followes We had as many such meetings as true or fained meanes could compasse vs â—till our miserie was such as this wild man her husband whether out of true consideration of his great vnworthines or proceeding from his froward disposition I know not grew iealous an humour following base minds as readily as thunder doth the lightning then had he rashnes to accompany the other which fram'd a determinatioÌ„ which was soone altered froÌ„ that name by performance that she should stay no longer with her father but go with him to his own house this I had notice of but all that we could doe could not hinder the accomplishing his will and saue her honour which to me more deere then mine owne life was esteemed But the night before her going I came thither where I found the accustomed entertainement he vsing me with al shew of respect which in that kind I embraced our hearts being as farre from meaning truth in giuing or accepting as truth is from bare complement but greatnesse in me made him vse it and care in me of my better selfe receiue it my heart swelling with hate and scorne euen almost to breaking when I did see him That night I saw her and but spake to her so curiously her husband watched vs yet could he not keepe our eies but by them we did deliuer our soules he onely able to keepe her daintie body in his wicked prison The next day they went and so went all worth with this odd man to haue her delicacy kept like a Diamond in a rotten box yet she considering it to be to no purpose to contend where she was miserably bound to obey obserued him as well as she could bring her spirit to consent to yet did he begin for her welcome to grow curst to her with her Seruants he first began finding or better to say framing occasions to be rid of them all placing of his owne about her which she suffered onely contenting her selfe with the memorie of our Loues yet wanting the true content which was in our conuersation shee grew sad and keeping much within grew pale her rosie cheekes and lippes changing to wannesse but this was all the change her noble heart free from such a sinne This was but part of her affliction still vexing her sweete disposition with speaking slightly of me and then telling her of her loue to me which brought her to that passe as at last I was not named but she would blush then would he reuile her and vilely vse her but she patiently and silently bare all not suffering me to haue notice of it lest it might as it should haue done moue mee to reuenge her wrong for my sake endured Thus it rested she restlesly bearing all the ills that froward Nature mixt with peeuish and spitefull iealousie could afflict vpon the purest mind vsing no other meanes but gentle and mild perswasions which wrought no more in him but that still his madnesse increased Now was his house not farre from the way which I must passe betweene the Campe and the great Citie of Siracusa being one of the chiefe of that kingdome and which at that time had yeelded it selfe againe vnto the King I hearing Philargus for so was this vnworâ—hie man called was at his house with his truly vertuous wife whom my soule longed to see I resolued to lodge there that night not alas mistrusting the misfortune but coueting to see her whom more then my heart I loued or lou'd my heart the better for being hers So I went thither where I was by him exceedingly well welcom'd in outward shew though his meaning was contrary which I should haue found had his diuelish plots bin readie Iealousie hauing now blinded him to all good nature or iudgement She poore Lady poore onely in this fortune sad and grieu'd all her smiles turn'd into sighes and thinkings which made me feare and wonder wondring at the change of her beauty which yet in pâ—lenes shew'd excellency and feare I did lest my absence had offeÌ„ded herâ— but I was deceiu'd while I lest thought of the true cause or could imagine such villanie plotted against so rare perfections Desirous to know the cause I remain'd almost impatient not venturing to speake to her before her husbaâ—d for hurting her but he going out of the roome after wee had supped either to couer the flames which were ready to breake out in huge fires of his mistrust or to haue the company fitter for him affâ—cting stil to be chiefe his absence howsoeuer gaue me opportunitie to demaund the reason of her strangenesse She sigh'd to heare mee call it so and with teares told me the reason concluding and thus doe you see my Lord said she the torments I suffer for your loue yet do you more torture me with doubting me who haue no happines left me but the knowledge of my faith to you all afflictions being welcome to me which for your sake I suffer Betweene rage and paine I remain'd amazed till shee taking mee by the hand brought mee more wofully to my selfe with these words And yet am I brought to a greater mischiefe with that fixing her weeping eyes vpon mine which affectionately answered hers with lookes and teares I must my Lord said she intreate you to refraine this place since none can tell what danger may proceed from mad and vnbridled iealousie Refraine your sight Commaund me then to die said I Haue I deseru'd to be thus punish'd Shall his brutishnes vndoe my blessings yet this place I will since you will haue it so hoping you will find some meanes to let me know Philargus house is not in all places That I will doe or die said she Miserable wretch cry'd I art thou borne to such fortune as to haue this Lady loue thee and her vnmatched goodnes to suffer for one so worthlesse as thy selfe No no my Lord said she in this you wrong me and that iudgement which heretofore you said was in me since if you were vnworthy then my choice was vnperfect but you are worthie and I worthily chose you I lou'd you and constantly lou'd you and in this doeâ— I best allow of my owne iudgement I hope that loue is not cleane gone cri'd I my speech by loue directed to say thus nor will you forget me though from our most desired meetings we must be barred My loue my Lord said she had and hath too sure a ground to know remoue I too truly lou'd and doe loue you euer to forget it or to let it haue least shadow of lessening though vailed in absence but rather if increase can be where all is already possest it shall increase Loue liuing best where desert and sufferance ioyne together and for witnes of it take this said she bestowing her picture vpon me which is all the Limenas I shall now enioy or euer did more then her lou'd and best bâ—loued sight The case was blew commanding me withall to loue that color both because it was hers
youth Iusts Tilt and all other such warlike exercises being proclaimed Hearing this I would needs shew my selfe one as forward as any stranger to honour the Feast The first day which was the wedding-day Armes were laid aside and only dancing and feasting exercis'd after supper euery one preparing for the dancing againe With the sound of trumpets there entred one in habit and fashion like a Commander of horse who deliuer'd some few lines to the new married Paire dedicated as to their honour and ioy which they receiu'd most thankfully promising freedome and welcome to the whole company Then entred in twenty Gentlemen presenting souldiers and so danced in their kind making a braue and commendable demonstration of Courtship in the brauest profession honour abounding most where noblenes in valour and bounty in ciuilitie agree together After they went to a rich banket the braue Masquers discouering themselues were found to be gentlemen of both Ilands equally diuided in number as their affections ought to be to either and therefore had put themselues into the euenest and perfectest number often and ten But to leaue sport and come to earnest the manner of that place was that from the banquet the Bride must be stolne away to bed the meaning is but she tooke to the fields Most did misse her for there wanted no respectiue care of her but al were satisfied with the fashion correcting such as spake suspiciously and expecting to be call'd to see her in bed waited the calling But the time being long some hastier then the rest went to the chamber where they found she had not been This was instantly blowne abroad all betooke themselues to Armes who could beare any the Ladies to their teares euery one amaz'd and chiefly the Bridegroome perplext The old fathers vext the mothers tore their gray locks such disorder in generall as cannot bee exprest but by the picture of thesame accident Some mistrusted the Masquers but soone they clear'd themselues putting on Armes and being as earnest as any in the search I a stranger and louing businesse would needs accompany them which the fauour of a Nobleman with whom I had got some little acquaintance did well aide me in whose fortunes were in finding them more happy then any others ouertaking them when they thought themselues most secure being together laid within a delicate Vineyard a place able to hide them and please them with as much content as Paris felt when hee had deceiu'd the Greeke King of his beautifull Hellen laughing at the fine deceit and pitying in a scornefull fashion those who with direct paine and meaning followed them commending their subtilties and fine craftinesse in hauing so deceiu'd them Kissing and embracing they ioyfully remain'd in their stolne comforts till wee rudely breaking in vpon them made them as fearefully rush vp as a tapist Buck will doe when he finds his enemies so neere yet did not our comming any whit amaze them but that they were well able to make vse of the best sence at that time required for their good which was speech vttering it in this manner My Lords said they if euer you haue knowne loue that will we hope now with-hold you from crossing louers We confesse to the law wee are offenders yet not to the law of loue wherefore as you haue lou'd or doe or may pity vs and be not the meanes that wee too soone sacrifice our blouds on the cruell altar of reuenge while we remaine the faithfull vassals of Venus Let not your hands be soild in the bloud of louers what can wash away so foule a staine You may bring vs it is true vnto our iust deserued endes but then take heed of a repentant gnawing spirit which will molest you when you shall be vrg'd to remember that you caus'd so much faithfull and constant loue to be offred to the triumph of your conquest ouer a louer vnarm'd wanting all meanes of resistance but pure affections to defend himself withall and a woman only strong in truth of loue For my part she wan me my companion was by him gaind so as promising assistance in place of arms and helpe in stead of force we sat down together he beginning his discourse in this manner To make long speeches striuing to be held an Orator or with much delicacie to paint this storie the time affoords not the one our truth and loue requires not the other wherfore as plainely as truth it self demands I wil tel you the beginning successe and continuance of our fortunate though crost affections I lou'd this Lady before she had seene this yong Lord she likewise had onely seene my loue and onely tide her selfe to that before he saw her loue made me her slaue while she suffered as by the like authoritie I sued she granted I lou'd she requited happinesse aboue all blessings to bee imbraced Our eyes kept iust measure of lookes being sometimes so inchain'd in delightfull links of each others ioy-tying chaine for so wee made vp the number of our beholdings as hard it was to be so vnkindly found as to seperate so deare a pleasure Our hearts held euen proportion with our thoughts and eies which were created nursed and guided by those or rather one harts power But Parents hauing were it not for Christianity I shuld say a cruel tirannical power ouer their childrē brought this to vs disastrous fortune for discouering our loues set such spies ouer vs scorning that I being the yonger brother to an Earle should haue such happinesse as to inioy my Princesse as we could neuer come to enioy more then bare lookes which yet spake our true meanings after it was discouer'd This course inrag'd vs vowing to haue our desires vpon any termes whatsoeuer alwaies consider'd with true noblenesse and vertue Thus resolu'd We continued till her Father concluding this match shut her vp in a Towre wherein he then kept in her his choisest Treasure till this day of her Marriage which opportunity we tooke purposing More he would haue said as it seemd truely to manifest the vertuous determination they had in their accomplishment of their desires when he was hinder'd by the rushing in of others with their Horses Rising We discern'd the deceiu'd youth with some others in his company Fate like his Loue hauing guided him to that place In charity wee could not leaue our first professed Friends nor could I part my selfe from such and so true Loue wherefore resolutely taking my companions part defended the Louers pitty then taking the place of Iustice in our Swords the Husband being vnfortunately slaine by my Companion truly I was sorry for him and glad it was not I had done it But soone followed a greater and more lamentable misfortune For one of the yong Lords Seruants seeing his Master slaine pressed in vnregarded or doubted vpon the vnarmed Louer who was this while comforting his Mistris and not expecting danger was on the sudden thrust into the backe as he was holding his onely comfort
with Hilles or rather Mountaines of such height as no way was possible to bee found to come at it but thorow the same vault the King came Diuers Gardens and Orchards did surround this pallace in euery one was a fountaine and euery fountaine rich in art and plentifully furnished with the vertue of liberalitie freely bestowing water in abundance These places hee past staying in a large stone Gallerie set vpon pillers of the same stone there hee sat downe complaining still of his Mistrisse whose heart was stored with paine and loue equally oppressing her O cride he my dearest loue the sweetest cruell that euer Nature fram'd how haue I miserable man offended thee that not so much as a looke or shew of pity will proceede from thee to comfort mee are all thy fauours lockt vp and onely sad countenances allotted mee Alas consider women were made to loue and not to kill yet you will destroy with cruell force while I changed to a tender creature sit weeping and mourning for thy crueltie which yet I can hardly terme so since thou knowest not my paine Further hee would haue proceeded when a doore opened into that roome and out of it came a graue Ladie apparreld in a black habit and many more young women attending her shee straight went to him saluting him thus Braue King welcome to this place being the abiding of your friend and seruant Hee looking vpon her perceiued wisdome modestie and goodnesse figured in her face wherefore with a kind acceptance hee receiued this salutation desiring to bee informed of the place but most to know how he came knowne to her Sir said shee my name is Mellissea and hauing skill in the Art of Astrologie I haue found much concerning you and as much desire to doe you seruice Can you find good Madam said hee whether I shall bee happie in my loue or not In loue my Lord said shee you shall bee most happy for all shall loue you that you wish but yet you must bee crost in this you now affect though contrarie to her heart But shall I not enioy her then miserable fortune take all loues from me so I may haue hers Shee loues you said Mellissea and it will prooue your fault if you lose her which I thinke you will and must to preuent which if possible beware of a treacherous seruant For this place it is that anciently reuerenced and honoured Iland of Delos famous for the birth of those two great lights Apollo and Diana the ruines of Apollo's and Latona's Temples remaining to this day on the other side of that mountaine called Cynthus once rich and populous now poore and peoplelesse none or very few inhabiting here besides this my family the sharpe and cruell rockes which girdle this Iland guarding it selfe and vs from dangerous robbings But must I loose my Loue said Amphilanthus Accursed fate that so should happen I yet doe hope if I may be assured shee loues mee this will neuer bee Well my Lord said shee to let you see that hope is too poore a thing in comparison of truth to trust to I wil giue you these tokens to make you truly see my words are true you haue lately had a wound by a woman but this a greater and more dangerous you must suffer which will indanger your life farre more then that last did yet shall the cause proceede from your owne rashnesse which you shall repent when 't is too late and when time is past know the meanes might haue preuented it but to doe what I may for your good I aduise you to this alter your determination for your iourney to Morea and in stead of it goe straight to Ciprus where you must finish an Inchantment and at your returne come hither and with you bring that company that you release there then shall I bee more able to aduise you for this doth yet darken some part of my knowledge of you Hee remaind much perplext with those words yet as well as such affliction would permit him hee made shew of patience Then did Mellissea send one of her Maides to bring his companions to him hoping their sights and the discourse of their fortunes would a little remoue his melancholie from him in the meane time hee with crossed armes walkt vp and downe the Gallerie musing in himselfe how hee should so farre and deadlily fall out with himselfe as to be the cause of his owne miserie not being able though hee had the best vnderstanding to reach into this misterie Sometimes the Lady discoursed to him and he for ciuilitie did answere her yet oft-times she was content to attend his owne leisure for his replie so much power had his passions ouer him Thus hee remaind molested while Steriamus following his right hand way was brought into a fine plaine and thence to the foote of a mountaine where hee found rich pillers of Marble and many more signes of some magnificent building which sight wrought pitie in him remembring how glorious they seem'd to haue been now throwne downe to ruine And so said hee was my fortune faire and braue in shew but now cast low to despaire and losse O Pamphilia Goddesse of my soule accept mee yet at last if not for thy seruant yet for thy Priest and on the Altar of thy scorne will I daily offer vp the sacrifice of true and spotlesse loue my heart shall bee the offering my teares the water my miserable body the Temple and thy hate and cruellest disdaine the enemy that layes it waste Once yet consider greatest beautie mightiest riches sumptuousest buildings all haue some end brightest glory cannot euer dure and as of goodnesse must not ill haue so grant this and then thy rage must needs conclude Yet thus did not his paine find conclusion but a little further hee went among those ruines where hee laid himselfe not downe but threw himselfe among those poore and destroyed reliques of the rarest Temples where hard by hee heard Ollorandus likewise complaining My Melasinda said hee how iustly maist thou blame thy Ollorandus who still trauels further from thee who stroue to bring thy loue still neerest to him Canst thou imagine thy immaculate affection well bestowed when so great neglect requiteth it Wilt thou or maist thou thinke the treasure of thy loue and richest gift of it well bestowed when absence is the paiment to it If against mee and these thou do'st but iustly except yet what doth hold thee from killing that slaue and setting thy deare soule at libertie No thy vertues will not like a murderer it must bee as it is Destiny must onely worke and despairing sorrow tyre it selfe in me Steriamus wanting pitie knew the misse and therefore would bee as charitable as hee could to shew which goodnesse he rose and went to Ollorandus to put him from his mourning who was then againe entring into his waylings telling him they were too long from Amphilanthus As hee start vp behold Dolorindus who came sadly towards them
whom they called to them and so together went from that place meaning to ascend the mountaine but then came the seruant of Mellissea to them intreating their companies from her Mistrisse to the Pallace where they should meete their companion They soone consented to that inuitation whither being come they told all their aduentures one to another then were they brought into a faire roome where after they had eaten Mellissea againe thus spake My Lords the time calls vpon you occasions being such as your presences are required in seuerall places wherefore first to you my Lord Steriamus I must say you must haste hence and as you desire your owne happie ends in loue obserue what I aduise you Goe from hence into Arcadia feare not for nothing shall encounter you of harme Dolorindus doe you the like for much is your being there requisite from thence goe to Saint Maura and in a rocke which lies iust against it towards Cephalonia priuately remaine till fortune call you thence by helpe which shall appeare death this may seeme hard and terrible but feare it not since it shall bring your happinesse then goe into Greece againe and helpe your friends and your selfe in the Conquest of Albania They tooke her hand and kist it on it swearing to obey her Counsell Amphilanthus was sorry for his vow especially that his iourney was staid to Morea but hee made the cause of his griefe for parting with his friends Then to Ollorandus shee thus spake The good that shall come to you must proceede from this braue King who shall giue vnto you both securitie of life and your onely loue life hee shall venture for you and saue yours by the hazard of himselfe keepe then together and still be your loues firme and constant assisting one another for a time will bee when you shall merit this from Amphilanthus giuing him as great a gift And credit what I say for it is as true as by my meanes you receiued the Armour in the Forrest when you were fast sleeping it being laid by you from which you haue taken the name of Knight of the Forrest For you my Lord thinke not but I am as carefull or more of you then any though I haue left you last for as yet I can say little but feare nothing except what I haue already warnd you of my Art shall attend you and I neuer faile to serue you make haste then to Cyprus and be carefull Then all promising to performe her will with teares in their eyes they tooke leaue of each other Steriamus and Dolorindus demanding what seruice Amphilanthus would command them He answered They should honor him much in remembring him to the King and Queene to whom by Steriamus hee sent the olde Dwarfes and the youngest Sonne called after his Fathers name hee desired Dolorindus to present to Pamphilia from him Thus they parted and Amphilanthus Ollorandus and the other two dwarfes who seru'd them for Squires tooke their way for Cyprus Quicke was the iourney of the other two arriuing in Laconia and so hasting to Mantinea where then the King was but being neere Steriamus began to faint fearing the sight of her he most desired to see yet incouraged by Dolorindus to performe what he had ingaged his word to doe they went on comming to the Court when the King and all the Princes were assembled to iudge the Traytors But Steriamus whos 's same was now farre spread for his noble Acts at Constantinople and diuers others was soone knowne in the Hall and as soone with great ioy brought before the King to whom he deliuered the Present and seruice of Amphilanthus The King infinitly reioyced to heare of his braue friend and taking the Dwarfe the Queene with as much loue accepting the other desired before they passed to the Iudgement to heare of their aduentures Then did Steriamus openly relate all that had happened him after his depart vntill their comming thither in so good words and Princely a maner as all admired and loued him especially for doing it with such affection and truth to the eternall renowne of incomparable Amphilanthus Then presented he Dolorindus to the King whose name and presence was welcome to at that time especially assuring himselfe now to haue an end and true knowledge of the Traytours who were lead at their comming in aside so as they neither sawe them nor heard the relation of the aduenture at Sio which was extreame strange and wondred at by all the more the cause of admiration was the more still increased their honours that atcheiued it Then went the Princes to Pamphilia who much commended Steriamus for his discourse kindly of Dolorindus accepting the Dwarfe promising to loue him for his Lords sake then were all placed againe Rosindy taking Steriamus and setting him betweene him and his friend Selarinus who was true ioy it selfe to see Steriamus againe the traytors then entrâ—d to whom the King thus spake Without any more falshood truly declare vnto me who you are and your true names for those you tooke vpon you I know are false then discouer the cause of taking my daughter deale truly if any pitie be expected by you to be shewed vnto you The old man curstly replied Hee wondred a King should haue so ill a conceit of another of his owne ranke as to thinke falshood could be in a royall breast and more did he admire that the King of Morea who before had beene counted iust would offer that iniustice to the King of Negropont who hauing beene ill vsed by an vngratefull Childe and comming thither for succour should be made a Prisoner like a Traitor and vsed like theeues Then answered the King behold my Lords before you the vildest of men and falsest of Traitors to proue which Dolorindus stand forth and witnesse against him Dolorindus indeed came foorth the Traytor seeing him straight too well knew him wherefore roring out hee cryed I am vndone for now all is betray'd Then did Dolorindus againe tell the manner of his trecherous taking and imprisoning him and withall the winning and destroying of the Castle and his seruants the burning of his wicked wife and the bestowing of the Island vpon Berlandis and the other two their Squires whom they had matched to the three Sisters These creatures being past helpe to be saued fell downe on their faces confessing the truth which was this The Sonne to this wicked man seeing the picture of Pamphilia which was sent some two yeeres before by Pamphilia to her Vncle but taken away by Pirats who after landed at Sio and among other things sold that He fell in loue with it and so longed to enioy her as nothing but death appear'd in him which the deuill his Father perceiuing plotted all waies hee could to which end he inuented that false Bridge hoping to get some of her brothers or friends if not some that might bring them meanes to finde a tricke to gaine her Tenn monethes this continued then came the poore
you heede faire maid loue is a power that will though once gainsaid the second time come in with armes and make your chastest thoughts contribute to his taxe had you beene in the chamber or but mark'd the piercing darts hee sent by lookes of loue such as had beene enough to burne a heart that would contend but yeelding to make ioy glory in greater pride then euer ioy did know I found some verses too which hee hath made and giuen his mistresse by them you may ghesse in what estate his restlesse burning soule continues flaming to my vtter shame and ruine of my name Then tooke hee forth some verses which indeed I doe confesse I made and most vnfortunately lost those lines gaue full assurance of the truth and bred as true a hate in her to vs which though she stroue to couer and dissemble with show of sorrow onely for my griefe yet hee perceiu'd as hauing eyes of Art and those directed by a diuellish wit these found what hee did seeke then wrought hee still on that and so at last came to his practise end which happened the day before the feast had full conclusion in this haplesse kind The iealous and despightfull Melinea when dancing did begin of purpose let the paper fall but so as Selinea must bee next to take it vp which soone she did and opening it discerned it was my hand and that the subiect of those lines was loue which was most true but alas falsly held from her to whom they and my firmest thoughts were onely bent and dedicated with affections zeale and zealous loue these and my negligence in not seeking to confirme her trust confident of her loue made her alas belieue too soone The paper was with faigned anger snatched quickly from my mistris shee with blushing said Why Melinea I thought you had not beene one so much giuen to Poetry till now I made them not said shee No sighing said the other I know that with which shee looked on mee but with so cruell eyes and yet affection went with them though shadowed with her scorne which might be pitty call'd These strake my heart in sunder with their sight O mee cryed I haue I fram'd these to spoyle my fortunes which should haue procur'd my blisse by telling what I could not vtter speach tyed by a power of a greater might Alas that euer I did take a penne in hand to be the Traytor to my ioy this griefe made me as guilty seeme by shame and silence which did then possesse my most distracted senses as if I had been as false as they made me appeare The dauncing went still on but she who was the best like to her heart she rul'd her feete in sad and walking pace now was the plot well forward hee wrought still and finding fault there was no nimbler sports came and intreated me to take his wife and so begin a more delightfull daunce Hee saw my griefe she found his drift two hated mee to death all were disorderd but I onely lost thus pass'd the night the morning come to part we were directed by our words giuen at the meeting Faine I would haue spoken but shee who thought me false auoided it and gaue but liberty to say farewell which euen with teares I did She loath now to behold me who of late she lou'd cast downe her eyes not gracing me with one poore looke which though disgracefull yet as hers had beene more welcome then the sweetest smiles that euer louer ioyd in from his Loue. Thus we were parted to dispaire and losse yet meant I not to leaue my mistris so but quickly found a meanes to visit her when she continuing still her cruell frownes to mee I got yet liberty by my cares watch to speake with her although against her minde but then more cruell then the fiercest Lyons enrag'd by famine did bring forth these words False man said shee haue you not yet enough that your deceipt hath come vnto mine eyes For false you are else had you lou'd me still you would haue diligently cleer'd this doubt but O you thinke this not enough nor I sufficiently afflicted with your fault but more you would intice me for more paine glory in your iniustice and make triumphes for your ill blaze to the world the sinne of your ingratitude and change and that once done hope then to winne againe but who none but so lucklesse and vnblessed a soule as I was who did trust you cruell you the worst and falsest of your changing sexe This being said but force could hold her wherefore for feare of further rage I let her goe remaining like the Creatures Metamorphos'd into stones Yet at last I went into my Chamber and there framd some lamentable lines to let her see how cruelly shee had with scorne and strange mistaking martyr'd mee When I deliuered them shee tooke them with these words I le reade them said shee onely to perceiue how well your vaine continues in this change or if you please I le be you messenger and giue them Melinea from your selfe These wounded mee more then the sharpest Sword but more alas grew my mishapp for she hating so much as once before she lou'd desir'd me to loue my selfe so well as to refraine to shew my eyes to her where so much false ingratitude did dwell and for my sake shee would not onely doe the like for mee in keeping from my sight least I with seeing her should see my shame but would for my foule fault hate all mens loues this I besought her to recall she said it fixed was then went I thence and mourned a while vnseene at last my Fathers miserie called me to succour him that done againe I sought to gaine her pardon but alas in vaine for she resolud to nothing but my griefe shunn'd as she promisd my then loathed sight After her husband dyed I then did woe her offered marriage sought with more then Vassal-like desire but nothing mooud her vntill loue againe did take anew the conquest of her heart making her contrary to all her likings which shee till then had publish'd choose a braue yong Lord in truth a worthy man but contrary in all the outward markes which heretofore she said could winne her loue When I saw this I knew there was no hope I left her and the Countrey blaming fate that thus had made me causelesly accursed Farewell said I deere Lady of my soule and farewell all loue to your wayward sex where iudgement liues but in the shallow being of an outward sight curst is that man that puts least trust in you more certainely the ficklest weather hath more staidnesse feathers and more profit drops of raine in Snow which melts with it while you spoile onely me thus I departed when she married last and then for her sake vowed as she had done but with more manly constancy to hold a true and a loyall oath neuer to loue or chuse a Creature of so light a kinde as
and remained like a distracted creature till she vrging him and he desiring to satisfie her swore they were none of his nor that euer he receiued any from her O miserable man said he thus to be betrayd what haue I done to be thus plagued and insufferably afflicted Alas my deerest I neuer heard from thee neuer writ to thee but if I had sweetnes and loue should haue beene the subiect and not this False Terichillus this I feare comes from thee for this is thy hand I know it is the same in iest that thou wert wont to counterfeit and hast thou practisd it for this vnkind and cruell man Shee seeing his sorrow and his clearenesse receiued much comfort and taking him againe by the hand happy am I my Lord said shee that shall now ende contented blessed in your loue and cleare from the end I fear'd you had sent me be happy my onely deare and liue with all content let that Lady whosoeuer you shall choose loue you no lesse then I doe let her be as iust and loyall but so much more fortunate for your sake as to liue to enioy you longer Had you beene cruell as you were accused falsely my loue had pardoned it and welcommer had my death beene to me sent by you then life if in dislike of you My soule lou'd you and loues you nor euer suffer'd it shewe of dislike against you I had cleerly passed into the other world without blameing you yet am I happy to see you and your truth before I part I must leaue you my onely loue I must goe and yet this I will beseech you to keep of me the memory of your truest loue and let that memory bee put with loue and not moou'd with rage to reuenge these wrongs he hath done you a fauour it may be in keeping you for a worthyer but neuer can you haue a truer He weeping told her he tooke that last ill that shee would say hee could haue a worthier O no said he that cannot be thy worth cannot be equal'd no more then my wrongs reueng'd sufficiently They both wept then spake a little and so tooke their leaues shee seeing his sorrow was afflicted for it he finding it sought to couer it so he kissed her and went out of the chāber with as dying a heart as she had almost no sooner was he gone but she calling her womā to her willed her to burne those papers thē taking ◠ring from off her finger which was a pointed Diamōd she euer wore had vowed to doe so till she died or married charged her to giue it Antonarus then turning her to the other side tell him said she I bequeath this my truest loue and last loue to him so I coniure him to keepe these She went to performe her command he instantly with the rest of the company came in but there they found her dead It was alas too late to recouer her but not to giue a more happy end how hee tooke it onely such a loue can expresse which began but when she was dying and enioyed but in death He instantly left the Court and hearing Terichillus had stollen away vpon his comming guiltinesse condemning him he went in search of him putting on an armour as blacke as his sorrowes so he trauelled cloathed in sorrow accompanied with remembrance of her chast and loyall loue her death the treason that caused it the iniury done him yet her spotlesse affection All these were motiues the more he ran from one to the other still the first held him and wrapt him fast in all Thus he went caught in himselfe till hee met Terichillus in a plaine betweene two hills to whom he sent his Squire who was all his company not to discourse with him but to call him to answere the wrongs done to him and his loue when the Squire came to him hee made no answer but this he had cause to call him to account and he would satisfie him so he prepared himselfe and they met where they fought a cruell fight but Antonarus hauing iustice on his side got so much the better as hee had Terichillus vnder him and at his mercy which when he had confest asked pardon of him for his fault he tooke him vp with these words Rise Terichillus thy shame and conscience are sufficient reuengers I will not shed thy bloud which cannot cleanse so foule a fault or satisfie for losse of her so chaste and immaculate make it more cleare and purer if thou canst with true repentance while mine eyes and heart drops fulfill and serue for her funerall Then leap'd he vpon his horse leauing my brother hurt and wounded more with scorne and hate of himselfe so to be saued then kindly thanking him that had done it Away Antonarus posted and came into Morauia to visit me who indeed was onely his seruant Infant Loue on my side haueing made me so he stayd not long but told me all this story for which I lou'd him better then before gratefulnesse hauing large command ouer my hart Hee neuer by my words had knowledge of my loue to him till two yeares after passing by that way and priuately desiring to see me vnfortunately for vs both I did confesse it hee embraced it and so wee lou'd my brother still continuing his hate but in my Fathers time of life did make no publique shew of it Vpon the death of him he tooke the title and first began with open proclamations of his hate and the first forbidding me his company yet where were these proclaimd but in his house and to his priuate friends yet I went further and did warne my loue of him this was the cause hee came not in his sight nor to his knowledge and in hunts-mans habit was the last time I did see him for my brother returned with his wife the watches were made new and stronger ouer me yet loue made them fruitles for on a time appointed we met and meant to keepe together then boldly I writ to my brother telling him what I had done and that I hoped he would excuse me since I had taken him for my husband whom loue and youth had chosen for mee and now was gone with him whom most I loued to liue with and whom I now was happily to obay My brother grew infinitely inraged with this and straight sent out many horses to stay and interrupt our passage but in vaine for we were passed and had laid such spies for them as kept vs free Into Selesia we came finding and bringing with me all content in hauing my owne hearts desire with me Antonarus welcommed me with gift of all his estate I returned that to him againe taking a farre greater as I esteemd it which was himselfe and his true loue my best and only fortune Terichillus this while imagined himself highly iniured wherefore he sent Antonarus word that so ill he tooke this affront as he would with armes regaine his honour touched He replied that
comming that way which brought such good as the deliuery of Parselius who at her intreaty deliuered the misfortune he ran into in this manner Most excellent Sister after we had deuided our selues to followe in search of the lost Ladies it was our ill chance to take that way that led vs hither into this country I meane where first we met a pretty aduenture a liuely Shepheardesse blaming a lusty Lad for falsehood she chid him he answered for himselfe and so cunningly as though he surely were faulty yet he cleared himselfe so finely as she grew patient but then he waxed surly so as introath some houres we were pleased with their discourse especially to see that when they had vsed their best wits they concluded with kissing and friendship After that wee met a Lady extreamely amorous and of her wee had a story whom afterwards we conducted to the town from thence wee fell into the plaine where you found my Armour and where wee lost our selues for nothing doe I remember after I fell till I saw my selfe in the caue where I was visited by the chast Lady of the Castle finding me so weake as she pitied me she said for me she knew and after Leandrus I had I confesse once before merited her displeasure but now surely had died in it had not your husband succour'd me the manner was this I in my youth passed this country and was brought with much kindnesse to that place where as shee dwels entertained I was like any King and cherished like a Louer shee inuited me to loue by lookes and alwayes that an amorous woman can intice withall but I requited not she yet more charitable to mee then I merited would perswade her selfe it was want of experience made me so slacke in not vnderstanding her wherefore at night she came vnto my chamber the doore I had made fast on the inside she pulled hard at it and was no question angry to be deceiued in her hopes At last I waked and suddenly asked who was there but in such a voyce as she coniectur'd some other had also laine in her chamber whereupon she went backe and the next day told mee of it I answered I was sorry for such a losse but it euer was my fashion to haue one of my Squires to lye by me in the roome where I slept Truely my Lord saide shee had I imagined that I should not haue attempted but loue vrged me and the better may you thinke of that loue which neuer before was offered nor till that time had I euer any ill thought I saide I trusted she did not blame her selfe for that fauour shee had shewed to me her seruant but I had cause to curse the ill custome which caused my losse shee tooke that well and so kindly as I might haue receiued recompence for the former misse but I was honest and after kept my doore fast for two nights more that I lay there brought thither by a Cousen of hers with whom I got thence but since I heard how she euer railed at me saying I had dishonour'd her with telling the story of her and thereupon vowed reuenge which now she had taken Meriana smiled to heare Parselius tell the tale so hansomely and all but Polarchos liked who cried out that for his part he liked her forwardnes nothing ill giue me such a Lady still said he that needs no busines to woe her but merrily yeelds loue for loue and rather before then after it is asked This loue matter held them all that day with talke making good sport with Polarchos and his opinion of louing while the Lady was in all the disorder in the world for first she wanted her woman then rising and going into her chamber finding her bed made and vnus'd she grew somewhat troubled sent another of her seruants to call her Morean Knight his chamber doore they found lock'd then they thought she might be there for they had perceiued loue betweene them they call'd she vow'd to put them both to publike shame if shee found them together the fault consisting in not well ordering their affections from sight not in affecting but the doore broke open there was onely found on the table a letter to the Lady and in it nothing but this liue better and speede better search then was euery where for him when it grewe towards Noone shee went her selfe to the roome where Polarchos had laine to tell him of this businesse being loth to awake him any sooner there she found losse and so in the Caue and euery where missed what shee â—ought and found what shee shunn'd which was want then she tore her haire called her Knights sent them all abroad seuerall wayes till they got knowledge which way they went and with so braue a troupe then all was discouered the Bulgarian knowne and the other she was as madde as rage could make her vowing nothing but death should satisfie her Meriana held on her iourney and all happily arriued at Corinth where they were with as much ioy as that sad time could afford entertained the Queene being so excellent a woman as she won all to loue her and striue to deserue her fauour Dalinea grieued and ioyed and all at once as her passions present and passed rann about the round of her thoughts Orilena wished for Philarchos who with Perissus had taken likewise their way in search but made some hast to Corinth knowing it was bootlesse to trauell in those further Countries to seeke them who no question were either carried by Sea to some remote place or Kingdome farre off or else by shipwracke cast vpon some Iland neere the Gulfe As they came towards Corinth they met a Lady much distressed complaining of a Knight that had abused her Philarchos was willing to ayde her and so demanding what the matter was she thus told it vnto him demaunding and being satisfied who he was I am saide she Wife to a Knight married against my will vnto him by my brothers command whom I obayed hauing no father he was a man of great esttae but no way hansome neither was he deformed but in his disposition which was crooked with him I liued an vnpleasing and discontented life suffering his iealousie and all other froward humours which tooke away the litle show of loue I bare him I fell then into the way that discontentâ—d and so vnfortunate women often doe for not able longer to abide his fury I parted with him hee being forced in recompence of my portion to allow me a certaine stipend during my life which hee at last was brought to with willingnesse as hee saide Some yeeres wee passed in this manner I going to a friends house where I remained some time and was kindly intreated by him but his courtesie was at last discouered and finding to what end it tended I purposed to leaue his house and did so yet like a woman did not so much dislike his loue making which was the cause I tooke against
heauen bring her not to murder mee lade your selues with pitie and compassion then come apace and giue life to the most peâ—plexed louer All this while she was comming while he attended as a passionate man doth the breaking of the day when he is to visit at that time his loue Dawning and leasurely shee came hee thought shee made small haste yet came too fast if loue did not accompany her and that loue to him like a delicate young Courtier who is to make his estate by the marriage of a great heire when hee comes before her is at first timerous loth to offend yet dressed vp in all richnes and finenes so was hee his Helme hee tooke off rubd vp his Haire wiped his face set on his most manly yet amorous countenance knowing women loue not childish men how much soeuer they commonly like louelines and the choicest beauties Poore man to see what a busines he kept with himselfe were strange that hee who but newly come to know passion should bee in so much variety and skilfull manner of learned knowledge to win as those who after their naturall inclination change and wooe daily but to such it is pleasure and delight to this young man torture He sighed he looked he prayed he wished he did all and yet nothing that might helpe him for so long he was in these distempers as either ignorance neglect or ill manners were like to be laid to his charge who indeed was an exact fond louer taken and spoild at first sight the louing Country of Italy could neuer make him thus passionate the beauties there were as ones owne Country esteemed nothing so pleasing to one as the thought of others till they be tried Arcadia is the place can onely captiuate his heart and there must he tast the paines makes him wish to be in Italy with freedome O sweet place heauenly Paradice said he what delights be in thee but what serpents keepe them from enioying stories I haue heard of waters and trees kept by Monsters but what rarenes was euer thus kept as loue keepes her and mee from asking pity while he stood letting his imagination twine out the time which he might if acquainted with loue or bred in his cunning Schoole haue vsed to farre more gainefull purpose She past feare of danger secured by the death of the Beare her before threatner turned back and came to thanke him but what with her sight and words he stood in as still a Posture as if the Beast in death had also wounded him which made that excellent Shepherdesse take him by the hand and kindly demaund how he felt himselfe but the touch of her dainty skin with the rare softnes gaue a more cruell hurt to his heart then the hard sword had giuen though death vnto the Beast Hee could not answer but with sighs his eies raining showers of teares and yet as through a wet cloud gazed on her She was sorry for his sorrow and wished her helpe might pleasure him it was she alone that could doe it but he duâ—st not hope for it nor aduenture to demand it then were the rest come vnto them who stirred not but looked like metamorphosed creatures their hands fast in one anothers she pittying and hee that had what he could wish yet fearing it enioyed it not which the Shepheard Youth perceiuing louing Leonius as much as man could loue another with no more acquaintance stepped to him Sir said he it appeares that the sudden ioy of this braue victory with the releasing of this rare beauty before you from such danger doth too much possesse you or else the same fit which this day I found you in hath againe ouercome you He now who shame instructed to be carefull starting as children doe at Bugbeares told him that it was true his fit had taken him and held him worse then it had done before which had caused that stilnesse in him for which he asked pardon of the most faire Shepherdesse and kissing her hand assured her that nothing was more comfort to him then the rescuing of her nor any thing more grieuous then that he had been so rude as not to acknowlâ—dge the fauour she did in comming back to thanke him for that wherein he did but the due of any one to serue and preserue such beauty thinking himselfe most fortunately borne and brought thither at that time so to doe her seruice She mildly and modestly blushing told him the good fortune was hers which had gained not onely safety but that from the noblest hand and heart so taking away her hand which was a death-like blow to him courteously bid him farewell with millions of kind thanks and sweet words vnto him euery one of which were wounds vnto his soule because with them she left him They gone he alone but for the Shepherd began his complaints partly to himselfe partly to his new friend in this manner Is it possible O Arcadia the most sweet and delicate of all these Prouinces that in thee there should liue so dangerous a creature as at first sight should wound and kill with the first touch alas my friend what peril doth abide in these most dainty dwellings were these places ordained excellent and alluring to draw men to their ends are you made happy with seeing delicasies only to see them but to taste none other then sharp murders O my father how hast thou left thy son in thine owne friends dominions to bee slaine and by a woman how will you brauest brother disdaine my bloud vanquished by a looke O Arcadia in your sweetnes I am martyrd and one of your Kings blood thus you kil are you not then guilty of treason The Shepheard who now perceiued this Knight to bee a Prince and by his words an Aliance of that Country hee kneeled downe and thus spake My Lord said hee blame not this place for that for which I doubt not but you shall haue cause to loue it accuse not your friends since if they saw your vallour and braue destroying that fierce Beast they would without question glory in your vertue nor be displeased with your fortune or loue since fortune hath brought you to loue one the most loue-worthy and I beseech you what cause haue you thus to complaine not knowing whether you may be fauourd or disgraced I see no reason you should bee discontented if not that you would not receiue kindnesse she so mildly and sweetly affording it Loue Loue it was and is cryd he makes mee thus wretched what can I doe when my senses in her sight faile me how can I haue comfort when deadly dispaire makes me not dare to hope what shall I ioy in when I scarce may venture to looke on her who must deliuer mee from this bondage noe I see no remedy when I am not able to aske or take it I am lost and only found by dispaire and desperate loue Then did his teares follow those words and groanes those teares till the Sheephard
ignoble when ioyed with feare basestealing a life or if he meant really how it might be effected These coÌ„trarieties put me into a great perplexity yet I stil held conuenient discourse with him who finding me vncertaine in my answers and suspitious of my selfe brake out in these termesâ— I see my Lord my fortune to be so ill as you whom I most desire to serue mistrust me alas if loue moou'd mee not what plot should I haue to put my selfe into so eminent a danger it is onely that hath wrought mee to this and yet I am mistrusted by you I sought to appease his passion he then went on I haue my Lord said he layd the way and a youth of my acquaintance stayes below with the cords shall if you please deliuer you from death and this place it is more then time wee were about it therefore resolue what you will doe and that speedily I hearing this and looking on a clocke was in my chamber found it past midnight straight led by a bold beliefe gaue consent to goe vp and downe at all houres went forth telling the watch hee was sent for a Gowne for mee to weare the next day at my death vnder colour of this within a long robe hee brought the ropes which hee fastened to the barres of the windowes which were not so thicke placed but one might easily get out the reason was the heighth made the feare of getting thence nothing At the bottome stood the youth hee spake of and made the lower ends fast out hee went first to shew mee the way and try if the cordes were fast then came vp againe and helpd mee forth staying till I was safely on the ground then vntyed the cordes and the youth loosed them below so hee drew them vp and in a fire in my chamber burn'd them shutting the window and himselfe comming downe the ordinary way againe without suspition to any Gate hee duâ—st not bring mee for they were all so strongly guarded as no safety would be there but knowing all the passages brought mee to a little Garden then vpon the wall and there was a Posterne doore low and little but bigge enough but then another danger was how to goe downe on the outside the Castle standing on a maine Rocke but the danger wee soone passed for with some scrambling wee got downe holding by one another the youth though weake yet hauing a strong heart to saue mee help'd beyond expectation this man my keeper had a brother dwelt hard by this place thither he led vs and telling his brother hee was sent of earnest busines concerning the State got horses of him and so wee posted the youth riding behinde me holding me with so much affection as I imagin'd it had beene his care for feare of slipping but I iniur'd him in that for his worthy selfe could neuer slip Wee rid thus till wee arriu'd at a Castle of mine but that not being of strength sufficient wee left it and our wearied horses furnishing our selues better the youth rid well and I was carefull though hee still besought mee to heede my safety hee weary as weake his horse being little lesse they fell wherein hee was hurt but at last hee sure wounded and tyred I pittied him and more when I saw his teares which were not for his approching end as after I saw letting some from mee to accompany his hee seeing them my Lord said hee weepe not for mee nor shed those deare teares for one who once might haue had a life giuen by one of them but those dayes are passed and now my ending as fast as may bee the bruise and death this fall brings mee not being yet so cruell to mee as the fall of your fauour was nor vnwelcome since chanced to mee in your succour I am to tell now the cause of my seruice Loue my Lord hath brought me to this and all other miseries your scorne neuer hauing had power sufficient to make mee leaue louing you which procur'd this action censure me then a louer and not immodest no disguise could euer disguise me but still I lou'd you nor put I any on but for your good and so forced to alter my habits what haue I taken but habits of the much worthier Sexe the noblier to serue you not out of any wantonnesse which heauen can witnesseâ— for had I ecaped this harme and you once safe you should not haue knowne mee but as a poore youth affectionate to your safety I would againe haue returned after the time of your imprisonment I tooke this resolution putting my selfe to waite on one of the guard and neuer left prying vp and downe to finde how I might assist you till happy fortune brought me to this man whose affection I saw such towards you as I ventur'd and hee likewise to attempt what now I ioy to see perform'd and more that my end is brought by so louing an occasion farewell my Lord and I beseech you mourne not for mee whom you thought so little worthy of your loue couer any fault in this I haue committed with the vaile of feruent affection then shall I bee secure and you noble Weepe not deare Lord for mee I must bee gone and in going shall bee molested to see you sorrow for mee bury mee I beseech you not heere but in some of your owne commands that as I am yours my dust may bee also held in your ground and then lest you shall grieue for mee I can now giue you leaue to forget mee then did shee faint for this was my first and truest Loue. I got her with much paine againe to life shee blam'd mee for it yet told mee such kindnesse had preserued vs both if timely giuen then with many prayers for my safety wishing all the blessing that heauen granted to any to bee powred on me shee dyed in mine armes breathing her last into my breast for I kiss'd her when her breath left her I buried her as she desir'd at a Castle of mine whither we rid that night and there remained till my peace was made with the King which hee was willing to and honour'd me so much as I had satisfaction oâ— my enemy but what was this to my losse hauing lost the wonder of her Sexe for loyalty Besides my second Lady for whom I had left the faire patterne of vertuous loue did shew me my ill by requiting me according to my merit but not from her for of her I had deserued well she neuer sent to me neuer seem'd as I heard by all sorry for me but superficially quickly chose another and like the worst of her Sexe thought sorrow would hurt her complexion and so she might liue vnlou'd grew merry and thought no more of me though at the first she wept but why onely to shew how sweetly shee could looke in teares not shedding more then became her were safe from hurting her though euery one because they were hers had if seene wounded mee When I
I should goe further said he you might imagine me one could tell I am verily pâ—rswaded of that said she But I feare your displeasure said he Why said Lindamira concerning none but poore me how can any thing trouble you It may be said he it toucheth others and so much as yoâ— will hate them for suffering for them I haue no reason for that said shee though it may be I shall bee angry with my selfe for giuing cause Then said he with your pardon I will tell you that I am inioyned not to let you of any know to secrecie I will not binde you for the businesse it selfe hath power to doe that wherewith the friend Lady rose and he proceeding told her all that had passed but now said he I feare you will hate me for this Pardon me my Lord answer'd she I am onely sorry that you should suffer for me so vnworthy of your fauour but for being offended I protest I loue her displeasure since shee hath honour'd me with this worthy opinion rather then I lou'd her greatest grace more noble is my fall then my time of fauor was he did not it seemed lose that opportunity nor was she nice to let him know her long loue expressions of it and embracing affections wanted of neither side what happines this was to sweet Lindamira that constant woman if such an other there be who lou'd fiue years vndiscouer'd then on such an vnlook'd for occasion reuealed so great a secret may iudge this shewed a strange happines to befal them that a iealous woman whose doubt of losse brought her losing Lindamira's gain thus you may see the effects of that base humor but alas what succeeded all this your fortune deare Dorilena and mine for after she had lost the Queens fauour indured an vnquiet life miserable crosses from her husband possessed with like or more furious madnes in iealousie her honor not touched but cast downe and laid open to all mens toungs and eares to be vsed as they pleas'd Lastly after fouâ—teen years vnchang'd affection she cast her off contemptuously and scornfully she complain'd which complaint because I lik'd it or rather found her estate so neere agree with mine I put into Sonnets this course I might call vngratefulnesse in him and giue all ill names to it but I will with the story conclude my rage against him for thus the Booke leaues her the complaint is this diuided into seauen Sonnets Lindamira's Complaint 1. DEare eyes farewell my Sunne once now my end While your kinde willing grace I felt all ioy In soule I knew withdrawne you now destroy The house that being gaue to loues best friend You now alas to other obiects bend That warmth of blisse which best delights enioy Striuing to win an oft won idle toy By falshood nurs'd such creatures seldome mend Try your new loues affect the choyce of store And be assur'd they likewise will choose more Which I yet grieue for though the losse I beare I would haue none with you to challenge right But beare you must for making choyce so light Yet still your beames I le loue shine you elsewhere 2. O Deadly rancour to a constant heart Frownesâ— and neglect my only fauours be Sometimes a cold respect is granted me But hot flames to those eyes ioy in my smart Once yet for Iustice sake weigh my hard part In gratefulnesse I should kinde vsage see For being tied alone to you els free Till by your wrongs now ioynd with heart-broke sâ—arâ— A glorious triumph you no doubt shall haue To crowne your victory on murders graue While falshood beares the armes my life hath won I onely for twise seauen yeares loue shall gaine Change worse then absence or death's cruelst paine The last yet got you haue your labour done 3. A Surgeon I would aske but 't is too late To stay the bleeding wound of my hurt heart The roote is toucht and the last drops depart As weeping for succeeding others fate Alas that my kild heart should waile my state Or leisure haue to thinke on ought but smart Nor doth it but with pitie beare a part With her` embrac'd yours like a louing mate But now unmarried by a new disdaine Cold death must take the body from her loue And thou poore heart must end for my unworth Conscience is lost and outward fairenes gaines The place where worth did or else seemd to moue Thus world like change new triall still brings forth 4. O Memorie could I but loose thee now At least learne to forget as I did moue My best and onely thoughts to waite on loue And be as Registers of my made vow Could I but let my mind to reason bow Or see plaine wrongs neglects and slightings proue In that deare Sphear which as the Heauens aboue I prizd and homage to it did allow Canst thou not turne as well a Traitor too Since Heauen-like powers teach thee what to doo Canst not thou quite forget thy pleasures past Those blessed houres the onely time of blisse When we feard nothing but we time might missâ— Long enough to enioy what 's now off cast 5. LEaue me vaine Hope too long thou hast possest My mind made subiect to thy flattring skill While Aprill mornings did my pleasures fill But cloudy dayes soone changd me from that rest And weeping afternoones to me adrest My vtter ruine framd by Fortunes will When knowledge said Hope did but breed and kill Producing only shadowes at the best Yet Hope t is true thy faults did faire appeare And therefore loth to thinke thou counseldst me Or wilfully thy errors would not see But catch at Sunne moates which I held most deare Till now alas with true felt losse I know Thy selfe a Bubble each faire face can blow 6 THough you forsake me yet alas permit I may haue sorrow for my poysn'd crosse Thinke not though dead to ioy I cannot hit Vpon a torture for my soule-pierc'd losse Or if by chance I smile I hopes ingrosse Nor for I die not I doe bliss admit Most griefe will oft giue leaue for show to toss Vpon the waues where Shipwraâ—k'd comfort split Thinke then your will and left leaue me yet more Vexe not my loathed life to ruine bent Be satisfied with glut of your bad change Lay me vnthought on in the loue-kill'd store My griefe 's my owne or since for you 't is sent Let me haue that part from you while you range 7 SOme doe perhapts both wrong my loue and care Taxing me with mistrust and Ielousie From both which sinnes in loue like freedome free I liue these slanders but new raised are What though from griefe my soule I doe not spare When I perceiue neglect's slight face on me While vnto some the louing smiles I see I am not Iealous they so well doe fare But doubt my selfe lest Nesse worthy am Or that it was but flashes no true flame Dazl'd my eyes and so my humour fed If this be
but still attended her lying when shee sate or lay on the ground at her feete when shee stir'd hee followed seruant-like her motions When shee was out of her Prison which should haue beene after her death and buriall like one come forth of a fainting fit shee look'd about and star'd like a Hauke that had beene hooded when shee comes first to sight againe a decent and yet Princely salutation shee gaue to Orilena which was repayed her with the like and much courtesie Philarchos commanded to put off from the other Barque Two of his Knights that were brothers begged her and went away in her vpon an aduenture with his consent while they sailing towards Mytelin gained so much of the sad true Lady as shee brake silence so long as to deliuer this discourse My natiue Land though vnnaturall because such cruelty was in the Countrey is the sweet Iland of Nycaria my parentage of the best bloud next the chiefe Lord and his childâ—en and of his house I am though not of the same name I fell in loue with a young Noble-man much esteemed and as any honour'd for his brauery and courage no spirit in the Island excelling his if equalling no wit comparable to his nor no Nobleman endued with more vertues as learning horsemanship and what els can bee required in such an one whose noble descent answer'd or demanded these excellencies Hee loued mee like wise as passionately and fondly which at last was and is my ouerthrow I liu'd with my father most commonly but oftentimes I went to the Court more I confesse to see him and ioy in his presence then to see any vanity there yet I both saw those sports the Court affects and are necessary follies for that place as Masques and Dauncings and was an Actor likwise my selfe amongst them though neuer affecting them further then to content him I lou'd who I saw well pleased with all many banquets I was the cause of when we met and to my Fathers hee ordinarily did come a strict friendship betweene them neuer was hee if absent quiet if still one or other of my seruants were not wth him nor was I without some of his perpetually with mee not that I thought or could let so wronging a concipt come into mee that hee mistrusted mee but out of sincere affection to haue euer some of his followers with mee to giue occasion when I durst not else to speake of him none neede bee kept to make mee thinke of him for my thoughts neuer strayed from him or staid one minutes space At my Fathers which was as fine pleasant and sweet a seate as any in that Countrey there ran a delicate wanton Riuer twining it selfe into euery dainty meadowes armes not deepe but fit for Dianaes Nymphes to haue vsed in imitation of whom my selfe and Sisters often went into itâ— this Riuer came fauourably to grace the place close vnder the Orchard wall A backe way wee had through the Gardeus out of which wee went and there bath'd our selues an old Gentleman a seruant to my Lord watched vs and so neatly carried his businesse as wee neuer doubted him but not being able to continue truer to himselfe then to vs hee told mee of it describing so truely all our fashions being eight of vs maner wordes and actions as I knew hee spake truth and said hee had it not beene for one thing I could haue wish'd my master in my place I ask'd him what that was He said because one of vs kept her smocke on them he would he was sure most haue wish'd to see I knew her whom he ment for none but my selfe did so and priuately I said in my heart I did beleeue him and wish'd it too so it had beene by the like chance This old man whose thoughts were young and toung-nimble in such a kinde louing the remembrance of what he was then past at his Lords next comming told him of it Hee straight wish'd his fortune So did I said hee wish it for you and told my Lady for so hee call'd mee What said she answer'd my Lord Nothing replyed hee but smil'd and walk'd on Hee came imediatly to mee telling mee what hee had heard and vrging mee to know what I thought when I smil'd I truely confest and hee as truely louingly tooke it louing ioyfull thankfulnesse shining in his eyes Twenty of these passages wee had and as many seuerall Ladies and of as seuerall complections and dispositions almost fell in loue with him in that time hee loued mee thousands of curses I had among them but as long as I prosper'd in his loue I cared for none of them but sped mee thought the better rather wishing so still to bee prayed for so I enioyed the righter way Such pretty testimonies hee gaue mee as I must haue beene vnlesse I had beene vnreasonable forc'd to bee assur'd of his loue shewing almost contempt to all others I was so and with all faith imbrac'd and cherish'd it so modest hee was besides as I lou'd that in him and saw it there a greater vertue then it is ordinarily esteemed Proofes I had of it for being alone hee neuer was vnciuill nor did offer what I as willingly consented not vnto yet at last my father finding as easily hee might of any hauing beene a great Louer that I was intirely his hee coniecturd that I could deny nothing therefore would rather seeme to trust him or els it was to binde him to him if any such bonds can serue or preuaile where true loue is As one day when hee was to goe a iourney leauing him with me farewell daughter said he and the like to you my Lord and I pray you bee honest Hee blush'd what did I then coniecture noble Lord and Lady truely I was heartily asham'd and yet soone got courage againe when I remembred wee were not guilty but the word honest made mee thinke of the contrary that thought moou'd my blood inâ—o my cheekes and stir'd occasion in him to discourse with mee of it so as I feare that did more harme which should haue preuented if but in thought then before was thought on for beleeue it it is a dangerous matter to bee forbidden a sweet in loue as I haue heard it credibly said and know it in some kind exercised but wee did fulfill his desire and hee found vs as hee left vs chast but affectionately louing which all forbiddings could neuer haue hinder'd or lessened my father himselfe euen enuying vs for his loue though to many had neuer brought him so true an one as I was This lasted as long as it was possible for a man to bee iust and longer then except few any haue beene and yet I thinke truely hee had slip'd sometimes but I knew it not or had no cause out of want to mee to finde fault But this fault came on his side how easie was it for him then to take exceptions who before would be readier to answer for mee or my friendes then
torture thee Take it from her who too too well Can witnesse it is so Whosâ— hope seem'd Heauen yet prou'd a Hell And comfort chang'd to woe 27 For I was lou'd or so I thought And for it lou'd againe But soone those thoughts my ruine brought And nourish'd all my paine They gaue the milke that fed be'eife Till wean'd they proued dry Their latter nourishment was griefe So famish't I must dye 28 Then see your chance I cannot change Nor my affection turne Disdaine which others moues to range Makes me more constant burne My sighs I 'me sure cannot you please My griefe no Musicke prooue My flowing teares your passions ease Nor woes delight your Loue. 29 If my sight haue your freedome wonn Receiue it backe againe So much my selfe I finde vndone By gifts which proue no gaine As I lament with them that loue So true in Loue I am And liberty wish all to proue Whose hearts waste in this flame 30 Yet giue me leaue sigh'd he with teares To liue but where you are My woes shal waite vpon your feares My sighs attend your care I le weepe when euer you shall waile If you sigh I will cry When you complaine I le neuer faile To waile my misery 31 I will you guard and safely keepe From danger and from feare Still will I watch when you doe sleepe And for both sorrowes beare Make me not free I bondage craue Nor seeke else but to serue This freedome will procure my graue These bonds my life preserue 32 For life and ioy and ease and all Alasse lyes in your hands Then doe not cause my only fall I ty'd am in such bands Part hence I cannot nor loue leaue But heere must euer bide Then pitty let my paine receiue Doe not from mercy slide 33 If that said she you constant are Vnto your comming ill I le leaue this place yet let all care Accompany me still And Sheepheard liue and happy be Let iudgment rule your will Seeke one whose hart from loue is free And who your ioy may fill 34 For I loue 's bond-slaue am and ty'd In fetâ—ers of Disdaine My hopes are frozen my Spring dry'd My Sommer drown'd with paine I lou'd and worse I said I lou'd Free truth my ruine brought And so your speech the like hath mou'd and losse for gayning bought 35 With that away she hasted fast Left him his cares to holde Who now to sorrow make all hast Woes driue his hopes to fould Now he can see and weeping say His fortune blind he finds A heart to harbour his decay A state which mischeife binds 39 This now he feeles and wofully His birth and life he blames Yet passions rules when reasons lye in darke or quenched flames That place he first beheld her in his byding he doth make The Tree his liberty did win He cals his Martyr stake 37 And pleasingly doth take his fall his griefe accoumpts delight Freedome and ioy this bitter thrall His food her absent sight In contraryes his pleasures be While mourning giues him ease His Tombe shall be that haplesse Tree Where sorow did him ceaze 38 And thus did liue though daily dy'd The Sheephard Arideame Whose causlesse teares which neuer dry'd were turnd into a streame Himselfe the head his eyes the spring Which fâ—d that Riuer cleere Which to true harts this good doth bring When they approch it neere 39 And drinke of it to banish quite All fickell thoughts of change But still in one choyce to delight And neuer thinke to range Of this sweete water I did drinke Which did such faith infuse As since to change I cannot thinke Loue will death sooner chuse She that was before wonne what wrought this in her seeing loue seeking loue expression moouing admmiration and that so much as to admire him in her choyce at first sight so well to chuse but the truest worke or weft of her Loome was to doe which was to winne him winne shee would and at last as nothing or very little is hard to purchase in a mans breast a kind pitty or rewarding loue as if but exchanging and the latter part of that their marchandize She compassed her desires like her selfe the worst way for she made the poore louing Cauterino be the meanes to his losse vrging very much and earnestly shee replied that if hee loued so much as hee said hee should expresse it by bringing Dorileus to speake with her framing the cause to be concerning a Sister of hers in the house whom she said was farre gone in loue with him Hee gladdest of this that thus hee might serue her seuerall wayes went straite to his friend and most friendly brought him vnto her into a Garden appointed for it going away as kindly as shee wished leauing them together who then priuate she began My Lord said she you may well taxe me of boldnes but impudence I beseech you cleere me off since Loue the powrefull god of hearts commands mee to this adventure in which yet I blush least you should otherwise iudge of me then of feruent affection which hath stirred this vnusuall manner contrary to a womans modesty in seeking you but my Lord my loue is so violent to you as that blinds me to any course but this which is to beg pitty of you and compassion for my paine The hardest heart could hardly denye such a request much lesse his which was neuer in that kind cruell wherefore he went the neerest way to content her granting her request and appointing that night to waite vpon her what a busines shee kept then her Chamber was so perfumed and sweetely furnished her selfe so delicate to entertaine as when hee came hee thought it a braue Iourney and dainty conquest of himselfe for shee wooed and he had now the labour saued of Courting louing and all other troubles but yeelding which is easie on such conditions for the best of that Sexe to doe The night is come and hee prepared went to his Mistris the other amorous Duke being extremely molested with his passion could not sleepe but vexed with doubt and loue rose from his bed and went to his friends chamber to discourse and so ease his burdned burning breast but thither arriued he found only a light burning his Page asleepe in the chayre at the beds feete and the Duke absent this strake him into a iealous passion as thinking none so worthy as his Mistris none so likely there fore to be serued and so concluded none other then this wrong to him Then he complained against his friend for breach of friendship since hee knew how much he loued but straite came this againe that that tye without breach might be broken for loue cannot be resisted and none can command that power so as force not will did heere offend but all women for this tricke he reuiled and cursed himselfe for being the meanes and helpe for thus betraying him making him the instrument as in scorne for her satisfaction in loue and
and because it self betokened truth By this time her husband was come who told vs 't was time to goe rest We obay'd and this was the last time that euer I saw my deere and most worthily accounted deere Limena for the next morning I was by day to be at the Citie and so from thence to returne to the Campe. Thus tooke I my leaue and my last leaue of vertuous Limena whose sad face but sadder soule foretold our following harme and succeeding ruine For within few dayes after my returne to the Camp there came a Messenger early in the morning and O too early for my fortune whom I strait knew to be Limenas faithfull Seruant At first it brought ioy to me seeing a letter in his hand but soone was that turn'd to as much mourning cursing my hands that tooke it and eyes that read so lamentable a letter the contents nay that it selfe being this and the verie same my Mistris sent and wo is me the last she ere can send Vrania read it while he with teares and groanes gaue the true period to it The Letter said thus MY onely Lord thinke not this or the manner strange I now send knowing already some part of the vndeserued course taken with me only pitie her who for your sake suffers patiently accept these my last lines and with them the sincerest loue that euer woman gaue to man I haue not time to speake what I would therefore let this satisfie you that the many threatnings I haue heard are come in some kind to endâ— for I must presently die and for you which death is most welcome since for you I must haue it and more pleasing then life without you Grant me then these last requests which euen by your loue I coniure you not to denie me that you loue my poore memory and as you will loue that or euer loued me reuenge not my death on my murtherer who how vnworthy soeuer hee was or is yet hee is my Husband This is all and this grant as I will faithfully die Yours Alas faire Shepherdesse said he is this a letter without much sorrow to be read and is not this a creature of all others to be belou'd Neuer let him breath that will not heartily and most heartily lament such a misfortune T is true said Vrania reason and worth being companions but yet I heare not the certaintie or manner of her death then will I not faile to lament with you Alas said hee heare it of mee onely fit to tell that storie After my departure from his house to the Citie and so to the Campe the iealous wretch finding my Ladie retired into a Cabinet she had where she vsed to passe away some part of her vnpleasant life comming in he shut the dore drawing his sword and looking with as much furie as iealous spite could with rage demonstrate his breath short his sword he held in his hand his eyes sparkling as thicke and fast as an vnperfectly kindled fire with much blowing giues to the Blower his tongue stammeringly with rage bringing foorth these words thou hast wrong'd mee vild creature I say thou hast wronged mee shee who was compounded of vertue and her spirit seeing his wild and distracted countenance guest the worst wherfore mildely shee gaue this answere Philargus saide shee I knowe in mine owne heart I haue not wrong'd you and God knowes I haue not wrong'd my selfe these speeches said he are but the followers of your continued ill and false liuing but thinke no longer to deceiue me nor cousen your selfe with the hope of being able for in both you shall finde as much want as I doe of your faith to me but if you will speake confesse the truth O me the truth that you haue shamed your selfe in my dishonour say you haue wrong'd me giuing your honour and mine to the loose and wanton pleasure of Perissus was I not great enough amiable delicate enough but for lasciuiousnesse you must seeke and woo him Yet Limena I did thus deserue you that once better then my selfe I lou'd you which affection liues in the extremitie â—till but hath chang'd the nature being now as full of hate as then abounding in loue which shall instantly be manifested if you consent not to my will which is that without dissembling speeches or flattring finenes you confesse your shamefull loue to the robber of my blisse you may denie it for how easie is it to be faultie in words when in the truth of truth you are so faultie but take heede vnfainedly answere or here I vow to sacrifice your blood to your wanton loue My Lord said she threatnings are but meanes to strengthen free and pure hearts against the threatners and this hath your words wrought in me in whom it were a foolish basenesse for feare of your sword or breath to confesse what you demaund if it were trueâ— farre more did I deserue eternall punishment if I would belye him and my selfe for dread of a bare threatning since sure that sword were it not for danger to it selfe would if any noblenesse were in it or his master choose rather to dye it selfe in the blood of a man then be seene in the wranglings betweene vs yet doe I not denie my loue to Perissus in all noble and worthy affection being I thinke nurst with me for so long haue I borne this respectiue loue to him as I knowe no part of my memory can tell me the beginning Thus partly you haue your will in assurance that that vnseperable loue I beare him was before I knewe you or perfectly my selfe and shall be while I am yet alwayes thus in a vertuous and religious fashion O God cry'd out Philargus what doe I heare or what can you stile vertuous and religious since it is to one besides your husband hath shame possest you and excellent modesty abandoned you you haue in part satisfied me indeed but thus to see that I haue iust occasion to seeke satisfaction for this iniury wherefore resolue instantly to die or obey me write a letter straight before mine eyes vnto him coniure him with those sweete charmes which haue vndone mine honour and content to come vnto you Let me truely knowe his answere and be secret or I vow thou shalt not many minutes outliue the refusall Shee sweetest soule brought into this danger like one being betweene a flaming fire and a swallowing gulfe must venture into one or standing still perish by one stood a while not amazed for her spirit scorned so low a passion but iudicially considering with her selfe what might be good in so much ill she with modest constancy and constant determination made this answer This wretched and vnfortunate body is I confesse in your hands to dispose of to death if you will but yet it is not vnblest with such a mind as will suffer it to end with any such staine as so wicked a plott and miserable consent might purchase nor will I blott my fathers house
make her feele seeing him her soule had onely loued after so many cruell changes and bitter passions in their crost affection This being past the wounded Knight began thus First said hee let mee know by whose hand I haue receiued this worthie end and indeed too worthy for so worthlesse a Creature who now and but now could discerne my rash and wicked error which now I most heartilie repent Now are mine eyes open to the iniuries done to vertuous Limena her chastity appeares before my dying sight whereto before my eyes were dimme and eares deafe seeing and hearing nothing but base falshoods being gouern'd by so strong and vndeserued Iealousie Next I must aske pardon of you my Lord Perissus deny not these Petitions I humbly beseech you both vnto a dying man who in his life did offer you too foule and too vnpardonable an iniury Perissus seeing his speedy end approaching hauing the noblest and freest heart forgaue him that offence which proceeded from the same ground that his crosses came from both taking roote from Loue and yet Loue in that kinde chang'd nature with madnesse when attended on with so much iealousie then with a milde voice he spake Philargus said he I am glad your punishment is accompanied with so happy and true repentance I doe freely forgiue you and thinke no more of that past then if neuer done But this I desire you will demand the like of your excellently vertuous wife who hath beene the patient of all your fury That I doe said Philargus and let my soule enioy no happinesse if I wish not her as well as it Then deare Limena haue you pardon'd me if not O doe and forgiue vnfortunate and ill-deseruing Philargus My Lord said she I most sincerely and heartily forgiue you and so I pray doe you the like for me my dearest then said he I happily and thrise happily now shall welcome death For your other demand said the braue Prince my name is Parselius Prince of Morea Philargus kissing his hand gaue him thankes and weeping for ioy said Most fortunate end how doe I embrace thee comming so luckily and brought thee by such royall hands Then taking Perissus by the one hand and Limena by the other he said I haue yet one request more to make which granted I shall dye with all content and this is only in you two to consent to they promised that then he should not be refused These misfortunes said he which now are past and I hope shall haue buriall in mee haue neuerthelesse it is most likely left some false conceipt remaining in the hearts of some people which to remedy and vtterly take away desiring Limena's honor which without questioÌ„ remains spotted might flourish as deseruedly as the clearenesse of it selfe is without so much as the shadowe of a thought to the contrary I beseech you for your owne best fortunes and my quiet departing to promise mee that after my death you will marry each other One more worthy my Lord more loyall more chaste the world holds not and this are you bound to doe for her who for you hath been wrongd and Limena deny not this to your dying husband being the last he can euer aske you He needed not vrge them much to what they most coueted and purposed in their hearts before yet to giue him full satisfaction though on her side with bashfull and fearefull consenting they yeelded to him Then my Lord said he take her and my hearts prayers with best wishes to you and my best belou'd Limena in witnesse of my loue to you I bestow on you this most worthy Lord far better befitting you and my whole estate with that embracing them kissing her and lastly lifting vp his eyes to heauen he departed they like true friends closing his eyes Being now growne late 〈◊〉 that night they went into the Caue which but lately had been the priâ—on of sweet Limena with them they caryed the body laying it in the further part of the hollownesse Then did Parselius tell them how infinitly happy he esteemed himselfeâ— in hauing come so luckily to serue them of whom and whose vnfortunat affection hee had heard hauing had it from the rare Shepherdesse Name her he could not his breath being stopp'd with sighes and his teares falling down in all abundance sent from his heart which dropp'd like the weeping of a Vine when men without pitty wound it Perissus seeing his sorrow made hast to ask the cause fearing some great harme had befalne that Diuine Creature of whom he gaue such praises as Limena thought they were too much which hee perceiuing left with demanding of her safety and why his greeuing was which Parselius hauing passionatly and truely related he desired most earnestly to heare the rest of Limena's story which she thus began My Lords after I sent the Letter and the time expired Philargus came for my answer or to performe his vowe which with desire I attended although he contrary to my wishes prolonged it When hee had what I resolud to giue him for satisfaction which was a direct deniall being in these words I know as your wife I am in your power to dispose of then vse your authority for so foule a staine will I neuer lay vpon my bloud as to betray the Prince name you in truth I durst not least at the last that might mooue my affections Then did he command me to goe with him to my death I hoped when he brought me into a great Wood in the midâ—t whereof he made a fire the place being fit and I thinke sure had been vsed in former time to offer sacrifice in to the Siluan Gods Then hee made mee vndresse my selfe which willinglie and readily I did preparing my selfe to be the poore offring but the richest that richnesse of faith in loue could offer When I had put off all my apparell but one little Petticote he opened my breast and gaue me many wounds the markes you may here yet discerne letting the Mantle fall againe a little lower to shew the cruell remembrance of his crueltie which although they were whole yet made they newe hurts in the louing heart of Perissus suffering more paine for them then he had done for all those himselfe had receiued in his former aduentures therfore softly putting the Manâ—le vp againe and gently couering them lest yet they might chance to smart besought her to goe on longing to haue an end of that tragicall historie and to come againe â—o their meeting which was the onely balme could be applied vnto his bleeding heart She ioyfull to see this passion because it was for her and sorry it was Perissus did sorrow proceeded And after these threatning many more and death it selfe if yet I consented not But seeing nothing could preuaile hee tooke my clothes and with them wip'd the bloud off from me I expecting nothing but the laâ—t act which I thought should haue been concluded with my burning his mind chang'd from the first
resolution so as taking me by the haire and dragging me into the Wood among the bushes whose cursenesse seconded their masters furie tearing my skinne and scratching my bare leggs to a tree he there tied me but not long â— continued there for he going a little from me returned with a Pastors coat which he tooke from a poore man that was in that Wood seeking a lost Beast with this he disguised me and also hauing taken the mans Horse tooke me behinde him putting a gag in my mouth for feare I should speake for helpe posting vnused waies through the desart to the Sea-side where he got a boate and so passed ouer to this place where euer since we haue remained for my part with daily whippings and such other tortures as pinching with irons and many more so terrible as for your sake seeing your griefe my deerest Lord I wil omit declaring only this I must speak of belonging to my story Once euery day hee brought mee to this pillar where you found me and in the like manner bound me then whipt me after washing the stripes and blisters with salt waterâ— but this had been the last had not you thus happily arriu'd for he determined as he said after my tormenting had been past in stead of washing me with the sea-water to cast me into her and so make a finall end of his tormenting and of my torments To this end he likewise went yesterday to the Towne and bought this armour arming himselfe to the intent that after his purpose was accomplisht he might take his iourney which way best he pleased Thus my Lords haue you heard the afflicted life of poore Limena in whom these tortures wrought no otherwise then to strengthen her loue and faith to withstand them for could any other thought haue entred into my hart that would haue been a greater affliction to my soule then the curst stroakes were to my body subiect only to his vnnaturalnesse but now by your royall hand redeemed from misery to enioy the only blessing my heart can or euer could aspire to wish and here haue you now your faithfull Loue Limena Perissus embraced her with that loue his best loue could expresse and then speaking to the Morean Prince he said The thanks most braue Prince for this happinesse belongs vnto you which is so much as my life shall euer bee ingaged to pay the due vnto you and my sword imployed to the best of my power to serue you vowing that when I and the same I professe for my deerest here proue vngratefull wee will no more see light nay let vs be as wretched as euer we were if that sinne know vs. Parselius with much affection requited their protestations making the like for himselfe in his loue to them so for that night they went to rest The next day taking their iourney to Naples to prouide such things as were necessary for them thence went they into Sicily hauing a braue ship which the Gouernor of that Towne knowing Parselius prouided for them going himselfe and many more braue Gentlemen to conduct them ouer whither being come they found the Country in great trouble the King being dead and an Vsurper in his stead but quickly were those stirres appeased by the presence ef Perissus well helped by the Company which came out of Naples with him but most and indeed chiefly compassed by the valour of Parselius who with his owne hands in a battell which was fought betweene the vsurper and an army that came to aide Perissus as soone as his arriuall was published kild the false king and his two sons being counted the valiantest men of all Sicily and in stature were little lesse then Giants This being finished Perissus was crowned King and soone after was the last promise performed in the marriage which was solemnely and with great state accomplished Then did Parselius take his leaue of the King and Queene returning to Naples and so to the Court of that King where with all ioy and welcome hee was receiued the triumphs and feastes making testimonie of it Yet was his sorrow such for Vrania as all those sports were rather troublesome then pleasing vnto him Some few daies after the triumphes began the Squire of Amphilanthus found him there to whom he deliuer'd his Message with much ioy did the old King receiue the Squire bringing him such ioyfull newes of his Sonnes being well though much more welcome had he beene if he could haue told any thing of his returne thither Parselius demanded of the Squire how hee found him out Why Sir said hee My Master going away from Morea with Antissius and that company sent mee by Sea to seeke you in this Countrey by chance our Shipp sprung a leake so as we were forced to put in againe to mend her after we had beene a day at Sea before she was throughly mended came a braue Gentleman called Ollorandus younger Sonne to the King of Bohemia who seeking my Lord to whom he hath vow'd his Loue and seruice knowing mee to bee his seruant enquired of me for him I told him where at that time he might find him Hauing done this I tooke the boldnesse to aske him if hee heard any newes of you and withall the cause why I asked he answered me that hauing past Italie in search of Amphilanthus and hearing he was cast vpon Morea by Shipwrack hee followed after him till hee came to the Court which at that time was in Arcadia there hee heard that he had beene there but was againe gone into Italy to seeke you and that hee would with you soone returne againe into that Countrey to goe into Albania wherfore he desiring to see something in those parts passed vp and downe sometime to Morea where in Elis he met with you hauing as hee merrily tolde me passed a pretty aduenture with a Lady and her Knights From thence hee came to that part of the Kingdome where I was put in by that chaunce meaning there to ship once more for Italy but I telling him of my masters iourney to Romania he with all speed followed him there to deserue his friendship by his seruice and thus came I to be so fortunate to meet you Then did Parselius acquaint the King with his entent which was to follow Amphilanthus so taking his leaue he went with as much fortunate speede as might be to oâ—ertake his friend promising the old King to hasten his Sonnes comming withall letting him know the hope he had of Vrania's being his Daughter which hope was as comfortable to him almost as if hee had already enioyd her Parselius in his iourney trauelled with great paine of mind the like sufferd Pamphilia who all this while continued her Loue and life in Morea who by loues force was it seemed transform'd into the same passion her loue-sicke Companion still accompanying her till one morning her deare though vnquiet affections calling her to attend them made her see day sooner then otherwise she had by many houres
forgot first to cleere it But I pray Antissia what doe you see in mee that I should loue Amphilanthus more then respectiuely This said she that all perfections hauing ioynd and vnited their strengths to make you wholly excellent it cannot bee but you in all things must manifest it and in iudgement are you not cald to expresse it And if in iudgement wherein can there be more discern'd then in the choice of friend or Loue If so can you chuse other then the most deseruing and then must it not bee the most excellent of men and is not Amphilanthus that most excelling Prince In truth answered Pamphilia I confesse this latter part to be true for assuredly there liues not his equall for all vertues which well might make me if I were such a one as you say to haue that ambition in mee to affect the worthiest but so much perfection I waâ—â— as that part hath faild also in me yet this I will say I loue him as hee merits long conuersation as from our youthes besides our bloud claiming an extraordinary respect You will not deny you are in loue with him then Why should I not said shee I 'm sure I know my owne heart best and truly so farre is it from suffring in this passion as it grieues mee you mistake mee so much but Lord what strange and dangerous thoughts doth this bring into our brests Could any but a Louer haue so troublesome a conceite Why sweet Antissia when did this opinion first possesse you or what gaue you occasion to conceiue it Hath my speech at any time betray'd mee Hath my fashion giuen you cause to suspect it Did I euer enuiously like a Louer seeke to hinder your enioying him Did I vnmannerly presse into your companies Some of this surely I must haue done or you vniustly accuse me None of these could you faile in cride shee so great a wit and matchlesse a spirit would gouerne themselues better then to offend in such fond parts but the reason I haue already giuen being equall excellencies and the beliefe proceeds from this that mee thought you did with as feeling an affection accompany my sorrow when he went away and more neerely I imagined by your fashion it toucht you then pity of my griefe could haue procured Then I considered my eyes had been so fortunate as to looke vpon the best why then should not the best of our sex also looke on the rarest obiect and looking so must not the same conclusion be that beholding as I did loue must come in and conquer as on me so then looking with my eyes of force you must loue him What a progrâ—sse said Pamphilia hath your troubled imagination made to find a poore cause to forge a poorer vexation If all these things were true and that I lou'd Amphilanthus what then were it any more then my extremest torment when I should see his affections otherwise placed the impossibility of winning him from a worthy loue the vnblessed destiny of my poore vnblessed life to faâ—l into such a misery the continuall affâ—ictions of bâ—rning loue the fier of iust rage against my owne eies the hatred of my brest for letting in so destroying a guest that ruines where he comes these were all and these alone touching me in all disquiets Whaâ— need should they haue to molest you since so perfectly you are assur'd of his loue as you need feare no occasion nor any body to wrong you in that wherein he will not wrong his worthy choice and constancy What harme then could it be to you if you should loue him The losse of my content since that your loue said Antissia must not be refus'd but sought and if obtaind wo be to any other that aspires to that place better neuer to be borne then know the birth of so much folly as to aduenture to be a riuall with the rarest Princesse Pamphilia therefore knowing this harme I had rather you did not loue him Well then be satisfied said the sweet but sad Pamphilia my loue to him procâ—eds from his neuer enough praised merits but not for loue otherwise then I haue already exprest Aâ—tissia was with this answer thorowly satisfied taking the Princesse in her armes protesting her life too little to pay for requitall for this royall freedome she had found in her and theâ— fauour receiued from her expressing then her loue in the best manner she could plainely making confession of all to her concluding that had not her incomparable vertue bound her best respects to her yet the resemblance which shee had in her face of that famous Prince and her onely beloued would haue forced her to loue her The delicate Lady told her shee could not better please her then in telling her she did resemble him since then she was sure she was like to true vertue for he was of that the onely body but this loue and his dependances doe so vex vs as they take away all other societie to amend which let vs returne to the Court said she I am contented said Antissia So rising and holding each other by the arme with as much loue as loue in them could â—oyne they tooke their way backe towards the Palace but in the great Garden they met the King and Queene so they attended backe on them into the Hall whither they were no sooner come and setled in their places but they were entertained with this aduenture Tenne Knights comming in russet Armours their Beaâ—ers vp their Swords in their hands who comming more then halfe way to the State making low reuerence stood still parting themselues to either side of the Chamber to let the followers better be discerned Then came tenne more but in blacke Armours chain'd together without Helmets or Swords After them came sixe armed like the first three carrying Speares of infinite bignesse one the Sheild and the other two the Sword and Helmet of a Knight who for countenance seem'd no louer his colour like a Moore his fashion rude and proud following after these sixe who as the first diuided themselues Then came this man to the State leading by the hand as sweete a Ladie as hee was vgly shee as milde in countenance as hee insolent shee as fearefull as hee bold on the other hand of her another Knigâ—â— sad but it seem'd amorous The King and all the Court beholding and expecting the issue of this busines when the stout man in a hollow and hoarse voice deliuered these words King of Morea I am Lansaritano whose fame I doubt not hath spread it selfe to your eares Lord I am of the Ilands of Cerigo Dragonero and other lesser circkling my chiefe Iland as subiects to my greatnes This Lady you see here is my vassall by birth but by my choice honour'd with my loue which she foolishly refuseth iudgement so farre failing her as not to be able to discerne the happinesse and vnspeakable good blind Fortune hath giuen her in letting my high noble thoughts abase
themselues so low as to looke on her my creature and fauour her with my liking She whom I might command I haue bin contented to woe she who shuld obay ignorantly refuseth yet â— Master of worth will not force her but haue compell'd my selfe to consent to satisfie a fond request she hath made to me which is to come into this Court with her and this knight my Cosen whom she loues and is the barre from my enioying her and here if she can find a Knight who for her sake will enter into this quarrel which she calls The deâ—ence of true Loue he must obserue this to giue her to one of vs and fight with the other if it happen he chuse him as well it may be he wil defend Ladies he will dispose of her to her beloued he must combate me if he ouercome shee shall bee free else yeelded to me which I make no question of since I neuer yet knew any had the fortune how stout valiant or hardy could hold out with me These bound men are Knights and her Brothers two of them the rest her friends and kindred who vpon her vaine complaint fearing violence would haue been by me iustly vs'd vpon her made an insurrection which soone I appeased and for the loue of her would not yet put them to death but haue brought them with mee likewise on this condition that when I haue fought and vanquisht that bold and fond man whosoeuer that will aduenture to combate with me I shall strike off all their heads This Sir is the cause of my comming wherefore I desire leaue of you that shee may haue one if any Knight will vndertake it or dare maintaine her cause which shee accounts so faire and good The King was sorry for the Ladies sake his Court was so vnprouided of those braue Knights which were wont to honour it especially that his famous Nephew and braue Sonnes were all absent who he knew would defend a Ladies cause especially a louing Lady as she seem'd wherefore hee made this answere Lansaritano I am troubled so braue a man should fight in so ill a matter since if I were as you shee that would not by my worth bee wonne should not be thought worthy to be gaind by the hazard of my self into which you must run if you encounter Knights of my Court for surely no braue man will giue her from her owne affection but now indeede is your fortune good in comming when the Worthies of our parts are absent yet doubt I not but I haue still some here who honour Ladies so much as they will venter to deliuer them from force in loue therfore I giue yoâ— free liberty to pronounce your challenge I am sorry said he that all your Worthies be not here that I might for my glory ouercome them one after another but since they are absent any one here take her part that will or giue her to mee if none will aduenture combate otherwise I am ready to meete him with the Launce three courses and then end the Combat with the sword if no one dare vndertake itâ— you must sweete Lady bee mine for want of a knight for your Championâ— Shee lookt sadly and wept so loue-likely as all pittied her but none offered their seruice the valour being knowne and the strength much feared of Laâ—saritano till Selarinus disdaining such a man should haue though so little a cause to adde more fuell to the fire of his pride stept forth and said Most mighty King may it please you to honour mee so much as to permit mee the libertie of this aduenture wherein I doubt not but to doe iustly and to lay Lansaritano's pride as low as the eaâ—â—h will suffer his body to lie vpon it The king glad to see the fine young Prince so forward but loth to venture him in so dangerous a businesse told him That the true noblenesse and bounty of the kings of Albania his Predecessours did againe liue in him to maintaine which hee was very willing to grant his request but his tender yeares made him loth to aduenture him alone Then Sir said hee should I both shame my selfe and the braue Princes before by you mentioned but as I am alone left here of my bloud I will alone aduenture Then hee asked the Lady if shee would accept him and stand to his censure Shee answered Most willingly shee would Hee then gaue her to her beloued saying Prepare your selfe and know Lansaritano that you shall finde enough to doe when you encounter Iustice and resolution which are the two I take with mee in this Combate against you The furie of the vaine man was such to see so young a man answer him as hee could scarce giue one word againe but at last his breath smoked out these words Alas poore Boy I pitie thee wherefore pray thee be aduised and hereafter when thou hast a Beard come and it may be I will grace thee with fighting with thee vnlesse thou dost hope I should haue some pity on thy faire face and so forbeare to hurt thee in the fight 〈◊〉 â—ince you haue no brauer Knights Great King of Morea farewell I will returne and now faire Lady what thinke you of your seruant my selfe will you loue me or let this smug Youth be your Champion The king was infinitely offended with the proud speech of Lansaritano the like was all the company yet none aduentured to answer but braue Selarinus himselfe who againe couragiouslie yet mildlie told him That hee neede not learne to know words were not the weapons to bee vsed in fight therefore hee would answere him no further in that kinde but hee should giue him satisfaction with his Sword and Speare for the Ladies sake before his parting thence whether hee would or no and then haue occasion to speake better of him if hee left him to speake at all The King embraced the young Prince and straight sending for an Armour which was the first that euer Amphilanthus had worne hauing left it there taking another which was brought him from Italy after his first Victorie of fame which was there performed against two Knights in the defence of an iniured Ladie this hee put on which was all White saue iust against the Heart hee had the figure of a heart wounded curiously made and so artificially as one would haue thought his heart had been seene to bleed through the Armour with these Armes Selarinus was arm'd the King girting the sword to him and kissing him wisht as good fortune to him as the first Lord of those Armes had and to prooue as worthy to weare them Hee on his knee humbly gaue him thankes then turning to the Lady will'd her to take her loued Seruant if shee accepted him for her Knight Shee ioyfully beholding him and smiling on her loue who equally exprest his ioy followed him who now appeared a young Mars yet was her ioy mixt with feare of falling againe into his hands till which time shee
though abus'd by her and sham'd in her Leandrus went to him and kindly offerd his seruice if he needed it Hee casting vp his weeping eyes in teares thankt him but said One man was enough to suffer in so slight a cause and so vndeseruing a creature He desired to know the matter He answerd he had lou'd a Lady she had done the like to him or made him thinke so but hauing what shee would she had changed and not only so but giuen her selfe to his enemy being first betrothed vnto him and in that time he was prouiding for the marriage married the other and this is the cause of my torment hither I am come to reuenge my selfe of him and in him of her if shee loue him still They are in a strong Castle of his where they merrily liue while I am miserably vexed with tortures and dishonour the worst of torments What was the originall cause of his malice Truly Sir this cruelty hee vseth but to mee as belonging to my destiny Neglected I haue been of my friends for bearing this disgrace from mine enemy and the hater of all my Countrie the reason of his hatred to vs proceeding from this The King of Morea in his youth was a braue man at Armes and followed and finished many aduentures by chance at a great Iust held in Achaia for ioy of the birth of the Kings son cald Leandrus as after I heard he was and proou'd a Prince worthily deseruing the ioy then shewed for receiuing of him This Lords father was likewise there and encountring the King was by him throwne to the ground which disgrace hee took so heauily as he would haue reuenged it with his sword but that being forbidden the end of those triumphes reaching no further then sport discontented and burning in rage hee went thence watching when the King returnd in his iourney in this very place he set vpon him troopes of his comming all these seuerall waies and at once charging him who onely for his pleasure had sent his greatest company before him following with two Knights and their Squires but in this conflict the King got so much of the victorie as hee slew his Enemie with his owne hands but could not keepe himselfe from being taken prisoner and carried almost to the Castle whither if hee had gone without doubt hee had thence neuer returnd But the Squires seeing his distresse and the death of the other two their Masters ran euerie one a seuerall way till they got a good number of the traine together who with all speed and fury pursued them ouertaking them hard by the Castle and taking their Lord from them most being kill'd some few got into the hold where relating their vnlucky aduenture the wife of the slaine Lord and Mother to this Lord hauing as great a spirit as any woman breathing made a vow to bee reuenged of all the Court of Morea of the King and his posterity especially And this she hath hitherto performed with great cruelty her sonne hauing beene nursed in this hatred doth likewise continue it with more violence as his spirit is so much greater as commonly a mans is in respect of a womans and this is the cause why hee hateth all the Moreans of which countrey I am borne in Corinth my heart truely scorning him for his other iniury done mee am inuited hither for these two reasons to bee reuenged on him Leandrus thank'd him for his discourse but told him hee had by it made him long to try if hee could bee made a Prisoner also for so iust a cause or deliuer those so vniustly inclosed and the rather said hee to serue one so much iniuried as your selfe whose quarrell lay on mee and doe you defend the honor of your King and Country shee not being worth fighting for Hee answered that was true yet his honor hee esteemd worth cleering and that calld vpon him While they were thus discoursing the Lord and the false Lady came louingly hand in hand together downe one of the paths shee smiling in his eyes and want only courting him seeking to giue him occasion of mirth but hee went on like a man to whom ill was succeeding hee had some seruants with him arm'd and his owne armour was likewise carried by him if hee should haue any occasion suddenly to vse it hee was of a cleere and pleasing complexion a person amiable and louâ—ly curld hayre fayre eyes and so iudiciall a countenance as might haue made the worthiest woman like him and so well hee deseru'd as it was pitty hee fell into her hands who vndid both his minde and bodie making him as wicked as her selfe which was the worst of her sex He looked vpon her with loue but his speech was sparing either that naturally he had not store of words or his inward heauinesse at that time made him silent When he came neere the fountaine Clarimatto approched to him My Lord said he I am sure you know the cause of my comming into these parts if not examine your heart and that will tell you the iniuries you haue donâ— me or if that be so impure or partiall as it will not for offending bee true to so false a master behold this creature by you your shame and mine and in her forehead the faire field of our disgrace you shall see it written in spots of infamy and wrong The Lord knew his face and with it the offence therefore answered him thus Sir said he if on these conditions I acknowledge the vnderstanding of your rage I should make my selfe guilty of what I am free from to my knowledge I neuer wronged any if vnwillingly I made amends and am ready so to doe Can you giue mee my honour againe throwne to the ground by you and your inâ—atiable Loue cride he You wrong vs both said he and this shall be the Ground of my reuenge and answer to you with that he arm'd himselfe shee crying to him not to aduenture his deare selfe against that stranger whom she knew full well shee kneeled to him held him by the leggs kissed them gazed on him in termes call'd him dearest All would not serue he encountred his enemy and truly was he iustly made so by his owne ill deseruing They fought like two one hauing got and earnest to keepe a Mistris the other hauing lost and reuengfull to gaine his honour and kill his Riuall and Vndoer in his Loue at last the true cause got the vpper hand and the Lord came to the lower side of Victory which the seruants perceiuing rushed all vpon Clarimatto Leandrus finding the wrong they offer'd and the other was like to suffer stepp'd in to his rescue A fight was among these performed fit and onely the prize of Loue fit to be the end of it Clarimatto nimble valiant and hauing Iustice on his side fought accordingly and so as the Lord hauing lost much bloud out of two wounds giuen him by his foe nor had he escaped free but was hurt in
my suing to her Shee came then nearer and taking mee vp shee said My Lord for so my Seruant telles mee I may call you much doe I wonder why disguis'd till this time you haue continued If for loue your iudgement much erred to thinke I could affect so low as a Seruant if for other ends my selfe would neuer doe my selfe the wrong to thinke of any vnnoble course and if the first why did you not seeke to discouer it Diuine Lady said I farre be it from me to haue a thought to iuiure that vertue which admiringly I loue and louing honour the reason why I remaind disguis'd and vnknowne was the happinesse I conceiued in seeing you and the feare I had to loose that happinesse no way so much flattering my selfe as to haue a hope to attaine to that whereto my best thoughts ambitiously did flee feare kept me silent loue made me feare Now you haue it dispose of mee mercifully else soone after this discouerie bee pleasd to heare of my sad end She it seemd had pitie but not so much as to expresse it wherfore she only answered thus To assure me of your loue and you of pity this is the course you must take instantly leaue this place nor returne vnto it vntill such time as your fame by your noble deeds may proue such as shall make you worthy of my loue then returne release mee with your owne hands make me perfectly know you are Prince Rosindy and I wil giue my self vnto you I with all ioy promised those conditions should be performd She smil'd and said a Louer would promise any thing I will die said I but accomplish these Then will I be yours said she That gaue me a full heauen of ioy so kneeling downe againe and taking her hand I kist it and on it seald my vow But one thing more said she I would haue you doe let all these deeds be done while you still keepe your name of the Vnknowne and so bee cald till you returne vnlesse some great occasion happen to reueale your selfe I promisd likewise this and so by that name of Vnknowne I haue past these ten moneths neuer discouering my selfe to any but lately to Leandrus and a braue Gentleman then told he her the whole aduenture and now vnto your selfe With promise of her loue my vow anew solemnely made I took my leaue my hart fild with sorrow to part and my soule ready to leaue this earthly cage grieuing so much to leaue my better self she in like sort was sorry and pretily exprest it yet would not let too much bee seene lest it might stay me so we parted I happie and sorry she sorry and most happy in her owne noble vertues But now mee thinkes the time is so long as desire makes me haste homewards accounting that my home where my soule remaines but to this place I came first of purpose to heare what resolution was taken for the conquest of Albania but most for the reliefe of Macedon To obay my Ladies commaund I came secretly and so will remaine vnknowne but to you my dearest Sister now tell mee what you heare and keepe my knowledge to your selfe Pamphilia with infinite ioy hearing this story and the braue fortune like to befall her deare brother tooke him affectionately by the hand vsing these words Most worthy to bee held dearest brother the happinesse is much greater which I conceiue then able to expresse seeing the likelihood of your worthily merited fortune What I know I were a poore weake woman if I would conceale from you or reueale of you Therefore know the intent was to conquer Albania first but whether the absence of Steriamus will hinder it or no I yet know not but this I beleeue that such meanes may be wrought as to preferre Macedon before the other and since your content and fortunes lie that way if you will trust me I will order it so as that shall bee first Bind mee more if you can sweete Sister and to make mee happy enioy the authoritie ouer mee and mine said hee Then did shee entreate him that hee would for a while tarrie there which hee graunted till such time as they could order their affaires according to their owne minds While this content lasted to Pamphilia as much griefe increased to Antissia which griefe at last grew to rage and leauing sorrow fell to spite vowing to reuenge and no more complaine this thought did so farre possesse her as her countenance bewrayed her heart shunning the sight of Pamphilia who with loue and respect did coueâ— hers This change made the sweet Princesse infinitely admire what the reason should bee that now mooued her she seeming to haue remaind satisfied But those who know that languishing paine also know that no perfect satisfaction can be vnlesse the humor it selfe with satisfaction doe quite leaue the possessed for as long as one sparke liues though neuer so little it is able with the least occasion or signe of occasion to make a great fire and so did it now proue Pamphilia desirous to haue no vnkindnes betweene them sought all waies to please her this was as ill a course as if of scorne she had done it or in pitie hauing deceiu'd her would shew the most despised and contemptible friendship which is pitie Madnes grew so vpon this as she burst out into strange passions especially one day when as Embassadours came from the young King of Romania to giue thanks to the King of Morea for his royall curtesie to his Auntâ— who by the Knight of Loue he vnderstood to be in his Court giuing withall such infinite praises of him to the vnspeakable ioy of the old King and all the Court knowing him to bee Amphilanthus as mirth liberally shewed her selfe in all faces but Antissia's The Embassadour hauing deliuered letters to her both from Amphilanthus and the King wherein she was intreated to come into Romania to him and by her seruant aduised not to refuse the Kings demand but to goe with the Embassadour which was the new Duke Lizandrinus whither in short time himselfe would also come but the more sweet and kind language hee vs'd in his letter the greater was her conceite it was vsed to flatter her complement neuer being vsed in the time of her happinesse especially when she came to the point of going she directly concluded that he had laid that tricke vpon her to be rid of her sight and the freâ—lier to enioy his new Mistris and this she angerly told Pamphilia whispering in her eare withall adding that he might aswell haue told her thus much himselfe considering she saw him and you braue Lady said she last night in the Gardenwood Pamphilia between feare to haue her brother discouerd by her malice disdaine so vniustly to be accused her bloud scorning to lie stil when it was wrongd boldly shewd it self in her face with thretning anger but this mou'd a coÌ„trary effect theÌ„ feare increasing base iealousie in stead
was as wrinkled as the rocke his complexion Sand-colour without so much red as to make a difference 'twixt his lips and face his haire had beene blacke but now was growne grisled yet still kept the naturall stubbornnesse of it being but thin and those few haires desirous to be seene stood staring neither were they of any equall length but like a horses maine new taken from grasse which by the wantonnesse of some of his companions had beene bit and natch'd in diuers places Beard he had none to distinguish his sexe his habits being forc'd to speake for him to that purpose onely a wart he had on his right cheeke which liberally bestowed some haire according to the substance for the sight of such as saw him He was not onely a Dwarfe but the least of those creatures and in some sort the ill-fauoured'st this youth seeing Amphilanthus straight cryd alas wee are betray'd for heere is an armed man that will assuredly destroy vs. The Prince promised on his word he nor any there should haue the lest harme if he would let him but come in vnto him the olde Dwarfe scarse knew how to trust hauing before beene in his trust deceiu'd wherefore he desired first to know who he was that gaue his word The King answered I am called and knowne by the name of the Knight of Loue but mine owne name said he is Amphilanthus Praysed be heauen said he that you are landed here for alas my Lord I am your Subiect miserably perplexed by a cruell and tyranicall man Lord of the Island of Strombolli and who hath vndone me and my children then leap'd he from the window and opened the dore which was made fast with many bolts of yron the doore open the King went in though with some difficulty at the entring by reason the place was low fitter for such a man as the Host then the Romanian King In the roome he found a woman in height and louelinesse answerable to the man and three younger men then himselfe but all of his proportion who seem'd to be his Sonnes Then did Amphilanthus desire to know the cause of his complayning against the Lord of Strombolli which the old Dwarfe began to relate in this manner May it please you great Prince to vnderstand I am called Nainio borne in Strombolli to pretty possessions the which I enioyed some yeares after my Fathers decease but the Lord of the Iland or better to say the Gouernor passing that way and seeing my liuing pleasant and delightfull groues of Orange and Lemmon Trees all other fruites plentifâ—lly yeelding themselues for our vses grew in loue with the place and in hate with me first hee peremptorily commanded mee to bring my wife and these tall men my sonnes to attend him his wife and children I that was borne free would not bee made a slaue wherefore I must confesse vnaduisedly I gaue too rough an answere that bred dislike and gaue iust occasion against mee Then sent hee for mee made mee a scorne in the eyes of all men and when hee had gloried enough in my miserie scoffing at my shape and stature saying I would make a fit Commander against the Infidels hee put mee and my family into a little boate and when shipping went for Greece sent mee along with them but such kindnesse I found among them as they indeede carried mee but brought mee backe againe this was discouered whereupon I was to die but my pardon was got by the Lady wife to the Lord a vertuous and sweet Lady on condition if euer I were found in Strâ—mbolli or any part of Italy I should die for it Then went I away and with the first mentioned Saylers got into this sea and so vnto this Iland where I haue remaind but in continuall feare for considering the danger I was in for my life it so with the memorie frights mee as I had rather haue steru'd here then gone hence for feare of harme euerie one that I heare or see in this place being as a Sprite vnto mee and so did you appeare till you told me who you were so much doe I yet stand in awe of the cruell Iland Lord. The King smil'd to heare his discourse but most to see his action which was so timerous and affrighted as neuer any man beheld the like and as did so did his Sons like Munkeys who imitating one another answer in gestures as aptly and redily as one Ecco to another and as like and so the sport was doubled Great delight did hee take in these little men wherefore gently and mildly hee gaind so much of them as they would with him leaue that place conditionally that hee would not carry them into Italy where they more feared their first enemie then trusted to the power of the King such a Lord is coward feare ouer base minds as vnderstanding gaines small place in their hearts as by this appeared else might they haue been assured in his company in Strombolli it selfe But consents agreeing on both sides they went out of the rocke to meete the other Princes the Dwarfes quaking at euery leafe that shook and fainted when they heard the Armour a little clash in his going but directly they lost life for a while when they met the other Knights not being able to belieue they were their Lords friends But after they grew more valiant like a coward who against his mind being brought into the middle of a battaile can neither runne nor his cries bee heard and therefore of force must abide that hell torment So were these brought to it by sight of fights when death could only haue relieued them from feare Amphilanthus following on came to a great Caue into which hee went putting the Dwarfes before him a great way they passed into it till hee came to a Riuer which either was blacke or the darkenesse of that shadowed place made appeare so the vault was of height sufficient for him without trouble to walke in and of breadth for three to goe a front paued and couered round with free stone when he came to the Riuer he desired to passe it but at first saw no meanes at last he discouerd or feare in his Dwarfes discouerd for him they being able to discerne hauing been long in the darke which though at first it blindes like Loue yet it giues at last fight to get out of it so they found a board which was fastned with chaines to the top of the Vault and two pines of yron that held the chaines being stuck into the wall those being pulled out the chaines let the Planke fall gently downe iust crosse ouer the water which was not aboue six yards ouer but being on it they might see a great way vp and downe the streame Then passed they on to a doore which they opened a pretie way along the same vault from the brook and the end of it thorow which they entred into a dainty Garden and so into a faire Pallace of Alabaster incompassed
this time with the Councell we came to aduenture for the Throne of Loue. Which said Amphilanthus I am also to trie wherefore let me be so much fauoured as I may bee the Knight to aduenture with you and you shall see I want not so much constancy as not to bring it to end though it pleased you lately to taxe me with it My Lord said she I taxed you onely for Antissia's sake who poore Lady would die if shee thought that you had chang'd shee so entirely loueth you Hath she spoken to you to speake for her said hee in truth shee did well since loue much better suites with your lippes then her owne but shall I haue the honour that I seeke You shall command my Lord said shee and wee will surely bring an end to it your valour and my loyalty being met together He made no other answere then with his eyes so for that night they all parted euery one expecting the next mornings fortune when the Throne should be so brauely aduentur'd for All that would trie their fortunes had free libertie so six couples ventur'd before the peerelesse payre but all were imprisoned to be honord the more with hauing their deliuery by the power of the most excellent who being ready to aduenture they were hindred a little by the comming of a Gentleman in white armour richly set forth and brauely accompanied who comming directly to Amphilanthus desired the honour of Knighthood telling him hee had sought many places and passed many Countries to receiue that fauour from him which but from him hee would not accept withall pulling off his helme which presently made him to be knowne to be Antissius King of Romania Amphilanthus with due respect to him welcomd him protesting he could neuer merit so high an honor as this was vnto him wherefore without delay in the sight of all that Princely company he girt the sword to him and he with Perissus put on his spurs then came Allimarlus to kisse his hands who most kindly he receiued and now my Lord said hee you are very fitly come to see the Throne of Loue wonne I hope by this surpassing Queene and your seruant my selfe Antissius went to salute the Queene so together they passed towards the Bridge Antissius and Ollorandus going together twind in each otheâ—s armes Pamphilia being thus apparreld in a Gowne of light Tawny or Murrey embrodered with the richest and perfectest Pearle for roundnesse and whitenes the work contriued into knots and Garlands on her head she wore a crowne of Diamonds without foiles to shew her clearenesse such as needed no foile to set forth the true brightnesse of it her haire alas that plainely I must call that haire which no earthly riches could value nor heauenly resemblance counterfeit was prettily intertwind betweene the Diamonds in many places making them though of the greatest value appeare but like glasse set in gold Her necke was modestly bare yet made all discerne it was not to be beheld with eyes of freedome her left Gloue was off holding the King by the hand who held most hearts He was in Ashcolour witnesâ—ing his repentance yet was his cloake and the rest of his suite so sumptuously embroidred with gold as spake for him that his repentance was most glorious thus they passed vnto the first Tower where in letters of Gold they saw written Desire Amphilanthus knew he had as much strength in desire as any wherefore he knocked with assured confidence at the Gate which opened and they with their royall companions passed to the next Tower where in letters of Rubies they read Loue. What say you to this braue Queene said hee haue you so much loue as can warrant you to aduenture for this I haue answerd shee as much as will bring me to the next Tower where I must I belieue first aduenture for that Both then at once extremely louing and loue in extremity in theÌ„ made the Gate flee open to them who passed to the last Tower where Constancy stood holding the keyes which Pamphilia tooke at which instant Constancy vanished as metamorphosing her self into her breast then did the excellent Queene deliuer them to Amphilanthus who ioyfully receiuing them opened the Gateâ— then passed they into the Gardens where round about a curious Fountaine were fine seates of white Marble which after or rather with the sound of rare and heauenly musick were filled with those poore louers who were there imprisoned all chain'd one vnto another with linkes of gold enamiled with Roses and other flowers dedicated to Loue then was a voyce heard which deliuered these wordes Loyallest and therefore most incomparable Pamphilia release the Ladies who much to your worth with all other of your sexe yeeld right preheminence and thou Amphilanthus the valliantest and worthiest of thy sexe giue freedome to the Knights who with all other must confesse thee matchlesse and thus is Loue by loue and worth released Then did the musick play againe and in that time the Pallace and all vanished the Knights and Ladies with admiration beholding each other Then Pamphilia tooke Vrania and with affection kissing her told her the worth which shee knew to bee in her had long since bound her loue to her and had caus'd that iourney of purpose to doe her seruice Then came Perissus bringing Limena to thanke her who heartily did it as shee deserued since from her counsell her fortunes did arise Amphilanthus likewise saluted her hauing the same conceit of resemblance between her and Leonius as Parselius had and so told her with exceeding ioy all after one another comming to her and the rest Antissius casting his eye vpon Selarina fixed it so as it was but as the setting of a branch to make a tree spring of it so did his loue increase to full perfection Then all desir'd by Pamphilia tooke their way to her Tent euery one conducting his Lady Amphilanthus Pamphilia Perissus his Limena Ollorandus Vrania Antissius Selarina the King of Cyprus his Queene his braue base Sonne Polarchus the Lady hee only lou'd who was Princesse of Rodes Many other great Princes and Princesses there were both Greekes and Italians Allimarlus for old acquaintance leading Vrania's maide thus to Pamphilia's tent they came where most sumptuously shee entertain'd them then did all the great Princes feast each other the last being made by the King of Ciprus who out of loue to the Christian Faith which before he contemned seeing such excellent and happy Princes professors of it desired to receiue it which Amphilanthus infinitly reioycing at and all the rest Christned him with his wife excellently faire daughter and Polarchus his valiant Sonne and so became the whole Island Christians Then came he vnto Amphilanthus humbly telling him that the disgrace he had from him receiu'd he esteemed as a fauour and honour sufficient to be ouercome by the valiantest King who none must resist to manifest which he besought him to accept him vnto his seruant and friend with whom hee
resolued to end his daies Amphilanthus replied the honor was his to gaine so braue a gentleman to his friendship who should euer finde him ambitious to expresse his loue to him but said he assuredly you neuer aduentured the throne but that you were in loue He blushing told him it was true but alas my Lord said he I haue no hope now to winne her Then told he the King the whole story of his loue beseeching him to assist him which he promised to doe and for that purpose to take their way by Rodes and so at the deliuering of her to her Father to sollicit his suit for him she extreamly louing him hee kissed the Kings hands for it And thus euery one remain'd contented Vrania longing to see Parselius and yet not daring to demand any thing of him till one day and the first of their iourney shee prettily began with Pamphilia taking occasion vpon her owne discourse as you shall heare But now that euery one resolues of going homeward what can bee imagin'd of louing Lucenia whose heart is now almost burst with spite and rage which she shewed to the King himselfe when he came to take leaue of her telling her that it must be his ill fortune to part with her that being finished which brought him thither She answer'd it was true it was finished now to her knowledge which she doubted not had had many ends with such foolish creatures as her selfe els said she had I neuer beene deluded with your flatteries I neuer said he protested more then I perform'd It was my folly then said she to deceiue my selfe and wrong mine owne worth with letting my loue too much expresse it selfe to giue aduantage for my losse when as if you had first sued your now leauing mee might haue beene falshood where as it is onely turnd to my shame and losse I am sorry said hee I shall part thus much in your displeasure since I know I once was more fauour'd of you You cannot right me more said shee then to goe and gone neuer more to thinke of me vnlesse your owne Conscience call vpon you It will not I hope reply'd Amphilanthus be ouerburdened with this weight since I will now as euer I did obey you and so braue Lady farewell well Shee would not wish him so much good who now shee hated so as onely making him a small reuerence they parted the Prince going to the Kings and Queenes who attended for him the King of Ciprus bringing them to the Sea the morning before their taking Shipp presenting them with the Shepherds and Shepherdesses of those Plaines who after their manner sang and sported before them to the great delight of all especially Pamphilia who much louing Poetry liked their pretie expressions in their loues some of which she caused to be twise song and those that were at the banquet which was made vpon the Sands they being seru'd by those harmelesse people to be written out which were two songes and one Dialogue deliuered betweene a neate and fine Shepheard and a dainty louing Lasse it was this Sh. DEare how doe thy winning eyes my senses wholly tye She. Sense of sight wherein most lyes change and Variety Sh. Change in me She. Choice in thee some new delights to try Sh. When I change or choose but thee then changed be mine eyes She. When you absent see not me will you not breake these tyes Sh. How can I euer flye where such perfection lies She. I must yet more try thy loue how if that I should change Sh. In thy heart can neuer mooue a thought so ill so strange She. Say I dye Sh. Neuer I could from thy loue estrange She. Dead what canst thou loue in me when hope with life is fledd Sh. Vertue beauty faith in thee which liue will though thou dead She. Beauty dyes Sh. Not where lyes a minde so richly spedd She. Thou dost speake so faire so kind I cannot chose but trust Sh. None vnâ—o so chaste a minde should euer be vniust She. Then thus rest true possest of loue without mistrust An other delicate Mayd with as sweet a voyce as her owne louely â—weetnes which was in her in more then vsuall plentifulnesse sang this â—ong being as it seemd faâ—ne out with Loue or hauing some great quaâ—ell to him LOue what art thou A vaine thought In our mindes by fancy wrought Idle smiles did thee beget While fond wishes made the nett Which so many fooles haue caught Loue what art thou light and faire Fresh as morning cleere as th' ayre But too soone thy euening change Makes thy worth with coldnesse range Still thy ioy is mixt with care Loue what art thou a sweet flowre Once full blowne dead in an houre Dust in winde as staid remaines As thy pleasure or our gaines If thy humour change to lowre Loue what art thou Childish vaine Firme as bubbles made by raine Wantonnesse thy greatest pride These foule faults thy vertues hide But babes can no staydnesse gaine Loue what art thou Causelesse curst Yet alas these not the worst Much more of thee may bee said But thy Law I once obay'd Therefore say no more at first This was much commended and by the Ladies well liked of onely Amphilanthus seem'd to take Loues part and blame the mayde for accusing him vniustly especially for describing him with so much lightnesse Then to satisfie him a spruce Shepherd began a Song all the others keeping the burden of it with which they did begin WHo can blame me if I loue Since Loue before the World did moue When I loued not I despair'd Scarce for handsomenesse I car'd Since so much I am refin'd As new fram'd of â—tate and mind Who can blame me if I loue Since Loue before the World did moue Some in truth of Loue beguil'd Haue him blinde and Childish stil'd But let none in these persist Since so iudging iudgement mist Who can blame me Loue in Chaos did appeare When nothing was yet he seemd cleare Nor when light could be descride To his crowne a light was tide Who can blame me Loue is truth and doth delight Where as honour shines most bright Reason's selfe doth loue approue Which makes vs our selues to loue Who can blame me Could I my past time begin I would not commit such sin To liue an houre and not to loue Since loue makes vs perfect proue Who can blame me This did infinitely please the braue King so cunningly and with so many sweet voyces it was sung then the banquet ended they tooke leaue of the kind King of Ciprus and his company all the rest taking ship with Pamphilia sailing directly to Rodes where they receiued vnspeakable welcome being feasted there eight dayes together and for show of their true welcome the Duke of that Iland bestowed his consent for marriage of his daughter with her long beloued friend Polarchus whose ioy and content was such as the other amorous Knights wisht to know Then tooke they their
freedome and lesse ouer-seers of my actions To a Maske that wee had there wherein I was a Lady came whose ill 't was to fal in loue me and so violently did it flame as it grew dangerous if she were refus'd a womans hate which is the deadliest I was to expect if I consented iust disdaine from my deare selfe I was to merit Hate could not stirre mee to such ill but feare lest it would blaze vnto her hurt made me yeeld some content In these two straites I was if I would haue asked leaue and told the cause it yet might purchase doubt if I denied certaine hurt ensued To auoid both I did kindly vse her and such words spake before my onely loue as I did wish that she should vnderstand while still the other tooke them to her selfe Thus it was well but how could well long last with me from this well grew my worst ill and that ill all my woe for my loues husband grew to doubt his wife which well he might for though she were assured or truly might be of my faith to her yet could shee not but sometime shew dislike that she sought to win me or that she should aspire to be her riuall loue this made that secret deare affection seen which so long had laine close wrapped vp alone in knowledge of our soules Hee had no sooner found this but hee straight studdied by skill to be reueng'd and yet to seeme still ignorant of the plot and thus his wicked practise he began A solemne feast hee made which was to last for twelue whole dayes the reason he alleaged was this an old man once did say whose skill was very great in the Art of Diuination as 't was held that he should neuer liue to fiftie yeares of age which time being then expired this feast for that cause was appointed Many Ladies thither were inuited with their Lords and many knights who were to win faire Ladies and with the rest this amorous Lady came whose welcome to my loue was like hers vnto me I grieud that shee was there because I saw shee did displease her eyes who firmely held my heart The Lord whose name was Redulus neuer shewed better cheere his heart neuer more foule nor thoughts more â—ulled with base fram'd tricks At the first show which was by candle light and neither Masque nor properly any one thing but a mingle of diuers sorts I sate betweene those two whose loues in seuerall kindes I held my Ladies intruth mix'd with a little feare the other in violence heated with dislike I had but one loue yet of force shew'd two faith and sincere affection to my choyce dissembled and a faign'd respect to her had chosen me The husband watching all and catching with as many seuerall watches our close looks as spiders flyes with numbers of her webs then did his wit begin to play that part allotted to it selfe which was to throw a spitefull iarre among vs three which was effected by this diuiliâ—h meanes flouting the Lady whom my soule best loued telling her how shee had made such a choyce hee could not blame her for since hee a Prince a dainty youth a neate and courtly Knight delicate amorous how can hee bee sâ—ene without admiring and then louing yet truely wife said he I better doe deserue your loue since I haue loued but you and you haue many partners in his loue I speake not this for iealousie nor am I angry with it or displeased but onely pitty you who are deceiu'd Courtiers you know will loue choyce of Mistresses alas what lucke haue you to fall into this snare to loue and to be couzened of your loue by one you make your friend and sweet companion iustly yet this is done that you afford your friend a part in all Selinea for so was she deere shee my Lady cal'd knew not at first with what face or in what kind to receiue these words the husband first was the informer the businesse his dishonour the losse hers the fault her louers these call'd her sharpest and best pleased wits to ayde at last shee thus did say My Lord you say you pity me in this kinde were I guilty you had more iust cause to hate me for truth in men except your selfe their truths and falshoods are indifferent to me hauing no further reason to commend prize or dislike them but for vertues sake and so am I in my owne opinion blessed in your loue as I should despaire of blessing if I deseru'd it not in the same height of loyalty for the Prince he hath it is true many noble parts able to win womens affections but yet none such where true worth remaines as to diuert them from a vertuous life since that leaues the name property when it runs to change If I were single it might be I should as soon like him as any other but I lou'd you and loue you neuer to change from that loue therefore I pray you take home your before-giuen pitty and bestow it where it wants since I haue yet no vse of it and continue that loue you did beare me which shall be requited with as lasting a faith in me He who expected rather a curst and sharpe answer then so milde an one tooke her in his armes and kissing her swore hee lou'd her well before but now his heart was wholly hers thus shee as shee hop'd had satisfied him who seem'd contented but his minde was no more then before quieted for then hee went to Melinea and talking with her discoursed how infinitely hee was afflicted with the wrong that Dolorindus did him in his reputation and honour courting of his wife so publikely and striuing to discredit him vnto the world and so vndoe his happinesse at home which hee enioyed while Selinea louâ—d him but now such power had the earnest and importunate loue of the Prince gained ouer her weake powers to resist as hee had made her his But yet sayd Melinea he loues her not assuredly as you imagine Bee not deceiu'd sweet Melinea said Redulus for neuer did man more passionately affect then Dolorindus doth did you but see his sleights nay his passions if they faile you would sweare no man did violently loue but hee his sighs with folded armes and stealing lookes discouers what hee feeles How haue I seene him when he talk'd with you and kiss'd your hand throw euen his soule out at his eyes to her Surely my Lord said shee you cannot see this but you doe speake it onely to trye if I would proue so vnworthy as to ioyne with you in doubt of her who is as good as faire No I protest said hee I speake as I belieue and know but yet I am assur'd that his loue is the greater and the cause that shee did euer bend to thinke of loue A Princes name is able to attract a chast-borne â—aide to know loues heate and force what then can loue and strong affection ioyn'd win on a woman Take
gouernd at thy birth what plague was borne with thee or for thee that thou must but haue a vertue and loose all thereby Yet 't is all one deere loue maintaine thy force well in my heart and rule as still thou hast more worthy more deseruing of all loue there breaths not then the Lord of my true loue Ioy then Pamphilia if but in thy choice and though henceforth thy loue but slighted be ioy that at this time he esteemeth me Then went shee to the Ash where her sad sonnet was ingraued vnder which she writ TEares some times flow from mirth as well as sorrow Pardon me then if I againe doe borrow Of thy moist rine some smiling drops approouing Ioy for true ioy which now proceeds from louing As she past on she heard some follow her wherefore looking backe she discernd Vrania and Amphilanthus to whom she straight returnd and with them walked as while vp and downe the wood til Amphilanthus aduised them to sit downe so laying his Mantle on the grasse the two incomparable Princesses laid themselues vpon it the king casting himselfe at their feete as though the only man for truth of perfection that the world held yet that truth made him know that they were so to be honourd by him then laying his head in Vrania's lap and holding Pamphilia by the hand he began to discourse which they so well liked as they past a great part of the day there together Pamphilia still desiring him to tell of his aduentures which hee did so passing finely as his honour was as great in modestly vsing his victories in relation as in gaining them but when hee spake of Steriamus his finding him and his passions he did it so pretily as neither could procure too much fauor for him nor offend her with telling it yet still did she hasten the end of those discourses which he no whit dislikt but Vrania desird stil to heare more particularly of him as if she had then known what fortune they were to haue together at last the king proceeded to the comming to the Iland now cald Stalamine anciently Lemnos where said he the Lady is called Nerena a woman the most ignorantly proud that euer mine eyes saw this Ladies ill fortune was to fall in loue with Steriamus who poore man was in such fetters as her affection seemd rather a new torture then a pleasure to him yet left she not her suite telling him she was a Princesse descended from the kings of Romania absolute Lady of that Iland and for his honor if he knew truly what honour it was to him his loue He told her 'T were more credit he was sure for her to be more sparingly and silently modest then with so much boldnesse to proclaime affection to any stranger Why said shee did euer any man so fondly shew his â—olly till now as to refuse the profferd loue of a Princesse and such an one as if a man would by marriage bee happy should bee onely chosen as that blessing I am said hee truly ashamed to see such impudent pride in that sexe most to be reuerenced but to let you know that you too farre exceede the limits of truth and vnderstanding by vainely ouer-esteeming your selfe I will assure you that I loue a Princesse whose feete you are not worthy to kisse nor name with so fond a tongue nor see if not as the Images in old time were with adoration nor heare but as Oracles and yet this is a woman and indeed the perfectest while you serue for the contrarie How call you this creature said she Steriamus was so vext that plainly she cald you so as he in very fury flung out of the house nor for the two daies which wee staid there afterwards euer came more in shee perplexing him still leauing him in no place quiet till she got your name Then made shee a vow to see you and follow him till shee could win him letting her proud heart bow to nothing but his loue wherein the power of loue is truely manifested I would be sorry said Pampilia to see her vpon these termes since she must fild with so much spite against me with all malice behold me I wish she were here said Vrania since it is a rare thing surely to see so amorous a Lady Thus pleasantly they passed a while till they thought it time to attend the King who about that houre still came forth into the Hal where they found him and the aduenture soone following which he last spake of for the kings being set there entred a Lady of some beauty attended on by ten knights all in Tawny her selfe likewise apparreld in that colour her Pages and the rest of her seruants hauing that liuerie The knights being halfe way to the State stood still making as it were a guard for the Princesse to passe through who went directly to the king then making a modest but no very low reuerence she thus spake Although your Maiesty may well wonder first at my comming then at the cause yet I hope that excuse I bring with it will pleade for my iustification It is not I am most assured vnknowne to you although one of the greatest Christned Kings that loues power is such as can command ouer your hearts when to all other powers you scorne so much as yeelding This hath made me a subiect though borne absolute for whatsoeuer I seeme here to be yet I am a Princesse and Lady of the sweet and rich Stalamine but alas to this Iland of mine came three knights knights I call theÌ„ because they honor that title with esteeming it higher then their own titles for Princes they were the rarest some of them of Princes as when you heare them namd you wil confesse with me One of these my heart betraying me it self neuer before toucht vnto the subiectioÌ„ of his loue wherof if he had bin so fortunat as to be able to see the happines was falleÌ„ vnto him in it he might haue iustly boasted of it But hee slighting what his better iudgement would haue reuerenc'd refused my affection mine which onely was worthy of gaine being so well knowing as to dispise liberty in giuing it selfe to any of meaner qualitie then Steriamus whose proud refusall yet makes me loue him and take this iourney in his search comming hither where I hop'd to find him both because I heard he liued much in this Court and that hee had bestowed his loue vpoÌ„ your surpassing daughter Pamphilia these brought me assurance to win him hauing giuen my selfe leaue to show so much humility as to follow him next to see that beauty which he so admired and as if in scorne contemned mine in comparison of it which I thinke Sir if you well behold you will iudge rather to merit admiration then contemptâ— Faire Lady said the King that Prince you speake of hath been much in my Court and not long since but now indeed is absent not haue we heard any thing of
what could be wished to giue true delight contrarily wrought against them The morning come they rose and as one parted not but together went to the top of the Castle whence they saw their ruine then kissing her and gently weeping on her face hee said My deere mistake not you these tears which now I shedd onely in tendernesse vnto your state and for you who was sauer of my life How can life better be disposed of then to her seruice who did once preserue it when I a stranger hurt and mangled was conducted to your house how was I there relieued and cherished by your care this was but to this end and this end is more welcome then a life which without you I otherwise had gained Farewell deere loue more kind and sweete then blessings in distresse I le fight for thee and this must be my last yet feare I not for doe but see my end and that will make me liue with ioy in death when I see thee beholding me from hence my courage will increase and make my blowes more terrible and fatall then the harme which falls in stormes from high Farewell once more my deere my life my ioy and my last comfort sweete weepe not for me nor marre those deere eyes which wound mee more to see them harme themselues then stroaks that from the enemie can come and bee assured the victory will turne to vs if you but let their cleernes shine on me but dimme them and I die The sweetest soule did weepe yet wip'd away the tears to fauour him and shew them bright farewell my life said shee if thou dost die for after thee I le neuer more see day then kiss'd they once againe and so did part hee to the gate whereout he sallied then arm'd in â—edd his sheild with the old deuice which was an Azuer Speare vpon his â—rme a scarfe of Azuer colour giuen him by his loue and thus against the enemie he came who neuer stay'd to meete him but with troops incompassing him round who fought with rage against all hope more then a hope â—o dye like to himselfe and to renowne his blood that though shedd by such â—orce yet so well shedd would write his fame eternally to times and witâ—esse worth with valour ioyn'd made loue the crowne whereat they leiâ—el'd still To say what courage he did show how many slew what wounds what â—roaks it were but tedious and most vaine but so much did hee there as â—ade a way through the thickest so pass'd in spite of what their furyes or â—heir numbers could doe to hinder him A path he made of men and paâ—ed the ground with bodyes while their bloods sought how to bath them â—leane and wash their wounds which giuen on so ill grounds did blush or shame Hee beeing pass'd and on the other side cast vp his eyes to see if â—ee beheld which when he saw and that she made a signe to him to scape â—nd euen with hands held vp and knees bent downe shee did beseech hee â—rauely answered with his sword wau'd round about his head as who â—â—ould say no heere I le dye or set my Lady free With that behind him â—â—me a gallant Knight and fifty more who neuer speaking word as he aâ—aine did charge his enemie charg'd in with him and did so brauely helpe 〈◊〉 in short time the conquest was dispos'd to braue Philarchos and his new come friends then did they seeke among the prisoners where they might finde the spring of all this ill at last they got the Duke and then with guards brought him into the Castle when kind Orilena came vnto her Knight and holding him fast in her tender armes wellcomd him to his owne and her command but as she did embrace him she perceau'd the blood to runne along his arme wherefore shee went and speedily did fetch an excellent baulme and then disarming him did dresse his wounde but when his helme was off the stranger Knight caught him with all true loue into his breast and louingly thus said My Lord how bless'd am I to see the Prince I seeke he also hauing pulld off his helme but young Philarchos knew him not wherefore my Lord said he the honor you haue done this day is to your selfe in rescuing a poore distressed Lady and restoring her vnto her birth-right which shee else had lost for me this fauour and the aide I had from your braue selfe and these your followers shall euer binde me to be still your friend and faithfull seruant when you shall dispose of me and mine which still you freely may and shall command yet let mee know I doe beseech you who you are and how that you knew me My name said he is honoured most by this braue title of your friend my selfe am calld Antissius King of Romania setled and restored by your excellent cousen and the worlds greatest worth Amphilanthus the knowledge that I haue of you is this I saw your picture in the famous Court of your father the Morean King and withall your name and many of your acts were there related while you passd vnknowne but as the bare Knight of the Speare ioyes infinitly did possesse the Court to heare the fame which all parts holds of you besides so like you are to that braue King whom heauen doth fauour for the earths best good as for his sake if for no other cause I should affectionatly loue you The honors which you lay on me said he great King are such as I but weake in worth can hardly beare the waight of yet the last affects me most that I am something like that matchlesse King whose worth ambitiously I seeke to imitate though sure to come as much below the reach of it as 't is from me vnto the cleerest starre Then did they bring the King into a roome where they disarmd him and then went backe vnto the Duke whom they had put into a gallerie well guarded and respected like himselfe him they found not ouerthrowne with griefe for neither was hee sad nor any way dismay'd but seem'd to beare his ouerthrow patiently to him Philarchos thus began My Lord for so you are to mee since I am husband to your elder child who fondly and no way humanely for loue to Erinea you forget and would disinherit but shee borne to more good was first releiud by me lastly and most by this great King heauen so much fauoring her as to haue succour sent her from farr parts before his comming we were marryed determining to die if such our fates in holy wedlock Now you may discerne what wrong you did and if you please accept me for your sonne and pardon what without your knowledge wee in loue and great extremity haue done nor thinke shee hath dishonored her selfe or you in making me her husband for I am a Prince and sonne vnto a mighty King my name Philarchos my Country Morea third sonne vnto the King thereof Then did the Duke embrace him speaking
thus What hath been done I do confesse was hard and most vniustly against mine owne child but she hath married vnknowne vnto me in that she hath done like offence so set them iust in sight and hers the greater will appeare yet since her choice is such where such worth is as I truly speak more cannot flourish in so tender yeares I loue her and commend her thus worth doth gouerne where rule els would shew Then kist he his new sonne and presently his daughter was brought forth whom he did kindly welcome and so did conferre that Iland straight vpon the new maried couple making him Prince of fruitfull Metelin and other Ilands which were also his but himselfe and Erinea left the ioyfull payre and went to Samos where they liued she studying how to vexe or hurt her sister thus ill natures breath but in malice and feede still on spite Then did the young Romanian King take leaue first telling how he came vnto that place which was by chance for leauing the Morean Court vpon the comming of the happy newes of Victorious Rosindy hee desired to returne for his owne Countrie and there he would raise more men but as he trauelld he would still inquire of Parselius and Philarchos whom he long'd to meete and goe himselfe to succour and redeeme Albania Loue what a Lord art thou commanding ouer all for Selarina was the cause of this Then going back hee fell vpon this Ile to take in water and by meerest chance meeting a Peasant of that Country learn'd the state at that time that the place was in this brought him to the happy succour of the louingst paire that euer lou'd and did enioy their loues All well the Duke departed and they safe Antissius tooke his leaue with Allimarlus Steward of his house and many more who did attend on him a little before whose leauing Morea Leandrus hasting to his heart desired to be the messenger of that so happy successe of braue Rosindy and so there arriu'd to the infinite content of all the Court relating the dangerous attempts but then concluding with the happy end of ioy and marriage deliuering letters from the King and Queene who gaue precedence in place and gouernment to her husband for said she he won the kingdome by his sword me by his loue both his none but himselfe can here beare rule A little after Leandrus did arriue Amphilanthus tooke his leaue and with his Sister went for Italy as he pretended but St. Maura was the shrine hee bent his pilgrimage vnto The night before great sorrow was to part betweene Pamphilia and Vrania yet time grew on the king came in and so with kind and sad farewels he left the Court promising to returne with speed and to conduct Pamphilia to her kingdome from whence he by his perswasions had yet detaind her The way he and his sister tooke was straight vnto the sea none going with him but his deare and faithfull friend Ollorandus the euening after his depart Leandrus remaining in the Court and his passions more violently increasing to the height of discouering looking out at his window saw Pamphilia alone in a faire garden walking in such a manner as he could hardly giue it that title for so stilly did she mooue as if the motion had not been in her but that the earth did goe her course and stirre or as trees grow without sence of increase But while this quiet outwardly appear'd her inward thoughts more busie were and wrought while this Song came into her mind GOne is my ioy while here I mourne In paines of absence and of care The heauens for my sad griefes doe turne Their face to stormes and shew despaire The dayes are darke the nights oprest With cloud'ly weeping for my paine Which in shew acting seeme distrest Sighing like griefe for absent gaine The Sunne giues place and hides his face That day can now be hardly knowne Nor will the starres in night yeeld grace To Sun-robd heauen by woe o'rethrowne Our light is fire in fearefull flames The ayre tempestious blasts of wind â—or warmth we haue forgot the name Such blasts and stormes are vs assind And still you blessed heauens remaine Distemperd while this cursed power Of absence rules which brings my paine Lest your care be more still to lower But when my Sunne doth back returne Call yours againe to lend his light That they in flames of ioy may burne Both equall shining in our sight Leandrus now growne resolute not to loose for want of attempting would not let this opportunitie passe nor let slip so pretious an aduantage went into the garden to her and indeed it was properly said so for such businesse had her passions as til he interrupted them with words she discerned him not his speech was this Is it possible most excelling Queene that such a spirit and so great a Princesse should be thus alone and aduenture without guard My spirit my Lord said she as well guards me alone as in company and for my person my greatnesse and these walls are sufficient warrants and guardians for my safety Yet your safety might bee more said hee if ioynd with one who might defend you vpon all occasions both with his loue and strength while these dull walls can onely incompasse you but if traitors assaile you their helpe will bee but to stand still poorely gaine-saying Loue is oft-times as slacke being treacherous answered Pamphilia from assistance thus are these walls more secure and for strength I had rather haue these then ones power I could not loue Such is your discretion said Leandrus as to know that loue with discretion is the truest loue and therefore to a braue Princesse and especially to you whose vertue and beauty cannot be demanded by any whose deserts might challenge meriting of them discretion should aduenture to peâ—swade you to make choyce of some one you might affect for a husband since you were not onely fram'd the most incomparable Lady of the world but also a woman and so to be matched with one sit for your estate in birth and greatnesse and so iudgement will continue affection betweene you Discretion in loue I must confesse said she as discretion it selfe is bestâ— but if loue come wholly to be gouernd by it that wil haue so great a power as loue will loose name and rule and the other for riches or other baser things shall pâ—euaile against the sweetest passion and only blisse which is enioying therefore my Lord Leandrus by your fauour I must say I thinke you erre in this and in the truth of loue which is a supreme power commanding the eyes and the heart what glory were it to him to haue a cold part of wisdome to rule with him No his honor is to be alone and therefore doth he oft expresse it in making proud and great ones desperately affect meaner ones in respect of them and all to yeeld to his law they then that truly vnderstand great Loue must
and brought it to that passe that in fiue courses there was little aduantage but then Polarchos knowing his conclusion was neere an end like a man that in earnest desird to win his Ladyes loue encounterd him and stroke him flat on his backe passing only with the losse of his stirrops so the honour was giuen him and the other vnknowne got away as hee came but with somewhat lesse reputation yet no shame since hee did best of forty that Iusted of that Court. Thus the Iusts had end and Polarchos with much honor was brought into the Court wher he continued some daies hauing now finished his charge departed for Rhodes with all louely triumphant trophies At Rhodes he was receiued kindly of all except his mistris who examining al that he had done and finding none of the famous women among them told him that those were nothing to her vnlesse he had brought Pamphilias Vranias Selarinas and Limenas pictures or that he had ouerthrowne Parselius Rosindy Steriamus Selarinus Perissus Leandrus or such Knights looking with so despightfull a contempt on him as it a new moued his passions into a still continuing hate for he seeing this and all his labour no more esteemd grew to abhorring that which before he sought and scorne what he ador'd Is all my labour said he requited thus the trauells the hazards I haue runne into rewarded with this slightnesse Farewell fond vnworthy woman and when Polarchos next seekes thee vse him thus now I hate thee and will no more euer see thee or thinke of thee if not with scorne With that hee flung out of her presence and straight went to his lodging where he meant to stay that night onely and the next day take his iourney homeward but he was thus preuented for she seeing his minde alter'd and how like she was to fall into this losse she call'd her trustiest seruants to her and gaue them charge how to fulfill her commands which they accomplish'd for in the dead time of the night when hee slept secure from Loue passions which were wont to hold his eyes open and busie his soule hee now freed from them enioyed quiet rest till he was disturb'd by the rude rushing in of certaine men into his Chamber who taking him vnprouided layd hold of him and binding him with cords and yron chaines carried him into a strong towre which was on the topp of the Castle the windowes bard thicke with yron nothing else to keepe Sunne or cold from him no bed but the hard floore nor meate but bread and water Thus he liu'd a while true spectacle of misfortune in vnfortunate loue those hands that lately defended her beauty now bound for maintaining so false a shadow and all the honour he gaind for her turnd to disdained hate surely a iust punishment when worth carries a sword against worth to defend the opposite Poore Polarchos into what affliction art thou broughtâ— how will thy friends lament thy misfortune and redresse thy wrongs if they may attaine but the knowledge of it but thus thou must yet continue tortured for thy too great goodnesse Amphilanthus hauing now recouerd his strength pretily well came vnto his father one day telling him what promise he had made vnto his cosin the Queene of Pamphilia to conduct her home and therfore besought his leaue to depart and also permission for Vrania's going besides Steriamus was now to proceed in his businesse concerning the recouery of his kingdome these he said and no other should haue carried him from his presence This indeed was true and so gaind he the libertie he demanded though with hearty grief to part with them the Queene was also sorry for he was their dearest child yet his honour was more deare to them Then tooke he leaue of all the court and and with his braue companions and sweet Vrania tooke shipping for Morea Perissus hauing all this while continued in Arcadia with the King faine would take leaue of them but the happy newes of their arriuall did stay him If the Morean King were vpon this euen rauished with ioy none can blame him since he â—ad at that time the whole worth of the world in his presence Pamphilia neuer more contented hauing her two dearest brothers with her whither also soone came Philarchos to fill vp their ioyes bringing with him his beautifull and chastly louing Orilena all were full of comfort all comforted with this happinesse brauery of Knighthood shin'd there the onely beauty of vertue and vertuous beautie was there assembled As thus the Court was florishing in glory despising any sorrow a sad spectacle cald them one morning a little to compassion a Lady in mourning attire attended on with numbers of Knights and Ladies likewise in that habit came into the Hall the Ladies face couered with a blacke Vaile next to her followed an other Lady carrying a most sweete and dainty child in her armes shee comming to the State did not kneele downe but threw her selfe at the Kings â—eete crying out with such pitifull moane as all hearts did ioyne as in loue to condole with her Long it was before shee could bring forth any thing at last O my Lord said she as euer you had compassion of an afflicted creature verifie it in fauour shewed to mee I am a Lady and a miserable soule forlorne by fortune and my loue I was resolute but alas what woman can see my yeeres and still continue so I was deceiued and am and this now grieueth me Assist me gratious Prince it is alone in you to redresse my harme then doe it and doe it to her who suffers by your bloud The King was amazed not beeing able to guesse at the businesse yet taking her vp desired to know more of it promising his best power and aide in it The businesse then my Lord said shee is this I am dishonoured if you helpe not one of your Knights trauelling in search of a friend of his vnfortunately for mee lighted on my house where I with ciuility and courteous manner intertaind him so well hee liked the place and then my selfe as hee neuer ceased continuall importunity woing and sparing no meanes to win his end till hee procured this end for me yet being chastly bred and honouring vertue aboue all respects or passions I would not consent till he married me then wee kept together some times he leauing all other courses contented to obscure himselfe his name and estate to be in my armes happinesse to me like assurance of heauen for as heauen I lou'd him and would not refuse any danger his loue might expose me vnto But he hauing enioyd his desires and seeing I had no hidden beautie more for varietie to delight him with all hee left mee with a faigned excuse neuer since hauing so much as looked after me or let me know hee liu'd What torment this was to me Great King confider but most finding my selfe with child then came the hazard of my honour in mind the danger of
my disgrace the staine I might bring to my house for few will belieue vs poore women in such extremity but rather will increase our infamy What paine euer was sufferd by woman I indur'd in soule and body till the time of my deliuery came when God sent me this babe hauing gaind some little strength I left my Country and hither am I come vnknowne to any humbly to craue your fauour one of your Knights hath done me this abuse and therefore from your hands I implore right Sweete Lady said the King I pitie much your fortune but tell mee who this Knight is and I vow he shall not stay in my Court or fauour if hee doe not before me satisfie you so as this can be verified against him Sir said she if one of these words I haue spoken bee false let shame and perpetuall losse requite me no Sir I haue spoken onely truth and desire but to be iustified yet wiâ—h I not so great an ill to befall him for God knowes my soule is purely his louing him as it selfe and but for him would haue so much tried the sincerenesse of it Then call I beseech you your Knights together and of them demaund what they will alot me I will be disposd of by your selfe and them for iustly may I put my selfe to you since he is no other that hath abused me but your owne sonne the winning and forsaking Parselius The King at this grew infinitely troubled not knowing what to say or doe in it at last he cald his sonne who all this while was talking with Leandrus about Pamphilia he comming to him the king demanded of him if he would vpon his Honour resolue him directly of one thing he would demand nay more he charged him on his blessing not to conceale that from him which he was to aske He vow'd nothing should make him answere false Then tell me said hee haue you a child or are you married to any without my knowledge He fell straight on his knees If euer cry'd he I gaue my word to marry any or had a child by any let Heauen blesse you said the Lady staying him from further proceeding Vow not said she for neuer knew I man bâ—t you and you are husband to me and father to this babe Her voyce he thâ—n began to know yet being impossible as hee thought for Dalinea to 〈…〉 her he desired to see her face Nay said she first promise to bee iust before your father and this royall presence confirme what priuately before onâ—â—â—â—ee you vow'd in sacred marriage What I did vow said he I neuer will denyâ— then royall Father said hee heare mee with patience and fauour and yet before I speake call Leandrus hither so he was cald when Parselius with eyes fild with teares thus began Wretch that I was wandring in search of my friend Amphilanthus as I pretended but indeede that onely was not my voyage I fell into the confines of Achaya where I met Berlandis who came to seeke me from his Lord and to intreat my company in finishing the warre for Antissius I consented but passing through that Country I chanced to come to the Castle of Dalinea your faire and vertuous Sister her I fell in loue withall forgot all former vowes and truths in loue her I sought flatter'd wept to protested what loues art could instruct me in but all in vaine vertue in her was a strong rocke against my vehement suite till at the last pitie procured reward to me shee granted on the making her my wife I did that willingly and as my only happinesse But long I had not thus enioyed her but one sad night I dream'd of my first Loue who furiously reuild me for my change then sent reuenge in scorne and worst contempt I waked distracted shee deare shee my wife was grieued with my paine asked the true cause complaind with me grieu'd with mee wept with me who wept to cousen her yet I was forc'd to it At last I made a faignd excuse and by that meanes liberty to goe From thence I parted after lost my Page flying from all but sadnesse which did liue fed by my sorrow pressed with the heauiest weight of soule-felt-mourning I got vnto the sea and so shipt and saild to St. Maura where with an Hermit graue and poore I wasted out some time till sweet diuine Vrania was by her deare brother throwne into the sea I saw her fall and heard her cry farewell I leapt vnto her and so came a shore by helpe of Steriamus and his friend good Dolorindus Straight I found the good for then all fortunes pass'd in my cross'd loue I quite forgot nay that I had e're lou'd so farre was passion from me yet the loue chaste loue of Dalinea as my wife I yet retaine and onely she doe I affect and loue This Sir is true and humbly I aske pardon for my fault which I had meant more priuately to haue confess'd and you Leandrus pray now pardon me your Sister hath lost nothing by this match nor shall haue reason to complaine of me if true affection and a loyall loue can merit loues requitall from her breast I know she lou'd me and I loue but her For you sad Lady if you be not she you wrong your selfe extreamely and I vow that but her selfe I neuer yet did touch nor euer will then seeke another husband and a father for your child I 'le seeke no other answered shee then take your loyall Dalinea to your selfe and this was Dalinea whose firme loue but violent had brought her to that place despairing of Parselius and his loue Parselius tooke her in his armes and scarce could satisfie himselfe with ioy to see his dearest Dalinea The King forgaue them and with fatherly affection wept and kiss'd her and the babe then did Leandrus embrace them both shee asking pardon and Parselius too he did forgiue and so all were content Vrania as vntouch'd with loue or anger likewise welcomd her so did all else the mourning was cast off and all the ioy express'd that clothes or Triumphs could produce but Pamphilia admiringly beheld Vrania and her Brother at last O loue said â—hâ—e what strange varieties are here assuredly none but thy seruants can let such wauerings possesse them protect mee yet from such distresse and let me be ordaind or licensed to be the true patterne of true constancy and let my loue be loyall to me These passions oft did vexe her and perplexe her soule one day especially when all alone in the Woods â—hee thus did complaine Neuer at quiet tormenting passion what more canst thou desire What couet that thou hast not gaind in absence thou dost molest me with those cruell paines in presence thou torturest me with feare and despaire then dost burne with desire to obtaine yet sealest vp my lipps from discouering it leaue these contrarieties and make me liue peaceably and so happily scorch'd I am with heate of doubt my hopes are burnd to ashes
for true noblenesse excellent goodnes perfect vertue and matchlesse valour Wherfore I beseech you as you may be or are a louer in that regard aide me as a King asist me against a murderer of a Prince and as the best of Knights against such treachery The cause is strange and the businesse it may be will to some seeme nice since a sister vrgeth reuenge of a brother but weigh with all that my loue and husband is murder'd and by my brother 's owne hands that will wipe away all doubts and cleere me to implore your aid The King and Amphilanthus much pittied and admired the Lady who had related this story with as much passion and fine expression of witty sorrow as could be Amphilanthus moued so much with it as he presently consented and gaue his promise to asist her so they pass'd to the Court in the same manner as she before had trauel'd for she had vowed neuer to leaue the body nor to bury it till she had his death reueng'd When they came where Terichillus was she sent vnto him to let him know shee had brought a Knight to defend her wrong and to call him to account for his Treason hee made his wonted slight answers but the Lift and all things were prepared then entred the Lady with the body and the two Knights accompanied with the mourners the Princesse of Morauia because her husband was one would not be present the other Ladyes were plac'd to see the fight Then was it proclaymed that if the Knight were ouercome hee should loose his head and the Lady should be at Terichillus disposing if the Knight ouercame then the Prince if vanquished and aliue should be disposed of by the Lady and the Knights with all the troope should haue safe passage without stay or disturbance in returne Thus all agreed on the Trumpets sounded Terichillus furious and ambitious of victory and peace encountred Amphilanthus with such strength as he made him bow backwards on his horse but the King strooke him flat on his backe vpon the ground hauing meanes by this to aske pardon from heauen for his offence but he least thinking of so good a matter quickly got vp and with his Sword in his hand did attend Amphilanthus whose noble curteâ—ie was such as not to take aduantage of him lighted also to fight on foote Terichillus was valiant strong and now to fight for life and honour so as hee held Amphilanthus longer play then many had done yet at last he acknowledged with all others the King to be fittest to be yeelded vnto and so perceiuing his life at an end curstly set his sword on the ground and brake it desirous as it seemd to die vnarmd rather then disarmd by Amphilanthus which was to no purpose he making him openly make confession of his fault ask pardon direct that al should obay his sister as their Lady and Princesse weep and lament his fortune without compulsion and according to his ill life hee frowardly and peeuishly concluded his daies leauing behind him this certaintie that such treasons are neuer any more left vnpunished then Countries without Princes for straight was his Sister proclaimed and he as soone forgot as she speedily receiued The King of Bohemia and the King of the Romans were carried into rich chambers but they since the last busines in the Castle would neuer lie alone so as they were lodged together and as soone as Amphilanthus was recouerd of some slight wounds he receiued in this combat they took their leaues following on their iourney for Hungary But as they were euen ready to leaue Morauia hard by a Wood which grew from the bottom of a hill to the top the hill steepy craggy and ful of rocks and places where stones had been cut for building of a stately Abby which was among meadowes not farre from the foote of this hill betweene two dainty riuers but then decaied by warre they met a Lady running her haire loose couering her face her cries loud and fearefull her cloathes halfe on and halfe off a strange disorder in her words she spake as if danger pursued and helpe requisitly demanded a little from her were some men who hastily followed her one especially from whom it seemd she sought to be deliuered Amphilanthus willing to aide and she seeming to beseech it rid to her to demand the cause she fled he pursued till they came to the bottom of a great quarry there in some thicknesse she offerd to couer her self but he lighting desired to know the cause of her flight and danger She as if her enemy had been at hand amazedly and frightfully answered Alas Sir what meane you what iniury haue I done you that you should thus follow me I neuer wrongd you why seeke you my dishonour He reply'd that she was deceiu'd and therefore intreated her to looke vp againe vpon him she would see her error Then beholding him wishly as if she had been till then in the wrong Pardon me my Lord said she for I mistooke you my misery being such as hath quite destracted me I am a poore Lady dwelling here not farre hence in yonder old Abbey Lady thereof by the death of my Husband since which time a young Lord hath been an earnest suter to me but my loue and fortune dying with my husband or but liuing to his memory I refused him as many other that haue sought me wherupon he vowed to haue me by force since no other meanes would preuaile and this day to performe his vow he came found me but slightly guarded and newly out of my bed tooke me out of my house bound my seruants and thus farre on the way hath brought me but when I saw this thicke Wood and being acquainted with the hidnest parts of it I slipt from behind his seruant that carried mee and with all speed possible ran as I thinke you must needs see me towards this wildernes here I hope I am secure and shall assure my selfe of it if it might please you to take me into your protection He curteous beyond expression promised to defend her I pray Sir said she let me yet ask some things more of you which are what your name is and how long you haue been in this Country My name said he is Amphilanthus my being here hath bin some time being brought hither by the Princesse Sydelia Let me be so bold I beseech you to demand one fauour more which is Whether you were one of those two that came with her to reuenge heâ— quarrell I am indeed said hee and the same who fought with Terichillus Then am I blessed said she for I may assure my selfe of the valiantest man aliue While they were thus discoursing an other Lady with as fearfull cries shricks passed by running from the Wood-ward with such haste as her feare had made her so light as shee left no print so much as pressing the grasse whereon she ranne the impression it seem'd being in her and
one of their fellow prisoners in the Castle of loue wherefore desirous to heare that discourse especially louing to heare loue descâ—ibed and related by a woman out of whose lipps those sweet passions more sweetely proceeded hee gaue occasion for it as they walked along a dainty pleasant brooke the bankes whereof were of such sweetnesse as the plenty of the most delicate smelling flowers could yeeld vnto them being shadowed from the Sunnes parching by Mirtle and that Mirtle preserued by high and braue trees whose breadth and large boughs spread to giue content to those who vnder them would submit to solitarinesse This place said Amphilanthus were fitter much for louers then such free Princes as liue here Is there any free from that passion my Lord said she Only such said hee as you are whose sence of loue doth rather from you command harts to your seruice then presume to bring you into the fetters being rather his commandres then subiect An vntoward gouernment answered she assuredly I haue yet had I neuer hauing enioyed quiet minut since I knew this state but that rebellious passions haue euer tormented me Can that be cry'd Amphilanthus I am sensible of them said she Alas said Amphilanthus that I might be so fortunat to merit so great a happines as to vnderstaÌ„d the way that bold loue takes to coÌ„quer such perfection That may soone be gaind said shee for requite me with your story and I will truly discourse my fortunes to you Neuer let mee bee rewarded for my paine said hee if I refuse this noble offer Begin you Sir said shee I will obay in that also said he and then did he tell her the whole story of his affection onely keeping her name secret because Ollorandus knew her and had mistrust of it but no assurance after which she began thus My Lord so ill it seemes loue hath carried himselfe as it is a kind of fault in a woman to confesse any such matter yet I knowing my selfe innocent of ill and now ingaged by your freedome to make a requitall I will venture to speak of this Lord Loue. My father had a sister married to one of the noblest and greatest Princes of this Countrie as rich in possessions as any yet possessed he not so much treasures as hee did vertues being richer in them then any other of this land true noblenesse and noble hospitalitie abounding in him He had to inherit his estate two Sonnes and one Daughter children fit for such a father truly and lawfully being heires to both his estates of riches and vertuous qualities Many yeares this good Lord liued but age claiming the due belonging to time and a sore disease taking him hee dyed leauing his honours vertues and chiefe estate to his eldest sonne called Laurimello who had been much in my fathers house his father putting that trust in his brother in Law as to leaue his dearest part of comfort with him besides my Fathers estate lay neare to the Citie of Buda which was a conueniency by reason of the Courts lying there for his seeing and frequenting that by reason whereof after his fathers death he brought his sister likewise thither betweene whom and my selfe there grew an entire friendship She being great and her brother beloued and honoured aboue any other Prince many sought her for wife but shee knowing her perfections and greatnesse was nice in accepting any nor indeed had shee much mind to marry louing her liberty more then mariages bondage Among others that offered their seruice to her there was one called Charimellus who by his friends and parents was sent to sue for her fauour thither hee came but I comming with her into the roome where her suiter was and her brother with many more hee cast his eyes on mee which brought him that misfortune as to bee so suddenly surprised as he knew not scarce how to salute her which made her scorne him laughing at his bashfulnesse which caused so much blushing and trembling in him I regarded not his traunces beginning so much as to thinke from whence it proceeded but out of good nature was sorry for the man who in troth deserued much pitie and merited great respect but my heart elsewhere placed held mine eies in their set way not marking any thing but mine own fortunes no more then one starre troubles it selfe with anothers course but my cosin who would not keepe her thoughts from imparting them to her friends liberally vsed her wit on him whose part I tooke ignorant of the cause I had till some dayes being passed in which she gaue him refusall he discouered his loue to me and withall protesting how he was surprised at my first sight I told him I could not belieue one fight on such an instant could worke such an alteration nor if it were true that I would so soone accept of a refused suiter since my fortunes I trusted would not be such as to bind me to take my cosins leauings This answer grieu'd him yet did it no way allay his affection but rather like snow which plaid with all doth make ones hands burne so did the cold despaire of my words make his hart hot glow in loue towards me my friends liked and lou'd him he being of a sweet and mild disposition valiant and accompanied with many braue and noble conditions and such a one as none I thinke could haue disliked that had been ordaind to marry with iudgement onely or had not their heart before settled as mine was Long he pursued his loue at last he gained my fathers consent my mothers and most of my friends the estate and antiquitie of his house besides his person meriting any subiect for wife When I saw this and the danger I was in to bee bestowed I then wholly employd my time in studying how I might gaine mine owne desires and finely put this off While this was in my mind a third businesse came in which was another match offerd my father for me whose estate was greater and neerer to our dwelling to which my father being more then ordinarily affectionate to me quickly harkned and willingly embraced Then was I in more danger then before my heart so perplexed as I knew not what I did Poore Charimellus came vnto me wept to me presented his affection to my memory and eies I pittied him and truly had as much compassion vpon him as I or any other whose soule was in anothers keeping could haue of him and so much fauour I did grant him as to promise to speake with my Father and directly to refuse the new proffered match This contented him hoping my refusall had been onely for his good I performed my promise and spake with my father telling him how much he was afflicted how passionately he loued me what reasons I had rather to accept of him then any other how the world had taken such notice alreadie of his two yeares suite as it would be a disgrace to him and a touch to me to take
after hee had gain'd her firmest loue and so by vowes obtained what he sought most vildly he beganne to change and fell inamour'd of a Princes maide who being neere allied vnto my Lady often came to visite her at Court this Gentlewoman truly was most faire and I thinke good till then if not then too we sawe it and were vex'd with it yet knowing that no curster cor'siue can bee to a louer then to be dispised especially by him that once did loue at last she found it miserable knowledge how then was she grieued if I should offer to discouer I must say I am a louer and forsaken to otherwise can none or ought any to presume to tell a farlorne creatur's woe First in silence she did beare her paine and with attendance and continuall kindnes striue to win him back or rather that he might not thinke she did mistrust she stroue to hold his loue But that vngratefull man which name is more then her gentle affection will yet permitt her to giue him discerning her respect and loue would seeme to see neither yet faild he not in all outward shewes to manifest his change She writ vnto him she wept before him she complayned she bewailed others that were forsaken he heard and not regarded he answer'd but slighted he ioyned in pittying them but neglected her that most wanted she lost her beauty with sorrow with weeping whole nights and sobbing that I haue my selfe come in vncalled but by those sorrowes to her the greatnesse of her heart though able in the day to couer them yet was forced at night to borrow assistance of breathing out what her spleene was ouer charg'd withall and what saue teares sobs and silence would shee trust for her associates Forgetfull man that so abused her who wrong'd her selfe alone in trusting him nay wrong himselfe in such a base vnworthy change I aduentured to aduise when I saw all misery ouer take her shee tooke my counsell which was to vrge the marriage He slighted her and told her she was growne old and her beawty alter'd willed her to recouer that and when he return'd from a iourney that he had in hand he would be as he was Alas what torment was this to her who was only his she tooke it to the heart though hee smilingly deliuered it as if in iest till all considered it aprooued true then faign'd he an excuse that the King his father sent for him and that at his returne he would not misse to performe what hee had promised so he found her as he expected His leaue he tooke of her which went as neere her heart as marrow to the bones yet staid he afterwards with the other wench som certaine daies We vsed al meanes to hold her ignorant of that and many more his passages but what more cleare and perfect sighted then true loue She knew all and yet knew her faith so cleare to him as she would blind her sight rather then touch his truth O faithles Amphilanthus accursed man that brought this hard insufferable wrong and harme vnto the faithfullest and the worthiest louer that euer loue did wound But to proceed he went and left my Lady quite forsaken and forlorne who since vnhappy woman liues in groanes and daily sorrowings But where now is the Prince said Amphilanthus Truly Sir said she where the falsest ficklest waueringst and vnworthiest man doth liue and there is hee and else where know I not No such vnworthinesse liues in that Prince I know him well said he and lately saw him but I will not say 't is the same you speake of for it may be some such creature hath abused his name and for these ends giuen out to be the man Know you the Prince then said she if you doe hee is a faire false man a treacherous well shap'd man not tall though high in mischieuous ill nature slender but full in wickednes curld haire and thicke yet bauld in vertue and this is Amphilanthus as he cald himselfe The Prince knew straight it was another man she meant yet grieued to heare his name so much abused and that a Princesse should beare wrong for him This besides his owne interest in the matter made him vow reuenge wherefore hee desired to see the Princesse the first Lady told him that if hee would attend her comming forth of the Wood hee should be admitted to her sight he would not further vrge and so with them sat downe while one of them sung this Song telling him it was made by her Lady who was as perfect in all noble qualities as subiect to loue and so to bee for too much faith deceiued FRom victory in loue I now am come Like a commander kild at the last blow In stead of Lawrell to obtaine a tombe With triumph that a steely faith I show Here must my graue be which I thus will frame Made of my stony heart to other name Then what I honor scorne brings me my tombe Disdaine the Priest to bury me I come Cloath'd in the reliques of a spotlesse loue Embrace me you that let true louers in Pure fires of truth doe light me when I mooue Which lamp-like last as if they did begin On you the sacred tombe of loue I lay My life neglect sends to the hellish way As offering of the chastest soule that knew Loue and his blessing till a change both slew Here doe I sacrifice worlds time of truth Which onely death can let me part with all Though in my dying haue perpetuall youth Buried alone in you whereby I fall Open the graues where louers Saints haue laine See if they will not fill themselues with paine Of my affliction or striue for my place Who with a constant honour gaine this grace Burne not my body yet vnlesse an Vrne Be fram'd of equall vertue with my loue To hold the ashes which though pale will burne In true loues embers where he still will moue And by no meanes let my dust fall to earth Lest men doe enuy this my second birth Or learne by it to find a better state Then I could doe for loue immaculate Thus here O here 's my resting place ordain'd Fate made it e're I was I not complaine Since had I kept I had but blisse obtain'd And such for loyalty I sure shall gaine Famebeares the torches for my last farewell To life but not to loue for there I dwell But to that place neglect appoints for tombe Of all my hopes thus Death I come I come Did Emilina said the Prince write this sure Amphilanthus could neuer be false to such a creature He was and is said she and truly doth hee make good his name that signifieth the louer of two That name said he was giuen him e're he knew what loue was or himselfe The latter sure he knowes not yet said shee You will I doubt not shortly haue a better opinion of this Prince Neither of him nor those that be his companions said she vnlesse I grow
so vnfortunate as to be a louer of all variety and so for that I may like changing men or delight in Camelions With this the Princesse came a Lady not of highest stature nor low so hansome as one well might see there had bin excellent beauty but decay'd as loue was withered to her who now resembled the ruines of a faire building her countenance graue but curteous shewing rather retirednes then much giuen to conuersation her pace slow and her apparrell careles her clothes were of Tawny cut with Willow color and embroidered with Willow garlands of that color and gold to shew the forsaken part was noble She came towards them and with a modest gesture saluted the Prince who with his helmet off presented the true Amphilanthus to her eyes she desired to know of whence he was and what aduenture brought him thither He told her he was of Italy and that his blessed fortune had brought him where he might repaire an iniury done to a wronged Prince and serue her in the busines Alas said she what seruice can I haue in that since none liues wrongd so much as I nor can one of that countrie or all that Nation right the iniurie receiued by one and yet deare one â—o me That one that wronged you answered he shall right you or my life shall pay for it tell me where you thinke he is If I did know said she and with all vnderstood a danger to him by reuealing him for all the haâ—me I haue receiued I would conceale him and thus haplesse liue rather then be a meanes to harme his person which still I hold deare How happy is that Prince said he â— and yet vnfortunate to be so iniured as to be defamed by a suborner and a traiterous man falsely assuming thus a Princes name Wrong him not with that taxe said she for sure I could not loue a meaner man not any but that Prince and so the brauest Amphilanthus But you it seemes haue heard of his light loue his change and falshood Alas heare with that what man nay euen your selfe hath lou'd and neuer changed may not then Amphilanthus doe the like What a perplexitie this was to him iudge brauest louers but she did proceed What shame then is it to him and to whom can harme insue saue to vs wretched trusting women Madam said hee I seeke to cleare the Prince and to let you discerne the wrong he beares that one so base and so persidious hath taken his name on him She was speaking when a Knight who newly there arriu'd kneeled to him telling him he was most glad to find him so neare home but sorry for the newes hee brought which was he must repaire with all the speede hee could into his Country for otherwise he could not enioy the blessing of his aged fathers sight who then was ready to yeeld vnto death withall hee gaue him letters from the Lords and from his brother While hee thus discoursed the Prince tooke them and then the Lady askt of the stranger who this Prince was to whom he had vsed such reuerence He answered Amphilanthus of Naples Prince and now he thought the King She then turning to him My Lord said she I must needes blame your name that hath brought me my discontent yet honor your person though the loue to that was the sweet betrayer of my blisse Then did she freely confesse what the Lady before had related which being heard by the young Prince of Venice for it was he that came vnto him with the newes he assured Amphilanthus that hee had met the Knight and by him had been ouerthrowne so as truly Sir said he he is valiant and as strong as a man need bee to maintaine so bold a charge as to counterfeit your strength he hath also now got a companion who calls himselfe Ollorandus and thus they passe your fame makes few except strangers meddle with them But I seeing his face and with that his falshood ventured to fight with him hauing iustice on my â—ide which I hoped would bring me victory but I see that a good arme must hold the ballance else sometimes truth may fal as I did to the ground Amphilanthus confident of the truth of the deceit took his leaue of the Lady who earnestly desired his presence to her house but he taking the occasion of the Venetians comming would excuse himselfe and keepe him free from temptations till hee saw the perfect commandresse of his dearest loue The Lady was troubled yet at last like other crosses shee did beare with that but in the night she thus lamented Wretched woman aboue all accursed must my affection first be placed on worth that worths name abuse me and my trust which were I better hope of that I was betraid and cousned by a false and treacherous man then by the Prince No sure I was deceiued for none but he that did betray me spake of him here one cals him away vnto his country O I was deceiu'd and am and shall be haplesse Emilina borne to ill nursed to misfortune and must die by change Alas Amphilanthus I did loue thee most best and my youngest loue and most innocent was giuen to thee I knew not loue when I did find that I loued thee my heart was thine before I knew it was mine owne to giue thou tookest it I thought did prize it too thou calledst it thine thine owne beâ—t heart didst cherish it and kindly made of it said I did arme the God of loue himselfe giuing him sight and power and when in Verse I once did waile a little absence which I was to suffer by thy going for one weeke from mee in that small space thou didst repay my lines calling me sweet more kind telling me if I did harme mine eyes I should disarme loue and vndoe the throne of him and his and yet all this is falfe and thou O thou vntrue Deceiued I am yet why didst thou plot for my ruine If to gaine by me why didst thou not make all the Country thine as well as me No I doe see thy conquest was but me and I was only for a prey to â—atisfie thy will variety of loues not faire possessions are thy aimd at-games Yet Amphilanthus true or false I must still loue thee best and though thou wrong me I must loue thee still What torments haue I alas for thee indurd How haue I searched my heart and found thy Image as if lim'd in each small corner of it but all ioyn'd in that seruice made it round and yours yet are you false O me that I must liue and say Amphilanthus is proued false and vnto me yet this braue Stranger saies hee is abused well bee it so I loued him as that Prince and so my crosses came Is it not possible O cruel man Prince or whatsoeuer els that thou wilt back returne Come home againe and be thy first sweete selfe kind louing and if not a Prince I 'le make thee
that time to aduenture and hauing rid two dayes iourney without let or any kind of hazard the third day he vnfortunatly hapned into a house belonging to a Keeper and standing in a great Forrest this Keeper had in his youth beene an Esquire to an Epirian Knight slaine at Mantinia at a great iust there held after whose death he return'd and putting himselfe vnto the Queene hee gain'd the keeping of this Forrest this man fell into discourse being crafty and so fitt for so ill an imployment as he was vsed in by discourse hee gain'd knowledge that this was one belonging either in place or affection to the Morean Court then hauing enough to worke vpon as if he had eaten much poyson hee must breake so brake he into the open way of destroying Selarinus for sending his boy to the Court which was then but ten miles off by the next morning he had forty Knights to secure him and conduct the Prince trecherously made a prisoner to the Queene who mistrusting no Treason vnder greene clothes nor falshood where so faire language and welcome dwelt at night being weary vnarm'd himselfe and went to bed where hee slept till hee was awaked with the paine which hard cords cast about his armes brought him he did after confesse he heard some noise but thought it had only beene his Squire puting vp his Armour or making it ready and fitt against the morning but when he saw how he was deceiu'd and heard his poore seruant cry also out against them he only with Princely patience said this suffer imprisonment with mee poore boy said he as well as thou hast enioyed freedome and content witnessing that Fidelius can serue Infortunius in all estates faithfully By that the youth knew his Lord would not be knowne by other name then Infortunius wherefore hee resolu'd to dye rather then betray him Till morning hee was thus held then deliuered to to the Knights who straight carryed him to their Queene shee hating all that had but seene Morea or any of those Countryes belonging to them she cal'd enemies went into her Hall and with all magnificent state sate to behold so to scorne the vnfortunate Knight who was brought in chaind the Queene sitting with a setled resolution to manifest hate scorne and contempt but seeing his sweetnesse and louelynesse his tender youth his modest countenance tryumphing as it were ouer his misery with noble patience only shewing stoutnesse in bold suffering and giuing way to Fortune as subiect in that tyranny yet inwardly his estate molested him shame to see those braue armes fetterd and bound brought some blood into his face which though shewed vpon such occasion yet it prouoked an other conclusion for he being naturally some what pale this made his beauty appeare more delicate as if of purpose to purchase his libertie thus was hee forced to be beholding to that womanish part to restore his manly power to liberty that working for him which his worth held least worthy in him for the Queene though most ambitiously raised in conceit of her selfe now found there was a greater Prince and a higher authority which might and would command She gazed on him shee blam'd the small respect their rudnesse had shewed to a Knight to bring him like a theife chain'd shee caused his bands to be taken off and strictly corrected them who expected thanks telling them the disarming had beene an honor but their taking him naked was a shame vnto them and to all braue spirits Then called shee the Prince to her desiring to know his name and Country kindly smiling on him holding him by the hand the softnesse and fairenesse of which she grieued should handle a sword or be vsed in fights fitter to bee held by her like-louing selfe withall she assured him his imprisonment should be no other then content if he would but yeeld to her desires Hee answered his name was Infortunius nephew to the Lord of Serigo who was killed at the King of Morea's Court in his presence and many more hauing thither brought a faire Lady whose loue he was to winn by fight but he was slaine by Selarinus younger brother to Steriamus for whom the great preparations were now made to winn Albania Are you of their party said she Truely Madam said he I wish good to all iust causes otherwise I being but one am little able to asist any therfore dare I not venture to say I am of any side but I did intend to see the warrs If you did but intend that you may said she still continue that purpose nor will I hinder you yet I must enioyne you to some things for my sake Hee answered her his life was in her hands to command Not but to saue and cherish it replied she therefore goe with this Gentleman who shall direct you and conuey you to a chamber fitt for you then did one of her cheife officers conduct him to a maruellous rich roome which she had appointed him to carry him vnto where hee had all things necessary and braue saue his armes then did he leaue him there and his owne Squire to attend him with many more whose respects and officiousnesse was such as mou'd trouble and proued such liberty a true imprisonment yet at night he had freedome for by the Queen's appointment they were not to lye in his Chamber but in an other roome where for his safety no way to trouble him they might conueniently remaine Supper was serud vnto him with all seruicable duty infinite rich and sumptuous fare glorious plate and nothing wanting that so proud a woman could to satisfie that humour thinke of to gloryfie her selfe and obleige him He fed and after supper went to bed the doores were shut and hee layd downe to rest but what quiet could he enioy fearing all these faire beginnings would turne to his greater harme for no end could he see but dishonour to him as himselfe and certaine danger as Infortunius abuse and what was most as Philistella's seruant shame and iust reproach if hee falsified her trust or his affection Tormented thus he did remaine til towards midnight when a doore opened at his beds head out of which came sixe Ladyes each carrying two white wax candles which they set downe vpon a cupbord placed of purpose before the bed then they returned when the Queene as rich and glorious as Iuno came in her mantle was Carnation sattine embroder'd with gold and round pearle fastned with a faire Ruby her wastcoate of the most curious worke could bee made with needle her petty coat suitable to her mantle her head dressed with a dressing fram'd of the same worke with her wastcoate through which her haire was delicately drawne in many places daintely she was apparrel'd able to winne any but such a spirit as Selarinus for neuer did curious carelesnesse better adorne creature then it did this Queene who with care sought to bee neglectiue in her apparrell To the bed side she came and
braue Gentleman who equally loued but being a man it was necessary for him to exceede a woman in all things so much as inconstancie was found fit for him to excell her in hee left her for a new Poore loue said the Queene how doth all storyes and euery writer vse thee at their pleasure apparrelling thee according to their various fancies canst thou suffer thy selfe to be thus put in cloathes â—ay raggs instead of vertuous habits punish such Traytors and cherrish mee thy loyall subiect who will not so much as keepe thy iniuries neere me then threw she away the booke and walked vp and downe her hand on her heart to feele if there were but the motion left in the place of that shee had so freely giuen which she found and as great and braue an one in the stead of it her seruants dwelling there which more then hers she valued and deerely held in her best dearest breast which still sent sweetest thoughts to her imagination euer seeing his loue and her 's as perfectly and curiously twined as Iuye which growne into the wall it ascends cannot but by breaking and so killing that part be seuer'd not like the small corne that yeelds forth many staulks and many eares of wheat out of one making a glorious bunch of diuers parts this affection was but one in truth and being as come from one roote or gaine of matchlesse worth brought forth but one flower whose delicacy and goodnesse was in it selfe Many flowers shewes as faire as a Rose to the eye but none so sweete so were many loues as braue in shew but none so sweetely chast and therefore rich in worth this inhabited and was incorporat in them both who as one and as it were with one soule both did breath and liue Sweete wood said she beare record with me neuer knew I but his loue Loue answered the wood being graced with an Echo Soft said she shall I turne blabb no Echo excuse me my loue and choyce more precious and more deere then thy proud youth must not be named by any but my selfe none being able to name him else as none so iust nor yet hath any eare except his owne heard me confesse who gouerns me thy vast and hollow selfe shall not be first where fondest hopes must rest of secresie in thee who to each noise doth yeeld an equall grace As none but we doe truely loue so none but our owne hearts shall know we loue Then went shee a little further and on a stub which was betweene two trees she sate downe letting the one serue as the backe of a chayer to rest vpon the other to hold her dainty feete against Her armes she folded on her breast as embracing his braue heart or rather wrapping it within her armes Deere hart said â—hee when shall I liue againe beholding his loued eyes can I in possibility deserue ought he not here am I aliue no my life is with him a poore weake shadow of my selfe remaines but I am other where Poore people how are you deceiued that thinke your Queene is here alas t is nothing so shee is farre off it may be in the field performing famous acts it may be on the Sea passing to fetch more fame or indeed speaking with thy selfe as I discourse to him his time employd in thoughts of loue like mine and so he thinking of me brings vs both together in absence present when distance is and absent oft in greatest companies But dost thou thinke on me deare loue thy heart doth tell me so and I belieue it as t is thine and mine Sweet hope to see him flatter mee but pay for such an error and make good the ioy I take in thee blesse my poore eyes with seeing his that make mine lowest slaues to his commands yet greatest Princes since so prised by him Let these hands once be blessed againe by touching his and make this Kingdome rich by bringing him the truth of riches to her let mee enioy those louing lookes which in me force content beyond it selfe smile in those eyes which sparkle in desire to make me see they striue to expresse what flames the heart doth hold of loue to me Doe I not answere them let me then straight be blind depriued of that ioy of sight and happinesse of ioy for that alone in him and from him can I haue And thou most kind and welcome memory adde to my soule delight the sweete remembrance of our perfect loues bring to the passionate eyes of my imaginary sight those pleasures wee haue had those best spent houres when we each other held in sweet discourse what wanted then but length of deare enioying when his deare breath deliuerd vnto me the onely blessing I on earth did couet telling me he was mine and bid me be assured when he was other he must not be liuing death must only alter him from mee and me from him for other can I not or will I be Sweet memory t is true hee vowed this nay tooke mee in his armes and sware that he embracing me had all the earthly riches this world could afford him so thought I by himâ— thus still you see one thought one loue still gouerns him and me are wee not most properly one and one loue betweene vs make vs truly one Further she had proceeded and run on to infinitenesse of content in these imaginations but from them she must be taken to be honord with the presence of her brauest Cosin for then came one of her seruants who knew that breach of obedience in such a kind would bee pardoned telling her that the King of Naples was come to visit her She quickly rose nor did shee chide the man who surely had been sorely shent for troubling her had any other cause brought him and so disturbd her amorous thoughts As shee returned Amphilanthus met her their eyes saluted first then followed all the other ceremonies that do befit so sit a welcome To the Palace they came where nothing wanted to manifest the certaine gouernement that hee held there hee being the Prince shee most respected but whom shee loued shee neuer would to any other once confesse With delicate discourse they passed the time shee neuer satisfied with hearing of his acts yet neuer vngrieued when she heard of danger although past still curious of his good Some daies they thus remained when newes was brought Antissia was arriu'd My Lord said shee are you not happy now that in this place you shall behold your loue The assurance of that happines said he did bring me hither from that royall Campe. She was no whit displeased with this reply the next morning Antissia came to the Court the King holding the Queene by the hand met her at the gate Antissia was so much ioy'd as she was but that cosening thing it selfe rauished with false delight she triumphed in the blaze while the true fire burnt more solidly and in another place She was conducted to the Palace Pamphilia
with her left arme embracing her holding Amphilanthus with the right hand Into the Hall they came where choice of musick entertaind them Antissia neuer more pleased Pamphilia seldome so well contented and Amphilanthus eâ—ioying too his wish Antissia gazed on him and happy was when she could catch one looke cast on her out of which shee found millions of sweet conceits coniecturing that by that looke he told her she had still the whole command of him as once she had Dissembling enemy to perfect rest vaine hope thou art why didst thou cousen her and after thy deludings let her fall from that height to cruellest despaire As the variety was great and pleasing of the musick so were their thoughts euery one moouing in their owne Spheare Antissia as her ioy was most excessiue as more vnruly to bee gouernd by how much her strength of iudgement was inferior to the other two she could least keepe silence but began discourse and still continued so as she contented them exceedingly who while shee talked discoursed with eyes and hearts her ouer-esteemd good fortune taking most of her iudging sences from her Amphilanthus with gratefull respect carried himselfe to her liking sufficiently whose beliefe was such of him as she tooke all to her selfe and so tooke the iniuries for courresies Some dayes this continued but now the time for the Kings departure drew neere the day before which hee spake to Pamphilia for some Verses of hers which he had heard of She granted them and going into her Cabinet to fetch them he would needs accompany her shee that was the discreetest fashiond woman would not deny so small a fauour When they were there she tooke a deske wherein her papers lay and kissing them deliuered all shee had saued from the fire being in her owne hand vnto him yet blushing told him she was ashamed so much of her folly should present her selfe vnto his eyes He told her that for any other they might speake for their excellencies yet in comparison of her excelling vertues they were but shadowes to set the others forth withall and yet the best he had seene made by woman but one thing said he I must find fault with that you counterfeit louing so well as if you were a louer and as we are yet you are free pitie it is you suffer not that can faigne so well She smild and blusht and softly said fearing that he or her selfe should heare her say so much Alas my Lord you are deceiued in this for I doe loue He caught her in his armes she chid him not nor did so much as frowne which shewed she was betrayd In the same boxe also he saw a little tablet lie which his vnlooked for discourse had so surpressed her as shee had forgot to lay aside He tooke it vpâ— and looking in it found her picture curiously drawne by the best hand of that time her haire was downe some part curld some more plaine as naturally it hung of great length it seemd to bee some of it comming vp againe shee held in her right hand which also she held vpon her heart a wastcoate shee had of needle worke wrought with those flowers she loued best He beheld it a good space at last shutting it vp told her he must haue that to carry with him to the field She said it was made for her sister Shee may haue others said he let me haue this You may command my Lord said she This done they came forth againe and so went to â—ind Antissia who was gone into the Parke they followed her and ouertooke her in the Wood where they sat downe euery one discoursing of poore Loue made poore by such perpetuall vsing his name Amphilanthus began but so sparingly he spake as one would doe who would rather cleare then condemne a friend Pamphilia followed and much in the same kind Antissia was the last and spake enough for them both bâ—ginning her story thus I was till sixteene yeares of age so troubled or busied with continuall misfortunes as I was ingrafted into them I saw no face that me thought brought not new or rather continuance of perplexity how was libertie then priz'd by me enuy almost creeping into me against such as felt freedome for none was so slauish as I deemd my selfe betraid sold stolne almost dishonored these aduerse fortunes I ranne but from the last you rescued me and saued your seruant Antissia to liue fit to be commanded by you yet gaue you not so great a blessing alone but mixt it or suffered mixture in it for no sooner was I safe but I was as with one breath pardoned and condemned againe subiect and in a farre stricter subiection you braue King deliuerd mee from the hands of Villans into the power of Loue whither imagine you is the greater bondage the latter the nobler but without question as full of vexation But to leaue these things loue possessed me loue tirannized and doth command me many of those passions I felt in Morea and whereof you most excellent Queene haue been witnesse but none so terrible as absence hath since wrought in me Romania being to me like the prison appointed to containe me and my sorrowes One day among many other I went to the sea side through a Walke which was priuate and delicate leading from the Court at Constantinople to the sea there I vsed to walke and passe much time vpon the sands beholding ships that came in and boates that came ashoare and many times fine passengers in them with whom I would discourse as an indifferent woman not acknowledging my greatnes which brought mee to the knowledge of many pretty aduentures but one especially which happened in this kind A ship comming into the Harbor but being of too great burden to come ashoare in the long boat the passengers came and landed on the sands I beheld them among whom was one whose face promised an excellent wit and spirit but that beauty she had had was diminished so much only left as to shew she had been beautifull Her fashion was braue and confident her countenance sweet and graue her speech mild and discreet the company with her were some twenty that accompanied her the number of seruants answerable to their qualities Thus they came on towards vs I sent to know who they were and of what Country for their habits said they were not Greekes The reply was they were of Great Brittany and that the chiefe Lady was a widdow and sister to the Embassador that lay Leigeir there for the King of that Countrey I had heard much fame of the Ladies of that Kingdome for all excellencies which made mee the more desire to bee acâ—quainted with her yet for that time let it passe till a fitter opportunity which was soone offered me for within few dayes she desired to bee permitted to kisse my hands I willingly granted it longing to heare some things of Brittany when she came I protest shee behaued her selfe so excellently finely as me
greatest hearts for pitty cries and wailes neglectedâ— nay so dyes If thus you then be placed no maruell sure you leaue my poore afflicted body desolate where nothing but distemper or loues paines inhabite yet cast your lookes this way see my petition for your safe returne heare mee make vowes that none but you can bring content your absence mastring mee your presence bringing blisse yet absent your loued Image and your dearest selfe remaines infigured in my chastest breast and myrrour-like presents you to my sight yet coldly like a Statue made of stone or as the picture while loues sweetest race runs to the warmth of sight If then remembrance or the perfect memory of you be but a picture whereof I am made the liuely case faithfully keeping that rich portraict still from change or thought that relique to displace nourishing and with it liuing as oyle and lampes doe simpathise in life each looke alluring wishings to our ioyes Restore that life-peece now and make me bless'd crowne my soules longing with thy grant and come to see mâ—e triumph in thy dearest sight my onely selfe my onely loue These passions was she in when Philistella found her in the walkes speaking vnto her selfe and walking with so fast and vnused a fashion differing from her graue and discreet manner as if loue had lay'd a wager with discretion yet hee would make her at that time to fulfill his will forget her selfe and wholly serue him he won that and iudgement made her asham'd when Philistella came vnto her and told her shee wonder'd to see her so Loue loue faire Philistella cryed shee can doe this and more but happy you can keepe your paines more secret and more close that is not not e'er yet hath beene my hap said she for no eye hath beheld mee but together sawe my loue No sweetest Cousin saide Vrania wrong not your great wit with taxing it vniustly haue I not seene how prettily and with an excellent disdaine you did refuse his humble suite in loue his eyes haue beene euen ready to burst out in teares when you haue smiled and changed your first discourse as if of purpose to deny his plaints Alasse would I thinke happy Philistella how art thou aboue thy sexe most fortunate poore me had I but one such or the like content it were for mee eternall happinesse while she reiecteth loue did Steriamus loue like as his brother doth were I not of all women blessed but his affections are in an other seate enthronised these thoughts while you like Summer florish'd nipp'd my dayes yet now I praise my desteny nothing except sad absence grieueth mee while you whether not grieu'd or not so louing I cannot well iudge feele not or shew not that you haue the sence which absence brings vs louers Sweetest Vrania answerd she my soule can tell you I dissemble not nor did my manner or my face couer yet my flames when I did heare my deare and only Lord imprisoned was did I not faint and loose my strength as hating that since not sufficient to release my loue Was not the Court distempred and my Parents grieued fearing my comming danger when the harme was neerer to mee then they could imagine Wept I not when the mastring griefe was passed sighed I not still cryd against proud and curst treacheries how did I hide the boyling heate of sorrow I containd Wau'd I not with each passion vp and downe as boughs blowne with the wind some times resolu'd to die other times to liue for a reuenge and still distracted more I sought to turne more fast tied still my heart like leade in fire melting with the heate of fury call you this discreete and wise behauiour could loue no better bee dissembled or the sparkes no finelier raked vp in discretion But now I see you smile at me while you indeed doe better and more curiously like cunning workemen best beguile our eyes It s well sweet daintiest Princesse you may flout your friends But said Vrania when did you see me one whole day and not sigh or weepe or steale away to do them I heere vow vnto Loue which vow I will not break that neuer creature felt more paine nor euer any more discouerd it I doe confesse it as a weaknesse in me but I cannot helpe it if I did see him one poore instant space alone me thought it was my duty to goe to him if he spake to another was I not nor am I not thinke I as worthy or as fit to talke with as her selfe Almost suspition oft-times grew in me but absolute fondnesse neuer was away I doe not thinke in houres while I haue stood at audiences which the King hath giuen I haue been one minute altogether ioyned with my eyes held from him I haue looked off t is true but like a Deare at feede start vp for feare but straight againe returnd vnto the food which from his eyes I tooke yet I am secret and discreet in loue Neuer credit mee deare Cosin if I speake not truth I found not that you did requite his loue till your owne lippes to honour me deliuered it I shall the better credit this and loue my fashion so much more said Philistella since you commend me but in troth I spake as guiltinesse forced mee but now wee are so free let me be bold to aske this question In this heate of loue did not your former passion neuer come glancing into your eyes could you behold Parselius with freedome and Steriamus with affection I will said Vrania as to my confessor tell you the truth it was mee thought a wonderfull odde change and passing different affection I did feele when I did alter for though I were freed from my first loue and had a power to choose againe yet was I not so amply cured from memorie but that I did resemble one newly come out of a vision distracted scarce able to tell whether it were a fixion or the truth yet I resolued and so by force of heauenly prouidence lost the first and liue in second choice and this deare soueraigne good receiued I from Leucadia But when I had thus far proceeded then did feare accompany my change lest Steriamus should despise my second loue not hauing giuen him my first as the best which in troth in some sort he had obtaind for I liked him before I loued the other Oft did I study how I might compasse my blessing when for my most and future happinesse hee was as much engaged vnto me and so was Melisseas Prophecy performed for wee from death in shew rose vnto a new loue he feared likewise that I would scorne his gift and after many vehement and affectionate suings hee presented me with a little booke of Verses among which were many to excuse himselfe and to commend a second loue I remember one Sonnet being this BLame me not dearest though grieued for your sake Loue mild to you on me triumphing sits Sifting the choysest ashes of my wits
creature Nature taught her to be carefull and yet kind thus she beheld him now with loue and such respect as she must beare him whom she had made her Lord for Lord the husband is in all estates from Shepheards vnto Kings Then did the pleasing difference begin each striuing how to shew the most respect she to maintaine what she had gaind he to requite what shee had giuen Amphilanthus and Polarchos admiring them as much as either had in former times themselues when first in loue calling their passions round about them wrapping themselues in them as in their mantles but closer did they sit to them Amphilanthus being so much loue it selfe as he might be compar'd to be it selfe as neere as a round glasse made of the clearest temper and fild full of the clearest water turne it any way you see thorow it yet both seeme one colour and clearenesse in agreeing so did the clearenesse of his loue shew through him or was it selfe onely loue and purely cleare no vacant place least turning of the glasse might make a bubble to appeare a change no he was round and true Poore Polarchos hee stood like a blasted tree the blossome of his affectâ—on killed and withered yet hee called to minde how hee had loued and how shee vsed him No more expression had this daintie Lasse giuen to her forrest Lad then shee had made to him but now decayed and all her fauours dryed and wrinckled like the last yeares fruite poore Prince turnd to the lowest slauery of Loues meanest cast-awayes hee wept while the other smil'd the Forrester ioyning in present gaine Amphilanthus feeding on the knowledge of his absent loues affection heere did loue play his part in diuers kinds made himselfe this mirth sporting like wantons with the babye loues of these poore prisoners Amphilanthus pulled off his helme and went vnto them who with a fashioâ— not rude nor Courtly but fine and ciuill receiued him the like they did vnto Polarchos Amphilaâ—thus giuing them the welcome salutation of the first wished ioyes being as hee did tell them witnesse of their vowes they both seemd glad that such braue witneâ—ses they had vnâ—nowne til thâ—n obtained the Forester replying thus Sir neuer could a better or a richer gift be giuen me except her selfe then this wish which from you doth bring the ioy we hope to find keep and which two yeares affection hath ambitiously desired now by her grant enioyed but may it please you to grace vs with this a second honour wee shall haue iust reason to acknowledge our poore selues your seruants and our liues your owne to be commanded 'T is the manner heere that when a Nimph doth change from that strict life to be a happy wife if shee bee such an one as length of time or honor hath ingaged shee must by two braue Knights be brought vnto the Temple of Diana where shee must remaine that night alone in prayers and then cast off her weeds and offer them and leaue them with the Priest the Knights then come vnto the doore and call her with whom she comes forth they then do giue her to her chosen maâ—e and so conduct them to the Temple of Venus where they are receiued and there by Himen's Priest are marryed This if wee may obtaine of you so fitly come to vs brought by that Fortune which hath made me bless'd aptly to giue conclusion to our woes and faire beginnings to our happinesse you shall make vs the happiest to pray for your enioyings that euer louers had and sure you must be one Sir for loue shines in you The King made answer hee would doe that kindnessâ— and any other to so fine a payre then tooke he the sweete Nimph who now must change her name and gaine the best and blessedst estate Vnto the Temple they directly went and there without the gate aâ—tended till the time of going in till she must returne which at the ringing of a little Bell did summon them to call her her they tooke and Amphilanthus gaue her to her loue wishing euen from his soule the time were come to haue the deerest gift hee most did long for giuen so freely to him Then to the other Temple straight they went which was not farre but in a dainty wood this other standing in a plaine hard by a coole and christall Riuer there she was receiued with ioy by Venus Priests and Hymenâ— Priests came and cloathed her in wiues weeds and so euen laded with content they left the Temple and went to his Lodge which was in a Fâ—â—â—est whereof he had the charge vnder the King who loued the desarts and those sports most of any thing the first and cheife cause being hiâ— affection to a Lady liuing in a Forrest and wholy affecting that life euery man seekâ—ng to please him tooke the estates of Forresters on them and so made a delightfull kind of wildnesse please them and him who thus enioyed pleasures and his ends coueting to appeare like their liuing but the true roote of vertue and good breeding shun'd sauagenes and only made roome for a little neglectiuenes to couer them with all so as the great men were but Courâ—ly Forresters and ciuill wild-men The Lodge was a faire house built on a Hill at the foote wherof ranne a Riuer ouer which was a bridge from thence they passed through a delicate walke made by Art and at the end of that which still ascended was a garden through which they came vnto the House furnished with furniture fit for a Court the seruants all in greene and in good number shewing fellowshippe in their apparrell but obedience in their fashions There the Knights were welcom'd like themselues and then the braue young Forrester desired to bee so much graced as to know their names nor would I said hee aske this â—auour vntill now that you might see your seruant my selfe could entertaine you for the honours done and to be worthier of them I le first tell you who I am although appearing outwardly more meane I am the third sonne to an Earle who is cheife Forrester vnto the Prince of this Country this Forrest is the daintiest and the best beloued of any by his Maiestie being calld by him selfe his garden this hath hee giuen mee as my charge and heere I serue him and doe please him well by leading of this life this Lady is the Daughter of a Lord neere neighbour to this place but being thought too worthy for me as I must confesse they err'd not in that though did commit high treason vnto loue seeking to barre vs from our wished ioy they gaue her to Diana being then vnder the yeares which they might rule her in shee was constrained to doe as they commanded and was sworne a Nimph dedicated to the chast Goddesse by her friends but when she came of yeares by the lawes of this Country she might choose whether shee would continue so or no. Two yeares shee wanted of the age of freedomâ—
them to suffer Amphilanthus relating the blessed content he felt in his fortunate enioying truly and affectionately discouering the expresse knowledge of her loue by the sincerest expression made vnto him and such as Selarinus grew to be iealous hee should neuer compasse for it seemd vnpossible that any more then one woman could bee so excellent and perfect a louer As hee was ready to make reply in that kind they heard a voice as if within the Tombe bring forth some words which made them at the first hearing it start vp afraid of discouerie or as if troubled that they had hurt her the speech betraying the heart to suffer excessiuenesse in misery Vnfortunate woman said it that cannot die hauing such occasion Is it possible deare Tombe that thou canst hold and inclose my woes yet keepe them safe in thee and with the multitudes of them at last conclude my griefe let my sorrowes swell against themselues in iustest rage and with their furies choke my breath that serues to speake them and to bee drawne contrary to my onely desires to saue my weary and afflicted life tedious vnpleasing time finish thy labour and my woes let this bee my last minute of vnquietnesse redeeme me from the cruell slauery of liuing and bring mee to the excellent libertie of dying for how can life be pleasing when Polidorus is not My dearest and alone deare Lord I know that thou art dead else were I fetched by thee to ioy with thee where as now I remaine in my liuing death Would I did know the truth then might I giue thee my last farewell and with that ioyne my soule with thine but twixt these violent despaires how am I tortured Then was shee quiet a little space while they perused the place but long continued she not so like to women spinning staid but to fasten the thread to begin againe to turne and twine her sorrowes but now she had spun them into Rime like the Swan in a most weeping Verse they hearing her stayd from the releasing her out of the Tombe till she had said her Verses being these INfernall Spirits listen to my moanes From Cauy depths giue hearing to my groanes Great Pluto let thy sad abiding moue With Hellish fires to flame for fires of loue Let Charon passe my woes vnto thine eares His boate if empty they shall load it well With tortures great as are the paines of Hell And waightier then the Earth this body beares Take downe my spirit cloyd with griefe and paine Coniure the darkest Pits to let me gaine Some corner for a rest if not let mee O Pluto wander and complaine to thee No corsiue can make wounds haue torture more Nor this disfauor vex a forelorne soule If all thy furys were put in a role Then Loue giues me ah bitter eating sore Call thy great Counsell and afflicted Sp'rits Examine well their woes with all their nights And you shall find none there that are not mine Nay my least with their greatest ioyntly twine Let saddest Echo from her hollow Caue Answere the horrid plaints my sorrow giues Which in like mournefull and vast cauerne liues Then iudge the murdering passions which I haue My Iudge is deafe then O thy iustice proue Mend thou the fault of proud forgetfull loue Release me from thy Court and send me out Vnto thy Brother Ioue whose loue and doubt Hath oft transform'd him from his heauenly kind So now from thee transforme my killing care To blessing and from Hell into the Ayre Darke griefe should not a louing fancy bind Yet loue thus binds me euen vnto my death and welcomest wereâ— that might I obtaine it but yet that must not bee What ioy did I euer know yes I did loue vnknowne then knowne enioyed enioyed how long the quarter of the time I lou'd in vaine and that poore quarter how oft cross'd afflicted and tormented with all varyeties of paines yet my deere Lord thou euer wert most kind and so true louing as one death is too too little now to haue for thee although a wasting lingring end Would tenne times more I might beare so thou wert fafe vnfortunate but brauest Prince to bee embraced in such a busines where not only honours Crowne possessions but thy life must bee a sacrifice vnto the pleasure of two young men My sweetest loue thou must bee the poore Lambe offered for others faults O my deere Polidorus thou didst merit fame and loue not trouble and reuenge thou didst not erre but if thy Father did must his sinnes lye on thee and thou be punished for his pride yet deere thou hast required my best loue and made prouision for thy other selfe for after thee none should ere haue had my loue since with thee it ought to haue as first creation lasting buriall and that assurance thou hast giuen but keepe thy promise which was if with victory thou didst returne to bring mee vnto thee if thou wert killd to be brought vnto mee that in this vault we might haue our graues and that red Marble serue for such a Tombe as might best â—itâ—esse blood did cause our ends Thou art ore-throwne I find it deere and hindred I am confident else none could keepe thee from remembring thy poore loue but if thou wert so hindred cursed be the causers and my Desteny to barre my last enioying of my best lou'd Lord let those neuer ioy in happines of loue that be the parters of our bodyes a poore gift it had bâ—ene to giue a chosen graue alas he must be buried and if so where easier and with lesser paines or fitter then with her that liues to dye when shee 's certaine what becomes of him Dâ—ere Polidorus heere I liue to thy deere memory feed on the sweetest word thou gauest mee when we parted but will liue no longer then thy end bee knowne to mee If thou beest liuing quickly come to me if dead assoone the tydings then shall I witnes my conâ—â—ant woe and pay to thee what thou deseruedst and only vnto thee will I commend my loue and dying paines others to others yeeld their last made â—ows my first and last were dedicated and so giuen to thee and thus a dying life doe I continue in till thou or thine release me vnto thee When she had ended these lamentable speeches they tryed to open the Chest which easily they did she seeing it open her heart euen opened with it as embracing the ioy her loued Lord should bring her ready as it were to take or loue or death equally fit for either the place by opening being fit to be discouered they found the stone to be like an vpper box in a Cabinet lesser then the other but part of it as the light to the ancient Halls in Princes houses but this was darke the lower part was a bed of gold vpon which she lay her apparell a Roabe of purple imbrodered as the Kings Roabes vse to be vnder that a petticoate or round kirtle of
with such ioy as her heart did like the waues swell her colour came into her face and she was so surprized with content as she could not tell what to say vnto him at last she remembred that she was not alone but that she must consider all eyes were not her seruants she corrected herselfe yet could not blame that passion for so deseruing a cause My deere said she I cannot hide my happines nor am I sorry for it since it is for thee I suffer this vnlesse that holding it so deere I may grudge any should partake of it Yet calling her sences more about her to avoyd suspition she demanded how Parselius Rosindy and Philarchos did and Amphilanthus said she I hope also doth well That came out so sweetely and louingly as one might iudge shee asked for the rest for his sake because she would name him or named him last as more to sticke in memory Orilena was so desirous to know how her Philarchos did as shee nere heeded how Pamphilia carried her selfe Surpassing passion excellent still gouerne how delicate is thy force How happie thy rule that makes such excellent women thy subiects made so by thy gouernment instructed by thy skill taught by thy learning and indeed made by thee Bee thou still and worthily adored and this Pamphilia doth agree to excellent Queene the true paterne of excellent affection and affections truth Shee then called the Messenger and hauing called her Spirits to her asked particularly of the estate of Albania Hee related the whole discourse as instructed to set forth his Lord to his owne loue shee needed not much inuiting to that banquet this discourse fed her day and night They talked of the warres and of the braue Champions whose honours were neuer greater then when extolled by her At last to Morea they came the King and Queene comming â—wo dayes iourney to meete her the most perfect Queene her Cosin â—oying in her sight as in heauenly happinesse for so she held her Deare Great ioy was made for her comming and still augmentations of that by â—he newes from the Army euer bringing good Vrania reioyced and Philistella was ouercome with content sweete Selarina was as glad as any but her passions were moderate and discreetelie held themselues within yet shee would finely though in shew carelessely inquire how Antissius prospered The other Ladies would smile at it and someâ—imes to make sport so pretily anger her as was delightfull pastime eueâ—y one enuious to haue each others passions knowne not doubting but â—heir owne were equally discouered iealous onely of each others power â—or being better able to conceale their flames then themselues here did Loue truly and royally triumph Pamphilia gotten alone looked as often on the token as her hearts eyes looked on the sender it was his picture shee kissed it shee laid it â—nd wore it continually in her breast carefull shee was least her Chamber-maide might see it because it was more then her reseruednesse did warrant yet rather had shee all should know and see it then bee one minute hindred from the enioying it so neare My deare selfe would â—hee say what happinesse find I in thee how am I blessed alone in â—hee and aboue all by thee Deerer part of my soule take the other â—o thee pure loue calles thee to acceptance and thou doest I hope take what I so firmely giue thee What shall I say thou sayst thou wilt not â—ee vngratefull I assure my selfe of that and blame my selfe extremely â—f I said any thing might make thee thinke I doubted thee thou knowest I neuer vrged so much as by question to know if thou diddest loue mee I â—aw it what needed I to aske much lesse to feare No sweetest loue I loue â—oo much to mistrust and loue thee more then to demaund assurance which needes not where such confidence remaines nor is fit since if man-like â—hou shouldest once liue to change thy change would grieue my heart but kill my soule to know thou wert both changing and forsworne falsehood were double here and single euen enough to murder me but those deare eyes assure mee those lippes swell in anger I should thus dispute then and now dearest take mine vnto thine which with whispering let my breath say I doe long onely to see them moue againe and tell mee of thy loue soules comfort how I see in my soule spirit-like cleare and bodilesse from corruption gouerne and command like loue a thing adored and reuerenced but not seene except to louers so art thou to me my spirit and my All. While she was thus in loues best clothes apparreld the brauest of Ladies of her time came to her finding her in her ancient loâ—ing walk she met her with ioy and respect knowing her so worthy as she was onely fit to bee mother to such a sonne who alone deserued so matchlesse a mother To her shee went who in her armes entertained her that humbly tooke her fauour with a low reuerence which loue made her yeeld her No time was lost betweene them for each minute was fild with store of wit which passed betweene them as grounds are with shadowes where people walke and the longer they discoursed still grew as much more excellent as they to nightward seeme longer Among other speech the Queene of Naples asked Pamphilia what shee heard of the warres in Albania Shee discoursed it all vnto her but the last busines seemd the strangest vnusuallest said she although Polidorus his fortune in his wiues affection was rare the discourse was this Nicholarus being one of the Kings of Albania as they falsely termed themselues a Gentleman indued with all vertuous parts of learning courage and in truth al that could be required in a braue man yet was encountred with a stronger enemy then his iudgement could resist which was loue and loue of one who for his misery loued another Nicholarus came oft where she was oft shewed his affection the other came with him as if to glory in his mastery or to enioy with triumph what was refused this King as a prisoner led is a more glorious spectacle then to know he is in a Tower so are inioyings before refused more happy and prized then if by stealth or kept in priâ—ate though loue can bee held as deare and best The poore Prince hauing a Scarfe by cunning loue throwne ouer his eyes neuer misdoubted any thing still louing and cherishing him more then any because he saw she respected him Once to her house he came where they were entertained as their places and dignities required but the louer as loue commanded The Prince or King or what you will call him because in his Neighbours Countrie watched as hee thought an opportunitie and in the morning when they were to meete the other Kings who were neare to that place assembled about an especiall businesse of hunting her husband louing that sport wel was soonest vp and called the King hee employed him in some other
they found some thing was in that name wherefore they would not presse but left him promising to obserue his commands The two Companions rid till they came againe to a Wood but not so â—hicke as the other but of great huge trees and such a place it was as offerd delights to most hearts to stay and receiue it there The bodies white as snow testifying innocency and their tops so large and thickly spread as expressed glory for their purenesse In this place they lighted giuing their horses to their Squires and the very content of that solitarinesse brake their silence Here said Amphilanthus is a place fit for such a creature as my selfe to dwell in here alone am I fit to inhabit and leaue all gouernment to him that can rule shunning that when I cannot rule my selfe When did I euer see you my dearest friend said Ollorandus in this tune What haue you done with your spirit where drownd your iudgement and how buried your selfe What if you liue to bee crossed in your desires belieue it it is not to other end then to make you happier with the sweet meeting of what the misse will make dearer to you when passed Pamphilia cannot bee lost Vrania drowned Philistella cast away or Selarina stolne What vexeth you if they bee carried to a farre place if the worst as those parts are full of enchantments Enchanted cryd Amphilanthus deare friend t is we that are enchanted from finding the truth of their losse they are lost and weeled by the same Deuill in ignoraâ—ce the more to torture and scorne vs. Ollorandus perswaded and spake houres to him but he was deafe or speechlesse for not a word could he get of him his sighes were his answers his groanes his speech and thus they walked till they met a Lady as she seemd to be in mourning attire her faire eyes shewing more griefe then her apparrell sadnesse yet had they red cirkles about them threatning reuenge for their sorrow her traine was only one Page who shewd as little mirth as his Mistris did contentâ— they came one a little before the other as if sorrow could haue most liberty in lonelines and therefore although but two would goe asunder Amphilanthus sad found or sadnes found for him that distresse in her demanded his helpe wherfore he went to her curteously demanding if his seruice might auaile her Sir said she your tawâ—y liuery so wel suits with my fortune as if I saw but that I might from thence ask help but alas Sir my misery is but one way to be redrest my woe no way equald nor can my afflictions see end but by the end of me Miseries face said he is so perfectly yet in delicacy vnfortunately presented in you as would make one wish rather to be thus miserable then free otherwise affected but as in you excellently are these perfections so in me are as excelling crosses I knowing these can with more feeling vnderstand yours and with a more reuengefull mind serue you hauing that abounding in me for behold here before you the man who neuer saw moâ—ning ioy that was not nipt by cold euenings malice Comparing griefes said the Lady are but to augment sorrow without helpe comming to extremity but in your discourse I find by you that you want helpe as well as I. And help only of one like your selfe said hee can make me blessed I will not touch oâ— that said she though thus I might since if she were like mee shee would bee much more pitifull How can I know that said he but thus I may gesse it that none being able to compare with her except her owne excellencies they gouernd by her selfe can suffer no comparisons This shewes you to bee a louer said she and for that I bewaile likewise your fortune for hell cannot inflictâ— more terrible torment on a heart then loues power settles in him Do youâ— spring from that ill said he I thought only my starrs had directed me to sucâ— distresse They spring and flow cryd shee increase and dwell in this subiectâ— May I know the cause said he Yes said the Lady if you will promise me pardon for my boldnes and tedious discourse which it will proue and other assistance I need not Alas cryd he that shal be most willingly lent you thougâ— I may feare as little to helpe you or my patience being a poore though nessary vertue Tell me who you are said the Lady I am reply'd he cald thâ— lost Man my name little famous here not hauing done any thing but againâ—â— two Knights at a Bridge from whom I won passage If you haue done thaâ— answerd shee the more assurance haue I of your worth and valor for they were two counted the strongest and most valliant of this Kingdome and part of my story toucheth on them but now haue I cause to be ambitious oâ— your knowledge and by the want of it reason to distrust the continuance oâ— mine own vnblessed destiny which increase in harmes pursuing and following me Alas said the lost Man what hope is there left where two such fortunes encounter Onely this said she that the extremity may change to good out of that confidence you shall know the vnkind fortune that gouernâ— me This image of griefe or rather true griefe my selfe am called Bellamiraâ— my father was called Detareus a great Lord in this Country and Steward oâ— the Kings house fauoured by him but at last sent in an Embassage whereiâ— he was lost wherewith my misery ran on to this height He had many chilâ—dren but most borne to misfortune my self being his first as sent the sooner tâ— taste of miserie for being much at the Court with my father before I kneâ— what loue was I was his prisoner I pined sigh wept but knew not what thâ— paine was till at last the Tyrant shewed from whence the danger came buâ— with it shewed the impossibilitie of obtaining hee hauing setled his affectâ—â—ons in another place nor had I pride enÌ„ough to thinke my selfe able to wiâ— him from the Princesse for she it was hee did affect a Lady deseruing the title of excellent had not her pride and other defacing imperfections throwne a blacke Scarfe ouer her outward fairenes This Lady hee loued but as afterwards I found no more constantly then your sex vseth not meaning to bee a Phaenix among men-louers for feare of enuy When I perceiued his eyes somewhat fauourably to bend themselues to me vnhappy foole that I was I held and valued it my certaine comming fortune giuing mee such hope as perswaded mee without feare to see the end which brought mee to the ambition to bee at a great marriage which was at the Court the King gracing a young Lord so farre as to haue his Nuptials performed there Then did I more plainely see his respect to me his shifts and meanes to bee neare mee certaine proofes of loue his alluring eyes telmee his heart appointed them the messengers to discouer what he sought which
was that I should vnderstand I belieued them and blame mee not braue Sir for neuer was man Lord of so many womens soules as this my Lord had rule of who without flatterie did deserue it neuer being vnthankfull for their loues Thus my beliefe gaue my faith I euer after constantly louing him hee shewed as much to me thus we loued or thought we loued which no sooner had possession but freedome followed as the second to loue and this brought mee to my onely playing part of miserie For being young and full of ioy inriched with the treasure of his affection I fell into a snare closely couered and so more dangerous being caught by the craft of one whose wit was to strong for mee being as plentifull in wickednesse as excesse could make or execution demonstrate in fulnesse I so true a louer as I thought on nothing else if ought it was how to indeare myselfe in his fauor by respecting and louing those hee loued a way much vsed and to some profitably practised this yet threw me into the Gulfe of mischiefe giuing welcome to that Wretch who vnder shew of respect spoild my only comfort stealing like rust and eating my heart with as marring and harmefull deceits The loue I saw my Lord bare him was the chiefe cause that made me like him trusting his choice aboue mine owne iudgement for I knew him once thanklesse enough to another from whom my Lord tooke him to bee his companion-like seruant His discourse was delicate and so vnusuall his wit not lying the same way that other good ordinary ones did and so excelling for what pleasinger then varietie or sweeter then flatterie which hee was filled with all and made mee giue or credit to a treacherous deceitâ— which perswaded mee hee was full of honest plainenes so prety and familiar his discourses were as shewed a pleasing innocency yet indued with admirable learning This moued me to trust considering that the greater his knowledge was the more he should know truth but contrariwise he was the breach to my misery My Lord imploidâ— him in some occasions abroad whether by his own desire to see or his wil to be certaine of some forraine knowledge he went away leauing me secure and happiest in my Lords affection Many letters I receiued froÌ„ him wherin he witnessed his truth which indeed did wel for only paper and inke said it not being worthy or honest enough to blush for his shame but in the time of his absence my loued loue did like all men alter it may bee caused by greater beautie it may â—ee prouoked to it by my imperfections but some thing it was I dare not say a naturall inconstancy bâ—t rather taxe my selfe with the blame then touch him made me vnfortunate This vnworthy man found it and as vildly pursued it smoothing me with flatteries while he glos'd with him and her to whom he had chang'd as long as euer hee discernd curtesie in him towards me which at last most cruelly was likewise taken from mee hee followed mee but then look'd on me as a rainy day doth on the earth after a flattering morning I was deceiued and indeed vndone but t was by him and for him whom I lou'd yet after some respect I found therefore I pardon forgiue him Sometime this lasted succeeding as I should haue told you the death of my husband and sonne by him for marryed I was and hauing ambition enough to hold mee from that in hope of obtayning him for my husband while the King still fauour'd mee and if I might with arrogancy say loued me But my loue to my chosen refus'd all others and he at last refused me which when the crafty vnhonest man directly saw hee not only as I told you left obseruing mee but proudly sought my loue if I scornd his basenesse a thing raised by my Father to be knowne but made by my Lord to shew in light Consider you who needs must know what can be yeelded by a spirit true to noble birth and more noble loue to a worme boldly crawling before the best and lifting vp an vnualued head as if a braue beast but a beast indeed he was and I the misfortune had to be a taster of his Villany vnder colour of visiting me after my losse he gaind still in my true heart a confidence of his renewing respect to mee which I prized him for confessing still and purely all the flames I felt for his Lord and soone after this he shewed his dishonesty and such neglect as if I were a blab or one desirous to doe ill I might yet mischeefe him But I am farre from that and will doe well let all other ills succeed that can for goodnesse and truth shall gouerne me yet because all his falshood shall not remaine hid or be vnknowne I will tell you somewhat that hee did for some-thing it concearns this story Hee came to me and found me apt or tooke occasion to thinke so for hee spake of loue and proceeded so farr as he brought it to my fortune I answered moderatly yet so home to my owne hart as he saw I was the same how euer he was changed for whose change my affliction was and so I discouer'd my paines and sorrowes as he said I complain'd fitly to be commiserated and that he pittied me Doe not so said I for I contemne pitty from thence hee grew to aspire to winne me and so boldly and â—aucely at lasâ— carryed himselfe as if my deerest knew it though he now shunns me he much more would scorne him that durst attempt to winne her whom he had once loued and yet holds as his owne though in despised sort And more to shew his villany he only serues and seekes and sues to haue her grace who hee perceiueth keeps my loue from me thinking himselfe base villaine good enough for me who now doe weare the wretched liuery of losse what is euer shun'd I haue in store forsaken and forlorne in loue Yet be it as it is and they continue as they doe I am and euer will be my selfe But what said Amphilanthus is the cause of this extreamity of griefe Haue I not told you Sir said she being forsaken and despised and why only for louing Dull I haue beene called for constancy is now termed so and his assurance of my faith made him leaue mee a thing hee thinks soone wonne or rather held at pleasure confident assurance of firmnesse growing to coÌ„tempt this course doe vnfortunate poore coÌ„stant louers run What is become said Amphilanthus of this man He liues said she I hope to shame himselfe Where is your loue said hâ— Fixed truely in my heart other where I can giue a small account of but as I haue heard liuing with a new loue bewitched sure with some charmes else could he not continue closed alone within her armes while armes and all true noblenes is buried in his losse for lost he is since hee fell to her power Why did
those Knights maintaine the passage said hee To defend poore mee cryd shee who since now left vngarded on that side I beseech you will conuey me to my house which when you see you will find likewise cause of pitty there Then brought she them vnto her dwelling which was in a Caue of great bignesse and large proportion a Monument in the mid'st of it of the most pretious stone of that time wherein shee liued being the Tombe of her sweete and last deere loue her sonne Deuided the Caue was into pretty roomes finely furnished but such as seemed rather to affect delicate cleanlines then sumptuous ornament yet were they rich enough Her attendants few but their seruice shewed them sufficient for that place with a modest and sad kindnesse shee bad them wellcome thither and instantly asking pardon that she must leaue them for such a tyme as she might performe her vow of mourning ouer the Tombe which hauing finished with numbers of sigh's groanes and teares she returnd to them againe Amphilanthus was not yet satisfied with the discourse wherefore againe he vrg'd her Then Sir said she you shall haue all I was borne to be betrayâ—'d for before this cunning ill man came I was vndone in former hops by one that had beene with my Lord almost from his birth who with flatterings had seald vp my heart to his vse neuer hiding any thing not my loue it selfe from his knowledge he making the greatest shew of obligâ—tion to me for my confidence that might bee expressed by so rare a witt striuing by subâ—ill meanes to make me thinke hee vsd all wayes hee might to make me happy still vrging me who needed no inticement to thinke how worthy the loue was how fit the match and then shewed me the liknesse of it our loues being so perfectly and reciprocally embraced the strong bond of friendship twixt our fathers and the continuance of that betweene him and my father as inheriting it from him lastly of our breeding together which though in our infancies yet the more naturally bred loue and increased it adding to loue as the smalest sticks doe with momber to the fiâ—rs of triumph but what aboue all indeed was the earnestest moouer as he treacherously protested was the true euen consent of our dispositions which seem'd so neere being one as though by birth made two yet created so as to be ioyned in one for the more direct and vnpartiall strength of perfectnesse and thus were you made to be one said hee in all fortunes and beings Heauen I confesse I held his louâ— Father Mother friends all were strangers to me in respect of the nearnesse of my affection to him and next to that did I thinke my best spent time was with those he most affected in his absence in that kinde seruing him Fortunate I thought my selfe and honour'd when his companions accompanyed me and so much I loued him as being forsaken I now the more am tortur'd with iust cause of coÌ„playning This Creature loath I am to name by other title and yet grieued to giue him his due and to call him spoyler of my blisse too diligently attended me neuer left me when any time might be permitted for man to see me in I embraced his conuersation but it chang'd to my affliction and contents destruction seeing oft times my passions which were too vehement for mee to hide or my weakenesse couer hee aduised yet still inticed mee on At last a match was offered me many had beene so before but all refused my conscience being such as neuer to marry any that I could not loue especially knowing it before yet was this more earnestly pursued then any other before the Gentleman himselfe too much and vnhappily affecting mee My Parents looked without loues eyes or rather saw while that child was blind the goodnes and greatnesse of his estate the hopefullnesse of the man his vertues and noble conditions much perswaded mee vnto him yet could not more mooue me then it is possible to stirr the most renowned Albion Rocks and in as much chast whitenesse remain'd my loue to my Lord while this Diuell who promis'd his helpe aymed at a farre fowler end beeing gaind I will not say by bribes to the friends of a great Heire whose estate might make one how vnworthy soeuer before a couetous minde seeme beautifull This was his fire and by this hee wrought destilling the offence of Villanie through the Limbeck of his wickednesse and this was the beginning My only loue being gon a iourney with the King loued infinitely by Deterius my father and hee staying had left his chamber and seruants to his dispose and command a stranger came in the plot ordained so by this Villaine while my Lord was dressing him hee desired to speake with the Traytor he went vnto him coÌ„ming in againe with a paper in his hand amazednes in his face which made my deerer selfe demand the cause he teÌ„derly louing the wretch because he had instructed himâ— froÌ„ in his tender youth He counterfetted loathnes to speake as if vnwelcome newes would follow his words the more he was troubled silent the more perplexed was my deere wherefore he priuately called the messenger to him of whom he demanded the newes he answered he knew none but that with much ioy and content Bellamira was betrothed to her long louing friend though not till then beloued of her he then loued and so may youâ— the better iudge of his paine When he heard I had giuen my selfe to another yet thus discreetly heâ— caryed it that hee spake not any thing vnto it though some while after heâ— demaunded of his fauour'd seruant as if but by chance if he heard any thing of Bellamira he would not answere but with a sigh and these words It is impossible I now find for any woman to be true Why said my Lord is Bellamira marryed No answered hee but as ill for shee is betrothed O women O loue how fickle and false are you both My deere hearing the death of my loue confirmed in this likely but vntrue manner saiâ— little only turned himselfe to a window where some teares he shed yet hauing the noblest spirit in the world would not suffer himselfe too long tâ— be gouernd vnder sorrow turned againe and so walked into an Orchardâ— where they conferred and at last he gained his consent to his desired end I ignorantly liued not daring to make other expressions then by looks or humble and willing seruices offered him which with as much affection were embraced yet was I grieued I heard not of him which still till then I did by euery one that saw him he as willing to send as I to receiue kindnesse The earnest suiter and falsely supposed betrothed man still did pursue and so hotly as at last I resolued to stretch the limits of modesty and to acquaint my Lord withall by letter and so ambitiously hoped to gaine one from him but considering many dangers I
me leaue me smarting affliction scourge to loyall hearts yet leaue you hold me being left by him who onely holds my loue Thus passed I part of the night the rest in an exercise mine vndoer taught mee putting my thoâ—ghts in some kind of measure which else were measurelesse this was Poetry a thing hee was most excellent in That night and many more were ended in that manner till at last taking a resolution which was made by necessity I came abroad againe meeting at my fathers chamber one day with my still deâ—re though forsaken He wished me much ioy I told him hee might best wiâ—h it hauing caused so much sorrow to me hee told mee my chosen loue hee hoped would bring content vnto mee Then had you been more kind and true said I. Treborius is the man must hold your affection said he The Forrest Heire cryd I hath made you change and mee forsaken liuing thus vnhappily made free Free said hee and betrothed Pardon mee my Lord said I I neither am nor will bee till I wed Will you begin said hee to vse that vice you euer till now contemned dissembling a thing protested against by your vertue It is that thing I most abhorre answered I but if I would vse it my faith should hinder it from you Heauen then beare witnesse of my wrong cryd hee and pitie mine said I. With this the company came about vs so as for that time wee said no more then did hee seeke meanes how to regaine my affection which he feared was lost to him while alas my labour was how to couer that which so truly was his as I doubted my selfe for being a safe keeper of it from him determining all chastitie in loue not so much as entertaining his outwaâ—d complements farther then ciuilitie commanded Treborius followed his sute my father vrged mee and I cast away by fortune threw my fortunes at his feete to bestow them truly then not worth the accepting yet loue in the man made him seeke me and with as much ioy receiue me The time was appointed all our friends and kindred inuited and as a principall guest my lost loue was intreated to come who obayed but his sad demeanor shewed it was no pleasure to him to see me giuen to another if hee were troubled how was I afflicted In the morning before I was quite dressed according to the manner of our Countries libertie the chiefe strangers came into my chamber permitted by custom to see the Bride dressed among the rest or before the rest he came in yet said nothing onely lookes spake for him I was to the soule perplexed and being ready to enter into my miserable estate I went into a great window which had a curtaine ouer it A Lady whom I most respected and so did all those whose happines was to know her worth being for all noble vertues and excellent parts to be admird would not be denied to go with me Befoâ—e her I performd a vowed sacrifice which was of a lock of haire that I had worne constantly many yeares this haire was his though not giuen to me by himselfe but by an ancient seruant of his vnknown to his Lord. The vow was that if euer I should be so vnfortunate as to marry any but himselfe that morning before my marriage to burne it to my losse and loue This next my heart I euer carried and with the losse of that finished my vow that fatall day before the perfectest of women not without teares as since that noble Lady hath told me when with her fauour shee would giue libertie to her selfe to speake with me vnworthy of her iudgement making mee often call my selfe to mind yet I thinke rather to bee resolued of what shee could but coniecture then to renew my torment with memorie of my distresse But this finished the marriage followed what torture was it to mee standing betweene my loue and Treborius when I was to giue my selfe from my loue to him How willingly would I haue turned to the other hand but contrary to my soule I gaue my selfe to him my heart to my first loue Thus more then equally did I deuide my selfe within a short time after I went with my husband to his house wishing neuer more to see any light or company which in some sort I enioyd for one whole yeare but then the King going to see his Country in Progresse my husbands house was found fit in his way so as he lay there and was by him freely and brauely entertained he being as bountifull in his house as any man but this brought further trouble for such a liking the King had to the place as often in the yeare he visited it much his Maiestie was pleased to grace mee I thinke for my friends respect but howsoeuer mine eyes ascended no higher then a subiects loue Many times by the Kings command I was after at the Court once I remember being at the entertainement of the King of Slauonia brother to his Maiestie there was tilting course of field and many such braue exercises but so farre short all the Gallants and the King himselfe being one came of my loues perfectnesse as they seemd but foyles placed to set forth the lusture of his excellence The sports brake vp and the King Queene and Court accompanied the Slauonian King to the Sea who was from thence to take a further voyage with my husband I returned my heart so filled with loue as nothing but it selfe could find biding or entrance there Treborius out of loue to me loued my friends and those he saw I most respected which made me so willing to requite his affection as I studied how to content him euer sauing my first loue perfect to the owner and truly such I found his kindnes as I haue been sorry I had no loue left for him yet could I not in the kindest humour spare him any from the other By the way as we returnd how would the good man praise his person his fashion speech horse-manship conuersation pleasing mirth concluding still he was the only exact piece of man-kind and framed alone without equall and as if hee were made to honour all vertues and they framed to serue him I tooke such ioy in these as still I bore him vp in them seeing in his words the picture of my heart and thoughts liuely drawne he maintained them to content me while I best satisfied seemed to commend his witty descriptions as if they and not the subiect pleased me Thus did I dissemble and thus onely for my loue and with him that loued me yet this may be pardoned if pardon may bee giuen for such a fault since loue did warrant mee and I obayd my Lord. Other times though for it I blamd my selfe because I wrongd his kindnes I would commend his ordinary talke when hee praised rude sports or told the plaine Iests of his Hunts-men yet the best their vocation could afford laugh and bee merry with them but why because oft-times
began againe My Lord said hee yet heare me there is a way whereby you may let her see your loue and yet not speake it your teares thus continually shed your sigh's still breathing out your passions your groanes foretelling death will all truly witnesse your affliction and sue for you pull off these habits vnfit for these passions put on such as I wil prouide for you so well agreeing to your humour as the cloathes and the action shall make her vnable to withstand so much pitty as must breed loue and that loue if you then discreetly gouerne it will procure your happinesse Direct me deere friend said hee and let me enioy her loue and be assured I will make thee see I am not vngratefull Then my Lord said hee you shall put on the habit I will tomorrow morning bring to yonder Groue but be sure you be there before the Sunne appeare least they be there before vs and after follow my aduice so shall you I feare not come to your wishes end but withall you must promise and performe assistance to me Leonius could but with kind teares and straightly embracing him giue him thankes and promise thus they resolued the youth went to the next towne to buy things fit for the Prince while he with sad thoughts vncertaine wishes and wrestlesse passions spent the time till his returne The Sheepheardesse who poore soule before knew but her owne beauty now found anothers to master her I would said she the Beare had deuoured me rather then this torment should perplexe me Why did this Stranger succour me of purpose was he sent to torture mee must I be made a subiect to one I know not and suffer afflictions for one I shall no more behold fie vpon this strange loue which makes me so strangly loue as to affect impossibilities but I see I am but iustly punished for disdaining all the Youths of these parts thinking none worthy of me now I must loue one that knowes me not will no more see mee and surely loues an other Pride it is you haue vndone mee I confesse my fault I sorrow for it yet Venus helpe me Pan our Sheapheard-God assist mee let not one of your seruants nay poore me your seruant thus distressed liue I recall my former scornings I repent my disdaines I accuse my selfe more then you can blame mee O ayd me then Thus she pass'd the night in millions of such like complaints till morning being come she rose and hastely dressing her raysed her flocks before their vsuall time as shee was raised by this vnusuall passion to the plaine she went there awhile she stayed yet rested no where sometimes shee walked a pace as if she would leaue that paine behind her but seeing it so closely follow her lay downe embracing it yet blushing would turne her face on the ground and seeme ashamed of her owne thoughts O Chastity said shee why doe you wholy possesse mee deere Diana take me to thee but then did Venus as in rage increase her flames making her forget all but her affections Then rising to the next tree shee went which was a Willow and of those branches she puld and with them crowned her selfe casting off her strawne hatte her Sun-beame haire falling downe at the full length which with a little fine and naturall curling reched to the small of her leg and the rich thicknesse spread it selfe ouer her shoulders there awhile she stayed grauing some few words in the Barque of the tree agreeing to the paines shee felt and condition of that tree whose softnesse concur'd with the yeelding hearts of loâ—ers but the Fate giuen it to be forsaken and made it to be the Garland for such haplesse creatures Well poore Willow said she thou shalt yet be my companion and I will honour thee though happier folks despise thee then went she into the Groue but as little stayd shee there flying the company she saw there assembled seeking new places as all doe that seeke ease and hope for it by trauell so shee pass'd along the side of one of the little Brooks her eyes still fixed vpon it speaking sometimes at last shee said these words Poore Brooke said shee how like my paines are yours I seeke to flye from the Spring of my sorrowes so fall you from your head how fast sweete Brooke you runne in hope of eafe so fast doe my poore hopes flye from my hart stay turne your course and I shall hope to liue notwill not be you runne and I continue in my paines As she went on sadly bemoning her solitary thoughts she heard as pittifull a voyce vtter these vnperfect ioyn'd words Leonia poore Nimph said it where is thy vowe must Venus make thee change O loue coward loue to steale thus to my heart couldest thou not haue come brauely and contended with me in the Chase or taken me in the time when I did reuile thee and scorne thy power but to set vpon me when I was quiet and safe as I thought treacherously to lye in wait and betray mee when I was vnarm'd naked and without power to resist and more for my shame when I had sworne to Diana what punnishment will that chast Goddesse lay vpon me for this offence But foole why talke I of these poore things which in comparison of my woe are but blossoms I loue and must loue what then I will loue and die in loue then shall that Cruell see written in my heart that murther thus committed vnkind alasse my soule melts as these teares and yet to thee my paines are no more waighed then bubbles my hart weepes blood pitty me then say you do pitty and saue me pitty said the Sheepheardes is that I want what new companion in my woe haue I found heere with that she went towards the place from whence as shee imagined that sad voyce did proceede when as a little from the banke vnder the shade of mirtle trees which made as it were a Cabine of them selues lay a Forrest Nimph her apparrell of colour and fashion like Diana buskins vpon her leggs of white her haire tyd vp only some of the shortest and about the temples curled crowned with Roses Hyacinths she lay with her head toward her who with a soft pace went on till she came iust behinde her then viewing her earnestly her eyes being so full of loue as all louing creatures found a power in them to draw them to her call especially those eyes which were so much hers as they could not stirre but to her will commanding them so as shee could with her looking on them with louing force bring them to her owne and so it now prooued for those eyes which full of teares were seeing themselues in the streame shewing their watry pictures to each other her earnest viewing the Nimph with a naturall humblenesse to hers drew her lookes to her ioy then appear'd in the Nimphes face yet straight was that clowded with sorrow She rose and with a timerous though she
came abroad againe with my pardon and the Kings fauour I met her shee as not guilty cheerefully and smilingly saluted mee but I that could leaue the worthiest for her without a cause could iustly bee offended so as I spake not to her nor since haue looked on her truely hating her very sight and in these habits haue I continued in this place doe I liue this life if a life you will call it yonder is the Castle shee lies buried in with whom I haue buried all content and with whom I will also lye the Court I haue left and all company ioying in nothing but my misery and this I neuer related before nor haue I spoken so many words since I first suffered this vnhappines nor will any more therefore Sir now I beseech you permit mee to bee silent and to passe to my dying liuing The King who was a perfect louer could not but lament with him and sorrow that so they should part but necessity compell'd and he granted his demaund the sad man going in his wonted mauer and the King holding his iourney still thinking and musing of this aduenture till another put him out of it and brought him to a little more mirth A dainty young wench came led betweene two hansome young men one browne and louely the other faire and beautifull many Lads and Lasses attending them some carrying flowers others Garlands some fruite some wine euery one hauing something to doe and extreame busie in that businesse because it was loue When they saw Ollorandus they ran to him and desired him to alight for hee was by the agreement to giue iudgement and end to this aduenture hee wondred why they had chosen him they said it was to be finished by the next Knight they met and that was himselfe then they set a kinde of Chayre vp which they carried with them hauing ioynts and with engines to bee placed any where ouer his head they hung the flowers and garlands except one that was held for him to whom the prize was giuen the grownd they also strewed with flowers Ollorandus sate still admiring what they would do with him smiling within himselfe to thinke what Amphilanthus would iudge of him if hee should finde him thus attended and set vp so like a May-game Lord but patiently he suffer'd them When they had done the Speaker appointed which was hee that held the Garland began thus Excellent Iudge may it please you to vnderstand this businesse consists of diuers matters yet all the matter is loue a thing possessing all a vaine passion afflicting most and yet this Gentleman M. Loue hath no abiding but a meere run away when hee hath done mischiefe and if followed where is hee found but iâ— hearts and there such straying harbours hee hath as hee is fortified euen with strength against the masters of them This youth who will neuer bee old hath wounded these two youths with one arrow for they loue this Lasse her hee hath wounded but it seemes louing women better then men hath taken more paines with her and bestowed two of her for she loues them both not being able to say whether she affecteth most it is no strange thing for a woman to loue two or many but the rarenesse is that one of that nimble louing kinde cannot take both and vse them after her own phantasie to say women can loue often is no wrong to them for who would not please themselues and what greater pleasure then variety Is it possible for one to bee contented to liue his whole life in one roome to heare but one speake to conuerse but with one to feede but on one thought if this bee hard where is womens fault that delighteth her selfe with change of Louers being but for that whereto wee were borne to seeke our owne happinesse and surely in that are they most happy for variety is their seruant waiting on them so diligently and so cherished by them as they are the excellent Mistrisses of that excelling pleasure To proue this Sir heere is a dainty example in a dainty subiect rare in all parts because rarest in it selfe here is a woman loues so equally as shee cannot chuse betweene these if beauty want in one louelinesse chalengeth her liking if beauty abound in the one sweetnes speakes for the other she loues both and so much as shee wishes if it were not for extreame losse they were but one and then shee could satisfie her selfe and that one her 's yet a greater wonder these two Riuals are friends not to say friends as not being enemies but affectionate friends and such as it is almost hard for either of them to tell whether hee loues her or his friend better yet both are enamoured of her This hath continued two yeeres now it is agreed on that the matter shall be iudged by the fâ—rst Knight you Sir are the man and to whom you giue her she shall be contented with him and leaue the other Ollorandus made answere that the matter was nice and a busines he no way desired to meddle in lest hee might offend not being able to iudge to please all parties but hee thought that such mutuall affections were better held sâ—â—ll as they were lest diuision might diuide the perfect loue betweene those friends for said hee a wound giuâ—n in the arme or body will heale and grow together if the sides be kept close but kept open it will though heale yet be in sundry parts So if shee be giâ—en to one and from the other it will breede a diuision in loue if not still to be as at first enioyed They all then spake and desired iudgement being resolute to stand to his censure Then must I said Ollorandus require one thing more for my perfecter ability you must each of you speake for your selues and tell what you can claime to merit her and what proofes you can alleadge of her affections to you and she must likewise tell her opinion they consented and the fairer youth beganne thus As I was one day after hunting somewhat hott and weary hauing laide my selfe vpon the grasse vnder a larger Oake this beloued soule came tripping with such daintines and sweete carelesnes as I was surprised with her finenes she cast her eyes on me but so as if chance not purpose of fauour had procured mee that grace but howsoeuer as dearely was her looke prized by me and my eyes as gladly met hers as in old time the Gentiles held the Sunne did kisse the lippes of Osiris she held her course I rose and followed her shee turned and started a litle like a fearefull dainty Deere and my deere she proued I tooke occasion to offer her my seruice seeing her alone least any rudenes might be offered she accepted it and so I attended her home she thanked me I tooke those thankes so kindly as they bound mee I told her to waite on her aftâ—r to deserue the fauour not then hauing merited so much She disliked not of
one and one as both I was against this I confesse in other times but now thinke no such loue as when we may discourse of it and in our discourse know how she behaues her selfe and so be able to discouer which she most affects and so striue to gaine the others part but she most louing most discreet iudicially carried her hand euenly when he kissed one I had the other shee faâ—e betweene vs still and euer gaue vs euen and indifferent graces but now being cloyde I thinke with this blessing we must diuide and she take one which she cannot doe therefore Sir you must decide the question shee sayes she will take either with equall loue we will with equall content take or misse She then was to say something for her selfe who thus did speake My Lord said she you heare by these two the story related of my loue I cannot but confesse it is true onely I beseech you not to thinke any lightnesse was more in these aâ—â—ections then in the indifference of my choice I loued this faire man I confesse first I had not then seene the other but when I perceiued his louelines beauty me thought was more ordinary and therefore I prized him dearer but when the faire youth came againe brownnes appeared nothing so pleasing both together mee thought they were both fit to be beloued and the rather both because different complexions would hold one still to loue one of them whâ—n affection to swâ—etnesse and delicatenesse possessed me I looked on him when loue to fairenes and whitenes claymed place I turned to the other thus mee thinkes I loued equally and so it was but one loue being still to one end content and to be contented wâ—th those had made themselues one in all things euen loue to me It is most true I am now brought to choose one for my father will haue me marry I cannot find in my heart to refuse either or haue power to choose whether I hope this freedome which hath continued with vs will not be a cause now to make mee lesse esteemed my loue is the same it was and therefore Sir which you will allot me to I must take The first then spake againe doe not great Iudge I beseech you fauour me although I first did tell my tale and first did loue to wrong my friend hee more deserues her then my selfe and him she chose I did choose her therefore bestowe her Sir on him No said the other I lou'd her for your sake and loue to you made my affection grow to her therefore Sir as hee first did loue and chose for loues sake onely of her selfe be not so cruell to bestow her from him he most and best deserues her let him haue her This while she cast her eyes between them as they spake so amorously as it seem'd she cryd within her selfe sweet Iudge adiudge mee both hee sate a while still at last he brought forth this iudgement Both louing both beloued treason it were to part such blessednes nor am I able to cut so euenly by a threed as to goe iust in the middle way between these affections to giue her to either I can hardly doe it since they beg for either You faire indifferent creatures are not it seemes to bee displeased nor will I offend either therefore this shall be my iudgement Take the Garland and you who hold it now tye her scarfe ouer her eyes then both shall come at once to you and to which you giue the Garland hee shall bee your husband blinde Loue made this equality blinde fortune is onely fit to decide it She tooke the Garland when the other two both at once kneeld to the Iudge and at once spake these words all one and so iustly deliuer'd as shewed their hearts one beseeching him that since the Garland did so well in her hand she might keepe it still and crowne her selfe as Lady of the oddest passion they would as before passionatly louing equally leaue her and now faire Mayde said they to auoid your trouble in choyce or after choosing we will both leaue you seeke and take a third and crowne him with a single loue if you can Ollorandus liked the oddnes of this best of all she blush'd and faine would haue spoken but they went away and left her like all-changing women to glory in her owne folly or to couer her selfe with her owne shame yet shee â—ooke a changers boldnesse on her My Lord said she I humbly thanke you for your iudgement and your noble care of me I am no more troubled with their leauing then I should haue ioyed in hauing them onely I am sorry that you must be a witnesse that the fault lyes on your sexe when you come if euer againe to censure Louers be more pittifull to vs and this is all I liu'd before I loued them and shall I trust liue and loue againe without them So they parted Ollorandus hauing had sport for his paines in sitting so long and the standers by satisfied with vncertainty and so all partâ—d The King towards Prague he met his Melysinda three daies iourney neerer hauing knowledge of his comming by the messenger that brought him the newes of the Emperours death Then they together went to that ancient braue City thence to a place where all the Princes by a generall consent met and chose Amphilanthus their Emperour who by being King of the Romanes might claime it not one voice was against him but all like one cracke of Thunder sounded his name Then was the Prince of Transiluania dispatched to him who met him as is before said and returnd with the answere whereupon Ollorandus was his Deputy till his arriuall which was not long after the fine Nimph and delicate Veralinda liued together this time passing the heate of the day at the Fountaine and in the shadow the rest abroad neuer weary of any time but night which they accused of too great cruelty in holding theÌ„ asunder which faire Veralinda often would haue helped in her wish but her Father would not permit it One day as shee was sitting alone expecting her deare companion the graue Shepherd her Father came vnto her and looking steedily on her wept she was amazed and sweetest soule weept too to see his teares he then embracing her my dearer heart said he I must leaue thee and this makes my teares Alas Sir said shee let mee neuer see that day or heare those bitter words againe It is most true said he I am commanded and I must obey the God that gaue mee thee appointeth this grieue not for this it will I hope bee for eternall ioy to you I am warned in my sleepe to send you hence vnto an Island where you shall be blessed with happiest successe goe then and take this Cabinet with you but open not the Boxe vntill the aduenture you shall see be ended then open it and remember me She was amazd but he did comfort her How shall I goe said shee
alone vnguided Will you cast me out Haue I deserued so ill thus to be throwne away O Father keepe me with you or else let me stay but by you that I may but see your face and therein shall I be most blessed Alas sweet and deare Veralinda I must not agree to thy demand but yet beleeue me you will not repent alone you need not goe you shall haue seruants who you will besides the Nimph will goe with you she met me now and I acquainted her and shee is gone a litle hence to send the Shepheard her deare friend to prouide horses for you now lament no more nor grieue to see my teares which are to part with you not that they can fortell least harme to you but losse to me of your loued sight Veralinda wâ—pt againe other faire Shepherdesses came but none of them shâ— would so farre grace as to tell her fortune to saue onely to Melantha the same Lasse the Shepheard lou'd Shee straight resolu'd to leaue Archadia and all else to goe with her so this concluded they staid in the Groue till fine Leonia and the Shepheard came with whom they went away and straite to Corinth tooke their iourney there they Shipp'd and passd vnto the Rocke where landing she went to the Theater and looking vp she read the words Leonia reading in her eyes at that instant the Gate opened but with such Musicke as amazed them all as wel those at the entring as the troopes within all they at that time falling into a sweet slumber with the delicacie of the charming Musicke Leonia went in with her and passed along viewing each one and knowing most pittying some and grieuing for their Fates not knowing what should come when Apollo appear'd commanding Veralinda to touch them with a rod he threw her down she did so when they all awaked and held each one his louer by the hand then stood they vp and as amazed gazed on the Shepherdesse and Nimph. Amphilanthus at his waking tooke Musalinas hand but quickly let it goe againe Pamphilia rose and Leandrus from her feete but touched her not though gazed on her face Musalina did the like on Amphilanthus When this was done and all the couples stood round as the roome was suddenly the Chaires were vanished and a Pillar of Gold stood in their stead on which hung a Booke euery one there stroue to take that down but none could gaine it Pamphilia and Vrania came they both resolued to try but the first place was giuen by their consents vnto Vrania who tooke it downe wherewith the inchantment partly ended as the Musique and charme but the house remayning and the Pillar of Gold as memory of the brauest inchantment that inclosed the number of the worthiest the world did euer know The Booke Amphilanthus tooke and tryed to open but though Vrania had got it she must haue Veralindas help to open it which being lent her she got the house then vanished they found in the Booke the whole story of Vrania and how that after shee was stollen by the Duke as before was confessed by himselfe and then from him by robbers This wise man who had made this inchantment preserued her tooke her from those robbers left the purse and mantle with her to be the meanes for those that took her vp to cherish her then being Lord of this Island framed this inchantment whither he knew she should come and giue part of the conclusion to it so appeare fit to deserue his care which she might thanke him for the next story was of Veralinda which was this The King of Frigia had many children by his first wife then married he againe and by his second onely had one daughter whose natiuity being cast it was found shee should rule a great people and weare a Crowne this made doubt that she should gouerne ouer that Kingdome that bred iealousie iealousie hate so as her brothers when she suck'd laid a plot to destroy her brib'd a seruant of theirs to kil the Infant He vndertook it but was preuented likewise by the same diuine power Vrania was protected by for he that should haue murther'd her onely tooke her from her Nurse whom he had enticed forth into a wood to walke there he left her bound muffl'd that she could not speake and so fled with the Babe vnto the Sea shipping himselfe and with the reward he had for the supposed act he desyring to haue it before hand that he neede not tarry after the execution hee got into Morea and so into Arcadia warned in a dreame to doe so for the Kings Shepheard hee inquired and to him gaue the childe which hee hauing no childe willingly tooke all things agreeing so well as plainely shewed the diuine prouidence ordained it Hee bred her vp vntill that time that hee was also in his â—leepe appointed to send her thence to the Island the Lord of this Island a learned man knewe all this and made the delicate aduenture for her discouery and the tryall of loue When this was discouered all they that before enuied and almost hated her who appearing meane had the power they wanted came and saluted her the Nimph knowing her to bee a Princesse likewise came and with a pretty blush discouered himselfe shewing that hee was ashamed of his habite and yet that habite became that blush Amphilanthus was glad to heare that his brother hadde shewed his valour vpon so cruell a Beast and in the defences of so excellent a creature but could haue chid him els for disguising himselfe had not Loue and as hee saw Destiny appointed it so but Leonius in his mans habits againe came with more feare to Veralinda then before to whom he spake in this manner Fairest Princesse I hope your estate will not make you forget the estate you liued in loue I am the Knight you loued as a Knight I am the man who for feare you lou'd me not to moue your loue made my selfe a woman and the same man that loues if you cheerish â—lse dies if you forsake I am my Lord said shee the woman that loues you as much or more if possible then I did hauing so many more bonds to tye me vnto it my life I owe you I will pay it you by spending it in being yours and now I know my selfe to be a Princesse the freelyer will I say this being the fitter for you then opened she the Cabinet wherein she found a writing in the Shepherds hand made betweene him and the other who should haue kild her therein had she conditioned that he should bring her vp most carefully call her Veralinda not to discouer this secret to her but whâ—n shee was to lâ—aue the place not to suffer her to marry any but a Prince Thâ—se conditions he kept and so gaue her the Cabinet the Nimph he knew made to confesse himselfe to him out of care of her and then he consented to the iourney thus was she
Who could but you haue beheld her dying and not succour her With that the Prince went to him desiring to heare the whole discourse who hauing vrgd the passionate Man spake thus I am not tied said he to make the relation but I must know one thing before I speake which is whether you bee a louer or not if you bee I shall the more willingly speake because you will vnderstand mee else I shall be loth to bestow much passionate breath so much in vaine to one that will no more esteeme of it then of an old tale The Prince gaue him full satisfaction of hâ—s being a louer when the Man said thus This vnfortunate piece of mankind you see here is called Cilandrus I am of Corinth borneâ— and bred a Merchant a Knight in that City had a daughter cald Lendrina of admirable beauty and such as by the iust admiring it brought many and most to be her seruants all gazing on her as on a Meteor she knew her perfections otherwise she had not deserued them but being too exact in knowledge was proud of their rarenesse and so farre as she thought them not fit to be bestowed on any none being worthy of them Men of all sorts sued vnto her she had answers of all kinds answerable to their estates to bestow on them but the Prince he saw her and liked her she thought he must not for her owne honour being an assured credit as shee esteemed it or bee sought by him who shee falsely imagined might command all entertained him but how not fondly nor so kindly but as she vsed him respectiuely yet she made him sue and labour for his ends She would meete him at places appointed but as if she were without him to haue gone to them by chance met him Out of the Towne she would goe to a house of her fathers thither would he goe to visit her and to see how the aire the pretended cause of her going agreed with her She accepted of his visits and tooke them as graces to her and would fauour him so farre as to come to the Towne with him so as he attended her to her house for she loued the noise of loue as wel as loue it selfe thinking it a braue thing to heare it said the Prince visits Lendrina the Prince seekes and sues to her the Prince is in loue with Lendrina This folly puft her vp so as she in time grew like a Rose ouer-blowne loosing her more in youth exquisite beauty yet her mind was as full of ambition and pride I yet reuerenced her for surely she was honest folly and vanity rather working then want of vertue though stoor'd with those vices A Nobleman also of that Towne fell enamoured of her although he would not haue had it said so becaâ—se a braue but vnfortunate Lady lou'd him to that height of expression and length of time as gratefulnesse boldly challenged loue but that she scarce had being forced to be contented with a few good words seldome visits and cold promises she poore Lady louing so feruently as if nothing else did mooue That made Lendrina proud to haue his loue from her but when her beauty began to fade the Prince his affection grew like a coole euening after a hot day yet still showing loue this discouerd how did shee rumble vp her wits and not only hers but also the best braines of her friends or helps in her affections busines What poasting was there vp an downe what consultations plots for meetings but with whom with the other Lord and he braue Gentleman abused by their crafts made belieue her affection was such to him as for him she would leaue the Prince and in comparison of her loue to him hated all else Hee began to belieue it and some reason hee had because shee made her high mind stoope to come to places where shee might encounter him his true louer heard of it and so farre it wrought in her kind heart as she fell sicke almost to death but something he did comfort her although so faint his words were and weake his protestations as but that she willing to cosen her selfe with good opinion of him shee might haue thought them dissemblings which for the good I beare her and deserued honour she meriteth God grant she find not so and this should all Louers wish for when she dyes loue will neuer find so certaine an habitation and that want he will shortly haue for the noble Lady cannot long sustaine with this induring and this grieues me for I honour and loue her most of any woman except her for whom these my sorrows are deep and remedilesse are the wounds vnkindnesse brings in loue grieuous the cruelty vngratitude brings forth but these are as vsuall now among vs as faire seasons in Sommer He came one day into a roome where she remained and woare a colour which she had procured him once for her sake hating it to leaue and neuer more to weare she looked on it as he doth on the Axe whose head is to be taken off with it her heart smarted and shee was perplexed yet durst she not find falt but sadly told him she had not seene him weare that colour in many yeares before No quoth he nor now but a little it is in great request said she at this time is it said he Why who doth loue it She feared to tell him whom she doubted and was well assured affected it but put it off and laid it on another Alas poore and pure loue what gouernours hast thou and fond commanders that thou canst not bee iust vnto thy selfe for feare of ouerseers and yet what ouerseers feare you but those that ouersee their true respect and makes you blind to truth I saw her another time for being a louer like her I loued solitarinesse alone laid by a Riuer side the most pleasant place that my eyes euer saw and fittest for passion to gaine libertie in hauing all such delicasies in sight and varietie as these her speeches will let you vnderstand to be sweet but silent hearers of her paines O Heauens Earth Plaines Mountaines Hills Forrests Riuers Springs Caues Feilds Hearbs Vines Woods Groues Flowers Masse Rocks Trees witnesse my faith and loue and say for me that you grew not spring not runne not flow not sencibly increase nourish graze prosper and inrich but these and they oft told haue bin in me and my estate I haue been happy like your best rich yeere I haue despaird and do like dearth I haue flowed and swom in pleasure I am dried in sorrow and despaire I haue bin all and now am nothing but a poore sad thing to say I was force me not deare remembrance to these harmes if you helpe not I shall waste enough and doe These tooke I to my selfe and paraleld my fortunes with her woes but what auaild shee cryd and grieued remedilesly so do I too My thinks said Leonius you rather or as willingly set forth her sorrowes as
your owne the strangenâ—sse of her worthines in truth makes me to speake so much of hers mine being but as shadowes to them though true substances of miseries and the more perfect in being like hers who is the perfectest louer she I say said he who neuer yet saw storme to stirre her thoughts though Shipwrackt in his scorne no wind blew her to change nor change had gliding neare her much lesse stay but to my paines Sir this it is The Lady beloued and sought had a Gentlewoman attending on her who had and hath full rule of mee shee faire and delicate knew shee might bee or ought to bee beloued looked like a Princesse secure in her estate where all hearts were hers so shee smiled on mee as on a subiect I tooke it more kindlie and so wrapped my selfe willingly into the Snare for when I came to her and out of hope imboldned craued her fauor she told me she was not Marchandise nor to bee gaind that way but her loue was free and freely should be giuen I quaked at that instant like a child before the rod but after I tooke courage and againe persued but yet preuailed not for her affections were placed on a Gentleman Steward of the house a fine man and such an one as meriteth the title delicate in his apparell Courtly in his discourse and as a young man passionate in shew and curious in his behauiour like a Courtier these preuailed with her his perfumes ascended aboue my desearts his neatnes beyond my estate and his fairenes exceeded my merits but I enuy not his fortune nor did I hate any thing but my misfortune nor haue I reason for hee enioyed her not so much as to marriage which would he had though I had euer lost and gaind but only sight of her deerer to me then millions of inioyings of Kingdomes were they offer'd me while I must still want her who being too too rich a prize for man or Earth is calld away and only Heauen fit for her she doth inioy that place Hells tormenting furyes lying still in me shee 's dead deere loue and perfect beauty ending with her But by your fauour said Leonius I should lesse lament her losse since she was an others then had shee beene mine owne in part what is an others treasure to mee but more what is the griefe to see that which my selfe most loueth and coueteth to be possest by an other the possession would so much afflict me as the second losse would neuer trouble me You assuredly Sir said he are no louer if one but a faint one and such an affecter as gaine is your loue nor can losse trouble you for you being a selfe louer loue but for your owne ends if they be denyed the loue remoues to an other place as we of our profession if our Trade faile in one Country we transport and transplant to an other but loue can haue on such liberty remoues are not suffered there one place containes the scope of one mans loue and my hart is the staple of fruitlesse Constancy Thus he lamented telling Leonius that that place pleased him best because he could from thence view Corinth or part of that where his affection liued in life and death The Prince then tooke his leaue of him and taking Shipping arriued on the other side and shortly at the Court which was held at Corinth great content was shewed generally in all mens eyes and their hearts did answere it the Ladyes were glad because they all loue'd him as a braue young Prince and receiued from him the assurance of their seruants well-fare but long he stayed not carrying Veralinda his deerest selfe to her father into Frigia this gaue fit opportunity to Pamphilia to desire leaue also to visit her Country which with much importunity was granted her but first she resolued to goâ— into Arcadia to find Siluiana drinke the water with her and then visite Pamphilia These delicate and matchles Ladyes tooke their way leauing the Court like the Skye when the Starrs only shine and the nights fairest light appeareth not in this voyage they shall be left being time for Bellamiras iourny to be spoken off After she had prouided her selfe of all necessaries fit for her she trauelled towars Saint Maura arriuing there within short time being neither hindred by wind not aduenture her Father shee found and her finding him gaue such ioy to the aged Lord as he thought all those passed yeares renued againe in youth in him Quickly she got him thence leauing that place only possess'd with the richnesse of well wishes both of his and all that know it especially those who had receiued the excellent benefit of forgetfulnes in it At their returne into Dalmatia the King hearing of his arriuall sent vnto him intreating his presence which he obayed his Daughter going with him and both receiuing all honour from his Maiestie hee looking on her as one would doe on a faire field after the Corne is reaped so was the haruest of his affection to her passed There she met a Gentleman in good place then vnder the King who had formerly serued and beene Gentleman of the horse to her yet loued loue this Gentleman out of old acquaintance and beloued familiarity brake somewhat boldly with her concerning her affection the continuance of it and lastly whether she would bee so kind as to accept of his loue againe if heâ— offered it assuring her that hee was in far better estate for his affections returning to her then she seemed to credit Much shee maruelled at this discourse and his new boldnes who had neuer before aduentured to speake of it in all his time of happines feare shee might haue done but that she weighed his honesty neuer in any thing touched being alwaiâ—s held and found a sinceere man and iust yet so finely she carried her selfe as she found by him he had commission to say what hee did yet not to let it be knowne she would not be too busie but answered them as she thought fittest concluding vpon much vrging that no earthly blessing could bee such to her as his loue and the returne of it He only smild and bid her take heed she was not the losse of it She was so wary and her former beloued and louing Lord so passionate as quickly they were as once they were no iniuries pass'd remembred no recounting of pass'd vnkindnesses but as if only absence had held them assunder so meeting made their loues as at the beginning happines aboue it selfe and this shee felt going soone after to her owne house whither her father went and her loue with many others no ioy nor content like theirs Her Father was called againe to serue the King and made Marshall of Dalmatia thus Dettareus is againe a Knight and Bellamira once more contented which she shall continue but Dettareus must be yet punnished for his former fault and offence Pamphilia being in Arcadia went to seeke her friend and companion as
Steriamus when he was passionate for Pamphilia she was called Dorilina then who there was not a discreeter though a true louer As they walked discoursing of their loues and torments for it Dorolina besought the Queene to honour her with the repeating of some of her verses Shee answer'd she was growne weary of rime and all things but that which wearied her life and yet for cruelties sake would not take it Shee would not bee answer'd so but vrg'd her againe hoping to take her this way something from her conrinuall passions which not vtter'd did weare her spirits and waste them as rich imbroyderies will spoyle one another if laid without papers betweene them fretting each other as her thoughts and imaginations did her rich and incomprable minde but as yet Dorolina could not preuaile for the part of Poetry yet she gain'd so much as Pamphilia sate downe and told her this tale faigning it to be written in a French Story There was said she in France for many years many Kings that Country being diuided into seuerall Kingdomes seuerall Nations there were likewise which spake different languages some of these had Kings the others onely Princes but in successe of time all came happily vnder the rule and gouernment of one King care onely had then by marriages to make a perpetuall vnion which onely length of time could doe among these marriages there was one from which grew both good and ill a braue young Lord of the I le of France second sonne to a famous Nobleman and one who had great imployment vnder the King being counted the brauest man of the Kingdome was by the meanes of a brother in Law of his married to a great Heyre in little Brittany of rich possessions This Lady was wooed sought by many one she affected and so much loued as she was contented to thinke him worthy to be her husband and so for worth hee was Miserably hard her father kept her and close yet so much liberty she gain'd as she had almost tyed her selfe neuer but by death to be released yet her fortunes were not meant thus to be disposed of for her father dying and she thinking she was a little or much neglected by her first seruant who came not according to appointment to attend her she chang'd her minde and gaue her selfe to valiant louely Bersindor the Frenchman leauing the other as he had her at home to learne better breeding Into France she came where she was by Bersindors father and mother cherished with all affection and loue her husband kinde and as respectiue as she merited many faire and sweet children they had to their comforts and their friends and so bred they were as all companies coueted their presence being like sweet delights to sad eyes The eldest daughter was called Lindamira shee was so much fauour'd by the Queene of France as by no meanes she must be absent froÌ„ the Court which indeed was the fittest place for her being a Lady of great spirit excellent qualities and beautifull enough to make many in loue with her but shee loued onely one and that one she had loued many years before any mistrusted it or himselfe knew it Hee was likewise fauoured by the Queene Mother whose husband dead had leysure to bestow her eyes vpon the loueliest obiect and this Lord was well enough contented spending his time after his owne desire Lindamira serued thâ— Queene faithfully and so affectionately as she had no loue but them two of either Sexe yet was she carefull to giue no dislike to her mistris whom she would not iniure or indeed at that time her selfe for she was married he not thinking that it was himselfe she loued though he knew she was somewhere bound in those fetters A carefull eye he carried ouer her not that it appear'd he loued her much more then as her deserts which her noble and free carriage deserued yet he was desirous to finde her loue Once he thought it was the husband of a Lady she had made her chosen friend but after he found the contrary to his owne comfort for the Queene how well assur'd soeuer she was or rather might haue beene of her fidelity yet loue she knew had commanded her who borne a Princesse and match'd to a King yet could not resist his power might with greater ease soueraignize ouer a subiect but in Loues Court all are fellow-subiects and thus her Maiesty was deceiued in her greatnesse which could not as she thought be subiect and therefore though others must be Vassals when they are all companions aud serue alike This suspition was first put into her minde by a malicious Lady who enuyed sweet Lindamira but so was it beleeued and follow'd by the Queen as all her fauour was withdrawn as suddenly and directly as if neuer had Lindamira remaining like one in a gay Masque the night pass'd they are in their old clothes againe and no appearance of what was she yet was grieued to the heart because she truly lou'd her mistris as her disgrace went further then only discontent for the losse or the note the world might take of it which must like their reports be wiped away or washed like linnen which would bee as white againe as euer But these pierced her heart and she was inly afflicted at all times shee neuerthelesse attended neuer failing her duty yet desirous to know the cause of this her misfortune She imploy'd many to moue the Queene only to know why she was offendâ—d that if she were guilty she might aske forgiuensse and make humble submission but this would not serue she poore Lady ignorant of the cause desired the Lord for whom she suffer'd to doe the like for her hee did but return'd as the others did to her telling her the Queenes answer was that she should not know the cause therfore willed her to be satisfied with that with knowledge that she was and had iust cause to bee offâ—nded Lindamira then asked leaue to retire she had permission and withall her Maiesty when she gaue her her hand to kisse which fauour she was contented to allow her she told her she should doe well to stay till she was sent for She humbly with teares in her eyes answer'd she would obey and so shee departed going home and soon after with a husband like her last fortune went to liue with him whither soone came all her friends to visite her and by him were nobly entertain'd The Lord whom she so much loâ—ed and was accused for likewise came with that Lady her deare friend among many discourses they fell vpon this of her disgrace Lindamira saying that the thing it selfe did not now so much afflict her as the ignorance of it None said he that dares tell you the cause knowes it and some that do dare not What should feare them said she if mistrust of my secresie I will giue them cause to take away that suspition of weaknes in me other reason I cannot guessâ— if
by a new creation fall to my old place againe These and some other open disgraces truly changed my heart or wrought so much in me as I grew to loue lesse then not to loue and now am come to be more careles of him and faine almost would shun him yet I cannot directly do that though I hate the fortune I am fallen into and this is the cause I am vext with hauing this Lot Vrania and Philistella pitied her especially when she cryd Alas said she why was loue so cruell or rather to clothe loue in such cruelty as to giue hope of purpose to ruine as if one would giue a delicate banket and poyson the Guests when he had done els might hee haue left mee despaire for charities sake and not luld me with hope to martyr me againe The Queenes perswaded much with her and so at last she was pacified so farre as to giue him the Iewel and accept the name of his Mistrisse as other faire Ladies doe the like name further their friendships increased not so long as this story lasted Philistella was left heere with her deare Selarinus shee being crowned with all solemnitie as hee had been before Steriamus and his Vrania iournied on to their Kingdome where likewise shee was crowned and liued the rest of their dayes in all happinesse and ioy the like did Selarinus and Philistella Antissius and Selarina in their voyage by Sea meta fine Aduenture in a sweet and dainty Iland where they staid the Queeue not well brooking the Sâ—a in which time they walked vp into the land comming into a delicate Pallace built curiously of white stone a braue Riuer or arme of the Sea running a little on the other side of it Gardens were round about it or walkes which made it appeare the Pallace of delight and much perfecter had it bin but the Lord of it was called by lifes concluder to obedience dying and leauing two sonnes and one most faire Daughter with his noble Lady whose vertues were such as shinned in her for the honor of all other women and examples to Maydes to liue Virgins and wiues and widdowes as she had done and did She met the King and Queene at the first Gate being enformed who they were with all reuerent respect welcommed them attending them into the Gardens shewing them the pleasures of them and giuing them such fruits as that time yeelded then waited on them into the house which they admired for curiositie sitting downe to rest them in a braue Gallery which delighted them infinitely by reason of the sweete prospect which though not so far as others yet was it as pleasing beeing able to iudge of what they beheld which was one way delicate meadowes and that great Riuer beyond it fields and hills downe the Riuer an ancient and famous Citie well built and of many miles compasse vp the Riuer pasture grounds and fine inclosures thus were all sorts of delights round about and in sight of this place but the richest and finest sight was the graue Widdow the sweet youthes and the excellent young Lady whose perfections were such as no description can come neere or any thing but admiration tell whose fulnesse will not permit expression Her stature was of the brauest and best chosen height her skinne although her hayre was browne white as milke soft as downe and fine as silke her eyes black as if mourning for the murders they would commit yet so spritefull as gaue comfort and blessed content to him should bee honourd with their fauours and hope of life to the dying if they repented their ambition She was sixteene yeares of age but of such beauty as if each minute had biâ— employd to fetch excellencies to her a graue and braue fashion she had which to strangers seemd pride but to them that knew her true noblenes abounded in her which they published else she had bin vndeseruingly condemned With the King there was a braue Lord but somewhat in yeares exceeding her he yet had a young and new desire to obtaine her his worth would not seeke her but as her worth warranted him a strangers name hee feared would be distastfull yet he was so neare a home borne man in affection as that might speake for him he was an experienced man and therfore knew time the most pretious of any thing wherefore he applyd himselfe vnto her Her fashion was discreet like herself respectiue according to his owne hart which was not the meanest but such an one as might haue dwelt for noblenes in a king but being in him made him a king for bounty A Cosin-german shee had who trauelling with this Lord was so imped into the quills of his loue as he was himselfe and so wooed for him she was confident of her Cosins loue and trusted his iudgement so receiued the Romanian as on trust from him he was in great fauour with the King who spake for him and of purpose stayed in that Island belonging vnto his Crowne till his seruant had gaind his desire the weather so temperat and pleasing as his Maiesty resolued to stay there and lodge in tents for pleasure and the more commodiously to let his Fauourite court his Mistris although the Lady most earnestly besought his gracing her house with lodging in it but the delightful Island carryed him about to view it and so left him to woe and win if he could In his Progres he met many fine aduentures the Island being large and plentifull of all delicacies but the king fel to sports the Queene affected only prety delights none so violent as hunting the house where they then kept court was a large and auncient house belonging to an Noble-man built square of stone standing rather vpon a flat then a Hill for the highest of the ascents was scarce sencible There ranne behind the Garden and Orchard wall a sweete Brooke on each side whereof fine and enamiled Meadowes lay shewing their finesses to each eye in this place Selarina tooke delight and heere walked but she was with-drawne a little from the Brooke and plaine to a little hill which had some few trees to grace it selfe withall and helpe others from the scorching heate a voice to this place inuited her whither being arriued she found two men in Shepheards weeds their countenances spake for them that they were not borne to that estate yet their complexions shewed that they had not beene curious to preserue them selues from the Sun but followed their fortunes or choyce as men ought to doe any profession they take they were not so young as it might bee said they had want only taken that life the ripnes of their yeares tooke away that suspition for they were towards forty so as iudgment to content them selues or discontent one might see had brought them to it they were together when the Queene first saw them but they seeing her soone parted one as if flying company the other remayning to yeeld account of his going
Selarina drew neere to the Shepheard who with low reuerence welcomed her She demanded many things of him he gaue her true and witty satisfaction at last she desired to know the cause of the Shepheards shunning her hee answered that he did the like when he discerned any company being vrged vnto it by a violent melancholly which would not permit him time for recreation if any but himselfe came neere him She asked the reason He replyed that secret was his friends and therefore besought pardon if mine owne said he I should be happy in hauing such royall eares to giue hearing to my story she still vrged so much as he was forced to obay Then Madame said he since your Maiestie will haue it I must yeeld one's Princesse hauing power to search all Subiects hearts This man my companion and my selfe were sonns to two of the best men in this Island he was called Sirelius my selfe Procatus we were bred together at Schoole first after we went to the Court of your Lords Grandfather where we liued and in good reputation hee meriâ—ing all mens good oppinions by his owne noblenes and excellent parts my selfe I thinke for his sake was respected expecting something in me who was frieÌ„d to so much worthines At last he fell in loue with a young Lady the only daughter of her father mother a great marryage she was likely to be but the true riches he sought was her loue answerable to his affections She was very young hauing so few yeares as her Parents were loath she should heare of a husband yet at last his deserts and store of friends brought the marriage about and some honours were giuen to the father in requitall of his consent The Lady grew on and the time of marryage came which was solemnized by the Kings command at the Court where great tryumphs were Masques and banquets and such Court delights neuer man with greater ioy receiued a wife nor any woman expressed more comfort in a match but where such violence is seldome is their loue lasting for within lesse then two yeares after the marryage whether his fondnes ran to Icalousy or her youth and loue to change gaue occasion I dare not iudge but discoÌ„tents grew disliks of all sides spread them selues the father tooke part with the Son in law the Mother with the Daughter to that extremity this â—lew as no fire flamed or sparkled higher Most mens eyes were vpon them to see whither this would come and for whom all this storme was raised it was discouerd that this stir was about a young Lord who deseru'd alas not the least suspition for any goodnes that for himselfe could inuite loue from any aboue a common creature such an one he might purchase or shee because hee was a Lord take vpon trust to find more then promised his pride was such as he would loose rather then beg his ignorance such as none that had vnderstanding of worth would or could accept his vncertainty such as he was alwaies making loue and his fortune such as he was still refused and his insolency requited with scorne yet of this fine Gentleman my noble friend was mistrustfull his wife I must confesse carrying a little too much respect to the other and yet on my conscience it was more out of her spirit that disdaind to be curbd then extraordinary liking of him and that often is seene and proues the way to make truth of mistrust He forbad him his house and her his company she refused to obay if by chance shee might meete him Her Cabinets hee broke open threatned her seruants to make them confesse letters he found but only such as between friends might passe in complement yet they appeared to iealousie to be amorous He was so distemperd as he vsed her ill her father a phantastical thing vaine as Courtiers rash as mad-men ignorant as women would needs out of folly ill nature and way wardnesse which hee cald care of his honour and his friends quiet kill his daughter and so cut off the blame or spot this her offence might lay vpon his noble bloud as he termed it which by any other men must with much curiositie haue been sought for and as rarely found as Pearles in ordinary Oysters but what time chose he to execute his fury in but before her husband whose loue though crackt was not quite broken nor so much crusht but that hee held his hand which with a Dagger was giuing her a cruel vntimely end yet a little scratch he gaue her iust on her hart which otherwise had laine opeÌ„ to the disgrace of an vnmerciful vnworthy father She cryd out the husband held his wife who poore Lady was ready to fall vnder the weight of vnkindnes and danger It was a strange sight to behold a father incensed for a husbands sake against an onely child that husband to be the shield of her defence from whom if at al the wrong was to rise This at last with much ado was appeased a seeming content sprung out of these blusters among theÌ„ the Lord left to his pride wherwith he pufft himself vp was fild with it like a dropsie or a blader blowne with wind the quarrel was taken vp too between them easily might it be for my friend could not by any meanes prouoke him to fight chosing rather to giue satisfaction by oath promise neuer of seeing her more to be tide to any conditions then drawing his sword Matters thus pacified God blessed them with a son and daughter after which she died leauing them as witnesses of her loue and to speake for remembrance of her after her death A widdower he continued long his children bred with much care and affection with the Grandfather trauel he did both out of his own loue to it and imployment from the State but all this could not roote out the aptnesse of his disposition to loue so as hee fell enamoured of a beautifull young Lady daughter to a great Duke in Romania whose perfections and yeares called at eyes to admire her and his to be her Vassels With much sute and meanes he Courted her employing all his friends to his assistance of gayning her shee was not allowed the greatest liberty but affected it as much as any shee saw how braue his former wife had liued and in what liberall fashion she might also with him continue these were sweete motiues to a great minde and a low estate of meanes where honour call'd for plenty to supply what she was indued with Her father was against it vehemently and shut her vp but these courses preuaile no more with a louer then to increase loues force in fetters as any Creature for keeping close growes the more furious when libertie comes and so did her loue grow to that heate as wheras mild perswasions might at first haue beene acceptable now nothing but marryage will content her which so much gayned in my friends breast as he
may lawfully repent and necessarily also but Loue my ruler commanded and I obeyed I could in my selfe say why should I yeeld I must deny but when I saw him my soule flew to him he but asked and I yeelded yet this I repent not but a vanity I had about mee which because once liked by him and admired by our Sexe or those of thâ—m that I durst make my follies seene vnto a fond humour of writing I had set downe some things in an idle Booke I had written which when hee saw hee thought touched or came too neere or I imagine so because in some places he had turnd downe leaues and onely at such as he might if hee would dislike and were those I thought hee would take notice of yet he neither did by word nor writing not honouring me so much who was his slaue as to finde fault or to seeme pleasd I was me thought left to coniecture and the further I went in such coniecture I runne into feare and sorrow that I had offended yet I can cleare my selfe if I might come to answere but I cannot not could so as finding my selfe thus miserable I tooke my Pilgrymage willingly What could you say to offend In troth Madam said shee I discouer'd how neere I was to bee an ordinary louer after losse which is to grow neighbour if not inhabiter with hate and some two Poeticall and neate expressions I made of it yet I came off though hurt as it seemes in the action but let him make the case his owne and I doubt hee will rather cut the cord then vntye the knots but I haue done I forgiue all and wish hee will also doe so with mee I pray for him and truely without faigning I loue him for all this firmely and shall doe let him vse his worst in scorne which he hath prettily practis'd I thinke hee can neither shew nor assure my selfe study that cruelty which can make me hate him nay in earnest leaue louing though it may bee I haue err'd in saying so boasting rather then hauing such strength for which great loue and you dearest beloued pardon mee I aske it with a repentant and clensed heart and if it please you remember what cause you gaue if not nobly forgiue Perselina found in her selfe she should neuer come to that excellency of constancy wherfore she admired thogh scarce commended her richnes in that plenty and fulnesse being call'd by Rosindy left the constant Lady to her vertuous vowes and religious truth who liued the rest as she had begun her dayes in feruent zeale and affection The King and Queene with the delicate Princesse arriuâ—ng soone after in Macedon where they rul'd both with power and loue loued with feare because they fear'd they could not loue enough the young Princesse soone after tooke her minde and former resolution marrying her selfe with her chosen loue some busines there was before it could bee effected but the effect came happily to their owne resolutions conclusion peace the Nurse of loue was among them Philarchos with Orilena going for Mytelin met a Ship riding or rather floating for vnguided she was vnrul'd and vnman'd tumbling vp and downe like the Boates boyes make of paper and play withall vpon little brookes onely a Dogge to shew some liue creature was in her came on the hatches and walk'd with much grauity like an officer or kinde of watchfull seruant he bark't not nor fawningly sought ayde by leaping whining shaking his head or wagging his tayle or other such dog-like expressions but look'd soberly entertainingly like a steward on the strangers the Prince came and laid the Ship aboord when Philarchos saw none but this guardian he leap'd into her and some of his Knights with him the Dogge look'd on them and as one might say discreetly went before them as their guide into a Cabin where a Lady lay on the ground weeping and wringing her hands all in mourning and more sorrowfull yet in her illustrious expression then the mourning could shew mournfull and therefore shee more then their habits mourn'd Shee onely look'd vp and cast her eyes downe againe and her face against the ground crying Alas haue I not beene miserable enough must I in this assured quiet bee molested can I not haue a restfull dying time allow'd me shall not the Sea nor a cast-away Barque haue power to let mee dye in peace then yet endure more and know thou must poore woman dye as liue in perturbation Philarchos went to her tooke her by the arme and gently lifted her vp a little vsing these wordes none heâ—re purposeth to molest you wee are and will bee rather your seruants then disquieters by chance we came to succour you and now by resolution will if you please to accept of it Sir said she your noble disposition appeares in this and God I hope will reward you for it I am so lamentable a soule and so vnable to thinke of ability though gratefulnesse rules mee as I am onely able to pray for you and that I will not faile to doe but Sir you must leaue mee for I am appointed to dye and by him that hath power to doe it if he had but onely commanded me without leauing me to this assurance There is no necessity saith Philarchos in obeying you in this who though condemn'd as it seemes by a power ouer you gouernes not vs nor can though soueraiguize ouer you subiect vs to his law therefore I will not obey him nor you in this fortune brought me fortunately to the finding you shee shall likewise bring you to life for wee will saue you you are our prey we will not in complement let you destroy your selfe it seemes you are dead to those condem'd you you may yet lawfully liue to vs that redeeme you howsoeuer bee confident wee will conduct you hence and place you somewhere where you shall bee safe from a certaine ruine That will more ruine mee cryed shee when I shall bee bar'd from obeying him whom I must euer obserue What obligation binds you said hee Soueraignty of Loue said she and loyall subiection to his will Tyes said Philarchos fit to bee durable and affection indure but else a bargaine is not to bee made onely of one side you are free when hee breakes to dye said shee neuer to liue disobedient to him who is my Lord. The Prince knew such things as loue and loyalty were or had beene yet hee was willing to diuert her from those courses because running to perill and therefore hee replyed these were the expressions of purest zeale in loue but loue was neuer ordained to be such a monster as to destroy if hurt by change tryall iudicially should helpe not harme directly pursue Shee sigh'd and lamented Hee comforted and disputed at last tooke her vp partly by will partly by force from the ground and carried her to his dearest Orilena who kindly like a braue noble Lady welcom'd her her Dogge would not part from her
our selues yet hee did not absolutely in two yeares giue ouer his former fashion though alasse his loue was dryed and like Roses by mee kept for the colour they had and sweetnesse the remembrance still held but wither'd and not themselues to bee knowne by sight At last such a quarrell hee had against himselfe as if for euer louing mee as hee grew discontented in my company snapt mee vp if I aduentur'd to speake frown'd if hee caught mine eyes on him and withall plotted disgrace carryed himselfe to mee that his brother and his owne friends said it was too much I bore it and truely for all that left not louing nor grieuing for it yet at last I got so farre as my sorrow exprest it selfe not so openly in show though as neere in acquaintance for it was an houshold guest with mee But so it happened at last that this Lady hee had taken and cast mee off for loued another which was to him discouer'd hee liked it not yet made no show of it because hee had said when euer hee mistrusted his loue hee should hate her and that might hee for heere hee was assur'd or might bee but other reasons held them together yet it gaue him leaue to look on me a little again and to me those lookes were like the sweet euenings wherein the Larke delights her selfe so much as shee flyes into it neuer satisfied with the delicacie till at the height shee is forced to retire bidding that farewell So did I for I was forced to part againe from that but in that halfe day of blisse hee tooke occasion to speake of old matters I was as willing to that as hee and so wee discoursed temperately in the end hee said for that cause said hee speaking of a friuolous and vnwaighty businesse God knowes I lost you all You had left vs said I before that time with that hee sate a little neerer to mee and it seem'd would haue proceeded which I wish'd for I made no question then of satisfying him if euer wee came to speake but one of the wicked Ministers of my ouerthrow as destin'd to spoyle mee had such a spell as in absence shee had a spirit able to ruine mee sent for him hee went but promised to come againe I attended as resolu'd neuer to giue cause of dislike but hee was stayed and I in a mighty fret return'd to my lodging Another time he tooke occasion being inuited which then he must haue beene if he were desir'd at my fathers which before had been his ordinary table to a dinner my father made to many of his friends and hee esteemd by him so hee was solemnly inuited He came and at dinner sitting by me fell into discourse of loue and of womens inconstancie as if I had beene guilty I knowing my innocencie spake like that and so vnderstood him not in shew Then hee fell to other kindes yet on the same theame and at last hee came to say how poore Paris was vs'd for choosing well for said he Iuno because a Queen wonld be belou'd Pallas a boystrous woman would fight if not chosen poore Venus onely loued and for Louessake wan the Aple thus was he punished for loue I thinke not for that so much replyed I by your Lordships fauour that he was distresse but for being false before to Enona He said no more and by that I saw he vnderstood me yet after againe he had another Ierke at it but in another sort speaking of loue and returning to their former loues There may be hope then said I. Introth little said he for if euer I shall come tatterd and torne not worth looking on Yet then said I if to me you come I will welcome and cloath you He looked pleased with me for yet it opportunitie gained by the other lost by mee held him as shipps tossing in a Hauen but winde-bound Well I grew desperate and indeed heeded nothing that befell me in the conclusion I spake something or something was said for me which brought me vnder the compasse of the law as farre as life came to I was condemned but he though an Officer sat not on my Iudgement some thought out of pitie yet I tooke it not so for his presence in such a cause wherin I protest I was altogether wrongd might haue ayded me at least his sight would haue comforted me in the condemnation so much I loued him but he was absent and my misfortune so present as I was adiudged to death yet the Prince of Nicaria being mercifull would not take my life according to the Countrie Law but after another fashion would haue it as hee meant for hee censured me to this from whence you haue relieued me When I was to be put into this Tombe as was meant me the chiefe Lords and Officers came to see me according to the Prince his order committed to the Sea into the Ship they put me with meate for three dayes no man nor creature with me but my Dog which would not forsake me and they allowed with me not for loue but hope of harme to me for my Victuals they imagined he would haue share of and at last deuoure mee being one of the fiercest in all the Country But in this they deceiued themselues for since wee came aboard which is now eight dayes he hath satisfied himselfe with very little and neuer troubled me A Fisherman came by and would haue had the Dog he entised him but his faith to me more then I euer found in man his distressed Mistris held him with me hee threw him then a large piece of meate which though stale was good enough for a Dog he tooke that and fed a little on it but as if weighing his estate left part for other times the man also gaue mee something pittying my case but not daring to helpe mee left me Among the Officers that came to my liuing execution my Lord was one though he stayed not to see it performed but came among vs hastily stept to me whispered and bad me farewell and be like your selfe said hee resolute die confidently and cherfully this will comfort you and honour your end I heard him but could not answere him onely I looked vpon him and with teares told him his censure was harder then the Prince his for I loued him the cause of all my miserie but he scarce looking on me as hastily went away againe leauing mee to the fauour of the Windes his constant Rulers to the Seas furie and Fortunes hazard yet all kinder then hee haue ioyned for my good and I am saued by you braue Princesses yet would I beseech you again to let me obay his commands which because his I would doe They refused that yet so neare they came to fulfilling it as they left her on a Rock in a little Iland with an old religious father there shee remained and spent the rest of her dayes in prayer her Dog still garding her which at her death brought her who out-liued
his owne Country a fine young Gentleman and who had in curtesie conducted the Lady of Rodes after her cruell fortune in the refusall of Polarchos and being intreated by the soueraignizing Queen to make relation of her end hauing heard part before by Pamphilia he did it in this sort Loue or rather the ill flower of Loue which you most incomperable Queene can know neither being so much in power aboue the highest reach of his passions which are rather your Subiects then molesters so ouer-ruled in that miserable Lady as after Polarchos was with all his curstnes gone she tooke her way also but whither shee much cared not nor look'd she for any company to attend her those that came with her dispearsed some one way some another leauing her as her fortune had done in all dispaires for who euer alone indures one mischeife I tooke pitty on her and although my way was contrary and I then almost at home yet rather then she should be distressed in such a kind of want I offered my selfe and she though not very willing to company accepted of my seruice most I thinke because she would haue some body to discourse withall and well had she happened on mee for shee could say nothing against men that I had not as much or more to speake against women She could not say Polarchos had beene curst or vnkind but I cold haue said my Mistris had beene false and so most cruell if Polarchos left her vpon cause mine forsooke me causlesly She could not complaine but I was neere rayling so as with all the wranglings and dislikes of both Sexes we trauel'd yet the better I euer had of her though in losse for shee was forced to confesse her's was the fault and with that so often done penitently at last agree'd with mee that Man was the constanter of the two vncertainties When wee had passâ—d the Gulfe of Lepanto and the necke of land betweene Morea and Achaia that we were got againe to Sea into the Archepelago in one of those little Islands we were forced to stay for she grew so weake what with trauell want of food for she would take no sustenance and her perpetuall sorrow which wrought incessantly in her so as she could no longer without rest sustaine nor so but to her eternall rest for there shee dyed desiring mee to bury her there and then to let Polarchos know her end for his vnkindnes to whom she gaue her Country for due she said to him beseeching him to accept of it as the gift of his repentant Loue making so louing an end as Cupid was surely forced vpon that to pardon all things past and place her in one of his highest ranckes of his Court. Iust as she dyed came thither an other Lady discontented likewise but in a maruelous strange sort my eares were now open to all complaints and complayners wherefore I gaue her the hearing who discoursed in this manner I was borne said she in Pantaleria bred in the seruice of Vrania now Queene of Albania the most excellent and famous of women I was with her enchanted in Ciprus and in her seruice being Daughter to her supposed Father I fell in loue with one Allimarlus of Romania a man fit for a greater womans loue but my fortune it was to winne it and surely if I flatter not my selfe too grosly I deserued it but indeed I did commit some faults but what were they only out of Loue and feare of losse from whence they proceeded such errors were rather to be commended then condemned but where loue failes a little matter is made great and nothing pleaseth when distast is taken I cannot truely for all this taxe him of much inconstancy yet so far he was faulty in it as I know he had a Lady in chase whether his loue to her or gratefulnes in him to her had beene the cause of it I cannot guesse I was tormented in soule withall I cryd to him about it He mildly and coldly enough told me my suspitions made my disquiets and bad me be satisfied for he lou'd me still and thus I could gaine no more of him nor durst I vrge for intruth besides loue I was in awe of him fearing his very frowne though on others no Louer euer longed more for the sight of his loue then I did stil to see him if absent but one day yet when I saw him I was in paine and knew not scarce what I did I was so desirous to please as I was amazed and distemper'd not being able resolutly to call for any thing to eate any thing to speake any sence blush and then looke pale and be in such a case as many dayes after scarce recouer'd me Lord how haue I accused my selfe for it but what remedy passion ouerruled my iudgement and when I should haue beene best and looked best the very extreamity of my loue made me worse then ordenarily I was then that troubled me and trouble made me worse so as I was oft times in a straight whither I were best be a meanes to see him often or let his visitations and meetings be by chance But when I considered he might take that amisse and so I should runne into iust dislike for our parts as women Louers are to obserue so as I continued like one ready still to goe to execution condemn'd but repriu'd more then I studied how I might gaine his loue sure to me of purpose I went and made my selfe so deere with the Lady who had sure testimony of his liberall affections as I was made of her Counsell and vsed in carrying the busines so as her honour might bee saued for shee was in that kind in danger I tooke such a course as shee was deliuered of that care this I did conueied away by diligence all suspition I know not what name this seruice merited me but all things were as they should bee and so secretly as no mistrust at all was of her The Lady in troth I could not but so much loue as I was sorry as shee likewise was at any time to part with mee in the face of parting me thought I saw my Allimarlus his leauing me whom he loued and after I accused for slighting her as much as I did before for being restrained in this manner to me for desert should euer merrit reward in what place soeuer but men care no longer then their desires be answered said shee otherwise I had bin better rewarded I haue had cause to giue trial of my faith and he hath found it yet am but more and more wretched When I felt my selfe with such neglect coupled as after I did I tould him of it he sate vpon my bed side but awhile gaue me not a word at last he spoke some few as drawne by necessity from him and bid me be carefull of my selfe and not bring more harme I told him I would be so were it but for that command's sake which must bee as his aboue all things
and mourne which she vowed during her life to doe and Polarchos to liue in some remote place neuer to see man nor creature more the excellentest being gone they saw out of holes in the stones smoake and fire suddenly to flie out with it Pamphilia aduentured and pulling hard at a ring of iron which appeared opned the great stone when a doore shewed entrance but within she might see a place like a Hell of flames and fire and as if many walking and throwing pieces of men and women vp and downe the flames partly burnt and they still stirring the fire and more brought in and the longer she looked the more she discernd yet all as in the hell of deceit at last she saw Musalina sitting in a Chaire of Gold a Crowne on her head and Lucenia holding a sword which Musalina tooke in her hand and before them Amphilanthus was standing with his heart ript open and Pamphilia written in it Musalina ready with the point of the sword to conclude all by razing that name out and so his heart as the wound to perish Faine she would nay there was no remedy but she would goe in to helpe him flames fier Hell it selfe not being frightfull enough to keepe her from passing through to him so with as firme and as hot flames as those she saw and more brauely and truly burning she ran into the fire but presently she was throwne out againe in a swound and the doore shut when she came to her selfe cursing her destinie meaning to attempt againe shee saw the stone whole and where the way into it was there were these words written FAithfull louers keepe from hence None but false ones here can enter This conclusion hath from whence Falsehood flowes and such may venter Polarchos attempted likewise but could only for being vnconstant passe the flames but not come within reach of the Emperour but then was cast out also The Queene then perceiued what this was and so as sadly as before resolued shee returned to the Court where more like a religious then a Court life she liued some yeares Polarchos presently prouided long gray Roabes like a Hermit and on the outside of the Armes-crowned Crowne he made a Cell where he liued daily beholding the Armes and lamenting for his Lord kissing the stone wherein he thought he was inclosed and thus liued he guarding the Armes of his Lord till the aduenture was concluded The other eleuen Princes that came with Amphilanthus into Pamphilia and were as Polarchos hath told you scatterd and deuided in the Desart it was the fortune of the Prince of Transiluania to come within two daies after to the same Lodge where the Queene had laine with the dainty sad Nimph but hearing of Pamphilias being well and safe onely perplexed for the want of Amphilanthus staied not but followed the search of them both till hee came to the sea-side where beholding the waues and comparing mens fortune to the rising falling and breaking of them he saw a little Bote come towards the land and in it a faire Damsell weeping and pitifully complaining The Prince tooke great compassion of her demanding the cause of her sorrow Alas Sir said she shall I tell you and you prooue like other Knights I may well then accuse my forwardnesse and paine but if you will promise to succour my Lady who is so faire worthy and great as will take away the shew of my imperfections perfect in nothing but duty to her I will then tell you what you aske Speake faire and sad Lady said he and I vow to serue your Lady and your selfe with my best indeauours although I must tell you I am in search of such as vnwillingly I would be diuerted but compassion compells me to serue you She thanked him and thus proceeded Blessed may you and all your enterprises be who for a distressed Ladies sake will lay aside your own occasions and let me know I beseech you to whom she is thus much ingaged I am said he Prince of Transiluania seruant to the Emperour Amphilanthus from whom I was parted in yonder Desart and haue since sought him and was yet in the quest of him and the Queene of this Country with eleuen Princes more his seruants all seuered from one another and seeking each other God send they may happily meete said she and you braue and courteous Prince be for euer happy for your noblenâ—sse The businesse which vrgeth mee to demand your helpe is this my Lady and Mistris is the Princesse of Lycia only daughter to the King of that Country next neighbor to this place so as your stay shall not bee very long from your search with this Lady the Lord of the Mountaines called Taurus an vnworthy man rude proud ill-fauourd sauage and rough as well in person as in maners but wonderfull powerfull and mighty of body meanes and people fell in loue shee being as delicate as hee abominable which made her hate him as much as he sought her but her father a good Prince louing peace would not prouoke warre but rather yeeld her to him This brought the sweete Princesse into desperate melancholly and dispaire but a Noble man as well in truth of vertue as descent and honour to defend her from so much harme tooke her into his protection the same day she should haue beene giuen to the Mountaine Lord venturing life honors and estate to keepe her free This being discerned by the cruell proud man and her father the good old King troubled withall vtterly disclayming any knowledge of it they raised men to take her backe by force and catch him who should certainely suffer for such an attempt but the place is strong the cause good and the defence iust and honest so as none I hope will doe other then pitty her and seeke to redresse her wrongs this hath continued eight moneths and now the King hath sent directly to her to yeeld her selfe into his hands to be bestowed on the feirce Montaltanus or to bee forsaken for euer of him and disinherited This message was heauily receiued by the poore Princesse yet she resolued to dye disinherited and be the poorest in estate rather then the vnhappiest by marryage wherefore after an humble answer and dutifull refusall of yeelding to be wife to Montaltanus she demanded one request of her father which was to let it bee lawfull for her to send forth in search of some Knight who would defend her quarrell against him whom if he ouercame she should be yeeded vnto his Maiestie if her Knight got the victory then she should be free and inherit what she was borne vnto and this to be performed in two months and peace in the interim These things were agreed on and granted with much vaine-glory on the assured Champions side then did the Lady send foure Damsells abroad of which number I am one three are returned without finding any and now are but three dayes left of the perfixed time the Nobleman hath also his
fairest Maide in this Kingdome the vnfortunateliest married and vnhappiest wife this Countrey had the most desolate and grieued Widdow for in all estates that euer shee was in if shee had a shew of good shee had substances of ill and mischiefe to succeed In her youth or indeed infancy shee loued a braue Knight who deseru'd all loue and respect but yet hee had a fault as most men haue I was his companion and knew as much of him for some time as any did yet that was a secret and I neuer intruth mistrusted it till I was gone into a retyr'd life and a change growne among vs all being diuided seuerall wayes and scattered like Hayle Shee callâ—d to the Court continued her begun loue hee fell in loue with her and so much as hee raged almost with passion till hee discouer'd it being for a while as hee vowed himselfe neere madnes but as passions are hot and in youth more flaming then afterwards mature iudgement will permit hee grew slacker shee grieu'd lost her content and yet thinking to please him as that being her onely end refrain'd fearing as seeing his dislike and scorne to her his presence hoping to content him with giuing liberty to his new choyce This whether offending or as hee tooke the matter making it seeme an offence shee lost his loue and not onely that but hee made it appeare that hee loath'd her Shee sweet Creature whose heart to him was but as the softest part of his to his new Mistris so grieuously tooke this curst hap as shee melted into griefe as Virgins waxe with the heate of fire will into water and yet thereby the coldnesse of that Element grow hard as frozen by coldnesse So was shee clos'd in cold despaire yet not hardened but with that not with hate or dislike suffering as patiently as a dead body permits handling by any rude standers by shee onely felt paine of loue and into that was metamorphosed All delights shee cast from her all exercises left couer'd her misfortune with the losse of her Husband when as if her loue had continued true shee had in the other losse beene happy but as it fell out a most vnhappy creature shee was and is An ancient Lord old in age and antiquity of honour made loue vnto her shee was not only perplex'd with him but with her friends and Parents hee being infinitely rich but shee finding that her heart as shee cal'd him and as that was subiect to him cal'd it selfe his would not consent shee refus'd and with great ioy that hee lou'd her so well as hee could not thinke of imparting her to any other though sure enough that hee could not hold her long Death being gaping for him After she denied men of all sorts for age and fortune who durst take the boldnesse to sue to her Lately a young Duke of this Countrey made profer of Loue to her but shee not willing to entertaine him would not beleeue hee meant it and so perswaded him out of it yet he lookes after her followes her when hee may meets her where hee can haue opportunity smiles on her seekes to please her in all he may and in some things doth for he neuer speakes to her but by lookes of Loue his company she allowes of out of noblenesse and out of true loue will not heare of his loue An ancient Lord also and a mighty rich man for estate but in yeares seekes her shee will not vnderstand it He sends to her inuites her to his dwellings Shee finds still excuses and neglects ciuilly Hee vowes to finde her out and court her She flyes and takes iourneys vnthought on to shun him and al this is for loue that so she flyes Loue willing to warme her hands at the fire of honour but dares not come neere the loue-fire for feare of scorching while shee burnes in her owne flames neuer any more belou'd woman breath'd nor euer will or can breath so true a louing woman What hath shee left vnexprest to manifest her affection in all kindes life shee hath ventur'd honour lost beauty and all happinesse dead while shee growes old in her truth of loue and hath but that for her owne satisfaction to content her selfe withall and that is riches vnspeakable when in her owne soule shee can say I am iust yet suffer for it as if a fault what is then a vertue when such perfections are errors One pretty tale shee now as you came told me her still beloued friend came into her company by Aduenture hauing with him a deare companion of his newly growne into that league of friendship and brought by him into the same with all his friends This Gentleman seeing her discreet grew into discourse with her she louing all that loued her lou'd euen his Mistris for his sake was well pleas'd with his conuersation and so neâ—re they grew as he spake freely to her and she coufidently to him so much she saw in him as she knew he knew most of her fortune she grudged not his knowledge for a nobler man breathes not as shee sayes except her owne friend and hee must before her haue no Competitor nam'd for worth or any goodnesse though shee suffer for his ill so excellent hee yet appeares to her But this braue Gentleman at last with frâ—edome began to perswade her to leaue her constancie which would but hurt her and continue no other wayâ—s true then truely to say shee had lou'd longer and iustlier then hee but seeing no returne nor hope no longer to bee a slaue when she might beâ— free nor to him who deseru'd so ill from her as if shee lou'd ill so well as to bee bound to it yet did hee neuer name his friend though by discourse said he knew him euer protesting to name none in such kindes Shee only answerd this that so much she lou'd and honour'd truth as shee desir'd shee might liue in that if a fault and grow old with such a vertue whose worthines would giue her youth and eternity in comfort and honor to the world her wrincles by truth would bee closed and shee seeme as faire as euer her palenesse and losse of complexion restor'd by the rarenesse of such a vertue and her Age as by Medeas charmes turn'd to infancy in the cleerenesse and ablenesse of such worth Hee lamented her misfortune shee smil'd to heare him so much mistake and told him 't was her perfection this is the error said he of women and yet not generally doe they erre in this kinde so as I may only say of a woman and of one of the best and therefore the more to be pittied The Florentine did naturally loue strange things and such as could hardly be compass'd wherefore hee had a great desire to see this Lady againe and to court her and so resolu'd to trye his fortune hauing as he thought as much boldnesse and winning power as any man To helpe him on the same talking Knight came againe the next day
other to thinke to whom hee had committed himselfe and his last hopes With that the Venetian called Leurenius step in and not after the ordinary way taking the hurt body but the hurter he caught and vsing these words held him Villaine said he thus to murther one whose all and least drop of bloud being staind by thee should so haue beene cheerish'd What canst thou then say in thy defence or on thy part to excuse this cruelty this youth is not onely slâ—ine by thee but tyed to suffer the slaughter hauing no defence for himself not only so but as your speeches argue made ill and guilty of bloud this but annimated and imboldned him hauing no more order or bounds then the Sea hath in a storme on rotten and yeelding ground wicked soule what canst thou say to answere thy wickednes better then you replyed hee this bold and sawcy inquisition who authorized you in this examination who made you inquisitor or iudge truth and pitty said Leurenius neither euer ruled or had power in mee said Vicianus I am Lord of my selfe and much good lands hereabout I owe now nothing to any I did and was indebted to the great keeper of the Forrest whose command greater then mine I câ—uld not suffer but after many contentions and controuersies betweene vs he not the man that would submit or yeeld I layd a plot for reuenge that being my refuge and yesterday finding my aduantage tooke it and now am satisfied for his life I haue and now am free this creature being my only Counsellor who hurt dangeroâ—sly by him who intruth was valiant and had many good parts yet drowned them all in the brooke of dislike to my orders which were not to be corrected by him I so ordered him as wee two I say had his life and least that should come out I haue now made away with him so will I doe with you for in such bussinesses I loue no Counsell-keepers with that he let flye at him with a waighty club of Iron but Leureneus was nimble and well vsed to escape such perrils so as slipping aside he auoyded it but withal stept in like a younger brother to possession closing with him threw him downe then possest he himselfe with his armes and forced him to tell him he had done this ill he confest it was done by treasons compact more hee would not say but by chance watching opportunity catched the Princes dagger and would haue stabbed him but he quickly preuented it and made the actor better act his part shunning the blow and catching him vnprouided for resistance armed only with mischeife got the dagger from him and throwing him downe on his knees made him acknowledge his fault and make his confession the cheife Forrester is a great Lord and infinitely powerfull in loue of friends and people but most inricht with the affection of the Lady of the Forrest whom I affected and who had by the Lords appoyntment that honour done to her that title being giuen her which madded me as much as her refusing me which proudly she had done yet sought I not so much reuenge of her as of her seruant and our Forrest Lord her affection I hop'd to winne by loue or force he gone whom she affected and to be rid of him I resolued and yesterday I dispatched it This youth my then in shew cherisht-Lad slew him with an arrow as hee alone rid to see his walke and to bee suer of him when wounded I threw him into the Brooke where if any seeke they may find him his wound is on the left side the instrumeÌ„â— a Bow the weapon abroad arrow so as now if I dye I haue this satisfaction he goes and is gone before me You are said the Prince much deceiued in this for though hurt he liues and to recouer wee make no question but to assure you of it you shall goe with me and from him and his deerest only beloued receiue your punishment Backe hee led him by force and deliuered him vnto them he was by the Officers of that part the Lord being a party hauing no power to punish him sent vnto the Citty into a sharpe prison whence hee was conducted to such punishment as the Iudges and Officers appointed for him Leurenius againe going downe towards the Meddowes to find his heart which in Celinus breast he saw crauing loue or pitty she lying on the ground carelesse of order or modesty allmost distracted and lying in the most disordered Posture that could be for so discreet and curious a woman tumbling on the ground clapping her breast sobbing weeping crying all passionate ioyned to her masterie one while she tore her haire and thrust her face as it were into the ground another time she rated her passions by sufferance and so challenged reward then she confeâ—t the reasons and so recald her claime then she blamd her folly but quickly commended her loue thus by contrarieties she gained respit but not ease from her paines flying like downe in the ayre miserable bondage and most so because to a late free heart O seruitude insufferable and slauery not to bee endured Wretched Celina cryd shee that haue these vnmeasured thoughts and want of power to expresse them but in patience some lines she put together but so few as could make no kind of verse not hauing proportion or number these indeed said she are fit for my making vnmeasurable thoughts leaue me as hope help abandons me Then she again vexed to the soule rold on the grasse and with her teares to the earth and on it Receiue me deare Mother said she into thee and let me be as I am once againe with thee The Prince was grieued to see his soule which in her was thus perplext he cryd against his ill lamented as for her and in as much distresse as any that euer loued he gouerned vnder the weight of his affliction he heard her complaine of vnfortunate loue he said he might as iustly doe so to she said it was strangly fatall to loue so violently at first sight He shrug'd and said it was his fate no complaints she would make that he had not the same cause to dislike for no payne was in her that hee was not a patient of yet strong it was the paines one the accident one and cause one they were by two equall sufferings made diuers and seuerall She complayn'd shee could not measure her passions He that he could not please her by putting them in measur'd feete yet to passe the time hauing a fine voyce and skill fit for a Prince he sung this Songe 1 HAue I lost my liberty And my selfe and all for thee O Loue Yet wilt thou no fauour giue In my losse thy blame will liue Alas remoue 2 Pitie claimes a iust reward But proud thoughts are thy best guard Once smile Glory t is to saue a life When deceiuers are in strife Which to beguile 3 Your gaiâ—e hath my paine begot But neglect doth
three thus free in discourse intreated that hee might be admitted Celina was perswaded by them and so they cald him in then began they againe to talk at last they went to prety playes as chusing of Kings and Queenes the lot fell on Celina who commanded the Venetian to stay no longer in those parts but to goe vnto his friends and in witnesse of his captiuitie to trauell vnarmd till he met them or was forced by iniurie to put them on This was more then sport yet hee obayed and hauing liberty to take his leaue of the Lady hee kissed her hand and departed The last Shepheardesse that so reuiled loue being called Lemnia sigh'd at this parting louing good coÌ„pany or him who had gaind fâ—oÌ„ her a more kind conceit then she had had formerly of mankind as if the spring to the summer of her loue which increased by a strange heat growing in absence to the height of flaming as if the fire of loue were so vniuersal as the warmth like that of the Sun would heat worlds at a time so his force seru'd in absence to scorch nay burne her heart Shee looked after him as long as shee could see him and marking his louing lookes backe cast and sad on Celina she liked pittied and lou'd his manner so him and at last stole in to be a louer before shee was aware a crafty Ladd this Cupid is poore creatures how you are beguiled by him Celina and Derina had enough now to please themselues and vexe her withall yet sometimes and often the latter part fell to them while she pleased her selfe with her passions these three now soundly captiue might daunce the trickes of Loue to the tune of Sorrow Celina loues one whose heart and soule was her friends Lemnia a Prince stranger and louing Celina Derina a braue youth but married to the Forrest Loâ—ds Sister poore soules and the poorest louing thus hopelessely All they could doe in their best humours was to lament absence in the curstest and worst to raile at Loue and their misfortune curse sight hearing beleeuing and all that were assistants instruments or sufferers to these passions but the Venetian hauing as the rest had at first done sworne to obey what euer he was commanded went with sad steps vp the Hill his heart falling faster into despaire then his feet ascended When he came into the Garden hee met the Lady who told him some were with her Lord about businesse therefore intreated him to stay hee obeyed her and being loth to haue his ill known which might be imputed to folly in him to auoyd her question intreated to heare her story which thus shee related My name said shee is Belizia daughter to the Earle Marshall of this Countrey neere allied I am to the greatest of this Land but onely tyed to this Forrest Lord for whose sake I haue forsaken all and liue heere a lonely life with him much my friends and Kindred were displeased withall his meanes being small tâ—ough his honour and worth great which I looked on loued and so to them gaue my heart and had not this misfortue hapned the celebration of my gift had beene perform'd to our onely ioyes this next weeke but now must be deferrd though I trust to be one day happy for all this misery neuer man hath beene so louing nor so constant nor if I may speake for my selfe neuer any woman hath beene so firme and passionate none yet so secret for many yeares I loued before I acknowledged it nay before any thought I could thinke on such a flame yet when discouer'd some remembred I had beene a good friend to his pretty godhead neuer suffering him to be abused when my power could helpe his honours defence One of his Sistâ—rs was the first mistrusted me and telling me of it I denied it but so blushingly and faintly as that was a perfect confession She loued me so well as she was glad of it being sure to haue a perpetuall tye on me by this meanes which though shee might haue assured her selfe of beefore yet Louers loue strictest tyes to bind their loued to them so much indeed wee loued as but the faire Celina I affected her onely and best of woman kinde The ill man you tooke yesterday my friends had rather haue bestowed me on but he was contrary to my heart to like would so I had been to his then had not my deere beene wounded nor hee come to so vntimely an end for this last night before his time for execution by the Lawe appointed hee strangled himselfe in the Prison hauing nothing but his garters to execute his wicked enterprise withall when this Story was thus telling one came vnto the Lady to let her know that many Ladies were come to visit her shee then though vnwillingly tooke leaue of the Venetian whose good and faire behauiour gaue content where euer he did come but he said hee was compell'd by necessity so hee tooke his way first taking leaue of the Lord his Squire carrying his Armes he not being to weare any while hee was in Brittany by his cruell Loues command Hee trauelled till he came to London admiring the brauery and sumptuousnesse of the Citty but most of the Court arriuing iust against a mighty tryumph was to be made in honour of the King and some strange Princes who came of purpose to honour themselues with kissing his hands Nobly and courteously was hee receiued at the Court much was hee peâ—plexed with passion much pittied by all and as much hee was troubled that hee was barred from exercising himselfe in those sports which by reason of his promise to Celina hee could not doe not being able to weare armes while he was in Brittany if not for defence yet at the Ring he ranne and did it so finely as the King and all admir'd him heere hee stayed the conclusion of the tryumphs then remembring his friends and oath he took his leaue taking towards that place where he arriued iust as the Florentine did but when he saw Leurenius in a Court Suit of Willow colour Sattin embrodered with Gold his Armour trust vp carried on a Horse after him What Metamorphosis is here cry'd he Is this Leurenius the braue Venetian Prince and my friend While I was worthy I was so but now am nothing reply'd he but sorrow and despaire What is the cause said he what makes you trauell contrary to our vow vnarm'dâ— Ouercome cryd hee by the power not equallable of a Shepherdesse and by her command to leaue this Countrey and to trauell vnarmed till I met with you hauing heard my story and my former ill fortune she added this to me the worst of ills Brittany said the Duke of Florence hath beene counted the most pleasant delightfull and happiest Countrey in the world being for all bounty of contents a world it selfe nothing missing or wanting to the full plenty of happinesse Yes said Leurenius pitty wants in the heart of Celina and in
as day light Iust as Truth constant as Fate ioyd to requite Then Loue obey striue to obserue his might And be in his braue Court a glorious light 4. ANd be in his braue Court a glorious light Shine in the eyes of Faith and Constancy Maintaine the fires of Loue still burning bright Not slightly sparkling but light flaming be Neuer to slake till earth no Starres can see Till Sun and Moonâ— doe leaue to vs darke night And second Chaos once againe doe free Vs and the World from all diuisions spight Till then affections which his followers are Gouerne our hearts and prooue his powers gaine To taste this pleasing sting seeke with all care For happy smarting is it with small paine Such as although it pierce your tender heart And burne yet burning you will loue the smart 5. ANd burne yet burning you will loue the smart When you shall feele the waight of true desire So pleasing as you would not wish your part Of burthen should be missing from that fire But faithfull and vnfaigned heate aspire Which sinne abollisheth and doth impart Salues to all feare with vertues which inspire Soules with diuine loue which shewes his chast Art And guide he is to ioyings open eyes He hath to happinesse and best can learne Vs meanes how to deserue this he descries Who blinde yet doth our hidn'st thoughts diserne Thus we may gaine since liuing in blest Loue He may our Prophet and our Tutor prooue 6. HE may our Prophet and our Tutor prooue In whom alone we doe this power finde To ioyne two hearts as in one frame to mooue Two bodies but one soule to rule the minde Eyes which must care to one deare Obiect binde Eares to each others speach as if aboue All else they sweete and learned were this kind Content of Louers witnesseth true loue It doth inrich the wits and make you see That in your selfe which you knew not before Forcesing you to admire such gifts should be Hid from your knowledge yet in you the store Millions of these adorne the throane of Loue How blest are they then who his fauours proue 7. HOw bless'd be they then who his fauors proue A life whereof the birth is iust desire Breeding sweete flame which harts inuite to moue In these lou'd eyes which kindle Cupids fire And nurse his longings with his thoughts intire Fix't on the heat of wishes form'd by Loue Yet whereas fire destroyes this doth aspire Increase and foster all delights aboue Loue will a Painter make you such as you Shall able be to draw your onely deare More liuely perfect lasting and more true Then rarest Workeman and to you more neere These be the least then all must needs confesse He that shuns Loue doth loue himselfe the lesse 8. HE that shuns Loue doth loue himselfe the lesse And cursed he whose spirit not admires The worth of Loue where endlesse blessednes Raignes commands maintain'd by heau'nly fires Made of Vertue ioyn'd by Truth blowne by Desires Strengthned by Worth renew'd by carefulnesse Flaming in neuer-changing thoughts bryers Of Iealousie shall here misse welcomnesse Nor coldly passe in the pursutes of Loue Like one long frozen in a Sea of yce And yet but chastly let your passions moone No thought from vertuous Loue your minds intice Neuer to other ends your Phant'sies place But where they may returne with honor's grace 9. BVt where they may returne with Honor's gâ—ace Where Venus follies can no harboâ—r winne But chased are as worthlesse of the face Or stile of Loue who hath lasciuious beene Our hearts are subiect to her Sonne where sinne Neuer did dwell or rest one minutes space What faults he hath in her did still beginne And from her breast he suck'd his fleeting pace If Lust be counted Loue 't is falsely nam'd By wickednesse a fairer glosse to set Vpon that Vice which else makes men asham'd In the owne Phrase to warrant but beget This Childe for Loue who ought like Monster borne Be from the Court of Loue and Reason torne 10. BEe from the Court of Loue and reason torne For Loue in Reason now doth put his trust Desert and liking are together borne Children of Loue and Reason Parents iust Reason aduiser is Loue ruler must Be of the State which Crowne he long hath worne Yet so as neither will in least mistrust The gouernment where no feare is of scorn The reuerence both their mights thus made of one But wantonnesse and all those errors shun Which wrongers be Impostures and alone Maintainers of all follies ill begunne Fruit of a sower and vnwholesome grownd Vnprofitably pleasing and vnsound 11. VNprofitably pleasing and vnsound When Heauen gaue liberty to fraile dull earth To bring foorth plenty that in ills abound Which ripest yet doe bring a certaine dearth A timelesse and vnseasonable birth Planted in ill in worse time springing found Which Hemlocke like might feed a siâ—kâ—-wits mirth Where vnrul'd vapours swâ—mme in endlesse round Then ioy we not in what we ought to shunne Where shady pleasures shew but true borne fires Are quite quench'd out or by poore ashes won Awhile to keepe those coole and wann desires O no let Loue his glory haue and might Be giu'n to him who triumphs in his right 12. BE giu'n to him who triumphs in his right Nor fading be but like those blossomes faire Which fall for good and lose their colours bright Yet dye not but with fruit their losse repaire So may Loue make you pale with louing care When sweet enioying shall restore that light More cleere in beauty then we can compare If not to Venus in her chosen might And who so giue themselues in this deare kinde These happinesses shall attend them still To be supplide with ioyes enrich'd in minde With treasures of content and pleasures fill Thus loue to be diuine doth here appeare Free from all foggs but shining faire and cleare 13. FRee from all foggs but shining faire and cleare Wise in all good and innocent in ill Where holy friendship is esteemed deare With Truth in loue and Iustice in our Will In Loue these titles onely haue their fill Of happy life-maintainer and the meere Defence of right the punisher of skill And fraude from whence directions doth appeare To thee then Lord commander of all hearts Ruler of our affections kinde and iust Great King of Loue my soule from faigned smarts Or thought of change I offer to your trust This Crowne my selfe and all that I haue more Except my heart which you bestow'd before 14. EXcept my heart which you bestowd before And for a signe of Conquest gaue away As worthlesse to be kept in your choice store Yet one more spotlesse with you doth not stay The tribute which my heart doth truely pay Is faith vntouch'd pure thoughts discharge the score Of debts for me where Constancy beares sway And rules as Lord vnharmd by Enuies sore Yet other mischeifes faile not to attend As enemies to you my foes
must be Curst Iealousie doth all her forces bend To my vndoing thus my harmes I see So though in Loue I feruently doe burne In this strange Labyrinth how shall I turne Song I. SWeet let me enioy thy sight More cleare more bright then morning Sun Which in Spring-time giues delight And by which Summers pride is wun Present sight doth pleasures moue Which in sad absence we must misse But when met againe in loue Then twice redoubled is our blisse Yet this comfort absence giues And only faithfull louing tries That though parted Loues force liues As iust in heart as in our eyes But such comfort banish quite Farre sweeter is it still to finde Fauour in thy loued sight Which present smiles with ioyes combind Eyes of gladnesse lipps of Loue And hearts from passion not to turne But in sweet affections mooue In flames of Faith to liue and burne Deareâ—t then this kindnesse giue And grant me life which is your sight Wherein I more blessed liue Then graced with the Sunnes faire light 2. SWeet Siluia in a shady wood With her faire Nimphs layd downe Saw not farre off where Cupid stood The Monarch of Loues Crowne All naked playing with his wings Within a Mirtle Tree Which sight a sudden laughter brings His Godhead so to see An fondly they began to iest With scoffing and delight Not knowing he did breed vnrest And that his will 's his right When he perceiuing of their scorne Grew in such desperate rage Who but for honour first was borne Could not his rage asswage Till shooting of his murth'ring dart Which not long lighting was Knowing the next way to the heart Did through a poore Nymph passe This shot the others made to bow Besides all those to blame Who scorners be or not allow Of powerfull Cupids name Take heede then nor doe idly smile Nor Loues commands despise For soone wiâ—â— he your strength beguile Although he want his eyes 3 COme merry Spring delight vs For Winter long did spight vs In pleasure still perseuer Thy beauties ending neuer Spring and grow Lasting so With ioyes increasing euer Let cold from hence be banish'd Till hopes from me be vauish'd But blesse thy daynties growing In fulnesse freely flowing Sweet Birds sing For the Spring All mirth is now bestowing Philomel in this Arbour Makes now her louing Harbour Yet of her state complaining Her Notes in mildnesse strayning Which though sweet Yet doe meet Her former luckelesse paining 4. LOuers learne to speake but truth Sweare not aud your oathes forgoe Giue your age a constant youth Vow no more then what you 'le doe Thinke it sacriledge to breake What you promise shall in loue And in teares what you doe speake Forget not when the ends you proue Doe not thinke it glory is To entice and then deceiue Your chiefe honors lye in this By worth what wonne is not to leaue 'T is not for your fame to try What we weake not oft refuse In our bounty our faults lye When you to doe a fault will chuse Fye leaue this a greater gaine t is to keepe when you haue won Then what purchas'd is with paine Soone after in all scorne to shun For if worthlesse to be priz'd Why at first will you it moue And if worthy why dispis'd You cannot sweare and lie and loue Loue alasse you cannot like T is but for a fashion mou'd None can chase and then dislike Vnlesse it be by fashâ—â—d prou'd But your choyce is and your loue How most number to deceiue As if honors claime did moue Like Popish Law none safe to leaue Flye this folly and returne Vnto truth in Loue and try None but Martir's happy burne More shamefull ends they haue that lye 1. MY heart is lost what can I now expect An euening faire after a drowsie day Alas fond Phant'sie this is not the way To cure a mourning heart or salue neglectâ— They who should helpe doe me and helpe reiect Embracing loose desires and wanton play While wanton base delights doe beare the sway Aud impudency raignes without respect O Cupid let they Mother know her shame 'T is time for her to leaue this youthfull flame Which doth dishonor her is ages blame And takes away the greatnes of thy name Thou God of Loue she only Queene of lust Yet striues by weakning thee to be vniust 2. LAte in the Forrest I did Cupid see Cold wett and crying he had lost his way And being blinde was farther like to stray Which sight a kind compassion bred in me I kindly tooke and dry'd him while that he Poore Child complain'd he sterued was with stay And pin'd for want of his accustom'd prey For none in that wilde place his Host would be I glad was of his finding thinking sure This seruice should my freedome still procure And in my armes I tooke him then vnharm'd Carrying him safe vnto a Myrtle bowre But in the way he made me feele his powre Burning my heart who had him kindly warm'd 3. IVno still iealous of her husband Ioue Descended from aboue on earth to try Whether she there could find his chosen Loue Which made him from the Heau'ns so often flye Close by the place where I for shade did lye She chafing came but when shee saw me moue Haue you not seene this way said she to hye One in whom vertue neuer grownde did proue Hee in whom Loue doth breed to stirre more hate Courting a wanton Nimph for his delight His name is Iupiter my Lord by Fate Who for her leaues Me Heauen his Throne and light I saw him not said I although heere are Many in whose hearts Loue hath made like warre 4. WHen I beheld the Image of my deare With greedy lookes mine eies would that way bend Feare and Desire did inwardly contend Feare to be mark'd Desire to draw still neere And in my soule a Spirit would appeare Which boldnes warranted and did pretend To be my Genius yet I durst not lend My eyes in trust where others seem'd so cleare Then did I search from whence this danger rose If such vnworthynesse in me did rest As my staru'd eyes must not with sight be blest When Iealousie her poyson did disclose Yet in my heart vnseene of Iealous eye The truer Image shall in tryumph lye 5. LIke to huge Clowdes of smoake which well may hide The face of fairest day though for a while So wrong may shaddow me till truth doe smile And Iustice Sunne-like hath those vapours tyde O doating Time canst thou for shame let slid So many minutes while ills doe beguile Thy age and worth and falshoods thus defile Thy auncient good where now but crosses bide Looke but once vp and leaue thy toyling pace And on my miseries thy dimme eye place Goe not so fast but giue my care some ende Turne not thy glasse alas vnto my ill Since thou with sand it canst not so farre fill But to each one my sorrowes will extend 6. O That no day would euer more appeare But clowdy night to gouerne this sad place Nor light from Heauen these haples roomes to grace Since that light 's shadow'd which my Loue holds deare Let thickest mists in enuy master here And Sunne-borne day for malice show no face Disdaining light where Cupid and the race Of Loueâ—s are despisd and shame shines cleere Let me be darke since barr'd of my chiefe light And wounding Iealousie commands by might But Stage-play-like disguised pleasures giue To me it seemes as ancient fictions make The Starrs all fashiousâ— and all shapes partake While in my thoughts true forme of Loue shall liue 7. NO time no roome no thought or writing can Giue rest or quiet to my louing heart Or can my mâ—mory or Phant'sie scan The measure of my still renewing smart Yet whould I not deare Loue thou should'st depart But let my passions as they first began Rule wound and please it is thy choysest Art To giue disquiet which seemes ease to man When all alone I thinke vpon thy paine How thou dost trauell our best selues to gaine Then houerly thy lessons I doe learne Thinke on thy glory which shall still ascend Vntill the world come to a finall end And then shall we thy lasting powre dicerne 8. HOw Glowworme-like the Sun doth â—ow appeare Cold beames doe from his gloriouâ— face descend Which shewes his daies and force duw to an ende Or that to leaue taking his time growâ—s neere The day his face did seeme but pale tâ—ough cleare The reason is he to the North must end His light and warmth must to that Climat bend Whose frozen parts could not loues â—eat hold deare Alas if thou bright Sunne to part frâ—m hence Grieue so what must I haplesse wâ— from thence Where thou dost goe my blessing sall attend Thou shalt â—nioy that sight for whicâ— I dye And in my heart thy fortuues doe nuy Yet grieue I 'le loue thee for thistate may ' mend 9. MY Muse now happy lay thy sâ—fe to rest Sleepe in the quiet of a faitfull loue Write you no more but let theâ— Phant'sies mooue Some other hearts wake not to ew vnrest But if you Study be those thoughts adrest To truth which shall eternall goodnes prooue Enioying of true ioy the most and best The endles gaine which neuer will remoue Leaue the discourse of Venus and her sonne To young beginners and their braines inspire With storyes of great Loue and from that fire Get heat to write the fortunes they haue wonne And thus leaue off what 's past shewes you can loue Now let your Constancy your Honor proue FINIS