haue alwayes some thing or other to aske this man neuer wanted matter to exhibit at all times of some new request which oftentimes receiued an answer beyond his hopes Now during this time the loue which the Nymph had borne to Polemas lessened in such sort that hardly could shee speake to him without disgrace which he could not beare and knowing well that all this coldnesse procceded of the loue of Lindamor he suffered himselfe to be transported so farre that not daring to speake against Galathee hee could not abstaine from speaking many things to the disaduantage of Lindamor and among other that though he were an honest man and accomplished with many remarkable parts yet the good opinion which he had of himselfe was not like theirs that know how to measure themselues and for proofe of it he had beene so proud as to raise his eyes to the loue of Galathee and not onely to conceiue it in his soule but to vaunt of it in speech to him A discourse which at last came to the eares of Galathee namely so farre passed that almost all the Court knew it The Nymph was so offended herewith that she resolued to vse Lindamor so that hereafter he should not haue occasion to publish his vanities and that was the cause that shortly after this bruit was extinct for that she who was in choler pake no more to him and that they that obserued his actions finding no apparence of Loue were constrained to beleeue the contrary and at that time was the sending away of Knights which fell out fitly and ayded her much for that Amasis had sent him about a businesse of importance to the banks of Rhine But his departure could not bee so sudden bu◠hee found occasion to speake to Galathee to know the cause of her change and after he had spied out a time the morning as she went to the Temple with her mother he was so neere her and so in the middest of vs that hardly could Amasis perceiue him As soone as shee saw him shee would haue changed the place but holding her by the garment hee sayd What is my offence or what is your change She answered as she went Neither offence nor change for I am alwayes Galathee and you ar◠alwayes Lindamor who are too base a subiect to offend me If these words touched him his actions gaue witnesse for though he were vpon his departure yet could he giue order to no other businesse but to search in himselfe wherein he had failed At last not finding himselfe guilty hee wrote her a letter The
letter of Lindamor to Galathee IT is not to complaine of my Lady that I dare take vp my penne but onely to deplore the misfortune which make me so coâ—â—â—mâ—ed of her that at other times was not wont to vse mee in this sort I am the same man that haue serue you with all sort of respect and submission and you are the same Lady that first was mine siâ—ce you receiued me for yours I am become no lesse nor you greater if it be thus why doe you not iudge mâ— worthy of the same entertainement I haue called my soule to account for her actions since it pleaseth you I will display them all before your eyes for my part I cannot accuse any one of them if you shall iudge otherwise when you haue heard them it shall be no small consolation to the poore condemned to know at least the cause of his punishment This letter was brought her as of custome by Fleurial and so fitly that though she would yet durst shee not refuse it and without lying it was impossible that any other could haue playd this part better then he for his request was so suited with words of pitty and reuerence so well sorting to that which hee seemed to demand that there was 〈◊〉 but might haue bene deceiued and for my part if Galathee had not told me I should neuer haue regarded it but for that it was hard or rather impossible but the tender heart of the Nymph must discharge her selâ—â— of it to some trusty person to whom she might freely impart that which pressed her so sore among the rest she chose out me as the most assured as she thought and most affectionate Now suddenly as shee had receiued this paper faining to haue forgot something in her cabinet she called me and told the other Nymphs that shee would come backe presently and that they should attend her there Shee went vp into her chamber and then into her cabinet without saying any thing to mee I iudged shee had somewhat that troubled her but I durst not aske her for feare of troubling her she sate downe and casting the request of Fleurial on the table shee sayd This beast Fleurial alwayes comes to mollest me with the letters of Lindamor I pray thee Leonide bid him bring me no more I was somewhat astonied at this change yet I knew well that loue could not long last without brawles and that these disputes are as bellowes that do more kindle the coles yet I forbare not to say to her Since when Madam hath he done thus Some good while sayd she and know you nothing of it No truely Madam sayd I. Then she with a little frowning brow It is true sayd she that heretofore I haue liked it but now hee hath abused my fauoues offended me by his rashnes And what is this fault replyed I The fault added she is not great yet it displeaseth mee more then if it were of importance Thinke you what his vanity is to make it knowne that he loues me and that he hath told me so O Madam sayd I this cannot be true his enemies haue inuented it to vndo him both with you with Amasis It is wel replied she but in the meane time Polemas talkes of it euery where and is it possible any should know it and that he only should be deafe at this bruite or if he heare it should not remedy it And what remedy answered I would you hee should haue What sayd the Nymph sword and blood It may bee sayd I â—e doth it with great reason for I remember I haue heard it said that that which touches vs in loue is so subiect to slander that the lesse light is giuen it the better it is See sayd she these good excuses at least he should haue demanded of me what my will was hee should do herein he had done as he ought and I should haue beene satisfied Haue you seene the letter answered I which he wrote you No said shee and I will tell you more I will neuer see them more if it be possible and will auoyde as much as I can to speake to him Then tooke I the paper that Fleurial brought and opening the letter I read aloud that which I tolde you euen now and added at last Well Madame ought not you to loue the thing is wholly yours and not to bee so soone offended with him that hath not committed any fault Then it is well said she Is there any likelihood that he alone should not heare these bruits But dissemble he as long as he will at least I wil coÌ„fort my selfe that if he loue me he shall truely pay the interest of the pleasure which he hath had in vanting of our loue and if he loue me not let him assure himselfe that if I haue giuen him any subiect for the time passed to conceiÌ„ue such an opinion I wil put him out of it hereafter and giue him occasion to smother it how great soeuer it hath beene And to beginne I pray you command Fleurial that he be not so hardy to bring any thing from this arrogant Madame said I I will doe what pleases you to command me yet it shall be very necessary to consider ripely of this affaire for you may doe your selfe much hurt thinking to offend another You know well what manner of man Fleurial is he hath no more spirit then will serue to keepe his garden if you let him know this euill carriage betweene Lindamor and you I am afraid that out of pure feare he will discouer it to Amasis or else runne away that which shall make him discouer it shal be to excuse himselfe of mischiefe For Gods sake Madame consider what displeasure this will bring wil it not be better without breaking forth to deuise some meanes to complaine to Lindamor And if you will not doe it I will and I assure my selfe he will satisfie you or if he doe not then shall you haue occasion to breake off all loue with him telling him so much your selfe without giuing Fleurial knowledge of it How to speake to him I know not said shee and to heare him speake my courage will not snffer mee for I wish him much euill Seeing her to haue a heart so swolne with this offence At the last said I you must write to him Talke no more of that said she hee is too proud he hath too many of my letters already At the last not being able to get other thing at her hands shee suffered mee to fold vp a piece of paper in fashion of a letter and to put it in to the request of Fleurial and to carry it to him And this that he might not perceiue this dissention What the astonishment was of poore Lindamor when he receiued this paper it is hard to say to one that neuer prooued it And that which afflicted him more was that hee must of necessity depart the next morning to goe his voyage where the affaires of
Amasis and Clidaman tied him to stay some long time To deferre his departure he could not and to goe was death At last heÌ„e resolued presently to write to her yet a course rather to hazzard then to hope for any good fortune Fleurial did what hee could to present it speedily to Galathee but he could not doe it for that she feeling this displeasure at her heart was not able to beare this dis-vnion but with such griefe that she was constrained to keepe her â—ed out of which she rose not many dayes Fleurial at last seeing Lindamor gone tooke the hardinesse to seeke her chamber and I must tell you true because I wished ill to Polemas I did what I could to piece vp this affection of Lâ—ndamor and for this cause I gaue meanes for Fleurial to enter If Galathee were surprized iudge you for shee looked rather for any thing then that yet she was constrained to dissemble and to take that which he presented which were but flowers in appearaÌ„ce I would be in the chamber that I might be of the counsell and to bring somewhat that might be to the contentment of poore Lindamor And indeed I was not altogether vnprofitable for after Fleurial was gone and that Galathee found her selfe alone she called me and told me shee thought to haue bene exempted from the importunity of the letters of Lindamor when hee had bene gone but for ought she saw he had nothing to be his warrant I that would serue Lindamor though hee knew nothing of it knowing the Nymph to bee in an humor to talke of him made it very cold knowing well that if I contraried her at first it was the way to lose all and to affirme that which shee sayd would serue the more to punish her for though she were not well satisfied toward him yet loue as yet was the more strong and in herselfe she was willing that I should take Lindamorâ— part not to giue me way but to haue more occasion to speake of him and put her choler out of her soule so that hauing all these considerations before mine eyes I held my peace the first time she spake to mee She that would not haue this silence added But what thinke you Leonide of the arrogancy of this man Madame sayd I I know not what to say but if he haue fayled he must do penance But sayd she what may I thinke of his rashnesse why goes he disgracing me with his tales had hee no other fitter discourse then of me and then after she had looked on the letter he writ I haue some what else to do that he continues to write to me to this I answered nothing After she had held her peace a while she sayd And why Leonide answere you me not haue I not reason to complaine Madame sayd I is it your pleasure I should speake freely You shall please mee sayd shee I must tell you then continued I that you haue reason in all except it bee when you seeke for reason in loue for you must know that he that referrs himselfe to the lawes of iustice puts the principall authority out of himselfe which is to be subiect but to himselfe so that I conclude that if Lindamor haue failed in that he loues you he is culpable but if by the lawes of reasou and prouidence it is you that deserue chastisment that will put loue that is free and commands others vnder the seruitude of a superior And why sayd she haue I not heard it sayd that loue to make it praise worthy must be vertuous If this be so he must bee tied to the lawes of vertue Loue answered I is a thing some what greater then this vertue of which you speake and therefore it giues it selfe lawes without the publishing of any other person but since you command me to speake frankly tell me Madam are not you more culpable then hee both in that for which you accuse him and in that which concernes loue for if hee haue had the hardnesse to say he loued you you are the cause in that you haue sufferd him Though it bee so answered shee yet by discretion he was bound to conceale it Complaine you then sayd I of his discretion and not of his loue But hee hath more occasion to complaine of your loue since vpon the first report at the first conceit that hath beene giuen you you haue chased from you the loue you bare him without taxing him that he hath bene wanting in affection Excuse me Madam if I speake so frankly you do the greatest wrong in the world to vse him in this sort at least if you would condemne him to so great a punishmeÌ„t it ought not to be without coÌ„uincing him or at leastwise to make him blufh at his errour She stood somewhile before shee answered me at last she sayd Well Leonide the remedy shall be timely enough when hee returnes not that I am resolued to loue him nor to permit him to loue me but to tell him where in hee hath failed and so I shall content you and bind him from importuning mee more if hee bee not aâ— impudent as rash It may be Madam you will deceiue your selfe to think it will be time enough at his returne if you knew what the violencies of loue are you would not beleeue that these delayes were like other affairs at least looke on the letter That is to no purpose replied she for by this time he is well gone and with that word she gaue it mee and saw it was thus The letter of Lindamon to Galathee SOmtimes loue at this time the despaire of loue hath put the pâ—n into my hâ—â—d with a purpose if it returne mee no asswagement to change it into a sword which promiseth 〈◊〉 a full though a crâ—â—ll healing This blaâ—â—â— paper which you haue sent me for an answere is a true testimony of my innocency since it is as if it had sayd you haue found nothing to accuse me of but it is also an assurance to me of your disdaine for from whence can this silence proceed vnlesse it be from â—t the one contents mee in my selfe the other makes mee despaire in you If you haue any remembrance of my faithfull seruice for pitty I demand of you or life or death I depart the most desperate that euer had cause of despaire It was an effect of Loue which brought a change in the carriage of Galathee for I sawe her much mollified but this was no small proofe of her lofty humour not to giue knowledge of it and not beeing able to commaund her countenance which was become pale shee so tyed her tongue that she spake no word which might accuse her of relenting but going out of her chamber to walke in the garden not speaking a word of the Letter for the Sunne beganne to grow lowe and her disease which was but trauaile of spirit might finde more refreshing out of the house than in the bed so after she was quickely made
talk of another matter sayd to me Know you how Fleurials Aunt doth I answered that since he went I knew nothing Truely sayd she I would be very sorry if the old woman should not do well you haue reason sayd I Madam for she loues you and you haue had many seruices of her which are not yet fully acknowledged If she liue said she I will do it and after her I will remember Fleurial for her sake Then I answered Both the seruices of the aunt those of the Nephew deserue some good recompence and especially Fleurial for his faithfulnesse and affection cannot be bought It is true sayd she but because you speake of Fleurial what great matter had you to say to him or hee to you when he went away I answered coldly I recommended mee to his aunt Recommendations sayd she were not so long then she came neerer me and layd her hand on my shoulder Tell truth continued shee you spake of some other thing And what might it bee replied I if it were not that I had no other businesse with him Now I know sayd she that at this present you dissemble why did you say you had no other businesse with him and haue had so much for Lindamor O! Madam I little thought you would haue remembred a man so vnfortunate and then holding my peace I fetched a deepe sigh What is the matter sayd she that you sigh tell me true where is Lindamor Lindamor answered I is no more then earth How cried shee out Lindamor is no more No indeed answered I the cruelty which you haue vsed towards him hath rather slaine him then the strokes of his enemy for going from the combat and knowing by the report of many the euill satisfaction which you had of him he would neuer suffer himselfe to be dressed and because you haue such a desire to know that was it that Fleurial told mee whom I commanded to assay if he could wisely withdraw the letters which wee haue writ him to the end that as you haue lost the remembrance of his seruices by your cruelty so might I consume in the fire the memories which might remaine O God sayd she what is that you tell me Is it possible he should be so lost It is you sayd I that may say you haue lost him for his part hee hath gained by dying since by death hee hath found rest which your cruelty will neuer permit him while hee liued Ah! Leonide sayd she you tell me these things to put mee to paine confesse the truth hee is not dead Would to God it were so sayd I but for what cause should I tell you I answere his death or life are indifferent to you and specially since you loued him so little you may be glad to be exempted for the importunity he would haue giuen you for you are to beleeue that if he had liued hee would neuer haue ceased from giuing such proofes of his affection as that of Polemas Indeed then sayd the Nymph I am sorry for the poore Lindamor and sweare vnto you that his death touches me more to the quicke then I though it would but tell me had he neuer no remembrance of vs at his end and did hee not shew to be grieued to leaue vs See Madam sayd I a question which is not vsuall He died for your sake and you aske if hee remembred you Ah! that his memory and his sorrow had not bin too great for his helth I beseech you talke no more of him I assure my selfe he is in the place where he receiues the reward of his fidelity and where it may bee hee shall see himselfe reuenged at you cost You are in choler sayd she You must pardon me sayd I Madam but this is the reason that constraines me to speake thus for there is none that can giue more testimony of his affection and fidelity then I and of the wrong you haue done him to giue him so vnworthy a recompence for so many seruices But sayd the Nymph let vs set this aside for I know that in some thing you haue reason but I haue not done so much wrong as you impute And tell mee I pray you by the loue you beare me if in his last words hee remembred mee and what they were Must you sayd I triumph in your soule at the end of his life as you haue done ouer al his actions since he begā to loue you If this must be to your contentment I will satisfie you As soone as he knew that you went about to blemish the honor of his victory and that in stead of pleasing you he hath by this fight got your hatred it shal neuer be sayd he O iniustice that thou shalt for my cause lodge longer in so faire a soule I must by my death wash away my offence Then hee tooke all the clouts which hee had on his wounds and would no more suffer the hand of the Chirurgion his wounds were not mortall but the ranckling brought it to those termes that he perceiued small strength in him to liue he called Fleurial and being alone hee sayd My friend Fleurial thou now lofest him that had great care to do thee good but you must arme your selfe with patience since it is the will of heauen I would yet haue one piece of seruice from thee which shall better please me then that thou euer didst And hauing drawne from him a promise that hee would do it hee continued You must not faile in what I bid you As soone as I shall be dead rip vp my belly and take out the heart and carry it to the faire Galathee and tell her that I send it her that at my death I may keepe nothing that belongs to any other At these last words hee lost both speech and life Now this foole Fleurial that hee may not bee wanting in that which was commanded him by a person whom he held so deare hath brought hither the heart and without me would present it to you Ah! Leonide sayd she is it certaine he is dead Oh God that I knew not his sicknes and you would neuer tell me of it I would haue found some remedy O what a loss haue I sustained how great is your fault Madam answerd I I knew nothing for Fleurial stayed with him to attend him because he had none of his owne but if I had knowne I thinke I should not haue spoken to you of it I knew your mind was so far remoued from that subiect At these words resting her head on her arme she commanded me to leaue her alone to the end as I thought that I might not see her teares which already encreased their drops but hardly was I gone before shee called me backe and without lifting vp her head shee bid mee command Fleurial to bring her that which Lindamor had sent her in what fashion he listed And presently I went out fully assured that the knights affaires for whom I pleaded would fall out
must speake plainely to him O God sayd the Nymph is it possible I am assured that if hee will vndertake it it cannot but all turne to my contentment for his wisedome is so great and his iudgement also that he cannot choose but bring about whatsoeuer he beginnes Madame said Leonide I speake not without ground you shall see If you will serue your selfe by him what will bee Now behold the Nymph the most contented in the world already figuring to her selfe the accomplishment of her desires But while they discoursed thus Silâ—y and 〈◊〉 spent the time about the same businesse for the Nymph who was well inquainted with the Druyde talked of them very openly He that was very wary that he might know if his Neeâ—e had told him true prayed her to tell him what she knew Silay that desired in any case to breake off this discourse did it without dissimulation and the shortest she could in this manner The History of Leonide KNow that the better to instruct you of all that you demaund I am constrayned to touch the particulars of some other besides Galathee And I shall doe it the more willingly for that it may be behoouefull for the time to come that they should not be hidden from you It is Leonide of whom I speake whom it seemes destinies would intangle more than ordinary in the dessignes of Galathee This that I tell you is not to blame her or to make it knowne For telling it to you I beleeue it is no lesse secret than if you had not knowne it You must then vnderstand that it is long time since the beauty and merits of Leonide wanne her after long suite the affection of Polemas and because the deserts of that knight were not so slender but they could procure themselues to be beloued Your Neece was not contented to be beloued but she would also loue but she carried it with such discretion that euen Polemas was long without the knowledge of it I doubt not but you haue loued and that you know better than I how hardly Loue will be hidden so it was that at last it burst out and both knew they were louers and beloued yet was this amity so honest that it would not suffer them to dare to shew it After the sacrifice that Amasis made euery yeere on the day that she married Pimander it fell out that after dinner wee were all in the Gardens of Mâ—nt-brison the more cheerefully to passe this happy iourney she and I to defend vs from the Sunne being set vnder some trees which gaue a pleasing shaddow We were scarcely there but Polemas came to sit by vs seeming that it was by chance he met vs but I obserued that he had some good while followed vs with his eye And because we sate without any words and that he had a good voyce I sayd to him that hee should binde vs much to him if he would sing I will said he if that fayre will commaund me poynting to Leonide Such a commaundement said she would be a great indiscretion but I will make vse of my prayer especially if you haue any new thing I will willingly answered Polemas and moreouer I assure you that this which you shall heare was made but in the time of the Sacrifice while you were in your prayers And how said I is my companion then the subiect of this song Yes in deed answered he and I am witnesse And then he began to sing We sate very attentiâ—e and it may be I had knowne more had it not beene for Leonide who fearing that Polemas would shevv that which she would hide from me suddenly as he had ended took hold I dare lay a wager said she that I can diuine for whom this Song was made and then drawing neere his eare made as if she named some but indeed she bade him take heede what he sayd before me He being discreete drew backe and answered You haue not diuined right I sweare vnto you it is not for her whom you named Then I perceiued she would hide her selfe from me which was the cause that fayning to gather some floures I went from them on the other side yet not without hauing an eye to their actions Now Polemas himselfe since hath told me all but it was after his affection was passed ouer for so long as that lasted it was not in my power to make him confesse any thing Being then alone they took vp againe the discourse which they had left and she was the first that beganne And why Polemas sayd shee doe you iest thus with your friends Confesse the truth for whom are these verses Faire Nymph sayd he in your soule you know for whom they are as well as I. How sayd shee doe you beleeue me to be a diuiner Yes certainely answered Polemas and of those that obey not the gods who speak by their mouth but make themselues obeyed of him What meane you by that enigmaticall speech sayd the Nymph I meane sayd he that Loue speakes by your mouth otherwise your words would not be so full of fire and loue that they can kindle in all that behold them so burning coles and yet you obey him not though he commaund that he who loueth should be beloued for disobedient you worke that they who die of loue for you may well feele you faire but neuer louing nor so much as onely pitifull I speake for mine owne particular that may sweare with truth that in the world there was neuer beauty better beloued than yours of me In saying these last words he blushed and she smiled answering him Polemas Polemas the old souldiers shew their skarres for witnesse of their valour and complaine not at all you that complaine of yours would hardly shew them if Loue as your Generall to giue you a worthy reward should demaund to see them Cruell Nymph sayd the knight you deceiue your selfe for I may onely say to him Loue put away thy skarfe and behold the eyes of mine enemy for he can no sooner open his eies but he shall see the wounds that I beare in my heart not as you say in my complaint but in making it my glory to haue so worthy an Author of my wounds So that you may iudge that if Loue will enter into reason with me I can sooner satisfie him than you for hee can perceiue the blowes which you cannot because that the fire cannot burne it selfe no more are you being insensible of your owne beauties to be so of our teares nor offended where the armes of merit cannot resist if those of pitty at the least abate the sharpenesse of your rigours to the end that they that adore you for faire may commend you for courteous Leonide loued this knight but would not he should know it as yet But she likewise feared that putting him quite beside all hope shee might also make him lose his courage which was the cause that she answered him If your loue be such the time will
helped him besides that hauing knowledge of herbes and of the nature of beasts the beasts profited so well vnder his hands that there is none that desires not to put them to him whereof hee makes so good an account that besides the profit that he makes thereof there are few that gratifie him not with something so that at this houre he is in good case and may call himselfe rich for O faire Nymph we want not much to make vs so for that nature being contented with a few things we seeke after nothing but to liue according to it we are as soone rich as content and our contentment being easily compassed our riches are quickly gotten You are sayd Siluie more happy then we But you told me of Diane I know her not but by sight tell me I pray you who was her mother That is Bellinde answered he wife of the wise Celion who dyed young And Diane sayd Siluie what is shee and what is her humour She is said Celadon one of the fairest shepheardesses of Lignon and if I were not partiall for Astrea I would say shee were the fairest for in truth besides that shee is to the eye shee hath so many beauties in her spirit that there is nothing superfluous nor defectiue Many times three or foure of vs shepheards haue beene together to consider of her not knowing what perfection might be wished for that she had not for though she loue nothing of loue yet loues shee all vertue with so sincere a will that she binds more to her by that sort then others most violent affections And how said Silâ—ie is she not serued of many The deceit answered Celadon which the father of Filidas did her is the hinderance that there are none now and indeede it was one of the most not able that euer I heard of If it were not painefull to you added Siluie I would bee glad to learne it of you and also to know who this Celion was and who this Bellinde I feare answered the shepheard the discourse will be so long that it will trouble you On the contrary said the Nymph We know not better how to imploy the time while Galathee reades the letters that she went to receiue Then to satisfie your commandement answered he I will doe it as briefly as I can and then hee held on in this sort The History of Celion and Bellinde IT is true faire Nymph that vertue spoyled of all other ornament ceases not to be of it selfe louely hauing so many allurements with which as soone as the soule is touched it must bee beloued and followed but when this vertue meetes with a body that is faire it is not onely pleasing but admirable for that the eyes and spirit are rauished in the contemplation and vision of this beauty which shall bee manifested by the discourâ—â— which I meane to make you of 〈◊〉 Know then that neere the riuer of Lignon there was a very honest shepheard named Philemon who after hee had beene long married had a daughter whom he called Bellinde who comming to growth made as great a shew of beauty in her spirit as might be seene in her body Hard by her house lodged another shepheard called Leon with whom neighbourhood had tyed a strong bond of amity and fortune vnwilling to doe more for the one then for the other gaue him likewise at the same time a daughter whose youth gaue great promise of â—â—ture beauty she was called Amaranthe The friendship of the fathers caused that of the daughters to encrease by frequenting together for they were bred vp together from the cradle and when their age permitted them they led their stlocks alike at night brought them in companies to their lodgings But because as they grew in body their beauty likewise encreased to the view of the eye there were many shepheards that sought their loue whose feruices and affections could not obtaine more of them then that they were receiued with courtesie It fell out that Celion a young shepheard of those quarters hauing lost a sheep came to seek it among Bellindes flock whither it was strayed She restor it with such courtesie that the recouery of his sheep was the beginning of the losse of himselfe and froÌ„ that time he began to feele with what force two faire eies were able to offend for before he was so ignoraÌ„t that the very thoght of it neuer came into his soule But what ignoraÌ„ce soeuer was in him it brought him to that passe that it made him by his wooing know what his disease was and the onely Physician from whom hee was to haue his health So that Bellinde by his actioÌ„s perceiued it almost as soon as himselfe for at the first he knew not what to say his designe was but his affect on growing with his age came to that greatnesse that hee found the discommodity in good earnest and then acknowledged it being constrained to change the pastimes of his youth into a very curious pursuite And Bellinde on the other side though she were serued of many receiued his affection aboue any other yet no otherwise then if he had bene her brother which she made appeare one day when he thought to haue found the coÌ„modity to declare his good will She kept her flocke along the riuer of Lignon and beheld her beauty in the water Whereupon the shepheard taking occasion sayd to her holding after an amorous fashion his hand before his eyes Take heede faire shepheardesse withdraw your eyes from this water feare you not the dangers that others haue runne into by such actions Why say you so answered Bellinde that as yet vnderstood him not Ah then said the shepheard faire and dissembling shepheardesse you represent within this happy riuer more beauty then Narcissus in the fountaine At these words Bellinde blushed and that encreased her beauty the more yet shee answered Since whence Celion haue you wished mee so well without doubt it is well done of you To wish you well said the shepheard it is long time since I did it and you are to beleeue that this will shall be limited by no other termes then that of my life Then the shepheardesse casting down her head on this side said I make no doubt of your amity receiuing it with the same good will that I offer you mine Where to Celion presently answered Let me kisse that faire hand by way of thankes for so great a good and for an earnest of the faithfull seruice which Celion is to render you the rest of his life Bellinde knew as well by the feruour wherewith he vttered these words as by the kisses which he imprinted on her hand that he figured to himselfe his amity of another quality then she meant and because shee would not haue him liue in this error Celion sayd she you are far from that you thinke you cannot sooner banish me from your company then by this meanes if you desire that I should continue the amity I haue
all times the weakenesse of my affection So that I am enforced by your vertueite beseech you to turne this ouer-ardent passion into a moderate amitie which I entertaine with all my heart For this is not a thing impossible and that which is not so cannot be ouer-hard to me for your seruice This answer had beene sufficient to haue diuerted her if Loue had not been of the nature of powder which is then most violent when it is most restrained For against those former difficulties she opposed some sort of reason that Celion ought not so soone to leaue Bellinde it would be too great lightnesse if at the first summons hee should be gone But Time taught her to her cost to deceiue her selfe For after that day the shepheard disdained her so that he shunued her and often chose rather to be absent from Bellinde than to be forced to see her It was then that so easily she shipped her selfe on so dangerous a sea and so notable for the ordinary shipwracks of them that ventured on them and not long able to beare out this displeasure she grew so sad that shee fled from her companions and the places where in before she delighted and at last fell sicke in good earnest Her deare Bellinde went presently to see her and vnawares desired the shepheard to beare her company But as the sight of the good we cannot get doth but increase the desire so this visitation did but make Amaranthes euill worse The night being come all the shepheardesses withdrew and there stayed but Bellinde with her so sorry for the euill of her companion for she knew not what it was that she tooke no rest and when shee asked her of it for answer she had nothing but sighes Whereat Bellinde at the first being astonied in the end offended with her said I neuer thought Amaranthe had so little loued Bellinde that she could haue concealed any thing from her but by that I see I was deceiued And where as I might haue said heretofore I had a friend I may now say I loue a dissembler Amaranthe who for shame had shut vp her mouth vntill then seeing they were alone and being pressed with such an affection resolued to trie the last remedy which she thought fittest for her defence Casting from her all shame as farre off as she could twice or thrice she opened her mouth to tell her all but her words died so betweene her lippes that this was all she could do to bring foorth these broken words laying her hand ouer her eyes as not daring to looke on her to whom she spake My deare companion sayd she for so they called themselues Our amity will not suffer me to hide any thing from you knowing well that though it be told you what concernes me shal be as carefully kept secret by you as by my selfe Excuse then I beseech you the extreme error which to satisfie our amity I am constrained to discouer to you You aske me what my griefe is and whence it comes know that it is Loue borne from the perfections of a shepheard But alas at this word ouercome with shame and displeasure turning her head another way she held her peace with a torrent of teares The astonishment of Bellinde could not make her coniecture yet to giue her courage to make an end she said I did not thinke that a passion so common to all would haue brought you this trouble To loue is a thing ordinary but that it is from the perfections of a shepheard this happens but to persons of iudgement Tell me then who this happy man is Then Amaranthe taking her speech againe with a sigh drawne from the depth of her heart said But alas this shepheard loues else-where And who is he said Bellinde It is answered she since you will know your Celion I say yours my companion because I know he loues you and that this sole amity makes him disdaine mine Excuse my folly and without seeming to know it leaue me alone to complaine and endure mine euill The wise Bellinde was so ashamed when she heard this discourse of the error of her companion that though she loued Celion as well as any might be loued yet she resolued on this occasion to giue proofe of that she was not And therefore turning towards her she said Indeed Amaranthe I suffer in paine more than I can speake of to see you so transported in this affection for it seemeth our sex will not permit vs so intire an authority of loue but since you are in these termes I thanke God it lights in such a place that I may giue proofe of what I am to you I loue Celion I will not deny it as if hee were my brother But I loue you also as my sister and I wish for I know hee will obey me that he loue you more than mee rest your selfe on mee and reioyce you alone prouided you acknowledge when you are recouered what Bellinde hath beene vnto you After some other like discourse the night constrained Bellinde to withdraw leauing Amaranthe with such contentment that forgetting her sadnesse in few dayes shee recouered her former beauty In the meane time Bellinde was not without paine who studying for some meane to make her purpose knowne to Celion found at last as fit a commodity as she wished By fortune she met him as he was playing with his Ram in the great pasture where the greatest part of the shepheards fed their flockes This beast was the leader of the troopes and so well taught that he seemed to vnderstand his master when he spake to him Whereat the shepheardesse took such pleasure that she stayed long at it At last she would trie if it knew her as well as him but it was much more ready to euerie thing shee willed whereupon drawing aside from the company shee said to Celion What thinke you brother of the acquaintance betweene your Ramme and me It is the pleasantest that euer I sawe Such as it is faire shepheardesse sayd he if you will do me the honor to receiue it it is yours But you are not to wonder that he giues you all obeâ—sance for he knowes well I would else disclame him for mine hauing learned by so many songs which hee hath heard of mee as I passe vp and downe that I was more yours then mine owne This well expresses saith the shepheardesse the obedience of your Ram which I wil not receiue to to bee emploied more for you then mee but since you giue mee so intire power ouer you I will try it by ioyning to a commandement a most affectionat prayer There is nothing answered the shepheard which you may not command me Then Bellinde thinking she had found the commodity she sought for pursued her discourse thus from the day that that you assured me of your amity I iudged the same good will to be in you so also it bindeth mee to loue and honor you more then any person liuing Now though I say
without doubt this little god happily for some wager which he hath made with his mother hath not forborne one tricke which alwayes ought to be vsed for old age to make so faire a wound Or if it be not for a wager it is to make vs see in this old thing that the dry wood burns better and more easily then the greene or to shew his power on this old hostesse of tombes it pleaseth him to make proofe of the burning of his torch with which it seemes he hath giuen a new soule and to speake in a word whom hee hath made to rise againe and come out of the coffin The fourth Table BVt let vs passe to the other See a night well represented see how vnder the darknesse of these shadowes these mountains appeare so as they shew but a little and so that in effect one cannot iudge what it is Marke how the starres seemes to twinckle see the others so well disposed that one may know them See the great Beare looke how the iudicious workman though she haue twenty seuen starres yet he representeth clearely but twelue and of these twelue yet he makes but seuen clearely shining See the little Beare and consider that for that these seuen starres are neuer hidden though it hath none of the third magnitude and loure of the fourth yet he makes vs see them all obseruing their proportion See the Dragon in which he hath well set the thirty one starres but he hath not shewed them so well as the thirteene fiue whereof as you see are of the fourth magnitude and the eight of the third Behold the crowne of Ariadne who hath her eight starres but there are but sixe of them that are well seeneâ— yet see on of them shining brighter then them all You may see on the other side the Milky way by the which the Romaines hold that the gods come downe into earth and mount backe into heauen But these clouds are well represented which in some places runne through the Skie with great largenesse and in others onely like a light smoake and some allouer and as they be more or lesse raysed are more or lesse bright Now let vs consider the history of this Table see Mandrak in the midst of a circle a white rod in her right hand a booke all greasie in the other with candle of virgins waxe and thicke spectacles on her nose Looke how she seemes to mumble and how she holds her eyes turnd after a strange fashion her mouth halfe open and making a countenance so strange with browes that show she trauels with affection But haue regard how the foot arme and left shoulder are naked that is for that it is the side of the heart these fancies that you see about are diuels which by the force of her charmes she hath constrained to come to her to know how she may be beloued of Damon They tell her of the affection which he beares to Fortune that there is no better meane then to perswade him that this shepheardesse loues elsewhere and to do it more easily she must for this time change the vertue of the fountaine of the truth of Loue. Before you passe farther consider alittle the workemanship of the picture see the effects of the Candle of Mâ—ndrake among the darknesse of the night She hath all the left side of her face bright and the rest so darke that it seemes to be of a different visage the mouth halfe open seemes within to be bright so farre as the opening will suffer the light to enter And the arme which holds the Candle you may see neare the hand very darke because the booke which shee holds shadowes it and the rest is so bright aboue that it makes the blacknesse shew the more beneath And with the like consideration may bee obserued the effects which the Candle giues among the diuels for they all according as they are turned to it are brighter or darker And see another great peece of art in this picture which is distance for the perspectiue is so well obserued that you would thinke that this other accident which he would represent on the other side is out of this table and farre distant from it and yet this is Mandrake that is in the fountaine of the truth of Loue. But to make you vnderstand all know that sometimes before a faire shepheardesse daughter to a learned Magitian fell secretly in loue with a shepheard which her father perceiued not were it for that the charmes of Magicke can do nothing ouer the charmes of loue or were it that altogether attenâ—iue to his study he cast not his eye on hâ—â— So it was that after an hot burning amitie for that in loue there is nothing more insupportable then disdaine and this shepheard neglecting her for that he had long time beene vowed elsewhere she was brought to that passe that by little and little the fire increasing and her strength diminishing she came to die her fathers knowledge not being able to succour her Whereat the Magitian being very sorry when he knew the occasion for a marke of her memory euer after changed her tombe into a fountaine which he named the truth of loue because that he that loues if he looke into it shall see his Lady and if he be beloued he shall see himselfe by her or him whom she loues or if shee loue none she appeares alone And this is that truth which Mandrake would change that Damon comming to see and finding his mistresse loued another he should loose like wise the affection he bare her and so she might haue the place free And see how she enchants it what caractars she makes round about what triangles what squares interlaid with rounds beleeue she forgets nothing which was necessary for this affaires toucheth her too neare Beforetime she had by her charmes assembled all her diuels to finde remedy to her euill but for that loue is more strong then all this they durst not vndertake it against him but onely counselled her to worke this treason to these two faithfull louers And for asmuch as the vertue of the fountaine came by the enchantment of a Magitian Mandrake which surmounted in this science all her predecessors may put it out for a while But let vs passe to the Table that followeth The fifth Table THe fifth Table continued Adamas hath two actions The first when Damon came to this fountaine to free him from the paine which a trouble some dreame had brought him the other when deceiued by the craft of Mandrake hauing seene in the fountaine that the shepheardesse Fortune loued another in despaire he killed himselfe Now let vs see how well they are represented See Damon with his speare for he is in the same sort set out as he was wont to go on hunting Behold the way he followes marke with what care his faithfull beast attends his maister for while he lookes into the fountaine it seemes the eyes are so bent towards him
these words Ah Damon how lying is this Spring to our vndoing since it made mee see Melide neare vnto you whom I now see die for so dearely louing me So these faithfull louers knew well the falsehood of this Fountaine and more assured then euer of their affection they dyed embracing Damon of the wound and shee for griefe of his death Behold the shepheardesse set against the rock couered with mosse and see Damon leaning his head in her lappe and who to giue her the last farewell reached foorth his arme and necke to her seeming to straine and raise himselfe a little to kisse her in the meane time shee all couered with blood held his head and bowing her selfe to come neare his face layd her hand vnder him for to heaue him vp a little This olde gray headed which is by them is Mandrake the magitian who finding them dead curses her Art detesteth her diuels teares her hayre and batters her brest with blowes The gestures of lifting her hands aboue her head holding her hands ioyned and contrarily casting downe her head almost hiding her chinne in her bosome folding and tossing the body in her lappe are signes of her violent displeasure and of the sorrow which she had for the losse of two so faithfull and peâ—â—â—â—t louers besides the losse of all her contentment The face of this olde woman is hidden but consider the maner of her hayre how it hangs downe low and to the nape of the necke and those that are more short seeme to sticke vp Behold a little farther off Cupid weeping see his bowe and arrowes broken his torch put out and his scarffe all wet with teares for the lesse of two so faithfull louers Celadon was all the while very attentiue to the discourse of the wise Adamas and often repented himselfe for his want of courage that could not finde a like remedy to that of Damon and because the consideration of this held him some while mute Galathee as shee went out of the caue and taking Celadon by the hand what thinke you sayd shee of these loues and of these effects That these are answered the shepheard the effects of imprudence and not of loue and it is a popular errour to couer our owne ignorance or to excuse our faults to attribute alwayes to some diuinitie the effects whereof the causes are hidden from vs. And how sayd she thinke you there is no loue If there be sayd the shepheard it should bee nothing but sweetnesse But howsoeuer it bee you speake Madame to one so ignorant as any that liues for besides that my condition will not permit â—mee to know much my grosser spirit hath made me much more incapable Then the sad Siluy replyed It is some while since I saw you in a place where one might hardly beleeue this of you for there were so many beauties for you to take and you are too honest a man to suffer your selfe to be taken Faire Nymph answered the shepheard in what place soeuer this was since you were there it is without question there was much beautie there but as too much fier burns rather then warmes so your beauties are too great for our rusticke hearts and make themselues rather admired then beloued and rather adored then serued With such talke this faire company went to their lodging whither the houre of repast called them The end of the eleuenth booke THE TVVELFTH BOOKE OF ASTREA AND CELADON BY that time the day began to appeare Leoâ—ide following the resolution which in the euening Adamas her companion and Celadon had taken together came into the shepheards chamber to put on him the habite which her vncle had brought But the little Merill that by the commandement of Galathee ordinarily tarried with Celadon to spy Leoâ—ides actions as well as to waite on the shepheard hindred them long time from doing it At last some noyse they made in the court caused Merill to go foorth that hee might bring them some newes Then presently Celadon rose and the Nymph behold to what Loue abases her helped him to cloath himselfe for he could not do it without her Within a while after see the little Merill that came running backe so fast that he must needs take them in the manner but Celadon that had an eye to him got into a wardrobe expecting when he should returne He was no sooner entred but hee asked where Celadon was He is within the wardrobe sayd the Nymph he will come presently but what would you with him I would tel him answered the boy that Amasis is comming hither Leonide was a little surprised fearing shee should not be able to finish what she had begun yet to take some counsell with Celadon she sayd to Merill little Merill I pray thee runne to informe my Lady of it for it may be she will be ouertaken The child ran out and Celadon comes laughing forth at these newes And why sayd the Nymph do you laugh Celadon at her comming you may wel be taken No such thing sayd he onely hold you on in dressing mee for I may easily steale away in the confusion of so many Nymphes But while they wereabout their businesse see Galathee commeth in so suddenly that Celadon could not get into the Cabinet you may well iudge that the Nymph and Celadon were surprised but the subtilty of Leonide was greater and quicker then it was credible for seeing Galathee enter she tooke hold on Celadon who would haue run to hide himselfe and turning toward the Nymph did what she could to stay him Madame sayd she if it please you not to do somewhat that my Lady your mother come not hither we are all vndone for my part I haue done what I could to disguise Celadon but I feare I cannot bring it about Galathee who at the first knew not what to iudge of this Metamorphosis commended the spirit of Leonide for inuenting this shift and comming neerer to consider Celadon so well disguised vnder this habit that she could not hold from laughter answered the Nymph Friend we had bin vndone but for you for there was no meane to hide the shepheard from so many persons as come with Amasis where being clad in this habit we are not onely more assured but withall I would haue you let your other companions see her that they may take her for a maide And then she went on the other side and was rauished in beholding him for his beauty by these ornaments made the greater show In the meane time Leonide the better to play her part told her that she might be gone for feare lest Amasis came suddenly on her So the Nymph after she had resolued that Celadon should call himselfe the kinswoman of Adamas named Lucinde went out to entertaine her mother after she had commanded Leonide to bring her where they were as soone as she could be drest I must confesse the truth sayd Celadon after she was gone in my life was I neuer more astonished then at
these three accidents at the comming of Amasis at the surprisall of Galathee and at your quicke inuention Shepheard sayd she that which I do proceedes of the good will I haue to rid you of your paine and would to God all the rest of your contentment would sort as luckily as this doth then you should know how much good I wish you For requitall of so great an obligation answered the shepheard I can but offer you the life which you haue preserued with such discourses they entertained themselues till Merill came into the chamber and seeing Celadon almost ready he was rauished and sayd There is no body that can know him and I that am all day with him would not beleeue it is he vnlesse I saw him dressing Celadon answered him who told you I was disguised Thus it was answered he My Lady who commanded me to call you Lucinde and that I should say you are the kinswoman of Adamas and sent me presently to the Druide to let him know it who could not forbeare laughter when he heard it and he promised me to do as my Lady had appointed See that all things goe well sayd the shepheard and take heed you forget not your selfe In the meane time Amasis being come out of her charriot met Galathee at the stayres foote with Siluy and Adamas Daughter sayd she you haue bene ouer long in your solitarinesse I must recreate you a little specially for that newes which I haue seene from Clidaman and Lindamor doe reioyce me that I can enioy it no longer alone therefore came I vnto you to giue you a part and desire to haue you goe with me to Marcellis where I will haue bonefires made for so good newes I thanke God answered Galathee for so great happinesse and I beseech God to keepe you yet an age longer but indeed Madame the place is so pleasing to me that it makes mee sorry to leaue it It shall not bee long replyed Amasis but because I will not goe backe till toward night let vs go walke and I will tell you al that I haue learned Then Adamas kissed her robe and sayd your newes madame must be good since to tell them to my Lady your daughter you came abroad so early It is two or three daies sayd Amasis since I receiued them and suddenly resolued to come hither for me thinks I cannot ioy at such contentment alone and indeed the thing deserues to be knowne With such discourse she descended into the garden where beginning to walke hauing Galathee on the one side and Adamas on the other she went on in this sort The history of Lidias and Melander COnsidering the strange accidents which happen by Loue mee â—hinks we are almost constrained to confesse that if Fortune haue many wheeles to aduance and cast downe to turne and change humane things the wheele of loue is that with which she often serues her turne for there is nothing that yeelds so many changes as this passion of Loue. The examples are alwayes so common before our eyes that it should be superfluous to tell them Yet must you confesse when you haue heard what I will I say that this accident is one of the most remarkable that yet you haue euer heard told You know how Clidaman by lot became seruant to Siluy and how Guimaâ—â—es by the letter which he brought from his brother became likewise amorous I assure my selfe since that time you cannot be ignorant of the designe that made them both depart so secretly to seeke out Meroue nor that I might not leaue Clidaman alone in a place so farre off I sent after him vnder the charge of Lindamor a company of yong knights of this country but you can hardly know what befell them since their departure and that is it which I will now tell you for there is nothing more worthy to be knowne As soone as Clidaman came to thearmy Guimantes who was well knowne there brought him to kisse the hands of Meroue and Childericke and without shewing who he was only gaue them to vnderstand that he was a yong knight of a good house that desired to serue them They were receiued with open armes and especially for comming in a time when their enemies had renued their forces and taking good courage had threatned to giue battell But when Lindamor was come and that they knew what Clidaman was the honour and welcome which they did him cannot be told for within two or three fights he was so famous that both his friends and enemies knew him and esteemed of him Among other prisoners which he and Guimantes tooke for commonly they went together in all enterprises they found a youth of great Brittaine so faire but so sad that it wrought pittie in Clidaman and because the longer he remained in captiuitie the more appeared his sorrow one day he caused him to be called before him and after he had enquired of his estate and condition he asked the occasion of his sadnesse saving that if it proceeded of his imprisonment he must like a man of courage beare such accidents and he was to thanke the heauens that had prouided hee should fall into their hands since hee was in a place where he should receiue nothing but curtesie and the delay of his libertie proceeded but from the command of Merouâ— who had forbidden that the prisoners should as yet be ransomed and when he would giue them leaue he should see what their curtesie was This yong man thanked him yet was not able to forbeare fighing whereat Clidaman somewhat more moued demanded the cause to whom he answered Sir knight this sadnesse which you see painted in my face and these sighes which steale so often from my brest proceed not of this prison you speak of but of another which binds me more stâ—aightly for time and ransome may free mee from this but from the other there is nothing but death that can â—â—deeme mee And I am resolued to beare it with patience if I did not foresee an ouer-speedie end not by my death onely but the losse of that partiâ— that keepes me in so strait hold Clidaman knew well by his words that it was Loue whereof he laboured and by the experience which he had found in himselfe considering the disease of his prisoner he tooke such pittie on him that he assured him his liberty the soonest hee could possibly knowing well by proofe that they be the passions and disquietnesses that accompany the person that truly loues Since faid he you know that it is Loue and that your courtesie binds me to beleeue that the knowledge you may haue of me shall not make you change your good will to the end you may iudge of the cause which I haue to complayne of or rather to despayre of seeing the euill so neere and the remedy so farre so you will promise me not to discouer it I will tell you things which without doubt will astonish you and when he had promised
one attainted if he had any of his friends that would offer himselfe for him he proffered to fight in that quarrell that if he were ouercome he would set him at liberty that otherwise lustice should be done And to giue time to his kinsfolkes and friends he would keepe him a moneth in his custody that if none come within that time hee would giue him ouer into the rigorous hands of the Ancients of Roaâ— to be handled as he deserues and that there might be no aduantage to any he would this Combat should be fought with Sword and Dagger in their shirts But Lipandas being accounted one of the valintest men in all Normandy there was not one that had the hardinesse to vndertake this combate besides that the friends of Lidias not vnderstanding of it could not performe that good office Sir knight when I remember the contraries which shake me when I heard this newes I must confesse I was neuer more confounded in my life no not when this perfidious man forlooke me Then would Loue haue me know that the propositions made against him are more weake when he will then the waues that beat in vaine against the rock to make it shake for to pay the tribute of Loue you must run to the ordinary moneys with which his imposts are payd which are teares But after long and vaine bewailing the persidious Lidias I must in the end resolue of his safetie thogh it cost me both my restanâ—d honor And transported with this new furie or rather with this renewing of Loue I resolued to go to Callais with an intent to finde the meanes there to aduertise the kinsmen and friends of Lidias and giuing order with as great secresie as I could for my voyage one night I stole away in the habit you see me but my fortune was so hard that I stayd aboue fifteene dayes before I could find a ship that went that way I know not what became of my parents when they saw I was gone for I heard no newes of them since onely I know the old age of my poore father can hardly beare out this griefe for he loued me more tenderly then I did my selfe and hath euer so carefully bred me that I am oftentimes astonied how I could endure the discommodities which since my departure I haue borne and I must say it is Loue and not my selfe But to hold on our course after I had stayd fifteene or sixteene daies at the Sea side at last there came a ship in which I went to Callais when I had no more then fiue or sixe dayes of the Terme that Lipandas had giuen The tossing of the ship had so distempered me that I was constrained to keepe my bed two dayes so that I had no time to aduertise kinsmen of Lidias especially not knowing who they were nor where they dwelt If this troubled me you may iudge especially because me thought I was come at the time to see him die and to be present at his funerals O Gods how do you dispose vs I was so ouerlayd with this disaster that day and night the teares were in mine eyes At last the day before the Terme transported with a desire to dye before Lidias I resolued to enter into the combat against Lipandas What resolution or rather what despaire was this for all my life long I neuer tooke sword in my hand knew not well with which hand to hold the dagger or the sword and yet behold me resolued to enter into combat with a knight who all his life had bene vsed to that mysterie and who had alwaies wonne the title of braue and valiant But all these considerations were nothing against me that chose to die before he whom I loued lost his life And though I knew well I could not saue him yet was it no little satisfaction to me that he should haue that proofe of my loue One thing tormented me infinitely which I endeauoured to remedie which was the feare lest Lidias might know me and left that might hinder my designe because we were to fight vnarmed To remedy which I sent a scroule to Lipandas whereby after I had desyed him I desired that being both knights wee might serue our selues of the armor which knights vse and not like desperate persons Hee answered that the next morning he would be in the field and that I might come armed and so would he though he would haue it at his owne choyce after he had begunne the combat in that sort for my satisfaction to finish it for his owne as he had propounded at the beginning I that doubted not but in what sortsoeuer I was to die accepted what he would And with this purpose in the morning I presented my selfe in the field armed at all poynts but I must confesse the truth I was so combred with my armor that I knew not how to stirre They that saw me go staggering thought it was for feare of the combat and it was out of weakenesse Soone after behold Lipandas came armed and mounted to his aduantage who at his first setting out made them afraide whom the danger no way touched and beleeue you not that I was amazed But when the poore Lidias was brought on a scaffold to be present at the combat for the pitie which I had to see him in such case touched me so that I stayd long without being able to stirre At last the Iudges led me to him to know if he accepted me for his champion Hee asked me who I was then counterfeiting my voyce content your selfe Lidias sayd I I that am the onely man that will vndertake this fight for you Since it is so replyed hee you must be a person of valour and therefore sayd he turning to the Iudges I accept him and as I was going he sayd Valiant knight feare not but our quarrell is iust Lidias answered I I would you had no other iniustice and then I withdrew my selfe so resolued to dye that I hardly tarryed for the trumpets giuing signall of battaile Indeede at the first sound I set forward but my horse shooke me so sore that in stead of bearing my lance as I should I let it go as Fortune would so that in place of striking him I thrust it into the necke of the horse leauing the speare in his body whereupon the horse ranne at the first about the field in despite of his maister at last fell downe dead Lipandas was comming against me with such an eagernesse to do well that his ouer great desire made him misse his blow for my part my horse went whither he would for all that I could doe was to keepe my selfe from falling and stopping of himselfe and hearing Lipandas crying to me to turne him with many reuilings for that I had killed his horse I came backe when I had layd my hand on my sword the best I could and not without paine but my horse which happily I had spurred more then his courage would beare as soone
which you see in me and the sighes which giue me no rest proceed not from the prison wherein I am for this is pleasant in respect of that which was propounded but to thinke how this perfidious and cruell Lipandas will without doubt commit him into the hands of his enemies who expect no other thing but to see a deplorable and shamefull end for of the fifteene dayes which he gaue tenne are passed so that I almost despayre to be able to doe this last office to Lidias At this word the teares hindered her voyce that she was constrayned to hold her peace but with such demonstration of displeasure that Clidaman was mooued and to comfort her said You are not said he couragious Melandre so to lose your courage that you may not maintaine that generousnesse in this accident which you haue shewed in all the rest that God which hath preserued you in so great perills will not forsake you in the lesser You are to beleeue that what may depend on me shall be alwayes disposed of to your contentment But for that I am vnder a Prince whom I may not displease your libertie must come from him yet doe I promise you for my part whatsoeuer you may hope from a good friend And so leauing her with these good words hee went to seeke out Childericke and besought him to procure of King Meroue the liberty of this young prisoner The young Prince who loued my sonne and who knew well how willing the King his father would be to oblige Clidaman without longer stay went to demaund it of Meroue who graunted what his sonne asked And because the time was so short that the least part of it lost would hurt Melandre hee went to seeke her at her Lodging where hauing led her aside he said Sad Knight quoth he you must change that name for if your misfortunes haue heretofore giuen you cause to beare it it seemes you shall shortly loose it The Heauens begin to looke on you with a more pleasing eye then of wont And as one euill comes not alone so good fortunes march alwayes in companies and for proofe of that I say know Knight for so your will is I should call you since your generousnesse hath of good right wonne you that Title that henceforth you are at liberty and may dispose of your actions as you please The Prince of the Franks hath giuen mee leaue to dispose of you and the dutie of a Knight binds me not onely to set you at liberty but to offer you all the assistance that you thinke I may affoord you Melandre hearing a word so vnhoped for leaped with ioy and casting her selfe at his feet kissed his hand by way of thankes for so great a grace for the good which shee imagined to receiue from him was to be put to a ransome and the inconueniences of paying it made her despayre of being able to doe it so soone as the terme of fifteene dayes were run out But when shee heard so great courtesie Truly said she to him Sir Knight you make it appeare that you know what it is to loue since you haue pittie on them that are taynted with it I pray God vntill my selfe be able to requite it that hee would make you as happy as hee hath made you courteous and worthie of all good fortune and at that very houre shee would haue beene gone which Clidaman would not suffer because it was night The next morning then very early she set on her way and stayed not till she came to Callais where by chance she arriued the day before the terme That euening she would haue made her comming knowne to Lipandas had shee not beene of the minde considering the perfidiousnesse of him with whom shee had to doe to attend for the day that the more persons might see the wrong hee did her if haply hee should be fayling of his word The day being come and the houre of Mid-day hauing strucke that the chiefe men of the place to honour the Gouernour were then in his house behold the sad Knight presenting himselfe at the first hee was not knowne for they had not seene him but in Combate where it may be feare had altered his countenance and then euery man drew neere to heare what hee would say Lipandas said he I come hither in the behalfe of the kinsmen and friends of Lidias to heare some newes of him and to charge you with your word or to referre him to some other new condition otherwise they send you word by me that they will proclay me you for an vnhonest man Stranger answered Lipandas you may tell them that Lidias fares better then he shall doe within few dayes because that this day being past I will deliuer him into the hands of them that will auenge me that for my word I thinke I am quit in giuing him ouer into the hands of lustice for this Iustice what other thing is it but true Libertie As for the new conditions I will haue no other but that which I haue already propounded which is that they put into my hands him that fought against me that I may doe my will of him and I will deliuer Lidias And what is that said he that you will doe When I am to giue account of my actions to you answered hee you shall know And how said he are you yet of the same mind Altogether of the same mind replyed Lipandas If it be so added the sad Knight send for Lidias and I will deliuer you him whom you demaund Lipandas that aboue all things desired to be reuenged of his enemie for he had turned all his hatred on Melandre sent for him immediately Lidias that knew well that that day was the last of the terme which he had set beleeued it was to lead him to the Lords of Iustice notwithstanding hee fore-saw his assured death yet did hee chuse it rather then to see him that had fought for him in that danger for his sake When hee was come before Lipandas hee said Lidias see the last day that I haue giuen thee to present thy Champion into my hands this young Knight is come hither for that cause if he doe it thou art at liberty Melandre while those few words were speaking found the meanes to turne her face aside that shee might not be knowne and when shee would answer shee turned wholly towards Lipandas and said Yes Lipandas I haue promised and I will doe it Doe you keepe your word as well for I am hee whom you demaund behold me that feare neither rigour nor cruelty whatsoeuer prouided that my friend be freed from paine Then euery one cast his eyes on her and calling to memory the fashion of him that combated knew she sayd true Her beauty her youth and her affection mooued all them that were present except Lipandas who thought himself infinitely offended with hâ—r commanded she should presently bee put in prison and suffered Lidias to goe at libertie Hee that desired
rather his owne destruction then to see himselfe so much obliged made some difficultie But Melandre came toward him and told him in his care Lidias be gone trouble not your selfe for me I haue a meane to get out of prison very easily when I will and if you will doe any thing for me I pray you goe serue Meroue and particularly Clidaman who is the cause that you are at liberty and tell him that it is for my sake that you came to him And is it possible said Lidias that I should goe before I know who you are I am answered she the sad Knight and this shall suffice till you haue better opportunitie to know more So went Lidias away with a resolution to serue the King of the Franks since hee to whom hee twice ought his life would haue it so But in the meane time Lipandas expressely commaunded that Melandre should be well guarded and put her into a Denne with yrons on her hands and feet resoluing to let her lye there till shee dyed through miserie Iudge in what case this young maid was and what complaints she might make against Loue Her food was vile and her lodging fearefull and all other discommodities great that if her affection had not supported these things it is impossible but shee must haue dyed But in the meane time the rumor spred throughout all Normandy that Lidias by the meanes of his friend was deliuered from the prison at Callais and that he was gone to serue the King Meroue this was the cause that his banishment was renewed and he declared Traytor to his Countrey Yet hee forbare not to come to the Campe of the Franks where searching for the Tent of Clidaman it was shewed him As soone as he saw it and that Lindamor and Guymantes spyed him they ran to embrace him but with such affection and such courtesie that he was astonied for they all tooke him for Ligdamon that a little before was lost in the battaile which they had against the Normans whom he so much resembled that all they that knew Ligdamon were deceiued In the end being knowne to be Lidias the friend of Melandre he led him to Meroue where in the presence of them all Lidias discoursed to the King the story of his prison as you haue heard and the courtesie which he had twice receiued of that vnknowne Knight and at last the commaundement which hee gaue him to come and serue him and particularly Clidaman Then Clidaman after the King had entertained him and thanked him for his loue said Is it possible Lidias you know not him that fought and is in prison for you No truely sayd he Behold sayde hee the strangest mistaking that I euer heard spoken of haue you euer seene one resemble him Not as I remember sayd Lidias all astonished Then will I tell the king sayd Clidaman an history the most worthy of compassion that euer loue wrought And thereupon hee began the discourse which Lidias had told that he went into great Brittaine of the contents he found there whereto he adioyned very discreetly the loue of Melandre of the promises he made of the carrying her into Normandie with him if he were constrained to goe of his flight and lastly of his imprisonment at Callais The poore Lidias was so astonished to heare such particularities of his life that he knew not what to thinke But when Clidaman repeated to him the resolution of Melandre to set on her voyage and her attiring her selfe like a man to giue his friends knowledge of it and after to arme and enter in close field against Lipandas and the fortunes of the two combats there was not one of the hearers that was not rauished and much more when he ended all that which I haue tolde you O Gods cryed out Lidias is it possible that mine eyes haue beene so blinded what is there for mee to doe to free my selfe of this obligation There is nothing more sayde Clydaman then to hazard for her that which she hath preserued in you That added Lidias with a deepe sigh me thinks it is but a small thing if the intire affection which she beares me be accompanyed with mine owne In the meane time that they had this discourse they which heard Clidaman said that this maid alone deserued to haue this great Army to assaile Callais In truth sayde Meroue I will neglect all other things rather then not get the libertie to a Lady so vertuous and wee know not how our armes may bee better employed then in such seruice The euening being come Lidias goeth to Clidaman and discouers to him that hee had an infallible enterprise on Callais which hee had noted during the time hee was prisoner that if they would giue him souldiers without doubt he would put them into the towne This aduice being reported to Meroue it was found so good that he resolued to send him So there were giuen him fiue hundred archers conducted by two hundred men at armes to execute this enterprise The conclusion was for I cannot tell you all the businesse Callais was taken Lipandas prisoner and Melandre freed out of captiuitie But I know not how nor why hardly was the tumult of the taken town ceased but it was noted that Lidias and Melandre were gone so that since is vnknowne what is become of them Now during all these things the poore Ligdamon hath been more tormented for Lidias then may well be told for being prisoner in the hands of the Normans he was taken for Lidias and as soone condemned to death Clidaman so wrought that Meroue sent them two Heralds at Armes to let them know how they deceiued themselues but the assurance which Lipandas had newly giuen them made them passe it ouer without giuing credit to Meroue So behold Ligdamon put into the Cage of the Lyons where it is said hee did more then a man might doe but without doubt he had dyed had it not been that a very faire Lady had demaunded him for Husband The custome which permits it to be so saued him for that time but shortly after hee dyed for louing Siluy with such an affection that it would not suffer him to marry any other then her hee rather made choise of a Tombe then that faire Dame so that when they would marry him he poysoned himselfe and she that beleeued it was indeed Lidias who heretofore had loued her so dearely poysoned her selfe also with the same potion So is the poore Ligdamon dead with such lamentation of euery one that there is none among his enemies but bewayles him But that is a gracious reuenge wherewith Loue hath punished the cruell Lipandas for calling to his remembrance the vertue the beautie and the affection of Melandre he is become so farre in loue with her that poore as hee is hee takes no consolation but in speaking of her My sonne sends me word that he doth what he can to get him out of prison and that he hopes to obtaine it
So continued Amasis now they liue with such honour and commendations that euery man esteemes more of them then any other in the Army I pray God said Adamas to continue them still in such good fortune And while they discoursed thus they saw comming along Leonide and Lucinde with the little Merill I say Lucinde because Celadon as I told you bare that name following the resolution which Galathee had made Amasis that knew her not asked who she was It is answered Galathee a kinswoman of Adamas so faire and so furnished with vertue that I haue desired him to leaue her with me a while she is called Lucinda It seemes said Amasis she is as demure as fayre I assure my selfe added Galathee that her humour will please you and if you thinke it good she shall come Madame with vâ—to Mâ—rcelles At this word Leonide came so neere that Lucinde to kisse the hand of Amasis aduanced forward and setting one knee on the ground kissed her hand with a fashion so well counterfeited that there was none but tooke her for a maid Amasis raysed her vp and after she had embraced her she kissed her telling her that she loued Adamas so well that whatsoeuer touched him was deare to her as her owne children Then Adamas tooke the word by the end for feare that if the fained Lucinde should answer they might find out somewhat by her voice But hee needed not haue feared for she knew so well to counterfeit that her voyce as well as the rest would haue helped the better to make vp the deceit Yet for this blow shee contented her selfe to allow of the answer of Adamas onely with a low courtesie and after drew backe among the other Nymphs attending for nothing but some opportunity to steale away At last the houre of dinner being come Amasis returned to her Lodging where finding the Tables ready spred euery one full of contentment for the good newes they had dined cheerefully except Siluy who had alwayes before her eyes the image of her deare Ligdamon and in her soule the remembrance that he dyed for her This was the subiect wherewith they spent one part of the dinner for the Nymph was willing ynough they should know that she loued the memory of a man both vertuous and so dedicated to her but withall that being dead she should be no more importuned by him nor he benefit himselfe with this good will After dinner all the Nymphs disposed themselues some to play other to see the House some the Garden others to entertaine the time with diuerse discourses in the chamber of Amasis Leonide without the heeding of any making shew to prepare her selfe for the iourney got out of the chamber and shortly after Lucinde and meeting at the Rendeuous that was giuen them fayning to go walke went out of the Castle hauing hid vnder their sleeues eyther of them a part of the shepheards garments and when they were at the Woods end the shepheard vnclothed himselfe and taking his accustomed habite thanked the Nymph for the great helpe she had giuen him and offered in exchange his life and all that depended on it Then the Nymph with a great sigh sâ—â—d Well quoth she Celadon haue I not kept the promise I made you Doe you not thinke you are bound to performe that which you promised me I should thinke my selfe answered he the most vnworthy that euer liued if I should faile Now Celadon said she then remember what you haue sworne to me for I am resolued now to bring it into proofe Faire Nymph answered Celadon dispose of all that I may as of that which your selfe may for you shall be no better obeyed of your selfe then of me Haue you not promised replyed the Nymph that I should inquire into your life passed and that which I could find you might doe for me you would doe it and hee answering it was true Well Celadon continued she I haue done that which you willed me and though they paint Loue blind yet hath it left me light ynough to know that truely you are to continue the loue which you haue so often promised to be eternall to your Astrea for the precisenesse of Loue will not permit a man to be either for sworne or vnfaithfull And so though one haue vsed you hardly yet must not you fayle in your dutie for another mans error will neuer wash away our fault Then loue the faire and happy Astrea with as much affection and sinceritie as you euer loued her serue her adore her and more if more may be for Loue will haue extremity in his sacrifice but withall I well know that the good offices which I haue done you deserue some remembrance of you and without doubt because Loue cannot pay it selfe but by Loue you shall be obliged to satisfie me in the same money if the impossibilitie contradicted it not But since it is true that one heart is capable but of one true loue I must pay my selfe of that which remaynes Then hauing no more Loues to giue me as to a Mistris I demaund your amitie as your sister and from henceforth you loue me you cherish me and hold me for such The contentment of Celadon hearing these words cannot be expressed for he protested that that was one of the things which in his miserie he found some kind of contentment in Therefore after hee had thanked the Nymph for the amitie she bare him he swore vnto her to take her for his sister and neuer to vse her but as that name commaunded him Then lest they should be found out they separated themselues both well contented and satisfied each with other Leonide returned to the pallace and the shepheard held on his voyage shunning the places where he thought hee might meet with shepheards whom he knew and leauing Mountverdun on the left hand hee passed through the middest of a great Playne that in the end led him to a Coast somewhat raysed and from whence hee might know and marke with his eye the most part of the places where he had vsed to driue his flocke to feede on the other side of Lignon where Astrea came to seeke him where sometimes they auoided the ouer-scorching heat of the Sunne Briefely this view set before his eyes the most part of the contentments which he payed so dearely for at that houre and in that consideration being set at the foot of a Tree hee sighed out these Verses Remembrances THen did my faire Sunne take her rest While the other lazie sleeping lay But when he comes at breake of day With Gilly flowers and â—oses drest To chase away th' affrights of night Then chiefely shines with beames most bright The Sunne that my soule doth adore Carrying the day light as she moues Vnto the Playnes she honours more And whom she going fills with loues Vpon that running Riuers side He shewes himselfe in sundry wise Sometimes with scorching heat he fryes Another while his light he hides And seemes as
In beauty other beauties farre As doth the Moone by night deface The brightnesse of each other Starre Though Filander spake these words high enough yet Daphnis heard but some of them by reason she was farre off but taking it somewhat remote she drew toward him without being seene as softly as she could though he were so intentiue to his imagination that had she beene before him he would not haue perceiued it as he since swore to me Hardly had she got neere him but she might heare him fetch a deepe sigh loud enough and after with a lowe voyce say And why will not my fortune haue me as fit to serue her as she is worthy to be serued and why may not she as well receiue the affections of them that loue her as shee giue them extreme passions Ah Callyre how pernitious to my repose hath your disguising beene and my boldnesse punished with a right iust infliction Daphnis heard Filander very attentiuely and though he spake plaine yet could she not comprehend what he meant abused by the opinion that he was Callyre this was the cause that bending an care more curiously she heard him lifting his voyce somewhat higher say But ouer-bold Filander who shall euer excuse thy fault or what great chastisement shall equall thine error Thou louest this shepheardesse and seest not that how much her beauty commands so much her vertue forbids thee how often haue I warned thee and yet thou wouldest not beleeue me Accuse none other of thine euill but thine owne folly At this word his tongue stayed but his eyes and sighes in stead of it beganne to giue testimony what her passion was whereof he had discouered but a little And to diuert him from his thoughts or rather to continue them more sweetly he rose vp to walke as he vsed and so suddenly that he perceiued Daphnis though to hide her selfe she fled away But he that had seene her to know who it was pursued her to the entry of a very thicke wood where he ouertooke her and thinking she had discouered that which he had so concealed halfe in choler sayd What curiosity Daphnis is this to come and spie me out in the night heere It is answered Daphnis smiling to learne of you by craft that which I should not know otherwise and herein she thought she spake to Callyre not hauing yet discouered that it was Filander Well held on Filander thinking to be discouered what great newes haue you learned All sayd Daphnis that I desired to know Will you then sayd Filander satisfie your selfe with your curiosity As well answered she as you and you are like to finde hurt of your deceit For this keeping about Diane and this great affection which you make shew of to her will bring you in the end but trouble and displeasure O God! cryed Filander Is it possible I should be discouered Ah discreet Daphnis since you know so well the cause of my abode heere you haue in your hands my life and my death but if you will bethinke you of what I am and what offices of amity you haue receiued from me when occasion is presented I will rather beleeue that you wish my good and contentment more then my despayre and ruine Daphnis as yet thought she spake to Callyre and had opinion that this feare was because of Gerestan who would take it euill if hee vnderstood that she did this office to her brother and to assure him sayd You ought to be so farre from doubting that I know of your affayres that if you had informed me I should haue yeelded all the counsell and all the assistance which you could desire of mee But tell mee this dessigne from poynt to poynt that your freenesse may binde me more to your seruice than the mistrust you haue had of me gaue me offence I will O Daphnis sayd he prouided that you promise me not to tell it to Diane vntill I giue consent This is a discourse answered the shepheardesse which we shall make to no good purpose to her her humor heerein being more strange then you are aware of That is my griefe sayd Philander hauing from the beginning knowne that I enterprise a dessigne almost impossible For when my sister and I resolued to change habit shee taking mine and I hers I well fore-sawe that all that would be to mine aduantage was that I might conuerse more freely with her for some few dayes so disguised that she might not know me for Filander How interrupted Daphnis all surprized how for Filander and are not you Callyre The shepheard that thought she had knowne it before was halfe mad to be discouered so foolishly but seeing the fault was past and that he could not call backe the words he had spoken thought it to some purpose to preuent her and sayd You may see Daphnis if you haue cause to be sorry for me and to say that I trust you not since so freely I discouer vnto you the secret of my life For that which I will tell you is of that moment that as soone as any other knowes it there is no more hope of health in me but I will rely and so referre my selfe to your hands that I cannot liue but by you Know then shepheardesse that you see before you Filander in the habit of his sister and that loue in me and compassion in her haue beene the cause of our disguising and after went discoursing vnto her his extreme affection the fauours he had of Amidor and Filidas the inuention of Callyre to change habit the resolution to go to her husband attired like a man Briefly all that had passed in this affayre with such demonstration of loue that though at the beginning Daphnis wondred at his hardinesse and at his sisters yet so it was that she lost that wonder when she knew the greatnesse of his affection iudging that they might draw him into more great follies And albeit that if they had called her to thier counsell when they vndertooke the enterprize she would neuer haue aduised them to it yet seeing the effect had sorted to some good she resolued to assist him in all that was possible sparing neyther labour nor care nor art which she iudged fit to imploy and hauing made promise with all assurances of friendship she gaue the best aduice she could which was by little and little to engage me into his loue For sayd she Loue among women is one of those wrongs the words whereof offend more then the blowe It is a worke that none is ashamed to doe prouided the name be hidden So that I hold them the best aduised which cause themselues to be beloued of their shepheards before they speake a word to them of loue So that I oue is a creature that hath nothing rude in it but the name being otherwise so pleasing that there is none offended at it And therefore that Diane may entertayne it it must be without naming it especially without seeing it and
her hand before her eyes and afterwards began to run as if shee had allured mee to run after her At the first I was so amazed with the blow I made as though I heeded it not but when she came back the second time I fell on running after her and she after she had somewhat run about her cōpanions started from them and when she was a litle from them faining to bee out of breath lay downe behind a thicke bush I that at first ran without any dessine seeing her on the ground and in a place where shee might not bee seene seeming desirous to bee reuenged for the paine shee had put mee to began to clap her whereto shee made a small resistance but so that she shewed this priuacy displeased her not especially for that seeming to defend her she discouered purposely as I thinke to make her white skin seeme whiter by much then one would iudge by her face At last being risen vp she sayd to mee I did not thinke Hylas you had bene so rude a gamester otherwise I would not haue meddled with you If this displease you said I I craue pardon but if it be not so I was neuer in my life better payd for my indiscretion then now How meane you that sayd shee I meane said I faire Floriante that I neuer saw fairer then that I spied eene now See said shee what a lier you are and at this word strooke me gently on the cheeke and ran backe to her companions This Floriante was the daughter of an honest knight that then was sicke and kept neere the shore of Arar and shee hearing of her fathers sickenesse went to seeke him out hauing stayed somewhile with one of her sisters who was married in Arles her face was not very faire for she was somewhat browne but she had such conceits and was of so liuely an humor that I must tell you this meeting made me lose the will I had to Aymee and that so quickly that I felt little displeasure in leauing her so that the contentment in finding this cleered me of all griefe I then forsooke Aymee me thought and addicted my selfe wholy vnto Floriante I may say me thought for it was not true altogether seeing that often when I saw her I tooke pleasure to talke with her though the affection which I bare the other drew me with a little more violence but indeed when I considered sometime what I sayd I found that whereas I was wont to loue but one I did now serue two It is true that this was with no great paine for when I was neere Floriante I neuer remembred Aymee and when I was neer Aymee Floriante had no place in my memory And ther was nothing so much tormented me as when I was far from them both for I was sorry for them both together Now gentle Paris this entertainement lasted with me to Vienna but being by chance at our lodging for almost euery night we went ashore and specially when we passed by any good townes lo there comes a shepherdesse to intreat the master of the boate where I was to let her haue a place as farre as Lyons because her husband being wounded by some enemies had sent vnto her to seeke him out The master who was curteous receiued her willingly so the next morning she placed her selfe in the boate with vs. Shee was faire but somodest and discreet that she was to be no lesse commended for her vertue otherwise so sad and full of melancholy that she moued pitty from all the company And because I haue alwayes had much compassion on the afflicted I had it infinitely ouer this endeuored to comfort her the best I could wherat Floriante was not contented what countenance soeuer she set on it nor Aimee neither for conceiue gentle Paris that though a woman dissemble yet shee cannot choose but feele the losse of a louer for that it seemeth to be a wrong to her beauty and beauty being the thing that this Sexe most esteemes is the most sensible part in her Yet I that with my compassion beganne to mingle a little loue not seeming to looke on those two wenches I held on talke with her and among other things to the end our discourse might not fayle and to haue the greater knowledge of her I intreated her to tell me the cause of her sorrow She then full of courtesie began to speake thus The compassion which you haue of my paine bindes me courteous stranger to giue you more satisfaction than that you demaund and you would thinke it a great fault if I refused so small a thing But I beseech you to consider withall the state wherein I am and to excuse my discourse if I abridge it as much as I can Know then shepheard that I was borne about the bankes of Loyre where I was as charily brought vp to the age of fifteene yeeres as one of my sort might be My name is Cloris and my father is called Leonce the brother of Gerestan into whose hands I was deliuered after the death of my father and my mother being of the age I told you and from that time I beganne to feele the blowes of Fortune for my vncle hauing more care of his owne children than of me thought himselfe ouer-layd with my charge All the comfort I had was from his wife called Collire for she loued me and prouided for what she could possibly without her husbands knowledge But the heauens would afflict mee in all for when Filander the brother of Collire was slaine she tooke such a griefe that none could perswade her to suruiue him so that within few dayes after she dyed and I abode with her two daughters who were so young that I had little contentment to be with them It fell out that a shepheard of the prouince of Vienna named Rosidor came to visit the Temple of Hercules that stands on the shore of Furan on the top of a rocke that rises in the midst of the mountaines much aboue them all that are there-about On that day there were together a great company of vs young shepheardesses For it was a solemne day for for that place I should vse but needlesse words to tell you the speech we had together and the fashion wherewith he shewed me his loue So it was that from that day he gaue himselfe to me so that hee neuer made shew of contradicting it He was young and goodly for his wealth he had much more than I might hope for for the rest his spirit so like that which appeared outwardly in his body and there was a perfect agreement His suite lasted foure yeeres and I cannot say that in all that time he either did or thought any thing wherewith he acquainted me not and asked my aduice This extreme submission so long continued made mee most certaine of his loue and his merits which then had not a little bound mee to loue him haue since that time wonne me in