Hinderson and the quoted place of my Pamphlet and how is that viz In His Majesties Paper against Hinderson the late King pleads the Church to be the Judge of the Scriptures and there I bring the King holding the Scriptures to be their own Interpreters But was there ever such a Sir Jarvis Simple knowne as this Fellow makes himself Either he never Read the Controversie and so takes it up upon trust or else he remembers or knows not what he reads for otherwise he might have taken notice that I own'd that Paper which he makes to Contradict the King 's to Hinderson as my owne and not the King 's otherwise then as He approved of what I writ for he might have remembred that I writ how that the King commanded Me to view the Marquesse's Paper before I brought it to Him and to give Him my Opinion of it which I did in writing which Paper His Majesty approved of as a sufficient Answer and so sent it to the Marquesse and that I said in my Epistle to the Reader That I writ onely what the KING spake and that I Transcribed or Published none of His Writings And if I had asserted that Paper to have been an Emanation from His Pen it had not been a Contradiction to what He wrote to Hinderson For Hinderson urging upon His Majesty the Private Interpretation as the Proper Judge of the Scriptures His Majesty might very well hold out unto him the Authority and Exposition of the Church as a more Competent Judge then that which the Scripture it selfe speaks against Which was an Argument good enough against him And when the Marquesse pressed His Majesty with the Churches being Judge of Scripture His Majesty might have recourse unto the Scripture and yet there might be no Contradiction at all But as a Fellow in a Fooles Goat may have the Priviledge to stand in the King's presence amongst Wise and worthy Men so this Advertisment may not be amisse before the King's Workes If this be the Reward of Loyalty like a Blind-Beare to be whipt on both sides and lash'd by every hand Or like a Mastiffe to be ridde by such a Jack an Ape and boxt on both Eares I will have nothing to doe henceforward with State-Affaires LOVE shall be my Theame which is the Spirit of God and Soule of the World which like Archimedes his Needle drawes all things to it selfe Love-Passions are the Hinges whereon depend the Two Leafes of that one Doore of Entrance into Eternall Life the Law and the Prophets the Two Heavenly Poles of the Doctrine of Salvation are the Love of God and that of our Neighbour Love is that wherewith the Sonne of God being lifted up upon the Crosse promised that He would draw all Men unto Him All other Graces put together doe but scant the Cup but Love is the fulfilling of the Law It is the Tree whose Fruit is never withered or blasted And the Root from whence the Flowers of all good Workes and good Desires doe spring Love composes Bookes of Holy-Scripture and drawes Lineaments of Beauty over the severall Pages Now come forth thou black and sullen Spirit that carpest at my Writings and see of what Fraternity thou art of whilst thou commest so neer that onely Property of the Devill and Damned Spirits Not to Love ' I but Momus will aske me What kind of Love is this of which you treat I answer him That there is but one Love in the world but there are Diversities of Objects the Love of God the Love of Women the Love of Money The Love of any thing is but one and the same thing though it be different in the Subject whereon it workes Amor Dilectio Charitas Zelus are but so many Branches of that Immaculate Tree of Life guarded by Angels and a Sword whose Temper was of Holy flames of Preservation whilst the Tree of Knowledge parted with her Fruit to sinfull hands and whose Armes received the Embracements and entertained the Windings and turnings of the subtile Beast whose Branches as it bare Knowledge of Good and Evill so an Excressency contrary to its owne Nature grew out of its owne Body which was Death Doe we not see God and his Creatures oftentimes Corrivalls for the same young Mans Heart We see Heaven and Earth Competitors for the same Roome and Lodging in the heart of Man and the Holy Ghost advising Man how he may gaine Possession of the heavenly Mansion by laying up Treasure there that there may his Heart be also What should I say more The World the Flesh and the Devill are but so many Defendents to the joint Plaintiffs of the Blessed Trinity both contending to whom the Heart of Man shall properly belong and when the Scales are even Love is the weight of the Hearts Ballance causing it to Propend that way wheresoever it lyes The Compasse hath many Points whereto its Needle may becken and make its offer but there is but one that is Elegible whereby it may find rest and leave its Trepidation and that 's the North So there are many Circumferences whereby the Affections of Mens hearts are carried further off from one another by how much the more they forsake their Fountaine-head yet there is but one Center the place of rest and unity where all these may fully meet and that is God which God is Love and Love thus rightly plac'd is the main prop and principall Stay and Support of Christian Religion and Center of Perfection Wherefore my Friendly Reader be not froward nor so ill Composed in your Gravity as to condemne the Innocence of my Narrations as Culpable of your imaginary Crimes The Canticles must not be blotted out of the Scriptures to please every Peevish and Crosse-grain'd Disposition Will you refuse all that Divinity of Our Saviour which he folded up in Parables Will you despise the Heavenly Manna because it was gathered into Aegyptian Basquets Think not this a Vain Story because my Flower lookes upon you with an Amorous Complexion for those Illicite Passions which agilate the Minds of Infamous Lovers my History cries downe It is that vertuous and honest Love which like so many Sparkes of the Divine have fram'd themselves into a fiery Charriot able to extoll an Elias up to Heaven The Holy Writ compares God the Father to a Husbandman His Sonne Christ Jesus to the Heire of his Farme the Holy Ghost to a Sower of good Seed The Word of God to the Seed it self Corne The Church to a Field The Devils to Crowes Hard-Hearts to Stony-Ground Nay Christ compares himself to a Thiefe in the Night What if I should compare the Almighty to Medina Coeli The Second Person of the Deity to Periissa Bertaldo To his Humanity Aminda To the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity Holy Ghost Comforter or Angel-Guardian Maximanus To the Devil Lorenzo and Amarissa To Soul Body Berontus Amarissa To a Convictor between preferment humility Hortensius Pippea to patterns of
all five fell upon him Which Bertaldo perceiving takes part with his Antagonist by whose assistance Cosdruball held long play with all the five and two of them were dismounted and sore wounded in the face and between the joynts of their armour and both of them by the brave Bertaldo whose sword at the last breaking he took one of their horses by one of the cheeks of the bit whose horse being tender mouth'd rear'd so up an end that it gave occasion for a lesser strength then what Bertaldo had to throw horse and man backward over and over Whereupon the Prince threw down his Warder commanding his Guard to part them which was done accordingly But Cosdruball by this time having turned his Envie against Bertaldo into Admiration and his Choller into Complement thus spake unto him SIR You have expressed a great deale of Gallantry both against me and on my behalfe Let me be so happy as to know your name lest you make me beleeve some Deity hath fought this day in Armour Bertaldo about to reply using the same reverence which Honoria had observ'd him for to shew on Horseback unto the Romane Emperour whilst he thankt him upon his returne from some good service cryed out It is my Brother my deare Brother deare Bertaldo I know it is he Whereat the Prince astonished sends for them all to come before him who having uncased were presented to the Royall Paire as the true instruments of valour But no Musique affected the Royall Princesse eare so much as when she heard her Brother speak whom she presented to the Prince her Husband who acknowledged himselfe much honoured with his relation to a man of so great Gallantry offering him to be no lesse then what he would be that lay within the power of his Dominions to make him so wherefore he bad him freely to speak his minde or to take some further time for his demands Bertaldo soone reply'd Great Prince there needs no long time to be given me to request that at your hands which of all other things I most desire Speak it then said Lorenzo and upon the word of a Prince it shall be granted presently Then Sir said Bertaldo I desire nothing more then that you would love my Sister At which words the Prince rushes into his armes and embracing him told him That he had requested nothing for greater love then that he bare already towards his Sister he could not shew But this he had gained by so great an expression of his love to her that he could love him no lesse with all his soule then her with all his heart And seeing his modestie would not make knowne unto him any farther desires he was contented for his merits sake to be the hardest Student untill he had found out wayes to make him happy With such love-expressions between these two Worthies as also betweene Bertaldo and Cosdruball the Prince and Princesse Honoria and her brother with variety of delights and pastimes Musick and Dancings the rest of the Day and the borrowed part of the Night that the maine happinesse could afford to lend their expectations seemed too small a contribution to satisfie the desires of those who now began to wax sad with thinking how their happinesse must end with a beginning of that felicity whereof they were no sharers but so far forth as they could make it theirs by fancy The time being come that the Queen of Beauty must be taken by the Ministers to the throne of Love out of the hand of her beloved where she might be placed by his side she taking her leave with a reverend yet Prinely behaviour and went before that she might be come to rather then come at man where she was no sooner laid in her bed but all the Honourable women fell in love with her except Amarissa a faire Lady whose quality we shall defer to mention till the last It shall suffice for the present that she was one who formerly conceived hopes of having some assurance of the Prince's love who sate at the beds feet behind the Curtaine with her face from the bed weeping and with no lesser sensibilities of delight then as if their owne imaginations had metamorphosed them all to men standing on both sides the bed holding Tapers in their hands and gazing upon that lovely object whose so many faces cast one so out of countenance that she made signes with her hand that they should be gone and then recollecting her selfe as fearing that they might judge the dismission a making haste for her Husbands approach her blushes forc'd a passage so powerfully into her countenance that she was faine to attempt a suppression with both her hands And lest any of the red should slip an apparance through her white fingers she throwes the sheet over her head so that their eyes forsooke their object as objects vanish from the eye-sight when the light is gone Word being brought that the Prince thought their Ceremonies too tedious they sighed forth their extasies with such a strong gale of wind whose breath swell'd each contrary Curtaine as if by those full sailes they had been transported to themselves againe and so left her Onely Amarissa stay'd behind unmissed and unregarded until such time that the Prince with all his Nobles entred the Chamber who entertained him with this sad Prologue to the Play SIR Had you no other way to step into your Nuptiall bed but by treading upon a heart that so much lov'd and honour'd you to abuse a beliefe that once thought you could not erre What delight is this you take to raise with one hand and destroy with t'other to fill one creature so full of joy with an unexpected fruition and strangle another in the-midst of all her hopes Sir you did not well There is that within you and there be those without you that will not stick to tell you so and with that she flung out of the Chamber in the greatest disdaine both to her Soveraigne and her bad fortune that could be imagined Bertaldo who loved a spirit howsoever qualified was mightily taken with her whose comportment it seemes well suted with his humour wherefore he thus spake unto the Prince SIR You were once pleased to bid me aske and have now I onely aske that I may have this Lady or at least your approbation and assistance To whom the Prince returned this quick Reply My deare Bertaldo I will not onely grant thee this but assure thee were I a woman my selfe thou shouldst have me Whereat the Princely Bride raising her selfe up a little in her bed said My Lord I pray tell me truly have you promis'd the Lady marriage that seem'd to be so much perplext through some unconstancie on your behalfe To whom the Prince made answer Upon my word I never promis'd her any such thing and I know she 's more noble then to say I did Oh Sir said the Princesse I beg that I might heare her but acknowledge what you say before you
did him no hurt for the good-sake which he had done and no great good for the evilsake which he intended Castriot presently writ to Thoron his great acquaintance and speciall friend what Civilities he should use to a Person of so great quality as was Honoria who had not as yet discovered her Condition unto Thoron being craftily told by Navigius that if she did reveale her self she should certainly be betray'd into Maximanus his Custody by Thoron who two were all one and yet preserv'd her self from his contagion by this stratagem She pretends her self to be a Maid and begs hard that his pleasure might be suspended but for three dayes the third day being come she entreats for modesty sake that he would meet her in the darke he grants her request and all to obtaine her good will as well as her selfe he appointed her the place where she should goe which was to a spacious Roome where was no light at all he followes her who had slipt off her shooes against his comming who entring the Roome ask'd her where she was she answered here my Lord he advancing towards the voice she traverses her ground and was not to be found he ask'd her againe where art thou she steps aside againe and said I am here why don't you come why where said Thoron Here I tell you said Honoria still waving his approach till she had kept him in that posture two long houres till at last he was glad that he had found the dore and shutting her in he fetches a candle which he brings with him in his hand and enters the Roome the second time asking her why she us'd him in that manner To let you see reply'd Honoria what a vanity it is that you hunt after Beauty is but skin deep and that skin you could not tell how to touch without being beholding to so poore an accessary as the light of a Candle Cotton and Tallow are fine ingredients to be of the Essence of your amorous Passion for you see without them you were as farre from laying hands as eyes upon the object of your delight which is not so much reall as it is imaginary nor is it so much as valuable by imagination neither but by accident like glasse or ice that have no lustre in themselves but by reflection of a second cause Alas this thing which you call Beauty wherewith you men are so transported is but differenc'd from Deformity like the glistring rayes of Steele and Iron that 's still the same in substance worth and quality with that which is but rusty Alas what is this inconsiderate thing called Beauty a thing not qualified with so much virtue as are severall stones salt-water or rotten wood Nay the beautifullest outside of Woman-kind has not those priviledges that nature hath bestowed upon the scales of fishes or the eyes of catts all these have their excellencies visibility in the darke but you could neither see nor finde nor touch nor take your pleasure but by some other meanes which was neither in your selfe nor me wherefore if you will be rightly in love be not in love with Accidents but with that substance to which light it selfe is but a shadow The soule that forsakes the Divine love and gives it to the Creature is like the silly Chicken who having lost his parent followes after the next creature that it meets withall your love is but misplac'd Oh! how admirably would you love the Gods how well bestow'd were that affection yet I wil not deny but that there is a lawfull and true love proper between Man and Woman but withall there is an idoneity in placing that affection it must not be fixt upon an illicit object such a one as I am to all mankinde that are affected with the awefulnesse of a deity having vow'd my selfe a Vestall Virgin Wherefore make your retreat as honorable as you can and let your behaviour be such to your poore Servant as becomming the honour of your Ancestory and a patterne of true piety and virtue Thoron fell from being in love with her person to be much affected with the rare perfection of her minde And as well becomming the imitation of a true Convertite he gives himselfe to resignation in those things which her divine Reasons had fore-dictated unto him bidding her henceforward to feare no worse events but what her owne Commands should lay upon him and the rest that then were under his Authoritie But there happened a very merry passage occasioned by Thoron's familiarity and so much courting of Honoria between the said Thoron and his Wife Armena who being a Woman of a high Spirit and one that had formerly got the mastery of two Husbands and had oftentimes bid faire for this but found that the god Mercury was not to be made of every piece of wood and that this was of too cross-grain'd a disposition for all her art and tooles to engraven a similitude of any of the former out of either of the originalls for this was a notable man at curbing a woman howsoever the often attemptings hereof had been the occasion not onely of much difference but oftentimes of some hard usage towards Armena which at this time by reason of Thoron's dayly addresses and supposed intimacy with Honoria together with her disdaine and jealousie thereupon was much aggravated for she drew upon her self heapt measures of his rage and fury for he was no lesse liberall with his tongue in his unseemly language against her but his hands were also somewhat heavy upon her which he had no sooner perform'd but she vow'd she would be reveng'd calling him Coward and base Fellow to strike a Woman telling him that it is pitty but that there should be a Law to make it death to any one that should strike a Woman that had never struck a Man which words sunk the deeper into his cogitation being so well fastned to the weight of his owne guiltinesse bidding him looke to it telling him that if she could not get Men and Women enough to take her part she would set Dogs upon him but she would be reveng'd and never would put up so foule and unmanlike an affront upon a Woman of her quality and forthwith flung out of the roome Thoron knowing her high spirit great friends and remembring how most commonly she us'd to be as good as her word believ'd no lesse but fear'd as much he could wish it undone but could not tell how to help it would fain have been friends with her but knew not how she cast about in what manner she might load her vengeance on his back yet not breake it ' cause some trembling in his joynts but breake no bones her fury rather inventing some witty stratagem of revenge than consulting with any malice that was implacable she diving into her Husbands disposition and finding it but of somwhat an inferiour alay in point of magnanimity resolves upon an adventure no lesse answerable to the fulnesse of her
Bertaldo to acquaint her that Bertaldo was there how they miss'd Berontus who was design'd for the place where he now was acquainting her with the happy newes of all the late Occurrences Berontus and Amarissa being both more at hearts-ease then when they met first Amarissa who delighted in nothing more then in hearing relations of deeds of Chivalry and lov'd men for nothing more then their Prowesse and no Gallantry like that which was shewed against her deadly Enemy Maximanus And perceiving how sparingly Berontus had touch'd upon that string and how his modesty had more commended himselfe then delighted her She desires him to tell her the manner how the place where the time when with all other particulars concerning the killing of that Wild-Boar wherein she professeth she could never be sufficiently satisfied Whereupon Berontus related unto her the whole substance of the Story with all the circumstances belonging thereunto in such orderly manner and observance to her commands that all the Predicaments in Logick were but servants to his Method and subjects to her Reason She was so much taken with his Gallantry giving him many thankes for his Relation but withall told him That she was most of all beholding to her self For the best part of his description had been left out if she had not wrested it frō him by degrees through his modesty that was so wary in letting any thing slip from him to his own advantage that concern'd himself Then she fell to the businesse in Mauritania and when Berontus had but touch'd upon that particular of preserving Lorenzo by his most happy conduct she did so conjure him not to mince the matter but to tell her punctually how it was supposing himself a third person upon whose entreaty he declared more at large But when he came to speak of that particular service at the Bridge and how fortunate a man had been to the whole Army and asking him who it was and could have no other answer from him but blushes and trancisions into other matters Oh how Amarissa was taken with him she could have leapt into his mouth and shot the Gulph to come at that faire Harbour where there rid so brave a Man of War But then she recalls her selfe and faces about to the remembrance of the brave Bertaldo and checks her forward passion for loving a man so much so soon whilst all the Berontus'es in Affrica could not exceed Bertaldo for what she had both heard and seen But falling into discourse concerning his partaking with Bertaldo in the differences which were between him and the Prince she falls to loving him againe and hearing Berontus relate how stoutly Bertaldo behaved himselfe in Honoria's and her behalfe her love runs back againe and catches at Bertaldo nor is she wavering all this while but constant to the true cause of love worth and true Nobility she is not so much in love with either of their Persons as both their valours Berontus had slaine the Gyant preserv'd Lorenzo and Bertaldo both Bertaldo had done as brave things as these had possession of her heart before at last she distinguishes betwixt loving her house and riding on the top of it she resolves to love him as a wel-deserving Friend but Bertaldo as a deare Husband yet notwithstanding her carriage was so full of freedome and respect that Berontus conceived that in his mind that his honour would not nourish so they parted for that night The next day the wind serv'd faire for Majorca and they were resolv'd to neglect no opportunity to be together where they might re-imbark themselves for Carthage and with a faire wind they joyfully landed and were as Sumptuously entertained by Thoron and Armena as they were gladly received by Bertaldo Honoria unexpressible was the joy that was between Honoria and Amarissa the love that was between Amarissa and Bertaldo Bertaldo and Honoria both joyne hands in setting forth the praises and high Gallantry of Berontus Berontus joynes issue with Bertaldo and Honoria in giving the due Encomiums that were belonging to Philoret who presently becomes Amarissa's chief Favourite as the Preserver of her life the life of her beloved the Honour of Lorenzo the Glory of the Carthaginians Amarissa would have been in love with Philoret but what love invited faith forbade Berontus would have been in love with Amarissa but that honour stood between Honoria would have been in love with Lorenzo but knew not how to come at him Bertaldo had been in love with Philoret had he knowne but what he had beene and Philoret might have been beloved by Bertaldo had he but had the confidence if ever there was love in a maze here it danc'd the round you might heare of a True-lovers-knot but never knew of such a knot as here was of True Lovers In this loving humour they all tooke shipping and were undersaile for Carthage CHAP. XVI Lorenzo found the Letter by Pippea 's means He heares of their Arrivall goes to meet them The Marriage between Bertaldo and Amarissa is urg'd amaine Philoret falls into a Trance upon it Berontus is love-sick with Amarissa Amarissa and Bertaldo are found to be Brother and Sister Philoret is found to be the Duke of Medina-Coeli his Daughter Bertaldo and Berontus are sent into Spaine and Italy to finde out the truth thereof as the price of both their Loves PIppea by this time is become a pretty Maide having the confidence to speake unto the Prince she tells his Highnesse what she did and that Honoria writ a Letter and how she conveig'd it and where she layd it Lorenzo presently goes and searches the Cabinet finds it there and reading it fell into a trembling with thinking what a wound it would have been unto his injur'd soule if Honoria had miscarried and afterwards he had sound that Letter all this Pippea did by the perswasion of Hortensius The Prince marvelously commended Pippea for her piety to Honoria promising her the chief place of Honour about her The newes was brought to Court of the landing of Honoria and the rest The Prince was ashamed to looke his owne happinesse in the face and to see that which he most desired yet he trusted to two friends to beare him out Honoria's goodnesse and his owne acknowledgment he goes out to meet her and finds her in a most conventent place for gratulation where descending his Charriot as she hers he sayes thus unto her Honoria if I should question thy pardon I should tax thy goodnesse Mercy is Lady and Empresse of all the best of Attributes I have a great deale to say more to confesse most of all to acknowledge if thou wilt give me time I will take no lesse then all my life to bestow in repentance and satisfaction And as he was speaking further she cuts him off with this prevention My Lord I pray say no more he 's dead that was the cause of this and in his grave let the memoriall of all these things be buried I am
come betweene these sheets or else I shall never enjoy you nor my selfe For I protest before all that 's good that I had rather embrace a heartlesse then a faithlesse man And as soone shall Steele strike fire without a Flint as either of us can enjoy Felicity where both have not kept touch with mutuall Loyaltie The Prince protested againe by Heaven he never did promise that he would marry her Then said the Princesse Did not you tell her that you loved her tell me truly and so made her beleeve too much Did you never give her any Rings or Favours The Prince confessed that he had done all that Whereat the Princesse as over-sensible of the sad condition that the poore Lady was in gently wiping the teares that were even ready to overflow their bankes told him that he had done too much to doe no more and that she feared that was not all Whereat the Prince deeply wounded with her sorrow told the Princesse that he would have her sent for and would engage her honour in testification of that truth which he had said and for the wrong which she conceived that he had done the Lady in telling her in a generall way he loved her or in bestowing some particular favours upon her he would make her this amends Here is Bertaldo said the Prince as much in love with her as ever she was with me a man every way deserving her affection with stronger pleas of merit then I my selfe can boast of onely he 's not a Prince And rather then thou shouldst build a discontent on such foundations he shall be Prince of Carthage and I will be Bertaldo And said the Princesse I will be Amarissa and she shall be Honoria Let her be sent for Whereupon the Prince commanded two of his Noblemen to go and tell Amarissa that her company was much desired who all this while had hid her selfe in a place where she both saw and heard all that had been said or done And being overcome with the Princesse goodnesse thinking her selfe by this time sufficiently revenged in finding Honoria already a partaker with her in her affliction and so sensible of her owne and hers she answered that sensibility with a deepe sense of both their willingnesse to give her so full a satisfaction for so small a fault as was neither a reall wrong nor a compleat injury but especially by reason of those sparkles of fire which Bertaldo's words had kindled in her breast which began already to smother under that vast load of fuell which former love had prepared for so high an inflamation In she comes of herself before she was either lookt for by them or found by their Ambassadours upon whose approach the Prince thus spake unto her Madam As you have relation unto Honour be a friend to Justice and let no passion prejudice the truth that onely must confesse I often said I lov'd you and that I gave you pledges of my love I have acknowledged it but that those pledges might not have been given as well unto a thing call'd Man as unto you as Woman seeing I never promised you Marriage or gave them you in any such consideration I see no reason To which Amarissa thus reply'd SIR It seemes I did not understand your dialect nor the language of your gifts I must confesse I thought that being a woman professing love to such a one and I never questioned any other but what was honourable had no other signification but what it seemes you never meant and your gifts no otherwise then so many pledges of that love But I am contented to be mistaken my griefs are now epitomiz'd to this small Volume I am sorry I am not a Man as you took me to be for then would I love Honoria better then your selfe and so be even with you Wherefore be ever happy Honoria in his love and if my contentment may contribute any thing to that accomplishment you have it freely Imbrace him as the Ivie doth the tree murmur together like two Turtle-doves and kisse as close as Cockles meet I envie not your happinesse Bertaldo fir'd with this brave carriage tells Amarissa that she is the greatest Conquerour in the world thus to rout her passions and overcome her selfe not knowing the meanes whereby she got the victory and that if she could love a man under the degree of a Prince she might find happinesse to crowne her desires besides that which Princes weare upon their heads Amarissa made quick reply saying A Woman was not taken out of the scull of Man whereby she should so much affect that ornament but out of his side that she might sit neare his heart Where if she were once duly seated she ought to think her selfe sufficiently crown'd with hearts content Come Amarissa said the Prince behold the Prince of Chivalrie and the sonne of Mars sole Executor to all the goods in the Temple of honour and of vertue heire to Fortune and one to whom Fame hath assign'd over her right a man to whom the world owes more then it 's able to pay Love him and be as happy as thou wilt Which words the Princesse seconded with these Love him and you shall not lose your first love For Lorenzo being my selfe and I yours Bertaldo and Amarissa shall so agree in a third person that foure shall be happy all at once Love me said Bertaldo and I will teach Love it selfe new delights that it never dreamt of and make it ashamed of its old wayes as if they were out of fashion As to you Sir said Amarissa applying her selfe to the Prince you have described a gallant man And I shall no otherwise answer your Encomium of him then with Beliefe And your words to the Princesse with no lesse respect then in laying them to a heart that truly honours you And in requitall of your good opinions of me I will answer the respect with an act of the greatest contentment to you both that either of you can imagine in taking my leave of you and keeping you no longer out of Paradise And as to you Bertaldo I shall commit you to the greatest happinesse when I leave you to your selfe And so Good night and Happinesse to you all Bertaldo as if his soule were making an escape hastened after her with so much respect to her as shewed but little to the Prince and Princesse who notwithstanding were best pleased with the manner of his departure and overtakes her before she had got halfe way to her Chamber and waiting upon her to the doore he kiss'd her hand calling it his Altar her selfe his Shrine the place his Chappell and making a low obeisance that his Adoration she dismiss'd him onely with this assurance of her favour towards him that in her owne nature she was enclin'd to mercy and hoped she should not put him to too many prayers And so they parted CHAP. II. The disturbance that the Prince and Princesse had in their rest the first night
day gives further order For by Heaven were the Black and Tawny Moores now scaling the walls of Carthage and Terrour it selfe making its approach under my very walls I would not leave this red and white till Phoebus himselfe should first rise out of his Thetis bed and blush in my face to look on my preferment Great Mars wreake no vengeante on thy servants head for this presumption for thine own sake who thy selfe so often hast neglected thine owne affaires to dally with a creature that was mortall whiles I take pleasure in delights so lawfull with a creature that is so divine Begon begon I say They had no sooner departed the Roome but Aminda's Genius having received no further benefit by him as yet but hopes of rest by pramise sings to him at his window a forewarning of his approaching miseries Lust Contempt Reproach and shame Mean to play the after Game You shall prove as Chast as she She as Chast as Chast may be But oh where Jealousie and Fear Brings up the Van leads up the Rear Loves main body quite is routed And her senses all are outed Where love is seconded by Scorne The Generall leads up the Forlorne Shoot a Bird once in the Head The Wings will never raise it dead Commit not to Wolves keeping Prince An Embleme of such innocence I have done you service now If to follow it you know how I 've given you the fates intent As far as my Commission went The same voice which Charm'd their eares lul'd them both asleep and sleep so soone after admonition is not good for rest invites the body to lie down in her lap whilst she picks memorialls out of his head All was thus forgot Aurora the Postillion of the morn jets by the window at whose heeles the near horses of the Sunne follow the gray with brighter colour till at last Phoebus himself lookes in at the window and darting his beames through the crimson Curtaine that was drawn before it made all the bridall whitenesse of the bed look red Sol with his sanguine complexion glares through that false medium upon some part of the Princes eyes which were not closed whilst he lay dreaming that he was then swimming through a stream of Blood till fresh Alarums of the Moores bloody practises awakened him and fill'd his ears with the relation They both started out of their bed at the contrary sides like two pieces of a broken Bow falling asunder when its entirenesse was at its full bent Thus the after-sports which the Sonne of Hymeneus would have had had his further dalliances superseded like the full-fed Child that is patted on the hand from playing with his meat Fresh Alarms follow the heeles of one another and the High-wayes are scour'd along with posting intelligence The Court like the first Chaos big with forme labours by Order Midwife to Confusion to produce Method the sole life to Action and at last brought all to good perfection Periissa a faire Virgin but of Parentage supposed to be somewhat disparaging and a Countrey Lasse but indeed a Lady of highest extract as hereafter we will mention happening to have a place upon one of the Scaffolds where she beheld the brave comportment of Bertaldo was so much taken with his behaviour and valour that she prosecuted her desires of glutting her eyes in beholding that face that attracted all the faculties of her maiden-soule to admiration of that manly figure From thence she came to wishes and the next stage was Love Her humility was such occasioned through ignorance of her owne worth that she thought it a vaine thing that the Daffedowne-Dilly should be in love with the Lawrell and the Primrose with the Palme She had wit enough to keep her hopes at a due distance and was not such a fool as to be ignorant that impossibilities would be too hard for her Wherefore she limits her affections to probabilities and contents her selfe with competent felicity which she thought to be enough in conscience if she might be but in a condition without controle dayly to look upon him which she thus effected Having lately call'd into her own hands a small portion allotted her by her supposed Father She puts her selfe into Pages habit in which disguise whilst she continues we will mention her hereafter by the name of Philoret and she must now be he till he returns to her againe and tenders now his service to Bertaldo Bertaldo being in a condition to entertaine more servants then he had leasure to find out was much delighted with so faire an offer asking his Idolatresse many questions as How and Wherefore he desired to serve him rather then any other and who had commended him unto his service Philoret answered him that the commendations of his owne worth had made him ambitious of serving such a Master Bertaldo told him that he was now going to the Wars and the harsh usage of a Campe would soone spoile so faire a complexion and alter the colour of the Rose and Cherry upon his Lips and Cheeks and turne them into pale and wannesse Philoret reply'd Might I but feed upon your leavings and lie but at your feet how ever you fare no usage would be hard Bertaldo stroaking his cheeks with both his hands told him Thou pretty boy I will make much of thee and thou shalt never want be true to me Philoret over-joy'd knew not what he did so that before he was aware he was going to make him a Cursie which having perform'd halfe way remembring himselfe he fell quite downe at his feet and so converted an Errour that would soon have been observed into the highest observation Whereupon Bertaldo helps him up againe with both his hands Philoret on his feet fearing the treason of his owne blushes looks him with a counterfeited confidence full in the face that joy might seem to flourish its red in his face rather then Mayden-colours Thus well he acted his part in the first Scene CHAP. III. The Prince of Carthage going to warre commits the protection of Honoria to Maximanus his onely Favourite who falls in love with her but finding himselfe neglected converts his love into extreame hatred Plots her ruine The Battaile with the Moores LOrenzo ready to set forward in his expedition attended with all his Heroes takes Honoria by the hand and delivers her to Maximanus custody saying that he trusted him with the greatest Jewell in the world Commanding that neither cost nor labour should be spared to purchase her contentment Maximanus promised that she should never have any cause to complaine Honoria whether her divining Soul presaged those after evils or whether some secret antipathy in nature between her and her Guardian or her unwillingnesse that her Lord should and she not goe began to sink down in a sound but being held up and recall'd to her selfe againe she spake these words My Lord I know what it is to part with a Father and a Brother but a Husband never bade me farewell
acquaint you with a pretty passage which hapned between Corderius and Fortunata Neece and Woman to a Lady that was call'd Besanca in his Travailes with Bertaldo in search of the Ladyes You must understand Corderius to have been a Rich Merchant and an old Batchelour about the age of Fifty And one who for his Wisdome and Loyalty was worthily received into Prince Lorenzo his Counsell of State him Fortune did begin to frown upon having lost certaine Ships at Sea of inestimable value insomuch that he was unwilling to venture any more substance upon that hazard and therefore resolved to withdraw his hand from so cheating a Lottery as Fame the false Trumpeter of the world who encouraged so many Adventurers to returne home by Weeping crosse hearkning to her enticement and yet could never boast successefulnesse but over a few and to lead a private life and to enjoy the remainder of his dayes with such contentment and true felicity as the rest of his great Fortunes that were not loseable by being at stake would give him leave The delight was departed from him wherein he formerly repos'd felicity in making Hundreds Thousands and Fifties Hundreds by multiplications of smaller summes He changed his itching desire that was in the act of getting for the true contentment that was to be found in making use of what he had got And thus he found himself at last by beginning to be a loser But all the delights of Eden could not make a Paradise he thought without a Companion that should be meet for him But then he began to think with himselfe that he had so over-slipt his time and that he was now grown so Old that he was scarce meet for a Companion that his Gray haires were no good reposure upon a Green Bed And that Nature had made him none of her Favourites and Age had put him further out of Countenance Yet he comforted himself a little allowing his resolution this Cordiall that he was not so wondrous Old as that he needed to despaire of possessing a Mistresse with a conceit of sufficient happinesse in being such an Old mans darling And that her Poverty by the meanes of his Riches would procure in her breast a dispensation for his Silver haires And that if he thus took a poor Gentle-woman upon Almes though she could not as yet love him yet she might be glad to have him and think her self happy bringing nothing with her but Love to meet with such a one though he have nothing else but means to maintain it As Corderius did heretofore beat about the Country to find out a Virgin that should be thus qualified being in all his other actions a notable Humorist viz. Very well borne Excellently bred Indifferent Handsome and Miserably poor but never could find a similitude to his Fancy that ran upon all these Four before such time as attending upon Bertaldo in this itinerary progression he met with such a Counter-part to his own indenture that fitted him as if occasion had taken measure of his minde For Corderius and his Horse differing in termes of ability to Advance the Rider through his Mans default feeding his dumb Porter with a Spur instead of Provinder what with faintnesse and the losse of one of his Shooes the poor Hackny made a Hault all upon a sudden without staying for the word from his Commander insomuch that Corderius was by degrees so left behind that he grew from being out of sight to be out of hope of overtaking his Companions Whereupon he set up his rest in a small Village at the feet of one of the Fessian Mountaines This Cavalliers Caball was unwilling to clime when he could not goe with a bare Foot and an empty Belly Insomuch that poor Corderius must be left behind in a poor Inne High-way accidents must be borne withall his bad fortune was better'd with this one comfort his Landlord was a Good fellow and cheer'd him up who finding his Host a fit receptacle for discourse that went no higher then a Merry Tale or so forth so he drove away the time with making his Host believe That his Travell was to no other end or purpose but what he had a long time sought in vain viz. such a Mistresse as is before express'd The Good man of the House presently answered his intended Mirth with a profferr'd reality of accomplishing his desires For said he here within our Neighbour-hood there is one who is thus and thus Vertuous so and so Poor thus highly Borne so excellently Bred known by the well-boding name of Fortunata and if it please you you shall have a sight of her and if you can win her wear her Corderius began to think that this savoury dish was not so ready cook'd to his owne pallat without some spice of Divine Providence Wherefore he resolves to make an assay and though he be cross'd in finding another mans Wife and Mistresse yet he hoped he might be blest by a chance medly whereby for himself in the same person he may meet with both Corderius waving the proffer'd service of his Intelligencer takes notice of the Name and Place with directions of the Way and pins his instructions upon his Sleeve And having written a Love-letter to the Idea of his minde he makes himselfe the Bearer who having as sufficiently inform'd his Eyes of an apparent truth as formerly he fill'd his Eares with a true relation delivers unto Fortunata the most acceptable present of an unfeigned Lover viz. his owne heart with his owne hands Fortunata perusing the letter and observing the contents and finding no name to it lookt over her shoulder to see if there were any that tooke notice of the non-plus she was in by reason of such an exoticke and ononymous way of writing as he had framed and there presented to her owne hands then she lookes him full in the face as upon some abusive foot-post that was hired to play the foole with her and thus she rates him for it Fellow what hast thou brought me here a paper full of Noune Adjectives without a Substantive and a letter without a name what doth he thinke that sent thee that I am good at explaining Riddles Madam said Corderius if you vouchsafe me but the honor to take a turn in the Garden my businesse is not to Usher you into any of it's Closer walkes but to such as are within sight of all the glasse eyes that are in the face of the whole house and there if you are good at Questions and Commands you shall finde me ready with Answers and Obedience Fortunata perceiving his Language to bespeake a mistake in her condescended to his request and walkt with him into the Garden where as soone as she had brought him she demanded of him the reason why the letter had no name Corderius replyed that it needed not when his owne hand was to the letter whilst he gave it her I cannot read your hand said Fortunata Be pleased to read my
heart said Corderius in the two folios of my unfeigned lips which assures you that I love you and have loved you long have travailed a great many Miles and I have been a suiter to you many Yeares and though it seems never so strange to you yet let my words finde credit for truths sake and be the happiest Woman in the world These words spoken with such a grace attended with so much gravity and proceeding from such a presence fraught Fortunata not only with wonder but Confidence not so much out of the manner as matter of his discourse that there was something in it extraordinary that promised a reality and good meaning in the man wherefore she desired to know his name Corderius told her that she that must be his Wife must never know that untill she be so Fortunata desired to know what Countryman he was Corderius told her that that was another secret which must not be knowne and to cut you off from all those ordinary demands of Women in your Condition said Corderius Lady you must know that that Woman which carryes my Wives eye in her head must looke no further then my self for if I should tell you my name what Countryman I am who sent me hither what meanes I have to Maintaine you c. It may be you would or would not have me for this or that respect wherefore Madam I shall never aske you but these two questions First Can you Love Secondly Can that Love have any Influence upon my person I neither thinke my selfe so amiable or my Condition so inviting as to deserve the complement of an intire affection but if you can finde in your heart to Marry me I aske no more I 'le finde cause enough for ever to banish all repentance from your heart so that reason shall finde no fault in your election Weigh my words as seriously as you can I have no ends upon you but what are Honourable and Just Portion I aske none Proportion and Comelinesse I see your Parentage and Piety I hear of And of this you may assure your selfe had you a Fortune of your owne able but to have bought the Cloathes upon your Back you could not be my Wife And one thing more I must tell you I must have your speedy Answer Fortunata thought it not convenient that her consent should be obtained upon the first blush yet her Colour as if it went on Errants to her intellectualls to know the meaning of so strange yet effectuall manner of Wooing and returning againe into her Cheekes with so fresh a dye as if it had made hast in it's returne gave him some private intelligence that her faint heart was ready to yeeld up her Mayden garrison upon the first summons but that her modesty mutinyed against its higher officer and would not suffer so regular fortifications to be so soon sleighted by such a loving Enemy wherefore she desired longer time to consider of what he had said and she would returne him an answer worthy of his respect Corderius told her bluntly it must not be and that he would neither be beholding for a Wife to time persons or second thoughts and that she was at her owne disposall to chuse a Husband whose condition was but servitude And that the ignorance of all worldly respects that must give him a Wife in Marriage needed not consideration and the Poverty that should bring him a Bed-fellow did not deserve the advice of Friends This was his humour and that if she would take him upon those termes Happinesse should be her joynture Contentment the life she should lead and Sufficiency her constant maintenance More then that she that is to be his Wife should never know before she were his and if she were ordain'd his Spouse she would be satisfied with that assurance Fortunata took occasion by the Fore-top fearing it would be bald behind and thought it better wisedome to lay hold of an opportunity that might advance her though to an unknown Estate then to be constantly wedded to even reckonings at the years end Wherefore she thus resolv'd upon the question Sir whose Name I know not whose Country I must not know whose Estate is I know not what who means to carry me I know not where I am yours I know not how And with that word Corderius opening his Armes to receive her into his Bosome Fortunata falls upon his Breast and weeping clings so close unto him as if a bleeding Vine had been tackt unto some stately Frontispice whose teares Corderius soone wip'd off drying her Bedewed cheeks with this breath of comfort Lady if you knew your owne happinesse you should finde you have no cause for what you doe except you wept for joy Fortunata having fully consented that Corderius should break a Bridall Cake over her head hastens to her Lady-Aunt and Mistresse and with a clear'd up countenance tels her That she is come to take her leave of her Why whither art thou going said her Mistresse I am going to me be Married said Fortunata To be Married said her Aunt I prethee to whom Truly Madam I cannot tell you said her Neice What is his name said the Lady I doe not know said Fortunata How comes that about said the Mistresse He would not tell me said the Maid Whither doth he mean to carry thee said Besanca He will not tell me said Fortunata Art thou in earnest said the Lady Yes forsooth said the Waiting Gentle-woman Art thou not out of thy wits Girl said Besanca Madam I hope not said Fortunata I 'le have him and if it please the fates if there were no more men in the world The Girle is bewitcht upon my life said Besanca what hath he done to her where is this fellow let me speak with him Away she flies upon Corderius and in furious manner begins to expostulate the case with him whose pretty kind of answers no lesse satisfied the Lady then with much probability that her Neece was likely to clime up to some preferment through some fantasticall Stair-case Wherefore after many doubts resolved she gives consent with this proviso that Favorinus her own Brother should go along with her together with a servant of the Ladies call'd Prickette who should see them marryed for he was resolv'd to carry her away with him presently she as resolute to be gon up he takes her behind him on Horse-back without any more circumstance He is a Prince and his Humour must be obey'd Farewell Aunt God b'y Cosen Look to your Sister said Besanca I warrant you said Corderius all shall be well enough take you no care They shake hands at one another and cry Da Da and this was all the solemnity of their departure They had not advanced seven miles onward in their journey but they lost their way and the night overtaking them they were bewildred in a Forrest at last they met with a Forresteer who brought them to a poore Inne where they were glad
a Mortall creature In order whereunto I vow'd Virginity for ever I scarce had ended my Prayers and Fowes to the Almighty but through the salt water of mine eyes I could behold riding upon the Maine afaire and stately Ship making towards me which approaching nearer and nearer to me at last tooke me up And I have kept my promise hitherto and must keep it to my grave I have done all the good that lay in my power I have been a Father to the Fatherlesse a Husband to many a Widow I have helped many to their Right that suffered Wrong the Divine providence hath made me an Instrument in doing many good Offices but especially I glory in being a meanes whereby the chaste Honoria and deserving Amarissa were not by the Tyrant brought to Triall and by which meanes I hope she is preserved yet I saw no reason why I might not Marry if I could meet with one that would be partner with me in my Vow I saw no reason why two might not enjoy the freedomes and familiarities that are between Man and Wife onely as they are divine and rationall Creatures that is to contemplate the Deity and goodnesse of the Gods to joy in one anothers company to discourse together to embrace to seal to such payres of indentures as the Cockles shall not be more just in their rejoyndure to make such impressions on those depressed supplements which the Bee's-wax for soft or sweetnesse or the red for colour is not comparable to fall asleep by such a vestall fire that nere goes out and never burnes to recover our selves so often from being so many times the images of Death and finde so many lives renu'd by loves assurance of its immortality leaving that other consideration to those Sensitives that have not understanding thy consent to this O Fortunata would cause me no lesse to adore thee as divine than keep me still in favour with the Gods all those steps of honour to which I have advanc'd thee so many degrees above thy selfe were but engagements to thy complacence herein Now am I to expect my doome or such a returne of my adventures that uncovered rocks of Diamonds or the messeraick and big swolne veines of the earths golden oare wide opened could not afford me more contentment or requitall for all my obligations Fortunata having heard him all the while with an attentive eare whose consentig heart as if its pantings had kept time to the musick that he made answered My ever honoured Lord more to be esteem'd for this than all the merit that lies within the power of Man to prosecute an ingagement Now and never till this time doe I find my self in a possibility of being happy or way of answering all those accumulations of benignities with a power of recompence you have my full consent herein and could you read my heart you 'ld finde it all compos'd with nothing else but so many Amens to every word you have said why did you make so great a doubt of my Consentment what can more resemble the coelestiall fires than when flames doe meet without the smutty contagion of bituminous materialls that love that 's set on fire by combustibilities which fowle the hands of their owne Makers have no other flames but burning smoake which vanisheth with the death of its owne parents whilst the love that Corderius talks of and is here confirm'd by me by an act of participation to thy vowes for ever so pleasing to the gods seems to be so immortall as if Promethean like we had stolne fire from heaven to burne an everlasting sacrifice No Corderius rest satisfied if this be all that the worlds variety could never have fitted your humour so well as Fortunata shall Then said Corderius I am happy indeed So am I said Fortunata Both cry'd Both of us are blest in one another Both slept in one anothers armes whilst Aminda's Genius for Honoria her sake bestowes this SONG upon them THus the flower of love twixt Man And Woman 's sifted from the bran Thus fine garden-beds are made When aside the rubish 's laid Thus sweet herbes and fragrant flowers Unpluckt looke fresher and are ours And as much at our command As if they wither'd in our hand Where love in chaste-preserves is met Flowers in water-pots are set And live and have as sweet a breath As if they rooted in the earth Thus as in Limbecks sp'rits of love Ascend to descend from above And fill two continents from thence With a most pleasing quintessence And where the bodies of such soules doe meet They well may sweeten but ne'r foule the sheet CHAP. XIV Prickette falls in love with Rivana They agree upon the time of their Marriage but have not the patience to stay till the time appointed They are prevented in their designe and the manner how PRickette having been an earnest Suiter to Rivana for her good-will at last he obtain'd his desires to Marry her but before the time appointed they had agreed to be anticipatious in the businesse and too too forward in giving one another benevolences before they were due for the effecting whereof time and place were appointed Rivana was the first Champion that appeared in the field Prickette met with some good Fellowes by the way that foreslow'd his march and retarded his appearance to the Court of Venus Rivana and her Hostesse having given him over for a lost man were once resolv'd to wait his leisure no longer but Rivana something more confident of his performance than the other was willing to spinne out a little more time and busies her self in making a Sack-posset against his comming the Posset was made but no Prickette patience was quite worne out and expectation began to be out of season wherefore Rivana takes the Sack-posset and sets it upon the cubberds head and covers it with a trencher and napkin and sets the candle by it takes her leave of her Hostesse and prepares her selfe for bed putting the dore onely too for feare her Sweet-heart should finde any difficulty in his approach if he should happen to come late or she disturb'd to let him in if it should be lockt or bolted late brought all to bed that were in the House Now you must understand that in the evening before this hapned that a Bearward had brought three lusty Beares to towne and had taken up quarters for them in the same Inne lodging them in a little Stable that happened to be just underneath the Chamber where Prickette and Rivana had intended to be very superlative in the degrees of happinesse But it hapned that Rivana was no sooner got into her bed but one of the great Beares senting the steame of the Posset broke loose and hapned to pull downe a whole pane in the wall that opened at the foot of the stair-case that led up to Rivana's lodgings up staires climbs the Beare Rivana hearing somebody comming up was in good hope it had been her Sweet-heart though she
last perishes in the Harbour But whilst he was in this great danger by reason of so many Rocks and Shelves Berontus like a good Pilot comes to guide him safely into the Harbour at whose first sight Lorenzo reades comfort in his lookes and askes him if he has heard of his Honoria anticipating his relation with his confidence in these words I know that if thou hadst not brought good Newes thou woulst not have return'd so soone Berontus taking Nagivius by the hand from point to point tells him the full relation of the whole as hath been before express'd Which when Lorenzo had heard throughout he knew not whether he should acknowledg himself more beholding to the Hand or to the Instrument that made such musick to his Eares he showr'd down obligations upon Berontus as upon a Favourite that was capable of receiving those acts of Grace But when he came to expresse his affection to Navigius he found him so unsusceptable that he could not love him otherwise then with the Love wherewith fond Ladies use to be in love with their Lap-dogs whose over-gladnesse at small favours make their Mistresses sorry that they are not rationall creatures whereby they may be more capable of further benefits Both in their kind were fully satisfied the one with princely language the other with spitting a few acknowledgments in his mouth which the one received with due reverence and good behaviour the other with so many scrapes of his feet and wagging of his tail All the Palace did ring of this good newes nothing but acclamations of joy and gladnesse was heard amongst the People every body ran to see Navigius Berontus was no body amongst the Vulgar like to like enjoy'd their liking the poor man was well help'd up from a peck of troubles to such a measure of admiration and benignity Bertaldo was sent for in Post-haste who returning as suddenly The next thoughts that were in election was how these two Ladyes were to be sent for and who should be employ'd in that Affair It was determined that Bertaldo and Berontus should be dispatch'd upon this Embassie Berontus to the Island of Majorca to attend upon Honoria and Bertaldo to Minorca to waite upon Amarissa And this for two Reasons to which I might adde a third The first was because Berontus had been so Fortunate to bring the Good-newes it was thought fitting that he should have the Honour of the Employment The second was That Bertaldo thought it more convenient service to wait upon his Mistresse than his Sister And the third was That Lorenzo knew Honoria would be satisfied sufficiently to hear of her Brothers welfare at any hand but he could not reward Berontus's services with lesse respect Two Ships were speedily prepar'd the one for Bertaldo the other for Berontus But all had been like to be spoil'd for the Prince taking great affection to Philoret had gain'd Bertaldo his consent that Philoret should stay behind to keep him Company but there sate such a cloud on Philoret his Countenance as made them all fear they should have no Faire weather after them if he were left behind wherefore the Prince willingly releas'd him of his grant They were all fairly Shipp'd but behold they were scarce out of sight of the Maine-land but their stately Ships were forc'd to strike Saile to angry Neptune who with his awfull Trident muster'd his Turbulent waves whilst the innumerous Tacklings serv'd for so many Whistles to the winde to call on danger to her Execution whilst the Boyling Ocean lifted up her Waves so high that the Masts of both the Ships charg'd their tops through the proud Heads of the insulting Billowes till others as if they had been their Friends lifted the Victors upon their shoulders to such a height as their main Masts were in danger to have fallen foul with the Celestiall Sphears raking from their restlesse bottomes so much Sand as not onely discoloured the green Ocean but also threatned a dissolution of the whole Earth into so many Attomes in the Sea So that no marvaile that they had quite lost one another whilst they were both thus likely to be lost So that it hapned by reason of this Storme that Bertaldo who was bound for Minorca was by the fortune of the Windes blown upon the Island of Majorca and Berontus who was bound for Majorca was thrown upon the lesser Island The mistake was not so great whilst their Commissions were both the same Berontus was no sooner arrived there but the newes was brought to Castriots house That there was come from the Maine the Gallantest Gentleman that ever eyes beheld and his businesse was to enquire after a certaine Carthaginian Lady that was forc'd away from her owne Country and brought hither by Violent hands Amarissa at the first hear-say conjectur'd it to be him who was intended Bertaldo though it fell out to be him that should be there Berontus though not by order of Humane but Divine Affaires Amarissa saves Berontus the labour of Enquiry and sends him her Name with directions where to come if that he knew it or had any thing to say to her He hastens to the place of her abode with such a longing desire as good Newes carryes alwayes with it when it knowes it shall affect the hearer with delight When Amarissa heard that the same Cavalier was arriv'd at the Gate she prepares her selfe for such information as her owne eyes should give her through the Glasse whether it were the same of whom her hopes had given her some assurance But as soone as Berontus began to enter the Court her hopes began to retire but seeing him such another goodly Personage and having such a Manly gate she thought the Glasse might be no true Mediator Wherefore desiring to be better inform'd she onely opens the Casement so farre as might serve her Eye-sight to sally out which was so met withall by his that it was beaten in againe without receiving the least intelligence shutting that Sally-port with such diligence as if an Enemy were ready to make his Entry in at the window whilst the door was open to let in the best of Friends In comes Berontus who having saluted her makes her amends for the mistake of the Person by bringing her Bertaldo in his Mouth whose service as knowing it to be most acceptable he presented in the first place acquainting the Lady by what accident it hapned that he was not there himselfe being designed purposely to waite on her as his was to have attended upon the Princesse Honoria Amarissa was well enough pleas'd to hear of his Welfare and could have found in her heart to have expressed her feares of his being cast away at Sea but she smothered her affections for the present and fell to asking how Lorenzo did Scarce had they made an end of all that he had and she to say which took up no small proportion of time and discourse but that a Messenger came to Amarissa from Honoria and
afraid you have been too severe a Punisher of your self already I am glad I was preserv'd for no other cause And as Honoria was going on in her discourse Bertaldo stops the current of her speech till the streame swell'd so high that her heart floated in compassion of Lorenzo's sorrow for her sufferings saying You two shall take another time and place when you are by your selves then and there you can best charme one another into beliefs which none can question whilst you are one anothers Judges and by none attonements sooner wrought then when you are each others Advocates Lorenzo be but you her Votary and I 'le undertake she shall be your Confessour small pittance shall serve for absolution As Honoria would not heare Lorenzo nor Bertaldo Honoria so all the Company cry'd downe Bertaldo perceiving that no better accommodation might be made then what should proceed from the goodnesse of their owne dispositions when tongues should be as farre from interposing as eares from giving audience all was hush'd Lorenzo takes Honoria into his Charriot Bertaldo Amarissa into his both Berontus all three the generally so much beloved Philoret Lorenzo Honoria had little discourse much handing more kisses many sighes Bertaldo and Amarissa Berontus and Philoret were all Chatt thus they made the way short to Carthage where the People fill'd the Streets with Voices and the Ayre with Acclamations of Joy and Gladnesse for that happy meeting in a word the whole businesse was so sweetly compos'd between Lorenzo and Honoria as if his heart had been a Jubile and hers a plenary indulgence Thus stated as at first they began to entertaine thoughts how they might drive a trade of happinesse between Bertaldo and Amarissa whilst Berontus was love-sick for Amarissa and Philoret deadly in love with Bertaldo yet neither of them durst expresse the causes of their discontents the one through a supposed unworthinesse in himself the other lest he should shew any defect in worth towards so brave a friend Bertaldo and Amarissa both hearken to the musick that Lorenzo and Honoria caus'd for to sound in both their eares at which Berontus made as soure a face as Philoret lent them a deafe eare at last Philoret singling out his Master spake unto him in this manner Sir You know with what a passionate affection I ever lov'd you you know what preferments I ever waved to enjoy this relation I perceive there is an overture of Marriage between you and Amarissa you have oftentimes bid me aske what I would I never askt you any thing but now I shall My deare heart said Bertaldo aske what thou wilt and I will grant it thee Then said Philoret I onely aske that you would not Marry I doe not aske you would not Marry her for of all Women living she 's worthiest to be had Thy reason good Philoret reply'd Bertaldo Because I love you said Philoret Why should thy love said Bertaldo prompt thee to such a prohibition Because said Philoret it is not good to part with that deare priviledge of being wholly a mans selfe to be the halfe of another besides all the pleasure I have in this world is in your love all my ambition is to deserve it and all my study is how I may improve that happinesse Now when you have a Wife your love will be set on her and I shall but gleane in the same field where I formerly reapt a full Crop of Blisse and therewith fell into a most sudden passion and extreame weeping Whereat Bertaldo taking him in his armes intended him this satisfaction My deare Philoret I will Marry her but on this condition that she shall double not mitigate the love I beare to thee Sweet Boy had I as many Wives as Carthage Women they all should not be able to eclipse the least sparke of the true affection which I beare to thee and to thy merit Just as he had spoken that word there came a Servant from the Prince desiring his company he clapping Philoret on both his cheeks with both his hands bid him be confident that all the Wives in the world should not draw away his affection from him and so left him weeping In which posture Berontus found him and enquiring into the cause and by Philoret's answer finding it to be grounded upon his dislike of the Marriage he imbraces both him and his discontent fostering it up to a full growth as agreeable to his humour but all in vaine for the Match was made the Parties agreed the Time set onely Bertaldo told his Mistresse with what reluctancy Philoret resented it and upon what grounds desiring her to use her utmost indeavour to dispossesse him of that conceit Amarissa undertakes it and sends for Philoret who being come Amarissa takes him aside and thus intreats him Sweet-heart I understand thy love to be such to thy Master that thou think'st it will be lesse when he has me I have sent for thee to assure thee that it will be double when we two are one you must distinguish between love and love it is one thing to love a Wife and another thing to love a Friend or Favourite the love of the one no way lessens the obligations and ties of friendships that are between the other but rather incloses them in bounds and fences whereby they are not violable Truely Philoret I know thy love to be such to thy Master and thy merits to be so great in every eye that were I not engag'd unto Bertaldo by promise and oblig'd by honour of all the Men that carry heads upon their shoulders I should love Philoret and therefore never feare that his love should be lesse to thee Amarissa perceiving Philoret his colour to be quite gone and a Civill warre begun already upon his cheekes between the white Rose and the Red leaves off speaking as men leave wounding when they think the party almost dead when poor Philoret had fallen to ground had not Amarissa catcht him falling who like some young Physitian seeing his Potion begin to work by contraries feares he had mistaken the right Glasse and prescrib'd his Patient Poysons instead of Cordialls so affrighted was Amarissa in applying remedies where she was so ignorant of the disease Philoret comes to himself whom Amarissa leaves as Doctors doe their Patients when they begin to be dangerous carrying that sad newes of irrecovery to Bertaldo who flies to his beloved Page catching him up in his Armes asking him what he ayl'd And what he would have Bidding him declare his mind fully what he would before he Marryed or whether Honour Preferment Land Riches Money most affected him it should be granted and if he doubted his Marriage would be an Obstacle to any of these he would never Marry untill he had satisfied him in any of the particulars Philoret answered him I ask nothing but that you would not Marry all these things I have forsaken already for your sake and if you Marry I must forsake you and die
with bloud One man begot the same Wombe bare Them both so near akin they are Whom Philoret you deeme to be She 's Periissa even she Whom you shall see alive hereafter The Duke Medina Coelies Daughter Touch and Wipe the eyes that weep She is not dead but falne asleep Let her have her soules delight Dissolve the Married Couple quite Let Berontus freely have His Amarissa grief a grave Lorenzo like a refresh'd Gyant rouzes up himself and musters his Disconsolates acquainting them with the strange newes that was reveal'd unto him whose misbelief he soone rectified by telling them that they should all know this to be true by Periissa her being not dead but in a trance inviting them all as Witnesses to her resurrection whom they all follow through so many degrees of love Confidence fill'd the Roome whilst Hope attended the touch that rais'd her up to life Periissa comes to her selfe both in name and nature and admires to heare Lorenzo call her Periissa wonders to heare Bertaldo say Ah my Periissa why would'st thou conceale this from thy beloved whose soule and thine were ever Man and Wife wonders to heare Amarissa say dearest Periissa you shall freely enjoy what you desire I must not stand between you and that Happinesse Wonders to heare Bertaldo say that Amarissa was his owne Sister and that the Wedding-knot must be dissolv'd and fastned betweene them two meaning Bertaldo and her selfe but chiefly wonders at Honoria her calling upon Lorenzo to give her an account how that she was sole Daughter and Heire to the Duke of Maedina Coeli Like a Man that has layen long in some darke Dungeon and is suddenly brought into such a light whose rayes from that resplendent sunne make such a glory round about him that his weake eyes are not able to comprehend so great a lustre In such a pleasing Confusion was Periissa so stifled was her sorrow in the throng of so many pressing happinesses Like a knot of True-lovers of one another yet all in misery and in want and ready to be hunger-starv'd espying the relief of some large and bountifull portion of meat to be brought to some one of them all rejoyce alike knowing they shall all participate of that bounty so did this joyfull newes which was brought unto Periissa fill with ioy and ravish with delight all these Companions in misery knowing that this viand would be food to all their appetites for saith Berontus if this be so then Bertaldo shall have Periissa and Amarissa she 's free for me then thought Amarissa if this Knot be dissolv'd I am not so ty'd but that I may enquire into the causes of Berontus his distemper and if occasion serve apply fit remedies Each severall application of these joyfull tidings to their owne particulars for the present hindred that universall Conflux which otherwise would have been amongst them till at last the severall species contributed all their interest to make up one generall gladnesse and Jubile of delight like a maine River that being divided into severall petty Channels runnes not with such a large streame as when it was united but meeting all into one Current again the severall disimboguements reduce it to its former greatnesse Thus re-instated the severall instruments and voices make one harmony whil'st the diversities of Wel-wishers lent their eares according to their severall engagements some wish'd well unto Berontus others were glad of Periissa her good fortune not a few were overjoy'd at Amarissa's freedome all were transported with a ravishing delight to see Fortunes-wheele turne so merrily the Parties themselves thought their conditions so good that upon the sudden they were unwilling to owne them one was modest and could not another was bashfull and durst not a third thought her selfe bound and might not a fourth thought himselfe freed and would This begot a liberty in the Correllative which example begot no lesse confidence in the bashfull then encouragement in the most modest soule all act their parts accordingly Bertaldo slights his Amarissa and Courts the new rais'd Periissa to life hope name and fortune Amarissa takes it not amisse and entertains the free embraces of Berontus Lorenzo and Honoria rejoyce to see these promis'd miracles take effect and their wonders come to such maturity Bertaldo presses assurances upon Periissa she holds off looks strangely upon him in her mayden habit and protraction drawes a heavie load of insupportable impatience after it she lookes no babies in his eyes she sues not to be turn'd away she supplicates for no prostration at his feet she carries all things high stil giving him a respect that in state becomes a Princesse of her degree unto a Person of such Ranke and quality he gives her all the observance that her Majesty requir'd kneel'd and kiss'd her hand made speeches upon his knee prayes her to be mercifull and forgive his ignorance She takes all to her self and after many supplications and prayers she sayes unto him Tell me truely Bertaldo dost thou believe that I am the Duke of Medina Coeli 's Daughter To whom Bertaldo reply'd I am confident you are believe it verily From whence arises so strong faith said Periissa Bertaldo reply'd Shall I not believe Amynda 's Ghost shall I not give credit to Lorenzo 's relation besides none could doe the things which thou hast done but Coeli's off-spring wherfore I cannot stagger This is not enough Bertaldo said Periissa you must doe something more for me I enjoyne you to repaire forthwith unto my owne Countrey and my Fathers house and there inquire if they misse not a Daughter that hath these signes upon her arme the Sunne and Moone shewing them unto Bertaldo in the sight of all the Standers by and saying if thou canst by thy endeavours finde out such a one there 's such a one for thee Bertaldo kiss'd her hand presently tooke his leave saying he would not neglect a minutes time and hoped to returne shortly and give her satisfaction to her demands so departed Berontus finding all the clouds dispell'd that were between him and his heaven lifts up his eyes to Amarissa she taking Periissa for her leading Starre takes the same course she did and proposes to Berontus her injunction as a patterne for her imitation saying unto him Goe to Rome and learne how it was that I am Honoria 's Sister and I am your Wife So they were both dispatch'd upon their Knight's Errantries whil'st the two task-Mistresses like innocent Children who spend their time in the delightfull recreation of making Babies acting Weddings and Lyings in so did these two pretty pieces of innocence delight themselves with making a Mock-wedding between Pippea and Hortensius delighting themselves with a happinesse which they were contented should be really their owne so that it might be but representatively theirs And thus it was occasioned CHAP. XVII Pippea is in love with Hortensius She expresses it to his Picture Honoria and Amarissa observe it Hortensius takes her in the manner
so order'd by Lorenzo whose commands plain'd all difficulties and cut off all delayes The Parties were sent for sent for came no sooner there but all agreed Corderius made a motion to all the Company that to his knowledge there were a Couple to be Married and the time appointed was but the day after the morrow whereon these solemnities were to be performed he saw no reason but that they should take them also into the number that the Temple might be full They all consented and were earnest to know who they were and being told them who should it be but poor Prickette and Rivana joy and mirth and willingnesse were expressed all at once for his reception A Herauld at Armes was sent to Prickette to summon him to the Wedding and to command him to be ready on the morrow with his Sweet-heart to be Married with the rest The Heraulds having ended their debatements concerning the particular Ceremonies it was concluded that Bertaldo and Berontus should have Banners carried before them wherein were curiously represented all the famous deeds of Chivalry that had been perform'd by those Heroes when they most quench'd their thirsting after fame and so they were to make a most solemne procession up to the Temple of Virtue and through it to the Temple of Honour where such unions were to be made as divided themselves into halves to be wholly one anothers But as for Favorinus and Bisalta Hortensius and Pippea whose utmost merits aym'd at no higher perfection than morallity their ascendent was to be no higher than to the Temple of Virtue and there to consummate their Vowes where the totall summe of all their merits would not arise in their particulars to any tearmes of Honour But Prickette and Rivana they were to goe no farther than to the portch of the Temple there to content themselves with compatible solemnities This Conclusion was no small occasion of much distraction for Bisalta a Woman of a high spirit was not a little displeas'd that she should wed her selfe to a Man of no atchievements and to one that could not lead her up the steps of Honour so that at last she began to swell bigger with scorne than when he scorn'd her first and thus she openly exprest her discontents before all the Company Must I bestow my selfe and smile a fortune upon a Man that can answer my deserts with no higher advance to than set me downe at Virtue 's feet whose Temple as it is a thorow-fare to Honours I like full-well but as it is a confine I like the Seat no more than if he had sate me upon the Stoole of sad Repentance I thought when I saw him first active as lightning get up upon his flying Horse he had been able to have pluckt bright Honour from the pale-fac'd Moone but now I see that Hares and Partridges were the Trophees of his greatest Victories she could be no more contented with that beggarly glory than Eagles could make it their repast to catch at Flies Nor was this all for Pippea takes her Sweet-heart Hortensius aside and tells him Hortensius thou art an honest man but that is all what a fine thing it would have been if thou hadst done some famous act whereby we two might have been Married in the Temple of Honour with Bertaldo and Periissa Berontus and Amarissa I love thee well already but if thou hadst been a martiall Man Oh how happy should I have been Why said Hortensius what is that to love why should Women be so much in love with bloody hands Oh said Pippea they are not bloody except they be stain'd with unlawfull blood he that knowes how to conquer Men knowes how to defend a Womans honour who would Marry a Milk sop Hortensius canst thou not doe one gallant exploit or other and let Marrying alone for awhile I would faine be Married in the Temple of Honour I will promise thee that I will love thee twice as much and doe any thing for thee that thou wilt have me doe Hortensius put off and on two such businesses as neither lik'd him was not a little troubled yet he was contented enough to make a virtue of necessity and climbe to Honour through that ascent but he wanted an opportunity which was presently offer'd him for behold Whil'st these affaires were in agitation there came a hot and stinging alarum to the Court that young Towolin Emperour of the Abissines had invaded the Dominion and entred farre into the Countrey with a mighty Army in pursuance of his Fathers Quarrell this sudden newes lock'd up the Temple gates and tooke their resolutions off the hinges for neither of those two Worthies thought it gallantry to creep to happinesse between a paire of sheets whil'st the Enemy had colours flying in the field that invited them to honour and safety and Periissa perceiving how Planet-strucken Favorinus and Hortensius were through want of merit to answer the expectations of their envious Mistresses she encourages them to resolutions that should wrest the wreath of Bayes out of the hand of fame and with as much ease as if she had been a Childe had held it in her hand Favorinus and Hortensius fir'd with hope and fill'd with confidence knowing that a better School Mistresse could not direct them in that discipline were resolv'd to follow her instructions whatsoever they were verily believing that nothing could be found impossible or difficult that she call'd easie wherefore they desir'd her to lay her commands upon them and to acquaint them with the designe and she should see that the fault should not lye in them but if any were in her who was never faulty She declares it to them which we will forbeare to expresse till the act showes they like it well all was in a readinesse the Army is drawne out and face each other who but Favorinus and Hortensius all the common Souldiers and inferiour Officers admire to see them sent to and running in and out so often to and from the Councell of Warre some jearingly ask'd one another If Favorinus had e're a Hawke to flie Others said If there were but a Hare in his way how bravely would he charge the Enemy with a cry of Doggs Others jear'd Hortensius and ask'd What have we to doe with this Gardener here what is he sent for to the Councell of Warre Others answering that sure he was sent for to line the hedges Others saying If all yonder Regiments were but so many private Bushes how bravely would he top their heads with his Garden shears Thus idle Courtiers and upstart Favourites must be contented to be jeer'd when they are out of their clement the courted till they have made themselves famous by some exploits and then they stop the mouthes of their Adversaries But to the businesse it selfe Favorinus and Hortensius according to Periissa her directions black their hands and faces with an unguent which she had given them and so under a two-fold darknesse of night and hue repaire to the
before and to take his leave of me to be so coursly us'd as the chance of Warre might give him entertainment I know what it is to bid adieu to such and never see them more but it was never wont to be thus with me either this love is of an higher nature and nearer relation or else there is more in it then willingly I would imagine I pray let me goe with you I have no minde to stay behind Alas reply'd the Prince what shouldst thou doe amongst a company of rude Souldiers Stay here and I will reach thee a Lawrel-bough with mine owne hand and thou shalt make a wreath and give it whom thou wilt and I will bring thee home an Olive Branch and thou shalt wear it I but in the mean time said Honoria I had rather you would take away this claw of lead that gripes my heart so sore and squeeses out all the gladnesse thence Honoria said the Prince no mis-fortune can befall me whilest I am happy in thy love which nothing can deprive me of but that which may lead me to a better life And if thou think'st my death any mis-fortune I 'le repaire the losse of my Person with the donation of my Dominion For here before all these Nobles if I fall there stands the Queen of Carthage Whereupon Honoria made her last Reply Long may you live to enjoy that your selfe and I you So they both parted She was sorry that he was gone he discontented that she was sorrowfull Bertaldo taking his leave of his Sister and the rest of the Ladies bids her make much of her self she him That he should have a care of her Husband And Amarissa prayed Bertaldo that he would not be too ventrous The Court thus emptyed almost of all the Men Maximanus struts among a Company of Women like a Major domo of a Seraglio though he was more Satyr then Eunuch yet for some while he kept on his way laying hold on all opportunities that might advance him to the Princesse favour which when he had once sufficiently obtained he thought he had made a faire progresse towards his journeys end disloyall lust Good natures are seldome wanting in retalliating good services with acknowledgements and innocence oftentimes engratiates her owne Subjects with too many freedomes Maximanus had often sought occasion to give the Princesse some intimation of his meaning but all his opportunities proved fruitlesse to his desires which were still nipt in the bud before he could give them breath by the chast wind of her words and Majesty of her Countenance Which was such as would have still kept him in the same state of innocence if she had not as unhappily as innocently let fall a word by chance which like a spark of fire by the often clashings of discourse like the striking together of Flint and Steele lighting upon the black tinder of his halfe-burnt Soul once extinguished and suppressed already by her chast hand over him so spread fire by his additionall breath that he thought he might in a very short time both touch his match and light a candle to his hearts desires And thus it was Honoria was much addicted to good Housewifery especially in preserving Fruits and Distillations well governing her Houshold receiving Accompts c. Maximanus as he was very diligent to find out wayes wherein he thought he might please her and best suite with his occasions and administer discourse proportionable to his designe One time amongst the rest he presents unto her a rare and exquisite Limner making it his request That the Prince's Gallery might be graced with her Picture which was wanting Which if it were truly drawne to the life would put down all the pictures there She as little regarding the motion as affected with the vanity was notwithstanding by much opportunity drawne to give her consent with this proviso that she may have the liberty to chuse her owne fancy in it Maximanus thought Reason good and duty binding Whereupon she causeth this rare Artist to draw her Picture holding Cupid between her Legs his Bow under her Foot his Quiver upon the ground with the Arrowes broken and plucking the feathers out of his Wings which lay scattered about the Roome with this Motto viz. But a Goose to a good Huswife And when it was perfected she presented it to Maximanus with these words Now Maximanus I am at your service Meaning no otherwise but that upon those termes she had gratifi'd his desires He not reading the Motto understood not the conceit She not doubting but that he had explain'd it no farther Maximanus imagining that by Cupid which she held betweene her legs was Hieroglyphict the love that was betweene her and her husband whose bow she trod under her foot and whose feathers she threw away as slighting his departure thought verily that she had done this to let him see that now she had wholly cast her selfe upon his love and affections Whereupon he said but little because the Limner was present as if he had been somewhat sorry that she had shewed her selfe so comming before a man that could not but take some notice of her too much forwardnesse Howsoever he was all on fire which being kept in burnt the hotter She ignorant of any addes more fuell by her ensuing discourse saying unto him Come Maximanus you and I will goe and hang it up in my owne Chamber bidding him reward the Picture-drawer and dismisse him which he did accordingly He carrying the Picture in his hand into her Chamber and finding no body there instead of setting it up he sets it down And thus the Goat courted the Lamb and the Night-raven the Dove Madam That my love was unexpressable it might appear by my not speaking but it seemes my actions spake in a language that your quick apprehension understood But I could wish you had said nothing and then you had performed the greatest master-piece of wit that ere was wrought by ingenuity and had made a third hand Limne the Idea of your minde who never knew your meaning whereas now I am afraid And as he was going on with his speech she gave him such a look that stopt his speech with swallowing downe his Spittle Asking him What he meant by that strange language and insolent kind of behaviour Maximanus recollecting his spirits asked Honoria what she meant by that strange Picture and familiar way of telling him that she was now at his service Adding moreover the dismisment of the Artist and inviting him to her Chamber able to give a duller apprehension then his own the like encouragement Withall acquainting her with his conception of the Mystery She him with the true meaning and purport of her Fancy letting him understand that if her familiarity was the occasion of such constructions he should have lesse reason hereafter to mistake Maximanus reply'd to so unexpected a cooling Card Madame I pray be not offended you cannot hate me for loving you nor blame
that love that is attracted by such Magnetick vertue 'T is your owne fault to be so Beautifull and none of mine to be passive in my obedience to that power Truly Madam I must needs confesse I doe love you with all my heart and have smother'd my affection a long time But now I must tell you that you murder me if you deny Sir Sir said the Princesse love is your scene but when the scene is opened foul lust appeares which makes you unworthy of your Princes Favour or my Company With what countenance can you look him in the Face that can be so disloyall to him or me of whom you have entertain'd so vile conceptions For the Love-sake that my Husband beares unto you in hopes of your amendment I will not blab your Basenesse or Disloyalty But I protest if ever you open your mouth againe in this particular your Master shall know into how treacherous hands he hath repos'd so great a Trust And so farewell Honoria being gone Maximanus bites the lip and swears by all the Gods it shall not serve her turne if faire meanes will not doe it foule meanes shall whom we leave hatching his owne Villanies To treat of the successes which attended the Prince in his expedition against the Moores Lorenzo Monteroing the top of an Hill with his Army beheld the Moors drawn up in Battalia ready to receive him brooks no delayes but thinking himself as Superiour to them in Courage and true Gallantry as he was inferiour to them in number uncovers the Mountaine head advances towards them and makes up to the black-fac'd Monster through disadvantages breaks through difficulties and gives them a home Charge some of the Moores begin to stagger and runne Whereat the Generall of the Moores was no more discouraged then the Husband-man when he sees the winde blow the Chaffe away from the purer Corne. Cosdruball Generall of the Prince his Horse routes theirs but performes the execution with too hot a spurre insomuch that the whole Army of the Princes was almost Routed and the Prince himselfe in very great danger had not Bertaldo the Prince his alter ego well defended his Prototype For Lorenzo with his Brigade charged into the main Body of the Enemie hewing down all before him like a fierce wind that gets into a thick wood when as the leafe is in the fall which knowing not its way out againe whirles about the trees shaking down their leaves clatterring their boughes one against another so bending their branches to the earth till their rootes came up and bodies downe So this sonne of Mars environed within a black cloud of Moores thunders in the midst of them and like lightning so peirced this black cloud till there fell showers of bloud Such was the behaviour of the brave Lorenzo Bertaldo having intelligence from Hanno that the Prince was thus engaged if he were not lost already and that the left wing attempting to dis-engage him were all routed with his 100. Volunteers which guarded his Person and thought no otherwise but that he had been the Prince rides amongst the heartlesse and breathlesse Souldiers crying Victoria Victoria Come and let us make an end of the day all 's our owne they think him to be the Prince and that he had made his way through and so shrewdly disordered them all follow him and his directions He gives Philaret a strict charge that he should not lose the sight of him if it were possible but be ready at had with his spare Horse if need required and that he should shew his love unto him in that dayes service and have it ever after The poor wretch over-joy'd with the apprehension of such a reward converts his fear of death into hopes of merit And having at the beginning of the Battell taken a box of Oyntment from a Captive Tawny-Moore wherewith the Moores used to make their Faces more black as more Beautifull he colours his face as black as jet imagining thereby to performe some notable piece of service that day in the behalfe of his so much beloved Bertaldo who by this time finding the Moores to stand so close drawn up as no ordinary force or manner of discipline could break or enter drawes up his Men in forme of a wedge edg'd with his own personall Valour it being impossible that such a one being backt by two those two by three three by five bearing the same proportion up to the very Rear whose greater number still followed the fewer whilst the better-mettled fewer still made way for the worser temper'd multitude to follow like a well-droven wedg riving the bonds of nature in sunder and those hearts of Oak at once both to complaine and open till they saw the Prince with a few survivers like Mars himselfe stand Bulwarckt in the midst of so many slaughter'd Moores and Re-intrench'd about with his owne Dead Where the Prince and Bertaldo congratulating one anothers happinesse in both their preservations both parties stood amaz'd to behold two suns in the same Firmament The Princes men were contented to take Bertaldo as a rescuing Angell in their Soveraignes shape and Bertaldo his men were glad to see two Princes who not long ago were afraid they had not one These two men in Mars his livery seeing the Moors endeavouring to Sally on either hand resolv'd equally to divide their Forces and Charge them severall wayes Bertaldo in prosecuting his designe had his Horse slaine under him upon the first Charge which had no sooner brought him to the ground but up comes Philoret with his spare Horse in his hand ready to re-estate him in his former posture He perceiving Philoret black as the night thought some Moore had kill'd his pretty Page and seiz'd his horse and clad him in his Pages habit whereupon Bertaldo struck at Philoret who call'd upon Bertaldo to stay his hand but the confused noise being so great that he could not hear him Bertaldo gave him a sleight wound upon his neck whereat Philoret letting his horse goe out of his hands to lay hold on that Bertaldo left prosecuting Philorets revenge by sparing the person whom he persecuted with so blind a zeal crying out Black Devill how couldst thou find in thy heart to destroy so sweet a Creature Philoret was so well pleased with the kindnesse of his language and so little troubled with the smart of his wounds that he onely thirsted for another opportunity to doe Bertaldo the like service at the same rate which was presently offer'd him For Bertaldo was no sooner mounted but presently he Charges in amongst the thickest of his Enemies as if some wild Bull had runne madding through some Market-place treading down all the people as he ranne along till stopt by Butchers that staid his course by knocking of him downe so fell Bertaldo Up comes Philoret and dismounting his horse strides over him and with his sword in his hand menaces the approaching Enemy The Moores seeing him Black took him to be one of