possible Hylas that you should be so near Phillis and take no notice of her Hylas seeming as if he had not seen her turned about as if he looked for her at last looking upon her I assure you my time-past Mistress said he unto her that my heart was so much in another place that my eyes never informed me that you were here and perhaps the same occasion has brought us both together very likely answered Phillis you came with a desire to see the faire Alexis and I came with sorrowes that I have lost you especially at the game of the Fairest as you say it was Faith Phillis answered Hylas the heavens would have it so How Hylas said Thircis doe you thinke that the heavens are the cause of your inconstant humour as well answered Hylas as of those vaine teares which you shed upon the cold ashes of Cleon. Things which doe not depend upon our selves said Tircis and whose causes are unknown unto us we doe ordinarily ascribe unto the puissance and will of the Gods But such things as the causes whereof are known we never use to ascribe them unto the Gods as the Authors especially such things as are ill as inconstancy is for that were flat blasphemy whether inconstancy be good or bad answered Hylas is a question which will admit of dispute but it must needs be confessed that it proceeds from the Gods for is not beauty the work of great Tautates and what makes me change but beauty were not Alexis fairer then Phillis I had never changed Beauty then is the cause and if so why may we not impute it unto the Gods without any blasphemy especially since wee see by the effects that the change is good and reasonable being according to the laws of Nature which obliges every one to look for whaâ— is best That beauty is the worke of great Tautates answered Tircis I doe confesse and more that it is the greatest of all which fall within the compasse of our senses but to affirme that it should be the cause of inconstancy is an errour as if one should accuse Light with the fault of those who goe out of the way because it shewes them severall Pathes And as to your assertion that inconstancy is according to the Laws of nature which commands every one to aime at the best take heed Hylas that it be not of a depraved nature and quite contrary to the Command you mention For how doe you know that your change is for the best for my part I see no advantage you get by it but the losse of that time which you imploy about it you take much unprofitable paines to no end and make every one scorne your friendship as too light to be entertained if you thinke these to be advantages I confesse you have some reason to court them but if you will credit Judgements which are not infected with your owne disease you will find them to be the greatest evils that you can meet withall Diana who observed that Tircis spoke in good earnest and that Hylas perhaps would grow angry she would needs interrupt them so as this discourse might passe no farther which to effect she put Phillis upon it who began thus Heretofore my late Servant said shee unto him you were wont to complaine that of all the company Silvander was your only enemy but now methinkes Tircis hath supplyed his place It is no wonder my late Mistresse answered Hylas for it is very ordinary to see ill opinions take hold upon ignorant persons Tircis would have replyed had he not beene prevented by poore Adrastes who being come into the Wood they saw talking unto Trees and Flowers as if they had beene people of his acquaintance sometimes he fancied that he saw Doris and then kneeling downe upon the ground he adored her and as if he were begging for the favour of a kisse of her hand he made a long speech sometimes againe he fancied that he saw Leonide and then he rayled and wished her all manner of bad Fortune but when he fancied Palemon the expressions of his jealousie was very pleasant for though it was very confused yet it gave good evidence of the grandure of his affection The company passed close by him and though the very sight of him moved every one to pitty yet much more when he spyed Doris because then he stood immoveable like a Pillar his eyes fixed upon her and his armes a crosse his brest without a word as if he were ravished Afterwards pointing at her with his finger when she passed by him he said with a deep sigh see see where she is then fixing his eyes upon her hee never moved them as long as he could see her but when he began to lose the sight of her he began to run untill he was before her then he looked upon none in the Company but her and so silently looking upon her he accompanied her unto the outgoing of the Wood for farther he durst not passe when he lost the sight of her he began to cry out Adieu Palemon make much of Doris and upon this he rushed into the Wood where he almost alwayes was because that was the place where Leonide gave judgement against him Every one pittyed him except Hylas who presently began to laugh and turning towards Silvander This Shepherd said he unto him is an effect of that constancy which you commend so much which of us two doe you thinke is in most danger to resemble him Complexions most perfect answered Silvander are most easily altered but to chuse I had rather be like Adrastes then like Hylas The choice of the one said Hylas is in your power but not of the other How doe you meane it said Silvander The meaning said Hylas is nothing difficult my meaning is that if you will you may become a foole like Adrastes your humour is inclinable to it but you cannot resemble Hylas In this you are most deceived replyed Silvander For things that depend upon the will may be in choice but things that depend upon the will of another are more difficult and therefore every one that will may be either vertuous or vitious but they cannot be well or sicke when they will now the condition wherein poore Adrastes is it is not voluntary but forced as proceeding from a malady the remedies against which is not in his hands but your malady depends wholly upon your will so as it is demonstrative by reason that it is an easier matter to resemble you then that miserable Shepherd Admit it so said Hylas yet is it not better to resemble me since if I will I can deliver my selfe from my malady as you call it then to resemble Adrastes who cannot free himselfe from his T is true answered Silvander but if you doe leave off your inconstancy then you doe not resemble your selfe I did say that I had rather resemble Adrastes then Hylas that is Adrastes the mad than Hylas the inconstant Truly said Phillis and
alteration had come sooner she stood astonished at this answer and when she would have continued discourse his Physitians came unto him so as she durst not make any further replies but after a little longer stay she went away the worst satisfied person in the world in the meane time Alcires to lose no time in the seconding so good a beginning and to comply with all occasions that presented themselves he grew more kinde and familiar with Amintor then before and kept himselfe so constantly near him as it was impossible for any to speak with him and he not heare For knowing very well that his disease proceeded from despaire principally he was loath any should undeceive him or let him know the truth But because he had not yet accomplished his chiefe worke but thought it necessary that as he had deceived Amintor so to deceive Clarinta also purposely to make her fly from him as he fled from her one day therefore when he was with his companion alone in his Chamber he made a shew as if he would write something which was of some importance but as if his fancy was not pleased with what he writ he raced out sometimes a word and sometimes a whole line and at last as if he were angry at the dulnesse of his genius he tore the paper in pieces and flung away the Pen at which Amintor smiling and wondering at it he asked him why he did so I assure you answered he that my wits are off the hinges this day This morning the King commanded me to write a Letter of thankes unto a Lady for some favour which she had done him and to carry it to him when I had done that he might transcribe it but my genius is so dull to day that I am not able to write one significant syllable to the purpose Amintor loving Alcires and knowing that Eurick used to imploy his friends sometimes in such Commissions whom he thought had a happy faculty in penning he would try whether his malady would permit him to write this Letter for his friend and taking his scribled Paper out of his hand the better to hint him upon the subject he writ these Lines Amintors Letter in the name of King Eurick IT is Madam by the grandure of my affection that you have measured the favour which I have received from you but by what rule can I square and equall the thanks which I owe unto you for it it must needs be by some rule that is infinite for such is my will to doe you service which I beseech you to receive as from a person who loves you above all the world and thinkes himselfe the most obliged person in it Alcires did desire no more but that Amintor should write such a Letter upon this subject not with intention to give it unto the King as he pretended but to effect another designe which he had plotted in himselfe he much commended therefore the acutenesse of his fancy and his facility of expression then thanked him for it and put it in his pocket after this he went away pretending to transcribe it in his Closet where he was to doe such things By fortune the rude Copy which he first writ remained upon the Table which the poore sick Amintor laid up in a little drawer where he was wont to put such Papers without any other designe but that it might not be seen Alcires in the mean time sealed the Letter but gave it no superscription and went to Clarinta taking a time when he thought to find her alone Two dayes were already expired since the last time Clarinta did visit Amintor and since she returned so ill satisfied and though she was very desirous to know why Amintor should speake in that manner unto her yet she durst not goe againe so soon lest she should thereby give occasion of scandal And now seeing Alcires also knowing what familiarity there was betwixt them and not being ignorant that Alcires loved her as well as Amintor yet she could not chuse but aske him how he did Alcires seeming as if he did not know that his friend loved her did answer her very coldly I believe Madam he is very well for he is of late so jocond and merry as it is not likely he will long keep his Chamber since all the Physitians say that the cause of his malady was excessive sorrow I believe said Clarinta that the Physitians said truly but if he be so jocond as you say he is much changed since I saw him for the last time I was with him he could scarcely open his mouth to give me a word I know not said Alcires when it was you saw him but I am sure that never man looked with a more contented face then he did yesterday morning and it was not without good reason if he who obtaines his desires has any reason to be contented I beseech you Alcires said she presently let me know what it is which causeth him so much contentment that as his Cousen and friend I may participate in his joyes Madam replyed he I should willingly obey your command but that I know very few women who can be secret and should he ever come to know it I should quite lose his friendship which I value at a very high and deare rate I must confesse said she that I am a woman but none of those who you say cannot keep a secret having ever made a constant profession not to speak of any thing which I promise to conceal as at this time I sweare and protest I will Upon this promise said he I will tell it you but upon a condition that you shall not by your soveraigne power over me urge me to tell more then I am willing to impart I assure you said she that I will not Know then replyed Alcires most craftily that poor Amintor is secretly become desperately in love with one of the prime and fairest Ladies in all the Court and loving her extreame passionately he resolved to try how her pulse did beat in good will towards him but finding himselfe not not so happy as in his hopes he resented it so sadly that he fell sick and fell into such strange fits of melancholly as there are very few persons but that ghesse her to be the onely cause of it Of which this faire one being advertised was moved unto so much compassion as to visit him and since finding the grandure of his affection she gave him so much cause of contentment as before she did of despaire Do not expect Madam that I should tell you who it is unlesse you can guess at her by the effects which I shall relate but so it is that this very morning he hath a writ a Letter unto her and made me his confident to carry it Clarinta hearing this and being infinitely surprised at it she could not chuse but blush extreamly and because she would not have Alcires see her she held her Hankercher before her face and
her I said I would upon condition it might be presently And because at the same time a throng of Ladies came to congratulate her delivery and also because I feared the King would cause me to declare my selfe also because I had some wounds which required dressing I went into the croud and so stole away so as every one being diverted another way none took any notice which way I went And so I came to the place where I left my servant where binding up my wounds as well as I could and letting my Horse graze a little I got up againe and went to my good old Druid I forgot to tell you Madam That meeting a man going to the Town I entreated him to make my excuse unto Madonthe and lest she should think me uncivil I feigned to be engaged another way by promise but if she had any further service to imploy me in she might hear of me towards Mount d'Or and that I would still weare my ensigne of a Tiger My designe was to make her believe I was gone that way though I did not intend it least the Kings curiosity should be such as to find out who I was I cannot Madam expresse unto you with what joy the good Druid received me nor his thankes when he knew the cause of my voyage and the successe and service I had done Madonthe in her great necessity For he told me that her Father brought him up and that in this action I had over paid him for all the paines and care he had taken about me And because he saw my arms bloody he took them off and looked about every part of me then finding some wounds he was so careful of me and took such courses as I was well again in a little time But since the best Physick and no other could cure me but to hear more of Madonthe I intreated the good old Druid to send one of the Fishers unto the place where Thorismond was to inquire what newes The good man did as I desired and the Fisher inquired so well as at his return he brought me but too much newes for my contentment That Madonthe was gone to her house and carried Thersander with her wounded as he was for it was he who before I came was in Combate with Leotaris and his Brother I understood farther that a little after the departure of Madonthe how King Thorismond was killed by his Chyrurgion who in letting him blood had cut the vein and that his brother Eurick succeeded him I cannot expresse Madam how near these two accidents went unto my heart onely thus far I never think upon them but the memory is so sad as I conclude no rest belongs unto me but in my Grave Thus every thing from whence I expected comfort augments my misery all my hopes are now quite blasted solitary places displeased because there I thought upon nothing but the Towne of Tectosages and my thoughts grated upon my very soul when they represented unto me the ingratitude of this woman To be brief I was angry with my selfe because I loved her against reason and could not chuse but love her My condition grew worse then ever my wounds indeed being but small did heal in a few days but I became so pale as if I were dead and this palenesse presently after turned into such a yellownesse as if I had rubbed my selfe with Saffron Halladine who had heard somthing of Madonthes actions did suspect what the cause was of my being thus disordered and watched for an opportunity of speaking unto me But the good old man not knowing what to thinke he advised me to change aire hoping that exercise and diversion might recover my health and I according to the advice of this good man resolved to see the world and wander from place to place and rest no where till death arrested me After then I had given most hearty thankes unto this good man I departed without any other designe in my voyage than continuall wandring yet as fortune was our way did lie towards Madonthes house where we heard such newes as did more and more aggravate my misery For we heard that this ill advised woman as Halladine calls her was gone or rather stolne away without any in her company but her Nuâ—se and Thersander Imagine what operation this report had upon me my Servant would have perswaded me that she did me no wrong in it but onely herselfe for she believing me to be dead as all Aquitane did I had no reason to blame her But however my displeasure was so great as not being able to endure the sight of such places where formerly I found such delight and now displeasure I resolved to leave Europe and never to leave wandring till I met with something that would shorten my sad life So I passed into Africa there I saw King Genserick and Honorius his Son and found every where that Love works the same effects that it did in me I meane that it augments and diminisheth changes and rechanges delights and displeasures in all those that are subjects unto it according to its own pleasure without any reason For being amongst these Vandals I heard of the fortunes of Ursases and Olimbres and of young Placidia and her Mother Eudoxe wife unto Valentinian all whom by their examples could not divert me from still loving but I learned rather this lesson That whosoever will love must prepare themselves for good and bad and receive them both with the same visage And considering the various changes in the fortune of Eudoxe the long perservance of Ursases his love the prudent behaviour of young Olimbres and the happy conclusion of their loves I resolved not to afflict my selfe so much at the crosses which I had in my affection but thence forward to endure them with more patience And because Halladine who was tired out with my long and tedious travels did advise me not to love her any longer who did not think me so much as in the world thinking that if he could bring me to this consideration I should easily be perswaded to return into Aquitane I told him to put him out of all hope that I would love her still In conclusion finding no rest any where nor satisfaction in any diversion I saw that all humane prudence was to no purpose and therefore I would have recourse unto divine Counsells so as hearing that at the further end of the Pirenian hills towards the Sea there was an Oracle which was called the Temple of Venus I returned into Europe and enquired of the Oracle of which I asked nine dayes together what it was which would either put to an end or else cure my 〈◊〉 The Oracle answered Forrests The next morning I asked where Forrests was it answered againe Forrests and notwithstanding my importunity the Oracle was mute and would give no other answer but Forrests so as I resolved to look for Forrests all Europe over I will not tell you Madam how many severall
far from the eye never troubles the heart Florices stay out of Town a whole moneth a term long enough to kindle and extinguish a dozen severall loves in me had been enough to quench all my flames to her But her stay being to continue a longer time I resolved with my selfe to take my leave of her for I could never like those loves that can feed themselves with thoughts and fancies and fond imaginations But finding Love to be a fire and my selfe burned with it I thought the best Cure was by sympathy and to cure my selfe by another fire and in order to this I sought out for some new beauty which might cure my old burn and at last heaven which alwayes favours designes that are just sent me such a fire as I stood in need of One evening as I was walking without any other design but taking the air by the River Arar close by a Bridge and looking about I espied three Coaches drawn by six Horses apeece And because that was amongst us an equipage unusual I drew neerer the bridge to see them passe In one of them was four Ladies habited much different from our Mode and very rich and their uncouth habits made me look upon them with more curiosity and eagernesse The first whom fortune fixed my eye upon did keep it upon her as long as I could see She was in the first Coach and seated in the best place her hair was faire something inclinable to Chesnut her Complexion no dye could make a mixture of such perfect vermilion upon snow her eyes black but so quick sweet and piercing as no heart had humour good enough to resist them her lips exact Corrall her Nâ—ck a Column of purest Alablaster and every part proportionable in perfection as for her stature I could not perfectly see it but as near as I could judge it was neither tall nor little as for her Hand which she often shewed in lifting up her haire which lay upon her shoulder in curles it could not be equalled unto any thing so well as to the whitenesse of her neck Judge Madam whether such a beauty could be looked upon and not loved she was the fire by which I cured all my other burnings so as quite forgetting Circinea Palanice Dorinde and Florice I devoted my selfe wholly unto her But perhaps you will thinke it strange that she being in a Coach and onely passant I should observe so many particulars in this beauty but you must consider that I looked upon her with more eyes then my own and had those of love to help me in looking upon this wonder Nor must you believe any such thing which Silvander is often alleadging that Love is blind but on the contrary that those who look with his eyes can look through dresses and see such beauties as are hid from others But it seems that love had a design upon me at this time for he would not let me make use of his eyes and my hands but loadned the Coach heavier then it was before because it carried my heart away with it I see Silvander you laugh and I know you would say that the Coach was not a jot more loadned for having my heart in it but know that my heart as light as it is yet is as heavy as yours I know not that said Silvander but I am sure the Coach which carried your heart had need go very fast or else your heart would quickly be out for it cannot endure to be long in a place This said Hylas was Perianders opinion when he found me looking upon these strangers as they passed This good friend of mine perceiving me halfe out of my selfe did begin to suspect the cause and coming unto me Courage Hylas said he unto me you will recover of this I warrant you as well as you have done of others I answered him with a love sick look I see Periander you mock me but did you know how great my pain was you would pitty me though I must confesse it proceeds from love Ah ah my friend said he and laughed have a good heart this is not the first time you have been sick of the same disease and never dyed 'T is true said I unto him then I did know who was the cause but now I am ignorant of it How friend said Periander and laughed What in love and knows not with whom So it is said I unto him and I cannot help it Love has catcht me That you do love said he I doe believe but that you should love and not know her whom you doe love though I should believe you in any thing else yet in this I am incredulous And if it be true I say it is a thing as easily done as to perswade any to believe it Whether you believe it or no said I and sighed yet I am sure it is so How long said he have you been sick of this fantastical disease A little longer answered I then we have been talking of it Upon this Perâ—ander laughed and laying his hand upon my shoulder said Well friend if you be long sick of this disease I will pay your Doctors then he offered to go away but I laid hold upon his Cloak What said I unto him is this all the helpe and consolation I must expect from your friendship What can I doe for you answered he as long as you doe not know her that is the cause of your malady You may help me replyed I and contrive it how I should come to the knowledge of her whom I adore This is strange folly said he Can I know her better then you doe Why not replyed I Is it not ordinary for people in health to tell sick folks their disease and to give them such remedies as they themselves knew not Ah Periander did you love me as well as you professe you would not deny me that assistance which friendship requires To which he answered In the name of Heaven Hylas what would you have me to say or doe upon my faith I think you are become a fool A fool said I is it folly to love her whom I adore she whom I am ready to die for will not yeeld unto any Goddesse in beauty she has more Graces then all the Graces themselves and if Love were not hood-winckt doubtlesse he would dote upon her but the truth is I know not who she is This is fine folly indeed replyed he where and when did you see her Oh Heavens said I are you blind that you could not see the Sun when it shin'd Did you not see the Coaches which passed by In the first of them was she whom I love and know not Is it so said he unto me then friend know that you are a Prisoner unto a Prisoner Gondebunt our King did take them beyond the Alpes and hath sent them hither as Trophies of his Victory Thus I understood who this faire stranger was and had it not been very late I had endeavoured to have seen
affection towards me so as I hope that when he remembers how he himself has heretofore passed through the same difficulties he will consider mine and as for you Father who shews so much good will in your sapient admonitions I do beseech and conjure you to assist me with all your aide and power Aglantes answered the good old man it is true I love you and knowing how hard a thing it is for a young heart to be rid of that passion which you resent I wish you were free from it that you might avoid those evils which may fall upon you and which I see almost inevitable but since you are resolved hearken unto the counsel that I will give Does she whom you court deserve to be your wife I know your passion will make you tell me wonders of her merit but for this time setting aside all partiality answer me if you can like a judicious man and ingeniously tell me who she is that I may out of my Love to Arion to you and your Family give you such sound counsel as may be good for you Aglantes knowing this old man to be a lover of him and all his Family did name Silvanire The good man hearing her named answered thus I must confess Aglantes that if you have committed a fault in Loving you are to be pardoned and your crime is commendable I would yet farther know whether you ever did let that Fair one know that you Love her I have spent all my time hitherto in serving her answered he and to my misery when she was not in an age to know Love she seemed as if she did know it and Love me but since she came to be of age she seems absolutely insensible Perhaps said the prudent old man she does it to try your constancy Four years answered Aglantes is too long for a tryal Does she not Love some other asked the old man The question may better be asked said Aglantes whether ever she turn her eyes upon her self Did you ever give her any cause asked the Pastor to alter her good will unto you Never that I know of answered Aglantes Then said the old man believe it from me and assure your self that you will not repent it she Loves you and to dissemble it according to the humour of most women lest other should see it she will not make it appear unto you I assure you said Aglantes that I cannot accuse her of dissembling it for she treats all others as she does me and behaves her self towards all alike So much the better answered the old man for were she engaged unto any other you would find much more difficulty in your enterprise but she does dissemble it to make you the more affectionate knowing that things most hardly obtained are most desired Oh Father said Aglantes and interrupted I fear that in this you are mistaken for she cannot wish me more affectionate then she knew I was Then said the old man it is because her Father has commanded her so to do and she being wise and virtuous will not disobey him but be her reason what it will I would advise you to make a shew as if you Loved some other for by that you will know what her design is she is extream crafty if she dissemble it then and to tell you truly women are somtimes tyred with being too much loved as you see there is none but loves light but too much light dazles and we are oft forced to put our hands before our eyes to ease them I do believe said Aglantes that this stratagem might be good in them that can act it but I must confess it is impossible for me to do it I should be ashamed that any should think me of so little judgment or that Silvanire should any way suspect my fidelity Oh young man said the old one and smiled you are a very novice in the mistery of Love the shame or the glory of him that attempts any thing is to effect it or not effect it and if a Lover can make himself loved that is all he desires or aims at For my part said Aglantes my design is to Love her and said the old man interrupting him to be beloved To be beloved replied Aglantes is above all my hopes Then Shepherd said the Pastor if you cannot seem to Love another I would advise you however to let it be reported so for you must know that these young women though they shew the contrary are not always affectionate when they smile upon those that court them but it is more out of vanity that it may be said their beauty has gotten such a number of servants and somtimes out of envie at their companions but be it what it will it is still very good for him that Loves to put them into some doubts and if you be not so hardy as to undertake this enterprise leave the paine of it unto me and I will effect it for you it will be sufficient for your discharge that when it is a fit time to make known your real affection to say that you are not accessary unto the stratagem The wise old man made it presently be rumoured abroad that Aglantes was changed in his affection and every one was apt to believe it because Silvanire was so cold towards Aglantes But though Silina a Fair and Virtuous Shepherdess and Daughter to this old Pastor was reported to be his Mistris and that the marriage was ready to be solemnized yet Silvanire would never believe it 'T is true it did a little trouble her but not so much as to make her alter her behaviour towards Aglantes for Menander her Father had a design to marry her unto Theaner one of the richest Shepherds in all our Village and though she did scarse know him whom they would have her to marry yet was she resolved to follow the will of Menander One day I chanced to surprise her as she was saying aloud unto her self that he could not change though he faigned the contrary Silvanire was a little astonished to see her self surprised as she was saying so but seeming as if what she had said was not any thing that concerned her but only a part of some song which she had heard some other sing she continued talking upon several other subjects but as cunning as she was I suspected that she was troubled at the report of the marriage of Aglantes And by fortune as if that Shepherd came purposely to answer for his own innocency we saw him afar off coming with a sheep before him as soon as Silvanire saw him she knew the Sheep Yonder said she is the man that is to be married who it seems thinks very little upon it for yonder sheep which you see is the same which I lost this morning It will be very hard for him answered I not to have Silvanire alwaies in his memory But continued I what do you conceive of that marriage You must ask him that question
of when it is too late he went unto him and saluted him and when he saw that he did not answer what Merindor said he and took him by the arm will you not speak unto your friends Merindor hearing this voice and feeling himself held by the arm stopped short and looked upon Euphrosias as if he were newly revived out of an extasie and after he had stood a while mute Good Euphrosias said he pardon this fault which proceeds from a very bad humour which has seised upon me I will answered his friend upon condition you will tell me the cause Though perhaps you would not know it answered Merindor yet I beseech you hear it for I have need of your counsel in a business which concerns me as neer as my life but let us go aside lest any should hear us discourse Upon this making choise of a private place he began to tell him the original of his Love the progress and the present condition wherein he was afterwards he acquainted him with the Love of Bellimartes and Periander but when he came to the discourse he had with me in the Temple and my answers in favour of Periander he entred into such a passion that the Prudent Euphrosias did see that the affection which he had unto me was too great to be diverted either by reasons or entreaties and therefore to avoid the two evils which he foresaw he thought it most necessary to draw him only from the most dangerous which was his hatred unto Periander and as for the cure of his affection there was no way but to refer it unto time therefore in lieu of any sharp reprehensions or any four looks he smiled upon him and answered thus Good Merindor said he tell me upon your faith if this be all the cause of your being thus discomposed How said Merindor is not this enough since my affection is such unto Dorinde that it is a thing most impossible for me to help it And do I not see before my face the man that is the great obstructor of my happiness Is there no way answered his friend to find a remedy None answered Merindor that I know but to take away the life of him that takes away from me that happiness without which I cannot live Oh Merindor cried out Euphrosias you take things at the worst Tell me I beseech you do you think Dorinde Loves Periander Think it said Merindor nay I were the most incredulous fool that lives if I were not certain of it Then replied his Wise friend you must not go the worst way to compasse what you desire for you can never hope to get the good will of Dorinde by murdering that person whom she Loves best your passion does but flatter and deceive you for by that course you will make her hate you even to the very death Certainly said Merindor there is no remedy if this be not good Certainly said Euphrosias this is neither good nor a remedy but I beseech you tell me why you think it so necessary for Periander to die Because said he the Love that Dorinde bears unto him is the cause why she does not Love me If that be it replied Euphrosias make the same reason as well obstruct him as he obstructs you I mean that she shall not Love Periander because she Loves Merindor Yes yes said Merindor you are very kind but here is the difficulty how should I make her love me Do as Periander does answered Euphrosias nay and better why should you think heaven will not be as favourable to you as any other Cavalier of your age But Euphrosias said he she does love Periander So much the better answered Euphrosias it is a signe she is not insensible nor invulnerable by the blows of Love Pray why should you think your services should not work as happy effects as his You see Merindor that you do love Dorinde in such a height that you cannot retire resolve with your self to love her still in such extremity that it shall invite her unto Love again or rather to constrain her unto it Oh my dear friend said Merindor and sighed how difficult is it to bring this enterprize to pass Yet let me tell you notwithstanding all I told you before concerning Periander that I do verily believe she does not love him but all she does is only in obedience unto her Father So much the better still said Euphrosias for if she does not love him you will far sooner win her then if she were engaged unto any Oh but if she do love Periander said Merindor what hopes can I have Why should not you hope as well as another replied Euphrosias Will not most merit soonest obtain Or say that Argument have no validity in it you must know Merindor that the love of women is one of those things that must not be sought after by the Rules of Reason and of whom one must never despair for be most assured that there is a certain hour in the day in the which they can deny nothing And therefore the answer of the Oracle was good when a Lover asked what he should do to overcome the cruelty of his Mistris The Answer was Love be Bold and Continue With such discourse as this Euphrosias diverted his friend from his designe against Periander and filled him so full of new hopes that he began to court Dorinde with such fresh assaults as Periander and Bellimartes could not chuse but be jealous for until then he did not openly declare himself but thought himself out of hopes yet now by reason of the time of my Father's answer unto Periander he was the only mote in his eye and certainly not without reason for I seeing my father very inclinable to give me unto him I thought my self already so certain to be his wife that I devoted my self wholly unto him Whilst these three were thus striving who should win me the term which my Father set for Periander's answer drew on and he who expected with extream impatience the day whereon he should be pronounced happy that very evening he failed not to go unto my Father with three of his neerest kinred As soon as he came into his presence he fell down upon his knees and beseeched him with as much earnestness as if his life was at stake that he would be pleased to give him that answer which he promised But Sir said he if it be not sutable to my desires make but a signe and it shall suffice to be rid of me for I am most perfectly resolved to throw my self and all my desires and designs into the bottom of Arar He accompanied these words with such actions of his hands head and every part of his body that every one believed they came from his heart And my Father as the rest being deceived by this opinion did hold out his hand to take him up from his knees Son said he unto him for so I will hereafter call you rise up and believe that
not go with me unto my house He went nearer to her and after he had looked well upon her he answered to my house do you say Adrastes and Doris Yes replied Doris will not Adrastes go with Doris To which he answered not a word but Doris and turning himself about offered to go away Doris then calling him by his name and he turning towards her she offered her hand and said unto him come come Adrastes do not you love Doris He looked seriously upon her and said not a word and it would have pitied any one to see how tears trickled from his eyes though he smiled Doris then made him a second offer of her hand what Adrastes said she do you not know Doris Then he answered Doris yes said she I am Doris who entreats Adrastes to go with her unto Marselles Then going to her and taking her under the arm he said Marselles Doris Adrastes Palemon and never left saying so all the way long but sometimes did weep and sometimes at the very same instant laugh and would never answer unto any question but only the last word of it They had already passed over the River Lignon and left the house of Adamas on the right hand when they began to discover Marselles and because Hylas was very sorry that he could not know the cause of Dorindes coming into Forrests it is a hard case said he that some foolish accident or other does always prevent me in my desires what foolish accident do you complain of said Dorinde which has prevented you in your desires Two things answered Hylas I do complain of and they are very different the one is that Thamires and I have talked so long the other is that Adrastes hath made us lose that time which I desired should be spent in hearing what has hapned unto you since last I saw you If that be al answered Dorinde to content you we shal remedy it when you please these promises are easily made said Hylas but often fail in performance hold me for a person very uncivil said Dorinde if I do not give you satisfaction in a thing which I may with so much ease perform I believe you to be civil enough replied Hylas but I cannot tell whether your leisure and your will can permit it as for matter of will answered Dorinde it shall not stick upon that and as for leisure I believe that at night when we have nothing else to do we may have as good an opportunity as can be desired But pray why have you not as great a desire to know the adventures of Florice of Palinice and Cercinea as well as mine Is it because you already know them There is a hidden mistery in that answered Hylas and the truth is I do not know them but I do very much wonder now I think on it that I should never have that desire then turning towards them but good in the dayes of old Mistrisses tell me why you did not pay that tribute which was due unto my curiosity and desire We do answer said Florice that neither you nor we had any will thereunto but yet there is a reason which is better and which proceeds from a cause more high for Heaven did forbid us How how said Hylas have you such familiar conversation with Heaven I do not wonder now I should so retire my self from you since you are so celestial you must not now be loved but adored as heavenly beauties Hylas said Cercinea you now speak like unto your self who being one of those Gallo-Ligurians which retain nothing of the ancient Gaulish Religion but theâ—â—â—ry name having received the Graecian fables for truths but we who adore nothing but one only Tautates we do not desire to be adored Oh Cercinea said Hylas I perceive your celestial conversation with Heaven and your intimate familiarity with Angels has made you so divine that now there is no coming near you you do not talk now like Cercinea but like a Sarronide an Eubages a Prophetess a celestial Druide God keep me from loving you since you are learned for when I begin to talk unto you of my affection in lieu of answering you will reprove me for not speaking well and God knows how extreamly ashamed should I be to receive correction at this age Then turning towards Florice but pray tell me in good earnest said he how comes it to passe I should never know the cause of your coming into this Country Because answered Florice we would not tell it unto any being so enjoyned by the Oracle which did forbid us to speak of it until a thing come to pass which is not yet hapned Now I do see said Hylas that heaven is better to me then I deserve since I am not afflicted with any desires of a thing that would have been long before the effect would be obtained But said Dorinde why might not I have satisfied this desire for I do know all their adventures almost as well as themselves and heaven has not forbidden me to tell them Were we not so neer the place unto which we go said Lycidas I should humbly entreat that you would be pleased to take so much pains for I believe there is not a stranger upon the Banks of Lignon who hath so long concealed the cause of their journey as these three fair ones have It seems said Hylas that they have extreamly offended the Gods Why said Cercinea Because answered Hylas the greatest punishment that heaven can lay upon a woman is to be silent If it be so answered she heaven has been very favourable to us in giving us occasion to shew our selves more then women Such discourse as this beguiled the length of the way and when they were come to the gates of Marselles Periander Merindor and their companions asked Dorinde if she intended to do her obeysance unto Amasis that same night and where she intended to lodge if she did not To whom Dorinde answered that it was very late and that all the company was too weary to go so high as the Castle which stood upon the top of a steep hill but yet she knew not where to lodge else-where having no acquaintance in the place Lycidas upon this be-thinking himself I beseech you said he give me leave to go before you into the Town and if he whom I hope to find in it be there I am confident your reception will not be bad Dorinde thanked him and sitting down under a shade neer the High-way she told him that she and the company would expect his return in that place Upon this Lycidas with the company of Corilas went into the Town and went as fast as they could unto the house of Clindor the dear friend of Alcippes the father of Celadon and Lycidas This Clindor has still in memory the affection which he bore unto their father and since the death of Alcippes and Celadon all his good will was placed upon Lycidas as all that was left unto him
provide for me good store of handkerchiefs before hand to dry up the tears which I shall shed Thus these two Shepherdesses discoursed whilst they were dressing themselves and in the mean time Alexis and Astrea were talking somtimes giving assurances of their mutual good will and otherwhiles kissing each other somtimes as women and otherwhiles as lovers and therefore Diana seeing Astrea made no offers of rising out of bed she turned to Phillis and said unto her me thinks Sister that though you have been somthing out of charity with me this morning yet we may go together and look to our flocks and return again before this sluggard rise out of bed Do not think answered Phillis that my anger is so great as to make me fail in that respect and affection which I do ow unto her that was my Mistris and ever shall be so as long as I live And you Sister sluggard said she unto Astrea since we will not command you any things that are either impossible or grievous I pray let us find you in the same place at our return where we leave you at our going away and in the mean time that you may have no excuse for your absence we will take care of your flock so bidding them good morrow they went out of the chamber and went talking upon several subjects and Diana being in a little better opinion of Sylvander then she was she began to be in her good humour again Being then going out of Astreas house Phillis who was silent a while did make a stop upon a sudden and looking upon Diana Sister said she unto her dare I tell you what I am thinking upon Why do you make it a question answered Diana you know our familiarity does not allow us to conceal the least motion of our souls from each other I was thinking said Phillis upon the extream and sudden amity betwixt Astrea and Alexis and what should be the cause of it I have known Astrea long but I never saw her so apt and forward to contract amity upon a push with a stranger and leave her old for new affections and yet she no sooner saw this Druide but she loved her extreamly and in loving her does a little slight the company of Diana and Phillis who were wont to be so dear unto her To which Diana answered I have had the same conceptions Sister said she but then considering that Astrea did extreamly love Celadon and Alexis having so great a resemblance of him she was quickly moved to love her as fancying her to be her dearly beloved Shepherd you know she never loved any but only him as this being her first and only affection it is no wonder she should keep it alive in this woman well said Phillis this reason may pass as relating unto Astrea but what do you alledge as in relation to the Druide who at the very first sight was so wholly devoted unto a Shepherdess that she forgets and forsakes her very Father and kindred to be with this Shepherdess and to wear her clothes and seems as if she had quite forgot both Carnutes and all her companions Unto this said Diana no answer can be made but that as Alexis has the face of Celadon so also she has his heart and for my part I believe she has when I do see her Idolize after the same manner that Shepherds use I assure you answered Phillis you phrase it right in saying that she does Idolize her as if she were a Shepherd have you observed her actions and behaviour when she is with her I assure you Sister that were she trimmed up in mans clothes I would say here is a Shepherd Sister replied Diana you know that Astrea has rare attracts to move love and having an affection unto this woman she renders her all the testimonies of her good will that she can we ought not to think it strange that her natural perfections should become inchantments we have found it our selves by experience and I dare swear that never any loved better then we loved Astrea and I do believe that I cannot love any more then her But said Phillis what shall we say of Adamas and Leonide who have left her here upon so slight a cause and seem as if they had forgotten her When Adamas went answered Diana we know she was not well and when Leonide left her she went away in haste because the Nymph Amasis did send for her so as she had not leisure to conduct her unto the house of Adamas and why said Phillis did she not carry her with her unto Marsellâ—s where her Father was I cannot well answer you unto that point said Diana but I do believe that Adamas would not have her she being a Druide go amongst great companies but desired rather she should passe the time away amongst us and recover of that sicknesse which so long tormented her which was the reason of her coming from Carnutes whither as I hear say she is presently to return Thus Diana answered unto all the objections in the discourse of Phillis as she did in real sincerity think of Alexis and used such good arguments to clear her doubts that she quite removed them Afterwards they walked unto the Wood where they thought to find no Shepherds stirring because it was very early but when they came into a long walk they saw at the other end a Shepherd and a Shepherdesse but they could not know whom they were by reason of the distance of the place and shade of trees These two Shepherdesses desiring no other company but themselves their design was to hide themselves in the Wood until the other couple was walked past them and then to continue on their own intended walk and therefore finding a thick Bush by the walk side they sat themselves down in it with a reserve of silence till they were past and therefore they heard them coming when they were at a good distance off and because they were somthing loud in their discourse they knew by their voices the one of them to be Tiâ—ces and the other Laonice Yonder is said Phillis in a whisper the good friend of Sylvander and rather mine answered Diana for she has acquainted me with that which of all things in the world was most necessary for me to know Well Sister replied Phillis I hope to see the day when you will see your errour and then you will take me under the notion of your good friend Diana durst not answer lest they should be heard because they were very near and as they passed they heard Tircis say I protest Lâ—onice you are the most spiteful woman in the world Phillis and Sylvander are not to be blamed for they were obliged unto all they did and not by their own choice but by the will of the Gods Tirces answered she do you not know that those who have been beaten with a rod and cannot be revenged upon them that beat them yet they receive some contentment in
do more then I Good fortune and bad fortune happinesse and misery have their dependency upon my will I must confess oh puissant Shepherdess said Sylvander that if your power do extend it self over others as it has over me Altars will be erected to you However replâ—â—d she you cannot deny but that Sylvander ought to adore me If it were permitted amongst us answered the Shepherd and smiled to adore many Gods Phillis should certainly be an adored Deity unto me but since it is not lawful and that we must acknowledg but one God I hope I shall be excused if I do not render that devoir I am very well contented said Phillis then that you do adore but one Deity in Heaven and another upon earth so I shall replied the Shepherd Tautates in Heaven and Diana upon Earth Oh most ungrateful wretch said Phillis are you not more beholding unto me then to Diana Is not all the contentments you receive from my hand I should be most ungrateful indeed replied Sylvander if I did not acknowledg what is due unto you but I should be much more ungrateful did I equal my obligations I ow unto Diana with those I ow unto you for those I do ow unto you are but consequents of my love to her and those which I 〈◊〉 ow unto her are no consequents nor upon any consideration but love it self without any relation to you And therefore Phillis undeceive your self in this all the benefits which you have done me I take as coming from her for otherwise I would not esteem them benefits I perceive replied Phliis and smiled that all my labour in obliging you is but lost since all my benefits are set upon the score of that Shepherdess What would you have me do said Sylvander for such is my affection unto Diana that I give Heaven no thanks for the life it hath given me unlesse I may serve and adore this Divine Diana unto whom all humane hearts ought to render homage Thus did Diana let Sylvander know that she loved him and ever since this day she was not shie nor made any difficulty to live with him as Astrea was wont to do with Celadon and Phillis with Lycidas so as Sylvander has since oftentimes said that he had never been happy if he had not been first miserable The joy and contentment which might be seen in the eyes and actions of Sylvander was such that Astrea and Phillis did extreamly admire at it and the changing of his complexion and countenance in so short a time was an infallible argument unto them of his real affection As for the disguised Druide she measured the grandeur of Sylvanders joy by her own which she should have received if under the notion of Celadon and not of Alexis Astrea had been so kind as she was unto her But when Sylvander observed the change of habits between Alexis and Astrea I must confess said he with wonder that Phillis has so infatuated my understanding as till now I never found my mistake Oh Sylvander said Phillis assure your self that a woman can deceive a man a hundred wayes when she has a mind unto it and therefore it concerns you to keep my friendship very carefully All the company did fall to laughing and they walked along the River Lignon till they came to the place where Celadon did cast himself into the water which Astrea seeing let us flye said she let us flye away from this fatal place from which me-thinks nothing can come but disasters The Druide knew very well that it was the place where she received those cruel commands which constrained her to turn her self from Celadon into Alexis and it was impossible for her not to give knowledge of some resentment But not being able to imagine that this Shepherdess should call the place fatal for that cause and why my dear Servant said she unto her do you term this place of Lignon fatal Astrea did not answer but looked upon her changed colour and could not chuse but sigh Which Diana perceiving Madam said she unto her Astrea has good cause to call this place fatall because she was very near being drowned there for she fell into the River and but for some happy help which came in opportunely this Country had for ever lost the fairest Shepherdess that ever lived in it I pray tell me said Alexis how chanced that accident Phillis who was unwilling Sylvander should take any notice of Astreas disquiet Mis-fortunes said she and disasters are not to be talked on in a time so full of joy as this but yet they say said Sylvander that the memory of past miseries does bring contentment and are pleasing yes replied Astrea when the miseries which are related do not make miserable again but that for which I give the phrase of fatal unto this place does never come into my memory without infinite grief and see Sylvander whether I have not good reason for it for when I fell from that fatal place into the water poor Celadon desiring to help me was drown'd and some cursed reporter carrying the false news of my death unto my Father and my Mother they both dyed presently after so as I had no sooner bewailed the one but tears began to overswel my eyes for the other Astreas eyes could no longer refrain from tears and certainly they had flowed into a torrent had they not heard a Shepherd singing which diverted Astrea and caused all the company to look that way As soon as Diana had turned her self I am said she very much mistaken if yonder Shepherd whom we see and the company which is with him are not coming hither to look for me what moves you unto that thought said Alexis I will tell you answered she but let us hear what he sings and they being very near also he singing very loud they heard him sing That wheresoever he came he found the representation of him and his Mistris I am not mistaken said Diana as soon as the Shepherd had sung that verse for the Gods have chosen me to Judge a difference which is amongst them yesterday they desired me to undertake the office and I promised them to meet them here at this place this hour happy I am that we light so opportunely both of the place and the time for I swear unto you that I had quite forgot it By that Mistris said Sylvander you may draw assurance that it is the will of the Gods you should take that office upon you since they have so opportunely conducted you Upon this the strangers were so near that Diana out of civility went to salute them a little after Alexis Astrea and Phillis did the same you may see said Diana that I am a person of my word and have brought all this good Company with me not only out of curiosity to know the cause of your coming to me but to help me in the judgement which I am to give unto you We are much ashamed fair and
interrupted them you presse too hard upon my late Servant I must needs take his part and say that inconstancy is better then madnesse since it does not take away the use of reason which doth onely distinguish men from beasts you are mistaken Shepherdesse said Silvander for the disease of Hylas and that of Adrastes are both of them reall maladies but that of Hylas is the worse because all maladies of soule are worse than those of the body As for the reason which you urge it is not considerable for if the cause of a malady doe proceed from some defect in the body yet that body may still be reasonable as we see those who are intoxicated with Wine now the malady of Adrastes doeth doubtlesse proceed from the weaknesse of his braine which is not able to endure the sentence which Leonide gave against him but that of Hylas proceeds from an imperfect judgement which hinders him from discerning good from bad but suffers vices to become habituall And because it is the reasonable soule which gives being unto men and makes them differ from beasts it is better according to your own Arguâ—â—t to be unsound in body than in soule 't is better to be a hansome Horse or a Dog then to be the bare outside of a man without a sound soule because a Horse is a perfect Animall but he who hath a rotten soule and unsound intellectuals is infinitely imperfect and therefore I conclude it is better to be diseased as Adrastes is then as Hylas All the Company did laugh at this conclusion and the noise was so high that it was long before Hylas could be heard And when he began they saw the sage Chrysante who spying them afarre off came to meet them with a great Company of her Virginsâ— therefore putting an end to all disputes they advanced forward to falute her and to doe her all the honour and reverence which was due unto her vertue and profession The Temple of the good Goddesse where the venerable Chrysante resided was at the bottome of a delightful Hill which was washed by the cleere waveâ— of delightfull Lignon and on the other side stood the sacred Grove of the great Tautates In this sumptuous Temple which the Romans dedicated unto Vesta and to the good Goddesse did the vestall Virgins officiate according to the custome of the Romans The venerable Chrysante was the chiefe Governesse though she was a Gallian and of the Druidâ—s order When the Romans under pretence of helping the Heduois whom they termed their friends and confederates did seize upon Gaule and subjected them unto their Republique one principall marke of their victory was to cause their Gods to be adored in all places of their usurpation not thinking themselves intire possessors if they did not interest their Gods and oblige them to their preservation and yet lest they should shew themselves insupportable at the first they permitted the Gaules who adored but one God under the names of Tautates Hesius Tharames and Bellinus to use their ancient customes and live in their old Religion knowing very well that nothing is more intolerable to men then tyrannically to force their beliefe And therefore when they entred into the Dominions of the Segusians they would not alter any of their Customes Manners Government or Religion But when they found in this sacred Grove an Altar dedicated unto a Virgin who should have a Child and that Divinity served by the Daughters of Druids they had much more respect unto it thinking that place was consecrated under another name either unto the good Goddesse in whose service men could not officiate or unto the Goddesse Vesta in whose Temple they were wont to place a statute of a Virgin holding a Child in her Arms Having this opinion not to lessen the honour and service which they rendred unto these two Goddesses whom they held in great reverence they built a Temple unto them both with two Altars alike and to the honour of the good Goddesse they called it Bonleia and to the honour of Vesta they are called Vestals and because the People were infinitely Religious towards the Gods whom they adored not knowing whether these Goddesses would be worshipped after the manner of the Romans or the Gaules and also to content the Inhabitants of the Country they left the Virgin Druids to their ancient Customes and Ceremonies unto whom they gave all authority concerning manners and oeconomique matters And thus was the venerable Chrysante absolute Mistresse of the Virgin Druids and Vestals This Temple was larger and more spacious then seemed to the eye being built in an orbicular some it was covered with lead in the middest and highest part of it was erected a Statute of a Virgin holding a Childe in her Armes in the midst of this Temple was placed two Altars at such equall distance that the one was no further from the middle then the other by the side of either of them there stood an Arke of white Marble supported by three Columnes in which was put all the Fruites which were offered at the doore stood a Bason of water which they called Lustrale in which the Torch which was at the Altar when divine Service was celebrated was first washed and afterwards extinguished When all this Company met the venerable Chrysante it was so early as the morning sacrifice was not then begun and therefore she invited all the faire shepheardesses unto it telling the shepheards that she was sorry to rob them of their good company but she was constrained unto it by the inviolable Ordinance of the Goddesse who commanded that all men should be banished those Altars Paris Calidon and Silvander who were most concerned made answer That they were sorry for the shallow merits of men since that was the cause which moved the Goddesse to thinke them unworthy of that honour and beseeched her and them all that they would not entertaine in their hearts the like hatred against men To which the venerable Chrysante answered That the wise Goddesse had not excluded men their Altars out of any hatred unto them but upon other respects and perhaps to make the Vestalls more attentive in their devotions and their minds not drawn another way by the sight of mens perfections Hylas who had no devotion unto the Gods of his own Country and much lesse unto those who were strangers unto him made answer That if those Goddesses did forbid him to love faire ones Hylas would be none of their Votaries Shepheard said the venerable Chrysante I advise you not to provoke the Gods Upon this word she retired into the Temple because one of the Vestals according to their custome came and cryed three times Hence all prophane ones Hylas therefore could not have time to reply as he intended for as soon shâ— he was entred the doors were shut so as Paris and all the shepheards were forced to goe and wait in the sacred Grove where the Druide was to sacrifice when the Vestalls had done
I am obliged I would presently doe it with as good a heart as ever I received any favour from heaven The King uttered these words in such a discomposed manner and with such a countenance as testified that his expressions did not come from his heart And because I saw him stand silent I answered him Sir said I all that is in the world were created to serve your greatnesse especially Alcidon who is ready to sacrifice himselfe upon the Altar of your contentment And the Heavens foreseeing it impossible I should be deprived of Daphnide and live will take away my life lest it should be any obstacle unto you And therefore welcome death since my life cannot conduce to your contentment Upon this I could not restraine my teares and the King being moved at them after a while of silence said unto me You cannot Acidon wish me so ill as the injury I have done you does merit I doe most ingeniously acknowledge it and wish that my blood could remedy it perhaps I shall doe it in time but for the present there is no thought of it And yet for your satisfaction I am resolved upon any thing you would have me onely take heart and recover of your sicknesse and beleeve to your contentment that I will doe all I can to procure it After this the King went out of my Chamber leaving me in such a sad condition as it is incredible any other than my selfe should live under such a load of sorrowes and despaires Alcidon turmoiled with the memory of these painfull passages and the wrong which he received both from his Master and his Mistresse he lost his speech so as after a while of silence when he offered to speake he could not and therefore he was forced for a long time to be silent at last striving with himselfe he broke out with much adoe and said You see Madam how in obedience to your commands I make my old wounds bleed afresh but when I consider all is by your command I doe patiently indure all but if your Rigor be not greater than my Patience I beseech you helpe me to beare the burthen which you have imposed upon me I meane in the continuance of this relation of my misfortunes of which you may speake with more assurance than I can for in all that is hereafter to be told I am only the sufferer of what you were pleased I should endure Methinks my request is not unreasonable that the wise Adamas may understand from your mouth the truth of those things whereof you only are the Author Adamas not staying for the answer of Daphnide turned towards her and said Methinkes Madam the motion of this Cavalier is reasonable and that by your owne ordinance imposed upon him you are obliged unto it Reverend Father answered she the law is not equall betwixt him and me yet since you thinke it fit I shall doe as you please and I must tell you that though Alcidon hath spoken the truth yet as good Orators use he hath inserted some words to the great advantage of his cause Then after she had paused a while she continued the discourse thus The Sequel of the History of Daphnide and Alcidon IT is a Proverbe full of reason that Parties interested or prepossessed with any Passion can never be good judges because their judgements being offended they can never performe their perfect Functions no more than a leg or an arme can which has any great wound Alcidon has made good the Proverb by the consequences which he hath so often drawne to my disadvantage being byassed thereunto more by passion then by reason And because my discourse would be very long if I should answer all his particular rovings into Passion I will omit them and truly relate the remainder of our Fortune and leave you to censure of his passions And to begin where he left I will tell you Reverend Father that having received the Letter which he sent unto me unto which I returntd no answer because the Messenger according to his command went presently away without bidding any adieu I became the most desolate person in the world being taxed with a crime and with some colour of reason which I could not helpe I understood presently after by the Kings Letters all the discourse which they two had together and afterwards by Alvian whom I sent purposely to see how he did though I did not write who told me how ill he was I discoursed long with my selfe what I should doe in the businesse for on the one side his affection to me invited me to goe unto him and tell him how he was mistaken on the other side I durst not doe it for fear of being blamed I was long wavering in the ballance between these two considerations before the Scale would turne to either side but at last the returne of Alvian constrained be to goe unto him for bringing me such very bad newes of his sicknesse I cast off all other considerations and resolved to see him In this determination I sought out for some excuse to colour my Voyage And presently after a very good one presented it selfe For Peace being made my Brother-in-law was constrained to goe to Avignon about getting of a Cozen of his who was a Prisoner in the Towne which was rendred unto the great Eurick and who because he would needs contradict the generall resolution those of the place seized upon him and though Peace was afterwards published yet they would not set him at liberty least if the warre should breake out againe he should interprise something against them And seeing there was some difficulty about his inlargement and that the businesse by consequence would take up a long time he would carry his wife with him and he had a great desire of my Company that I might be seen with him if he was forced to make any addresses unto the King As soone as the husband made the motion unto me I consented with a condition of my Mothers consent The good old woman gave her consent as soone as ever she understood the cause so as within two dayes after we set forward and as fortune was our lodging hapned to be directly over against the lodging of Alcidon His sicknesse was much spoken of and the King went oft to see him for he loved him very well but when he was advertised of my arrivall he shewed himselfe more desirous of his health than before For whereas he was wont to see him but once or twice in a weeke since I came he went to him every day and as he went or came backe he commonly came to my lodging As for me the same day I came I sent to Alcidon and told him by Alvian that if he was pleased I would willingly come and see him and as soone as I received his answer I went thither I found him very ill and his Chamber full of Phisitians and Chyrurgians so as at that time our talke was onely of his malady unto
Adamas and Eurick closed with Clarinta againe would you not then have blamed Alcidon for disobeying your Commandement I thinke I should answered she Hear then your dooms oh Daphnide and Alcidon said the Druid The great Tautates who made the whole world by Love and by Love preserves it would not onely have things insensible should be united and linked together by the bonds of Love but things also sensible and rationall From hence it is that he hath given unto the insensible Elements qualities which linke them together by sympathy Unto Animals he hath given love and desire to perpetuate their kind and unto men reason which teacheth them to love God in his Creatures and the Creatures in God Now this Reason tels us that whatsoever is amiable ought to be loved according to the degrees of its goodnesse and so whatsoever is most amiable and has most goodnesse ought to be most loved Yet in as much as we are not obliged unto this love untill this goodnesse be known unto us it followes by consequence that themore any good is known the more it ought to be loved But since God hath made every thing by love and that the end of every thing is alwayes most perfect we may easily judge that since all good things have Love for their end Love is the best of all things Now knowing this goodnesse of love we are obliged by the Lawes of Reason to esteem it above all things and the more it is known the more we ought to esteem it The Oracle which was given you for composing your difference makes good what I say For it is this Upon a day you 'l see A Fountaine in Forrest Called Loves Veritie Will set your hearts at rest That is In Forrest you shall come to know that you doe really love each other and then your hearts will be set at rest for the Great Tautates who gave this Oracle unto you knowing how religiously you payed what was due both unto Him and Reason did also know that as soon as you were assured of each others affection you would presently thinke it most reasonable to love according to your merits And therefore Daphnide since you see that Alcidon does love you for why should he so passionately desire your love if he did not truly love you And you Alcidon since you see the love of Daphnide towards you for why should she be jeâ—lous of you and Clarinta unlesse her love were the Mother of her jealousie I doe Ordaine or rather the Great Tautates commands you that forgetting all past passages and without any stay to see any other Fountaine of Loves Verity you doe presently unite your affections and revive your ancient loves of each other make it appeare that none loves better then you two for none have more cause since heaven hath infused it into both Upon this Adamas took both their hands and joyning them together said May this union be happy and eternall It is a thing impossible to expresse the joyes of Alcidon or the thanks he gave unto the great Druid but especially unto Daphnide Stiliana and Carlis and Hermantes rejoyed for Alcidons sake for where ever he came he had the happinesse to get all mens love Thus was the dispute betwixt Daphnide and Alcidon composed by the prudence of the sage Adamas Although he conceived the meaning of the Oracle to be That their jealousies of each other should vanish by a sight of this Fountaine yet like a person of deep apprehension judging by their discourse that he should doe them a better office and more sutable to their will in reconciling them he thought it fit to expound the Oracle in this manner and also to advise them to stay in this Country a while to the end that if any suspitions yet remained in them and that if it pleased the Heavens to uncharme the Fountaine they might there be perfectly cured of their malady Whilst these things passed thus in the presence of Adamas the shepheards and shepheardesses who were in the Great Chamber with Leonide and Alexis as soone as the Collation was ended did fall into their severall discourses where they left But Alexis and Astrea for feare of being interrupted did take each other by the arm and walked to the other end of the Chamber which made well for Alexis for by moving she might the better hide the alterations in her face and better excuse her disorderd language Astrea who was no lesse transported to see such a lively resemblance of Celadon and not able to hide her contentment was very glad of this convenience to talke with Alexis walking as well because none could heare them as because she might with more freedom expresse the affection which she bore unto her After therefore they had walked two or three turns neither of them knowing well how to begin discourse Astrea broke silence thus I shall as long as I live Madam observe this day as a Holiday in memory of the high favour which I have received on it in making me so happy as to know you and to expresse my most zealous desires of doing you service The sacred Missletoe which it hath pleased the Great Tautates to make grow in our Hamlet this yeare was an Omen of the happinesse which we were to receive by your coming into this place shewing thereby that the liberall hand of the great God where it bestowes one favour does accompany it with many others The happinesse and good fortune of it said Alexis is all on my side in coming hither at such a season when this sacred Missletoe is to be gathered for that is the cause of my happinesse in seeing you it being one of my greatest desires How Madam said Astrea doe you thinke it your happinesse in wronging us all and me in particular by thinking we came hither onely because of this sacred Missletoe I will thinke said Alexis as you please but give me leave to say that it is at this time the cause of my happinesse in seeing you and though I had not been here yet you would have come to invite Adamas unto the sacrifice of Thanks I doe most seriously protest Madam said Astrea that it is your selfe onely which invited me to come hither for I never in my life had a more earnest desire of any thing than of seeing of you beseeching you to believe that it is not my humour to meddle with any publique matters but I leave them unto our wiser Pastors who takes the cure of them according to their custome and according as they thinke most advantagious for this Country I should be very proud of my selfe said Alexis if I could be perswaded of it for it is a thing which I most wish and prise above any happinesse that ever happened unto me But pray tell me fair shepheardesse in what place is this Missletoe found If the Sun would permit you to looke out of the window answered Astrea I should let you see it from hence I believe said
I could not depart without advertising Arimant I commanded Clarina to let him know it and give unto him the Book which was accustomed to passe betwixt us and in it was this Letter Cryseide's Letter unto Arimant THey are hurrying me away from hence I should have said from you had you not been alwaies in my heart and had not my affection been such as it is impossible I should live and not be near you However change places we must though I know not into what part of the world but let it be the best in the world it will be but a place of torment to me if I doe not see you in it When I know where it is I shall advertise you to the end that if it be possible you may be there in person where you shall be alwayes in my thoughts Arimant read this Letter with abundance of dissatisfaction my going away vexed him to the very soule and much more when he heard from one that was my mothers kinsman how I was to go unto the wife of Rithimer because then he thought that his Father would not suffer him to go thither by reason of the enmity betwixt Rithimer and him But he writ this Letter presently back and gave the Book unto Clarina Arimants Letter unto Cryseide IF this be not the most hard piece of fortune that ever could befall I know not what can deserve the name I understand you are to go unto Rithimer the only place in the world which is forbidden me But however since it is your command I will ere long be there and make it appeare unto you that my affection is greater then all impediment that can oppose it I received this Letter as we were taking Coach to begin our journey so as I could not read it because I had not time to look it out it being mingled amongst many others in the Book which was no small displeasure unto me Arimant on the other side knowing I was to depart that day met us upon the way as if accidentally with two Cavaliers his friends whom he had not acquainted with his affection unto me and who yet were not altogether ignorant of it and who upon this occasion being very familiar with my Mother as soon as they met the Coach they saluted us and enquired of her voyage She who now did not care who knew it did freely tell them and began to talk of Rithimers Grandure of the power her Cousen had with him and of the hopes she had of doing great matters for me In the meane time Arimant had got himselfe on my side but in such a sad and afflicted posture as he moved me to pitty him and was so transported out of himselfe as he began to rove and talke very idlely and yet to augment our misery for feare of making known the good correspondency betwixt us he durst not addresse his speech unto me though his eyes were never off me those who heard him and did not know the cause which thus distracted his mind they began to laugh at his ridiculous language I who confidered that sometimes to be over subtle spoiles all I thought it expedient to speake unto him as a person indifferent and therefore I asked him from whence this great sorrow proceeded which caused every one to take notice of it I doe assure you said he and sighed it proceeds from nothing but envy I did not thinke answered I that a person of your merit could envy any one but of whom and why are you envious I envy your Coach said he unto me that is going towards the Iâ—bices and because I may not go with you although it be my Country Why replyed I are you such a lover of your Country as you should envy things that are insensible What should I doe said he since such insensibles are more happy than I am Heaven I hope said I is better unto you than so This is the consolation answered he which is given unto those who are miserable yet I assure you any better shall never be desired by me but rather the contrary Those who are sicke said I doe the like they thinke all medicines bitter and such Physicke is commonly given unto them as is contrary to their desires though conducing to their health Great is the difference said he betwixt the diseases of the body and diseases of the mind For those of the body are cured by contraries but those of the mind by the possession of that thing which causes the disease If ambition wound us is there any better cure than to arrive at the thing aspired unto If beauty offend us will any thing so quickly ture as the injoyment of that beauty And therefore they say that desires satisfied doe coole at the very first afterwards are quite glutted so as to the maladies of the mind must be applyed such remedies as have the qualitie of the Scorpion which can cure the wound it makes It is long since you were in your owne Country said Clarina and what makes you thinke upon it so freshly now Your journey said he and sighed brings it fresh into my memory Those who heard our discourse did not understand it though if my Mother had not been diverted by the questions of those two Cavaliers doubtlesse she would have smelt out something but she seeing us thus talking she would not suffer them to goe any farther with us although they told her their way did lye that way but she was so urgent with them that they were constrained to leave us Now did I find that to part from a person loved might well be called a death both by my owne resentments and by Arimants for he looked as pale as death it selfe and was so out of himselfe that he could not bid adieu unto me or any in the company which my Mother interpreted to be incivility and perhaps on purpose though she beleeved the contrary as for me I knew the cause finding in my selfe the sorrowes of this cruel separation I cannot at this time tell you Hylas how sadly both Arimant and I resented it onely this that both fell sicke and Arimant much worse than I for mine was only a certaine languishment and drooping of spirits which many feared would in a little time bring me into a Consumption But his disease was so violent as none looked for any life every one came to see him dye he himselfe was of the same beliefe but having a desire to take his leave before he left his life he forced himselfe to write these linâ—t unto me Arimants Letter unto Chryseide FOrtune seemes to be weary of tormenting and will put an end unto my paines out of which I beseech you Madam give me leave to go I beg thus with that affection which brings me to my grave and which shall never Iessen whatsoever becomes of my ashes This Letter so short and so ill written together with the common report of his sicke estate was a very death unto me And
called upon him and pinched him to make him come to himselfe but seeing all would not doe and fearing he should dye in his arms he presently laid the Hankercher upon the bed tester and ran to call for helpe All the people in the house ran to him and brought such remedies as at last they recovered him the first word he spoke was Alas but presently taking notice that the Chamber was full of people he restrained both his sighes and his teares least he should give knowledge unto any of the cause And because his constraint did almost trouble him as much as his malady he intreated theâ—â— all to leave him unto his rest telling them that he desired to have none with him but that young man They who had not the least suspition of the cause and thought it nothing else but some faintnesse caused by fasting they obeyed him Then seeing the roome cleer What is become said he of the Hankercher Sir said the young man I am unwilling to let you see it again since I know the sight will but greeve you the more No no said he let me have it for in lieu of augmenting my griefe it will be a comfort unto me seeing she had a memory of me unto the lâ—st minute of her life Then giving it unto him Oh most deer Hankercher said he the dire messenger of the greatest dysaster that could befall me what name should I bestow upon thee Then being silent and fixing his eyes upon the blood Well said he she has shewed me the way and I am ready to follow it I grieve at nothing more than that I did not goe before at least keepe her company Then turning himselfe towards the young man but Friend said he unto him you have not yet told me how this accident came to passe Sir said he if you will be pleased to give me a little time and promise me that it shall not afflict you more I will tell you all I know No no replied Arimant presently nothing can either augment or lessen my griefe therefore tell me all I shall then tell you Sir said the young man That I came thither betimes in the morning and according to your instructions I watched when Clarina went to the Temple where I found her and conveyed the Letter so closely into her hand that none perceived me and desiring her to dispatch me with an answer as soone as she could she told me that tomorrow morning I should have it Presently after I went into the house of Rithimer where she lodged and I was no sooner entred but I heard a great bisling on every side and Chryseide Chryseide continually named I went up the stairs and found Clarina all in tears and great disorder who as soon as she saw me It is but a sad answer said she that you must carry your Master at this time alas Chryseide is dead and onely because they would needs force her to marry Clorangus carry him this Hankercher wherein he will find written with the hand and blood of Chryseide cause enough to love her memory After this she cryed and went into another Chamber Oh Heavens cryed out Arimant can I live and heare this But go on I intreat you You may imagine Sir said the messenger that this did much amaze me and to know the more certainty of the matter I stayed a little longer and saw three or foure persons come out of Chryseides Chamber all in tears holding up their hands and saying that truly she dyed very strangely This inspired me with more curiosity and boldnesse to enter into the room seeing all the house did the like There Sir I saw her Oh dismall sight I saw her dead on her bed and it so full of blood that it ran downe upon the ground At this time Rithimer and many women entred and I heard Rithimer cry out and say she had cut her veines I was then afraid least any should know me and because you had expresly forbidden that and thinking I could hear no more I came presently out of the Towne and made all haste that possibly I could because you had so commanded though with much sorrow to be the messenger of such sad Newes Alas alas cryed he I see it is but too true that Chryseide is dead since you have seen her so with your owne eyes could the Gods ever consent unto such a cruelty and can I heare this Newes and still live He would have continued on when his Father hearing of his being ill and who loved him most tenderly being his onely Son came and knocked at the Chamber door The young man knowing his voice he advertised Arimant who setting as good a face upon it as he could bad him open the door The windows were yet shat and the curtaines drawne so as when his father came into the Chamber he could not well see the sadnesse in Arimants face but coming to him and taking his hand he asked him how he did Well Sir answered he but only for a little faintnesse which proceeds from repletion of humours for want of exercise but if you thinke it good I desire to ride abroad and take some journey as well to dissipate those humours as for change of Aire I like it very well said the Father but whither would you goe My greatest fancy answered Arimant is to the Libicens as well because it is the place of my birth and naturall aire as to see my kindred and friends I should like it very well said the Father but that I feare the hatred of Rithimer Sir replied Arimant never fear it I must confesse that for you to goe would be dangerous but not for me for there will not any advantage acrue unto Rithimâ—r by me if I were dead besides being there amongst so many kindred and friends he could not have any intention against me but it would be told me and easily prevented The Father beleeving what he said was easily brought to his opinion which was not a little happinesse unto us all especially unto Arimant For having before resolved to kill himselfe he now deferred the execution of what he intended unto the end of this voyage He accoutred himselfe therefore as well as he could and the next morning set forward taking none with him but this man and another to walte upon him in his Chamber telling his Father it was more safe to goe with a small Traine than if better attended because lesse notice would be taken of him His designe of going to the Libicens was to meet with Clorangus and when he had dispatched him then to go unto the place where I was interred there to sacrifice himselfe unto my ashes And truly it was happy that this revenge was thus intended for it retarded his intention of killing himselfe and the messenger whom I sent had more leasure to carry him our Letters The same day he departed from his Father halfe of it was gone before Arimant thought either upon eating or resting himselfe and
received from the Temple of Venus and as for the interpretation of it I did not lye in a sillable but told you truly as the old Druide told me Since it is so replyed Cercinea we must not make too much haste away and though the time be long yet it is no longer here then upon the Banks of Arar for the sweet conversation of the discreet Shepherdesses of Lignon is as pleasing as any company we can find in any other place I must confess said Florice that the company of Astrea Diana and Phillis is very sweet and pleasing and that here is many pretty innocent pastimes which are sutable unto their honest simplicity but I must tell you that they are fitter for such inferiour spirits as theirs are then for us who are accustomed unto a higher and more noble strain and to tell you truly this kind of life begins to be very irksome unto me so as if I stay here a little longer I shall throw away my Sheep-hook and my Scrip. I know not why you should so much dislike it replied Cercinea but me-thinks there is nothing in Cities which equals the liberty and freedom of these Villages Here said Florice is nothing to be seen but Sheep and Hares and Shepherds and Shepherdesses Tell me no more of Shepherds and Shepherdesses answered Cercinea but find me out such another Wit as Sylvander's amongst all your great Cities and Towns or a Woman comparable unto either Astrea Diana or Phillis either in beauty wit or discretion I mention none of the rest bur do admire their civility and sweet conversation and I do abominate all the constraints tricks and dissimulations of Cities I see said Florice that you are like those Sorcerers who having used some charm upon the skin of a Wolf do no sooner put it upon them but they presently participate of their nature for this habit of a Shepherd which you wear has infused the wit and courage of a Shepherdess into you But well Cercinea be you a Shepherdess as long as you please but for my part I desire to be amongst those of my own quality and in my own Country For to tell you truly I am most delighted in seeing a Cavalier bravely Arm'd and Mounted and breaking his Lance handsomly But what pitiful sport is it to see two Shepherds run for a Garland of Field-Flowers To be short the Purple and Scarlet pleaseth my eye better then the Russet and Gray Sattin is softer then Wool and I love to be amongst my equals Unto such as ayme at their contentment said Cercinea Grandeur and such vanities as you speak of are not the way unto it and such as consider things as indeed they are not embracing shaddows for substances will most certainly condemn them the glister of gold and silver and purple which dazles so much the eye are not half so pleasing as a green Field diapred with Flowers What needs the Body more then such a cover as will defend it from the injury of wind and weather Provided such a Suit be fit and handsomly made it is better then all the gaudery of Gold which does but beguil the eys of those who are not able to look what is in the inside of such a Suit As for a comparison between the feats of Chivalry and the harmless exercises of Shepherds it must needs be confessed the one is all blood violence injury and murder and the other is all innocency and gives no offence unto any the one comes near the nature of Bears Tigers and Lions and the other of men And as for the reproach which you put upon me for loving the habit of Shepherdesses I say that I wish I were exempt from all those turbulencies and cares which does torment those that do live in your perpetual confusion She would have continued on if Palinice had not interrupted It is not our business said she to dispute which of these two Lives is the happier but whether we should stay any longer here to see the fulfilling of the Oracle which sent us hither I conceive it good for us to peruse it again and consider seriously upon the words of it Upon this she put her hand into her Scrip and pulled out a paper in which she read these words The Oracle AGainst the paines which all you three endure In Forrests you shall find a certain cure One that was dead and afterwards shall live Unto you all one medicine must give Another medicine you shall have from one To whom against her will a good is done Which she rejected with her will 'T is she Not you by whom the overture must be What she ordains as if ordain'd by me Believ'd as Oracle by you must be Phillis who till now never knew the cause of their voyage she was very glad that she had found it out even when she least thought upon it for finding them to be very discreet and virtuous she and her companions were exceeding desirous of it not only out of a common curiosity but a will to do them service And this had been impossible to discover otherwise because these strangers in obedience to the Oracle durst not reveal it unto any But Phillis having found it out she endeavored to remember the Oracle which she had never done unless Circenea and Palinice had repeated it several times For my part said Palanice I must needs conclude that we ought to stay here yet a while longer since it is certain that the Druide told us Forrests was the place where we should meet with our satisfaction and that our happiness must proceed from three persons of which two are hard to be found out but the goodness of God is great since that which must instruct us is so cleerly expressed that we cannot mistake for said she and I observe it in the words when you shall find a person who shall tell you that God hath appointed you by his Oracle that a living dead man shall be your Phisitian and Medicine with a person unto whom they shall against her will restore a happiness which she did lose with her will One of you three upon which the Lot shall fall must relate unto her the pain which you endure and she will appoint you what she conceives best for you The worst of all this is answered Florice the loss of time which will seem very tedious Circenea answered and smiled that no happiness is attained without pains Your happinesse is compleated replied Florice for you are of a more Shepherdish humour then the Shepherdesses themselves I have often heard you say answered Circenea that it is great wisdom to be pleased with any thing that necessity makes inevitable Whilst these Shepherdesses were thus disputing amongst themselves Phillis who had learned as much as she desired to know did think it best to steal off unseen and therefore when she saw them most eager in their contests she crept away and went to seek Diana who on her side was not a little perplexed for
if there was you would not thus trifle away your time but go presently to the faire Alexis I believe answered Phillis that we shall be there time enough to imploy all your Constancy No no replied Silvander he has all the reason in the world to make haste otherwise there would be some danger lest the end of his love should be before the beginning of our journey Perhaps you think said Hylas that you have given me a notable check in saying that I doe never love any long but I take it as one of the greatest commendations you can give me For good Silvander tell me Is not he that goes as much ground in an hour as another does in a whole day is not he I say the best Footman and a Mason that builds a House in a moneth which another will not undertake under a whole yeare is not he the best Workman If you will make your love a Lackey said Silvander I shall think the faster it goes the better it is But as for your Mason let me tell you Hylas that he who makes most haste is not the best workman but he who does his work the best does best deserve that name for most haste makes worse work and often spoils all Hylas would have replied when all the Company began to set forward towards the Temple of the good Goddesse where Chrysante expected them at Dinner for that venerable Druid understanding their determination and being desirous to visit the faire Alexis she invited them all unto her house that she might make one of their company this request which was honourable unto them was not denyed and therefore Silvander left the inconstant Hylas to wait upon Diana being exceedingly glad of this opportunity of being with her when Paris was not Had the disguised Alexis looked the right way she might easily have seen them come from the field of Mercury for the Grove where she was surveyed the place but her eyes were so fixed upon the place where Astrea dwelt that she stood like a statue expressing no signes that she was alive but onely breathing or rather sighing She had longer stood in this musing posture if Leonide had not diverted her this Nymph not being able to extinguish her flames of affection towards Celadon she was so much delighted in the company of Alexis that she was absent from him as little as possible she could The wise Adamas having the words of Silvia still fresh in his memory though he knew well enough what ardent affection that shepheard had unto the faire Astrea yet did he live in much perplexity knowing very well that his Neece was not so disfurnished of natures gifts but that she might in time worke upon a young heart and make it forget all respects of loyalty and duty This consideration was so strong in him that she would never have permitted this young shepheard to enter his house under the habit name and motion of his Daughter Alexis had not the Oracle made a promise unto him that when Celadon did enjoy his contentment his age should then be happy so as being interested in point of happinesse he chose rather to take so much paines to watch the actions of them both then to lose that happinesse which the Heavens had promised Now because he could not have his eye alwayes upon them in respect his domestique and publique affaires invited him another way he charged Paris to be present with them as much as he could This morning when he heard they were both gone out of the house and that Paris was not with them he went immediately after them and followed his Neece so close as he was in the Grove almost as soone as shee where Alexis had beene along while entertaining her thoughts the noise which the Nimphs made as she came caused Celadon to looke that way and as he turned he spyed the Druide comming unto whom she bore so much respective reverence that though she had rather have beene alone entertaining his thoughts of Astrea yet seeming otherwise she went to meet him and bid him good morrow with a countenance of joy more then accustomed of which Adamas taking notice after his morning salute he told her that her countenance of jollity did presage but a bad conclusion of the day If it please good Father answered Alexis you shall receive contentment by it for as for me I have no hopes but in death and if you did observe me with a merrier countenance then ordinary it is because I thinke my selfe every day neerer the end of that torment which Fortune hath ordained for mee imitating in this those who are in a long and tedious journey who when they come to their Inn at night are pleased to thinke that so much of their paines is lessened the Druide returned this cold answer My dear Child those who do live without hope of comfort in their miseries doe not only offend against the Providence of great Tautates but also against the prudence of them who have the Guardianship of them In this occasion therefore I have a double cause of Complaint against you you have offended both the Gods and Mee as Druide of the Country into whose hands the Oracle hath committed you Father answered Alexis I should be extreamly sorry should I offend either the great Tautates or you and for an explanation of my words give me leave to tell you that my intention was not to doubt either in the Providence of our great Gods or in your Prudence but I doe beleeve it is not the will of the Gods to give me any contentment as long as I live and that my misfortune is so great as it is beyond all humane Prudence to helpe it You must know replyed Adamas that the slighting of a benefit received does often withdraw the hand of the Benefactor and makes it more slacke in conferring then it was before take heed you provoke not the Heavens unto the like for you doe so ill accept of what they have begun to doe for you as you have reason to feare that in lieu of happinesse they will inflict new punishments Doe you not consider that when you had mured up your selfe in a Salvage Rocke the Gods sent Silvander with consolation unto you Then to make their goodnesse more apparent unto you did not he cause Astrea her selfe to come unto you Did you not see her nay almost hear her and the Lamentations she made for you what better beginnings of happinesse could you possibly hope for then these I will not instance the visits of Leonide and my selfe for perhaps they were troublesome unto you but I may well mention the goodnesse of the Gods to you in inspiring mee to bring you unto my house under the notion and habit of my Daughter Alexis for doubtlesse it is her whom Astrea comes to see What more auspitious beginning can you have then this Can you imagine that without the particular aide and assistance of the Gods this habit and disguise
ye Gods who both see and heare my unjust sorrowes and my just complaints either bestow a welcome death upon me or else take away the memory of so many displeasures from mee The Gods said the Servant doe use to favour those who by their courage and Prudence endeavour to helpe themselves in their misfortunes and to decline those who losing their heart and courage have recourse only to prayers and weake tears why doe you thinke did they bestow upon you a soule of a higher generosity then upon others doe you thinke it was to make use of it only in prosperity and not to encounter the gusts of adversity Certainely Sir you ought to shew the effects of it upon all occasions especially in adversity to the end that those who â—ee that vertue in you may praise the Gods for imparting so much perfection unto man and considering it in you they may come to the knowledge of the great Giver Will you offer to abuse the favours and the hopes which every one hath in you I have heard some say who knew you in your infancy that you promised a noble courage even from the very Cradle and shewed so much generosity of soule as every one conceived that you would prove an example unto the world of an invincible spirit will you not Sir answer all their hopes and expectations There are some women who thinke it a shame to shrinke at the blowes of Fortune though their natures be pusillanimous and timerous yet being disposed unto vertuous ends they often change their Natures you Sir are a man that very word commands you to be couragious you who are a Cavelier brought up in Martiall wayes and hath looked grim death in the face you who have acquired great reputation in the greatest dangers you I say who are Damon who never started at any difficulty now faint at such an accident as this Will you offer to die before you doe an act worthy not only of a Cavelier but of a common man Halladine Halladine answered the Cavelier these considerations are good in another season or in any other man but my selfe alas what act can I doe which will doe me any good only dying excepted for all others are displeasing unto her for whom only I desire to live Thou knowest that Madonthe is the only aime of all my desires and since all my hopes of her is lost what can I desire but death But Sir said Halladine how doe you know that all your hopes of Madonthe are lost Thou thy selfe said the Cavelier dost know as much give me leave to tell you Sir replyed Halladine that I doe know how the case stands better then you doe for Sir when you commanded me to carry your letter and Thersanders Ring unto her and the Handkerchief full of your blood unto the hellish Leriana by chance I met with them both together and though that divellish wretch who was the cause of all your misery did stand immovable at your message which I declared from you unto them yet I observed Madonthe first to grow pale afterwards to tremble and lastly when shee heard of your death and saw the blood she was surprised with so much sorrow that had she not beene held she had sunke downe so as had I thought you alive doubtlesse I had brought you very good newes from her Oh my friend Halladine said the Cavelier what a weake conclusion dost thou make Didst thou but know the nature of women thou wouldst confesse with me that such alterations in them doe proceed rather from Compassion then Passion for certainly all women are naturally pittifull and compassion is an ordinary effect of their weake soules so as what thou observest in Madonthe proceeded from the pittifulnesse of her Nature But Halladine it is not pitty or compassion but passion and love that I doe desire from her and this thou didst not discover in her soule Alas Sir said Halladiâ—e unto what a miserable condition are you reduced since you your selfe are the very worst enemy that you have I wonder such an accident should worke such an alteration in your judgement Admit the worst that Madonthe does not love you yet if you desire to overcome her and obtaine her favour why doe you not goe where she is but shun all community with mankind or habitable places Since hatred is the higher said the Cavelier for seeing the person hated have I not good reason to shun the sight of Madenthe because she hates me and so being deprived of her whom onely I desire all things else that I see are displeasing unto mee why then shouldest thou thinke it strange that I should disrellish all others since I cannot see Madonthe Good Sir said Halladine what comfort can you expect to finde in Wildernesses and uncoth savage places Death said the Cavelier for that is all the comfort I hope for since it is so said Halladâ—ne is it not better to go and die before Madonthes face that she may see you die for her then to languish away your life amongst Rockes and Caves and solitary Woods where none knowes what you do Thou sayest well Halladine answered the Cavelier but thou knowest that Madonthe is fled away with her darling Thersander and to enjoy him with more security keepes close from any finding them Dost thou thinke that I would not have had recourse unto some desperat act if I had not had such an intention as thou speakest of Upon these words teares hindered his speech and pitty moved Halladine unto the same so as for a while they both stood speechlesse Paris who listned attentively hearing Madonthe named could not at the first imagine it to be her whom he had seen disguised in the habit of a shepheardesse with Astrea and Diana But when he heard Thersander named he made no doubt but that it was she and therefore he hearkned more attentively when Halladine began to speak thus For my part sir said Halladine were your case mine I would never die for one who changes me for another but if the displeasure of it did so far transport me as to resolve upon death I would first send death to the man who is the cause of my losse before me and he should die by no hand but my owne For beside the sweet of revenge I would let her who changed me for him see what a bad choice she had made I would never suffer him to inherit my happinesse after my death Therefore I advise you sir if you be resolved upon death that first you give Thersander his death who is the obstacle of your happinesse and cause of your death I must confesse said the Cavaâ—er that in this thou speakest reason but Halladine thou knowest he conceales himselfe he is afraid of such a designe and to prevent it He Madonthe and her Nurse keep so close as none knowes where they are Whilest he was saying so and whilst Paris was listning with an inquisitive eare the poore distracted shepheard Adrastes came singing
some mad freakes in discomposed meeter without any order or sense this miserable lover since the judgement of the Nimph Leonide given against him in favour of Palemon did so resent his separation from Doris that being out of all hopes his minde was distracted 'T is true he had some intervalls in which he would talke pertinently enough but then presently he would change and rove a hundred miles from the matter so as he moved all that knew him unto pitty and others to laughter love being the cause of his distraction all his follies harped upon that string and when his good intervalls were upon him his complaint was all upon the obduracy of Doris the injustice of Leonide the good fortune of Palemon and his owne misery These strangers listned unto him but could hardly understand what he said since not one word was pertinent unto another yet he ravished in his owne fancy not seeing them came singing close to them and had not the Horses neighed perhaps he had passed on without a sight of them The Cavelier hearing him very often intermixe with his roving language the words Love Beauty and Passion did know what his disease was he desired to know a little more and rising up he spoke thus unto him Good friend tell us in what Country we are and what is the misery which makes you thus complaine Arastes seeing the Cavelier and his minde running all upon love did answer him Sir she is so infinitely faire that no mortal can equall her and Palemon hath ravished her from me The Cavelier replyed who is that Palemon Palemon answered the shepheard is Palemon yes yes said the stranger I know that is his name but what is he of what quality At this question Adrastes was a little troubled and looking wildly upon the Cavelier he answered Palemon is one whom Adrastes does not love And Adrastes said the Cavelier who is he Then the shepheard growing more frantique broke out into extreame laughter and in conclusion began to cry saying the Nimph has wronged me Doris at the beginning cryed then went away and though I called her back yet she would not so much as look back upon me was ever any thus used The Cavelier was at first amazed at his language and plainly saw that he was distracted and thinking love to be the cause he pittied him then turning towards his servant see said he what will be my fortune if I doe not die for certainly this shepheard is run mad for love Love replyed Adrastes is as mad as either For Palemon if he were not Doris would either have been here or I where she is Thus he roved into such odd impertinencies that Halladine could not forbeare laughing which the Knight perceiving Thou dost laugh at this poore shepheard said he unto Halladine but does not consider that perhaps thou wilt have the same occasion to laugh at me At me said the shepheard why I am Adrastes and I would know whether Palemon will live a long time or no. The Cavelier was so troubled with his impertinent speeches and so unwilling to be diverted from his thoughts that he commanded his servant to bridle their Horses and getting up they went into the wood where Paris was who was in two or three mindes whether or no he should shew himself and as a stranger offer him all possible assistance as by the Lawes of Hospitality he was obliged but considering that if he engaged himselfe with this Cavelier he should lose an occasion of serving Diana also thinking it better to advertise Madonthe and Thersander of him he still concealed himselfe upon these considerations Paris was no sooner out of the wood but looking towards the great Meadow he espied the Company which he came to meet amongst the rest there was Astrea Diana Phillis Stella Doris Aminthe Celidea Floris Circene Palanice and Laonice all these rallied together with curiosity to see the beauty of Alexis and the rarities in the house of Adamas There was also many shepheards amongst the rest Lycidas Silvander Hylas Tiâ—â—is Thamares Calidon Palâ—mon and Corrilas all who to beguile time and length of way either sung or held out some pleasant discourse Paris was now so neare that Silvander knew him and because he led Diana by the arme he thought it would displease his Mistresse if he did not yield his place unto Paris out of respect though not unto any out of love And to oblige her by the Act he said unto her in a low voice I beseech you mistress command me to let your arme go that I may doe it out of obedience unto your command since I cannot doe it by my good will Shepheard said she and smiled since you think my command will doe you service in the Act I do command it you Oh Heavens said the shepheard who would not wholly devote himselfe to your service since you are so obliging even in your disobligings He durst not say any more lest Paris should heare for he was very neare so as Diana advanced to salute him as all the company did Silvander had no sooner quitted his place but his Rivall possessed it with as much contentment as the other left it with displeasure After some discourse Paris observed that neither Madonthe nor Thersander were in the company and therefore he asked Diana of them unto whom Laonice answered that Madonthe was this morning very ill disposed and that Thersander kept her company I should have been glad said Paris to have met them here that I might have acquainted them how some enemy of their's is come into the Country and that it is best both for Madonthe and Thersander to look well unto themselves Silvander who had alwaies an eye upon Diana he heard what Paris said and because he was a great esteemer of Madonthes virtues he took upon him to acquaint them at his return Laonice who watched for an occasion to be revenged upon this shepheard she observed how ready he was to take upon him this office to the end she might make use of it in time and place Diana also who began to have some sparkes of good will towards this shepheard did take notice of it as hereafter shall be declared which Leonice did very well perceive But in the meane time lest the reverent Chrysante should stay too long all the Company set forward Diana entreated Phillis to be alwaies near her lest being alone Paris should fall into discourse of his affections therefore she kept her selfe on the other side of that shepheardesse and took her by the arme Calidon waited upon Astrea and Tircis and Silvander kept together as for Hylas he undertook no body but was sometimes the first and sometimes the last of the company without fixing himselfe unto any of the shepheardesses he took no more regard of Phillis then if he had never seen her in his life at which Tireis admired and after a little consideration of it he could not chuse but say aloud unto him Is it
Country And for my part having lost a Father and a Mother who loved me most tenderly and falne into the hands of an Uncle my sorrowes are double But Madam I beseech you pardon me for troubling you with such sad discourse Oh said Alexis you doe infinitely ingage me in it and you will doe me an extreame pleasure if you will give me a relation of every particular which concernes you for besides your merit and vertue which obligeth every one to esteem you I have a most particular desire to be interested in your love and therefore I beseech you continue on Madam said Astrea it is an infinite honour to me and I protest unto you that from the very first minute I saw you there is something which so devotes me unto you that nothing can divert me from your service but death Alexis would have replied and perhaps have entred farther into discourse if the jealousie of Hylas had not hindred her but he not being able to endure this long discourse betweene these two Lovers he did impudently fall upon his knees before Alexis and taking her hand kissed it before she was aware which she perceiving pulled backe and said unto him how now Servant does the faire shepherdesses of Lignon permit such familiarities The Virgin Druids from whence I came I assure you would thinke this very strange Mistresse said Hylas even as I doe not use to regulate my selfe according to the civility of these shepherdesses so you ought not to follow the severity of those Druids for if you doe neither you nor I shall receive much contentment by it I know not what you meane said Alexis but I am sure you must have very strong arguments to divert me from following the example of those holy Virgins amongst whom I have beene so long conversant I do beleeve what you say replied Hylas but you must know you need no worse Rhethorique to make me change my Nature I should be sorry answered Alexis to force you unto any change for I would have you be as you are onely let the law be equall between us and this as your Mistresse you may very well allow T is true said Hylas but how doe you meane I meane said Alexis that as I allow you to be as you are so you must allow me to be as I am and without any changing of humours either in you or me we may love each other as we did at first I doe allow of part of what you say replied Hylas but the rest is not according to my mind and I feare you have beene so cloystered up amongst the Camutes that you are halfe spoiled Every one began to laugh at the discourse of Hylas In the meane time Adamas entertained Daphnide and Alcidon after this manner Madam said he unto her I make no question but that it was upon a good occasion you came into this Country for otherwise you would never have left the lustre and delicacies of the Court I should not have presumed to aske the cause had not your selfe emboldned me and knowing thereby that you expect some service from me my readines to do it prompts me to ask what it is to the end I may serve you according to your merit and my duty Father answered Daphnide your wisdom and my need of your assistance makes me trust you both with this secret and the greatest I shall ever have I shall think my condition very happy said the Druid if I meet with any occasions to employ my selfe in your service and to make it appeare how much I esteem your merit I beseeth you take so much paines to see a Gallery which is in this house and there you shall find your own Picture ranked as it deserves I did never think said Daphnide thatâ— a thing so little worthy of either seeing or preserving should be in the possession of the Great Adamas Yet since you have done so I shall think the Gods intend good unto me by infusing this curiosity unto you which argues a willingnesse to helpe me in this businesse from whence my whole happinesse must proceed I shall acquaint you Father before we part with the occasion which brought me hither in the meane time I beseech you till me in what part of this Country is the fountaine of loves verity and how I may see it I can verily tell you Madam said the Druid where this Fountaine is for it is not farre from hence but I thinke it to be a thing impossible for you to see it because it is strangely inchanted and guarded by Lyons and other fierce Animals so as no humane force can quell them If the hazard of a life said Alcidon will conduce unto the contentment of my Lady she shall quickly receive what she desires I doe believe said the Druid that if courage and valour could doe any thing against inchantments the faire Daphnide would have what she desires by the meanes of the valiant Alcidon But you must know that the strength of all men in the world united together will do no good for spirits which are superior unto the nature of men are so puissant that even one of them is able to ruine the whole Vniverse unlesse the great Tautates for the preservation of mankind did restrain them so as the safer way is to have recourse unto Prayers and Supplications or else stay untill the time prefixed be expired and the conditions of the inchantment performed What are the conditions said Alcidon They are said Adamas very strange For the enchantment must not end but in blood and by the death of the most faithfull lover and loved that ever was in this Country This said Daphnide is a most strange Fate and must needs be miserable My selfe said Alcidon can furnish out the most faithfull lover yes said Daphnide and smiled if to love in severall places at once be fidelity If you replyed Alcidon could but manifest your fidelity as I can Alcidon would presently hazard his life I assure you said Daphnide I am not so desperate as to die to make inchantments cease But Madam said Alcidon It should seem the will of the Gods so to doe since they commanded us to come hither I shall obey the will of the Gods said Daphnide as far as possibly I can but before I take this course must have a more cleare and absolute command for it This replyed Alcidon argues but a very faint affection I do confesse it said she for I cannot undertake to be a sacrifice for the publique besides I am not now in love with any and therefore why should I hazard my life for any and if I were I would not do it I should think them out of their wits that would for it is not likely any that loves well would deprive themselves of the sight and presence of them they love to put an end to an inchantment But Father said she and turned towards Adamas I see that Alcidon constraines me to discover unto you the cause
For said she I keeping my bed as you see me I know nothing but what out of pitty is told me Madam said Amintor faintly It is so long since I was at Court or in any place but my bed as you must not aske me for any newes I came hither onely to see you and am very glad to find you in a better condition then I heard you were Perhaps Amintor answered she you were in hopes to finde me dead No no Sir I will not yet put you to the expences of mourning for me And to shew that I am not thankes be to God in such a bad condition I will manifest to you that my thoughts are quite another way then putting her hand under her Pillow she pulled out a Paper which she gave him Here Amintor reade these Lines which were writ upon those Flowers which you see at my Beds head if you cannot guess at the Author I will tell you who it is Before I ever reade them said he I am most confident that I can name him then opening the Paper he began to read it When Amintor had read two or three lines he paused a while Well Sir said Clarinta unto him what doe you thinke upon them Hitherto answered he I find nothing which makes me alter my opinion except the hand which indeed is not the same I thought it but perhaps it was writ purposely to delude those that read it I am sure said Clarinta that you are mistaken but read on and perhaps you will know better and your opinion will be quite confused Then Amintor began to read again and when he had read a line or two further I cannot tell said he whether that which followes may alter my opinion but thus far I am still in the same minde and then he began to read out the rest When he had done he mused and was much gravelled to imagine who should be the Author for at first he thought upon Alcires but the conclusion put him quite out of that conceit Clarinta seeing he could not hit upon it and seeming to make great esteem of the Paper she laid it in the place where it lay and then turning towards him I perceive Amintor said she that you cannot find out the Author but I assure you he is a person who merits as good fortune as any about the Court I must confesse Madam answered he that these last lines doe put me out of my knowledge unlesse to disguise himselfe the more he faigns to be lesse favoured then he is Why Amintor replyed Clarinta presently doe you thinke me so liberall of my favours as to conferre them upon any one this might serve such a one unto whom you gave so many fine thanks but if you have not forgotten the way of my living with you when you made addresses to me you may know that I am not a person from whom any favours are to be expected Oh Madam answered he and sighed I have but too good a memory of what you mention But alas my own eyes are such certaine witnesses that I cannot give them the lye Clarinta was very ill but when she heard him say so she turned in a fury towards him what can your eyes witnesse said she to my disadvantage and because out of his respect unto her he did not answer she continued Nay nay Amintor Never offer by your silence to cover your ill will unto me under a vaile of respect content your selfe with your past treasons and doe oâ— excuse them by accusing me of your fault Neither your eyes nor the eyes of all men living can testifie any thing to my disadvantage if they doe they are unjust and I shall look upon Amintor as the most perfidious and ungrateful man alive If ever I failed Madam said he in my honourr of fidelity which I owe unto her who accuseth me of perfidy and ingratitude I pray heavens this minute may be the last of my life But if you please Madam to give me leave I will answer to the question you asked me Yes yes said she in an angry manner tell all you know but be sure there be more truth in your words then in your oathes Madam answered he your command is needlesse and this is truth it selfe that I would not desire life but to have the honour of doing you that faithful service which I have vowed I doe impatiently desire to heare the end of your discourse said Clarinta that afterwards I may make you confesse your selfe to be the most ungrateful person in the whole Universe I shall prove it by your owne hand unlesse you have the impudence to deny it Amintor after a while of silence answered thus If you will please Madam to tell me what moves you to use such bitter termes and injuries against me I will satisfie your desire with a Protestation that if I doe lye in any thing I say I will pray unto the Gods most severely to punish me before I stir from this place but I most humbly beseech you to let your minde be at rest until I have spoke a little in my owne defence When you shewed me the Paper I believed the happy Alcires to be the Author of it but when I found in the last lines how he complained against those Flowers for enjoying the happinesse he desired and of which he was deprived I presently altered my opinion unlesse it was so expressed purposely to disguise the matter for I have seen him enter into your Chamber so easily that he could have no cause to wish for more permission than he had Oh ye Gods Cryed out Clarinta did you ever see Alcires come into my Chamber in the night Madam answered he I have seen him go in and in the night may the Gods never prosper me if these eyes of mine have not seen him do so would any have thought replyed she that Amintors soule should ever have been so wicked as to justifie a thing so false and to call the Gods for a witnesse of it I am sorry Madam replyed he that in my observance of your Commands I should be forced to a discourse which troubles you so much but most assuredly I have seen him goe in and so sure I am of it that unlesse I had entred in with him I could not be more sure This replyed Clarinta is the most impudent villany that ever was invented And oh ye â—ods that use to protect the innocent take my cause into your hands make my innocence appeare and punish these impostors afterwards addressing her selfe to the Cavalier it is not a time said she to dissemble any longer I will have this villany searched to the bottome and the maske of it taken quite off Life is not dearer to me than my honour and death shall be evermore welcome to me than this Calamny and therefore Amintor speake cleerly and tell me when and how you saw Alcires come into my Chamber otherwise I shall beleeve that all you say is onely your own
a long time for every one tooke me for dead Oh happy had I been if it had been to then should I have buried all my sorrows all my contentments would have followed him to his Grave Upon these words such a flood of teares flowed in her eyes as she was not able to speake of a long time which gave a sufficient testimony how deepely she resented her losse but at last the wind of severall sighes drying up the raine of her eyes she assumed her spirit and continued thus Pardon I beseech you Father the weaknesse of a woman for such an occasion might perhaps excuse a spirit of a higher temper than mine did any resent them so neer the heart as I doe But to passe over such sad remembrances which cannot chuse but be tedious unto you and to fall into the discourse where I digressed give me leave to tell you that whilst I was in the midst of laments and could not find any rest or consolation to my sad soule this cruell Alcidon to loaden me with more misery did presently quit Clarinta and comes impudently upon me as if he had never let any other have a share in his affection I must confesse I was much amazed to see him without blush talke to me with as much confidence as formerly but I was more offended at him for coming upon me so impudently and never offering to aske pardon for the injury he had done me and to talke to me of love and affection For nothing under the Sun offends a woman more than after profession of Love to quit her and love another I permitted his discourse a long while and gave no answer I beleeve he attributed my silence unto the resentments of my losse but seeing he continued on my patience could hold out no longer and therefore I was constrained to say thus unto him Alcidon let me intreat you to hold your peace such talke as this is not now seasonable betwixt us though heretofore it was permitted yet now since both you and I are much changed from what we were it is not allowable He would have answered but I gave him the stop and said unto him Yes yes Alcidon both you and I are very much altered I in this because heretofore I thought you had loved only Daphaide and am now assured of the contrary And you in this that heretofore you devoted your selfe wholly unto me and now the faire Clarinta onely possesseth you and may she long and peacably enjoy her Conquest I promise you Alcidon that I am so farre from envying her happinesse as I will pray the Heavens it may many ages continue Alcidon was mightily amazed at this and would gladly have justified himselfe but I was so certaine of the truth as all his talke did rather move anger than love Afterwards for at that time he saw me so angry as he could not put in a word I left him in as angry a mood as I my selfe was But the next morning he surprised me before I was drest and by chance Carlis and Stiliana were then both in my Chamber and they being very familiar with us neither he nor I concealed any thing from them He fell downe upon his knees protested that he would never rise unlesse I would promise him to heare his Justification patiently and then he would let me dispose of his life and happinesse as I pleased I who was sufficiently loaded with misfortunes already had no mind to adde unto them those displeasures which I foresaw but persisted in my resolution not to hear him knowing very well that good wits never want good words to perswade what they will especially Alcidon whose eloquence I was not ignorant of but was affraid he would incline me to imbrace that service which had so basely quitted me for another At last Carlis and Stiliana hearing our contest they told me that such a Judge was unjust as would condemne a Party before he heard him Most true my dear friends said I unto them but did you know as well as I what charmes his words have whom you would have me hear you would advise me to stop my eares rather than lend them unto the inchantments of such a Charmer as Serpents doe But since you will have it so let me oblige you to assist me which both promising they would he rose up and knew so well how to plead his Cause as they were both absolutely for him And because I knew very well that all his eloquence was but oyled words and gilded language to gloze over his excuses without any reality of truth I so farre resisted him as it was resolved upon by both sides to have recourse unto the Oracle which returned us this answer Upon a day you 'l see A Fountaine in Forrest Called Loves Veritie Will set your hearts at rest This Answer so obscure and full of ambiguity none of us knowing the Country nor ever so much as heard of the Fountaine of Loves Verity it did much perplex us And Alcidon to shew what a great desire he had that the truth of his affection might appeare he made such enquiry of this Fountaine as hearing of it he could not rest untill a Voyage unto it was resolved upon I must needs confesse Father his importunity did much move me unto it but one of the cheife reasons which induced me thereunto was my desire of being for a while absent from the place where I had so many sad Memorandums of my losse hoping that being farre off them my sorrowes would by degrees lessen And unto this may be added my curiosity of seeing whether that Country and those who dwelt in it were so happy as reports went for wonders were told me of the places beauty of the sweetnesse of the Aire the abundance of Rivers full of Fish and the pleasantnesse of the Fields But when I heard of the delectable lives of the Shepherds and Shepherdesses of Loire of Furant of Argent of Serane but especially of Lignon I was ravished and wondered that all Europe did not go and inhabit in Forrests To know therefore whether all this fame was true I conseuted unto this journey and because we heard that all those who are there were habited in the garbs of shepherds and shepherdesses also desiring not to be knowne we disguised our selves in this habit as well for the reasons aforesaid as because we needed not any great train of Servants to attend us Thus reverend Father you have heard not onely a relation of our lives past and of our difference but also the cause of our Voyage and of our disguise we want nothing now but your prudent direction how we may see and have addresses unto this Fountain and your sapient Counsell unto such as stand in such need of it as we doe Thus ended the faire Daphnide leaving Adamas in a great opinion of her Prudence and Wit and because he perceived she expected his answer he replyed thus Who is it Madam that hath heard of great Euricke
complacence did take the Lute and consented unto the desires of Paris upon condition every one would doe the same particularly Silvander This shepherd who had an eye alwayes upon Diana knowing that she loved very well to hear him sing he tooke the Lute from Hylas and sung a song the subject of which was that though he loved extreamly yet he thought he loved not enough When Silvander had done he kissed the Lute and presented it unto Corilas who willingly accepted of it and fixing his eye upon Stella he began to sing upon this subject that Now his Love was extinguished it could never kindle againe Stella hearing how Corilas twitted her she offered to take the Lute intending to pay him backe the money which he lent but the shepherd doubting it he would not let her have it saying it was unreasonable that Hylas who first had it should be so long without it Be not offended shepherdesse said Corilas unto Stella if I doe give it unto Hylas since if your designe was to expresse any thing of your humour I assure my selfe he will satisfie you if he sing according to the dictates of his heart You are very kind Corilas said Hylas unto him to pay your debts with anothers money at the least Stella and I have this advantage that being both of one opinion we have met with one that will allow of our humours but yours is so bad that you are singular in your Sect then taking the Lute and not staying for the answer of Corilas he sung in commendation of inconstancy Phillis who could not indure that Hylas should passe without an answer Methinks Silvander said she that both you and I are obliged to answer this inconstant shepherd since he is so impâ—â— as to speake thus in the presence of our Mistresse for every right Lover when he heares any thing in disadvantage of fidelity is obliged to defend that vertue Most true my Enemy answered Silvander and I should have done it ere now but that I was affraid my indiscretion would have beene blamed for interrupting yet if Hylas will repeat the same Verses he sung I will try whether I can answer them Verse by Verse â—â—haps said Hylas it will not please the Company to repeat what I have sung already but Silvander that you may be without excuse I pray answer these I am ready said Silvander for being sure I have reason on my side I am very couragious to undertake the Combate As the generous Lyon said Hylas contemnes all creatures that are his inferiours in strength so doe I you Silvander being so much my inferiour both in wit and goodnesse of cause thus they began to sing one for and the other against inconstancy Whilst these two shepherds were thus singing and the rest of the Company attentively hearing Paris closed with this opportunity and got neerer Diana was there ever such a pleasant humour said he unto her in a low voice as this of Hylas I thinke answered the shepherdesse that he is like all other men onely he is a little more free and open in uttering his thoughts than others are Oh Madam replyed Paris have you such a bad opinion of men and thinke them all as inconstant as he is I have no bad opinion of men answered Diana and smiled for I cannot thinke it an errour in them to doe as Hylas doth since it is a thing very naturall to love where we like best And since most shepherds doe love onely to please themselves have I not good cause to thinke that where they find most pleasure there they will without any difficulty love imitating in this our sheep who use not to eat alwayes of the same grasse nor feed only in one Pasture but loving variety graze sometimes in the Meadowes other times upon Hils and sometimes again under Shades The shepherdesse as she spoke this smiled to shew she spoke against her conscience and Paris taking notice of it answered thus Hylas would be well confirmed in his opinion fairest shepherdesse if he heard you but I beleeve if you were condemned to follow this opinion it would be somewhat difficult to make you consent unto it I must confesse answered she that what you say is true for shepherdesses are not subject unto the same Laws which shepherds are for they doe not only fly inconstancy but constancy also This is too enigmaticall for me to understand replyed Paris unlesse Fairest you be pleased to make a cleerer interpretation My meaning is answered she that the Virgins of this Country doe not only fly inconstancy because they are not of a wavering temper but they fly constancy also because they will not be obliged unto any kind of amity loving and esteeming all that deserve it not with love and passion but according to duty and reason I doe beleeve it answered Paris faintly but for some interest which I may have I wish that one amongst them were of another humor Generous Paris replyed Diana you must needs pardon their dull capacities for being brought up in rurall and halfe salvage places you cannot expect they should differ much from such as they most converse with you see what an influence education hath upon people and above reason for I beleeve there is very few in all this company who would not more contentedly chuse to live with their flockes upon the bankes of Lignon and under their homely roofes than in princely Pallaces and civilized Cities I beseech you fairest shepherdesse said Paris what opinion are you off what doe you thinke of this house and how suits it with your liking I should shew my selfe of a very weake judgment answered Diana if I did not thinke it very noble and very pleasant Much more noble and pleasant would it be said Paris if what is now in it would be alwayes in it T is true replyed Diana for so many faire shepherdesses and hansome shepherds doe not onely make the company very great but also the place very pleasant It is not the quantity replyed Paris but the quality of persons which makes me esteem it I am of your beliefe said she for most company does commonly most of all make one weary of it but they must be of a very bad humour that doe dislike the company which is here I perceive replyed Paris that you will not understand my meaning for it is not of all the company which I speake but it is fairest shepherdesse of one only without which one all the rest of the company would be wearisome unto me Diana faigning not to understand him That one said she very coldly is much obliged to you though all the rest are but very little beholding there is none in the company answered Paris ought to thinke much at me for it since without that one my life it selfe is unpleasing to me after this both standin◠〈◊〉 and Paris seeing Diana did not reply I did never in my life said he and smiled see a shepherdesse lesse inquisitive than Diana Why
doe you not aske me who this one is because said she it would be indiscretion in me for I am sure that if you had a mind to name her you would and if you desired to conceale her I were very indiscreet if I did importune you She added Paris unto whom I have given my heart may very well know all thâ— secrets of it nor ought I to conceale them Men in giving such gifts answered Diana dâ— often give and take againe If you meane by me replyed Paris pardon me fairest Diana if I tell you that you wrong me since from the first day that I gave my selfe unto you the gift was with so full a consent of my heart as I shall never enjoy any contentment untill you have taken full possession of it and it was of you I spoke when I mention'd one from whom I must receive my full contentment I should be very unworthy answered the shepherdesse and blusht if I did not receive this honour you are pleased to doe unto me with much obligation unto your civility Nay nay said Paris never tell me of any civility or respect but in lieu of those words put in that word of Love That word said she fals not handsomely from the tongue of a woman If it will not come off your tongue replyed he then let it be in your heart That would be too great a crime replyed Diana and would render me unworthy of this honour you are pleased to doe me Silvander and Hylas had now done singing and there was not a word amongst all the company as if they were in hopes of their beginning to sing againe which was a cause that many perceived not onely the affection wherewith Paris spoke unto Diana but also the passion in which Silvander was to see their long discourse which Hylas considering and thinking to get some advantage over him Come come Silvander said he we have sung enough let us now be a little serious and rationall if we can Tell me upon your faith whether you persist still in the same opinion which you were wont to be I am not much addicted unto changing said Silvander but of what opinion doe you meane Are you still in the heart of Diana replyed Hylas and is she still in yours why doe you aske me this question said Silvander Because said Hylas I will at this time make you confesse the contrary Methinkes Hylas answered Silvander you had better have slept on then wake to no purpose Whilst every one laughed at this question and this answer Phillis tooke an occasion to interrupt the discourse of Paris and Diana and to call her companion to heare this fine dispute In the meane time Hylas answered shepherd shepherd I doe not wake to so little purpose as you thinke since to put one out of an errour is a worke never out of season but answer me Are you still in the heart of Diana and is Diana in yours Diana hearing this question Hearken said she unto Paris what Hylas sayes For I am confident it will be some mad piece of discourse or other Then they heard Silvander answer thus Doe you thinke Hylas that because you are continually changing others are the like Diana and I are in the very same places we were wont to be Why then said Hylas she is in your heart and you in hers It is as you say answered Silvander Then prethee good Silvander tell me said Hylas since you are in the heart of Diana whether the discourse which Paris had now with her did please her or no And Diana since you are in Silvanders heart tell us whether Silvander was pleased at the Discourse There was none in all the company except Silvander who did not laugh so loud as they caused Astrea and Alexis to turne about and see what the matter was which Hylas observing he stayed not for Silvanders answer for Astreas long discourse was as vexatious unto him as that of Paris was unto Silvander but ran presently to her Mistresse said he unto Alexis These shepherdesses of Lignon are such bewitching flatterers that unlesse one take very good heed it is almost impossible to resist their charms I beleeve Servant said Alexis that you speake like a very knowing man T is true said he I have not been so long Apprentice but I have learned my Trade For before I loved Phillis I thought Laonice faire and before her Madonthe and before them both Criside Here is three strangers said he pointing at Florice Palanice and Circenea can witnesse I am no Novist when I was Servant unto them and if Carlis who is in the Gallery with Daphnide were here she could tell you how she was the first who taught me my Primer But Servant said Alexis I doe not thinke that Carlis can boast that you hold her for your last Mistresse as you did for your first for I have heard you say that you have loved but as many as you have met Mistresse said he you should have added as many faire ones as I have met for I doe confesse that wheresoever my eye observed beauty I was a lover and servant of it and methinks you should like my humour very well since it hath made me yours and without which ill-favoured Carlis had still possessed me I like your humour extreamly well answered Alexis did I not feare that as it is now the cause of your being mine so it will hereafter make me grieve for the losse of you Oh fairest Mistresse said Hylas I beseech you not to thinke any such thing for besides your offence unto my love it is most impossible any such thing should ever be for I never loved any thing but beauty and out of you it is most impossible to find it I should be very glad answered Alexis to have you continue long in this opinion of me that I may not lose as others have but I had rather that all your perswasions could make me believe all you say of me to be true I need no perswasions answered he where every eye is able to testifie If all did see me with your eyes answered Alexis their testimonies might perhaps be favourable unto me I am certaine replyed Hylas that there is none here will give my eyes the lie Your eyes indeed may see things as they are answered Alexis but your mouth may perhaps be given a little to Hyperbolize and your tongue which is so glib in attributing unto me more then is my due does testifie that you have learned in more Schools then one I doe confesse it replyed Hylas but withall I am able and without vanity to speak it that the Schollar surpassed the Master You never told me said Florice that when you were my Schollar you learned your lesson of Circenea and Palinice also And had we all three united our learning together we might have kept you longer at School How servant replyed Alexis what serve three at one time You may judge by that Mistresse said he the greatnesse of
be as carefull of my selfe as any Servant is in getting the favour of his Mistresse But Sister replyed Diana Phillis and I are either much mistaken in our judgements or else there is great defects in such as see you and doe not love you though for nothing but for your merit Upon this they had all dressed themselves and as they were going out of the Chamber they saw Paris walking with Leonide in the next room and the shepherdesses were neere them before the other perceived they seemed to talke very affectionately of which Paris was much ashamad and when he saw them after morning salutes he asked Diana pardon who answered him that he had committed no offence whith concerned her For she being the meanest of the three they had more reason to complaine than she if there was any cause at all and not staying for his answer she addressed her selfe unto Leonide and asked her whether she had a good night I have more reason to aske the same question of you said Leonide who are up so early was there not something in your Chamber or your bed which was the cause of it Both in the Chamber said Diana and in the bed but it was this faire shepherdesse said she and pointed at Astrea who waked us sooner than we would out of her desire to imploy the time shâ— is to stay here as well as she can I meane as near the faire Alexis as she can get for she is so zealously devoted her Servant as I know not how we shall part them when ye goe from heâ—ce Come said Leonide let us go to hâ—r if she be awake but as we goe let me impart one secret which I have thought upon which will be a meanes they shall not part so soone You must intreat Adamas that without any more delay he goe and offer the sacrifice of thankes for the Missleto and that hâ— carry us all with him I know he will not deny you for I know he must performe this duty once and he will be for one night contented with the house of Astrea by reason of Phocian whom he loves and esteems very much-and so shall we be all together all the day to morrow but fair shepherdesses be sure you conceal me in the businesse for if Adamas should know that this advice comes from me perhaps he would be angry and make some difficulty in it Nor is it necessary that Alexis should know because she is of a very retired humour and never so well contented as when alone I matter not if Paris be of the plot because I know that he takes much delight in your company and will not crosse it I shall never deny the opinion you have of me said Paris Then Astrea after she had smiled upon Diana and Phillis Do you think Madam said she that Adamas will not deny us and will let Alexis go also for the truth is if all the world go and Alexis stay behind I shall be but in a very bad mood and perhaps shall hide my selfe from the trouble of all the rest of the company You see Madam said Phillis that the shepherdesses of Lignon are no dissemblers both she and all the rest said Leonide are more worthy and estimable for it but I beseech you from whence proceeds this great amity by sympathy said Astrea and I am not my selfe unlesse I be by her since so said the Nymph I shall render you all the contentment that I am able and I cannot chuse but admire for Alexis the last night did speak the same of you that you do now of her I have a very intimate familiarity with her and know her usual humour but now she is quite out of all her Naturalls and the alteration must needs proceed from some supernatural power Madam said Phillis you will make her so proud that we shall not be able to live with her upon this they came to the Chamber of Alexis where they found her yet in bed for being something early and it being morning before her thoughts would give her leave to sleepe she was hardly awake when all this good company came into her Chamber The truth is she was much surprized at this unexpected visit but not so much as to forget hiding the Ring which she took from Astrea when she threw her selfe into Lignon and which she wore ever since about her arme in the same Ribband in which it was tyed also she neglected not to close her smock before her breast lest a difference of Sex should thereby be discovered and lest the faire Astrea should see the Picture which she used to wear about her neck and which that shepherdesse knew very well she held one hand before her face and with the other took the sheet and almost covered her selfe as if she were ashamed to be seen in that posture Leonide to make her selfe merry said thus unto her What do you think Sister of these faire ones whom I have brought to helpe you up Sister said Alexis and raised her selfe a little up you have done me a great shame in doing me a great favour for what will all these faire ones say finding me thus long in bed The worst they can say replyed the Nimph is that you are a sluggard and that the Druids of Carnutes are not such early risers as the shepheardesses of Forrests Upon this all the shepheardesses gave her the good morrow and she after a general thankes for their Complement turned towards Astrea in particular and you faire shepheardesse said she how have you passed away the night Sister said Leonide shall I tell you for her I protest she hath lain with you all the night With me replyed Alexis presently Yes with you said Leonâ—Ede if not in body yet at the least in minde That way indeed she may answered Alexis and I believe it for I assure you faire shepheardesse said she and took her hand that the discourse we had the last night has so taken up my whole mind that I never slept until it was day Leonide to give her dear sister the opportunity of talking more privately with Astrea took Diana unto the window and Phillâ—s also There she kept them in discourse whilst Alexis causing Astrea to sit down upon her bed and still holding her hand she was almost transported with an extream desire to kisse her At the last fearing to discover what she desired to hide she contented her selfe with pressing her hand betwixt hers and after a while of silence I protest fair shepheardesse said she unto her I have thought upon you and the discourse we had all the night long But tell me I beseech you Is it possible that Phocion as Leonide assured me the last night should force you to marry against your minde Madam answered Astrea 't is very true that it is his dâ—signe but it is as true also that he shall never bring it to passe Not that I have so much courage as to contradict him openly but I
she was silent and said not a word more But Hylas observing this and having an opinion that if any would divert Astrea he might the more easily talke with Alexis he made a signe unto Calidon which made him more confident than usuall and therefore after an humble reverence unto the Shepherdesse he tooke her arme pretending he would helpe her to walke The Shepherdesse seeing there was no remedy turned her head towards Alexis and said thus I see that bad examples are sooner followed than the good and I must now recall that advantage which I gave unto the Shepherds of Lignon Alas said Alexis and shooke her head if our lives had none of these bitter wormwoods we should be but too happy she spoke this in so low a voice that neither Hylas nor Calidon heard her yet the cold entertainment which this shepherd received from this shepherdesse did make him thinke that she had much rather be alone with the Druide but seeming to take no notice of it he continued on his designe so as now there was none without a Companion but Silvander But Laonice who still nourished a spirit of revenge against him and sought for an occasion of doing him some signall displeasure ever since the day that by his judgement she lost Tircis seeing him thus alone she thought now that she had met with a fit opportunity she knew already what affection he had unto Diana and what affection Diana had unto him For their loves being great it was impossible to hide it from her who kept a very observant eye over all their actions Therefore seeing him alone and very pensive she went unto him and put on a face far different from her heart Shepherd said she I see so many signes of sorrow painted in your face as I cannot chuse but thinke that perhaps you are in love Shepherdesse answered Silvander I have so many severall occasions of sorrow as you need not aske me whether Love be a cause I thinke said she you have no new occasions for of late dayes you are more contented than usuall but will you give me leave to tell you what I thinke The cause of your melancholly proceeds either from a disease present or from a disease absent You must explane the Riddle answered the shepherd before I can returne an answer I meane replyed Laonice since you would have me speake cleerly that either griefe present torments you seeing another in your roome with your Mistresse or else the good which is absent for I know that you doe love Madonthe Sage shepherdesse said Silvander I see you are a great Propheresse For it is one of these two that does torment me but perhaps said he and smiled not so much as you imagine Sometimes in such diseases said Laonice one is apt not to think themselves so ill as they are but in good earnest Silvander which of these two is it that most troubles you Which doe you thinke said Silvander If I should tel you my opinion said Laonice perhaps you would not confess it Were it a crime to love said Silvander I must confesse I had no reason to confesse but since it is rather a vertue or at the least an action which in it selfe is neither good nor bad why should you thinke I will not confesse it since in denying a truth I should commit a greater sinne Most true shepherd replyed Laonice for every one who would be esteemed good ought above all things to be very carefull they never injure the truth and therefore Silvander tell me upon your reputation does not the absent good trouble you more than the present evill Silvander had no mind of making his affections knowne unto this stranger if possibly he could avoid it and therefore with a smile answered her I cannot chuse but admire at the quicknesse of your sight discreet Laonice for I durst have sworne that none had taken notice of these things but I beseech you how came you to this knowledge Silvander said she content your selfe with this that all these dissimulations which you use to Diana may perhaps amuze Thersander but not such as have with my eyes observed your actions All those that live about the delectable River of Lignon have their hearts so possessed with their owne passions as they never observe anothers have no eyes for any but for them they love But I who have nothing else to doe but to observe the actions of all I doe plainly see that Madonthe does please you more than Diana but be not sorry that I know it for perhaps it will not be unserviceable to you Madonthe loves me and I think she will be easily induced unto any thing I shall perswade I know what it is to love and which way to compasse the contentments of it and I promise you to aide and serve you in all I am able Silvander could not chuse but laugh to heare her talke thus and to confirme her in the opinion which she had conceived he beseeched her to be silent and above all not to acquaint Madonthe least it should offend her and so ruine his whole designe he thanked her for her kind offers which he would not refuse but would not make use of at that time for severall reasons which hereafter should be made knowne unto her Silvander thought himself very subtle in this but Laonice who seemed to beleeve him began to contrive the mischiefe which she intended him upon it and which since she made him pay so dear for In the mean time Paris and Diana were entred deepe into discourse for this young man was so inflamed with a violent affection unto this shepherdesse as he could never rest but when he was with her Certainly if she had intended to love any she would have pitched here but since the death of Filander she would never suffer love to take any hold of her affections thinking none worthy to be Successor unto such a shepherd as Filander If she did afterwards love Silvander it was not out of designe but upon a surprize which the merits and addresses of that shepherd made upon her so as the good will which she had unto Paris was no more than as a sister unto a brother and so farre she thought her selfe obliged by the affection he had unto her and she was hindred from any farther by the affection she bare unto the memory of the courteous Filander yet he whose affection had no limits to render unto her all possible testimonies of his love he resolved to try his fortune and thinking this opportunity to be good he would not let it slip leading her therefore by the arm he drew her a little from the rest and whilst every one was busied in their owne various conceptions he spoke thus unto her I cannot chuse but wonder fairest Diana that all my endeavours to doe you all service should not let you see the great affection which I have unto you or if you do see it I wonder more that it should
possibly displease her And in this perplexity they both stood a long while speechlesse at last the shepherdesse was the first who began to speake Madam said she unto her I see that you are changed upon a sudden and I cannot possibly chuse but be exceedingly troubled at it if I be the cause either by my discourse or otherwise I doe vow by that soule which loves you above all the World that I will presently be revenged upon my selfe for it if I be not then tell me I beseech you if my life can doe you any service and you shall see there is nothing so deare unto me which I would not sacrifice unto it Alexis knowing her fault and checking her selfe did endeavour to excuse and hide it as well as she could and therefore with a deepe sigh she answered thus T is true faire shepherdesse that the alteration which you observed in my face did proceed from you and yet you are not to be blamed but onely my owne soule which is too sensible of a thing which your words did bring into my memory And to give satisfaction unto your perplexity you must know that I being brought up amongst the Virgin Druids of Carnutes amongst the multitude that was there I made choice of one whom above all the rest seemed unto me most amiable and thought my selfe not mistaken in my choice she being esteemed so amongst all our Companions and having all desirable qualities which use to create love She was faire hansome and as well extracted as any in all the Country her wit was sutable to the perfections of her body everyway accomplished and all her actions were sweetned with affability and civility her sweetnesse flowed so upon me that I loved her and because I thought she loved me I loved her extreamly and this love came to that height betwixt us that I could not live without her nor she without me Thus we passed over many yeares with abundance of content and satisfaction from each other but whilst I thought my selfe more happy in this condition of friendship than the greatest Monarch can be of his Dominions this faire one quitted me and so seperated her selfe from all termes of friendship with me as she would never see me againe and without ever telling any cause fell into such hatred of me as she would never come neere me My perplexity at this alteration was so great and the blow so sensible as I becoming all sorrow I fell sicke and so dangerously as I beleeve you have heard that I thought I should never recover it Now when you fell into expression of your constant and unalterable humour I remembred the like expressions which this faire and wise Virgin used unto me and which were so ill observed and this caused the alteration which you observed in my countenance Madam said Astrea I am sorry that I should be any way the cause of your perplexity but I hope you will thinke me innocent for had I knowne it I would never have committed this fault But who would ever have thought that you who are so faire and full of all perfections enough to invite and keep the whole world in love with you should ever find a woman so simple and inconsiderate as to let a happinesse voluntarily escape her hands which every one ought to desire and covet Oh God! Oh Heavens Oh all that 's sacred how carefull should I be in keeping so great a happinesse if Heaven beyond my merit should ever raise me to so high a fortune And with how much carefull assiduity should I court it if by my care paines and travell I had any hopes to obtaine it But Heaven which has looked upon me with a frowning eye ever since I was borne will I feare never be so favourable to me as long as I live Faire shepherdesse said Alexis then let me intreat you that unlesse you will exceedingly disoblige me accuse not this faire and wise Virgin of any crime in treating me after this manner For I cannot endure without much displeasure she should ever receive any blame for that which is only my fault and the ill influence of that planet under which I was born And as to your desire of my succeeding in her place beleeve it Astrea it is I that would covet it with any Art but for one thing which gives me a checke And most assuredly were it not for that consideration my desires of it should exceed yours But faire shepherdesse I fear that though now at the first you judge me worthy of your amity yet when you do particularly know me your judgement will find it selfe mistaken and looke asquint at me as this faire and wise one did whose losse I doe so sadly resent and if such a fatall chance should befall me I know not what would become of poore Alexis being able to say and truly that I doe find my selfe so weake against such fatall blowes as I know not whether my life will last after I have received them And since it hath pleased the great Tautates to recover me from the danger of the last I must confesse that my feares of falling into the like makes me tremble and turnes my blood to ice It does not pleasâ— you Madam replyed Astrea I should say that this faire one was to blame in treating you thus and therefore because I will not upon any consideration whatsoever displease you I will not say it but by your permission I will say that she will never find such a jewell as she has lost and that if Tautates as a most particular blessing would preferre me unto her roome I would not part from it for a thousand worlds Ah faire shepherdesse said Alexis and sighed if such a happinesse should befall me I should vaule your amity at as a high rate as you can mine But beleeve me faire one you know not what you desire when you desire my amity I confesse Madam what you say answered Astrea for the happinesse which I desire is so high as the weaknesse of my understanding is not of capacity to comprehend it But Madam since it is not the meanesse of my merit what is it which hinders you from doing me this high favour since I doe call Tautates to witnesse that if I be so happy as to obtaine it I will preserve it deerer than my life nay even that life which would be an infinite happinesse if you thinke me worthy of it Alexis upon this swelling with contentment she tooke her hand and grasping it a little said unto her faire shepherdesse remember where we leave this discourse and we will finish it to morrow as we goe unto your Towne in the mean time be assured that I have a greater inclination and will to love you and serve you than you can tell how to desire The reason why Alexis referred this discourse untill another time was least lookers on should have any suspition had it continued longer besides she could not there hide her blushes and
receive your doome before I depart from this place My judgement said Diana shall be just and as for the forbidding which you so much feare let me understand what you meane and I will answer you Silvander then assuming a more serious looke I never had the least doubt said he but that you would be most just but give me leave to tell you that extream justice is extreame injury and because you desire an exposition upon my second request I conceive Mistresse continued he and smiled that it is best to defer the businesse untill another time to the end I may have the more time to informe my Judge Upon this they were interrupted by Adamas who invited Daphnide and the rest of the company to goe and walke for the heat of the day being over it was more pleasant abroad than in the house And most of the company being desirous to take the Aire the delightsomenesse of the place inviting them they all set forward some singing and others discoursing upon such subjects as best pleased them The Cavalier who was close by the Temple of Astrea taking the same way that Paris went he came present to the bridge of Botereux and a little after to the height of the Plaine which discovered the Castle and great Cittie of Marcellies The Country seemed very delectable unto him For on the one side he saw the fertile Hils of Cousant which from the tops to the bottomes were enricht with many Vineyards and upon the tops of all great Woods which Nature had placed there to fence them from blustering winds The Plaine extended it selfe as farre as Mont Brison and following those delightfull Hils enlarged it selfe towards Surida Mount Round and Feurs with so many little Rivolets and Lakes that the variety made the prospect beyond imagination pleasant And because the way in which he was conducted to Marcellies and his face being that way it was the first place his eye fell upon The Castle scituated upon the point of a Rock which made it obvious to the eye and seen farre did presently bring into his memory the place where he first saw Madonthe For its grandure its Towers and magnificence of structure had a great resemblance of the place where she dwelt This Memorandum brought into his fancy the many pleasing passages which formerly he had seen with her and the extream perplexities and sorrows he had sustained since his disgrace And because this comparison could not chuse but much trouble his mind this poor Cavalier was constrained to lite from his horse and rest himself under the first shade he found where leaving his Horse with his Servant he went under a shady tree he lifted his eyes up to heaven stood so ravished in contemplation as he could neither hear nor see anything about him The Servant who did exceedingly love his Master and was sorry in his soule to see what a miserable life he lived did heartily curse love and her that was the cause of it By fortune at the same time hearing a voice he began to listen and stepping a little neerer saw a Cavalier complaining against the ingratitude and inconstancy of a Lady And because he thought this would be a good excuse to make him retire from his sad thoughts Sir said he unto him hearken I beseech you unto the Cavalier is singing who is neer you Away away said he I care not for medling with the matters of another Dost thou not thinke I have enough to doe with my owne The businesse of another Sir replyed the Servant may doe good if good use be made of them Upon this they hearkned and heard the Cavalier singing a very invective song against his owne Lady and against all others The one Cavalier hearing the other blame all women against reason for the fault of one was much offended against him for it taxing him with indiscretion and injustice And thinking that if he should suffer it without revenge and let such blasphemies passe unpunished he should commit a great fault against the faire Madonthe And therefore he would presently make him eat his words and cry mercy for the injurious language he had uttered but upon better consideration he thought it more expedient to give him occasion of seeking Combate for said he if he be couragious he will resent the offence I shall give and require satisfaction and if he be a Coward he is not worthy my fighting with him In this resolution the Cavalier rose up and turning towards the other Cavalier after he had a little considered what he should say he sung in as loud and distinct a voice as he could a song which intimated That since he saw how inconstant his Lady was it was his part either to die or else cure himselfe with disdaine of her This being distinctly heard by the other Cavalier he could not chuse but thinke that these words were intended against him And being one of the most couragious Cavaliers in all that Country he tooke it for such an affront that without more adoe he pulled downe his Helmet for he was armed Capape and went through the Wood to the place from whence the voice came The other who expected to see what effects his answer would produce as soone as he saw him coming and being resolved that if he did not resent his words he would adde such as should provoke him to fight But the arrogance of him with whom he had to do was such as he needed small provocations as well because he was confident of his own strength skill as because he was Nephew unto Polemas whose authority was so heighted since the departure of Clidemant and Lindamor as he was neere the capacity of making himselfe absolute Lord of the Segusians The name of this Cavalier was Argenteus he was taller than the common height and so well proportioned every way as it was easie to judge him a man of great strength and courage He had long courted one of Galatheas Nimphs and whether it was true or no I know not but so it was that he thought she loved him her name was Silere one that was very faire and highly hansome but when he was urgent with her for some testimony of her good will and when she denied him he according to his arrogant humour would needs use a kind of authority over her which she taking very ill she chose rather to break quite off with him than any longer to endure his arrogancy He seeing himselfe deceived in his hopes fell into such a passion of anger against her as he conceived an extreame hatred against all women whatsoever for her sake and ever since did vent the most bitter invectives against them that he could invent Argenteus then according to his custome arrogantly approaching the other Cavalier without any salute or action of civility was it to me Cavalier said he that you intented your song The Stranger who naturally could not put up any incivility and being already ill satisfied with him
Take it as you will said he unto him I perceive by your armes and your language said Argenteus that you are a Stranger For did you know me you would give me another answer but since it is so either get upon your Horse or else be as you are on foot and I will make you know your folly and rashnesse Then lose no time said the Stranger but on foot let us end the difference Upon this he stept into the high way he drew his sword and stood in such a bold posture that Argenteus judged him to be a brave Cavalier When they were ready to begin fight they heard a great noise of Horses and Coaches which came from Marcelleis straight towards them This moved Damon to say that he thought it better to goe into the Wood and let the Company passe least they should be interrupted But Argenteus who did imagine that it was Galathea or Amasis and was very desirous to shew his valour No no Cavalier said he never let us hide our selves but when we do ill and therefore as you say let us lose no time unlesse your heart faile you to maintaine your quarrell My quarrell said he is so just that though in other occasions I had no courage yet I should in this not only against you but against all men living But if as you say ill actions ought to be hid I know not a place dark enough to hide yours who maintaines a thing so unjust and so unworthy the name of a Cavalier in blaming Ladies whom every Cavalier is obliged to maintain serve and defend Alas my good friend said Arganteus and mocked him how long have you been a high-way Orator It is with this said he and shewed him his sword that I use to speak and if you have courage you shall find that I can doe better then you can speak Upon this they fell on very furiously and as stout a Combate it was as could be seen betwixt two valiant Cavaliers They were no sooner warmed in the fight but all the company whom they saw coming arrived at the place And because the Combat was in the high way and every one knew Arganteus they stopped to see what would be the issue Galathea who was in the Coach with the Nymphs did hate the arrogance of Arganteus and they all wished he might be punished for it by this stranger But knowing his great valour strength and skill they were much afraid he would be too hard for this unknown Gavalier though his hansome presence and good beginning got him a good opinion amongst them Galathea seeing Polemas near her Coach called unto him and asked who it was which was fighting with Arganteus and what was the cause of the quarrel and whether it were not best to part them To which he answered That it was injurious to hinder them from ending their difference since they fought upon equall terms and without treachery And as to the Cavalier and their Quarrel he could meet with none that could inform him but the servant unto the stranger Polemas answered thus because he was very confident in the valour of Arganteus and that the stranger would not be able to resist him and he was very desirous that Galathea might see the valour and courage of those that had relation unto him But she according to the curiosity of all Ladies being desirous to know who this stranger was caused his servant to be called unto her whom she asked who that strange Cavalier was and how the quarrell began The cause of their quarrel Madam answered he is very just on my Masters side For he hearing that other Cavalier speaking very ill of all women he could not endure it as thinking it against the honour of a Cavalier But as for telling you who he is I am sorry it is forbidden me yet I assure my selfe that as soon as the Combat is ended he is so civil as to satisfie your demands Polemas laughed to hear him speak thus and in mockery said unto him well said my good friend thou art in the right when thou saidst my Lady should know when the Combate is ended for his Epitaph upon his Tomb will tell her Sir said the servant to him if my Master had not come off a more dangerous enterprise then this he would never have been able to come so farre as he hath done upon this he retired to the place where he stood before During this discourse the two Cavaliers continued the fight most furiously and Damon had such a desire to come off with honour as there was not a by-stander who did not esteem him a very brave Cavalier especially Galathea and her Nymphs in whose eyes might their contentments be seen when Damon got any advantage which they would not dissemble though Polemas stood by because it was their cause in which he fought It was now near half an hour since they first began blows theirs Arms were broken and shattered in several places when Argantens felt himselfe something faint and was not so nimble nor laid on such vigorous blows On the contrary Damon did not onely seem hearty and fresh but did rather increase in vigour and agility which did exceedingly trouble Polemas but more Arganteus who did now begin to esteem his enemy very highly but presenly after the strangers sword did reach his body almost at every blow so as Arganteus fainted down right either by reason of the losse of blood or greatnesse of his wounds Now Polemas did heartily repent that he did not part them at the beginning of the Combate and wished that some good genius would move Galathea to interrupt them she who perceived how Polemas was troubled although she did not love him yet would give him this satisfaction in respect of the service he did her Mother and knowing no better way to part these Cavaliers then by entreating them her selfe she came out of her Coach and withal her Nymphs came to the Combatants At the very same time Arganteus not being able to sustaine himselfe fell on his knee and seemed as if at the sight of these Ladies he had done it purposely to ask them pardon for the injury he had done unto women But because Polemas thought Galathea too slow and that his Nephew who drooped already would be quite dishonoured if he stayed any longer he made a sign unto some of his servants who presently gallopped and fell upon Damon who never suspecting such treachery nor had so much as looked back but for the cry of Galathea and the Nimphs towards whom turning his head he saw seven or eight Cavaliers coming towards him with swords in their hands and menacing him All he could do was to recoil unto his servant but his courage was most high and admirable since coming out of this Combate after which he stood in need of rest as soon as his servant brought him his Horse he vaulted into the saddle without any stirrup and he stood in need of all his agilitie to save
having yet Celadon so fresh in her memory yet Calidon still hopes and keepes as close to her as possibly he can As for Thamires he lives the most happily and best contented of any man in the world and sayes that the scars of Celideas face being testimonies of her vertue doe make her so faire and amiable as he cannot desire her otherwise and in this contentment he is so well satisfied as he cannot be an inch from her I am very sorry she is not here that she might have the honour of kissing your hand as much disfigured and ill favoured as she is But Astrea Diana Phillis and other shepherdesses of the neighbouring Towns are the causes of her missing this honour having yesterday invited her to visit the Daughter of Adamas who is returned from the virgin Druids of Carnutes and reputed one of the fairest Ladies and the most discreet in all the Country Perhaps said Galathea Celidea will return at night then we may see her I wish it Madam answered Cleontine but I am afraid that Thamires who accompanies her is the cause of her stay for it being late he will not let her travell because he is extreamly careful of her health besides I know the venerable Chrisante will not let her part from Bonlieu Thus Galathea without seeming to take any great notice of things gleaned from the discourse of Cleontine all the state of Celadon and of his love yet much wondring that none should know what was become of him Then considering with her selfe that this shepherd not being in this Country she was to blame in accusing Leonide she intended to call her unto her again and in order thereunto resolved to passe by the house of Adamas as well to bring her away with her as in hopes to meet Astrea there of whom she had heard so much to the end she might judge whether her beauty was such as might invite Celadon so much to slight hers In these thoughts she could not refraine from sighing very loud which Cleontine observing Oh Madam said she why do you sigh Is there any thing which troubles you Galathea having no mind she should be the secretary of her thoughts answered her I sigh Mother to think of Clidemant you know where he is and there are many occasions of danger to cause feare of his being well It is many dayes since either Amasis or I heard from him and of late the Vaci tell us that when they look into the intrals of the Victims they find the most noble parts defective Moreover I have had some very horrid Dreams and believe it these things much trouble me My Mother also who is fuller of apprehensions then I am hath thought it fit we should offer some sacrifices and that I should come to consult with this Oracle whether I intend to come at my return from Bon-lieu where I am going to offer some sacrifices unto the Gods in lieu of her who this morning designed it her selfe but being prevented by some intervenient and important businesse she commanded me to go in her room Madam answered the sage Cleontine our Great â—autates is so transcendently good that when our sins doe call for chastisements he gives us advertisement of it to the end that the feare of future evill may make us turn to him and that with sacrifices supplications and amendment we do appease his anger and divert the punishments from us And therefore Madam these advertisements are not to be despised for if they should it would make his hand more havy upon us for having so little care of his advice Let Amasis and you lay these things to your hearts since it is to be believed they are not without great reason Examine well all your actions and if upon a strict survey you finde any that is not good reprove them your selves and not tarry till Tautates make you more sensible of them Afterwards make a strict inquisition what is done in your house and if you find any offences in it reform them so as they may be no more committed Then let your eye be over all the Country and diligently inform your selves what abuses are predominant and used there chastife those that are the Authors of them for that state where vice goes unpunished and vertue unrewarded is very near desolation Know Madam that the Prince and the State are but one body whereof the Prince is the head And as all the paine which the body resents does come from the head so all the paine which the head endures does proceed from the body My meaning is that as Tautates does chastise the people for the fault which the Prince commits so he does punish the Prince for those which the people commit This Madam is the counsell which I give unto you and which my profession would not suffer me to be silent in Galathea thanked the sage Cleontine for her prudent and religious admonitions promising her not onely to observe them her selfe but to acquaint Amasis with them that she also might follow them Afterwards she related unto her the accident which had hapned and how much it troubled her for besides the death of Argenteus the insolency of Polemas in her presence was very distasteful to her so as it wounded her to the very soul Madam answered Cleontine suddain passions are often to be excused because they are often not in our own power and if we do not bear with one another in the infirmities of our humanity how should we thinke Tautates will bear with us But said Galathea for Polemas to doe thus unto a stranger one that had right on his sight and in my presence let me tell you Mother that it is a boldnesse which proceeds from something else then courage and induceth me to thinke that he who dares do these things does think he may do something which is worse Indeed said Cleontine when a subject does faile in that respect which he owes unto his soveraigne he does it either out of defect in his judgement or else because he thinkes himselfe so powerfull that he feares not not any displeasure and therefore it concerns him to take good heed With such discourse as this they came to the house of the sage Cleontine into which Galathea entred as well to rest selfe as to get the strangers wounds dressed unto whom all the Nymphs could not do too much honour nor shew too much demonstration of good will especially Silere who when the time was would have been sorry for his victory before Arganteus transgressed the limits of his discretion but since his love was turned into disdaine she fell into so great a hatred of him as she had courage to look on him when he was dead without bestowing upon him one single tear so much did the present injury deface the memory of all his past services The Cavalier was presently disarmed and searched by the Chyrurgions who found onely one wound in his shoulder which was so slight that they made no
when Clarina had enough to doe in giving me comfort I gave her this answer that his death and mine should be both together and therefore I desired her to send this Letter unto him and to command the messenger to return with all haste possible and bring me News how he was Cryseide's Letter unto Arimant IT was ever your promise to doe whatsoever I appointed and now I doe command you to live that yon may the longer love me I shall see whether any thing have more power over Arimant than my selfe live therefore and love me We understood by the returne of the Messenger that the same day he came Arimant was at the height of his disease and that the Physitians had good hopes of his recovery and also that the next day he was out of all danger For my part I flattered my selfe so far as to beleeve that the contentment which he found in my Letter was the cause of it but whether that was true or no I know not but it is certaine that he perfectly recovered which was so great a joy unto me that I also began to mend of my malady as if there was some sympathy in our Diseases both falling sicke and both recovering at one time When I came to the house of Rithimer and his wife saw me so much out of temper what through my long journey and what through my sorrows to be so far from him I loved she thought it best to recover me before I was exposed to the view and not to speake of the marriage which she intended till then thinking that it was beauty which would bring on Cloringus for so he was called whom she aimed for my Husband My mother cheered me up as much as she could and told me that within few dayes I would recover and to my misery it hapned so as she said For I was told that Arimant would come and see me either in disguise or some other way in which he should not be known This hope gave me health and my face became as it was wont to be so as I began to shew my selfe and indeed many began to cast amorous eyes upon me especially Rithimer as since I understood his wife at the same time solicited the match propounded unto Rithimer and desired him that in respect I was her Kinswoman he would be assistant He having a selfe designe upon me and knowing Clorangus to be a man of that deformity he did approve of it thinking that the lesse I loved my husband the more it would make for himselfe so as faigning all that he did was at his wifes instance and desire he sent for Clorangus propounded it unto him advised him to imbrace it and at the same time got his consent I know not whether that which they call beauty in me or my misfortune was the cause but so it was that the match was concluded upon before a syllable was spoke of it unto me Observe how Heaven does mocke at all humane intentions when I fancied unto my selfe the fullest contentment even then was I overwhelmed with the greatest misfortune that could befall me My mother came one night into my Chamber when I was undrest and ready to goe into my bed and after she represented unto me the miseries of poverty she extolled the happinesse that would accrue unto me by matching into a very rich Family she propoâ—nded Clorangus and told me that Rithimer and his wife had made up the match that within two dayes the marriage was to be solemnized and that she thought good to acquaint me with it to the end that when Rithimer did me the honour to speake unto me of it I should be prepared to set a good face upon it and to thanke him as the paines he had taken in my behalfe deserved that though Clorangus was a little defective in his body yet he had many other qualities which supplyed those defects and rendred him amiable and estimable that he was in love with me and so deeply that if I would but flatter him a little I might make him doe what I would To be short Hylas she neglected no argument which might induce me to this marriage and not staying for my answer she went presently to bed thinking that I would not relish it at the first but hoping also that my Pillow-cogitations would make me resolve according to her desires Oh Heavens Hylas in what a strange dumpe was I struck when I heard this and yet it was some comfort that my Mother was gone for I could cry with more liberty I threw my selfe upon my bed and least my complaints should be heard I stopped my mouth with the sheet but all would not hinder Clarina from hearing me who being advertised of it came unto me and would have given me some good counsell but turning towards her I said Away away Clarina I am tormented enough without any addition from you let me weepe away that little time I have to live and lament that misfortune which cannot be lamented enough she who did most tenderly love me and knew well enough what it was I thus grieved at I come not said she with any intentions of comforting you but onely to helpe you into bed to the end none may molest you I had rather replied I that you would helpe me to my grave Upon that I suffered her to undresse me and lay as still as if I had been dead For so deepe were my resentments that I could not cry but when I was in bed and the Light taken away then teares began to flow in such abundance downe my cheekes and brest that my bed was all water Sometimes my thoughts were all upon Arimant his merits and all those testimonies of his affection to me otherwhile I reflected upon Clorangus and his crabbed deformities and finding such a vast difference between them I was in such an extream Labyrinth of griefe that truly the Gods were mercifull unto me that I did not fall into a most violent despaire all Night long I did nothing but lament and Day found me in bed without ever closing an eye and see what a violent affection may sometimes doe I was fully resolved to dye knowing that my Mother would not be stirred at any prayers so as still thinking upon Arimant and his affection to me I thought it better to dye once than be dying every hour as long as I lived The next morning when I saw Clarina and most of the house were gone to the Temple according to custome leaving none to looke unto me but a young Boy who served me I desired him to goe presently and fetch a Chyrurgion without telling any one When he came Sir said I am much troubled with a paine in my head and I desire you to let me blood in my left arme for I have used to doe so when the paine tooke me finding alwayes present ease by it He seeing me looke red and my eyes heavy verily beleeved me so as he bound my arme opened my
veine and went away he was no sooner out of the house but I called the little Officer and desired him to fetch another for this last had done me no good the Boy made haste and brought another I told him the same tale I told before I opened my other arme keeping the other close he did as I desired and went away Thinking that this was enough to end my miserable dayes I caused the Curtaines to to be drawne and the windowes shut as if the light offended me then thinking how sad the Newes of my death would be unto Arimant but withall thinking it would be a great comfort unto him to hear I dyed loving him I tooke my Hankercher and spreading it upon the bed I dipt my finger in my blood and writ in it these words Arimant I dye thine which was all I was able to doe for presently my eyes began to faile me and my heart fainted so as I lost my knowledge yet I doe remember that my last thought being of Arimant I said aloud Now Fortune the Victory is mine After this I remained as dead and certainly had been so if Clarina had not come into the Chamber who knowing that all my griefe proceeded from my losse of Arimant she came to bring me a Letter from him brought by him who used to bring them before but when she drew the Curtaines and found me swimming in blood Oh God cryed she out so loud as was heard into my Mothers Chamber Oh God she is dead Chryseide is dead and wringing her hands together she ran out of the room all in tears not knowing what she did The windowes were immediately opened and every one ran unto me they saw I was all in blood but not imagining it came from my arme they were long in searching for the wound Clarina in the mean time laying her hand upon my Hankercher and opening it she saw what I had writ with my finger and though it was so ill written as she could hardly read it yet she put it in her pocket least any else should see it and running out of the Chamber to my Mother told her of the accident By fortune as she went she met him that brought the Letter from Arimant who asked her for an answer because his Master had commanded him to returne as soon as he could to whom she answered all in tears it is a sad answer which you must carry to your Master at this time Chryseide is dead because they would have forced her to marry Clorangus Carry him this Hankercher there will he find writ with the hand and blood of Chryseide the cause of her death Upon this she went all teares to tell my Mother who was then with the wife of Rithimer when they heard this said newes they were extreamly astonished But the Prince like one that was transported ran presently to the place where I was and seeing me so in blood by chance he took me by the arme to lift me up and finding my sleeve full of blood she has cut her veines said he and then turning up the sleeve of my smock he found that the bloud did not run because my sleeve stuck to the wound and I believe that saved my life for as soon us it was pulled away he saw it began to bleed afresh he put his finger upon it and bad Clarina doe the like to the other arm for he observed the other sleeve bloody also then causing some cold water to be brought for certaine said he she is not yet dead for I find she is hot Then throwing some of it into my face and rubbing my Temples and pulse with some imperiall waters and such like my Pulse began to returne and I began to breathe Then sending in all post haste for Physitians and they coming before it was â—ight I returned to my selfe againe and recover'd my knowledge Rithimer never stirring from me all the while till he saw me out of all danger Afterwards he told me that he never saw me so faire as then for the loss of blood making me look pale and white and that whiteness being as it were painted with blood one seemed to adde beauty to the other Moreover his pitty of me did augment his love and his love was covered under the vail of compassion But when I was a little better settled his wife and my Mother asked me what and who it was that had brought me into that condition but I knowing that they were the causes of all my misery to avoid their importunity seemed not to heare them and would not speak And one of the Physitians told them that it was better not to trouble me for speaking might doe me harme but it was requisite I should take something and be left unto my rest which accordingly they did and in the meane time Rithimer enquired of the boy who waited upon me whether he perceived what I did unto my selfe The boy fearing a beating if he confessed answered No and that onely I commanded him to shut the windows and draw the Curtaines This caused Rithimer to call for Clarina Doe not leave Crysedd said he for if you doe she will make her selfe bleed againe and die therefore be very carefull of her Sir said she unto him you may if you will save her life which certainly she will now or some other time lose unlesse you doe remedy it I doe vow and sweare said he by the life of Anthemius that I will do all I can to save it Clarina thinking she had found a fit opportunity Sir said she I beseech you in the first place not to discover me and next be assured that Clorangus is the cause of her death and she will rather chuse a Grave then him Thinke you so said Rithimer More then think Sir said she for I am sure and if you will know the truth observe what alteration will be in her face when I tell her of it in her ear Then both going to the bed and causing all others to retire from us she said unto me in a low voice Be of good courage Cryseide Rithimer sweares by the life of Anthemius that you shâ—ll never marry Clorangus I was so weake as I could not move any thing except my eyes but this newes was so welcome unto me as lifting them up towards heaven I seemed to give hearty thankes for so great a favour Afterwards turning towards Rithimer I forced my selfe to speake Sir said I unto him is it true Yes sweet heart said he unto me and I sweare it not onely by Anthemius but also by the head of my Father and all that is holy Then replyed I I will live Live then answered he and be assured I will sooner consent unto my own death than break my promise of it Upon this I changed countenance and most miraculously assumed vigour Rithimer admired this resolution in me and calling his Wife and my Mother I tharge you said he unto them that there be no more talk of
being astranger she should so much as know or thinke of it But seeing it so he knew not what to resolve upon To let her go at liberty he would not to violate the priviledges of the Sanctuary he durst not both out of fear of the Gods and tumult of the people At the last after he had considered and debated the matter with himselfe he resolved to pull her from thence without any regard either of the place or the assembly thinking the forces which he had about him would keep the people within compasse and as for any offence to the Gods he hoped to doe well enough with them by Sacrifices and hereafter duties In this resolution he advanced thinking himselfe to go unto her and she seeing him coming had given her selfe the fatall blow if the Priests had not opposed the King telling him That a Prince so just as he and one that feared the Gods ought not to violate and infringe their franchises But his love which had more strength in him then all these considerations had doubtlesse driven him beyond his duty if Arimant who was a spectator and feared lest Cryseide should be driven to the extremity had not pressed through the Guards and stepped between Cryseide and the King and falling down upon his knees said thus unto him Sir I come here intrudively unto your Majesty in full assure of your Promise and Oath that I shall receive the favour which you have promised and proclamed unto him who shall tell you who it was which helped this generous Lady to escape your Guards Stranger said the King I never will break any promise that I made declare therefore the man that I may punish him then ask what favour thou wilt and obtain it Sir said Arimant then and rose up The man is in your presence and you may punish him when you please for it is my selfe This replyed the King is insolence in the height and how durst thou present thy selfe before my face Onely in hopes Sir said he of the favour which I shall aske Never think Sir that it shall be my life or the lessening of any punishment upon my selfe which I shall require but that in observance of your promise unto which you obliged your selfe by the great God whom you adore by the glorious memory of your Father's soul and by the Majestie of your Crown you would grant me another favour which I shall aske The King stood amazed at the resolution of this man and going back a pace or two Stranger said he unto him certainly thou art out of thy wits otherwise thou wouldst never speak thus but how wert thou the cause of Cryseides escape Sir replyed he my name is Arimant and I am the happy Cavalier whom this faire one sayes she loves I was taken Prisoner when she was I was carryed Prisoner to the Town of Gergovia where I found meanes to let her heare from me She who thought me dead as soon as she heard I was alive she resolved to escape and come unto the place where I was and help me out which she did accordingly and was the cause of my liberty You see Sir how I was the cause of her escape and having declared it unto you you are obliged to grant me the favour which you have promised The King who was on the one side astonished at his resolution and on the other side offended with him as thinking himself sleighted by this stranger Yes yes said he it is very true I doe owe thee a favour aske it therefore and prepare thy self to suffer the punishment of my just indignation Sir replyed Arimant I never expected lesse from so great a king as you are and therefore I doe freely put my selfe into your hands not feâ—ring any of your punishments or torments provided that first I doe obtaine the favour which I shall aske Ask it then said the King and by all the oathes which I formerly took I do oblige my selfe to grant it Sir replyed Arimant then I doe aske that Cryseide whom I see at the corner of the Tombe and who is your Prisoner may be set at liberty and sent unto her friends or whither she shall please without any force or compulsion offered unto her Oh Heavens said the King must I my selfe be the instrument of my own misery and having imprudently promised must either be perjured or else be the most miserable Prince that lives Then standing a while silent and being inflamed with anger and ashamed to be accused before all the people of breach of faith and promise he resolved to maintain it but withall to satisfie and vent his anger upon Arimant And therefore with eyes inflamed with fury I do declare said he that Cryseide is at liberty and I do strictly charge upon pain of my great displeasure that none whosoever doe offer her the lest violence or injury vowing by the soul of my Father that he shall never obtain either favour or pardon from me Then turning towards Arimant Well stranger said he art thou contented with me Yes sir answered he the most contented man in the world Then turning towards the Souldiers Take away said he this sturdy contemner of my anger and let him suffer torment till he die that other rash men like him may by his example learne to dread my anger Arimant looked up with a cheerful aspect and observing Cryseide to weep Oh Madam said he unto her I beseech you let not your teares disturbe the tranquillity of my soul Alas my life could never be better imployed then in procuring your liberty Liberty said Cryseide I value not liberty at so dear a rate I had rather suffer perpetual imprisonment then see you so ruined in the flower of your age But go Arimant and if I have my liberty I will not be long after you I will make it appeare that I can die as well to follow you as you can to save my honour Whilst she was talking thus and Arimant conjuring her to live as long as it should please the Gods to prolong her dayes they had finished the tying of his armes with chaines The people were all so moved at the constancy of the Cavalier at the compassion of Cryseide as they sighed and cryed at such a pittifull separation Bellimart who was with the King at this Sacrifice and hearing Arimant speak he knew him to be his Prisoner and so did the Captaine who was come to acquaint him that he was escaped And seeing that if Gondebunt did put him to death he then should lose all his hopes of any ransome he addressed himselfe to the King and said That it was not to thwart the will of his Majestie in any thing because all he had his Majestie might freely dispose of but onely because he was unwilling to lose his right that he beseeched him to wave the execution of Death against this stranger until he had informed him of his reasons and the King permitting it he represented unto him the
the reward of them must needs be accordingly and her feares which you mention of losing me must needs be lesse since most assuredly as long as I live she shall never lose me Even thus replyed Phillis does all faint-hearted Souldiers fly all occasions of any danger but I on the contrary dare look the grimmest dangers boldly in the face and give testimony of my courage Why good Silvander do you shrink like a coward from the hazard of that judgement which is to be the touch-stone of our merits And what other excuses than those I have named can Diana have for her retarding it any longer I am afraid answered Diana that your rustick discourse will be troublesome to the assembly especially unto the faire Daphnide and the valiant Alcidon who being used to more high and noble subjects will think Country pastimes very tedious and because Diana would have continued her excuses No no discreet shepherdesse you are mistaken said Adamas Daphnide and Alcidon are now become shepherds of Lignon having assumed the same habits and will conform themselves unto us and you must thinke that as they know how to behave themselves in their own high qualities so they can as well condescend and suit their minds unto the humble innocency of your lives and therefore I did make this Proposition to the end that by your judgement this new shepherd and fair shepherdesse may see and learn how to behave themselves after our Country mode and the rather because the Sun does shine so hot that we cannot yet go into the great Meadow where the shepherds use to perform their accustomed exercises after the sacrifice and therefore the time cannot be better imployed then to heare the difference betweene Silvander and Phillis argued and judged I know reverend Father said Diana that nothing can proceed from you but what is grounded upon great reason and we are all obliged unto whatsoever you shall command and therefore without more adoe I will doe whatsoever you shall please onely I beseech Daphnide and Alcidon to look upon the simplicity of our trifles with a favourable eye and attribute them unto that obedience which we are all obliged to render both unto you and them Fair shepherdess answered Daphnide all that I have hitherto seen amongst you has filled me with so much contentment and admiration that you need not doubt but all your pastimes will be very pleasing unto me Then the Reverend Druid commanded that seats should be set in a round circle and one higher then the rest for Diana against the back of a Tree whose branches doe overshade the Circle And when all were placed according to his desire he caused three Garlands to be made of Flowers and put one upon the head of Diana another upon the head of Phillis and the third upon the head of Silvander Afterwards taking Diana by the hand he placed her in her seaâ— of Judgement before her a little on the right hand he placed Phillis and a little on the left hand Silvander and after silence desired he appointed Leonide to make known unto these strangers the beginning of the dispute betwixt Phillis and Silvander to the end they might better judge of the difference thinking it fit and reasonable that Leonide should be the relater because she was partly the cause of it Leonide who little thought of being more then an Auditor in this assembly was a little surprised to see her selfe an Orator but in obedience to the Druid she undertook it and after she had a little recollected her memory she turned towards Daphnide and began thus Perhaps Madam you have observed that Silvander and Phillis called Diana their Mistresse and have been as officious and ready to serve her as shepherds could be I believe you will think it strange that so fair and amiable a shepherdess as Diana is should be so free in the entertainment of that shepherd I believe also you wonder that Phillis who is a shepherdesse should court her as if she were a shepherd and use the same expressions and behaviour of a most passionate lover for it is not usual to see a woman so assiduous and courtly unto another woman But to satisfie your wonder Madam be pleased to know That Silvander lived long amongst these fair young and lovely shepherdesses yet never was in love with any insomuch as he got the Name of the insensible shepherd None of all these young beauties having power enough to kindle the least flame in his heart Phillis admiring that a shepherd so young and hansome should live so long near such beauties and never shew the lest spark of any heat she could not chuse but enter into some interrogatories with him faigning to believe that the reason why he did not undertake to serve some one or other was either want of courage or else consciousnesse of his owne imperfections and want of merit And because the shepherd whose delight was all hunting and looking to his flock maintained the contrary and said that the reason why he did not love was onely because he had better imployment Astrea Diana and I being present we condemned him to give us some good testimonie that the reason why he did not love any was not as Phillis had alleadged And Diana being a shepherdess both of beauty and and judgement fit to judge of his merit she was proposed to be as it were his Mistresse and he was to court her under that Notion unlesse he wanted the courage to undertake it Upon this he began to serve her and court her as close as if he had been really in love Phillis was not exempt from the same task she was also condemned to love and serve Diana with all the passion that shepherds use unto those whom they doe passionately love and at the end of three moneths Diana was to judge which of them two knew best how to love Ever since there has been such an emulation betwixt this shepherd and that shepherdesse that they have neglected no manner of behaviour or expression which could manifest a most servent and real affection And though the prefixed term of three moneths be expired during which time they were to demonstrate their merits unto Diana yet their addresses unto her has continued longer because it was thought reasonable that as I was at the first condemnation unto that task so I should be present at the judgement which Diana was to give so as it seems the heavens did prolong it untill now to the end this judgement might be given with more solemnity in your presence Thus ended the Nymph Leonide and then Daphnide began to speak I must needs confesse said she and turned towards Adamas that it was not without some wonder I should see Phillis court Diana with the very expressions of a man But now changing my wonder into envy I must needs tell you Father That I never did envy the happiness of any so much as yours for heaven has exempted you from the inquietudes
Mistress see what a fine peece of sophistry my enemy uses to prove that I doe not love you and to make you despise my affection and judge whether she ever so much as heard of such a thing as love Is she not very subtile in accusing me for never loving any but you and that you were the first that ever fettered me If this be a crime I must confesse I never heard of it before and must needs acknowledge my selfe culpable for Mistress you are not onely the first and onely one that ever I loved but more you must also be the last and onely one that ever I will love And if ever it be otherwise let the Sun cover me with eternal darknesse let the Earth which nourisheth me swallow me alive as not worthy to live in it Let the Air become my poyson and may all the elements become my enemies and wise men are all mistaken in their Tenet that whatsoever has a beginning must have an end For Phillis this affection which you have seene begin shall last to all eternity But Phillis I admire you should say that if my affection deserve any reward it is all due unto you You tell me that you were the cause of it and that all which does proceed from it ought to be attributed unto you as the originall cause But shepherdesse take heed lest this being granted it doe not turn to your disadvantage for those who are the cause of any evil deserve punishment And as you say that my Mistress ought rather to laugh then love me so it must consequently follow that she ought to laugh at you and not at Silvander because you attribute all unto your selfe But Philâ—is let that be the left of your feares I doe not meane to quit my just pretensions upon any such tâ—rmes when any one does any thing for another the intention of the doer is to be considered if the intention was good the evill which insues ought not to be laid unto his charge if he be no other way culpable but if the intention was evill he ought not to have any share in the benefit or glory which shall ensue by it this being granted as needs it must let us consider before we either commend or condemne you what your intention was when you propounded this wager We shall not be put unto much pain Mistress before we discover it for she her selfe has told us The fictions said she and the dissimulations once knowne will procure him hatred But Diana knowes that all my Courtships and amorous addresses unto her doe proceed onely from the wager which you made and if all the consequents of it be fictions and dissimulations then you are the cause of them You may observe Mistresse how she thought that I would use onely fictions and dissimulations in this wager Now since it is the Intention which makes the Action either good or bad have I not just cause to say It was you Oh Phillis who by your dissembling wager gave your selfe unto faire Diana but it was my heart which did really give me unto her by the knowledge which it had of her perfections and so by consequence all the punishment which such dissimulations deserve are due unto you and all the favours which a reall and unfained affection deserves are due unto my heart Wish me no more to quit the pretended victory unto you to shew my wit and my judgement my Wit in so hansomly disguising a false affection under the umbrage of a reall love and my Judgement in acknowledging the advantage which you have over me For on the contrary I should shew my self the veriest fool alive if I did counterfeit a love unto her who deserves to be perfectly loved above all the world And I should shew but little judgement if I did not see the advantage which my true and perfect affection does give me over your faigned follies I would have you shepherdesse recant all your reproaches and be the first who shall say That there is no affection be it never so ill begun either by a wager or pastime but may prove in earnest and become reall as mine for an example But oh my enemy all this discourse is but aire and I believe in vain for we are contending with one another for the victory whilst whosoever conquers perhaps may not be the couquerer I make no question but if either of us doe obtaine the victory which we pretend unto that this Chaplet of Flowers at the feet of the faire Diana will be mine But alas Phillis my great feare is and with abundance of reason that it will prove to be neither yours nor mine for all our arguments which we have alleaged to merit her favour may be valid as against one another but not at all in relation to Diana Diana whose transcendent perfections and merits is above all the power of Nature and therefore will not be subservient unto the lawes of Mortalls And then when we say That love ought to be paid with love and that long and faithfull lovers are worthy of reward and acknowledgement This is right and good reason as to men and does oblige them to follow those precepts but not at all Diana For she is one whom heaven has elevated above the degree of mortals and is equall unto Angels To whom then should I addresse my selfe unto what should I have recourse Shall I address my selfe unto Love and have recourse unto Justice by whom all things are equally ballanced and recompenced But alas Love and Justice has nothing to doe with Diana she is above them all Address then thy selfe Silvander and have recourse unto her selfe and waving all other powers and reasons say thus unto her Then he kneeled down before Diana and holding up his hands continued Oh Diana the onely honour of her Country the glory of Men and the Ornament of the whole world Be pleased to look upon a shepherd here before you who does not onely love you and offer at your feet his service and his life but does even adore you and does sacrifice his heart and his soul unto you in a most zealous and devout manner As Nature cannot make any thing which can equal you so Love cannot kindle so great a flame and perfect affection as can equall your merit It hath pleased the great Tautates to advance you so high above all the rest of his works as no extremity of love no sincerity of devotion can in any reason hope for any grace or favour from you or that you condescend so low as to look at my complaints and grievances I doe humbly acknowledge that all human hearts and all mortall services are most due unto you and cannot be denyed you without a sinne But alas we can merit nothing all we can do is to love serve and adore you and when all is done we cannot claim any reward because all is but a just duty Under these Notions and Qualifications I now present my selfe before you
thou knowest better how to make your selfe loved then I doe this was as much as if she Irad said that you are suller of subtilty and art then I am and so far I confesse it but whatsoever is amiable in it selfe needs no art or subtilty to make it selfe loved Although she did give you a Garland of Flowers and caused me to restore mine unto him who gave it unto me yet this was onely to shew that she saw nothing amiable in you but such things as resemble flowers which grow and die in a day And because she thought my merits more solid and durable she would not emblem them by things so fadeable And to the end you might the better know it not being willing any thing should passe without recompence consider Silvander what it is which she gave you and what it is which I receive in recompence of my service she permitted you to kiss her hand which is a gratification used unto slaves and such as are in little esteem but unto me she surrendred her place to shew she thought none more worthy then my selfe and to intimate unto you that she adjudged it your duty to doe me the same honour which you did unto her Boast then Silvander of the advantage which you pretend to receive by the this judgement Keep well in memory the great victory which you have this day obtained Go unto the Temple of the good Goddess and there let it be Chronicled in the Annalls that future ages may also know it After this Phillis was silent and when Silvander would have answered Hylas prevented him saying If I were to give my opinion I should declare Phillis victorious Hylas said Adamas and smiled you give your judgement with too much precipitation for you condemn a man before he be heard Silvander has not yet spoke for himselfe 'T is true said Hylas but all 's one for I know he cannot answer any thing to the purpose Every one began to laugh at the discourse of Hylas and when they were all silent Silvander began to answer thus The Answer of the Shepherd Sylvander upon the Judgement of Diana I Have learn'd in the Massilian Schools that Prometheus had such a subtle wit as he mounted up to heaven and from thence stole that Fire from the Gods wherewith he did animate the Statue which he made and that for a punishment of his Theft he was ty'd to a Rock where an Eagle did continually feed upon his Liver Shall not I run the same Fortune if in declaring the intentions of the fair Diana I should steal from her that secret which she would reserve unto her self for I think the Theft not inferiour to that of Prometheus nor that I sin against a less Divinity But on the other side shall I comply with the crime of Phillis who to my disadvantage and against all equity and the good judgement of Diana does attribute unto her self more then is her due Truly should I let fall so just a cause when I am able to maintain it by clear Reasons I shall fear my self extremely culpable What then wilt thou do Sylvander Canst thou not do what is fit to be done unless thou incur a danger Have recourse then unto the fair Diana her self and by supplications ask that by way of gift which thou may'st justly steal from her It is unto you therefore O fairest and divine Mistris that I address my Prayers begging leave to declare the equity of your judgement and the truth of my Victory Protesting that in this action I will have a greater regard unto any thing which shall concern you then unto any thing that shall concern my self For the matter would not concern me so much though Phillis had the advantage of me because notwithstanding I should be no less your servant then I am but that Phillis by her subtle glosses should make it thought that you are the Author of a judgement against all manner of Reason This would wound the honour of your Wit and Judgement But in a confidence that your silence gives consent I will answer Phillis thus It seems Shepherdess that you have a mind to be twice overcome and will make me your superiour by two Judgements I see you would have appealed from Dianas Throne unto another and if our prudent Druide had not hindred you perhaps this injury had been done unto her But it is no wonder that she who does not know how to love should be ignorant in the secrets and ordinances of Love yet to the end that neither you nor those who hear you may not rest any longer in that error hearken Shepherdess unto this Truth which I shall briefly declare unto you That great God which is in the highest heavens and who with one single look doth behold not only all things which the Sun doth shine upon but also all the secrets that are hidden in the Intrals of the Earth and deepest Abyss of Waters he was pleased to give this priviledge unto man that he only can know and understand his mind and for his further help he did not endue him with this knowledge to conceal it from all but to communicate and participate this knowledge unto others And that he might do it the more intelligibly he gave unto him two ways whereby he might declare himself which is by Speech and by Actions And by these two every one may discover their intentions and make them more intelligible unto one another And therefore when our Actions are Ambiguous we add Speech to make them the more plain And when our Speech is obscure and dubious we do interpret them by our Actions And the great Tautates was pleased to order it thus to the end that those deluding spirits which take delight in deceiving all those they have converse withal may be without excuse when their decreitfulness is discovered Now the most wise and just Diana being willing to let us know what she thought of our difference and to manifest her mind more clearly unto us hath used these two ways whereby to express her self First She has declared her self in clear words and to her words she has added actions which demonstratively do speak her mind Yet since the ignorance of Phillis is such and to leave none in any doubt of the Truth I am forced to go a little further and to say That to discover this Truth it is requisite to sound it to the bottome and to know who has got the victory by the judgement of Diana It is necessary to consider the beginning of the Difference which caused our Wager The Nymph Leonide did very faithfully relate the Truth when she said That three months being expired Diana was to judge whether Phillis or I did know better how to make our selves Loved For our wager was grounded upon the saying of Phillis that the reason why I did not attempt to serve any of our Shepherdesses was because I was defective in such things as might procure Love And because I
the danger which they had incurred if they had met with that Barbarous Man who sought for them with so much desire of revenge Madonthe did thank him for the intelligence and having long debated amongst themselves who it should be they could not imagine it could be Damon because he was dead in their belief but rather that it was some of Madonthis kindred who not being able to suffer her flight away with Thersander did seek to he revenged upon him Sylvander who alwayes carried much good will unto Madonthe both because of her resemblance unto Diana and because she was very vertuous and modest seeing her shed abundance of tears he had much compassion of her and asked her the cause of them Oh Shepherd said she unto him have I not great reason to lament my miserable Fortune which thus cruelly torments me Was it not enough and too much to persecute me in my own Country and amongst my friends but I must be also tormented here where I hoped to find rest and tranquility O Heavens O Gods What crime have I committed lately that after I had forsaken my Country my estate and all my acquaintance I should be pursued stil find no hopes of any rest but in my Grave Upon these words her tears did flow in such abundance as she was constrained unto silence and to have recourse unto her handkerchief Sylvander who was moved when she began her tears was moved much more at her continuance of them and offered to guard and defend her from all injuries this stranger could do her by the assistance of his friends if she would stay in the Country As ill luck was Laonice meeting them at the same time and being very familiar with Madonthe she advised her to retire into her own Country where she might live more quietly and not to refuse the assistance of Sylvander to accompany her at the least as far as Forrests reached Madonthe fearing to receive some burt for this stranger she resolved to be gone and accept of Sylvanders offer to guard her with his friends But Thersander was much against it and disswaded her so as she thanked Sylvander for his good will and would not permit him to go any farther then the place where this stranger was seen Then presently at the same hour after she had taken leave of some Shepherdesses which she met with by chance she desired Laonice to excuse her unto the rest she set forward with a resolution as soon as she came into Aquitane to admit her self amongst the Vestals or the Druiâ—es daughters and forsake the world and all its adventures In the mean time Alexis lived freely with the fair Astrea and made use of all the Priviledges which the daughter of Adamas could have and had been two dayes in her own Town amongst the Shepherdesses and Shepherds and was never out of Astreas sight but when she was in bed for all the day they talked together and were all the night in a chamber where their beds were not far distant and the impatient Love of Alexis not permitting her to sleep she arose the second morning to contemplate upon the beauty of her fair Shepherdess before it was perfect light and put on Astreas Gown in stead of her own and she took such extream delight to be in that Gown which covered the body of her dearest Saint that she took the rest of Astreas Clothes and trimmed her self compleatly in the habit of a Shepherdess so as any one would have taken her for one and though Astreas Gown was a little too strait for her yet it was not so unsit but it might well deceive the eye of any that was not too strict an observer being thus decked she went unto the bed where Astrea was asleep and kneeling down she began to adore and contemplate upon her beauty as she slept And though Alexis uttered many raptures in a loud voice yet none of the three awaked Alexis still looked upon Astrea and the more she looked the more she Loved And being transported with her affection she went neer her to steal an amorous kisse but presently checked her self out of her respect But still having a longing desire unto it she uttered some verses in a lone voice upon this subject That her Mistris slept and she durst not kiss her and perhaps she had grown a little more couragious if Leonide by fortune had not waked and perhaps again Alexis was so loud in her expression as she was the cause of it As soon as she opened her eyes she took her for Phillis and bidding her good morrow asked her why she was so early Alexis smiled and returning no answer covered her face with her hand purposely to keep her the longer in her mistake Astrea and Diana waking at the same time they were both deceived as well as Leonide both of them saluted her and asked the same question which the Nimph did Alexis seeing all thus mistaken she grew more confident then when they were asleep and going unto Astrea kissed her cheek bad her good morrow Astrea hearing a voice unlike unto Phillis pulled back her cheek and looking a little better upon her she knew her Am I mistaken said Astrea or do I see Alexis in the habit of a Shepherdess Upon this Leonide and Diana looking also better upon her they knewher to be Alexis indeed Astrea then raised her self up a little in her bed and taking Alexis in her arms kissed her with abundance of joy to see her in her clothes Give me leave new Shepherdess said Astrea to kiss you and give me leave also to tell you most truly That Forrests never saw so Fair a Shepherdess Then all three looking upon her with admiration they were all ravished to see her so Fair in that unaccustomed habit Alexis all this while said nothing but at last when she saw that she was known Sister said she unto the Nymph do you not think that these clothes have not changed for the worse I do think answered the Nymph that you are a Fairer Shepherdess then a Druide and that if Hylas saw you he would presently lay by a new stock of Love to spend in your service And I think said Astrea that these clothes could they be sensible of it would be infinitely happy in being worn by the Fairest that ever lived But said Diana and interrupted it were pity to put this Fair Druide unto so much paines as to undresse her self and therefore it would be better if Astrea took those of Alexis and wear them all the day I am confident it would be an excellent mask unto Adamas and he would certainly take the one for the other Truly said Leonide I dare venture a wager that most of those who see them mistake them especially if my sisters clothes were as fit for Astrea as Astreas are for her Alexis thinking it an happiness to be in those clothes which used to cover the body of her Fairest Mistris had a great desire to
and which said thus WHen Paris is the Prime of Gaul A Gaulish stranger govern shall Now Merovius and the Franks thought that their Ancestors being Gaules this Oracle was spoken of them and I assure my self that Madam you know how this delectable River of Seine runs round about that City And when the Queen went to walk upon the banks of it all the Ladies and Cavaliers waited upon her and walked also two and two where and how they pleased One evening therefore after supper Methina went to take the Air and Andrimartes taking Silviana under her arm he entertained her as he was wont with his young affections unto which she answered in as innocent Language as infancy it self could imagine As they were wandering amongst the thick of the wood they sate down at the first under an old Willow which grew by the River side but the young Lady not liking to stay too long in a place and being weary with sitting she rose up and went unto a little tree of Osiers and making choise of one whose bark was smooth and tender she had a mind to engrave her name upon it so as taking a Gold Bodkin which she wore in her hair she engraved the Letters of Silviana Andrimartes seeing what she began to do he went upon the other side of the tree and write upon the same stalk as if it were in the very same line these words I Love so as what he writ meeting with what Silviana had written both together made I Love Silviana but she going on his side she could see only what he had written how Andrimartes said she do you Love I beseech you who You may see Madam said he unto her if you will please to read on the Line For my part said she I see nothing but what you have written look a little better Madam said he and you may find that which is engraved upon my heart as well as upon that bark where is the name said she that you speak of Look well said Andrimartes and you will find it not far off I do not understand you answered she for I see nothing but that which you writ what then is this answered Andrimartes and pointed unto what she had engraved That is Silviana answered she Then said Andrimartes joyn what I writ and what you writ together I see replied she that by joyning them together there is I Love Silviana but it was my self that wrote it Most true answered Andrimartes and it is you who has engraven it in my heart Your heart replied she and wondred how could I do that for I never saw your heart I know not Madam how you did it answered he but I am sure that with you Fair Eyes you have done it Fie fie cryed she out I cannot believe it for my eyes cannot engrave or if they could I should surely have seen when they did it had they that quality I should not have used my Bodkin to engrave upon this bark This childish answer did plainly shew Andrimartes how ignorant she was in matters of Love yet for all that he continued on It is no wonder Madam said he that your Fair Eyes cannot engrave your Name upon a bark because it is a thing insensible but said she I have often looked upon the Queens little dogs which she loves so well and can you find one letter of my Name upon them No no replied he they are animals without reason it is only upon the hearts of men and men who are most worthy of that character How said Silviana can I do it and not perceive it I beseech you Madam said Andrimartes do you perceive your self to grow Alas said she I do that naturally and you do naturally replied Andrimartes make wounds in hearts Oh my good God replied she I have heard say that all wounds upon the heart are mortal and if my eyes have wounded yours I shall be the cause of your death and you will have all the reason in the world to hate me T is most certain replied he that all wounds upon the heart are mortal and those which you have given me will cause my death unless you give me a remedy but however I cannot hate you since on the contrary I think that I cannot love you so much as I desire and as you deserve I conceive the best way will be answered the young Silviana that since my eyes do hurt you so much to hide them from you for the future By no means Madam I beseech you answered he unless you would have me die as soon as you begin that mortal remedy for you must know that if any thing under Heaven can save my life it must be by giving me new wounds This remedy said the young Silviana is very strange and least you should dye I will not only do as you say but desire all my companions to do the same in hopes that the multitude of wounds which their eyes do make may ease you in those you receive from me The eyes of your companions answered he can neither hurt nor heal me what difference said she do you find betwixt my eyes and theirs For my part I know not any There is so much replied Andrimartes That I had rather be dead then want the least wound which I have from you and I would accord theirs as much as I can I do not understand said she why you should think so for wounds are wounds from whomsoever they be received There are replied Andrimartes wounds that are honourable and pleasing and others that are ignominious and painful those which I receive from you are of the first sort and those which your companions can give are of the other I cannot imagine answered the young Silviana what the difference should be If there were other Silvianas said Andrimartes as Fair and full of Excellencies as you are and as able by their beauty to make such welcom wounds I should then agree with you that they would be all desirable alike but since that cannot be assure your self Madam I shall think nothing to be a favour or a remedy which comes not from your Fairest self Silviana was very young and yet not so young but hearing Andrimartes speak thus she understood his good will unto her for self love is so natural unto us that nothing does oblige more at what age soever then a good esteem which is held of us and that made him to return this answer the good opinion which you have of me moves you unto this language but believe it Andrimartes you are as much obliged unto it by the good opinion which I have of you Perhaps their discourse had gone farther but for the coming of Childerick who with a great number of young boyes came running and leaping through those woods and parted them for this young Prince carried away Andrimartes almost by force to leap and exercise with his companions as he who excelled them all in agility and nimbleness He left the Fair Silviana
said he unto him I must needs confess that I do not deserve this favour and honour but yet I ask it out of a desire I have of doing you some service and I know that when once I am honoured with the Title of Silvianas Knight that glorious name will so invigorate and encourage my spirits as no enterprise can be so difficult but I shall bring it happily to pass This thought answered the angry Prince were good if it were not unjust But it is not reasonable you should assume unto your self a name which cannot be merited but with blood My blood replied the young Cavalier presently shall never be spared in such a cause no more then my life in the service of the King But Sir I find my self much mistaken in my hopes for I thought that in this and upon all other occasions you would have been my Protector and furthered thered me all you could as a Prince unto whom I am devoted both by nature and my own inclination Childerick would have answered and perhaps according to the violence of his passion if Merovius misliking the action of his Son had not interposed and to cover the imprudence of Childerick said thus You had reason Andrimartes to expect all favour from Childerick I know that he intends it and I do command him unto it what he said was only by way of rallary and both he and I will become your Mediators unto the Queen to consent that Silviana may receive you as her Knight for it is but reason so Fair a Lady should have so brave a Cavalier for her Knight The young man all transported with joy offered to kiss the hands of Childerick and the King and though the young Prince did permit him yet it was with such a brow as plainly shewed that he did it only out of respect unto the King and though Methina saw this as well as Merovius yet she commanded Silviana to receive Andrimartes as her Knight since the King did approve of it The young Lady never obeyed any command more willingly then this and did it with a face so full of contentment as every one took special notice of it This did so sting the heart of Childerick that he resolved whatsoever came of it to break off this Love which went so much against his heart And because he knew that he had too much discovered his passion and that the King was not well pleased with it he constrained himself as much as possibly he could to make it believed that what he had done was only out of rallary as Merovius said but there was not one in all the company which did not know the contrary especially Andrimartes who knew very well that it proceeded from his affection unto Silviana and well did plainly foresee many a storm towards from him however come what come could he resolved to continue his Love and because that Honourable Order of Knight-hood which he had taken upon him was an obligation upon him to shake off the drowsie life of being always among women he resolved to quit that idle and effeminate kind of life and to go into the Army as soon as he had obtained Silvianas leave and not to return until some signal act had spoken him meritorious of the Fair Lady She who saw a kind of necessity upon him to take this course and thought that it would much conduce unto that contentment which they both aimed at she consented unto it though with abundance of sorrow to part with him and knowing that it was the Kings custom to incite all Generous young Spirits unto gallant actions and to recompence those that by their valour did signalize themselves in the Army they did both of them overcome themselves and with a River of Tears parted in hope that their absence would bring them to their desired end sooner then their presence To relate all the passages of this sad parting and the demonstrations of good will unto each other is neither pertinent to the story nor indeed possible let it suffice therefore that Silviana expressed her affection as far as her modesty and honour would permit and Andrimartes as became a perfect and noble minded Lover But I conceive it necessary to acquaint you with the sequel of this design when he was in the Army though the day be not long enough to relate the hundred part of his brave deportments for he gave such testimony of his courage and valour that Merovius made choise of him to command that relief which he sent into Belgium against the children of King Clodion Renald and Alberick who being come at full age Alberick being Lord of Cambray and the bordering Countries and Renald Duke of Austrasia and having married Husemide Daughter unto Multiades King of Tongres they contracted a league with the Saxons and with a formidable Army fell into Austrasia so as had not Merovius very prudently sent this relief under the conduct of the valiant Andrimartes certainly their Arms had reached as far as the gates of Paris and perhaps had not only retarded all the conquests of this Valiant King but also had put his very Crown into great hazard But the Valour and Prudence of Andrimartes was such that giving a stop unto the progress of these two brothers he constrained them to keep within the confines of Austrasia until Merovius had quelled those enemies which the Romans had secretly stirred up against him and this piece of service was so great that Merovius did highly acknowledg it and thought no recompence sufficient for such services as he had received from the brave Andrimartes It is a hard matter to express the joys of Silviana when she heard of all the valiant exploits of her beloved Andrimartes whose presence she did infinitely desire that she might rejoyce with him for his happy success and yet she was well contented with his absence since she her self was a sharer in his glory and since it conduced so much unto the advantage of the Crown of the Franks shewing her self by her wise and virtuous moderation to be the Grand-child of Semmon Duke of Gaul Armorique the faithful friend of King Merovius There was not a man who did not love and highly commend the Valiant and Wise Andrimartes and for six years together which he continued in the Army he met not with one accident which did not end in happy success Childerick only excepted who grudged at all his victories though they were all to the advantage of that Crown which he was to inherit after Merovius but his love being above his ambition he disliked all his actions and detracted from his glory as much as possible he could knowing very well that all these applaudes of him would kindle the affection which Silviana bore unto him But at length Andrimartes not being able to live any longer from his adored Lady though he received Letters continually from her he obtained leave from the King to return unto Paris to settle some affaires which he pretended
is The imploying your wit to cover your vice with a vail of virtue Do you think me Childerick so little vers'd in the affairs of the world that I do not see how all your specious arguments are only to hinder Silviana whom you do love from marrying Do you think I have forgot your Language which you used when Andrimartes was made a Knight Can you believe me ignorant of her throwing a Picture into the fire which you had gotten of hers unknown unto her Do you think I never heard how violently you kissed her by force Do not think Childerick that any of your actions towards her is unknown unto me and though hitherto I suffered them and seemed to take no notice yet it was only in hopes that you would reclaim your self from such a manner of life as you could not chuse but know would exceedingly displease me You take upon you to be a very great States-man and will needs teach me how much I am obliged unto Semnon hinting upon all the good offices he has done me Pray Childerick unto which of all my neighbours have you seen me deficient and backward in paying my duty unto their amity and good will Why should you think me so negligent of him whom I love and esteem above all the Gaules If you cannot dive into the depth of my designs why should you not think those things which pass your understanding to be done with as much reason as those things are which be within the compass of your capacity What have I done hitherto which any of my friends can upbraid me withall Nay can any of my enemies charge me with any neglect of duty to them And is Childerick the only one that can condemn the actions of his Father Good Son give me a reason for your censure Nay I believe you have no reason but because I consent to the marriage of a Lady which out of a fond affection you would dishonour do you think it better and more honourable for Semnon our generous and ancient friend to marry his Daughter unto you then unto Andrimartes But Childerick do you desire to marry her Can your foolish humour hurry you unto such a crime I cannot believe it and had rather you were dead then ever see the day or that you should entertain such a thought not but that I do highly esteem the virtue of the Father and like the Lady for both are very worthy of much honour but I had rather restore back unto Reynald or his Brother Aberick the Crown of their Father Clodion then consent that such a pusillanimious courage as yours should have the Soveraign Power over such a war-like people as this which I command Now if your drift be not to marry Silviana what would you do with her Would you make her your whore Do you think the honour of my house can brook it Will the reputation of the Queen your Mother suffer it Or the courage and generosity of Semnon endure it Fie fie Childerick stifle such leud thoughts and abominate them let not such a fond love blind your understanding and then you will plainly see that if I do not consent unto this marriage of Silviana unto Andrimartes I am infinitely to blame for Princes as your self says are obliged to recompence services done with benefits and honours and if so how much am I obliged unto Andrimartes Who not to mention his other exploits which he hath done for us has not only repulsed the power of Clodions children but forced them to keep within the limits of Austrasia he may be said to have preserved all the rest of our Dominions by his valour and wise conduct and repressing the insolency of our enemies has given us the means to make new conquests Now tell me Childerick how great is my obligation for such signal service How justly might I be branded with ingratitude if I should deny his affection his fidelity his courage and his merits the first request that he shall make unto me But you bid me pay my debts with my own mony and not with Semnons who keeps this Daughter for the support and comfort of his old age Let me tell you Son that if I should deny unto his Grand-child such a sutable and advantageous marriage it would be a great prejudice and injury to her aged Father for there is no Prince nor King though never so great but would be glad of his alliance who is able not only to preserve a state but by his valour and prudence is able to get a hundred Kingdoms What greater advantage or comfort can Semnon have in his old age then to see Silviana his Daughter in the hands of so brave and virtuous a Cavalier and his State under the guard of such a valiant prudent and prosperous Captain as Andrimartes is Consider Childerick that I do ow this gratification unto Andrimartes for his Excellent services which he hath done and I do ow it also unto Semnon for the friendship and fidelity which I have always found from him I believe you your self will acknowledg as much and if you contradict me it is not Childerick which does it but a foolish effeminate passion which will ruine him and which if he do not presently correct will make him lose that Crown which now I wear If therefore you have any desire to please me leave off this drowsie kind of life which will render you the scorn and odium of all that know you especially of the Franks whose martial dispositions will never love nor endure such an effeminate person to be their King Also Childerick I would have you leave off all your tricks of dissimulation with which you would cloak your effeminate designs with a vizard of virtue otherwise let me tell you Son that though I am your Father by name yet I am not in affection but will make it appear both unto you and all the world that I do not consent unto such a contemptible life as you do live Childerick was extreamly confounded at this answer which Merovius gave him for his own conscience did convince him yet according to the common custom of of all such as would put a gloss upon their faults he offered to excuse himself of part of those things wherewith his Father upbraided him by denying the one absolutely and so disguising the other that perhaps he had made his cause good if he had had to do with one less Judicious then Merovius But the wise Father after he had heard all his gilded excuses at last he interrupted him I perceive Childerick said he unto him that you are very sorry I have been so quick sighted as to see your faults but you ought not to grieve for that repent rather the committing them then my seeing them for being your Father I shall be as careful to conceal them as your self but if you be wise continue no longer in this course of life which will most shamefully become your ruine and consider that a Prince
now out of mind and new accidents coming in lieu of it they blotted out the memory of the other So as this new business coming upon her and so neerly concerning her she accused her self of too much rashness in banishing Leonide she intended to let slip no occasion of calling her back and treating her better for the future And in as much as it is natural to desire the concealment of our faults Galathea desiring not to be taxed with levity and inconsideration in the banishment of Leonide from her she did with abundance of care seek out for a good occasion of calling her back without giving any knowledg of the cause why she did banish her so as when it was said that Climanthes was returned and when she heard that Amasis and Adamas desired to know whether it was the Impostor who had formerly deceived them she said that Leonide knew him better then any other though she knew well enough that Silvia knew him as well as she and not to let slip this opportunity she desired Adamas to bring her back presently Leonide on the other side when her Uncle acquainted her with Galatheas will she was willing to obey her leâ—t she should seem too much discontented but with a resolution of returning unto the pleasant banks of Lignon as soon as possibly she could as well to avoid the confused life of the Court as to enjoy the sweet liberty in which she lived amongst those discreet and Fair Shepherdesses and though she did not tell her self as much yet the true reason of her desires to return was to see Celadon whom she left disguised under the habit and name of Alexis for though she had endeavoured as much as possibly she could to quench that flame in her self yet she found how hard a matter it is for a soul to reassume its former liberty after it is once captivated with a commanding love and she could not free her self from that passion though she knew that Celadon would never leave Astrea confuting hereby the opinion of those who affirm that there is no love without some hope When Leonide came unto the house of her Uncle Adamas though it was very early yet she found all ready to depart for the Druide knowing that important affairs requires all haste and that it is haste which gives them both life and accomplishment he had taken order for every thing requisite by the break of day both for Damon and for Madonthe Amasis had sent a good guard of Souldiers to be their convoy under a pretence of an honour unto them and not as if she feared any injury would be offered unto them by the way Silvia and most of her Companions who knew of Leonides return went and waited for her at the outmost gate of the Castle and did express so many signs of good will as made it most evident that they loved her at the least if any true friendship can be found in a Court Silvia above all the rest embraced and kissed her a hundred times and as soon as she had saluted Amasis who received her very kindly and had kissed the hands of Galathea who welcomed her with extraordinary caresses they separated themselves as soon as they could from the rest of their companions and related unto each other all passages which had hapned since their last being together Leonide with a calm temper related how pleasingly she had spent the time of her banishment in the company of those fair and discreet Shepherdesses and told even wonders of their beauty virtue courtesie civility and wit particularly of Astrea Diana and Phillis but in this more subtile then her companion she spoke not a sillable of Celadon thinking it no discretion to trust a young woman with a thing which once known might bring her much displeasure and when Silvia asked her concerning Alexis as thinking her to be the daughter of Adamas she answered very coldly and carelesly and said that indeed she was a very good harmless body and had a wit sutable unto the profession in which she had been educated Damon and Madonthe were in the interim received with all honour that Amasis and Galathea could do them as well in duty to their merit as to oblige Damon to assist them in the urgent affairs which they foresaw When he was got into bed and the Chirurgions looked upon his wounds though the shaking in the litter had a little altered them yet they thought that in a very few days he would be perfectly whole for though his wounds were great yet they were not dangerous and his meeting with Madonthe and finding her as affectionate unto him as he could desire conduced much to his cure and therefore every one conceived that the Chirurgery unto the body was to begin with the cure of the heart and mind Madonthe on her side finding how much good her kindness did unto him she was almost continually with him shewing unto him all manner of civil favours and foreseeing that she was to stay long in that place in expectation of Damon cure she resolved to change her habit and become a Nymph she knew that Damon would be better pleased with it as more sutable to her quality and her new dress did so well become her as she appeared to be a great beauty which manifests that beauty receives no small advantage from trimming up it self Night being come and Galathea having commanded Leonide to lie in her chamber when she saw that all the rest were retired she called unto her and causing her to take a candle as if she had some service for her then looking a long while upon her without speaking a word at the last with a smiling eye she said unto her well Leonide are you still angry with me With you Madam answered Leonide and made a low courtesie why I beseech you do you ask that question Do you think me to be out of my wits I most humbly beseech you to believe that Leonide will never fail in that honour and respect which I ow unto you But Madam said she and smiled may I assume so much boldness as to ask you the very same question which you do me Yes Leonide answered Galathea and let us here make a full confession and so rip up the whole matter that we never after have any occasion to jarr the truth is you was angry with me and I with you and for my part I will confess it proceeded from jealousie but Leonide why were you angry If you will needs have it so that I was angry replied Leonide it did proceed from the same jealousie How replied Galathea were you jealous of me No Madam answered Leonide but if I was angry it was to see you jealous and that you should suspect me of a crime whereof I was not guilty Then Leonide said the Nymph I would have all things to be forgotten and if I was too rash excuse my error for truly I had an opinion that all which the Druide told
them according to the Laws of civility which were most Religiously observed about the banks of Lignon she thought the best way was to let them enter into discourse and when they were most earnest and attentive unto each other then she to steal away unseen Then peeping through the Bush she saw them sitting in a round figure and that they whose faces were towards her were Shepherds and Shepherdesses which were not altogether unknown unto her having formerly seen them at their general Solemnities and Sacrifices Then she began to wonder more why they should come directly to that place and stay there as if it was upon some premeditated design at last she heard one Shepherd amongst them begin thus Oh Delphire you are a most partial and severe Judge in condemning a person without ever hearing what he can say for himself I see Thaumantes answered the Shepherdess that you take more pains in pumping for excuses and glosses unto your false reasons then I have done to convince and prove them false If the Gods replied the Shepherd had seen your soul unbyassed and fit to judge the difference betwixt us they would not have appointed us to come and look for a Judge in this place The Gods replied the Shepherdess are pleased that the laudable actions of men should be divulged and recompenced and likewise their faults made publique and punished If punishments and recompences replied he be to be expected from their hands Oh Delphire I begin to pitty you for you are never able to endure the punishments that are due unto your cruelty and I know not how my heart which is so much unaccustomed unto any happiness will be able to receive that bliss and reward of my fidelity and affection If we do meet with a just Judge answered the Shepherdess and smiled I believe you will not so much pity as envy me But Thaumantes let us leave off this discourse I see you use it only to please some that are in the company but assure your self there is none that has a sound judgment will approve of it I know replied the Shepherd that nothing angers a person who is in the wrong more then to hear that string touched upon because it puts them in mind of the injury they do but he that has Justice on his side cannot be silent at the injustice which is done him yet since you command me to be silent I will obey yet I hope you will give me leave to sing so not staying for her answer and having a very good voice he began to sing a very invective and bitter song which upbraided her with cruelty and injustice As soon as he had done Delphire said unto him there needs no other testimony of your change then this which you have given me in contemning my commands which formerly for your life your durst not have done for singing and speaking are crimes alike if what is forbidden be pronounced The Shepherd answered not a word but shrugged his shoulders and made a sign that his tongue was tyed and this gave occasion unto another Shepherd in the company to speak for him This said he is excesse of cruelty and very hard that a man may not so much as complain of his torment That I must confess is very hard answered the Shepherdess but you must also confess with me on the other side that to hear a man baul and keep a coyl when he has no cause is excesse of patience But I beseech you replied he if you will not suffer Thaumantes to speak upon what design did you come unto this place We came hither replied she not to dispute and wrangle as we have done but to see if we could find that Judg which the Oracle has promised we should Are you sure replied he that this is the place where you are to expect this Judge No question but it is answered Delphire for it is named and we are told that this is the place where Celadon fell into the water There is not one in all the neighbour-hood who does not know it as a place observable for several disasterous accidents and as for our Judge we cannot be mistaken for the Oracle is this The Oracle WHere Celadon they say did find a grave There you a just and prudent judge shall have Who though unseen shall see you and shall hear Your difference and do you right ne'er fear This replied the Shepherd is an Oracle very obscure for if you do not see the party who is to be your Judge how should you ever know who he is Nay more said Delphire the Oracle says he shall hear us though we do not see him but certain it is it must be so for the Gods have said it and we are bound upon pain of disobedience to believe it and therefore we must expect he will make it manifest unto us But I beseech you said the Shepherd how should this Judge hear the difference since he is not here And how should you tell it unto him These difficulties answered Delphire must be resolved by the God that gave the Oracle Diana who was all the while behind the Bush heard all this discourse and looking through the leaves she knew all the Shepherds and Shepherdesses though she had no great familiarity with them for they were neighbours and dwelt upon the banks of Lignon towards the Mountains of Rochfort and Chevieres and she had often seen them at the publique Sacrifices of Misleto and other assemblies she remembred also the high esteem which every one had of the beauty of Delphire and merit of Thaumantes and so was not altogether ignorant of the amity that was between them because they did not offer to hide their affections But seeing now such a divorce betwixt them she could not chuse but wonder and yet her wonder ceased when she considered what occasion she had to complain against Sylvander When she heard the Oracle she concluded that certainly it was she whom the Gods had chosen to be their Judge at which she was much displeased for the ill humour she was in made her desirous to shun all company even of her own companions Thus seeing her self forced to stay all the morning and to hear their difference though it went against her mind yet she resolved to obey what the Gods commanded Therefore she resolved to take little truce with her sorrows and shew her self and take upon her the office of their Judge but to defer her judgement until the next day hoping that in time she should overcome her passion and put her mind in better order In order therefore unto this resolve she spoke in a loud voice these words Trouble your selves no further Oh Delphire and Thaumantes for here is your Judge whom the Heavens have ordained to determine your difference upon this rising from behind the Bush and striving to shew a well contented countenance she went unto them who were all in such an amazement that they stood like so many Statues but
as she designed to separate her self from all conversation Fortune would have it so that which way soever she went she met with several encounters for having quitted her self of Delphire and Thaumantes as soon as she was out of their sight looking for the most unfrequented place of all the Wood she had no sooner seated her self under a shady thicket but she heard a stranger sing very neer her singing and the effect of the song was That men are without any amity As soon as Diana heard this voice she had a good mind to go and see who it was but hearing her begin to talk unto her self she thought it best to hear what she said and she heard her say thus What a hard and severe thing it is which Nature hath imposed upon Women that they must not only live amongst their enemies but also be subject unto their Tyrannical Dominion Had she but put a little more strength into our body we had not been subject unto that proud and fierce animal called Man but why did she not as well subject this man unto an Ox or an Horse which are stronger then he as he is stronger then us For if weakness be the cause of our subjection why should not they be subject unto them Nay upon the same reason why should not the weakness of their minds subject them unto our bodies For the strength of their judgements cannot be equal unto the strength of our bodies Is it not an infallible argument of a weak judgement to desire a thing most passionately and mediately not to desire it Which is he amongst men that has not deceived her that trusted in him Shew me the man who makes it a matter of conscience to keep his word his promises nay his very oaths and execrations when he intends to deceive They think their disloyalty is handsomly covered when they say that the Gods will not punish the oaths of perjured Lovers It is true indeed they do not punish them immediately upon the very act but yet they defer it only because they will punish them according to their merits altogether there is not a man breathing upon the face of the earth that does not swear and protest and vow and yet his intention is quite contrary their designes are meer Chimeras empty clouds one is no sooner begun but another seconds it and quite obliterates the first their promises and their oaths resemble great claps of thunder whose noise is no sooner ended but no more is heard of it what God is there whom they will not call to witness What curse will they not call for upon themselves And what assurance will they not give when they would obtain any thing of us But when the humour of it is past or when they have obtained what they desire who cares for any performances of promise or fears any curses they called upon themselves But presently seek out for excuses to avoid those chastisements which they deserve they are the very Pests of the earth the most imperfect works of the Gods sent only for our punishments and eternal torment Diana who heard every sillable that this Shepherdess spoke and thought all alluded unto Sylvander she approved of all she said and going to her with a desire to see her face she could not tread so softly but she made such a noise that the stranger heard her who thinking at the first that it was some man out of a hatred unto the very name she would have gone away but afterwards perceiving it was a Shepherdess she stayed but looked about her with such an affrighted countenance and wild eye as testified the words of her mouth proceeded from her heart Diana seeing her in this condition and thinking her astonishment proceeded from the same cause that her own perplexities did â—he began to pity her and saluting her with a kind aspect offered all the assistance and service she was able The stranger seeing her so fair and full of curtesie began to leave her affrighted and wild looks and assume her ordinary countenance and temper After she had saluted Diana and thanked her for her courteous offers she answered thus I am very willing and desirous Fair Shepherdess to render the same services unto you which you out of your goodness are pleased to offer unto me and wish with all my heart I were able to second my desires with real performances as your civility does oblige me but as the case is with me I must now be all upon the craving side and not only beg your assistance but also that remedy which by the appointment of the Gods I come to look for in this Country Assure your self answered Diana that you will find none here who will not be very ready to do you any service but I believe you will not find any here so vain as to think themselves able to Counsel others the innocent simplicity of our words will not permit so much arrogance to be amongst us Yet two things replied the stranger makes me hope well in my voyage the one that the Gods are no lyars nor breakers of their promises but have left that quality unto men The other is because my first encounter in this Country is a very good omen that I shall find what I look for your beauty your civility and your prudent expressions makes me hope for a happy success in my voyage The Gods indeed answered Diana are no lyars nor deceivers but sometimes they are pleased to render their Oracles so full of obscurity that men do often mistake and deceive themselves in the interpretation as for any thing that relates unto me I wish fair Shepherdess that the meeting may prove as serviceable unto you as it is pleasing unto me and as I desire to serve you If there be any thing in this Country which you think conducible unto your contentment I beseech you tell it unto me and if without prejudice to your self you may tell me what occasion brought you hither and what reason you have to enveigh so much against men Upon this the stranger stood mute a while and looked upon the ground at the last lifting up her head with a sad sih she returned this answer The question which you ask Fair Shepherdess is so reasonable that I will very willingly give you satisfaction knowing very well that the patient must discover his disease unto that Phisitian from whom he desires a remedy but before I trouble you with a hearing of it I beseech you satisfie my curiosity and tell me whether you be not either Astrea or Diana for one of my greatest inducements unto the voyage was my hopes of so much happiness as to be acquainted with those two Shepherdesses as well by sight as by those reports which Fame gives of them There may be many Shepherdesses in this Country answered Diana blushing whose names may be Diana and perhaps some one of them more favoured by the Heavens above the rest so as the name of Diana
she intended to follow and because she was afraid lest the Shepherd should know her in Astreas clothes she would stay no longer upon these considerations they made a signe unto Phillis to stay with him a while lest he should follow them At parting she said unto him Remember Shepherd you follow the good advice your good Genius hath given you and take heed you do not make your self incapable of that help and assistance which he hath promised Then not staying for his answer she went away towards Astrea whom she quickly overtook And it seems that Heaven would have Astrea render the same Office unto Sylvander which formerly Celadon had done upon the like occasion unto Vrcases When Phillis was alone with Sylvander she was much moved to think what harm she had done him which indeed was much more then ever she intended Shepherd said she unto him since heaven has taken care of your conduct I hope you will find more contentment then ever yet you did but I beseech you tell me and tell me ingeniously and freely and with an assurance that you tell it unto one of your best friends and one that can keep a secret and will if it concern your good Is it true or no that you love Madonthe It is not a crime unpardonable to love a fair woman as she is There is none but does know that it was the wager which was betwixt us did give beginning unto the Love which you bore unto Diana a thing which cannot oblige you any longer then the time of the wager and the cause which gave it a being Whilst Phillis was speaking to this purpose unto Sylvander Diana though she went away before the Shepherd revived yet she saw him rise up for she was continually turning and looking back to see what would become of him And when she saw he was not dead as she once thought that he was for all her anger she could not chuse but be extreamly glad and resented as much joy as her apprehensions of his death caused sorrow Her jealousie and anger had so much power as to make her sensible of the offence which she thought was given her but not to extinguish the affection which really she had unto that Shepherd and upon this occasion she gave an apparent proof of it since seeing Astrea go away and presently after Alexis follow she was swelled with an extraordinary curiosity to hear what they two Phillis and Sylvander said and be unseen assuring her self that their discourse would be relating unto her And in order to this designe she crept behind a Bush and came time enough to hear the question which Phillis asked and the answer which the Shepherd gave which was this Phillis said he if ever the Gods did punish perjury I beseech them to punish me with the rigour of their fury if I do not give a true answer unto your question may the Druides excommunicate me from their sacrifices may they all deny me justice when I ask it may men banish me from their Society may fire and water and all the rest of the Elements be my enemies may I never thrive in any of my hopes or desires may all these curses fall upon me at once if ever I Loved any but Diana I know that this word Love is too rash and does not become me I know this declaration is too bold considering the merits of that Shepherdess and my own unworthiness but discreet Phillis seeing your compassion upon me and my misery and knowing your good will unto Diana I should think it a crime never to be forgiven if I should dissemble the truth assuring my self that I shall find you as discreet in this as I have known you upon all other occasions Shepherd answered Phillis you have reason to trust me especially in any thing that relaâ—es unto that Fair and Wise Shepherdess since the affection which I bear unto her is not equalled by any but your own and knowing her merits and your judgement I will believe all you tell me concerning your affection unto her But Shepherd you must first clear your self unto me and give me your reasons why yon were so officious and indulgent towards Madonthe You know Sylvander that Love is like a little child is offended at a small thing soon angry as soon jealous do you think those extraordinary indulgencies which you manifested unto Madonthe the tears you shed at her departure the earnest supplications you made to wait upon her into Aquitain nay to go with her almost whether she would or no do you think I say that all these circumstances coming to the knowledg of Diana are not sufficient enough to make her offended at you Ought you not to have considered that as Madonthe would not suffer you to follow her any further lest she should offend Thersander whom she loved so you ought not to have made the motion for fear of making Diana jealous whom you loved Could you hope for any better looks from her at your return then now you have For my part I think she has obliged you in treating you thus and no otherwise for if she had you might have thought her to be in a state of a cold indifferency towards you which is a most certain sign of small good will Whilst Phillis talked thus Diana who lost not a sillable of what she said did so approve of it that if any had seen her they might easily have known her disease For when Phillis talked upon those points which touched her most she made such actions with her head her hands and every part of her body as plainly shewed what she so much desired to conceal but when Sylvander began to speak she was immoveable her eyes fixed upon him and her mouth half open and ready to convince him of a lye upon the first excuse he should make Being then thus prepared she heard him say thus Discreet and Wise Shepherdess I beseech Heaven to furnish me with a good occasion and opportunity to requite this compassion which you shew upon a poor afflicted and innocent Shepherd as innocent and as much afflicted as any that lives upon the face of the whole universe you accuse me Shepherdess of a crime unto which I am so far from being accessary much less guilty as I am constrained most earnestly to beseech you that you would be pleased to tell me more cleerly and plainly the sault wherewith you charge me that I may answer unto it which such candid ingenuity and truth as becomes me Diana who heard him see the crafty man said she to her self he knows not what to answer and he would have her make a repetition that he may invent an excuse in the mean time and then she heard Phillis reply unto him thus Confess freely your fault Sylvander here is none to hear or observe your actions or if they do none that will tell Diana I do believe also that she who acquainted her with these things did not think
answered she that there is such a passion which is called by that name and which men are not capable of We will not meddle with that yet said Sylvander but I am contented that you do confess there is such a passion which is called Love Then tel me I beseech you what do you think this Love is It is said she a certain desire to possess that thing which one judges good and beautifull There is not a Druide in all Gaul replied Sylvander who could have given a better answer then this Fair Shepherdess But continued he and turned towards her is there not in the world some Animals that have reason and some that have none I have heard say answered Dorinde that there are such And in which of these two ranks replied Sylvander will you place man You put me to it said she and smiled for I cannot deny but that they are rational in some things and not in others and most commonly without any reason at all Yet is it not true added Sylvander that men do always seek after their delights and contentments Of this answered Dorinde there is no doubt for there is not one of them but will lose the best of their friends rather then the least of their delights I am satisfied replied Sylvander then that you confesse there is a Love that this Love is a desire of that which one thinks good or beautifull and that men are very earnest to accomplish their desires Now it will be an easie matter to prove unto you that men do not only Love but also that they do Love better then women If what I have said answered Dorinde presently will help you to prove what you say I will unsay it again and I had rather be reproached with it then such a false conclusion and consequence should be drawn from any thing which came from me All the company began to laugh at this answer and desired Sylvander to continue on which he did in this manner There needs not many words Fair Shepherdess to decide the business for it must of necessity be concluded that since men have such violent desires of their contentment and the will having nothing but a good for its object or at the least esteemed so it follows by consequence that Love being nothing but a desire as you have confessed he does Love most who has most objects of good before his eyes and the woman being much fairer and fuller of goodness then man who can deny but that a man Loves better then a woman who has not so worthy a subject to imploy her desires upon I do confess all said Dorinde until you come unto the conclusion which you infer you cannot replied Sylvander unless you take away that advantage which women have above men and therefore it is better for you to confess that there is none in all the world that knows how to Love so well as man yet if it happen that any judg the contrary it is not that the truth is so but is like a streight staff which being put into the water will seem crooked and all that we see through a glass seems to be of the same colour that the glass is for the Meduim by which the sight is conveyed does represent it false to the eye Even so it comes to pass that the actions of a Lover are seen and judged otherwise then indeed they are and all by reason of some defect in the Medium through which they are seen But the truth is every man does Love and this assertion is so true as one may boldly say that all those who Love not are not men for there was never any man that did not Love Though Sylvander was in no fit humour for any such discourse yet he could not but smile when Dorinde answered and when he began to offer other more solid reasons he was prevented by the coming of a great company of Shepherds and Shepherdesses who where all returning to their several homes as well to dine as to pass away some hot hours of the day in the cool shade and therefore he desired those Fair Shepherdesses to give him leave to retire himself for that time They who were very desirous to hear him talk and had a desire also to rest themselves especially Dorinde they invited him to their Cabin but he excused himself upon a promise that when they pleased at any other time he would better explain himself upon this subject Upon this leaving them Dorinde after she had considered well of him I must needs confess said she that if all the men of this Country were like unto Sylvander when I speak of my hatred unto all men in general I must except those who live about Lignon In the mean time this great company â—rew neer and these four strangers having no mind to engage with them they retired themselves to their Cabins so likewise Sylvander who desiring to shun all company he was no sooner out of sight but he sate himself down under the first hedg he came to entertained himself with his own new thoughts But his good Genius who had the care of his conduct being not willing he should gangrene his wounds too much by being alone did conduct all this great company which he desired to shun unto the very same place where he was and so opportunely that when he began his complaints he was prevented by their coming and some of them knowing him by sight did stay all the rest to ask him whether he knew where the great Druide was or else where he was that used to judg causes in his absence The great Druide Adamas answered Sylvander is perhaps at his house which is a remote distance from hence on the other side of the River Lignon upon a little hill which you may see on your right hand as you go to the great City of Marselles but the Druide Cloridamantes is not far from hence dwelling at an ancient Pallace which is called Julius after the name of him who conquered Gaul Then all the company entreated him to conduct them thither to the end they might have more speedy justice upon an injury which had been done unto all the Shepherdesses of Lignon and by one whom they had brought along with them Sylvander hearing this and casting his eyes upon the Shepherdess that had been wronged also being much moved as well by her beauty and modesty as by the general offence he thought himself obliged to conduct them although he had a great desire of staying alone to complain against his misery and disaster He quitted therefore his shady bush and went before them to shew the way having an opinion that if he did otherwise the Gods perhaps would punish him for the offence which others had committed since they had directed this company unto him All the way as they went this great company observed a very wary and strict silence which was no small contentment unto Sylvander for by that means he could both
of his apostacy I could not complain against him enough and indeed against my self for believing him now did I admire his inconstancy and for his sake condemn the fickleness and perfidy of all men whatsoever Yet notwithstanding I had sworn a hundred times never to care for him again and that though he should return yet never to look upon him yet for all this I could not chuse but ask him by one that I imployed what was the cause of this so sudden separation And she who asked him the question was a woman that waited upon me and in whom I had great confidence during all the time of his addresses unto me Periander said she unto him how comes it to passe that you never see Dorinde nor ask what becomes of her How Dorinde answered he is she alive still Alive said the woman why she is recovered and ready to come out of her chamber Ah Sweet-heart replied Periander you are much mistaken or else does mock me certainly she is dead but has left in her roomâ— a certain ugly woman whom for the Love of her they call Dorinde but the Fair Dorinde whom I Loved is certainly dead and I am so sorry for it as I will not go and see this Dorinde lest the memory of the other should give an occasion of tears Fie fie Periander replied the woman much amazed at his answer is it not enough to seperate your self from her but you must mock at her misery Dorinde as I told you before replied he presently is not in the world What would you have me go and Love her in her grave And as for her that is in her room alas Sweet-heart she is so ugly that I will leave her to whom that will As soon as he had said so he went away and stayed not for any answer Judge Madam whether this was to be endured and yet I must swallow this bitter pill and seem as if I did not tast it But was it not the height of cruelty to strike one that was so deeply wounded before For first my sickness had spoiled my face which was wound enough without the addition of another from a person whom I least expected it A little while after my Father came to see me and not without tears in his eyes to find me so much changed which I perceiving Father said I unto him never afflict your self for the loss of that which could not be long kept but rather I beseech you to rejoyce with me since by the loss of a trifle I am rescued from an ill fortune Upon this I told him all that Periander had done and said then falling down upon my knees I beseeched him that he would not command me to have any more converse with this perfidious man Dorinde said he and took me up I promise you I will not and I command you not so much as to name him unto me who thinks him the most unworthy Cavalier that lives Upon this my Father went away and left me extreamly well satisfied with his promise And from hence forward I began to think more of Merindor then formerly I had as thinking that his behaviour towards me did oblige me to prefer him before any other for though Bellimartes did send often to visit me and was very careful in sending all such remedies as were proper for that disease yet his humour and disposition was contrary unto mine so as I could not for my heart Love him In the mean time I recovered very fast not but that my face was so blasted as I was hardly knowable and when I looked in a glass I admired to see my self and therefore I still kept the door of my chamber shut very close to the end none should enter but such as waited upon me hoping still that time might hapâ—y make some amendment But Merindor whose affection to me seemed to be greater then before and who never stirred out of my anti-chamber with several sorts of musick as I told you before one day when I was alone with that woman whom I sent unto Periander and when the door was but ill shut he entred in upon such a sudden that he was upon his knees before me ere I could see him As fortune was I had a mask upon my face but I could no way hide my eyes but with my hands and they were so blasted that I was ashamed to shew them for I had not time to put on my gloves You may imagine me not a little surprised when I saw him I did my endeâ—vour to get into my Closet but he kneeled so before me and held my knees that I was not able to rise from my seat Oh Merindor said I unto him you are exceeding troublesome unto me and would do me a great pleasure if you would think upon me no more then Periander doth Alas alas answered he do you think to limit the effects of my affection unto the shallow amity of him whom you named Ah Madam pardon me I beseech you if I think his offence not so great unto me as it is unto you Unto me answered I I assure you Merindor if Perianders offences trouble you no more then me you will never complain against him for as for my part I am so far from any memory of his name that whatsoever he does cannot offend me But let us talk of somthing else I beseech you and tell me what makes you so desirous to see me in this condition wherein I am for me thinks you should rather shun all occasions of it then desire it upon this question I caused him to rise and a chair to be set for him because I would not suffer him to kneel Madam answered he the affection of him who loves will never let him rest till he have satisfied his curiosity by seeing her whom he loves and adores and such is mine to you do not imagine I beseech you that I do love you with any reserved thoughts to leave off though you should not be so Fair as you was before such a love deserves not the name and I do esteem rather a treason and not to be entertained into any heart that loves well my affection sets no other term but eternity nor no other condition but to Love Dorinde as she is and as she shall be for the future as well as for the present Now see Wise and Fair Druide how apt one is to judg others by themselves a very dog that is burned will fear the fire yet I lesse wise then those animals after I had been deluded by the supple language of Periander could not chuse but give credit unto the gilded flatteries of Merindor thinking that a man well born and a Cavalier ought above other men to be just and to have his heart in his tongue but I confess that I did partly believe that which I should not have believed at all I began to fancy that I might live happily with him but to tell you truly I did it much out of
that resolution besides the Kings anger would have been as high against him for that as if he had flatly dis-obeyed him Thus not knowing what course to take he continued many dayes so unresolved and uncertain as it troubled him so much that he moved pity from all that saw him In the mean time Bellimartes whom the King acquainted with all the difficulties which my Father objected he took counsel from a prudent and wise friend to gain me with a golden shower as the Poets say Danae was by Jupiter I mean that though his nature was not over liberal yet upon this occasion he should overcome himself and send rich presents unto me and my Father for it was the custom of old people to be covetous and it was the nature of young women to be desirous of new dresses and shew themselves brave amongst their associates Probably the King was of this opinion for we were sure that Bellimartes was not able of himself to bestow such delicate curiosities as he sent unto me nor such great and rich presents as he sent unto my Father every day Oh how true a saying it is that stones will strike the Thunderbolt out of the hand of Jupiter and that gifts does steal away the liberty of them that receive them After Bellimartes had continued this course some twelve or fifteen dayes his presents had more eloquence in them and more authority then the King There was not a woman about me nor a servant about my Father but was so gained that they talked of nothing but of his merit and of his valour all others were not worthy to look upon him and although he was formerly very il-favoured those themselves that were of that judgment do now cry him up to the clouds but that which was the greatest wonder unto me was to see my Father my degrees to approve of that which he so much disproved before Daughter said he unto me this man is not such a Barbarian as we did conceive him those that spend their judgment upon one they know not are much to blame for who would not have been deceived in this man Whose birth was amongst Barbarians whose education was in blood and cruelties and yet his conversation and humour is quite otherwise then at first we thought him For my part I think upon serious consideration that it were not amiss to give the King contentment in this alliance with him it must needs be very advantagious unto us and he may one day advance us above all our Predecessors again it is not good to resist the will of him whom Heaven has commanded us to obey the ruine of him who commits the crime is impardonable and infallible for my part I did resist him when I thought the man to be not so good as he is but now I know him I find the King has good reason to admit him into his favour I see my error and my simplicity in not obeying him and in not acknowledging that happinesse which he intends towards us Oh Heavens How little resolution there is in a childs judgment And how easily are they swayed by the reasons of those who know how to argue them with art they will swallow them like bitter pils which are lapt in hony I did Love Merindor and I had no inclination at all unto Bellimartes and yet my Fathers discourse turned me which way he pleased Truth is when I was alone and remembred Merindors affection and with what constancy he continued his addresses during all the noysomness of my sickness I could not chuse but pity and be exceedingly sorry for him As soon as this course was resolved upon my Father commanded me not to see him so often as I was accustomed I must confess I lamented the loss of this Cavalier in whom I found so much affection But Bellimartes who by his presents had blinded the eyes of my Father was the cause of my resolution to obey him who had the power over me Yet being moved unto compassion I intended to advertise Merindor to the end he might betimes decline any further courtship or addresses to me and divert himself some other way The next morning therefore when he came to see me according to his custom as soon as I heard that he was at my chamber-door I beseeched my Father he would be pleased to give way that he might enter that I might acquaint him with our resolutions to the end he might be no longer deceived that his constant courtship his humble addresses the hopes which was given him and his merits and quality deserved all manner of contentment My Father did much commend my design and to give us the better opportunity of talk after Merindor was entered my Father retired to his own chamber and left me to say what I would Merindor at first seeing this new favour entred into great hopes thinking that my Father retired purposely in favour of him but when he was gone he observed such a hollow kind of behaviour in me as quite dashed his hopes again especially when causing him to sit down I spoke thus unto him Merindor your merits and your good will unto me does oblige me to honour and esteem you as much as any Cavalier in the Country and would most willingly by any good service render some testimony of my resentments which invites me to put you out of some doubts which perhaps you have entred into since you see me so reserved towards you Know therefore Merindor that as long as my Father approved of our marriage I behaved my self towards you with all the freedom that a harmlesse liberty would permit but now since that hope is quite taken away I thought it would be a great sin and such a one as deserved the Title 〈◊〉 Perfidy if I should deceive you any longer by such petty caresses that are apt to delude young persons who do love do not think I beseech you but that if it were in my own choise I would rather chuse Merindor to live with all the dayes of my life the◠any other whomsoever and have the same thoughts of Arcingentorix for were it referred unto him assure your self Merindor that he would never look upon any but you I have ever found him so disposed to Love and honour you and has held you in such a high esteem as doubtlesse he would have been extreamly well contented if it had been so designed by the destinies that I might have passed away my dayes with one of so much merit as you are But Heaven has decreed it otherwise and I am not destined to so much happiness for you must know continued I with tears in my eyes that Gondebaut does force me to marry Bellimartes Oh Heavens Dorinde said Merindor and clapped his hands together will Gondebaut marry you to Bellimartes Yes said I unto him sadly and I assure you Arcingentorix and I have done all we can to prevent it but find that there is no way to do it but by death Since
down at the feet of Gondebaut who pardoned her Husbands fault upon condition he would live with her as he ought Whilst these things hapned it seems the Gods were pleased to mock Periander for the spring coming on and some remedies which a Phisitian gave me did so restore my complexion and features that it was much better then before and indeed my companions said she unto the three strangers I believe you will confesse it better then ever you saw it before but so it hapned that as my deformity did chase away Periander from me so my recovery called him back I cannot express the joy and contentment of Merindor when from day to day he saw my complexion return and not being able as he said to endure any longer delay in our marriage he entreated my Father to give him consent that he might go unto his Mother for hers there being nothing else which could hinder it Oh Heavens what new protestations did he make to my Father and me when he departed I have wondred since a hundred times that the earth did not open and swallow him alive I should but trouble you Madam did I relate the whole series of his actions but so it was that going away he lost all memory of me and all his oaths about three months after his departure he sent one of his Brothers unto me with a Letter which I will read unto you for I keep it still about me to convince him of his falshood and perjury then putting her hand into her pocket she pulled out a paper and read these words MERINDORS Letter unto DORINDE I Would to God Fair Dorinde that I were out of the World or else that I were not the Son of that Woman who is my Mother or at least that I were my Brother and al to the end as your most humble servant that I might obtain that happiness which I desire but being as I am it is not permitted me the offer which I make of him makes it evident unto all that all marriages are made in Heaven Do you not wonder discreet and Fair Shepherdesses said Dorinde that Merindor should write such a Letter unto me For if he had quitted me one would have thought in all reason that he should have done it when I was ugly and deformed as Periander did but that he should with such assiduity abide the horror of my disease that he should never care for any deformity in my face but even then to court me with such violence and zeal and then to leave me when my Beauty was restored and when I thought nothing could separate us but his own will or rathe levity this seems to be against the grain of all reason in the World And I must needs confess the truth this action did go so neer unto my heart that I vowed never hence-forward to trust any man living but to flye and shun all such as bore the name and never to have any more to do with them My Father was offended at this as much as I and therefore without any further consultation or heeding any applications that Merindorâ— Brother would have made unto me he sent him back with this sudden and peremptory answer that his Daughter was neither for Merindor nor his Brother and therefore he intended to dispose of me another way And because the young man desired an answer unto his Brothers Letter with my Fathers leave I returned this DORINDES answer unto MERINDOR I Would to God unfaithful Merindor that you were not upon the earth or that I never had had any eyes to see you or at the least that I were a man for a time and not a woman and all this to the end that as your mortal enemy I might take that revenge of your perfidy which I desire but since being as I am that is not permitted me The offer which you make unto me of your Brother which I refuse makes it evident that the marriage betwixt him and me is not made in Heaven at the least I assure you shall never be accomplished on Earth Now Madam continued she you may observe three of the most horrid infidelities to omit the rest that ever were committed against any woman These that I have told you are enough to make any that have eyes or their wits never to trust any that has either the name or the figure of a man but hear what torments they caused me to endure and then I am confident you will confess that the hatred which I bear unto this animal man is grounded upon most just cause Dorinde would have continued had not the noise of men on horse-back disturbed them these Fair Shepherdesses being unaccustomed to see such assemblies in their Villages they all ran out of curiosity to the door Dorinde and the other strangers did the same then they saw passe along the way which joyned almost close to the door of this Cabin fifteen or sixteen persons very well mounted and armed alter the Burgundian fashion having head-pieces upon their heads Suits of Arms for back and brest a Javelin in their right hands and a Buckler on their left arm These men marched in order and in the head of them was him who conducted them as might be imagined both by the goodnesse of his Horse which was much fairer then the rest and by the richness of his Armor which was almost all gilt and a Plume in his Head-piece which made him remarkable above the rest This Troop marched very fast and their Armor and Horses seet made a great noise as for the men they talked not loud though they did hold some discourse which could not any distance be understood When they came neer unto this Cabin they cast their eyes upon these Shepherdesses which out of curiosity were come to the door and seeing them so Fair they stayed a little almost ravished to see such Fair Faces in such rural Cottages Oh Heavens cryed he that commanded them is not yonder Dorinde She hearing her self named and looking him in the face she presently remembred that she had seen him very often with King Gondebaut and therefore fearing some violence she retired into the Cabin to try if she could hide her self but he being more assured by this action that it was she did presently alight and five or six of his companions with him and entring very blusteringly amongst these women they came to the place where Dorinde was retired who trembling for fear and hiding her face with her hands she looked as pale as death Celadon in the dresse of Druide wished now that he had Arms to repulse the injury which these strangers seemed to offer unto Dorinde and not being able to endure any outrage should be done unto her in his presence he first used entreaties and fair language and seeing them slighted and offers made to carry away that trembling woman out of the Cabin he could not chuse but joyn hands unto his language and beyond the strength of a woman like
are not ignorant of it Alexis and Astrea began to laugh at the manner of Phillis in her expressions and Diana her self could not forbear although she endeavoured to hide it and therefore recollecting her self she answered thus I must confess Sister that I did blush to hear you speak thus especially before this great Druide what opinion do you think she will entertain of me who has not had the honour to be known unto her till of late But Madam said she and turned towards Alexis do not believe what this Shepherdesse doth say for all is but in jest and she her self does not think as she speaks Alexis would have answered and so would Phillis but they were so near Astreas house that they were constrained to change discourse lest Phocion should hear whom they saw at the door and who conducted them in where supper was ready upon the table During all the time of the repast nothing was discoursed upon but the accident of the day a passage so unaccustomed in that Country that Phocion said in all his time he never heard of the like unlesse that of Philander when a stranger offered to wrong Diana Alas alas said she that indeed was a day the most disasterous that Lignon had seen of a long time for since the death of him and Philidas I am sure that my contentment has been but a little I assure you said Astrea fortune will play her game out amongst us humanes every where as well in the Country as in great Cities and as well in Cottages as rooâ—s of Cedar and gilded Palaces of Princes alas Sister you observe the 〈◊〉 day when Philidas died because in hapned upon your occasion there is ano◠〈◊〉 that has good cause to remember another accident I have not forgot that 〈◊〉 â—hen Celadon drowned himself for then I lost a Father and Mother and am able to say and say truly that my eyes were never dry since as oft as I remembred that fatal mis-fortune And I said Alexis may say as much and almost about the same time at least if reports make a true calculation But these sad remembrances are the most cruel enemies we have and therefore for my part knowing them to be so I shun them as much as possibly I can Oh Mistris said Astrea It is an easie matter for you to expel such sad remembrances of things which grieve you for you have a good Father who loves you and helps you out with supplies of comforts but were you an orphan deprived of Father and Mother as I am I believe you would more deeply resent the remembrance of such fatal losses but however I have most just reason to be thankful unto Heaven which after so great a loss has not left me without some support in giving me a second Father unto whom I am obliged in double bonds of gratitude but for all that believe it Mistris it is a most sad constraint that separates a child from Father and Mother Upon this Phocion began to speak It is most certain children said he for so my age permits me to call you that fortune has the same power in all places alike and that she is pleased to make her power known as well in Villages as in great Monarchies But it is true also that as high and lofty Towers are more exposed to the tearing tempests and blustering winds then the humble Cottages wherein we live so also we do more seldom see any of these bloody consequences of fortune amongst us they are much more frequent in great Empires and proud Republiques which the more rest and quiet they have the fuller they are of motions and inquietudes and of greater turbulencies then our poor Villages are capable of so as what we esteem a storm is with them a calm This was the main reason why those from whom we are descended did chuse this kind of life as the most happy which mortals can make choise of But for all that replied Alexis I do hear as many complaints and griefs amongst you as amongst the greatest Potents upon earth So children answered Phocion do use to cry for the losse of an apple as if it were the losse of a great Empire For my part said Diana and interrupted I do not think sorrows are greater for having the greater causes of them but that is least which is least resented Most true replied Phocion it is so in regard unto the troubled soul but not so if it be resented and measured according to the right rules of reason for then every thing will be resented and esteemed as it is and oftentimes when the passion is ceased we do laugh at that at which we cryed before but all our discourse said Phocion seeing them ready to rise from the Table does teach us this that there is no place under the cope of Heaven which is entirely exempted from the blows of fortune and that we ought alwayes to stand upon our guards against them that when they come to assault us we may not only resist them but also without taking the shadow for the substance which is commonly the greater we may measure them according to reason and not with any partial resentments of those blows which we receive nor with too many tears which seldom do any good but with prudence reason moderation and patience Upon this they arose from the Table and after some other such Discourse bed-time being come the Druide and the three Shepherdesses retired themselves to their chamber On the other side Dorinde and her companions with those that conducted them went unto Marselles and endeavoured to beguil the length of the way and the perplexities of the sad Dorinde with various and pleasant discourse But Hylas who led her by the arm and was not much used to give way unto any melancholy dumps not being able to endure her silence for when others talked she was mute I pray good long since Mistris said he unto her how long must this simple silence last My long since Servant said she and smiled I beseech you pardon me for I am in a very naughty humour and cannot help it These dumpish humours replied he are allowable in any that have not a Hylas by them but in you who has me so near you it is a fault unpardonable and therefore resolve your self to leave one or the other for sorrow and I cannot be together I wish replied she that I were in a better mood and you should see 〈…〉 I desire it therefore I pray tell me what you would have me do Eith◠〈◊〉 â—and me said Hylas to relate the adventures which have hapned unto me 〈◊〉 saw you or else tell me yours for such and so many various actions has befallen me that you cannot hear them but be delighted I will promise not to make you any sadder then you are and commonly it is more delightful to hear the adventures of others then to tell their own No. said Thamires and began to speak it is more
either one or both and I could not be so inconstant unless I were a fool or a mad man This thought entertained him a long time and would not let him depart from that place he thought to have found that contentment which he had loft but on the contrary he met still with fresh causes of grief for wandering insensibly from one thought to another he began to think upon the sweet beginnings of his affection and with what discretion Diana received the first buds of his love under the notion of a wager with what kindness she suffered that plant to take root and how prudently she saw it grow up to that grandeur which now is arrived at And as concomitants of this thought he set before his eyes the pleasant jars of Phillis the favourable answers of his Shepherdess and briefly all those reasons which he had to hope that his affection would thrive and grow fruitfull Then did he bethink himself of that Bracelet of hair which was intended for Phillis and which he had obtained of Diana as an extraordinary favour He guided his hand to the place where he was wont to wear it thinking to have the contentment of a kiss from it but not finding it he looked upon the other arm but not finding it on either he was surprized with so much grief as not being able to endure the blow of that disaster he fell to the ground and so lay a long time without either motion or speech but at last he revived and concluded that now all hope was gone Sylvander had no sooner ceased his complaints but as he thought he heard some coming towards him and to know who they were and also out of fear to be seen lest by that means he should be interrupted in his solitary thoughts he kept still close and silent then did he plainly hear some coming and talking very loud but not so as he could understand them at that distance yet still keeping silence and they drawing neerer he perceived by the help of the Moon that they were two men talking together and when they were close by the place where Sylvander stood they stopt a little then did he hear one of them begin to sing and the effect of his song was That he had more love then she had cruelty He had no sooner done but the other began and the substance of his song was That he ought to love her for no other end but to love her Ah Brother said the first and interrupted the other you are in the right for whosoever does love for any other end but loving only he does abuse the name of love and most unworthily proâ—ane that pure and Sacred Divinity But give me leave to tell you that in what you alledged before concerning the torments which you and I do suffer you have as little reason as I have much to say that there is no torment in the world that is equal unto mine Brother answered the other with a deep sigh that love which every one doth bear unto himself is the cause of that judgment for when you see me suffer any pain do you not resent it more then any stranger would Doubtless I do answered the first Then Alcander replied the other the same reason which makes you resent my pain more then another does make you resent your own more then mine for as it is natural to love a brother more then a stranger so it is as natural to love ones self more then any else it is love which gives the weight unto all things which fall under opinion I do not know Amilcar said he how you intend this It is true that I am partly in the same belief and partly not I mean that it is love which doth cause resentment of sorrows and joyes and that it is by it and its ell we do measure the greatness or the littleness of all things but that every one does love themselves more then some others Indeed brother I must confess that if this be an effect of nature then nature has failed in me for I do protest and vow that I do love Circinca a thousand times better then I do my self and it is an easie matter to make this evident since I do find in my self towards her all the effects which a most extream love can produce for first I had rather any evil should fall upon my self then the least upon her and I desire her contentment infinitely above my own there is nothing be it never so full of difficulty but I would attempt it if there was any hopes it would conduce thereunto If any thing that pleased me displeased her believe it Amilcar I had rather dye then receive it and if these be not infallible arguments that I do love another better then my self I know not what are Brother replied Amilcar I do resent the very same effects of affection unto Palinice which you do unto Circinea but oh Alcander you are much mistaken if you do conclude thereby that you do love Circinea better then your self or that I do love Palinice more then I do my self For if we will but ingeniously confess it is the love of our selves that makes us love them and as the miser does expose his life for the preservation of that Gold which he loves so do we Sacrifice our selves to the pleasure of those fair ones whom we adore Fie fie Brother replied Alcander will you offer such a wrong unto our loves as to compare them unto a misers love of Gold Assure your self brother said Amilcar soberly there is no difference betwixt them only the love that we do give unto these fair ones is for a thing of greater value and merit and therefore it is more noble and reasonable but the very truth is the original of all loves is self love does not the misers care to preserve his dearly beloved Gold proceed from the love of himself and not his Gold Doubtless it does for what cares the gold into whose hands it fals since wheresoever it is it is still Gold as well as in his hands Then let us apply this reason unto our selves and you will find that it is the love which you hear unto your self which makes you have all those cares of Circinea and all those earnest desires of her contentment would you wish her so much happinesse and endeavour to procure it unto her upon condition she should extreamly love Clorian and devote her self wholly unto him without ever caring for you But did she love Clorian replied Alcander she would not be so happy as you suppose her But suppose she should be as happy said Amiliar would you wish her the enjoyment of all those contentments with Clorian I see you will not answer nor have you any reason but I will answer for you it is most certain that you and I had rather see the grim face of death then to see your Circinea happy with Clorian and I to see my Palinice the happy wife of
discreet Shepherdess replied Delphire that we have made you stay so long and we do find our obligations doubled since we have greater hopes that our cause will receive a more equitable judgment by the assistance of your company of which do not doubt for all our rest and tranquility depends upon what you shall please to ordain amongst us But oh just Judge said Thomantes and interrupted what shall be done unto those that are condemned and will not observe the Sentence which you shall doom This question is not moved without reason for I have seen this fair one pointing at Delphire so negligent in the observance of those Laws which all other humans hold inviolable as I have good cause to fear she will not observe what you shall ordain if it be against her mind Oh Thomantes said Delphire this reproach is insupportable and were I not in hopes that ere long our just Judge will revenge all the wrongs which I have received from you I would demand Justice upon this injury in particular You are so accustomed replied Thomantes to complain without a cause as I do not think it strange you should now do the like nor think it a lesse wonder to hear me speak so openly and freely having all my life behaved my self towards you under the Laws of such a grand respect that any complaints were not permitted me in my greatest pain but now we are here before our Judge and it is fit she should know both your cruelties and my torments that she may the better give judgment upon them I will not enter or hold any Discourse with you said Delphire but will only hint unto our Judge to observe from your language that it is the highest injustice to blind Justice Only beseech her not to lose any more time in hearing you but imploy it upon that which she is ordained unto by the Gods Whilst Delphire and Thomantes were talking thus Diana seated her self upon the ground and Alexis Astrea Phillis and the rest of the Shepherdesses seated themselves in such places where they might best hear this difference argued Filintes and Asphales with Sylvander did the same Now said Diana fair Shepherdesse and you courteous Shepherd if you desire any thing from me let me understand your demands and difference and in best order thereunto it is very fit you make choise of one which knows all the passages betwixt you to relate them unto us and afterwards both parties to speak for themselves Fair and Wise Shepherdesse said Asphale then we are four Shepherds and two Shepherdesses that are interested in the judgment which you are to give and therefore if you think it good Androgenes said he and pointed to him or I will relate unto you what concerns Thomantes Filintes and Delphire and afterwards either Filintes or Thomantes will relate the difference of Dorissea Androgenes and my self I conceive answered Diana that for brevities sake it is better that the Shepherdesses make the first relation and not the Shepherds who know too well to answer their reasons and therefore Dorissea I do appoint you unto the office not only to relate what concerns Delphire but also what concerns your self not questioning but so direct a Shepherdesse will give us true information Hereupon Dorissea after a low reverence took her place and after a little time of consideration she began thus The History of DELPHIRE and DORISSEA IF those who have heard tell of jealousie had but the experience of it as we have Oh Wise and Prudent Shepherdess doubtless they would all say that it is a great enemy unto love and as cold is contrary to heat so is it directly contrary to that passion which causeth love for fear iâ— the Mother of it and consequently it must be cold but love is always burning and in a flame Some on the contrary do esteem it to be the daughter of Love and so necessary to its preservation that as the water which the Smith throws upon the fire to make it burn more violent and ardently so likewise jealousie augments and makes the flame of love more violent in the souls of Lovers Had you not commanded me most Wise Shepherdess to relate unto you the differences betwixt Delphire Thomantes Asphales Androgenes and my self I would have instanced some examples to prove what I say but I assure my self that in the Discourse which I shall make unto you there will appear so many proofs of it as will force you to confess with me that if love can hardly be without jealousie jealousie can never be without effacing love Be pleased to know then fair and Wise Shepherdesse that Thomantes being the only son of his Parents was brought up with abundance of tender care by the Wise Shepherdess Ericanthe his Mother and by Eleaman his Father so tender was their care over him that they would never suffer him to be out of their presence as thinking that as soon as they lost the sight of him he was lost for ever And because Eleaman and Ericanthe were the wealthiest in all our Town as well in the great abundance of flocks and pastures as in the great number of Shepherds and Shepherdesses unto whose charge he committed the care of them the young Thomantes was brought up in all the qualities and exercises fit for a Shepherd of his rank in which for his age he did so profit himself that none in all our coasts could equal him Being got out of the hands of his Nurse an ancient and Wise Pastor was set over him as his Governour not that he was thereby excluded from the company of those women who waited upon his Mother for on the contrary he was amongst them till the age of ten or twelve years so beloved and caressed by all as well were they that could love him most for besides his being very amiable and had all the good qualities that one of his age could have he was looked upon as the darling and delight of the Pastor Eleaman and of the sage Ericanthe their Mistris But as it commonly happens at that age rather by instinct then by election to love one above another the young Thomantes no sooner saw ten years of age but he shewed a great inclination to love Delphire who was then brought up with Ericanthe and and not above eight or nine years old at that time Their innocent age and their design without design not being yet instructed in the art of dissimulation every one took notice of the particular affection of Thomantes unto Delphire whereof Ericanthe was very glad as well because that Shepherdesse was indeed very handsom and worthy of love and service as because many do think that there is nothing does more awake and enliven youth nor rouse it up unto noble designs then love doing in this the office of Steel which makes a flint to sparkle that is of it self cold and without light One may easily imagine what kind of infantine affection this was which they bore one
thing never shook his constancy no nor any monsters of difficulties which he met with nay even impossibilities were not able to stop him in his designed course Oh Gods who does not know that Thomantes hath loved the fair Delphire even in her Cradle at an age when she was not capable if I may say so of knowing either to love or cause love And can it be imagined that Thomantes should now fall off and not love her when her eyes enflames all that they daign to look upon and cast their rayes on Who can have seen this Thomantes overcome all the rigours and scorns of Delphire abide the length of time surmount all difficulties and believe that the same Thomantes should not love her when this fair Monster of Beauty seemed pliable to his will and desires Truly these accusations are as far from any common sence as they are from reason and truth and there is no other answer to be given unto them but this that there is no disputing against those that will deny principles and no more ought I against those persons who make these oppositions who yet do fill Heaven and Earth with their complaints against us and will by force have us confess that we do not love them They will needs take upon them to know what we do better then we our selves Love is an act of the will and is there any so clear sighted as can see my will better then my self But as humane nature is more apt to believe the bad then the good so should we but once tell Delphire and Dorissea that we do not love them oh how presently would they believe us But if we should tell them and tell them again a thousand and a thousand times that we do infinitely love them they would presently say it was not true Why should you not believe us in the one as well as in the other But we and it is no small argument of that love which you deny to be in us if you once tell us that you do love us we presently believe it and never make the least doubt of the truth and from whence proceeds this easie faith and belief Even from love from love I say which makes us believe that truth as well as all other virtues is in the person loved so consequently in you But these fair ones would never confess that we loved them but alwayes denied it and now they tax us with inconstancy This last injury my dear Asphales is an argument for us for from their own opinion must be concluded that we do love them now for they confess that we did not love them heretofore and by saying that we are inconstant they say that we do love now in this sence fair Shepherdesses we should agree with you were it not that Love who forced this truth from your own mouths against your wills will not let us confess that we did not love you before but on the contrary we do say and maintain that we did love you and do love you and ever shall love you and that never was affection more perfect then the affection of Asphales and Thomantes Now the main argument they have against our affection is that our actions have not given sufficient testimonies that we love them Consider oh most just Judge consider I beseech you upon what a sandy foundation this charge is built and how quickly it will fall to the ground when our actions and behaviours to them were all fire and full of impatiencies then they charged us that we did not love them when we saw this way would not prevail nor perswade them to believe the truth of our affections we had recourse unto the contrary we put on a garb of coldness and became all patience but they forgetting the judgment they had before given do now accuse us of want of love more sharply then before What should we do if to our mis-fortune two contraries do work the same effect upon their unjust souls if neither heat nor cold will testifie our Love what can we do Yet these considerations or rather contradictions do put us unto abundance of pains not that they who do see and weigh every thing with a sound judgment can ever enter into any doubt of us but since there are more of those who are inclined to judge ill of others then of those who hold an even scale of judgment it must ensue that the greater part of men will blame us and which is worst of all or which is indeed insupportable these fair ones may nourish a stinister opinion of us in their souls although we never courted any thing with more desires then to perswade them of the contrary and therefore though we know very well that we ought in all other things to yeild unto them yet in this we are constrained to contradict them and bring the matter unto the judgment of another which we would not have to be taken as any defect of love or respect but rather for excess and height of affection which transports us beyond all rules of duty In this excesse we have several times desired that since they do charge us with inconstancy they would first agree that heretofore we did love them and afterwards that they would prescribe unto us those limits in which a Lover ought to keep himself within compass of this constancy to the end one may judge as by a straight rule whether the line be right and come no neerer one side then another and so oh our just Judge it may appear whether we be inconstant or no. The Gods are they who have sent us unto you and the Gods are they will inspire you with a spirit of right judgment But in the mean time we do require and conjure the God of Love to take away all incredulity out of the souls of these fair ones which makes them condemn our actions which truly if they were different from what they were wont to be it was not out of any alteration of will but urgent affairs which was the cause and which hindred us from paying the tribute of those trivial services we were wont to render and in which we could not imploy our time without much prejudice unto our estates Has not all seasons their proper actions does not nature teach us that flowers are proper for the spring and fruits for summer if trees should bloom all the year they would bloom in vain and why should not the same be said of us If we should be alwayes bearing those little flowers which are proper and natural at the beginning of Love we should not produce so much fruit in the summer of Love but should in a manner derogate from the Law of Nature But perhaps that which induceth them to this opinion is the more familiar conversation which we have with others then we were wont to have and that this conversation proceeds from some Love we bear unto those we are familiar with all truly if a Lover ought to be
you should be in full possession of Dorisseas favour was it not strange that meeting her eyes and Androgenes in a glass you should forget so many favours received which could not be merited by you nor any person in the world But the greatest wonder of all is that after you both had committed such high crimes crimes which in Love are impardonable you should still dare to ask and pretend unto the same favours and the same graces which you had so ungratefully disdained I am even ravished with admiration to see you dispute with them and question who is in the wrong but the wonder of all wonders is that you durst be so impudently bold as to enquire of the Oracle and to see with what confidence you present your selves before a Judge to demand justice For if justice be done unto you what lesse can you expect then to be banished from all places within the Dominions of Love or rather condemned unto all punishments that ungrateful wretches do deserve These oh just Judge are the faithful Lovers who after they were even loadned with favours and graces did not only ungratefully fall off from those services in which they ought to have continued until death but have even scorned those whom they ought to have adored nay more they came unto that height of ingratitude as to scandal them and contrive infamous Libels and Songs against them can you ever think that these fair ones will ever endure to look upon you again without blushes O ye good Gods in what an age do we live Must those that sin and wrong innocents not only escape punishments but pretend unto recompences and rewards Fie fie unfaithful Lovers leave it unto Androgenes and Filintes to ask for recompences and rewards for it is only we that by the Laws of Love deserve them and we do protest here before all this Company that if Thomantes and Asphales be not punished for their ingratitudes and infidelities and if on the contrary Filintes and Androgenes do not receive recompence and wages for their affection and fidelity then there is no hope that within the Dominions of Love any wrong or crime will ever be punished or any benefit or virtue rewarded since these highest degrees of sinners do passe unpunished and we without recompence or reward When Filintes had done and set down Asphales and Dorissea would have answered for themselves but Diana answered That sufficient information had been given already on all sides and therefore she took Alexis Astrea Phillis and Sylvander a part and asked their opinions concerning the difference betwixt these Shepherds and Shepherdesses at last she returned again to her place and pronounced this judgment The Judgement of DIANA LOve as all things in the universe are is preserved and perfected by motion and contrariety and in as much as this motion cannot work upon things that are in themselves solide and stable without some exterior Agent the motion and agitation which can preserve and perfect Love which is of it self firm and stable and requires another mover and it is often times moved by jealousie the daughter indeed of Love but a bastard not legitimate and yet almost inseperable We do see also that it is from jealousie all these trivial quarrels and petty dissentions do arise which by the sages are called Renewings of Love but yet it is to be understood it ought to be the Mother but no long the Nurse for if she suffer them to suck of her milk too long in lieu of trivial quarrels and petty dissentions they will be changed into great divorces and dangerous hatreds which in the end will most undoubtedly smother Love Now this difference before us betwixt Delphire and Dorissea on the one part Thomantes and Asphales on another and Filintes and Androgenes on another part does demonstrate these several sorts of dissentions and divorces For betwixt Filintes and Delphire appears only those petty and indeed amorous dissentions from which Loves takes a pleasing and acceptable strength and increase Betwixt Thomantes and Asphales towards Delphire and Dorissea appears nothing but these disunions and dissentions too long nourished by the milk of an obstinate jealousie by which if Love be not quite smothered yet it is in the agonies of death and gaspes for breath On the contrary one may see in Androgenes a patient sufferance which may be suspected of a little Love without his perseverance and continuing to love her These things being long debated and seriously considered by us unto whom the charge is committed by the voice of the Oracle We do declare that Thomantes and Asphales have transgressed against the Laws of Love and against that duty which they owed unto the name of Lovers in nourishing so long these dissentions by their inconsiderate jealousies That Filintes and Androgenes on the contrary have in all their actions shewed a most exact observance of all those duties requisite in real Lovers And in as much as impunity of crimes and good actions unrewarded are causes of ruine in all Estates and Republiques We do ordain by virtue of the power which is given unto us that all those services which unto this day Thomantes and Asphales have rendred under the notion of Lovers and Servants unto Delphire and Dorissea and that all the pains and inquietudes which they have suffered in loving them be taken as nul and as if they had never been not pretending unto any recompence or gratification for the future And on the contrary we do ordain that the services which Filintis and Androgenes have rendred unto Delphire and Dorissea and all the pains patience and inquietudes which they have suffered in loving and courting them shall remain in force and validity and serve them for the future as of right they ought Yet notwithstanding since repentance does almost by force exact a pardon We do ordain that if Thomantes and Asphales do really repent of their crimes and would love and serve Delphire and Dorissea a new they shall be obliged to receive and entertain them as new Servants and Lovers who from this day forward do begin to serve them and to shew their merits And as to the four queries which were put by Thomantes and Asphales we do say by way of answer unto the first That a Shepherdess may without any offence unto constancy suffer and permit but not seek nor desire to be served and courted by many Unto the second That this plurality of servants not sought to nor desired but suffered only does not allow a Lover to have many Mistrisses unless which is not likely they be such as are only suffered and not desired nor courted Unto the third That both the he and the she Lover ought to live amongst all but unto one only imitating in this fair fruit upon a tree which is looked upon and admired by many but tasted only by one mouth As to the last that he does go beyond the limits of constancy that does any thing which may offend the person loved And to the end that for the future such an ignominious ignorance amongst Shepherds may not be upon the banks of the River Lignon We do will and ordain that the aforesaid questions and resolutions be written by Sylvander under the Table of the Laws of Love to the end they may be seen in the Temple of the Goddesse Astrea FINIS
time was so expired as I could not open my mouth to bid her adieu at the lest I doe not remember what I said Thus I parted so confusedly melancholly that I was in the midst of the Garden before I spoke or answered Delia one word at which she being halfe angry What Cavalier said she unto me and pulled me by the arme have you lest both your tongue and your heart behind you I doe not know faire Delia said I unto her what I have left nor what I have brought but this adventure has given me the greatest hopes and the least effects that is imaginable Why ungratefull Cavalier said Delia could you ever imagine to obtaine more then you have from my sister Much lesse in regard of my merit said I unto her but much more in regard of my affection If you had a sound judgement said she unto me I believe you would have thought quite contrary for you might expect to obtain much since you are Alcidon so much esteemed by all that know you so as your merits might justly plead highly in your behalfe but your love cannot yet pretend unto much being so young as I cannot tell whether your affection can be called by the name of Love for the name of man must not be attributed unto one which is but newly crawled out of his Cradle How saire sister of my fairest Mistresse said I unto her doe you call my love young when it took root in me as soon as I had any knowledge of good or evill and can you call it little which in grandure surpasseth the greatest Gyant that ever breathed upon earth I think it young said she because it never took beginning till the day before you began this adventure and I esteem it little in comparison of what it will be and in reason ought to be But said she and shaked me by the hand let us leave off this discourse and tell me when you think to see us againe and what you have resolved upon with my sister You heard all our discourse answered I and I am so much grieved to part from her that I doe not remember any thing Since so said she and smiled your Mistress did very well to favour you no more for your grief would have made you forget all Doe not think so replyed I for as I have not forgotten that I did not receive those favours which I hoped for so should I never forget if I had received those favours which I desire Doe not imagine so answered she for men doe much longer remember injuries then benefits and bitternesse has a longer relish in their mouthes then sweetnesse but since you have not resolved upon any thing with my sister let me advise you to see her againe as soon and as often as you can for you must consider that nothing but eyes will satisfie love nothing will make it take root sooner then seeing her and nothing will make it grow better then often talking with her I desire Alcidon to testifie that I doe love you and since you have undertaken this adventure and since it was I who opened the door unto you I will give you such advice as questionlesse if you doe follow it you will bring your enterprise to passe I am a little elder then my sister and consequently have a little more experience then she and perhaps then you either therefore doe not sâ—ight those instructions which I shall give you unlesse you meane to repent it My sister loves you she has told me as much and you may believe it by her thus hazarding her honour for a sight of you but she is very young and by consequence naturally subject unto the imbecilities of youth Youth is apt to take any kind of impression and as apt to lose it a-again their moist memories are like soft wax you may imprint what you will and it will as easily lose the impressions if any new print be offered therefore to avoid this danger and if you will still be loved and well loved you must by your presence often renew these first impressions if you cannot doe it as much as is requisite by presence let it be by Letters and messages for when such unhop't for and unexpected Complements doe come they work very great effects for in love those contentments which are expected seem to be due and it is an injury if they be retarded or refused whereas others that come unlook't for work great effect upon that soul which receives them Fair Delia said I unto her If I could requite these favours which I receive from you with the hazard of my life I should think my selfe much beholding unto fortune But not daring to hope for so much happinesse I beseech you believe that in testimony of the esteem which I have of your judgement and good advice I will most religiously observe it and preserve my obligations unto you in my memory as long as I live and in requital though I have not a heart of mine own to present unto you I will engage my selfe to send you one which you will esteem much above that which was mine and is now Daphnides Alcidon said she and smiled I perceive by your discourse that every thing turnes to its beginning for when you came first into the Garden you talked thus of losing your heart and doe the same at your going out I wish that she who has it may long injoy it and in the meane time I shall see what effects your promises will produce as well in observing my advice as in sending me this heart which you have promised Being now come to the Garden door I took my leave of her and having found my guide we walked a gentle pace towards our rocks but as if the heavens frowned at our separation they were upon a suddain overspread with Clouds so as we did not onely lose the light of the Moon but were so wet with Rain as we were forced to shelter our selves under a thick tree until the fury of it was over My guide had so lost his aime of the way as when we went unto those who stayed for us he wandered and led me unto the head of that Fountaine which gives both the name and beginning unto the River of Sorgues This Fountaine is so beset with great Rocks that it seemes as if it were inclosed with high walles every way but that by which we came When this Spring is calm it seems to be a great well whose water being too full runs over But sometimes as my guide told me it is most horrid to behold For said he do you see that high Rock upon your left hand I assure you that it will often belch out his water as high as it with such a fury and noise that no Tempest at Sea does equal it Doe they not know the cause said I unto him No answered he for sometimes it begins to be in this fury when the weather is very faire and as now you
see when it raines it will be as calme as other waters The cause replyed I must needs be from wind inclosed which forceth the waters thus Whilst we were talking thus the Rain still continued and I having found a hollow Rock under which I could shelter my selfe I advised the Guide to go unto them who stayed for me in the mean time I would rest my self and when the raine was past the Moon would shine and help us in the way Now Reverend Father I shall here relate unto you a most strange adventure not as pertinent to our discourse but for the strangenesse of it When my Guide was gone as I commanded him and I alone under this wild Rock Love out of pitty would not let me be long without him for I fell into the sweet thoughts of Daphnide and after I had pleased my selfe a while in those raptures me thought the weather cleared up and the Moon breaking through the thick Clouds shined as bright as ever I saw it This invited me out of my hollow Rock and whilst I was looking about me that way which I supposed my company would come I heard the Fountaine make a noise I went presently to the side of it thinking it would rise up according to reports and having a desire to see this wonder I set my selfe down upon a stone near unto this Fountaine then did I see a thing which indeed is beyond beliefe without a sight I saw the water rise above its bank up to the height of four feet and then it appeared to be like an old man from the middle upward with long haire dangling about his shoulders and a beard hanging down to his breast which being wet as well as his hair of his head seemed to be so many several streams about him with another that flowed out of a pot which he held under his left arm This old man was Crowned with Rock-fern and Rushes and for a Scepter held a great Reed in his right hand Whilst I stood wondring at this Vision I saw the water to divide it selfe into several streames and as soon as he touched them I saw so many Naiades or water-Nymphs about him as there was streames in the Fountaine All out of reverence bowed unto him and he raising himselfe above them as upon a Throne which the water made for him they came to kisse his hand and to present him with some Gifts one presented unto him a Chaire made and covered with Moss another a Garland of Rushes and Ivie another a Girdle of Fern another a basket of Chesnuts one offered Poites of water flowers another a Net full of severall Fishes To be brief every one gave him something as testimonies of their good will which he received with many thanks After this with a loud shril voyce he said Oh Divine Naiades whom the Destinies have ordained to live in waters and who complain that you are confined unto my little Spring whereas your sisters swim with full spred armes in the Rosne and Durance Cease your complaints and with me rejoyce at the advantageous choice which they have made for you For though the limits of our Dominion is not equal unto others in largenesse yet we doe excell them in so many priviledges that we have no reason to envy any of our Neighbours For our life is sweet and quiet none comes to break our sleep nor interrupt our pastimes our banks are never smeered with Homicides nor are our waters ruffled with the swelling weight of sayling Ships But that which ought most to content us nay which makes us glorious above all the Rivers of Europe is my divine sisters the infallible promise which we have from Destiny and which was confirmed with these words Happy Daemon of Sorgues Hearken said he unto me to the promise which I make unto thee Nine and twenty ages shall be no sooner past but upon thy bankes shall come the Florentine Swan which shall sing so sweetly under the shade of a Laurel tree that ravishing thereby both Gods and Men he shall for ever make thy Name famous through all the world and shall make thee excell in honour all the Rivers which like thy selfe doe empty themselves into the Sea He would have continued on when hearing some noise and as I beleeve espying my Companions as they were coming to me I was astonished that he and his troope dashing the water with their hands they made it rise so high that I lost my sight and I lay as if I were asleepe as those who came unto me told me not so neere the Fountain as I thought my selfe but in the same place where the Guide left me when he went unto them This said Adamas was a most miraculous vision which truly for my part I beleeve to be a dream but not an ordinary one for doubtlesse this doth signifie that some great and remarkable person shall inhabit in those solitary Rockes and make those bankes famous by the renowne he shall get which is to be supposed will be very great since the promise of it is made by the Destinies with such advantagious words I cannot tell said Alcidon whether it was a Dreame or no but I am sure that I thought my selfe to be awake and afterwards he continued thus I tooke Horse and to omit all the particulars of my returne after many dangers I arrived at the place where I left King Eurick who received me with many a Carrasse and as it pleased him to honour me so farre as to love me so would he often aske me how I did thrive in my love so now taking me by my hand he carried me into a private roome where none could heare Come Lov 's Souldier said he unto me Does all goe well in your enterprise and have you had a good journey or no Sir said I when it shall please you I shall give a true relation of it and then your selfe may judge Let it be now said he unto me for I much long to know whether you are as prosperous in Love as I have been in Warre Then in obedience to his command I related the whole Adventure but I have since heartily repented that I spoke so advantagiously of Daphnides beauty and spirit for I perceived that it pleased him exceedingly to heare that all I obtained was good words and a few kisses then would I have applyed a remedy to my errour but it was too late yet to turne the matter I began to extoll Delia and so that at first I did beleeve I should imbarque him there The King who was more subtill then to beleeve it to put me out of my suspition did set so good a face upon the matter that perhaps any other might have beene deceived as well as I. Oh what grosse folly it is for any Lover to acquaint his Master with his affection For it did kindle in him such thoughts as were not in him before and put him into hopes of being if not a Possessor of my happinesse
the same Planet since every one observes in their beauty something which is conformable unto their owne I am now replyed Hylas the most contented man in the world for I have learned one thing which will be highly advantagious unto me And you Silvander said he and turned towards him you have reason to be mute at this discourse for it nothing concernes you I do not know answered Silvander wherein it will much advantage you O ignorant shepheard replyed Hylas didst thou not hear the wise Adamas say that the reason why faire ones are loved by so many was because their beauty had a conformity with all the Planets and Intelligencies I heard it very well answered Silvander but what does that advantage you In this replyed Hylas since I do love so many several beauties it argues that I have conformity with them all so consequently am fairer then you are who never looks but upon one I think replyed Silvander and smiled that if your argument be good you are not onely fairer then I am but then any in the Country nay then all put them all together but you must not understand the discourse of the sage Adamas in that sort but on the contrary if you remember what he answered Daphnide you will finde that it is a signe of a great defect in you who has the portraiture of your Intelligence and Planet so ill made as there is not one of these faire ones who does not disdaine to see in thee so great imperfection of a thing so perfect This moved all to laughter and Hylas had replyed something in his own defence had they not risen from the Table it being very late and because Astrea did very well remember the counsell which Leonide gave her to entreat Adamas that he would be pleased to come unto their Town and offer the sacrifice of Thanks for the fortunate Missletoe she took Diana Phillis Celidea Stella and the rest of the shepherdesses a part and propounded to them that since the shepherds had already shewed their forwardness in requesting Adamas to offer this sacrifice it was fit they joyned with them in the same desires and to try if they could carry him with them when they returned Every one approved of the motion and after a consultation who amongst them should be their speaker it was agreed that Diana should be the mouth of the Company which she accepted of though at the first she made some difficulty So then addressing themselves unto Alexis they intimated unto her their desires of speaking unto the sage Adamas they desired that it might be by her meanes Alexis never asking what the businesse was went presently unto Adamas letting him know the desires of these discreet shepherdesses Then Diana in the Name of all her Companions delivered their Petition in very elegant terms And added thereunto that they would esteem it as a high favour if he would be pleased without any longer delay to go now along with them also did humbly beseech him to let the fair Druid his Daughter and the Nimph Leonide honour the sacrifice with their presence Unto which supplication they received this Answer from the Druid Fair and discreet shepheardesses your request is so just and I am obliged so much to see the honour of the great Tautates performed that upon one condition I am ready to do as you desire I am most confident answered Diana that there is none here who are not pleased with any thing you shall be pleased to command I desire then replyed Adamas that you will stay with me all this day that I may take order for all things necessary for the sacrifice and I promise you that to morrow I will conduct you to your Town And I shall most humbly desire that this Lady said he and addressed himselfe unto Daphniae will do us so far honour as to be an assistant at this sacrifice of Thanks as well to render this honour unto our great Tautates as to oblige us all in not parting so much good Company The condition upon which our Petition depends replyed Diana is so much unto our advantage as we cannot desire a more noble favour Thus the voyage of Adamas was concluded upon and he at the same time in order to his promise beseech'â— the fair Daphnide she would be pleased to be an assistant which she freely consented unto as well out of her complacency as out of her great desires to see the manner how these shepherds and shepheardesses do live of whom she heard so much Alexis was a little startled at her returning unto her Town being still in extream feares of being known Yet seeing it was a thing resolved upon she dissembled her feares as well as she could Astrea after thankes returned unto the Druid for this great favour she came to rejoyce with Alexis because they should enjoy her company a long time 'T is I fair shepherdesse replyed Alexis who ought to rejoyce the most and who can most truly say that I was never better pleased at any thing since I came from the place where I had my education than I am in my contentments of seeing you Madam said Astrea heaven forbid I should ever doubt of any thing you say but I must needs confesse that if I could it is of this because I can hardly perswade my selfe that I inconsiderable I who am so very unfortunate should have any thing in me which can merit or which is capable of receiving so high a favour Faire shepherdesse answered Alexis you may very well beleeve what I said for I never use to lie and beleeve it also that I had rather dye than either lye or dissemble unto you whom I love so well Does it please you then Madam replyed Astrea that I should beleeve it so Not onely please me said Alexis but I doe infinitely desire it with all my heart Then Madam said Astrea I would with all my heart also it would please you to let me live with you as long as I live which if you doe you will make me the happiest and most contented woman in the whole Universe Astrea said Alexis and tooke her hand I am affraid you will quickly repent of this resolution Did you Madam but know Astreas humour replyed the shepherdesse you would never thinke so for she is of such a Nature that never alters a resolution once taken Alexis upon this stood still and spoke not and going a pace or two backe did looke upon her with the same eye she did when she commanded her never to see her again and this thought did so freshly bring into her mind all former passages as it was impossible for her not to give some knowledge of her selfe by the teares which trickled from her eyes which yet she had so much power over her selfe as to restraine after a few drops Astrea seeing such a sudden alteration in her was much astonished as not being able to imagine the cause nor conceive that any thing she had said could