knowne his death the magistrates of the towne striving vvho could be best sighted in the discoverie of the murther hoping to have the reward of their diligence from their Queene Artaxia soone found out as a man to be most suspected the messenger come from Court vvhom Plexertus had till late in the night kept in his chamber to know of him the particulars oâ— Arguto's revolt This fellow because none more likely in the vvilde form of their popular justice vvas to dye a thousand manner of deathes But he making just protestations of his innocencie being questioned vvhat occasion he had so long to stay the last night vvith the King if not for that end He plainly let them know vvhat Arguto discover'd which he then reported to Plexertus The many-headed multitude called not the truth much in question of vvhat they heard but vvith the same violence as before every one in this also thinking to gratifie the Queene ran to as uncertaine a forme of execution on the dead as they did before to a judgement of the living first they stript the bodie naked then dragg'd it through the streets now they open his belly and suffer his gutts to marke forth his progresse doing many mo indignities to him vvho had deserved many more I much rejoyc'd to heare Plexertus had beene so just to himselfe yet I determined to join Erona's revenge on Artaxia to Plexertus his judgemeÌ„t on himselfe but her an untimely death had freed from my revenge for taking to the heart Plexertus his treacheries her brother Teridates unrevenged death she calmely gave her selfe over to a life oppressing griefe leaving her kingdome young sonne to the care of Salindor vvhom she appointed Protector during the minoritie Returning therefore somewhat grieved that both Plangus and Erâ—na's death without my help had beene revenged I conveyed the bodies to Lycia vvhere the sumptuousnesse of their Tombes shewes their estates and their everlasting fame their everliving vertues From hence I vvould have parted private but remembring Plangus his last will I pass'd thorow â—masia restoring his son to the Duke and comming to Byzantium I gave up my charge into the hands of Lisantus a Macedonian leaving the souldiers full of heartie sorrow for the death of Plangus their Generall Soone after hearing of your death and resolv'd to sacrifice my blood to your memorie to disingage my selfe of some part of my faultinesse leaving Fidutio in Thrace lest by him I should be discovered disguising my selfe in an armour fitly as I thought presenting the massacre of my naked heart passing the Courts of Elis Argos lastly comming hither I met what should I more say with thee my Hellen reserv'd to be a blessing beyond vvhat most I could desire And so vvith a sincere fervencie kissing her hand they both walk't towards the Pallace where having ended Supper vvhile Basilius and Evarcus vvith the rest expected a Maske prepar'd for them the Queene of Corinth let them know what she had heard of Plangus Erona together vvith Plexertus deserved end and the death of Artaxia The audience greatly pittied their fortunes especially Pyrocles vvho much griev'd to heare of Plangus his death for the love he bore his vertues vvas no lesse troubled at Plexertus his mischance for his deere servant Zelmanes sake But the entry of the Maskers caus'd him put over those thoughts to more solitarines his eye being fed vvith a daintie varietie of representations and his eares vvith most harmonious well-agreeing musick to which the footing kept so good time that doubtfull it was whether the musick conform'd it selfe to the life of their motion or the Maskers their motion to the musicks livelinesse But night mask't in these sports crept on undiscover'd and though Pyrocles and Musidorus at other times would dispence with the length of the sports yet now in respect of the armfulls of joy they vvere to expect in bed they thought them tedious which once perceiv'd their dances were sooner at an end then was intended Thus dayes nights past over as if they had no other Spheare then delight to move in the appointed time for Amphialus his marriage was at hand to which Basilius invited the Shepheards both to chaÌ„ge their daily pleasures as also to shew Evarcus that though a greater cause had mov'd him to the solitarie course of life by him imbrac't yet the witts of Arcadia and the pleasantnesse of their harmelesse life might have drawne him to that retirednesse The Eclogves Kalydolus now minded to marrie his daughter and uncertain whether he should bestow her on the contented young Arcadian Menaleas or the much-having much-wanting Thessalian Coridon who both vvere then present hearing of this summons puts over their cause to be determined by Basilius And Strephon and Klaius no lesse desirous to bring Vrania's name to Court joined themselves to the rest Nor was Agelastus waÌ„ting who not for a Mistris but Heraclitus-LIKE thinking man was made to mourne repining at the vanitie of greatnesse had maintain'd a religious sorrow No sooner was the companie set and that their silence began to proclaime their expectation but Strephon who before his comming had prepar'd an Epithalanium began thus to sing Str. Sweet linck of hearts joyes surest anchor-hold Loves peacefull Crowne the harbour of desires Hymen approach but think not Pan too bold If to invoke thy name our love aspires Dwell heere for ever that this couple may Renew the blessings of their marriage day Firme be their roote of love and cause a blisse From forth this royall happie stock to spring That all the world may justly say he is Vvorthy to be and to succeed a king But shorten not their dayes for 't is decreed The best can be but worthy to succeed Amphialus thankt Strephon for his heartie wishes but he had scarce ended when Klaius looking upon him with as sower a countenance as their friendship could allow thus said Kla. I pray thee Strephon if these glorious showes Of Courts admired greatnâ—sse do not close Thy mind froÌ„ former thoughts where can thy layes Finde other subject then Vrania's prayse Or dost thou fondly thinke thou wert too blame To breathe among these Lords Vrania's name Or is it certaine that her flames in thee Are quench't that lately doubled were in mee Str. Nor so nor thus that verse I last day made As with my flock I sate in Hestars shade I studied it yet all my studie was I vow to strive to let Vrania passe For'twas the only name my pen would write My thoughts imagine or my lipps indite Am I not bold when nights vast stage is set And all the starres and heavenly audience met To speake my mind while their bright twinkling flame Seemes to rejoyce to heare Vrania's name And shall I feare that what the heavens approv'd By men though great men should be disallow'd But where you thinke that I have check't mine eye And freed your Strephon from their treacherie O no mine is
over as a sacrifice for the State countrey vvhen behold his sayles vvere fill'd vvith a selfe-opinion in my favour Born up therefore vvith the vvings of hope he returnes to Court where love or some indulgent Fate inspired this project into his head He calls the Nobilitie and after a long narration of the mischiefes that hung over Laconia he desires their advice for prevention They glad that the onely opposer as they thought of their designes vvould have recourse to their directions in that cause vvherein they vvere jealous of his partaking after a flatteâ—ring insinuation the coÌ„mon Exordium to men of his place they concluded that it vvas fit Hellen should dye I doubt it not said he nor was it to that end I sought your counsaile that the necessitie of the times the welfare of our person the preservation of our state required her death but it much perplext me that our fame should bleed with her or that the world should say the threats of the king of Corinth had inforc't us to behead her whoÌ„ lately we vvere to take to wife 'T was this my Lords that caus'd my misinterpreted resolution hang in suspence for this I have turn'd my invention into all formes and now behold I have found an even way to lead me between the perrils of a threatned war the ill-bought quiet of an ignominious peace My will is she be brought to Court for Partinax his house I think not convenient for this project and plac't here with such about her as I know most trusty in such a secret then that her keepers at farthest within two dayes poyson her which done wee le give it out she dyed of a disease and to confirme this opinion in the vulgar wee vvill honour her death vvith such funerall pomp as the state of her life required Thus shall our cause of dissention with Corinth be taken away and vve freed from that imputation the vvorld might justly lay upon us The Nobilitie with silent admiration began to applaud vvhat he had determined chiefly Partinax who making the coÌ„moÌ„ cause his pretence labour'd by all meanes to confirm a resolution so necessary for his daughter Lemnia's happinesse The king having dismist the Councel acquaints me with these his proceedings setting forth with no meane pride the pregnancie of his owne vvit who had found a way to over-reach such gray-bearded dotards for said he you shall that night when you are thought to be poisoned be conveyed hence by two of chiefest trust about me unto my Castle of Nicos then will I cause a statue form'd to your proportion to be coffin'd up on which forsooth my grave Councell shal solemnly wayte and performe the obâ—equies in that ceremonie requisite meane time you shal live live beloved of him vvho hath undergone this dangerous enterprise and will do many more to indeer his affection to you And when the limms of this dis-joynted State be set againe you shal be restor'd to be your selfe and to enjoy this Crowne of Laconia so much envied you till when I lock these projects in the closet of your secrecie The good king was scarce gone froÌ„ me vvhen I made Lemnia of counsaile with me vvho seâ—ing the fitnesse of the time being my journey to Nicos was to be perform'd in the night and the easie execution oâ— so dangerless an enterprise my guard being only two of the kings servants she gives in charge to a sufficient number of such vvhoÌ„ she knew faithfull to her to meet them midway and after they had well beaten my convoy to discharge them of the suspicion of their consenting to the fact to carry me to the next sea port where there stay'd a ship bound for Delphos to vvhich I needs would beÌ„d my course This being resolv'd upon the Lady equally troubled with the care of my safetie and the losse of my presence wept manie teares which I confesse had beene ingratitude in me not to second so as a vvhile sorrow seem'd to have flowen thither to bathe her selfe in our eyes but love at length in both of one anothers good had vvell neere calm'd this passion when the guard appointed by the king was come and readie to carrie me to Court But why should I great Sir anie longer stay you in a storie whose tediousnes I am well assur'd hath tyr'd you know therfore that this meanes of my safetie vvas as fortunately executed as happily contriv'd the king not once daring to send to seeke me lest he should by that discover his own craft us'd in this dangerous deluding of the Laconian Noblemen But I vvas scarce a moneth absent vvhen hee vvhose eyes held the raines of his constancie the object being remov'd married as it vvas before determined the beauteous Lemnia who now in possessioÌ„ of his love stick't not to make knowne to him this whole matter which otherwise in her behalfe I was bound to keep secret Thus sir if my desire to obey your commands hath made the story of my misfortunes tedious you may excuse me since all is done for your satisfaction Faire Queene replied Basilius the sweetly delivered strangenesse of the storie would still ravish the hearers with a desire of a further cause of attentivenesse did not a greater desire in us vvho know your vertues hasten to heare the end of your much pittied distresse and so calling Amphialus to him having agreed on the day of marriage betweene the Queen him they all arose for now their appetites growing jealous of the satisfaction their minds received by the former discourse began to solicite them in the behalfe of their stomacks After dinner when most of the companie began to impe the wings of time with the feathers of severall recreations Amphialus and Hellen privately went together into an arbor in the gardeÌ„ where first vvith teares the coÌ„mon apologie of over-joy'd affection they spake their mindes in sileÌ„ce their panting hearts as they imbrac't with mutuall desire beating their envious garments that gave them not lâ—ave to meet At length Hellen gracefully shaking her head as if shee vvould shake away the drops that like the morning dew on full-ripe Cherries hung on her rosie cheekes O Amphialus said she then kist him as loath to leave so perfect a sentence without a comma I wil not say you were unkind but and there with his lips loath belike to accuse him she clos'd up her speech My sole happinesse replied Amphialus softly wringing her hand though the foulenes of my fault be no fit subject for her to speake of who breathes nothing but goodnes yet I vvaÌ„t not an accuser my soule sets forth my ingratitude nor can I yet conceive how mercie can be so farre remov'd froÌ„ justice as to finde a pardon for my offence but you have given it and if it be any requital it shal be my after lifes studie to love honor your vertues as it was hitherto to offend you It is fit therefore said Hellen with the counterfeit setlednes of
in few dayes the Court was sill'd with forraigne Princes whom either the tye of a long observed league of amitie or a neerenesse in blood to Basilius at such a time brought thither to congratulate with him or were such whose honour-thirstie minds hunted after occasions to make knowne their skill in acts of Chivalrie And now was the Marriage day come when Pamela attyred in the stately ornament of beauteous Majestie ledd by the constant forwardnes of a vertuous minde waited on by the manie thoughts of the forepassed crosses in her love which now made up a perfect harmonie in the pleasing discord of indeer'd affection was brought to Church whom soone after her sister Philochea being in the same degree of happiness clad in the bashfull innocencie of an unspotted soule guided by the shamefac't desire of her Pyrocles satisfaction attended on by manie Graces of a milde cheerefulnesse followed both equally admired both equally lookt upon The Temple where-to in triumph Beautie and Majestie were ledd prisoners by the famous sisters was a fit dwelling place for the Arcadian Deities fenc'd from the Sunne and Windes too free accesse by manie rankes of even growne even set trees neere which in divided branches ran two cleere streames whose sweet murmure as they tumbled over their bed of pibble stones did much adorne the religious solitarinesse of that place And that nothing should be wanting that might set forth the carefull judgement of the builder it was seated in such a neere distance from the Palace as might not presently burie the gloriousnesse of the show nor cloy the beholders with the tediousnesse of the sight In the way on both hands vvere manie altars on vvhich the crowned intralls of the much-promising sacrifices vvere laide At the doore the two sisters vvere received by as manie Virgins attired in a vvhite Lawn liverie vvith â—arlands on their heads of Lillies and Roses intermixt holding in their left hands a paire of Pigeons the gratefull offering to the Queene of Love Soone after the accustomed Rites in the Arcadian nuptials being ended the King and Evarchus with the rest of the Princes returned unto a stately Palace sumptuously furnished vvhere both Art and Nature seem'd to be at variance vvhether should bestow most ornaments to enrich so rare a vvorke seated vvhere the earth did rise a little as proud to be the supporter of so curious a building by meane vvhereof the sight had freedome to overlooke a large territorie vvhere the greene levell of the Arcadian Plaines beautified by the intercourse of manie Forrests represented the delightfull mixture of a civill Wildernesse The building of Marble where vvhether the Art in carving into manie formes the in-vaine-resisting hardnesse of the stone the cunning in knitting these dis-joynted members or the invention in contriving their severall roomes did excell was hard to be judged of The inside also might well be the inner part of â—o glorious an outside for besides the well-matcht largenesse of the roomes and lightsome pleasantnesse of the vvindowes it was all hung with the choyce rarenesse of farr-fetcht Arras in which the ingenious workeman vvith the curious pensill of his little Needle had limm'd the dumme records of reviv'd Antiquitie Here did he present the memorable siege of Thebs vvhere the ruines of her vvalls seem'd yet to hang and make the beholders feare the downefall of the lively stones There you might see how cunningly he had expres't the constrain'd flight of the Trojan Prince and the cruell sacrifice of enraged Dido's love Nor vvas the story of Silla forgotten vvho there stood before Minos with the present of her fathers fatall hayreâ— vvhile you might perceive by his bent browes and disdainfull countenance the just reward of her unnaturall attempt With these and others vvherein cost and invention strove for the masterie vvere the Hangings adorned yet these manie Stories did so stealingly succeed each other that the most curious observers eye though his admiration might dwell on each peece could find no cause of stay untill he had overlookt them all But neither these nor what Art or Nature could have added did set forth so much the Palace as the gracefull presence of the Arcadian sisters whose beauties till now of long time had borne a part with their troubled minds in a sweet pilgrimage to a happie event And therefore at this present so far disburdened of those thoughts as 't was to be setled in the most desir'd enjoying of unspeakable blisse the imagination would needs perswade if it were possible were bettered Dinner being set ended while the Knights who to honour that day with Tilting and to shew vvhat they dar'd and could affect in the service as they thought of unresistable beauties were putting on their Armour there entred the Hall a Page who with submissive humblenesse told the King he was sent from his Master the naked Knight who desired there to be received as a Challenger to eternize as the justnesse of his cause required the famous memorie of his deceased Mistris Hellen the Queene of Corinth Basilius much pittying the before unheard death of so excellent a Queene will'd the Page to relate the circumstance which being strange in it selfe and of so great a subject wrought a passionate willingnesse in the hearers to be attentive After that fortune said he had bestowed by the conquest of Amphialus at Cecropia's Castle the victorie on his adversarie the black Knight this Queene having long time by the command of Love her inward Tyrant made all Greece a Stage for her wandring passions at length vvent thither where the end of her search vvas the beginning of her sorrowâ—s Finding the curtaines of eternall night readie to close up his eyes who in the voyage her affection made had alway beene the Port she steered too yet hoping shee knew not what that if perhaps Proserpine should meete in Elizium his departed soule she vvould in meere compassion of her sorrow send it back to reinhabite her ancient seate shee carried the life-little-desiring bodie to Corinth vvhere at that time liv'd an aged maÌ„ by name Arteliâ— one vvhose fortunate experience in desperate cures had made famous Him by the powerfull command of his Queene and the humble teareâ— of a still-mistrusting lover she conjures to employ the uttermost of his skill in preserving him in whom she liv'd Some time there vvas ere his vitall spirits almost now prov'd strangers to their wonted mansion would accept the tye of hospitalitie but when the haâ—d of Art had taught them courteâ—ie and that each sense though faintly did exerâ—ise his charge Amphialus returning to himselfe from that sweet ignorance of cares wherein he liv'd began to question in what estate the Castle was against the besiegers thinking he had alwaâ— been there when Hellen entred the room with a countenance where beautie appear'd thorow the cloudes of care and feare of his danger Her the double and deepely wounded patient bearing still about him the inward picture of Philoclea vvhom long
that almost overcame all the powers of life in him vvere themselves overcome by his resolution casting himselfe at Basilius his feet he thus said Great Sir if treason in a subject and unnaturalnesse in a nephew be punishable here you have before you a fit exercise for your justice I am that subject whose rebellion interrupted the contented quiet of my Kings solitarie life and brought him to behold the bloudie tragedie of a civill discension in his divided State I am that nephew whom a vvilfull disobedience made a traytor to the neernesse of his bloud Hither did I come Orestes-LIKE tormented by the inward fright of my guilty conscience with my bloud to vvash away if good fortune in the defence of the cause I undertooke would draw death upon me the staines of such unpardonable faultsâ— but now that I have found what I least look't for and then he cast a side look on Hellen for her I confesse I should desire to live if your just indignation might finde mercie for so hainous offences which I vvill not strive to mitigate how ever justly I may for I vvould thinke such faults ill excus'd with vvhich to ease my selfe I must have burdened my neerest friends Basilius first graciously lifting him from the ground Nephew replyed he did I retaine the memorie of your youthfull oversights this your vertuous acknowledgement were sufficient to beare them away but long since I have buried in oblivion the thought of your rashnes because I knew by vvhat after happened that the Gods had made you an instrument to worke their ends it were injurie therefore to question his actions whose vvill vvas not his own being overrul'd by their all-coÌ„manding decree No nephew I do not only pardon these transgressions but freely also do resigne all such possessions as your father held in Arcadia taken from you in the last warre and now in the hands of Philanax Live happie in your choise I shal be proud of our alliance with the crowne of Corinth and shall rejoyce to see the succession continue in our bloud This said he ledd him to Genecia then to Evarchus but when he came to Musidorus This nephew is that black knight said he who at your last meeting gave such evideÌ„t proof of his uncoÌ„querable valor This is Musidorus the Prince of Thessaly whom the Gods have bestow'd as a blessing on my daughter Pamela Amphialus now assured by the kings speech unto whose hand the honour of his conquest had fallen for doubt had long tormented him that some baser hand had reapt the glorie of his victorie Prince Musidorus said he my hard successe in our last encounter much perplext me not that my confidence of my selfe was lifted to such an arrogaÌ„t presumptioÌ„ to think my strength and skill in Armes matchlesse but that it griev'd me an unknown Knight one whom the vvorld might thinke had conceal'd his name lest together with him his bad fortune in tryalls of that kinde might be discovered should have the better of me But now that I know to vvhose lot my victorie hath falne I doe not onely bring an excuse but an honour from the worthinesse of the conqueror Courteous Amphialus repli'd the Prince whose side the advantage of Fortune did then incline to if it may be determined with greater reason and more desert should the honour be giveÌ„ you than bestowed on me but however such tryall I then made of your manhood that hereafter I shall desire to be of your part Worthy Prince said Amphialus your vertue will alway chuse to be of the weaker side and so turning to Philoclea Divine Lady said he in your excellent choyse of the famous Pyrocles you have besides the happinesse gain'd to your selfe for which the world may envie you shew'd me the way to my best hopes by graffing my affection in the stock of my Helleâ—s constancie Deere cousin replyed Philoclea I am glad it was in my power and your good fortune so much to better your choise in so excellent a remove And so casting a bashfull looke towards Pyroclesâ— Sir said she we may joine in thankesgiving this is my cousin whose vertuous disposition during our imprisonment was our safest defence against my aunt Cecropia's crueltie I doe acknowledge it said Pyrocles and besides this favour in vvhich vve have a common interest Sir I must crave pardon for a vvound given you at such a time vvheÌ„ belike you made Patience your only defence Amphialus stood â—ith his eye fixed on Pyrocles for his memory supply'd him with a confused remembrance of such a face Zelmane he could not take him to be her sexe and this change at their first birth destroy'd these apprehensions Pyrocles his heart swore he vvas not vvhose youth and beautie God vvot vvere no fit liveâ—ie for such atchievemeÌ„ts as the vvorld fam'd him for Thus a vvhile hee continued troubled vvith the uncertâ—intie of conjectures untill Pyrocles happily conceiving the cause of his amazement stopt his further admiration by letting him know that the then Zelmane was the now Pyrocles Whereat Amphialus as one newly wak't out of a dreame cryed out Anaxius Anaxius said he ' â—was the Prince of Macedon not a vvoman overcame thee Wheresoever thy soule be let it keepe this time festivall as the birth-day of thy glorie And so after mutuall embraces together with the rest of the Princes they entred the Palace vvhere vvhen they were seated the eyes of all the companie were set on the Queene of Corinth longing to know the storie of her strange fortune now a Queene then a prisoner now alive then dead vvhich shee at Basilius intreatie vvith a majestie which her fortune could not change because 't was innate thus declared Great Sir that I vvas made prisoner by Rinatus and by him carried to Laconia Fame together vvith the newes of my supposed death belike hath brought you the rest since you esteem worthy your hearing I shall esteeme worthie my relation There yet governes and then did among the Nobilitie of Laconia one Creton a man elected to the crown rather to recompence the desert of his ancestors than for his owne vertues beloved and borne vvith for the same reason such an everlasting monument of it selfe can goodnesse leave to posteritie To him vvhen I vvas brought my guilt and my guiltie selfe vvith the best oratorie Rinatus had vvas made knowne vvho with vehement importunitie desired that my speedie punishment as my fault should be terrible The King answered Though he found his demands reasonable and such to vvhich he vvas sure there could be no opposition made yet he thought it fit the Nobilitie should be acquainted vvith so vvaightie a causeâ— before he proceeded further in it and so for this time being committed to the charge of Partinax Chamberlaine to the King I was dismist The next day the Councell being sent for my cause ran the hazzard of manie opinions some thought it fit I should dye and though Iustice said they might not dispence with such
Matie we impose a penance upoÌ„ you for your oversight and this it shal be that henceforth you neither speake nor think of that you account your fault and to helpe you in obeying my commands I must intreat you to keep your mind and tongue for a time busied in telling me what befel you in your travel since our being at Corinth and do it not so niggardly as if you meant to conceale what fame hath so largely blowne abroad yet if you were expos'd at anie time to much danger dwell not there too long least I forget I have you heere Most deere Ladie said Amphialus to conforme my selfe to your last request would make me disobedient to your first command Shall I begin with my departure from you alas at vvhat time should I more imploy my memorie speech in discoverie of my faultie selfe than now But I see your eies begin to take anger into them I will no longer insist on mine owne accusation Know therefore most constant Ladie that accompanied onely with Fidutio my Page when I had past the limits of your dominion at that time of day wheÌ„ the high mounted Sunne makes least shadowes wearied with travell and desirous of some shelter from the Sunnes violent rayes I laid my selfe under the protection of an Olive tree thinking to set my mutinous thoughts at peace but it would not beâ— these outward signes could not appease the furie of an inward enemie Thus I lay deerly purchasing the little ease of my bodie with the affliction of my minde untill mine eares like faithfull servants desirous to end this dissension between their Master and himselfe caus'd all the powers of my mind to joine in attentivenes and mine eies loath to be out-gone in such good offices did look that vvay from vvhence the noise came where I might discerne sixe men arm'd on horseback carrie a faire Ladie vvith them vvhose teares out-cries vvell shew'd her indispositioÌ„ to that journey This sight mov'd compassioÌ„ in me pittie brought a desire to help her distresse but my horse devining belike my intent unwilling to leave his food could by no meanes be taken so that madd vvith anger I began to repeat over all the misfortunes that ever had befaln me to let this know it wanted no fellowes when there came posting that way one whoÌ„ by his hast â— I ghest to have been of the companie gone before Of him I intreated to know what fault could be so heinous that might take away the name of injurie froÌ„ so unmanly a violence as they offred to so beauteous a Ladie but he with a scornfull silence smil'd would be goneâ— and so perhaps he might had not the narrownes of the vvay his courteous horse that vvould not tread upon me compel'd him to stay Whereat his anger burst forth into these threats Villain thy vvant of armour shall not excuse thee from a death wilfully drawn upon thee and though there be no glorie there will be satisfaction in thy overthrowe Then drawing his horse a little backe he lighted without further complement runnes towards me but his furie broght him too hastily to his death for thinking belike his threatning mouth was able to defend it selfe he forgot to put by my sword that by good fortune was laid in his way so justly his death entred at his mouth whose life I think vvas in his tongue At his fall Fidutio came in vvho helping to fit on the armour of vvhich we had disfurnisht this unserviceable knight I mounted on his horse that seem'd to have regarded my hast more than mine owne and riding on the spurre I overtook my companie for so they vvould needs make themselves saluting me by the name of their frieÌ„d Satibarsis But their better observance soone put them out of that opinion so as ghessing indeed rightly that I had kil'd Satibarsis by that mean got his armour without desire to be further then by their owne conjecture satisfied they join'd all hands in his revenge But the Ladies cause vvas just whose rescue I came too the all-seeing provideÌ„ce that vvould not see justice overlai'd fought for me And now five of them had either receiv'd their wel-deserved paimeÌ„t of death or vvere kept by their wounds from further opposition vvhen the sixt who all this time had held Ladie and lookt on seeing my hand vvhose vveakenesse had left such presidents of the effects of a good cause now set against him alone took his prisoner by the hair with his sword gave her a deep wouÌ„d in the neck That inhumane act vvould have giveÌ„ desire to the most barbarous power of revenge to the most cowardly but he as if he meant to save me a labour making hast that their vvarme bloud should meet with the same sword runnes himselfe thorow dying as just a ludge as he was a traiterous offendor Amazement would have fixt mine eies upon him but the La vvound brought them to her succour Experience on my selfe made me skilfull and my faire patient officious so that tying up the wound for some time I â—tanch't the bloud Shee in meane time with her vvatrie eies bent to heaven-ward heartily praying for my good fortune manie times thanking her destinie that with her death had ended the miseries of her ever-dying life When I had done comforting her as I thought with my opinion of her safetie I intreated to know her name the cause of this injurie done to her No no replied she Courteous straÌ„ger the comfort of my neer-comming death in spite of the torment the memorie of my most vvretched life puts me too brings this cheerfulnesse I now present in my lookes though the least delay of my end is accompanied with a vvorld of sorrowes yet I am glad for satisfaction of your demand my breath is a while preserv'd My name is Leaucade the onely daughter to Count Brunio a man of large possessions in this countrie whom you may well think because in expectation of his lands manie sued for those not of the meanest esteeme but my carelesnesse of love had taught me such a carriage that further then of the favour of my courtesie of which they did all indifferently partake none could boast And this till about a yeare since was my daily practise disdaining as most that have not known it do so ridiculous a passion as I then esteem'd love At which time this Fluento vvhose happie hand hath done us both right came to my fathers Courtâ— a neighbour Prince with vvhom for incroaching upon the bounds of his territorie my father hath had much dissention But a reconcilement being made betweene them and both alike thinking the best meanes to perseâ—er in amitie were to have us two join'd in marriage without my knovvledge as iâ— it vvere fit I should be a stranger to their proceedings determine of the match But alas sir at this time I was so far from being at their dispose that I was not
seeing I might not trust my â—elfe vvith mine owne government I chose manie friends and being by nature given to hate pride to eschue a vice so loathâ—ome thinking it might not be done otherwise I began to affect popularitie But I had scarce liv'd thus a twelue-month vvhen my cousin the kings sonne a yong man who besides the hope of succession for vvhich the Courtiers did adore him had nothing more then ordinary in him grew suspicious of my practises as he term'd them to which humor besides the mistrust of his owne little desert his Sycophants the bellowes of this fire did daily add further causes to encrease his jealousie But seeing the discoverie of his suspicion vvould little please the king vvho ever since the death of my father had doubled his care upon me he vvas compel'd to dissemble a good liking towards me In meane time a truce made for some few yeares vvith the Duke of Amasia being expir'd the vvar grew hote on both sides at length after the triall of manie changes in fortune necessitie mediating a peace betweene them my selfe being given as hostage for performance of certain coÌ„ditions of my uncles part a perpetuall league vvas concluded onâ— 't was now and not before mischiefe began to unmaske her selfe and take a pride to grow terrible There vvas at Court during my abode there attending upoÌ„ the Dutchesse a Lady by name Alcida whose many excellencies won as many hearts as she had beholders nature making her beautie shape but the most faire Cabinet of a farre fayrer mind To her mine eyes at first sight gave up my heart with so fortunate an encounter in affectioÌ„ that this surrender vvas but a mutuall exchange she having in a mercifull gratefulnes fixt her love one mine But her parentage though not base was so meane in respect of my birth that thence vvhole armies of afflictions did invade my mind equally distracted betweene my desire to enjoy this my best of happines and feare of my uncles displeasure on whom this match for his care and love of me I was sure vvould draw on an untimely death But before I could determine a doubt of â—o great consequence the conditions of the league being faithfully performed I was safely at a day prefixt sent back to Natolia desirous even in my soule desirous I am sure rather by their breach of covenant to have hazzarded my life then thus cruelly to be taken away from her presence vvho far beyond my life was most deere to me Soone after my returne the king as if the Gods had stay'd him to see the quiet of his State now that vvas brought to passe worne vvith age and much broken vviâ—h travell care in his last warrs left his kingdome to his degenerate sonne successor who had no sooner seized upon the government but meaning to begin his raigne vvith an admirable act of policie now his power vvas unrestrain'd limits me to the absence from my countrey declaring my bloud for ever uncapable of succession and not content vvith this to such a height his undeserved malice to me vvas raised that he dealt vvith some bad ministers of his wickedness secretly to make me away To prevent therfore vvhat vvas plotted against me disguising my selfe I hastily fled away making use of necessity to further my affection I put my self into the service of a Nobleman here in the Court of Amasia easily remaining undiscovered among them who vvould sooner fall out vvith their eyes then beleeve that the greatnesse wherein they lately had seene me could admit so great a change By meane vvhereof I enjoyed the presence of my Alcida whose constancie neither time nor abseÌ„ce the mothes of affectioÌ„ nor vvhat is more this my change in fortune could alter Thus vvhile I liv'd in this happinesse of servitude Mermidon brother to the Duke having commanded with fortunate successe against the Dazians returned to Court vvhere seeing this Lady he became enamoured of her to no other end then to satisfie his lust and thinking at first because he vvas in good esteemâ— vvith himselfe she vvould have strain'd her modestie to sue for the acceptaÌ„ce of a present so gratefull to him a while he was silent but when he perceived the vanitie of his fruitlesse expectation found that this delay encreas'd the fury of his passion dispensing with the Matie he had taken on he began to make known his love to her for such a title did he give to so base a desire forgetting not vvithal to tell her that to excuse her modestie he had first spoken her wishes But the vertuous Alcida loathing as much the thought of such a sinne as shee loved the memorie of me together with a â—esolute deniall let him know how base his minde was that made so injurious a request Wherat Mermidon because this answer came unexpected was so much the more amazed But bringing arguments from his late practise in the warre he began to think his honor would be the greater if after long resistance he did surprise a well defended for t therefore daily both by rich gifts the base enamell of affection manie promises which to win the more upon her were sent by one of her owne sexe who if example might move her could tell of such a president in her â—elfe did he seeke to undermine her resolution Meane time my constant Alcida seeing the inteÌ„perance of Mermidons lust to bring the threats of force with it not daring to speake with me because our conference began to be suspected sent me a letter to hasten her carrying away appointing this the fatall place of our meeting I much rejoyc'd to be so neere my happinesse the rather that since our last conference I received intelligence that my young cousin of Natolia being made away by one whom he had rais'd to an undeserved height in his favour the countrey was in great distresse by the factious ambition of the Nobilitie and that the best affected to the State much desired my presence But these meanes how well soever as I thought conducing to my happinesse by the unmercifulnesse of my hard destinie were prevented as one of those whom 't was my fortune to kil at his death revealed for Mermidoâ— having intercepted the messenger mad with rage to finde his hopes crost by so meane a man as he tooke me to be having again seal'd up the letter he caus'd it to be delivered and determining to be reveng'd sent these men to apprehend me himself intending to follow presently leading with him my deerest Alcida whom in my presence to ad a glorie to the execrablenes of the offence he means to ravish And now sir you have heard said he all what my selfe knowes of my birth fortune ever till this time when I am well assur'd my end is neere at hand kept secret He scarce had clos'd up this lamentable storie with a heartie sigh the compendious abridgment of his sufferings when we might discerne Mermidon with twentie
more so distrustful is treachery though there be no cause to feare make towards us but that sight together with the thought of Alcida's distresse was a signall sufficient for Cariclio to begin his unequall encounter so as like a shee Tygre who at her returne to her cave findes her little ones to be stoln with a wilde furie breathing nothing but destruction he runnes amongst them making way for my willingnesse to second his attempt A while the justnes of the cause and Cariclio's valour to which the glorie is onely due with the death of manie did hold the victory in an equall ballance at length the multitude of our assaylants made injurie the stronger bringing to a death much to be pittied so incomparable a man at Armes as vvas Cariclio yet not before he had in the sight of Alcida sent Mermidon to be his harbinger at Carons Ferry And when by his death the onely stay support of the fight was removed if sometimes my desire of revenge made good the grouÌ„d Cariclio had bequeath'd me alas how could I long resist without him Know therfore excellent Lady that here I was made prisoner together with Alcida carried back to Court though I call Cariclio's ghost to witnes I sought all meaneâ— to joine my selfe even in death a companioÌ„ to his vertues The solemnitie intended for our execution the preparation of new formes of torment for us that had beene parties in the murther of the Dukes brother won some lingring daies of life to the inward torture of our expectation in meane time the everlasting providence that by changing the intentions and doomes of men will let them know there is a power beyond theirs sent an unexpected meane to helpe our distresse Plangus the famous Prince of Iberia at this time making hast with a few such as vertue had join'd partners in his cause taking into his Army such of Evarcus souldiers as in a teÌ„pest at Sea were driven to Byzantium to the succour of Erona vvhose storie you cannot be ignorant of being to passe thorow Amasia sent to the Duke to demand a through-fare for his souldiers But he who of long time had observed an unviolable league vvith the Armenians knowing the pretence of this warre despising the weaknesse of those few Plangus led with him not only denied his request but gathering a great power of souldiers whom since his last warres he had kept in garrison in his frontier townes meant with the overthrow of her ungratefull nephew to gratifie Artaxia and her ill chosen husband Plexertus But the excellent Plangus then whom this age shewes not for conduct in vvarre a better Generall with the well ordering those few resoluâ—e Troupes skilfull industrie in choise of advantages in two â—et battailes put him to the vvorst After vvhich the Duke not able to reinforce his weakened power put himselfe vvith the relicks of his late overthrow into his chiefe citie vvherein vvee vvere prisoners to which Plangus finding no open resistance vvith vvondrous celeritie followed him And though the town by Nature Art for site fortiâ—ication vvere thought impregnable yet being defended but by such vvho by their owne losse held a too superstitious opinion of the enemies it was soon forc't by Plangus his victorious Troupes vvho beleeved the successe of nothing impossible to which their ever-fortunate Captaine vvould lead them With the sack of this citie vvherein he tooke the Duke vvith his sonne prisoners Plangus having enrich't his souldiers vvith the bootie his ovvn fame by the speedinesse of the conquest not able to assure the countrey to his devotion otherwise then by dismembring his Armie and delaying his chiefe ends mov'd vvith a necessarie clemencie having first received six moneths pay for his souldiers and the Dukes sonne as hostage to barre his desire of revenge making Alcida and my selfe to secure our freedomes companions in his travaile he leaves the Amasians to thâ—ir former governmeÌ„t Manie dayes journey we had not beene in our way to Armenia when the good Alcida by the inward vvorking of her thoughts began to find â—he burden of her griefe too heavy for her which when the dulness of her ever-watry eyes the paleness of her cheekes had bewray'd to us we carried her to a Monasterie neer adjoyning dedicated to Diana much fam'd for the strictnesse of the Virgins orders that be attendants on the Goddesse her ceremonies where having recoÌ„mended her to the governesse of the house alas I left her bound even by the greatest tye of gratefulnesse to follow him whom I ought my life to These former accidents most deare Lady together with the excellent Plangus his companie in vvhom sorrow vvas drawne to the life made me reflect upon my ungratefull selfe consider how â—ruell I had beene to you whose desert pass'd my best endeavours of requital so that farre ingag'd to the memorie of your vertues thenceforth the thoght of my most deer Hâ—llen vvon my heart to a most passionate affectioÌ„ The Quâ—â—t this interrupted his speech with this answer My Aâ—phialus they who â—ollow exampleâ— in their actions are â—o match rightly vvhat they are to do vvhat they see done Leaucade Alcida and Froâ—a might justly claime the reward of love but Hellen vvhose desert vvas farâ—e short could expect but disdaine Disdaine said Amphialus you renue a punishmeÌ„t your mercie did once forgive And here vvith teares in his eyes hee vvould have kneel'd to begge a further pardon but Hellen kissing away the burthen his eyes vvent vvith made as much hast to prevent his suit vvith the like of her own so that a â—riendly coÌ„position being made as it wel might be vvhere both vvere parties both Iudges in one cause the Q got the continuaÌ„ce of the story which Amphiâ—lus vvould put off to another time to boot And then willing to discharge himâ—elf of the debt he ought for so good a bargain he thus began Madam though my memorie be a continued record of much sorrow yet among the manie stories griefe hath engraven in me there is none compar'd vvith the disaster of Plangus and Erona that deserves compassion Know therefore my onely happinesse that Plangus having received advertisement how the Nobleman unto vvhose faithfull custodie Erona upon the accord betweene him Artaxia vvas delivered being hardly besieg'd by Plexerâ—us brought to an extremitie by famine had yeelded to a composition that if vvithin five dayes he vvere not succour'd he must deliver the Castle Plangus therefore overrunning the fame of his coÌ„ming with his presence the fifâ— night was neere Plexertus Campe vvhere by one of the enemies whoÌ„ his Scouts had taken he vvas inform'd that late that evening the keyes of the citie Fort vvere given up to Plexertus but that he deferr'd his entry till morning leaving the next gate to the Campe open that all night his officers might prepare a magnificeÌ„t triumph for himâ— as for Erona he vvould determine nothing of her untill he had
delight Her Band her Gowne be envious vayles that â—ide Her stately neck her round and slender side Yet now a while againe that cloud remove And draw her hand the adamant of love Here meare the soft and alabaster plaines With the neat windings of her azure vaines And cause them first from forth five Rocks of snow As from their springs in manie streames to flow And let them still encrease as swolne with pride Nature had made them through such fields to glide Now Painter you may draw her outside downe Your Art without my helpe can paint a gowne O draw it not so long 't will hide her foot These graces sweet support and gracefull root Paint not a spangled Rose to show the In Where such a neate fine guest is lodg'd within Now all is done but Painter you must censure If this come neere my Mistris portrature P. Yes sir this colour and this forme of face Resemble somewhat but the life of grace Life's active motion in her rowling eye Her humble state and courteous majestie What art can paint or what mellefluous tonguâ— Can fit the subject with a worthy song Then to conclude good sir I must confesse Your tongue did little and my hand did lesse Finis The description of a Tempest Bound for my countrey from the Cambrian shoreâ— I cut the deepe the Mariners implore With whistling prayer the winde growne too milde To hasten to beget their sayles with childe The humble Sea as of our ship afraid Pale breathlesse prostrate at our feet is laid The Morne scarse out of bed did blush â—o see Her rude beholders so unmannerly She scarse had blusht when she began to hide Her rosie cheekes like to a tender Bride To sute Aurora all the heavens put on A mournfull vayle of black as shee had done And gave the garments to the Sea they wore Wherewith it growes more blew now then before This stage being set the lightnings tapers were The drumms such thunder as affright each eare Vpon this summons great King Eolus Attended on by Nothus and Zephirus Enters and where the King his steps doth place The waves do swell trod with so proud a grace He was to speake but opening of his mouth The boisterous winde did blow so hard at South I could not heare but as the rest told me He spoke the prologue for a Tragedie Behold huge mountaines in the watry maine That lately was a smooth and liquid plaine Ore which our Sea-drunke Barque doth reeling ride She must obey but knowes not to which tyde For still she plowes that rugged mutinous place All skilfull Pilots call the breaking race A while ambition bare her up so hie Her proud discoloured flagg doth touch the skie But when the winds these waves doe beare away She hangs in ayre and makes a little stay But downe againe from such presumptuous height Shee 's headlong borne by her attractive weight Into the hollow of a gaping grave Intomb'd of each side with a stately wave Downe poure these billows from their height of pride Our Barque receives them in at every side But when they finde no place where to remaine The scuddle holes do let them out againe At length as Castles where no force can finde A conquest by assault are undermin'd So in our Barque whose walls no waveâ— could breake We do discover a most trayterous leake To this though much our hopes do now decline We do oppose the Pump our countermine That midway breakes whereat our Master cryes All hope is past the Seas must close our eyes And to augment deaths hideous show the more We in the Poope can scarse discerne the Prore Such ugly mists had overcast the ayre That heaven I thought had meant we should despayreâ— But in the last act of this Tragedie Behold our great Gods all-dâ—sâ—erning eye Caus'd in an instant these thick mists disbandâ— The windes are calm'd and we at Skerries land Dread ruler of the floods whose powerfull will Each thing that hath a being must fulfill Whose hand markes forth the end of each mans dayesâ— And steers our humane ship in unknowne wayes To thee great guide this incense I present Thou gav'st me time to live and â—o repent To his neere kinswoman Laid in my bed to give each wearied sense For â—ormer paines a drowsie recompence My â—aking minde â—o whose ill hap it â—ell To be my care-tyr'd bodies Centinell Borne on the winged Chaâ—â—st of my thought Vnto the bankâ—s of Acheron was brought Where greedy Tantall makes a vaine puâ— sâ—â—te To catch the coâ—sening falling flying fruite Sometimes his watry mouth and downecast eyes For pittie craves the ebbing stood to rise But in his prayer he deceipâ— prepares And strives to catch the Apples unawares They at his motion as a shadow fly And give a surâ—eâ—â— only to his eye I smil'd â—e lâ—ok'd and wâ—sht I might remaine Another Tantall with as little gaine I fâ—igâ—ted si aâ—â— and straight my curious eye Prov'd Tantals wish a â—atall prophesie I see the sweetnesse of your ruddie leere And cannot taste and yet I am too neere Neerenesse doth dull and set my teeth on edge Your blouâ— restraines affection's priviledge I love to looke upon you yet lesse deere You never are then when I see you 're neere Distance in some doth quench affections â—ire But neerenesse is the death of my desire Thus neerenesse hurts O that the Fates allow'd That You or Love a little were remov'd On her lipps Shamefac't Cherrie blush no more Nor esteeme your beauties store To be lessened cause you see Her lips excell much worth may bee In your Vermillion though no eye Can discerne a parâ—lie You worthy were to set at odds As did the Apple all the Godds But then had nature showne this payâ—e These rosie lips so sweetly fayre Both would be prizelesse and the blisse That crownd reward had been a kisse He showes his Mistris how he came to love her before he saw her Deare fayre the blinde boy loath to be depriv'd Of seeing her whom fame so much admir'd Assum'd mine eyes to gaze on that bright day Which to the world your orient beames display And now returnes them fraight with love to meâ— To make me smart for what the wagge did see Thus I though absent love do not despise What Cupid gives for interest of mine eyes On the beauteous black Ophelia Heavens glorious Senators of late To mend the worlds confused state Met on Olympus where the wrongs By Poets over-studied songs Done to the Gods they must redresse And after comming tongues represse Vnshorne Apollo showes his hayre By thousands cut â—o make her fayre Whom they adore The Sunne doth say He scarse hath time to serve the day They hale him so who poetize Into their Mistris beauteous eyes That he is hid with meere disgrace To see two Sunnes in every face But mother Earth to move the more Vnlac'd the garment she then wore Then said Behold â— doâ— complaine Who most have cause I feele the paineâ— My Alabaster and my Pearle Make up the parts of every gyrleâ— See all the roomes of Poetry Hung round with my embroydery They all were mov'd a meane was found To helpe the Gods and save the ground With one consent they do decree The chiefe of beauties black should beeâ— Then Iove to see how beautie might Become that colour brings to light The sweet Ophelia whose black eyes The Stage whereon loves tragedies Be daily acted show they erre Who bring their similes so farre The Sunnes bright rayes Apollo's hayre Fit not this new well chosen fa'yre No gorgeous lemms no earthly pelfe Black hath no likenesse but it selfe A Farewell Live ever happy let my love remaine A pledge for me till I returne againe Let not these lips whose sweetly yeelding tucâ— With one deare kisse reward my love too much Be made a sponge whence each man may be free To suck the Nectar only due to mee Seale up these eyes let not them wound each heart I doe desire few fellowes in my smart Let these thrice-happie gloves still shade the plaines Thus sweetly interlac'd with azure vaines Cut not their singers lest the curious eye Perhaps these shafts of love chance â—â—espie What would it then avayle to hide the rest When that sole part inslames his wounded brest Be alway sitting no that posture â—ills The steadie eyes with that that charmes that kills Walke then awhile alas that motion gives Life unto beautie it by moving lives What can you then observe what may I wish That helpes not to betray where beauty is Then dearest since no art can hinder love I will make you famous if you constant prove O gaine that praise add that unto your feature You are the fayrest be the faithfull'st creature To his BOOKE There is a Saint whom you may â—inde If you have eares or be not blindâ— Even shee whose speech and beautie charmes The blinde boy from his mothers armes Not that O what a foole thou art Come back and reade her in my heart And then before you flye away I le teach you wâ—ere and what to say I le show you wayes that though I fayle To gaine a kiâ—â—e you may prevayle Tye up in knots your strings and lye Neere her in gilded braverie Shee l looke and with her snow-white hands Strive to untye your knottie bands Yeeld not if she aske the cause Say that such are womens lawes Then will a prettie rage incense Her teeth to offer violence Be happie then enjoy a blisse I want you have you gaine I wish Shee kiss'd in anger you 'l complaineâ— Would I had kisses of disdaine What if a niggard cherries have Of which his friends a few doe crave The cherries taste nothing the worse That he bestowes them with a curse Let others have I know not what I le buy such fruite at any rate But be not proude forget not me Thou silly peece of Poetry Say that my Love my only store Is gone and can returne no more Shee 'l send it back shee 'l say but sweare Shee cannot till her eyes forbeare To wound anew else like a boy That lets his hopping Sparrow toy In new-go freedome and againe Restraines him with his flaxen rayne Shee 'l give and take and loose and tyeâ— And make a sport of victorie O no â—faith I am more wise I le never leave to love her eyes Finis Pag. 8. lin 7. for laughing reade languishing