asks I cannot relate all the stories that are told of him for they are so many and so strange as are incredible His greatest reputation did spring from a voyage which Leonide did make unto him who reports such wonders of him as does astonish all hearers Amongst the rest said Polemas what does she report to have seen Sir answered the man she reports many wonders and amongst the rest of the Door of the Temple which opens and shuts of it self at the very command of this holy Man For my part Sir I go but seldom unto the Castle and what I report is only by hear-say But it is most certain that many strange wonders are reported of this holy person Well Sir said Polemas Return unto your Father tell him I give him a thousand thanks for the News which I have received by you and shall one day be as forward in real recompence as I am now in my verbal thanks Desire him to continue in his Affection and Fidelity but above all I desire both him and you to be secret Upon this Polemas dismissed the messenger and returned to Climanthes who hearing what the man reported of him could not chuse but laugh at the opinion which the world conceived of him And let me tell you said he that it is beyond the reach of a Female subtilty to find out the Art which I have used Good Climanthes said Polemas I beseech you tell me how you kindled the Fire upon your Altar and how the Doors did open and shut of themselves at such a distance from you for I must confess I do not understand how you can do it The truth is Sir said Climanthes these Arts like all tricks of Legerdemain are not to be understood by words as they may be most easily by sight and demonstration for I have ordered my Engines in such a manner as words cannot describe them but be assured they are the easiest things in the world to be understood when they are once seen I must needs say replyed Polemas that Climanthes is a Master in his Art and now I am fully perswaded that these Women are deceived by it But dear friend said he and embraced him how do you think our Designe will take Doubtless Sir said he as well as we can wish for though the event of future things be uncertain yet take it upon my word a happy beginning is most commonly seconded by a happy end and I am certain you cannot desire a more happy beginning then we have had Within this Country all is your own and out of it there is not one Prince nor Neighbour who does not love and favour you All those that can any ways hinder you are at a far distance from you and so employed in the affairs of others that they give you time enough to transact ours The best of it is Clidemant who is the only mote in your eye he is so engaged in the assistance of a Prince so far distant from us that any relief from him is not to be feared whereas your Confederates and Allies are at hand so as we shall meet with no opposition unless from a Company of weak women who though very potent in Wars of Love yet are they but pitifully weak in the Wars of Mars But you must consider replied Polemas that Adamas whose good will will never be gained is a very considerable enemy by reason of the credit and reputation that he has in this Country the authority of Amasis and the averse disposition of Galathea will be great hindrances unto us Pray Sir consider answered Climanthes that every thing will act according to its own nature Adamas may hurt you in words but not in deeds take but Arms and all his books are not worth a rush As for Amasis she is so affectionate unto Galathea as she will not cross her in any thing she shall desire there is the greatest difficulty replied Polemas for Galathea is young and has no consideration of the States tranquility but all her designes and inclinations are cross and averse unto mine How know you that replied Climanthes perhaps she desires it as much as you but knows not how to bring it about I pray tell me Has she not formerly loved you True answered Polemas but Lindamore has stoln her affection from me Pray Sir consider said Climanthes that what was once may be again The Nature of a woman especially of a young one is very wavering catches at every object of novelty that pleaseth the eyes and fixes solidly upon none her mind is like a Ship at Sea without any Anchor or stay which flotes as every wind pleaseth Now if we may be conjectures guesse all things hidden I must needs think she is fully intended to observe whatsoever I shall bid her why else should she send Leonide unto me to desire that I should come presently unto her I am either extreamly mistaken or else I see her heart infinitely impatient to see me with intentions to put her self wholly into my hands assure your self that I gave her a very hot allarm when I told her that if she married any but him whom the Gods had appointed for her she would be the most unhappy woman alive But suppose said Polemas she should discover your subtilty But suppose said Climanthes the sky should fall There is as much likelyhood of the one as of the other I would have you to know that Climanthes is such a Master in his Art that if he would attempt to make Amasis marry him he could bring it to pass Polemas laughed and said I wish with all my heart that I were a witness of your marriage with her and you of mine with Galathea No no said Climanthes I would be contented with Leonide Oh my dear friend said Polemas when I do marry Galathea I will promise you Leonide and I promise you said Climanthes that I will give you Galathea within a few dayes or else I will lose my life Upon this the question grew whether he should make Galathea come unto him or he go unto her at last it was concluded better for him to go unto her because in making her come into the Temple it was to be feared lest his tricks in opening and shutting the doors might some way or other miscarry or be discovered and then the whole plot was spoiled besides those things that are taken for wonders at the first and admired do grow stale by often using and scorned Moreover since this opening and shutting is believed to be the Act of God it will be thought strange that this God can do nothing but still one and the same things But by going to the Palace all these things are not to be expected and nothing is to be done but talking with her Upon this they parted full of hopes to arrive ere long at their desired ends But Polemas who was a man of a sharp wit and a sound judgment and a spirit swell'd with ambition although he seemed to
ASTREA A ROMANCE WRITTEN IN FRENCH BY Messire Honorè D'Vrfe AND TRANSLATED BY A Person of Quality The second Volume LONDON Printed by W. W. for H. Mosely Y. Dring and H. Herringman And are to be sold at their Shops in St Pauls Church-yard Fleetstreet and in the Lower walke in the New Exchange 1657. TO THE READER HAving in the Epistle to the precedent Volume insisted on the generall advantages accrewing to Mankind by Romances and particularly by this of Astrea above any other some would haply imagine there were no more to be done in this than to tell the Reader that this is a second Volume of the same excellent ASTREA when he hath the Book already in his hands This were an imagination flat enough even though out of an excess of foresight they should further suspect it were the Stationer's designe to commend both by telling him that As good entertainment begets confidence so the world 's kind reception of the former had contributed much to the publishing of this Second Volum No these are Cajolleries and Artifices may haply be excusable before such Books as like pittifull Shewes must needs have a Trumpet or a Jack pudding at the Doore that is such as would surprise people into a credulity not a little prejudiciall to their Eyâ—s their memorie their Understanding and their Purses Know therefore that this proceeds not from private Interest but publique satisfaction and is not so much the designe of the Stationer in point of advantage as so welcome is this Piece abroad an effect of the Buyer's expectation and importunity and thence he peremptorily affirmes that the better his Bookes sell the greater obligation he puts on the world This some may thinke a Paradox but to shew it is demonstrable I need onely say that the more a Booke is bought up the more are people inform'd the more instructed the more edifi'd which who looks not on as of much greater consequence than the price is a person certainly of no great correspondence with Letters If so how then are we oblig'd to those who spend their endeavours and Estates to satisfie our Curiosity to sharpen our imaginations to rectifie our judgements to purifie our language to perfect our morality to regulate our deportments and to heighten and inflame our more generous inclinations nay to acquaint us with all that is pleasant all that is excellent all that is extraordinary in human Actions And these are the true designs and ends of Works of this nature These are Academies for the Lover Schools of War for the Souldier and Cabinets for the Statesman they are the Correctives of passion the restoratives of conversation they are the entertainments of the sound and the divertisements of the sick in a word the most delightful accommodations of civill life J. D. ASTREA The Third part Book I. AFter it was determined amongst the shepheardesses of Lignon to go all together within three dayes upon a visit unto the disguised Alexis Love whose custome is to torment those most who are most devoted unto it began to make the shepheardesse Astrea sensible of such odd panges of strange impatiencies that she could not give any good account of reason for them She found in her selfe such a violent desire of seeing Alexis because every one reported her so resemblant unto Celadon that the prejudicated mind of this sage shepheardesse was fully resolved to love her before yet she ever saw her or rather this forestalled resolution was a forerunner of a most great and impatient love so as it may be said that this new love was implanted in her very Nature since it produced in her all the consequences and effects which love useth in the soul of a zealous lover so as three dayes which were to be expired before they went this long desired visit seemed unto her three long and tedious yeares And she would with all her heart have been contented to abate so many yeares of her life upon condition these three dayes were done that she might injoy her hop't for contentment But when Alexis understood by her Brother that Astrea was to come to see her very shortly oh how this disguised Dru de started at the newes she resented two different Passions at once she was highly joyed to thinke that she was to be blessed with a sight of her dearly loved shepheardesse and to talke with her in that disguise Also she was damped with a pale feare when she considered that her Mistresse had reason to accuse her of disobedience sinning against her positive commands a Crime which was death it selfe unto her to commit for having untill that time preserved her affections pure and free from all manner of blame she would much rather chuse death then suffer it to be stained with the least blur of infidelity or want of respect but as all true Lovers use her thoughts harped more upon the pleasing string of her hopes then upon that which her feares suggested so as she begun to thinke this terme of three dayes a long while too and to be angry with those that took so long a term Leonide who knew all the secrets of her heart and who seemed to be destined never to enjoy what she desired but to contribute all her endeavours and industry towards the contentment of another had not she I say sweetned these tedious dayes by her affability and complaisance doubtlesse the time had been most irksome unto her But see what a bad master love is and how ill does he recompense the paines of those that serve him He did injoyn these two Lovers with abundance of mutuall affection unto one another but as if he were unwilling they should arrive at the sum of contentment he kept them ignorant of their happinesse and by this ignorance blasted their contentment For Celadon being condemned unto perpetuall banishment he laid the fault upon the change in his shepheardesses affection And Astrea having seen Celadon throw himselfe into the River of Lignon she thought that this shepheards love not being able to endure the cruelty of her command he had chosen death before the insupportable sentence of her anger and this consideration cost her abundance of bitter repentance many a sad sigh and a very deluge of Teares This impatiently expected day drawing nigh and being earnestly desired both by this new Druide and by the new love of Astrea both of them not being able to stay so long as till the Sunne was up they quitted their beds upon the first blush of Aurora Celadon as most vigilant called the Sun sluggard and conjured Aurora to open the windowes of Heaven quickly that thereby this happy and long'd for day might receive a beginning Whilst this restlesse shepheard was in this longing expectation and condemning the Suns slow motion day did by degrees enlighten his Chamber so as assuming Druids habit he left the Name of Celadon and in lieu of it assumed the Notion of Daughter unto Adamas happy had he been could he have
These vestall Virgins were habited in white Robes and so long behinde that they could vaile their heads therewith when they went into the Temple to sacrifice This day was dedicated unto Vesta for not to be surcharged with too many sacrifices their dayes were to be divided one day they sacrificed unto Vesta and another unto the good Goddesse This day then being the Vestals as soon as the doores of the Temple were shut and all the vestall Virgins Druids and Shepheardesses had taken their places they all bowed to the ground as soon as the chiefe Vestall stood up who taking in her hand a branch of Laurell which a young Vestall presented unto her and which was dipped in ther water which was called Lustrale which she brought with her in a silver Bason she sprinkled her selfe therewith and afterwards did the same unto all the Congregation who being all prostrate upon the ground received this water with great devotion Afterwards being risen up and she returned to her seat another young Virgin presented unto her a basket full of flowers she put one Pofie of them upon her head and did the like unto six others who kneeled down at her feet and who were to assist her in the sacrifice one of them went presently and tooke the Napkin and Bason with which they were wont to sacrifice Another took the box of perfumes which was called Acerta Another carried the water which was to be used in the sacrifice for the Vestals never used any Wine And those also of the good Goddesses never used wine but milk The fifth carried the bundle of Vervine and the sixth a basket of Flowers and Fruits Being all thus before her close to the Altar of Vesta before which she did prostrate her selfe upon her knees she began an Antheme in praise of that Goddesse and all the Vestals joyned with her and having sung the first verse they all rose up having each of them a Taper in their hands and walked two and two The youngest went first the elder next and afterwards the six which carried the Chaplets of Flowers last of all the chiefe Vestall with her Pastorall staffe and all the rest went about the Altar Then every one went to their places againe except the chiefe Vestall and those that carried things necessary for the sacrifice Then she who carried the bundle of Vervine laid it down on the left hand of the Altar where the fire was kept in day and night by two Vestals because if it went out they thought some great disaster would befall them If ever the fire did extinguish the Vestal that kept it was severely punished then they kindled it againe with the rayes of the Sun which fire they esteemed Sacred The other Vestal who carried the Flowers and the fruits did put them into the white Marble Ark of which we spoke before and the other four stayed with the chiefe Vestal who then prostrating her selfe before the Altar did with a loud voice confesse her sinnes then acknowledged that she durst not approach the sacred Altar of that Goddesse being so defiled with sinnes and that she was very unworthy to offer any thing that was pleasing unto her unlesse it was by her commandment Afterwards approaching nearer she strewed the Altar all over with perfumes and incense which cast a fragrant smell all over the Temple Then turning her selfe towards the East she uttered in a distinct voice some words which a Vestal repeated unto her word by word reading them out of a Book for fear of missing or bad pronunciation for should any mistake fall out in them they believe that the sacrifices are not pleasing unto the Goddess The words are these O Most renowned Goddess Daughter of Great Rhea and puissant Saturn Vesta whom the Thirrians do call Labith Horchia Receive we beseech thee this devout Sacrifice which we offer unto unto thee for the people and Senate of Rome for the preservation of the Gaules and for the Grandure and prosperity of Amasis our Soveraign Lady Let the Sacred Fire which thou hast committed unto our keeping never extinguish And let thy request which after the victory obtained over the Titans thou madest unto Jupiter to be still a Virgin be also obtained for us and that we being all thine we may be esteemed part of thy selfe At the last words of this supplication all the Virgins answered Amen Afterwards every one threw into the fire some Incense and Aromatique drugs then the chief Vestall taking some of the sacred water she sprinkled the flowers the fruits and the fire with it All these things being done she went a little from the Altar and began a Hymn in praise of the Goddesse and all the Vestals as a Chorus joyned with her Lastly one who stood opposite to the chiefe Vestal pronounced in a loud voice That it was permitted them to depart and so the sacrifice ended Then the venerable Chrysante who medled not with the Sacrifices but onely as an assistant she went out of the Temple and all the rest except the Vestals and went into the sacred Grove where the Prophets and the Shepheards waited for them the one sort to sacrifice but the other as much out of devotion to the shepheardesses as unto their great Tautates Hylas more impatient then any else out of his zealous desire to see the faire Alexis he was constrained to be present at the sacrifice of the Prophets but his prayer was that Tautates would be pleased this once to be contented with short Ceremonies that he might be going his desired visit and indeed as soon as the last word of the sacrifice was pronounced he rose up and forced all the company to doe the like He was as hasty also when dinner was done for seeing the venerable Chrysante fall into discourse Madam said he and interrupted her If you do not give order for our departure some of the company intends to leave you and go unto the fair Alexis Phillis answering for the venerable Chrysante what a scurvie humour are you in Hylas said she to be weary with being in this place where do you think to find better company My late Mistresse answered he Did I love you as I do Alexis and you not here I should tell you in answer to your question that the best company was where you were but since the case is altered I must tell you upon the same reason that where Alexis is there is the best company for me And to make my words good by my actions if you do not go just now you shall have no more of the company of Hylas Upon this making a low reverence he prepared himselfe to be gone when all the company flocked about him and would have stayed him by force Whilest he was striving to escape their hands a Messenger came unto Chrysante from Amasis who sent word that she would come and lie at her house the same night that she might the next morning sacrifice unto the Gods by reason of a strange
Ladies Prisoners but under a more carefull Guard then before although the King did really intend to marry her as well for her beauty as for her affinity to Rithimers wife sister unto the Emperour Anthemius and commanded that she should be waited upon with all service and civility and his joyes that he had met with her were such as he caused Bonfires and great Feasts of rejoycing to be made In the mean time Bellaris having escaped through Rushes and Bogges he came in a pittifull fright to bring this said Newes unto his Master who was so much surprised with wonder and sorrow that he was not able to speak one word but throwing himselfe upon his bed there he lay till night and say what Bellaris could by way of consolation he would not answer him Afterwards he went into bed and would not eat nor sleep all the night In the morning he called for Bellaris bad him go unto Lyons and enquire how Cryseide did and how they used her This faithfull servant though with much danger to himselfe did as he was commanded when he came into the Town he found no great need of any enquiry for Cryseide was the talk all the Town over and the Kings favours were such as it was generally believed he would marry her though she was much against it for some reasons which yet were unknown unto them But seeing so great a difficulty to speak unto her he returned to his Master with a resolution of perswading him to retire into Italy since it was now not likely but she who was courted and honored by so great a King Ambition to be Queen would quench all her love to Arimant Being returned then unto Vienna he related unto him all he heard afterwards did set before his eyes the levity of Women their Ambition the gilded flattery of being Queen and the great probability that she would entertaine the honour which the King did her He would advise him not to busie himselfe any more in the matter but to consider how his Father would grieve for his losse How it might be the cause of his death and the utter ruine of his house That to stay any longer here would not be safe because their Guid might discover him and cause him to be taken And that for these reasons and considerations and many others it was requisite he should with all speed retire to his house Arimant did heare Bellaris all this while though his mind was quite another way But when he had done Bellaris answered he I shall perhaps follow thy counsell after thou hast done one thing yet more for me Go againe presently to Lyons give this little Book unto Cryseide procure me an answer and then thou shalt see what I will doe This servant infinitely loving his Master did assure him he would doe it else lose his life but entreated him that he would not grieve so excessively to remember that his virtue is able to surmount the greatest misfortunes that he ought to hope still and not to sink under his sorrows And Arimant promising he would take his counsell Bellaris departed with his little Book in which was a Letter that contained these words Arimant's Letter unto Cryseide SHall this misfortune have a greater power over you then all others Must Ambition of being Queen make you unfaithful Doe you intend to betray me and make me the most miserable amongst men If so then send me word that my death I may keep you from being perjured Bellaris had no other way to deliver this Book unto Cryseide but as she went to the Temple and therefore he got himselfe as neare the Bason of Holy water as he could and as he had done formerly when she passed by he conveyed the Book so nimbly into her hand as none could perceive it She presently apprehended the businesse and spoke not a word but onely To morrow In the mean time Bellaris went out of the Temple and as he used into the Town where he heard that the King did really intend to marry Cryseideâ— that she did deny him and that for all this he would go through with it assuring himselfe that when he had married her she would then change her mind The next day Cryseide failed not to return the Book again unto Bellaris by the same subtilty saying unto him as she passed by I will die first He understood well enough her meaning and admiring the love and generosity of this woman he returned to his Master and acquainted him with what she said as she gave him the Letter which was so great a consolation unto Arimant that he almost forgot his misery Then taking the Letter he found these words Cryseides Answer unto Arimant I Will die before I change I will make it appeare how farre the resolution of a woman can go who whether alive or dead will never be any but yours be the like to me Well Bellaris said Arimant Canst thou advise me to forsake a woman who has these resolutions towards me I must needs confesse Sir answered he that I doe admire her her virtue is above my opinion of her But good sir what doe you intend and which way can you relieve her The Kings power is too great and his love is too violent to afford any hopes for you And your danger in staying here is so great as I will give you for lost if you stay any longer Never feare it Bellaris answered Arimant I have thought upon a way to escape and doubtlesse it will take effect Then he gave order for his departure and the next morning went unto Lyons where he arrived in the evening when it was dark and took up the most private lodging he could chuse There he heard the continuation of the same reports and more That the next morning the King intended to offer a sacrifice upon the Tombe of the two Lovers in hopes that they would mediate for him unto the Great Tautates to change the heart of Cryseide and move her to consent unto his desires and for the greater solemnity he would have her present with all the rest of the Lady Prisoners Arimant was very glad of this newes and thought it a fit opportunity to effectuate his designe therefore he prepared himselfe against the next morning In the interim the King solicited her with all manner of Courtship and used all his Rhetorick to perswade her unto compliance with him But she stood as constant and firme to her resolution as any Rock against the waves of the Sea which cannot be moved And this was the reason why before he had recourse unto force he would seek the favour of Tharamis and by sacrifices obtaine from him so much grace as to change the heart of this generous Maid When he entreated her to be present she willingly consented For said she to her selfe if the God Tharamis be a just God he will move the minde of this King to desist from any injustice The next morning when it was