more loud and a tone more grave then ordinary she said thus unto us Here Astrea is the place where the gods have ordained that Celadon shall be restored unto you be sure you be very attentive unto the ceremonie and resolve with your self to keep silence for a while least you should prophane it with your words upon this she began to open her book and kneeling on the ground with her left knee her face turned towards the sun rising she took a knife out of her pocket and engraved some characters then pronounced some words which I understood not after this ske rose up and coming to us Remember Astrea said she unto me you punctually observed all that I shall command you be sure you faile not in the least tittle upon pain of offending those spririts whose assistance I have invoked In saying so she turned her self towards the East afterwards towards the South then the West and last of all towards the North and at every removal muttered something At last she came unto me and after she had made a circle upon the ground Stand here fair Astrea said she unto me and prepare your self to receive far greater contentment then ever you had Afterwards turning her self towards Alexis and placing her in another circle Oh ye most puissant gods said she in a loud voice ye who command the destinyes especially thou puissant god of Love by whose favour I do put a secret into practice which was never known unto any mortall but only Adamas oh ye most blessed spâ—rits who do enjoy those pleasures which does produce an inviolable amity oh ye gods oh love oh ye spirits I do call you all for witnesses or rather for authors of this miracle and conjure you to restore back unto the shepherdesse Astrea the Image or rather the person of Celadon upon this looking upon me with a smiling countenance and coming to me with a very grave pace I perceive said she unto me that the only reason why Celadon does not present himself before you is because you did forbid him ever appearing in your presence untill you did command him Will you therefore be pleased to command him I will sage nimph answered I did I but know in what manner and in what termes I should pronounce it To save you that pains replied Leonide do you only repeat what I shall say Then she beginning in a loud voice Celadon Celadon said I after her I command you said she I command you said I after her to present your self before me said she to present your self before me said I after this first looking upon me and then upon Alexis Now fair Astrea said she do you not see Celadon I see nothing yet answered I then was I afraid that to punish me for the offence which I had committed against his love he would deprive me of the Joyes of asking him pardon Then I cast my eye upon Alexis and seeing her in a trembling posture perhaps Mistresse said I unto her that you do see him Alas alas answered she indeed I do see him and touch him but as soon as ever she had said so her voice failed her and Leonide speaking probably Astrea said she you have failed in something which I commanded you though not in words yet perhaps in thoughts I assure you fair Nimph said I unto her I do not think I have failed in either Then having made me repeate these words three times over Celadon I command you upon pain of my displeasure to present your self before me Oh heavens my Companions what shall I say I saw wretch that I am Alexis or rather Celadon prostrate at my feet and kissing them here my fairest Astrea said he unto me here is your son whom the waters have spared and could not extinguish the least spark of his zealous flame I who thought still that it was Alexis oh Mistress said I unto her and embraced her could you be so cruel as mock me thus Fairest Astrea replied Celadon it is not now fit I should be called your Mistresse it is glorie enough for me to bear the name of your most humble servant and in testimony that formerly that honour was conferred upon me see here said he and pulled out the same riband which he snatched from her the same day he cast himself into Lignon this is the last testimony of your anger Then opening the case wherin my Picture was and presenting it unto me be not so ungratefull said he as to dilown your own fair face and though I be so unfortunate as to be worn out of your knowledge yet do not execute your rigour upon your self upon this he was silent and his silence was such a cause of mine as I stood still and was not able to utter one sillable Truely said Phillis and interrupted I do not wonder at it for well may you be surprisd when we that only hear of it can hardly tell whether it be a dream or a truth Alas said Astrea it is but too true that this cruel traytor thus betrayed me And to make it only a dream I would it would please the gods I might sleep an eternall sleep why why replied Diana are you troubled at the knowledge of that which you so passionately desired I did not think answered Astrea that it would ere have been so disadvantageous to me nor that it was possible it should fall out so I was ignorant of Leonides artifice and of Celadons triumphing over my innocence under a pretence of Alexis nor did I think that Nimph would have abused my credulity under couler of a science which was never known unto her However it be replied Phillis it is very happy newes that Celadon is alive and will be no smale Joy unto my Licidas However it be answered Astrea it is a misfortune unto me to be thus deceived and that this perfideous shepheard should be the cause of a thousand crimes which I have committed to the great hazard of my reputation I do not believe said Diana that any in the world has any cause to blame your actions But if any be so malicious as to condemn you you have a good way to stop their mouthes by marrying Celadon who I said Astrea in a great rage perhaps he is out of the world by this How said Phillis what should take him out of it have you committed a second fault after you payed so dear for the first I do not think answered Astrea I committed any fault when I testified my ressentments against him for deceiving me For god sake sister said Diana let us have the full relation of the matter I will replied the shepherdess provided that Phillis will afterwards Judge without passion whether I had not reason to do as I did Proceed then said Phillis and doubt not but I shall freely tell you my opinion Then Astrea continued her discourse thus As soon as I had cast my eyes upon my Picture upon the ring and the riband which Celadon presented unto
money and men nothing did hinder him from executing his pernitious design but only his fears of Clidamant and Lindamore And now the King of the Burgundians hath written unto him of Clidamants death To be brief he omitted nothing which he thought expedient for them to know But all the extream dangers and perils which he represented unto them did exasperate their courage to undertake the defence of the Nymph And to joyn prudence unto their valour the enquired what safety there was for her residing in that place and what orders she had taken Adamas satisfied all their demands and assured them that nothing would be wanting but men As for Arms he had a magazine stored with all sorts in the Castle As for provision it was not a moneth since harvest so as their Granaries were full But as for men he knew not where to have them nor whom to trust My opinion is said Alcidon that the way to get souldiers unperceived is to appoint some publique sports and set up Prizes for shooting in the Bowe for Wrestling and such like and when they are assembled we shall order them into Arms. I think Madam said Adamas that the counsel is good for if there be any Traytors they are persons of quality it being not likely that Polemas would declare himself unto any others and we have an excellent pretence for it because seven days hence is the sixth of July a day destined to gather the Misleto of the New year It shall be given out that you intend to be present to invite many unto it and you know it is the custome for every one to bring what Arms they will in honour of the Feast when they are come together we may cull out those whom we like best This was the resolution Adamas went immediately to put it in execution and as he went out Clindor came in who by the Druide's command presented Merindor and Periander unto the Nymph Amasis and Galathea received them with abundance of curtesie And because they intimated that they had somthing to say in private the Nymph causing them to sit down by Damons bed she told them that they might speak freely before those two Cavaliers from whom she concealed nothing Madam answered Merindor since it is your pleasure to have it so we shall be obedient although we were charged to speak unto you alone and so we will though it be your pleasure to hear us with many ears Afterwards he continued thus The Sequel of the History of DORINDE IF great Princes were exempted from Passion unto which others are subject we might well esteem them Gods upon earth for if their high puissance were accompanied with this priviledge I know not wherein they would be inferiour unto Gods And hence it is that immortals being unwilling that men be they never so great should equal them have submitted Princes as well as other men unto unruly passions which torments them I use this preamble Madam to the end that when you have heard me out you may not blame those great Princes of whom I am to speak for want of Vertue nor Weakness but that you may think these imperfections in them to be only Tributes which they must pay unto their humanity Be pleased to know Madam that King Gondebaut having cast his eye upon a young Lady named Dorinde he fell so desperately in love with her that the affection which he bore unto Cryseide that fair Trans-Alpine was not equal unto the affection which he bore unto her This Dorinde was the daughter of Arcingentorix one of the most illustrious Families of Gaul But as all great Beauties are subject to be seen and loved by many so many cast their eyes and hearts upon her and amongst the rest Prince Sigismond yet both the Fathers and the Sons Loves were carried so closely that it was long before one another or any else perceived it But Dorinde receiving the love of Prince Sigismond more favourably then the Kings it hapned that jealousies did arise betwixt these two great Princes neither Father nor Son could brook any competitor so that Dorinde was constrained to fortifie one side by her consent She therefore turned to Sigismond with such a full resolution that he who negotiated the matter for the King had command from her to speak no more unto her concerning it unless the King resolved to keep his promise for Ardilan so was he called who solicited for the King had promised her marriage though perhaps without any intention of his master This man seeing his negotiation to thrive no better did believe that some new Love was the cause of it and being a sly and crasty fellow he presently after discovered the affection of Prince Sigismond with which for his own discharge he presently acquainted the King who was so extreamly displeased at it that great disorder and inconvenience was like to ensue thereupon At last the King by way of revenge resolved to marry her by fair means or foul unto one of the Court whereof Sigismond being advertised and not being able to endure such an injury should be offered unto one he so much loved and honoured he went unto her house for her Father died a little before and acquainting her with the Kings designe they resolved to go both together out of Gondebauts Dominions and because they would not be known to disguise themselves in other habits then to consult with the Oracle of Venus to know which way they should go The Prince would have only one man with him whose name was Cerastes in whom he had great confidence and she only one woman who had long served her and in whose fidelity she could not doubt Ceraestes was to lead the horses for all four unto a certain place which they had appointed without the Town And the Prince with her and Dariana for that was the name of her who served her were to go on foot to the place where Cerastes stayed for them But how hard a thing it is to deaf the ears and blind the eyes of jealousie The King or Ardilan or rather both had set spies over the Prince and Dorinde and therefore when they perceived that Sigismond went one evening unto Dorinde though he carried with him but very few men yet so it was that one of those who took notice of their actions went into the house amongst the rest who took no notice of him but he carried himself so confidently that the Princes servants took him to be one of Dorindes domestiques and Dorindes domestiques took him for one of the Princes servants This man saw the Prince talk with great modesty and respect unto the Lady and that beginning of their talk was only condoling the death of Arcingentorix the father of this Fair one Afterward he observed them to talk very low and the Prince to be very angry for the actions of his hands his head and the rest of his body shewed as much though he did not hear one word unless when he bade
that he might perhaps discover some secret which might be the preservation of the place Yet doubting lest it should be only some subtilty to defer his punishment he stayed a while without any answer Assure your self Father said Pelecontes that if my life may be saved I will make good what I say but if not I protest no Torture or Rack shall ever get this secret out of my mouth Peledontes spoke this so earnestly and Adamas who knew the courage of that Cavalier and began to compassionate his misfortune answered that the heart of Amasis was not made of marble nor her soul so insensible of any benefit but she knew how to measure her recompences accordingly and therefore said he since you may very well rely upon her mercy tell freely all that you know which may be advantageous to her for that is the way doubtlesse to obtain any pity or pardon from her Father replied Peledontes I am able to do her the greatest piece of service that ever was done for if I should not prevent it the Town of Marcelles will most certainly be in the power of Polemas within these ten days If what you say be so said the Druide the Nymph is obliged to preserve his life that will preserve hers and if you have any confidence in me I dare promise you upon the faith of a Druide that she will grant your pardon so you will make all this apparent unto her Your word Father answered Peledontes is as sacred unto me as the Nymphs and upon this assurance of it I will discover a treason unto you which if it be not prevented very suddenly will certainly be the ruine of Amasis and your self Upon this Peledontes knowing that Adamas was the Ruler of all in Marcelles he acquaiâ—â—â—â— him with the treachery of Meronthes and his plea of bringing Polemas with all his Army under ground into the Town He told him that this very night the work was to be begun and that he might know the place by a light which would be set up upon a Tent where it was intended When Adamas heard this he stood amazed not being able to think Meronies culpable of such a trechery since Amasis had been so good unto him as to trust him with one of the Ports in the Town yet since the time of tryal whether it was so was at hand he suspended his thoughts till then and bade Peledontes adieu swearing unto him that if this were found true he would obtain from the Nymph not only a pardon for his life but a recompence worthy for such a notable piece of service In the mean time Phocion came to the house of Adamas and not finding him he went unto the chamber of Astrea where Celidea Stella and the rest were no sooner entred but that Shepherdess began to caress them as if she had not seen them in ten years before Presently after Alexis sent for them and though Adamas had no desire she should be seen as well in respect of her wounds as out of fear she should be known yet she had taken such good rest and her wounds were so little troublesome to her that she could not endure to be any longer out of the presence of Astrea These Shepherds then and these Shepherdesses went unto the chamber of Alexis where they had not been half an hour talking how much Astrea was obliged unto the courage of that supposed Druide but Hylas entred This Shepherd wondred not to find Stella in the house of Clindor but hearing that she followed Phocion he enquired which way they were gone and hearing it was unto the house of Adamas he went thither As soon as he was well entred into the chamber of Alexis he stopped upon a sudden and looking upon all the company he asked if they knew him And the Shepherdesses answering yes Truly said he I wonder at it for I am extreamly changed of late Do you not see how I have all the signes of death in my face Stella who laughed at him and seeing his eye fixed upon her she thought it her part to answer and therefore said unto him It is very strange servant that you should wonder at any change in your self since it is but customary in you but I have much ado to find any signs of death in your face for they use to be extreamly pale and I never saw you more red then now you are It is then answered Hylas because I blush at my simplicity in wishing you so well as I have done That cause replyed Stella and was a little netled shall never put me to the blush for the truth is I never wished you well Your angry mood replyed Hylas is not an argument of your indifferency Then it is of my disdain answered she for such a pitiful thing as Hylas cannot make me angry All the company were much surprized at the rareness of these two new Lovers and the more because they could not imagine what should be the cause of their quarrel so as for better satisfaction Astrea addressed her self unto Stella and said unto her The ill humour wherein I see Hylas makes me afraid to speak unto him lest he should be angry at me also but since I believe you are not composed of so much Touchwood as he is good Stella tell as what cause of discontent have you given unto him Really answered Stella I am as ignorant as you but I believe that he not having any colourable pretence of quitting me he will needs quarrel with my innocency Astrea and the rest did know very well that Stella spoke as she thought yet not being able to believe the levity of Hylas so great as to break off with a woman without some appearance of reason Phillis ventured to talk unto him Hylas said she we cannot imagine the reason of your angeâ— unless it be that you are resolved to disoblige all manner of women Fair Phillis answered the inconstanâ— man my anger reaches not so far as you nor any further then Stella and could I not remember her which will be ere long I should forget that ever I was angry You shall make good haste said Stella and interrupted him if you forget sooner then I for I protest I begin already to think that I never saw you No matter replyed Hylas whether I go post or no so I arrive at my intended port all is well enough All this said Phillis does not give us any satisfaction Fair Shepherdess said Hylas I can tell you what the matter is in fâ—â—ords it is because this woman which you see there will not let me rest in the night Oh heaven said Stella is he so impudent as to say that I ever went unto him when he was in bed Yes yes answered he I did say and will say again that you were with me when I was in bed not in your proper person but your Image did take up a lodging so long in my mind and kept possession of it so strongly that do what
if Polemas would hearken unto reason or equity all your miseries should end this hour but to my grief both are deaf Ah Madam replied Galathea it was a fatal minute when first Polemas looked upon me with the eyes of liking for had he never loved me or had I at the first given a check unto his vanity in pretending love to me doubtless I had stopped all these misfortunes in their very beginning and all our sorrows had died with those hopes which have since nourished his presumption It was not in your power replied Rosanira to keep your self from appearing fair in his eyes because you are really so in the eyes of all the world but indeed you might have kept him at such an humble distance that the effects of his presumption should never have dared to appear And indeed I cannot comprehend within the compass of my knowledge what interest he has to pretend unto you for if he do love you how dare he be so bold as to displease you and if he do not love you what makes him so eager to overcome you Madam said the Nymph believe it he is the most persidious and dangerous spirit that breathes upon earth He loves me only for some ends and if the State were to descend unto any other but me I believe he would not so much as look upon me You must know that his ambition soars higher then the thoughts of any mortal man could ever reach Besides he is of such a jealous and envious nature that the happiness of another puts him into a burning Feaver What has he not attempted against Damon he has several times indeavoured to murder him and takes those honours which my mother renders unto his merit so impatiently as I believe it is one of the main causes of his discontent he has also had some bickerings with Lindamor who was a very brave Cavalier and when he saw himself forced to yield unto the valour of his enemy there was no treason nor trick which he did not invent to ruine him At last seeing all his pernicious subtilties turned to his own shame and confusion he openly took up arms and takes the advantage of my brothers death and of the absence of all our best Cavalry to ruine us under pretence of a desire to marry me Thus did Galathea condemn Polemas whose undertakings were indeed most unjust and Rosanira for a better information of her life desired her to tell her more concerning those two Rivals which the Nymph was very willing to do so as she related all the Treasons of Polemas the Juglings of Climanthes the scandalous reports he had raised against Lindamor The combate wherein that Cavalier overcame him and indeed all the remarkable accidents which happened an consequents of that affection Which Rosanira hearkning unto with admiration certainly said she before he compass his ends it will cost him much blood and pains Truly answered the Nymph if he should prevail and I not die with grief I think I shall become my own executioner We shall within a few dayes answered the Princess see what will be our Fates and then we may guide our thoughts and our hands accordingly For my part if Rosilion fail to relieve you I shall have no joy in life but would most willingly die to punish him for his negligence with those torments which my death would cause unto him As she said so she embraced her again and Galathea still kissing the cheek of Rosanira why should I said she be the cause of so much misfortune unto you It is not you replied the young Princess that would be the cause of it but his negligence or perhaps his infidelity with such discourse as this they entertained each other upon a subject of sorrow which was common unto them both Silvander in the mean time kept close by Diana and by good fortune he found a fit opportunity of talking unto her not out of the presence of other Shepherds and Shepherdesses but so as they could not hear him and because he would not sit idle whilst othert were labouring for the defence of Marcelles he beseeched Diana to let him get some honour as others did in dangers Not Mistress said he that I stand in any need of your permission to whet my courage but because I am certain that all I attempt will prosper if it be done by the consent of fairest Diana The Shepherdess who did infinitly love him and who could not any longer conceal her passion was a little surprived at this request and her fears of losing him made her begin to look pale but fearing withal that notice should be taken of it she recollected her self as well as she could and answered him in these terms Servant said she what need you ask me any leave to do that which your humour is so prompt unto that nothing in the world is able to divert you from it If you hope that it would give good fortune unto your arms you may consider it is impossible I should give that which I have not my self and that being the most miserable woman that lives I can impart nothing unto you but my misfortunes It is no matter replied the Shepherd what successe my Arms have I shall think my self abundantly happy if imploying them in the defence of Amasis I can but please Diana and therefore I most humbly beseech you to express your approbation of my designe to the end that if I die it may be with this satisfaction that I did not displease you I wish withal my heart replied Diana that you would not follow this course for your safety is dearer unto me then perhaps you imagine But since it is inevitable I will not be opposite unto the sentence of our Destinies The truth is if that power which you have given me over you had so much prevalency as not to be denied what I shall request of you I would have you make a most inviolable promise unto me not to venture your self too desperately into any perils and in your greatest dangers to remember that the least misfortune which can happen unto Silvander is a very great one unto Diana Actions answered the Shepherd which may be condemned of rashness are not such as I think worthy of a man of courage and therefore you may believe that I will be as wary as becomes my honour and will not so carelesly expose my life but that if I do perish it shall be honourable unto me and profitable to the Nymph But Mistress continued he since Paris must enjoy you and since you have not resolution enough to defend your self against him can I desire to die more gloriously then in these wars or in a season more advantageous unto me then this since you seem to pity my misfortune Shepherd answered Diana you have good reason to say that I have not resolution enough to defend my self from marrying Paris since it is Bellindes will and since the gods have commanded me to be obedient unto
have any power of you I command it But fair Phillis to shorten my discourse Palanice carried the matter so that she stayed him and gave him such full satisfaction that in the presence of his Sister who ever since had a share in his secrets she swore that as long as he carried himself with the same fidelity and discretion as formerly she would never change Now O our fair and just Judge I cannot tell whether it be that men grow weary in prosperity or are glutted with too many favours but most certainly they are all inconstant and more by being too much loved then too little Sileines is an argument of it in his change for without any good excuse and colourable pretence he cast off my companion and devoting himself unto Dorisa did so extreamly offend Palanice that in revenge she permitted Rosiliander to make addresses unto her but though a marriage betwixt them was almost fully concluded yet she resolved that if her persidious Sileines would return again unto his duty she would find out some invention or other to break off with Rosililiander she ventured therefore a Letter unto him but he in lieu of giving her any hopes returned this answer The Letter of SILEINES unto PALANICE You think that the Letter which you writ unto me is a testimony of your love but I take it to be a full assurance of your infidelity You are like unto such as are ready to die and would never have any recourse unto any remedies till their disease be past all hopes of cure Marry freely Palanice since heaven and you have conspired my ruine and do not think I will ever forbid the banes since it is not fit men should contradict the ordinances of the gods I must needs confesse that he whom you shall love shall enjoy the richest treasure that is this day upon the earth But since I shall never be jealous nor have any desire to buy it at so dear a rate as the losse of my liberty I shall not envy him your inconstancy has begot in me such an odium unto all women as if they do but hate all men as much as I do hate all them the age wherein we live will be the last of Nature and so adieu This Letter did put Palanice into such a rage against him that to put him out of all hopes of ever pretending again unto her she gave her self unto Rosiliander who after he had married her did carry her into the most fruitful place of the Sebusians Sileines repented himself of his fault but it was now too late and all that he could ever obtain from Palanice was some Letters by which she assured him that she did esteem him as much as the condition wherein she was would permit her In fine Rosiliander died Palanice returned to Lions and the lover of Sileines and she began to kindle into as hot a flame as ever yet with lesse tranquilility unto him for Amilcar his brother who returned at the same time became his Rival and fell so desperately in love with Palanice that after a million of expressions of it she could nor chuse but wish him well I must confesse that at the first I would have diverted him but at last when I saw his wound was incurable I left Sileines and took Amilcars part and do what Cercinea his Sister could I did so harp upon this string unto Palanice that the first falling away of Sileines had made him so unworthy of ever being loved again that if I did not absolutely overcome her yet at least I made her confesse that both of them had an equal weight in the ballance of her esteem and that she would give her self unto him whom the gods appointed her by their Oracle Now fair and wise Shepherdesse there remains no more but to acquaint you with the follies of my youth which I could wish any other were to relate but since the lot is fallen upon me I will relate them without any artifice and beseech you to excuse me if my imperfections make you think the relation tedious Be pleased to know fair and just Judge that of these two Cavaliers to wit Lucindor the brother of Cercinea and Cerintes the brother of Palanice Lucindor was the first that professed love unto me I will leave it unto Silvander to find out the cause of this affection for my part I do ingeniously confesse my self not to be so good a scholler as to know it But however thus it began Lucindor hapned one day to come into a great deal of good company where they fell into talk of me and to lament the death of a young Cavalier who they say served me and who some five or six months before was slain by a man whom he loved This Cavalier was called Meliseor a man of an excellent wit and one who though very young yet esteemed one of the best Schollers of all Gaul-Lyonesse Now after many a sigh at the remembrance of this losse they assured Lucindor that there was an extream resemblance betwixt him and Meliseor and that they found the very same features in both their faces which Lucindor being very glad of and proud of that resemblance he resolved to see me and to try whether he should have the same inclination unto me which the said Meliseor had but see the power of Sympathy or rather Destiny Lucindor being brought by Cercinea unto a place where I was in company he no sooner cast his eye upon me but he was ravisht and suffering himself to be captivated by that appearance of beauty which he saw in my face he made a secret Sacrifice of his liberty unto me For my part I must needs confesse his handsome mind so charmed me that I presently began to have a design upon him and to spruce up my self to catch him but it was not long before I saw that the place which I intended to besiege was already rendred unto me for Lucindor after some amorous squints had passed between us ' coming nearer me Did you know fair Florice said he unto me an encounter that is befallen me it would make you laugh and you may make it sad or pleasant unto me as you please I answered only with a smile which told him that his first accost was not displeasing unto me and this made him the more confident and bold to go on and relate unto me what they had told him of the resemblance he had with Meliseor and truly said he I do verily believe it since they told me at the same time that he loved you and since the first time my eyes had the honour to see you I was never able to defend my self against those overcoming charms wherewith you have captivated me You ought not answered I give any more credit unto them that Meliseor loved me then I do unto you when you would perswade me that you also do love me 'T is true I knew that Cavalier and I did no lesse esteem his merit then
vanish and Palemon wakening took notice that day began to dawn At the first he durst not speak for fear of disturbing me which I perceiving I seemed to awake also and therefore be casting his eyes upon me though he could not perfectly see me he told me that I was very restlesse all the night long to which I answered that indeed the night was not very delightfull unto me but that it had enabled me to continue on our intended design In saying so I got up and Palemon doing the like we wakned Halladine and departed before the sun was up This fit of a feavour which I had besides my natural complexion which was never good did make me look so pale and meager that Palemon could not chuse but tell me that it was my best course to return and that our journey being long I was never able to go through with it since I found my self so ill the first day but I who desired no better Fate then to die by the way did so contend with him that he was forced to yield unto my desires of going forward and so we came to Lions unto which we were no sooner come but Palemon knowing that it could not be a single fit of a feavour that could cause in me such a profound melancholly he took me aside in a chamber and sitting both down upon a bed he used this discourse which I shall relate unto you that I may not omit the least circumstance relating unto the interest of Doris and me and so he began it thus Dear Adrastes said he unto me I beseech you pardon me if I be so inquisitive as to ask you what the cause is which makes you so extreamly melancholly and sad I know very well that you are something indisposed and that travel may something trouble you but I cannot believe it possible all this can cause you to be of so sullen a temper If any memory of the last sad accident which hapned unto you be the cause of it and if that thought do nourish a sorrow in it for not being alwayes in your perfect senses I beseech you consider that such a sorrow ought not to trouble your mind by reason of your joyes at your perfect recovery besides that were to grumble at the will of heaven which was pleased to deprive you of your reason only for a time to render you afterwards a more eminent measure of it I heartily beseech you my dearest Adrastes to tell me what it is which troubles you I do conjure you unto it by the torments which I suffer to see you so sadly afflicted by the affection which I bear unto you and which I desire you should bear unto me I beseech you do not hide the cause of it from me and to believe that if it do lie within the compasse of my power to apply any remedy unto it I will not spare my own contentment or my life to procure it This was the first discourse that Palemon and I had of it unto which I answered in these terms It does grieve me extreamly my dear Palemon to see that my malady is so contageous and that my sorrows should be any cause of yours I wish for your own contentment that you had lesse compassion of me and wish for my own sake that I were lesse sensible then I am but since you your self do confesse it extream imprudence to grumble at the will and pleasure of heaven I think that you are no lesse to blame in taking so much pains to know my disease then I should be did I hope ever to be cured of it Therefore dear Palemon I do most heartily beseech and conjure you even by that which you love best to cease all this improfitable care which you take for my preservation and not to mingle my bitter sorrows with those contentments which heaven does give you I spoke this with such an accent that Palemon was moved to drop some tears in fine embracing me my dear Adrastes said he unto me why will you still offer to conceal that which pale looks do force you to tell me if it be because you know me unable to remedy your misery do not discover it unto me as unto a Physician from whom you expect some remedies but tell them unto me as unto a friend who will be ready to lessen your pain by partaking of it with you I answered that the argument which he used to induce me unto it was the only thing which restrained me since I loved his contentment so much as I would never consent that the relation of my miseries should ever make him a sharer in them But in conclusion Palemon was fully resolved to know the cause of my affliction or else never to let me rest in quietnesse Adrastes said he unto me or rather my brother for I will never suffer you to call me otherwise I do once more conjure you even by my affection and by the love that you hear unto Doris to ease my mind of that impatiency which is caused by your silent reservednesse and to believe that if any man living can give you any comfort in your misery I will rather die then suffer any other but my self to do you that good office I must needs confesse Father that at the name of Doris all my blood did rise and now thinking it a crime against her not to satisfie the desires of Palemon being conjured unto it by her name Dear Palemon replied I you have such a commanding influence over me that you may obtain any thing in my power and you not use any other asseverations by your command and therefore I will no longer defer the satisfaction of your desires for I know that it were a crime punishable to oppose whatsoever you desire Let me tell you therefore in the first place that I do most gladly accept of that alliance which you offer unto me and next I do most ingeniously confesse that the very same thing by which you have conjured me to discover my grief unto you is the only thing which is the cause of my griefs Do not wonder dear brother to hear me say that though I do love Doris yet I love Palemon too and that though my affection unto her be never so great yet it is not able to make me forget those respects which I do ow unto you I would it had pleased God continued I that the first day my eye ever saw her had been the last of my life as it was of all my happinesse and tranquillity then should I have avoided a thousand deaths by suffering one and should not as now I do be forced to nourish a flame which burns but does not consume me Believe it Palemon the arrow that first wounded me was shot from the fair eyes of Doris but it was shot by the hand of a God which did communicate part of his own Nature into it and made my wound immortal and therefore it is that though I do despair of
fortune offers you some hopes of contentment But whether I do marry Celadon or never see his face again yet still I must bear all the faults that every evel spirit can charge me withall But said she and sighed I am resolved ere long to find out the remedy which dispair uses to teach such souls as cannot bear them Upon this she was silent and Diana began Companion said she unto her you do find your misery to be greater then mine because you think it so But I do find mine to be greater then yours because I know them to be more stinging assure your self the causes which make any calamity intolerable are more easily to be found in my affliction then in yours For as the state stands with me I have the same displeasure which you have which is not to enjoy the person whom I love yet I have one which you know not which is that I am constrained to submit my self unto the tyranny of her who can dispose of me yet sister I am resolved as well as you to have recourse unto that common remedy which cannot be denied unto any and I will sooner die then pronounce that fatal word Yes which will be the first munite of my misery With such discourse as this these fair ones came so nere the Druides house that they perceived Lycidas coming out with Phillis and seemed by his countenance to have some very earnest business in hand Astrea desired Diana to step a little aside and avoide the meeting them which Diana easily consented unto and they went into a by walk on the side of that where they were to pass and hiding themselves behind a bush It was not long before they heard Lycidas walk a great pace and say but Phillis do you not know from that cruel woman in what place this tragedy is to be I protest answered she it is the only thing I have forgot But look well about you perhaps we shall meet Leonide and she can tell us all Oh heavens replied Lycidas and hasted away if Astrea would she might spare me all this pains But I think she was born to be the ruine of our house This was the last word they could hear and when they thought them out of sight they came out again And were no sooner entred into the great walk but they saw Phillis returning alone They therefore stayed for her and as soon as the was come unto them Well Phillis said Astrea unto her I beleive Lycidas is very angry with me has he not good reason answered Phillis do you think he has so little interest in Celadon as not to hate all those that are the cause of his ruine Alas sister replied Astrea I must confess that I was the cause of his first being lost and that I was to blame in condemning him so lightly But now he may blame himself for his misfortune unto whom can be impute any fault but unto his own scurvy humour which moved him so indiscreetly to obtain a thousand favours from my innocency under a false disguisement Indeed Phillis the preservation of this shepherd ought to be very dear unto me But my honour ought to be no less considered you have seen how oft he has imbraced and kissed me insolently abusing the liberty which I gave him under the notion of Alexis and whereof I might have been blamed had it been from the person of Celadon Not but that I beleive I should in a little time have pardoned the offence But when I call to memory the Image of things past I am so transported as I could ordain him a worse punishment then I have if I could think upon it sister said Phillis is this your repentance for distroying Celadon before Come come Astrea you had better abate something of your rigour then be put to the pains you were before Sister replied Astrea those that can temper their passions and motions are more then Men we are all too weak to have that dominion over our selves we must whether we will or no observe such lawes as our passions will impose upon us we cannot upon a sudden foresee such accidents as may happen Do you think if at that instant honour had told me Celadon was unworthy to live can you think I say that I should repent bidding him die No no beleive me but on the contrary I should have thought that I owed such a revenge unto my reputation and should have been glad to have preserved it at the rate of that very shepherds life But on the other side said Phillis perhaps you would not have been angry with him but have received him with Joy a little before Leonide presented him unto you I wish answered Astrea that he had never undertaken to delude and deceive me that I might without any harm unto my self have paid what I owed unto that affection which he bore me but since that misfortune is hapned I must confess that what regret soever I resent I cannot condemn my self for whaâ— I have done In saying so Astrea went forward as being desirous to retire into the house because it began to grow late But Diana who observed it and who had no less horror to that place then to a dark Dangron having no mind to go into it till the obscurity of night did force it Companion said she unto her me thinks we have yet time and light enough to go as far as the labyrinth I beseech you let us go and walk so far as it I will go answered Astrea whither you please Then they turned a little upon the left hand and being entred into the walk which led that way presently they spied Leonide coming a great pace and having the countenance and garb of one that had some great cause of sorrow This wrought a strange effect upon the soul of Astrea for she being in some hope that Leonide would hinder Celadon from attempting any harm unto himself as soon as the saw her return alone she was even ready to fall down for greif First her greif appeared in her face and afterwards beginning to sigh Oh my Companions said she yonder is Leonide coming to tell of Celadons death That answered Phillis does not much trouble you because you desired it and did absolutly command him to die In saying so the Nimph came so neare unto them that they could easily perceive the trouble wherein her mind was And because Leonide was a little angry with Astrea for treating Celadon so ill as soon as she perceived her she offered to turn into another walk to avoid meeting with her But Phillis ran after her and entreated her to stay which she condescending unto as soon as she came into the presence of Astrea You have reason sage Nimph said the shepherdess unto her to shun the Company of a miserable woman who yet has more cause to complain against you then you have to hate her You have reason to complain against me said Leonide a little faintly as against one who
having told him in what manner Leonide made him known unto his Shepherdesse Now said he this cruel and ungratfull woman in lieu of ever considering the testimonies which she had received of my love and obedience she commanded me to die and that so peremptorily as it is impossible but I must needs obey her Now that which I desire from you sage Silvander is that you would be pleased to take so much paines as to go tell Lycidas from me that I desire him as he loves me not to trouble himself at my death nor to take any revenge upon Astrea for the crimes which her rigour hath committed against him and against me In the mean time I will go and content that in humain woman and expose my self unto the rage of those Lyons and unicornes which guard the enchanted fountain that I may in some sort oblige posteritie and give Silvander himself the delight of knowing how truely and sincerly he is beloved by his Shepherdesse Diana Upon this Alexis was silent and Silvander who during her discourse had time to recollect his spirits and to confirm himself in a beleif that it was really Celadon who spoke unto him he took him about the neck and embracing him Oh heavens Celadon said he is it possible I should before I die be so happy as to see you again In saying so teares dropped from his eyes and afterwards continuing no no Celadon said he it is by no meanes just that the anger or rather the ill humour of Astrea should cause the ruine of the most amiable Shepherd in all Forrests Live live Celadon live for Astrea and let me alone to accomplish the design which you intended Let me die for my fidelity is pure enough and the same advantage which you willed me by your death you may receive from mine Nay nay Silvander replied Alexis live you for Astrea Alas alas replied the Shepherd why should I do so since Diana lives only unto Paris Unto Paris said Alexis in a great amazement yes unto Paris said Silvander and that is the cause of my transport let me therefore dear Celadon go and mingle my blood with the water of this Fountain that is now the only object of all my desires and so great is my impatiency of it that it alone is able to be my death Sage Silvander replied Alexis faintly had this design been just in you doubtless the gods would have inspired you with the thoughts of it as they did me and therefore I conceive you have no right to contend with me about it nor dispute it any longer since no other but my self can doubtlesse obtain it However said Silvander I beseech you let me joyn my Fortune unto yours and let us both find the same Fate Alexis would have disswaded him but Silvander beseeched her with so many forcible and importunate arguments that at the last she consented and received him as a companion in this enterprize Astrea had no sooner heard Licidus say that the Grotto wherein they were was the very same which formerly harboured Celadon but she was all amazement and from that time thought that very rock it self did tell her of that Shepherds love all the objects which presented themselves unto her senses did treat her in the same manner for when she heard the hollow murmure of the river Lignon or the noise which Zepherus made at the entrance of her Cavern she still thought them composed of nothing but those amorous sighs wherewith Celadon accompanied the rigour of his voluntary banishment Diana did very well observe this astonishment but not being able to imagine that it did proceed from any other cause then her fears that Phillis would surprize her she did not speak unto her but only waited with a little impatience to see what would become of the design which Phillis had to look into the Grotto But when that Shepherdesse was gone our and found the place more full of horrour then likely to keep alive the flames of a Lover and when she had bid adieu unto Licidas and went in quest of those whom she left behind her Diana seeing her companion continue still in the same assright she was she could nor chuse but ask the cause To whom Astrea answered Did not you hear Sister how Licidas said that this Grotto wherein we are is the very same place where Celadon lived and complained against my inconstancy when his Father by a subtil insinuation did make him believe that Corebes was to marry me I heard him say so replied Diana but I did not think that was able to trouble you so much as I see you are Truly said Astrea it does not much trouble me but I must confesse when I think upon the accidents which befel me at that time and comparing the present condition of my life with that I then lived I cannot chuse but grieve to see how fare will never cease tormenting me but is still putting obstacles unto such felicities as I promised unto my self There are very few answered Diana who have not the same accusation against Fortune you complain I complain and I think so does all the world for it is a most impossible thing to receive any joy which is not mixed with a thousand subjects of sorrow I do believe it answered Astrea but still I dare affirm that of all those who ever had any cause of complaint none ever had so much as I. For if I do but look back upon the successes of my life I cannot find one which was not accompanied with some sad event or other Sister replied Diana we had never lesse reason to complain then now now I say when our miseries are so near their remedy and when we are upon the very point of easing our selves from all those displeasures which we have endured Love has been the cause almost of all and it must be love which must deliver us to the end the same hand which gave the wound may also give the plaister Indeed Sister said Astrea we are arrived at the Eve of our tranquility but yet as near as that moment is which will end all our miseries the memory of those miseries does torment my mind In saying so she looked a little more seriously then before upon every thing that was in the Grotto and finding something upon her right hand which was engraved upon the rock she went nearer unto it and found her own name which Celadon had engraved almost all over the Cavern and on one side she saw written these ensuing lines Judge fair Astrea unto what point my Destinies have brought me I know very well that death is a remedy against all miseries and yet I will not have recourse unto it not that I find it hard to die but out of fear that being dead I shall not love you any longer These words made her apprehend that he had at that time a mind to make away himself but that some good genius had diverted him by putting this consideration
soon as we found her but heaven it seems had pity upon us and restored her back in a short time by the death of Theombres who lived not above three months after he was married She took her loss as she ought to do and we helped her in this charitable office but our tears were quickly dried up for the disposition of this man was not very pleasing and she married him rather as a fortune then as a lover without any fancy to him Our sisters sorrows sunk not so deep into her soul but she was quickly comforted by the affection which we expressed unto her and she in requital to make our stay at home with our father as little tedious unto us as possibly she could and doubtless that droning kind of life so different unto that which we had been accustomed unto had been intollerable to us without her sweet conversation Some dayes after Florice was returned home and her mourning not of so deep a black but would allow her colours she took notice of the melancholy lives we led and few recreations we frequented Brothers said she unto us I am sorry to see you droop thus but I must divert you some wayes or other so as you shall find this place not so drowsie as you did at first Our father does tire you with these visits of kindred who never talk of any thing but serious matters but I will make you acquainted with some of my associates and dare lay a wager you will not think them so dull and tedious as his We who had lived with our father in a kind of imprisoned constraint and could not indure it any longer did intreat her to be as good as her word She deferred the effecting of her promise no longer then the next morning when she carried us unto the house of Cercinea where we found Palanice Dorinde Cloris Parthenopea and some others all very fair and handsome women But Hylas to prove the destiny which I spoke of I did no sooner cast my eye upon Cercinia but I found in her so many allurements unto love that I could not deny her my heart and my soul My brother also at the same time thought Palanice so lovely that he could not chuse but bestow himself wholly upon her Now let those who think that it is beauty which doth tiranize over our souls tell me the reason why Cercineas beauty should not tiranize as well over the soul of Amilcar as mine or why Palanice should not have as powerful an influence upon my heart as upon my brothers I am confident that mauger all their reasons they will confess that it was destiny and fate that did dispose of us as they pleased Destiny I say decreed that we should at one and the same time receive two great losses for the loss of our liberty was presently after seconded with the loss of a father who being of a great age was also seized upon by a violent feaver which in few dayes brought him to his grave Perhaps if the new affection which we had conceived unto these two Ladies had not been written in the fatal book of destiny this last loss might have stifled it in his grave for the truth is we took it more sadly to heart then others use but Hylas what can resist fatality For our affections by this contrariety increased as a flame will by contrary wind There is nothing which hinders a growing love from taking deep root more then to be out of sight of the party loved because the eyes are they that give beginning unto love and the sight does nourish it and make it grow so as when this sight is denied commonly love dies or at least languishes But this we found might hold true unto others who love by election but not unto us who were decreed unto it by unresistable Fate for being constrained to observe the ceremonies of mourning we were a long time deprived of the sight of these beauties but all would not do any good only helped to make our misery more painful and hard to be indured But the dayes of deepest mourning being past it is the custome upon such accidents for friends and nighbours to come and visit the mourners as well to condole with them and offer their assistance as to renew that amity and friendship which they formerly had with the predecessour All our friends and neighbours failed not to pay those duties of civillty so as our house was frequented as much as any famous Temple Palanice and Cercinea amongst the rest that were intimate friends unto my mother and sister were not failing at this visit and we who were almost alwayes with Florice were heaven knows most glad to see them The truth is the death of our father did greatly afflict us and there was not the least appearance of any mirth in our house until these two fair Ladies were pleased to come unto it But then I must confess the mourning of Amilcar and me did vanish like a cloud before the Sun When Cercinea had complemented my mother a long while she came to render the same civilities unto Florice and because I could never satisfie my eyes with looking upon her I drew near unto my sister and after I had thanked Cercinea for the pains she was pleased to take in coming to a house so full of sorrows and that in requital of this honour we offered unto her all our services Florice was constrained to go and say as much unto Palanice so as Cercinea and I remained together at a distance from the rest of the company this invited me in pursuance of my former discourse to say unto her the truth is fairest Cercinea I have very little reason to thank you for this favour since I foresee more harm then ever I can hope for good by this visit She who did not yet perceive the affection which I had unto her for all former demonstrations of kindnesses were received only under the notion of civilities and courtesies I cannot tell Alcander said she unto me what harm my visit may do unto you but I am sure that I have no intentions of doing any if you have no intention Madam said I unto her then it is my destiny for certainly Cercinea will be the cause of Alcanders death Who I said she the cause of your death Doubtless you will answered I but I will pardon you not being my self able to be displeased with it Upon this we were parted by the coming in of a great number of Ladies and after that I could not renew this discourse all that day In the mean time Amilcar who would not no more then I lose this opportunity he accosted Palanice I did not think Madam said he unto her that the beauties of this countrey had been so cruel as I find them what cruelties Sir said she do you complain of of yours Madam replied he who are not contended to see this house so full of sadness but you will add more sorrows unto it
she and smiled for the gift deserves it I believe said she that the gift is very precious unto him who is the cause of your giving them unto me and if I should present them unto him from you he would thank me with all his heart Take heed of such a trick replyed Cercinea for you may chance do me an extream displeasure Why should I take any heed replyed Andronira I do not know who it is And if thou didst said Cercinea wouldst thou do it Never doubt it Madam answered she for I am extreamly pitiful unto those that are in love and besides I am sure Clorian would give me hearty thanks for informing him As for Clorian replyed Cercinea if you would have me live in peace with Palanice and him be sure you do not acquaint him with it What need you care Madam answered she as long as you know not who it was No matter replyed Cercinea I would not have him see them and then feigning as if she had not read what was written let me see them again Andronira said she that I may read it and she having given them unto her Go go to bed said Cercinea thou art such a fool that thou shalt not have them Ah Mistris cryed she then restore me back the thanks which I gave unto you If that will content thee said Cercinea prithee take them with all my heart and I will give thee another pair of Gloves besides Then calling for a Cabinet where she kept such things she gave her another pair of Gloves Mistris said Andronira and thanked her you have taught me a way never to want Gloves How asked Cercinea Why Madam said she when these are worn out I will get some body to write a little upon those you wear and you will presently give me a new pair in exchange of them Thou sayst right said Cercinea but in the mean time leave me to my rest Now Cercinea knew very well that it was I who writ upon them and though she had no thoughts that were advantagious unto me yet would she not upon any terms let Clorian see them and lest this wench should shew them unto him she chose rather to keep them yet it was impossible to avoid that which heaven had decreed as you shall hereafter understand In the mean time this trivial passage was not altogether unprofitable for Cercinea remembring the words that I had spoke unto her and seeing with what observance I behaved my self she was better assured by the reading of these words that I did really love her and though she was far engaged with Clorian yet could â—he not reject this affection After she had a while consulted with her self whether she should cherish this humour in me or give me cause to quit it and her at last she resolved to let this have its free course thinking she could give it a stop when she pleased Some few days after she came to see my Sister and by fortune I was not at home having then accompanied Amilcar unto Palanices house and taking my Sister aside she shewed her those Gloves upon which I had written Flories presently knew the hand but making a shew as if she thought it the act of Clorian What said she will this love last always How said Cercinea last always What love do you mean It had been a much more pertinent question to have asked when it began Why answered Florice all the world knows that Clorian loves you I do believe it replyed Cercinea and am sorry for it I believe every one sees the folly of Clorian but such passages as this are not usual with him Pray look upon it a little better and see if you can know the hand Then taking the Gloves and looking upon the writing a little more precisely she cryed out Oh Cercinea I know it very well it is the hand of one that is very neerly allied unto me I have often advis'd him to make no further attempts upon that designe and told him it was better to retreat betimes then be foyld in a business which he would never bring to pass Ah Florice answered Cercinea what strange offence have I committed against you that you should wish me so much harm Assure your self answered Florice that I never entertained the least thought of any harm unto you but I was loth that Alcander should attempt a thing wherein he should be baffled And how do you know things future replyed Cercinea I do not know them ceâ—tainly answered Florice but I can foresee by probable conjectures and you your self if you will can tell it as well as I. Then I will tell you seriously replyed Cercinea 't is true Clorian has such a Fancy in his head which might well move you to speak thus but it is more true that if I continue in the same mind wherein I am he shall never bring what he intends to pass not that I would by these expressions engage Alcandâ—r any farther in his designe which he seems to have for besides my unwillingness to put him unto so much pains I have no desire to be loved But take this for a most certain truth That I am very sorry the indiscretion of Clorian is such and so disadvantagious to me as makes me weary of it and him Since you are pleased to speak so freely unto me answered my Sister let me tell you again that I think the courtship of Clorian is not disadvantagâ—ous unto you unless it be in this that he does seem in publique to have so much authority over you as makes the world believe he has more in private and whether this be prejudicial unto you I leave it unto your own judgement For my part I think you would do much better if you by degrees get this absolute authority out of his hands for so you will let the world see that the fault is not yours and that those whose profession is to censure the actions of others are grosly mistaken in the discretion of the man Oh Florice said Cercinea this counsel is easie to give but very difficult to execute and did you know the humour of Palanice you would confess as much when we have more leisure I shall more fully inform you But in the mean time continued she and smiled do not think I desire Alcander should trouble himself so far as to love me and to tell you truly I think my self obliged unto you for disswading him also you will add unto the obligation if you continue it though I know you will find no great difficulty in so doing for I assure my self he does but jest At these words my Sister observed that she blushed a little which made her think that what she said was not the desires of her heart yet seeming to believe her according to her words she answered her I wish Cercinea as well for your own interest as my Brothers you would free your self from this importunity but I fear you will not Upon these words they parted
his courtship of Palanice as he put Seleines Cercineas elder brother to abundance of pain This Seleines as you know was a very brave Cavelier none excelled him and few equall'd him in feats of Arms or any thing belonging to a Cavalier At Barriers and Tiltings he always got the advantage And as he had the esteem of every one so had he no ill opinion of himself yet curteous and full of respect to his friends but a little imperious in his affection and thought that he obliged a Lady if he loved her This Cavalier being brought up in the Court of King Gondebaut and being very young he cast his eyes upon Palanice Their houses being near adjoyning and she being oft in the Queens Court he had frequent opportunities of seeing her This affection grew so great by degrees that Sileines and Palanice also became both perfect Lovers yet because the Prince Sigismond who was about the same age fell in love at the same time with that Lady respect made them dissemble their loves and move Sileines to keep at a distance And though this at the first was more in appearance then in effect yet continuing in this dissimulation Sileines turned his eyes upon Dorisa and though he deny it yet it was generally thought that his jesting proved to be in earnest Palanice as young as she was consented unto this Artifice to remove from Prince Sigismond all cause of withdrawing that affection which he professed unto her and never resented the losses of Sileines as long as Sigismond continued loving her But it hapned a while after that this young Prince whose humour was not unalterable did for some cause or other withdraw his affection I believe said Hylas and interrupted that the occasion was not great for being then at Lions I heard as much The relation of it replyed Alcander is various but the most common report is that Palanice being with the Queen Prince Sigismonds mother as she was helping to dress her this young Prince came to her and took her fingers to play with them Palanice fearing left the Queen should see pull'd back her hand two or three times and because he continued still Sir said she I beseech you let me alone and because she pronounced these words somthing sharply he said unto her Would you indeed have me let you alone Then she answering in the same words and tone I promise you replyed she and blushed you shall never have occasion to bid me the third time and upon that he left her so as ever since he looked upon her only as a person indifferent The cause indeed of this separation was very trivial but it served to divorce this affection so as it never since knit again A while before Sileines making shew of love unto Dorisa a very fair and handsome Lady he became fettered in good earnest shewing by this experience that fictions in love are very dangerous for Love is but a play and by playing one may come to love in earnest Palanices vexing at the loss of Sigismond and being displeased at the diversion of Seleines made the way easie for Rosiliander who no sooner began to wooe then to win her and the more easily because she being weary of the Court and desirous to be far from the place where she found nothing but displeasures she entertained Rosiliander whose habitation was the most remote parts of the Sebusians But see whether Love be not a very child Sileines no sooner saw Palanice gone but he began to remember that heretofore he had loved her and grieved more for her absence then he cared for her presence Now began Letters and Messages to pass apace betwixt them and Love found more heat at a distance then near hand But it must needs be confessed that both of them did well deserve the pains they endured Love shewed himself just in punishing Inconstancy or rather the imprudency of these two Lovers by a two-years absence during which time there passed good correspondency betwixt them and they heard from each other very oft At last heaven which does ordinarily favour those that love and continue loving did deliver Palanice from the obligations of marriage by the death of Rosiliander She seeing her self now free and weary of the Sebusians she returned into her native air where she found Prince Sigismond married and though he was presently after a widdower yet no sparks of that old affection which once he extinguished were seen to revive But Seleines who expected her with extream impatience receaved her with abundance of contentment I make a brief relation of these things unto you Hylas that you may the better understand what a task Amilcar undertook when he addressed himself to serve Palanice since she was already engaged another way long before and that to a person of very rare and high accomplishments yet the observances of my brothers were such and he addressed with so much prudence and discretion that Seleines could not defend himself against apprehensions of jealousie a thing very common amongst lovers and such as have not a very full assurance of the good will of those they court At first Palanice seemed as if she were afraid to cast any eye of love upon him but afterwards whether it was that some friend had given her advice or whether she disgusted something in Selienes but so it was that she received the services of Amilcar very favourably making it appear that she gave such counsel unto Cercinea as she would not follow her self for she advised her to make Clorian jealous One day when Amilcar and Silienes both were with her at her house and neither of them for fear of each other durst talk a sillable of their affections they began to hint at it after such a manner as slaves do for fear of beating and fell into a discourse of slaves I wish said Sileines that I might as slaves are for fear of loving be marked under that notion by your fair hand Truly said she if you will I will satisfie your desire Then taking his hand shall I said she with the point of a needle set my mark upon your arm If you should said he I should not keep it long for it would wear out No no said she after she had begun to scratch it a little I will put a little ink upon it and it will continue long Sileines then consenting she began with the point of a needle to rase the skin by little and little but he impatient of so much pain could not any longer indure it Then Amilcar holding out his arm here Madam said he honour this arm with what mark you please and you shall see the pain shall not deprive me of that contentment Palanice who was not so familiar with my brother no no Amilcar said she I dare not do you so much harm and yet replied he you dare do it for Sileines 'T is true answered she but it is by way of revenge for he did me an injury long since and I
Rosilions great exploits in arms and of the amity betwixt him and Policander the King of the Boyers and Amburies and moreover knowing that Rosanira his daughter was with the Queen of the Picts it was not likely that such great Kings her neighbours would suffer her to be besieged in a place without sending relief And having thus communicated these things unto the Nymph and Prince Godomar they were both of opinion that it was necessary to oblige this Queen by all manner of kindnesses to interest her self in their affairs And because Adamas had already obtained of the Queen that Amasis and Galathea might come and see her as soon as she had a little refreshed her self the Nymph went unto her carrying with her only Galathea and Adamas And that none might take any notice of it she went through a gallery which passed between both their lodgings Argira hearing of her coming went into the gallery to meet her having none with her but three aged Ladies and old Cavalier The first salutations being done Argira taking the Nymph by the hand and sitting down Galathea desired leave to go and kiss the hands of the Princess Rosanira which the Queen most willingly consented unto when she was gone with one of those old Ladies and the doors being shut the Queen commands the old Cavalier to relate as briefly as he could the cause of her voyage and not to conceal or disguise from the Nymph or any thing which concerned that business and so the Cavalier in obedience to her commands began thus The History of ROSANIRA CELIODANTE and ROSILION PAtience and impetuosity are two means by which men may bring great things to pass for the one works by force and violence throwing down every thing that opposes his design and the other by temporizing and smoothing the enemy does get the victory so as it seems one may arive at one and the same end by two contrary wayes He that is master of both these qualities together may be thought more then man but because humane infirmity is very rarely capeable of both I think that all things rightly ballanced Patience and Moderation is most comendable and profitable as being most grounded upon reason And that he who takes violent impetuosity for his guide is sooner brought to ruine and inevitable precipices Wise and great Nymph the discourse I am to make unto you will testifie that if the Queen had alwayes set this maxime before her eyes she would not have fallen into so many inconveniency and displeasures as she hath but when one goes into passion for advice it is not to be wondred if the advice be often against reason and draw after it a long train of misfortunes and distasters of which I will make you as brief a Relation as possibly I can Be pleased to know Madam that Policander King of the Boyers and Ambries being a Prince very young and seeing that his Provinces under the sage government of the King his father did enjoy a secure peace he was desirous to travel and by his courage to get glory and renown so as he stole away secretly and with one servant only went into the next warre he heard of This young Prince passed under the notion and title of the errant Cavalier not only throughout all Gaul but also amongst the Grudiens Menapiens Battaves Ubiens Latobriges Henides Tullingeans Marcomanes and briefly through all high and low Germany and afterward passing into great Brittain he stayed long in the Court of that great King where and every where else under the name of the unknown Cavalier he got so much glory as hardly any in all Europe was better known then he that passed for unknown At last desiring to return into his own Kingdome he imbarqued loadned with abundance of glory and being upon the Armorick coast his destiny carried him into the Court of the King of Picts who hearing the fame of his valour did receive him with so much curtesie as invited him to stay longer there then he designed During the time of his sojourn there he saw the Princess Argira and as all things that are written down in the book of Fate are inevitable so as he loved her she could not chuse but entertain his affection This last designe made him forget his first of returning into his own kingdome but stayed some moneths in this Court where he changed the name of Cavalier errant unto that of Lover The truth is great Nymph his valour and the glory of so many combats atchieved with so much courage and happy success the discretion honour and respect wherewith he courted this young Princess did oblige her to entertain that affection which he expressed unto her but yet she would not let her good will unto him appear until she knew that he was Prince of the Boyers and Ambaries but he having secretly made it known unto her and she not being so young but she could see that her father could not make choise of a husband for her more great nor more worthy to command over the Picts upon his promise never to marry any other but her she took him for her husband and suffered him to come unto her secretly I see great Nymph that the Queen does blush to hear me relate these things but the belief which she might justly have that a Prince so great and so full of honour and affection would not betray those assurances which he had given unto her does sufficiently justifie her action and render her blameless They continued thus together some moneths unperceiued by any unless her Nurse whom she acquainted with it as her that was to facilitate their meetings and her son whose name was Verances whom Policander trusted and most employed in this business At last Fortune would not let them any longer live in rest together but gave Policander a cause of returning into his own Kingdom by the death of the King his Father This separation was extreamly sad unto them both especially unto the Princess who did not only resent his absence but did almost foresee that he would forget her yet considering that besides the loss of his father there was a necessity of his return she consented unto it and the more willingly because he promised to send his Ambassadours immediately to demand her of the King and so their desired contentment would this way be compleated Thus he left her after a thousand promises and oaths which no sooner out of sight but were all forgot for never since did she hear any thing of him more then what common reports did bring unto her By this common Fame she understood that all his Kingdoms were in a flame and divided into two factions the one of the Queen his mother who was all for him and the other of a puissant Prince in some sort his Cosen called Bourbon Archimbout who relying upon his friends and confederates pretended unto the Soveraigne Authority and to restore it unto his Family which he said the great Grandfather of
from my expectation or hopes was like the splendour of the Sun which so dazled my eyes and my soul that I knew not what to think nor what to hope nor what to say so infinitly they were above all my thoughts my hopes and my deserts As for the anger which I mentioned against you it was only because being so entirely yours methought you did me wrong in not commanding me any thing in your service Rosilion replied the Princess the value which I find to be in you and the affection which you seem to have unto me together with your discreet carriage of it hath moved me to love you Your unknown extraction does much trouble me but I wish your valour may make you so known unto all that it may be no reproach unto me when it is known that Rosanira loves you Draw from hence all the most favourable consequences you can to content you for I will not forbid you one only remember the victimes which ought to be offered in this sacrifice as formerly I writ unto you Madam said Rosilion transported with joy if I durst throw my self at your feet by way of gratitude I would as the most obliged man living but I know such expressions before so many witnesses would displease you only I say that words being too weak to do it I shall with extream desire wait for the honour of your commands to testifie my obedience that as there is none living more worthy to be loved or rather adored then the fair Rosanira nor any heart more devoted to adore her then Rosilions so there is nothing so difficult which I would not think easie in your service As for the unknown place of my birth which and with reason does so much displease you I beseech you be pleased as soon as my wounds are healed I may as a wandering Cavalier see out the place or else die in the quest or at least till the unknown place of my birth at my return be no reproach unto you or him How replied the Princess do you ask if it will please me Be assured Rosilion if you do otherwise you will extreamly disoblige me This discourse was a cause that as soon as Rosilion was recovered which was not many dayes he beseeched the King to give him leave as a Cavalier errant to go and seek adventures according to the custome which the famous King Arthur established in great Brittain that so he might better inable himself to do him service The King though with much regret consented but upon condition he would return as soon as possible I need not relate the discourse betwixt the Princess and Rosilion at his departure for Madam you may imagine it to be such as lovers before a long separation and an uncertain return would use But Rosinara as soon almost as he was departed received great consolation by the fame of many noble exploits which he atchieved in all countreys he came into for his Acts and his Glory was all the discourse at all assemblies of Ladies and Cavaliers Whilst Policander the Princesses lived thus the King of Picts groaning under a great age after a long languishing in bed did at last pay that tribute which is due unto nature from mortal men and as if Fortune would have us shed our tears for several subjects at the same time the grave was no sooner shut for him but it was opened for the King of the Santons which indeed were greifs unto the Queen Argira but with one consideration that was no small consolation unto her thinking that surely now Policander would make good his promise for by Fortune a little before his mother died so as being now both at liberty it was likely he would give all satisfaction desireable But O how much mistaken are the hopes of love especially when they are exspected from such men who look only after their present interests heretofore I do believe that if it had been in the power of Policander to have disposed of himself he would have satisfied his promise but since the welfare of his affairs and dominions had constrained him to marry Clorisina he did so forget all his relations to the kingdome of the Picts that he did not so much as remember the very name of Argira But now to leave him without excuse and that there might be no faillure on her side though since the assistance sent against him to the Prince Archimbant there was no good correspondency betwixt us yet when Clorisina died Argira sent to condole with him and to acquaint him with the King of the Santons death intimating a kind of Summons to satisfie his former promise His answer was indeed full of civility and courtesie but so empty of all love as the least spark of such a flame did not appear in it The Queen did believe for she was apt to flatter her self in it that perhaps he was unwilling to discover himself unto her Ambassadour which she had sent unto him he being a person with whom he never had any familiarity and so she did attribute that unto prudence which indeed was defect and want of affection as afterwards she found when she sent this Letter secretly unto him The Queen ARGIRAS Letter unto King POLICANDER ALL promises are certainly due debts and if so remember what you ow unto her that now writes unto you he is a very bad pay-master that never payes what is due especially when nothing but will is wanting to cancel the obligation and there can be nothing to hinder me from that satisfaction which is my due but only want of will in you The gods are witnesses unto your promises to them I appeal and defore them I summon you to give me satisfaction To which Letter he returned this answer King POLICANDERS Answer unto the Queen ARGIRA PRomises that are made and afterwards revoked by consent of parties become null And we ought not to esteem the rest of those who loved us so little as to disturb them in their graves by the displeasure of seeing us in the possession of another This consideration together with the good and welfare of my Estates makes me resolve to pass away the rest of my dayes in solitude as most pleasing unto the gods to which you appeal Then giving this Letter unto him who brought the other Friend said he unto him assure the Queen thy mistress that I shall alwayes live her servant but I cannot possibly think upon any second marriage Grief for the losses which she and I have had should take our thoughts off any such things The affection which we do ow unto those children which the gods have given us should wain our wills and it were a kind of cruelty to add more brothers unto them who would share with them in estate beside the age which she and I are of is a sufficient priviledge unto us from any such treaties Aged matrimony is out of season and fit only for such as are green and in the vigour of
cure of the Prince Rosilion especially because it is impossible but the business will be divulged if it be retarded since there are many in your Train who know of it And since the sacrifice is already resolved upon and prepared for the Shepherd Adrastes the deferring of it would give occasion unto many to seek out for the cause of it and perhaps find it out But besides all these considerations the important affairs now in agitation and which the Nymph will impart unto you do require a speedy course to be taken in it so as Madam without more delay let it be effected to morrow Father said the queen you motion a thing which suits much with my approbation though I durst not trouble the Nymph so far as to move it but since her service requires it so I beseech you let us joyn our petitions together for a speedy conclusion of it Adamas then turning towards the Nymph Madam said he unto her if you please I shall see the sacrifice in readiness and shall acquaint the high Priest and Prince Godomar and therefore I beseech you give this satisfaction unto the queen The Nymph consented and sending for Galathea she retired and left the queen Argira to as much rest as her troubled soul would give her leave to take The next morning the high Priest accompanied with many Flamins and the most part of the Colledge of Augustalians presented himself before the Nymph to let her understand what was necessary to be done in the publique action which she intended and amongst other things that she should chuse a Soveraign Magistrate unto whom she should refer the Soveraign Power as long as the business was in hand For said he this Ceremony did come from Numa Pompilius and at that time Rome was under the command of Kings and it was they who were wont to drive the Nail But after Kings were abolished they used always to elect a Dictator For this solemn action must not be performed by any but such a one as hath no superiour unless the Gods Now Madam I present these things unto you that you may put in effect those good and pious intentions which you have towards Adrastes and the other stranger and in order thereunto to make choise of him who being made Soveraign Magistrate may execute all conditions necessary For though Madam you be the Soveraign Lady of the Country yet according unto our Customs you are not capable of medling herein because in all sacrifices unto Jupiter men only must be ministers The Nymph who was already advertized of the necessity in making this election and who also thought it advantagious to her affairs yet seeming to have no other design but the care of these two Persons Father answered she I am so much desirous to obtain this favour from the gods that I intend not only to make choise of such a man so quallified as you mention but also to do any thing else that you shall think either expedient or necessary and since we are not well experienced in such solemn Actions I pray give me a full relation of all that is to be be done Madam said the high Priest two things are necessary to be done The one a sacrifice the other an election of a soveraign Magistrate for after the sacrifice offered unto Jupiter and Minerva he whom you chuse must drive a nail of brass which we must consecrate and make pure and clean with Lustralian water into the wall of Jupiters Temple which is towards the Sanctuary of Minerva and this to be done after the nail hath three times touched the temples of the diseased person Then for the sacrifice we will take such order as it shall be in readiness at what hour to morrow you shall please to appoint But Madam as for the election of this Soveraign it is requisite you make choise of him to day publickly and that you give unto him a Scepter a Globe as formerly they were wont at Rome and because that was a Republique and every one had a share in it that Dictatour was chosen by the votes and suffrages of all the people but in this place where you have the sole interest you alone must make this election so it be in publick that every one may know your intention Adamas understanding that the Ceremony was to be performed in this manner Madam said he unto her knowing it your pleasure to observe all these things I have-taken order for all things requisite in this election so as they have already begun to erect scaffolds and I assure my self that presently after dinner all things will be in readiness After this the Nymph appointing the high Priest to take order for the sacrifice next morning she referred the ordering of all the rest unto the Druide intending presently after dinner to make this Election unto which the Prince Godomar Alcedon Damon and Adamas were of opinion that it was requisite to summon Polemas to the end he might have no colour or excuse for the Arms which was in a low voice commonly spoken that he was preparing And though the Nymph knew very well he would not come yet she approved of their opinions and dispatched Clindor presently unto him On the other side Prince Godomar thinking it necessary to advertise the Prince Sigismond of all passages and being unwilling to imploy any of his own men left he should receive some course treatment from King Gondebaut he beseeched the Nymph to permit that Leontidas the son of Clindor might be the man conceiving him to be man of courage and wit and a person whom he might trust in the business since Dorinde lay at his house and since he believed that she had acquainted him with the cause of her coming The Nymph liked very well of it and sent Letters by him unto the King unto Prince Sigismond and unto the Princess Clotilda Unto the King by way of joy for the honour she received from the presence of Prince Godomar his son not taking notice that she knew any thing of the cause which moved him thither Unto Prince Sigismond by way of assurance to give Dorinde for his sake all possible assistance and unto Clotilda to desire the continuation of her favours And because Godomar thought that perhaps the King would not suffer Leontidas to see his brother he advised him to go unto him secretly if he could the night before and to speak unto Gondebaut according to the advice of Sigismond having then given him full instructions and Dorindes picture he recommended him unto the Protection of Tharamis Dorinde on the other side who as she thought had so much cause to complain against all men in general and in particular against Sigismond she knew not what message to send unto him for when she remembred how she was left all night in the wood in expectation of him she could not afford him a good thought when she considered what Godomar told her sometimes she thought him partial and spoke in
Nymph in this publick Action which she intended Polemas had been already advertised of Prince Godomars ' coming by his correspondent but because the cause of his coming was kept close he could not know it yet imagining that so great a Prince would not come with so small a train unless upon some great importance he passionately desired to understand what it was but not daring to discover his curiosity too much unto Clindor he conceived that their discourse did give him a good occasion to talk a little more of it But dear friend said he and interrupted him upon that point what great action is that which is intended For though I know Prince Godomar did not come thither for nothing yet I cannot imagine what it should be The Action replied Clindor will be very great for the Queen desires that whatsoever the high Priest and Colledge of the Augustalians shall command may be exactly observed About three or four dayes since a Lady whose name is Dorinde came unto Marcelles upon some occasion which truly I do not know but so it was that there came in her company some shepherds and shepherdesses who brought one with them who ran mad for love The Nymph was desired that a nail of brass might be driven into the wall of the Temple for him a Ceremony which they say is a common cure for madness Now the high Priest does tell her that for the driving of this nail she is to make choise of a Soveraigne Magistrate for it can be done by no other hand but his Who do you think said Polemas she intends to chuse for that Ceremony I think answered Clindor she is not yet resolved but when you come unto her she will tell you and I am confident she will do nothing without your advise Clindor replied Polemas unless she intend utterly to disgrace me she will not think upon any but me For it belonging to my office she cannot without extream offence prefer any other but I perceive she thinks her contempt of me not enough unless it be done to my face and therefore she would have me present at this publick Ceremony that all the world may laugh at me It is enough that I have spent my age and my estate in her service and not lose that little reputation and credit that I have amongst men Tell her therefore that as long as I can I will conceal from every one that small value which she sets upon my services and that I had rather hear say she slights me then be witness of it Clindor perswaded him all he could to divert him from this resolution but he stood obstinately upon this and beckning unto Ligonias Pelidontes Argonides and Lysander to come unto him he acquainted them with the cause of Clindors coming and with the answer he had sent unto the Nymph And all four did so approve of what he had done with so many complaints and imaginary injuries that at last he was constrained to come away with this answer to wit that if the Nymph would chuse him for this solemn Ceremony and gave him the title of Soveraign Magistrate he would come and serve her with a good troop of his friends otherwise he would keep at a distance and rather hear what was done then see it with so much dishonour to himself But in the interim the Nymph as soon as she had dined carried Prince Godomar unto a great plain where scaffolds were erected and there in the presence of all the Druids Priests Flamins Augustalians and others as also of all Cavaliers Sherifs and Majors of the Town she declared him Soveraign Dictator in all her provinces and in order thereunto gave him a Scepter He afterwards taking an oath to govern the State with Justice and equity as long as his commission lasted and not to spare any pains life or limb in defence thereof Then the Trumpets sounded and the people with shouts of joy accompanied him back to the castle and as they passed through the streets though it was night yet it was as light as day and not a door but had two Torches burning before it Clindor returned when all these lights were set out and supposing it to be for joy of this election he hoped that the Nymph did it upon good consideration though he knew it would extremely incense the spirit of yonder ambitious man When he came before Amasis he would have given her an account of his journey but she would not hear him until the Prince Godomar Damon Alcedon and Adamas were present who hearing the resolution of Polemas did not wonder at it knowing very well that he would find some excuse or other for his not coming hither but charged Clindor to be secret in it for some reasons which afterwards he should know But all these Ceremonies were no sooner solemniz'd then Meronthes the confident of Polemas sent his son to acquaint him with it and the arival of the Queen Argira though he knew not her name only let him know with what a Train she came and how she was lodged in the Castle All these things did extremely trouble him for being ignorant of the cause which brought Prince Godomar thither with the Cavaliers which troop after troop followed him and then the great number which belonged unto the Queen Argira for the hundred souldiers which she brought were reported to be three he was the most confounded man in the world and but for the hopes he had in the nimble wit of Climanthes certainly he had hastned his design and attempted upon the Town but the assurances he had from him and the execution at hand was the reason of retarding the business and slacking his design wherein he had such great hopes And the rather because tomorrow was the day appointed by Leonide for Galatheas resolution which the Nymph remembring very well she appointed her and Silvia over night to go the next morning and know his resolution which they failed not to do and because they were very desirous to be at this solemn sacrifice of driving the nail a Ceremony never seen before and therefore invited with the more curiosity they got up so early in the morning that they were almost the first at the opening of the gates and yet they found Climanthes already expecting them at the door of his Temple where seeming as if he saw them not he began to adore the rising sun and the heavens and endeavoured by such counterfeit devotion to get an opinion of his sanctity But when he perceived that they saw his dissimulation he arose up and came towards them Nymphs said he unto them the Divinity who I adore is pleased with the prayers of Galathea and the sacrifices which I offered for her and therefore have permitted me to go unto her and render the Oracle which she desires and which is one of the greatest favours that ere was done unto any mortal I assure you therefore that three dayes hence I will come about this time of
in every corner was advertised of all the passages concerning this Ceremony as well of the election of Prince Godomar as the recovery of the two distracted persons and also of Queen Argiras expressions of interesting her self in the Protection of the Nymph when she declared her self to be a Queen He was advertised also of one Dorinde a Lady that fled into Marcelles but though he heard of the combate about her upon the banks of Lignon yet he knew not the cause and when he was thinking seriously upon these things he was advertised of some Cavaliers strangers who desired to speak with him and who came as they said from King Gondebaut Polemas commanded they should enter and after a very honourable reception of them the chief of them spoke thus The King my master Sir who loves you as well as any neighbour he hath has sent me to acquaint you that he hath great occasion to complain against the Nymph Amasis who values his friendship at so low a rate as that she harbours within her Dominions those who have most traiterously assassinated Clorantes the Captain of his Guard who would have took out of their hands a woman which run away from the Princess Clotilda after she had committed most foul crimes which are unfit to be published in respect of the Princess honour And though the Prince Godomar whom he disclaims for his son be the chief of those against whom he complains yet he conceives the Nymph ought not to receive such runagate subjects of his without his consent he hath sent me to make these complaints unto you and commanded me to tell you that he would gladly live in peace with his friends and that offences committed against their wills shall not make any separation betwixt him and them and therefore if you think it expedient I will go unto Marcelles and declare unto the Nymph how much the King my master is offended I will demand from her a restitution of Prince Godomar and Dorinde or else declare open war And in testimony that all I say is true here Sir is a Letter from the King my Master unto you Upon this Polemas took the Letter Cavalier answered he I am very sorry the Nymph has given any cause of discontent unto that great King If she would be ruled by my advice no such complaints should ever be but truly these new Councellours go upon Maximes which are much contrary unto mine and such truly as I do not understand I pray god she do not repent of them when it is too late Then opening the Letter which he found to be a Letter of Credence The King said he unto the Cavalier tells me I may believe whatsoever you shall say unto me from him and therefore speak freely your mind for there is no Prince upon the earth whom I take to be my master but yours The stranger upon this thanked for his favourable declaration and beseeched that he might speak unto him in a place where there was fewer witnesses Polemas then taking him by the hand he carried him into a private closset and shut the door The stranger then began to speak and told him of the Kings affection unto Dorinde yet in as favourable a sense for his Master as possibly he could of the love of the Prince Sigismond unto the same woman of the Kings just anger when he heard that the Prince intended to marry her of the Kings design in marrying her unto Periander or Merindor to divert that Prince of the detention of that Prince of the Kings command unto Clorantes to follow her of Prince Godomars going out of Lyons with many Cavaliers of Ardilans death whom the Prince Godomar killed at the gate of the Town and briefly how Clorantes was killed with almost all his company as he was in quest of Dorinde whom he found in the habit of a Shepherdess upon the banks of Lignon Now Sir continued he the King is informed that this Dorinde and the Prince Godomar are fled into Marcelles and that the Nymph hath promised to protect them How to protect them said Polemas hath she invested the Prince Godomar with absolute Authority in all her Dominions Yes Sir replied the stranger and hath thereby so disobliged the King that he is fully determined to come himself and fetch him out of Marcelles But that you may know how much you are obliged unto the King he lets you know that this is the nick of time to put your generous design into execution for Clidamant is dead How said Polemas is Clidamant dead why Sir said the stranger did you not know that before It is long since the King sent you word of it but I verily believe the Letter which imported it was intercepted by the death of Clorantes but be pleased to know that dead he is and Lindamor so wounded that there is no hopes of his life also all those that were under his conduct are squandered and gone O heavens said Polemas this is news beyond my hopes now Sir said the stranger the King to testifie his affection unto you will under colour of Prince Godomar and Dorinde raise a great Army against the Nymph and will himself in person come and besiege Marcelles he will invest you with the Soveraign Authority make you Count of the Segusians and content himself that you should only hold it of him as Duke and Earl of the Burgundians thinking your merits and affection unto him alwayes expressed does deserve no less then his assistance upon this occasion The joyes and thanks of Polemas were great and his promises and protestations were greater but indeed his joyes were extream for Clidemant and Lindamor were two great rubs unto him the one to his ambition and the other to his affection and they being thus removed gave him assured hopes in his designe He desired the stranger therefore that he might impart this news unto four of his friends whose advice he used in all affairs and calling for Ligonias Peledontes Argonides and Listander he related the whole matter unto them whereat they seemed so extremely transported with joy that they were hardly themselves At last it was resolved upon that this Cavalier should go unto the Nymph and demand the Prince Godomar and Dorinde and in case she would not restore them as they verily believed she would not then to declare war from the King of the Burgundians and lest he should receive any harm either in going or coming Polemas should appoint him a Convoy of six Troops of Horse So in this resolution they parted The same night Climanthes came to Polemas to relate unto him all that he had said unto Leonide and Silvia But Polemas having not so much patience as to hear out all his discourse he embraced him Oh my dear friend said he unto him I have other kind of news to impart unto you Clidemant and Lindamore are dead with all their men and the King of the Burgundians will come himself and make me Count of the
complements and salutations Galathea desired him to tell the reason why Egides did falsly report his death unto Silvia Madam answered he I desire nothing more then to obey you but I cannot possibly tell you the story before I see her that is the cause of it Why replied Galathea have you not yet seen Silvia upon this she commanded Leonide to bring her thither I believe answered Leonide it will be as great a difficulty as it was this morning to drive the sacred nails Alas said Ligdamon is it impossible to mollifie her obdurate heart both living and dead Do not complain said Galathea and smiled until you have seen her I am afraid Madam replied he that sight will make it worse and not only hinder me from complaining but from living Love replied the Nymph does allow that person to love who is loved O Madam cryed out Ligdamon that general does hold in any but in Silvia for never was any more loved then she Then said the Nymph let it so continue My affection replied he is no less then an eternity and I have loved her in the cradle and in the grave all this is not enough replied the Nymph unless she knew as much Is it possible Madam replied Ligdamon she can be ignorant of it both my life and my death hath told her of it Assure your self replied Galathea that if you do love her well and that she does perfectly know it she will pay unto you that tribute which love does exact from all true lovers provided still you persevere and be not weary As Ligdamon was ready to reply Silvia came into the chamber with Leonide and with such a lively aspect as made it apparent that the return of this Cavalier was not displeasing unto her yet with so much modesty that she was as much admired for it as for her beauty for every one had heard that she did extremely grieve and lament his loss and at that very time did seem silently to sigh but now when against all her hopes she saw him returned he seemed unto her as a person only indifferent When she came first into the room Ligdamon looked upon Galathea as if he had begged leave to salute her in her presence The Nymph who understood his looks did signifie unto him by her looks again that she would have it so so as he went immediately unto her and falling down upon his knees kissed her hand but she pulled back as thinking it an incivility before the Nymph No no Silvia said Galathea his return is extraordinary and so ought your reception of him to be Sylvia then seeing it was the Nymphs pleasure to have it so she permitted Ligdamon to kiss her hand but not without a blush and retiring presently amongst her companions did hardly give him time to express the continuation of his service and because he followed her seeming very desirous of some conference she said unto him in a low voice if you be the same Ligdamon you were wont to be take another opportunity of speech with me and before all this company use the same discretion you were wont to do Upon this hint Ligdamon making an obedient legg turned towards Galathea but so transported with joy at the sight of that beauty which was so dear unto him that he could hardly retire from him which Damon considering I believe Madam said he unto Galathea that Ligdamon thinks it a hard penance to satisfie your commands before he has a little longer entertained this fair Nymph and I perceive by his eyes that he would be dispenced with all if so answered the Nymph my curiosity is too great Madam replied Ligdamon I have no greater desire then to obey you in all things only I beseech you be pleased that I make as short a relation as possibly I can of such things as you seem desirous to know Then after a short pause he began thus The Sequell of the History of LIGDAMON HE Madam who speaks that which is not true is not alwaies a Lyar if he thinks it truth which he speaks for it is not a perfect lye unless the Lyar knows he lies If this qualification be necessary to make a Lyar Egides was none when he reported my death because he thought me so as well as my self I say my self for indeed it was my full intention to die but heaven would not permit it to shew that the Gods will have our lives absolutely in their own dispose Silvia who all this while took particular notice of every word which Ligdamon spoke and every one casting their eyes upon her not being able to endure it she slipt amongst her companions and as well as she could got to the door unseen by Galathea or Ligdamon till she was just entring into her chamber where shutting the door after her she resolved to stay unseen until this discourse was ended In the mean while Ligdamon continued thus Since Egides has been so observant of all my commands I assure my self Madam he has related unto you how I being a Prisoner amongst the Neustrians I was taken for a Cavalier named Lidias whom certainly I did much resemble since his own Mother and all the rest of his Kinred would not be perswaded but that I was he This Lidias had killed in a Duel his enemy called Orontes and was condemned for it to lose his life and I being taken for him must suffer for his Crime but the Gods so guided my Sword that being put into a Den of Lions I killed two of them rather by chance then strength At the same time she for whom Lidias had fought with Orontes taking me as all the rest did for him whom I so much resembled she came and demanded me for her husband for it was a customary Law amongst all the Gauls that any woman might take any condemned person for her husband and so save him By vertue of this Law I was reprieved and a few days after carried into the Temple to marry her I must confess Madam that my prison my sentence of death my combate with Lions and all my misfortunes were nothing so intollerable as this and therefore when I came into the Temple and seeing no way to avoid this unfortunate marriage I resolved to live no longer Not but that Amerina that was her name whom I was to marry was very fair very wise and no way deficient but I could not violate that fidelity which I had vowed unto the fair Silvia without thinking my self worthy of death Some few days before I had provided a certain kind of wine so mixed as might be a draught of immediate death I drunk a full glass of this mortal potion and before I was aware so did Amerina also by force of which with a firm opinion that it was poyson I fell down as dead and presently after Amerina also I believe Madam that Egides might relate my fortune thus far but certainly all afterwards was unknown unto him for he went away immediately as well to
her thou child of the most wicked father that ever lived what do you think I caused you to be brought hither for I cannot tell Sir answered she and looked sweetly upon him But O the unresistable power of beauty This Polemas who flamed with fury and breathed nothing but death and blood against this woman he was no sooner touched with the Luster of her eye but as snow melts before the Sun so his fury and his rage did vanish at her beauty yet making some resistance against the first glance O most miserable daughter of a Father far unworthy of such a child To morrow said he thy body shall be a covering to my whole Army for I will have thee fastned to the points of several Pikes and opposed against the blows of those wicked Rebels in the Town and in this condition shalt thou go with a torch in thy hand and set fire to the gates of that Town Sir answered Astrea if ever I did you any wrong let the gods forsake me and if I be innocent let them defend me as she uttered these words tears flowed from her eyes which moved compassion not only in Polemas but all that saw her Yet seigning the contrary if these tears said he could mollifie the heart of Adamas and make him open the gates of the Town they might do you some good but otherwise assure your self they will do no good at all Astrea now saw that they took her for Alexis and though she looked for a most certain death yet would she die rather then discover her self hoping by this means to save the life of Alexis who otherwise would doubtless be taken and brought into her room Her desire therefore to die for her moved her to say thus I with Sir my father had no occasion to wish you ill but to think that the consideration of my life or death will move him to do any thing against his duty is infinitly to deceive your self for what will it advantage him whether I live or die you know Sir that we who are as it were cast out into the world are commonly but hindrances to our parents We shall see said Polemas how he will take it for let him assure himself henceforward that he has nere a daughter The loss wherewith you menace him replied Astrea will not much trouble him nor me Upon this Polemas commanded he she should be safely guarded until Silvia came and afterwards to be bound together because the next morning they should run both the same fortune This command was no sooner given but they brought a Shepherdess who desired to speak with her As soon as Astrea saw her she knew her to be Alexis in her clothes Oh how it grieved her to the soulâ— for knowing that all the ill they intended unto her was only because they thought her to be the daughter of Adamas she feared that if Alexis was known all the harm would fall upon her and to give her a hint of it Oh fair Shepherdess said she unto her what fate brought you hither where they seek only for me as being the daughter of Adamas It is fate indeed answered Alexis that brought me hither and the best that ever was Astrea since it brought me hither to undeceive those that took you for me Ah Astrea cryed out Astrea Why should you offer to Sacrifice your self innocently for another Alexis giving her no answer but turning towards Polemas who heard them yet knew not their meanings Sir said she unto him you see how I am all wet and dirty but it is by reason of the haste I made to prevent your errour What errour said Polemas do you mean Your errour replyed she in taking this Shepherdess for me who am the Daughter of Adamas How said Polemas are you the daughter of that wicked man Sir answered she if you call Adamas wicked I am the daughter of him you call so Sir answered Astrea believe her not some distemper in her Brain makes her speaks thus she is Astrea the daughter of Alces and Hyppolita and I am the daughter of the great Druide Adamas as indeed you may see by my habit And because those who were tying the hands of Astrea did stay upon this dispute she held her hands unto them Nay nay said she tye only mine for I assure you I am the Druide Alexis But Alexis on the contrary opposed her Sir said she thrusting away the hands of Astrea and holding her own let not her clothes deceive you for we changed them this morning as we many times were accustomed to do Consider that she is too young to have been so long at Carnates as I have been If you please to ask her any particular questions concerning the Druides daughters and of their Statutes I dare say her answers will let you see she attributes to her self more then is her due Polemas and all the company were even ravished with admiration at this contest which of them should be the party exposed to death After he had a while looked upon them both and considered how vehemently they maintained their cause Alas poor silly wenches said he unto them Why should you thus dispute about the matter Do you think any great recompence will be given unto her that is the daughter of Adamas No no you are much mistaken for all she must expect is a most certain death and to morrow she shall be tyed to the points of our Pikes with a Link in her hand and shall set fire upon the Gate of the Town where she can look for no less then death either from their hands or from ours unless paternal affection move the heart of her wicked father to open the Gates and let us enter Sir said Alexis I knew as much before and my compassion upon this innocent Shepherdess moved me to make all the haste I could left she should suffer those pains that are due unto me And why said Polemas do you think them due unto you Because they say answered she that the child is to bear the iniquity of the Father and since so It is not reasonable that I who am Alexis should not suffer for Adamas who is my Father but Astrea who is only an innocent Shepherdess Sir said Astrea and interrupted these arguments which Astrea urges moves me to tell you again that she is out of her wits and that I am the same whom my habit speaks me and I would not have that harmless Shepherdess expose her self to death for me It is I that ought to pay for my Father and not you Astrea whom it nothing concerns Alexis then interrupting Ah fairest Shepherdess said she unto her What a most strange errour are you possessed withal Why should you without any reason soon desire to end your days Preserve your self for the happiness of him that must enjoy you he still the glory of Forrests and an honour unto the Banks of Lignon Let me pay what I owe unto Nature as the daughter of Adamas and
unto him The truth is Sir you have to do with stronger enemies then ever you imagined to meet with Is it not a miracle that a Princess whom we thought destitute of all humane assistance should in so short a time have her Town so full of valiant men as it is impossible to take it without the favour of some Forrain help Ah Ligonias said Polemas 'T is true indeed I have very potent enemies but those whom I most fear are the Gods and Galathea I am not so well read in the book of Fate answered Ligonias as to know what destiny the Gods have ordained you but the very truth is Galathea has no great cause to love you for can you think to oblige her by doing the very same things that are proper to make a mortal enemy Does slaves use to hold their Lords in captivity Why you do kill her people strike at her and are as careless in observing her Laws as any Satyre I must confess and I beseech you pardon the freedom of my language that this designe has too geat a tincture of tyrannie and your cause having no pillars of Justice to underprop it you had need be very careful that it fall not upon your head and ruine you Upon this Ligonias held his peace and Polemas spoke I should think said he that I have greatly offended the Gods if the greatest of them all had not connfessed me to use these violences against Amasis Love is the only Author of all these disorders and since a god cannot sin the actions which he hath done in me cannot without blasphemy be called crimes and therefore I hope they will regard my passion and pity my sufferings for Galathea since certainly they would never adorn her with so many perfections unlesse they had desired she should be adored As concerning the strength of Amasis I have resolved upon your departure tomorrow with Alerantes to conjure and solicite Gondebaut about hasting away those Auxiliaries which he hath promised for if they come in time it is impossible she should resist us perhaps we shall do something in the mean time for if my designe with Meronthes hit handsomly doubtless before your return I shall be master of the place and of Galathea also Nothing goes so near my heart as the taking of Peledontes and certainly it had been better if he had been less valiant and more prudent for he was much to blame in fighting with the enemy when I sent him only to discover especially having not above thirty or fourty horse and the enemy doubtless six times the number Perhaps said Ligonias he was constrained to fight and being dark may be he went nearer then he determined and was first assaulted so as he cou'd do no lesse then defend himself Well replied Polemas I will think upon his deliverance in the interim make your self ready for I go presently about your dispatch upon this Polemas went into his closet and began to write In the mean time Amasis was in her chamber with Godomar Damon Alcidon and almost all the Nymphs and Ladies that were then in Marcelles and because it was yet too soon to go to bed the Nymph commanded Silvia to relate the particulars of her imprisonment and how she liked the entertainment of Polemas The young Nymphs interceded to excuse her because they thought she could not make a right relation without interweaving the causes of her complaint against Ligdamon But being obliged to obey the command of Amasis and solicited by Godomar she made a relation of it unto them yet with so much discretion as she did not at all touch upon her relation to Ligdamon but that Cavalier by chance coming in to do his reverence unto her for he had not yet seen her since the recovery of her liberty she changed colour two or three times and afterwards retired her self into another room none taking any notice of her but Leonide for the eyes of all the company were wholly upon Ligdamon whose handsome grace and becoming carriage did wheresoever he came beget esteem and admiration At last Amasis intending to present him her self unto Silvia she rose up and took the Cavalier by the hand but when she turned about to look for Silvia and saw her not she was extreamly astonished the turning to Leonide what have you done with your companion said she and smiled have you imprisoned her again I do not think Madam answered Leonide that she is far from hence go then replied Amasis and command her from me to return Leonide went into the next chamber where finding Silvia sitting in a sad and serious study how now said she unto her does your heart fail you Truly answered she and blushed for anger my heart is vexed to see Ligdamon live after so many testimonies of his infidelity There is something said Leonide which I do not understand but since my Lady asks for you let us go in and in the mean time consider that you ought not to condemn before you hear I hear replied Silvia ah sister I will never neither see nor hear him again by my good will and I beseech Amasis to pardon me if I do not obey her command as long as he is in the room for I cannot endure the very sight of the Traytor Leonide knowing that she had a spirit that was not easily bended did not importune her any longer but returned into the chamber and told Amasis in a low voice that Ligdamon could not hear how angry her companion was at which Amasis knowing how much Silvia was obliged unto that Cavalier she could not chuse but wonder yet not being willing to enquire any further then well said she I will for this time content her melancholy humour Madam said Ligdamon perhaps Leonide has failed in her commission or else may be she is troubled at something in which I may satisfie her I beseech you give me leave to go and see what it is It may be said Amasis she may receive a remedy from him that hurt her hurt her replied Ligdamon what hurt have I done unto Silvia unlesse you give that phrase unto the love I bear unto her I know not answered Leonide but I am most certain that your presence at this time cannot cure her Ligdamon being astonished at this alteration in Silvia and a little offended at her action if this be an effect of my absence I will suffer it as long as her cruelty is pleased to appoint and to begin my submission to her will she shall not now be offended at the sight of him whom she cannot endure upon this he retired but being impatient to know the cause of Silvias discontent he turned back again and finding the door of the closet which belonged to the chamber open he got as near as he could behind the hangings supposing they would be talking of his affairs And indeed Amasis sending again for Silvia she entred and being importuned by Godomar to tell the cause of that hatred which
say thus The Law of death is so common unto all men as you ought not to think it strange I should pay that debt which I ow unto Nature Did not Kings use to die as well as other men you had some reason to wonder I should be excluded from that priviledge and that my Scepter and my Crown should not defend me against the blows of death but a Monarch has no more right to live then the poorest Shepherd we do dayly see their ashes and their Monuments as this methinks should be a great consolation unto you all to know that I die because the gods will have it so and that they never made any man who was not subject unto death therefore my dearest Argira if you have any consideration of my rest and have any desire to please me I beseech you stop the current of your tears which do but grieve me I do not require any greater testimonies of your love then those you have already given me and wish for no more but leave to die Policander uttered these words with such a dying voice as if his soul had gone out of his mouth at the last word the Queen was deeply overwhelmed in sorrows as Rosilion whose groans did testifie the sadness of his soul The wrong Celidontes unto whom Policander had already given the Crown of the Ambarres of the Boyers and of the Lemovices upon condition he would marry Cephise was so extreamly afflicted that he could not rejoyce at the return of Argira nor resent that contentment which at another time the recovery would have been unto him At last the King perceiving himself every minute to grow weaker and weaker and finding himself not able to hold out any longer he began to strive with himself Argira said he with a deep sigh I conjure you by that which you love best and I think that is my memory to have a care of those whom I leave under your tuition Make them by your example of virtue to abhor vice and considering that riches are as fading as our selves remember that all the good or bad which we are to have in the other world depends only upon the merit of our actions in this life And you Rosilion said he holding out his feeble hand or rather the true Celiodantes forgive that crime which in my ignorance I committed against you Do not accuse me of ingratitude and may Rosanira whom I give unto you long enjoy those Grandeurs wherein you shall share as King of the Santons and Picts Love him for my sake who hath so long usurped your name In saying so he turned towards the wrong Celiodantes and you my son said he unto him pay back with interest the good will he shall bear unto you Love Peace Never take up Arms but in a just cause Have God still on your side and above all carry your self well towards Argira This is all I desire from you Farewel my Sons farewel dear Argira farewel Ro At this word he expired and his eye remaining still fixed upon Rosilion they knew his intention was to have named him but could not pronounce the last part of his name which the Queen perceiving and finding Policander to be as cold as marble it was an hundred to one but she had followed him that very hour All former considerations of her voyage which should have been consolations unto her were quite forgotten and not one thought could keep her from a present despair one would have thought that she had drowned her reason in her tears and that she had sought for the soul of Policander in the roots of that hair which she pulled from her head The wrong Celiodantes was almost out of himself and though the death of the King did leave him an Empire yet he testified that he thought the loss of his person made him no gainer Cephise and Rosilion were no less afflicted and all the Cavaliers present expressed abundance of grief for the loss of their Prince They came all unto the Queen and swore fidelity unto her and Celiodantes but she was not in a condition to hear what they said unto her and if the Ladies had not got her into bed perhaps she had died Thus they all retired almost as sad for the sickness of the Queen as for the loss of the King But as in the vicissitude of things nothing is durable so the sorrows of Argira of Celiodantes and of Rosilion at the last lessened and their reason having escaped the shipwrack of the first resentment the Queen began to remember that aid which she had promised unto the Nymph and she thought upon nothing more then her preservation At the end of a few days the people over whom Policander reigned did put the Scepter and Crown upon the head of Celiodantes with the same ceremonies as they were accustomed to crown their Kings and Rosilion making all haste to the Picts did levie by the Queens permission twelve thousand men and afterwards taking leave of Celiodantes his brother did take the field with his Arâ—â— being resolved to relieve Rosanira and oppose all violence that should be offered unto Amasis The Sequel of the History of LIPANDAS AMERINA MELANDRE and LIDIAS DUring this while Lipandas recovered of his wounds but not of his passion and though this Cavalier had not much acquaintance with Melandre yet did he know her spirit and that she was the most generous woman in the world This was a cause that as soon as the Truce was concluded and Polemas raised the siege he was grieved to the very soul He was not sorry that Amasis had great hopes in that relief which was promised unto her but when he considered that this took from him the means of shewing his courage and of overcoming the soul of Melandre by those testimonies of his valour which he intended he grew almost desperate yet knowing no remedy he resolved to wait with all possible patience until the end of this cessation of Arms and afterwards to perform such glorious exploits as she should in some sort of think it an honour to be served by a Cavalier so full of courage and affection In the mean time it was permitted him to see her and because in this liberty he lost not a minute of time which afforded him the opportunity of entertaining her he endeavoured a thousand times to make her sensible of his passion But she would never be moved unto any further then pity for she appeared always so prepossessed with the thought of Lidias as he could hardly ever hope for any alteration in her inclination As oft as he considered by how many Laws he was obliged rather to die then leave loving her he was confounded â—he mentioned the combate wherein he was overcome when she exposed her self unto the fury of his Arms for the liberty of Lidias and telling her it was a kind of miracle she should go off the field with that advantage which she had he endeavoured to perswade her that it was
the Prince and shrugged his shoulders he landed on the other side of the Rhosne and I am afraid he is taken horse to go unto his brother in Marcellos for we heard him say he intended it O heavens said Lindamor and stamped upon the ground how unhappy shall I esteem my self if I do not serve upon this occasion he commanded to make ready horses with all possible haste and intended to follow him immediately yet being desirous to reward those that gave him this intelligence he commanded to give them a good sum of money and after many hearty thanks would have dismissed them but Sigismond who was much delighted at hit trouble and impatiency Sir said he unto him we most humbly beseech you to let us wait upon you in your journey perhaps we may be a means of your sooner finding him Lindamor whose mind was more upon something else then heeding what he said was a long while before he answered at last alas said he it will be a long while before we provide boats for you both besides you do not know what a deal of difference there is between riding a horse and rowing a boat upon this he would have gone out and Sigismond not being able to hold any longer Sir said he there needs neither boats or boat nor any horses to meet with him whom you desire to see since Sigismond is already very near you As he said this he embraced him at which Lindamor was so surprized that he knew not what to say and upon a better survey he found so much Majesty under the cloud of that poor habit as he found his errour yet not to persist any longer in it he kneeled down and all the Princes entreaties could not make him rise until he had obtained that pardon which the Prince said he was rather to ask for deceiving him so long Their first complements being ended the Prince went to bed during which time order was taken for some clothes sutable to his quality and Lindamor yielded his chamber unto him giving it out that he was troubled with the head-ake purposely to prevent visits and to have the better opportunity of discoursing upon the affairs of the Nymph so the Prince waâ— no sooner got into bed but he desired Lindamor to sit down by him and then began to speak thus unto him This picture said he and opened a case set with very rich stone which he wore about his Neck will tell you that Dorinde is partly the cause of all Gondebauts disorders That fair one whose Image you see and whose perfections are so great as no Painter in the Universe is able to imitate hath so captivated the mind of my father that he is fallen into such extravagancies as indeed are unworthy a man of his quality When his affection was first known unto me I was in such fears that he would marry her that I resolved to be as great an obstacle unto it as I could The first course that came into my fancy was to seem as if I were in Love with her but oh how dangerous a thing it is to jest with matters of Love for a little after I became so desperately lost in a real Love of her that I cannot believe ever any passion was so violent as mine but however my first designe of ruining the pretensions of my father did prevail for whether that fair one did think my age more sutable unto hers and found more sympathy in our humours or whether she thought the Kings intention was not so honest as he pretended but so it was that I gained her affection and after the death of her father I perswaded her to go into Forrests where I intended to follow but I was so much interrupted that all I could do was to send my brother thither who after several encounters carried her into Marcelles where now they are Now the perswasions of Polemas who promised to hold that estate meerly of my father and my fathers desire to be revenged upon Amasis who took them into her protection has caused him to declare war against that Princess and no longer since then yesterday sent above thirty thousand men unto Polemas But lest I should engage my self in this quarrel which was partly begun upon my score the King shut me up in a Tower out of which I escaped by the assistance of this man whom you see disguised as I am and now am come unto you to act somthing that is glorious unto Amasis and Dorinde Lindamore was joyed beyond all expression at the discourse of Sigismond and protesting that he could not better employ his arms then in defence of that Princess he beseeched him to make all the haste he could to do her that favour First said the Prince I conceive one thing is expedient to be done which is that we employ four of your men who are least known two of them to go and divulge it in Lions that I am in Viena and the other two to get into that Army which Gondebaut sends unto Polemas and this will be the consequence of it I have many friends in Lions who will not value the Kings displeasure so they can but serve me and follow my fortune and I dare confidently ever that almost all the Nobility are for me Most certain it is that as soon as ever they know where I am they will make preparations to serve me and will follow me As for those who are in the Army which my father hath sent unto Polemas certainly some are for me and those that are will draw others so as I expect a good party will revolt and come unto me Lindamore approved of this designe and that very hour dispatched away four such as he most trusted and giving them all requisite instructions he returned unto Sigismond and said thus unto him I do verily believe Sir that the Gods do intend to be very favourable unto Amasis and are resolved to free her very suddenly from all manner of oppressions since they proceed by ways that are even miraculous For in your discourse I observe some extraordinary passages As the flight of Dorinde the voyage of Prince Godomar and the interest which you have both in him and her makes much for the advantage of that afflicted Princess Philander spoke of a certain Queen called Argira who came not long since about the cure of a Cavalier called Rosilion he told me also that she left behind her a daughter very fair with a promise to send for her by an Army strong enough to resist all the power of any enemies For my part I thought that I could not die more gloriously then in the service of her unto whom I owe my life and all I have and therefore resolved to force my way into the Town with those souldiers that I brought with me and afterwards defend it to the last Your resolution is most commendable said Sigismond and I assure my self you might effect it for there is no greater danger in it
next world But Adamas replied the Nymph admit all this true yet in the mean time this Traytour Polemas will triumph over my daughter and my dominions If the gods have so ordained it answered Adamas all humane power is not able to hinder it but the best way is to suffer patiently without murmure I know replied the Nymph that if Galatheas courage be like unto mine we shall not want remedies to keep our selves from falling into his hands The best remedy of all replied the Druide is to have recourse unto the gods who will never deny you what is necessary The Gods are so just replied Amasis that they have given me power to die when I please Upon this she was so swelled with grief that she left the Druide in the chamber and shut her self in her closet Adamas fearing lest the Nymph should fall upon some dangerous resolution he went in all haste unto Godomar who had with him Damon Alcidon Lipandas Ligdamon Lidias and some other Cavaliers and telling them in what condition Amasis was and all the discourse they had together he beseeched them to go unto her afterwards giving them some particular instructions he accompanied them unto the closet door and afterwards went into the Town to give necessary orders for the preservation of it Amasis was already laid down upon her bed in hopes to find some rest but found none for joyning to her sorrows at the bad estate of her affairs the loss of Clidemant her son in whom she had placed her greatest hopes she was so drowned in sorrows that she was even ready to sacrifice her self unto the violence of her despair She had a thousand designes in her mind and the most advantageous was to die And though she knew well enough that complaints and tears would do no good yet she still complained and cryed because she could not chuse Alas my dear Clidemant said she must thy death be the cause of mine and must thy loss be succeeded by the loss of my estate did the safety of all this Province depend upon thy life and was the good of my people wholly built upon thine Alas alas added she with a deep sigh what reason had I to think so since before ever thou camest into the world they flourish'd with so much glory that there was no fear of any change but that it was their fate to perish with thee Ah Clidemant Clidemant my dearest Clidemant and would have continued in her Lamentations but hearing some knock at the door she stopped and as soon as she was told that it was Godomar she covered her tears with her handkerchief The young Prince in whose valour was all her hopes used such excellent expressions and the Cavaliers who accompanied him did make such promises of service and affection that she received some comfort so as desiring them to sit down she told them that the courage of a woman was not strong enough to resist the blows of Fortune especially when they threatned the loss of reputation with the loss of life Hitherto I have with some patience resisted the assaults of my misfortunes but now since the forces which Polemas has received it has put me out of all hopes to punish his rebellion and since I see my daughter and my self ready to be sacrificed unto his arrogance I must confess my reason bids me despair when I see armed against me no fewer then fourty thousand men All that number answered Godomar may be shaked into dust by one single blow of heavens anger It is not the number that gets victories courage and a good cause are the sure foundations of getting combats and battels which makes me believe that you Madam having so much right on your side and your enemies so much injustice and the carriage of those which serve you being incomparably above theirs it is impossible but all this great puissance which you see must vanish before your arms as the light of many little Stars will at the arrival of the Sun All the rest of the Cavaliers added some such discourses and gave her such hopes that her countenance began to reassume fresh colours again After this they retired and went unto the walls to look upon their enemies Celadon in two dayes was so well recovered of his wounds that he began to stir out of his chamber and that day in particular he went to visit Clindor and his Guests and return them thanks for their visits and therefore Adamas went thither also who finding them in the Garden did first salute Clindor afterwards taking Alexis by the hand who was talking with Astrea he said unto that fair Shepherdess will you fair one give me leave to take her out of your company a little whom you seem to love so well though she deserve it not The Authority answered Astrea which Sir you have both upon her and me may do what you please without asking my consent but since you are pleased to ask it I must tell you reverend Sir that I will give it upon condition you restore her quickly again for the truth is I cannot enjoy any contentment in any other company but hers The Druide smiling at her innocency and admiring to see how perfectly she was deceived I will keep her so little from you said he unto her that you shall have no cause to chide me for crossing your contentment In saying so he carried Alexis into another walk where none could here and Astrea retiring into an harbour with other Shepherds and Shepherdesses he began to say thus unto her are you resolved Celadon to languish thus eternally in this habit which you wear Do you not consider that you have been now above two moneths with Astrea and abusing her credulity under a fiction which cannot long continue Consider I say that you are Man and it is impossible you should continue long in the disguise of a woman in time will your beard grow in spite of your Petticote and if you should be discovered what a soul blur would it be unto my reputation and what advantage would you give unto my enemies They would talk of this action as a Scandal and so stain my repute in the opinion of men that they would look upon me as an Impostour who to make Celadon triumph over the chastity of Astrea made use of this Artifice Father answered Celadon all the actions of your life are unblameable so as you cannot offend either against heaven or men and the honour of Astrea is so splendent that it cannot be clouded by any suspition so as you need not fear to let me continue still in this condition wherein I am you may safely suffer me to stay still with Astrea under the umbrage of Alexis since I am sure I cannot live under the notion of Celadon Adamas then shrugged his shoulders and recoyled two or three paces then taking the Shepherd by the hand he began to walk but I must tell you said he that this desire of yours was reasonable the
her But for all that believe me what cause soever you have to seek for death I am sure it can never happen unto you but it will be most sad unto me and perhaps intollerable And therefore I tell you once again that if you do value my contentment and satisfaction you must preserve your self As she said so Silvander would have kissed her hand but she observing that some eyes were upon him she withdrew it and pressed his very hand which was the greatest favour that ever he received And because she was afraid that if she pursued this discourse it would move too much passion therefore she listned unto what others said and then she heard Hylas say thus unto Tyrcis I cannot imagine Tyrcis what object thou hast for thy courage nor for whom thou shouldst fight because since the death of thy dear Cleon who lives still in thy excellent memory all things are meerly indifferent unto thee methinks answered Tyrcis that your imagination is very shallow and that thou hast a wrong opinion of me when thou thinkest that to fight I stand in need to propose unto my self any private interest as if all actions which have such objects as to be esteemed valiant to become rich or such like were not false Images of true valour It is enough for me if I can serve Amasis as I ought without the thought of any other recompence but the satisfaction of doing so for virtue is a sufficient reward unto it self Lord how wise you are answered Hylas but for all that I have reason to suspect thy courage since Laonice could make thee afraid If I did fear the subtilties of that woman answered Tyrcis it was not for want of any courage but rather a horrour that I had against her wickedness and if I be not much mistaken continued he looking upon Hylas and afterwards upon Silvander thou oughtest to put a great difference between that kind of fear which is directly opposite unto courage and those apprehensions which makes us fear a person only out of a knowledge we have of some ill qualities in her I perceive answered Hylas that thy eyes require some help from Silvander but we will at this time defer our discourse unto another only consider I desire thee that if I had leasure I would make thee know that this Shepherdess is not so much to blame as you imagine her Upon this he rose up because Clindor began already to walk out of the Arbour and Tyrcis had not time to make any other answer but that he believed all the eloquence in the world was not able to perswade him but that she was unworthy not only of his amity but of the meanest Shepherds upon earth This was the opinion which Tyrcis had of the love and beauty of Laonice who being not so far distant as he imagined did passe away her dayes and nights in her solitude without any our thoughts but upon the ingratitude of this Shepherd Upon that day she was walked up to the top of a rock which being very high surveyed all the plain of Forrests and because she could perceive every thing even to the least shrub she quickly spied the Army from which Polemas expected the establishment of his Fortune At the first it put her into a fright but afterwards thinking it a thing impossible they could do her any hurt in that close solitude unto which the gods and Tyrcis had confined her her fears reflected only upon her Shepherd and though she was well assured that he loved not her yet she could not chuse but wish his safety and fear lest some harm should happen unto him These considerations made her wet the very rock with her tears and afterwards to dry up those tears again with the wind of her sighs and thus she continued until night which invited her to retire and left her only as much light as to find out the way unto her cell into which entring she fell into her constant exercise which was to pray unto the gods and to think upon the ingratitude of Tyrcis At the arival of this relief from Gondebaut Polemas caused all his own Forces and all his Artillery to march out of Surlea so as his joyes swelled to an unmeasurable hight when he imagined that the power which he had now under his command was enough to bring Marcelles unto his will in a short time when he thought upon what he had gotten by the flight of Sigismond he could not imagine that the Arms of the Son were able to give any check unto the Arms of the Father He knew nothing of Lindamors return who yet was not so far distant from him as he supposed for that Cavalier having marched with extraordinary haste was already come to the rendezvous which he had appointed unto Sigismond That Prince on the other side made as much haste as possibly he could and was so far advanced with his Troops that he joyned with Lindamor about the middle of the night They were no sooner met but one of those Scouts which Lindamor had sent abroad brought them word that Rosilion was also advanced with ten or twelve thousand men and that he was already on this side Moutbrison at which they were so joyed that they resolved to joyn with him and accordingly they sent that Scout unto him with twelve of their Cavaliers to prepare him to receive them and afterwards by the favour of the night they took the field Rosiliâ—â— who wish'd for no better and was extreamly desirous to see armed in the deâ—â—gâ— of Amasis not only Sigismond and Lindamor but all the world together he advanced to meet them as fast as he could and when they did meet with each other their Carresses were so great that the Sun seemed to rejoice at them and began to gild the mountains with the luster of its beams Polemas had slept but a very little by reason of his longing desire to see the Truce ended so as being awake very early in the morning day did no sooner dawn but the received intelligence of this Armies arrival his wonder was so much the greater by how much it was beyond his expectation yet finding it to be upon equal terms he believed the loss or the winning of a battel would decide the difference He commanded therefore all the Officers of his Army to be in readinesse and did not draw any line about Marcelles nor erected any of his Engines lest the separation of his forces should weaken him too much for a field fight On the other side Lindamor who knew to a very man the strength of Polemas did conceive it a very hard task for this Rebel to resist the valour and prudence of Sigismond and Rosilion and though he made no question of giving him a defeat yet it grieved him extreamly to think that so many men should be involved in the interest of one single man and thought it a thousand pities that for the crime of this one single man fifteen or
you before that within two or three dayes after Sileines had the bracelet the Queen was to bestow a ring at which she would have Sigismond to run and with him all the Cavalry of the Court and Sileines being one of the greatest Gallants in it he was invited unto it by this young Prince The next morning then he went to acquaint Palanice and she who was very glad of that occasion to execute her design as soon as Sileines began to speak of it and say that he thought none was able to dispute with him for this ring since he ran at it for the love of her You answered Palanice shall not dispute for it with any for you shall not run at all Pardon me Madam I beseech you said the Cavalier for Sigismond commanded me unto it by Lucindor And I replied Palanice do forbid you I hope replied Sileines you are more just and a greater friend unto my reputation then to forbid me the performance of what I have promised Ah Sileines said Palanice this is but a slender argument of any power that I have over you Why Madam replied the Cavalier were it that your service called me another way I protest I would excuse my self and had rather displease Sigismond then you or if you do positively command it so I will obey Then said Palanice disengage your self from your promise for if you do love or will obey me do not run but stay with me all that day whilst the rest are at the sport Sileines was a little importunate to know the reasons which moved her unto this but Palanice her self knowing none it was impossible she should give him any The very same night he went unto the chamber of Sigismond and being not able to think upon any thing but the commands of his Mistresse he took his opportunity so fitly that as he was coming to this young Prince his foot slipt and he fell down to the ground At the first none thought he had received any hurt but Sigismond himself began to laugh but when they saw him get up with much pain and that he complained every one came to him to know how he did he told them that his ancle was out of joint and the young Prince believing it caused a coach to be immediatly made ready to carry him unto his chamber afterwards sent several Chirurgeons with special charge to have care of his cure but Sileines who would not be visited lest a report should be made of his heart contrary to his intention he told them he had sent for a Chirurgeon of his own in whose experience he had a great confidence The noise of this mishap which was believed to befall Sileines was quickly spred all over the Town and Palanice was not the last that heard of it yet seeming to be ignorant of the cause she entreated Cerintes to go and see him but Sileines hearing that Palanice was pleased to have any care of him I beseech you Sir said he unto Cerintes assure Palanice that since she is pleased to pity my mishap I feel no pain and were I freed from my displeasure that I cannot wait upon Sigismond at the Course there is nothing now that would trouble me which Cerintes having told unto his sister she presently understood his meaning so apt are Lovers to expound the words and actions which do any thing concern them The day assigned for the Course at the ring came and Sileines with a staff in his hand as if he could not go without it coming to the lodging of Palanice he waited upon her unto a friends house whose windows looked towards the place where the Course was to be It was not long after before Sigismond came and with him a great number of Cavaliers all whom after a long dispute yielded the praise unto the agility of that young Prince who carried it away to the great contentment of all the Court. Whilst they were running at the ring Palanice and Sileines did nothing but talk and if it were true which she since told me their discourse was to this purpose They leaned both together upon the same window and Sileines looking upon his Mistresse as if he were ravished at so fair a sight how infinitly have you obliged me Madam said he unto her in forbiding me to appear amongst these Cavaliers that I might enjoy the happinesse of being so near you Some answered she are often near in body who are far off in heart That misfortune said Sileines is inevitable unto all such as are owners of so little merit as I am Truly replied Palanice I must confesse you have qualities enough to win esteem but I cannot perswade my self you have such as will make all the women that look upon you run out of their wits for the love of you I swear replied Sileines and smiled a little that as I have not the power to do it so I have not so much arrogance as to think it and should I desire to be perfectly loved by any one I mean not so far as run mad for me I protest I should wish it were your self whom I adore and for whom my life is only pleasing unto me you will quickly leave off that wish answered Palanice since you can never gain any thing upon me who am inviolably resolved to hold all men alike indifferent O heavens Madam said Sileines and interrupted her do you not remember those oathes and protestations you have made in my favour I do remember replied Palanice all the promises that I made unto you and if your memory be as good as mine you will find that though I did swear to love you yet I did not thereby swear to hate all other men but will on the contrary carresse them equally without giving one more credit or authority over me then another May then every one replied Sileines pretend unto the same favours which I have obtained from you how can I put any high value upon them if your melting kindnesse make them common unto all the world Then he held his peace to hear what Palanice would answer but seeing her to look another way O most cruel fair one continued he is it possible you should in so short a time change your inclination and do you intend to recompence my obedience no better I perceive said Palanice you think that you have done a great matter at this time and think me much beholding vnto you for depriving your self of the pleasure of one poor day but Sileines since you have so good an opinion of your self and aspires unto so great a recompence for so small a matter I pray look betimes for some that will give them unto you as for my part I will not and swear unto you that I shall be very glad if you will trouble me no more Sileines astonished to see her so angry and not knowing what in the world should be the cause Fair Palanice answered he if it be my love that troubles you pardon me if
very new air which one of my best friends composed and none but my self ever heard as yet upon this he sate down tuned the Lute looked upon me and sung certain verses which extreamly reflected upon his Rival Afterwards he laid the Lute down upon the Table and sat silent I blush'd but on the contrary Lucindor grew pale and I observed that he had an itching desire to call him to an accompt for the words of his song Yet being in a place where respect tyed him to the good behaviour he contented himself to say this unto him Your song Cerintes is very fine and I believe that if he who composed it should sing it before any that was concerned in it it would beget a quarrel Perhaps answered Cerintes it was so intended Then they looked upon each other in such a manner as made my Father plainly perceive the cause of their quarrel and therefore intending to stop the course he carryed them both into his closet and used such perswasive arguments as made them friends and conceiving the only way to take away thâ—â—ffects of their ill will was to take away the cause he swore unto them both that he would bestow me upon Theombres and that he was well pleased with it Lucindor was ready to bite off his fingers for anger and passing through the chamber where I was he went away without so much as bidding me good night but as soon as he came to his chamber he wrote me such a Letter as did presently let me see his fury but this did not afford me any means to remedy it for indeed my Father did give me unto Theombres and this Cavalier having married me did carry me with him unto his house within eight dayes after Yet during this absence the affections of Lucindor and Cerintes did not die but were as it were nourished by my absence and I knew it to be so because Theombres dying they began their addresses afresh and as if heaven would remove all obstacles out of their way I lost a Father soon after a husband yet not being able to resolve how I should demean my self unto either or both of them I willingly consented to take that course which we resolved upon all together which was to consult with the Oracle in the Temple of Venus whose answers most equitable Judge you have heard together with the stories of our lives the tranquility of which depends upon your doom After this Florice was silent and Phillis taking Ligdamon and Celidea and asking Florice whether there was any danger in calling Adamas and Alexis to councel she answered that there was no particular prohibition to the contrary so as the Druide and Celadon being added unto Phillis Celidea and Ligdamon they all severed themselves a while from the rest of the company they all gave their several votes unto Phillis and then they returned again and sitting down she uttered these words in an audible voice Since it hath pleased the gods that your differences should be referred unto me and since they have ordained that my Doom shall be an inviolable Law unto you upon the grave deliberation and advice of those whom I took to be my Assistants I do judge that all you three being almost equally obliged unto those who have the honour to serve you therefore it is of necessity that the gods do further make it known which of these Cavaliers are destinied to be your several and respective husbands I do therefore ordain that the discission of it shall be by lot and that each of you with each of your two Lovers shall be blinded with an Napkin and each of you shall marry him who first falls into her hands without any permission unto those to whom destiny is averse to murmure either against me or against heaven whose will is as I have pronounced After this Phillis rose up and taking napkins she first blinded the eyes of Cercinea and afterwards Clorian and Alcander and carrying them into one of the corners in the gallery she gave two little keys unto Clorian and two unto Alcander to the end that they making a noise with them Cercinea might hear and know where to find them After this turning 〈◊〉 about several times and giving them a watch-word when they should begin their walk Cercinea at the other end of the gallery set forward at the noise of the keys and went blindfold whether her Genius did lead her the first that she met with was Alcander who seeing himself more happy then his Rival did embrace Cercinea so close that she could not possibly escape out of his arms This controversie thus decided Phillis took the napkins and putting them over the eyes of Palanice Sileines and Amilcar she observed the same ceremonies as before until at last she fell unto the lot of Sileines Florices turn was nex and she having a more particular inclination unto Lucindor the gods favoured her desires and cast him into her arms before Cerintes at which she was extreamly well satisfied In the mean time Cerintes still looked on and Hylas having gotten Lucindors keyes out of his hands he made a noise with them as if Florice had not yet made her blind choise at last not to let him any longer run on in that vain and unprofitable quest he put himself into his arms and embraced him Cerintes who thought at the first that he had Florice in his arms O my fairest Florice said he now at the last you are mine for ever Yes said Hylas if it please Lucindor to pâ—â— with her Cerintes then finding his mistake wretched fellow said he unto Hylas is it not enough to see me deprived of Florice but I must be mocked at why mocked replied Hylas I would have you know Cerintes that you are extreamly obliged unto me and that in taking me you are more rich then you imagine Away away replied Cerintes do not so extreamly disoblige me with thy foolery I protest answered Hylas I am in good serious earnest for if a Lover be transmigrated into the person loved as Silvander affirms then consider who am I that in putting my self into thy arms I have in lieu of one beauty presented thee with a hundred that have loved me every one laughed at the rallery of Hylas Cerintes only Clorian and Amilcar seemed discontented and resolved to go the next morning after Sigismond and so they did Adamas with Ligdamon bearing them company as far as Marcelles Adamas had so short a mornings walk that he came to Marcelles long before either Amasis or Galathea were awake and therefore he went straight unto the chamber of Lindamor whom he found almost ready for his love would not let him lie in bed so long as others and there inquiring the cause of Galatheas so sudden sending for him Lindamor answered him in these terms The reason reverend Father why that Nymph did put you unto the trouble of coming does equally concern both her and me and for your full satisfaction I will
Shepherdesses began to look earnestly upon her and upon one another At last remembring that Palemon and Halladine were gone about her cure and calling to mind the features of her face before she spoiled it they knew her and rejoyced with her for the recovery of her former beauty It was long before they did any thing else but embrace each other whilst Adamas made an exact relation unto Belinde of the last accident which befel this fair Shepherdesse and at last going to her fair Celidea said he unto her shall we not know in what manner you have been cured for the remedy had such a sudden operation as I cannot chuse but wonder at it especially when I consider that though you were yesterday as much disfigured as ever yet this day you are as fair and handsome as ever you were before Father answered the Shepherdesse with a countenance that spoke her contentment I cannot possibly tell you how it was done for truly I my self do not know further then this that this morning after Thamires was gone out of the chamber to walk with Silvander and the rest of the Shepherds I arose out of my bed and sitting before my glasse dressing my self I observed within a quarter of an hour that I did not look so ugly as ordinarily I did and seeing that every minute my complexion came more and more into my cheeks and that my scratches healed very fast I did imagine that this might happily be an effect of those good hopes which Damon made me conceive I sate thus the space of an hour and every time I cast my eye upon my glasse I found some change in my self In fine seeing my self in a better condition then ever I was before and thinking it a most arrogant presumption if I should expect to be better since I had already obtained more then ever I hoped for I finished the dressing of my self and going down the stairs I no sooner heard that Adrastes was returned but being even ravished with joy to see my self so handsome I could not chuse but come and Carresse him by way of gratitude for the benefit which I had received whereof he was partly the cause Thus Celidea related all that she knew concerning her cure whilst Adrastes was talking with Doris Dearest sister said he unto her you need not now enquire any further concerning Palemons journey the face of Celidea tells you that hitherto it hath been prosperous and that all we have to do is to wish him a safe return Truly said she there is a great probability in what you say yet for all that I cannot chuse but be full of faint fears because he is to return by sea which as they say is a most cruel and mercilesse element Doubtlesse replied Adrastes Fortune will look upon with a smiling eye and will never suffer him to feel the effects of her inconstancy the glory that he has to enjoy you is a most evident argument of it In saying so he sighed very loud which Doris observing and doubting that his sighs were sparks of the fire which he entertained in his soul she was in some sort moved not unto love but pity Wondering therefore to see his passion should survive his hopes she was once in a mind to advise him to place his affection upon some from whom he might expect more recompence but conceiving that this perhaps might more open his wound and fester it she chose rather not to mention it but leave it unto the disposition of time which often proves the best remedy against such diseases so she left off that discourse and making a sign unto the Shepherd that she desired to hear what Adamas said concerning Celidea he leaned his eare that way and heard the Druide speak in this manner It is to be thought that Thamires will not be a little joyed to see you in this condition since he was such a passionate desirer of it I believe Father anwered Celidea that his joy will not be a little at it but I believe also that it will not last long since that which is the cause of it is but a glance a flash called beauty and cannot continue in me long because it is a tribute which we do ow and must pay unto a few years which will be sure to imprint wrinkles upon the fairest cheek However it be replied Adamas I shall ere long see him enjoy that contentment and since he knows nothing yet of your cure I would advise to deceive him a little Thâ—s was no sooner consented unto but Thamires entred with Alcander Sileines Lucindor Calidon Licidas Thomantes Hylas and some others As soon as they came into the room they saluted Belinde but Adamas took Thamires by the hand carried him to Celidea and made him believe that it was her sister whom Belinde brought with her Thamires was the more apt to believe it because indeed Celidea had a sister and because he found in her face the very same features which formerly he adored in his Mistresse He went therefore unto her and after a hundred thousand welcomes he asked her whether she had yet seen Celidea This fair Shepherdesse could not chuse but smile at this and was upon the point to speak but the Druide fearing left he should know her voice he interposed and told him that truly she had seen her but stayed not long with her because she was not well and therefore left her to her rest This did much trouble Thamires in so much as leaving the company he went into the chamber where he thought Celidea was The first thing he did when he came at the door was to hearken whether he could hear her complain but hearing nothing he went to the bed whose curtains were all close and hardly daring to breath lest he should make too much noise he endeavoured to make it little lighter that he might see her face Adamas in the mean time who followed him held Celidea by the hand and seeing Thamires so busie he could not chuse but laugh which the Shepherd perceiving you laugh perhaps said he to see me look for Celidea whom you have hid in some other place Hide her said the Druide no I do bring her unto you in a better condition then ever she was Thamires was amazed at this and could not understand his meaning but Celidea taking him about the neck and kissing him what Thamires said she unto him do you make so little accompt of the present that is brought you that you will not so much as thank the bringer To what purpose were you so careful to see me in my first beauty since now it is is brought unto you you will not so much as know it This voice did perfectly undeceive Thamires and taking her in his arms O Damon said he how infinitly am I obliged unto thee for this favour In saying so he began a new to kisse her sometime her mouth sometimes her cheeks and sometimes her eyes and probably he had longer
sutable unto the will of the gods Their intention is that I should cease to live and since they would have it so both you and I are obliged to be also conformable Therefore Diana do not hinder me from that benefit by it I shall have the accomplishment of my desires if you love me you will not deny that which end all my miseries and begin all my delights should I follow your inclination and prolong the course of my miserable dayes what would it advantage you further then to be a witnesse of your violated faith and Diana what do you think would become of me Do you think me able to survive that fatal sight of seeing you in the power of another Alas alas Diana assure your self I should run stark mad and do such strange things as posterity should wonder at It is therefore better for me to distance my self from you betimes and by one sudden death avoid ten thousand which your marriage would put me to and so testifie to the world that I have more love and more courage then you have Silvander expressed himself in such a manner as made Diana extreamly pity him and because it vexed her to see him in such a fury it was long before she answered him in any other language but that of tears at last clearing up her voice and looking him in the face did I think Silvander said she unto him that death were an argument of my affection and courage perhaps I should open my veins sooner then you imagine but I am afraid it would be in me a mark of infamy and would give unto my survivers a subject to accuse me of some greater fault then that of loving you Life is not so dear unto me as my honour and were it possible to leave the one and not the other Paris should nere triumph over Diana nor would I ever be forced to receive any other husband then you Believe this Silvander for a most certain truth I do invoke the gods to be witnesse of it and let heaven never pardon me if I would not execute that design with as much courage as now I do mention it I perceive for all this replied Silvander dejectly that all you say is only to assure me that I must not pretend any more unto you and since so can you think that I can ever receive any comfort after such a losse O my dearest Diana do not injure me so much as to think I can live in this world after all hopes of you is gone Let what arguments be alledged that will or can I will not stay in it nor do I think any can be found strong enough to condemn my despair Upon this Belinde entred into the room which did not a little surprize Diana who being infinitly afraid to lose Silvander was very desirous to sweeten in some sort those bitter displeasures which she saw him resent She hasted therefore to say unto him in a low voice Servant if I have any power over you I do command you to live at the least until you hear for certain that my marriage is consummated upon this word she rose up to go unto her mother who made a sign unto her so to do Alexis Leonide and Astrea who had also discoursed upon their affairs did rise up at the same time and joyning themselves with Diana went altogether unto Belinde who carrying them into the garden desired that she might have some privacy with Diana to tell her of some particular businesse which she had to communicate unto her Upon this they severed themselves Leonide Astrea and Alexis went into the thick of the Grove whilst poor Silvander not knowing which way to go went out of the house and took the first way that his foot stepped into He came by Fortune unto the place where formerly he had taken delight in discoursing unto the rocks concerning the beginning of his Love and leaning himself against the trunk of an old willow which the river had insensibly undermined he stopped a while to look upon the roots of it and finding them to be almost all quite bare and out of the earth he compared the state of that tree unto that of his love Poor stump saist he upon how small a thred does thy life and mine now hang thou art sustained only by two or three small strings of a root which the swelling of the river Lignon will loosen from the earth and carry thee away So likewise miserable I who only do subsist by one bare command of Dianas and cannot live any longer until the anger of heaven do put me out of all hopes to enjoy her Afterwards casting his eyes upon the little waves which dashed against the banks and presently retired back Clear waves said he is it not me whom ye call unto you and do not you invite me to follow you This sweet murmure wherewith you flatter my griefs does it not assure me that you will be more kind unto me then Diana do you not tell me that you are so pitiful that you will most willingly receive me into your bosome Ah Celadon continued he how happy thou art in finding amongst these waves a remedy to all thy sorrows For let them talk what they will in lieu of falling into the water to help Astrea I believe thou didst cast in thy self only to help thy self and be safe from those storms which her anger or perhaps jealousie had raised against thee O Heavens O Celadon why should not I do the same Lignon does offer me the same help Diana does give me the same cause but cruel woman that she is she takes away from me the power of doing it and most unjustly does oblige me unto the observation of a vow which I have made to obey her After this leaving unto his thoughts the liberty of wandering whither they would he stood near an hower studying upon the several accidents of his life but after a thousand thoughts he fixed them all upon his love and comparing all the pleasures that ever he received with his present pains he found so great a disproportion as he had much ado to remember that ever he enjoyed any contentment this made him curse his first flames and not being able to check the first motion made him repent that ever he lived yet calling to memory the perfections of Diana and considering that since it was his Fate to die he could not lose his life in a better cause he condemned his first thoughts and as if he would professe himself an enemy unto himself in loving this Shepherdesse still he wished more misery upon himself that he might be the more her Martyr Probably he had spent all the rest of the day in these imaginations unlesse by Fortune he had coughed and a neighbouring Eccho returned the noise back again unto him and though he knew well enough from whence that hollow voice came yet would he needs consult with it upon the present condition of his life and therefore
Nature has placed in my cheeks Alas they require some nourishment that is a little more mild and sweet you cruel tears are too sharp and bitter for them you do proceed from a cause too sad and would in any other then my self be a cause rather of death then life In saying so she stopt a little and afterwards broke out again Alas continued she you are arguments of my faint courage since I dare not have recourse unto no other remedies then you as if Nature did not offer unto me other arms wherewith to revenge my self upon the injuries of Fortune For what use were poysons created what are swords for what Precipices what flames what waters but to be imployed in the relief of miserable wretches Courage therefore Diana make use of some one of these remedies to ease thee of thy misery make choice of the most violent that the act may be the sooner done and endeavour to prevent this very minute which is to blast all thy hopes of any joy Upon this she went out of the Garden not to go into the house of Adamas for that was odious unto her but to go into the wood in hopes to meet with some of her companions to whom she might without fear sigh out the cause of her grief She was almost at the very banks of Lignon before she met with any but at last she spied Astrea who was set under an old oak holding a handkerchief in one hand and leaning her head upon the other Diana much wondered to see her self out of the company of Alexis and Leonide because she knew they went out together and knowing that she would never have parted from them without some reason she was very desirous to know the cause and made so litle noise in coming to her as she was within four or five paces of the Shepherdesse and was never perceived The sighs and groans which Astrea sent forth made Diana believe that she had received some extraordinary displeasure especially when she heard her say with a deep sigh traiterous and persideous wretch durst thou be so bold as to offend me so extreamly Cruel Shepherd wouldst thou offer to abuse my innocence so long as in the end to blast my reputation Then stopping as if the violence of her sighs would not let her speak any more miserable wretch that I am said she again how dare I ever appear in the world again I see my self now obliged to blush eternally and to seem as if I were guilty of a crime which I never committed Upon this flowing with tears again and still lifting her handkerchief to her eyes she fell into a deep study and that so deep as Diana came and sit down by her and stayed a long while before Astrea ever perceived her at last Diana being desirous to apply some remedy to her troubled mind though she stood in as great need her self Sister said she and pulled her gently what new affliction is this that is fallen upon you Astrea then rowsing her self as out of a deep sleep and seeing one so near her whom she so much esteemed yet never answering to Dianas question for she no sooner heard her voice but we embraced her and fell into such a flow of tears that Diana was no lesse afflicted then she and finding such an object of pity could not restrain her tears neither so being both silent they sate a long while embracing and crying together At last Astrea in a voice interrupted with sighs ah Sister said she unto her ah Sister Sister I am utterly undone Why Sister said Diana what 's the matter and who has caused all this sorrow unto you Celadon replied Astrea Diana then imagining that the death of this Shepherd came fresh into her memory and that being so near Lignon she could not chuse but resent the sad accident Sister answered she I will not condemn your tears but you must give me leave to tell you that if all the tears which you have shed for him since his losse were all together they would make a river as big as that wherein he was drown'd Come come companion believe it you have wept enough Ah me dear Sister said Astrea and interrupted her you know not what cause I have to weep I would to God when he threw himself into the River I had been drown'd with him then should I not at this hour be so grieved as I am nor should I have been the common talk of all the world as now I must Diana not being able to understand her meaning Believe it Sister replied she I shall be long ignorant unlesse you do better inform me but I beseech you speak freely unto me and let me know the cause of your displeasure assuring your self that I shall as freely discover a thing unto you which troubles me extreamly and the more because I am out of all hopes to find any remedy I will tell you what it is which troubles me answered Astrea beginning to wipe her eyes and sit down in her place again for though I would not render that duty unto the affection which is common betwixt us yet should I do it out of another prevalent consideration which is that we two having been almost all one and our very thoughts no more hid from one another then our actions it is necessary that you should answer for my deportment and that those who shall make any doubt of my virtue may cease to entertain any ill opinion of me by the reports which you will make in my advantage I do not think replied Diana any man can be so simple as to blame you for any thing you ever did but if there should I promise most faithfully to vindicate you and to speak in your behalf as I ought to do And therefore my dear companion I conjure you to conceal nothing from me but freely open your soul unto me with this assurance that I will never deny any thing you shall desire of me Then Astrea having dryed her eyes I ever thought said she unto her that your affection unto me was as perfect as I could desire nay more then I could deserve and to the end you should not exceed me in love I will make a discourse which none but you or Phillis should ever get out of me Know therefore my dear companion that whilst Paris was talking with you Leonide came unto Alexis and me and after she had asked what was the subject of our discourse she said unto me what will you give me Astrea if I do tell you as good news as you can possible desire Fair Nymph answered I I have nothing that I can dispose of for all that I have is this day transferred into the power of my dearest Mistresse but I shall be very obliged unto you if you will tell me any thing which imports either her contentment or mine what I have to tell you said Diana does equally relate unto you both and to hold you no longer in suspence Adamas
has taken abundance of cure and pain to procure you a happiness which you have rejected and which you will never enjoy For the gods are most just and will punish your cruelty by some strange chastisements The gods replied Astrea do know my soul and all my thoughts It they do find any crime there I do not refuse any chastisement they will impose upon me But I am most confident they will compassionate my innocency and will not find any cause to condemn me None of all this discourse said Phillis is satisfaction to my mind I would gladly know where Celadon is and therefore good Leonide tell me Do you know then answered Leonide that Celadon is alive I do know replied Phillis some part of this dayes passage and how cruelly this peevish peice condemned him the second time unto dispair Since so said the Nimph I will acquaint you with what has hapned unto him since that you may judge whether Astrea have any cause to complain against me upon this Leonide sate down upon the grass and Diana Astrea and Phillis sitting about her the Nimph began thus Did I not se the day almost done and that I have not time enough to say much I would satisfie you all in every doubt that can arise in your minds concerning the life which Celadon hath led since he was taken out of the water But refferring the relation of that History untill we have more time I will tell you that as soon as ever Astrea parted from us I ran after Celadon and quickly overtaking him because he did not think I followed and taking hold of his arme as if I had some fears he was in a condition to do himself some harm Shepherd said I unto him Astrea commands you to live and to love her he was a little surprized at this for as I told you he did not dream I was so near him since he saw me go after Astrea but turning himself towards me and gazing upon me with a strange amazment Astrea answered he does not desire that I should live for she has commanded me to die and she does me wrong in commanding me to love her for maugre her sharpest rigour my soul cannot chuse but adore her more religiously then ever I must confesse I wondered to see him so calmly composed for I expected to find him all fury but yet still fearing the worst Celadon said I I tell you nothing but what Astrea her self will say if you will take so much pains as to see her again who I cried he and started back alas Leonide it is not in my power you heard the sentence which she pronounced against me it is my full intent to execute it nor do I make the least dor at it I am at all times ready to observe all her ordinances and the delight I shall take in living is not so great as that which I shall take in obeying her but replied I what do you think will become of me can you imagine that I will leave you in this transport assure your self Celadon I will not but will hinder you as much as possibly I can from doing any harm unto your self Sage Nymph answered he though you do not intend to leave me yet the night will force you unto it and will be more prevalent with you then all my entreaties nor will I take much pains to sollicite you the horrour of darknesse and solitude of these woods will not agree with the soft and tender mind of a woman and therefore you ought to value your own safty and rest above mine and not to be more careful in preventing my death then in preserving your own life all this will not do said I unto him for I am resolved upon it and will not part from you as long as you are in so bad a humour If the horrour of this solitude do beget any fears in my soul I hope the gods will enable me to overcome them In this you are much mistaken answered he presently for the best office that you can do unto me is to let me do as the justice of Astrea hath commanded believe it Leonide that Shepherdesse never was nor never shall be disobeyed by me give me leave therefore to do as she did bid me and give her no cause to hate you for hindering me Whilst he was using all these perswasive arguments unto me I called into my memory the words which you spoke unto him in the heat of your anger and conceiving I had found out a good invention to comfort him Celadon said I unto him I will not hinder you from rendring unto your Shepherdesse all that obedience which you do ow unto her but withal I would not have you go beyond it nor to afflict your self in imagining such things as never were I pray let us see what it was which she commanded and if we consider well upon it we shall find no great cause of complaint nor said he will I so much as murmure against it it is sufficient I know she would have me out of the world and death being the only way I must I ought and I will take it I do not think said I unto him she ever had any such thought for if she had she would have otherwise expressed her self I do believe indeed her intention was to shew you how much she was ashamed at her being so deceived and at her affording you some perhaps over particular privacies but when any matter of pennance came into question believe it Celadon she never intended any unto you To whom then said he to Alexis answered I ah Leonide replied he presently you are much mistaken I did so clearly read in the face of Astrea her desires and intention to ruine me that if she did name Alexis in lieu of Celadon it was only because that name was more frequent in her mouth then mine but however it was I am sure it was unto me she spoke it was me that she condemned by the fury of her looks and it was from me she broke away with more hatred then if I had been some Tiger or some Satyr With such expressions as these he still went further from me and I seeing the night coming on and knowing that as good a face as I set upon it yet I was not able to undergo the horrours of the night but good Celadon said I unto him what is it that you resolve upon to conform my self answered he unto that which Astrea hath commanded me Then said I you must not attempt any thing against your self for though she did command you to die yet she did not command you to kill your self Upon this he began to consider a little and when I saw he did not answer me I cannot conceive said I that this command of hers ought to trouble you no more then that command which Nature gave when you came into the world for Nature as soon as you began to live did command you to die and certainly since
seeming still more and more desirous to hear Olicarsis they all sate round about him and he began thus The History of OLICARSIS and AZAHIDES THat morning when this Shepherdess came and interrupted us meaning Phillis I was beginning to relate unto you pâ—rt of those passages which hapned in the Empiredome of the East and in that of the West since Vrsaces Eudoxe Olimbres and Placidia were recompenced all the pains which Love had made them suffer and because it is in some sort necessary I should tell them unto you to make you the more admire at the Fatality which brought me hither I will now begin my discourse where I left last first begging your excuse if by a Narration perhaps too long I shall offend your ears and patience Give me leave to tell you then that the affection which I testified unto the sage Eudoxe during her captivity unto Genserick did purchase me so great a share in the friendship of Vrsaces and Olimbres as we may all say that ever since we have been all one and the same This was the reason that when they departed I beseeched the King to let me got with them and their design was to prefer me unto Marcian as conceiving that sage Emperour would love me when he once knew me but Ginserick who perhaps doubted or feared that the remembrance of my imprisonment would beget some resentmeats in me against him he would not upon any terms give me leave But on the contrary thinking that honours and riches were the most powerful charms that he could use to keep me about his person he began to put me upon imployments which were very troublesome unto me since they diverted me from my studies but yet very honourable they were since they were the greatest offices in all his Dominions A correspondency betwixt Vrsaces Olimbres and me did not yet die notwithstanding the Rigour of this separation but as if absence were a means to link us in affection the more firmly it did encrease amongst us at that distance We were exceedingly vigilant and careful in sending unto each other and as I gave them an accompt of all my businesse and negotiations so I believe they did participate unto me their most intimate thoughts Thus I heard of their return unto Marcian the Carresses wherewith that Emperour did solemnize their marriage and in fine the greatest part of that which I shall tell you in the Sequel of this discousre Be pleased to know that Marcian shas no sooner entred upon the seventh year of his Empiredome but as it is the quality of virtue to beget much envy and jealousie so the merit of that sage Emperour did raise those two passions in the minds of Ardabures and Aspar who having been much in Constantinople did think that to obtain the Empire there needed no more but to take the Crown from off the head of Marcian They began therefore to plot and make parties against him and finding that his life would be a main obstacle in their way what will not ambition do to get a Crown they dispatched him by poyson Judge I beseech you how nearly his death did concern Vrsaces and Olimbres and how nearly they resented it since they were beholding unto him for the greatest part of their well-beings This was the cause that they in some sort suspecting the Authours of this abominable Patricide they did generally oppose themselves against their designes and negotiated so well that Ardabures and Aspar being failed in their pretentions a great Grecian was chosen Emperour called Leon and born in the Town of Bestique It is true that their Faction being extreamly strong they would not consent unto this election but upon condition that the Raigns of the Empire should be for a time in the hands of Aspar Leon made no difficulty to receive him as a partner but he made them all know presently after that Empiredom admits of no Competitours and that when he consented unto it he promised no less then an impossibility In the mean time Leon amidst his joyes to see the Empire of the East submitted unto him he did not forget what Vrsaces and Olimbres had done in his favour and knowing that Martians affection unto them was very great he thought it but just he should succeed him as well in his love to them as in his crowns Expressing himself then as kindly as possibly he could he desired them to continue their affections to him and protested that when any opportunities presented themselves wherein he might honour them he would prefer them before all other persons whatsoever Look now upon Leon for a while peaceable in the East but so were not we in Africa for Majoranus who succeeded Maximus in the Empire of the West to get Sicily out of the hands of Genserick who was become the Master of it he made attempts that was worthy of his courage and in his design as they say of coming to burn us in our houses he was miserably murdered by the same Souldiers who made choice of him His death which shewed all the world how short a while the favours of Fortune do last did give us some rest and made Genserick rouz up his former courage and designs so as raising a Puissant Army he put himself into a condition to resist all men whom he accounted his enemies And certainly his preparations were not in vain for soon after the death of Majoranus Soverian who succeeded him prepared himself to prosecute the designs of his Predecessonâ— but hearing of our forces he presently changed advice and turned his arms against the Alans whom he defeated near Bergamus and there killed their King Beringus Perhaps this victory had blown up his courage and carryed him upon some new enterprise against us but his death which was almost as sudden as his Predecessours thought not so violent did at once stifle his designs and hopes upon Rome During this time Genserick as I told you before had ready shipt a brave and gallant Army so as not to let it lie idle he resolved to give Rome a second visit invited unto it as I think by the memory of his first spoils His design was not so secretly carried but the Emperour Leon was advertised of it who not to let Italy perish in that disorder wherein it then was did send Anthemius to defend it from the invasion of the Vandals But Genserick who quickly knew that he should be molested in his enterprize by the pretentions of one Gervandus who since was exiled he hasted away and having made Thrasimond Lieutenant General of his Army did leave his other Son in Carthage with an express prohibition not to ordain any thing before he had communicated unto me and taken my advice I remained therefore by this means in Africa where if I had entertained any had intentions I had not wanted means to put them in execution but ever being an hater of all evil actions I would sooner have died then done them Besides thus I did
will I have learn'd that they have given me a free will and power to make what choise I will whether it be a crime or no to make use of it it is no matter so I do not offend Silvander all 's indifferent and believe it Astrea your sin is not small in advising me to be perfideous In saying so she looked upon her with such an eye as would have moved any unto pity and Astrea being touched with compassion she was quite out of countenance My dear Sister said she and broke into tears may I never live if I be not extreamly sensible of Silvanders misfortune and would with all my heart I could for your sake change his Destiny but be my sorrows never so great for him my resentments for you are more violent and that is the reason of my speaking as I did thinking that by advising you unto a perfidy I might give you some consolation especially since your fidelity will do him no good because his death will not suffer him to reap the fruits of it Nay on the contrary replied Diana my fidelity will doubtlesly cause him to have this satisfaction in dying that he has as much as he desires and since it is long before we shall see each other again if my constancy be meritorious he will give me leave to follow him This was the discourse of Diana by which Astrea and Phillis gathered that after the losse of Silvander they should have a heard task to preserve her yet loving her infinity well they resolved to comfort her as well as they could thus they went on the way whilst Amasis being near unto Galathea and Celadon did cause him to relate the principal â—ccurrents of Silvanders life Belinde for her part she made no question but Diana had an inclination to him and infinitly admiring with what discretion this passion had been carryed she also lamented the loss of that Shepherd and condemned the too much easinesse of her daughter in wishing him so well After this remembring that she only was the cause of Silvanders coming to dwell in Forrests she looked upon her self as culpable both of his love and death Yet since it was not in her power to divert it now because she would rather die then disobey the gods she continued her Lamentations which was all she could do for this unfortunate Shepherd Adamas also whom the Oracle had interested in the death of Silvander by commanding him to be his Sacrificer he could not find out any reason why this Shepherd should be so rigorously used yet for further satisfaction he would confer with him and taking the Shepherd by the hand Silvander said he unto him what grand sin have you committed which thus moves the gods to be greedy of your death Their Oracles speak nothing else whether you consult with them in private or publick still they have some design upon your life Father answered Silvander it would be a vanity in me worthy of punishment to say I never sinned but I must needs confesse that I do verily believe the greattest sin I ere committed was in presuming to pretend unto the possession of Diana hitherto I have concealed my passion lest there should be too many witnesses of my presumption but since you would have my ingenious confession to excuse the rigour which you find in the punishment that is ordained me I will freely tell you my offence and beseech you to pardon me if it hath been any obstacle to the design of Belinde and Paris my love unto that fair Shepherdess began before ere she knew him and if she did entertain his affection only out of respect it was perhaps because she had beforehand received mine out of inclination Yet the gods most just they have found a more sutable conformity between the merits of Paris and Diana then between the perfections of the Shepherdess and my miserable condition Upon this ground they commanded their marriage should be accomplished and that I should die because they knew that if they had not so commanded it yet I would never have survived their marriage one minute The gods replied the Druide do not give Diana unto Paris because he deservs her nor do I think they deny her unto you for want of any good qualities which may intitle you to a legitimate presence unto her I do very well know both your worths and for all my affection unto him I am not so partially blind but I also know what great advantages your wit has above his but to tell you truly I think the gods do thus to shew how oft men are deceived in their judgements and that the Laws of all humane Prudence is far inferiour unto those that are established in heaven But Silvander continued he give me leave to part from you a little that whilst you do joyn with the rest of the company I may think upon some course which may be expedient both for you and me In saying so Druide stayed and Silvander who was very glad to be alone he did not wash away so fast as ordinary but going softly he did nothing but think upon the Fatal doom which had debarred him from the enjoyment of Diana to augment the glory and triumphs of Paris Adamas in the mean while being come near the Altar upon the stairs whereof Astrea and Diana slept when they went with a resolution to die at the Fountain of verity there he sate down and there beginning to think upon the office unto which he was called then upon his life and afterwards upon the miserable condition of Silvander and finding in himself greater motions of affection towards him them ever he had before O said he how apt is compassion to cause love For I never had so great an inclination unto Silvander as since his misfortune forced me to pity him Afterwards thinking upon the Oracle which commended that Shepherd to die and that he himself should sacrifice him O heavens said he how comes the gods to be so barbarous as to sprinkle their altars with humane blood If some uncouth Victimes only would appease their wrath why then in lieu of Bulls and Sheep did they not command the burning of our houses I would with all my heart have been the first that would have fired mine to appease them and shew my obedience But why O god of Love must our houses stand and Silvander he sacrificed and to make me the greater sufferer in his punishment by dying daily with grief for killing him why must I be his sacrifice Alas is this the abundance of contentments which should accompany my dayes after I had given Celadon unto his dear Astrea Ah Heaven has thou deluded me Upon this he slept and considering that he was a Druide O pardon me replied he for accusing you of injustice Pardon me great gods for being too much transported with my reresentments Alas alas I do love Silvander and being but a man I am subject to humane frailties In saying so he began to think
she received the affection of his Master as a most high honour that for want of paper and ink they could not thank him any other way but by voice and if he expected any other answer from them they should be glad to give it unto himself the next time he honoured them with a visit The young man told them that he was gone abroad and would not return till night but as soon as he did he would obey their commands After this he went out In the mean time as I told you before I went unto Genserick and falling upon the subject whereupon I intended to talk with him I told him in what a sad and miserable condition I found Eudoxe after he left her I told him also what inventions I used to make her tell me the cause of her grief and that when I knew it I came expresly from her most humbly to beseech him once more not to make any attempts against her I laid before him how angâ—y the gods would be at such ingratitude and that he rendred himself culpable of a most horrid crime if after the spoils over which she had made him triumph he should ravish away her honour I put him in mind of the Ancestors from whom that Princesse was descended and of such men unto whom she had the honour to be allied That it was abominable she who is the daughter and wife of Emperours should be treated as a slave especially since he had never thought upon the conquest of Rome if she had not invited him I told him also that he was beholding unto her for the glory wherewith history would honour his life and that it was not just but shamefully he should eclipse the luster of it by an act To foul and horrid and indeed I used all the best Rhetorick I had to perswade with him but in lieu of lending any ear to reason became all rage and mixing jealousie with his fury he began unhappily for me to fear that I had some thoughts to enjoy the same happinesse over which he was resolved to triumph This blind passion did so disorder his judgement as without any thoughts of Eudoxes virtue he suspected me to be guilty of that crime from which I would have reclaimed him and therefore with a fury that sparkled in his eyes he swore he would that very night have his fill either of love or revenge and forbidding me ever to see her again he commanded me to retire unto my own house where my chamber was to be my prison upon pain of the greatest punishments his anger could invent I must tell you it was not the fear of death that made me obey him but being resolved to give unto that wise Princess the remedy which she intended to imploy when all things were in desperation I went and confined my self to my chamber hoping my captivity would not continue long since it would end by the death of Eudoxe and my self I no sooner came into my chamber but I went into my closset where I kept all those secrets and wonders in Nature which I had been in collecting above fourty years and because with abundance of study I had knowledge in all rare and admirable secrets it was not long before I found such ingredients as would compound a poyson so subtil as would quickly accomplish my design first I took black Agarick which I had pounded into powder and having incorporated it with the juice of Thapsis I mingled an essence with it which was extracted from the leaves of Lethale commonly called deadly Nightshade and the leaves of Texo which the Gauls call If or Ewe afterwards I put into it Aconite or Wolf-bane and of all these together having made an extract I put in a little scumm of the deaf Aspick and as soon as I had put the one half of this into a little glass I took ink and paper and writ this note unto Eudoxe The Note of OLICARSIS unto EVDOXE IT is now time Madam to take that remedie which I have prepared against your miseries The injustice of Genserick hath slighted my perswasions and having involved me in your misfortunes he hath inspired me also to die with you This night he hath vowed to accomplish his wicked designs by the loss of your honour unless you prevent him by the losse of your life Consult therefore with your courage upon it and be assured that you never had a more glorious occasion to imploy it All things being ready I called a slave which waited upon me and who used to follow me when I went to visit the Princesse with one hand I gave him the little glass telling him it was a Medicine which she desired of me and indeed I did not lie with my other hand I gave him the Note which I pretended to be a direction how she should use it but above all I charged him to be very secret and to make as much haste back as possibly he could Be pleased to know that because I would be out of the dinn and trouble of the people I lodged in the most dark and private corner of the Town I could chuse and because such places are commonly the receptacles of Thieves and Rogues rather then students it chanced that three or four young men that were conscious of some robberies murders were come for a refuge into a lodging very near mine Justices were presently advertised of their coming and intended to surprize them in the beginning of the night These Thieves were stout and desperate and by consequence terrible unto almost every one so as to run the lesse danger it was contrived to catch them in snares and in order thereunto they laid in the streets several cords about a foot from the ground and distant one from another about five or six paces After this all the neighbours were commanded to stand ready in their Arms to fall upon them when they were caught in the snares The stratagem did take according to their desires but harke I beseech you what hapned before my slave who as I told you was gone upon his errand and as fortune was went through this street And had not gone above twenty or thirty paces but running very fast his foot was catched in a snare and down fell he with his nose next the ground now as it is naturall upon such accidents to save the face with the hands as much as one can he broke the glass in a hundred peices and had like to have broak his neck At the noise and out-cry which he made upon his fall some neighbours opened their dores who as I told you had command to fall upon those theeves and thought that it was now their time to fall on But when they saw only the poor slave whose blood gushed out at his nose they came gently to him and without farther enquiry whither he went would have lent him a light to pass the street with more safty but he who saw the cause of his voyage broken he
stood still lamenting and complaining whilst as ill luck was two great dogges wherewith one of the neighbours used to bait bulls at Publique shews did come into the streets and being greedy of blood they presently began to licke that which the slave had innocently mingled with the poyson They had not lapped with their tongues above three times but they tumbled with their feet upwards and died imediately at which the owner of them was so extreamly angry that needs would he kill my slave the very same instant and to know the cause of so suddain and strange an end he seised upon him and carryed him to his house where the poor slave having given him an accompt of the business wherin I imployed him he gave him the paper also assuring himself that it would serve for his justification The man did quickly find out my design and conceiving it most fit to acquaint the King he went presently to advertise him of it I understood since that Genserick was ready to fall down at the sight of my letter but at last recollecting himself and turning all his fury against me he commanded twelve or fifteen of his guard to go imediatly to my house and seise upon me and to put me in that prison where traytors used to be locked up which command was presently obayed And I being prepared to die staying only for the return of my slave they found my dores open and a glass upon the table full of the same poison which I thought Eudoxe had received I will not tell you in what a condition I was when I saw this obstacle unto my resolution it will suffice you know that imagining the Princesse to be dead I did exceedingly rejoice at all those tortures which I conceived were preparing for me Thrasimond was returned from hunting a little before and being extreamly impatient to see his Mistresse that he might know what effect his letter produced he went unto the Palace where Eudoxe was and telling her all the storye which you have heard he made the Princesse think that her resolution was not unknown unto him no more then the wicked design of Genserick Eudoxe then seeing all was discovered and fearing least the King should that night execute what he threatned she thought good to make use or Thrasimonds love hoping that the honest and legitimate passion of the son would give a stop unto the burning and unlawfull lust of the Father And indeed she armed her eyes with all the persawsive charmes she could to move pitty she took her hand-handkercheif and listing it to her eyes two or three times she began to speak unto him in this manner Since Sir you know what intentions Genserick has upon me it is impossible but you should approve of the design which I have to prevent by my death that shamefull staine wherewith he would sully my honour and reputation Though nature had not made me the Daughter unto Theodosius and though fortune had not twice submitted the Emperedom of the East unto me yet it is enough that I do know what a wife and a woman does owe unto virtue never to consent unto the loss of a thing the price whereof is beyond all value And certainly what tiranny soever Genserick is resolved to use unto me his passion shall still find resistance That which his violence will not let me execute upon my own person my rage shall attempt upon his and perhaps he shall to his woe find what dispair can do in the incensed spirit of an honest woman if he be weary of her life which he has undertaken to protect and if it anger him to hear himself accused for violating faith let him with all my heart take away this life with I live with sorrow and if he will let me die gloriously and with honour he shall see how little I will startle at death By this generous Thrasimond you may perceive that if there be no remedy to stop the fury of Genserick there is no hopes of my life or of my two Daughters whom heaven has only left me for witnesses or rather Companions in my misfortunes If as our last refuge the love which you profess unto young Eudoxe be grounded upon honour certainly you will be her Protector and will be ashamed to marry her after her Mother has lost that only thing which will be a glory unto her in the match shall it be ever recorded to future ages in history that Genserick would glut his brutish lust upon Eudoxe the captive and that Thrasimond the glory of his time stood still and would never offer to be an obstacle unto such a blacke design Oh good Sir do not suffer such a blur to dim the story of your life And if the young Eudoxe have any power with you or if you have any pitty upon miserable persons let me execute what Olicarsis had prepared for me And good Sir let not that mans innocence bear the blame of that crime which I only committed it was I who forced him to prepare that poison and his feares only that I would attempt upon the person of the King made him consent unto it Now Sir if for any particular interest you may have in my life you do intend to hinder my death turn if it be possible the mind of Genserick I conjure you I do conjure you unto it even by Eudoxe if you love her by these teares which I drop at the memorie of my miseryes by your self and by these armes which I fixe about your knees which I will never let go untill you promise what I implore from you In saying so she fell down at the feet of Thrasimond and clasped about the leggs of that Prince with so much strength as he was not able to rise so soon as he would at this he was so milted into pity and Eudoxes desires to preserve her honour did please him so well that his love encreased and made him think that no greater advantage could be unto his fortune then to marry the Daughter of so virtuous a Mother Besides this the glory to see at his feet a Princess whom so many millions of people had obeyed did so pleasingly flatter him that from thence forward he resolved to use his very utmost endeavours for her delivery out of those paines which her feares had infused into her and therefore unloosing Eudoxes armes as well as he could he presently kneeled down upon the ground and helping her up Madam said he unto her hope well in the goodness of heaven and in my love Genserick shall joyn my death unto yours or if his pity preserve me his passion shall never hurt you Upon this he left her to go unto the King but he found him not in the Castle for that Barbarian having no thoughts in his mind but the ruine of Eudoxe and fearing that by the accident which hapned the death of that Princesse would be some obstacle unto his desires he resolved to prevent it and therefore when